Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of high-fiber rice Dodamssal (Oryza sativa L.) on glucose and lipid metabolism in mice fed a high-fat diet.

We investigated the effects of high amylose rice variety, Dodamssal (DO) (Oryza sativa L.), on glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism in mice. Experiment 1: Oral administration of DO for 1 week significantly improved glucose and insulin tolerance (p < .001) and reduced plasma triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. Experiment 2: Administration of DO-containing diet for 5 weeks also significantly reduced fasting glucose concentrations and hepatic lipid accumulation. DO induced GLP-1, adiponectin, and PYY levels. In the liver, DO suppressed the gene expression of G6pc, key gene in gluconeogenesis and induced AKT phosphorylation. DO increased fecal bile acid excretion regulating the expression in key genes in bile acid metabolism. DO suppressed plasma Trimethylamine N-oxide and intestinal lipopolysaccharide concentrations. DO may be achieved the hypolipidemic effects by direct activation of hepatic Pparα expression and its responsive genes regulating hepatic fatty acid uptake and β-oxidation, while downregulating the hepatic fatty acid synthesis Our results demonstrate that high-fiber rice, DO, might be a potential supplement for the amelioration of insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The results from the present study suggest that newly developed DO (Oryza sativa L.) high amylose rice strain may improve insulin sensitivity and activates the Akt pathway. DO consumption tends to counteract the deleterious effects characterized during the intake of high-fat-diet related to plasma TG, ALT, and AST concentrations. Therefore, DO supplementation might be a potential adjuvant to ameliorate dyslipidemia and adiposity.
Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry (5th edition)

Lehninger 4th/5th ed. FINAL EXAM 11:30 am2:30 pm, location TBA . The Absolute Ultimate Guide to Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry 4th edition . Lehninger, Cox and Nelson, Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, 6th edition,. 2012. W.H. Freeman & Company. Prerequisite/corequisite: Preor Co-requisite: Download Biochemistry.pdf for free Lippincott Biochemistry Ed 3.pdf, Principles of Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry Nelson 6th Edition Test Bank.pdf. Alberf L. Lehninger, David L. Nelson, and Michael M. Cox. Worth Publishers: The second edition of Lehninger's Principles of Biochemistry has now appeared .
Decellularized Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering: Current Status and Future Perspective.

Based on Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network data as of December 2019, more than 113,000 patients require an organ transplantation, yet over the course of this past year, only 36,000 patients received a transplant. This discrepancy between those that need a donor organ and those that receive one remains one of medicine's biggest challenges. Multiple solutions, both biologic and artificial have been proposed to mitigate this difference. One of the most promising approaches to generate bioartificial organs for transplantation involves re-seeding decellularized scaffolds with appropriate cells. Decellularization involves physical, chemical or biological methods that typically require intimate contact of various decellularization solutions with each cell. Consequently, conventional submersion decellularization has been limited to simple tissues such as heart valves. The invention of perfusion decellularization was a breakthrough that allowed the generation of tissue engineered scaffolds from tissues with higher structural organization and entire organs. Such scaffolds are composed of a myriad of extracellular matrix (ECM) components that include collagen, elastin, proteoglycans and glycoproteins. Together, these components allow the scaffolds to fulfill specialized functions, such as structural functions as well as biological functions including the regulation of cellular processes and extracellular molecules. These specialized functions of decellularized scaffolds can increasingly be harnessed for applications in tissue engineering.
Self-reported and activPALTM-monitored physical activity and sedentary behaviour in college students: Not all sitting behaviours are linked to perceived stress and anxiety

ABSTRACT This study examined relationships between physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) with state-trait anxiety and stress. State-Trait anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), psychological stress (Perceived Stress Scale), SB across domains during weekdays and weekends (Last 7-day Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire) and PA intensities (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) were assessed by self-report in 360 undergraduates (44% females, mean age 20.9 ± 2.93 years). A subsample (n = 121; 53.7% females; mean age 20.8 ± 2.6 years) wore an activPALTM to determine total SB, light, and moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA). Self-reported MVPA was significantly associated with lower trait anxiety and perceived stress, whereas light PA was only associated with lower perceived stress. Weekend total self-reported SB was related to higher trait anxiety and perceived stress levels, while total SB during the week was not. Of all SB domains, only leisure SB (screen and non-screen based) was associated with higher trait anxiety and perceived stress. PA attenuated the negative relationships between excessive sitting time and trait anxiety but not perceived stress. No associations were found for monitor-based measures of PA and SB. No associations were found between PA or SB variables with state anxiety. Further research is needed to assess causal and reciprocal relationships between PA, SB and mental health in college students.
Optimization of physical properties of new gluten-free cake based on apple pomace powder using starch and xanthan gum

Apple pomace is a valuable waste from the apple juice industry with high level of poly phenols and also phytate-free dietary fiber. This research was done to optimize and compare the physical properties of new gluten-free cake based on whole replacement of wheat flour with apple pomace powder using starch and xanthan gum by Mixture Design. The results of chemical analysis of apple pomace flour showed 10% moisture, 1.28% ash, 1.68% fat, 1.25% protein, 56% fiber and 9.62 mg gallic acid/g phenolic compounds. There was a significant difference in the texture of optimized apple pomace cakes in comparison to rice and wheat cakes as control and black samples. The hardness of the wheat flour sample was less than the gluten-free samples. Based on the results of the sensory evaluation, the cake containing apple pomace powder had the highest score in terms of overall acceptance.
The effect of economic inequality on young children's prosocial decision-making.

An emerging body of literature has documented the negative implications high economic inequality can have on children's social and cognitive development. However, little experimental research has directly addressed how wealth discrepancies impact the way children treat others. The current study thus aimed to address the implications of economic inequality on prosocial decision-making in children prior to commencing formal schooling. Using a novel experimental paradigm, we immersed 4-year-old children (N = 58) in a series of games where they played against puppets for rewards. During this process, children were exposed to resource allocations featuring either high inequality or low inequality. We subsequently measured children's donation behaviour, resource division behaviour, and fairness perceptions. As predicted, children were less altruistic when exposed to high inequality compared to low inequality. Contrary to predictions, there was no difference in resource division behaviour or fairness perceptions. This study documents for the first time that exposure to environmental inequality, even if brief and in a controlled experimental setting, can influence young children's prosocial decision-making. Statement of contribution What is already known on the subject? Adults tend to be less prosocial towards others after experiencing high economic inequality. Young children understand when outcomes are unequal. Young children also have a rudimentary understanding of what is fair. What does this study adds? A novel experimental design was utilized to immerse children in a safe experimental economy. Pre-schoolers are less altruistic after experiencing high inequality compared to low inequality. Children did not attempt to adjust prior inequalities in their resource division behaviour.
Clinical features, socio-demographic profile and ultrasound findings in women with endometriosis symptoms

AIMS: To describe clinical and socio-demographic features, as well as transvaginal ultrasound results, of women with endometriosis symptoms.METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study included patients who had at least one of the following symptoms: dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and urinary or bowel cyclic symptoms. The sample comprised women treated in a private gynecology clinic located in a small city in southern Brazil, from March to November 2016. All the participants, after signed an informed consent, were subjected to clinical anamnesis, transvaginal ultrasound with bowel preparation, and examination for the CA-125 antigen serum level. Association between two qualitative variables was assessed through Pearson's Chi-Square or Fisher's exact tests. Mean values of quantitative variables were compared through the two-tailed Student's t-test for independent samples. Significance level was set as p<0.05. RESULTS: A total of 85 women, aged 18-49 years, participated in the study. Most were married (75.3%), with children (51.8%), showed no family history of endometriosis (89.4%), had no knowledge about endometriosis (77.6%) and completed high school (43.5%). Ultrasound findings suggested endometriosis in 25 (29.4%) women. Dysmenorrhea was the most prevalent symptom (88.2%), followed by dyspareunia (61.2%). In comparison to those without ultrasound signs, the patients whose ultrasound findings suggested endometriosis had an older age (37.16±6.83 years vs. 30.37±6.80 years, p<0.001) and a longer duration of symptoms (9.06±6.49 years vs. 5.27±4.79 years, p=0.004). In addition, they presented higher mean serum CA-125 antigen levels (50.07±54.05 U/mL vs. 17.71±14.09 U/mL, p=0.011). Endometriosis-compatible lesions were mainly found in the ovaries (60%) and in the rectosigmoid region (52%). The disease was confirmed in the nine cases that were subjected to videolaparoscopy.CONCLUSIONS: Transvaginal ultrasound confirmed endometriosis in about one third of symptomatic patients, who were older, had symptoms for a longer time, and had higher serum CA-125 antigen levels in comparison to those without endometriosis diagnosis based on transvaginal ultrasound. Ovaries and rectosigmoid region were the sites with the highest frequency of ultrasound signs of endometriosis.
Use of Immersive Virtual Reality in the Assessment and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review

Background: Immersive virtual reality (iVR) allows seamless interaction with simulated environments and is becoming an established tool in clinical research. It is unclear whether iVR is acceptable to people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia or useful in their care. We explore whether iVR is a viable research tool that may aid the detection and treatment of AD. Objectives: This review examines the use of iVR in people with AD or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception. PRISMA guidelines were used with studies selected by at least two researchers. Results: Nine studies were eligible for inclusion. None reported any issues with iVR tolerability in participants with MCI and AD on assessment or treatment tasks. One study demonstrated capability for detecting prodromal AD and correlated with neuroanatomical substrates. Two studies showed iVR to have high accuracy in differentiating participants with AD from controls but were not hypothesis driven or with adequate controls measures. In a small validation study and two longitudinal case studies, iVR cognitive training was positively rated but did not demonstrate reliable benefit. Conclusion: iVR is emerging as a viable method of assessing older adults and people with AD. Strongest benefits were seen when closely integrated with theoretical models of neurodegeneration and existing screening methods. Further randomized controlled trials integrated with clinical populations are required. This will consolidate the power of iVR for assessment of MCI and clarify treatment efficacy beyond current applications in physical rehabilitation.
Relationship between insulin resistance and adipocytokines: the mediator role of adiposity in children

Abstract Background: Leptin and adiponectin interact with each other in the modulation of obesity and insulin resistance (IR) and it is also important to consider the role of cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness in these relationships. Aim: To analyse the relationship between IR with adipocytokines in children, and to test the mediation effect of %BF (percentage of body fat) in the association of IR with leptin, adiponectin, and L/A ratio. Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional study comprised a sample of 150 schoolchildren, aged 6–11 years, from school in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The following variables were evaluated: cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular fitness (MF), percentage of body fat (%BF), and biochemical variables (leptin, adiponectin, glucose, and insulin). Results: IR was associated with leptin and L/A ratio, after adjustments for age, sex, sexual maturation, and CRF. When adjusted for age, sex, sexual maturation, and MF, an association was found between IR with leptin and L/A ratio. Moreover, %BF was a mediator in the association between IR and leptin, as well as IR and L/A ratio, explaining 54% and 57% of these associations, respectively. Conclusion: Leptin and L/A ratio are positively associated with IR after adjustments. Also, %BF is a mediator in the associations between IR and leptin and L/A ratio.
Detection of anti-protease inhibitors resistance mutations in HCV strains infecting treatment-naïve chronic patients from Romania

Abstract Background: Severe complications of chronic hepatitis C – i.e. cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma – are important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the overwhelming rates of sustained virologic response achieved after therapy with different combinations of direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs), treatment failure is still recorded, and is due to the mutations harboured by hepatitis C virus (HCV) resistance associated variants (RAVs) selected during therapy. Baseline RAVs testing was found significant for guiding treatment in the cases of treatment failure and, sometimes, in naïve patients. Methods: Romanian chronic hepatitis C patients unexposed to DAAs and infected with subtype 1b HCV were studied. Serum samples were used for Sanger population sequencing of a fragment containing NS3 viral protease, known to harbour resistance mutation against protease inhibitors (PIs). Results: Catalytic triad and zinc-binding site in the studied sequences were conserved. Low-intermediate resistance mutations to first generation PIs were detected either alone or in conjunction with resistance substitutions associated with second generation PIs. Cross-resistance and reduced susceptibility to certain DAAs were observed. Discussion: This study focused on HCV patients infected with subtype 1b strains, the most prevalent in Romania. The rate of RAVs found in this work is consistent with the results reported by similar studies from other countries. Noticeably, numerous polymorphisms of unknown significance to DAAs resistance, but reflecting the high genetic variability of HCV, were found in the studied sequences. Testing for RAVs can be a useful method for guiding treatment in a cost-efficient manner in developing countries where access to DAAs is limited.
Evaluation of the association between five genetic variants and primary open-angle glaucoma in a Han Chinese population

ABSTRACT Purpose A large genome-wide association study showed that five new variants, {EPDR1 (rs3816415), CHAT (rs1258267), GLIS3 (rs736893), FERMT2 (rs7494379), and DPM2–FAM102A (rs3739821)}, were associated primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). Considering the shared clinical features between primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and PACG, this study was conducted to investigate the association of these genetic variants with POAG in a Han Chinese population. Methods A total 799 POAG patients and 799 controls are enrolled in this case–control study. All individuals were genotyped for the five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using ABI SNaPshot method. Four genetic models (homozygous, heterozygous, dominant, and recessive) were applied to further evaluate the possible correlation between the five SNPs and POAG. Results In our study, rs736893 in the GLIS3 gene was found to be associated with POAG (Bonferroni corrected p = .001, OR = 1.282, 95% CI = 1.103–1.491). Rs736893-AA and rs736893-AA/AG carriers showed an increase risk for POAG compared with rs736893-GG carriers (corrected p = .028, OR = 1.605, 95% CI = 1.137–2.267; corrected p = .012, OR = 1.349, 95% CI = 1.108–1.642; respectively) in homozygous and dominant models. For rs3816415 in the EPDR1 gene, rs3816415-AG and rs3816415-AA/AG carriers have a marginally lower risk than rs3816415-GG carriers (corrected p = .036, OR = 0.710, 95% CI = 0.548–0.919; corrected p = .04, OR = 0.718, 95% CI = 0.557–0.925) in heterozygous and dominant models. Conclusion Our findings indicated that GLIS3 (rs736893) was associated with POAG in this Chinese population. Further genetic epidemiologic studies and functional work are necessary to reveal their pathogenesis with POAG.
Relationship between executive dysfunction and neuropsychiatric symptoms and impaired instrumental activities of daily living among patients with very mild Alzheimer's disease

Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) experience a gradual loss in their ability to perform instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) from the early stage. A better understanding of the possible factors associated with IADL decline is important for the development of effective rehabilitation and support programs for patients with AD. Thus, we examined the relationships between comprehensive cognitive functions and neuropsychiatric symptoms and IADLs in patients with very mild AD.
Rezept für Bewegung in der Nephrologie

Zusammenfassung Die Behandlung der chronischen Niereninsuffizienz (chronic kidney disease, CKD) in Klinik und Praxis, auch unter der Dialysetherapie, beinhaltet stets eine umfangreiche medikamentöse Gabe und eine regelmäßige Überwachung. Die Niereninsuffizienz als chronische Erkrankung gehört zu der Gruppe von Krankheiten, die auch von einer nicht medikamentösen Therapie profitiert – nämlich von einer regelmäßigen körperlichen Aktivität. Trotz zahlreicher Publikationen zu diesem Thema werden Bewegung und körperliche Aktivität noch zu wenig bei Patienten mit CKD eingesetzt. Mit den Ergebnissen des Trainings während der Dialyse und dem Rezept für Bewegung gibt es effektive Ansätze, die Faktoren des gesunden Lebensstils in das Behandlungskonzept bei Nierenpatienten einzusetzen.
High pre-treatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with dermatomyositis/polymyositis predicts an increased risk of cancer

Background Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is increased and associated with overall survival (OS) in inflammatory diseases including dermatomyositis/polymyositis (DM/PM) and many cancers. The risk of cancer is increased with DM/PM especially in adults > 50 years old. Objectives To determine whether high NLR is associated with an increased risk of cancer and OS in DM/PM patients. Materials and Methods A retrospective monocentric study was performed in a tertiary care referral centre between 2007 and 2018. Data on patient characteristics included pre-treatment NLR, visceral involvement, treatment, autoantibodies, creatine phosphokinase level, occurrence of cancer, and death. The cut-off value of NLR was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Factors associated with risk of cancer and death were estimated by Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis. Results In total, 75 patients had a diagnosis of DM/PM (median age: 60 [Q1-Q3: 41.3–70.2] years and median follow-up: 3.5 [Q1-Q3: 1–5.9] years) and 16 patients had cancer. NLR ≥5.5 was associated with occurrence of cancer based on univariate analysis (HR: 3.6; 95% CI: 1.2–10.6) and multivariate analysis (HR: 3.8; 95% CI: 1.2–12.1) adjusted for age (HR: 5.0; 95% CI: 1.1–22.7), as well as corticosteroid intake ( p = 0.35) before initial NLR determination. Conclusion This is the first study to demonstrate an association between high NLR and risk of cancer in patients with DM/PM. Moreover, analysis was performed with adjustment for potential confounding factors such as corticosteroid intake. High NLR at age ≥ 60 years should prompt investigation for cancer from diagnosis of DM/PM and during follow-up.
Characterization of sheep erythrocyte glycosphingolipids recognized by human anti-Forssman antibodies

Abstract The FORS histo-blood group system is the most recently discovered carbohydrate-based human blood group system. FORS is a rare blood group system, and most individuals have naturally occurring anti-FORS1 antibodies in plasma. Screening for anti-FORS1 antibodies is often done by hemagglutination assays using FORS1-expressing sheep erythrocytes, since FORS1-positive human erythrocytes are most often not available. Here, we have characterized the non-acid glycosphingolipids from sheep erythrocytes and isolated subfractions, with mass spectrometry, binding of antibodies and lectins, and by enzymatic hydrolysis. This demonstrated the presence of Forssman and Galili pentaosylceramides, and a Galili heptaosylceramide. Two complex glycosphingolipids recognized by human anti-FORS1 antibodies were characterized as a Forssman neolacto hybrid hexaosylceramide (GalNAcα3GalNAcβ3Galβ4GlcNAcβ3Galβ4Glcβ1Cer) and a Forssman Galili hybrid heptaosylceramide (GalNAcα3GalNAcβ3Galα3Galβ4GlcNAcβ3Galβ4Glcβ1Cer). These are novel glycosphingolipid structures, and to our knowledge, the first case of an elongated Galili antigen. Thus, the anti-Forssman antibodies in human serum bind not only to the classical Forssman pentaosylceramide (GalNAcα3GalNAcβ3Galα4Galβ4Glcβ1Cer), but also when the GalNAcα3GalNAcβ3 sequence is presented on a neolacto core chain and even on a Galili carbohydrate sequence.
Exceptionally Uniform and Scalable Multilayer MoS2 Phototransistor Array Based on Large-Scale MoS2 Grown by RF Sputtering, Electron Beam Irradiation and Sulfurization.

Two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has emerged as a promising material for optoelectronic applications because of its superior electrical and optical properties. However, difficulty in synthesizing large-scale MoS2 films has been recognized as a bottleneck in uniform and reproducible device fabrication and performance. Here, we proposed a radio-frequency magnetron sputter system, and post-treatments of electron beam irradiation and sulfurization to obtain large-scale continuous and high-quality multilayer MoS2 films. Large-area uniformity was confirmed by no deviation of electrical performance in fabricated MoS2 thin-film transistors (TFTs) with an average on/off ratio of 103 and transconductance of 0.67 nS. Especially the photoresponsivity of our MoS2 TFT reached 3.7 A W-1, which is a dramatic improvement over that of previously reported multilayer MoS2 TFT (0.1 A W-1) because of the photogating effect induced by the formation of trap states in the bandgap. Finally, we organized a 4 × 4 MoS2 phototransistor array with high photosensitivity, linearity, and uniformity for light detection, which demonstrates the great potential of 2D MoS2 for future-oriented optoelectronic devices.