Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular screening of lactic acid bacteria enzymes and their regulation under oenological conditions

Aims: To screen Oenococcus oeni strains of South African wine origin for the presence of genes encoding enzymes of oenological relevance using a PCR-based detection approach. Methods and Results: A total of 24 O. oeni strains isolated in South Africa from brandy base wines and from red grape and wine samples were investigated in this study. The reference strains incorporated were NCDO 1894, NCDO 2122 and DSMZ 20252. Using a molecular approach, O. oeni strains were subjected to PCR analysis with primers targeting the mleA, bgl, estA, prtP, pad, citD, citE, citF, maeP, alsD, alsS, metK, metB, metC, gshR, arcA, arcB and arcC genes. As expected, all the strains possessed all the genes investigated, with the notable exception of arcB, arcC and pad. It is the first time that the pad gene encoding a phenolic acid decarboxylase is detected in O. oeni, as two of our strains possessed this gene. The identity of PCR-generated fragments, representing all the genes tested for, was confirmed by sequencing. Homology searches were performed by comparing nucleotide sequences of IWBT B040 strain to other DNA sequences available in GenBank database. The highest sequence identities (98–100%) were recorded with those of three other O. oeni strains (PSU-1, ATCC BAA-1163 and AWRI B429) published in GenBank. Phylogenetic trees were also constructed based on DNA sequences of the alsS, estA, metK and mleA genes, which revealed that all O. oeni strains are phylogenetically distinct from other closely related species of the genus Leuconostoc. Conclusions: We have shown using a molecular approach that O. oeni strains possess a vast array of enzyme-encoding genes of relevance in winemaking. From this study, it was worth noting that most genes are conserved amongst the South African strains, and a worldwide scale comparison would provide more insights into the genetic diversity of O. oeni. Significance and Impact of the Study: The findings reported in this work provide a better insight on the possible role that O. oeni strains can have in modulating wine organoleptic quality with regards to the presence of genes encoding enzymes involved in various metabolic pathways. This study should therefore be followed by the expression analysis of
Stem Quality and Height Development in a Betula-Dominated Stand Seven Years After Precommercial Thinning at Different Stump Heights

Topping may provide an attractive alternative to traditional precommercial thinning, offering several advantages. The main stem quality of birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh. and Betula pendula Roth, species not separated) was examined seven growing seasons after such topping in a dense, even-aged and naturally regenerated stand in northern Sweden. The height development and survival of main and secondary stems of birch and secondary stems of willow (Salix spp.) were also studied. At a main stem height of 1.8 m, the following treatments, leaving 3100 main stems ha−1, were applied to secondary stems: traditional precommercial thinning (cutting just above ground), top-cutting at either 40% (71 cm above ground) or 70% (120 cm above ground) of main stem mean height, and no precommercial thinning. For main stems, topping resulted in fewer forks, straighter stems, higher live crown height and smaller diameter of the thickest branch compared with traditional precommercial thinning. In these respects, topping at the higher level above ground gave the best quality. The main stems were no longer at risk of becoming overtopped by the secondary stems following any of these treatments (except for no precommercial thinning).
Circulating Short-Chain Fatty Acids Are Positively Associated with Adiposity Measures in Chinese Adults

Epidemiological studies suggest a positive association between obesity and fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by microbial fermentation of dietary carbohydrates, while animal models suggest increased energy harvest through colonic SCFA production in obesity. However, there is a lack of human population-based studies with dietary intake data, plasma SCFAs, gut microbial, and anthropometric data. In 490 Chinese adults aged 30–68 years, we examined the associations between key plasma SCFAs (butyrate/isobutyrate, isovalerate, and valerate measured by non-targeted plasma metabolomics) with body mass index (BMI) using multivariable-adjusted linear regression. We then assessed whether overweight (BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2) modified the association between dietary-precursors of SCFAs (insoluble fiber, total carbohydrates, and high-fiber foods) with plasma SCFAs. In a sub-sample (n = 209) with gut metagenome data, we examined the association between gut microbial SCFA-producers with BMI. We found positive associations between butyrate/isobutyrate and BMI (p-value < 0.05). The associations between insoluble fiber and butyrate/isobutyrate differed by overweight (p-value < 0.10). There was no statistical evidence for an association between microbial SCFA-producers and BMI. In sum, plasma SCFAs were positively associated with BMI and that the colonic fermentation of fiber may differ for adults with versus without overweight.
Effects of Processing on Polyphenolic and Volatile Composition and Fruit Quality of Clery Strawberries

Strawberries belonging to cultivar Clery (Fragaria x ananassa (Duchesne ex Weston)), cultivated in central Italy were subjected to a multi-methodological experimental study. Fresh and defrosted strawberries were exposed to different processing methods, such as homogenization, thermal and microwave treatments. The homogenate samples were submitted to CIEL*a*b* color analysis and Head-Space GC/MS analysis to determine the impact of these procedures on phytochemical composition. Furthermore, the corresponding strawberry hydroalcoholic extracts were further analyzed by HPLC-DAD for secondary metabolites quantification and by means of spectrophotometric in vitro assays to evaluate their total phenolic and total flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity. These chemical investigations confirmed the richness in bioactive metabolites supporting the extraordinary healthy potential of this fruit as a food ingredient, as well as functional food, highlighting the strong influence of the processing steps which could negatively impact on the polyphenol composition. Despite a more brilliant red color and aroma preservation, non-pasteurized samples were characterized by a lower content of polyphenols and antioxidant activity with respect to pasteurized samples, as also suggested by the PCA analysis of the collected data.
Increase in activity density and species number of carabid beetles in cereals as a result of strip‐management

In 1990 and 1991, we monitored the abundance of a carabid community in a 8 ha winter cereal field. The field was subdivided by five 1.5 m wide weed‐strips leaving 12, 24 and 36 m between the strips. In 1990 significantly higher activity densities and number of species were found in the strips. In 1991, however, both number of species and activity densities of ground beetles in the weed‐strips and the cereal parts in between were similar. In 1991, activity density in cereal parts between weed‐strips was significantly higher than in a bordering control area. Most of the activity densities of all 23 abundant species were significantly higher in the strip‐managed area than in the control area. Furthermore, the number of species in the strip‐managed area was higher. In addition, most sampling dates (1990 and 1991) revealed a significant negative regression between activity density and distance from the first strip, i.e. width of the cereal parts between the strips. Strip‐management seems to be a way to increase ground beetle densities considerably by providing better food supplies and more suitable overwintering sites.
Simultaneous Determination of Hydrophilic and Lipophilic Drugs in Anti-Cancer Liposomes: Absorptivity Method

Background: Dual loaded liposomes have always been a hot topic of investigation because of their therapeutic advantages over single drug regimens. But simultaneous estimation of both the drugs during in vitro and in vivo analysis is most of the times a major obstacle for the researchers. This problem is even bigger when the two drugs are of opposite nature (hydrophilic and lipophilic). Methods: Here, we formulated anti-cancer liposomes loaded with Dacarbazine (hydrophilic) and Eugenol (lipophilic). Since both the drugs are of different nature, selecting a solvent system that dissolves both the drugs, as well as is a suitable media for determining in vitro release, was a challenge. After resolving this issue, we developed a simple and robust UV method based on the principle of solving simultaneous equations generated after Absorptivity measurements of the two drugs. Results: UV spectrophotometer is preferred over other analytical techniques because of its availability, broad area of applications, easy and fast handling, robust nature and simplicity. Thus, using the developed method for simultaneous determination, loading of the two drugs and their simultaneous release from the liposomes was determined. Conclusion: We could perform the in-vitro characterization of formulated anti-cancer liposomes using the developed UV Absorptivity method, which justifies the practical applicability of the developed method and proved that the method is specific and reproducible.
Effectiveness of non-lethal predator deterrents to reduce livestock losses to leopard attacks within a multiple-use landscape of the Himalayan region

Lethal measures are widely adopted by local communities and governments to manage human-wildlife conflicts. Such measures lead to large scale decline of carnivore populations globally with trophic cascades on ecosystems and questionable impacts on human-wildlife conflicts. Mitigating human-carnivore conflicts through non-lethal measures will protect endangered predators and secure livelihoods. However, information on the effectiveness of such measures are extremely limited and hence cannot be applied in developing scientific evidence. Further to develop human-carnivore coexistence models, it is important for local community members, biologists and wildlife managers to actively participate in conservation programs. We evaluated the response of a non-lethal visual deterrent (i.e. fox lights) to deter leopard attacks on livestock within a multiple-use landscape of western Himalaya through community engagement. We monitored 16 experimental sites and 17 control sites within 27 villages and recorded data on livestock depredation by leopards between April 2018 to April 2019. A multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the influence of landscape predictors and animal husbandry practices on livestock depredation by leopards within the vicinity of human settlements. We found that visual deterrents discouraged common leopards to predate on livestock (cows and goats). We also demonstrated that community based conservation initiatives are successful in mitigating human-carnivore conflicts within large semi-natural landscapes. We suggest developing site specific coexistence strategies and adopting non-lethal measures to safeguard carnivores, livestock and humans within shared landscapes.
Retrospective Study on Ganglionic and Nerve Block Series as Therapeutic Option for Chronic Pain Patients with Refractory Neuropathic Pain

Objective Current recommendations controversially discuss local infiltration techniques as specific treatment for refractory pain syndromes. Evidence of effectiveness remains inconclusive and local infiltration series are discussed as a therapeutic option in patients not responding to standard therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of infiltration series with techniques such as sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block and ganglionic local opioid analgesia (GLOA) for the treatment of neuropathic pain in the head and neck area in a selected patient group. Methods In a retrospective clinical study, 4960 cases presenting to our university hospital outpatient pain clinic between 2009 and 2016 were screened. Altogether, 83 patients with neuropathic pain syndromes receiving local infiltration series were included. Numeric rating scale (NRS) scores before, during, and after infiltration series, comorbidity, and psychological assessment were evaluated. Results Maximum NRS before infiltration series was median 9 (IQR 8–10). During infiltration series, maximum NRS was reduced by mean 3.2 points (SD 3.3, p < 0.001) equaling a pain reduction of 41.0% (SD 40.4%). With infiltration series, mean pain reduction of at least 30% or 50% NRS was achieved in 54.2% or 44.6% of cases, respectively. In six percent of patients, increased pain intensity was noted. Initial improvement after the first infiltration was strongly associated with overall improvement throughout the series. Conclusion This study suggests a beneficial effect of local infiltration series as a treatment option for refractory neuropathic pain syndromes in the context of a multimodal approach. This effect is both significant and clinically relevant and therefore highlights the need for further randomized controlled trials.
Perspectives in Ethnobiology: Ethnophenology and Climate Change

So begins one of the earliest American accounts of ethnophenology, the cultural perception of the timing of recurrent natural history events, in this case, for their use in managing horticultural crops. It was recorded between 1906 and 1916 when Buffalo Bird Woman—known to her Hidatsa kinsmen as Maxidiwiac—was between 67 and 77 years of age. But Gilbert Wilson had asked her to reconstruct ‘‘an ethnographic present’’ that occurred just before the Civil War, when she was living at Like-a-Fishhook Village near old Fort Berthold:
Distributed Fog‐to‐Cloud computing system: A minority game approach

With the ever‐increasing popularity of resource‐intensive mobile applications, today, Fog‐to‐Cloud (F2C) computing system becomes a prominent technology for the next generation wireless networks. Despite the benefits of fog computing regarding localized storage and processing, it suffers from restricted power allowance and computational capability of the edge nodes. User nodes also may suffer from extensive delay, especially in offloading periods. Therefore, it is essential to develop a distributed mechanism for users' computation in offloading periods. According to this mechanism, not only the computational servers are exploited at their best capacity but also the users' latency constraints fulfilled. Consequently, this paper develops automated distributed fog computing for computational offloading using the theory of minority game. The proposed scheme achieves user satisfaction latency deadline as well as Quality‐of‐Experience. Moreover, it guarantees an adaptive equilibrium level of F2C computing system, which is suitable for heterogeneous wireless networks.
Computational Identification of Tumor Suppressor Genes Based on Gene Expression Profiles in Normal and Cancerous Gastrointestinal Tissues

Cancer prevails in various gastrointestinal (GI) organs, such as esophagus, stomach, and colon. However, the small intestine has an extremely low cancer risk. It is interesting to investigate the molecular cues that could explain the significant difference in cancer incidence rates among different GI tissues. Using several large-scale normal and cancer tissue genomics datasets, we compared the gene expression profiling between small intestine and other GI tissues and between GI cancers and normal tissues. We identified 17 tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) which showed significantly higher expression levels in small intestine than in other GI tissues and significantly lower expression levels in GI cancers than in normal tissues. These TSGs were mainly involved in metabolism, immune, and cell growth signaling-associated pathways. Many TSGs had a positive expression correlation with survival prognosis in various cancers, confirming their tumor suppressive function. We demonstrated that the downregulation of many TSGs was associated with their hypermethylation in cancer. Moreover, we showed that the expression of many TSGs inversely correlated with tumor purity and positively correlated with antitumor immune response in various cancers, suggesting that these TSGs may exert their tumor suppressive function by promoting antitumor immunity. Furthermore, we identified a transcriptional regulatory network of the TSGs and their master transcriptional regulators (MTRs). Many of MTRs have been recognized as tumor suppressors, such as HNF4A, ZBTB7A, p53, and RUNX3. The TSGs could provide new molecular cues associated with tumorigenesis and tumor development and have potential clinical implications for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
The Association between Hyperhomocysteinemia and Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms in Chinese Population

Objective To shed light on the association between hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). Methods From July 2013 to March 2017, we conducted a matched case–control study involving individuals who presented to the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital and underwent thoracoabdominal magnetic resonance angiography or computed tomography angiography. A total of 73 patients with TAAAs were enrolled in the case group, and 219 sex-matched subjects without TAAAs were included in the control group. We then examined the relationship between HHcy and TAAAs by logistic regression models and subgroup as well as interaction analyses. Results Serum total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations and the proportion of HHcy were significantly higher in the patients with TAAAs than in those without TAAAs (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the multivariate logistic regression models indicated that participants with HHcy had a 2.14-fold higher risk of TAAAs than those with a normal serum tHcy level (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 2.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.00–4.56). Similarly, each 1 μmol/L increase in the serum tHcy concentration was associated with a 4% higher risk of TAAAs (adjusted OR, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.00–1.07). Subgroup analyses indicated that HHcy tended to be associated with a greater risk of TAAAs in all stratified subgroups (adjusted ORs > 1). Furthermore, the interaction analyses revealed no interactive role in the association between HHcy and TAAAs. Conclusions The present case–control study suggests that HHcy is an independent risk factor for TAAAs. Larger prospective cohort studies are warranted to validate these findings.
Association Analysis between SPP1, POFUT1 and PRLR Gene Variation and Milk Yield, Composition and Coagulation Traits in Sarda Sheep

Simple Summary The purpose of our research was to analyze the association between the three candidate genes secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), protein O-fucosyltransferase 1 (POFUT1) and prolactin receptor (PRLR) with milk production, quality and coagulation properties in 380 Sarda dairy sheep. Results revealed an association between SPP1 and somatic cells count, in line with the function of this gene and with its genomic position. We revealed an association of POFUT1 variation with milk coagulation properties, and PRLR with quality. This information can be useful for future breeding schemes in sheep. Abstract Many studies focus on the identification of genomic regions that undergo selective processes, where evidence of selection is revealed and positional candidate genes are identified. The aim of the research was to evaluate the association between positional candidate genes, namely secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1, sheep chromosome Ovis aries OAR6, 36.651–36.658 Mb), protein O-fucosyltransferase 1 (POFUT1, OAR13, 61.006–61.027 Mb) and prolactin receptor (PRLR, OAR16, 38.969–39.028 Mb) with milk yield, composition and coagulation traits. Eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) mapping to the three genes were genotyped in 380 Sarda dairy sheep. Statistical analysis revealed an association between SNP rs161844011 at SPP1 (chromosome position Oar_v3 OAR6:36651870, gene region exon 7) and somatic cell score, while POFUT1 SNP rs424501869 (OAR13:61007495, intron 1) was associated with curd firmness both 45 and 60 min after rennet addition (p = 0.015 and p = 0.007, respectively). SNP rs400874750 at PRLR gene (OAR16:39004070, intron 2) had a significant association with lactose content (p = 0.020), somatic cell score (p = 0.038), rennet coagulation time (p = 0.018) and curd firming time (p = 0.047). The outcome of this research confirmed predictions based on genomic studies, producing new information regarding the SPP1, POFUT1 and PRLR genes, which may be useful for future breeding schemes.
Barriers in Access to Dental Services Hindering the Treatment of People with Disabilities: A Systematic Review

Background People with disabilities tend to have greater oral health problems compared to those without disabilities. This may be due to barriers they come across in accessing dental services. Objectives The objective of this systematic review was to provide a critical digest of the scientific literature concerning barriers and facilitators of access to oral health services for people with disabilities. Methods The electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), and Brazilian Library of Dentistry (BBO) were searched using keywords relevant to the subject. The search was not restricted to specific languages or years of publication; all relevant studies were translated and reviewed. Results Sixteen studies including 14 articles, a doctoral thesis, and a monograph were selected, and their quality was analysed using the Downs and Black assessment tool. Barriers to dental services were divided into physical or nonphysical based on the dentist's perspective, as per the perception of parents/guardians or by the persons with disabilities. The barriers that emerged included the dentist's lack of preparation to assist people with disabilities, structural problems of access to dental offices, communication difficulties, and lack of awareness regarding the need for dental treatment for the disabled person. Conclusion It is concluded that people with disabilities continue to run into complex physical, behavioural, or multidimensional barriers in accessing dental services. Improved training of dentists for the care of this population is hereby emphasized. The legal framework enabling access to dental care for people with disabilities must also be respected in each country.
Online Mapping-Based Navigation System for Wheeled Mobile Robot in Road Following and Roundabout

A road mapping and feature extraction for mobile robot navigation in road roundabout and road following environments is presented in this chapter. In this work, the online mapping of mobile robot employing the utilization of sensor fusion technique is used to extract the road characteristics that will be used with path planning algorithm to enable the robot to move from a certain start position to predetermined goal, such as road curbs, road borders, and roundabout. The sensor fusion is performed using many sensors, namely, laser range finder, camera, and odometry, which are combined on a new wheeled mobile robot prototype to determine the best optimum path of the robot and localize it within its environments. The local maps are developed using an image’s preprocessing and processing algorithms and an artificial threshold of LRF signal processing to recognize the road environment parameters such as road curbs, width, and roundabout. The path planning in the road environments is accomplished using a novel approach so called Laser Simulator to find the trajectory in the local maps developed by sensor fusion. Results show the capability of the wheeled mobile robot to effectively recognize the road environments, build a local mapping, and find the path in both road following and roundabout