Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effects of oral administration of curcumin–galactomannan complex on brain waves are consistent with brain penetration: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot study

ABSTRACT Overview A novel highly bioavailable curcumin-galactomannan (CGM) formulation was shown to have improved blood-brain-barrier (BBB) permeability of free curcuminoids in animal models; however, this has not been established in humans. The present study was conducted to determine the functional effects of CGM on brain waves in healthy individuals, owing to its BBB permeability. Methods A total of 18 healthy volunteers aged 35–65 were randomly assigned to consume 500 mg CGM, Unformulated curcumin (UC) or Placebo capsules twice daily for 30 days. Electroencephalogram (EEG) measurements, audio-visual reaction time tests and a working memory test were conducted at baseline and after 30 days. Results Supplementation of CGM resulted in a significant increase in α- and β-waves (p < 0.05) as well as a significant reduction in α/β ratio in comparison with unformulated curcumin and placebo groups. Furthermore, the CGM showed significant reduction in the audio-reaction time (29.8 %; p < 0.05) in comparison with placebo and 24.6% (p < 0.05) with unformulated curcumin. The choice-based visual-reaction time was also significantly decreased (36%) in CGM as compared to unformulated curcumin and placebo which produced 15.36% and 5.2% respectively. Conclusion The observed increase in α and β waves and reduction in α/β ratio in the CGM group suggest that CGM can influence the brain waves in healthy subjects in a manner consistent with penetration of the blood-brain-barrier. The EEG results correlated with improved audio-visual and working memory tests which further support the role of CGM on memory improvements and fatigue reduction.
Responsive polymer‐assisted 3D cryogel supports Huh7.5 as in vitro hepatitis C virus model and ectopic human hepatic tissue in athymic mice

The three‐dimensional (3D) cell culture models serve as the interface between conventional two‐dimensional (2D) monolayer culture and animal models. 3D culture offers the best possible model system to understand the pathophysiology of human pathogens such as hepatitis C virus (HCV), which lacks a small animal model, due to narrow host tropism and non‐permissiveness of murine hepatocytes. In this study, functionally robust spheroids of HCV permissive Huh7.5 cells were generated, assisted by the temperature or pH‐responsive polymers PNIPAAm and Eudragit respectively, followed by the long‐term growth of the multilayered 3D aggregates in poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)–alginate–gelatin (PAG) cryogel. The human serum albumin (HSA), marker of hepatic viability was detected up to 600 ng/ml on 24th day of culture. The 3D spheroid culture exhibited a distinct morphology and transcript levels with the upregulation of hepato‐specific transcripts, nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α), transthyretin (TTr), albumin (Alb), phase I and phase II drug‐metabolizing genes. The two most important phase I enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, together responsible for 90% metabolism of drugs exhibited up to 9‐ and 12‐fold increment, respectively in transcripts. The 3D culture was highly permissive to HCV infection and supported higher multiplicity of infection compared to monolayer Huh7.5 culture. Quantitation of high levels of HSA (500–200 ng/ml) in circulation in mice for 32 days asserted integration with host vasculature and in vivo establishment of 3D culture implants as an ectopic human hepatic tissue in mice. The study demonstrates the 3D spheroid Huh7.5 culture as a model for HCV studies and screening potential for anti‐HCV drug candidates.
Tobacco Smoking and Associated Factors Among People Living With HIV in Uganda

Abstract Introduction The prevalence of smoking among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Uganda is high. Aims and Methods We assessed the smoking patterns, behaviors, and associated factors among PLWH in Uganda through a cross-sectional survey. Descriptive statistics were used to describe smoking patterns and behaviors. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with current smoking status. Results We recruited 777 participants between October and November 2019: 387 (49.8%) current smokers and 390 (50.2%) nonsmokers. 60.9% were males, and the mean age was 40.5 (SD 10.7) years. In multivariate logistic regression, the following increased the odds of being a current smoker: being male (odds ratio [OR] 6.60 [95% confidence interval, CI = 4.34–10.04]), having at least two smokers among five closest friends (OR 3.97 [95% CI = 2.08–7.59]), living in smoking-permitted households (OR 5.83 [95% CI = 3.32–10.23]), alcohol use (OR 3.96 [95% CI = 2.34–6.71]), a higher perceived stress score (OR 2.23 [95% CI = 1.50–3.34]), and higher health-related quality of life (OR 5.25 [95% CI = 1.18–23.35]). Among smokers, the mean Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence score was 3.0 (SD 1.9), and 52.5% were making plans to quit. Self-efficacy to resist smoking and knowledge of the impact of smoking on PLWH’s health were low. Conclusions Being male, having at least two smokers among five closest friends, living in smoking-permitted households, alcohol use, higher perceived stress scores, and higher health-related quality of life were associated with being a current smoker. Smokers had low to moderate nicotine dependence, high willingness to quit, and low self-efficacy. Implications Future behavioral smoking cessation interventions for PLWH should address co-consumption with alcohol and comorbid mental health conditions that are common among PLWH such as stress. In addition, they should take into account the lack of knowledge among this population of the impact of smoking on their health, and low self-efficacy. Given the relatively low levels of nicotine dependency and high levels of willingness to quit in our sample, smoking cessation interventions, if offered, are likely to support this population in achieving long-term smoking abstinence.
Advances in the Bioinformatics Knowledge of mRNA Polyadenylation in Baculovirus Genes

Baculoviruses are a group of insect viruses with large circular dsDNA genomes exploited in numerous biotechnological applications, such as the biological control of agricultural pests, the expression of recombinant proteins or the gene delivery of therapeutic sequences in mammals, among others. Their genomes encode between 80 and 200 proteins, of which 38 are shared by all reported species. Thanks to multi-omic studies, there is remarkable information about the baculoviral proteome and the temporality in the virus gene expression. This allows some functional elements of the genome to be very well described, such as promoters and open reading frames. However, less information is available about the transcription termination signals and, consequently, there are still imprecisions about what are the limits of the transcriptional units present in the baculovirus genomes and how is the processing of the 3′ end of viral mRNA. Regarding to this, in this review we provide an update about the characteristics of DNA signals involved in this process and we contribute to their correct prediction through an exhaustive analysis that involves bibliography information, data mining, RNA structure and a comprehensive study of the core gene 3′ ends from 180 baculovirus genomes.
The influence of regression models on genome-wide association studies of alcohol dependence: a comparison of binary and quantitative analyses.

INTRODUCTION Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) offer a platform to detect genetic risk loci. However, the majority of the ADS GWAS undertaken, to date, have utilized a case-control design and have failed to identify consistently replicable loci with the exception of protective variants within the alcohol metabolizing genes, notably ADH1B. have failed to identify consistently replicable loci. The ADS phenotype shows considerable variability and of the ADS phenotype means that the use of quantitative variables as a proxy for the severity of ADS has the potential to facilitate identification of risk loci by increasing statistical power. The current study aims to examine the influences of using binary and adjusted quantitative measures of ADS on GWAS outcomes and on calculated polygenic risk scores (PRS). METHODS A GWAS was performed in 1251 healthy controls with no history of excess alcohol use and 739 patients with ADS classified using binary DMS-IV criteria. Additional two GWASs were undertaken using a quantitative score based on DSM-IV criteria, which were applied assuming both normal and non-normal distributions of the phenotypic variable. PRS analyses were performed utilizing the data from the binary and the quantitative trait analyses. RESULTS No associations were identified at genome-wide significance in any of the individual GWAS; results were comparable in all three. The top associated single nucleotide polymorphism was located on the alcohol dehydrogenase gene cluster on chromosome 4, consistent with previous ADS GWAS. The quantitative trait analysis adjusted for the distribution of the criterion score and the associated PRS had the smallest standard errors and thus the greatest precision CONCLUSION: Further exploitation of the use of qualitative trait analysis in GWAS in ADS is warranted.
Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping of the Hippocampal Fimbria in Alzheimer's Disease

The fimbria is a small white matter bundle that connects the hippocampus to the rest of the brain. Damage to the hippocampal gray matter is established in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the hippocampal fimbrial status in the pathogenesis of AD is unclear. AD‐related demyelination and iron deposition alter the diamagnetic and paramagnetic composition of tissues, which can be measured by quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM).
A bifurcation theorem for Darwinian matrix models and an application to the evolution of reproductive life-history strategies

We prove bifurcation theorems for evolutionary game theoretic (Darwinian dynamic) versions of nonlinear matrix equations for structured population dynamics. These theorems generalize existing theorems concerning the bifurcation and stability of equilibrium solutions when an extinction equilibrium destabilizes by allowing for the general appearance of the bifurcation parameter. We apply the theorems to a Darwinian model designed to investigate the evolutionary selection of reproductive strategies that involve either low or high post-reproductive survival (semelparity or iteroparity). The model incorporates the phenotypic trait dependence of two features: population density effects on fertility and a trade-off between inherent fertility and post-reproductive survival. Our analysis of the model determines conditions under which evolution selects for low or for high reproductive survival. In some cases (notably an Allee component effect on newborn survival), the model predicts multiple attractor scenarios in which low or high reproductive survival is initial condition dependent.
Beyond HEQCO’s Skills Assessments: Validation of a Measure of Students’ Academic Capital and Evidence of Grade Inflation in Ontario’s High Schools and Universities

In the U.S., it is well documented that many students enter universities unprepared, lacking the basic academic skills necessary for optimal, or even positive, outcomes. However, less evidence has been reported on this problem in Canada, and there appears to be a public impression that Canada’s universities have higher standards, on average, than American universities. This perception is reflected in documents produced by the Ontario Government, but documents prepared by independent sources, such as Statistics Canada and the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO), suggest otherwise. The present article adds to this independent literature, reporting on a new empirical measure based on a suite of questions assessing the basic academic skills necessary to meet the challenges of higher education. Seven sets of skills were identified, and through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, two forms of academic capital were identified, as were three clusters of students. Evidence for the validity of these measures was found in terms of hypothesized associations with student grades, satisfaction, and thoughts of dropping out. Demographic differences (e.g., family background, gender) were minimal. The results suggest that a majority of Ontario’s university students are at risk of sub-optimal academic outcomes, including a sizeable minority that is likely dysfunctional in contexts in which using basic academic skills would be necessary to pass courses if it were not for grade inflation. These students report lower grades, greater dissatisfaction with the university experience, and more frequent thoughts of dropping out. Policy implications are discussed in terms of what governments, secondary schools, and universities might do to reduce skill deficiencies and the associated negative experiences with post-secondary education.
How does China keep COVID-19 outside its boarder? First-hand experience of medical staff at an international airport in China

How does China keep COVID-19 outside its boarder? First-hand experience of medical staff at an international airport in China Rui Xiao, BSN, RN1,†, Tianming Zhao, MD candidate2,†, Yile Wu, MPH3, Ce Cheng, DO4, and Chenyu Sun , MD, MSc 5,* 1Intensive care unit, Yingshan County People’s Hospital, No. 152 Danan street, Langchizhen, Yingshan County 637700, Sichuan, China, 2Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China, 3Department of Hospital Infection Prevention and Control, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, Anhui, China, 4The University of Arizona, Banner University Medical Center at South Campus, 2800 E Ajo Way, Tucson 85713, AZ, USA and 5AMITA Health Saint Joseph Hospital Chicago, 2900 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago 60657, IL, USA
Explaining the Association between Driver’s Age and the Risk of Causing a Road Crash through Mediation Analysis

It has been widely reported that younger and older drivers have an excess risk of causing a road crash. Two casual hypotheses may coexist: the riskier driving behaviors and age-related mechanisms in extreme age groups (direct path) and the different environmental and vehicle circumstances (indirect path). Our aim was to quantify, through a mediation analysis, the percentage contribution of both paths. A case-control study was designed from the Spanish Register of Road Crashes with victims from 2014 to 2017. Assuming a quasi-induced exposure approach, controls were non-responsible drivers involved in clean collisions between two or more vehicles (n = 52,131). Responsible drivers for these collisions plus drivers involved in single crashes constituted the case group (n = 82,071). A logit model in which the outcome was the log (odds) of causing a road crash and the exposure was age groups was adjusted for driver, vehicle and environmental factors. The highest crash risk was observed in extreme age groups, compared to the 35–44 year old age group: the youngest (18–24 years old, odds ratio = 2.14, 95% confidence interval: 2.06–2.24) and the oldest drivers (>74 years old, odds ratio = 3.30, 95% confidence interval: 3.04–2.58). The mediation analysis identified the direct path as the main explanatory mechanism for these increases: 89% in the youngest and 93% in the oldest drivers. These data support the hypothesis that the excess crash risk observed for younger and older drivers is mainly related to their higher frequency of risky driving behaviors and age-related loss of capabilities. Preventive strategies in extreme-aged drivers should focus on decreasing these behaviors.
Effects of Tissue Preservation on Carbon and Nitrogen Stable Isotope Signatures in Syngnathid Fishes and Prey

Simple Summary Stable isotope analysis (SIA) was used to assess the influence of various preservation methods (freezing, ethanol and formaldehyde) on syngnathid (seahorses and pipefishes) fins, seahorse newborns (seahorses), and prey (copepods and Artemia). The first available conversion models for syngnathids are provided, enabling their application to isotopic studies in the field and in the laboratory. Abstract Isotopic stable analysis (SIA) is a powerful tool in the assessment of different types of ecological and physiological studies. For that, different preservation methods for sampled materials are commonly used prior to isotopic analysis. The effects of various preservation methods (freezing, ethanol and formaldehyde) were analyzed for C:N, and δ13C and δ15N signals on a variety of tissues including dorsal fins (three seahorse and two pipefish species), seahorse newborns (three seahorses species), and prey (copepods and different stages of Artemia) commonly used to feed the fishes under rearing conditions. The aims of the study were: (i) to evaluate isotopic effects of chemical preservation methods across different types of organisms and tissues, using frozen samples as controls, and (ii) to construct the first conversion models available in syngnathid fishes. The chemical preservation in ethanol and, to a lesser extent, in formaldehyde significantly affected δ13C values, whereas the effects on δ15N signatures were negligible. Due to their low lipid content, the isotopic signals in fish fins was almost unaffected, supporting the suitability of dorsal fins as the most convenient material in isotopic studies on vulnerable species such as syngnathids. The regression equations provided resulted convenient for the successful conversion of δ13C between preservation treatments. Our results indicate that the normalization of δ15N signatures in preserved samples is unnecessary. The conversion models should be applicable in isotopic field studies, laboratory experiments, and specimens of historical collections.
Genetic susceptibility to rotavirus infection in Chinese children: a population-based case–control study

ABSTRACT Rotaviruses (RVs) are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in children, while histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) are believed to be host attachment and susceptibility factors of RVs. A large case–control study nested in a population-based diarrhea surveillance targeting children <5 y of age was performed in rural Hebei province, north China. Saliva and serum samples were collected from all participants to determine HBGA phenotyping, FUT2 mutations, and RV IgG antibody titers. A logistic model was employed to assess the association between host HBGA secretor status and risk of RV infection. Among 235 RV cases and 680 non-diarrhea controls studied, 82.4% of participants were IgG positive by an average age of 77 months. Out of the 235 RV cases, 216 (91.9%) were secretors, whereas the secretor rate was 76.3% in the non-diarrhea controls, resulted in an adjusted OR of 3.0 (95%CI: 1.9–4.7, P < .0001) between the two groups. Our population-based case–control study indicated a strong association between host HBGA secretor status and risk of RV infection in Chinese children. The high prevalence of Lewis-positive secretor status strongly suggests that Chinese children may be genetically susceptible to current co-circulating RV strains, and thus, a universal childhood immunization program against RV disease should be successful in China.
Improved Exopolymer Production by Chromohalobacter canadensis Cultures for Its Potential Cosmeceutical Applications

Several exopolymers with different chemical composition and correspondingly variety in their physico-chemical properties from halophilic microorganisms have still been described, however, with a low production yield. Chromohalobacter canadensis 28 isolated from Pomorie saltern synthesized an unusual exopolymer (EP) containing 72% γ-polyglutamic acid (PGA), an essential cosmeceutical additive. Current work suggests a novel approach for effective EP synthesis by C. canadensis 28 using continuous cultures. Highest production was observed at low dilution rates reaching a level of 2.1 mg/mL at D = 0.035, similar to those in batch cultures (2.34 mg/mL), however avoiding all disadvantages of discontinuous fermentation processes. At steady state, the total quantities of the synthesized EP after 48 h cultivation for the given equipment volume in D = 0.035 h−1 and D = 0.075 h−1 were 8.67 and 12 g, correspondingly, while it was 2.9 g for batch culture. Process parameters did not change after a ten-day run at D = 0.35 h−1. A degree of purity of EP fraction received from continuous cultures was significantly increased up to 93–96%. A lack of cytotoxicity and high cell viability were observed for human dermal fibroblast cells after 24 h incubation with crude EP from C. canadensis 28 and purified PGA fraction that could suggest its high potential for cosmetic applications.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men: AUA/ASRM Guideline Part I.

PURPOSE The summary presented herein represents Part I of the two-part series dedicated to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men: AUA/ASRM Guideline. Part I outlines the appropriate evaluation of the male in an infertile couple. Recommendations proceed from obtaining an appropriate history and physical exam (Appendix I), as well as diagnostic testing, where indicated. MATERIALS/METHODS The Emergency Care Research Institute Evidence-based Practice Center team searched PubMed®, Embase®, and Medline from January, 2000 through May, 2019. When sufficient evidence existed, the body of evidence was assigned a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate), or C (low) for support of Strong, Moderate, or Conditional Recommendations. In the absence of sufficient evidence, additional information is provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions (table 1[Table: see text]). This summary is being simultaneously published in Fertility and Sterility and The Journal of Urology. RESULTS This Guideline provides updated, evidence-based recommendations regarding evaluation of male infertility as well as the association of male infertility with other important health conditions. The detection of male infertility increases the risk of subsequent development of health problems for men. In addition, specific medical conditions are associated with some causes for male infertility. Evaluation and treatment recommendations are summarized in the associated algorithm (figure[Figure: see text]). CONCLUSION The presence of male infertility is crucial to the health of patients and its effects must be considered for the welfare of society. This document will undergo updating as the knowledge regarding current treatments and future treatment options continues to expand.