Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ingestion of Helianthus tuberosus at Breakfast Rather Than at Dinner is More Effective for Suppressing Glucose Levels and Improving the Intestinal Microbiota in Older Adults

To date, nutritional studies have focused on the total intake of dietary fiber rather than intake timing. In this study, we examined the effect of the timing of daily Helianthus tuberosus ingestion on postprandial and 24 h glucose levels, as well as on intestinal microbiota in older adults. In total, 37 healthy older adults (age = 74.9 ± 0.8 years) were recruited. The participants were randomly assigned to either a morning group (MG, n = 18) or an evening group (EG, n = 17). The MG and EG groups were instructed to take Helianthus tuberosus powder (5 g/day) just before breakfast or dinner, respectively, for 1 week after the 1-week control period. The glucose levels of all participants were monitored using a continuous glucose monitoring system throughout the 2 weeks. The intestinal microbiota was analyzed by sequencing 16S rRNA genes from feces before and after the intervention. There were no significant differences in the physical characteristics or energy intake between groups. Helianthus tuberosus intake led to decreases in tissue glucose levels throughout the day in both groups (p < 0.01, respectively). As a result of examining the fluctuations in tissue glucose levels up to 4 hours after each meal, significant decreases in the areas under the curves (AUCs) were observed for all three meals after intervention, but only in the MG (breakfast: p = 0.012, lunch: p = 0.002, dinner: p = 0.005). On the other hand, in the EG, there was a strong decrease in the AUC after dinner, but only slight decreases after breakfast and lunch (breakfast: p = 0.017, lunch: p = 0.427, dinner: p = 0.002). Moreover, the rate of change in the peak tissue glucose level at breakfast was significantly decreased in the MG compared to the EG (p = 0.027). A greater decrease was observed in the change in the blood glucose level after the ingestion of Helianthus tuberosus in the MG than in the EG. Furthermore, the relative abundance of Ruminococcus in the MG at the genus level was significantly higher at baseline than in the EG (p = 0.016) and it was also significantly lower after the intervention (p = 0.013). Our findings indicate that Helianthus tuberosus intake in the morning might have relatively stronger effects on the intestinal microbiota and suppress postprandial glucose levels to a greater extent than when taken in the evening.
Serum-derived exosomes from neurofibromatosis type 1 congenital tibial pseudarthrosis impaired bone by promoting osteoclastogenesis and inhibiting osteogenesis

Treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) still is full of challenges in pediatric orthopedist. Serum-derived exosomes (SDEs) have been proven to be participated in bone remodeling. However, the molecular changes in SDEs of CPT children and their pathologies have not been elucidated. In this study, SDEs were isolated and purified from CPT patients (CPT-SDEs) associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and normal children (Norm-SDEs). Then we obtained the proteomics profile of SDEs by combining liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and tandem mass tag label-based quantitation. In vitro, the efficacy of SDEs on osteoblastic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells and osteoclastogenesis ability of RAW264.7 cells were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and cytochemical staining. In vivo, we used micro-CT to assess cortical bone mass and trabecular microstructures to reflect the influence of SDEs on bone remodeling after injection into the tail vein of rats. Based on proteomics analysis, 410 differentially expressed proteins, including 289 downregulated proteins and 121 upregulated proteins, were identified in the CPT-SDEs. These proteins have multiple biological functions associated with cellular metabolic processes, catalytic activity, and protein binding, which are important for cell differentiation and proliferation. In vitro, CPT-SDEs decreased the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells and promoted the osteoclastogenesis of RAW264.7 cells. Injection of CPT-SDEs into the tail vein for two months resulted in bone loss in rats, as indicated by the decrease in trabecular and cortical bone mass. Our findings demonstrated the differences in proteins in SDEs between normal and CPT children with NF1. These differentially expressed proteins in CPT-SDEs contributed to deteriorating trabecular bone microstructures by inhibiting bone formation and stimulating bone resorption.
Further analysis of coat protein gene sequences of Tobacco streak virus isolates from diverse locations and hosts in India

Diversity in Tobacco streak virus ( TSV) isolates was determined by analyzing both nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of coat protein ( CP) gene of 21 isolates originating from 17 different hosts of six different families and five different locations of India. TSV isolates were uniform in CP length (717 nt and 238 aa) and shared high degree of sequence conservation both at nucleotide and amino acid levels (96- 100%), suggesting their common origin. However, three new TSV isolates in the present study originating from groundnut (GN-AP), chilli (CH-UP) and sunflower (SF-TN2) were divergent from the previously known isolates. Among these, GN-AP isolate was unique and did not cluster with rest of the isolates.
The gap between ultrasonography and computed tomography in measuring the size of urinary calculi

Objective: Due to a lack of studies regarding the need for computed tomography (CT) in measuring the size of each urinary calculus before surgery, this study was conducted to elucidate the difference between ultrasonography (US) and CT in measuring the size of urinary stones. Methods: A retrospective review of 100 stones from 83 patients. Each urinary stone was measured using both US and CT; both measurements were then compared. Results: Of 83 patients, the mean age was 39.29 ± 23.76 years; 47 (56.62%) were male and 36 (43.37%) were female. Most of the urinary stones were <10 mm (50.0%) followed by 11–20 mm (42.0%), (P < 0.001). A cross-tabulation test revealed strong compatibility between US and CT in measuring the size of urinary stones (73.7% in stones <10 mm, 66.7% in stones 11–20 mm and 50% in stones >21 mm), (P < 0.001). Spearman's rho correlation test revealed strong compatibility between stone diameters measured by US and CT (r = 0.755), (P = 0 < 0.001). T-test for equality of means revealed no significant difference in the measured size using US and CT (mean = 11.80 ± 5.83 vs. 11.65 ± 6.59, respectively), mean difference = 0.15, and P = 0.865, 95% confidence interval: -1.584–1.884. Conclusion: No significant difference in measuring the size of urinary stones using US and CT. However, US may slightly overestimate small stones in some cases.
Assessment of the health impacts of WASH interventions in disaster-prone communities in three regions of Northern Ghana

This study evaluated the health impacts of WASH interventions in 9 intervention communities against 9 control communities in disaster-prone areas in northern Ghana. We extracted community-specific data on patient-reported cases of WASH-related diseases from health facilities in the study areas. Also, we used key informant interviews and household questionnaires to seek information for validation. The impact was measured using the before-after study with concurrent control (BAC) method of Health Impact Evaluation in WASH interventions. The findings indicate a substantial increase in the number of WASH facilities across the intervention communities. However, some respondents complained of access to inadequate quantities and increase downtime of water systems when there is a breakdown. Access to improved sanitation facilities was still a challenge, although a steady increase in the number of household access to latrines was observed. We extracted about 2,315 reported cases of WASH-related diseases, comprising diarrhoea (83%), dysentery (8%), typhoid fever (7%) and intestinal worms (2%). Impacts on diarrhoea prevalence were generally lower than reported figures, and varied across the intervention communities, ranging from 0 to 7% reduction. We recommend that greater attention be given to the sustainability of the intervention to ensure service delivery, rather than as a one-time investment, to achieve more significant impacts. Key words: Disaster-prone communities, WASH, sanitation, public health.
A Comparison of the Life Histories of Coastal and Montane Populations of Ambystoma macrodactylum in California

The disjunct, coastal endemic Ambystoma macrodactylum croceum was compared with two populations of A. m. sigillatum (1980 and 2450 m) from the Sierra Nevada of California. A. m. croceum and A. m. sigillatum 1980 m breed in temporary ponds, but A. m. sigillatum at 2450 m requires permanent ponds. The last has a 14-month larval period with a 2-3 month overlap of larval age classes, whereas the others have a short (3-4 month) larval period. A. m. croceum breeds in January and February, A. m. sigillatum from late May (1980 m) through June (2450 m). In all areas climatic conditions control the primary activities. Rainfall is the only important governing factor for A. m. croceum. It controls the breeding migration, dispersal of juveniles, time of breeding, and (because it determines the length of time the ponds persist) determines size attained at metamorphosis. For A. m. sigillatum the most important factor is temperature, determining the time of breeding (thaw) and the larval and adult growth rates. A. m. croceum deposits eggs singly on vegetation near the surface in shallow water. In A. m. sigillatum, eggs are clustered under logs and bark near the bottom in the deeper portions of the ponds. Size at metamorphosis is approximately the same in A. m. croceum (37.5 mm S-V) and A. m. sigillatum from 2450 m (37.8) but the former attains this size in 90-140 days whereas the latter requires 14 months. The A. m. sigillatum from 1980 m metamorphose after 80-90 days, at 25.0 mm S-V, approximately the size reached by the 2450 m population after the first growing season. Metamorphosis seems to be triggered by intrinsic factors in A. m. sigillatum at 2450 m but by extrinsic factors (drying of the ponds) in the others. The larvae of A. m. croceum are secretive at all stages but their behavior varies and has been generally correlated with stage of development. Larval A. m. sigillatum (2450 m) are secretive in hatchling and metamorphic stages but active in open, illuminated portions of the ponds otherwise. The breeding migration of A. m. croceum is stimulated by heavy rainfall and takes place only on rainy nights. The migration of A. mi. sigillatum was not observed but occurs while snow and some ice are present. Sexual maturity is reached during the second year of life in A. m. croceum, during the third year in A. m. sigillatum from 2450 m. Both A. m. croceum and the Sierran A. m. sigillatum are derived from ancestral populations to the north. The isolated A. m. croceum shows the greatest divergence in life history compared to present-day northern populations.
The first state-level public health program for obstructive airway disease in India: An early field-level evaluation

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the second leading cause of mortality in India; however, there are no programs for COPD in India at primary care level. Kerala became the first state in India to implement a program at primary care for COPD, called the Step Wise Approach to Airway Syndrome program. Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate and document the implementation status of a program for obstructive airway disease (OAD) in Trivandrum district of Kerala state in India and compare the treatment characteristics of patients with OAD seeking care from the centers implementing and not implementing this program for OADs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done as early evaluation of a program for OAD implemented in Kerala state, India, from October 2018 to February 2019. Results: A reflection of the health-seeking behavior due to better facilities at the FHCs. There was no difference in the hospital visits or emergency department visits between the two groups. However, there was a statistically significant difference in the average number of visits per patient to health center for taking injectable drugs and visits for nebulization. Forty-nine (94%) of the COPD and 36 (100%) of the asthma patients underwent spirometry from implementing center itself. A higher proportion of patients receiving care from implementing centers (30.9%) never had to buy inhalers from outside. Conclusion: This is the first time that a public health programme for chronic respiratory disease management at primary care level was evaluated in India. The study has provided valuable insights on the need for strengthening the training for health care providers as well as patient education in bringing about a change in patient attitudes.
Phosphorylation of Rhoptry Protein RhopH3 Is Critical for Host Cell Invasion by the Malaria Parasite

Host cell invasion by the malaria parasite is critical for establishing infection in human host and is dependent on discharge of key ligands from organelles like rhoptry and microneme, and these ligands interact with host RBC receptors. In the present study, we demonstrate that phosphorylation of a key rhoptry protein, RhopH3, is critical for host invasion. Phosphorylation regulates its localization to rhoptries and discharge from the parasite. ABSTRACT Merozoites formed after asexual division of the malaria parasite invade the host red blood cells (RBCs), which is critical for initiating malaria infection. The process of invasion involves specialized organelles like micronemes and rhoptries that discharge key proteins involved in interaction with host RBC receptors. RhopH complex comprises at least three proteins, which include RhopH3. RhopH3 is critical for the process of red blood cell (RBC) invasion as well as intraerythrocytic development of human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. It is phosphorylated at serine 804 (S804) in the parasite; however, it is unclear if phosphorylation regulates its function. To address this, a CRISPR-CAS9-based approach was used to mutate S804 to alanine (A) in P. falciparum. Using this phosphomutant (R3_S804A) of RhopH3, we demonstrate that the phosphorylation of S804 is critical for host RBC invasion by the parasite but not for its intraerythrocytic development. Importantly, the phosphorylation of RhopH3 regulates its localization to the rhoptries and discharge from the parasite, which is critical for RBC invasion. We also identified P. falciparum CDPK1 (PfCDPK1) as a possible candidate kinase for RhopH3-S804 phosphorylation and found that it regulates RhopH3 secretion from the parasite. These findings provide novel insights into the role of phosphorylation in rhoptry release and invasion, which is poorly understood. IMPORTANCE Host cell invasion by the malaria parasite is critical for establishing infection in human host and is dependent on discharge of key ligands from organelles like rhoptry and microneme, and these ligands interact with host RBC receptors. In the present study, we demonstrate that phosphorylation of a key rhoptry protein, RhopH3, is critical for host invasion. Phosphorylation regulates its localization to rhoptries and discharge from the parasite.
Assessment of dietary methionine requirement in largemouth bass,Micropterus salmoides

A feeding trial was conducted to estimate the quantitative requirement of dietary methionine in largemouth bass[initial body weight (37.88±0.40) g]. Six isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets( D1-D6) were formulated to contain 44.39% crude protein,0.30% cystine,19.81 kJ/g gross energy using plant protein and crystalline amino acids as the primary protein source to simulate the indispensable amino acid profile of largemouth bass muscle except for methionine under investigation.Six graded levels of methionine( 0.61% ,0.83% ,0.98% ,1.21% ,1.42% ,and 1.59% ,respectively) at about 0.2% increment were achieved by adding zein-coated crystalline L-methionine at the expense of zein-coated crystalline glycine.Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate tanks of 200-L capacity and 18 tanks were connected to a freshwater-flowing and air-aerated system in an aquiculture laboratory.In each tank,25 fish were fed by hand twice daily( 8:30 and 15:30) to apparent satiation for 66 days.Water temperature was maintained at ( 27±1) ℃ and dissolved oxygen content kept about 6 mg/L.Light cycle was controlled under 12∶ 12 h.At the end of the trial,data analysis showed that specific growth rate( SGR) ,feed efficiency rate( FER) ,protein efficiency rate( PER) ,protein deposition rate( PDR) increased with increasing dietary methionine levels from 0.61% to 1.21% ( P0.05) and thereafter showed a declining tendency.The crude protein contents of whole body and muscle were significantly affected ( P0.05) by dietary methionine levels,while moisture,crude lipid and crude ash contents showed no significant differences( P 0.05) . The hepatosomatic index and viscerosomatic index of fish fed D1 diet( 0.61% methionine) were significantly higher than those of fish fed the other diets( P0.05) . The serum lysozyme activity,phagocytosis activity and respiratory burst activity of head kidney leucocyte were significantly( P0.05) affected by dietary methionine levels,which indicated dietary methionine level would also exert an effect on non-specific immunity in largemouth bass.A quadratic regression analysis about specific growth rate ( SGR) against dietary methinine level showed that the optimum dietary methinine requirement of largemouth bass was 1.22% of dry diet ( corresponding to 2.75% of dietary crude protein containing 0.68% cystine) . The present research may be helpful to formulating practical feed for largemouth bass.
Seismic diffraction imaging to better characterise mass-transport complexes: examples from the Gulf of Cadiz, south west Iberian Margin

15 Mass-transport complexes are characterised by complex, laterally discontinuous inter16 nal structure, such as pressure ridges, local shear zones and intact translated blocks. Their 17 internal structure is often poorly imaged by seismic reflection techniques, which are fun18 damentally limited in lateral resolution by the bandwidth of the seismic source. Diffrac19 tion imaging, instead, directly images subsurface heterogeneity by primarily imaging the 20 diffracted part of the seismic wavefield. We apply seismic diffraction imaging to two ma21 rine multi-channel seismic profiles containing mass-transport complexes from the Gulf 22 of Cadiz (south west Iberian Margin). We observe that mass-transport complexes gen23 erate a large amount of diffracted energy relative to the un-failed sediments. We demon24 strate that, in combination with conventional seismic reflection images, diffraction im25 ages can be used to better discriminate the lateral extent (runout) of mass-transport com26 plexes, particularly for thin bodies that are not well-resolved using conventional imag27 ing. We suggest that diffraction imaging may have similar applications for marine geo28 hazard assessment to seismic discontinuity attributes, such as the similarity attribute, 29 with the advantage of being closer to a true image of the heterogeneous subsurface. Ap30 plying diffraction imaging to image mass-transport complexes from 2-D seismic data is 31 challenging, but may provide some unique insights that are not available from conven32 tional reflection images. 33
Canonical and non-canonical regulation of AMP-activated protein kinase

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Protective Efficacy of Combined Administration of Vitamins C and Curcumin on Cypermethrin - Induced Oxidative Stress in Male Albino Rats.

Back Ground: Cypermethrin (CPM) is non-systematic type II synthetic pyrethroid, commonly used for pest control in livestock, forestry, horticulture, household, public and animal health services, private homes, and animal husbandry. By scavenging free radicals and modulating antioxidant protection mechanism, plant phytochemicals (vitamin C and Curcumin) are known to exert their protective impact, Aim: The current research aimed to examine the ameliorative effect of combining curcumin with prevention of vitamin C against the toxic effects of cypermethrin. Method: Four groups of ten male rats each, –ve control, +ve control group (200 mg curcumin and 100 mg vit. C/ kg bw), cypermethrin alone (200 mg / Kg bw), and cypermethrin supplemented with the protective antioxidants orally intubated for 28 - days. Result: Oral cypermethrin induced a significant increase in MDA and PC in serum, liver and brain as the oxidant biomarkers. While the antioxidant biomarkers (CAT, GSH or SH protein) were significantly decreases in serum and brain tissues. The phase II biotransformation GST was increased significantly in brain and liver tissues. ATPase activity declined significantly in brain tissue only. Conclusion: we can deduce that, cypermethrin induce oxidative stress in serum and organs tissues of male rats and the protective role curcumin and vit. C was more evident on serum, brain than liver.
Development and implementation of competency-based assessment for urological ultrasound training using SonoSim: A preliminary evaluation

Introduction: Urology residents are encouraged to learn ultrasound (U/S) imaging, yet there are few tools available for teaching and assessing a resident's competence. The aim of this study was to test the new SonoSim LiveScan® and to propose a competency-based assessment model for the urology graduate medical education. Materials and Methods: Urology residents attended an interactive training session covering the urological U/S techniques guided by the assessment model developed by the authors. Faculty members evaluated the residents using defined objectives, and the residents were surveyed on their comfort level for performing each of the model tasks. A subset of the residents then underwent a structured testing using the SonoSim LiveScan device 6 months following the training. The model developed assessed: general U/S setup, structure identification, and pathologic clinical scenarios. Results: The residents felt most comfortable in identifying the bladder (4.73/5) and the kidneys (4.53/5) during the training sessions. They felt least comfortable while testing for total ureteric obstruction (3.13/5). All the residents were confident that additional U/S training sessions would improve their comfort level in performing the assessed objectives. Resident's assessment performed at 6 months had a median test score of 15.5/20 and the assessment scores increased with resident seniority. Self-reported comfort, however, did not seem to correlate with seniority. In general, the residents felt that the SonoSim device was highly functional (4.4/5) and the pathologic assessments in particular were very helpful (4.4/5). Conclusions: Through pilot testing, we propose that a competency-based assessment used with the SonoSim LiveScan could guide the resident's education through the acquisition of U/S skills and warrants testing in a larger cohort.