Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Safety and Potential Role of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Administration as Monotherapy in Ulcerative Colitis Patients with Mild–Moderate Clinical Activity

Probiotics are microorganisms that confer benefits to the host, and, for this reason, they have been proposed in several pathologic states. Specifically, probiotic bacteria have been investigated as a therapeutic option in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, but clinical results are dishomogeneous. In particular, many probiotic species with different therapeutic schemes have been proposed, but no study has investigated probiotics in monotherapy in adequate trials for the induction of remission. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is the more intensively studied probiotic and it has ideal characteristics for utilization in UC patients. The aim of the present study is to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of LGG administration in an open trial, delivered in monotherapy at two different doses, in UC patients with mild–moderate disease. The UC patients with mild–moderate disease activity (Partial Mayo score ≥ 2) despite treatment with oral mesalamine were included. The patients stopped oral mesalamine and were followed up for one month, then were randomized to receive LGG supplement at dose of 1.2 or 2.4 × 1010 CFU/day for one month. At the end of the study, the clinical activity was evaluated and compared to that at the study entrance (efficacy). Adverse events were recorded (safety). The primary end-point was clinical improvement (reduction in the Partial Mayo score) and no serious adverse events, while the secondary end-points were the evaluation of different efficacies and safeties between the two doses of LGG. The patients with disease flares dropped out of the study and went back to standard therapy. The efficacy data were analyzed in an intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analysis. Out of the 76 patients included in the study, 75 started the probiotic therapy (n = 38 and 37 per group). In the ITT analysis, 32/76 (42%) responded to treatment, 21/76 (28%) remained stable, and 23/76 (30%) had a worsening of their clinical condition; 55 (72%) completed the treatment and were analyzed in a PP analysis: 32/55 (58%) had a clinical response, 21 (38%) remained stable, and 2 (4%) had a light worsening of their clinical condition (p < 0.0001). Overall, 37% of the patients had a disease remission. No severe adverse event was recorded, and only one patient stopped therapy due to obstinate constipation. No difference in the clinical efficacy and safety has been recorded between groups treated with different doses of LGG. The present prospective clinical trial demonstrates, for the first time, that LGG in monotherapy is safe and effective for the induction of remission in UC patients with mild–moderate disease activity (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04102852).
QUANTITATIVE INTERPRETATION OF STRESS IN KRUSKAL'S MULTIDIMENSIONAL SCALING TECHNIQUE

Some aspects of the quantitative interpretation of stress are discussed on the basis of random sets of synthetic dissimilarity matrices. In Section 1 the relation between measurement error and stress is studied. Synthetic dissimilarities are obtained starting from a random configuration of n points (n = 8, 10, and 12) in t dimensions (1 ≤ t ≤ 3), and adding a fractional error to the interpoint distances. These dissimilarity sets are then analysed in m dimensions (1 ≤ m ≤ 5). The results give an idea of how the stress is influenced by measurement error and the chosen dimensionality of the analysis. In practice, the results can be used for estimating both the true dimensionality and the measurement error of a set of data. In Section 2 the probability distribution of the stress-percentages in m dimensions (1 ≤ m ≤ 5) is estimated in cases of randomly chosen dissimilarities among n points (7 ≤ n ≤ 12). The results can be an aid in determining the significance of a multidimensional representation of experimental data.
The Method of Types

The method of types is one of the key technical tools in Shannon theory, and this tool is valuable also in other fields. In this paper, some key applications are presented in sufficient detail enabling an interested nonspecialist to gain a working knowledge of the method, and a wide selection of further applications are surveyed. These range from hypothesis testing and large deviations theory through error exponents for discrete memoryless channels and capacity of arbitrarily varying channels to multiuser problems. While the method of types is suitable primarily for discrete memoryless models, its extensions to certain models with memory are also discussed.
Solutions of Predator-Prey populations From Fractional Integral Operator Lotka-Volterra Equations

This paper presents the solutions of fractional Lotka-Volterra equation by applying fractional variational iteration method , HPM and Sinc-Nystrom method. Moreover, we discuss the convergence analysis and stability of the fractional variational iteration method and HPM by using the Banach fixed point theory, which could provide a good iteration algorithm. Finally, we also give some numerical illustrations to the obtained results.
Most diverse, most neglected: weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea) are ubiquitous specialized brood-site pollinators of tropical flora

In tropical environments, and especially tropical rainforests, a major part of pollination services is provided by diverse insect lineages. Unbeknownst to most, beetles, and more speciﬁcally hyper-diverse weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea), play a substantial role there as specialized mutualist brood pollinators. The latter contrasts with a common view where they are only regarded as plant antagonists. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of what is known about plant-weevil brood-site mutualistic interactions, through a review of the known behavioral, morphological and physiological features found in these systems
Development of a Definition of Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Importance SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with persistent, relapsing, or new symptoms or other health effects occurring after acute infection, termed postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), also known as long COVID. Characterizing PASC requires analysis of prospectively and uniformly collected data from diverse uninfected and infected individuals. Objective To develop a definition of PASC using self-reported symptoms and describe PASC frequencies across cohorts, vaccination status, and number of infections. Design, Setting, and Participants Prospective observational cohort study of adults with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection at 85 enrolling sites (hospitals, health centers, community organizations) located in 33 states plus Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. Participants who were enrolled in the RECOVER adult cohort before April 10, 2023, completed a symptom survey 6 months or more after acute symptom onset or test date. Selection included population-based, volunteer, and convenience sampling. Exposure SARS-CoV-2 infection. Main Outcomes and Measures PASC and 44 participant-reported symptoms (with severity thresholds). Results A total of 9764 participants (89% SARS-CoV-2 infected; 71% female; 16% Hispanic/Latino; 15% non-Hispanic Black; median age, 47 years [IQR, 35-60]) met selection criteria. Adjusted odds ratios were 1.5 or greater (infected vs uninfected participants) for 37 symptoms. Symptoms contributing to PASC score included postexertional malaise, fatigue, brain fog, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, palpitations, changes in sexual desire or capacity, loss of or change in smell or taste, thirst, chronic cough, chest pain, and abnormal movements. Among 2231 participants first infected on or after December 1, 2021, and enrolled within 30 days of infection, 224 (10% [95% CI, 8.8%-11%]) were PASC positive at 6 months. Conclusions and Relevance A definition of PASC was developed based on symptoms in a prospective cohort study. As a first step to providing a framework for other investigations, iterative refinement that further incorporates other clinical features is needed to support actionable definitions of PASC.
De Novo Transcriptome Profiling for the Generation and Validation of Microsatellite Markers, Transcription Factors, and Database Development for Andrographis paniculata

Andrographis paniculata belongs to the family Acanthaceae and is known for its medicinal properties owing to the presence of unique constituents belonging to the lactones, diterpenoids, diterpene glycosides, flavonoids, and flavonoid glycosides groups of chemicals. Andrographolide, a major therapeutic constituent of A. paniculata, is extracted primarily from the leaves of this plant and exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. Using 454 GS-FLX pyrosequencing, we have generated a whole transcriptome profile of entire leaves of A. paniculata. A total of 22,402 high-quality transcripts were generated, with an average transcript length and N50 of 884 bp and 1007 bp, respectively. Functional annotation revealed that 19,264 (86%) of the total transcripts showed significant similarity with the NCBI-Nr database and were successfully annotated. Out of the 19,264 BLAST hits, 17,623 transcripts were assigned GO terms and distributed into three major functional categories: molecular function (44.62%), biological processes (29.19%), and cellular component (26.18%) based on BLAST2GO. Transcription factor analysis showed 6669 transcripts, belonging to 57 different transcription factor families. Fifteen TF genes that belong to the NAC, MYB, and bHLH TF categories were validated by RT PCR amplification. In silico analysis of gene families involved in the synthesis of biochemical compounds having medicinal values, such as cytochrome p450, protein kinases, heat shock proteins, and transporters, was completed and a total of 102 different transcripts encoding enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of terpenoids were predicted. Out of these, 33 transcripts belonged to terpenoid backbone biosynthesis. This study also identified 4254 EST-SSRs from 3661 transcripts, representing 16.34% of the total transcripts. Fifty-three novel EST-SSR markers generated from our EST dataset were used to assess the genetic diversity among eighteen A. paniculata accessions. The genetic diversity analysis revealed two distinct sub-clusters and all accessions based on the genetic similarity index were distinct from each other. A database based on EST transcripts, EST-SSR markers, and transcription factors has been developed using data generated from the present study combined with available transcriptomic resources from a public database using Meta transcriptome analysis to make genomic resources available in one place to the researchers working on this medicinal plant.
Alternative Enzyme Inhibition Assay for Safety Evaluation of Food Preservatives

While food additives are widely used in the modern food industry and generally are important in maintaining the ability to provide food for the increasing world population, the progress occurring in this field is much ahead of the evaluation of their possible consequences for human health. The present study suggests a set of single- and multi-enzyme assay systems for revealing toxic effects of the most widely spread food preservatives, such as sorbic acid (E200), potassium sorbate (E202), and sodium benzoate (E211) at the primary molecular level of their interaction with enzymes. The assay is based on the inhibition of enzyme activity by toxic substances proportional to the amount of the toxicants in the sample. The single-enzyme assay system based on NAD(P)H:FMN oxidoreductase (Red) proved to be most sensitive to the impact of food additives, with the IC50 values being 29, 14, and 0.02 mg/L for sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and sorbic acid, respectively, which is considerably lower than their acceptable daily intake (ADI). No reliable change in the degree of inhibition of the enzyme assay systems by food preservatives was observed upon elongating the series of coupled redox reactions. However, the inhibition of activity of the multi-enzyme systems by 50% was found at a preservative concentration below the maximum permissible level for food. The inhibition effect of food preservatives on the activity of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) was either absent or found in the presence of food preservatives at concentrations significantly exceeding their ADI. Among the preservatives under study, sodium benzoate is considered to be the safest in terms of the inhibiting effect on the enzyme activity. The results show that the negative effect of the food preservatives at the molecular level of organization of living things is highly pronounced, while at the organismal level it may not be obvious.
Exploring the Relationship between Micronutrients and Athletic Performance: A Comprehensive Scientific Systematic Review of the Literature in Sports Medicine

The aim of this systematic review is twofold: (i) to examine the effects of micronutrient intake on athletic performance and (ii) to determine the specific micronutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, that offer the most significant enhancements in terms of athletic performance, with the goal of providing guidance to athletes and coaches in optimizing their nutritional strategies. The study conducted a systematic search of electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus) using keywords pertaining to micronutrients, athletic performance, and exercise. The search involved particular criteria of studies published in English between 1950 and 2023. The findings suggest that vitamins and minerals are crucial for an athlete’s health and physical performance, and no single micronutrient is more important than others. Micronutrients are necessary for optimal metabolic body’s functions such as energy production, muscle growth, and recovery, which are all important for sport performance. Meeting the daily intake requirement of micronutrients is essential for athletes, and while a balanced diet that includes healthy lean protein sources, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is generally sufficient, athletes who are unable to meet their micronutrient needs due to malabsorption or specific deficiencies may benefit from taking multivitamin supplements. However, athletes should only take micronutrient supplements with the consultation of a specialized physician or nutritionist and avoid taking them without confirming a deficiency.
RIS3 challenges: an analysis of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Euskadi, Navarre cross-border space

This work is based on recognition of the relevance of analysing regional priorities for regional competitiveness as a starting point to identify areas of business opportunity that arise at the crossroads of those priorities in the three territories that make up the Euroregion (Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Euskadi, Navarre). These strategic priorities for innovation are identified in the respective research and innovation strategies for smart specialisation (RIS3s) and aim to generate competitive advantages in the territory based on existing opportunities and strengths.The analysis tries to go beyond analysis of the strategies by seeking to understand the challenges facing RIS3 implementation in the cross-border ambit. The final objective pursued is to inform and provide evidence to reflect on the convergences and innovation challenges shared by the three regions and to contribute to the challenge of economic growth, relying on cross-border cooperation as a key factor in territorial competitiveness.
Image Formation by Self-Calibration in Radio Astronomy

This review describes these self-calibration methods and their application to both conventional and very long baseline arrays and includes examples of the high-quality images that they produce. After first defining closure phase and closure amplitude in Section 2, we review conventional aperture synthesis methods in Sections 3 and 4. The new iterative self-calibration algorithms are the subject of Section 5. In Section 6 we consider the capabilities and limitations of these algorithms. Finally, in Section 7 we mention some applications in optical and infrared astronomy and in new radio instruments presently planned or under construction.
Ion heating by Alfvén waves associated with dipolarization in the magnetotail: Two‐dimensional global hybrid simulation

In this paper, ion heating by Alfvén waves associated with dipolarization in the near‐Earth magnetotail is investigated by performing a two‐dimensional (2‐D) global‐scale hybrid simulation. In our simulation, the earthward propagating plasma flow is initialized by the E × B drift near the equatorial plane due to the existence of the dawn‐dusk convection electric field. When the earthward flow reaches the strong dipole field region, it is braked by the geomagnetic field and simultaneously leads to the pileup of the magnetic flux. This continuous pileup finally results in the formation of the large‐scale dipolarization. Dipolarization first appears around (x, z) = (−10.5, 0.3)RE (where RE is the radius of Earth) and subsequently spreads tailward. In the dipolarization region, Alfvén waves are excited and cause the scattering and heating of ions. The heating is mainly on the perpendicular direction. Therefore, the ion temperature anisotropy can be formed in the dipolarization region. Our work provides one possible mechanism for the ion heating and anisotropic distributions observed near the dipolarization region.
Is There a Dose-Response Relationship between Acute Physical Activity and Sleep Length? A Longitudinal Study with Children and Adolescents Living in Sweden

A declining physical activity (PA) and sleep in children and adolescents have been observed during the previous decades. PA could benefit sleep, but the findings are mixed. The aim of the present study was to examine if there is a dose-response relationship between time spent in acute moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sleep length in children and adolescents. Additional aims were to examine if the sleep length is higher for children and adolescents who conduct at least an average of 60 min in MVPA/day and to study differences between sex and school years. The study population consists of 262 participants in school year 5 (aged 11 years), 7 (aged 13 years), and 9 (aged 15 years). Accelerometers measured MVPA while sleep diaries measured sleep length. A linear and longitudinal mixed effect linear regression was conducted to study the primary aim. The secondary aims were studied with linear regressions. Included confounders were sex, school year, school stress, screen time, menstruation onset, family household economy, and health status. A stratified regression for sex and school year was conducted. The linear regression showed no statistically significant findings in the crude or adjusted model. The stratified linear regression found a significant positive association for girls but a negative association for school year 5. No associations were found in the longitudinal regression or when comparing sleep length for participants that did and did not spend an average of at least 60 min in MVPA/day. A dose-response relationship was found in the stratified linear regression, implying a possible weak association. The statistically non-significant differences between participants that did and did not spend an average of at least 60 min in MVPA/day implies that spending an average of at least 60 min in MVPA/day may not be associated with a higher mean sleep length.
The Association between Adult Sport, Fitness, and Recreational Physical Activity and Number and Age of Children Present in the Household: A Secondary Analysis Using NHANES

Only one in three adults in the United States meets the weekly recommendation for physical activity (PA). The presence of children in the home may restrict adult PA. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between adult moderate and vigorous sport, fitness, and recreational physical activities and the number and age (0–5 and 6–17) of children in their household. Secondary data were drawn from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007–2016. Adults with complete survey data for self-reported moderate (MPA) and vigorous physical activities (VPA), number of children in the home, and other sociodemographic variables were included. The final sample included 2034 adults from 22–65 years of age. Analyses included ANOVAs and separate multivariable regression analyses to determine if the number of children in the household aged 0–5 and 6–17 were significant predictors of weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) after controlling for covariates. For MPA, no differences were found between adult PA regardless of the number and age of children in the home. For VPA, adults with two or more children aged 0–5 reported 80 fewer minutes of weekly VPA (p < 0.05) compared to those with no children or just one child in this age group after controlling for all covariates. Finally, adults with three or more children in the household aged 6–17 reported fifty fewer minutes of weekly VPA (p < 0.05) compared to those with no children, one, or just two in the household. These findings highlight a need to support the vigorous PA behaviors of this population, as the majority of the family-based PA intervention studies to date have primarily focused on family dyads.
Empirical models of high latitude electric fields

Model cross sections of the high-latitude dawn-dusk electric field based on OGO 6 data are presented for the 'signature' profiles (Heppner, 1972c) most frequently encountered for both +Y and -Y orientations of the interplanetary magnetic field. Line integrals give a total potential of 76 keV in each case. The median magnetic disturbance for these models is Kp=3. To illustrate extremes, examples of model cross sections with total potentials of 23 and 140 keV are also given for periods of Kp=0 and AE=1000, respectively. Model convection patterns are also presented by utilizing OGO 6 data on boundary locations at other magnetic local times. When this information is combined with characteristic field geometries in the region of the Harang discontinuity and is supplemented by data from Ba/sup +/ cloud motions in the polar cap, it becomes possible to construct realistic convection patterns on the nightside which deviate from the usual sun-aligned patterns. These modifications are essential because, in general, it is not possible to maintain sun alignment and obtain convective continuity with the geometries observed in the midnight region. The need for empirical models is evident when observations are compared with typical theoretical models. In particular, observed field distributions at and nearmore » the polar cap boundary do not resemble the distributions frequently used in theory. The observational models presented are also of limited applicability as a consequence of the variability of observed distributions. These limitations are emphasized, with particular attention given to several types of recurrent deviations which have not previously been discussed. « less