Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing geographic controls of hair isotopic variability in human populations: A case-study in Canada

Studying the isotope variability in fast-growing human tissues (e.g., hair, nails) is a powerful tool to investigate human nutrition. However, interpreting the controls of this isotopic variability at the population scale is often challenging as multiple factors can superimpose on the isotopic signals of a current population. Here, we analyse carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur isotopes in hair from 590 Canadian resident volunteers along with demographics, dietary and geographic information about each participant. We use a series of machine-learning regressions to demonstrate that the isotopic values in Canadian residents’ hair are not only influenced by dietary choices but by geographic controls. First, we show that isotopic values in Canadian residents’ hair have a limited range of variability consistent with the homogenization of Canadian dietary habits (as in other industrialized countries). As expected, some of the isotopic variability within the population correlates with recorded individual dietary choices. More interestingly, some regional spatial patterns emerge from carbon and sulphur isotope variations. The high carbon isotope composition of the hair of eastern Canadians relative to that of western Canadians correlates with the dominance of corn in the eastern Canadian food-industry. The gradient of sulphur isotope composition in Canadian hair from coast to inland regions correlates with the increasing soil pH and decreasing deposition of marine-derived sulphate aerosols in local food systems. We conclude that part of the isotopic variability found in the hair of Canadian residents reflects the isotopic signature associated with specific environmental conditions and agricultural practices of regional food systems transmitted to humans through the high consumption rate of intra-provincial food in Canada. Our study also underscores the strong potential of sulphur isotopes as tracers of human and food provenance.
Neural signatures of sleep recovery following melatonin treatment for pediatric concussion.

Evidence-based treatments for children with persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS) are few and limited. Common PPCS complaints such as sleep disturbance and fatigue could be ameliorated via the supplementation of melatonin, which has significant neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aims to identify neural signatures of melatonin treatment with changes in sleep disturbances and clinical recovery in a pediatric cohort with PPCS. We examined structural and functional neuroimaging (MRI) in 62 children with PPCS in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 3mg or 10mg of melatonin (NCT01874847). The primary outcome was the total youth self-report Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI) score after 28 days of treatment. Secondary outcomes included the change in the sleep domain PCSI score and sleep-wake behavior (assessed using wrist-worn actigraphy). Whole-brain analyses of (i) functional connectivity (FC) of resting-state fMRI, and (ii) structural grey matter (GM) volumes via voxel-based morphometry were assessed immediately before and after melatonin treatment and compared to placebo in order to identify neural effects of melatonin treatment. Increased FC of posterior default mode network (DMN) regions with visual, somatosensory and dorsal networks was detected in the melatonin groups over time. FC increases also corresponded with reduced wake periods (r=-0.27, p=0.01). Children who did not recover (n=39) demonstrated significant FC increases within anterior DMN and limbic regions compared to those that did recover (i.e. PCSI scores returned to pre-injury level n=23) over time, (p=0.026). Increases in GM volume within the posterior cingulate cortex were found to correlate with reduced wakefulness after sleep onset (r=-0.32, p=0.001) and sleep symptom improvement (r=0.29, p=0.02). Although melatonin treatment did not improve PPCS overall clinically, our study finds that melatonin treatment significantly improved subjective and objective sleep parameters with related function-structure relationships within and between brain regions interacting with the DMN.
Early delay of gratification predicts later inhibitory control and academic performance in children with prenatal alcohol exposure

ABSTRACT Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) affects 2–5% of the children in the United States. In the preschool age-range, inhibitory deficits frequently manifest as impaired ability to delay gratification, which is associated with deficits in cognitive flexibility in these children. The goal of this longitudinal study was to determine whether the ability to delay gratification in preschool children with FASD is (1) associated with broader manifestations in temperament and behavior; (2) predictive of later inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility and working memory in middle childhood; and (3) predictive of later parent-reported behavioral problems and school functioning in middle childhood. Forty-seven children with FASD, ages 2.5–5 years were administered a delay of gratification task in which they chose between receiving 2 snacks immediately or 10 snacks after waiting for 10 min. Two groups were defined based on a median split of waiting time. Four years later, 29 children completed measures of inhibitory control (Flanker task), cognitive flexibility (Dimensional Change Card Sort Test), and working memory (Stanford–Binet Intelligence Scales), and their parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist as a measure of the child’s behavioral problems and school functioning. Children with longer wait times on the delay of gratification task in preschool showed better inhibitory control on the Flanker task in middle childhood and better parent-reported school functioning in English. These findings indicate that early inhibitory capacity persists into middle childhood in those with FASD, and may be a promising target for early intervention to improve later cognitive outcomes in these children.
A review: zinc oxide nanoparticles – friends or enemies?

ABSTRACT Modern nanotechnology allows obtaining zinc oxide nanomaterials with unique properties that let its use in a wide range of commercial applications. Direct contact with these particles as well as their release into the environment is almost inevitable. This review aims to consider whether the toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles found in numerous test models is a real threat to humans and plants. Emerging reports indicated both the risks and benefits associated with the use of zinc oxide nanoparticles in a manner dependent on the concentration and a method of synthesis, as well as the tested object. The amounts needed to achieve the antibacterial activity of ZnO-NPs, and the reported amounts of these nanoparticles in consumer products are sufficient to have a negative impact on living organisms. The most sensitive to their action are human cells, and the mechanism of cytotoxicity is mainly associated with the formation of oxidative stress caused by the action of zinc ions. ZnO-NPs in small concentration can have positive affect to plants, but it poses a threat to more sensitive ones.
Foraging deeply: Depth‐specific plant nitrogen uptake in response to climate‐induced N‐release and permafrost thaw in the High Arctic

Warming in the Arctic accelerates top‐soil decomposition and deep‐soil permafrost thaw. This may lead to an increase in plant‐available nutrients throughout the active layer soil and near the permafrost thaw front. For nitrogen (N) limited high arctic plants, increased N availability may enhance growth and alter community composition, importantly affecting the ecosystem carbon balance. However, the extent to which plants can take advantage of this newly available N may be constrained by the following three factors: vertical distribution of N within the soil profile, timing of N‐release, and competition with other plants and microorganisms. Therefore, we investigated species‐ and depth‐specific plant N uptake in a high arctic tundra, northeastern Greenland. Using stable isotopic labelling (15N‐NH4+), we simulated autumn N‐release at three depths within the active layer: top (10 cm), mid (45 cm) and deep‐soil near the permafrost thaw front (90 cm). We measured plant species‐specific N uptake immediately after N‐release (autumn) and after 1 year, and assessed depth‐specific microbial N uptake and resource partitioning between above‐ and below‐ground plant parts, microorganisms and soil. We found that high arctic plants actively foraged for N past the peak growing season, notably the graminoid Kobresia myosuroides. While most plant species (Carex rupestris, Dryas octopetala, K. myosuroides) preferred top‐soil N, the shrub Salix arctica also effectively acquired N from deeper soil layers. All plants were able to obtain N from the permafrost thaw front, both in autumn and during the following growing season, demonstrating the importance of permafrost‐released N as a new N source for arctic plants. Finally, microbial N uptake markedly declined with depth, hence, plant access to deep‐soil N pools is a competitive strength. In conclusion, plant species‐specific competitive advantages with respect to both time‐ and depth‐specific N‐release may dictate short‐ and long‐term plant community changes in the Arctic and consequently, larger‐scale climate feedbacks.
Optimal Force Myography Placement For Maximizing Locomotion Classification Accuracy in Transfemoral Amputees: A Pilot Study

Force myography (FMG), is shown to be a promising alternative to electromyography in locomotion classification. However, the placement of force myography sensors over the thigh during locomotion is not yet clear. To this end, an inhouse developed FMG strap was placed over the thigh muscles of healthy/amputees, while walking on different terrains. The performance of the system was tested on six healthy and two amputees during the five different placements of FMG strap i.e., base, distal, lateral, medial, and proximal. The study reveals that there is an increase in average accuracy (STD) from [mean (STD)] 96.4% (4.0) to 99.5% (0.5) for healthy individuals and 95.5% (3.0) to 99.1% (0.3) for amputees while moving the FMG strap to the proximal of the thigh/stump. The study further determines the combination of three FMG channels on anterior side (Rectus Femoris, Vastus lateralis, and Iliotibial Tract muscles) that provides classification accuracy at par (p > 0.05) to utilizing all eight channels for locomotion classification. The variation of humidity throughout the trials did not significantly (p > 0.05) affect the classification accuracy. The study concludes that the optimal location to place the FMG strap is proximal to the thigh/ stump with a minimum of three FMG channels on the anterior part of the thigh for superior classification accuracy.
The Relationship Between Functional Movement, Dynamic Stability, and Athletic Performance Assessments in Baseball and Softball Athletes

Abstract Stapleton, DT, Boergers, RJ, Rodriguez, J, Green, G, Johnson, K, Williams, P, Leelum, N, Jackson, L, and Vallorosi, J. The relationship between functional movement, dynamic stability, and athletic performance assessments in baseball and softball athletes. J Strength Cond Res 35(12S): S42–S50, 2021—Despite recent popularity, the relationship between movement quality and measures of athletic performance remains inconclusive. This investigation sought to clarify the relationships between measures of movement quality and measures of athletic performance in baseball and softball athletes. Thirty-eight National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I baseball (n = 23; age 20.00 ± 1.38 years, lower-extremity [LE] limb length 93.91 ± 4.37, upper-extremity [UE] limb length 92.37 ± 4.48) and softball (n = 15; age 19.93 ± 1.28 years, LE limb length 89.43 ± 4.67, UE limb length 84.61 ± 4.39) athletes completed the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and the Y Balance Test for the lower and upper extremities (YBTLQ and YBTUQ, respectively). Performance assessments were proagility (PA), vertical jump (VJ), and rotational medicine ball throw to the right and left (RMTR and RMTL, respectively). No significant correlations were seen between any of the composite scores of movement quality and athletic performance in baseball athletes; shoulder mobility was weakly correlated with PA (rs = 0.442, p = 0.035). Composite FMS was negatively correlated with RMTR (rs = −0.753) in softball athletes. In addition, in softball athletes, RMTR was negatively correlated with in-line lunge (rs = −0.544, p = 0.04), trunk stability push-up (rs = −0.761, p = 0.002), anterior YBTLQ reach (r = −0.628), and posterolateral YBTLQ reach (r = −0.683); VJ was correlated with posterolateral YBTLQ reach (r = 0.531) and superolateral (SL) YBTUQ reach (r = 0.591), and PA was negatively correlated with posterolateral YBTLQ (r = −0.60) and SL YBTUQ reach (r = −0.557). The differences in correlations of movement quality and athletic performance between baseball and softball athletes suggest movement quality influences performance differently in female athletes and male athletes.
The relationship between Facebook behaviour and e-professionalism: a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study among Greek dental students.

INTRODUCTION The social media attitude of health science students might affect patients' opinion about the health profession and have negative impact on e-professionalism. The aim of this study is to investigate the behaviour of Greek dental students on Facebook, focusing on potentially unprofessional posts and the online student-patient relationship. MATERIALS AND METHODS 512 dental students in Greece answered an anonymous, 23-item questionnaire including multiple choice questions about various topics, including Facebook profile settings and content shared by dental students, student-patient relationship via Facebook; and students' perception about the impact of their online behaviour. RESULTS 93.2% of responders had a Facebook profile and 80.5% admitted that their online attitude might affect patients' opinion about dental profession. However, 71.7% posted pictures from holidays, 41.5% from nightclubs, and 26.2% photos wearing swimwear/underwear, while 12.8% expressed online political party predilection. One quarter of students in clinical years was Facebook friends with patients and 58% and 30% of them had online discussion about topics related or not to dentistry, respectively, while 6.8% of dental students had posted defamatory comments about the dental school, faculty members or academic staff on Facebook. DISCUSSION In accordance with studies in other countries, most Greek dental students had a Facebook profile and, although the majority realized the impact of Facebook behaviour on e-professionalism, a considerable percentage posted unprofessional content. CONCLUSION Dental students might fall into pitfalls when it comes to e-professionalism. As social media are becoming an integral part of life, there is need to include e-professionalism in dental education curriculum.
Histone methyltransferase Smyd3 is a new regulator for vascular senescence

Endothelial cell senescence is one of the main risk factors contributing to vascular diseases. As increasing number of “epigenetic drugs” entering clinical trials, understanding the mechanism of epigenetic regulation in vascular aging has significant implications in finding targets to cure vascular diseases. However, the epigenetic regulation of endothelial senescence remains unclear. Based on the findings that increased protein level of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methyltransferase Smyd3 and elevated H3K4me3 modification happened in angiotensin II (Ang II)‐induced senescence in rat endothelial cells, we are curious about whether and how Smyd3 can regulate endothelial senescence. We found that an increase of Smyd3 alone promoted senescence‐associated phenotypes, while knockdown of Smyd3 blocked senescence in endothelial cells. Furthermore, Smyd3‐specific inhibitor reversed vascular senescence‐associated phenotypes at cellular level. Importantly, Ang II‐induced vascular senescence can be greatly alleviated in Smyd3 knockout (KO) mice and those treated with Smyd3 inhibitor. Mechanistically, Smyd3 directly bound to the promoter region of Cdkn1a (coding for p21), then caused its increased H3K4me3 level and elevated gene expression, and ultimately gave rise to senescence‐associated phenotypes. Intriguingly, Smyd3‐mediated p21 upregulated expression also exists in human tissues of vascular disease, indicating it is probably an evolutionarily conserved mechanism in regulating vascular senescence. Thus, Smyd3 can act as a novel factor regulating endothelial senescence through transcriptionally promoting p21 expression. Blocking the Smyd3‐p21 signaling axis may also have potential medical implications in treating diseases related to vascular aging.
A brief questionnaire measure of multidimensional schizotypy predicts interview-rated symptoms and impairment

The present study employed structured diagnostic interviews to assess the construct validity of the brief version of the Multidimensional Schizotypy Scale (MSS-B), which was developed to assess positive, negative, and disorganized dimensions of schizotypy. It was hypothesized that the MSS-B subscales would be associated with differential patterns of symptoms and impairment, comparable to findings for the full-length MSS. A total of 177 young adults completed structured diagnostic interviews assessing symptoms and impairment. As hypothesized, MSS-B positive schizotypy was significantly associated with interview ratings of positive (psychotic-like) symptoms, as well as schizotypal and paranoid personality disorder traits. MSS-B negative schizotypy was associated with interview ratings of negative symptoms, as well as schizoid, paranoid, and schizotypal traits. Furthermore, negative schizotypy predicted Cluster A personality disorder diagnoses. MSS-B disorganized schizotypy was associated with interview ratings of disorganized symptoms. All three schizotypy dimensions were associated with impaired functioning. This was the first study to evaluate the validity of the MSS-B using interview measures, and the pattern of findings for each MSS-B subscale was closely comparable to the findings for the full-length MSS. Contrary to our hypothesis, cannabis use was largely unassociated with psychotic-like symptoms and did not moderate the expression of the schizotypy dimensions. The MSS-B has good psychometric properties, high concordance with the full-length MSS, and good construct validity. Thus, it appears to be a promising brief alternative to traditional schizotypy measures.
Salvianolic acid A attenuates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury induced rat brain damage, inflammation and apoptosis by regulating miR-499a/DDK1.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Salvianolic acid A (SAA) is a main component derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza and has been revealed to protect against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI). The present study was designed to evaluate the neuroprotective role of SAA in CIRI and explore its underlying mechanism in vivo and in vitro. METHODS To determine the neuroprotective effects of SAA on CIRI in vivo, the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model was established. Besides, oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced PC12 cells were used to analysis the effects of SAA on CIRI in vitro. Neurological deficit score, brain water content, cell proliferation, apoptosis and inflammation were measured. In addition, the effects of SAA on miR-449a/DKK1 and Wnt/β-catenin pathway were evaluated. RESULTS The level of miR-449a was decreased in MCAO rat models as well as OGD/R-induced PC-12 cells. SAA could significantly inhibit cell apoptosis and inflammation both in MCAO rat model and OGD/R-induced PC-12 cells. Also, SAA inhibited cerebral edema and promoted PC12 cell proliferation. Besides, we proved that the 3'-UTR of DKK1 mRNA is the target of miR-449a. Furthermore, we demonstrated that SAA could activate Wnt/β-catenin pathway and play the neuroprotective role by regulating miR-499a/DDK1. CONCLUSION Taken together, these results suggest that SAA could increase miR-449a level and then inhibit DDK1 expression to activate Wnt/β-catenin pathway, leading to the alleviation of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in vivo and in vitro.
Relationship of Genomic G+C Content between Phages/Plasmids and Their Hosts.

Aims: We compared genomic G+C content between bacteriophages/plasmids and their host genomes of 46 species to reveal their relation. To examine the large deviation in the G+C content between bacteriophages and their host genomes, the ancestral bacteriophage which infected early was estimated using homologous genes of bacteriophages based on G+C content at the third codon positions. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Graduate Course of Medical Science and Technology, School of Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Japan. Methodology: The bacteria employed in this study consist of 6 species from Archaea and 40 species from Eubacteria. Orthologs were identified by the two-directional best hit approach of homology search. A phylogenetic tree was obtained by multiple sequence alignment of homologous genes. The ancestral bacteriophage which infected early was estimated based on G+C content at the third codon positions. We assumed that the two bacteriophages have evolved from a common ancestor, and their identical codons were thought to represent their ancestor type. Results: The relationship of G+C content between bacteriophages/plasmids and host genomes was almost linear. Three bacteriophages were largely deviated from the linear relation. A phylogenetic Original Research Article Nakashima et al.; BBJ, 9(1): 1-9, 2015; Article no.BBJ. 20046 2 tree obtained using the orthologs of Mycobacterium smegmatis indicated which bacteriophage branched early. Assuming that the G+C content of identical codons represents their common ancestor, the ancestor was estimated that it had similar G+C content with its host.