Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in plant inputs alter soil carbon and microbial communities in forest ecosystems

Global changes can alter plant inputs from both above‐ and belowground, which, thus, may differently affect soil carbon and microbial communities. However, the general patterns of how plant input changes affect them in forests remain unclear. By conducting a meta‐analysis of 3193 observations from 166 experiments worldwide, we found that alterations in aboveground litter and/or root inputs had profound effects on soil carbon and microbial communities in forest ecosystems. Litter addition stimulated soil organic carbon (SOC) pools and microbial biomass, whereas removal of litter, roots or both (no inputs) decreased them. The increased SOC under litter addition suggested that aboveground litter inputs benefit SOC sequestration despite accelerated decomposition. Unlike root removal, litter alterations and no inputs altered particulate organic carbon, whereas all detrital treatments did not significantly change mineral‐associated organic carbon. In addition, detrital treatments contrastingly altered soil microbial community, with litter addition or removal shifting it toward fungi, whereas root removal shifting it toward bacteria. Furthermore, the responses of soil carbon and microbial biomass to litter alterations positively correlated with litter input rate and total litter input, suggesting that litter input quantity is a critical controller of belowground processes. Taken together, these findings provide critical insights into understanding how altered plant productivity and allocation affects soil carbon cycling, microbial communities and functioning of forest ecosystems under global changes. Future studies can take full advantage of the existing plant detritus experiments and should focus on the relative roles of litter and roots in forming SOC and its fractions.
Thermal adaptation occurs in the respiration and growth of widely distributed bacteria

Soil microbial respiration is an important factor in regulating carbon (C) exchange between the soil and atmosphere. Thermal adaptation of soil microorganisms will lead to a weakening of the positive feedback between climate warming and soil respiration. The thermal adaptation of microbial communities and fungal species has been proven. However, studies on the thermal adaptation of bacterial species, the most important decomposers in the soil, are still lacking. Here, we isolated six species of widely distributed dominant bacteria and studied the effects of constant warming and temperature fluctuations on those species. The results showed that constant warming caused a downregulation of respiratory temperature sensitivity (Q10) of the bacterial species, accompanied by an elevation of the minimum temperature (Tmin) required for growth. Similar results were seen with the addition of temperature fluctuations, suggesting that both scenarios caused a significant thermal adaptation among the bacterial species. Fluctuating and increasing temperatures are considered an important component of future warming. Therefore, the inclusion of physiological responses of bacteria to these changes is essential to understand relationships between microbiota and temperature and enhance the prediction of global soil–atmosphere C feedbacks.
Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators: long-term results of the EFFORTLESS study

Abstract Aims To report 5-year outcomes of EFFORTLESS registry patients with early generation subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) devices. Methods and results Kaplan–Meier, trend and multivariable analyses were performed for mortality and late (years 2–5) complications, appropriate shock (AS) and inappropriate shock (IAS) rates. Nine hundred and eighty-four of 994 enrolled patients with diverse diagnoses (28% female, 48 ± 17 years, body mass index 27 ± 6 kg/m2, ejection fraction 43 ± 18%) underwent S-ICD implantation. Median follow-up was 5.1 years (interquartile range 4.7–5.5 years). All-cause mortality was 9.3% (95% confidence interval 7.2–11.3%) at 5 years; 703 patients remained in follow-up on study completion, 171 withdrew including 87 (8.8%) with device explanted, and 65 (6.6%) lost to follow-up. Of the explants, only 20 (2.0%) patients needed a transvenous device for pacing indications. First and final shock efficacy for discrete ventricular arrhythmias was consistent at 90% and 98%, respectively, with storm episode final shock efficacy at 95.2%. Time to therapy remained unaltered. Overall 1- and 5-year complication rates were 8.9% and 15.2%, respectively. Early complications did not predict later complications. There were no structural lead failures. Inappropriate shock rates at 1 and 5 years were 8.7% and 16.9%, respectively. Self-terminating inappropriately sensed episodes predicted late IAS. Predictors of late AS included self-terminating appropriately sensed episodes and earlier AS. Conclusion In this diverse S-ICD registry population, spontaneous shock efficacy was consistently high over 5 years. Very few patients underwent S-ICD replacement with a transvenous device for pacing indications. Treated and self-terminating arrhythmic episodes predict future shock events, which should encourage more personalized device optimization.
Salivary Cortisol Values and Personality Features of Atopic Dermatitis Patients: A Prospective Study

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) patients commonly experience psychological stress and impaired psychosocial functioning. Objective The aim of this study was to compare patients' salivary cortisol levels with AD severity and other associated stress-related psychological measures/parameters. Methods This prospective study analyzed salivary cortisol levels (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) in 84 AD patients (42 symptomatic patients and 42 asymptomatic patients). Each subject filled out the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, and the Crown-Crisp Experiential Index, which concerns personality features. Results Increased cortisol values were found in both groups and were not dependent on disease severity (Scoring Atopic Dermatitis [SCORAD]) and PSS. Patients with severe AD had significantly lower cortisol levels than those with moderate and mild AD (P = 0.042). The PSS levels were not dependent on SCORAD but correlated with the perceived effect of AD on emotional states (Illness Perception Questionnaire 8), personality traits, anxiety, and depression (P < 0.001). Conclusions The severity of perceived stress in AD patients is not adequately measured by salivary cortisol levels nor SCORAD; it does, however, correlate with the impact of AD on patients' emotional states and personality features (anxiety, depression). All AD patients, regardless of disease severity, should be assessed for impacts of stress, and a multidisciplinary approach should address mental wellness.
Comparison of the postoperative anti-inflammatory efficacy of chlorhexidine, saline rinses and herbal mouthwashes after mechanical debridement in patients with peri-implant mucositis: A randomized controlled trial.

AIM The null hypothesis is that there is no difference in the post-operative anti-inflammatory efficacy of chlorhexidine (CHX), 2% saline rinses (SR) and a herbal mouthwash (MW) after non-surgical mechanical debridement (MD) for treatment of peri-implant mucositis (PiM). The aim was to compare the post-operative anti-inflammatory efficacy of CHX, 2% SR and a herbal oral rinse after non-surgical MD of PiM. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present randomized controlled trial had a single-blinded parallel arm design. Patients diagnosed with PiM were enrolled. Demographic information were recorded. All patients underwent MD and were randomly divided into 4 groups: CHX-group: 0.12% non-alcoholic CHX; Sodium chloride (NaCl) group: 2% NaCl rinses; Herbal MW group: Herbal-based MW; and H2 O group: distilled water with peppermint flavor. After MD, all participants were advised to rinse twice daily (every 12 hrs) for 2-weeks with their respective MWs. In all groups, peri-implant modified plaque index (mPI), modified gingival index (mGI), and probing depth (PD) were measured at baseline and at 12-weeks of follow-up. Sample-size was estimated using data from a pilot investigation; and group-comparisons were performed. Statistical significance was confirmed when P-values were below 0.01. RESULTS Sixty individuals (15 patients/group) were included. At baseline, mPI, mGI, and PD were comparable in all groups. At baseline, there was no significant difference in peri-implant mPI, mGI and PD in all groups. At 12-weeks' follow-up, there was a statistically significant reduction in peri-implant mPI (P< 0.01), mGI (P< 0.01) and PD (P< 0.01) in CHX, NaCl and herbal MW groups compared with H2 O group. There was no significant relation between implant location, duration for which, implants were functional, gender and peri-implant clinical parameters in all groups. CONCLUSION After non-surgical MD, post-operative use of CHX and herbal and NaCl MWs is useful for the management of PiM in the short-term.
Non‐canonical bivalent H3K4me3K9me3 recognition by Spindlin1/C11orf84 complex

Bivalent chromatin with active H3K4me3 and repressive H3K27me3 was initially identified in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to poise expression of developmental genes upon lineage commitment. Since then, many more different bivalent modifications have been demonstrated in both ESCs and fully differentiated cells. Bivalency not only spatiotemporally controls gene transcription but also acts to fine‐tune the level of transcription during development. Although increasing number of studies demonstrated the functional significance of bivalent chromatin, the molecular connection of bivalent chromatin and transcriptional regulation remains largely elusive. Recently, we showed Spindlin1/C11orf84 complex prefers to recognize the non‐canonical histone H3K4me3K9me3 bivalent mark, which is required for timely ribosomal RNA transcription. Here, we hypothesize the recognition of K4me3 and K9me3 at the same histone tail by Spindlin1/C11orf84 complex may serve as a general mechanism of conversion from a repressed to an active chromatin structure for transcriptional activation.
Local contractions regulate E-cadherin rigidity sensing

E-cadherin is a major cell-cell adhesion molecule involved in mechanotransduction at cell-cell contacts in tissues. Because epithelial cells respond to rigidity and tension in tissue through E-cadherin, there must be active processes that test and respond to the mechanical properties of these adhesive contacts. Using submicrometer, E-cadherin–coated polydimethylsiloxane pillars, we find that cells generate local contractions between E-cadherin adhesions and pull to a constant distance for a constant duration, irrespective of pillar rigidity. These cadherin contractions require nonmuscle myosin IIB, tropomyosin 2.1, α-catenin, and binding of vinculin to α-catenin. Cells spread to different areas on soft and rigid surfaces with contractions, but spread equally on soft and rigid without. We further observe that cadherin contractions enable cells to test myosin IIA–mediated tension of neighboring cells and sort out myosin IIA–depleted cells. Thus, we suggest that epithelial cells test and respond to the mechanical characteristics of neighboring cells through cadherin contractions.
Kindergarten-Based Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training Enhances Attention and Executive Functioning: A Randomized Controlled Trial

In the present study, we assessed the impact of kindergarten-based progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) on attention and executive functioning of 5–6-year-old children. In this randomized-controlled trial, 52 children (26 female; 26 male; M age = 5.4, SD = 0.2 years) from two private Tunisian kindergartens were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Over 12 weeks, 18 children performed PMR in two 30-minute sessions/week, another 17 children performed generic physical education (PE) for two 30-minute sessions/week, and 17 children in a control group (CG) had no systematically guided physical activity and engaged in usual self-chosen activities like free play or artisanal activities during kindergarten hours. Prior to (T0) and after (T1) the 12-week PMR intervention, all participants completed the Visuomotor Precision and Statue subtests of the Neuropsychological Evaluation Battery (NEPSY-2), the Teddy Bear Cancellation Test, and the Rey Simple Figure Test. Although there were no significant group differences at T0, repeated measures analysis of variance revealed higher scores for the PMR group relative to both the PE and CG groups on measures of attention, visuomotor precision, memory, and motor inhibition. PMR provided an effective relaxation technique and enhanced attention and executive functioning of these 5–6-year-old children, with important implications for assisting learning and academic achievement among young children.
Bereavement Practices Among Head and Neck Cancer Surgeons

Head and neck cancer surgeons frequently interact with dying patients with advanced disease and their families, but little is known about their bereavement practices after a patient's death. The aim of this study is to elucidate the frequency of common bereavement practices, cited barriers to bereavement, and predictive physician factors that lead to an increase in bereavement practices among head and neck cancer surgeons.
Glycated Albumin and Risk of Mortality in the US Adult Population.

BACKGROUND Glycated albumin is of growing interest as an alternative biomarker of glycemia. However, the association of glycated albumin with long-term outcomes in the general population is uncharacterized. We evaluated the associations of glycated albumin and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) with mortality in US adults. METHODS We conducted a prospective analysis of 12 915 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004. We used Cox regression to characterize associations of glycated albumin and HbA1c with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality through 2014. We categorized glycated albumin based on percentiles corresponding to clinical cut-points for HbA1c. No diagnosed diabetes: <5.0% (<12th percentile), 5.0% to 5.6% (12th-82nd percentile, reference), 5.7% to 6.4% (83rd-97th percentile), and ≥6.5% (≥98th percentile). Diagnosed diabetes: <7.0% (<50th percentile), 7.0% to 8.9% (50th-83rd percentile), and ≥9.0% (≥84th percentile). RESULTS Among US adults (mean age 46 years), the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes was 6.8%. Glycated albumin and HbA1c were highly correlated (r = 0.76). Over the median 16.8 years follow-up, there were 2818 deaths (652 cardiovascular). Adults with diagnosed diabetes and glycated albumin ≥84th percentile had the highest risk for all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 3.96, 95% CI 3.06-5.13] and cardiovascular mortality (HR 6.80, 95% CI 4.20-11.03). HbA1c had associations with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality that were similar to those for glycated albumin. CONCLUSIONS Among US adults, increased values of glycated albumin and HbA1c were associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, particularly in persons with diagnosed diabetes. Glycated albumin may be a useful alternative test of glycemia.
Insights into agar and secondary metabolite pathways from the genome of the red alga Gracilaria domingensis (Rhodophyta, Gracilariales)

Gracilariales is a clade of florideophycean red macroalgae known for being the main source of agar. We present a de novo genome assembly and annotation of Gracilaria domingensis, an agarophyte alga with flattened thallus widely distributed along Central and South American Atlantic intertidal zones. In addition to structural analysis, an organizational comparison was done with other Rhodophyta genomes. The nuclear genome has 78 Mbp, with 11,437 predicted coding genes, 4,075 of which did not have hits in sequence databases. We also predicted 1,567 noncoding RNAs, distributed in 14 classes. The plastid and mitochondrion genome structures were also obtained. Genes related to agar synthesis were identified. Genes for type II galactose sulfurylases could not be found. Genes related to ascorbate synthesis were found. These results suggest an intricate connection of cell wall polysaccharide synthesis and the redox systems through the use of L‐galactose in Rhodophyta. The genome of G. domingensis should be valuable to phycological and aquacultural research, as it is the first tropical and Western Atlantic red macroalgal genome to be sequenced.
Curcumin Encapsulated into Biocompatible Co-Polymer PLGA Nanoparticle Enhanced Anti-Gastric Cancer and Anti-Helicobacter Pylori Effect

Background: The current disadvantages (high cost, toxicity, resistance) of chemotherapy for gastric cancer opted people for alternative therapy from natural source. Curcumin (natural product) possess multiple biological activities but low bio-availability limits their uses as therapeutic. The Nano-formulation of curcumin increased the bioavailability and productivity of anti-cancer and anti-bacterial properties. The present study was initiated to determine the anti-cancer and anti-bacterial effect of Nano curcumin against gastric cancer and H. pylori. Methods: Curcumin loaded PLGA nanoparticles (CUR-NPs) was prepared by single emulsion solvent evaporation method. The MIC were determined using agar dilution method to find the anti-H. Pylori activity of Nano curcumin. The cytotoxicity of Nano curcumin was evaluated by MTT assay and the apoptotic effect (cell cycle arrest and morphology change) was shown by PI staining and microscopy. Results: The MIC of nanocurcumin and curcumin for all four H. pylori strains were 8 µg/ml and 16 µg/ml respectively. The inhibition rate of gastric cancer cells after treatment with curcumin was increased from 6% to 67% for 24h, from 8% to 75% for 48h, from 10% to 83% for 72h. In case of nanocurcumin, the inhibition rate increased from 7% to 69% for 24h, 11% to 87% for 48h and 16% to 97% for 72h. The IC50 of curcumin and Nano-curcumin were 24.20 µM and 18.78 µM respectively for 72 h. The population of cells in sub-G0 population increased from 4.1% in the control group to 24.5% and 57.8% when treated with curcumin and nanocurcumin respectively. After 72h of treatment with nanocurcumin, the apoptotic cells population increased as compared to native curcumin treated cells. Conclusion: The Nano curcumin might be used as a potential therapeutics against gastric cancer and H. Pylori. There is need of further in vivo study in order to validate CUR-NPs activity.
An Investigation of Symptom Clusters and Sentinel Symptoms During the First 2 Cycles of Postoperative Chemotherapy in Patients With Lung Cancer

Background Lung cancer has the highest incidence and mortality of all cancers in China. Patients after a lobectomy experience serious physical and psychological symptoms during chemotherapy. Studies are lacking about symptom clusters (SCs) and sentinel symptoms during the postoperative chemotherapy period in lung cancer patients. Objective The aim of this study was to explore SCs and sentinel symptoms during cycles 1 and 2 of postoperative chemotherapy in patients with lung cancer. Methods Using a longitudinal study design, patients in treatment for lung cancer were measured at 2 separate points following a lobectomy: chemotherapy cycle 1 and chemotherapy cycle 2. The MD Anderson Symptom Inventory lung cancer–specific module and First Appearance of Symptoms Time Sheet were completed. Results A total of 180 postoperative patients with lung cancer participated in the study. Four SCs were identified at chemotherapy cycle 1: gastrointestinal SC, respiratory tract SC, psychological SC, and somatic SC. The sentinel symptoms were nausea, cough, sadness, and fatigue. At chemotherapy cycle 2, similar SCs were identified, with the exception of merging the psychological SC and somatic SC, resulting in 3 clusters: gastrointestinal SC, respiratory tract SC, and psychological-somatic SC. The sentinel symptoms were nausea, cough, and fatigue. Conclusions Symptom clusters and sentinel symptoms were stable during the first 2 cycles of postoperative chemotherapy in patients with lung cancer. Implications for Practice The understanding of SCs and sentinel symptoms could be beneficial to assess and manage both in postoperative patients with lung cancer during chemotherapy. Nurses should pay close attention to sentinel symptoms and develop effective interventions.
A Historic Review of the Role of CD4+ T-Cell Subsets in Development of the Immune Responses against Cutaneous and Visceral Leishmaniases

The heterogeneity of CD4+ T cells has been investigated since the late 1970s, when their Th1 and Th2 subsets were coined. Later studies on the cutaneous form of the Leishmaniasis were focused on the experimental models of Leishmania major infection using the susceptible BALB/c and the resistant C57BL/6 mice. At the early 21st century, the Treg subpopulation was introduced and its role in concomitant immunity, responsible for lifelong resistance of the host to the reinfection was proposed. Subsequent studies, mainly focused on the visceral form of the infection pointed to the role of IL-17, produced by Th17 subset of CD4+ T cells that along the neutrophils were shown to have important yet equivocal functions in protection against or exacerbation of the infection. Altogether, the current knowledge indicates that the above four subsets could orchestrate the immune, the regulatory and the inflammatory responses of the host against different forms of leishmaniases.
Variation in Functional Mobility Within Gross Motor Function Classification System Levels

Background and Objective: Variation in walking performance within Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels for patients with cerebral palsy (CP) is often unrecognized. The Functional Mobility Scale (FMS) rates mobility at household, school, and community distances. This study evaluated the variability of walking performance within GMFCS levels as measured by the FMS. Methods: Retrospective review of gait analysis records for ambulatory patients with CP. FMS rating distribution at each distance was examined for GMFCS levels I-IV within age groups (below 12 or above 12 y) and compared among levels using χ2 tests. Results: A total of 788 patients (499 male; age 11.2, SD 3.9 y) were included. FMS score distribution differed significantly among GMFCS levels for all distances (P<0.001). GMFCS Level: I—Children walked independently on all surfaces at home and school distances at all ages. In all, 5% to 7% used wheeled mobility in the community. II—Most walked at home and school distances. Some younger children crawled at home, and 5% to 8% of all subjects used walls and furniture. Approximately 50% of subjects in both age groups used some form of walking aids or a stroller/wheelchair in the community. III—Twenty-five percent to 30% walked unaided at home, requiring walking aids or wheeled mobility at school or in the community. Forty-five percent of younger and 18% of older subjects crawled at home. Eight percent of younger and 28% of older subjects used wheelchairs at school. Seventy-three percent to 75% of all subjects used strollers/wheelchairs in the community. IV—Sixty-two percent of younger and 43% of older subjects crawled at home. Approximately 15% of all subjects did some aided walking at home. Twenty-seven percent of younger children did some aided walking at school, while only 1 older subject did so. All used strollers/wheelchairs in the community. Conclusion: Mobility function varies within each GMFCS level with the most variability in GMFCS II at school and community distances and GMFCS III at household distances. These findings highlight the importance of using both the GMFCS and FMS when assessing functional mobility in children with CP. Level of Evidence: Level III—retrospective study.