Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Antifungal Effect of Garlic Essential Oil on Phytophthora nicotianae and the Inhibitory Component Involved

This study explored the chemical compositions of garlic essential oil, the inhibitory activity of garlic essential oil and diallyl disulfide (DADS) against Phytophthora nicotianae, and the effects on mycelial plasma membrane permeability and P. nicotianae inhibition. In total, 29 compounds were detected in garlic essential oil, of which 26 were detected by gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and 21 by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) GC-MS. DADS (60.12% and 19.09%) and trisulfide di-2-propenyl (14.18% and 17.98%) were the major components identified by HS-SPME GC-MS and GC-MS analysis, respectively. Half-inhibitory concentration (Ec50, antagonism) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC, fumigation) of DADS against P. nicotianae were 150.83 μL/L and 20 μL/L, respectively, while Ec50 of garlic essential oil was 1108.25 μL/L. Mycelial membrane permeability gradually increased in a concentration-dependent manner, and cell death increased at 450 μL/L DADS. Furthermore, DADS treatment significantly reduced the incidence of tobacco black shank and the number of P. nicotianae pathogens in rhizosphere soil. DADS also promoted root development of tobacco seedlings at low concentrations, which was inhibited at high concentrations. Therefore, DADS may play an important role in the antifungal effect against P. nicotianae by destroying mycelial cell membrane integrity, causing an increase in cell membrane permeability, and leading to cell death.
Aged hind-limb clasping experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis models aspects of the neurodegenerative process seen in multiple sclerosis

Significance EAE typically presents with hind-limb paralysis and is associated with severe T cell-mediated inflammation and axon injury throughout the spinal cord and parts of the brain. Because axon loss is so rapid in this model, it is difficult to intervene for the purpose of evaluating neuroprotective therapies. Here we describe a mild form of EAE that does not even meet the threshold for scoring on traditional EAE scales, yet with age results in devastating neurodegenerative changes in the spinal cord, including grey matter atrophy, neuron loss, and synapse degradation. These observations underscore the utility of T cell receptor transgenic mice to study the effect of natural aging on CNS autoimmunity and neurodegeneration. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is the most common model of multiple sclerosis (MS). This model has been instrumental in understanding the events that lead to the initiation of central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity. Though EAE has been an effective screening tool for identifying novel therapies for relapsing-remitting MS, it has proven to be less successful in identifying therapies for progressive forms of this disease. Though axon injury occurs in EAE, it is rapid and acute, making it difficult to intervene for the purpose of evaluating neuroprotective therapies. Here, we describe a variant of spontaneous EAE in the 2D2 T cell receptor transgenic mouse (2D2+ mouse) that presents with hind-limb clasping upon tail suspension and is associated with T cell-mediated inflammation in the posterior spinal cord and spinal nerve roots. Due to the mild nature of clinical signs in this model, we were able to maintain cohorts of mice into middle age. Over 9 mo, these mice exhibited a relapsing-remitting course of hind-limb clasping with the development of progressive motor deficits. Using a combined approach of ex vivo magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and histopathological analysis, we observed neurological progression to associate with spinal cord atrophy, synapse degradation, and neuron loss in the gray matter, as well as ongoing axon injury in the white matter of the spinal cord. These findings suggest that mild EAE coupled with natural aging may be a solution to better modeling the neurodegenerative processes seen in MS.
Sobrepeso e obesidade em escolares brasileiros de sete a nove anos: dados do projeto Esporte Brasil

OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Brazilian schoolchildren aged 7 to 9 years and determine its association with gender, age and geographic region. METHODS: This cross-sectional epidemiological study enrolled 2,913 students (1,478 boys and 1,435 girls) aged 7 to 9 years and was conducted between 2004 and 2005. The body mass index cutoff values proposed by the International Obesity Task Force were used as a diagnostic criterion for overweight and obesity. The chi-square test was used for comparison of proportions, and differences in prevalence rates were determined by testing for comparison between two proportions. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 15.4% and 7.8% in boys and girls, respectively, with similar proportions in both genders and across all ages. In boys, overweight and obesity were only associated with geographic region (p<0.001), with a higher prevalence found in children from the South region. In girls, the prevalence of overweight was highest among those aged 7 years and those from the North region. In addition, an overall higher prevalence of obesity was observed among children from the South region. CONCLUSIONS: Schoolchildren from the South region of Brazil have a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity than those from other areas of the country. We conclude that overweight and obesity in childhood are on an upward trend, and our findings corroborate the results reported in other Brazilian studies.
AraPheno and the AraGWAS Catalog 2020: a major database update including RNA-Seq and knockout mutation data for Arabidopsis thaliana

Abstract Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are integral for studying genotype-phenotype relationships and gaining a deeper understanding of the genetic architecture underlying trait variation. A plethora of genetic associations between distinct loci and various traits have been successfully discovered and published for the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. This success and the free availability of full genomes and phenotypic data for more than 1,000 different natural inbred lines led to the development of several data repositories. AraPheno (https://arapheno.1001genomes.org) serves as a central repository of population-scale phenotypes in A. thaliana, while the AraGWAS Catalog (https://aragwas.1001genomes.org) provides a publicly available, manually curated and standardized collection of marker-trait associations for all available phenotypes from AraPheno. In this major update, we introduce the next generation of both platforms, including new data, features and tools. We included novel results on associations between knockout-mutations and all AraPheno traits. Furthermore, AraPheno has been extended to display RNA-Seq data for hundreds of accessions, providing expression information for over 28 000 genes for these accessions. All data, including the imputed genotype matrix used for GWAS, are easily downloadable via the respective databases.
Novel Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Containing Nanodiamond to Improve the Mechanical Properties and Fungal Resistance

Herein we evaluate the effect of nanodiamond (ND) incorporation on the mechanical properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposite. Three quantities of ND (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 wt.%) were tested against the control and zirconium oxide nanoparticles (ZrO). Flexural strength and elastic modulus were measured using a three-point bending test, surface hardness was evaluated using the Vickers hardness test, and surface roughness was evaluated using atomic force microscopy (AFM), while fungal adhesion and viability were studied using Candida albicans. Samples were also analyzed for biofilm thickness and biomass in a saliva-derived biofilm model. All groups of ND-PMMA nanocomposites had significantly greater mean flexural strengths and statistically improved elastic modulus, compared to the control and ZrO groups (P < 0.001). The Vickers hardness values significantly increased compared to the control group (P < 0.001) with 0.3% and 0.5% ND. ND addition also gave significant reduction in fungal adhesion and viability (P < 0.001) compared to the control group. Finally, salivary biofilm formation was markedly reduced compared to the ZrO group. Hence, the incorporation of 0.1–0.5 wt. % ND with auto- polymerized PMMA resin significantly improved the flexural strength, elastic modulus, and surface hardness, and provided considerable fungal resistance.
Liver transplantation in patients with a history of migration—A German single center comparative analysis

Liver transplant (LT) programs in Germany increasingly face a multiethnic patient population. To date no outcome data for LT in patients with a history of migration is available for Germany. This complicates decision-making before wait-listing such patients. We conducted a single-center cohort analysis of all primary LT between April 2007 and December 2015, stratified for the history of migration to investigate differences in the outcome. We found transplant rates resembling the proportion of persons with a history of migration in the general public in the region of our center. Differences were found concerning age at LT and prevalence of underlying diseases. Re-Transplant rates, Kaplan-Meier Estimates for overall survival, also after stratification for viral hepatitis, sex, ethnicity or presence of a language-barrier showed no statistical differences. The multivariate analysis showed no migration-related covariate associated with a negative outcome. These results stand in contrast to most of the previous evidence from North America and the UK and need to be taken into consideration during the wait-listing process of patients with a history of migration in need of a LT in centers in the Eurotransplant region.
Substance misuse training among psychiatric doctors, psychiatric nurses, medical students and nursing students in a South London psychiatric teaching hospital

Background: Health professionals play an important role in the detection and subsequent management of individuals who misuse substances. Aim: This article aimed to assess self-reported levels of training received by psychiatric doctors, nurses, medical students and nursing students in a South London psychiatric teaching hospital. Method: Self-completion questionnaire assessing key aspects of training. Findings: We found low overall levels of reported training in substance misuse. Of the reported training received, most was theoretical rather than clinical. The highest level of reported training was in alcohol misuse compared to illicit drug and tobacco misuse. High numbers of respondents reported feeling responsible for helping individuals with substance misuse difficulties but low numbers actually felt skilled to do so, indicating high levels of awareness without the requisite training. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that more resources should be focused on teaching psychiatric doctors, nurses, medical students and nursing students the key issues in substance misuse, and that this training should be clinically grounded, to alleviate the perceived low levels of reported clinical training in this study and the resulting lack of confidence.
The Modified Sarnat Score in the Assessment of Neonatal Encephalopathy: A Quality Improvement Initiative

The Sarnat score is a clinical tool used to assess the severity of neonatal encephalopathy. First described in 1976, it uses 6 clinical parameters to classify encephalopathy as mild, moderate, or severe 1 . There are four neurological items, one autonomic nervous system item, and one item related to the presence or absence of seizures. The strength of this score is that it provides a clear picture of the infant’s neurological status. It has been widely accepted both nationally and internationally. It plays an important part in the evaluation of new treatment modalities for neonatal encephalopathy. The drawback is that it requires additional work and training. It cannot be applied retrospectively as the specific data items need to be recorded contemporaneously.
Clinical characteristics and outcome of rhabdomyosarcoma in South African children

AIM To review a series of 33 children, treated for rhabdomyosarcoma at Tygerberg Children's Hospital between 1983-2005, with emphasis on age, gender, clinical presentation, site, histological subtype, TNM stage, treatment modalities and survival. METHOD A retrospective study based on data obtained from the Tygerberg tumour registry. RESULTS The age at diagnosis ranged from 7 days to 13 years; males 57% and females 42%. More than half of cases presented with a mass at varying sites. Almost a quarter had pressure symptoms due to bladder tumours. The predominant complaint in 9% was pain. The primary site of disease was the head and neck in 45% and the pelvis in 42%. The most common histological subtype was in 45% embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. At the time of diagnosis, 63% of patients were TNM stage 3. Most patients received multimodality therapy (radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery). The survival rate from diagnosis to subsequent demise was poor - between 13 days and 3.5 years. The overall 5-year survival rate was 45%, which is partially explained by delay in diagnosis and advanced stage of disease CONCLUSION The clinical characteristics of rhabdomyosarcoma at Tygerberg Children's Hospital are similar to those of first world countries. The majority of presentations were in the advanced stages of disease but sensitive to multimodal therapy. Recognition of early warning signs and public awareness could lead to earlier presentations and improve outcome. Further multicentre studies are needed in Africa to better report our experiences with rhabdomyosarcoma.
Individual placement and support in Italian young adults with mental disorder: Findings from the Reggio Emilia experience

Individual placement and support (IPS) has a considerable body of evidence for its effectiveness in helping people with mental disorder to achieve and maintain competitive jobs. However, little data in young adult populations are currently available, especially in Europe. Aim of this study was to assess the effect of IPS in Italian young adults with moderate‐to‐severe mental illness, examining the main competitive employment outcomes and drop out rates during a 3‐year follow‐up period.
“That'S What We Call the Cocktail”: Non-Opioid Medication and Supplement Misuse among Opioid Users

Background Recent evidence suggests that the practice of combining opioid use with non-opioid substances is common, though little is known about this phenomenon and how best to address it. Methods We recruited adults in Boston, Massachusetts, with recent opioid use. We conducted semi-structured interviews to explore the practice of combining non-opioid substances with opioids and analyzed transcripts to identify themes. Results Twenty-nine individuals completed interviews. Combining other substances with opioids was a well-known practice: “that's what we call the cocktail. ” Participants reported the use of clonidine, gabapentin, benzodiazepines, promethazine, amphetamine salts, quetiapine, barbiturates, cough and cold medications, as well as alcohol and candy in combination with opioids. Participants reported purchasing these substances on the street, stealing them, or getting them from a prescriber. Augmenting the opioid high was a common reason for combining substances. Importantly, participants also reported combining substances to treat psychiatric symptoms. Individuals commonly reported learning about combining substances “from people on the street” but also reported learning from the internet and television. Perceived benefits outweighed safety concerns. Participants also felt that using over-the-counter or prescription medications would be safe. Conclusions Combining a variety of substances with opioids is common and driven by diverse motives. Clinicians caring for opioid-involved patients should consider screening for concurrent use of other substances and discussing the risks of this practice.
Twelve Months On

Twelve months ago the Australasian Journal of Paramedicine (AJP) published the first issue in the resurrection of the former Journal of Emergency Primary Health Care, as an international prehospital care open source journal, supported by Paramedics Australasia (PA). In the last 12 months many things have happened, the journal has published at least four articles in each of the main issues and has published the PA conference abstracts as supplementary issues. The appointment of an editorial assistant has made the management of the journal more efficient. We are still receiving regular manuscripts for consideration and will continue with the four issues per year plus special issues for conference abstracts. The journal now has a logo which will be displayed on the journal home page and articles. Over the last 12 months paramedics have been voted as the most trusted profession in Australia and New Zealand, again, yet paramedics are still not registered, what else do we need to do? From this issue the journal will have its own dedicated site which will be totally managed by the AJP with no branding other than PA and the AJP. I would like to thank Monash University and Edith Cowan University for hosting the journal over the past years. This issue concentrates mainly on studies involving students during their education process.
Extracellular Heme Proteins Influence Bovine Myosatellite Cell Proliferation and the Color of Cell-Based Meat

Skeletal muscle-tissue engineering can be applied to produce cell-based meat for human consumption, but growth parameters need to be optimized for efficient production and similarity to traditional meat. The addition of heme proteins to plant-based meat alternatives was recently shown to increase meat-like flavor and natural color. To evaluate whether heme proteins also have a positive effect on cell-based meat production, bovine muscle satellite cells (BSCs) were grown in the presence of hemoglobin (Hb) or myoglobin (Mb) for up to nine days in a fibrin hydrogel along 3D-printed anchor-point constructs to generate bioartificial muscles (BAMs). The influence of heme proteins on cell proliferation, tissue development, and tissue color was analyzed. We found that the proliferation and metabolic activity of BSCs was significantly increased when Mb was added, while Hb had no, or a slightly negative, effect. Hb and, in particular, Mb application led to a very similar color of BAMs compared to cooked beef, which was not noticeable in groups without added heme proteins. Taken together, these results indicate a potential benefit of adding Mb to cell culture media for increased proliferation and adding Mb or Hb for the coloration of cell-based meat.
Human Biomarker Exposure from Cigarettes versus Novel Heat-Not-Burn Devices: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION Novel tobacco products require independent research to assess their safety. This study assessed the current literature for trials comparing levels of biomarkers of exposure (BoE) between conventional cigarettes and heat-not-burn (HNB) devices. METHODS Ten databases were searched using terms including: 'heat not burn', 'iqos', 'teeps', 'mrtp', 'tobacco heating', and 'glo', between 1st January 2010 and 13th August 2019. Randomised controlled trials assessing comparative BoE levels in humans using either conventional cigarettes or novel HNB devices were eligible. BoE were tabulated, and differences between the intervention and control groups analysed and combined using a random effects meta-analysis. RESULTS Ten non-blinded, randomised controlled trials were eligible, involving a total of 1,766 participants. Studies regularly reported on 12 BoE (including nicotine). HNB devices assessed included the 'IQOS' and 'glo' devices, and 'precursor' (being developed) HNB devices. In comparison to conventional cigarettes, all 12 BoEs assessed were significantly lower for participants assigned to a HNB device. In comparison to smoking abstinence, HNB devices were statistically equivalent for eight BoEs and significantly elevated for four BoEs. CONCLUSIONS This review found that the potential for harm to humans is reduced when using HNB devices compared to conventional cigarettes, as indicated by significant reductions in BoE levels. Whilst these results support tobacco manufacturer claims of improved safety, the small number of studies included, limited range of BoE assessed, and involvement of the tobacco industry necessitate further independent research to confirm the HNB devices as being a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes. IMPLICATIONS This study supports claims made by tobacco manufacturers on the improved safety of heat-not-burn tobacco devices in comparison to conventional cigarettes. These novel devices lead to reduced exposure to key biomarkers, which are linked to the health consequences attributed to tobacco use. This has strong implications for international public health as well as further research and policy development relating to the safety aspects and legalities of novel tobacco products.
Lateral or medial approach for valgus knee in total knee arthroplasty - which one is better? A systematic review

Objective To identify whether the medial or lateral approach is superior for patients with valgus knees undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods Studies evaluating the 2 approaches were sourced from the PUBMED, EMBASE, Web of Science, and OVID databases. The quality of included studies was assessed using a modified quality evaluation method, and differences between approaches were systematically reviewed. Results Seventeen observational studies were included. The studies were published between 1991 and 2016, and included 5 retrospective studies and 12 prospective studies. Sixteen evaluation methods for the study outcomes were identified. Twelve and eight complication types were identified by studies reporting the lateral and medial approaches for valgus knee, respectively. Several studies showed that pain scores and knee function were superior using a lateral approach. Conclusion The lateral approach (combined with a tibial tubercle osteotomy or proximal quadriceps snip) was more useful and safer than the medial approach in the treatment of severe uncorrectable valgus knee deformity in patients undergoing TKA. Most of the available evidence supports the use of a lateral approach provided that the surgeon is familiar with the pathological anatomy of the valgus knee.