Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of Epidural Labor Analgesia With Offspring Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Importance Epidural labor analgesia (ELA) has been associated with an increased offspring risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Whether this finding may be explained by residual confounding remains unclear. Objective To assess the association between ELA and offspring risk of ASD. Design, Setting, and Participants Longitudinal cohort study of vaginal deliveries of singleton live infants born from 2005 to 2016 from a population-based data set linking information from health care databases in Manitoba, Canada; offspring were followed from birth until 2019 or censored by death or emigration. Data were analyzed from October 19, 2020, to January 22, 2021. Exposures Epidural labor analgesia. Main Outcomes and Measures At least 1 inpatient or outpatient diagnosis of ASD in offspring aged at least 18 months. For the full population and a sibling cohort, inverse probability of treatment-weighted Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to control for potential confounders. Results Of the 123 175 offspring included in this study (62 647 boys [50.9%]; mean [SD] age of mothers, 28.2 [5.8] years), 47 011 (38.2%) were exposed to ELA; 2.1% (985 of 47 011) of exposed vs 1.7% (1272 of 76 164) of unexposed offspring were diagnosed with ASD in the follow-up period (hazard ratio [HR], 1.25; 95% CI, 1.15-1.36). After adjusting for maternal sociodemographic, prepregnancy, pregnancy, and perinatal covariates, ELA was not associated with an offspring risk of ASD (inverse probability of treatment-weighted HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.97-1.20). In the within-siblings design adjusting for baseline covariates, ELA was not associated with ASD (inverse probability of treatment-weighted HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.78-1.22). Results from sensitivity analyses restricted to women without missing data who delivered at or after 37 weeks of gestation, firstborn infants only, and offspring with ASD classified with at least 2 diagnostic codes were consistent with findings from the main analyses. Conclusions and Relevance In a Canadian population-based birth cohort study, no association between ELA exposure and an increased offspring risk of ASD was found.
Effect of fermentation on proximate composition, physicochemical and microbial characteristics of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) and Acha (Digitaria exilis (Kippist) Stapf) flour blends

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of spontaneous fermentation on proximate composition, physicochemical and microbial characteristics of sprouted millet-acha blends with the aim of producing fermented flour blends for traditional beverage. Pearl millet and acha grains were sprouted, milled and blended into different ratios. The blends were mixed with water, fermented for 72 h and dried in an air-oven. Proximate composition, pH, titratable acidity and microbial profile were determined using suitable methods. Moisture contents ranged from 5.60 to 5.94% and 10.44 to 13.33% for unfermented and fermented flour blends, respectively. Increase in pearl millet proportions significantly decreased (p ≤ 0.05) crude fat, ash, fibre and protein contents of the blends. In contrast, carbohydrate contents increased with increase in pearl millet proportion. Fermentation decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) the fat, fibre and carbohydrate contents of the flour blends; whereas ash and protein contents were significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05) with fermentation. pH values decreased with simultaneous increase in titratable acidity during fermentation. A total of 13 bacteria were isolated during fermentation, namely, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus leichmonnii, Lactobacillus cellobiosus, Lactobacillus casei, Pediococcus sp. , Streptococcus thermophilus, Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtillis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus vulgaris. Fermentation has a potential to improve protein and mineral contents of pearl millet-acha flour blends for beverage preparation. Key words: Bacteria, beverage, fermentation, pearl millet, acha, flour, physicochemical, microbial characteristic.
Zinc- and strontium- co-incorporated nanorods on titanium surfaces with favorable material property, osteogenesis, and enhanced antibacterial activity.

Early infection and peri-implantitis after implant restoration are major reasons for dental implant failure. Implant-associated infections are majorly attributed to biofilm formation. In this study, co-incorporated zinc- (Zn-) and strontium- (Sr-) nanorod coating on sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) titanium (SLA-Zn/Sr) was fabricated by hydrothermal synthesis. It was aimed at promoting osteogenesis while inhibiting biofilm formation. The nanorod-like particles (φ 30-50 nm) were found to be evenly formed on SLA-Zn/Sr (Zn: 1.49 ± 0.16 wt%; Sr: 21.69 ± 2.74 wt%) that was composed of well-crystallized ZnTiO3 and SrTiO3 phases. With a sufficient interface bonding strength (42.00 ± 3.00 MPa), SLA-Zn/Sr enhanced the corrosion resistance property of titanium. Besides, SLA-Zn/Sr promoted the cellular initial adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs in vitro while inhibiting the adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus and Porphyromonas gingivalis . In addition, through down-regulating icaA gene expression, this novel surface reduced the secretion of polysaccharide intercellular adhesion (reduced by 87.9% compared to SLActive) to suppress the S. aureus biofilm formation. We, therefore, propose a new chemical modification on titanium for multifunctional implant material development. Due to the Zn/Sr co-doping in coating, material properties, early osteogenic effect and antibacterial ability of titanium can be simultaneously enhanced, which has the potential to be applied in dental implantation in the future.
Frequency effects in action versus value learning.

Recent work in reinforcement learning has demonstrated a choice preference for an option that has a lower probability of reward (A) when paired with an alternative option that has a higher probability of reward (C), if A has been experienced more frequently than C (the frequency effect). This finding is critical as it is inconsistent with widespread assumptions that expected value is based on average reward, and instead suggests that value is based on cumulative instances of reward. However, option frequency may also affect instrumental reinforcement of choosing A during training, which may then transfer to choice on AC trials. This study therefore aimed to assess the contribution of action reinforcement and option value to the frequency-effect across 2 experiments. In both experiments we included an additional test phase in which participants were asked to rate the likelihood of reward for each choice option, a response that should be unaffected by action reinforcement. In Experiment 1, participants completed the original choice training phase. In Experiment 2, participants were presented with each option individually, thus removing reinforcement of choice during training. Single cue training reduced the strength of the preference for A compared to choice training, suggesting a contributing role of action reinforcement. However, frequency effects were still evident in both experiments. We found that the pattern of reward likelihood ratings was consistent with the pattern of choice preferences in both experiments, suggesting that action reinforcement may also influence judgements about the likelihood of receiving reward. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Identification of Very Low-Risk Subgroups of Patients with Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma Treated with R-CHOP.

BACKGROUND R-CHOP can cure approximately 75% of patients with primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMLBCL), but prognostic factors have not been sufficiently evaluated yet. R-da-EPOCH is potentially more effective but also more toxic than R-CHOP. Reliable prognostic classification is needed to guide treatment decisions. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analyzed the impact of clinical prognostic factors on the outcome of 332 patients ≤65 years with PMLBCL treated with R-CHOP ± radiotherapy in a multicenter setting in Greece and Cyprus. RESULTS With a median follow-up of 69 months, 5-year freedom from progression (FFP) was 78% and 5-year lymphoma specific survival (LSS) was 89%. On multivariate analysis, extranodal involvement (E/IV) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ≥2 times upper limit of normal (model A) were significantly associated with FFP; E/IV and bulky disease (model B) were associated with LSS. Both models performed better than the International Prognostic Index (IPI) and the age-adjusted IPI by Harrel's C rank parameter and Akaike information criterion. Both models A and B defined high-risk subgroups (13%-27% of patients [pts]) with approximately 19%-23% lymphoma-related mortality. They also defined subgroups composing approximately one-fourth or one-half of the patients, with 11% risk of failure and only 1% or 4% 5-year lymphoma-related mortality. CONCLUSION The combination of E/IV with either bulky disease or LDH ≥2× defined high-risk but not very-high-risk subgroups. More importantly, their absence defined subgroups comprising approximately one-fourth or one-half of the pts, with 11% risk of failure and minimal lymphoma-related mortality, who may not need more intensive treatment such as R-da-EPOCH. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE By analyzing the impact of baseline clinical characteristics on outcomes of a large cohort of patients with primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma homogeneously treated with R-CHOP with or without radiotherapy, we developed novel prognostic indices which can aid in deciding which patients can be adequately treated with R-CHOP and do not need more intensive regimens such as R-da-EPOCH. The new indices consist of objectively determined characteristics (extranodal disease, stage IV, bulky disease, and high lactate dehydrogenase), which are readily available from standard initial staging procedures and offer better discrimination compared with established risk scores (International Prognostic Index [IPI] and age-adjusted IPI).
Parental stress and adjustment in the context of rare genetic syndromes: A scoping review

Chromosomal abnormalities are now considered a common cause of intellectual disability. With increased genetic testing, phenotyping and technological advancements, many new syndromes have been identified. This review sought to explore parental stress and adjustment in the context of rare genetic syndromes to evaluate their clinical impact. A systematic review of English peer-reviewed literature across three databases (PsycINFO, Medline, CINAHL) was completed and 69 articles were included. Parents of children with rare genetic syndromes experienced greater distress relative to other disabilities. Differences in parental wellbeing were syndrome-specific relative to ASD thus demonstrating the need to consider the contribution of syndrome-specific phenotypes. Child emotional and behavioural difficulties were the most consistent predictor of parental distress. Research reflecting other factors such as physical health, syndrome-specific behaviours, benefit finding and, parental appraisal in the context of a rare genetic aetiology is required in order to support parental adjustment in these conditions.
The association between non-communicable disease and hearing aid adoption in older adults with hearing loss

Abstract Objective: To assess whether specific non-communicable diseases are associated with hearing aid adoption in older adults with hearing loss. Design: A cross-sectional, observational study. Study sample: Data was obtained from one of the largest pharmacy-led health and beauty retailers in the United Kingdom. In total, 17,172 older adults were included. Results: Greater odds of adopting hearing aids were associated with being older (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02, 1.03), having fewer self-reported hearing difficulties (OR = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.58, 0.64), and greater audiometric hearing loss (OR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.54, 1.83). The odds of adopting hearing aids were lower if individuals self-reported hypertension (OR = 0.87; 95% CI = 0.79, 0.97) and diabetes (OR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.72, 0.95). Using a decision tree model, self-reported hearing difficulties, audiometric hearing loss, and age were the best combination of variables to differentiate between individuals that did and did not adopt hearing aids. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that hearing aid adoption is lower in older adults with cardiovascular disease risk factors. Thus, there is a need for healthcare professionals to identify older adults living with hearing loss and cardiovascular ill-health, ensuring that they receive appropriate patient-centred support to manage their health.
Phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using miracle fruit plant (Synsepalum dulcificum) for antimicrobial, catalytic, anticoagulant, and thrombolytic applications

Abstract In the present work, we report the phytosynthesis of AgNPs mediated by leaf and seed extracts of Synsepalum dulcificum. The extracts catalyzed the formation of brown colloidal AgNPs, which stabilized in 10 min. The leaf and seed AgNPs yielded surface plasmon resonance at 440 and 438.5 nm, respectively. Prominent peaks at 3408, 2357, 2089, and 1639 cm−1 were recorded for leaf AgNPs, whereas 3404, 2368, 2081, and 1641 cm−1 were revealed for seed-mediated AgNPs from Fourier transform infrared data. These showed the involvement of phenolic compounds and proteins in the phytosynthesis. The particles were fairly spherical and crystalline in nature having size of 4–26 nm, with prominence of silver in the colloidal solutions. The particles inhibited the growth of drug-resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella granulomatis with zone of inhibition of 11–24 mm. Also, the phytosynthesized AgNPs completely inhibited the growth of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. In addition, by using 20 μg/ml of AgNPs, malachite green was degraded by approximately 80% in 24 h. Similarly, the particles displayed blood anticoagulant activities as well as achieved thrombolysis. The AgNPs can be explored for biomedical and catalytic applications. The report is the first on the eco-friendly synthesis of nanoparticles by S. dulcificum.
Complete Genomic Characterization of Two Beet Soil-Borne Virus Isolates from Turkey: Implications of Comparative Analysis of Genome Sequences

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is known as a key product for agriculture in several countries across the world. Beet soil-borne virus (BSBV) triggers substantial economic damages to sugar beet by reducing the quantity of the yield and quality of the beet sugars. We conducted the present study to report the complete genome sequences of two BSBV isolates in Turkey for the first time. The genome organization was identical to those previously established BSBV isolates. The tripartite genome of BSBV-TR1 and -TR3 comprised a 5,835-nucleotide (nt) RNA1, a 3,454-nt RNA2, and a 3,005-nt RNA3 segment. According to sequence identity analyses, Turkish isolates were most closely related to the BSBV isolate reported from Iran (97.83–98.77% nt identity). The BSBV isolates worldwide (n = 9) were phylogenetically classified into five (RNA-coat protein read through gene [CPRT], TGB1, and TGB2 segments), four (RNA-rep), or three (TGB3) lineages. In genetic analysis, the TGB3 revealed more genetic variability (Pi = 0.034) compared with other regions. Population selection analysis revealed that most of the codons were generally under negative selection or neutral evolution in the BSBV isolates studied. However, positive selection was detected at codon 135 in the TGB1, which could be an adaptation in order to facilitate the movement and overcome the host plant resistance genes. We expect that the information on genome properties and genetic variability of BSBV, particularly in TGB3, TGB1, and CPRT genes, assist in developing effective control measures in order to prevent severe losses and make amendments in management strategies.
Preparation of total sapindus-saponins for quality control

Sapindus saponin has wonderful washing fuction which is natural,environment-frendly and nontoxic. It can be developed into food industry cleaning agent. However,there is no pure sapindus saponin commercially available. With the goal of producing the total sapindus saponin for quality control,the method of ethanol extraction,butanol extraction,AB-8 macroporous resin and MCI Gel column separation was used to separate and purify sapindus saponin. The qualitative test was studied by means of Libermann-Buehard reaction and Hemolysis test. The quantitive test was made afterwards based on High Performance Liquid Chromatography/ Mass Spectrum and the method of vanillin-sulfuric acid. Libermann-Buehard reaction showed the color changes:yellow-red-purple-blue. Hemolysis test proved hemolytic. The components named Sapindoside B(882),SapindosideA(750) ,Mukurozi-saponinE1(924),Sapindoside L (924),Mukurozi-saponin G(966) , Sapindoside M(966) were analysed by HPLC/MS,which were identified as Oleanolic acid saponins. Oleanolic acid was chosen as standard. Sapogenin of TSS after hydrolysis had a maximum absorption at 550nm with the method of vanillin-sulfuric acid,which was the same as Oleanolic acid in the condition of 35% hydrochloric acid,high temperature and pressure and time of 2h,the yield of sapogenin were the highest. The purity of TSS (Total Sapindus Saponin) was calculated to more than 95.2%. It could be further conclued that TSS was mainly oleanolic acid saponins and could be used for quality control as standard.
Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy: Are Auxiliary Methods Necessary?

OBJECTIVE To determine the success rate of minimally invasive parathyroidectomies (MIPs) with preoperative scintigraphy and ultrasonography, and to assess whether these imaging modalities are sufficient. STUDY DESIGN Observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Department of General Surgery, University of Health Sciences, Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey between March 2017 and December 2019. METHODOLOGY Medical records of 61 patients, who underwent MIP to treat primary hyperparathyroidism, were examined. Age, gender, and pre- and postoperative calcium, parathormone, and phosphorus levels were obtained from patient records. For all patients, the parathyroid (PT) glands were localised, using ultrasonography and Tc-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) scintigraphy. RESULTS The average patient age was 56.89 ± 13.47 years. Of the patients, 83.6% (n = 51) were females. Localisation of the PT glands with preoperative scintigraphy had an accuracy rate of 100%. However, ultrasonographic localisation was unsuccessful in five patients. Adenomas were noted in 44 patients (72.1%), hyperplasia in 15 patients (24.6%), and neoplasia in two patients (3.3%). Serum parathormone and calcium levels were measured 24 hours after surgery, and were found to be significantly reduced compared to the corresponding preoperative levels (p <0.001). Hypocalcaemia developed in four patients (6.6%), two (3.3%) of which were symptomatic. After three months, persistent hyperparathyroidism developed in five patients (8.2%). CONCLUSION Parathyroid scintigraphy has been demonstrated to be the gold standard for the preoperative localisation of PT glands. In the absence of scintigraphy, ultrasound guidance is the next useful technique for PT gland localisation. Key Words: Minimal invasive parathyroidectomy, Parathyroid scintigraphy, Ultrasonography, Parathormone.
Reproducible and reliable resistive switching behaviors of AlOX/HfOX bilayer structures with Al electrode by atomic layer deposition

The resistive switching behaviors of AlOX/HfOX bilayer structures were investigated. Metal oxides were deposited by atomic layer deposition. Al and Pt were used as top and bottom electrodes, respectively. Compared with AlOX and HfOX monolayer structures, the bilayer structure showed lower set/reset voltages and more-uniform resistive switching properties. It also exhibited good data retention and endurance. The Al top electrode may gather oxygen ions from the oxide layer underneath and thereby create oxygen vacancies in the oxide layer. The uniform electrical property of the bilayer structure is attributed to confined formation/rupture of conductive filaments in the HfOX layer, whereas undissociated filaments in the AlOX layer nucleate rapid regeneration of filaments.
High-quality chromosome-level genomes of Cucumis metuliferus and Cucumis melo provide insight into Cucumis genome evolution.

Cucumis metuliferus (African horned cucumber), a wild relative of Cucumis sativus (cucumber) and Cucumis melo (melon), displays high-level resistance to several important plant pathogens (e.g., root-knot nematodes and several viruses). Here, we report a chromosome-level genome assembly for C. metuliferus, with a 316 Mb genome sequence comprising 29,039 genes. Phylogenetic analysis of related species in family Cucurbitaceae indicated that the divergence time between C. metuliferus and melon was 17.8 million years ago. Comparisons between the C. metuliferus and melon genomes revealed large structural variations (inversions and translocations >1 Mb) in eight chromosomes of these two species. Gene family comparison showed that C. metuliferus has the largest number of resistance-related nucleotide binding site leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) genes in Cucurbitaceae. The loss of NBS-LRR loci caused by large insertions or deletions (indels) and pseudogenization caused by small indels explained the loss of NBS-LRR genes in Cucurbitaceae. Population structure analysis suggested that C. metuliferus originated in Zimbabwe, then spread to other southern African regions where it likely underwent similar domestic selection as melon. This C. metuliferus reference sequence will accelerate the understanding of the molecular evolution of resistance-related genes and enhance cucurbit crop improvement efforts.
Predictive Models of Genetic Redundancy in Arabidopsis thaliana

Abstract Genetic redundancy refers to a situation where an individual with a loss-of-function mutation in one gene (single mutant) does not show an apparent phenotype until one or more paralogs are also knocked out (double/higher-order mutant). Previous studies have identified some characteristics common among redundant gene pairs, but a predictive model of genetic redundancy incorporating a wide variety of features derived from accumulating omics and mutant phenotype data is yet to be established. In addition, the relative importance of these features for genetic redundancy remains largely unclear. Here, we establish machine learning models for predicting whether a gene pair is likely redundant or not in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana based on six feature categories: functional annotations, evolutionary conservation including duplication patterns and mechanisms, epigenetic marks, protein properties including posttranslational modifications, gene expression, and gene network properties. The definition of redundancy, data transformations, feature subsets, and machine learning algorithms used significantly affected model performance based on holdout, testing phenotype data. Among the most important features in predicting gene pairs as redundant were having a paralog(s) from recent duplication events, annotation as a transcription factor, downregulation during stress conditions, and having similar expression patterns under stress conditions. We also explored the potential reasons underlying mispredictions and limitations of our studies. This genetic redundancy model sheds light on characteristics that may contribute to long-term maintenance of paralogs, and will ultimately allow for more targeted generation of functionally informative double mutants, advancing functional genomic studies.