Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prenatal Nutrition Containing Bisphenol A Affects Placenta Glucose Transfer: Evidence in Rats and Human Trophoblast

This work aims to clarify the effect of dietary supplementation with Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical widely present in beverage and food containers, on placental glucose transfer and pregnancy outcome. The study was performed on female Sprague Dawley rats fed with a diet containing BPA (2.5, 25 or 250 μg/Kg/day) for a period of a month (virgin state) plus 20 days during pregnancy. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed in placental tissues for glucose type 1 transporter (GLUT1). Furthermore, human trophoblast, HTR8-SV/neo cells, were used to evaluate the effect of BPA on glucose transport and uptake. Studies in rats showed that food supplementation with BPA, produces a higher fetal weight (FW) to placenta weight (PW) ratio at the lowest BPA concentration. Such low concentrations also reduced maternal weight gain in late pregnancy and up-regulated placental expression of GLUT1. Treatment of HTR8-SV/neo with the non-toxic dose of 1 nM BPA confirmed up-regulation of GLUT1 expression and revealed higher activity of the transporter with an increase in glucose uptake and GLUT1 membrane translocation. Overall, these results indicate that prenatal exposure to BPA affects pregnancy and fetal growth producing changes in the placental nutrients-glucose transfer.
Characterization of the Effluent Wastewater from Abattoirs for Land Application

Abstract Meat plant wastewater quality depends on water usage, the type of animal slaughtered, and the amount of rendering or processing that is done on site. In Ontario and Quebec, abattoir wastewater total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD) ranged from 2333 to 8627 mg/L, and suspended solids (SS) from 736 to 2099 mg/L, volatile suspended solids (VSS) represented 80% of SS, and protein content varied from 444 to 2775 mg/L. Nitrogen (N) and potassium (P) averaged 6.0 and 2.3 g/100 g of TCOD, respectively. Ammonia and sulfide levels were well below the 3000 and 100 mg/L toxicity level, respectively. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) of fresh blood is high at 375,000 mg/L compared to the COD of liquid manure at 15,000–30,000 mg/L. The concentration of the wastewater can be greatly affected by the efficiency of blood recovery in the blood pit. Abattoir wastewater contains several million colony forming units (cfu) /100 mL of total coliform, fecal coliform, and Streptococcus groups of bacteria. The presence of these nonpathogenic microbes indicates the possible presence of pathogens of enteric origin such as Salmonella ssp. and Campylobacter jejuni and of gastrointestinal parasites such as Ascaris sp. , Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium parvum, and enteric viruses. Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum are not a concern in poultry wastewater. Pathogens might threaten public health by migrating into groundwater or through traveling off-site by surface water, wind, or vectors (i.e., animals, birds) etc. Once the treated abattoir wastewater is applied to land, the potential for spread of any pathogens that might remain in the water or sludge varies with the type of crop and soil to which it is applied.
A GENERAL CLASS OF MULTINOMIAL MIXTURE MODELS FOR ANURAN CALLING SURVEY DATA

We propose a general framework for modeling anuran abundance using data collected from commonly used calling surveys. The data generated from calling surveys are indices of calling intensity (vocalization of males) that do not have a precise link to actual population size and are sensitive to factors that influence anuran behavior. We formulate a model for calling-index data in terms of the maximum potential calling index that could be observed at a site (the “latent abundance class”), given its underlying breeding population, and we focus attention on estimating the distribution of this latent abundance class. A critical consideration in estimating the latent structure is imperfect detection, which causes the observed abundance index to be less than or equal to the latent abundance class. We specify a multinomial sampling model for the observed abundance index that is conditional on the latent abundance class. Estimation of the latent abundance class distribution is based on the marginal likelihood of the index data, having integrated over the latent class distribution. We apply the proposed modeling framework to data collected as part of the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP).
A new parameterization of Johnson's SB distribution with application to fitting forest tree diameter data

The SB distributional model of Johnson's 1949 paper was introduced by a transformation to normality, that is, z ~ N(0, 1), consisting of a linear scaling to the range (0, 1), a logit transformation, and an affine transformation, z = γ + δu. The model, in its original parameterization, has often been used in forest diameter distribution modelling. In this paper, we define the SB distribution in terms of the inverse transformation from normality, including an initial linear scaling transformation, u = γ′ + δ′z (δ′ = 1/δ and γ′ = γ/δ). The SB model in terms of the new parameterization is derived, and maximum likelihood estimation schema are presented for both model parameterizations. The statistical properties of the two alternative parameterizations are compared empirically on 20 data sets of diameter distributions of Changbai larch (Larix olgensis Henry). The new parameterization is shown to be statistically better than Johnson's original parameterization for the data sets considered here.
Optimisation of Ultrasound Frequency, Extraction Time and Solvent for the Recovery of Polyphenols, Phlorotannins and Associated Antioxidant Activity from Brown Seaweeds

This study investigates ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) process parameters (time, frequency and solvent) to obtain high yields of phlorotannins, flavonoids, total phenolics and associated antioxidant activities from 11 brown seaweed species. Optimised UAE conditions (35 kHz, 30 min and 50% ethanol) significantly improved the extraction yield from 1.5-fold to 2.2-fold in all seaweeds investigated compared to solvent extraction. Using ultrasound, the highest recovery of total phenolics (TPC: 572.3 ± 3.2 mg gallic acid equivalent/g), total phlorotannins (TPhC: 476.3 ± 2.2 mg phloroglucinol equivalent/g) and total flavonoids (TFC: 281.0 ± 1.7 mg quercetin equivalent/g) was obtained from Fucus vesiculosus seaweed. While the lowest recovery of TPC (72.6 ± 2.9 mg GAE/g), TPhC (50.3 ± 2.0 mg PGE/g) and TFC (15.2 ± 3.3 mg QE/g) was obtained from Laminaria digitata seaweed. However, extracts from Fucus serratus obtained by UAE exhibited the strongest 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity (29.1 ± 0.25 mg trolox equivalent/g) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) value (63.9 ± 0.74 mg trolox equivalent/g). UAE under optimised conditions was an effective, low-cost and eco-friendly technique to recover biologically active polyphenols from 11 brown seaweed species.
Effects of roxarsone on performance, toxicity, tissue accumulation and residue of eggs and excreta in laying hens

In this study, we examined the effects of a high dosage of roxarsone in the diet on the performance, liver function, and its residue in liver, eggs and excreta of laying hens. Seventy-five 32-week-old layers were selected and randomly allocated into five dietary treatments with three replications for each treatment. Feeding periods were 4 weeks with an additional week for withdrawal. The experimental diets included 0, 11, 22, 44 or 88 mg kg-1 arsenic from roxarsone, respectively. Dietary arsenic above 44 mg kg-1 significantly decreased the egg production and feed intake of the layer (P < 0·05). Layers ceased to produce eggs after two weeks of feeding the 88 mg kg-1 arsenic supplement diet. Where the enzyme activities in the serum, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) significantly increased. Also, the liver weight did not only significantly decrease (P < 0·05), but was also damaged on histological examination. Moreover, arsenic residues in the liver, eggs and the excreta significantly increased as dietary arsenic level was increased (P < 0·05). The serum enzyme activities of AST, LDH, CK returns to normal after a week of the drug withdrawal. Arsenic residues in liver, egg and excreta also significantly declined in the withdrawal period (P < 0·05). Furthermore, the hepatic cells were vacuolised from layers treated with 88 mg kg-1 of arsenic. © 1997 SCI.
Detecting herbivory in two mosses from an Atlantic Forest, Brazil

Abstract We recorded evidence for herbivory in the mosses Hypopterygium tamarisci and Lopidium concinnum in a tropical rainforest (São Paulo State, Brazil). We described this herbivory quantitatively, measured the protein and phenol abundance, and identified potential herbivores in the laboratory. We sampled plants from 10 colonies of each species in the years 2007 and 2008. To quantify herbivory, we used an index of damage (ID), with six categories of injury from 0 (0%) to 5 (50–100%). Air-dried moss samples were weighed (100 mg) and used for protein and phenol detection by the Bradford and Folin-Ciocalteau methods, respectively. The plants were cultivated under controlled laboratory conditions and the identification of herbivores was performed from photographs. Injury was higher in H. tamarisci than in L. concinnum (68% and 38% in 2007 and 35% and 23% in 2008, respectively). H. tamarisci had higher mean ID (1·70 in 2007 and 1·09 in 2008); however, the ID values were low compared with ID values detected in angiosperms from tropical forests. Proteins were more abundant than phenol compounds for both species. H. tamarisci had the highest levels of protein and phenols. The phenol/protein ratios (ph/pt ratio) from H. tamarisci (0·42) and L. concinnum (0·40) were similar to those of other terrestrial plants. No correlation between ID and ph/pt ratio, proteins or phenols was detected. Lepidoptera larvae (Geometridae) and micro-snails (Charopidae) were found feeding mainly on the leaves of these mosses. Thus, H. tamarisci and L. concinnum are food sources for herbivores in the field, mainly as alternative food sources for some small and less mobile herbivores.
Ecological studies of hypogeous fungi. II. Sporocarp phenology in a western Oregon Douglas Fir stand

Sporocarp phenology of hypogeous or subterranean fruiting fleshy fungi was studied between March 1972 and March 1975 in a 40- to 65-year-old Douglas fir stand in western Oregon. Estimates of yearly productivity ranged from 11052 to 16753 sporocarps ha−1 and 2.3 to 5.4 kg dry weight ha−1. The productivity curve was bimodal as a result of temperature and moisture effects, with peaks in May–June and October. Eleven hypogeous ascomycete species and 13 hypogeous basidiomycete species were collected during the study. Major species that each accounted for 5% or more of the total weight were Tuber murinum, Hymenogaster parksii, Hysterangium crassum, H. separabile, and Truncocolumella citrina var. citrina. Sporocarp moisture content as determined for several species presumably varied with sporocarp age and soil moisture content and ranged from 17.4 to 88.6%. Hypogeous sporocarps had substantially higher macronutrient contents of N, P, and K plus the micronutrients Fe and Al than did epigeous sporocarps of Fomes pi.
Affinity Purification of Amylases on Cyclodextrin‐Sepharose Columns

The relative affinity of α- and β-cyclodextrin columns for amylases were evaluated. While both α- and β-cyclodextrin columns bound α-amylase, there was no affinity binding of β-amylase. These columns can be used to separate α-amylase from β-amylase enzyme present in higher plants.
Transient Expression of Reck Under Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion Conditions Is Associated with Mapk Signaling Pathways

In this study, we demonstrated the involvement of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Our aim is to evaluate the impact of reperfusion on I/R-related changes in RECK, an MMP modulator, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) pathways (ERK, p38, and JNK). Male Wistar rats were either subjected to 60 min partial-hepatic ischemia or sham-operated. After a 60 min or 120 min reperfusion, liver samples were collected for analysis of MMP-2 and MMP-9 by zymography and RECK, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 content, MAPKs activation (ERK1/2, JNK1/2, and p38), as well as iNOS and eNOS by Western blot. Serum enzymes AST, ALT, and alkaline-phosphatase were quantified. A transitory decrease in hepatic RECK and TIMPs was associated with a transitory increase in both MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity and a robust activation of ERK1/2, JNK1/2, and p38 were detected at 60 min reperfusion. Hepatic expression of iNOS was maximally upregulated at 120 min reperfusion. An increase in eNOS was detected at 120 min reperfusion. I/R evoked significant hepatic injury in a time-dependent manner. These findings provide new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of reperfusion in inducing hepatic injury: a transitory decrease in RECK and TIMPs and increases in both MAPK and MMP activity suggest their role as triggering factors of the organ dysfunction.
SGLT2 Inhibitors: The Star in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes?

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a novel class of oral hypoglycemic agents which increase urinary glucose excretion by suppressing glucose reabsorption at the proximal tubule in the kidney. SGLT2 inhibitors lower glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by 0.6–0.8% (6–8 mmol/mol) without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia and induce weight loss and improve various metabolic parameters including blood pressure, lipid profile and hyperuricemia. Recent cardiovascular (CV) outcome trials have shown the improvement of CV and renal outcomes by treatment with the SGLT2 inhibitors, empagliflozin, canagliflozin, and dapagliflozin. The mechanisms by which SGLT2 inhibitors improve CV outcome appear not to be glucose-lowering or anti-atherosclerotic effects, but rather hemodynamic effects through osmotic diuresis and natriuresis. Generally, SGLT2 inhibitors are well-tolerated, but their adverse effects include genitourinary tract infection and dehydration. Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis is a rare but severe adverse event for which patients under SGLT2 inhibitor treatment should be carefully monitored. The possibility of an increase in risk of lower-extremity amputation and bone fracture has also been reported with canagliflozin. Clinical trials and real-world data have suggested that SGLT2 inhibitors improve CV and renal outcomes and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), especially in those with prior CV events, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease. Results of recent trials including individuals without diabetes may change the positioning of this drug as ″a drug for cardiorenal protection″. This review summarizes the potential of SGLT2 inhibitors and discusses their role in the treatment of T2DM.
Measurement latency significantly contributes to reduced heart rate measurement accuracy in wearable devices

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which measurement latency has significance for the accuracy of heart rate (HR) measured by wearable devices during physical activities. Thirty participants (15 female) aged 18–50 years (mean 24.8, 6.3 SD years) with weight ranging from 53–87 kg (mean 70.5, 9.4 SD kg) participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed three submaximal exercise conditions; cycling, treadmill walking/running and rapid arm movements. During the exercises, HR was concurrently measured using the Polar H10 (PL), the Apple Watch 2 (AW) and the Garmin Forerunner 235 (GF). Measurement latency significantly affected the discrepancy in HR measures and measurement latency accounted for 15% (GF) and 2% (AW) of the explained discrepancy in HR between the criterion measure PL and the GF and AW. However, the findings also showed that the magnitude of HR measurement latency differed notably among the two wearable devices and measurement latency was greatly influenced not only by type but also by the intensity of exercise. These findings contribute to our understanding of wearable device HR measures discrepancy and this knowledge may be of assistance when electing to use wearable devices to monitor physical exertion in different contexts.
Patient Activation Among Community-Dwelling Persons Living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

BACKGROUND Vigilant self-management is associated with positive health outcomes in people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), yet the predictors of activated self-managers are not well understood. OBJECTIVES The aims of the study were to identify and describe the predictors of patient activation among a sample of community-dwelling adults with COPD in the United States. METHOD A postal survey of demographic, mood, symptom, function, health perception, life quality measures, and the Patient Activation Measure (PAM) was completed by 64 participants. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to examine and describe associations between personal characteristics, health outcomes, and PAM scores (0-100). Multivariate, linear regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of patient activation score. RESULTS Patient activation was high among the sample. Multivariate analysis revealed positive affect, smoking pack-years, overall quality of life, and female sex collectively explained 45.4% of the variance in patient activation. DISCUSSION Positive life view, sex, and lifestyle factors present novel predictors of high activation in self-managers of COPD that warrant explication through future research.
Raman-Based Differentiation of Hemp, Canabdiol-Rich Hemp and Cannabis.

Hemp (Cannabis sativa) has been used to treat pain as far back as 2900 B.C. Its pharmacological effect originates from a large variety of cannabinols. Although more than 100 different cannabinoids have been isolated from Cannabis plants, clear physiological effects of only a few of them have been determined, including delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG). While THC is an illicit drug, CBD and CBG are legal substances that have a variety of unique pharmacological properties such as the reduction of chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety and depression. Over the last decade, substantial efforts have been made to develop Cannabis varieties that would produce large amounts of CBD and CBG. Ideally, such plant varieties should produce very little (below 0.3%) if any THC to make their cultivation legal. The amount of cannabinoids in the plant material can be determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This analysis, however, is non-portable, destructive, time and labor consuming. Our group recently proposed to use Raman spectroscopy (RS) for confirmatory, non-invasive and non-destructive differentiation between hemp and cannabis. The question to ask is whether RS can be used to detect CBD and CBG in hemp, as well as enable confirmatory differentiation between hemp, cannabis and CBD-rich hemp. In this manuscript, we show that RS can be used to differentiate between cannabis, CBD-rich plants and regular hemp. We also report spectroscopic signatures of CBG, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), THC, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), CBD and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) that can be used for Raman-based quantitative diagnostics of these cannabinoids in plant material.
Utility of adrenocorticotropic hormone in adrenal vein sampling despite the occurrence of discordant lateralization

Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is crucial for accurate lateralization of aldosterone excess but it is technically challenging due to the difficulty of adrenal vein cannulation. The use of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) to improve cannulation success is controversial and can lead to discordant lateralization outcomes.
Flow-diverting stent and delayed intracranial bleeding: the case for discussing acquired von Willebrand disease

Abstract A unique feature of the flow-diverting stent (FDS) has rendered it useful in the endovascular treatment of selected intracranial aneurysms for the last decade. Delayed aneurysmal rupture and intracranial parenchymal bleeding are two leading hemorrhagic complications after FDS. It has recently been shown for the first time that there is a relationship between FDS and reduced level of vWF activity in patients undergoing endovascular cerebral aneurysm treatment. Here, the current literature is reviewed in the context of this novel finding to propose an illustrative scenario that conceptually links implantation of FDS to delayed intracranial bleeding, through the mechanism of shear-induced activation of vWF. In this scenario, after FDS implantation, sustained release of activated vWF in association with platelets plays a pivotal role in the mechanisms of delayed intracranial hemorrhages.
The Realities of Pregnancy and Mothering While Incarcerated

Women of reproductive age may experience pregnancy and mothering in a correctional environment designed for men. Rates of incarceration for women in the United States are high by international standards, and they continue to rise. Mothers were often single mothers prior to incarceration, and they are often separated from their children for the first time upon entering prison. Pregnancy, delivery, lactation, and parenting each require special consideration. Outcomes of pregnancy in prison are better overall than for similarly disadvantaged women in the community. Breastfeeding, despite being recommended by medical groups, is problematic for most who are awaiting forced separation from their infant, due to a lack of mother-baby units in most U.S. states. Mother-baby units have crucial goals, including improved family relations and decreased recidivism. They should not discriminate against mothers with treated perinatal mental illness. Many barriers for visitation of incarcerated mothers exist, including that, because there are fewer women's prisons, there are greater distances between mothers and children. This article reviews data about pregnancy and motherhood in corrections, and it discusses the international state of mother-baby units, with implications for U.S. corrections.
In vitro ovarian follicle growth: a comprehensive analysis of key protocol variables†

Abstract Folliculogenesis is a complex process that requires integration of autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine factors together with tightly regulated interactions between granulosa cells and oocytes for the growth and survival of healthy follicles. Culture of ovarian follicles is a powerful approach for investigating folliculogenesis and oogenesis in a tightly controlled environment. This method has not only enabled unprecedented insight into the fundamental biology of follicle development but also has far-reaching translational applications, including in fertility preservation for women whose ovarian follicles may be damaged by disease or its treatment or in wildlife conservation. Two- and three-dimensional follicle culture systems have been developed and are rapidly evolving. It is clear from a review of the literature on isolated follicle culture methods published over the past two decades (1980–2018) that protocols vary with respect to species examined, follicle isolation methods, culture techniques, culture media and nutrient and hormone supplementation, and experimental endpoints. Here we review the heterogeneity among these major variables of follicle culture protocols. Summary sentence Follicle culture is a widespread technique used in reproductive biology, and significant heterogeneity exists in protocols, including species examined, isolation methods, culture techniques, media and hormone supplementation, and experimental end points.