Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Cross-Linked Resistant Starch on Wheat Tortilla Quality

ABSTRACT Resistant starch (RS) ingredients are an attractive option to increase dietary fiber in baked products. This study determined the effect of two forms of cross-linked and pregelatinized cross-linked RS, Fibersym-RW (Fsym) or FiberRite-RW (FRite), respectively, from wheat on dough and tortilla quality and acceptability. Refined wheat tortillas with 0% (control) to 15% RS (flour basis) were made using a standard baking process. Tortillas with 100% whole white wheat were also made. Physical and rheological properties of dough and tortillas, and sensory profile of tortillas were evaluated. Dough with whole wheat and 15% FRite were significantly harder and less extensible than the control dough; this was related to high water absorption of these doughs. Tortillas with whole wheat and 10–15% FRite were less puffed and denser than the control; however these levels of FRite significantly increased tortilla weight (by up to 6.2%). Dough and tortillas with Fsym were comparable to the control. Dietary fiber .
Structure and Properties of Tapered Block Polymers of Styrene and Isoprene II. Dynamic Mechanical Responses and Their Structural Interpretations

The dynamic mechanical properties of “tapered” block polymers consisting of styrene and isoprene were studied in relation to the unique microdomain structure of these polymers. It was found from morphological observations that considerable mixing of the two monomers occurs in the primary structure, giving rise to a class of block polymers consisting approximately of “styrene-rich” and “isoprene-rich” block chains. Microphase-separated domain structures existed in the tapered block polymers prepared by sequential living anionic polymerization. Each domain, however, contained a substantial amount of dissimilar monomeric units, thus having an order-to-disorder transition temperature Tc (the temperature at which the microdomains are dissolved into a homogeneous mixture) lower than that of the ideal block. This lowering in Tc should have a substantial influence on flow behavior. The tapered block polymers gave essentially a single broad primary dispersion. This dispersion is related to the microbrownian motion of segments with a relaxation time between those of the parent homopolymers. The temperature dependence of the shift factor aT obeyed the WLF equation, in spite of the heterophase structure. The mechanical behavior was interpreted using a model in which two incompatible units undergo extensive mixing in each domain, leading to an increase in the interfacial volume fraction.
Molecular prevalence, characterization and associated risk factors of Anaplasma spp. and Theileria spp. in small ruminants in Northern Pakistan

This study was conducted in four districts (Malakand, Swat, Bajaur and Shangla) of Northern Pakistan to investigate the prevalence, associated risk factors and phylogenetic analyses of Theileria and Anaplasma species in small ruminants. A total of 800 blood samples, 200 from each district, were collected from apparently healthy animals. PCR assays were performed using generic primers for Anaplasma spp. and Theileria spp. as well as species specific primers for A. ovis and T. ovis. Overall infection prevalence was 361/800 (45.1%). Theileria spp. infection prevalence (187/800, 23.3%) was higher than Anaplasma spp. (174/800, 21.7%). Amplified partial 18S rRNA genes were sequenced and enrolled animals were found to be infected by T. ovis (115/800, 14.3%), and at least two more Theileria species (72/800, 9%) were present (T. lestoquardi and T. annulata). All blood samples that were found to be positive for Anaplasma spp. were also positive for A. ovis. Infection prevalence was higher in sheep (227/361, 28.3%) compared to goats (134/361, 16.6%) (p < 0.005). Univariable analysis of risk factors showed that host, age, grazing system and acaricide treatment were significant determinants (p < 0.05) for both Theileria and Anaplasma infections. Multivariable analysis revealed that host, sex, age, tick infestation and grazing system were significant risk factors (p < 0.005) for both pathogens. Phylogenetic analysis revealed variants among the A. ovis and T. annulata samples analysed, indicating that different genotypes are circulating in the field while T. ovis presented the same genotype for the samples analysed.
Testing a mindfulness meditation mobile app for the treatment of sleep-related symptoms in adults with sleep disturbance: A randomized controlled trial

The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to test whether a commercially available, mindfulness meditation mobile app, (i.e., Calm app), was effective in reducing fatigue (primary outcome), pre-sleep arousal, and daytime sleepiness (secondary outcomes) in adults with sleep disturbance (Insomnia Severity Index Score >10) as compared to a wait-list control group. Associations between the use of the Calm app (i.e., adherence to the intervention) and changes in sleep quality was also explored in the intervention group only. Adults with sleep disturbance were recruited (N = 640). Eligible and consenting participants (N = 263) were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 124) or a wait-list control (n = 139) group. Intervention participants were asked to meditate using the Calm app ≥10 minutes/day for eight weeks. Fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and pre-sleep arousal were assessed at baseline, mid- (4-weeks) and post-intervention (8-weeks) in both groups, whereas sleep quality was evaluated only in the intervention group. Findings from intent-to-treat analyses suggest the use of the Calm app for eight weeks significantly decreased daytime fatigue (p = .018) as well as daytime sleepiness (p = .003) and cognitive (p = .005) and somatic (p < .001) pre-sleep arousal as compared to the wait-list control group. Within the intervention group, use of the Calm app was associated with improvements in sleep quality (p < .001). This randomized controlled trial demonstrates that the Calm app can be used to treat fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and pre-sleep arousal in adults with sleep disturbance. Given that the Calm app is affordable and widely accessible, these data have implications for community level dissemination of a mobile app to improve sleep-related symptoms associated with sleep disturbance. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04045275.
Genetic diversity of Ethiopian cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott) accessions as revealed by morphological traits and SSR markers

Cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott) is an exotic species from tropical America that is widely cultivated in Ethiopia for its edible cormels and leaves. There is a dearth of information on the genetic diversity of Ethiopian cocoyam. In order to evaluate and select cocoyam germplasm for breeding and conservation, genetic diversity of 100 Ethiopian cocoyam accessions (65 green- and 35 purple- cocoyam) were analyzed using 29 morphological traits (16 qualitative and 13 quantitative) and 12 SSR loci. Two classes of qualitative traits were observed. ANOVA revealed significant variation in 11 (84.6%) of the 13 studied quantitative traits. The SSR marker analysis showed high genetic diversity. A total of 36 alleles were detected with a range of 2 to 5 (average of 3.273) alleles per locus. The average observed heterozygosity (Ho) and expected heterozygosity (He) values across populations were 0.503 and 0.443, respectively. The analysis of molecular variance showed that the variation among populations, among individuals within populations, and within individuals explained 14%, 18%, and 68% of the total variation, respectively. Cluster analysis grouped the accessions irrespective of the collection sites. A dendrogram based on Nei’s standard genetic distance grouped the green cocoyam accessions together while the purple cocoyam accessions occupied a separate position within the dendrogram. Significant variation in quantitative traits and the high level of genetic diversity revealed by the SSR markers suggest that diverse cocoyam accessions, probably with multiple lineage, were introduced multiple times, through multiple routes and probably by multiple agents, an hypothesis that needs futher testing and analyis. The crop, therefore, needs more research efforts commensurate with its economic and social values than it has been accorded thus far. Further study is recommended to clarify the taxonomic status of Ethiopian cocoyam accesions and to trace their evolutionary relationships with Xanthosoma species elsewhere.
Personality dimensions of patients can change during the course of parkinson’s disease

Background Studies assessing personality dimensions by the “Temperament and Character Inventory” (TCI) have previously found an association between Parkinson’s disease (PD) and lower Novelty Seeking and higher Harm Avoidance scores. Here, we aimed to describe personality dimensions of PD patients with motor fluctuations and compare them to a normative population and other PD populations. Methods All PD patients awaiting Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) answered the TCI before neurosurgery. Their results were compared to those of historical cohorts (a French normative population, a de novo PD population, and a PD population with motor fluctuations). Results Most personality dimensions of our 333 included PD patients with motor fluctuations who are candidates for DBS were different from those of the normative population and some were also different from those of the De Novo PD population, whereas they were similar to those of another population of PD patients with motor fluctuations. Conclusions During the course of PD, personality dimensions can change in parallel with the development of motor fluctuations, either due to the evolution of the disease and/or dopaminergic treatments.
Effects of calcitriol and paricalcitol on renal fibrosis in CKD.

BACKGROUND In chronic kidney Disease (CKD) the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and renal inflammation stimulate renal fibrosis and the progression to end-stage renal disease. The low levels of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and its activators (VDRAs) contribute to worsen secondary hyperparathyroidism and renal fibrosis. METHODS The 7/8 nephrectomy model of experimental chronic renal failure (CRF) was used to examine the antifibrotic effects of treatment with two VDRAs (paricalcitol and calcitriol at equivalent doses (3/1 dose ratio) during 4 weeks. RESULTS CRF increased the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, renal inflammation and interstitial fibrosis. Paricalcitol treatment reduced renal collagen I and renal interstitial fibrosis by decreasing the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system through renal changes in renin, ATR1 and ATR2 mRNAs levels and renal inflammation by decreasing renal inflammatory leukocytes (CD45), ADAM17 mRNA, TGF-β mRNA and protein and maintaining E-cadherin mRNA levels. Calcitriol showed similar trends without significant changes in most of these biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS Paricalcitol effectively attenuated the renal interstitial fibrosis induced by CRF through a combination of inhibitory actions on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, inflammation and epithelial/mesenchymal transition.
Identification of potential SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors integrating molecular docking and water thermodynamics

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing global health emergency caused by a newly discovered coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The entire scientific community across the globe is working diligently to tackle this unprecedented challenge. In silico studies have played a crucial role in the current situation by expediting the process of identification of novel potential chemotypes targeting the viral receptors. In this study, we have made efforts to identify molecules that can potentially inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) using the high-resolution crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. The SARS-CoV-2 Mpro has a large flexible binding pocket that can accommodate various chemically diverse ligands but a complete occupation of the binding cavity is necessary for efficient inhibition and stability. We augmented glide three-tier molecular docking protocol with water thermodynamics to screen molecules obtained from three different compound libraries. The diverse hits obtained through docking studies were scored against generated WaterMap to enrich the quality of results. Five molecules were selected from each compound library on the basis of scores and protein-ligand complementarity. Further MD simulations on the proposed molecules affirm the stability of these molecules in the complex. MM-GBSA results and intermolecular hydrogen bond analysis also confirm the thermodynamic stability of proposed molecules. This study also presumably steers the structure determination of many ligand-main protease complexes using x-ray diffraction methods. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
A novel type of colistin resistance genes selected from random sequence space

Antibiotic resistance is a rapidly increasing medical problem that severely limits the success of antibiotic treatments, and the identification of resistance determinants is key for surveillance and control of resistance dissemination. Horizontal transfer is the dominant mechanism for spread of resistance genes between bacteria but little is known about the original emergence of resistance genes. Here, we examined experimentally if random sequences can generate novel antibiotic resistance determinants de novo. By utilizing highly diverse expression libraries encoding random sequences to select for open reading frames that confer resistance to the last-resort antibiotic colistin in Escherichia coli, six de novo colistin resistance conferring peptides (Dcr) were identified. The peptides act via direct interactions with the sensor kinase PmrB (also termed BasS in E. coli), causing an activation of the PmrAB two-component system (TCS), modification of the lipid A domain of lipopolysaccharide and subsequent colistin resistance. This kinase-activation was extended to other TCS by generation of chimeric sensor kinases. Our results demonstrate that peptides with novel activities mediated via specific peptide-protein interactions in the transmembrane domain of a sensory transducer can be selected de novo, suggesting that the origination of such peptides from non-coding regions is conceivable. In addition, we identified a novel class of resistance determinants for a key antibiotic that is used as a last resort treatment for several significant pathogens. The high-level resistance provided at low expression levels, absence of significant growth defects and the functionality of Dcr peptides across different genera suggest that this class of peptides could potentially evolve as bona fide resistance determinants in natura.
Colchicine Use in Acute Coronary Syndromes: An Update

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and its main pathological substrate is represented by atherosclerosis. Inflammation is a major promoter of the atherosclerotic process and is involved in both the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, as well as in the occurrence of fatal complications. Until the present moment, Colchicine Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial is the largest trial to demonstrate a major benefit of low-dose colchicine on major adverse cardiac events in patients with recent myocardial infarction (MI), but the mechanisms behind this relation are not completely known. The purpose of this review is to emphasize the possible pathways through which colchicine improves the clinical outcomes in the acute setting of acute coronary syndromes by referring to the results of the studies published in the past 5 years. Aside from its stated systemic anti-inflammatory effect, colchicine could be a valuable addition to the therapeutic approach of acute MI by reducing the infarct size, stabilizing the coronary plaque, as well as reducing platelet aggregation. Moreover, colchicine may improve endothelial function, reduce the transcoronary release of cytokines, and prevent a rise in inflammatory markers after percutaneous coronary intervention, thus diminishing the residual inflammatory risk.
The Use of Dyadic Reading in Stimulating the Comprehension of Emotions

Abstract According to the model proposed by Pons, Doudin, and Harris , children develop nine components of emotion comprehension between the ages of three to twelve. Studies reveal that children's comprehension of emotions can be stimulated by adults reading books designed for this purpose to preschool-aged children. The aim of this study is to explore whether dyadic reading is an effective strategy for stimulating emotion comprehension in school-aged children. Elementary school children (3rd, 4th and 5th grade) participated in the experimental or the control group. The Test of Emotion Comprehension (TEC) was administered at pretest and post-test. Participants in the experimental group read the books on emotion comprehension for five sessions, while participants in the control group read classroom books. Results revealed that reading the emotion comprehension books increased the TEC post-test scores significantly from pretest for children in the experimental group, compared to the control group. For the Components Reminder, Belief and Morality scores at post-test were significantly increased from pretest for children in the experimental group, compared to the control group. Results suggest that dyadic book readings are successful in helping children with both complex components of their emotion comprehension and simpler ones. This intervention could be of use for teaching school-aged children emotion comprehension easily, effectively, and at low-cost.
γ-Hydroxybutyric Acid: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Toxicology

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a short-chain fatty acid present endogenously in the brain and used therapeutically for the treatment of narcolepsy, as sodium oxybate, and for alcohol abuse/withdrawal. GHB is better known however as a drug of abuse and is commonly referred to as the “date–rape drug”; current use in popular culture includes recreational “chemsex,” due to its properties of euphoria, loss of inhibition, amnesia, and drowsiness. Due to the steep concentration–effect curve for GHB, overdoses occur commonly and symptoms include sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. GHB binds to both GHB and GABAB receptors in the brain, with pharmacological/toxicological effects mainly due to GABAB agonist effects. The pharmacokinetics of GHB are complex and include nonlinear absorption, metabolism, tissue uptake, and renal elimination processes. GHB is a substrate for monocarboxylate transporters, including both sodium-dependent transporters (SMCT1, 2; SLC5A8; SLC5A12) and proton-dependent transporters (MCT1–4; SLC16A1, 7, 8, and 3), which represent significant determinants of absorption, renal reabsorption, and brain and tissue uptake. This review will provide current information of the pharmacology, therapeutic effects, and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of GHB, as well as therapeutic strategies for the treatment of overdoses. Graphical abstract Graphical abstract
Physico-chemical effects of low-energy corona products in air on epoxy resin

Low kinetic energy ( approximately=0.1 eV) particles from partial discharges increase surface energy (wettability) and surface conduction of epoxy resin samples. Analysis of the surface energy polar and dispersion components indicates that polar phenomena govern surface evolution. Partial recovery of the initial properties is obtained by water rinsing and interpreted in terms of chain fragment removal.
Gene variations in Autism Spectrum Disorder are associated with alternation of gut microbiota, metabolites and cytokines

ABSTRACT The genetic variations and dysbiosis of gut microbiota are associated with ASD. However, the role of the microbiota in the etiology of ASD in terms of host genetic susceptibility remains unclear. This study aims to systematically explore the interplay between host genetic variation and gut microbiota in ASD children. Whole-exon sequencing was applied to 26 ASD children and 26 matched controls to identify the single nucleotide variations (SNVs) in ASD. Our previous study revealed alteration in gut microbiota and disorder of metabolism activity in ASD for this cohort. Systematic bioinformatic analyses were further performed to identify associations between SNVs and gut microbiota, as well as their metabolites. The ASD SNVs were significantly enriched in genes associated with innate immune response, protein glycosylation process, and retrograde axonal transport. These SNVs were also correlated with the microbiome composition and a broad aspect of microbial functions, especially metabolism. Additionally, the abundance of metabolites involved in the metabolic network of neurotransmitters was inferred to be causally related to specific SNVs and microbes. Furthermore, our data suggested that the interaction of host genetics and gut microbes may play a crucial role in the immune and metabolism homeostasis of ASD. This study may provide valuable clues to investigate the interaction of host genetic variations and gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of ASD.
Acute stress does not affect economic behavior in the experimental laboratory

We report statistical results from a laboratory experiment in which participants were required to make decisions with monetary consequences in several solitary and interactive situations under acute stress. Our study follows the tradition of behavioral and experimental economics in selecting the experimental situations and incorporates elements from medical and psychological research in the way stress is induced and measured. It relies on a larger sample, with 192 volunteers, than previous studies to achieve higher statistical power. The main conclusion, drawn from binary comparisons between the treatment and reference groups, is that acute stress does not have a significant impact on cognitive skills, strategic sophistication, risk attitudes, altruism, cooperativeness, or nastiness. Regression analysis, controlling for psycho-social characteristics, corroborates these findings, while also suggesting that acute stress significantly decreases men’s risk aversion (as measured by a lottery-choice risk-elicitation task).
Immune alterations in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis reflect an incompetent response to eliminate the measles virus

In subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) the persistence of measles virus (MeV) may be related to the altered immune response. In this study, cytokine responses of lymphocytes and monocytes were evaluated in SSPE compared to controls with non-inflammatory (NICON) and inflammatory (ICON) diseases. Patients with SSPE (n = 120), 78 patients with ICON and 63 patients with NICON were included in this study. Phenotypes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) have been analyzed by flow cytometry. CD3 and CD28, and S. aureus Cowan strain I (SAC) stimulated and unstimulated cells were cultured and IL-2, IL-10, IFN-γ, IL-12p40, IL-12p70 and IL-23 were detected in supernatants by ELISA. MeV peptides were used for MeV-specific stimulation and IFN-γ secretion of PBMC was measured by ELISPOT. Spontaneous and stimulated secretions of IL-10 were lower in SSPE compared to both control groups. T cell stimulation induced lower IFN-γ production than ICON group, but higher IL-2 than NICON group in SSPE. Stimulated PBMC produced lower IL-12p70 in SSPE and had decreased CD46 on the cell surface, suggesting the interaction with the virus. IFN-γ responses against MeV peptides were not prominent and similar to NICON patients. The immune response did not reveal an inflammatory activity to eliminate the virus in SSPE patients. Even IL-10 production was diminished implicating that the response is self-limited in controlling the disease.