Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Plant Origin on Eurasian Propolis on Phenolic Profile and Classical Antioxidant Activity

Propolis is a bee product with known medical properties, including antioxidant activity. The scope of the study is profiling 19 different Eurasian propolis samples (mostly from Russia and Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Poland, Ukraine, and Slovakia). Profiles of propolises were investigated by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detector–mass spectrometry (UPLC-DAD-MS). Classical antioxidant properties, which are based on electron donation mechanism, were assessed by DPPH, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also evaluated by colorimetric tests. Most of the samples exhibited significant content of polyphenols (from 30.28 to 145.24 mg GAE/g of propolis) and flavonoids (from 10.45 to 82.71 mg GAE/g of propolis). Most of the propolis samples exhibited potent antiradical (DPPH test—from 8.83 to 64.47 mg GAE/g of propolis) and reducing activity (FRAP test—from 0.08 to 1.17 mmol Fe2+/g of propolis). Based on the occurrence of marker compounds, propolis samples were classified as poplar, aspen–birch, aspen–poplar, and aspen–birch–poplar type. Main markers present in propolis of poplar (e.g., chrysin, pinocembrin, galangin, and 3-O-acetyl-pinobanksin), birch (ermanin and acacetin) and aspen (2-acetyl-1,3-di-p-coumaroylglycerol) origin were used. DPPH, FRAP, and ORAC tests results were correlated with flavonoids, total polyphenols, or the polyphenols other than flavonoids content. In term of activity, poplar propolis type was variable, while aspen–birch–poplar type usually exhibited high DPPH and FRAP activity.
High-Resolution CT Findings as Predictive Factors for Recurrent Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease after Successful Treatment

Despite long-term treatment for nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD), recurrence is common. We aim to identify computed tomography (CT) findings that predict recurrence after successful treatment of NTM-PD. This retrospective study included 44 patients (12 men, 60 ± 11.2 years) successfully treated for NTM-PD between March 2009 and September 2016. Recurrence developed in 18 patients (40.9%) during follow-up (median, 852 days). CT scores for bronchiectasis, bronchiolitis, consolidation, cavities, and nodules at the initiation and termination of treatment were evaluated, then determined association with recurrence. We also assessed the diagnostic performance and reproducibility of CT scores. Patients with recurrent NTM-PD showed higher CT scores for bronchiectasis (p = 0.008), nodules (p = 0.006), consolidation (p = 0.033), and total CT scores (p = 0.017) at the time of treatment termination. On the contrary, only nodule score differed among the initial CT scores (p = 0.014). Regression analysis showed that the scores for bronchiectasis (odds ratio (OR) = 1.638, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.049–2.558, p = 0.030) and nodules (OR = 5.246, 95% CI = 1.370–20.087, p = 0.016) at treatment termination were significant predictors. The AUC of the regression model was 0.814 (95% CI = 0.689–0.939, p = 0.005). The interreader agreement for the total CT score was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.841, p < 0.001). CT scores at the time of treatment termination can predict disease recurrence with good reproducibility.
Using treatment guidelines to improve antibiotic use: insights from an antibiotic point prevalence survey in Kenya

Correspondence to Dr Michuki Maina; MMaina@ kemriwellcome. org © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. Reuse permitted under CC BY. Published by BMJ. BACKGROUND Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant public health threat that is expected to worsen as more drugresistant organisms emerge. This situation is further exacerbated by the low rate of discovery of new antimicrobial agents that could act against drugresistant microorganisms. AMR could retard economic growth in lowincome countries and delay attainment of the sustainable development goals. There are multiple drivers of AMR, but one of the key drivers has been the irrational use of antimicrobial agents. In hospitals, lack of timely and accurate diagnostic tests, including microbiology for bacterial speciation and drug susceptibility testing, leads to unnecessary antimicrobial use, fueling resistance and healthcare costs. While countries must work to improve diagnostic capabilities and increase laboratory capacity to enhance diagnostic accuracy, it is also important to complement this new capacity with locally relevant guidelines. Providing contextspecific, applicable and regularly updated treatment guidelines to frontline doctors is an effective means to improve antibiotic usage and clinical care. Clinical practice guidelines (CPG) provide a standardised and systematic approach to responding to disease, including the treatment. The guidelines are, however, more effective in the context of a functioning health system with adequate clinicians, drugs, diagnostics and a supportive environment to the clinicians and patients. This multifaceted approach of improving antimicrobial usage is illustrated in figure 1. Here, we present data from an antibiotic point prevalence survey that illustrates the continued importance of developing guidelines for improving diagnosis and treatment. We propose that guidelines should be developed to target common diseases in limitedresource settings as a priority, and lastly, we illustrate how guideline development and dissemination at scale can be achieved using the example of Kenya’s basic paediatric protocols (BPP).
Adhesion and Mechanical Properties of RSV Infected Human Epithelial Cells

Respiratory syncytial virus is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection in infants and currently lacks an effective vaccine or treatment beyond symptom relief. The atomic force microscope is particularly well suited for imaging biological samples including cells, DNA, viruses and proteins. Analysis of fixed HEP-2 cells with the AFM after infection and incubation with RSV for periods of 0.5–24 h reveals several physical changes within the cells that may lead to a better understanding of the viral effects on living cells. Analysis of force–distance curves reveals changes in the mechanical properties of the cells throughout the infection period as well as changes in the surface chemistry, specifically in the presence of hydrophobic domains, of the cell membrane as shown by variability in the measured adhesion force. Elastic moduli of the fixed cells did not show a statistically significant trend, but hydrophobic molecular expression on the cellular surface decreased with increasing infection period. This change in the chemical nature of the cell membrane might be explained by the rapid removal, repair and replacement of the lipid bilayer occurring as a result of the exocytosis of RSV virions.
Water sorption isotherms of raisins, currants, figs, prunes, and apricots

Moisture sorption isotherms of dried fruits [Sultana raisins, Corinthian (black) currants, figs, prunes, and apricots] were determined at 15, 30, 45, and 60°C, using the standard static gravimetric method developed by the European Cooperation Project COST 90. Experimental curves showed an inverse effect of temperature at high moisture content due to high sugar content of dried fruits. The hysteresis between adsorption and desorption was verified experimentally. The GAB equation was used to predict experimental data for water activity range 0–0.95.
GABAB-Receptor Agonist-Based Immunotherapy for Type 1 Diabetes in NOD Mice

Some immune system cells express type A and/or type B γ-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAA-Rs and/or GABAB-Rs). Treatment with GABA, which activates both GABAA-Rs and GABAB-Rs), and/or a GABAA-R-specific agonist inhibits disease progression in mouse models of type 1 diabetes (T1D), multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and COVID-19. Little is known about the clinical potential of specifically modulating GABAB-Rs. Here, we tested lesogaberan, a peripherally restricted GABAB-R agonist, as an interventive therapy in diabetic NOD mice. Lesogaberan treatment temporarily restored normoglycemia in most newly diabetic NOD mice. Combined treatment with a suboptimal dose of lesogaberan and proinsulin/alum immunization in newly diabetic NOD mice or a low-dose anti-CD3 in severely hyperglycemic NOD mice greatly increased T1D remission rates relative to each monotherapy. Mice receiving combined lesogaberan and anti-CD3 displayed improved glucose tolerance and, unlike mice that received anti-CD3 alone, had some islets with many insulin+ cells, suggesting that lesogaberan helped to rapidly inhibit β-cell destruction. Hence, GABAB-R-specific agonists may provide adjunct therapies for T1D. Finally, the analysis of microarray and RNA-Seq databases suggested that the expression of GABAB-Rs and GABAA-Rs, as well as GABA production/secretion-related genes, may be a more common feature of immune cells than currently recognized.
Metabolic reprogramming of the myeloid lineage by Schistosoma mansoni infection persists independently of antigen exposure

Macrophages have a defined role in the pathogenesis of metabolic disease and cholesterol metabolism where alternative activation of macrophages is thought to be beneficial to both glucose and cholesterol metabolism during high fat diet induced disease. It is well established that helminth infection protects from metabolic disease, but the mechanisms underlying protection are not well understood. Here, we investigated the effects of Schistosoma mansoni infection and cytokine activation in the metabolic signatures of bone marrow derived macrophages using an approach that integrated transcriptomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics in a metabolic disease prone mouse model. We demonstrate that bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDM) from S. mansoni infected male ApoE-/- mice have dramatically increased mitochondrial respiration compared to those from uninfected mice. This change is associated with increased glucose and palmitate shuttling into TCA cycle intermediates, increased accumulation of free fatty acids, and decreased accumulation of cellular cholesterol esters, tri and diglycerides, and is dependent on mgll activity. Systemic injection of IL-4 complexes is unable to recapitulate either reductions in systemic glucose AUC or the re-programing of BMDM mitochondrial respiration seen in infected males. Importantly, the metabolic reprogramming of male myeloid cells is transferrable via bone marrow transplantation to an uninfected host, indicating maintenance of reprogramming in the absence of sustained antigen exposure. Finally, schistosome induced metabolic and bone marrow modulation is sex-dependent, with infection protecting male, but not female mice from glucose intolerance and obesity. Our findings identify a transferable, long-lasting sex-dependent reprograming of the metabolic signature of macrophages by helminth infection, providing key mechanistic insight into the factors regulating the beneficial roles of helminth infection in metabolic disease.
Sex-related differences in smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Prevalence and associated factors

Smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is more infectious compared to smear-negative PTB and have great significance for epidemiology and infection control. The prevalence of smear-positive PTB rarely affects males and females equally. Hence, we aimed to identify the sex-related differences in the prevalence of smear-positive PTB and its associated factors in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the National Tuberculosis Information System (TBIS) from 1 January, 2015, to 31 December, 2019. The study population was selected using simple random sampling from the list of registered PTB patients in TBIS. The criteria for inclusion were all Malaysian adults aged ≥18 years residing in Kuala Lumpur and registered as PTB in TBIS. Factors associated with smear-positive PTB in male and female patients were determined using multiple logistic regression analysis. Overall prevalence of smear-positive PTB was 68.6%, and male patients predominated (71%). The male:female prevalence ratio of smear-positive PTB was 2.4:1. Male patients who worked as machine operators and elementary workers (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24–4.02, p = 0.007), were self-employed (aOR 2.58, 95% CI 1.46–4.56, p = 0.001), lived in a residence categorized as ‘other’ (aOR 2.49, 95% CI 1.28–4.86, p = 0.007) and were smokers (aOR 1.37, 95% CI 1.01–1.87, p = 0.045) had higher odds for smear-positive PTB. Meanwhile, female patients with diabetes mellitus had higher odds for smear-positive PTB (aOR 1.92, 95% CI 1.05–3.54, p = 0.035), while female patients who were healthcare workers had lower odds (aOR 0.33, 95% CI 0.12, 0.94, p = 0.039). The prevalence of smear-positive PTB is higher in males compared to females. The factors associated with smear-positive PTB differed based on sex. The current TB control program, especially on smear-positive PTB, should likely be strategized and stratified by sex.
Neural Correlates of Vocal Auditory Feedback Processing: Unique Insights from Electrocorticography Recordings in a Human Cochlear Implant User

Abstract There is considerable interest in understanding cortical processing and the function of top-down and bottom-up human neural circuits that control speech production. Research efforts to investigate these circuits are aided by analysis of spectro-temporal response characteristics of neural activity recorded by electrocorticography (ECoG). Further, cortical processing may be altered in the case of hearing-impaired cochlear implant (CI) users, as electric excitation of the auditory nerve creates a markedly different neural code for speech compared with that of the functionally intact hearing system. Studies of cortical activity in CI users typically record scalp potentials and are hampered by stimulus artifact contamination and by spatiotemporal filtering imposed by the skull. We present a unique case of a CI user who required direct recordings from the cortical surface using subdural electrodes implanted for epilepsy assessment. Using experimental conditions where the subject vocalized in the presence (CIs ON) or absence (CIs OFF) of auditory feedback, or listened to playback of self-vocalizations without production, we observed ECoG activity primarily in γ (32–70 Hz) and high γ (70–150 Hz) bands at focal regions on the lateral surface of the superior temporal gyrus (STG). High γ band responses differed in their amplitudes across conditions and cortical sites, possibly reflecting different rates of stimulus presentation and differing levels of neural adaptation. STG γ responses to playback and vocalization with auditory feedback were not different from responses to vocalization without feedback, indicating this activity reflects not only auditory, but also attentional, efference-copy, and sensorimotor processing during speech production.
An Analysis of Participation and Performance of 2067 100-km Ultra-Marathons Worldwide

This study aimed to analyze the number of successful finishers and the performance of the athletes in 100-km ultra-marathons worldwide. A total of 2067 100-km ultra-marathon races with 369,969 men and 69,668 women competing between 1960 and 2019 were analyzed, including the number of successful finishers, age, sex, and running speed. The results showed a strong increase in the number of running events as well as a strong increase in the number of participants in the 100-km ultra-marathons worldwide. The performance gap disappeared in athletes older than 60 years. Nevertheless, the running speed of athletes over 70 years has improved every decade. In contrast, the performance gap among the top three athletes remains persistent over all decades (F = 83.4, p < 0.001; pη2 = 0.039). The performance gap between the sexes is not significant in the youngest age groups (20–29 years) and the oldest age groups (>90 years) among recreational athletes and among top-three athletes over 70 years. In summary, especially for older athletes, a 100-km ultra-marathon competition shows an increasing number of opponents and a stronger performance challenge. This will certainly be of interest for coaches and athletes in the future, both from a scientific and sporting point of view.
Cell Type–Specific Decomposition of Gingival Tissue Transcriptomes

Genome-wide transcriptomic analyses in whole tissues reflect the aggregate gene expression in heterogeneous cell populations comprising resident and migratory cells, and they are unable to identify cell type–specific information. We used a computational method (population-specific expression analysis [PSEA]) to decompose gene expression in gingival tissues into cell type–specific signatures for 8 cell types (epithelial cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages, plasma cells, T cells, and B cells). We used a gene expression data set generated using microarrays from 120 persons (310 tissue samples; 241 periodontitis affected and 69 healthy). Decomposition of the whole-tissue transcriptomes identified differentially expressed genes in each of the cell types, which mapped to biologically relevant pathways, including dysregulation of Th17 cell differentiation, AGE-RAGE signaling, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in epithelial cells. We validated selected PSEA-predicted, differentially expressed genes in purified gingival epithelial cells and B cells from an unrelated cohort (n = 15 persons), each of whom contributed with 1 periodontitis-affected and 1 healthy gingival tissue sample. Differential expression of these genes by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction corroborated the PSEA predictions and pointed to dysregulation of biologically important pathways in periodontitis. Collectively, our results demonstrate the robustness of the PSEA in the decomposition of gingival tissue transcriptomes and its ability to identify differentially regulated transcripts in particular cellular constituents. These genes may serve as candidates for further investigation with respect to their roles in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.
Dissolution Kinetics of Some Alkyl Derivatives of Acetaminophen

AbstractIntrinsic aqueous dissolution rates are shown to be better related to octanol-water partition coefficients than to aqueous solubilities, for six alkyl derivatives of acetaminophen.Aqueous solubilities are shown to relate surprisingly well to partition coefficients, but this is probably due to the very close structural similarity of the compounds investigated. The activation energy of dissolution does not vary greatly with lipophilicity, which suggests that the mechanism of dissolution is the same for all the compounds studied.
Changes in Chemical Composition and Accumulation of Cryoprotectants as the Adaptation of Anholocyclic Aphid Cinara tujafilina to Overwintering

One of the consequences of climate change is the expansion of insects’ ranges. Colonization of new habitats forces insects to adapt to new conditions, such as low temperatures in winter. Cinara tujafilina is a thermophilic anholocyclic aphid species, which reproduce exclusively parthenogenetic throughout the year, including winter. On the areas where the populations of C. tujafilina had expanded, it demonstrated its adaptation for surviving colder winters. Based on analyses of changes in body chemical composition using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and changes in cryoprotectant content using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), we showed how aphid C. tujafilina adapted to overwintering as an active stage. In the FTIR spectrum of the winter type of C. tujafilina, higher peak values originating from the carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, were observed. Glucose, trehalose, mannitol, myo-inositol and glycerol were identified in the aphid body in winter as main putative cryoprotectants to increase the insects’ tolerance to cold. The complex sugar-polyol cryoprotectant system facilitates aphids’ survival in unfavorable low temperatures.
Dietary Intake and Elevated C-Reactive Protein Levels in US Military Veterans

Elevated inflammatory markers, such as high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), have been associated with the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related diseases. However, limited studies have evaluated the potential association between dietary consumption and hs-CRP levels in a large, nationally representative sample, and fewer have investigated their role in ethnic and racial minority military populations. The goal of this study is to explore the relationship between dietary intake, health behaviors, and hs-CRP in individuals with prior military status and whether these associations differ by race/ethnicity. A complex, multistage, probability sample design was used from the National Health and Nutrition Examination (NHANES) 2015–2018 waves. Our results indicate that previously deployed military service members had a higher prevalence of clinically elevated hs-CRP levels than civilians. Differences in hs-CRP among deployed veterans and civilians remained even after multivariable adjustment. Individuals classified as overweight and obese demonstrated clinically elevated hs-CRP levels compared with those with a normal body mass index (BMI). Dietary factors did not attenuate the association between changes in hs-CRP levels and veteran status. These findings suggest the need for further investigation into how military-specific stressors contribute to unfavorable health outcomes for the military population.
Dmrt1 regulates the immune response by repressing the TLR4 signaling pathway in goat male germline stem cells

Double sex and mab-3-related transcription factor 1 (Dmrt1), which is expressed in goat male germline stem cells (mGSCs) and Sertoli cells, is one of the most conserved transcription factors involved in sex determination. In this study, we highlighted the role of Dmrt1 in balancing the innate immune response in goat mGSCs. Dmrt1 recruited promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (Plzf), also known as zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 16 (Zbtb16), to repress the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-dependent inflammatory signaling pathway and nuclear factor (NF)-κB. Knockdown of Dmrt1 in seminiferous tubules resulted in widespread degeneration of germ and somatic cells, while the expression of proinflammatory factors were significantly enhanced. We also demonstrated that Dmrt1 stimulated proliferation of mGSCs, but repressed apoptosis caused by the immune response. Thus, Dmrt1 is sufficient to reduce inflammation in the testes, thereby establishing the stability of spermatogenesis and the testicular microenvironment.