Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Review of Salt Reduction Initiatives Around the World: A Midterm Evaluation of Progress Towards the 2025 Global Non-Communicable Diseases Salt Reduction Target

Abstract In 2013, the WHO recommended that all member states aim to reduce population salt intake by 30% by 2025. The year 2019 represents the midpoint, making it a critical time to assess countries’ progress towards this target. This review aims to identify all national salt reduction initiatives around the world in 2019, and to quantify countries’ progress in achieving the salt reduction target. Relevant data were identified through searches of peer-reviewed and gray literature, supplemented with responses from prefilled country questionnaires sent to known country leads of salt reduction or salt champions, WHO regional representatives, and international experts to request further information. Core characteristics of each country's strategy, including evaluations of program impact, were extracted and summarized. A total of 96 national salt reduction initiatives were identified, representing a 28% increase in the number reported in 2014. About 90% of the initiatives were multifaceted in approach, and 60% had a regulatory component. Approaches include interventions in settings (n= 74), food reformulation (n = 68), consumer education (n = 50), front-of-pack labeling (n = 48), and salt taxation (n = 5). Since 2014, there has been an increase in the number of countries implementing each of the approaches, except consumer education. Data on program impact were limited. There were 3 countries that reported a substantial decrease (>2 g/day), 9 that reported a moderate decrease (1–2 g/day), and 5 that reported a slight decrease (<1 g/day) in the mean salt intake over time, but none have yet met the targeted 30% relative reduction in salt intake from baseline. In summary, there has been an increase in the number of salt reduction initiatives around the world since 2014. More countries are now opting for structural or regulatory approaches. However, efforts must be urgently accelerated and replicated in other countries and more rigorous monitoring and evaluation of strategies is needed to achieve the salt reduction target.
Serum insulin-like factor 3 levels are reduced in former androgen users suggesting impaired Leydig cell capacity.

BACKGROUND Illicit use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is frequently observed in men and is associated with subsequent testosterone deficiency although the long-term effect on gonadal function is still unclear. Serum insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) has been suggested to be a superior biomarker of Leydig cell secretory capacity compared to testosterone. The objective of this study was to investigate serum INSL3 concentrations in AAS users. METHODS This community-based cross-sectional study included men aged 18 - 50 years, involved in recreational strength training and allocated to one of three groups: never-AAS users as controls (n=44), current (n=46) or former AAS users (n=42) with an average duration since AAS cessation of 32 (23;45) months. RESULTS Serum INSL3 was lower in current AAS users and former AAS users than in controls, median (IQR), 0.04 (ND - 0.07) and 0.39 (0.24 - 0.62) versus 0.59 (0.45 - 0.72) µg/L, P<0.001. Former AAS users exhibited lower serum INSL3 levels than controls in a multivariate linear regression even after adjusting for serum total testosterone and other relevant confounders, (B) (95%CI), -0.16 (-0.29;-0.04) µg/L, P=0.011. INSL3 and total testosterone were not associated in the model, P=0.821. Longer accumulated AAS duration (log2) was associated with lower serum INSL3 in former AAS users, (B) (95%CI), -0.08 (-0.14;-0.01), P=0.022. Serum INSL3, but not inhibin B or testosterone, was associated with testicular size in a multivariate linear regression, (B) (95%CI); 4.7 (0.5 ; 8.9), P=0.030. CONCLUSIONS Serum INSL3 is reduced years following AAS cessation in men, independently of testosterone, suggesting persistently impaired Leydig cell capacity.
Statistical mechanics of nucleic acids under mechanical stress

In this thesis, the response of DNA and RNA to linear and torsional mechanical stress is studied using coarse-grained models. Inspired by single-molecule assays developed over the last two decades, the end-to-end extension, buckling and torque response behaviour of the stressed molecules is probed under conditions similar to experimentally used setups. Direct comparison with experimental data yields excellent agreement for many conditions. Results from coarse-grained simulations are also compared to the predictions of continuum models of linear polymer elasticity. A state diagram for supercoiled DNA as a function of twist and tension is determined. A novel confomational state of mechanically stressed DNA is proposed, consisting of a plectonemic structure with a denaturation bubble localized in its end-loop. The interconversion between this novel state and other, known structural motifs of supercoiled DNA is studied in detail. In particular, the influence of sequence properties on the novel state is investigated. Several possible implications for supercoiled DNA structures in vivo are discussed. Furthermore, the dynamical consequences of coupled denaturation and writhing are studied, and used to explain observations from recent single molecule experiments of DNA strand dynamics. Finally, the denaturation behaviour, topology and dynamics of short DNA minicircles is studies using coarse-grained simulations. Long-range interactions in the denaturation behaviour of the system are observed. These are induced by the topology of the system, and are consistent with results from recent molecular imaging studies. The results from coarse-grained simulations are related to modelling of the same system in all-atom simulations and a local denaturation model of DNA, yielding insight into the applicability of these different modelling approaches to study different processes in nucleic acids.
Effects of Anti-Inflammatory Nanofibers on Urethral Healing.

Protracted postsurgical inflammation leading to postoperative complications remains a persistent problem in urethral reconstruction. Nanofibers in the form of peptide amphiphiles expressing anti-inflammatory peptides (AIF-PA) have positively modulated local inflammatory responses. Urethroplasty is performed to repair 5 mm ventral urethral defects with: uncoated small intestinal submucosa (SIS); SIS dip-coated with AIF-PA1 (anti-inflammatory treatment), or SIS dip-coated with AIF-PA6 (control) on 12-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 6/group/timepoint). Animals are euthanized at 14 and 28 d postsurgery. Hematoxylin-eosin, Masson's Trichrome, and immunohistochemistry with primary antibodies against myeloperoxidase (MPO; neutrophils), CD68, CD86, CD206 (macrophages), and proinflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-1β are performed. Complete urethral healing occurs in 3/6 uncoated SIS (50%), 2/6 SIS+AIF-PA6 (33.3%), and 5/6 SIS+AIF-PA1 (83.3%) animals at 14 d and all at 28 d. Application of AIF-PA1 to SIS substitution urethroplasty decreases MPO+ neutrophils, CD86+ M1 proinflammatory macrophages, TNFα, and IL-1β levels while concurrently increasing levels of CD206+ M2 proregenerative/anti-inflammatory macrophages at the anastomoses and the regenerated tissue at the wound bed (REGEN). AIF-PA1 treatment enhances the healing process, contributing to earlier, complete urethral healing, and increased angiogenesis. Further studies are needed to elucidate the specific mechanism of inflammatory response modulation on angiogenesis and overall urethral healing.
Cryotherapy in sport: a warm reception for the translation of evidence into applied practice

ABSTRACT Research contributing to the understanding of the mechanisms that underpin cryotherapy application in sport are evident. The translation of impactful findings that contribute to the design and implementation of cryotherapy protocols which are advantageous to the athlete in an applied sport setting, however, are still being explored. The role of cryotherapy for acute sport injury management is challenged in recent literature and discrepancies around the periodisation of cooling to maximise injury management or recovery, contribute to the confusion around optimal applications of cryotherapy in sport. The purpose of this work was to provide a contemporary summary of current perspectives, challenges and approaches for the use, application and translation of cryotherapy evidence into applied practice in a sporting context. The intention being to stimulate further debate on the topic and highlight key considerations for future study designs that reflect current practices. For improved translation of evidence for or against the use of cryotherapy in sport, it is suggested that future study design and methodologies should reflect contemporary demands within sporting environments where cryotherapy protocols for injury, rehabilitation or recovery are a feature of athlete management through investigation of individual response, and multi-measures of wellbeing and performance.
Kinetic measurements for the reactions of ozone with crotonaldehyde and its methyl derivatives and calculations of transition-state theoryElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: The stationary-point geometries optimized at B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) for the reactions of ozone with nine unsaturat

The rate coefficients for the reactions of O3 with six unsaturated carbonyls have been measured with the relative-rate method in the presence of a sufficient radical scavenger. The experiments were conducted using a 6-m3 reaction chamber combined with a long-path FTIR system. The rate coefficients (measured in 10−18 cm3 molecule−1 s−1) were 1.58 ± 0.23 for crotonaldehyde, 1.59 ± 0.22 for trans-2-pentenal, 1.82 ± 0.26 for 3-methyl-2-butenal, 5.34 ± 0.73 for trans-2-methyl-2-butenal, 29.5 ± 4.1 for 3-pentene-2-one and 8.3 ± 1.1 for mesityl oxide. Conventional transition-state theory (CTST) calculations based on ab initio molecular orbital and density functional methods were performed to evaluate the rate constants for nine unsaturated carbonyls including six compounds examined in the present experiment as well as acrolein, methacrolein, and methyl vinyl ketone. A log–log plot of the rate coefficients measured in the present and previous works vs. the calculated results of the rate constants, showed a linear relationship.
Investigation of the Essential Oil of Cinnamon Leaf Grown at Bangalore and Hyderabad

The essential oil of cinnamon leaf (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume) grown at Bangalore and Hyderabad has been analysed by capillary GC and GC-MS. Besides the main constituent, eugenol (81.4-84.5%), 47 other constituents, including those present in trace amounts, have been identified in the oil samples from the two locations. The two samples differed with respect to the relative amounts of linalol, (E)-cinnamaldehyde, (E)-cinnamyl acetate, β-caryophyllene and benzyl benzoate. Also the oil content of the Hyderabad material was found to be higher than that of the Bangalore material.
EFEITO DE INSETICIDAS NO TRATAMENTO DE SEMENTES E NA ÁGUA DE IRRIGAÇÃO NO CONTROLE DE Oryzophagus oryzae (COSTA LIMA),EM ARROZ IRRIGADO

O efeito de inseticidas aplicados no tratamento de sementes e na agua de irrigacao visando o controle de Oryzophagus oryzae ( Costa Lima, 1936), foi avaliado em dois experimentos, a campo, em 1991 e 1992. Carbossulfam FW (375 g/100 kg) e imidacloprid PM (175 e 210 g/100 kg) aplicados as sementes reduziram significativamente a populacao do inseto, com eficiencia de controle superior a 80%. Carbossulfam (750 g/ha) e imidacloprid (500g/ha) na formulacao granulada (G), aplicados na agua de irrigacao, reduziram acima de 85% a populacao de larvas (bicheira-da-raiz), em niveis similares ao propiciado pelo inseticida carbofuram G (750 g/ha), incluido como tratamento padrao. Concluiuse que ambos inseticidas, nas formulacoes e dosagens avaliadas, possuem potencial para uso na cultura do arroz irrigado para o controle de O. oryzae. O inseticida fipronil G (100 g/ha), tambem aplicado na agua de irrigacao, proporcionou um controle de larvas superior a 80%, sendo menos eficiente que o carbofuram G.
The mode of action of chlomethoxyfen

Chlomethoxyfen [5-(2, 4-dichlorophenoxy)-2-nitroanisole] has been widely used as a pre-emergence herbicide in rice in Japan, where it is known as chlomethoxynil. It is effective against many annual weeds and some perennials, including Eleocharis acicularis and Sagittaria pygmaea. The activity of chlomethoxyfen is only slightly affected by water movement because of its low water-solubility. It is more toxic to shoots than roots and is rapidly absorbed by roots, with limited translocation to upper parts of the plants. The demethylated derivative, which was presumed to be conjugated with plant materials, was identified as the major metabolite in plants. Several other metabolites were also detected in soils and animals. Chlomethoxyfen increases phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity in plants under light conditions, resulting in the accumulation of the biphenyl-2-ol content. The biochemical basis of the light requirement of diphenyl ether herbicides is also discussed.
N-substituted benzenesulfonamide compounds: DNA binding properties and molecular docking studies

Abstract Benzenesulfonamide-based imine compounds 5–8 were prepared and screened for their binding properties to the FSdsDNA. The structures of synthesized compounds were elucidated by the spectroscopic and analytical methods. Compounds 5–8 were screened for their interactions with the FSdsDNA. Compound 8 showed the highest binding affinity to the FSdsDNA with intrinsic binding constant of 3.10 × 104 M−1. The compounds caused the quenching of the DNA–EB emission indicating displacement of EB (ethidium bromide) from the FSdsDNA. Finally, the binding interactions between the DNA and binder molecules 5–8 were examined by the molecular docking studies. The compounds locate approximately same region of the minor groove of DNA via hydrogen bonding contacts between the sulfonamide oxygen atoms and the DG10/DG16 nucleotides of DNA. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
Dominant monoallelic variant in the PAK2 gene causes Knobloch syndrome type 2

Knobloch syndrome is an autosomal recessive phenotype mainly characterized by retinal detachment and encephalocele caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in the COL18A1 gene. However, there are patients clinically diagnosed as Knobloch syndrome with unknown molecular etiology not linked to COL18A1. We studied an historical pedigree (published in 1998) designated as KNO2 (Knobloch type 2 syndrome with intellectual disability, autistic behavior, retinal degeneration, encephalocele). Whole exome sequencing of the two affected siblings and the normal parents resulted in the identification of a PAK2 non-synonymous substitution p.(Glu435Lys) as a causative variant. The variant was monoallelic and apparently de novo in both siblings indicating a likely germline mosaicism in one of the parents; the mosaicism however could not be observed after deep sequencing of blood parental DNA. PAK2 encodes a member of a small group of serine/threonine kinases; these P21-activating kinases (PAKs) are essential in signal transduction and cellular regulation (cytoskeletal dynamics, cell motility, death and survival signaling, and cell cycle progression). Structural analysis of the PAK2 p.(Glu435Lys) variant which is located in the kinase domain of the protein predicts a possible compromise in the kinase activity. Functional analysis of the p.(Glu435Lys) PAK2 variant in transfected HEK293T cells results in a partial loss of the kinase activity. PAK2 has been previously suggested as an autism related gene. Our results show that PAK2 induced phenotypic spectrum is broad and not fully understood. We conclude that the KNO2 syndrome in the studied family is dominant and caused by a deleterious variant in the PAK2 gene.
How to Select

Your brainstorm should generate many, wide-ranging ideas. Now harvest that brainstorm, so those ideas don't just sit there on the board. Harvesting is straight forward for some brainstorms (pick a couple of ideas), but when ideating design solutions give some thought to how you select ideas. Carry forward a range of those ideas, so you preserve the breadth of solutions and don't settle only for the safe choice. In the selection process, don't narrow too fast. Don't immediately worry about feasibility. Hang on to the ideas about which the group is excited, amused, or intrigued. An idea that is not plausible may still have an aspect within it that is very useful and meaningful. Different selection techniques can be used, including these three: 1. Post-it voting – each team member gets three votes and marks three ideas that he or she is attracted to. Independent voting allows all team members to have a voice. 2. The four categories method – the method encourages you to hang onto those crazy but meaningful ideas. Elect one or two ideas for each of these four categories: the rational choice, the most likely to delight, the darling, and the long shot. 3. Bingo selection method – like the four categories method, this is designed to help preserve innovation potential. Choose ideas that inspire you to build in different form factors: a physical prototype, a digital prototype, and an experience prototype. Carry forward multiple ideas into prototyping. If an idea is so far out there that it seems pointless to test, ask yourselves what about that solution was attractive, and then test that aspect or integrate it into a new solution.
The Impact of Low-dose Gliclazide on the Incretin Effect and Indices of Beta-cell Function

Abstract Aims/Hypothesis Studies in permanent neonatal diabetes suggest that sulphonylureas lower blood glucose without causing hypoglycemia, in part by augmenting the incretin effect. This mechanism has not previously been attributed to sulphonylureas in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). We therefore aimed to evaluate the impact of low-dose gliclazide on beta-cell function and incretin action in patients with T2DM. Methods Paired oral glucose tolerance tests and isoglycemic infusions were performed to evaluate the difference in the classical incretin effect in the presence and absence of low-dose gliclazide in 16 subjects with T2DM (hemoglobin A1c < 64 mmol/mol, 8.0%) treated with diet or metformin monotherapy. Beta-cell function modeling was undertaken to describe the relationship between insulin secretion and glucose concentration. Results A single dose of 20 mg gliclazide reduced mean glucose during the oral glucose tolerance test from 12.01 ± 0.56 to 10.82 ± 0.5mmol/l [P = 0.0006; mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM)]. The classical incretin effect was augmented by 20 mg gliclazide, from 35.5% (lower quartile 27.3, upper quartile 61.2) to 54.99% (34.8, 72.8; P = 0.049). Gliclazide increased beta-cell glucose sensitivity by 46% [control 22.61 ± 3.94, gliclazide 33.11 ± 7.83 (P = 0.01)] as well as late-phase incretin potentiation [control 0.92 ± 0.05, gliclazide 1.285 ± 0.14 (P = 0.038)]. Conclusions/Interpretation Low-dose gliclazide reduces plasma glucose in response to oral glucose load, with concomitant augmentation of the classical incretin effect. Beta-cell modeling shows that low plasma concentrations of gliclazide potentiate late-phase insulin secretion and increase glucose sensitivity by 50%. Further studies are merited to explore whether low-dose gliclazide, by enhancing incretin action, could effectively lower blood glucose without risk of hypoglycemia.
Netrins: Evolutionarily Conserved Regulators of Epithelial Fusion and Closure in Development and Wound Healing

Epithelial remodelling plays a crucial role during development. The ability of epithelial sheets to temporarily lose their integrity as they fuse with other epithelial sheets underpins events such as the closure of the neural tube and palate. During fusion, epithelial cells undergo some degree of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), whereby cells from opposing sheets dissolve existing cell-cell junctions, degrade the basement membrane, extend motile processes to contact each other, and then re-establish cell-cell junctions as they fuse. Similar events occur when an epithelium is wounded. Cells at the edge of the wound undergo a partial EMT and migrate towards each other to close the gap. In this review, we highlight the emerging role of Netrins in these processes, and provide insights into the possible signalling pathways involved. Netrins are secreted, laminin-like proteins that are evolutionarily conserved throughout the animal kingdom. Although best known as axonal chemotropic guidance molecules, Netrins also regulate epithelial cells. For example, Netrins regulate branching morphogenesis of the lung and mammary gland, and promote EMT during Drosophila wing eversion. Netrins also control epithelial fusion during optic fissure closure and inner ear formation, and are strongly implicated in neural tube closure and secondary palate closure. Netrins are also upregulated in response to organ damage and epithelial wounding, and can protect against ischemia-reperfusion injury and speed wound healing in cornea and skin. Since Netrins also have immunomodulatory properties, and can promote angiogenesis and re-innervation, they hold great promise as potential factors in future wound healing therapies.
Progressive Loss of Retinal Ganglion Cells in Activating Protein-2β Neural Crest Cell Knockout Mice

ABSTRACT Purpose: Our lab has shown that conditionally disrupting the transcription factor activating protein 2β (Tfap2b) gene, responsible for the activating protein-2β (AP-2β) transcription factor, exclusively in cranial neural crest cells (AP-2β NCC KO), leads to anterior segment dysgenesis and a closed angle phenotype. The purpose of the current study is to determine if there is a progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the mutant over time and whether this loss was associated with macroglial activity changes and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods: Using the Cre-loxP system, we generated a conditional knockout of Tfap2b exclusively in cranial NCC (AP-2β NCC KO). Immunohistochemistry was performed using anti-Brn3a, anti-GFAP and anti-Vimentin antibodies. IOP was measured using a tonometer and the data was analyzed using GraphPad Prism software. Brn3a and DAPI positive cells were counted using Image-J and statistical analysis was performed with GraphPad Prism software. Results: Our findings revealed that while no statistical difference in Brn3a expression was observed between wild-type and mutant mice at postnatal day (P) 4 or P10, at P40 (p < .01) and P42 (p < .0001) Brn3a expression was significantly reduced in the mutant retina at the region of the ONH. There was also increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) by Müller cells in the AP-2β NCC KO mice at P35 and P40, indicating the presence of neuroinflammation. Moreover, increased IOP was observed starting at P35 and continuing at P40 and P42 (p < .0001 for all three ages examined). Conclusions: Together, these findings suggest that the retinal damage observed in the KO mouse becomes apparent by P40 after increased IOP was observed at P35 and progressed over time. The AP-2β NCC KO mouse may therefore be a novel experimental model for glaucoma.