Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of Argentinean honeys and evaluation of its inhibitory action on Escherichia coli growth

Summary The aim of this work was to evaluate the physicochemical, sensory and Escherichia coli growth inhibitory characteristics of honey of different botanical sources from two geographic origin of Argentina. Honeys were obtained from apiaries located in two zones. The floral identification of honeys allowed to clustered them as monofloral, mixed and polyfloral honeys. The study of the physicochemical parameters such as colour, free acidity, pH and moisture showed that the last one reflected significant differences between honeys. These differences were markedly reflected in the average values of moisture content for each zone, being 18.96% and 14.29% to centre and east zone, respectively. In general, honeys evaluated presented an inhibitory effect on the E. coli growth at different periods of time (bacteriostatic action). Only, two of the samples would show a bactericide action against E. coli at 48 h of incubation. Honeys with higher non-hydrogen peroxide activity, were collected from a same geographic place at the same season of year, showing a relationship between the antimicrobial activity and the geographic origin, which could be associated with the typical flora of the place.
Naked mole-rats suppress energy metabolism and modulate membrane cholesterol in chronic hypoxia.

Naked mole-rats (NMRs) are mammalian champions of hypoxia-tolerance that enter metabolic suppression to survive in low oxygen environments. Common physiological mechanisms used by animals to supress metabolic rate include downregulating energy metabolism (ATP supply) as well as ion pumps (primary cellular ATP consumers). A recent study in goldfish demonstrated that remodelling of membrane lipids may mediate these responses, but it is unknown if NMRs employ the same strategies; therefore, we aimed to test the hypotheses that these fossorial mammals: (i) downregulate the activity of key enzymes of glycolysis, TCA cycle, and b-oxidation, (ii) inhibit sodium/potassium-ATPase, and (iii) remodel membrane lipids in response to chronic hypoxia. We found that NMRs exposed to 11% oxygen for 4 weeks lower metabolic rate by 34%. This suppression occurs concurrently with tissue-specific 25-99% decreases in metabolic enzymes activities, a 77% decrease in brain sodium/potassium-ATPase activity, and widespread changes in membrane cholesterol abundance. By reducing glycolytic and b-oxidation fluxes, NMR decrease the supply of acetyl-CoA to the tricarboxylic acid cycle. By contrast, there is a 94% upregulation of citrate synthase in the heart, possibly to support circulation, and thus oxygen supply to other organs. Taken together, these responses may reflect a coordinated physiological response to hypoxia, but a clear functional link between membrane remodelling and changes in enzyme activities could not be established. Nevertheless, this is the first demonstration that chronic in vivo exposure to hypoxia not only induces hypometabolism, but also results in a significant restructuring of membrane lipids in all NMR tissues.
Effect of Ankle Plantar Flexor Spasticity Level on Balance in Patients With Stroke: Protocol for a Cross-Sectional Study

Background The lower limb spasticity after stroke can affect the balance and gait of patients with stroke. Objective The aim of this study is to assess the effects of ankle plantar flexor spasticity level on balance in patients with stroke. Methods Patients with stroke were recruited from neurology and physiotherapy clinics in Tehran, Iran. Based on the level of ankle plantar flexor spasticity according to the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS), the eligible patients with stroke were divided into 2 groups: high spasticity (MMAS score≥2) and low spasticity (MMAS score<2). The primary outcome measures were the MMAS scores, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence questionnaire scores, eyes-open and eyes-closed posturography measures, and Timed Up and Go test results. The secondary outcome measures were the ankle passive range of motion and ankle joint proprioception. The t test, mixed model univariate analysis of variance, and Spearman rank correlation were used for statistical analysis. Results Data collection and statistical analysis are complete. The interpretation of results is underway. We expect the results to be published in winter 2020. Conclusions We believe that patients with high ankle plantar flexor spasticity after stroke will demonstrate greater balance dysfunction, which will worsen with impaired proprioception, passive range of motion, and eyes closed. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR1-10.2196/16045
Influence of availability of shade on testicular characteristics of Santa Ines rams

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of availability of artificial shading on testicular and seminal characteristics of Santa Ines crossbred rams. Twelve 8 month old rams at 38.1 ± 5.2 kg average weight, were used in a total random design with two treatments: areas with and without available artificial shading (black polyethylene mesh screen for a 50% reduction of solar radiation). The scrotal circumference, scrotal length, scrotal volume, rectal temperature and scrotal temperature were measured twice a week. Also a biweekly analysis of the semen was carried out, measuring the volume and spermatic concentration as well as the percentage of normal spermatozoa. The results show that available shading provided for lower scrotal temperatures and higher sperm concentration, without influencing the scrotal volume and the percentage of normal spermatozoa. The testicular measures, such as the scrotal circumference and length were higher in the rams that were subjected to the no available shading treatment. The absence of differences, in some of the analyzed variables, between the two treatments, with and without available shading, could be due to high adaptability of the animals.
Gabapentinoids for treatment of alcohol use disorder: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Gabapentin (GBP) and pregabalin (PGB) have been used to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol withdrawal, but with inconsistent results. In this meta‐analysis, we explored the effects of GBP/PGB treatment on AUD and their effects on withdrawal, craving, depression, and sleep disturbance in AUD patients.
An extracellular vesicle epitope profile is associated with acute myocardial infarction

The current standard biomarker for myocardial infarction (MI) is high‐sensitive troponin. Although powerful in clinical setting, search for new markers is warranted as early diagnosis of MI is associated with improved outcomes. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) attracted considerable interest as new blood biomarkers. A training cohort used for diagnostic modelling included 30 patients with STEMI, 38 with stable angina (SA) and 30 matched‐controls. Extracellular vesicle concentration was assessed by nanoparticle tracking analysis. Extracellular vesicle surface‐epitopes were measured by flow cytometry. Diagnostic models were developed using machine learning algorithms and validated on an independent cohort of 80 patients. Serum EV concentration from STEMI patients was increased as compared to controls and SA. EV levels of CD62P, CD42a, CD41b, CD31 and CD40 increased in STEMI, and to a lesser extent in SA patients. An aggregate marker including EV concentration and CD62P/CD42a levels achieved non‐inferiority to troponin, discriminating STEMI from controls (AUC = 0.969). A random forest model based on EV biomarkers discriminated the two groups with 100% accuracy. EV markers and RF model confirmed high diagnostic performance at validation. In conclusion, patients with acute MI or SA exhibit characteristic EV biomarker profiles. EV biomarkers hold great potential as early markers for the management of patients with MI.
Quality of life and body image of patients with urinary disorders.

OBJECTIVE to assess the quality of life and body image of men with difficulty urinating and indwelling urinary catheter users, integrating the socio-demographic, economic and morbidity variables. METHOD a cross-sectional analytical study with 64 male patients with urinary problems. Three questionnaires were used for data collection: one containing sociodemographic, economic and morbid data, the Medical Outcome Study 36-item short-form health survey to analyze quality of life, and the Body Dysmorphic Examination, which assesses body image. T-test, Mann-Whitney, Pearson, Spearman, Linear Regression and Stepwise were used. RESULTS quality of life and body image were compromised in both groups, affecting emotional aspects, with a high degree of body dissatisfaction and altered physical and social adversity. CONCLUSION changes in patients' quality of life and body image were observed, confirming the need for improvement in care.
Évolution des caractéristiques physico-chimiques et des paramètres de coagulation du lait de brebis collecté dans la région de Roquefort

Summary - Evolution of physico-chemical characteristics and renneting properties of ewe's milk collected in the 'Roquefort area'. In the present work, we studied the composition of ewe's milk collected in the 'Roquefort area'. Results show real evolutions of milk composition throughout the lactation period. The study of the partition of calcium and inorganic phosphorus between the aqueous and colloidal phases shows that the concentration of colloidal components decreases during the lactation period. An increase of the mean diameter of casein micelles is observed, whereas the micelle mineralization decreases. The micelle solvatation and the proportions of asl' as2' fi and K caseins show little evolutions. Variations of the coagulation parameters throughout the lactation suggest that the rennet coagulation time rises while the gel firming rate becomes slower with advancing lactation time. The curd firmness increases weakly and the whey draining capa city of the curd decreases. ewe's milk / physico-chemical characteristic / salt distribution / micelle / rennet coagulation
Stromal expression of hemopexin is associated with lymph-node metastasis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the most aggressive types of cancer. Certain proteins in the tumor microenvironment have attracted considerable attention owing to their association with tumor invasion and metastasis. Here, we used proteomics to identify proteins associated with lymph-node metastasis, which is one of the prognostic factors. We selected lymph node metastasis-positive and -negative patients (n = 5 each) who underwent pancreatectomy between 2005 and 2015 and subjected to comprehensive proteomic profiling of tumor stroma. A total of 490 proteins were detected by mass spectrometry. Software analysis revealed that nine of these proteins were differentially expressed between the two patient groups. We focused on hemopexin and ferritin light chain based on immunohistochemistry results. We assessed the clinicopathological data of 163 patients and found that hemopexin expression was associated with UICC N2 (p = 0.0399), lymph node ratio (p = 0.0252), venous invasion (p = 0.0096), and lymphatic invasion (p = 0.0232). Notably, in vitro assays showed that hemopexin promotes invasion of the pancreatic cancer cells. Our findings suggest that hemopexin is a lymph node metastasis-associated protein that could potentially serve as a useful therapeutic target or biomarker of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Document Title: Building a Genetic Reference Database for Dog mtDNA Sequences and SNPs

The mitochondrial control (mtCR) region was analyzed for 552 unrelated domestic dogs. One hundred and four haplotypes were identified, 36 of which had not been previously reported. Additionally, 24 new polymorphisms were identified when compared to previously published datasets. The random match probability of the current dataset was found to be 0.041. It was determined that there is no genetic basis, based on the mtCR sequences, for grouping dogs by purebred or mixed or geographic location within the continental United States. Dogs of the same breed share similarities in their mtCR sequence, even if the sequences are not identical. This shows that it is necessary to collect multiple individuals from the same breed to build a thorough database of mtCR polymorphisms. Also purebred and mixed breed individuals can be combined into one database. The same is true for dogs from separate geographic locations. While the mtCR has proven successful for human forensic evaluations by indicating ethnic origin, domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) of seemingly unrelated breeds often form large haplotype groups (haplogroups? ) based on identical control region sequences. In an attempt to break up these large haplogroups, we have sequenced the remaining ~15,484 base pairs of the canine mitochondrial genome for 64 individuals, adding 15 previously published dog mitochondrial genomes to those collected. Phylogenetic and population genetic methods were used to search for additional variability in the form of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We have identified 356 SNPs and 65 haplotypes using the mitochondrial genome excluding the control region. The exclusion capacity was found to be 0.018. The mtCR was also evaluated for the same 79 dogs (both for the CR and mtgenome). The genetic signals from the different pieces of the mitochondrial genome do not conflict, but instead support and provide additional resolution for common mitochondrial control region haplogroups. 1 This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice. This report has not been published by the Department. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Mesocosm evaluation of integrated fluridone-fungal pathogen treatment on four submersed plants.

An outdoor mesocosm study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and selectivity of the herbicide fluridone (1methyl-3-phenyl-5-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4(1 H )-pyridinone) and the fungal pathogen Mycoleptodiscus terrestris (Gerd.) Ostazeski ( Mt ), applied alone and in combination with one another, against hydrilla ( Hydrilla verticillata (L. f.) Royle), Eurasian watermilfoil ( Myriophyllum spicatum L.), American pondweed ( Potamogeton nodosus Poiret), and vallisneria ( Vallisneria americana Michx.). Treatments included 5 μ g/L fluridone, 100 and 200 colony forming units (CFU) per ml of Mt , integrated treatments of 5 μ g/L fluridone + 100 or 200 CFU/ml Mt , and untreated controls. Treatment with either fluridone or 200 CFU/ml Mt alone was sufficient to reduce hydrilla growth by 40% 84 days after treatment (DAT); however, the combined application of Mt plus fluridone reduced biomass by 93% compared with untreated plants. Eurasian watermilfoil biomass was not affected by Mt alone and was equally inhibited with treatment of fluridone or fluridone with Mt (75% reduction at 84 DAT). Treatments did not inhibit biomass production of American pondweed or vallisneria. With the exception of American pondweed, all treatments that included fluridone significantly reduced total chlorophyll. Results show that integrating a low dose of fluridone (5 μ g/L) with Mt can effectively and selectively reduce hydrilla biomass with minimal effect to non-target plant species such as vallisneria and American pondweed, but may not improve control of Eurasian watermilfoil over fluridone alone.
Abrupt darkening under high dynamic range (HDR) luminance invokes facilitation for high-contrast targets and grouping by luminance similarity

When scanning across a scene, luminance can vary by up to 100,000-to-1 (high dynamic range, HDR), requiring multiple normalizing mechanisms spanning from the retina to the cortex to support visual acuity and recognition. Vision models based on standard dynamic range (SDR) luminance contrast ratios below 100-to-1 have limited ability to generalize to real-world scenes with HDR luminance. To characterize how orientation and luminance are linked in brain mechanisms for luminance normalization, we measured orientation discrimination of Gabor targets under HDR luminance dynamics. We report a novel phenomenon, that abrupt 10- to 100-fold darkening engages contextual facilitation, distorting the apparent orientation of a high-contrast central target. Surprisingly, facilitation was influenced by grouping by luminance similarity, as well as by the degree of luminance variability in the surround. These results challenge vision models based solely on activity normalization and raise new questions that will lead to models that perform better in real-world scenes.
Pro12Ala PPAR-γ2 and +294T/C PPAR-δ Polymorphisms and Association with Metabolic Traits in Teenagers from Northern Mexico

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) play roles in glucose and lipid metabolism regulation. Pro12Ala PPAR-γ2 and +294T/C PPAR-δ have been associated with dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia and high body mass index (BMI). We compared metabolic traits and determined associations with Pro12Ala PPAR-γ2 or +294T/C PPAR-δ polymorphism among teenagers from different ethnicity. Four hundred and twelve samples with previous biochemical and biometric measurements were used. Genomic DNA from peripheral blood was extracted and analyzed by end-point PCR for Pro12Ala PPAR-γ2. The +294T/C PPAR-δ PCR product was also digested with Bsl I. Two genotype groups were formed: major allele homozygous and minor allele carriers. Pro12Ala PPAR-γ2 G minor allele frequencies were: 10% in Mestizo-1, 19% in Mestizo-2, 23% in Tarahumara, 12% in Mennonite, and 17% in the total studied population. The +294T/C PPAR-δ C minor allele frequencies were: 18% in Mestizo-1, 20% in Mestizo-2, 6% in Tarahumara, 13% in Mennonite, and 12% in the total studied population. Teenagers with PPAR-γ2 G allele showed a greater risk for either high waist/height ratio or low high-density lipoprotein; and, also had lower total cholesterol. Whereas, PPAR-γ2 G allele showed lower overweight/obesity phenotype (BMI Z-score) frequency, PPAR-δ C allele was a risk factor for it. Metabolic traits were associated with both PPAR polymorphisms.
Unravelling the Complex Duplication History of Deuterostome Glycerol Transporters

Transmembrane glycerol transport is an ancient biophysical property that evolved in selected subfamilies of water channel (aquaporin) proteins. Here, we conducted broad level genome (>550) and transcriptome (>300) analyses to unravel the duplication history of the glycerol-transporting channels (glps) in Deuterostomia. We found that tandem duplication (TD) was the major mechanism of gene expansion in echinoderms and hemichordates, which, together with whole genome duplications (WGD) in the chordate lineage, continued to shape the genomic repertoires in craniates. Molecular phylogenies indicated that aqp3-like and aqp13-like channels were the probable stem subfamilies in craniates, with WGD generating aqp9 and aqp10 in gnathostomes but aqp7 arising through TD in Osteichthyes. We uncovered separate examples of gene translocations, gene conversion, and concerted evolution in humans, teleosts, and starfishes, with DNA transposons the likely drivers of gene rearrangements in paleotetraploid salmonids. Currently, gene copy numbers and BLAST are poor predictors of orthologous relationships due to asymmetric glp gene evolution in the different lineages. Such asymmetries can impact estimations of divergence times by millions of years. Experimental investigations of the salmonid channels demonstrated that approximately half of the 20 ancestral paralogs are functional, with neofunctionalization occurring at the transcriptional level rather than the protein transport properties. The combined findings resolve the origins and diversification of glps over >800 million years old and thus form the novel basis for proposing a pandeuterostome glp gene nomenclature.
Adverse outcomes in SAR-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and SARS virus related pregnancies with probable vertical transmission

The global severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on all aspects of daily life and healthcare. Information on the infection risks for pregnant women and their offspring have so far been limited to small case series, until a large UK report on 427 SARS-CoV-2 infected pregnant women was published. Previous SARS epidemic experiences were drawn upon. Diagnostic use of real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and IgG and IgM antibody tests are fraught with concerns of non-validation and false negative results, as are sampling methodologies. Virtually no information on controls accompany these reports. Infection of the mother and baby has serious implications for obstetric and neonatal care. Information on early and late stage pregnancy infection and the relationship to severity of infection on fetal development is both useful and clearly warranted. An increasing number of reports centre around mildly infected women showing no evidence of fetal infection while a few reports suggesting vertical transmission require further validation. Vertical transmission from mother to baby however small would have profound health implications for obstetric and neonatal care and fetal abnormalities. Some data suggesting intrapartum vertical transmission from mother to baby cannot be dismissed given the lack of controls and limitations of diagnostic viral tests. This analysis covers some key early reports addressing pregnancy outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Transcript and Metabolite Signature of the Late-Flowering Maize Mutant indeterminate1: Implications for the Floral Transition in Day-Neutral Species

TRANSCRIPT AND METABOLITE SIGNATURE OF THE LATE-FLOWERING MAIZE MUTANT INDETERMINATE1: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FLORAL TRANSITION IN DAY-NEUTRAL SPECIES Viktoriya Coneva Advisor: University of Guelph, 2012 Dr. Joseph Colasanti Temperate maize is one of few model species that relies mainly on endogenous indicators of the plant’s developmental stage to cue the onset of reproductive development. The INDETERMINATE1 (ID1) transcription factor is a key regulator of the floral transition and id1 mutants are very late-flowering. ID1 is expressed and remains localized in developing leaves, while florigenic signals originate in mature, photosynthetically active leaves. Since very little is known about the molecular components of the floral transition in maize, and in autonomously flowering species at large, this work utilized id1 mutants to analyze the transcriptional and physiological alterations associated with the floral transition in maize. Analyses of functional categories of transcriptional change between developing leaves of id1 non-flowering mutants and normal flowering maize suggest a role for ID1 in energy metabolism and epigenetic regulation of leaf development. In addition, a novel family of -glucosidase genes were found to be expressed exclusively in immature leaves of normal flowering maize in a pattern similar to the ID1 gene suggesting that these genes may act in concert downstream of ID1. Further, profiling of transcript and metabolite alterations in mature leaves, which are likely the source of floral cues, suggest that coordination of resource storage in the form of transitory starch is an important signal for floral promotion in maize. Finally, analysis of the floral transition in Balsas teosinte, the progenitor of modern maize and an obligate short-day plant, suggests that ID1 may define a regulatory module unique to the autonomous floral regulation pathway in maize and related grass species.