Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preservation of Some Physico-Chemical Properties of Soymilk-Based Juice with Aframomum Danielli Spice Powder

The effect of Aframomum danielli powder on the shelf life of physico-chemical properties of soy-milk based juice was studied. In this paper, attempt was made to investigate the preservative effect of the powder of Aframomum danielli, a local spice, on the physico-chemical properties of blends of soymilk and juices from fruits and vegetable by prolonging its shelf life. This was done by adding 0.5-3.0grams of the spice powder to every 200ml of the blend, while the control samples had no spice. The juice quality was analyzed for sensory attributes and physico-chemical parameters over six month’s period of storage at interval of four weeks. Sensory evaluation of the juices was judged for colour, flavour, taste and general acceptability, on a nine-point hedonic scale, varying from “dislike extremely” (score 1) to “like extremely” (score 9), according to the method of . Ten (10) untrained panel members carried out the sensory evaluation. Infrared spectrophotometer was used to identify functional groups in the powder of the spice, Aframomum danielli, responsible for the stability of the juice. Differences were observed in the colour and aroma of treated samples in comparison with the control, though the samples were generally accepted. The percentage losses recorded for the total soluble solids, ascorbic acids and total sugars of treated samples were far lesser than those of control over the same condition and period of storage. Some of the active components of the spice identified are 4-amino-acetophenone, N,N-dimethyl-2-chloroacetoacetamide, 3-beta-acetoxy-5-etienic acid, 6,10-dimethylundeca-5,9,-diene2-one, Phenyl-3-buten and 4-Phenyl butanone. The samples treated with the Aframomum danielli powder were better preserved than the untreated ones (control).
A Bowling Exergame to Improve Functional Capacity in Older Adults: Co-Design, Development, and Testing to Compare the Progress of Playing Alone Versus Playing With Peers

Background Older people often do not meet the recommended levels of exercise required to reduce functional decline. Social interaction is mentioned by this cohort as a reason for joining group-based exercises, which does not occur when exercising alone. This perspective shows that exergames can be used as motivational resources. However, most available exergames are generic, obtained from commercial sources, and usually not specifically designed or adapted for older people. Objective In this study, we aim to co-design and develop a new exergame alongside older participants to (1) tailor the game mechanics and optimize participants’ adherence to and enjoyment of exercise; (2) test the participants’ functional capacity, motivation, and adherence to the exergaming program; and (3) compare these scores between those who played alone and those who played with peers. Methods We conducted a co-design process to develop a new exergame adapted to older people. For user testing, 23 participants were divided into 2 groups to play individually (alone group) or to compete in pairs (with peers group). They played the game twice a week, resulting in 21 exergaming sessions. We assessed the participants’ General Physical Fitness Index (GPFI) before and after the user testing. We also administered questionnaires about the gaming experience and exercise adherence with its motivators and barriers. Results We introduced a new bowling exergame for Xbox with a Kinect motion sensor that can be played in single or multiplayer mode. For the GPFI measurements, the sample was homogeneous in the pretest (with peers group: mean 40.5 [SD 9.6], alone group: mean 33.9 [SD 7.8]; P=.11). After the exergame testing sessions, both groups had significant gains (with peers group: mean 57.5 [SD 8.7], P=.005; alone group: mean 44.7 [SD 10.6]; P=.02). Comparing the posttest between groups, it was found that the group in which participants played with peers had better outcomes than the group in which participants played alone (P=.02). Regarding the gaming experience and exercise adherence, both groups recognized the benefits and expressed enthusiasm toward the exergame. Conclusions The findings suggest that the developed exergame helps in improving the functional capacity and adherence to physical exercise among older people, with even better results for those who played with peers. In addition to leading to more appropriate products, a co-design approach may positively influence the motivation and adherence of participants.
A Process Evaluation of A UK Classroom-Based Physical Activity Intervention—‘Busy Brain Breaks’

The gap between development of effective physical activity interventions and the wide-scale adoption of these interventions in real-world settings has been reported since the early 2000s. Evaluations have been criticised for failing to report details of context, implementation, adoption and maintenance. ‘Busy Brain Breaks’ was an intervention designed to improve fundamental movement patterns whilst increasing physical activity within the classroom. This evaluation study used a mixed-methods approach including questionnaires, observations, semi-structured interviews and quantification of class-level dose. Findings suggest that giving teachers flexibility and autonomy over the way in which they implement physical activity interventions may increase the likelihood of adoption. Time was frequently perceived as a significant barrier to the intervention, giving the teachers flexibility to implement the intervention when they thought most suitable allowed teaching staff to retain their autonomy and make the intervention work with their schedule. Children’s behaviour appeared to be both a facilitator and barrier to implementing physical activity interventions within the classroom. Whilst misbehaviour can pose as a barrier, children’s enjoyment acts as a key facilitator to implementation for teaching practitioners. Teachers interviewed (n = 17) observed that movement ability had developed as a result of the intervention and recognised co-ordination, balance and stability as areas that had noticeably improved. Conducting an in-depth process evaluation has allowed for greater insight and understanding as to how, and to what extent, the intervention was implemented within the school-based setting.
Long non-coding RNA ANRIL and its target microRNAs (microRNA-34a, microRNA-125a and microRNA-186) relate to risk stratification and prognosis in multiple myeloma

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to investigate the correlations of long non-coding RNA ANRIL (lncRNA ANRIL), microRNA (miR)-34a, miR-125a and miR-186 with disease risk, clinical features and prognosis of multiple myeloma (MM). Method Totally, 87 MM patients and 30 controls were recruited. LncRNA ANRIL and its target miRNAs (miR-34a, miR-125a and miR-186) in bone marrow derived plasma cells were detected by RT-qPCR. Treatment response was assessed and survivals were calculated in MM patients. Results LncRNA ANRIL expression was increased, while miR-34a, miR-125a and miR-186 expressions were reduced in MM patients compared with controls. Meanwhile, lncRNA ANRIL negatively correlated with miR-34a and miR-125a but not miR-186 in MM patients, while did not correlate with miR-34a, miR-125a or miR-186 in controls. In MM patients, lncRNA ANRIL high expression associated with higher beta-2-microglobulin (β2-MG) and more advanced international staging system (ISS) stage; miR-125a high expression associated with lower β2-MG, less advanced ISS stage and less t (14; 16) abnormality; miR186 high expression associated with increased albumin; while miR-34a did not associate with any clinical features. Furthermore, lncRNA ANRIL high expression associated with decreased complete response (CR), while miR-34a high and miR-125a high expression associated with increased CR and objective response rate. Additionally, lncRNA ANRIL high expression associated with shorter progression-free survival (PFS), while miR-34a high expression associated with prolonged overall survival (OS), and miR-125a high expression associated with longer PFS and OS. Conclusion LncRNA ANRIL and its target miRNAs might serve as biomarkers for assisting with personalized treatment and prognosis improvement of MM.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease: New Insights into the Interplay between Environmental Factors and PPARγ

The pathophysiological processes of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), i.e., Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are still not completely understood. The exact etiology remains unknown, but it is well established that the pathogenesis of the inflammatory lesions is due to a dysregulation of the gut immune system resulting in over-production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Increasing evidence underlines the involvement of both environmental and genetic factors. Regarding the environment, the microbiota seems to play a crucial role. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptors that exert pleiotropic effects on glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism, inflammatory/immune processes, cell proliferation, and fibrosis. Furthermore, PPARs modulate interactions with several environmental factors, including microbiota. A significantly impaired PPARγ expression was observed in UC patients’ colonic epithelial cells, suggesting that the disruption of PPARγ signaling may represent a critical step of the IBD pathogenesis. This paper will focus on the role of PPARγ in the interaction between environmental factors and IBD, and it will analyze the most suitable in vitro and in vivo models available to better study these relationships.
Evaluation of Recombinant Herpes Zoster Vaccine for Primary Immunization of Varicella-seronegative Transplant Recipients

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background. Immunization of varicella-zoster virus (VZV)-seronegative solid organ transplant (SOT) patients using the live-attenuated varicella vaccine is generally contraindicated, leaving no widely applicable immunization option. The recombinant subunit herpes zoster vaccine (RZV) is indicated for VZV-seropositive persons to prevent shingles but could potentially also protect VZV-seronegative persons against varicella. We performed a safety and immunogenicity evaluation of RZV in VZV-seronegative SOT recipients as an option for protection. Methods. VZV-seronegative adult SOT patients with no history of varicella/shingles vaccine or disease were given 2 doses of RZV vaccine 2–6 mo apart. Blood was drawn prevaccination (V1), before the second dose (V2), and 4 wk after the second dose (V3). Humoral immunity (anti-glycoprotein E) and cell-mediated immunity were evaluated, with polyfunctional cells defined as cells producing ≥2 cytokines. Results. Among 31 eligible VZV-seronegative SOT patients screened, 23 were enrolled. Median age was 38 y and median time since transplant procedure was 3.8 y. The most frequent transplant types were liver (35%) and lung (30%). Median anti-glycoprotein E levels significantly increased from V1 to V3 (P = 0.001) and V2 to V3 (P < 0.001), even though only 55% had a positive seroresponse. Median polyfunctional CD4 T-cell counts increased from V1 to V2 (54/106 versus 104/106 cells; P = 0.041) and from V2 to V3 (380/106; P = 0.002). Most adverse events were mild with no rejection episodes. Conclusions. RZV was safe and elicited significant humoral and cellular responses in VZV-seronegative SOT patients and has the potential to be considered as a preventive strategy against primary varicella.
Deviation of Trypsin Activity Using Peptide Conformational Imprints

In this study, a methodology utilizing peptide conformational imprints (PCIs) as a tool to specifically immobilize porcine pancreatic alpha-trypsin (PPT) at a targeted position is demonstrated. Owing to the fabrication of segment-mediated PCIs on the magnetic particles (PCIMPs), elegant cavities complementary to the PPT structure are constructed. Based on the sequence on targeted PPT, the individual region of the enzyme is trapped with different template-derived PCIMPs to show certain types of inhibition. Upon hydrolysis, N-benzoyl-L-arginine ethyl ester (BAEE) is employed to assess the hydrolytic activity of PCIMPs bound to the trypsin using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Further, the kinetic data of four different PCIMPs are compared. As a result, the PCIMPs presented non-competitive inhibition toward trypsin, according to the Lineweaver-Burk plot. Further, the kinetic analysis confirmed that the best parameters of PPT/PCIMPs 233–245+G were Vmax = 1.47 × 10−3 mM s−1, Km = 0.42 mM, kcat = 1.16 s−1, and kcat/Km = 2.79 mM−1 s−1. As PPT is bound tightly to the correct position, its catalytic activities could be sustained. Additionally, our findings stated that the immobilized PPT could maintain stable activity even after four successive cycles.
Modification of cellulose fibers with functionalized silanes : Effect of the fiber treatment on the mechanical performances of cellulose-thermoset composites

Unsaturated polyester and epoxy resin matrices were filled with silane-treated cellulose fibers and the ensuing composites were tested in terms of mechanical properties before and after accelerated aging consisting of their immersion into water. The coupling agents used were γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS), γ-methacrylopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS), hexadecytrimethoxysilane, and γ-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MRPS) and those containing reactive functions capable of reacting at one end with the fibers and at the other with the matrix, namely, APS, MPS, and MRPS, were more efficient in improving the mechanical properties of the composites. The immersion into water induced a drastic loss of mechanical properties of the materials. The water uptake of the composites was also studied and showed that the silane treatment was poorly efficient in preventing cellulose from water absorption. The fracture surfaces were inspected by scanning electron microscopy, which confirmed the quality of the interface. These observations were in agreement with the results obtained from the dynamic mechanical characterization. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 974–984, 2005
Iron Therapy in Chronic Kidney Disease: Days of Future Past

Anemia affects millions of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and prompt iron supplementation can lead to reductions in the required dose of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, thereby reducing medical costs. Oral and intravenous (IV) traditional iron preparations are considered far from ideal, primarily due to gastrointestinal intolerability and the potential risk of infusion reactions, respectively. Fortunately, the emergence of novel iron replacement therapies has engendered a paradigm shift in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in patients with CKD. For example, oral ferric citrate is an efficacious and safe phosphate binder that increases iron stores to maintain hemoglobin levels. Additional benefits include reductions in fibroblast growth factor 23 levels and the activation of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D. The new-generation IV iron preparations ferumoxytol, iron isomaltoside 1000, and ferric carboxymaltose are characterized by a reduced risk of infusion reactions and are clinically well tolerated as a rapid high-dose infusion. In patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD), ferric pyrophosphate citrate (FPC) administered through dialysate enables the replacement of ongoing uremic and HD-related iron loss. FPC transports iron directly to transferrin, bypassing the reticuloendothelial system and avoiding iron sequestration. Moreover, this paper summarizes recent advancements of hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors and future perspectives in renal anemia management.
Genes and SNPs Involved with Scrotal and Umbilical Hernia in Pigs

Hernia is one of the most common defects in pigs. The most prevalent are the scrotal (SH), inguinal (IH) and umbilical (UH) hernias. We compared the inguinal ring transcriptome of normal and SH-affected pigs with the umbilical ring transcriptome of normal and UH-affected pigs to discover genes and pathways involved with the development of both types of hernia. A total of 13,307 transcripts was expressed in the inguinal and 13,302 in the umbilical ring tissues with 94.91% of them present in both tissues. From those, 35 genes were differentially expressed in both groups, participating in 108 biological processes. A total of 67 polymorphisms was identified in the inguinal ring and 76 in the umbilical ring tissue, of which 11 and 14 were novel, respectively. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with deleterious function was identified in the integrin α M (ITGAM) gene. The microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 γ (MAP1LC3C), vitrin (VIT), aggrecan (ACAN), alkaline ceramidase 2 (ACER2), potassium calcium-activated channel subfamily M α 1 (KCNMA1) and synaptopodin 2 (SYNPO2) genes are highlighted as candidates to trigger both types of hernia. We generated the first comparative study of the pig umbilical and inguinal ring transcriptomes, contributing to the understanding of the genetic mechanism involved with these two types of hernia in pigs and probably in other mammals.
Galleria mellonella larvae exhibit a weight-dependent lethal median dose when infected with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Galleria mellonella is a recognised model to study antimicrobial efficacy; however, standardisation across the scientific field and investigations of methodological components are needed. Here we investigate the impact of weight on mortality following infection with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Larvae were separated into six weight groups (180-300 mg at 20 mg intervals) and infected with a range of doses of MRSA to determine the 50% lethal dose (LD50), and the 'lipid weight' of larvae post-infection was quantified. A model of LD50 values correlated with weight was developed. The LD50 values, as estimated by our model, were further tested in vivo to prove our model. We establish a weight-dependent LD50 in larvae against MRSA and demonstrate that G. mellonella is a stable model within 180-260 mg. We present multiple linear models correlating weight with: LD50, lipid weight, and larval length. We demonstrate that the lipid weight is reduced as a result of MRSA infection, identifying a potentially new measure in which to understand the immune response. Finally, we demonstrate that larval length can be a reasonable proxy for weight. Refining the methodologies in which to handle and design experiments involving G. mellonella, we can improve the reliability of this powerful model.
Comparison of flipped learning and traditional lecture method for teaching digestive system diseases in undergraduate medicine: A prospective non-randomized controlled trial

Abstract Introduction This study examined the effects of a large-scale flipped learning (FL) approach in an undergraduate course of Digestive System Diseases. Methods This prospective non-randomized trial recruited 404 students over three academic years. In 2016, the course was taught entirely in a Traditional Lecture (TL) style, in 2017 half of the course (Medical topics) was replaced by FL while the remaining half (Surgical topics) was taught by TL and in 2018, the whole course was taught entirely by FL. Academic performance, class attendance and student’s satisfaction surveys were compared between cohorts. Results Test scores were higher in the FL module (Medical) than in the TL module (Surgical) in the 2017 cohort but were not different when both components were taught entirely by TL (2016) or by FL (2018). Also, FL increased the probability of reaching superior grades (scores >7.0) and improved class attendance and students’ satisfaction. Conclusion The holistic FL model is more effective for teaching undergraduate clinical gastroenterology compared to traditional teaching methods and has a positive impact on classroom attendances.
Pulmonary thromboembolism during pregnancy and puerperium: Comparison of survival and death cases

In Japan, the frequency of maternal deaths due to obstetric hemorrhage has been decreasing in the last decade, while that resulting from other causes such as pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) was consistent. To help reduce maternal deaths due to PTE, we investigated PTE during pregnancy and puerperium and compared the survival and death cases, and aimed to find out life and death factors.
Impact of pre‐transplant carbapenem‐resistant Enterobacterales colonization and/or infection on solid organ transplant outcomes

The impact of pre‐transplant (SOT) carbapenem‐resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) colonization or infection on post‐SOT outcomes is unclear. We conducted a multi‐center, international, cohort study of SOT recipients, with microbiologically diagnosed CRE colonization and/or infection pre‐SOT. Sixty adult SOT recipients were included (liver n = 30, hearts n = 17). Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 47, 78%) was the most common pre‐SOT CRE species. Median time from CRE detection to SOT was 2.32 months (IQR 0.33–10.13). Post‐SOT CRE infection occurred in 40% (n = 24/60), at a median of 9 days (IQR 7–17), and most commonly due to K pneumoniae (n = 20/24, 83%). Of those infected, 62% had a surgical site infection, and 46% had bloodstream infection. Patients with post‐SOT CRE infection more commonly had a liver transplant (16, 67% vs. 14, 39%; p =.0350) or pre‐SOT CRE BSI (11, 46% vs. 7, 19%; p =.03). One‐year post‐SOT survival was 77%, and those with post‐SOT CRE infection had a 50% less chance of survival vs. uninfected (0.86, 95% CI, 0.76–0.97 vs. 0.34, 95% CI 0.08–1.0, p =.0204). Pre‐SOT CRE infection or colonization is not an absolute contraindication to SOT and is more common among abdominal SOT recipients, those with pre‐SOT CRE BSI, and those with early post‐SOT medical and surgical complications.
WITHIN-PEDON VARIABILITY OF TRACE METALS IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO

Replicate soil samples (three to six) from the surface (A), subsurface (B) and parent material (C) horizons of agricultural soils were collected from 10 pedons to measure within-pedon variability of nine elements (Cu, Zn, Mn, Sr, Co, Ni, Pb, Li, Cr). Elemental variability was examined in relation to the mode of deposition of the soil parent material, soil horizonation and soil drainage. Within-pedon variability as measured by the coefficient of variation (CV) ranges from low (CV 20%) for Cu, Zn. Within-pedon variability of six (Cu, Sr, Co, Ni, Pb, Li) of the nine elements studied displayed no significant differences in variance due to horizon, drainage or mode of deposition. The number of replicate samples required for statistically reliable evaluation of a pedon at given confidence limits was determined for the elements studied. The number of samples required to estimate mean elemental concentrations (± 10%) ranged from 1 .