Input: Claim: The suprachiasmatic nucleus is the master regulator of circadian rhythms. [SEP] Text: Previously, we observed fast synchronous oscillations of the firing activity in the dispersed cell culture of neonatal rat SCN slice on MED, which appeared in synchrony with other neurons40. The fast synchronous oscillation occurred at approximately 1–2 min intervals similar to the burst firing in the present study. Recently, Tsuji et al. 41 demonstrated harmonic burst firings of close to 30 Hz in light-responsive SCN neurons in adult rats. The firing rate of the harmonic bursts was not different between day and night, which is similar to the present study. However, burst firings are not common in the adult SCN neurons42,43,44. Therefore it is a matter of discussion whether the synchronous burst firings throughout the SCN are specific for the neonates or not. Importantly, GABA application abolished the burst firings in the VGAT−/− SCN slice, and GABA receptor antagonists in the WT SCN induced bursting without affecting the circadian oscillation (Fig. 3). These findings lead us to the hypothesis that the burst firing in the fetal SCN is caused by disinhibition of the neuronal activity through depleting the GABA signaling, which has been observed in other brain structures45. Burst firings spread rapidly over the entire area of fetal SCN slice, without affecting the period and the phase of circadian PER2::LUC rhythm. The findings indicate that GABA is not involved in the neural network which is responsible for the coupling of oscillating neurons to build up coherent circadian rhythms in the SCN, partly consistent with the previous report using the GABAA receptor antagonist21,22. In the neural network for the oscillatory coupling, VIP and AVP, and probably other molecules are involved9,11. Previously, GABA receptor antagonists have been reported to block phase shifts by a light pulse, suggesting that GABA is involved in light entrainment46,47. The retinohypothalamic tract for light entrainment is not developed yet in the fetal or perinatal SCN48. Fetus circadian rhythms are entrained by pregnant dam49, which is unlikely disturbed by GABA deficiency, since the first circadian phase in culture of GABA-deficient SCN was not different from that in WT SCN. On the other hand, GABA was reported to produce a phase-dependent phase-shift of the circadian rhythm in vivo50,51 and in cultured SCN neurons15.

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Probiotics can support gut health by improving the balance of bacteria. [SEP] Text: plantarum also adhered HT-29 cells and colonized mouse gut as revealed by FACS and confocal analysis. He further stated that the maximum colonization of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum occurred at colonic part of the intestine. The antibacterial activity of L. plantarum against enteric pathogens was also demonstrated along with amelioration of cytotoxicity caused by Aeromonas veronii in Vero cell line. Besides this, disruption of tight junction proteins in MDCK cell line induced with the same pathogen was prevented by L. plantarum. Immuno-modulatory and anti-inflammatory roles of L. plantarum were also demonstrated in mouse macrophage RAW cells activated by A. veronii. Lactobacillus plantarum strain from Kutajarista was stable for 14 days in comparison to 8 days with commercial GG strain. Furthermore, the viability of Lactobacilli in Kutajarista was found to be enhanced further when co-cultured with Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from the same product suggesting specific interaction between these strains which helps in increased survival in Kutajarista matrix. This study highlights the potential use of alternative sources like ayurvedic preparations for isolation of indigenous probiotic microbes. Kutajarista has unique therapeutic properties for gastrointestinal disorders and therefore, it could be an excellent vehicle for incorporation of these strains. Mr. from NDRI, Karnal was the last speaker in the session to present his findings on the anti-diabetic potential of two Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains against type 2 diabetes in a rat model. Diabetes was induced in rats fed with high fat diet followed by streptozotocin and divided into three groups viz. two probiotics and one control. He presented the data on the antioxidative effects of the two strains in terms of total anti-oxidative property (TBARS) and activities of anti-oxidative enzymes viz. , catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in liver and erythrocytes.

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Bilingual individuals experience no challenges when switching languages. [SEP] Text: (2001), which combined the measure of reactiontimes and of evoked potentials, further suggests that the linguistic context in which a homographic word is presented does not inhibit the activation of the words’ meaning in the other language. In this study, Dutch-English bilinguals performed a general lexical decision task on triplets of items (saying ‘no’ if any item was a pseudo-word in both languages), of which the ﬁrst item was a non-homographic word from English (e. g. house) or from Dutch (e. g. zaak). This item was followed sometimes by a homographic word whose meaning was associated with the third item (e. g. angelheaven; angel meaning dart in Dutch) or not (e. g. angel-brush). The main issue was to examine whether a Dutch ﬁrst item would inhibit the English meaning of the (second) homographic word, thus affecting the effect of semantic priming on the third item. Signiﬁcant priming effects were observed both on reaction times and on evoked potentials (on the N400, which would reﬂect semantic integration) when the third item was semantically related to the second, but the effect was not modulated by the linguistic context provided by the language of the ﬁrst item. Thus, semantic priming effects were similar for house-angel-heaven and for zaak-angel-heaven. These results are compatible with a strong non-selective access view of bilingualism. In the domain of phonological activation, several studies also support the non-selective access hypothesis. For example, Nas (1983) showed that in an English lexical decision task, Dutch-English bilinguals produced more errors and responded slower when rejecting pseudo-words of the target language which were homophonous to words of their other language (e. g. snay, which is pronounced like the Dutch word snee -cut-) than when rejecting non-homophonous pseudo-words (e. g. rolm). Such effects were reproduced by Dijkstra et al. (1999) on homophonic (butnot homographic) Dutch-English words (e. g. leaf, homophonous of the Dutch word lief -gentle-).

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: The suprachiasmatic nucleus is the master regulator of circadian rhythms. [SEP] Text: On the other hand, in postsynaptic neurons, GABA-induced hyperpolarization (inhibitory action) decreases intracellular Ca2+, whereas GABA-induced depolarization (excitatory action) increases Ca[2+54. In the SCN, the effects of GABA are complex and could be different depending on co-localized peptides, the areas in the SCN, circadian phases and photoperiods20,64,65. It is interesting to note that the circadian PER2::LUC rhythm persisted despite frequent bursts of intracellular Ca2+ in the SCN through inhibition of the GABA signaling. The circadian rhythm in intracellular Ca2+ received a dual regulation from the neural networks and the core molecular loop. Even when the neural inputs were shut down by the sodium channel blocker Tetrodotoxin, the circadian Ca2+ rhythm persisted with a small change in amplitude33,34,66. Intracellular Ca2+ is suggested to affect the molecular loop for circadian rhythm generation through CaMKll or CREB1. The burst-like increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels may bypass the routes to the molecular loop. The SCN-specific reduction of VGAT in adult mice decreased the activity level during the dark period and increased cycle-to-cycle variability of circadian behavioral rhythms. However, the circadian rhythm was kept entrained to LD and the mean free-running period was not different from that of WT mice, partially confirming the previous pharmacological experiments21,22. These results were essentially consistent with slice experiments in the fetal SCN, although the suppression of VGAT level was not complete (ca. 69%) in the adult. Coherent circadian rhythms in neuronal activity are important in the output of the SCN, since the complete isolation of the SCN from other brain structures by Halàsz knife interrupts the transmission of circadian signals to behaviors67. GABA plays a critical role in refining the circadian firing rhythm in the fetal SCN. In this respect, the present results were not consistent with a previous study in which GABAA receptor antagonists were reported to decrease the variability of circadian period of PER2::LUC rhythms in cultured SCN, suggesting destabilization of the circadian molecular oscillation by GABAA signaling22. The discrepancy could be due to a different approach to GABA signaling; bath application of chemicals into culture medium22 and genetic manipulation of the endogenous GABA system in the present study.

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Probiotics can support gut health by improving the balance of bacteria. [SEP] Text: Besides this, expression of proglucagon and prohormone convertase1 (PC1) genes in cecum, and TNF-α, IL-6 and adiponectin in epididymal fat were also investigated by real-time PCR. Amongst the two experimental groups based on two distinct Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains, HFD+17 group had improved oral glucose tolerance test, lower FBG, GHb, free fatty acids, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and atherogenic index, and higher plasma insulin and HDL-cholesterol after 3 and 6 weeks of feeding. Even though the total number of bacteria was same in the two experimental groups, HFD+17 had more bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in comparison to HFD+LGG. Relative propionate proportions (%) were significantly lower in case of HFD+17 than HFD+SM and HFD+LGG groups. HFD+17 group had significantly lower TBARS and increased activity of catalase, SOD and GPx in liver and erythrocytes. Similarly, HFD+17 group showed increased expression of proglucagon and PC1 and decreased expression of TNF-α and IL-6 genes. It can be concluded from the study that L. rhamnosus NCDC 17 does have anti-diabetic effect through enhancing the beneficial bacteria, activities of anti-oxidative enzymes and expression of incretin hormone, and lowered propionate, TBARS and expression of inflammatory markers in diabetic rats. Inaugural sessionThe conference inaugural session began with the welcome address given by Dr. A. K. Srivastava Director, Research. Institute, Karnal and President, of India. Dr. Srivastava welcomed the delegates and apprised them with the theme of the International symposium on probiotics. He presented a comprehensive overview of the conference scientific programme with major focus on multi-dimensional role of probiotics in human health and well being. Dr. Srivastava comprehended that probiotics as functional foods, dietary supplements and bio-therapeutics are becoming increasingly popular amongst the health conscious consumers, health care professionals besides the research scientists across the world as the scientific evidence continues to accumulate on their enormous health potentials along with their possible mode of action.

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Bilingual individuals experience no challenges when switching languages. [SEP] Text: Phonological activation has also been observed between languages that do notshare the same script. Hence, Gollan et al. (1997) examined Hebrew-English and English-Hebrew bilinguals in a lexical decision task in their L2 or, in another experiment, in their L1. The targets were preceded by primes (presented for 50 msec) of which some were translations of the targets in the other language. The results show a robust effect of priming by translation, but this effect was bigger for the semantically and phonologically close pairs (cognates) than for the ones that were only semantically close (non-cognates). and English words never look alike orthographically, the authors suggest that the advantage observed for the cognate words results from inter-language phonological similarity. Moreover, an advantage for cognate words was observed only when the primes were presented in the participants’ dominant language, and the targets in their non-dominant language. In a bilingual adaptation of the Stroop paradigm, Tzelgov et al. (1996) askedHebrew-English bilinguals to name the colour of visual words either in Hebrew or (in another experiment) in English. Some stimuli were pseudo-words of the language not required in the experiment but were homophonous of colour names of the target language. The results show that the Stroop effect was as important for the English pseudo-words homophonous to colour names in Hebrew (e. g. kahol, which is homophonous of the Hebrew word for blue) as for the colour names written in Hebrew, although the Stroop effect induced by the Hebrew pseudo-words homophonous to colour names in English was less strong and statistically less robust. The results from these two last studies seem to indicate that phonological coding within one script automatically activates phonological representations of words in another script, even when the two scripts are visually dissimilar. The next issue concerns whether bilinguals who know two languages that sharethe same script automatically activate their grapho-phonological knowledge of both languages when processing one language. Doctor and Klein (1992) report results compatible with this hypothesis of multiple phonological coding. The authors observed that in a general lexical decision task, English-Afrikaans bilinguals produced more errors and took longer to accept homophonous heterographic words (e. g.

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: The suprachiasmatic nucleus is the master regulator of circadian rhythms. [SEP] Text: Furthermore, in the present study we used the fetal SCN, while the previous study monitored the adult SCN. The SCN in hamster68 and mice69 underwent developmental cell death and about 40% decrease was detected in the first 3 postnatal days68. Therefore, GABA may reduce the noisy firings in the SCN before developmental neuronal death occurs. In conclusion, GABA is necessary for suppressing the burst firing of neuronal activity and abrupt increases of intracellular Ca2+ levels but not for the generation and stability of molecular circadian oscillation in the fetal SCN. The GABA network may refine the circadian firing rhythm to ensure noiseless communications with the neurons outside the SCN. −/− 70 and GAD65−/−/67−/− 71 mice on the C57BL/6J background and VGATflox/flox 70,72 mice on the 129/SvEv (back-crossed with C57BL/6J mice for at least two generations) were used. They were bred with mPer2Luc knock-in mice carrying a PER2::LUC fusion reporter32. Mice were bred and reared in the animal quarter at of Medicine, where environmental conditions were controlled (lights-on 6:00–18:00 h; light intensity approximately 100 lx at the bottom of cage: humidity 60 ± 10%). Both male and female mice were used in the present study. Experiments were conducted in compliance with the rules and regulations established by the under the ethical permission of the Committee of (Approval No. 08-0279), (Approval No. 18257), and (Approval Nos. 07-109, 09-047, and 14-006). Preparation of fetal SCN slice for monitoring circadian rhythmsSince VGAT−/− and GAD65−/−/67−/− die postnatally, heterozygote mice (VGAT+/− or GAD65+/−/67+/−) were mated to obtain homozygote fetuses (VGAT−/− or GAD65−/−/67−/−). The fetal SCN were taken under isoflurane anesthesia at the embryonic day 19 or 20 and the fetus genotype was examined later.

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Probiotics can support gut health by improving the balance of bacteria. [SEP] Text: The continuing emergence of clinical evidence for benefits to consumers and the subsequent marketing power of these microbial ingredients have now seen probiotics becoming the fastest growing category of functional and health foods. By virtue of expressing a wide spectrum of novel physiological functions beneficial to human health, probiotics are currently being recognized as the grey area of intensive investigations at the global level to derive their beneficial health effects maximally for the welfare of society from nutritional and health perspectives. However, he cautioned that before seeking any specific health claim for any medical condition attributed to a particular probiotic strain or the food formulation developed with the same, it must be validated through well designed double blind placebo controlled clinical studies at least at two differently located centers. The conference was formally inaugurated by Mr. T. who in his inaugural address highlighted the initiatives being taken at FSSAI for regulating the quality, efficacy and safety of processed foods including the value added functional foods particularly dairy based enriched with probiotics to confer their beneficial effects on human health and well being. He called upon the delegates and the probiotic fraternity in the country to deliberate at length on the key issues and challenges before the probiotic industry and suggest possible solutions to address these problems for judicious and effective usage of probiotics in the country for the benefit of the consumers and the society through their innovative R&D initiatives. He also sought the help of distinguished scientists having adequate expertise in probiotic research to advise the food authority how to sustain the quality, efficacy and safety of probiotic formulations in food format and as supplements in the Indian market in the backdrop of many spurious probiotic products with false claims entering the Indian market. Dr. from Finland also spoke on the immense value of probiotics for health applications. Dr. G. P. Talwar also shared his views on the prospects of exploring probiotic therapy in vaginal health to further extend the scope of probiotic applications. In the end, Dr. V. K. Batish, Secretary, PAi and the of the conference proposed a vote of thanks to all the delegates and expressed his deep sense of gratitude to the invited speakers for agreeing to present their key-note addresses and lead papers in the conference. Probiotics - from traditional use to scientifically documented health benefitsProbiotics have a long global history of traditional use [7]. The tradition of using probiotic microorganisms for health benefits is now backed by strong scientific evidence with promising strains of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of diseases [8].

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Bilingual individuals experience no challenges when switching languages. [SEP] Text: lakelyk) than to accept homographic heterophonous words (e. g. kind, meaning child in Afrikaans) or control words speciﬁc to either language. The authors account for these results by assuming that the presentation of a written word induces a search in parallel in both orthographic lexicon as well as a non-selective phonological coding using the GCPs of both languages. Homophonous heterographic words would activate a single phonological representation but two distinct orthographic representations, which would induce a process of (visual) veriﬁcation, slow reaction times. This hypothesis is supported by post-hoc analyses showing that for the homophonous words, response latencies were faster for visually dissimilar pairs (e. g. eye-aai) than for visually similar pairs (e. g. brick-briek). The studies by Brysbaert and colleagues (Brysbaert et al. , 1999; Van Wijnendaele& Brysbaert, 2002) provide more direct evidence for automatic activation of the GCPs of both languages in bilinguals. Using the masked priming paradigm, Brysbaert et al. (1999) presented Dutch-French bilinguals and French monolinguals with French targets preceded by masked primes (both primes and targets were presentedfor 57 msec), of which some were either pseudo-words homophonous with the targets if read with the French GPCs (e. g. fain-faim), or Dutch words homophonous with the targets if read with the Dutch GCPs (e. g. koel-coule). These two conditions were compared with control primes sharing the same degree of orthographic overlap with the targets as the homophonous primes (e. g. faic-faim and doel-coule, respectively). The results show that for the fain-faim pairs, the phonological priming effect(advantage for the targets preceded by homophonous primes over targets preceded by non-homophonous primes) was of the same magnitude for the bilinguals and for the monolinguals. Conversely, for the koel-coule pairs, only the bilinguals showed a phonological priming effect, and this effect was of the same magnitude as the one observed for the French primes.

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: The suprachiasmatic nucleus is the master regulator of circadian rhythms. [SEP] Text: Coronal brain slices were cut 300 μm with a tissue chopper (Mcllwain) and the SCN was dissected at the mid rostro-caudal region. A paired SCN was cultured on a Millicell-CM culture insert (Millipore Corporation) or multi-electrode array dish () pre-coated with collagen (Cellmatrix type 1-C; Nitta Gelatin), as described previously55. Briefly, the slice was cultured in air at 36. 5 °C with 1. 2 ml Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (Invitrogen) with 0. 1 mM D-luciferin K and 5% supplement solution. After 5–22 days, the cultured SCN slices were subjected to the continuous measurement of bioluminescence and spontaneous firing. Measurements of bioluminescenceBioluminescence from the whole SCN slice was measured with a luminometer equipped with a PMT (Lumicycle, Actimetrics) as previously described55. The intensity of bioluminescence measured for 1 min at 10 min intervals was expressed in relative light units (RLU; counts/min). Bioluminescence in time-series images was measured using an electron-multiplying (EM) charge-coupled device (CCD) (ImagEM; Hamamatsu Photonics) or CCD (ORCA-ІІ; Hamamatsu Photonics) camera attached to the bottom port of 1000 (Nikon) and the top port of 2000-U or 80i (Nikon). The images were captured every 60 min with an exposure time of 59 min. The intensity of bioluminescence was expressed in relative light units (RLU; counts/h) and analyzed at pixel level of 2. 3 μm × 2. 3 μm for ImagEM and 4. 3 μm × 4. 3 μm for ORCA-ІІ. Simultaneous measurements of spontaneous firing and PER2::LUC in the SCN sliceExtracellular action potential was continuously recorded for more than 5 days in the SCN slice cultured on a MED probe with 64 planar electrodes (20 × 20 µm; MED-P210A) arranged in an 8 × 8 grid embedded in the center of a 0. 7 mm × 0.

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Probiotics can support gut health by improving the balance of bacteria. [SEP] Text: Although promising, many probiotics are hindered by inherent physiological and technological weaknesses. Thus, new scientific innovations with meta-biotechnlogy and patho- biotechnology approaches in the screening and designing of probiotics for particular health benefits may provide strong scientific support for future probiotic research. To deliberate on this particular topic, Dr. Seppo Salminen, Professor and Director, Forum, University of Turku, Finland was invited to deliver the key note address covering the entire journey of probiotics starting from basic probiotic concept, definition, brief history of probiotics, their origin, foods as a carrier of probiotics, their safety and efficacy along with regulatory issues and future perspectives. The main focus of his address was on proving specific health claims associated with probiotics through well designed scientifically driven evidence based clinical studies to enhance their credibility in terms of their claimed functional efficacy. He highlighted the importance of microbiota acquisition from mothers prior to or during delivery that provide first stimuli for the maturation of the intestinal immune system and development [9] and conveyed that establishment of microbiome contributes to the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis and mucosal barrier function and any aberrations in that may lead to non-optimal microbiota and predispose them to subsequent diseases. Elaborating his statement, Dr. Salminen stated that early establishment of a healthy gut microbiota hallmarked by that of a healthy breastfed infant, provides the key to long-term well- being. Furthermore, breastfed infants have less allergies, diarrhea, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections due to the characteristics composition and properties of breast milk including presence of high levels of bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria [10]. The predominance of bifidobacteria has an important impact on later health and promotion of such microbiota has been taken as a target for nutritional intervention in infants. He also cautioned that although the probiotic science has developed rapidly and the technological and health properties of many probiotics are well defined yet, there is a need to evaluate the impact of manufacturing and food matrices on stability of probiotic properties and quality.

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Bilingual individuals experience no challenges when switching languages. [SEP] Text: From these results the authors conclude that the reading of words in the L2 seems to automatically activate the GCPs of the L1 as well. Moreover, these results were replicated with French-Dutch bilinguals (& Brysbaert, 2002), which suggests that the reading of words in the L1 also automatically activates the GCPs of the L2. Thus, the processing of visual words would activate all the GCPs compatible with the stimuli, irrespective of language and linguistic dominance. Brysbaert et al. (1999) note that these results do not exclude the intervention of inhibition processes, which would allow avoiding confusions between languages (see de Bruijn et al. , 2001; Dijkstra & van Heuven, 2002). However, such processes would occur only after an initial phase of non-selective activation of all the GCPs compatible with the stimuli. The hypothesis of non-selective access to the GCPs of both languages would leadone to predict that inconsistent GCPs between languages should induce similar effects as the consistency effects observed in monolinguals with intra-language inconsistent GCPs, i. e. the fact that sequences with many ‘enemies’ (e. g. –ead, pronounced differently in bead and head) induce slower reaction times than sequences with few ‘enemies’ (see e. g. Jared, 1997; Peereman & Content, 1997). To examine whether consistency effects generalize across languages in bilinguals,Jared and Kroll (2001) asked English-French and French-English bilinguals to read words with rimes either speciﬁc to English and consistent (e. g. bump, which has no enemy), speciﬁc to English but inconsistent (e. g. bead, which has enemies like head), or homographic between English and French and inconsistent across languages (e. g. bait, which has no enemy in English but enemies in French like fait). In all experiments, the procedure consisted in presenting a ﬁrst block of English words with all three types of items, followed by a block of French, followed by a second block of English words (different from those of the ﬁrst block) containing all types of items.

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: The suprachiasmatic nucleus is the master regulator of circadian rhythms. [SEP] Text: 7 mm area (Alpha MED Scientific). Spike discharges with signal-noise ratio >2. 0 were collected by software (Alpha MED Scientific) as previously described55. The number of spikes was calculated in 1 min or 100 ms bins for each electrode covered by the SCN slice. The SCN slice on a MED probe was placed in a mini-incubator installed on the stage of an upright microscope (1000, Nikon) or inverted microscope (2000-U, Nikon) for simultaneous recording of PER2::LUC bioluminescence and spontaneous firing. Simultaneous measurements of PER2::LUC, spontaneous firing, and calcium levels in the SCN sliceThe SCN slice was cultured on a Millicell-CM culture insert. Adeno-associated virus (AAV; serotype rh10) was harbored with GCaMP6s, a genetically encoded calcium sensor, under the control of human synapsin-1 promoter (University of ). An aliquot of AVV was inoculated onto the surface of the cultured SCN slice 3–5 days after the preparation. The next day of AAV infection, the SCN slice was transferred onto the MED probe. After culturing for 7–14 days on the MED, simultaneous measurements of bioluminescence, fluorescence, and neuronal activity were started. The MED was placed in a mini-incubator installed on the stage of an upright microscope (-80i, Nikon) equipped with an EM-CCD camera (ImagEM, Hamamatsu Photonics). Fluorescence and bioluminescence were recorded with an EM-CCD camera at −80 °C every 60 min with an exposure time of 2–3 s and 59 min, respectively. For the measurement of fluorescence, an LED-based light source (Engine; Lumencor) was used. Fluorescent calcium sensor (GCaMP6s) was excited at cyan color (475/28 nm) with LED light source, and visualized with 495 nm dichroic mirror and 520/35 nm emission filters (Semlock). AAV injection into the SCN of adult mice in vivoMice of 8–10 months old were anesthetized with isoflurane (induction dose ~2%, maintenance dose ~1%) and placed in a stereotaxic instrument (Kopf).

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Probiotics can support gut health by improving the balance of bacteria. [SEP] Text: Speaking about the limitations of the existing probiotic strains available in the market, Dr. Salminen opined that new probiotics are still required for enhancing the resilience of healthy microbiota and also emphasized that the quest for novel strains should continue to address other targets such as allergy prevention, alleviation of obesity development, dental caries risk reduction, irritable bowel syndrome symptom relief, reduction in the risk of respiratory tract infections and prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis etc. These initiatives also require new human intervention studies for establishing health claims for probiotics and advocating their use as nutritional adjuncts to other therapies [11]. Gut microbiota in human health and diseaseTrillions of microbes inhabit the human intestine, forming a complex ecological community that influences normal physiology and susceptibility to disease through complex host microbial interactions [12]. The distortion in the gut microbial composition may lead to chronic diseases such as autoimmune diseases, colon cancers, gastric ulcers and life style diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease [13]. To ponder upon this crucial issue, Dr. F. Guarner, Consultant of d’ Hebron, Barcelona, Spin, while delivering his key note presentation spoke on “”. Deliberating the importance of probiotics in human health, he discussed the metabolic, defensive and trophic functions of gut microbiota to host health. He emphasized that it is the host that provides habitat and nutrition to microbial communities: in fact, we feed gut microbiota. Microbial symbionts have been evolutionary adapted to provide the required organic compounds (essential amino acids, vitamins) and the ability to obtain energy from different sources. Further highlighting the importance of commensal gut microbiota in human health and its impact on shaping the immune defense mechanisms in the host, Dr. Guarner threw some light on how gut microbes play an essential role in the development of a healthy immune system as could be evidenced from studies in the germ-free animals. Reiterating his view point on this issue based on the findings of some recent studies, he enlightened the audience that some gut commensals play a major role in the induction of regulatory T cells in the gut lymphoid follicles [14]. The outcome of these studies clearly suggests that control pathways mediated by regulatory T cells are essential homeostatic mechanism by which the host can tolerate the massive burden of innocuous antigens within the gut or on the body surfaces without resulting in inflammation [15].

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Bilingual individuals experience no challenges when switching languages. [SEP] Text: The results show that for the ﬁrst block of English words, the French-Englishbilinguals, but not the English-French bilinguals, produced more errors (but not longer reaction times) to the words with enemies in French than for the words with no enemies. Conversely, both groups produced more errors and longer reaction times for the words with enemies in English than for the words with no enemies. According to Jared and Kroll (2001), these results show that the GCPs of English are activated to a greater extent than the French GCPs in all groups, even though the French GCPs are also activated for the group for which it is the dominant language. For the second block of English words, the English-French bilinguals with highlevels of proﬁciency in French took longer to read the words with French enemies than to read the words with no enemies. For the French-English bilinguals, theparticipants schooled in a francophone university, but not those schooled in an English-speaking one, produced longer reaction times and slightly more errors for the words with French enemies than for the words with no enemies. To account for these results, the authors suggest that only the French-English bilinguals schooled in an English-speaking university would be able to inhibit their knowledge of the French GCPs when reading in English. The English-French bilinguals would not have adopted such a strategy because they would not be aware of the impact of their knowledge of French on their English reading. Jared and Szucs (2002) further observed that French-English bilinguals, but notEnglish-French bilinguals, took longer and made more errors on homographic heterophonous non cognate words of English and French (e. g. coin, meaning corner in French) than on English-speciﬁc words. On the basis of the results of these two last studies, Jared and Szucs (2002) suggest that the GCPs of the language irrelevant for the task are too weakly activated to induce noticeable interferences on participants’ performance, except when this language is their dominant language and when the inconsistencies across language regard entire words (homographs). This conclusion seems contradictory with the strong hypothesis of non-selectiveaccess proposed by Doctor and Klein (1992) as well as by Brysbaert and colleagues (Brysbaert et al.

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: The suprachiasmatic nucleus is the master regulator of circadian rhythms. [SEP] Text: Next, 120 nl of AAV9-hSyn-GFP-Cre (3. 3 × 1012 GC/ml) or AAV9-hSyn-hrGFP (1. 5 × 1013 GC/ml) was injected into the SCN of VGATflox/flox mice bilaterally (±0. 0 mm posterior, ±0. 2 mm lateral, −5. 7 mm ventral from Bregma) with a glass micropipette and an air pressure injection system (BJ-110, BEX). Measurement of behavioral activitySpontaneous movements were measured by a passive infrared sensor which detects changes in animal thermal radiation due to movement73. The amount of movement was recorded every minute with computer software (Clocklab, Actimetrics). Immunohistochemical studiesAfter recording locomotor activity, mice were anesthetized with pentobarbital (50 mg/kg, i. p. ) and perfused with saline followed by a 10% formalin solution (Wako). Brains were extracted and post-fixed in the same solution for 24 h at 4 °C, followed by a 30% sucrose solution at 4 °C for at least 2 days. 40 μm coronal sections of the SCN were made using a cryostat (Leica) and stored at 4 °C in PBS. Immunostaining was performed as previously described55. The primary antibody was rabbit anti-VGAT (1:1000 dilution, SIGMA) and the secondary was CF 594-conjugated Donkey anti-rabbit antibody (1:1000 dilution, Biotium). Brain sections were counterstained with DAPI and mounted to examine with a fluorescence microscope (BZ-9000, Keyence). Fluorescent images were captured with the same intensity and expose time. The intensity of VGAT was analyzed with the ImageJ software. Every third slice (in total, 4 slices) was collected from each brain for analysis. The border of the SCN was determined with the aid of DAPI-stained images. The average intensity of VGAT staining was calculated for the four slices and expressed as intensity/pixel. Data analysisThe properties of circadian rhythm in bioluminescence signals were analyzed at pixel level, using a cosine curve fitting method as described previously74,75. Rayleigh plot was also used for analyses with Oriana4 (Services).

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Probiotics can support gut health by improving the balance of bacteria. [SEP] Text: Continuing further, Dr. Guarner contended that besides several other factors, foods and dietary fibers have a significant impact on the gut microbial ecosystem in terms of both composition and functions and stated that several facts support this notion. Non-digestible carbohydrates and proteins present in foods and fibers are the two main fermentative substrates in the colon. The amount of ingested dietary fiber is a principal factor determining metabolic activity. Recent data have shown that long term dietary pattern influence microbial composition and enterotypes [16]. Finally, he concluded that both probiotics and prebiotics have been explored thoroughly to improve metabolic activity, composition and symbiotic relationships of the gut microbes with the host [17]. Probiotics as future biotherapeutics to contain diabetesDr. M. Balasubramanyam, & from Research Foundation, Chennai delivered his talk on exploring the prospects of novel dietary based strategies including probiotic and prebiotic interventions in the management of Type 2 diabetes by modulating gut hormones. Elaborating on this aspect, he conveyed that with the discovery of gut hormones (the so called incretins viz. GLP-1 and GIP) and their implications in glucose homeostasis, the ‘gut connection’ to type-2 diabetes has now been established beyond peripheral insulin resistance and beta cell failure. In order to substantiate the validity of this hypothesis, he came across with some observations that microbial populations in the gut are different in obese and lean subjects and similarly in diabetic from non-diabetics suggesting that obesity/diabetes may have a different microbial component [18]. Considering the link between alterations in intestinal microbiota and metabolic diseases, Dr. Balasubramanyam claimed that probiotic interventions could serve as potential modulators of gut-flora that change the gut composition in a beneficial manner and exert various health beneficial effects on the host. He further pointed out that certain strains of Lactobacillus spp. reported to decrease body fat percentage in healthy volunteers exerted a beneficial effect on the onset of diet-induced obesity by reducing the cell size of white adipose tissues. Realizing the immense potential and scope of using the novel dietary based strategies to effectively control type-2 diabetes, he called upon the researchers that in order to safely and effectively change human gut microflora, the future research endeavors need to be focused to highlight the complex hormonal, immune-modulatory and metabolic mechanisms underlying microbioata-host interactions in different tissues.

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Bilingual individuals experience no challenges when switching languages. [SEP] Text: , 1999; & Brysbaert, 2002). One factor that could account for this apparent discrepancy lies in the different materials exploited in the two sets of studies. Indeed, Jared and colleagues used homographic sequences (rimes or whole words), although Brysbaert and colleagues used heterographic sequences with graphemes speciﬁc to the language irrelevant for the task to be performed (see p. 180 for a more detailed description of these materials). Other studies have indeed showed that the make-up of the stimuli inﬂuences the relative degree of activation of the two languages in bilinguals. Hence, Grainger and Beauvillain (1987) showed that, in a general lexical decision task, French-English bilinguals produced longer reaction times for the second member of ‘mixed’ pairs displaying one word of each language (e. g. rule after pont) than for ‘pure’ pairs displaying only English words (e. g. rule after sand), except when the second item displayed speciﬁc orthographic cues to that language (e. g. white after pont, where wh-never occurs in French but is frequent in English). Such inﬂuence of orthographic speciﬁcity was also observed by Beauvillain (1989, 1992) when the speciﬁc and non-speciﬁc words of the two languages were matched for frequency distributions. She indeed showed that the negative regression slopes between word frequencies and reaction times were stronger for the non-speciﬁc than for the speciﬁc words. This pattern of results is compatible with the notion that non-speciﬁc words are selected within a cohort of words from both languages, whereas speciﬁc words are selected from a cohort from one language (see also Grainger, 1993, for a more detailed discussion and a reinterpretation of previous results based on the notion of speciﬁcity). The dominant model proposed to account for written word identiﬁcation in adultbilinguals is the Activation model (BIA, see Dijkstra et al. , 1998b). The BIA is an adaptation of the model of McClelland and Rumelhart (1981) to the bilingual situation. Several layers of units represent visual features, letters and words.

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: The suprachiasmatic nucleus is the master regulator of circadian rhythms. [SEP] Text: The circadian bioluminescence rhythm recorded with a PMT was evaluated by a Chi-square periodogram (ClockLab, Actimetrics) using records of 7 consecutive days with a significance level of p < 0. 01. Circadian amplitude was calculated by subtracting the circadian trough value from the peak in a cycle and was further standardized by dividing this amplitude by the circadian peak value to eliminate possible slice biases as described previously55. A correlation coefficient of spontaneous firing was calculated by Matlab (Mathworks). Circadian period of behavioral rhythm was determined by a Chi-square periodogram using records of 28 consecutive days under DD. The onset of behavioral rhythms was determined with the Clocklab software. When the GFP signals were not observed in the SCN with post-hoc immunochemistry, all data of the corresponding animal (one of nine VGATflox/flox mice) were excluded from the analyses. Cre-GFP was observed in the nucleus while hrGFP (control) was expressed in the cell body and axon; GFP signals in control mice were often detected outside the SCN as well. StatisticsStudent’s t-test was used when two independent group means were compared, and Welch’s t-test was used when the variances of two group means were different. Paired t-test was used when two dependent group means were compared. A one-way ANOVA with a post-hoc Tukey–Kramer test was used to analyze a single time series data. A two-way ANOVA with post-hoc t-test was adopted when two independent time series data were compared (Statview or Statcel 3). Reporting summaryFurther information on research design is available in the linked to this 10. 1523/. 2006-17. 2017 (2017). 10. 1523/. 0160-17. 2017 (2017). Inouye, S. T. & Kawamura, H. Persistence of circadian rhythmicity in a mammalian hypothalamic “island” containing the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 76, 5962–5966 (1979). 4. 0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made.

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Probiotics can support gut health by improving the balance of bacteria. [SEP] Text: The analysis of this study showed that malnourished child gut was deficient in several groups like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria but harboured an abundance of enteric pathogens. She further revealed that gut microflora of the malnourished child in addition had a noticeably larger reservoir of antibiotic resistant genes. In long run, identification of such species can help in devising appropriate probiotic strategies for eradicating this menace. Dr. Sesikeran, Director, NIN commented that microbiota of underweight children could be different altogether. Dr. Sharmila further stated that microbiota of Indian children is different from their western counterparts. Probiotics in maternal and child healthThe interplay between both hereditary and environmental factors play an important role in every stage of development from conception to the early postnatal period with potential long-term effects on mother and child health. The gut microbiota as an environmental factor regulates the development of both metabolic and immune functions during pre and post neonatal life [20]. This session began with the presentation made by Dr. Indrani Ganguli, Head, Institute of obstetrics and who gave a new touch to the probiotic applications by shifting the focus from gut health to vaginal health. She show-cased her interesting findings on the therapeutic role of probiotics in women’s health particularly in the context of management of common vaginal infections. Dr. Ganguli explained in unequivocal terms that absence or depletion of lactobacilli in vagina could be one of the main reasons for bacterial vaginosis and the affetcted cases have a significantly increased risk of HIV, Gonnorrhoea, Chlamydia and Herpes simplex viral infections. She embarked upon that the use of probiotic lactobacilli to prevent infection has a good rationale and an excellent safety record, although, so far only a few strains have been clinically proven to be effective. Hence, she emphasized, it is critically important that strains are characterized and tested clinically using the delivery system of choice (oral tablets, vaginal pessary, dried powder or suspension). She pointed out that besides this, several studies are needed to optimize the defensive properties of the vaginal microbiota. She finally concluded her talk with an optimistic note that the health of many women can be improved by the use of probiotics.

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Bilingual individuals experience no challenges when switching languages. [SEP] Text: In bilinguals, both lexicons are integrated into a unitary system, so that bottom-up activation induces the activation of words in the two languages. The original model also comprised a supra-lexical layer with ‘languagenodes’, which would collect the activation of all words from that language and inhibit word activation in the other language via top-down connections. In the more recent version of the model, the ‘language nodes’ have been replaced by decisional and strategic processes occurring outside the recognition system (BIA+, Dijkstra & van Heuven, 2002), which could account for activation and inhibition processes driven by words’ orthographic cues to language (speciﬁc/typical graphemes). However, as stated by Dijkstra & van Heuven (2002), ‘we still ignore how these activation and inhibition processes which intervene in adults develop in children’. The present study aimed at examining whether bilingual children activate theGPCs of their non-dominant reading language (in the present study, their L1) when naming words in their dominant reading language (L2), and explored whether such activation is inﬂuenced by the orthographic characteristics of the presented items. Hence, we compared these children’s performances to those of monolinguals in a reading task which involved items with inconsistent GCPs across languages (e. g. ‘an’, which is routinely pronouncedã/ in French butan/ in Dutch). To examine these questions, French-native children schooled in Dutch and Dutch-native children schooled in French were compared to Dutch and French monolinguals, respectively. These four groups of children were asked to perform a naming task that included three types of items displaying inconsistent GCPs across languages: (1) non-cognate heterographic homographs (words that are spelled identically but have different pronunciations and meanings in the two languages) with cross-linguistically inconsistent GPCs (e. g. vent, which is pronouncedvã/ and means wind in French, but is pronouncedvEnt/ and means boy in Dutch); (2) matched words speciﬁc to French with inconsistent GPCs (e. g.

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: The suprachiasmatic nucleus is the master regulator of circadian rhythms. [SEP] Text: Astrocytes in the SCN are also discussed. Part 2 of the discussion is about individual neurotransmitters their properties and their involvement. Part 1: neurotransmitters—integral part of the suprachiasmatic nucleusNeurotransmitters in general and their receptorsThe identification of the neurotransmitter dates to the identification of SCN as the seat of the biological clock. A list of the neurotransmitters with their probable location is given in Table 1. The molecular mechanism involved in the function of SCN is complex and by no means fully established at present. It is generally observed that a particular neurotransmitter of the SCN has more than one function. Neurotransmitters may influence the function by way of acting by itself and by way of modification of function. Colocalization of peptides is seen in the SCN. However, coexpression is not seen in all SCN neurons [30]. In some neurons, there is VIP and CALR, whereas in others it is GRP and CALR. VIP, peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI), and GRP are also reported in some neurons. Another report [31] states that 91% of SP cells, 42% of GRP cells, and 60% of VIP cells in the core of SCN coexpress CalB. Table 1.

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Probiotics can support gut health by improving the balance of bacteria. [SEP] Text: The major focus of his presentation was on the prospects of probiotic therapy in the management of (NEC) - a serious GI disorder occurring in neonates. According to Dr. Garg, despite significant advancements in the neonatal care, the mortality resulting from NEC has not improved over the last three decades as can be reflected from high mortality rates which continue ranging from 10–30% [23]. Continuing further, he informed the house that there are only a few interventions which have shown some promise in the treatment of this life threatening disease. In this context, breast milk has been recognized as the best option in the prevention of NEC. However, there is a growing evidence that supplementation of probiotics to preterm infants in NICU may provide sufficient relief to the affected infants [24]. Finding the probiotic therapy an exciting novel strategy, he commented that the rationale for probiotic supplementation of preterm infants is based on the data demonstrating differences in the establishment of intestinal microbiota in preterm infants. In his opinion, administration of probiotics to this vulnerable population may be an effective way to change their gut colonization with the healthy bacteria and advocated exploring the same for disease management in preterms. To further support the efficacy of probiotic supplementation in preterm babies, Dr. Garg referred to the outcome of a recent meta-analysis study carried out in India which provided sufficient scientific evidence to establish the efficacy of probiotics in reducing death and disease in preterm neonates [25]. Based on this study, it was suggested that probiotics should now be offered as a routine therapy for preterm neonates and that additional placebo-controlled trials are not warranted. While concluding his talk, he cautioned that although probiotic supplementation appears to be a promising approach for prevention of NEC in very low birth weight babies, further studies are warranted to address various issues. Currently, there are no well defined regulatory guidelines in the country to ensure the safety and quality of commercially available probiotic preparations. Furthermore, the optimal probiotic combination and dosing strategy also need to be clearly elucidated. Future of probiotics in India - roadmap for researchDr. Sunita Grover, at delivered the first talk in this session and shared her thoughts and vision on reorienting the R&D program on probiotics and shape the future road map in the country in carrying forward this mission holistically through extensive networking and clustering.

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Bilingual individuals experience no challenges when switching languages. [SEP] Text: dent, which is pronounceddã/ and means tooth in French, but corresponds to the pseudo-worddEnt/ in Dutch); (3) matched Dutch-speciﬁc words with inconsistent GPCs (went, which is pronouncedwEnt/ and means (you) get used in Dutch, but corresponds to the pseudo-wordwã/ in French). The materials also contained matched (control) pseudo-words with consistent GPCs across languages (mele, corresponding to the pseudo-wordmel(∂)/ in both French and Dutch). The strong hypothesis of non-selective access would lead one to predict that thebilinguals should produce more errors and longer reaction times than the monolinguals for the three types of items with inconsistent GCPs, but not for the pseudowords with consistent GCPs. Conversely, under the hypothesis of selective access, bilinguals should not activate the GCPs of their irrelevant language to a sufﬁcient extent to produce noticeable interference on their reading performance in the target language. In post-hoc analyses examining the factors that could account for the observedpattern of results, the additional factor of typicality was considered since half of the presented Dutch-speciﬁc words contained graphemes typical in Dutch but exceptional in French (‘z’, ‘w’, ‘k’), whereas none of the French-speciﬁc words contained graphemes typical to French.

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: The suprachiasmatic nucleus is the master regulator of circadian rhythms. [SEP] Text: It is generally agreed that neuropeptides have an essential and crucial role in the synchronization of circadian rhythms, although the precise mechanism leading to the synchronization of cellular rhythms is not known fully with clarity. Synchronization of cellular rhythms is mediated by neuropeptides and evidence strongly suggests VIP [18] and AVP [20, 43] are among them. Paracrine signals involving and GABA can restore cellular synchronization in weakly coupled rhythms of VPAC2 deficient SCN [19] and this suggests the possibility of diffusible signals for synchronization. GRP and GABA have been identified as other neurotransmitters taking part in the neural network contributing to synchronization. An interesting point to be mentioned here is a report [44] indicating a vascular pathway, probably a second one after the hypothalamic portal system, connecting the SCN with nearby areas of the brain for communication of diffusible signals. GABA an important neurotransmitter seen in almost all SCN neurons irrespective of core or shell region, takes part by way of GABA A and GABA B, two types of receptors, and has excitatory and inhibitory actions. Neurotransmitters responsible for network organization within the SCN are and GABA. VIP produced by the neurons of the ventrolateral (VL, core) region communicate with each other as well as with neurons of the dorsomedial (DM, shell) region. AVP of the DM region communicates between neurons. GABA has communication between neurons of the VL and DM [18, 45, 46]. It appears that the coupling strength between VL neurons to DM neurons is much larger than in the reverse direction [47]. The heterogeneity property of neurons of the SCN does affect the behavior concerning entrainment to the LD cycle as well as free-running rhythms [48–50]. Neuronal oscillators are heterogenous in their properties and have intrinsic amplitude, period, sensitivity to light information as well as cellular coupling strength. It is observed [51] that heterogeneities can alter free running under constant conditions of darkness and entrainment ability to external cycle. It is stated that this property probably explains the difference in free-running period and entrainment ability observed in different species studied. An emerging result from these studies is the heterogeneity effect on the collective behavior of the SCN.

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Probiotics can support gut health by improving the balance of bacteria. [SEP] Text: While elucidating the role of commensal gut microbiota in shaping the gut immunity, Dr. elaborated that the gut microbiota acquired during and immediately after birth is necessary for the newborn’s systemic and mucosal immunity. Quoting from some of the previous studies, she suggested that shift in the host microbial community may be associated with number of acute and chronic diseases including inflammatory bowel diseases, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, eczema, vaginal infections etc. She discussed at length how the innate and adaptive immune response in the gut can be modulated effectively to manage these chronic inflammatory diseases by manipulating nutritional based strategies including probiotic interventions. Probiotics can influence the release of specific cytokines by different cell population as well as the crosstalk between the epithelium immune cells in the lamina propria and thus play a fundamental role in mucosal immunity. It has also been observed that the specific probiotic strains can stimulate the secretion of specific cytokines and facilitate the development of naive T-cells towards a particular immune pathway and enhance IgA production and other immunoglobulin in intestinal mucosa. Studies have demonstrated that host protection against gastro-enteric infections is provided by these beneficial bacteria through modulation of pro-inflammatory (e. g. IFNγ and TNFα) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines. Thus, these characteristics support the preventive and therapeutic potential of the probiotics or beneficial microbes. She also shared some of her own data on these lines based on the outcome of metagenomic studies to demonstrate immune-modulatory role of probiotics in the management of common gut related inflammatory diseases. Novel probiotic foods and formulations-an industrial perspectiveThis session was chaired by Dr. V. Prakash, of CSIR, Mysore. Dr. Karen Scott, from RINH, University of Aberdeen, Scotland delivered her talk on the impact of diet (carbohydrates) on gut microbiota and consequences for health. In her presentation, she brought to focus dietary substrates playing a key role not only by influencing the gut microbiota but also the health of the host. The colonic microbiota degrades dietary substrates that are undigested or indigestible in the upper GIT, releasing various types of bacterial metabolites, which can either be beneficial or detrimental for gut health. Continuing further, she stated that advances in molecular biology techniques have facilitated detailed analyses of the composition of the bacterial community residing in the lower GIT.

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Excessive sugar consumption is linked to a higher risk of metabolic diseases. [SEP] Text: In contrast, they are also considered to be a high-glycemic-index food [4] and consumption has been suggested to increase the cardio-metabolic risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, a recent systematic review of clinical trials concluded that there was no convincing evidence to suggest an association between intake of potatoes and risk of these diseases [5]. Furthermore, results from single-meal test studies have found that intake of boiled potatoes increased satiety compared with intake of other iso-caloric preparations of rice, bread, and pasta [6]. The purpose of this evidence map is to summarize observational and epidemiologic studies examining potato intake and biomarkers of cardio-metabolic health with an objective to identify a comprehensive evidence base for conduct of further systematic review/meta-analysis. MethodsDescription of evidence mapsAn evidence map is a systematic search of a broad field to organize, summarize, and synthesize current scientific evidence into a visual representation, often a tabular format or a searchable database [7]. Evidence mapping helps identify not only the areas rich in studies for the conduct of further systematic review or meta-analysis but also can identify gaps in knowledge for future research needs [8]. However, evidence mapping does not assess risk of bias or meta-analyze included studies. Our evidence map depicts a summary of literature on the relationship between potato intake and cardio-metabolic health outcomes and biomarkers of cardio-metabolic risk. Using the methodology outlined in the standard systematic review methods [9,10,11], we followed these steps: (1) identify the scope of search and the guiding question; (2) organize a team and assign each person’s roles and responsibilities; (3) develop a strategy for a systematic and comprehensive search; (4) define scientific criteria and approach to the selection of studies; (5) screen potentially eligible abstracts; (6) extract data during full-text screening; and (7) categorize the outcomes and summarize the characteristics of included studies. We constructed a study flow diagram to describe our flow of study screening and inclusion from the retrieved data. This is a review of published literature and therefore, it is not necessary to include a statement regarding adherence to the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki and Board approval.

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: The suprachiasmatic nucleus is the master regulator of circadian rhythms. [SEP] Text: Cation chloride cotransporters and the circadian systemCation chloride cotransporters (CCCS) are associated with circadian rhythms largely as per recent studies. Two solute carriers 12 (SLC12) CCCS have been identified and they are Na+/K+/Cl– co-transporter 1 (NKCC1) and K+/Cl– co-transporter 2 (KCC2) which cause influx and efflux of Cl– respectively. Neuronal chloride is regulated by the above two cation chloride co-transporters NKCC1 and KCC2 seen in the SCN neurons [109]. Studies highlight the expression of NKCC1 and KCC2 in the SCN and the regulation of Cl– by these two cotransporters. NKCC1 is expressed across the SCN while KCC2 is seen only in the ventral region of the SCN [110]. Other studies [111, 112] have indicated NKCC1 and KCC2 in VIP-expressing neurons of the core region, while NKCC1 in the AVP neurons of the shell region. The important fact that emerged from these studies is the critical role of NKCC1 and KCC2 in the circadian system. A growing number of studies have shown the importance [Cl–] in the SCN not only for GABA but also for AVP and VIP-expressing neurons. This is interesting since, among the heterogeneous population of neurons in the SCN, only 13% are AVP and 9 % are VIP. It is reported [113] that an increased or elevated [Cl–]i is seen in immature neurons during development which changes to low [Cl–]i when activated. Mature neurons thus have low [Cl–]i leading to hyperpolarization from depolarization as seen in GABA-expressing neurons. KCC2 thus takes part in GABA-mediated hyperpolarization. NKCC1 expression which is high during development as compared to low levels of KCC2 during development changes in reverse pattern or order with NKCC1 decrease and KCC2 increase in maturing neurons [114]. This paves the way for a shift in polarity from excitatory to inhibitory which has been proved in the case of GABA using a pharmacological blocker of NKCC1 [113].

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Probiotics can support gut health by improving the balance of bacteria. [SEP] Text: Such analyses have indicated that more than 1000 different bacterial species colonize an individual and that although, there is functional consistency in the resident bacterial groups, there is considerable inter-individual variation at the species and strain level. To further put forth her view point, she pointed out that whilst host genome has some impact on the species composition, dietary factors have a greater influence, with specific bacterial groups changing in response to specific dietary interventions. For instance, the number of the RosenburiaE. rectale group increases in the gut following starch supplementation in the diet. Since the metabolic activities of gut bacterial species differ, and can also respond to substrate availability, the consequences for health are dependent on both the specific diet and the composition of the microbiota. / E. rectale group are important butyrate producing bacteria, and butyrate is recognized as one of the most important bacterial metabolites for health, being both the preferred energy source for gut epithelial cells and also contributing to apoptosis of the cancerous cells in the gut [26]. Hence, any dietary change that can stimulate the growth of these bacterial species could be beneficial to health. In this context, she also touched upon the prospects of using probiotics and prebiotic supplementation in the gut which are considered beneficial for health and are included in an increasing number of food stuffs. However, before concluding her talk, she cautioned that there can be inter-individual differences in the responses to the same substrate that makes it difficult to generalize the claims relating to health benefits. Setting the standards for probiotics: How to meet the requirements and go beyond? Probiotics provided as natural ingredients to the food, dairy, dietary supplement, infant formula and pharma product have to meet high standards. To maintain high quality, safety, stability and efficacy of probiotic formulations during the entire processing, production and storage chain along with post marketing surveillance is quite challenging and can be achieved only when there is an effective regulatory framework in operation. Realizing the importance and need for having appropriate regulatory standards put in place for probiotics from consumer and industry perspective, Dr. Inge Tarnow, Scientific Advisor, Chr. Hansen A/S Denmark focused her talk on this topic and gave an overview of the global scenario of regulatory standards on probiotics. While discussing the same, she elaborated that probiotics have to be safe, stable and with proven efficacy before administrating them to the consumers.

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Excessive sugar consumption is linked to a higher risk of metabolic diseases. [SEP] Text: Also, potatoes have glycemic index (GI) values in a relatively high range regardless of the cooking method [13]. For diabetes, most cohorts conducted in the USA reported unfavorable outcomes associated with total potato intake, whereas one study conducted in China and another conducted in Iran reported a favorable outcome for type 2 diabetes. It suggests that the dietary pattern may be of particular importance in evaluation of potato intake and health outcomes, considering that different types of potatoes are consumed in different cultures (e. g. , mashed or fried potatoes in Western diet; boiled potatoes in Asian and Mediterranean diets) [14]. Although potatoes have been condemned as unhealthy due to high carbohydrate content and GI, they are rich in potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, B vitamins, fiber, and polyphenols [13,14,15], each of which is associated with a decreased risk of chronic disease. However, most often potatoes are not consumed alone [4] and therefore, it may be more important to assess the effects of potatoes along with the type of diet or dietary patterns rather than assessing the effects of potatoes on outcomes of interest. The different types of potato preparations are often co-consumed with different types of diet [16, 17]. For example, French fries are commonly served with fast foods (such as burgers and sodas), potato chips as a snack, and baked/boiled potatoes are part of a meal. The differences in co-consumed diets may explain the difference in our evidence mapping results. Further careful evaluations of dietary patterns may help understand the inconsistencies in the results across studies quantified potato intake. Description of existing literatureTwo meta-analyses have been published on the association of potato intake with risk of chronic disease and mortality [14, 15]. A previous systematic review of 20 prospective cohort studies, which focused on various types of mortality as outcomes, reported no association between total potato intake and risk of all-cause and cancer mortality as well as insufficient evidence accumulated for CVD mortality [18]. However, another meta-analysis of 28 reports from prospective studies showed that a one daily serving (150 g/d) increase in total potato intake was associated with an 18% (95% CI, 10-27%) increase in risk for type 2 diabetes and 12% (95% CI, 1-23%) increase in risk for hypertension while reporting no association with risk of all-cause mortality, CHD, stroke, and colorectal cancer [19].

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: The suprachiasmatic nucleus is the master regulator of circadian rhythms. [SEP] Text: Studies to understand the function of GABA in the SCN have been done by using both in vivo and ex vivo methods. SCN from neonatal animals [182, 193] and from adult animals [46] have been used in experiments for recording circadian rhythms. The results of these experiments have not given a complete picture of the developmental effects of GABA on SCN circadian oscillations. However, reports [21, 194] have indicated that Cry, a clock gene is involved in cellular coupling in the adult SCN and this may have a crucial role in the cellular coupling leading to circadian outputs. GABA takes part in the transmission regulating synaptic input from RHT [195], mediates phase shifts regulates firing frequency [196], and contributes to circadian synchrony. GABA, a primary inhibitory neurotransmitter remains excitatory during embryonic and neonatal development. Chloride homeostasis conveyed by GABA A receptors and their co-transporters [116, 197, 198] which is modulated by photic changes [177] determines GABA intercellular signaling. It is also likely that some of the neurons within the SCN neural network that are excited by GABA may be involved in encoding day length [116, 199]. GABA A receptor is primarily permeable to Cl– ions and intracellular Cl– concentration determines depolarization or hyperpolarization. Based on the finding that the application of GABA decreased firing frequency at night and increased firing frequency during the day, it was suggested that the effect of GABA on SCN neurons is related to the circadian phase. This is contradictory to other reports [178] stating that there is no difference in the excitatory/inhibitory effects of GABA during subjective day as compared to night. GABA A agonists like muscimol and baclofen and GABA A antagonists like biculline produce excitatory and inhibitory effects across circadian day or night irrespective of the circadian time. GABA is colocalized sometimes with other neuropeptides like VIP and GRP and studies [200] have tried to explain the interaction of multiple signals in the SCN. GABA is likely released synaptically and non-synaptically in the SCN. However, it is not known about the relative contribution of the two types of signaling for the coupling of the clock cells for the robust functioning of the SCN.

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Probiotics can support gut health by improving the balance of bacteria. [SEP] Text: According to her, probiotic efficacy has to be documented in well designed and properly powered randomized controlled human trials that are published in peer reviewed scientific journals. Speaking further on the subject, Dr. Inge advocated that studies conducted according to of harmonization-Practice (ICH-GCP) are the highest quality standard clinical trials. However, GCP is not mandatory for credible results. She also mentioned that due to stricter regulatory environment particularly in Europe, there is now a demand for high quality clinical data to obtain approval for health claims on food supplements. Furthermore, it is mandatory for probiotic products to be stable throughout shelf life to ensure efficacy. Stability data should be provided right from raw material to the packed consumer product at relevant storage conditions. Safety is of utmost importance and it must be documented and proven. Finally from an industry perspective, probiotic products should preferably be available in different dosage forms as well as customized solutions. This can only be accomplished through innovations and working partnerships. Dr. Inge concluded by suggesting that the industry has to live up to high quality standards and requirement set by regulatory bodies to ensure that consumers receive safe and efficacious products to derive maximal health benefits and specific health claims. Dr. Nagendra Shah, Professor of and Technology, University of while delivering his presentation enriched the delegates with an extensive overview on general and specific health benefits and safety of probiotic dairy products. Presenting the overall scenario of the functional food market, he focused on the various types of bacteria being utilized in the world for probiotic products formulation. Dr. Shah specifically mentioned that the most popular probiotic foods such as probiotic yoghurts contain probiotic bacteria as health promoting components and stated that the most common microorganisms used in fermented products belong to the genera lactococci, leuconostocs, pediococci, lactobacillus’and bifidobacteria. He further briefed the house that recently probiotics have been incorporated in drinks and also marketed as supplements including tablets, capsules and freeze dried preparations. Since a large number of probiotic bacteria are ingested orally, such a massive dose can pose a risk to some consumers and hence may require assurance of safety. Besides this, he also discussed the risks associated with some of the probiotic properties used for their selection such as adherence to gut epithelial cells, ability to survive in the gastric conditions and their colonizing potential.

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Excessive sugar consumption is linked to a higher risk of metabolic diseases. [SEP] Text: Similar to tobacco, once a high sugar substance is consumed, individuals are tempted to eat more following a synergistic effect of dopamine and insulin. Leptins are known to play a role as well. Industrial marketing motives aim at neutralizing the outcomes of public health programs, and the advertising and magnetic marketing strategies where children often seem to be the soft target are likely to be responsible for the proclivity for these high sugar products. These foods vivify hedonic desires for repeated consumption. Sociological aspects of consumption A study conducted in London, UK, to explore the cause effect relationship between free sugar consumption frequency, public health services, and caries showed that there is a dynamic relation between sugars and decay as well as socioeconomic status. [7] approaches that can improve literacy on the aspect of sugars Understanding the information needs of various segments of the population, effective health promotion messages need to be developed using communication channels. Social media platforms may be exploited. The drivers for behavior change need research. Social and cultural aspects of sugar consumption Research should focus on understanding and addressing the socioeconomic, cultural, and behavioral factors that play a role in food choices. The barriers to choosing healthier food over empty calories need to be identified. Role of oral health providers Following a life course approach, pregnant women to geriatric age groups – every individual needs to be empowered with skills to maintain good oral hygiene. These include brushing, mouth rinsing, and healthy eating. the quest to bring up an incremental paradigm, the symposium was concluded with a panel discussion. Several gaps in evidence and challenges in implementation were noted. Cues on how to mitigate any undesirable economic impacts were discussed. The importance of engaging policymakers, civil society groups, and stakeholders for practical, cost-effective, and concerted collaborations was highlighted including the development of a taskforce and creation of knowledge hubs to monitor the progress on the recommendations.

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: The suprachiasmatic nucleus is the master regulator of circadian rhythms. [SEP] Text: SCN clock communicates timing information with other clocks in the brain to regulate DA activity as well as DA appears to have feedback effects on the SCN [225]. DA seems necessary to entrain the developing fetal SCN. Among 5 different types of receptors mediating actions of DA, Gs-coupled D1 and D5 and Gi-coupled D2 D3 D4 are the receptors found in the anatomically distinct regions of the brain and body [230]. D1 type receptor subtypes D1 D5 coupled to G protein Gs and activate adenyl cyclase. Another receptor subtype belongs to D2 and subtypes of D2 D3 and D4, GPCR inhibit adenyl cyclase and activates K+ channels. GlycineGlycine and glycine receptor chloride ion channels (GlyRs) are seen in the central nervous system (CNS) [231] where it can function as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Glycine-containing nerve terminals are seen in close relation to the VIP neurons in the SCN. Glycine produces both inhibitory and excitatory effects on SCN firing rates [232] and the effect is dependent on circadian time. It is also known that glycine from SCN slice cultures shows time-of-day-dependent fluctuations like the rhythmic release of AVP. Also, a subset of neurons of the SCN showed biphasic responses to glycine, a rapid transient increase in firing rate, and then a suppression. There is a suggestion [233] that glycine regulates some SCN functions through NMDA receptors. Based on electrophysiological studies, it is reported that strychnine-sensitive GlyRs are present which act as an inhibitory neurotransmitter and excitatory neuromodulator like GABA. High concentrations of glycine when present can reset the clock in brain slice preparations [234]. A circadian release of glycine is also reported in slice culture preparations. Some studies using patch-clamp recordings and long-term recordings in brain slices have shown [232] that glycine can modulate circadian rhythm activity on specific receptors GlyRs in the SCN neurons. Glycine can act in the SCN to synchronize SCN neurons as well as to potentiate NMDA responses indirectly for synchronization thereby enhancing transmission of photic information.

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Probiotics can support gut health by improving the balance of bacteria. [SEP] Text: He also discussed at length one of the possible means to avoid this collateral damage by application of thiricin CD, a narrow spectrum bacteriocin produced by Bacillus thuringiensis DPC6431. It was demonstrated that thuricin CD was equally effective at killing C. difficile in the distal colon model, but had no significant impact on the composition of the microbiota. This offers the possibility of developing a targeted approach to eliminating C. difficile in the colon without any collateral damage. Dr. G. P. Talwar, Founder Director, of Immunology and the present delivered his talk on the role of probiotics in maintaining vaginal and reproductive health. While delivering his presentation, he touched upon the key role played by lactobacilli to maintain acidic conditions in vagina at pH 4 to keep it healthy. Elaborating further, he pointed out that the lactobacilli occurring in vagina prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria by decreasing the pH through production of D-lactic acid (which unlike L-lactic acid is not metabolized and hence accumulates in the gut and accounts for acidic pH), H2O2 and bacteriocins with anti-microbial activity. However, Dr. Talwar pointed out that, the resident probiotic lactobacilli may disappear under some conditions such as medication or by any other reason, and the vaginal pH surges beyond 5 and women become susceptible to recurring episodes of reproductive tract infections (RTIs). He also referred to a collaborative study conducted at Institute of wherein out of vaginal swabs collected from 210 women suffering from recurring infections whose vaginal pH was above 5, 126 women were indeed devoid of resident lactobacilli. However, one or more strains of lactobacilli were isolated from vagina of 84 women. To understand this anomaly, quantitative studies were carried out on the D-lactate secreted by strains of lactobacilli isolated from such women and it was found that the amount of D-lactate produced by such strains was too low as compared to those isolated from the vagina of healthy women [29]. Elaborating further on this observation, he explained the outcome of quantitative studies on the amount of D-lactic acid made and secreted by the strains of lactobacilli isolated from infected women.

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Eating carbohydrates always leads to weight gain. [SEP] Text: IntroductionSince the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, body weight has been the focus of media and scientific coverage, with news highlighting obesity as a comorbidity that worsens viral infection and social isolation as a contributing factor to weight gain [1, 2]. Although this discussion has been grounded in health care considerations, it is inferred that this scenario may have contributed to the manifestation of weight stigma [1], predominantly directed toward individuals with higher body weight [3, 4]. Weight stigma is a multidimensional phenomenon that encompasses structural and individual forms of devaluation and derogation due to excess weight [5]. From this perspective, experiences of weight stigma, or experienced weight stigma, are situated at the individual level and focus on the perception of the individual who has undergone stigmatization-related experiences [6]. This construct is a well-known risk factor for the development of various disordered eating behaviors (DEB), or disordered eating (DE), in the pre-pandemic context [7,8,9,10,11]. Furthermore, it is worth considering that DEB encompasses various behaviors [12], ranging from binge eating to restrictive dieting for weight loss, which are prevalent among young adults and associated with higher body weight and body image dissatisfaction [13,14,15]. Although theoretical frameworks suggest that similar models can explain the effect of weight stigma on binge eating, restrictive eating, and purging behaviors [16, 17], understanding the associations between weight stigma and DEB during the pandemic is particularly relevant, because this context has been shown to be conducive to increased experiences of weight stigma [3, 18] and the development of DEB [19,20,21]. Beyond weight stigma, the literature highlights a multitude of variables that can directly or indirectly influence disordered eating behaviors (DEB). These variables encompass concerns related to appearance, body dissatisfaction, and the internalization of beauty ideals [22,23,24,25]. While classic theoretical models, such as the tripartite model, are commonly used to explain sociocultural factors in the development of DEB, the incorporation of weight stigma into models that encompass aspects like weight and appearance concerns is a relatively nascent endeavor [16, 17, 26]. Hence, the incorporation of sociocultural and psychological variables can aid in comprehending the intricate connections associated with the development of DEB, thereby expanding the existing literature. In this regard, Rodgers et al.

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: The suprachiasmatic nucleus is the master regulator of circadian rhythms. [SEP] Text: Melanopsin, a photopigment expressed by the iPRGCS causes depolarization in response to light and releases glutamate as well as PACAP from RHT terminals in the SCN. 5HTA dense serotonergic projection mainly from raphe nuclei to the retinorecipient region of the SCN and that too specifically to the VIP-containing core region of the SCN [239] has been reported. There is a reciprocal projection from SCN to raphe nuclei also. IGL also has a serotonergic projection from the dorsal raphe. The presence of many 5HT receptor subtypes has been reported in the SCN [240, 241]. 5HT receptor-mediated signaling within SCN appears to be complex. The function of serotonergic projection to the SCN is mainly to modulate the pacemaker responses to light and in this raphe-retina projection may function as an indirect photic input to the clock. 5HT can regulate SCN neurons by both pre-synaptic and post-synaptic mechanisms [34]. However, 5HT modulates glutamate release from RHT terminals as well as participates in GABAergic signaling through 5HT1B receptors present in SCN clock neurons [242, 243]. In vitro and in vivo 5HT receptor agonists cause phase shifts of the SCN if administered at times of the circadian cycle during which light does not cause phase shifts. Raphe nuclei lesions are found to reduce amplitudes of circadian activity rhythm in rats. 5HT agonists inhibit optic nerve-induced field potentials in SCN brain slice preparation, light-induced Fos expression, and phase shifts of the circadian rhythm of wheel running activity. 5HT antagonists produced an increase in light-induced firing rates of SCN neurons as well as light-induced phase shifts. 5HT modulates pacemaker response to light within SCN by potentiating glutamate input during daytime and inhibiting input at night time. In addition to modulation of photic input serotonergic system is also involved in non-photic effects of phase shifting of neuronal firing, locomotor activity rhythm, melatonin secretion, and body temperature rhythm as well as gene expression [244]. NPY, DA, and 5HT neurotransmitters are the principal mediators of non-photic entrainment. There is some difference of opinion as regards the role of 5HT signaling.

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Probiotics can support gut health by improving the balance of bacteria. [SEP] Text: Administration of probiotic lactobacilli of vaginal origin to RTI infected women restored the vaginal pH in the acidic range and protected the subjects from recurrence of RTIs. Dr. Talwar also discussed the efficacy of three of the promising strains of lactobacilli in a clinical study currently in progress at AIIMS and in women suffering from recurring episodes of RTIs with vaginal pH above pH 5. He informed that that the disease symptoms were cured by intake of a polyherbal microbicide followed by administration of 3 billion lactobacilli delivered in a veg. capsule. Dr. focused his talk to the evidence based efficacy of probiotics in gastrointestinal disorders. He however, cautioned the health professionals to be little more vigilant in establishing the efficacy of probiotic strains or formulations in terms of specific health health claims since conflicting conclusions have been recorded from the outcome of clinical studies largely attributed to variations in the agents used, their dose and duration along with evaluation parameter. Dr. Philips reviewed the findings of some investigators in this regard based on a recent meta-analysis which compared the efficacy of probiotics across various diseases [21]. Elaborating further, he particularly referred to some studies wherein probiotics reduced the risk of acute diarrhea of diverse causes by one third, more so among children of antibiotic associated diarrhea by one-half and of travelers’ diarrhea by 8% [30]. However, according to him, their use for prevention of pediatric antibiotic associated diarrhea needs more evidence. He also spoke about one community study conducted in India [22] that showed 14% reduction in acute diarrhea among unprivileged children given L. casei strain Shirota. Going further into the efficacy of probiotics health applications from broader perspectives, he stated that meta-analyses and systematic reviews have shown benefit in relief of individual symptoms or in global symptoms in patients with chronic diseases like irritable bowel syndrome [31], although constipation seems to be the symptom with least response to probiotic use. He also pointed out that the VSL#3, a probiotic consortium has been successfully used for the prevention and treatment of chronic pouchitis [32]. He finally concluded his talk by stating that note must be made of the fact that many of the observed effects are strain-specific and conclusions should not be extrapolated and also emphasized that a benefit-versus-potential risk must be considered especially in compromised individuals and in those with serious co-morbidities.

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Eating carbohydrates always leads to weight gain. [SEP] Text: Compared to the international scenario, the present research corroborates previous studies conducted with adults during the same period using a similar instrument, whether in the total sample [50] or when stratified by weight status [38]. Given the sociocultural model of weight stigma [57], it is worth considering that the high frequency of weight stigma may be related to the significant concern with the appearance characteristics of Brazil [58]. It is valid to note that it is not possible to attribute these results solely to the pandemic due to the absence of published data on weight stigma with this population before the COVID-19 outbreak. Regarding the prevalence of disordered eating behaviors stratified by weight status, the percentages identified in this study were twice as high as those found in previous research using the same instrument among university students in national [15] and international [43] settings and similar to those found for food restriction and binge eating in nonclinical samples during the pandemic [19]. Evidence suggests that the high prevalence and susceptibility to disordered eating behaviors during the pandemic may be related to a set of psychological, social, and individual factors, such as difficulty in emotion regulation [19], high BMI, and exposure to previous experiences of weight stigma [59]. The results of this study provide initial evidence supporting the model that relates weight stigma to disordered eating behaviors during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was found that experiences of weight stigma were associated with binge eating, food restriction, and purging behaviors, and these relationships were mediated by weight gain concern and psychological distress. These findings expand and reinforce the importance of body image and psychological factors in understanding disordered eating behaviors demonstrated in previous research [16, 17], highlighting the importance of including weight gain concern in theoretical models that explain the association between weight stigma and disordered eating. Moreover, our findings carry practical implications that extend beyond the research realm. By integrating ‘weight gain concern’ and ‘psychological distress’ into theoretical frameworks, we deepen our comprehension of the complex interplay among weight stigma, mental well-being, and eating behaviors. In practical terms, these results hold several key implications. Firstly, they reinforced the importance of interventions aimed at mitigating ‘weight gain concern’ as potentially effective in the prevention and treatment of disordered eating behaviors, such interventions that increase body acceptance and develop healthy eating skills [60], for example.

Output: contrast


Input: Claim: The suprachiasmatic nucleus is the master regulator of circadian rhythms. [SEP] Text: The possibility of different subtypes of receptors mediating these reactions cannot be forgotten. Despite all these serotonergic projection remains an important signaling mechanism for the SCN function. NPYOf the four afferent inputs to the from the IGL mostly has immunoreactivity for NPY and is the neurotransmitter in the photic input [33]. Though not required for entrainment or normal expression of circadian rhythmicity, it does exert an influence on entrainment. Neurotransmitters involved in GHT which is an indirect photic input mediated by both photic and non-photic stimuli are and ENK. NPY is the primary neurotransmitter acting directly on pacemaker neurons of the SCN [25, 245]. NPY is a 36-amino acid peptide involved in various physiological processes. In the has multiple functions of modulating the phase and amplitude of circadian rhythms, altering the timing and strength of SCN output signals depending on the time of day and environmental conditions. NPY also influences the response of SCN to light stimuli and is responsible for SCN activity and sensitivity to various stressors and metabolic signals like glucocorticoids, leptin, and Ghrelin. NPY modulates neurotransmitter action in the SCN, particularly the inhibition of GABA release. NPY exerts its effects on the SCN through the receptors Y1-Y6 coupled to different intracellular signaling pathways. It is seen that the application of NPY to SCN slices produces reversible inhibition of neuronal firing in a concentration-dependent manner which subsequently leads to phase advance in circadian rhythms. Of the receptors, NPY acts both on Y1 and Y2 which involves reducing the frequency of spontaneous miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents thereby suggesting a presynaptic mechanism of NPY action. The exact mechanism and interaction of NPY and its receptors are yet to be known completely and require further investigation. The distribution of NPY and receptors in the SCN varies across species and circadian phases. In addition, NPY acts pre-synaptically to inhibit GABA-mediated transmission to the SCN. A recent review 2. CCK is colocalized with other neurotransmitters like and 5HT. CCK neurons are seen in the SCN and receive many afferent inputs from other areas of the brain especially the ventromedial hypothalamus which may explain how feeding behavior can entrain circadian rhythms through CCK neurons of SCN [252].

Output: pass


Input: Claim: Probiotics can support gut health by improving the balance of bacteria. [SEP] Text: The last speaker in the session Dr. & Health, Danisco, Australia focused his talk on probiotics that improve gastrointestinal symptoms. He briefed about the prospects of exploring the probiotic strains of proven functional efficacy in the management of Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as bloating/distension, abdominal pain and constipation which are commonly associated with functional bowel disorders (FBD) such as the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). According to him, FBD’s are relatively common and it has been estimated that IBS alone affects 3-25% of otherwise healthy people. Milder GI symptoms, not classified as FBD, are even more wide spread. apprised the delegates that Probiotic strains have been used in several clinical studies [33, 34] on subjects with GI symptoms and further conveyed that the outcome of such studies suggest that certain probiotic strains alleviate specific symptoms, particularly bloating/distension, abdominal pain and constipation. Elaborating further, he informed that a recent study [35] investigated the effect of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 on the total GI transit time and a range of GI symptoms. Results from this study suggest that HN019 reduces the severity of symptoms by shortening the GI transit time. Results from another study suggest that certain probiotic strains, including Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, alleviate symptoms of lactose maldigestion. This effect may be mediated by microbial enzymes that aid in digestion of lactose in the upper GI tract. As could be evidenced from these studies along with others, probiotic cultures may be used to alleviate not only milder GI symptoms but also more complex FBD’s. In conclusion, it is anticipated that a dietary supplementation with this type of probiotic cultures would bring benefits to those who are affected by frequent GI symptoms and especially those that are affected by IBS and other FBD’s. Panel discussionThis was the last session moderated by Dr. A. K. Srivastava and the panelists included Drs. Seppo Salminen, Colin Hill, C. S. Yajnik, V. K. Batish and Sanjeev Ganguly. The key issues that emerged from the various plenary and technical sessions formed the subject of panel session and discussed at length amongst the panelists and the delegates.

Output: corroborate


Input: Claim: Eating carbohydrates always leads to weight gain. [SEP] Text: 9% of variance in weight changes among Kuwaitis (Nagelkerke R2) and correctly classified 71. 6% of the cases, whereas sensitivity of this particular model was 65. 8% and specificity 78% in predicting the increase in weight among Kuwaiti respondents. According to this model, when compared with respondents who changed their diet pattern to healthier, those with reporting unhealthy diets were 4. 5 times (95% CI = 2. 45 to 8. 23) more likely to report an increase in weight. Those reporting having anxiety throughout the day were 2. 45 times more likely to have an increase in weight than those never experiencing it. Consuming snacks excessively (> 3 times a day) was associated with 3. 27 times higher odds of increase in weight than those not consuming it. Consuming moderate amounts of snacks (1–3) times a day did not differ than their counterparts who never consumed snacks throughout the day (Table 2). Table 2 Predictors of increased weight among Kuwaitis (n = 462) S. E. P Odds ratio (OR) 95% C. I. for OR how has your eating habit changed? < 0. 001 Became healthy Became unhealthier 1. 505 0. 311 < 0. 001 4. 506 2. 448 8. 295 No change 0. 057 0. 235. 809 1. 058 0. 668 1. 677 Snack during COVID < 0. 001 a day -0. 403 0. 445 0. 365 0. 668 0. 279 1. 600 Twice a day -0. 276 0. 434 0. 525 0. 759 0. 324 1. 778 Thrice a day 0. 369 0. 477 0. 440 1. 446 0. 568 3. 681 More than 3 times a day 1. 186 0. 494 0. 016 3. 273 1. 244 8. 613 I feel anxious 0. 085 0. 626 0. 361 0. 083 1. 870 0. 921 3. 796 Always 0. 896 0. 404 0. 026 2. 451 1. 110 5. 410 Constant -0. 945 0. 501 0. 059 0. 389 present study documents change in dietary patterns among Kuwait residents during this COVID-19 pandemic. According to our results, a high proportion of Kuwaitis reported binge eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle and an increase in their weight during the quarantine.

Output: contrast