Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biomarkers of appetite: is there a potential role for metabolomics?

Abstract Knowing the biological signals associated with appetite control is crucial for understanding the regulation of food intake. Biomarkers of appetite have been defined as physiological measures that relate to subjective appetite ratings, measured food intake, or both. Several metabolites including amino acids, lipids and glucose were proposed as key molecules associated with appetite control over 60 years ago, and along with bile acids are all among possible appetite biomarker candidates. Additional metabolites that have been associated with appetite include endocannabinoids, lactate, cortisol and β-hydroxybutyrate. However, although appetite is a complex integrative process, studies often investigated a limited number of markers in isolation. Metabolomics involves the study of small molecules or metabolites present in biological samples such as urine or blood, and may present a powerful approach to further the understanding of appetite control. Using multiple analytical techniques allows the characterisation of molecules, such as carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, bile acids and fatty acids. Metabolomics has proven successful in identifying markers of consumption of certain foods and biomarkers implicated in several diseases. However, it has been underexploited in appetite control or obesity. The aim of the present narrative review is to: (1) provide an overview of existing metabolites that have been identified in human biofluids and associated with appetite control; and (2) discuss the potential of metabolomics to deepen understanding of appetite control in humans.
DMSO-mediated curing of several yeast prion variants involves Hsp104 expression and protein solubilization, and is decreased in several autophagy related gene (atg) mutants

Chaperones and autophagy are components of the protein quality control system that contribute to the management of proteins that are misfolded and aggregated. Here, we use yeast prions, which are self-perpetuating aggregating proteins, as a means to understand how these protein quality control systems influence aggregate loss. Chaperones, such as Hsp104, fragment prion aggregates to generate more prion seeds for propagation. While much is known about the role of chaperones, little is known about how other quality control systems contribute to prion propagation. We show that the aprotic solvent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) cures a range of [PSI+] prion variants, which are related to several misfolded aggregated conformations of the Sup35 protein. Our studies show that DMSO-mediated curing is quicker and more efficient than guanidine hydrochloride, a prion curing agent that inactivates the Hsp104 chaperone. Instead, DMSO appears to induce Hsp104 expression. Using the yTRAP system, a recently developed transcriptional reporting system for tracking protein solubility, we found that DMSO also rapidly induces the accumulation of soluble Sup35 protein, suggesting a potential link between Hsp104 expression and disassembly of Sup35 from the prion aggregate. However, DMSO-mediated curing appears to also be associated with other quality control systems. While the induction of autophagy alone does not lead to curing, we found that DMSO-mediated curing is dramatically impaired in autophagy related (atg) gene mutants, suggesting that other factors influence this DMSO mechanism of curing. Our data suggest that DMSO-mediated curing is not simply dependent upon Hsp104 overexpression alone, but may further depend upon other aspects of proteostasis.
The Risk of Hypertension Over 16 Years and Family and Job Stress in Female Population 25-64 Years in Russia / Siberia

Objective: To determine the effect of family and job stress on risk of an arterial hypertension (AH) in female population aged of 25 64 years over 16 years of follow-up. Methods: In framework of the WHO “MONICA-psychosocial” a random representative sample of women aged 25 64 years (n = 870) who were residents one of the district in Novosibirsk was examined in 1994. Stress in the workplace has been studied using the Karasek scale, stress in the family with using the scale “Awareness and attitude towards the health”. Over the 16-years (1994 2010) all cases of new-onset hypertension were revealed in the cohort. Results: The prevalence of family and job stress levels in female population aged 25 64 years were 20.9% and 31.6%, respectively. High stress levels are associated with low self-rated health, with a high frequency of complaints, lack of awareness about prevention methods. Over16 years the risk of AH was 1.39-fold higher in women with family stress. The stress associated with workplace significantly increased HR of hypertension in 1.28 times. The incidence of hypertension was higher in married women experiencing stress in the family and at work, with higher levels of education, in category “executives” and “physical labor”. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of family and job stress levels in female population aged 25 64 years. Women with stress have a higher risk of hypertension over 16 years associated with the social gradient.
Minimal PD-1 expression in mouse and human NK cells under diverse conditions.

PD-1 expression is a hallmark of both early antigen-specific T-cell activation and later chronic stimulation suggesting key roles in both naive T-cell priming and memory T-cell responses. Although important similarities exist between T cells and NK cells, there are critical differences reflecting their biology and functions. The putative role of PD-1 expression in NK cell immunoregulation has been controversial. Our objective was to comprehensively assess PD-1 expression on NK cells using multiple sources and readouts. Primary human tumor samples, ex vivo culturing, mouse tumors and viral models were all assessed using flow cytometry, qRT-PCR and RNA sequencing. We demonstrate that under multiple activating conditions, highly purified human and mouse NK cells consistently lack PD-1 expression despite the marked upregulation of other regulatory markers such as TIGIT. We further show that neither NK cells from T-cell deficient Rag2-/- mice nor from transgenic PD-1 reporter mice express PD-1 using tumor or viral infection models. Asialo-GM1 (ASGM1), a receptor commonly targeted for NK-specific depletion, was also expressed on activated T cells co-expressing PD-1 contributing to in vivo effects previously attributed to NK cells. These data have important implications when attempting to discern NK from T cell effects depending on the models used and whether PD-1 blockade will directly impact NK cell therapies.
Prevalence Of Asymptomatic Genital Herpes Infection In Women Attending The Antenatal Clinics

There is a large population of individuals who have serologic evidence of Herpes simples virus infection without symptoms. The aim of this study is to determine the seroprevalence as well as shedding of asymptomatic genital herpes and factors associated with its acquisition in pregnant women. The study was prospective and crosssectional. A total of three hundred and seventy five (375) pregnant women who had no history of Herpes simplex virus infection were enrolled in the study and given questionnaires covering socio-demographic, parity, occupation, education, habitat clinical and sexual history. Ten millimeter of blood sample was collected from each participant for determination of type specific IgG antibodies by enzyme-linked –immunosorbent-assay (ELISA) (HerpeSelect). HSV-2 shedding was determined using real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of swabs collected from the vulva and cervix. The Data collected were entered into Microsoft excel package 2007and were analyzed using a statistical software package, Epi-info version 6.0. manufactured by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), USA in2001. Chi square (x) was used to determine the association between HSV-2 viral shedding and seroprevalence. Potential risk factors for HSV-2 antibodies were identified using univariate logistic regression model. These factors were then used in multivariate logistic regression model. Level of statistical significance was set at _< 0.05. Results showed that HSV-2 antibodies were found in three hundred and fifteen (315) 84% of the 375 pregnant women. HSV-2 antigen was detected in seventy five women (20%) by real time PCR. Seropositve results were significantly associated with low viral shedding (x=49.56, p=0.01). Multivariate model showed that seroprevalence of HSV-2 was significantly associated with location, (p=0.05), occupation (p=0.01), parity (p=0.001), and number of sexual partners (p=0.001). Conclusion: The results showed a high seroprevalence of HSV-2 among asymptomatic pregnant women in our environment with about one fifth of them shedding the virus in their vagina. There is, therefore, need for voluntary screening, counseling and treatment of pregnant women for genital herpes as part of routine antenatal care. [Egbagba, John And Mordi R.M. Prevalence Of Asymptomatic Genital Herpes Infection In Women Attending The Antenatal Clinics Of The University Of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Researcher 2015;7(11):35-42]. (ISSN: 1553-9865). http://www.sciencepub. net/researcher. 6. doi:10.7537/marsrsj071115.06.
Thermal and Physicochemical Properties of Some Starchy Foods: Yam (Dioscorea rotundata), Cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) and Plantain (Musa paradisiaca)

The thermal and physicochemical characteristics of yam species (Dioscorea rotundata), plantain species (Musa paradisiaca) and cocoyam species (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) were studied. Yam, cocoyam tubers and fingers of plantains were processed into flour for the determination of quality characteristics. The moisture content of the samples ranged from 5.6 8.4% with the plantain flour having the lowest value. The protein content of yam was the highest (3.2%) while the plantain flour was the lowest (2.07%) although with the highest carbohydrate content of about 88.34%. Values for ash content ranged between 1.93% and 2.82% with the lowest value obtained for plantain and the highest for cocoyam. The wettability values ranged from 40.67106. 67secs being highest in the plantain flour. Angle of repose was highest for plantain (35.67). The amylose content was highest in yam (35.92%) while plantain gave the least (25.53%). Cocoyam has the highest solubility at 45C and the highest also at 90C, the same thing was observed in its swelling power. Yam gave the least value for solubility. Pasting temperature ranged from 48.01 49.51C with highest in cocoyam flour. Peak time ranged from 4.97 min to 5.15 min while plantain had the highest value. Peak viscosity ranged between 272.47 and 373.87 RVU being lowest for cocoyam and highest for yam flour. The relatively higher pasting temperatures required, and the lower pasting viscosities make cocoyam suitable for producing weaning foods and other products that require low viscosity. Pasting properties of cocoyam revealed relatively higher thermal and mechanical stability which will make it a good ingredient for processed foods, especially those that require thermal sterilization.
Clinical and economic impact of multipoint left ventricular pacing: A comparative analysis from the Italian registry on multipoint pacing in cardiac resynchronization therapy (IRON‐MPP)

Early evidence suggests that multipoint left ventricular pacing (MPP) may improve response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). It is unknown whether this benefit is sustained and cost‐effective. We used real‐world data to evaluate long‐term impact of MPP‐ON clinical status, heart failure hospitalizations (HFH) and costs.
Prediction of the Effective Stress-Strain Curves of Ductile Polymer 1D-Reinforced Composites Filled with Hollow Fibers Using Parameterized Model Based on Bezier Curves

The article presents the results of numerical and experimental studies of stress-strain curves of 1D-reinforced polymer composite materials based on hollow porous fibers and epoxy matrix. The two-scale nature of the composite under research was taken into account. A surrogate easily parameterized model based on Bezier curves was developed and used to approximate the stress-strain curve of ductile material. The calculations were performed using reversible homogenization and finite element methods, which were implemented in computational subsystem of DCS GCD. Representative volume elements of the investigated materials were created using the geometry generating subsystem of DCS GCD. Test samples were made using three-axis milling machine and compression tests were carried out. Computational results of effective stress-strain curves determination were obtained and compared with experiments.
Evaluation of Impacted Mandibular Third Molar using Panaromic Radiographs

INTRODUCTION: Removal of mandibular impacted third molars are routine surgical procedure performed by maxillofacial surgeons in dental clinics as well as hospital setups. [1]. To prevent complications a useful diagnostic tool is needed that can determine the relationship between inferior alveolar nerve and the impacted third molar. [2] The reported frequency of inferior alveolar nerve injury associated with M3 removal ranges from 0.6% to 5.3% but the risk of permanent IAN injury is less than 1% [3–7]. Panoramic radiography is suggested as the technique of choice to evaluate impacted third molars as well as to estimate the pre-operative risk for inferior alveolar nerve injury associated with third molar surgery [8]. Smith AC et al., [9] also described panoramic radiography as optimal method for radiological assessment for mandibular third molar teeth prior to their removal. Imaging techniques for impacted mandibular third molars (IM3M s) are as follows: intraoral periapical radiography (IOPA); extraoral techniques like lateral oblique and panoramic methods, skull radiography, computed tomography (CT), among which orthopantomograph (OPG), an adjunct to IOPA, remains the method of choice. Orthopantomography (means straight broad coverage slice technique) was first proposed by Numata in 1933. [10] Third molar is the most frequently impacted tooth. [11] The prevalence of third molar impaction ranges from 16.7% to 68.6%[. 11-21] Most studies have reported no sexual predilection in third molar impaction[11,12,15,17,19] Some studies, however, have reported a higher frequency in white European females [21,22] and Singapore Chinese females than males. [19]. Several methods have been used to classify impaction, in which impaction is described based on the level of impaction,[23] the angulations of the third molars,[24] and the relationship to the anterior border of the ramus of the mandible. [23] Depth or level of mandibular third molars can be classified using the Pell and Gregory classification system,[22] where the impacted teeth are assessed according to their relationship to the occlusal surface of the adjacent second molar. Thus the aim of this study is to Evaluate the Preoperative radiographic and clinical parameters of IM3M to assess Clinical Symptoms, Number of Roots,pattern of Impaction,Level of Impaction,Angilation,relationship of Inferior Alveolar Canal with their roots,and also assessment of any effect on the adjacent tooth structure like Dental Carries or Root resorption
Lycium barbarum polysaccharide protects against ethanol‐induced spermiotoxicity and testicular degeneration in Immp2l+/− mice

Studies have indicated that high levels of ethanol exposure impaired spermatogenesis in mice. However, the effects of chronic and low‐dose alcohol consumption on susceptible populations remain unclear. The previous studies have confirmed that Immp2l mutant mice (Immp2lTg(Tyr)979Ove or Immp2l−/−) suffered from increased levels of oxidative stress(OS) and male infertility, heterozygous lmmp2l mice (Immp2l+/−) showed no altered ROS levels under physiological condition. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) significantly scavenge oxygen free radicals and enhance antioxidant enzyme activity. The objectives of present study were to research the effects of chronic and low‐dose alcohol‐induced damage on Immp2l+/−, explore the protective function of LBP and possible mechanism. The results indicated that chronic ethanol exposure leads to spermatogenic impairment and triggered a toxic effect on germ cell, 10 mg/kg LBP administration improved the quality of spermatozoon, decreased the ratio of apoptotic germ cells and the expression of Col1a1 and Col1a2, while increased the level of TNP2 and RPL31. In conclusion, the study may provide basic knowledge about LBP’s important role against ethanol‐induced spermiotoxicity and testicular degeneration in Immp2l+/− mice, and the mechanism may be that LBP influenced the state of the spermatogenic epithelium by decreasing the expression of Collagen level leading to alterations in protein biosynthesis during the process of spermatogenesis.
Metal oxides and annealed metals as alternatives to metal salts for fixed-ratio metal mixture ecotoxicity tests in soil

In soil metal ecotoxicology research, dosing is usually performed with metal salts, followed by leaching to remove excess salinity. This process also removes some metals, affecting metal mixture ratios as different metals are removed by leaching at different rates. Consequently, alternative dosing methods must be considered for fixed ratio metal mixture research. In this study three different metal mixture dosing methods (nitrate, oxide and annealed metal dosing) were examined for metal concentrations and toxicity. In the nitrate metal dosing method leaching reduced total metal retention and was affected by soil pH and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Acidic soils 3.22 (pH 3.4, CEC 8 meq/100g) and WTRS (pH 4.6, CEC 16 meq/100g) lost more than 75 and 64% of their total metals to leaching respectively while Elora (6.7 pH, CEC 21 meq/100g) and KUBC (pH 5.6, CEC 28 meq/100g) with higher pH and CEC only lost 13.6% and 12.2% total metals respectively. Metal losses were highest for Ni, Zn and Co (46.0%, 63.7% and 48.4% metal loss respectively) whereas Pb and Cu (5.6% and 20.0% metal loss respectively) were mostly retained, affecting mixture ratios. Comparatively, oxide and annealed metal dosing which do not require leaching had higher total metal concentrations, closer to nominal doses and maintained better mixture ratios (percent of nominal concentrations for the oxide metal dosing were Pb = 109.9%, Cu = 84.6%, Ni = 101.9%, Zn = 82.3% and Co = 97.8% and for the annealed metal dosing were Pb = 81.7%, Cu = 80.3%, Ni = 100.5%, Zn = 89.2% and Co = 101.3%). Relative to their total metal concentrations, nitrate metal dosing (lowest metal concentrations) was the most toxic followed by metal oxides dosing while the annealed dosing method was generally non-toxic. Due to the lack of toxicity of the annealed metals and their higher dosing effort, metal oxides, are the most appropriate of the tested dosing methods, for fixed-ratio metal mixtures studies with soil invertebrates.
Trade Liberalization and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria: A study of selected Communities in Edo State

Trade liberalization is a global public policy intended to stimulates growth incentives that could be translated into poverty reduction. The growing economy of the developing Nations contend with this fact, as they grow sluggishly under the weight of trade liberalization without growth, and where growth exist it has not been translated to poverty reduction inspite of government efforts in poverty reduction practice in Nigeria. This study investigated the influnce of trade liberalization on poverty reduction programmes in Nigeria while focusing on Edo state. To achieve this, primary and secondary data were utilized. With simple random sampling, nine(9) Local Governments were selected across the three senatorial districts in the state. Through multi stage sampling, 1,350 respondents were selected across 27 communities and they were adminstered questionnaires on the core subject areas. Questionnaire served as the research instrument used in this study. The collected data were analysed by simple percentage and chi-square statistical instrument. In the analysis, it was revealed that trade liberalization hinders the followings: the growth of infant industries, skill acquisition, self-reliance due to increase inflow of foreign products and self-employment which are the core objectives of poverty alleviation programmes in Edo state, Nigeria. On the aggregate, the study revealed that trade liberalization has limiting effects on the performance of poverty alleviation programmes in the study areas in Edo state in particular and Nigeria in general. Against this background, the following recommendations among others were adopted, that: small scale industries should be protected; safe net should be provided for the poor against the harsh effects of trade liberalization; provision of better and modern infrastructure to stimulate growth; etc. Keywords: Trade liberalization, Poverty reduction, Programmme, uneven-development, communities
A study of the risks of CIN3+ detection after multiple rounds of HPV testing: Results of the 15‐year cervical cancer screening experience at Kaiser Permanente Northern California

Many countries are transitioning to HPV testing for cervical cancer screening, despite a lack of long‐term experience. To anticipate multi‐round screening performance, we analyzed 15‐year HPV testing results at Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC). We evaluated HPV test result patterns among women aged 30–64 undergoing triennial HPV/cytology cotesting at KPNC during 2003–2018. We calculated incidence rates and proportion of CIN3+ diagnoses associated with the most frequent HPV testing patterns overall and stratified by age. From 2003 to 2018, a total of 1,361,581 women had a valid HPV test result, and 7,087 were diagnosed with CIN3+. Incidence rates of CIN3+ after HPV positivity were lowest when HPV detection was new and highest in women with prevalent infections (770 vs. 13,910/100,000 person‐years). Repeat test negativity reduced subsequent incidence rates of CIN3+ to extremely low levels (18/100,000 person‐years following four consecutive negative results). For mixed patterns of positivity/negativity, the recency and frequency of positive tests were associated with increased rates of CIN3+ diagnosis. Most CIN3+ cases (76%) were diagnosed in women who were positive at baseline (the first known positive HPV result); 16% were attributed to apparent newly detected infections and 3% to possible reappearing infections. These results corroborate previous findings that current HPV positivity, particularly when prevalent rather than new, is associated with the highest rates of CIN3+. In a screening program implementing HPV testing, most CIN3+ is detected at the first HPV positive test.