Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gluten: do only celiac patients benefit from its removal from the diet?

ABSTRACT Gluten is the most common protein in wheat and is related to different pathogeneses. There are three main gluten-related disorders: celiac disease (CD), wheat allergy (WA), and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). Clinical manifestations are strictly related in all of them, such as abdominal pain and distention, however the development pathways may differ. The diagnosis criteria are also different, in CD features immunological markers such as IgA, while WA presents IgE markers, and NCGS does not have any specific immunological marker. The consumption of wheat, and consequently gluten-related products, is historical and it has grown over human evolution, which leads us to question what role this component plays in other diseases, and the consequence of a gluten-free diet (GFD). GFD is the treatment with major efficacy in CD and, likewise, is related with improvements in neuropathologies (autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression and schizophrenia), obesity, and the gut microbiome. Further investigation is required. GFD studies in people who do not present CD seem to be safe, especially when products containing gluten are not replaced by processed gluten-free products but by minimally processed foods, and also when the food strategy is accompanied by a qualified professional.
Public Awareness of Bowel Cancer Risk Factors, Symptoms and Screening in Tasmania, Australia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Tasmania has one of the highest bowel cancer incidence and death rates in the world. Public awareness of risk factors, symptoms, and early detection of bowel cancer is important for minimising the burden of disease. This study measured awareness levels of bowel cancer risk factors, symptoms and screening in Tasmania. An online survey of 3703 participants aged 18 years and older found that alcohol consumption, low physical activity levels, and having diabetes were the least known risk factors for bowel cancer. Over half of all participants were unaware the risk of bowel cancer increased with age, and 53 percent were not confident they would notice a bowel cancer symptom. Over a third of survey respondents did not know that screening commenced at the age of 50. The results indicate that a targeted campaign to increase bowel cancer awareness in Tasmania may help reduce the high rates of morbidity and mortality from the disease.
Patient Recommendations for the Content and Design of Electronic Returns of Genetic Test Results: Interview Study Among Patients Who Accessed Their Genetic Test Results via the Internet

Background Genetic test results will be increasingly made available electronically as more patient-facing tools are developed; however, little research has been done that collects data on patient preferences for content and design before creating results templates. Objective This study identifies patient preferences for the electronic return of genetic test results, including what considerations should be prioritized for content and design. Methods Following user-centered design methods, 59 interviews were conducted by using semistructured protocols. The interviews explored the content and design issues of patient portals that facilitated the return of test results to patients. We interviewed patients who received electronic results for specific types of genetics tests (pharmacogenetic tests, hereditary blood disorder tests, and tests for the risk of heritable cancers) or electronically received any type of genetic or nongenetic test results. Results In general, many of participants felt that there always needed to be some clinician involvement in electronic result returns and that electronic coversheets with simple summaries would be helpful for facilitating this. Coversheet summaries could accompany, but not replace, the more detailed report. Participants had specific suggestions for such results summaries, such as only reporting the information that was the most important for patients to understand, including next steps, and doing so by using clear language that is free of medical jargon. Electronic result returns should also include explicit encouragement for patients to contact health care providers about questions. Finally, many participants preferred to manage their care by using their smartphones, particularly in instances when they needed to access health information on the go. Conclusions Participants recommended that a patient-friendly front section should accompany the more detailed report and made suggestions for organization, content, and wording. Many used their smartphones regularly to access test results; therefore, health systems and patient portal software vendors should accommodate smartphone app design and web portal design concomitantly when developing platforms for returning results.
Seasonal Variations in Fjord Sediment Grain Size: A Pre‐requisite for Hydrological and Climate Reconstructions in Partially Glacierized Watersheds (Baker River, Patagonia)

Fjord sediments are increasingly recognized as high‐resolution archives of past hydrological and climate variability. Using them as such, however, requires a comprehensive understanding of the variables that affect their accumulation rates and properties. Here, we conduct a spatial and temporal study of sediment samples collected at the head of Martínez Channel (Chilean Patagonia, 48°S), to understand how the fjord's sediments register changes in the hydrology of Baker River, Chile's largest river in terms of mean annual discharge. We apply end‐member modeling to particle‐size distributions of: (a) river suspended sediments, (b) surface sediments collected along a proximal‐distal transect at the fjord head, and (c) fjord sediments collected in a sequential sediment trap at 15‐day resolution during two consecutive years. We then validate the use of the grain‐size end members for hydrological and climate reconstructions, using a sediment core that covers the last 35 years. Results show that the river suspended sediments and fjord sediments are consistently composed of two grain‐size subpopulations. The finest end member (EM1; mode 4.03 μm) reflects the meltwater contribution, which dominates in all but the winter season. The coarser end member (EM2; mode 18.7 μm) dominates in winter, when meltwater contribution is reduced, and is associated with rainfall. We show that the fluxes of EM1 and EM2 provide quantitative estimates of baseflow (r = 0.87, p < 0.001) and quickflow (r = 0.86, p < 0.001), respectively. Additionally, we propose that log (EM1/EM2) can be used to reconstruct meltwater production (r = 0.67, p < 0.001) and temperature (r = 0.81, p < 0.001) in the lower Baker River watershed. These results support the use of fjord sediments for quantitative reconstructions of hydrological and climate variability in partially glacierized watersheds.
The Empowering Function of the Belief in a Just World for the Self: Trait-Level and Experimental Tests of Its Association With Positive and Negative Affect

Belief in a just world for the self (BJW-self) is a resource that promotes adaptive functioning. We theorize that BJW-self has such an effect because it is empowering. This article reports on four studies (N = 967) testing whether BJW-self encourages more positive and less negative affect indirectly through empowerment. There was support for this hypothesis at a trait level across all studies, and specifically in Study 1. Experimental evidence, however, was more complex. Study 2 demonstrated the causal effect of the mediator, empowerment, on affect. Study 3 demonstrated that affirming BJW-self enhanced empowerment with an associated increase in positive affect and reduced negative affect. Study 4 showed that enhancing empowerment did not significantly influence the effect of affirmed BJW-self on affect, but blocking empowerment did, although this finding is qualified by no significant effect on empowerment. We discuss the theoretical implications of these findings, and the challenges of experimentally manipulating BJW-self.
Chikungunya Virus’ High Genomic Plasticity Enables Rapid Adaptation to Restrictive A549 Cells

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an emerging arthropod-borne virus that has spread globally during the last two decades. The virus is mainly transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitos and is thus capable of replicating in both human and mosquito cells. CHIKV has a broad tropism in vivo, capable of replicating in various tissues and cell types but largely excluding blood cells. This was reflected in vitro by a broad array of adherent cell lines supporting CHIKV infection. One marked exception to this general rule is the resistance of the lung cancer-derived A549 cell line to CHIKV infection. We verified that A549 cells were restrictive to infection by multiple alphaviruses while being completely permissive to flavivirus infection. The adaptive growth of a primary CHIKV strain through multiple passages allowed the emergence of a CHIKV strain that productively infected A549 cells while causing overt cytopathic effects and without a fitness cost for replication in otherwise CHIKV-susceptible cells. Whole genome sequencing of polyclonal and monoclonal preparations of the adapted virus showed that a limited number of mutations consistently emerged in both structural (2 mutations in E2) and non-structural proteins (1 mutation in nsP1 and 1 mutation in nsP2). The introduction of the adaptive mutations, individually or in combinations, into a wild-type molecular clone of CHIKV allowed us to determine the relative contributions of the mutations to the new phenotype. We found that the mutations in the E2 envelope protein and non-structural proteins contributed significantly to the acquired phenotype. The nsP mutations were introduced in a split-genome trans-replicase assay to monitor their effect on viral genome replication efficiency. Interestingly, neither mutation supported increased viral genomic replication in either Vero or A549 cells.
The TSH/Thyroid Hormones Axis and Breast Cancer

Breast cancer, the most prevalent female carcinoma, is characterized by the expression of steroid nuclear receptors in a subset of cases. The most important nuclear receptor with prognostic and therapeutic implications is the Estrogen Receptor (ER), which is expressed in about three out of four breast cancers. The Progesterone Receptor (PR) and the Androgen Receptor (AR) are also commonly expressed. Moreover, non-steroid nuclear receptors, including the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and the thyroid receptors (TRs), are also present in breast cancers and have pathophysiologic implications. Circulating thyroid hormones may influence breast cancer risk and breast cancer cell survival, through ligating their canonical receptors TRα and TRβ but also through additional membrane receptors that are expressed in breast cancer. The expression of TR subtypes and their respective isotypes have diverse effects in breast cancers through co-operation with ER and influence on other cancer-associated pathways. Other components of the TSH/thyroid hormone axis, such as TSH and selenoiodinase enzymes, have putative effects in breast cancer pathophysiology. This paper reviews the pathophysiologic and prognostic implications of the thyroid axis in breast cancer and provides a brief therapeutic perspective.
Kekerasan, Warna Dan Daya Terima Biskuit YangDisubstitusi Tepung Labu Kuning

Pendahuluan : Kasus KVA (Kekurangan Vitamin A) di Indonesia masih dianggap sebagai masalah kesehatan masyarakat karena prevalensi KVA masih diatas angka yang ditetapkan WHO. Hal ini disebabkan oleh kecenderungan anak-anak yang tidak menyukai makanan sumber vitamin A. Tepung labu kuning dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai bahan pensubstitusi tepung terigu dalam pembuatan biskuit. Tujuan : Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh penggunaan tepung labu kuning sebagai bahan pensubstitusi tepung terigu terhadap kekerasan, warna dan daya terima pada biskuit labu kuning. Metode : Rancangan yang digunakan adalah rancangan acak lengkap dengan empat perlakuan substitusi tepung labu kuning yaitu 0%, 10%, 20% dan 30%. Data analisis kekerasan, warna dan daya terima biskuit dianalisis menggunakan uji statistik one way anova dan bila terdapat pengaruh dilanjutkan uji Duncan dengan taraf signifikansi 95%. Hasil : Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kekerasan biskuit dipengaruhi oleh substitusi tepung labu kuning. Substitusi 20% memberikan kekerasan biscuit tertinggi. Substitusi tepung labu kuning yang berbeda memberikan pengaruh nyata pada warna biskuit meliputi derajat kecerahan, kemerahan dan kekuningan. Biskuit dengan substitusi 10% merupakan biskuit yang paling disukai panelis. Kesimpulan : terdapat pengaruh substitusi tepung Saran : Berdasarkan persentase tertinggi daya terima panelis, disarankan substitusi tepung labu kuning dalam pembuatan biskuit adalah sebesar 10%.
Outcomes of Frail Patients While Waiting for Kidney Transplantation: Differences between Physical Frailty Phenotype and FRAIL Scale

Frailty is associated with poorer outcomes among patients waiting for kidney transplantation (KT). Several different tools to measure frailty have been used; however, their predictive value is unknown. This is a prospective longitudinal study of 449 KT candidates evaluated for frailty by the Physical Frailty Phenotype (PFP) and the FRAIL scale. During the study period, 296 patients received a KT, while 153 remained listed. Patients who did not get receive a transplant were more frequently frail according to PFP (16.3 vs. 7.4%, p = 0.013). Robust patients had fewer hospital admissions during the 1st year after listing (20.8% if PFP = 0 vs. 43.4% if ≥1, and 27.1% if FRAIL = 0 vs. 48.9% if ≥1) and fewer cardiovascular events (than FRAIL ≥ 1) or major infectious events (than PFP ≥ 1). According to PFP, scoring 1 point had an impact on patient survival and chance of transplantation in the univariate analysis. The multivariable analysis corroborated the result, as candidates with PFP ≥ 3 had less likelihood of transplantation (HR 0.45 [0.26–0.77]). The FRAIL scale did not associate with any of these outcomes. In KT candidates, pre-frailty and frailty according to both the PFP and the FRAIL scale were associated with poorer results while listed. The PFP detected that frail patients were less likely to receive a KT, while the FRAIL scale did not.
Dietetic Management of Adults with Phenylketonuria (PKU) in the UK: A Care Consensus Document

There is an increasing number of adults and elderly patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) who are either early, late treated, or untreated. The principal treatment is a phenylalanine-restricted diet. There is no established UK training for dietitians who work with adults within the specialty of Inherited Metabolic Disorders (IMDs), including PKU. To address this, a group of experienced dietitians specializing in IMDs created a standard operating procedure (SOP) on the dietetic management of adults with PKU to promote equity of care in IMD dietetic services and to support service provision across the UK. The group met virtually over a period of 12 months until they reached 100% consensus on the SOP content. Areas of limited evidence included optimal blood phenylalanine reporting times to patients, protein requirements in older adults, management of weight and obesity, and management of disordered eating and eating disorders. The SOP does not include guidance on maternal PKU management. The SOP can be used as a tool for training dietitians new to the specialty and to raise the standard of education and care for patients with PKU in the UK.
A STUDY ON THREE MAJOR FOREST INVASIVE SPECIES COMMON ALONG THE SHIVALIK BELT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH KASHMIR, PUNJAB AND UTTARAKHAND, INDIA

Non-native/distant species that occur outside of their natural existence with good scattering ability are known as forest invasive species (FIS). Some alien species become invasive when they are introduced either purposely or accidentally, to a new environment where they exhibit an ability to conquer and dominatethe native species. There are ample literatures on such species in IHR (Indian Himalayan Region), when compared less is known in the Shivaliks. The present study is an attempt to review on three major FIS of the Shivalik belt of Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Punjab and Uttarakhand of North West India. Some of the plants that were intended to be beneficial have developed a notorious habit, as they are known for their adaptability, persistence, reproductive ability and exclusion of competition. It has drastically changed the composition of natural habitats, as well as the variety and dynamics of native flora. These species have become established outside of their native ranges and have learnt to thrive in this new ecological area. But with time, the situation has worsened as a result of a lack of knowledge, inadequate information about the species, its range and a large ecological amplitude.
Comprehensive Overview On Nutritional, Phytochemistry And Pharmacological Properties Of Tetraclinis Articulata Masters

ABSTRACT Tetraclinis articulata is a medicinal plant distributed from northwestern Africa to southwestern Europe. This article reports previous investigations on T. articulata regarding its taxonomy, botanical description, geographical distribution, traditional use, phytochemistry, biological effects, toxicology, nutritional value, and economic interest. The search of data was based on several scientific databases such as Scopus, Wiley Online, Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, and SpringerLink. Indeed, several biological activities were reported for T. articulata extracts and EOs, including antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anticorrosion, cytotoxic, insecticidal, leishmanicidal, larvicidal, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, vasorelaxant, and protective activities. Moreover, some toxicological reports indicated that T. articulata does not present any toxicity. However, other investigations regarding the toxicity, the pharmacokinetic and the pharmacodynamics of T. articulata and its major bioactive compounds are required to validate its pharmacological use. T. articulata also contains some nutritional elements such as mineral compounds, sugar and proteins which could indicate its potential use in the nutraceutical field. All these properties to T. articulata attributed a major economic interest which is used actually in the manufacture of luxury varnishes, pharmaceutical products and in other industrial uses, it is also used in powder form to prepare the surface of certain paper.
Go Ahead! Use that Reperfusion Treatment, don’t Worry About Subsequent Seizures!

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for acute symptomatic seizures and post-stroke epilepsy after acute ischemic stroke and evaluate the effects of reperfusion treatment. Methods: We assessed the risk factors for post-stroke seizures using logistic or Cox regression in a multicenter study, including adults from 8 European referral centers with neuroimaging-confirmed ischemic stroke. We compared the risk of post-stroke seizures between participants with or without reperfusion treatment following propensity score matching to reduce confounding due to treatment selection. Results: In the overall cohort of 4229 participants (mean age 71 years, 57% men), a higher risk of acute symptomatic seizures was observed in those with more severe strokes, infarcts located in the posterior cerebral artery territory, and strokes caused by large-artery atherosclerosis. Strokes caused by small-vessel occlusion carried a small risk of acute symptomatic seizures. 6% developed poststroke epilepsy. Risk factors for post-stroke epilepsy were acute symptomatic seizures, more severe strokes, infarcts involving the cerebral cortex, and strokes caused by large-artery atherosclerosis. Electroencephalography findings within 7 days of stroke onset were not independently associated with the risk of post-stroke epilepsy. There was no association between reperfusion treatments in general or only intravenous thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy with the time to post-stroke epilepsy or the risk of acute symptomatic seizures. Interpretation: Post-stroke seizures are related to stroke severity, etiology, and location, whereas an early electroencephalogram was not predictive of epilepsy. We did not find an association of reperfusion treatment with risks of acute symptomatic seizures or post-stroke epilepsy.
Exosome-Mediated miR-21 Was Involved in the Promotion of Structural and Functional Recovery Effect Produced by Electroacupuncture in Sciatic Nerve Injury

Purpose Our study is aimed at investigating the mechanism by which electroacupuncture (EA) promoted nerve regeneration by regulating the release of exosomes and exosome-mediated miRNA-21 (miR-21) transmission. Furthermore, the effects of Schwann cells- (SC-) derived exosomes on the overexpression of miR-21 for the treatment of PNI were investigated. Methods A sciatic nerve injury model of rat was constructed, and the expression of miR-21 in serum exosomes and damaged local nerves was detected using RT-qPCR after EA treatment. The exosomes were identified under a transmission electron microscope and using western blotting analysis. Then, the exosome release inhibitor, GW4869, and the miR-21-5p-sponge used for the knockdown of miR-21 were used to clarify the effects of exosomal miR-21 on nerve regeneration promoted by EA. The nerve conduction velocity recovery rate, sciatic nerve function index, and wet weight ratio of gastrocnemius muscle were determined to evaluate sciatic nerve function recovery. SC proliferation and the level of neurotrophic factors were assessed using immunofluorescence staining, and the expression levels of SPRY2 and miR-21 were detected using RT-qPCR analysis. Subsequently, the transmission of exosomal miR-21 from SC to the axon was verified in vitro. Finally, the exosomes derived from the SC infected with the miR-21 overexpression lentivirus were collected and used to treat the rat SNI model to explore the therapeutic role of SC-derived exosomes overexpressing miR-21. Results We found that EA inhibited the release of serum exosomal miR-21 in a PNI model of rats during the early stage of PNI, while it promoted its release during later stages. EA enhanced the accumulation of miR-21 in the injured nerve and effectively promoted the recovery of nerve function after PNI. The treatment effect of EA was attenuated when the release of circulating exosomes was inhibited or when miR-21 was downregulated in local injury tissue via the miR-21-5p-sponge. Normal exosomes secreted by SC exhibited the ability to promote the recovery of nerve function, while the overexpression of miR-21 enhanced the effects of the exosomes. In addition, exosomal miR-21 secreted by SC could promote neurite outgrowth in vitro. Conclusion Our results demonstrated the mechanism of EA on PNI from the perspective of exosome-mediated miR-21 transport and provided a theoretical basis for the use of exosomal miR-21 as a novel strategy for the treatment of PNI.