Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Within-Person Variation in Nutrient Intakes across Populations and Settings: Implications for the Use of External Estimates in Modeling Usual Nutrient Intake Distributions

ABSTRACT Determining the proportion of a population at risk of inadequate or excessive nutrient intake is a crucial step in planning and managing nutrition intervention programs. Multiple days of 24-h dietary intake data per subject allow for adjustment of modeled usual nutrient intake distributions for the proportion of total variance in intake attributable to within-individual variation (WIV:total). When only single-day dietary data are available, an external adjustment factor can be used; however, WIV:total may vary by population, and use of incorrect WIV:total ratios may influence the accuracy of prevalence estimates and subsequent program impacts. WIV:total values were compiled from publications and from reanalyses of existing datasets to describe variation in WIV:total across populations and settings. The potential impact of variation in external WIV:total on estimates of prevalence of inadequacy was assessed through simulation analyses using the National Cancer Institute 1-d method. WIV:total values were extracted from 40 publications from 24 countries, and additional values were calculated from 15 datasets from 12 nations. Wide variation in WIV:total (from 0.02 to 1.00) was observed in publications and reanalyses. Few patterns by population characteristics were apparent, but WIV:total varied by age in children (< vs. >1 y) and between rural and urban settings. Simulation analyses indicated that estimates of the prevalence of inadequate intake are sensitive to the selected ratio in some cases. Selection of an external WIV:total estimate should consider comparability between the reference and primary studies with regard to population characteristics, study design, and statistical methods. Given wide variation in observed ratios with few discernible patterns, the collection of ≥2 days of intake data in at least a representative subsample in population dietary studies is strongly encouraged. In the case of single-day dietary studies, sensitivity analyses are recommended to determine the robustness of prevalence estimates to changes in the variance ratio.
Exogenous application of nitric oxide and thiourea regulates on growth and some key physiological processes in maize (Zea mays L.) plants under saline stress.

Effect of exogenously applied nitric oxide (NO) and thiourea (TU) in combination was examined in maize plants under saline stress. Seedlings of two maize cultivars (DK 5783 and Apex 836) were grown in pots containing soil salinized with 0 or 100 mM NaCl dissolved in irrigation water. Two levels of NO + TU (3 + 400 or 6 + 500 mg/L) were applied as presowing seed treatment or through leaves of 10-day old maize seedlings. Saline stress significantly suppressed plant fresh biomass, leaf water potential and chlorophyll content, but increased electrolyte leakage in both cultivars. However, these reductions were higher in Apex 836 than those in Dk 5783. Both treatments of combined NO and TU as seed soaking or foliar application were effective in mitigating the adverse effects of saline stress on shoot growth. Seed treatments of both levels of combined NO and TU were more effective in terms of improvement in fresh weights of DK 5783 than foliar treatments. Leaf Na+ contents increased whereas those of N and P decreased in maize plants under saline regime. Application of Both modes of treatment of combined NO and TU increased the contents of N and P, but decreased that NO and TU through both modes increased Na+ in salt stressed maize plants. The results of the present study indicate that application of NO and TU compounds in combination alleviated the detrimental effects of salinity and increased resistance to salinity in the maize plants by improving plant growth
Nanocellulose: a promising green treasure from food wastes to available food materials

Abstract The synthesis of novel functional materials from abundant food waste resources has great application potentials and ecological benefits. Nanocellulose is a renewable and sustainable polymer that possesses a modifiable surface, excellent mechanical strength, and high aspect ratio, and it is nontoxic. These unique properties garner nanocellulose a promising prospect for multi-various applications including the food industry. This review presents the structural characteristics and advances in the extraction approaches of nanocellulose, with an emphasis in recent progress on the various applications of nanocellulose in the field of food industry. Finally, the environmental and human health issues related to the production of nanocellulose are evaluated. The scheme to extract and produce nanocellulose from food wastes provides a platform for the sustainable utilization of waste biomass. These nanocelluloses exhibit excellent performances in green food packaging materials, emulsion stabilizers, dietary fiber, nutrition delivery and food three-dimensional (3 D) printing hydrogels. To ensure the security and regulatory issues, validated standards to characterize the structure and evaluate its toxicity are still indispensable to achieve the commercialization of nanocellulose in the food industry.
The effects of low-frequency magnetic field exposure on the growth and biochemical parameters in lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.)

Abstract The influence of frequent magnetic field stimulation (MFS) on plants is the subject of intense research. The effects of MFS on plants vary depending on its intensity, time of exposure or application form. The effects of low-frequency magnetic field in two doses, 0.2 mT, 16 Hz (MFS-1) and 0.2 mT, 50 Hz (MFS-2) on the mitotic activity and selected physiological and biochemical parameters in narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) were evaluated. Non-exposed plants were used as control (C). It was noted that after the exposure of plants to MFS-1, the biometric parameters, mitotic activity, BSA and GPOX activity remained at the control level. However, a significant decrease in the assimilation pigment content was observed. On the other hand, the exposure of plants to MFS-2 was manifested by a decrease in the biometric parameters, mitotic activity and the assimilation pigment content, but an increase in GPOX activity in roots was noted.
[The effect of temperature on the motor activity of the chick embryo and amnion at 5-14 days of development].

: It has been shown that cooling the developing eggs from 37.7 degrees C results cessation of motor activity of the amnion in 5-14-day embryos at 36-33 degrees C, whereas motor activity of the embryo remains unaffected up to 31-26 degrees C. Immobilization of the embryo was observed on cooling up to 22-18 degrees C. The recovery of motor activity after cooling during heating takes place in a reverse order. Embryonic movements are observed at 18-23 degrees C, contractions of the amnion--at 28-33 degrees C. These experiments reveal complete independence of embryonic movements from the amnion. Motor activity of the amnion is related to that of the embryo only between the 8th and the 10th day of incubation.
Artificial intelligence in cardiovascular medicine

Purpose of review Artificial intelligence is a broad set of sophisticated computer-based statistical tools that have become widely available. Cardiovascular medicine with its large data repositories, need for operational efficiency and growing focus on precision care is set to be transformed by artificial intelligence. Applications range from new pathophysiologic discoveries to decision support for individual patient care to optimization of system-wide logistical processes. Recent findings Machine learning is the dominant form of artificial intelligence wherein complex statistical algorithms ‘learn’ by deducing patterns in datasets. Supervised machine learning uses classified large data to train an algorithm to accurately predict the outcome, whereas in unsupervised machine learning, the algorithm uncovers mathematical relationships within unclassified data. Artificial multilayered neural networks or deep learning is one of the most successful tools. Artificial intelligence has demonstrated superior efficacy in disease phenomapping, early warning systems, risk prediction, automated processing and interpretation of imaging, and increasing operational efficiency. Summary Artificial intelligence demonstrates the ability to learn through assimilation of large datasets to unravel complex relationships, discover prior unfound pathophysiological states and develop predictive models. Artificial intelligence needs widespread exploration and adoption for large-scale implementation in cardiovascular practice.
Peripheral and Central Glutamate Dyshomeostasis in Neurodegenerative Disorders

Glutamate’s role as the major excitatory neurotransmitter of the mammalian central nervous system requires that its brain concentrations be kept tightly-controlled. However, in hepatic encephalopathy resulting from liver dysfunction; disruption of central neurotransmission and elevation of brain glutamate levels have been observed. These had been associated with certain neurological changes. While neurological changes resulting from hepatic encephalopathy are believed to be transient, the discovery of alterations in liver enzymes in Alzheimer’s disease and the role of glutamate and glutamate homeostasis in hepatic encephalopathy have piqued interests in the possible role of glutamate, and glutamate homeostasis in neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we discuss the evidence in support of the involvement of peripheral/central glutamate homeostasis in the development of neurodegenerative disorders, as well as, the implications of such interactions in the development of new therapies for neurodegenerative disorders.
Effects of pure oxygen aeration on organic pollutants removal performance and soluble microbial products characteristics of salt-tolerant activated sludge

ABSTRACT The effects of pure oxygen aeration on organic pollutants removal performance and effluent soluble microbial products (SMP) characteristics of salt-tolerant sludge for the treatment of wastewater with the salinity from 1.0% to 3.5% were investigated. The results showed that the oxygen transfer efficiency of the pure oxygen aeration was higher than that of the air aeration. At the low salinities (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%), the total organic carbon (TOC) removal rates were 71.42%, 72.88% and 76.30%, respectively, much higher than those with air aeration. However, there were no significant differences of TOC removal efficiency between the air aeration and the pure oxygen aeration at high salinities (2.5% and 3.5%). The SMP contents showed a trend of first decline and then increase generally. The content of SMP with pure oxygen aeration was lower than that with air aeration at low salinity, whereas an opposite result was obtained for salinity above 2.5%. Five excitation–emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence peaks detected in the SMP with pure oxygen aeration and air aeration were assigned to tryptophan protein-like, tyrosine protein-like and humic acid-like substances. Humic acid-like fluorescence mainly appeared in the SMP with air aeration, which may be due to respiratory failure under air aeration conditions. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Psychometric Properties of Parent Ratings on the Inventory of Callous–Unemotional Traits in a Nationally Representative Sample of 5- to 12-Year-Olds

The psychometric properties of the parent-report version of the Inventory of Callous–Unemotional Traits (ICU) in school-aged children requires further examination. In a nationally representative sample of U.S. children (N = 1,064, M age = 8.42, 51.7% boys), the current study examined the factor structure, measurement invariance, and the moderating role of parent rated ICU scores on conduct problems. Results supported (a) a two-factor model consisting of a CU factor and a limited prosocial emotions (LPE) factor; (b) an invariant structure of the ICU across child sex, as well as (to a lesser extent) across child age and parent sex; and (c) the moderating role of the LPE factor on the relationship between conduct problems and relevant outcomes (i.e., impairment, need for treatment). Normative data on the parent-report version of the ICU for elementary-aged school children in the United States were also presented. Clinical implications regarding use of the parent-report version of the ICU for school-aged children are discussed.
Auditory cortical activity elicited by infrared laser irradiation from the outer ear in Mongolian gerbils

Infrared neural stimulation has been studied for its potential to replace an electrical stimulation of a cochlear implant. No studies, however, revealed how the technic reliably evoke auditory cortical activities. This research investigated the effects of cochlear laser stimulation from the outer ear on auditory cortex using brain imaging of activity-dependent changes in mitochondrial flavoprotein fluorescence signal. An optic fiber was inserted into the gerbil’s ear canal to stimulate the lateral side of the cochlea with an infrared laser. Laser stimulation was found to activate the identified primary auditory cortex. In addition, the temporal profile of the laser-evoked responses was comparable to that of the auditory responses. Our results indicate that infrared laser irradiation from the outer ear has the capacity to evoke, and possibly manipulate, the neural activities of the auditory cortex and may substitute for the present cochlear implants in future.
Exploration of the characteristics of chronotypes in upper gastrointestinal tract diseases: a multicenter study in Japan

ABSTRACT Characteristics of the chronotypes of patients with gastrointestinal disease are unknown. We evaluated chronotypes of patients with upper gastrointestinal diseases with the Munich ChronoType Questionnaire (MCTQ). A total of 2027 subjects from 29 institutions in Japan who had undergone esophagogastroduodenoscopy were asked to answer the MCTQ. The subjects’ chronotypes were divided into three groups (early, intermediate, and late chronotype) using the sleep-corrected mid-point of sleep on free days (MSFSC) values. According to their endoscopic diagnosis and abdominal symptoms, the subjects were divided into the reflux esophagitis (RE) group, gastroduodenal ulcer (GDU) group, upper gastrointestinal carcinoma (CA) group, functional dyspepsia (FD) group, non-FD group, and control group. In total, 1128 subjects were eligible for the analysis. The MSFSC (average ± standard deviation, clock hours, h) of each disease group was as follows: control group: 02.51 ± 1.22, non-FD group: 02.69 ± 1.14, FD group: 02.91 ± 1.19, RE group: 02.58 ± 1.05, GDU group: 02.47 ± 1.31, and CA group: 02.11 ± 1.08 h. Compared to the control group, the rate of late chronotype of the FD group significantly increased to 33.3%, whereas that of early chronotype of the CA group significantly increased to 38.3% (P = .0177 and 0.0036, respectively). In both the FD and CA groups, chronotype was the independent factor related to the diseases. The adjusted odds ratio of late chronotype to early chronotype was 3.01 [95% CI, 1.23–7.35] in the FD group and 0.44 [95% CI, 0.23–0.85] in the CA group. In conclusion, late chronotype was common in patients with FD, and early chronotype was common in patients with upper gastrointestinal carcinoma.
Cycling Performance and Training Load: Effects of Intensity and Duration.

PURPOSE To examine the effect of cycling exercise intensity and duration on subsequent performance and to compare the resulting acute performance decrement (APD) with total work done (TWD) and corresponding training-load (TL) metrics. METHODS A total of 14 male cyclists performed a 5-minute time trial (TT) as a baseline and after 4 initial exercise bouts of varying exercise intensity and duration. The initial exercise bouts were performed in a random order and consisted of a 5- and a 20-minute TT and a 20- and a 40-minute submaximal ride. The resulting APD was calculated as the percentage change in 5-minute TT from baseline, and this was compared with the TWD and TL metrics for the corresponding initial exercise bout. RESULTS Average power output was different for each of the 4 initial exercise bouts (ηp2=.971; P < .001), and all bouts resulted in an APD. But APD was only different when comparing maximal with submaximal bouts (ηp2=.862; P < .001). The APD contradicted TWD and TL metrics and was not different when comparing 5- and 20-minute maximal TTs or the 20- and 40-minute submaximal bouts. In contrast, TL metrics were different for all training sessions (ηp2=.970; P < .001). CONCLUSION An APD is found after initial exercise bouts consisting of 5- and 20-minute TTs and after 20- and 40-minute of submaximal exercise that is not consistent with the corresponding values for TWD or TL. This discrepancy highlights important shortcomings when using TWD and TL to compare exercise bouts of different intensity and duration.
Screening and biochemical analyses for salinity tolerance in cotton

Cotton, an important cash crop, is moderately tolerant to salinity (7.7 dS/m) and new accessions need to be screened and evaluated w.r. t biochemicals for salt tolerance. In the present study, 32 G. arboreum and 109 G. hirsutum genotypes along with national check (G. herbaceum RAHS 14) were screened hydroponically at EC 18 and 21 dS/m using wooden frame and plastic tray design. Survival percentage and growth parameter data were recorded at 15 DAG (days after germination). Six arboreum (FDK 242, FDK 194, FDK 226, LD 949, LD 1037 and FDK 231) and twelve hirsutum (LH 2076, LH 2357, LH 2373, F 2164, F 2228, F 2282, F 2381, F 2440, F 2581, F 2583, F 2631, FMDH 15) genotypes outperformed RAHS 14 while thirteen (LH 2108, LH 2312, LH 2533, F 846, F 2454, F 2468, F 2488, F 2493, F 2501, F 2630, F 2636, F 2639, F 2641) were at par with the check at 21 dS/m. The performance of seven selected genotypes viz. four G. hirsutum; F 846, LH 2076, LH 2108 (tolerant (T)), F2560 (susceptible (S)) and three G. arboreum; LD 949, FDK 226 (T) and FDK 253 (S), was evaluated in soil also. LD 949 and F 846 recorded least reduction in germination. Growth parameters (shoot length and weight) and leaf area recorded at different DAG revealed better performance of LD 949, FDK 226, F 846, LH 2076 and LH 2108 than FDK 253 and F 2560. NaCl did not affect chlorophyll content and PS II activity in all the tested genotypes. Successive increase in Na + and decrease in K + and K + /Na + was recorded in roots and leaves of all the genotypes with increasing NaCl concentration. The better performing five genotypes recorded greater Na + accumulation than FDK 253 and F 2560. Salinity stress enhanced activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase in the T genotypes. Proline content increased in all the tested genotypes while glycine betaine was recorded to be highest in LD 949. Soluble sugar content increased maximum in F 846 and FDK 226. However, no increase in reducing sugars was recorded in all the arboreum genotypes. The highest concentration of phenolic and ascorbic acid in the leaf extracts were registered for LD 949 and FDK 226. G. hirsutum genotype F 2560 exhibited less increase in proline, glycine betaine, vitamin C, total and reducing sugar content than the other genotypes but its phenolic content was recorded to be highest. The antioxidant status revealed that better growth of genotypes LD 949, FDK 226, F 846, LH 2076 and LH 2108 can be attributed to the effective antioxidative defense mechanism. The soil experiment corroborated the hydroponic results and confirmed that FDK 226, LD 949, F 846, LH 2076 and LH 2108 exhibited higher adaptive potential under salinity stress and may be exploited for the development of salt tolerant cultivars as well as mapping populations for mapping QTL governing salt tolerance.
Population dynamics of clownfish sea anemones: Patterns of decline, symbiosis with anemonefish, and management for sustainability

ii Acknowledgments . iii List of Tables . v List of Figures . vi Chapter 1 — Sea anemone population dynamics: Overview of demographic analyses and sustainable management issues . 1 Chapter 2 — Population dynamics of clownfish sea anemones at Eilat, northern Red Sea: Implications for sustainable management . 6 Abstract . 6 Introduction . 7 Methods. 12 Results . 19 Discussion . 27 References . 41 Chapter 3 — Long-term decline of clownfish sea anemones in the Israeli Red Sea and effects on obligate anemonefish associates . 63 Abstract . 63 Introduction . 64 Methods. 66 Results . 69 Discussion . 72 References . 79
Uncovering the secreted signals and transcription factors regulating the development of mammalian middle ear ossicles

The mammalian middle ear comprises a chain of ossicles, the malleus, incus, and stapes that act as an impedance matching device during the transmission of sound from the tympanic membrane to the inner ear. These ossicles are derived from cranial neural crest cells that undergo endochondral ossification and subsequently differentiate into their final functional forms. Defects that occur during middle ear development can result in conductive hearing loss. In this review, we summarize studies describing the crucial roles played by signaling molecules such as sonic hedgehog, bone morphogenetic proteins, fibroblast growth factors, notch ligands, and chemokines during the differentiation of neural crest into the middle ear ossicles. In addition to these cell‐extrinsic signals, we also discuss studies on the function of transcription factor genes such as Foxi3, Tbx1, Bapx1, Pou3f4, and Gsc in regulating the development and morphology of the middle ear ossicles.
Neurotoxicité chez la souris de portions riches en cystéines des protéines Tat du virus visna et de VIH-1.

The trans-activating visna virus and HIV-1 Tat proteins share, at their amino-acid sequence level, a significant 60% analogy on 17 consecutive residues. These homologous sequences are also found in a part of the short neurotoxin sequence from snake venom. Synthetic peptides representative of the two analogous viral sequences are, after intracerebroventricular injection at doses of 200 micrograms per 20 g mouse, responsible for the death of the injected animal in few hours. The HIV-1 recombinant Tat protein has the same effect. Such observation suggests a direct role of the Tat lentiviral protein in the origin of the neurologic effects associated with visna and HIV-1 infections.
Leveraging Technology to Blend Large-Scale Epidemiologic Surveillance With Social and Behavioral Science Methods: Successes, Challenges, and Lessons Learned Implementing the UNITE Longitudinal Cohort Study of HIV Risk Factors Among Sexual Minority Men in the United States

Abstract The use of digital technologies to conduct large-scale research with limited interaction (i.e., no in-person contact) and objective endpoints (i.e., biological testing) has significant potential for the field of epidemiology, but limited research to date has been published on the successes and challenges of such approaches. We analyzed data from a cohort study of sexual minority men across the United States, collected using digital strategies during a 10-month period from 2017 to 2018. Overall, 113,874 individuals were screened, of whom 26,000 were invited to the study, 10,691 joined the study, and 7,957 completed all enrollment steps, including return of a human immunodeficiency virus–negative sample. We examined group differences in completion of the steps towards enrollment to inform future research and found significant differences according to several factors, including age and race. This study adds to prior work to provide further proof-of-concept for this limited-interaction, technology-mediated methodology, highlighting some of its strengths and challenges, including rapid access to more diverse populations but also potential for bias due to differential enrollment. This method has strong promise, and future implementation research is needed to better understand the roles of burden, privacy, access, and compensation, to enhance representativeness and generalizability of the data generated.