Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serendipita indica Promotes the Growth of Tartary Buckwheat by Stimulating Hormone Synthesis, Metabolite Production, and Increasing Systemic Resistance

The main objective of this study was to investigate the influence of Serendipita indica on the growth of Tartary buckwheat plants. This study highlighted that the roots of Tartary buckwheat can be colonized by S. indica and that this fungal endophyte improved plants height, fresh weight, dry weight, and grain yield. In the meantime, the colonization of S. indica in Tartary buckwheat leaves resulted in elevated levels of photosynthesis, plant hormone content, antioxidant enzyme activity, proline content, chlorophyll content, soluble sugars, and protein content. Additionally, the introduction of S. indica to Tartary buckwheat roots led to a substantial rise in the levels of flavonoids and phenols found in the leaves and seeds of Tartary buckwheat. In addition, S. indica colonization reduced the content of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide when compared to non-colonized plants. Importantly, the drought tolerance of Tartary buckwheat plants is increased, which benefits from physiology and bio-chemical changes in plants after S. indica colonized. In conclusion, we have shown that S. indica can improve systematic resistance and promote the growth of Tartary buckwheat by enhancing the photosynthetic capacity of Tartary buckwheat, inducing the production of IAA, increasing the content of secondary metabolites such as total phenols and total flavonoids, and improving the antioxidant enzyme activity of the plant.
Predictors of Vaccination Intentions and Behaviour during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy

The present research aimed at understanding individuals’ vaccination intentions and protective behaviours against COVID-19 through two different studies. In Study 1 (N = 213, 73% women; mean age = 24.03) the Protection Motivation Theory model was tested considering the fear of COVID-19 as a possible mediator between threat appraisal (in terms of both health and social life) and intentions to get vaccinated when the vaccination was not yet available. Study 2 (N = 1111, 68.9% women; mean age = 38.33) was conducted when the vaccine became available for the entire population. Through this study, by adopting the 5C model of vaccine hesitancy as a theoretical framework, we aimed to understand how people who got vaccinated and the ones who did not differed, considering fear of vaccination, personality and vaccination hesitancy. In Study 1, social limitations, perceived severity and COVID-19 perceived vulnerability were significantly and positively related to fear of COVID-19. Contrary to what we expected, fear of COVID-19 was not a significant predictor of vaccination intention, which was predicted by both response efficacy and self-efficacy. In Study 2, in line with previous studies, vaccine hesitancy was negatively related to vaccination. More specifically, the social-oriented dimension of collective responsibility was the strongest predictor of effective behaviour. Our findings provide insights into the complexity of vaccine acceptance and emphasise the need for targeted interventions to promote vaccination and mitigate the spread of infectious diseases.
Novel Procedure for Automatic Registration between Cone-Beam Computed Tomography and Intraoral Scan Data Supported with 3D Segmentation

In contemporary practice, intraoral scans and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) are widely adopted techniques for tooth localization and the acquisition of comprehensive three-dimensional models. Despite their utility, each dataset presents inherent merits and limitations, prompting the pursuit of an amalgamated solution for optimization. Thus, this research introduces a novel 3D registration approach aimed at harmonizing these distinct datasets to offer a holistic perspective. In the pre-processing phase, a retrained Mask-RCNN is deployed on both sagittal and panoramic projections to partition upper and lower teeth from the encompassing CBCT raw data. Simultaneously, a chromatic classification model is proposed for segregating gingival tissue from tooth structures in intraoral scan data. Subsequently, the segregated datasets are aligned based on dental crowns, employing the robust RANSAC and ICP algorithms. To assess the proposed methodology’s efficacy, the Euclidean distance between corresponding points is statistically evaluated. Additionally, dental experts, including two orthodontists and an experienced general dentist, evaluate the clinical potential by measuring distances between landmarks on tooth surfaces. The computed error in corresponding point distances between intraoral scan data and CBCT data in the automatically registered datasets utilizing the proposed technique is quantified at 0.234 ± 0.019 mm, which is significantly below the 0.3 mm CBCT voxel size. Moreover, the average measurement discrepancy among expert-identified landmarks ranges from 0.368 to 1.079 mm, underscoring the promise of the proposed method.
Novel Biomarkers and Advanced Cardiac Imaging in Aortic Stenosis: Old and New

Currently, the symptomatic status and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) play a crucial role in aortic stenosis (AS) assessment. However, the symptoms are often subjective, and LVEF is not a sensitive marker of left ventricle (LV) decompensation. Over the past years, the cardiac structure and function research on AS has increased due to advanced imaging modalities and potential therapies. New imaging parameters emerged as predictors of disease progression in AS. LV global longitudinal strain has proved useful for risk stratification in asymptomatic severe AS patients with preserved LVEF. The assessment of myocardial fibrosis by cardiac magnetic resonance is the most studied application and offers prognostic information on AS. Moreover, the usage of biomarkers in AS as objective measures of LV decompensation has recently gained more interest. The present review focuses on the transition from compensatory LV hypertrophy (H) to LV dysfunction and the biomarkers associated with myocardial wall stress, fibrosis, and myocyte death. Moreover, we discuss the potential impact of non-invasive imaging parameters for optimizing the timing of aortic valve replacement and provide insight into novel biomarkers for possible prognostic use in AS. However, data from randomized clinical trials are necessary to define their utility in daily practice.
‘Vaccine as a cheat sheet’: a metaphor gone awry on Facebook

COVID-19 vaccine-related conspiracy narratives skyrocketed in social media in the first year of the pandemic. Science communicators have tried to debunk false information as did Vlad Mixich, a Romanian public health expert, who tried to explain on Facebook why the vaccine cannot modify the human DNA. Drawing on the literature on metaphor as a discourse phenomenon, this paper uses a discourse-led approach to metaphor analysis to identify and analyze the metaphors used by Mixich to explain how vaccines work and the mRNA technology underlying the COVID-19 vaccine. A particular metaphor is then given special attention: ‘vaccine as a cheat sheet’. The author of the Facebook post seems to use this metaphor deliberately both to clarify vaccine-related information and to mock people susceptible to false information about the vaccine. This paper shows that while the ‘cheating’ metaphor simplifies abstract knowledge and allows the audience to engage with a complex topic, it also has potential to amplify vaccine-related polarization.
Association between Average Vitamin D Levels and COVID-19 Mortality in 19 European Countries—A Population-Based Study

Early epidemic reports have linked low average 25(OH) vitamin D levels with increased COVID-19 mortality. However, there has been limited updated research on 25(OH) vitamin D and its impact on COVID-19 mortality. This study aimed to update the initial report studying the link between vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19 mortality by using multi-country data in 19 European countries up to the middle of June 2023. COVID-19 data for 19 European countries included in this study were downloaded from Our World in Data from 1 March 2020, to 14 June 2023, and were included in the statistical analysis. The 25(OH) vitamin D average data were collected by conducting a literature review. A generalized estimation equation model was used to model the data. Compared to European countries with 25(OH) vitamin D levels of ≤50 nmol/L, European countries with 25(OH) vitamin D average levels greater than 50 nmol/L had lower COVID-19 mortality rates (RR = 0.794, 95% CI: 0.662–0.953). A statistically significant negative Spearman rank correlation was observed between 25(OH) vitamin D average levels and COVID-19 mortality. We also found significantly lower COVID-19 mortality rates in countries with high average 25(OH) vitamin D levels. Randomized trials on vitamin D supplementation are needed. In the meantime, the issue of vitamin D use should be debated in relation to the ongoing discussions of national post-COVID-19 resilience against future pandemics.
29. SELECTED NEOGENE CALCAREOUS NANNOFOSSIL INDEX TAXA OF THE SOUTHERN OCEAN: BIOCHRONOLOGY, BIOMETRICS, AND PALEOCEANOGRAPHY1

Selected Neogene calcareous nannofossil datums have been determined in seven Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) sites ranging from 50° to 65°S latitude on the Kerguelen Plateau (southern Indian Ocean) and Maud Rise (Weddell Sea). Our data reveal that the first occurrence (FO) of Calcidiscus leptoporus/Calcidiscus macintyrei is not a useful event on Maud Rise, but it is an excellent biostratigraphic marker on the Kerguelen Plateau with an age of about 18.1 Ma. The last occurrence (LO) of Cyclicargolithus floridanus is also a useful datum (11.1-12.2 Ma) in the southern high latitudes. The FO of Reticulofenestra perplexa is consistently younger toward the lower latitudes (14.4 Ma at 65°S to 12.3 Ma at 55°S) and the age vs. latitude curve established can be used to estimate the age of this datum in different latitudes of the Southern Ocean. A biometric study of Reticulofenestra perplexa for Sites 744 and 748 on the Kerguelen Plateau shows that most specimens range from 5 to 8 µm in length, similar to those of the topotypic material of R. perplexa from Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) Site 265. The mean size change of the species through time in the 13-8 Ma interval is not useful for biostratigraphy because there is not a clear trend. Abundance changes of Reticulofenestra perplexa relative to Coccolithus pelagicus have been studied in six ODP sites (50° to 65°S latitude) in the Southern Ocean. The patterns of abundance changes are generally similar at these southern high-latitude sites, and the abundance fluctuations in the 10-8 Ma interval can be interpreted as reflections of alternating warm and cool events during that time interval. Because of its ability to tolerate and even thrive in cold surface waters, R. perplexa significantly influenced the carbonate-compensation depth (CCD) in the Southern Ocean during the Miocene. The disappearance of this species coupled with the establishment of the Polar Front Zone during the late Miocene-early Pliocene glaciations of East and West Antarctica left the high-latitude Southern Ocean virtually devoid of nannofossil ooze deposition.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND FAMILY STABILITY AMONG HOUSEHOLDS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigated financial management and its impact on family stability among households in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State. Five research questions guided the study. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. Purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample size of two hundred and fifty two (252) households. Structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data obtained were analyzed using mean. The result showed that financial management has great influence on family stability. There are several factors that influenced financial management among households. They included lack of commitment (Mean =3.1, SD = 0.82 ) stinginess (Mean =3.3, SD = 0.79) poor planning, among others. The result also showed some measures to enhance family financial management thus; making decisions together in the family and implementing it (Mean =3.3, SD = 0.78) avoiding impulsive buying (Mean =3.3, SD= .79) having the interest of family members at heart (Mean = 3.3, SD= 0.72) budgeting and understanding ones income(Mean = 3.3, SD = 0.75) among others . The study concluded that misappropriation of funds, poor management of income and family finances can lead to family instability. Based on the findings it was recommended that every family member should be involved in taking decision on money management.
Ten-year outcomes of surgical treatment of ischemic mitral regurgitation-a retrospective study

Background: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a prevalent form of valvular heart disease, affecting millions of people worldwide. Primary MR occurs due to mitral valve dysfunction, while secondary MR is caused by left ventricle remodelling. The study aimed to investigate the long-term outcomes of patients with IMR after undergoing coronary surgeries, including coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) with or without mitral valve repair or replacement. Methods: Retrospective, observational study design was planned. Pre-operative and postoperative data were collected from 68 patients with ischemic MR who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery, with or without Mitral valve replacement or mitral valve repair. (That is CABG only/CABG+MVR/CABG+MVr) in the year between 2001 and 2010. Patients followed up at 3 months, 1 year, and 10 years after the procedure. Results: Significant improvements in New York heart association (NYHA) functional class and MR status were observed for all three surgical groups, namely, a) CABG surgery, b) coronary artery bypass graft surgery with mitral valve replacement (CABG+MVR), and c) coronary artery bypass graft surgery with mitral valve repair (CABG+MVr). After 10 years, redo surgery rates were minimal for CABG only and CABG+MVR groups of patients, while CABG+MVr required 20% redo surgery. Postoperative complications, such as left ventricle failure, were seen in the immediate postoperative period, leading to the death of those patients 3 months following the surgery. After 3 months, complications decreased over time for all groups. Conclusions: Surgical interventions effectively improved functional outcomes and reduced MR severity in patients with ischemic MR. Redo surgery rates were low for most patients, indicating the success of the initial procedures.
UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS and Bioinformatics Association Analysis Reveals the Pharmacodynamic Flavonoids in Scutellaria barbata and the Underlying Anti-Colorectal Cancer Mechanism

: Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and deadly malignancies worldwide, with no safe and effective drugs. The flavonoid in Scutellaria Barbata D. Don (SB) showed a good therapeutic effect on CRC. However, the pharmacodynamic substances and underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated which limited its development and application. This study aimed to identify the main flavonoid in SB and explore the underlying mechanism. A total of 10 flavonoid aglycones identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS were screened out as candidate compounds with good drug-likeness. By using the predicted targets of candidate compounds for CRC treatment, KEGG pathway analysis enriched 5 CRC-related pathways. Further analysis revealed that targets mapped to the five selected pathways were mainly correlated to the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The key targets were AKT1, VEGFA, EGFR, SRC, and MTOR. Molecular docking combined with the RNA sequencing analysis on CRC patients validated the high potential binding ability of candidate compounds to differentially expressed targets in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Collectively, this study revealed that the flavonoid aglycones in SB may be the key ingredients contributing to its CRC treatment function and they exerted the CRC treatment effect by synergistic effect of multiple targets mainly belonging to the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.
The Gut-Joint Axis in Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex and prevalent joint disease with a multifaceted pathogenesis, presenting a persistent challenge to medical researchers. However, recent investigations into the gut microbiota (GMB) have unveiled an intriguing connection with OA, giving rise to the concept of the "gut-joint axis". The human gut houses a diverse microbial ecosystem that plays pivotal roles in nutrient synthesis, metabolism, and immune modulation. Dysbiosis, or disruption of this microbial balance, can lead to inflammation through the release of proinflammatory cytokines and the production of inflammatory metabolites. This editorial delves into the evolving understanding of how the GMB may influence OA development and progression. Notably, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by gut microorganisms have emerged as potential players in maintaining bone homeostasis and reducing inflammation. Furthermore, compromised gut integrity can lead to endotoxemia and a pro-inflammatory state, contributing to OA. Recent research has highlighted differences in GMB composition and functionality between OA patients and healthy individuals, shedding light on specific microbial taxa and functional pathways associated with OA. The gut mycobiome (fungi) and virome (viruses) in OA remain largely unexplored, presenting exciting opportunities for future investigations. The emerging understanding of the gut-joint axis offers promising avenues for innovative OA prevention and treatment strategies, though further research is needed to fully elucidate these complex interactions.
Distribution and abundance of macroborers in an upper Miocene reef system, Mallorca, Spain; implications for reef development and framework destruction

The importance of boring organisms within reef environments, as agents of framework destruction, and thus as controls to rates of reef accretion, has been widely recognised. Relatively little, however, is known about variations in the distribution of macroborers (principally sponges, bivalves and worms), within individual reef systems. The Upper Miocene reefs of Mallorca present a unique opportunity in which to assess such distributional variations. Borings are preserved as casts within the molds of former corals, and these trace fossils typically exhibit highly characteristic morphologies. Based on the distribution of different bore morphologies, it has been possible to assess variations in both the distribution and abundance of individual borers, and the intensity of boring activity across the reef system. Different parts of the reef are characterised by different associations of boring organisms, with the highest diversity of borers, and the most intense boring activity, observed within corals from the lagoonal facies. The principal control on distributional patterns appears to have been the morphology and structure of the reef framebuilders. Massive corals are always more extensively bored, and typically contain a higher diversity of boring organisms than branched or platy corals. On a more local scale, variations in sediment accumulation rates, and degree of substrate encrustation appear to have exerted some degree of control. Rates of reef accretion would have been influenced not only by the abundance of different boring organisms in different parts of the reef, but on the response of different framebuilders to boring activity. Platy and branched corals, whilst typically less intensely bored, would have been more vulnerable to the effects of boring, while massive corals, which were often extensively bored, were more capable of surviving such damage. This preservational bias has important implications for interpreting styles and rates of reef accretion.
A Reliable and Energy Efficient Superposition Modulation and SVD-Aided Detection Based Multiuser OFDM-DCSK Paired Transceiver for IoT Devices

In order to meet increasing demands of higher energy efficiency and better reliability performance for the multiuser Internet of things (IoT) secure communications, in this paper, we design a reliable and energy efficient superposition modulation (SM) and singular value decomposition (SVD) detection based multi-user orthogonal frequency division modulation-based differential chaos shift keying (SM-MU-OFDM-DCSK) transceiver for IoT devices. At the transmitter, we propose to superimpose and overlap the information-bearing chaotic signals for higher energy efficiency. Since the chaotic modulated signals of each user share identical reference chaotic signals, the transmitted superimposed signal matrices have the low-rank property. Then at the receiver, we apply the SVD-aided detection to recover these low-rank signals, which can suppress the noise to attain better reliability performance. Moreover, we prove that the proposed design can achieve the maximum likelihood detection performances. Furthermore, we derive the theoretical bit rate, energy efficiency and bit error rate expressions over additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel. Simulation results are then provided to validate the theoretical derivations. Subsequently, the simulated performances over AWGN and fading channels are investigated to show that higher energy efficiency and better reliability performances than benchmark schemes can be achieved in industrial IoT scenarios.