Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glycemic management is inversely related to skeletal muscle microvascular endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes

Microvascular endothelial dysfunction precipitates cardiovascular disease mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the relationship between glycemic management and microvascular endothelial function of these patients remains ill defined. We investigated the association between skeletal muscle microvascular endothelial function with glycemic management (HbA1c) and responses to an oral glucose challenge (OGTT) in 30 patients with T2DM (59 ± 9 years, 31.2 ± 5.1 kg/m2, HbA1c = 7.3 ± 1.3%). On study day 1, microvascular endothelial function was quantified as the increase (Δ from rest) in forearm vascular conductance (FVC, ml/min/100 mmHg) during intra‐arterial acetylcholine infusion at 4.0 and 8.0 μg/dl forearm volume/min (ACh4 and ACh8, respectively). [Glucose] and [insulin] were measured in a fasted state as well as following a 75 g OGTT on a second day with an additional fasting blood sample collected to measure HbA1c. FVC increased (Δ) 221 ± 118 and 251 ± 144 ml/min/100 mm Hg during ACh4 and ACh8 trials, respectively (p < 0.05 between doses). [Glucose] and [insulin] increased at the 1‐h time point, relative to fasting levels, and remained elevated 2 h post‐consumption (p < 0.05 for both variables and time points). [Glucose] nor [insulin], fasting or during the OGTT, were associated with ΔFVC during ACh4 or ACh8, respectively (p = 0.11–0.86), although HbA1c was inversely related (r = −0.47 and −0.46, respectively, p < 0.01 for both). Patients whose HbA1c met the ADA’s therapeutic target of ≤7.0% had greater ΔFVC to ACh4 (272 ± 147 vs. 182 ± 74 ml/100 mm Hg/min) and ACh8 (324 ± 171 vs. 196 ± 90 ml/100 mm Hg/min, p < 0.05 for both trials) compared to those with >7.0%, respectively. Our data show glycemic management is related to acetylcholine‐mediated vasodilation (e.g., microvascular endothelial function) in skeletal muscle of patients with T2DM.
Effect of mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 on mitochondrial dynamics during skeletal muscle hypertrophy

Mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a central factor of protein synthesis signaling and plays an important role in the resistance training‐induced increase in skeletal muscle mass and subsequent skeletal muscle hypertrophy response. In particular, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) promotes protein synthesis in ribosomes by activating the downstream effectors, p70S6K and 4EBP1, in skeletal muscle and is highly sensitive to rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor. Recently, resistance training has also been shown to affect mitochondrial dynamics, which is coupled with mitochondrial function. In skeletal muscle, mitochondria dynamically change their morphology through repeated fusion and fission, which may be key for controlling the quality of skeletal muscle. However, how the mechanisms of mitochondrial dynamics function during hypertrophy in skeletal muscle remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of mTOR inhibition on mitochondrial dynamics during skeletal muscle hypertrophy. Consistent with previous studies, functional overload by synergist (gastrocnemius and soleus) ablation‐induced progressive hypertrophy (increase in protein synthesis and fiber cross‐sectional area) of the plantaris muscle was observed in mice. Moreover, these hypertrophic responses were significantly inhibited by rapamycin administration. Fourteen days of functional overload increased levels of MFN2 and OPA1, which regulate mitochondrial fusion, whereas this enhancement was inhibited by rapamycin administration. Additionally, overload decreased the levels of DRP1, which regulates mitochondrial fission and oxidative phosphorylation, regardless of rapamycin administration. These observations suggest that the relative reduction in mitochondrial function or content is complemented by enhancement of mitochondrial fusion and that this complementary response may be regulated by mTORC1.
Reducing underreporting of abortion in surveys: Results from two test applications of the list experiment method in Malawi and Senegal

Background Accurately measuring abortion incidence poses many challenges. The list experiment is a method designed to increase the reporting of sensitive or stigmatized behaviors in surveys, but has only recently been applied to the measurement of abortion. To further test the utility of the list experiment for measuring abortion incidence, we conducted list experiments in two countries, over two time periods. Materials and methods The list experiment is an indirect method of measuring sensitive experiences that protects respondent confidentiality by hiding individual responses to a binary sensitive item (i.e., abortion) by combining this response with answers to other non-sensitive binary control items. Respondents report the number of list items that apply to them, not which ones. We conducted a list experiment to measure cumulative lifetime incidence of abortion in Malawi, and separately to measure cumulative five-year incidence of abortion in Senegal, among cisgender women of reproductive age. Results Among 810 eligible respondents in Malawi, list experiment results estimated a cumulative lifetime incidence of abortion of 0.9% (95%CI: 0.0, 7.6). Among 1016 eligible respondents in Senegal, list experiment estimates indicated a cumulative five-year incidence of abortion of 2.8% (95%CI: 0.0, 10.4) which, while lower than anticipated, is seven times the proportion estimated from a direct question on abortion (0.4%). Conclusions Two test applications of the list experiment to measure abortion experiences in Malawi and Senegal likely underestimated abortion incidence. Future efforts should include context-specific formative qualitative research for the development and selection of list items, enumerator training, and method delivery to assess if and how these changes can improve method performance.
Agricultural reuse of wastewater and global water management

Agricultural reuse of wastewater has to be integrated into comprehensive land and water management plans taking into account water supply, wastewater collection, reclamation, and reuse. It may be incorporated, as a land treatment system, to the treatment cycle and considered as the nutrient recycling part of the loop. However, the water used for irrigation purposes has to meet the public health and agronomic quality requirements. Therefore, the treatment objectives and standards need to be clearly defined. This leads to reconsidering the treatment approach, the required treatment levels and processes, and the indicators that should be taken into account. A common approach to wastewater treatment and agricultural reuse has to be developed in order to define a reclaimed water quality that would be safe for each intended end use of the effluent, and acceptable in economic terms as well as the quality of the products coming from these wastewater reuse operations. Among the challenges that agricultural reuse operations have to overcome, planning and management are still major ones that require careful attention.
THE EFFECTS OF HIGH ADIPOSITY ON CONCENTRIC AND ECCENTRIC MUSCLE PERFORMANCE OF UPPER AND LOWER LIMB MUSCULATURE IN YOUNG AND OLD ADULTS.

The present study uniquely examined the influence of old age and adiposity on maximal concentric and eccentric torque and fatigue of the elbow (EF, EE) and knee (KF, KE) flexors and extensors. 40 males were recruited and categorised into young (n=21, 23.7±3.4) and old (n=19, 68.3±6.1) and then further into normal (young = 16.9±2.5%, old = 20.6±3.1%) and high adiposity (young = 28.9±5.0%, old = 31.3±4.2%) groups. Handgrip strength, sit-to-stand performance, and isokinetic assessments of peak torque at 60°, 120° and 180° s-1 were measured. Older men produced significantly less concentric and eccentric peak torque (P<0.016) but this was not influenced by adiposity (P>0.055). For KE and KF, high adiposity groups demonstrated reduced peak torque normalised to body mass (P<0.021), and muscle and contractile mode specific reduction in torque normalised to segmental lean mass. Eccentric fatigue resistance was unaffected by both age and adiposity (P>0.30) and perceived muscle soreness, measured up to 72 hours post, was only enhanced in the upper body of the young group following eccentric fatigue (P=0.009). Despite the impact of adiposity on skeletal muscle function being comparable between ages, these results suggest high adiposity will have greater impact on functional performance of older adults. Novelty: •Irrespective of age, high adiposity may negatively impact force to body mass ratio and muscle quality in a muscle and contractile mode specific manner. •Whilst the magnitude of adiposity effects is similar across ages, the impact for older adults will be more substantial given the age-related decline in muscle function.
Excitatory cholecystokinin neurons of the midbrain integrate diverse temporal responses and drive auditory thalamic subdomains

Significance Our ability to identify sounds and understand communication signals depends upon our brains’ capacity to combine information about diverse sound features, including temporal patterns. The central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICC) performs an initial stage of this integration, but a circuit-based understanding of these processes has been hampered by difficulties in separating clearly defined functional cell types. Here we identify and characterize a major excitatory projection neuron of the ICC. These neurons show uniform intrinsic firing patterns and tuning to frequency, but strikingly diverse temporal responses to sound. Our results suggest that diversity in temporal coding is represented even within a single cell class and is likely primarily driven by differences in circuit connectivity. The central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICC) integrates information about different features of sound and then distributes this information to thalamocortical circuits. However, the lack of clear definitions of circuit elements in the ICC has limited our understanding of the nature of these circuit transformations. Here, we combine virus-based genetic access with electrophysiological and optogenetic approaches to identify a large family of excitatory, cholecystokinin-expressing thalamic projection neurons in the ICC of the Mongolian gerbil. We show that these neurons form a distinct cell type, displaying uniform morphology and intrinsic firing features, and provide powerful, spatially restricted excitation exclusively to the ventral auditory thalamus. In vivo, these neurons consistently exhibit V-shaped receptive field properties but strikingly diverse temporal responses to sound. Our results indicate that temporal response diversity is maintained within this population of otherwise uniform cells in the ICC and then relayed to cortex through spatially restricted thalamic subdomains.
Therapeutic advances in the topical treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis: A review

Cutaneous leishmaniasis has been endemic since decades. Millions of cases are reported worldwide specially in developing and underdeveloped countries. There are 2 major types of cutaneous leishmaniasis based on the causating species found in different regions of the world. These include New and Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis, which are self-healing, but if not treated, these may cause severe scars and many other complications like mucosal involvement. The conventional gold standard treatment for both types is mainly intralesional or parenteral administration of antimonial. Lately, a great deal of research has been done on development of topical treatment based on single agent or combination therapy. This review summarizes the current state of literature regarding therapeutic outcome of topical treatment against cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by different species in different regions.
How to Estimate QT Interval in Patients With Left or Right Bundle Branch Block

Abstract Purpose/Background Prolonged QT interval related to psychopharmacological treatment is a risk factor for potentially life-threatening arrhythmias. Electrocardiographic measurements are recommended in patients with cardiovascular risk factors before initiating treatment with potentially QT-prolonging medications, such as certain antidepressants or antipsychotics. In patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) or right bundle branch block (RBBB), conventional QT-estimation methods will lead to overestimation of the QT interval, as the conduction defect, reflected by the QRS duration, will increase the QT interval without representing longer repolarization as in drug-induced QT prolongation. Methods/Procedures We conducted a systematic review of methods to estimate QT interval in the presence of LBBB or RBBB. We searched electronic databases Embase and Medline (last search, August 12, 2020). Findings/Results We found 8 different methods, including linear correction formulae with and without correction for heart rate, or simpler formula correcting QRS duration with empirically derived modifiers. Only 3 of 8 methods were applicable in the presence of RBBB, whereas all 8 methods could be applied in the presence of LBBB. Implications/Conclusions The QT interval is overestimated in patients with LBBB or RBBB, when using conventional measurements. Several alternative correction formulae exist, which can be applied using standard measurements from ordinary electrocardiographic readings. However, it is currently unknown whether or not the QT prolongation observed in the presence of bundle branch block significantly increases the risk of arrhythmias, as these formulae have not been tested against patient-specific clinical outcomes.
Anlagenkonzepte in der Mikroverfahrenstechnik

Die Mikroverfahrenstechnik hat sich in der Forschung seit einigen Jahren etabliert. Nun befindet sich diese Technologie auf dem Sprung in den Produktionsmasstab, und es konnten bereits die ersten Projekte im Tonnen-pro-Stunde-Masstab realisiert werden. Wesentliche Faktoren dafur reichen von Prozessentwicklungsstrategien uber neue Prozessfenster bis hin zu ersten Erfahrungen mit der Masstabsvergroserung. Dieser Beitrag gibt eine Ubersicht uber den aktuellen Stand der Entwicklung und zeigt an Beispielen die Umsetzung in die Produktion auf. Auch Perspektiven fur vollkommen neue Moglichkeiten, die dank dieser Verfahrensweise entstehen, werden vorgestellt.
Medial prefrontal cortical control of reward‐ and aversion‐based behavioral output: Bottom‐up modulation

How does the brain guide our actions? This is a complex issue, where the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) plays a crucial role. The mPFC is essential for cognitive flexibility and decision making. These functions are related to reward‐ and aversion‐based learning, which ultimately drive behavior. Though, cortical projections and modulatory systems that may regulate those processes in the mPFC are less understood. How does the mPFC regulate approach‐avoidance behavior in the case of conflicting aversive and appetitive stimuli? This is likely dependent on the bottom‐up neuromodulation of the mPFC projection neurons. In this review, we integrate behavioral‐, pharmacological‐, and viral‐based circuit manipulation data showing the involvement of mPFC dopaminergic, noradrenergic, cholinergic, and serotoninergic inputs in reward and aversion processing. Given that an incorrect balance of reward and aversion value could be a key problem in mental diseases such as substance use disorders, we discuss outstanding questions for future research on the role of mPFC modulation in reward and aversion.
Single-Molecule Imaging Reveals the Mechanism Underlying Histone Loading of Schizosaccharomyces pombe AAA+ ATPase Abo1

Chromatin dynamics is essential for maintaining genomic integrity and regulating gene expression. Conserved bromodomain-containing AAA+ ATPases play important roles in nucleosome organization as histone chaperones. Recently, the high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structures of Schizosaccharomyces pombe Abo1 revealed that it forms a hexameric ring and undergoes a conformational change upon ATP hydrolysis. In addition, single-molecule imaging demonstrated that Abo1 loads H3-H4 histones onto DNA in an ATP hydrolysis-dependent manner. However, the molecular mechanism by which Abo1 loads histones remains unknown. Here, we investigated the details concerning Abo1-mediated histone loading onto DNA and the Abo1-DNA interaction using single-molecule imaging techniques and biochemical assays. We show that Abo1 does not load H2A-H2B histones. Interestingly, Abo1 deposits multiple copies of H3-H4 histones as the DNA length increases and requires at least 80 bp DNA. Unexpectedly, Abo1 weakly binds DNA regardless of ATP, and neither histone nor DNA stimulates the ATP hydrolysis activity of Abo1. Based on our results, we propose an allosteric communication model in which the ATP hydrolysis of Abo1 changes the configuration of histones to facilitate their deposition onto DNA.
Childhood Maltreatment and Relationship Quality: A Review of Type of Abuse and Mediating and Protective Factors

Childhood maltreatment (CM) has long been recognized as a risk factor for good intimate relationships. Research on the effects of CM on relationship functioning has focused on sexual abuse in girls. However, CM also includes emotional and physical abuse and neglect and is also common in boys. Moreover, prior research has mostly focused on individuals in isolation, ignoring that marriage is a system in which two partners mutually influence each other. Questions also remain about mediating and protective factors for healthy relationships in the context of CM. This article reviews the literature on the link between different forms of CM and one’s own and one’s partner relationship quality. It reviews 43 empirical studies that assessed associations between CM in any form and relationship quality. Also, mediating and protective factors and major methodological topics are examined. The review indicated that CM (neglect, sexual, emotional, or physical abuse) is associated with lower relationship quality in men and women. Psychological distress, cognitive and behavioral problems, insecure attachment, and self-dysregulation were identified as mediating factors. Protective processes involve good coping strategies, emotion regulation, parental support, and early secure attachment, but not partner characteristics. The results regarding gender are inconclusive. It is crucial to broaden the research on the dyadic effects of CM of various forms on relationship quality and study mediating and protective factors. More studies on neglect and diverse populations are needed, as well as prospective studies. This will enable the development of prevention programs for couples with a partner exposed to CM.
Properties of rice bran oil-derived functional ingredients

Lipid ingredients that demonstrate high stability and positive health profiles without the use of trans-fats are needed in the food supply. Rice bran oil can be fractionated at low temperatures to create a series of spreads that show promise as functional ingredients. A rice bran oil-derived spread can extend the fry life of soybean oil and can also be incorporated into baked goods such as bread and granola as a trans-fat free alternative to butter or shortening.
Numerical Verification of Strut and Tie Models and Failure Modes of Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete Deep Beams

This study utilized Finite Element Method (FEM) to analyse the structural behaviour and failure modes of Reinforced Self Compacting Concrete (RSCC) deep beams. Eighteen deep beam specimens subjected to four-point loadings were modelled and analyzed using Abaqus modelling tool. Damage plasticity model was used to characterised the nonlinear behaviour of concrete material while linear elastic, linear-plastic-hardening model represented the reinforcing steel material behaviour. The results of the finite model were compared with four different Strut and Tie Models (STMs) using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results of the numerical study revealed that the concrete strength and shear span to depth ratio mostly affect the load-deflection response of the beams. Also, the failure modes of the studied deep beams were influenced by shear span to depth ratio, concrete strength as well as web reinforcement distribution. The ANOVA results also showed that the FEM outperformed the existing STMs.
Synthesis and Biological Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesized by Semenovia suffruticosa

In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using methanol extract of Semenovia. suffruticosa. The prepared AgNPs (SS-AgNPs) were examined by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-raydiffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Afterward, biological activities including cytotoxicity, ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), antileishmanial and antibacterial effects were investigated. According to the UV-Vis spectroscopy, absorption peak at 430 nm indicates the synthesis of AgNPs. TEM and SEM image of AgNPs shows spherical shape with size range of 20–70 nm. FTIR analysis displayed the involvement of phytochemical constituents in synthesized nanoparticles. The X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the synthesis of highly pure AgNPs with high crystallinity and Cubic shape with crystalline size of 21.4 nm. SS-AgNPs were cytotoxic on cell lines with IC50 values of 15, 20, 20 and 26 µg/mL in HEK 293, Caco-2, SH-SY5Y and MDA-MD-231 cells, respectively. DCFH-DA assay showed that 24 h exposure to 25, 50, 100, 200 µg/mL concentrations of SS-AgNPs significantly increased production of ROS in cells that indicate oxidative stress induction by SS-AgNPs. Annexin V-PE/7-AAD staining analysis revealed a combination of apoptosis and necrosis following the exposure of Ag NPs to cells. SS-AgNPs displayed a notable bactericidal activity against Gram-negative bacterial strains. SS-AgNPs revealed remarkable antileishmanial activity against the promastigote and amastigote stages of Leishmania. major. IC50 values of SS-AgNPs were 16.17 and 6.35 using promastigote and amastigotes assay respectively. Conclusively, phytosynthesized AgNPs is effective in antileishmanial, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities.
Synthesis of Indole Derivatives Using Biosynthesized ZnO-CaO Nanoparticles as an Efficient Catalyst

The principal aim of this research is using biosynthesized ZnO-CaO nanoparticles (NPs) for preparation of indole derivatives. ZnO-CaO NPs have been prepared using Zn(CH3COO)2 and eggshell waste powder in solvent-free conditions. Morphology and structure of NPs were determined by FT-IR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectra (EDS). It was used as a highly efficient catalyst for the synthesis of indole derivatives. Some indole derivatives were synthesized by the reaction of indole, formaldehyde, aromatic and aliphatic amines in the presence of ZnO-CaO NPs (5 mol%) in ethanol under reflux conditions. The assigned structure was further established by CHN analyses, NMR, and FT-IR spectra. Because of excellent capacity, the exceedingly simple workup and good yield, eco-friendly catalyst ZnO-CaO NPs were proved to be a good catalyst for this reaction.