Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of three different types of desensitizing agents on bond strength of etch-and-rinse and self-etch adhesive system on dentin: An in vitro study

Aim: To determine the effect of three different dentin hypersensitivity treatment procedures on the microtensile bond strength of etch and rinse and self-etch adhesive system. Materials and Methods: Eighty extracted intact human permanent lower premolars were decoronated, and dentin was exposed on the buccal surface. The teeth were randomly assigned to two experimental groups of 40 teeth each: etch and rinse system or self-etch system. The 40 samples assigned were further randomly assigned to four desensitizing treatment subgroups: Control, Gluma, NovaMin, and GC tooth Mousse with 10 samples per subgroup. Desensitizing treatment was performed two times each day for 2 weeks respectively. The exposed dentin was subjected to etch and rinse or self-etch adhesive system bonding agent as per the group and restored using composite to 4-mm thickness. Samples were then subjected to universal testing machine for microtensile bond strength. Results: The bond strength to the dentin obtained with etch and rinse adhesive system group where significantly higher (P < 0.05) when compared to self-etch adhesive system. However, there was no significant effect of the desensitizing agent on the microtensile bond strength in its own. Scanning electron microscope imaging reviled tubular occlusion in all specimens treated with desensitizer. Conclusion: The bond strength was majorly impacted by the type of adhesive system used. While the desensitizing agents used in the study had little or no adverse effect on the bond strength of composites to dentin surface.
Evaluation of microbiome and physico-chemical profiles of fresh fruits of Musa paradisiaca, Citrus sinensis and Carica papaya at different ripening stages: Implication to quality and safety management

Introduction The ripening of fleshy fruits is a developmental process that involves changes in color, texture, aroma, nutrients, and diversity of microbiomes. Some microorganisms, specially, bacteria and molds are responsible for postharvest spoilage of fruits. Thus, this study is aimed at evaluating the alterations in microbiome and physico-chemical properties of selected fruits at different ripening stages. Methods Totally, 108 fresh fruit samples of Musa paradisiaca, Citrus sinensis and Carica papaya at three ripening stages were collected and processed in this study. The biochemical methods and MALD-TOF MS were used in identification. The physico-chemical properties of all samples were analyzed using standard methods. Results The minimum counts (6.74± 0.48–6.76± 0.42 log CFU/mL) and the maximum count (7.51± 0.43–7.96± 0.34 log CFU/mL) of AMB in all fruit samples was observed at mature green and overripe stages of the fruits, respectively. The ripening stage has significantly affected the microbial counts (P < 0.05) in all fruits, except counts of Enterobacteriaceae in banana and orange, and fungal counts in orange. The bacterial community of all fruits was predominated by B. cereus (33.7%), A. faecalis (17.3%), P. putida (15.2%), M. morganii (11.1%), S. sciuri (6.6%) and S. epidermidis (4.9%); while the fungal microbiome was constituted by Candida spp. (33.9%) followed by Saccharomyces spp. (18.1%) and Aspergillus spp. (16.3%). The ripening stages have also significantly affected the physico-chemical property in all samples. Accordingly, the lowest pH (3.53) and highest content of ascorbic acid (69.87 mg/100g) were observed in mature green oranges and overripe papaya, respectively, while the maximum concentration of total sugar (17.87%) and reducing sugar (14.20%) were recorded in overripe bananas. Conclusion The presence of some potential human pathogens and spoilage microorganisms in fruit samples could contribute to post-harvest product losses besides the potential health risk associated with consumption of the tainted fruits. Hence, proper safety management practices and preservation mechanisms should be developed and put in place to ensure consumers safety against pathogens besides minimizing product losses through microbial spoilage.
A systematic review of theories, models and frameworks used for youth engagement in health research

Abstract Background Youth engagement in research, wherein youth are involved in the research beyond mere participation as human subjects, is growing and becoming more popular as an approach to research. However, systematic and deliberate theory‐building has been limited. We conducted a systematic review to identify and synthesize theories, models and frameworks that have been applied in the engagement of youth in health research, including mental health. Methods Six academic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL) and the grey literature were searched for relevant studies. Citation tracking was conducted through ancestry and descendancy searches. The final search was completed on 7 February 2023. Findings were summarized in a narrative synthesis informed by principles of hermeneutic analysis and interpretation. Reporting of results is in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses) 2020 Statement. Results Of the 1156 records identified, 16 papers were included, from which we extracted named theories (n = 6), implicit theories (n = 5) and models and frameworks (n = 20) used for youth engagement in health research. We identified theories that were explicitly stated and surfaced theories that were more implicitly suggested. Models and frameworks were organized into four categories based on their principal features: power‐focused (n = 8), process‐focused (n = 7), impact‐focused (n = 3) and equity‐focused (n = 2). Few frameworks (n = 5) were empirically tested in health‐related research. Conclusions The state of theoretical development in youth engagement in research is still evolving. In this systematic review, we identified theories, models and frameworks used for youth engagement in health research. Findings from this systematic review offer a range of resources to those who seek to develop and strengthen youth engagement in their own research. Patient or Public Contribution Youth engaged as patients in the research were not involved in planning or conducting the systematic review. However, youth researchers in their early to mid‐20s led the planning, implementation and interpretation of the review. As part of subsequent work, we formed a youth advisory board to develop a youth‐led knowledge mobilization intended for an audience of youth with lived experience of being engaged as patients in research.
Prenatal substance exposure and child health: Understanding the role of environmental factors, genetics, and brain development

Abstract Prenatal substance exposure (PSE) has been linked to adverse health outcomes, but its interactions with environmental and genetic factors remain unclear. Using data from the adolescent brain cognitive development cohort (n = 9,838; baseline age: 9.92 ± 0.62 years), we tested for the robust associations of PSE-caffeine/alcohol/tobacco/marijuana with children's health, cognition, and brain metrics after controlling for the environmental and genetic contexts. The environmental context involved birth, familial, and societal risk factors, while the genetic context included family histories and polygenic risk scores (PRSs) of mental disorders. In this sample, PSE-caffeine was observed in 59.8%, PSE-alcohol in 25.7%, PSE-tobacco in 13.2%, and PSE-marijuana in 5.6% of children. PSE-tobacco/marijuana was associated with higher environmental risks, PSE-alcohol was associated with lower familial risks, and all PSEs were associated with higher genetic risks. Controlling for these contexts reduced the number of significant health associations by 100, 91, 84, and 18% for PSE-tobacco/marijuana/caffeine/alcohol. Compared to the baseline, PSE-alcohol had the most health associations that were persistent over a 2-year period from preadolescence to adolescence, including associations with more sleep and mental health problems, improved cognitive functions, and larger brain volumes. These persistent associations with mental health problems and crystallized cognition were mediated by the surface areas of the frontal and the parietal cortices, respectively. Lower risk scores of the familial contexts attenuated associations between PSE-alcohol/marijuana and mental health problems. Higher PRS for substance use disorders enhanced late-onset associations of PSE-marijuana with externalizing problems. Results support the “health in context” concept, emphasizing modifiable factors mitigating adverse PSE effects.
How development and survival combine to determine the thermal sensitivity of insects

Thermal performance curves (TPCs) depict variation in vital rates in response to temperature and have been an important tool to understand ecological and evolutionary constraints on the thermal sensitivity of ectotherms. TPCs allow for the calculation of indicators of thermal tolerance, such as minimum, optimum, and maximum temperatures that allow for a given metabolic function. However, these indicators are computed using only responses from surviving individuals, which can lead to underestimation of deleterious effects of thermal stress, particularly at high temperatures. Here, we advocate for an integrative framework for assessing thermal sensitivity, which combines both vital rates and survival probabilities, and focuses on the temperature interval that allows for population persistence. Using a collated data set of Lepidopteran development rate and survival measured on the same individuals, we show that development rate is generally limiting at low temperatures, while survival is limiting at high temperatures. We also uncover differences between life stages and across latitudes, with extended survival at lower temperatures in temperate regions. Our combined performance metric demonstrates similar thermal breadth in temperate and tropical individuals, an effect that only emerges from integration of both development and survival trends. We discuss the benefits of using this framework in future predictive and management contexts.
The effect of body size and inbreeding on cancer mortality in breeds of the domestic dog: a test of the multi-stage model of carcinogenesis

Cancer is a leading cause of death in domestic dogs. Deaths due to cancer vary widely among breeds, providing an opportunity for testing the multi-stage model of carcinogenesis. This model underpins evolutionary and basic studies of cancer suppression and predicts a linear increase in cancer with breed size, an expectation complicated by bigger breeds having a shorter lifespan (decreasing risk). Using three independent datasets, the weight and lifespan of breeds provided a good fit of lifetime cancer mortality to the multi-stage model, the fit suggesting many canine cancers are initiated by four driver mutations. Of 85 breeds in more than one dataset, only flat-coated retriever showed significantly elevated cancer mortality, with Scottish terrier, Bernese mountain dog and bullmastiff also showing notable risk (greater than 50% over expected). Analysis of breed clades suggested terriers experience elevated cancer mortality. There was no evidence that the lower mass-specific metabolic rate of larger breeds reduced cancer risk. Residuals indicated increased breed inbreeding shortened expected lifespan, but had no overall effect on cancer mortality. The results provide a baseline for identifying increased breed risk for specific cancers and demonstrate that, unless selection promotes increased cancer suppression, the evolution of larger longer-lived animals leads to a predictable increased cancer risk.
Anterior esthetic rehabilitation with full and partial veneers using conventional and digital techniques: A case series

Effective esthetic rehabilitation requires a proper treatment planning in addition to the associated diagnostic wax-up. For anterior rehabilitation, most dentists favor conservative and esthetic treatments, such as indirect laminate veneer restorations which can be partial- or full-ceramic anterior crowns according to the clinical situations. After the introduction of technologies such as intraoral scanners, dental software for digital restoration design, and additive manufacturing (three-dimensional printing), these techniques further enhanced the digital workflow of restorative therapy. These technologies also fabricate prosthesis with natural esthetics and marginal integrity. This case series discusses the conventional and digitally fabricated full- and partial-ceramic veneers for discolored and misaligned anterior teeth after the fabrication of corresponding diagnostic wax-up.
Antibacterial activity of root canal sealers against established monospecies biofilm: An in vitro study

Endodontic treatment is primarily a combination of chemical as well as mechanical preparation of canal space which helps in the placement of a biocompatible material. The main purpose of endodontic treatment is to eradicate microorganisms from the infected root canal system and prevent recontamination. The principle constituents of an endodontic filling are core material “Gutta Percha” and “Endodontic Sealers. ” Endodontic sealers should ideally eliminate residual bacteria and prevent reinfection after chemomechanical treatment and obturation of the root canal. The aim of this study is to investigate the antimicrobial effect of four endodontic sealers against bacteria in biofilms commonly detected from persistent and secondary endodontic infections.
Identification and validation of cortisol‐related hub biomarkers and the related pathogenesis of biomarkers in Ischemic Stroke

Abstract Background Ischemic stroke is a disease in which cerebral blood flow is blocked due to various reasons, leading to ischemia, hypoxia, softening, and even necrosis of brain tissues. The level of cortisol is related to the occurrence and progression of ischemic stroke. However, the mechanism governing their interrelationship is still unclear. The main objective of this study was to identify and understand the molecular mechanism between cortisol and IS. Methods The common cortisol‐related biological processes were screened by mutual verification of two data sets and the cortisol‐related hub biomarkers were identified. Modular analysis of protein interaction networks was performed, and the differential pathway analysis of individual genes was conducted by GSVA and GSEA. Drug and transcription factor regulatory networks of hub genes were excavated, and the diagnostic potential of hub genes was analyzed followed by the construction of a diagnostic model. Results By screening the two data sets by GSVA, three biological processes with common differences were obtained. After variation analysis, four cortisol‐related hub biomarkers (CYP1B1, CDKN2B, MEN1, and USP8) were selected. Through the modular analysis of the protein‐protein interaction network and double verification of GSVA and GSEA, a series of potential molecular mechanisms of hub genes were discovered followed by a series of drug regulatory networks and transcription factor regulatory networks. The hub biomarkers were found to have a high diagnostic value by ROC; thus, a diagnostic model with high diagnostic efficiency was constructed. The diagnostic value was mutually confirmed in the two data sets. Conclusion Four cortisol‐related hub biomarkers are identified in this study, which provides new ideas for the key changes of cortisol during the occurrence of IS.
Evaluating the contribution of historical and contemporary temperature to the oospore production of self‐fertile Phytophthora infestans

Abstract Reproductive systems play an important role in the ecological function of species, but little is known about how climate change, such as global warming, may affect the reproductive systems of microbes. In this study, 116 Phytophthora infestans isolates sampled from five different altitudes along a mountain were evaluated under five temperature regimes to determine the effects of historical and experimental temperature on the reproductive system of the pathogen. Both altitude, a proxy for historical pathogen adaptation to temperature, and temperature used in the experiment affected the sexual reproduction of the pathogen, with experimental temperature, that is, contemporary temperature, playing a role several times more important than historical temperature. Furthermore, the potential of sexual reproduction, measured by the number of oospores quantified, increased with the temperature breadth (i.e., difference between the highest and lowest temperature at which sexual reproduction takes place) of the pathogen and reached the maximum at the experimental temperature of 21°C, which is higher than the annual average temperature in many potato‐producing areas. The results suggest that rising air temperature associated with global warming may increase the potential of sexual reproduction in P. infestans. Given the importance of sexuality in pathogenicity and ecological adaptation of pathogens, these results suggest that global warming may increase the threat of P. infestans to agricultural production and other ecological services and highlight that new epidemiological strategies may need to be implemented for future food security and ecological resilience.
The use of colonic stents as a bridge to surgery in malignant colonic obstruction – A dual trust experience over 10 years

Introduction Worldwide colonic cancer is the third most common cancer with up to 30% of cases presenting with large bowel obstruction. Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) have been used as a bridge to surgery (BTS) in the treatment of this malignant obstruction. We review the outcomes of SEMS as a BTS across two high volume colorectal units. Methodology A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery was performed; outcomes were compared to previously published figures on emergency colonic resections. Inclusion criteria were adults (>18 years of age) undergoing colonic stenting for colonic obstruction with a view to elective resection. Patients undergoing stenting for palliation of symptoms were excluded. Results 39 patients were identified across both trusts over a ten-year period. 90 day mortality following BTS was found to be 3.6% and there was an 82.1% (32/39) technical success rate. 46.4% proceeded to an elective resection which was started laparoscopically. Permanent stoma rate was observed at 14.3% for elective surgery. Conclusion Stenting for relief of acute malignant obstruction as a bridge to surgery is a viable option in select patients. Further research is required to determine oncological safety and rate of local recurrences.
Evaluating protein cross-linking as a therapeutic strategy to stabilize SOD1 variants in a mouse model of familial ALS

Mutations in the gene encoding Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) cause a subset of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS) cases. A shared effect of these mutations is that SOD1, which is normally a stable dimer, dissociates into toxic monomers that seed toxic aggregates. Considerable research effort has been devoted to developing compounds that stabilize the dimer of fALS SOD1 variants, but unfortunately, this has not yet resulted in a treatment. We hypothesized that cyclic thiosulfinate cross-linkers, which selectively target a rare, 2 cysteine-containing motif, can stabilize fALS-causing SOD1 variants in vivo. We created a library of chemically diverse cyclic thiosulfinates and determined structure-cross-linking-activity relationships. A pre-lead compound, “S-XL6,” was selected based upon its cross-linking rate and drug-like properties. Co-crystallographic structure clearly establishes the binding of S-XL6 at Cys 111 bridging the monomers and stabilizing the SOD1 dimer. Biophysical studies reveal that the degree of stabilization afforded by S-XL6 (up to 24°C) is unprecedented for fALS, and to our knowledge, for any protein target of any kinetic stabilizer. Gene silencing and protein degrading therapeutic approaches require careful dose titration to balance the benefit of diminished fALS SOD1 expression with the toxic loss-of-enzymatic function. We show that S-XL6 does not share this liability because it rescues the activity of fALS SOD1 variants. No pharmacological agent has been proven to bind to SOD1 in vivo. Here, using a fALS mouse model, we demonstrate oral bioavailability; rapid engagement of SOD1G93A by S-XL6 that increases SOD1G93A’s in vivo half-life; and that S-XL6 crosses the blood–brain barrier. S-XL6 demonstrated a degree of selectivity by avoiding off-target binding to plasma proteins. Taken together, our results indicate that cyclic thiosulfinate-mediated SOD1 stabilization should receive further attention as a potential therapeutic approach for fALS.
Agreeableness modulates mental state decoding: Electrophysiological evidence

Abstract Agreeableness is one of the five personality traits which is associated with theory of mind (ToM) abilities. One of the critical processes involved in ToM is the decoding of emotional cues. In the present study, we investigated whether this process is modulated by agreeableness using electroencephalography (EEG) while taking into account task complexity and sex differences that are expected to moderate the relationship between emotional decoding and agreeableness. This approach allowed us to identify at which stage of the neural processing agreeableness kicks in, in order to distinguish the impact on early, perceptual processes from slower, inferential processing. Two tasks were employed and submitted to 62 participants during EEG recording: the reading the mind in the eyes (RME) task, requiring the decoding of complex mental states from eye expressions, and the biological (e)motion task, involving the perception of basic emotional actions through point‐light body stimuli. Event‐related potential (ERP) results showed a significant correlation between agreeableness and the contrast for emotional and non‐emotional trials in a late time window only during the RME task. Specifically, higher levels of agreeableness were associated with a deeper neural processing of emotional versus non‐emotional trials within the whole and male samples. In contrast, the modulation in females was negligible. The source analysis highlighted that this ERP‐agreeableness association engages the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Our findings expand previous research on personality and social processing and confirm that sex modulates this relationship.