Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Evaluation of Different Irrigation Protocols on Intracanal Smear Layer Removal in Teeth with or without Pre-Endodontic Proximal Wall Restoration

To investigate the influence of pre-endodontic coronal wall restoration on smear layer removal during different root canal irrigation strategies, single-root premolars were prepared with a mesio-occlusal cavity. Half were left untreated (G1), while the mesial walls of the remaining half were reconstructed using a resin composite (G2). The specimens were divided into control (ctrl) groups, which used the conventional needle irrigation method, and four experimental subgroups according to irrigation strategy: Sonic activation using the Endoactivator, sonic activation using the EQ-S, mechanical activation using the XP-Endo finisher, and ultrasonic activation using the EndoUltra. Smear layer removal was assessed through SEM and the results were statistically analyzed. At the coronal and middle thirds, no significant difference (p > 0.05) was detected for G1 and G2, except for the control subgroups (G1ctrl vs G2 ctrl) at the middle third. At the apical third, the smear layer removal was significantly greater for G2 than G1. In G1, both at the middle and apical level, EQ-S and EndoUltra showed greater smear layer removal (p < 0.05) compared to the others G1 subgroups. In G2, at the apical level, the EQ-S and EndoUltra were the most effective in smear layer removal. Pre-endodontic coronal wall restoration may improve the smear layer removal during root canal irrigation.
Post‐Soviet shifts in grazing and fire regimes changed the functional plant community composition on the Eurasian steppe

Globally, grasslands are shaped by grazing and fire, and grassland plants are adapted to these disturbances. However, temperate grasslands have been hotspots of land‐use change, and how such changes affect interrelations between herbivory, fire and vegetation are poorly understood. Such land‐use changes are widespread on the Eurasian steppe, where the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 triggered the abandonment of cropland and pasture on globally relevant scales. Thus, to determine how relationships between plant functional composition, grazing and fire patterns changed after the Soviet Union dissolved, we studied a 358,000 km2 region in the dry steppe of Kazakhstan, combining a large field dataset on plant functional traits with multi‐scale satellite data. We found that increases in burned area corresponded to decreases in livestock grazing across large areas. Furthermore, fires occurred more often with high cover of grasses with high leaf dry matter content and thus higher flammability, whereas higher grazing pressure favoured grazing‐tolerant woody forbs and ruderal plants with high specific leaf area. The current situation of low grazing pressure represents a historically exceptional, potentially non‐analogue state. We suggest that the dissolution of the Soviet Union caused the disturbance regime to shift from grazer to fire control. As grazing and fire each result in different plant functional compositions, we propose that this led to widespread increases in grasses and associated changes in steppe plant community structure. These changes have potentially occurred across an area of more than 2 million km2, representing much of the world's largest temperate grassland area, with globally relevant, yet poorly understood implications for biodiversity and ecosystem functions such as carbon cycling. Additionally, future steppe management must also consider positive implications of abandonment (‘rewilding’) because reverting the regime shift in disturbance and associated changes in vegetation would require grazing animals to be reintroduced across vast areas.
Dynamics of free-living and plant-parasitic nematodes on vegetables in Dhapa municipal waste of Kolkata, India

Abstract We investigated areas at the eastern fringe of Kolkata, Dhapa–a land filled with Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) land of West Bengal (India) for exploring nematode species diversity, abundance and dynamic at three sites practising different vegetable-based cropping sequences. The area sampled at monthly interval and the soil and root populations estimated at laboratory. The plant-parasitic nematode (PPN) species and free-living group (saprozoics) were estimated from soil. No differences in the diversity of nematode species and feeding groups among the sites in the MSW land were found but considerable variations in abundance and dynamics of PPNs were noted. All three sites at MSW, total PPNs outnumbered free-living nematodes in most of the samples but mononchids were less abundant. Saprozoic nematode index (SNI) was determined; SNI value was low (0.33–0.40) in this organic rich production system.
Patient Perceptions about Professional Dental Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Dental professionals are at high risk of being infected by and transmitting COVID-19 to patients. Patients’ perceived risk for infection and attitudes about receiving dental care during the pandemic are important to understand as patients consider returning to routine dental care as the pandemic progresses. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore dental patients’ perceptions of susceptibility to contracting COVID-19, their related attitudes and beliefs regarding dental care visits, and their considerations for returning to routine care during and after the pandemic. Method: Data for this cross-sectional study came from an electronic survey of 464 US adults. Survey variables include demographics, dental hygiene behaviors, perceived susceptibility to COVID-19, attitudes and beliefs regarding risk for attending dental appointments, and the necessary conditions and events for them to feel comfortable returning to regular dental appointments. Results: Over half of study participants had a 4-y degree, an annual income of at least $50,000, and good oral hygiene practices of frequent brushing and routine dental visits. Older age and agreement with positive attitudinal statements and beliefs about professional dental care were positively related to perceived susceptibility for contracting COVID-19 in a dental setting. Perceptions of susceptibility, a higher valuation of dentistry, and agreement that COVID-19 is a serious infection were each positively related to attitudinal statements and beliefs reflecting caution in attending dental visits. Last, assurance from public health officials confirming the safety to return for routine dental care was the largest reported factor necessary for a return to routine dental visits. Conclusion: This study provides early data about patient perceptions of susceptibility and attitudes toward COVID-19 in a professional dental setting and necessary conditions for returning to regular visits. This information can help formulate messaging related to returning to professional dental care, specifically targeting fears among the most susceptible populations. Knowledge Transfer Statement: Government and public health agencies can play an important role in alleviating concerns and instilling confidence that dental settings are safe. With this information from the public, dental professionals and public health agencies can work together to share messaging that will consistently inform the public regarding the safety of returning to professional dental care as it relates to the reopening of states and cities.
Clinical performance of calcitonin and procalcitonin Elecsys® immunoassays in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma

Abstract Objectives Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is caused by a malignant transformation in the parafollicular C-cells of the thyroid, where calcitonin (CT) is released. Nowadays, CT is the main tumor marker used in the diagnosis and follow-up of MTC patients. Nonetheless, procalcitonin (PCT) has recently been proposed as a useful complementary/alternative biomarker in MTC. Our aims were to investigate the diagnostic performance of CT and PCT and their combination in the differential diagnosis between active and inactive MTC and between MTC and non-MTC thyroid diseases, respectively. Methods Serum samples were collected from 16 patients with active (i.e. primary tumour before surgery or post-surgical recurrent disease) and 23 with inactive (i.e. complete remission) MTC, 125 patients with non-MTC benign thyroid disease and 62 patients with non-MTC thyroid cancers, respectively. Elecsys® CT and PCT measurements were simultaneously performed on the Cobas e601 platform (Roche Diagnostics, Rotkreutz, Switzerland). Results Both CT and PCT median values in active MTC (94 pmol/L and 1.17 ng/mL, respectively) were significantly higher compared with inactive MTC (0.28 and 0.06) and either benign (0.37 and 0.06) or malignant (0.28 and 0.06) non-MTC. Undetectable PCT was found in five non-MTC patients with false positive CT results. Conclusions Elecsys® PCT assay is a highly sensitive and specific alternative MTC marker. At the very least it appears useful in patients with positive CT results as negative PCT values securely exclude active MTC. The availability of both markers on the same automated platform facilitates reflex or reflective strategies to refine the laboratory diagnosis.
Photoperiod-dependent transcriptional modifications in key metabolic pathways in Coffea arabica

Abstract Photoperiod length induces in temperate plants major changes in growth rates, morphology and metabolism with, for example, modifications in the partitioning of photosynthates to avoid starvation at the end of long nights. However, this has never been studied for a tropical perennial species adapted to grow in a natural photoperiod close to 12 h/12 h all year long. We grew Coffea arabica L. , an understorey perennial evergreen tropical species in its natural 12 h/12 h and in a short 8 h/16 h photoperiod, and we investigated its responses at the physiological, metabolic and transcriptomic levels. The expression pattern of rhythmic genes, including core clock genes, was affected by changes in photoperiod. Overall, we identified 2859 rhythmic genes, of which 89% were also rhythmic in Arabidopsis thaliana L. Under short-days, plant growth was reduced, and leaves were thinner with lower chlorophyll content. In addition, secondary metabolism was also affected with chlorogenic acid and epicatechin levels decreasing, and in agreement, the genes involved in lignin synthesis were overexpressed and those involved in the flavanol pathway were underexpressed. Our results show that the 8 h/16 h photoperiod induces drastic changes in morphology, metabolites and gene expression, and the responses for gene expression are similar to those observed in the temperate annual A. thaliana species. Short photoperiod induces drastic changes in gene expression, metabolites and leaf structure, some of these responses being similar to those observed in A. thaliana.
Internalization of the Aspergillus nidulans AstA Transporter into Mitochondria Depends on Growth Conditions, and Affects ATP Levels and Sulfite Oxidase Activity

The astA gene encoding an alternative sulfate transporter was originally cloned from the genome of the Japanese Aspergillus nidulans isolate as a suppressor of sulfate permease-deficient strains. Expression of the astA gene is under the control of the sulfur metabolite repression system. The encoded protein transports sulfate across the cell membrane. In this study we show that AstA, having orthologs in numerous pathogenic or endophytic fungi, has a second function and, depending on growth conditions, can be translocated into mitochondria. This effect is especially pronounced when an astA-overexpressing strain grows on solid medium at 37 °C. AstA is also recruited to the mitochondria in the presence of mitochondria-affecting compounds such as menadione or antimycin A, which are also detrimental to the growth of the astA-overexpressing strain. Disruption of the Hsp70–Porin1 mitochondrial import system either by methylene blue, an Hsp70 inhibitor, or by deletion of the porin1-encoding gene abolishes AstA translocation into the mitochondria. Furthermore, we observed altered ATP levels and sulfite oxidase activity in the astA-overexpressing strain in a manner dependent on sulfur sources. The presented data indicate that AstA is also involved in the mitochondrial sulfur metabolism in some fungi, and thereby indirectly manages redox potential and energy state.
CD1d1 intrinsic signaling in macrophages controls NLRP3 inflammasome expression during inflammation

iGB3/CD1d1 determines the severity of DSS-colitis through inhibiting Nlrp3, Il1b, and Il18 transcription in macrophages. Dysregulation of immune responses in the gut often associates with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Mouse CD1d1, an ortholog of human CD1d mainly participating in lipid-antigen presentation to NKT cells, is able to generate intrinsic signals upon stimulation. Mice with macrophage-specific CD1d1 deficiency (LymCD1d1−/−) acquire resistance to dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)–induced colitis, attributing to the transcriptional inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome components. The hyperactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome accounts for gut epithelial proliferation and intestine-blood barrier integrity. Mechanistically, occupancy by the natural ligand glycosphingolipid iGb3, CD1d1 responds with intracellular Ser330 dephosphorylation thus to reduce the Peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1)–associated AKT-STAT1 phosphorylation and subsequent NF-κB activation, eventually causing transcriptional down-regulation of Nlrp3 and its immediate substrates Il1b and Il18 in macrophages. Therefore, the counterbalancing role of CD1d1 in macrophages appears to determine severity of DSS-mediated colitis in mice. These findings propose new intervention strategies for treating IBD and other inflammatory disorders.
The Combined Effect of Perceived COVID-19 Infection Risk at Work and Identification with Work Community on Psychosocial Wellbeing among Finnish Social Sector and Health Care Workers

It has been well documented that both risk perception and group identification are related to psychosocial well-being. However, their combined effect has rarely been analyzed. We examined the combined effect of perceived risk associated with COVID-19 infection at work and work community identification on psychosocial well-being (i.e., frequency of stress symptoms) among health care and social sector workers in Finland (N = 1279). Data were collected via an online questionnaire in June 2020 and analyses of covariance were conducted. Perceived COVID-19 infection risk at work was classified into high, medium and low risk. In total, 41% of participants reported a high risk. After all background variables were included, participants who reported high perceived infection risk and low work community identification reported stress symptoms more often than those who reported high perceived risk and high identification (p = 0.010). Similarly, the former differed significantly from all other comparison groups (medium and low risk, p < 0.001), being the most stressed. We found that perceived infection risk and work community identification were not related to each other. Our conclusion is that high work community identification can buffer employee stress when faced with a high perceived health risk. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, work organizations with a high infection risk should advance the possibility of employees’ identification with their work community.
Deep Red Tunability and Output Power Performances of Visible Laser Emission in a Pr:Ba(Y1−xLux)2F8 Single Crystal

The demand for tunable visible laser sources with high power and high beam quality, for application ranging from metrology to remote sensing, is constantly increasing. In this work, we report on the details of crystal growth, via the Czochralski method, and laser characterization of a Pr-doped Ba(Y1−xLux)2F8 (BYLF) single crystal, which is a promising candidate for fulfilling these requirements, both in terms of tunability and high-power capabilities. We measured for the first time the laser tunability curve in the deep red region obtaining a continuous range of 17 nm. The laser emission of the three main Pr3+ lines in the visible (orange, red, and deep red) was tested under increased pump power with respect to previous studies on this material, demonstrating output powers of more than 360 mW and no thermal rolloff, up to 1.9 W of absorbed power.
The Opiliones of Iran with a description of a new genus and two new species

Abstract The 22 species of Opiliones recorded from Iran are known from four families: one species of Dicranolasmatidae, five species of Nemastomatidae, 15 species of Phalangiidae, and a single species of Sclerosomatidae. Five of these are recorded for the first time from the country: Dicranolasma ponticum Gruber, 1998, Opilio nabozhenkoi Snegovaya, 2010, Phalangium armatum Snegovaya, 2005, Phalangium kopetdaghensis Tchemeris & Snegovaya, 2010, and Graecophalangium karakalensis Tchemeris & Snegovaya, 2010. An additional unnamed Rilaena species is known from the literature, but not included in the total number of species from the country. One new genus and two new species are illustrated and described as new from Iran. The new species are Opilio kakunini and Rilaena kasatkini. Goasheer, a new genus, is described to hold the species “Homolophus” iranus Roewer, 1952.
Pharmacological depletion of retinal neurons prevents vertical angiogenic sprouting without affecting the superficial vascular plexus

In mice, a tri‐layered (superficial, intermediate, and deep) vascular structure is formed in the retina during the third postnatal week. Short‐term treatment of newborn mice with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor inhibitors delays the formation of superficial vascular plexus and this allows us to investigate the developmental process of superficial and deep vascular plexuses at the same time. Using this model, we examined the effect of pharmacological depletion of retinal neurons on the formation of superficial and deep vascular plexuses.
An Analysis of the Mineral Composition of Pink Salt Available in Australia

Little is known about the mineral composition of pink salt. The aim of this study was to evaluate for the first time the mineral composition of pink salt available for purchase in Australia and its implications for public health. Pink salt samples were purchased from retail outlets in two metropolitan Australian cities and one regional town. Color intensity, salt form, and country of origin were coded. A mass spectrometry scan in solids was used to determine the amount of 25 nutrients and non-nutritive minerals in pink salt (n = 31) and an iodized white table salt control (n = 1). A wide variation in the type and range of nutrients and non-nutritive minerals across pink salt samples were observed. One pink salt sample contained a level of lead (>2 mg/kg) that exceeded the national maximum contaminant level set by Food Standards Australia New Zealand. Pink salt in flake form, pink salt originating from the Himalayas, and darker colored pink salt were generally found to contain higher levels of minerals (p < 0.05). Despite pink salt containing nutrients, >30 g per day (approximately 6 teaspoons) would be required to make any meaningful contribution to nutrient intake, a level that would provide excessive sodium and potential harmful effects. The risk to public health from potentially harmful non-nutritive minerals should be addressed by Australian food regulations. Pink salt consumption should not exceed the nutrient reference values for Australia and New Zealand guidelines of <5 g of salt per day.
Alterations to DNMT3A in Hematologic Malignancies

In the last decade, large-scale genomic studies in patients with hematologic malignancies identified recurrent somatic alterations in epigenetic modifier genes. Among these, the de novo DNA methyltransferase DNMT3A has emerged as one of the most frequently mutated genes in adult myeloid as well as lymphoid malignancies and in clonal hematopoiesis. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the biochemical and structural consequences of DNMT3A mutations on DNA methylation catalysis and binding interactions and summarize their effects on epigenetic patterns and gene expression changes implicated in the pathogenesis of hematologic malignancies. We then review the role played by mutant DNMT3A in clonal hematopoiesis, accompanied by its effect on immune cell function and inflammatory responses. Finally, we discuss how this knowledge informs therapeutic approaches for hematologic malignancies with mutant DNMT3A.
The Beneficial Effect of Boswellic Acid on Bone Metabolism and Possible Mechanisms of Action in Experimental Osteoporosis

Estrogen is instrumental in the pathological process of osteoporosis because a deficiency of this hormone increases the release of bone-resorbing cytokines. Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), a constituent from Boswellia serrata, has an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression, which leads to a decline in receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) ligand, and consequently, a reduction in osteoclast activity. Hence, AKBA may be beneficial against bone loss during osteoporosis. Therefore, the current study intended to evaluate the beneficial effects of AKBA in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis and to investigate its mechanism of action. Sham-operation or ovariectomy female Sprague Dawley rats were used for evaluating the antiosteoporotic effect of AKBA in this study. AKBA (35 mg/kg, p.o.) and estradiol (0.05 mg/kg, i.m.) were administered for 42 days. At the end of the experiment, body and uterus weights, serum and urine calcium and phosphorus, serum alkaline phosphatase, and urinary creatinine levels, besides serum levels of NF-κB and TNF-α were determined. Weight, length, thickness, hardness, calcium content, as well as the bone mineral density of femur bone and lumbar vertebra were measured. A histopathological examination was also carried out. AKBA ameliorated all tested parameters and restored a normal histological structure. Thus, AKBA showed good antiosteoporotic activity, which may be mediated through its suppression of the NF-κB-induced TNF-α signaling pathway.
Recognition of Pashto Handwritten Characters Based on Deep Learning

Handwritten character recognition is increasingly important in a variety of automation fields, for example, authentication of bank signatures, identification of ZIP codes on letter addresses, and forensic evidence. Despite improved object recognition technologies, Pashto’s hand-written character recognition (PHCR) remains largely unsolved due to the presence of many enigmatic hand-written characters, enormously cursive Pashto characters, and lack of research attention. We propose a convolutional neural network (CNN) model for recognition of Pashto hand-written characters for the first time in an unrestricted environment. Firstly, a novel Pashto handwritten character data set, “Poha”, for 44 characters is constructed. For preprocessing, deep fusion image processing techniques and noise reduction for text optimization are applied. A CNN model optimized in the number of convolutional layers and their parameters outperformed common deep models in terms of accuracy. Moreover, a set of benchmark popular CNN models applied to Poha is evaluated and compared with the proposed model. The obtained experimental results show that the proposed model is superior to other models with test accuracy of 99.64 percent for PHCR. The results indicate that our model may be a strong candidate for handwritten character recognition and automated PHCR applications.