Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Single‐cell damage elicits regional, nematode‐restricting ethylene responses in roots

Plants are exposed to cellular damage by mechanical stresses, herbivore feeding, or invading microbes. Primary wound responses are communicated to neighboring and distal tissues by mobile signals. In leaves, crushing of large cell populations activates a long‐distance signal, causing jasmonate production in distal organs. This is mediated by a cation channel‐mediated depolarization wave and is associated with cytosolic Ca2+ transient currents. Here, we report that much more restricted, single‐cell wounding in roots by laser ablation elicits non‐systemic, regional surface potential changes, calcium waves, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Surprisingly, laser ablation does not induce a robust jasmonate response, but regionally activates ethylene production and ethylene‐response markers. This ethylene activation depends on calcium channel activities distinct from those in leaves, as well as a specific set of NADPH oxidases. Intriguingly, nematode attack elicits very similar responses, including membrane depolarization and regional upregulation of ethylene markers. Moreover, ethylene signaling antagonizes nematode feeding, delaying initial syncytial‐phase establishment. Regional signals caused by single‐cell wounding thus appear to constitute a relevant root immune response against small invaders.
Melanopsin‐mediated pupillary light reflex and sleep quality in patients with normal tension glaucoma

The intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) and sleep quality are impaired in patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG). In this study, we investigated whether ipRGCs and sleep quality were also impaired in patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG).
Glycaemic regulation, appetite and ex vivo oxidative stress in young adults following consumption of high-carbohydrate cereal bars fortified with polyphenol-rich berries

Abstract Consumption of certain berries appears to slow postprandial glucose absorption, attributable to polyphenols, which may benefit exercise and cognition, reduce appetite and/or oxidative stress. This randomised, crossover, placebo-controlled study determined whether polyphenol-rich fruits added to carbohydrate-based foods produce a dose-dependent moderation of postprandial glycaemic, glucoregulatory hormone, appetite and ex vivo oxidative stress responses. Twenty participants (eighteen males/two females; 24 (sd 5) years; BMI: 27 (sd 3) kg/m2) consumed one of five cereal bars (approximately 88 % carbohydrate) containing no fruit ingredients (reference), freeze-dried black raspberries (10 or 20 % total weight; LOW-Rasp and HIGH-Rasp, respectively) and cranberry extract (0·5 or 1 % total weight; LOW-Cran and HIGH-Cran), on trials separated by ≥5 d. Postprandial peak/nadir from baseline (Δmax) and incremental postprandial AUC over 60 and 180 min for glucose and other biochemistries were measured to examine the dose-dependent effects. Glucose AUC0–180 min trended towards being higher (43 %) after HIGH-Rasp v. LOW-Rasp (P=0·06), with no glucose differences between the raspberry and reference bars. Relative to reference, HIGH-Rasp resulted in a 17 % lower Δmax insulin, 3 % lower C-peptide (AUC0–60 min and 3 % lower glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (AUC0–180 min) P<0·05. No treatment effects were observed for the cranberry bars regarding glucose and glucoregulatory hormones, nor were there any treatment effects for either berry type regarding ex vivo oxidation, appetite-mediating hormones or appetite. Fortification with freeze-dried black raspberries (approximately 25 g, containing 1·2 g of polyphenols) seems to slightly improve the glucoregulatory hormone and glycaemic responses to a high-carbohydrate food item in young adults but did not affect appetite or oxidative stress responses at doses or with methods studied herein.
Evolving trends in next-generation probiotics: a 5W1H perspective

Abstract In recent years, scientific community has been gathering increasingly more insight on the dynamics that are at play in metabolic and inflammatory disorders. These rapidly growing conditions are reaching epidemic proportions, bringing clinicians and researcher’s new challenges. The specific roles and modulating properties that beneficial/probiotic bacteria hold in the context of the gut ecosystem seem to be key to avert these inflammatory and diet-related disorders. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Akkermansia muciniphila and Eubacterium hallii have been identified as candidates for next generation probiotics (NGPs) with exciting potential for the prevention and treatment of such of dysbiosis-associated diseases. The challenges of these non-conventional native gut bacteria lie mainly on their extreme sensitivity to O2 traces. If these strains are to be used successfully in food, supplements or drugs they need to be stable and active in humans. In the present review, we present an overall perspective of the most updated scientific literature on the newly called NGPs through the 5W1H (What, Why, Who, Where, When, and How) method, an innovative and attractive problem-solving approach that provides the reader an effective understanding of the issue at hand.
Association between parity and persistent weight gain at age 40–60 years: a longitudinal prospective cohort study

Objectives Physiological metabolic adaptations occur in the pregnant woman. These may persist postpartum and thereby contribute to an unfavourable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk profile in parous women. The aim of the current study is to assess time-dependent changes of cardiometabolic health in parous women compared with nulliparous women. Design and setting We studied data of 2459 women who participated in the Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-stage Disease study, a population-based prospective longitudinal cohort for assessment of CVD and renal disease in the general population. Participants We selected women ≥40 years at the first visit, who reported no new pregnancies during the four follow-up visits. All women were categorised in parity groups, and stratified for age. Outcome measures We compared body mass index (BMI), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, blood pressure as continuous measurements and as clinical relevant CVD risk factors among parity groups over the course of 6 years using generalised estimating equation models adjusted for age. Results The BMI was significantly higher in women para 2 or more in all age categories: per child, the BMI was 0.6 kg/m2 higher. corresponding with 1.5–2.0 kg weight gain per child. HDL cholesterol was significantly lower in women para 2 or more aged 40–49 and 50–59 years: per child, the HDL cholesterol was up to 0.09 mmol/L lower. Blood pressure did not differ among parity groups in any of the age categories. Conclusions Higher parity is associated with higher BMI, lower HDL cholesterol and a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, which is constant over time. These findings warrant for prospective research assessing determinants of cardiometabolic health at earlier age to understand the role of pregnancy in the development of CVD in women.
Definition of current density in the presence of a non-local potential

In the presence of a non-local potential arising from electron–electron interaction, the conventional definition of current density Jc = (e/2m)([(p−eA)ψ]*ψ−ψ*[(p−eA)ψ]) cannot satisfy the condition of current conservation, i.e., in the steady state. In order to solve this problem, we give a new definition of current density including the contribution due to the non-local potential. We show that the current calculated based on the new definition of current density conserves the current and is the same as that obtained from the Landauer–Büttiker formula. Examples are given to demonstrate our results.
Identification of meat quality-related differentially methylated regions in the DNA of the longissimus dorsi muscle in pig

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the association of DNA methylation with postmortem energy metabolism and the pH of the porcine longissimus dorsi muscle (LDM). Analysis of the DNA methylome of eight LDM samples (four pairs of the highest and lowest pH among littermates) identified a total of 3468 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between high and low pH samples (p ≤ 0.001). Of DMRs, 45.3% co-mapped with quantitative trait loci known to be associated with meat pH and postmortem metabolism. Among the DMRs, 203 hyper-methylated regions (HR) and 190 hypo-methylated regions (HO) were identified for the high pH group compared to the low pH. Furthermore, 44 and 21 protein-coding genes contained HR and HO in their gene body, respectively. It was revealed that ENO1, GYS2, SDHC and DERA, which encode core enzymes in postmortem energy metabolism, contained HR or HO in their gene body.
Distribution of Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA in Atherosclerotic Carotid Arteries: Significance for Sampling Procedures

ABSTRACT Despite extensive efforts to confirm a direct association between Chlamydia pneumoniae and atherosclerosis, different laboratories continue to report a large variability in detection rates. In this study, we analyzed multiple sections from atherosclerotic carotid arteries from 10 endartectomy patients to determine the location of C. pneumoniae DNA and the number of sections of the plaque required for analysis to obtain a 95% confidence of detecting the bacterium. A sensitive nested PCR assay detected C. pneumoniae DNA in all patients at one or more locations within the plaque. On average, 42% (ranging from 5 to 91%) of the sections from any single patient had C. pneumoniae DNA present. A patchy distribution of C. pneumoniae in the atherosclerotic lesions was observed, with no area of the carotid having significantly more C. pneumoniae DNA present. If a single random 30-μm-thick section was tested, there was only a 35.6 to 41.6% (95% confidence interval) chance of detecting C. pneumoniae DNA in a patient with carotid artery disease. A minimum of 15 sections would therefore be required to obtain a 95% chance of detecting all true positives. The low concentration and patchy distribution of C. pneumoniae DNA in atherosclerotic plaque appear to be among the reasons for inconsistency between laboratories in the results reported.
Proton Pump Inhibitors and Fracture Risk: A Review of Current Evidence and Mechanisms Involved

The number of patients with gastroesophageal problems taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is increasing. Several studies suggested a possible association between PPIs and fracture risk, especially hip fractures, but the relationship remains contentious. This review aimed to investigate the longitudinal studies published in the last five years on the relationship between PPIs and fracture risk. The mechanism underlying this relationship was also explored. Overall, PPIs were positively associated with elevated fracture risk in multiple studies (n = 14), although some studies reported no significant relationship (n = 4). Increased gastrin production and hypochlorhydria are the two main mechanisms that affect bone remodeling, mineral absorption, and muscle strength, contributing to increased fracture risk among PPI users. As a conclusion, there is a potential relationship between PPIs and fracture risks. Therefore, patients on long-term PPI treatment should pay attention to bone health status and consider prophylaxis to decrease fracture risk.
Vitamin D and Pre-Eclampsia: Original Data, Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background/Aims: Vitamin D may protect from pre-eclampsia through influences on immune modulation and vascular function. To evaluate the role of vitamin D in the development of pre-eclampsia, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis including novel data from 2 large-scale epidemiological studies. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for prospective observational studies of association between vitamin D supplementation or status (measured by maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25(OH)D) with a subsequent risk of pre-eclampsia, or randomised controlled trials using vitamin D supplementation to prevent pre-eclampsia. The Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities (HCCSCA) and the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) were included in meta-analyses with published studies. Results: Mothers receiving vitamin D supplementation earlier in pregnancy had lower odds of pre-eclampsia [pooled odds ratios (OR) 0.81 and 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75-0.87, p = 2.4 × 10-8, 2 studies] in the meta-analysis of published studies with HCCSCA. The meta-analysis of published studies with ALSPAC suggested an association between higher serum 25(OH)D levels and a reduced risk of pre-eclampsia (pooled OR 0.52 and 95% CI 0.30-0.89, p = 0.02, 6 studies). Randomised trials of supplementation were suggestive of protective association (pooled OR 0.66 and 95% CI 0.52-0.83, p = 0.001, 4 studies). Conclusions: This study suggests that low maternal serum 25(OH)D concentrations increase pre-eclampsia risk and that vitamin D supplementation lowers this risk. The quality of evidence is insufficient to determine a causal association, which highlights the need for adequately powered clinical trials.
Malignant transformation of craniomaxillofacial fibro-osseous lesions: A systematic review.

The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature concerning all documented cases of malignant transformation of craniomaxillofacial fibro-osseous lesions (FOLs). Three electronic databases were searched. Data were evaluated descriptively. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed and compared using the log-rank test. A critical appraisal of included articles was performed through the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. A total of 19 studies including 27 patients were selected for data extraction. Twenty-six cases were initially diagnosed as fibrous dysplasia and one as ossifying fibroma. The mean age at the time of malignant transformation was 38.11 years, and the average time from initial diagnosis to malignant transformation was 18.2 years. The male:female ratio was 1:1.2, and the maxilla:mandible ratio was 1.5:1. The histological type of the malignant tumor was predominantly osteosarcoma. Follow-up was available for 21 patients. The 3-year overall survival rate was 51%. Mandible tumors and diagnoses other than osteosarcoma tended to have poor survival rates, but no significant difference was identified. We concluded that between all FOLs, only fibrous dysplasia seems to have a considerable increased risk of malignant transformation. Thus, a regular and long follow-up period is advised.
The mass assembly of galaxy groups and the evolution of the magnitude gap

We investigate the assembly of groups and clusters of galaxies using the Millennium dark matter simulation and the associated Millennium gas simulations, and semi-analytic catalogues of galaxies. In particular, in order to find an observable quantity that could be used to identify early-formed groups, we study the development of the difference in magnitude between their brightest galaxies to assess the use of magnitude gaps as possible indicators. We select galaxy groups and clusters at redshift z= 1 with dark matter halo mass M(R200) ≥ 1013 h−1 M⊙, and trace their properties until the present time (z= 0). We consider only the systems with X-ray luminosity LX,bol≥ 0.25 × 1042 h−2 erg s−1 at redshift z= 0. While it is true that a large magnitude gap between the two brightest galaxies of a particular group often indicates that a large fraction of its mass was assembled at an early epoch, it is not a necessary condition. More than 90 per cent of fossil groups defined on the basis of their magnitude gaps (at any epoch between 0 < z < 1) cease to be fossils within 4 Gyr, mostly because other massive galaxies are assembled within their cores, even though most of the mass in their haloes might have been assembled at early times. We show that compared to the conventional definition of fossil galaxy groups based on the magnitude gap Δm12≥ 2 (in the R-band, within 0.5 R200 of the centre of the group), an alternative criterion Δm14≥ 2.5 (within the same radius) finds 50 per cent more early-formed systems, and those that on average retain their fossil phase longer. However, the conventional criterion performs marginally better at finding early-formed groups at the high-mass end of groups. Nevertheless, both criteria fail to identify a majority of the early-formed systems.
Generating functions for weighted Hurwitz numbers

Double Hurwitz numbers enumerating weighted $n$-sheeted branched coverings of the Riemann sphere or, equivalently, weighted paths in the Cayley graph of $S_n$ generated by transpositions are determined by an associated weight generating function. A uniquely determined $1$-parameter family of 2D Toda $\tau$-functions of hypergeometric type is shown to consist of generating functions for such weighted Hurwitz numbers. Four classical cases are detailed, in which the weighting is uniform: Okounkov's double Hurwitz numbers, for which the ramification is simple at all but two specified branch points; the case of Belyi curves, with three branch points, two with specified profiles; the general case, with a specified number of branch points, two with fixed profiles, the rest constrained only by the genus; and the signed enumeration case, with sign determined by the parity of the number of branch points. Using the exponentiated quantum dilogarithm function as weight generator, three new types of weighted enumerations are introduced. These determine {\em quantum} Hurwitz numbers depending on a deformation parameter $q$. By suitable interpretation of $q$, the statistical mechanics of quantum weighted branched covers may be related to that of Bosonic gases. The standard double Hurwitz numbers are recovered in the classical limit.
Feline neurological diseases in a veterinary neurology referral hospital population in Japan

Many of the reports summarizing neurological disorders in cats considered only a limited disease group(s). There is only one large-scale survey on neurological disorders in cats based on the histopathological viewpoint. We described the localizations and frequencies of neurological diseases in a large population of cats that were referred to the Kyoto Animal Referral Medical Center between 2009 and 2016. We attempted to determine the localization of lesions at the time of the examination in each case and to classify the disease etiologies of these 276 cats with neurological disorders retrospectively. There were 174 cases with lesions in the brain region, 14 cases with lesions in the cervical cord region, 34 cases with lesions in the thoracolumbar cord region, and 54 cases with lesions in the peripheral neuromuscular region. High morbidity rates were observed in cases of idiopathic epilepsy and intracranial tumor in the brain region, spinal cord infarction in the cervical cord region, spinal cord infarction and spinal cord tumor in the thoracolumbar cord region, and peripheral vestibular dysfunction arising from otitis media/interna in the peripheral neuromuscular region. It was suggested that there is a higher number of brain diseases than spinal cord and peripheral neuromuscular diseases in cats. Idiopathic and neoplastic diseases were common in the brain region, vascular diseases were common in the spinal cord region, and infectious diseases were common in the peripheral neuromuscular region.
Prevalence and Predictors of Current Tobacco Smoking in Bangladesh

Tobacco smoking is a leading modifiable global disease risk factor, with nearly 6 million premature deaths, 6.90% of years of life lost, and 5.5% disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in 2010 (1,2). Global age-standardized prevalence of daily tobacco smoking was 31.1% in 2012 for men (3). Nearly 80% of the more than one billion smokers worldwide live in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of tobacco-related illness and death is heaviest (4). Given the importance of tobacco as a risk to health, monitoring the distribution and intensity of tobacco use is critical particularly for low- and middle- income countries. Data and Methodology: We have used secondary data of size 9629 (male=4468 and female=5161) aged 15 years and above collected by the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), 2010. Principle Component Analysis (PCA) has been used to get the wealth index. Binary logistic regression model has been used to assess the predictors of current tobacco smoking. Results: Prevalence of current tobacco smokers in Bangladesh was 23.19 (48.28% male and 1.47% female) and the prevalence of current daily tobacco smokers was 21.16. Rural respondents were significantly more likely to smoke tobacco currently. Comparative to females, males were more likely to smoke currently (adjusted OR=37.55, 95% CI=25.91, 54.41). Respondents of youngest age group (15-24 yrs) were less likely to smoke currently than all other age groups and respondents with no formal schooling were more likely to smoke than respondents with all other levels of education. Businessmen, farmers and workers/day labours were more likely to smoke, and employee, students and respondents with other jobs were less likely to smoke. It was also found that respondents with lowest wealth index were most likely to smoke and respondents with higher wealth index were least likely to smoke. Conclusion: The results reveal that in Bangladesh, tobacco smoking is strongly associated with social disadvantage, for example, low socio-economic status, less education, stressed or low-paid job, etc. Giving it as public health priority, WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control should be implemented. In addition, a nationwide campaign is needed to educate people in rural area about the health risks of smoking tobacco.
Oral and Systemic Effects of Xylitol Consumption

Recent results of randomized trials testing the efficacy of xylitol in caries prevention have been conflicting. This narrative review reveals the sources of discrepancy. The following databases were searched for the terms “xylitol” or “artificial sweeteners” restricted to the English language: PubMed, Web of Science, Evidenced-Based Medicine, Scopus, and the Cochrane database. In a separate search, the terms “dental caries” or “cariogenicity” or “glucosyltransferase” or “low glycemic” or “low insulinemic” or “dysbiosis” or “gut microbiome” were used and then combined. In section I, findings regarding the role of xylitol in dental caries prevention, the appropriateness of research methods, and the causes for potential biases are summarized. In section II, the systemic effects of xylitol on gut microbiota as well as low-glycemic/insulinogenic systemic effects are evaluated and summarized. The substitution of a carbonyl group with an alcohol radical in xylitol hinders its absorption and slowly releases sugar into the bloodstream. This quality of xylitol is beneficial for diabetic patients to maintain a constant glucose level. Although this quality of xylitol has been proven in in vitro and animal studies, it has yet to be proven in humans. Paradoxically, recent animal studies reported hyperglycemia and intestinal dysbiosis with artificial sweetener consumption. Upon careful inspection of evidence, it was revealed that these reports may be due to misinterpretation of original references or flaws in study methodology. Any systemic benefits of xylitol intake must be weighed in consideration with the well-established adverse gastrointestinal consequences. The contribution of xylitol to gut dysbiosis that may affect systemic immunity warrants further research.