Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of platelet-rich fibrin membrane and collagen dressing as palatal bandage for wound healing: A randomized clinical control trial

Background: The palatal donor site of the free gingival graft (FGG) significantly influences the pain and discomfort experienced by the patient, and there is a potential for postoperative bleeding. The aim of this study was to compare the wound healing parameters with the use of a commercially available collagen dressing (CollaCote®) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane as palatal bandage. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients requiring FGG either for reduced/inadequate gingiva or gingival recession in the maxillary or mandibular anterior region were divided into two groups. In the first experimental group (10 patients), CollaCote® membrane was placed over the palatal wounds; conversely, the second experimental group patients were treated with a PRF membrane as palatal bandage. Clinical parameters recorded includes depth, immediate, and delayed bleeding, size of wound, pain, and tests for epithelialization which included hydrogen peroxide test and toluidine blue test at various time intervals. Results: Intragroup comparisons showed significant improvement in wound healing parameters in both the groups. No statistically significant difference was found on intergroup comparison with respect to depth, hemorrhage, pain, epithelialization, and size, though the PRF group healed slightly better initially. Conclusion: Both CollaCote® and PRF palatal bandages significantly accelerate palatal wound healing and reduce the patient's pain and discomfort. PRF was easier to handle and suture and is also autogenous and economical as compared to CollaCote®.
Phosphate Limitation Increases Content of Protease Inhibitors in the Cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa

Increased anthropogenic nutrient input has led to eutrophication of lakes and ponds, resulting worldwide in more frequent and severe cyanobacterial blooms. In particular, enhanced availability of phosphorus (P) can promote cyanobacterial mass developments and may affect the content of secondary metabolites in cyanobacteria, such as protease inhibitors (PIs). PIs are common among cyanobacteria and have been shown to negatively affect herbivorous zooplankton. Here, we test the hypothesis that P-limitation reduces the growth of Microcystis, but increases the content of PIs. In batch culture experiments with eight different initial phosphate concentrations (5–75 µM) we determined growth, stoichiometry, and PI content of Microcystis aeruginosa NIVA Cya 43. This strain produces the protease inhibitor BN920 that is converted by chlorination to CP954, which constitutes the major PI in this strain. C:N:P-ratios of the biomass indicated variation of P-limitation with treatment and time. When normalized to biomass, the PI content varied up to nearly nineteen-fold with treatment and time and was highest in the low-P treatments, especially during the mid-exponential growth phase. However, these effects were alleviated under nitrogen co-limitation. The content of CP954 showed an inverse u-shaped response to growth rate and C:N-ratio of the cyanobacterial biomass, whereas it increased with cyanobacterial C:P. The results indicate that P-limitation supports a higher content of defensive PIs and may indirectly foster cyanobacterial blooms by increasing the negative interference of cyanobacteria with their consumers.
Quantitative Framework for Model Evaluation in Microbiology Research Using Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Cystic Fibrosis Infection as a Test Case

Laboratory models have become a cornerstone of modern microbiology. However, the accuracy of even the most commonly used models has never been evaluated. Here, we propose a quantitative framework based on gene expression data to evaluate model performance and apply it to models of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cystic fibrosis lung infection. We discovered that these models captured different aspects of P. aeruginosa infection physiology, and we identify which functional categories are and are not captured by each model. These methods will provide researchers with a solid basis to choose among laboratory models depending on the scientific question of interest and will help improve existing experimental models. ABSTRACT Laboratory models are a cornerstone of modern microbiology, but the accuracy of these models has not been systematically evaluated. As a result, researchers often choose models based on intuition or incomplete data. We propose a general quantitative framework to assess model accuracy from RNA sequencing data and use this framework to evaluate models of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cystic fibrosis (CF) lung infection. We found that an in vitro synthetic CF sputum medium model and a CF airway epithelial cell model had the highest genome-wide accuracy but underperformed on distinct functional categories, including porins and polyamine biosynthesis for the synthetic sputum medium and protein synthesis for the epithelial cell model. We identified 211 “elusive” genes that were not mimicked in a reference strain grown in any laboratory model but found that many were captured by using a clinical isolate. These methods provide researchers with an evidence-based foundation to select and improve laboratory models. IMPORTANCE Laboratory models have become a cornerstone of modern microbiology. However, the accuracy of even the most commonly used models has never been evaluated. Here, we propose a quantitative framework based on gene expression data to evaluate model performance and apply it to models of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cystic fibrosis lung infection. We discovered that these models captured different aspects of P. aeruginosa infection physiology, and we identify which functional categories are and are not captured by each model. These methods will provide researchers with a solid basis to choose among laboratory models depending on the scientific question of interest and will help improve existing experimental models.
Analysis of Synaptic Microcircuits in the Mushroom Bodies of the Honeybee

Mushroom bodies (MBs) are multisensory integration centers in the insect brain involved in learning and memory formation. In the honeybee, the main sensory input region (calyx) of MBs is comparatively large and receives input from mainly olfactory and visual senses, but also from gustatory/tactile modalities. Behavioral plasticity following differential brood care, changes in sensory exposure or the formation of associative long-term memory (LTM) was shown to be associated with structural plasticity in synaptic microcircuits (microglomeruli) within olfactory and visual compartments of the MB calyx. In the same line, physiological studies have demonstrated that MB-calyx microcircuits change response properties after associative learning. The aim of this review is to provide an update and synthesis of recent research on the plasticity of microcircuits in the MB calyx of the honeybee, specifically looking at the synaptic connectivity between sensory projection neurons (PNs) and MB intrinsic neurons (Kenyon cells). We focus on the honeybee as a favorable experimental insect for studying neuronal mechanisms underlying complex social behavior, but also compare it with other insect species for certain aspects. This review concludes by highlighting open questions and promising routes for future research aimed at understanding the causal relationships between neuronal and behavioral plasticity in this charismatic social insect.
Preseason shoulder range of motion screening and in-season risk of shoulder and elbow injuries in overhead athletes: systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective To characterise whether preseason screening of shoulder range of motion (ROM) is associated with the risk of shoulder and elbow injuries in overhead athletes. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources Six electronic databases up to 22 September 2018. Eligibility criteria Inclusion criteria were (1) overhead athletes from Olympic or college sports, (2) preseason measures of shoulder ROM, (3) tracked in-season injuries at the shoulder and elbow, and (4) prospective cohort design. Exclusion criteria were (1) included contact injuries, (2) lower extremity, spine and hand injuries, and (3) full report not published in English. Results Fifteen studies were identified, and they included 3314 overhead athletes (baseball (74.6%), softball (3.1%), handball (16.1%), tennis (2.0%), volleyball (2.0%) and swimming (2.2%)). Female athletes are unrepresented (12% of the overall sample). Study quality ranged from 11 to 18 points on a modified Downs and Black checklist (maximum score 21, better quality). In one study, swimmers with low (<93°) or high (>100°) shoulder external rotation were at higher risk of injuries. Using data pooled from three studies of professional baseball pitchers, we showed in the meta-analysis that shoulder external rotation insufficiency (throwing arm <5° greater than the non-throwing arm) was associated with injury (odds ratio=1.90, 95% confidence interval 1.24 to 2.92, p<0.01). Conclusion Preseason screening of shoulder external rotation ROM may identify professional baseball pitchers and swimmers at risk of injury. Shoulder ROM screening may not be effective to identify handball, softball, volleyball and tennis players at risk of injuries. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of studies and their high degree of heterogeneity. PROSPERO registration number CRD42017072895.
3D Stackable Synaptic Transistor for 3D Integrated Artificial Neural Networks.

Although they have attracted enormous attention in recent years, software-based and 2-dimensional (2D) hardware-based artificial neural networks (ANNs) may consume a great deal of power. Since there will numerous data transmissions through a long interconnection for learning, power consumption in the interconnect will be an inevitable problem for low-power computing. Therefore, we suggest and report 3D stackable synaptic transistors for 3D ANNs, which would be the strongest candidate in future computing systems by minimizing power consumption in the interconnection. To overcome the problems of enormous power consumption, it might be necessary to introduce a 3D stackable ANN platform. With this structure, short vertical interconnection can be realized between the top and bottom devices and the integration density can be significantly increased for integrating numerous neuromorphic devices. In this paper, we suggest and show the feasibility of M3D integration of synaptic devices using the channel layer transfer method through a wafer bonding technique. Using a low-temperature processible III-V and composite oxide (Al2O3/HfO2/Al2O3)-based weigh storage layer, we successfully demonstrated synaptic transistors showing good linearity (αp/αd = 1.8/0.5), a high transconductance ratio (6300), and very good stability. High learning accuracy of 97% was obtained in the training of 1 million MNIST images based on the device characteristics.
Influence of Water Absorption on the Low Velocity Falling Weight Impact Damage Behaviour of Flax/Glass Reinforced Vinyl Ester Hybrid Composites

Due to rigorous new environmental legislations, automotive, marine, aerospace, and construction sectors have redirected their focus into using more recyclable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly lightweight materials driven by strengthening resource efficiency drive. In this study, the influence of moisture absorption on flax and flax/glass hybrid laminates is presented with the aim to investigating their low velocity impact behaviour. Three different types of composite laminates namely, flax fibre reinforced vinyl ester, flax fibre hybridised glass fibre and glass fibre reinforced vinyl ester composites were fabricated using resin infusion technique. The moisture immersion tests were undertaken by immersing the different specimens in sea water bath at room temperature and 70 °C at different time durations. The low velocity falling weight impact testing was performed at 25 Joules of incident energy level and impact damage behaviour was evaluated at both ageing conditions using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray microcomputed tomography (micro CT). The percentage of moisture uptake was decreased for flax vinyl ester specimens with glass fibre hybridisation. The maximum percentage of weight gain for flax fibre, flax/glass hybrid and glass fibre reinforced composites immersed at room temperature for 696 h is recorded at 3.97%, 1.93%, and 0.431%, respectively. The hybrid composite exhibited higher load and energy when compared flax/vinyl ester composite without hybridisation, indicating the hybrid system as a valid strategy towards achieving improved structural performance of natural fibre composites. The moisture absorption behaviour of these composites at room was observed to follow Fickian behaviour.
Genome-Wide Identification of QTLs for Grain Protein Content Based on Genotyping-by-Resequencing and Verification of qGPC1-1 in Rice

To clarify the genetic mechanism underlying grain protein content (GPC) and to improve rice grain qualities, the mapping and cloning of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling the natural variation of GPC are very important. Based on genotyping-by-resequencing, a total of 14 QTLs were detected with the Huanghuazhan/Jizi1560 (HHZ/JZ1560) recombinant inbred line (RIL) population in 2016 and 2017. Seven of the fourteen QTLs were repeatedly identified across two years. Using three residual heterozygote-derived populations, a stably inherited QTL named as qGPC1-1 was validated and delimited to a ~862 kb marker interval JD1006–JD1075 on the short arm of chromosome 1. Comparing the GPC values of the RIL population determined by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) and Kjeldahl nitrogen determination (KND) methods, high correlation coefficients (0.966 and 0.983) were observed in 2016 and 2017. Furthermore, 12 of the 14 QTLs were identically identified with the GPC measured by the two methods. These results indicated that instead of the traditional KND method, the rapid and easy-to-operate NIRS was suitable for analyzing a massive number of samples in mapping and cloning QTLs for GPC. Using the gel-based low-density map consisted of 208 simple sequence repeat (SSR) and insert/deletion (InDel) markers, the same number of QTLs (fourteen) were identified in the same HHZ/JZ1560 RIL population, and three QTLs were repeatedly detected across two years. More stably expressed QTLs were identified based on the genome resequencing, which might be attributed to the high-density map, increasing the detection power of minor QTLs. Our results are helpful in dissecting the genetic basis of GPC and improving rice grain qualities through molecular assisted selection.
Sensitivity to Experiencing Alcohol Hangovers: Reconsideration of the 0.11% Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Threshold for Having a Hangover

The 2010 Alcohol Hangover Research Group consensus paper defined a cutoff blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.11% as a toxicological threshold indicating that sufficient alcohol had been consumed to develop a hangover. The cutoff was based on previous research and applied mostly in studies comprising student samples. Previously, we showed that sensitivity to hangovers depends on (estimated) BAC during acute intoxication, with a greater percentage of drinkers reporting hangovers at higher BAC levels. However, a substantial number of participants also reported hangovers at comparatively lower BAC levels. This calls the suitability of the 0.11% threshold into question. Recent research has shown that subjective intoxication, i.e., the level of severity of reported drunkenness, and not BAC, is the most important determinant of hangover severity. Non-student samples often have a much lower alcohol intake compared to student samples, and overall BACs often remain below 0.11%. Despite these lower BACs, many non-student participants report having a hangover, especially when their subjective intoxication levels are high. This may be the case when alcohol consumption on the drinking occasion that results in a hangover significantly exceeds their “normal” drinking level, irrespective of whether they meet the 0.11% threshold in any of these conditions. Whereas consumers may have relative tolerance to the adverse effects at their “regular” drinking level, considerably higher alcohol intake—irrespective of the absolute amount—may consequentially result in a next-day hangover. Taken together, these findings suggest that the 0.11% threshold value as a criterion for having a hangover should be abandoned.
Cross-Species Complementation of Nonessential Yeast Genes Establishes Platforms for Testing Inhibitors of Human Proteins

Given the broad utility of humanized yeast to model and study human biology, a reference set of human genes that can replace cognate yeast genes and operate in yeast is needed. Hamza et al. present. Cross-species complementation can be used to generate humanized yeast, which is a valuable resource with which to model and study human biology. Humanized yeast can be used as an in vivo platform to screen for chemical inhibition of human protein drug targets. To this end, we report the systematic complementation of nonessential yeast genes implicated in chromosome instability (CIN) with their human homologs. We identified 20 human–yeast complementation pairs that are replaceable in 44 assays that test rescue of chemical sensitivity and/or CIN defects. We selected a human–yeast pair (hFEN1/yRAD27), which is frequently overexpressed in cancer and is an anticancer therapeutic target, to perform in vivo inhibitor assays using a humanized yeast cell-based platform. In agreement with published in vitro assays, we demonstrate that HU-based PTPD is a species-specific hFEN1 inhibitor. In contrast, another reported hFEN1 inhibitor, the arylstibonic acid derivative NSC-13755, was determined to have off-target effects resulting in a synthetic lethal phenotype with yRAD27-deficient strains. Our study expands the list of human–yeast complementation pairs to nonessential genes by defining novel cell-based assays that can be utilized as a broad resource to study human drug targets.
Epilepsy Benchmarks Area II: Prevent Epilepsy and Its Progression

Area II of the 2014 Epilepsy Research Benchmarks aims to establish goals for preventing the development and progression of epilepsy. In this review, we will highlight key advances in Area II since the last summary of research progress and opportunities was published in 2016. We also highlight areas of investigation that began to develop before 2016 and in which additional progress has been made more recently.
Factors Influencing Poor Examination Performance in Commercial Subjects in Tanzania Ordinary Level Secondary Schools: A Case Study of Ilala Municipality

This study explored the factors that influenced poor examination performance in commercial subjects in secondary schools in Ilala Municipality, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. It examined teacher’s qualities in teaching commercial subjects, availability of teaching and learning resources in relation to commercial subjects, students’ interest in commercial subjects and the extent to which commercial subjects are inspected, and how these affect performance in ordinary level examinations. The study used qualitative approach, using interviews, focus group discussion, observation and documentary data. Thematic approach was used in data analysis. The major findings were related mostly to teachers’ qualities, as some of the teachers were not conversant with English language, as well as subject matter. One of the teachers was a diploma failure, and another did not study commercial subjects at A- Level. English language was also an obstacle for students and some of the teachers, as they could not communicate well with their students in class. Hence, they used mostly Kiswahili instead of English as the medium of instruction. Apart from these factors, also teaching and learning resources were a problem; commercial subject textbooks were not readily available for students use. On top of these, old syllabus was used; there was no recent knowledge on the subject. Teachers lacked seminars and in-service training. These added to lack of intrinsic motivation among government teachers. The study recommended several remedies for that situation. Also the study recommended further research on the topic based on a large sample by using a survey research approach in order to generalize the obtained data to a large sample.
Perspectives on Deep Brain Stimulation and Its Earlier Use for Parkinson’s Disease: A Qualitative Study of US Patients

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is being used earlier than was previously the case in the disease progression in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). To explore preferences about the timing of DBS, we asked PD patients with DBS whether they would have preferred the implantation procedure to have occurred earlier after diagnosis. Methods: Twenty Michigan-based patients were interviewed about both their experiences with DBS as well as their attitudes regarding the possible earlier use of DBS. We used a structured interview, with both closed and open-ended questions. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a mixed-methods approach. Results: We found that the majority of our participants (72%) had high overall satisfaction with DBS in addressing motor symptoms (mean of 7.5/10) and quality of life (mean of 8.25/10). Participants were mixed about whether they would have undergone DBS earlier than they did, with five participants being unsure and the remaining nearly equally divided between yes and no. Conclusion: Patient attitudes on the early use of DBS were mixed. Our results suggest that while patients were grateful for improvements experienced with DBS, they would not necessarily have endorsed its implementation earlier in their disease progression. Larger studies are needed to further examine our findings.
Leaf Gas Exchange Performance of Ten Quinoa Genotypes under a Simulated Heat Wave

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a highly nutritious crop that is resilient to a wide range of abiotic stresses; however, sensitivity to high temperatures is regarded as an impediment to adoption in regions prone to heat waves. Heat stress is usually associated with a decrease in crop reproductive capacity (e.g., pollen viability), yet little is known about how leaf physiological performance of quinoa is affected by high temperatures. Several trials were conducted to understand the effect of high temperatures, without confounding stressors such as drought, on ten selected quinoa genotypes considered to encompass heat sensitive and heat tolerant plant material. Plants were grown under favorable temperatures and exposed to two temperature treatments over four consecutive days. The heat treatment simulated heat waves with maximum and minimum temperatures higher during the day and night, while the control treatment was maintained under favorable temperatures (maximum and minimum temperatures for ‘Heat’: 45/30 °C and ‘Control’: 20/14 °C). Leaf gas exchange (day), chlorophyll fluorescence (predawn and day) and dark respiration (night) were measured. Results show that most quinoa genotypes under the heat treatment increased their photosynthetic rates and stomatal conductance, resulting in a lower intrinsic water use efficiency. This was partly corroborated by an increase in the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm). Dark respiration decreased under the heat treatment in most genotypes, and temperature treatment did not affect aboveground biomass by harvest (shoot and seeds). These results suggest that heat stress alone favors increases in leaf carbon assimilation capacity although the tradeoff is higher plant water demand, which may lead to plant water stress and lower yields under non-irrigated field conditions.