Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Multifunctional Roles of Polyphenols in Plant-Herbivore Interactions

There is no argument to the fact that insect herbivores cause significant losses to plant productivity in both natural and agricultural ecosystems. To counter this continuous onslaught, plants have evolved a suite of direct and indirect, constitutive and induced, chemical and physical defenses, and secondary metabolites are a key group that facilitates these defenses. Polyphenols—widely distributed in flowering plants—are the major group of such biologically active secondary metabolites. Recent advances in analytical chemistry and metabolomics have provided an opportunity to dig deep into extraction and quantification of plant-based natural products with insecticidal/insect deterrent activity, a potential sustainable pest management strategy. However, we currently lack an updated review of their multifunctional roles in insect-plant interactions, especially focusing on their insect deterrent or antifeedant properties. This review focuses on the role of polyphenols in plant-insect interactions and plant defenses including their structure, induction, regulation, and their anti-feeding and toxicity effects. Details on mechanisms underlying these interactions and localization of these compounds are discussed in the context of insect-plant interactions, current findings, and potential avenues for future research in this area.
Improved exclusive breastfeeding rates in preterm infants after a neonatal nurse training program focusing on six breastfeeding-supportive clinical practices.

BACKGROUND Early breast milk expression, prolonged skin-to-skin contact, rooming-in, use of test-weighing and minimizing use of pacifiers are positively associated with exclusive breastfeeding of preterm infants, whereas use of nipple shields is negatively associated. AIM To test whether a training program for neonatal nurses with a focus on these six breastfeeding-supportive clinical practices affects the rate of preterm infants exclusively breastfed at discharge to home, the postmenstrual age at establishment of exclusive breastfeeding, and maternal self-reported use of the practice in the neonatal intensive care unit, the. METHODS A quasi-experimental multi-centre intervention study from 2016-2019 including a control group of 420 preterm mother-infant dyads, an intervention with a training program for neonatal nurses and implementation of weekly breastfeeding meetings for neonatal nurses, and an intervention group of 494 preterm mother-infant dyads. RESULTS Significantly more preterm infants in the intervention group were exclusively breastfed at discharge to home (66.6%) than in the control group (58.1%) p = 0.008. There was no significant difference in postmenstrual age at establishment of exclusive breastfeeding between control and intervention group (37.5 vs.37.8 weeks, p = 0.073). Compared to the control group the number of infants continuing daily skin-to-skin contact after incubator care increased (83.2% vs. 88.3%, p = 0.035), infants using a nipple shield decreased (61.8% vs. 54.2%, p = 0.029), and the number of mothers initiating breast milk expression before six hours post-partum increased (32.6% vs. 42.4%, p = 0.007). There was a significant correlation between percentage of neonatal nurses participating in the breastfeeding training program and changes in exclusive breastfeeding rates (Pearson Correlation 0.638, p = 0.047). CONCLUSION Exclusive breastfeeding rates in preterm infants and maternal self-reported use of breastfeeding-supportive practices increased by training neonatal nurses in the six clinical practices. It is important to include all nurses in the breastfeeding training program to ensure positive effect on exclusive breastfeeding rates.
Beneficial effects of choir singing on cognition and well-being of older adults: Evidence from a cross-sectional study

Background and objectives Choir singing has been associated with better mood and quality of life (QOL) in healthy older adults, but little is known about its potential cognitive benefits in aging. In this study, our aim was to compare the subjective (self-reported) and objective (test-based) cognitive functioning of senior choir singers and matched control subjects, coupled with assessment of mood, QOL, and social functioning. Research design and methods We performed a cross-sectional questionnaire study in 162 healthy older (age ≥ 60 years) adults (106 choir singers, 56 controls), including measures of cognition, mood, social engagement, QOL, and role of music in daily life. The choir singers were divided to low (1–10 years, N = 58) and high (>10 years, N = 48) activity groups based on years of choir singing experience throughout their life span. A subcohort of 74 participants (39 choir singers, 35 controls) were assessed also with a neuropsychological testing battery. Results In the neuropsychological testing, choir singers performed better than controls on the verbal flexibility domain of executive function, but not on other cognitive domains. In questionnaires, high activity choir singers showed better social integration than controls and low activity choir singers. In contrast, low activity choir singers had better general health than controls and high activity choir singers. Discussion and implications In healthy older adults, regular choir singing is associated with better verbal flexibility. Long-standing choir activity is linked to better social engagement and more recently commenced choir activity to better general health.
Chromosome 17q12-21 Variants are Associated with Multiple Wheezing Phenotypes in Childhood.

RATIONALE Birth cohort studies have identified several temporal patterns of wheezing, only some of which are associated with asthma. Whether 17q12-21 genetic variants, which are closely associated with asthma, are also associated with childhood wheezing phenotypes remains poorly explored. OBJECTIVES Our goal was to determine whether wheezing phenotypes, defined by latent class analysis (LCA), are associated with nine 17q12-21 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and if so, whether these relationships differ by race/ancestry. METHODS Data from seven US birth cohorts (n=3786) from the Children's Respiratory Research and Environment Workgroup (CREW) were harmonized to represent whether subjects wheezed in each year of life from birth until age 11 years. LCA was then performed to identify wheeze phenotypes. Genetic associations between SNPs and wheeze phenotypes were assessed separately in European American (EA, n=1308), and for the first time, in African American (AA, n=620) children. RESULTS The LCA best supported four latent classes of wheeze: Infrequent, Transient, Late-onset, and Persistent. Odds of belonging to any of the three wheezing classes (vs Infrequent) increased with the risk alleles for multiple SNPs in EA children. Only one SNP, rs2305480, showed increased odds of belonging to any wheezing class in both AA and EA children. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that 17q12-21 is a "wheezing locus" and this association may reflect an early life susceptibility to respiratory viruses common to all wheezing children. Which children will have their symptoms remit or reoccur during childhood may be independent of the influence of rs2305480.
Physical and Sensory Properties of Block Processed Cheese with Formulated Emulsifying Salt Mixtures

Abstract Various emulsifying salt mixtures were used in making block type processed cheeses. Ras cheese was used as the cheese base with two salt mixtures: (i) Na-diphosphate + Na-polyphosphate + Na-tripolyphosphate and (ii) Na-poly-phosphate + Na-citrate + Na-orthophosphate + Na-diphosphate comparing to commercial salts Joha SE and PZO respectively. The resultant processed cheeses were analyzed when fresh and monthly during storage at 7 and 20°C for water activity (a w ), oil separation, meltability, flow behavior, color parameters, and sensory properties. There were no significant differences in water activity values among all treatments. The differences were significant in oil index and meltability values. The samples exhibited different shear stress values and it was highest in treatments with commercial salts. Consistency coefficient (k-value) of processed cheese samples was affected by emulsifying salt mixture being almost two folds higher with salt mixtures (i) than those of salt mixtures (ii). The color parameters L, a, b, Chroma and hue angle showed slight differences among treatments and the cheese was shinier and whiter with increasing pyrophosphate content in the salt mixture. The stored samples became less white especially when stored at room temperature (20°C). Sensory evaluation showed that all cheeses were acceptable but the most acceptable samples were produced with mixtures in the ratio of (i) 30:40:30 and (ii) 50:20:20:10.
Stroke, Timing of Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosis, and Risk of Death

Objective To evaluate the prognosis of patients with ischemic stroke according to the timing of an atrial fibrillation (AF) diagnosis, we created an inception cohort of incident stroke events and compared the risk of death between patients with stroke with (1) sinus rhythm, (2) known AF (KAF), and (3) AF diagnosed after stroke (AFDAS). Methods We used the Penn AF Free study to create an inception cohort of patients with incident stroke. Mortality events were identified after linkage with the National Death Index through June 30, 2017. We also evaluated initiation of anticoagulants and antiplatelets across the study duration. Cox proportional hazards models evaluated associations between stroke subtypes and death. Results We identified 1,489 individuals who developed an incident ischemic stroke event: 985 did not develop AF at any point during the study period, 215 had KAF before stroke, 160 had AF detected ≤6 months after stroke, and 129 had AF detected >6 months after stroke. After a median follow-up of 4.9 years (interquartile range 1.9–6.8), 686 deaths occurred. The annualized mortality rate was 8.8% in the stroke, no AF group; 12.2% in the KAF group; 15.8% in the AFDAS ≤6 months group; and 12.7% in the AFDAS >6 months group. Patients in the AFDAS ≤6 months group had the highest independent risk of all-cause mortality even after multivariable adjustment for demographics, clinical risk factors, and the use of antithrombotic therapies (hazard ratio 1.62 [1.22–2.14]). Compared to the stroke, no AF group, those with KAF had a higher mortality risk that was rendered nonsignificant after adjustment. Conclusions The AFDAS group had the highest risk of death, which was not explained by comorbidities or use of antithrombotic therapies.
Associations between smoking, sex hormone levels and late-onset hypogonadism in men differ depending on age

Few studies have investigated whether associations between smoking, sex hormone levels, and symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) in men are affected by age. This multi-center, cross-sectional study involving 6,296 men aged 40-79 years was conducted between June 1, 2013 and August 31, 2016 in 6 provinces of China. Total testosterone, free testosterone, and Aging Males’ Symptoms scale (AMS) scores were compared depending on smoking status and the number of cigarettes smoked. Total testosterone was higher in smokers than in non-smokers in all except the 70-79 year old subgroup. Free testosterone was higher in smokers than non-smokers for the 40-49 and 50-59 year old subgroups, but not the 60-69 and 70-79 year old subgroups. Total testosterone was positively associated with number of cigarettes consumed in smokers aged 40-49 and 50-59 years. Sexual and somatic AMS scores were higher in current and ex-smokers than in non-smokers in all age subgroups from 40 to 79 years and were negatively associated with cigarette consumption in smokers aged 40-49 years. These results indicate that, as men age, the positive association between smoking and testosterone weakens, while the positive association between smoking and LOH symptoms becomes stronger.
Comparing Payments Between Sociobehavioral and Biomedical Studies in a Large Research University in Southern California

Given the dearth of regulatory guidance and empirical research on practices of providing payments to research participants, our study aimed to examine whether there were significant differences in payment amounts between sociobehavioral and biomedical studies and to examine study factors that may explain payment differences. This study reviewed 100 sociobehavioral and 31 biomedical protocols. Results showed that both biomedical studies and sociobehavioral studies had a wide variation of payments and, on average, the biomedical studies paid significantly more. Additionally, more biomedical studies offered payment than sociobehavioral studies. The primary factors that explained differences in payment amounts between sociobehavioral and biomedical studies were the number of study visits, study time, participation type, risk level, and research method. These findings provide pilot data to help inform future ethical decision-making and guidance regarding payment practices.
Advances in Unmanned Aerial System Remote Sensing for Precision Viticulture

New technologies for management, monitoring, and control of spatio-temporal crop variability in precision viticulture scenarios are numerous. Remote sensing relies on sensors able to provide useful data for the improvement of management efficiency and the optimization of inputs. unmanned aerial systems (UASs) are the newest and most versatile tools, characterized by high precision and accuracy, flexibility, and low operating costs. The work aims at providing a complete overview of the application of UASs in precision viticulture, focusing on the different application purposes, the applied equipment, the potential of technologies combined with UASs for identifying vineyards’ variability. The review discusses the potential of UASs in viticulture by distinguishing five areas of application: rows segmentation and crop features detection techniques; vineyard variability monitoring; estimation of row area and volume; disease detection; vigor and prescription maps creation. Technological innovation and low purchase costs make UASs the core tools for decision support in the customary use by winegrowers. The ability of the systems to respond to the current demands for the acquisition of digital technologies in agricultural fields makes UASs a candidate to play an increasingly important role in future scenarios of viticulture application.
Plant Phosphorus Availability in Latosols and Luvisols from Northeastern Semi-arid Brazil

Phosphorus (P) availability to plants in samples of soil horizons of up-, mid-, and downslope positions of three toposequences of Latosols and three of Luvisols from Northeastern semi-arid Brazil was evaluated cultivating brachiaria grass, in pots, during 4 months. Plant uptake was compared to changes in soil P fractions, determined before and after cropping, by a modified Hedley sequential extraction in the following order: resin-P, NaHCO3–P (inorganic and organic), NaOH–P (inorganic and organic), H2SO4–P, and H2SO4/H2O2 digestion (residual P). In general, different horizons and slope positions of the same soil classes had similar P fraction decreases with cultivation. Readily available inorganic P fractions (resin and NaHCO3) were the most depleted ones (40–90% and 43–76% of the original P, respectively). Luvisol samples had significantly larger readily available inorganic P decreases than Latosol ones but differences in total P decreases were not significant. Inorganic fractions losses were higher at the surface, whereas losses of organic fractions were higher at subsurface horizons. In both soil classes, dry matter production and plant P uptake were highly correlated to the decreases in readily available inorganic P fractions.
Mental Health and Health Risk Behaviors of Active Duty Sexual Minority and Transgender Service Members in the United States Military.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine health risk behaviors and mental health outcomes among sexual minority and transgender active duty military service members and their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. Methods: Participants (N = 544) were recruited by using respondent-driven sampling between August 2017 and March 2018 and completed an online survey by using validated measures of cigarette smoking, alcohol use, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidality. Bayesian random intercept multiple logistic regressions were used to understand differences between sexual minority participants and heterosexual participants as well as between transgender participants and both their cisgender sexual minority and cisgender heterosexual peers. Results: Cisgender sexual minority women service members were more likely to meet criteria for problematic alcohol use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 10.11) and cigarette smoking (aOR = 7.12) than cisgender heterosexual women. Cisgender sexual minority men had greater odds of suicidality (aOR = 4.73) than their cisgender heterosexual counterparts. Transgender service members had greater odds of anxiety, PTSD, depression, and suicidality than their cisgender peers. Conclusion: Military researchers and policymakers who seek to improve the overall health and well-being of sexual minority and transgender service members should consider programs and policies that are tailored to specific health outcomes and unique sexual minority and transgender subgroups.
Relapse and post-discharge body composition of children treated for acute malnutrition using a simplified, combined protocol: A nested cohort from the ComPAS RCT.

INTRODUCTION Severe and moderate acute malnutrition (SAM and MAM) affect more than 50 million children worldwide yet 80% of these children do not access care. The Combined Protocol for Acute Malnutrition Study (ComPAS) trial assessed the effectiveness of a simplified, combined SAM/MAM protocol for children aged 6-59 months and found non-inferior recovery compared to standard care. To further inform policy, this study assessed post-discharge outcomes of children treated with this novel protocol in Kenya. METHODS Six 'combined' protocol clinics treated SAM and MAM children using an optimised mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC)-based dose of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF). Six 'standard care' clinics treated SAM with weight-based RUTF rations; MAM with ready-to-use supplementary food (RUSF). Four months post-discharge, we assessed anthropometry, recent history of illness, and body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Data was analysed using multivariable linear regression, adjusted for age, sex and allowing for clustering by clinic. RESULTS We sampled 850 children (median age 18 months, IQR 15-23); 44% of the original trial sample in Kenya. Children treated with the combined protocol had similar anthropometry, fat-free mass, fat mass, skinfold thickness z-scores, and frequency of common illnesses 4 months post-discharge compared the standard protocol. Mean subscapular skinfold z-scores were close to the global norm (standard care: 0.24; combined 0.27). There was no significant difference in odds of relapse between protocols (SAM, 3% vs 3%, OR = 1.0 p = 0.75; MAM, 10% vs 12%, OR = 0.90 p = 0.34). CONCLUSIONS Despite the lower dosage of RUTF for most SAM children in the combined protocol, their anthropometry and relapse rates at 4 months post-discharge were similar to standard care. MAM children treated with RUTF had similar body composition to those treated with RUSF and neither group exhibited excess adiposity. These results add further evidence that a combined protocol is as effective as standard care with no evidence of adverse effects post-discharge. A simplified, combined approach could treat more children, stretch existing resources further, and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal Two.
Potential Application of Cardiac Computed Tomography for Early Detection of Coronary Atherosclerosis: From Calcium Score to Advanced Atherosclerosis Analysis

In the present article, an overview of advanced analysis of coronary atherosclerosis by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is provided, focusing on the potential application of this technique in a primary prevention setting. Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) has a well-demonstrated prognostic value even in a primary prevention setting; however, fibro-fatty, high-risk coronary plaque may be missed by this tool. On the contrary, even if not recommended for primary prevention in the general population, CCTA may enable early high-risk atherosclerosis detection, and specific subgroups of patients may benefit from its application. However, further studies are needed to determine the possible use of CCTA in a primary prevention setting.
Machine Learning–Based Early Warning Systems for Clinical Deterioration: Systematic Scoping Review

Background Timely identification of patients at a high risk of clinical deterioration is key to prioritizing care, allocating resources effectively, and preventing adverse outcomes. Vital signs–based, aggregate-weighted early warning systems are commonly used to predict the risk of outcomes related to cardiorespiratory instability and sepsis, which are strong predictors of poor outcomes and mortality. Machine learning models, which can incorporate trends and capture relationships among parameters that aggregate-weighted models cannot, have recently been showing promising results. Objective This study aimed to identify, summarize, and evaluate the available research, current state of utility, and challenges with machine learning–based early warning systems using vital signs to predict the risk of physiological deterioration in acutely ill patients, across acute and ambulatory care settings. Methods PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched for peer-reviewed, original studies with keywords related to “vital signs,” “clinical deterioration,” and “machine learning. ” Included studies used patient vital signs along with demographics and described a machine learning model for predicting an outcome in acute and ambulatory care settings. Data were extracted following PRISMA, TRIPOD, and Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. Results We identified 24 peer-reviewed studies from 417 articles for inclusion; 23 studies were retrospective, while 1 was prospective in nature. Care settings included general wards, intensive care units, emergency departments, step-down units, medical assessment units, postanesthetic wards, and home care. Machine learning models including logistic regression, tree-based methods, kernel-based methods, and neural networks were most commonly used to predict the risk of deterioration. The area under the curve for models ranged from 0.57 to 0.97. Conclusions In studies that compared performance, reported results suggest that machine learning–based early warning systems can achieve greater accuracy than aggregate-weighted early warning systems but several areas for further research were identified. While these models have the potential to provide clinical decision support, there is a need for standardized outcome measures to allow for rigorous evaluation of performance across models. Further research needs to address the interpretability of model outputs by clinicians, clinical efficacy of these systems through prospective study design, and their potential impact in different clinical settings.