Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
(Re)defining mindful eating into mindful eating behaviour to advance scientific enquiry

Background: Mindful eating has exceeded two decades of scientific enquiry but defining mindful eating has proven to be quite challenging. Aim: The inability to clearly define mindful eating led to variations in the description in academic and clinical literature, different psychometric tools and the development of a field that is lacking the preciseness that is needed to advance mindful eating – and the associated interventions – onto a level that is simple to comprehend and implement in practice. Methods: Drawing from traditional and contemporary mindfulness and mindful eating literature, this manuscript will attempt to define and describe mindful eating in the context of eating behaviours. Results: The review of the literature has resulted in challenging areas around the main principles that should be included in defining the term mindful eating, and highlights the distinction between mindfulness and mindful eating, as well as behaviour and decision making within the context of mindful eating. Conclusion: In a field that is lacking transparency and methodological rigour, mindful eating behaviour is detailed as a new beginning in conducting precise experimental research and evidence-based interventions for clinical and non-clinical use.
Mating Systems of the Tree-Killing Bark Beetle Polygraphus proximus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)

Abstract Polygraphus proximus Blandford (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) has caused mass mortality of fir (Abies spp. (Pinaceae)) forests across large areas of Russia in the past decade. More recently, mass mortality of A. veitchii Lindl. due to P. proximus infestation has been reported in Japan. This bark beetle species traditionally has been considered to be polygynous because their galleries have multiple gallery arms, and because harem-polygyny is common in the tribe Polygraphini. Although the mating system(s) potentially could have a marked effect on their reproductive success and population dynamics, the reproductive behavior of the tree-killing bark beetle P. proximus has not been investigated in detail in a natural setting in Japan. We, therefore, investigated the number of males and females in a gallery and the number of gallery arms in Abies species in Japan. None of the galleries examined contained more than one male, and 57.2% of the galleries had multiple gallery arms, even though only 2.8% of the galleries contained two females. The findings showed that the typical mating system employed by P. proximus is monogyny and that this species constructs multiple gallery arms in each gallery. In addition, 70.4% of galleries in which the sex of adult beetles could be determined contained no males, and 26.6% contained no females, suggesting that P. proximus males and females re-emerge.
An integrative systems‐based analysis of substance use: eQTL‐informed gene‐based tests, gene networks, and biological mechanisms

Genome‐wide association studies have identified multiple genetic risk factors underlying susceptibility to substance use, however, the functional genes and biological mechanisms remain poorly understood. The discovery and characterization of risk genes can be facilitated by the integration of genome‐wide association data and gene expression data across biologically relevant tissues and/or cell types to identify genes whose expression is altered by DNA sequence variation (expression quantitative trait loci; eQTLs). The integration of gene expression data can be extended to the study of genetic co‐expression, under the biologically valid assumption that genes form co‐expression networks to influence the manifestation of a disease or trait. Here, we integrate genome‐wide association data with gene expression data from 13 brain tissues to identify candidate risk genes for 8 substance use phenotypes. We then test for the enrichment of candidate risk genes within tissue‐specific gene co‐expression networks to identify modules (or groups) of functionally related genes whose dysregulation is associated with variation in substance use. We identified eight gene modules in brain that were enriched with gene‐based association signals for substance use phenotypes. For example, a single module of 40 co‐expressed genes was enriched with gene‐based associations for drinks per week and biological pathways involved in GABA synthesis, release, reuptake and degradation. Our study demonstrates the utility of eQTL and gene co‐expression analysis to uncover novel biological mechanisms for substance use traits.
Are Thoughts About the Future Associated With Perceptions in the Present?: Optimism, Possible Selves, and Self-Perceptions of Aging

Despite much literature pointing to the saliency of self-perceptions of aging (SPA) to aging processes, limited research offers empirical analysis on what shapes SPA. In order to identify possible antecedents to SPA, we conducted an exploratory analysis to analyze whether two future-oriented constructs—optimism and self-efficacy associated with possible selves—were associated with SPA. We ran hierarchical linear regressions, with optimism and self-efficacy of possible selves predicting SPA among 244 middle-aged and older adults. Higher optimism, higher self-efficacy to achieve hoped-for selves, and higher self-efficacy to avoid feared selves were associated with higher overall SPA. Results from our study suggest that how someone appraises their future older self impacts how they perceive their current older self.
Two co‐inherited novel SNPs in the MC4R gene related to live body weight and hormonal assays in Awassi and Arabi sheep breeds of Iraq

Abstract Melanocortin‐4 receptor (MC4R) gene plays a key role in the regulation of body weight and energy homeostasis. This study aims to evaluate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the MC4R gene with live body weight and hormonal assays in two breeds of sheep that differ in productive performance, Awassi and Arabi. All known coding sequences of the MC4R gene were covered in this study. DNA samples from 150 animals (Awassi and Arabi breed) were genotyped by PCR‐single‐strand conformation polymorphism (PCR‐SSCP) to assess their pattern of genetic variation. Concerning exon 1, clear heterogeneity was detected with three different SSCP‐banding patterns. The sequencing reactions confirmed these variations by detecting the presence of the two novel SNPs, 107G/C and 138A/C, and three genotypes, GC, AC and AA. The 107G/C SNP was detected in GC genotype, while the 138A/C was detected on both GC and AC genotypes. The other SSCP‐banding pattern (AA genotype) did not show any detectable unique variation. Both SNPs were closely and strongly linked in both breeds (D' and r 2 values were 1.00), which signifies that both loci were co‐inherited as one unit. Association analysis indicated that both breeds with GC/AC haplotype showed higher live body weight (37.250 ± 0.790) relative to the GG/AA (30.244 ± 0.968) and CC/CC (47.231 ± 1.230) haplotypes (p < .05). Concerning the genotyping of exon 2, only 362 bp showed heterogeneity with a missense mutation, with no significant association (p > .05) with the measured traits. In conclusion, the two novel SNPs (107G/C and 138 A/C) were highly associated with live body weight in both breeds. Haplotype analysis confirmed that these two novel SNPs were in strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) and could be used as genetic markers for sheep phenotypic trait improvement.
Transcriptional profiling of the stringent response mutant strain E. coli SR reveals enhanced robustness to large‐scale conditions

In large‐scale fed‐batch production processes, microbes are exposed to heterogeneous substrate availability caused by long mixing times. Escherichia coli, the most common industrial host for recombinant protein production, reacts by recurring accumulation of the alarmone ppGpp and energetically wasteful transcriptional strategies. Here, we compare the regulatory responses of the stringent response mutant strain E. coli SR and its parent strain E. coli MG1655 to repeated nutrient starvation in a two‐compartment scale‐down reactor. Our data show that E. coli SR can withstand these stress conditions without a ppGpp‐mediated stress response maintaining fully functional ammonium uptake and biomass formation. Furthermore, E. coli SR exhibited a substantially reduced short‐term transcriptional response compared to E. coli MG1655 (less than half as many differentially expressed genes). E. coli SR proceeded adaptation via more general SOS response pathways by initiating negative regulation of transcription, translation and cell division. Our results show that locally induced stress responses propagating through the bioreactor do not result in cyclical induction and repression of genes in E. coli SR, but in a reduced and coordinated response, which makes it potentially suitable for large‐scale production processes.
Enhancing the Biopsychosocial Approach to Perioperative Care

Objective: The current study aimed to pilot the PePS intervention, based on principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to determine feasibility and preliminary efficacy for preventing chronic pain and long-term opioid use. Summary Background Data: Surgery can precipitate the development of both chronic pain and long-term opioid use. CBT can reduce distress and improve functioning among patients with chronic pain. Adapting CBT to target acute pain management in the postoperative period may impact longer-term postoperative outcomes. Methods: This was a mixed-methods randomized controlled trial in a mixed surgical sample with assignment to standard care or PePS, with primary outcomes at 3-months postsurgery. The sample consisted of rural-dwelling United States Military Veterans. Results: Logistic regression analyses found a significant effect of PePS on odds of moderate-severe pain (on average over the last week) at 3-months postsurgery, controlling for preoperative moderate-severe pain: Adjusted odds ratio = 0.25 (95% CI: 0.07–0.95, P < 0.05). At 3-months postsurgery, 15% (6/39) of standard care participants and 2% (1/45) of PePS participants used opioids in the prior seven days: Adjusted Odds ratio = 0.10 (95% CI: 0.01–1.29, P = .08). Changes in depression, anxiety, and pain catastrophizing were not significantly different between arms. Conclusions: The findings from this study support the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the PePS intervention.
Exploring the Experience of the Surgical Workforce During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Objective: To explore the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the stress levels and experience of academic surgeons by training status (eg, housestaff or faculty). Background: Covid-19 has uniquely challenged and changed the United States healthcare system. A better understanding of the surgeon experience is necessary to inform proactive workforce management and support. Methods: A multi-institutional, cross-sectional telephone survey of surgeons was conducted across 5 academic medical centers from May 15 to June 5, 2020. The exposure of interest was training status. The primary outcome was maximum stress level, measured using the validated Stress Numerical Rating Scale-11 (range 0–10). Results: A total of 335 surveys were completed (49.3% housestaff, 50.7% faculty; response rate 63.7%). The mean maximum stress level of faculty was 7.21 (SD 1.81) and of housestaff was 6.86 (SD 2.06) (P = 0.102). Mean stress levels at the time of the survey trended lower amongst housestaff (4.17, SD 1.89) than faculty (4.56, SD 2.15) (P = 0.076). More housestaff (63.6%) than faculty (40.0%) reported exposure to individuals with Covid-19 (P < 0.001). Subjects reported inadequate personal protective equipment in approximately a third of professional exposures, with no difference by training status (P = 0.557). Conclusions: During the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic, the personal and professional experiences of housestaff and faculty differed, in part due to a difference in exposure as well as non-work-related stressors. Workforce safety, including adequate personal protective equipment, expanded benefits (eg, emergency childcare), and deliberate staffing models may help to alleviate the stress associated with disease resurgence or future disasters.
A primer for generating and using transcriptome data and gene sets

ABSTRACT Transcriptomic approaches have provided a growing set of powerful tools with which to study genome-wide patterns of gene expression. Rapidly evolving technologies enable analysis of transcript abundance data from particular tissues and even single cells. This Primer discusses methods that can be used to collect and profile RNAs from specific tissues or cells, process and analyze high-throughput RNA-sequencing data, and define sets of genes that accurately represent a category, such as tissue-enriched or tissue-specific gene expression. Summary: This Primer gives an overview of the considerations required when planning and conducting transcriptome profiling experiments, from sample isolation to data analysis and display, and discusses best practice in defining gene sets for use in addressing biological questions.
Solvent Extraction Separation of Alkaline Earth Metal Ions with Thenoyltrifluoroacetone and Trioctylphosphine Oxide in Carbon Tetrachloride

Abstract The selective distribution of alkaline earth metal ions between carbon tetrachloride and aqueous sodium perchlorate solutions has been investigated by adding chelate forming llgand (thenoyltrifluoroacetone, TTA) and adduct forming llgand (trloctylphosohlne oxide, TOPO) of high concentrations (0.1 M) at 298 K. The separation of alkaline earth metal ions Is explained in terms of their solvent extraction with hydrogen ion in aqueous solutions. The selectivity series, Mg2 + > Ca2 +> Sr2+> Ba2+was established by the solvent extraction method. On the other hand, the selectivity series by the ion-exchange method has been known as Ba2+> Sr2+> Ca2+> Mg2+ using crystalline dihydrogen tetratitanate hydrate fibers, H2Ti4O9-nH2O, and aqueous solutions at 298 K. The difference in the two selectivity series is interpreted by the solvation (former) and hydration (latter) effects of metal ions. The values of the separation factors for alkaline earth metal ions given by the combination of the two methods is extrem.
Effects of bubble size on air-scoured backwashing efficiency in a biofilter

AbstractThe effect of bubble size on air-scoured backwashing efficiency in a biofilter was investigated using experiments and simple mathematical models based on collapse-pulsing theory. Four types of backwashing experiments were conducted: water alone, water and large bubbles (diameter = about 1 cm), water and small bubbles (diameter = about 0.2 cm), and water containing dissolved air. The third type, water and small bubbles, was found to be the most efficient. Modeling results confirmed the experimental results, indicating that even when the same volume of air was used, smaller bubbles generate higher shear stress on the surface of the medium, resulting in more efficient removal of biomass. In the case of dissolved air, however, micro-bubbles (diameter = 10–100 μm) are too small and rise too slowly to produce a strong-enough collapse-pulsing effect. This produces less shear stress and ultimately results in poor backwashing efficiency.
Big data approaches to identifying sex differences in long-term memory

ABSTRACT Whether in neurotransmitters or large-scale circuits, sex differences have long been of interest in neuroscience. Spets and Slotnick conducted a meta-analysis of fMRI studies of long-term memory to identify sex differences in brain-behavior associations, demonstrating that sex differences are pervasive across many sub-types of long-term memory. Meta-analyses are a workhorse toward aggregating larger sample sizes to arrive at a more comprehensive understanding of such topics. However, more research is crucial to elucidate complex relationships in how fMRI signals translate to behavioral outcomes. We propose big data and open-science as a solution toward finding robust sex differences in brain-behavior associations.
Assessment of Air Contamination by SARS-CoV-2 in Hospital Settings

Key Points Question What is the level of air contamination from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in different hospital areas, and what factors are associated with contamination? Findings In this systematic review of 24 studies, 17% of air sampled from close patient environments was positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, with viability of the virus found in 9% of cultures. Meaning In this study, air both close to and distant from patients with coronavirus disease 2019 was frequently contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 RNA; however, few of these samples contained viable viruses.
Selective recognition of carboxylate anions by polyammonium receptors in aqueous solution. Criteria for selectivity in molecular recognition

The interaction in aqueous solution of the polyammonium receptor 1,4,7,10,13,16,19-heptaazacyclohenicosane (8, [21]aneN7) with the carboxylic species, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic (1), 1,3-benzenedicarboxylic (2), 1,2,3-benzenetricarboxylic (3), 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic (4), cis,cis-1,3,5-trimethyl-1,3,5-cyclohexanetricarboxylic (5), cis,trans-1,3,5-trimethyl-1,3,5-cyclohexanetricarboxylic (6), and citric (7) acids has been followed by potentiometry and cyclic voltammetry at 298.1 K in 0.15 mol dm–3 NaClO4, as well as by NMR spectroscopy. The analysis of the potentiometric and electrochemical data show the formation of 1:1 adducts. A novel method based on both potentiometry and cyclic voltammetry to establish selectivity patterns in systems presenting different protonation possibilities is introduced. Preorganization of the substrates in a shape complementary to the receptor yields interesting features such as the selective recognition of 5 over its epimer 6 and recognition of the dicarboxylic species 1 and 2 over the tricarboxylic ones 6 and 7.
Anti-inflammatory effects of Capparis ecuadorica extract in phthalic-anhydride-induced atopic dermatitis of IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 transgenic mice

Abstract Context The natural products derived from Capparis ecuadorica H.H. Iltis (Capparaceae) could have great potential for anti-inflammation since they inhibited the inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Object This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and related mechanism of methanol extract of C. ecuadorica leaves (MCE) during atopic dermatitis (AD) responses. Materials and methods Alterations in the phenotypical markers for AD, luciferase signal, iNOS‐mediated COX‐2 induction pathway, and inflammasome activation were analysed in non-Tg (n = 5) and 15% phthalic anhydride (PA) treated IL-4/Luc/CNS-1 transgenic (Tg) HR1 mice (n = 5 per group), subsequent to treatment with acetone-olive oil (AOO), vehicle (DMSO) and two dose MCE (20 and 40 mg/kg) three times a week for 4 weeks. Results MCE treatment reduced the intracellular ROS level (48.2%), NO concentration (7.1 mmol/L) and inflammatory cytokine expressions (39.1%) in the LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. A significant decrease was detected for ear thickness (16.9%), weight of lymph node (0.7 mg), IgE concentration (1.9 µg/mL), and epidermal thickness (31.8%) of the PA + MCE treated Tg mice. MCE treatment induced the decrease of luciferase signal derived from the IL-4 promoter and the recovery of the IL-4 downstream regulator cytokines. PA + MCE treated Tg mice showed decreasing infiltration of mast cells (42.5%), iNOS-mediated COX‐2 induction pathway, MAPK signalling pathway and inflammasome activation in the ear tissue. Conclusions These findings provide the first evidence that MCE may have great potential to suppress chemical-induced skin inflammation through the suppression of IL-4 cytokine and the iNOS-mediated COX‐2 induction pathway, and activation of inflammasome.
Erratum to “Differentiation of the 50B11 dorsal root ganglion cells into NGF and GDNF responsive nociceptor subtypes”

The embryonic rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neuron-derived 50B11 cell line is a promising sensory neuron model expressing markers characteristic of NGF and GDNF-dependent C-fibre nociceptors. Whether these cells have the capacity to develop into distinct nociceptive subtypes based on NGFor GDNF-dependence has not been investigated. Here we show that by augmenting forskolin (FSK) and growth factor supplementation with NGF or GDNF, 50B11 cultures can be driven to acquire differential functional responses to common nociceptive agonists capsaicin and ATP respectively. In addition, to previous studies, we also demonstrate that a differentiated neuronal phenotype can be maintained for up to 7 days. Western blot analysis of nociceptive marker proteins further demonstrates that the 50B11 cells partially recapitulate the functional phenotypes of classical NGF-dependent (peptidergic) and GDNF-dependent (non-peptidergic) neuronal subtypes described in DRGs. Further, 50B11 cells differentiated with NGF/FSK, but not GDNF/FSK, show sensitization to acute prostaglandin E2 treatment. Finally, RNA-Seq analysis confirms that differentiation with NGF/FSK or GDNF/FSK produces two 50B11 cell subtypes with distinct transcriptome expression profiles. Gene ontology comparison of the two subtypes of differentiated 50B11 cells to rodent DRG neurons studies shows significant overlap in matching or partially matching categories. This transcriptomic analysis will aid future suitability assessment of the 50B11 cells as a high-throughput nociceptor model for a broad range of experimental applications. In conclusion, this study shows that the 50B11 cell line is capable of partially recapitulating features of two distinct types of embryonic NGF and GDNF-dependent nociceptorlike cells.
The effects of maternal position, in late gestation pregnancy, on placental blood flow and oxygenation: an MRI study

Maternal supine sleep position in late pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of stillbirth. Maternal supine position in late pregnancy reduces maternal cardiac output and uterine blood flow. Using MRI, this study shows that compared to the left lateral position, maternal supine position in late pregnancy is associated with reduced utero‐placental blood flow and oxygen transfer across the placenta with an average 6.2% reduction in oxygen delivery to the fetus and an average 11% reduction in fetal umbilical venous blood flow.
Covalent Inhibition of Bacterial Urease by Bifunctional Catechol-Based Phosphonates and Phosphinates.

In this study, a new class of bifunctional inhibitors of bacterial ureases, important molecular targets for antimicrobial therapies, was developed. The structures of the inhibitors consist of a combination of a phosphonate or (2-carboxyethyl)phosphinate functionality with a catechol-based fragment, which are designed for complexation of the catalytic nickel ions and covalent bonding with the thiol group of Cys322, respectively. Compounds with three types of frameworks, including β-3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-, α-3,4-dihydroxybenzyl-, and α-3,4-dihydroxybenzylidene-substituted derivatives, exhibited complex and varying structure-dependent kinetics of inhibition. Among irreversible binders, methyl β-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-β-(2-carboxyethyl)phosphorylpropionate was observed to be a remarkably reactive inhibitor of Sporosarcina pasteurii urease (kinact/KI = 10 420 s-1 M-1). The high potential of this group of compounds was also confirmed in Proteus mirabilis whole-cell-based inhibition assays. Some compounds followed slow-binding and reversible kinetics, e.g., methyl β-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-β-phosphonopropionate, with Ki* = 0.13 μM, and an atypical low dissociation rate (residence time τ = 205 min).