Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gestational Serum Retinol Deficiency Is Associated with Enamel Hypoplasia

Enamel hypoplasia (EH) is a prevalent developmental defect of teeth that can result from various insults, including prenatal nutrient deficiencies. This study aimed to evaluate the association between prenatal serum retinol deficiency and EH in the deciduous teeth of offspring at 2-y of age. A cohort of 1,450 pregnant women was enrolled, and their prenatal nutritional status was assessed between 12 and 14 wk of gestation. Maternal serum retinol, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), hemoglobin, body mass index, and birth outcomes, infant feeding practices, family socioeconomic status, and demographic information were recorded. Oral health examinations were conducted for the children semiannually, and EH was diagnosed using the Modified DDE index on all the surfaces of erupted teeth. A modified Poisson regression analysis was used to assess the cumulative risk of EH over a period of 2-y. A total of 920 (63.4%) mother–child pairs completed the study, and the cumulative EH prevalence among offspring after 2-y of follow-up was 16.5% (N = 152; 87/1,114 children in the first year and 132/920 in the second year, with 20/920 having EH only in the first year). After adjusting for potential confounders, maternal serum retinol deficiency significantly increased the risk of deciduous EH (risk ratio [RR], 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–3.7). In addition, deficient serum 25OHD (RR, 6.5; 95% CI, 4.0–10.7), caesarean delivery (RR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.0–2.4), Muslim (RR, 2.9; 95% CI, 2.0–4.1) and Christian (RR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.6–3.5) versus Hindu religions, and very preterm birth (RR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1–2.9) increased the risk of EH. Children presenting with EH had 2 or more teeth affected, and the maxillary incisors were the most frequently affected, followed by the first primary molars and canines. In conclusion, maternal serum retinol deficiency during the 12 to 14 wk of gestation may increase the risk of deciduous EH, besides the well-established 25OHD deficiency.
Alphavirus-induced transcriptional and translational shutoffs play major roles in blocking the formation of stress granules

Alphavirus infections cause multiple alterations in the intracellular environment that can have both positive and negative effects on viral replication. The Old World alphaviruses, such as Sindbis (SINV), chikungunya (CHIKV), and Semliki Forest viruses, hinder the ability of vertebrate cells to form stress granules (SGs). Previously, this inhibitory function was attributed to the hypervariable domain (HVD) of nsP3, which sequesters the key components of SGs, G3BP1 and G3BP2, and to the nsP3 macro domain. The macro domain possesses ADP-ribosylhydrolase activity, which can diminish the ADP-ribosylation of G3BP1 during viral replication. However, our recent findings do not support the prevailing notions. We demonstrate that the interactions between SINV– or CHIKV-specific nsP3s and G3BPs, and the ADP-ribosylhydrolase activity are not major contributors to the inhibitory process, at least when nsP3 is expressed at biologically relevant levels. Instead, the primary factors responsible for suppressing SG formation are virus-induced transcriptional and translational shutoffs that rapidly develop within the first few hours post infection. Poorly replicating SINV variants carrying mutated nsP3 HVD still inhibit SG development even in the presence of NaAs. Conversely, SINV mutants lacking transcription and/or translation inhibitory functions lose their ability to inhibit SGs, despite expressing high levels of wt nsP3. Moreover, we found that stable cell lines expressing GFP-nsP3 fusions retain the capacity to form SGs when exposed to sodium arsenite. However, our results do not rule out a possibility that additional virus-induced changes in cell biology may contribute to the suppression of SG formation. Importance Our study highlights the mechanisms behind the cell’s resistance to SG formation after infection with Old World alphaviruses. Shortly after infection, the replication of these viruses hinders the cell’s ability to form SGs, even when exposed to chemical inducers such as sodium arsenite. This resistance is primarily attributed to virus-induced transcriptional and translational shutoffs, rather than interactions between the viral nsP3 and the key components of SGs, G3BP1/2, or the ADP-ribosylhydrolase activity of nsP3 macro domain. While interactions between G3BP and nsP3 are essential for the formation of viral replication complexes, their role in regulating SG development appears to be minimal, if any. Cells harboring replicating virus-specific RNA with modified abilities to inhibit transcription and/or translation, but encoding wt nsP3, retain the capacity for SG development. Understanding these mechanisms of regulation of SG development contributes to our knowledge of viral replication and the intricate relationships between alphaviruses and host cells.
Does cardiovascular risk matter in IBD patients?

Cardiovascular and thromboembolic risks are increasing in the population as a whole and therefore also in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Obesity is a worldwide challenge also affecting the IBD population, and a causal association with Crohn's disease may exist. IBD itself, particularly when active, is also associated with a significant risk of thromboembolic and cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Cardiovascular risk is also a significant consideration when using Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators to treat IBD. JAK inhibitors – such as tofacitinib – are associated with several cardiovascular and venous thromboembolic risks, including hypertension and alterations in lipid profiles – specifically, increased LDL cholesterol and triglycerides – which may contribute to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. S1P receptor modulators pose a slightly different set of cardiovascular risks. Initially, these drugs can cause transient bradycardia and atrioventricular (AV) block, leading to bradycardia. Moreover, they may induce QT interval prolongation, which increases the risk of life‐threatening arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes. Some patients may also experience hypertension as a side effect. In this context, IBD healthcare providers need to be alert to the assessment of cardiovascular risk – particularly as cardiovascular events appear to be confined to specific patient groups with pre‐existing risk factors. In addition, the potential for S1P modulator drug interactions requires a higher level of vigilance in patients with polypharmacy compared to biologics. Cardiovascular risk is not static, and updated assessment will need to become part of the routine in many IBD units.
Evaluation of the role of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and mean platelet volume (MPV) time series as predictors of diagnosis and prognosis of hemotoxic snakebite

Abstract Background This study aimed to assess the predictive value of NLR, PLR, and MPV time series for diagnosis and prognosis of hemotoxic snakebite envenomation. Methods This is a prospective study among snakebite patients admitted to the Poison Control Center of Ain Shams University Hospitals and Assiut University Hospitals from the beginning of July 2019 to the end of October 2021. Patients were classified according to their clinical severity into three groups: mild, moderate, and severe. Results The maximum incidence of snakebite was found in males (95%) from rural areas (80%); at lower limbs (70%); at night (51%); and during the autumn season (43.3%). The admission NLR and PLR can predict hemotoxic snakebite envenomation with an AUC of 0.940 and 0.569. The combination of NLR with PLR can develop a more predominant prediction of snakebite envenomation with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.979. Furthermore, higher admission NLR and PLR levels are associated with prolonged hospital stays. Conclusion While NLR and PLR levels may be helpful in the diagnosis of snakebite, MPV plays no part in the prognosis of snakebite patients. Serial NLR, PLR initially, at 24 hours, and predischarge can be used to evaluate the early treatment response.
Examining neighbourhood-level disparities in Black, Latina/o, Asian, and White physical health, mental health, chronic conditions, and social disadvantage in California

ABSTRACT Racial/ethnic minority individuals in the U.S. experience numerous health disparities versus Whites, often due to differences in social determinants. Yet, limited large-scale research has examined these differences at the neighbourhood level. We merged 2021 PLACES Project and 2020 American Community Survey data across 3,211 census tracts (neighbourhoods) defined as majority (>50%) Black, Latina/o, Asian or White. T-tests and hierarchical linear regressions were used to examine differences and associations between neighbourhoods on key health (general health, mental health, obesity, diabetes, cancer, coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke), and social outcomes (income, unemployment, age, population density). Results indicated that minority neighbourhoods in California exhibited stark health and social disparities versus White neighbourhoods, displaying worse outcomes on nearly every social and health variable/condition examined; particularly for Black and Latina/o neighbourhoods. Moreover, regression findings revealed that, after considering income, unemployment, and population density, (1) fair/poor mental health and higher percentages of Black, Latina/o and Asian residents in neighbourhoods independently associated with greater neighbourhood fair/poor physical health, and (2) fair/poor mental health significantly associated with greater prevalence of obesity and COPD. This study thus underscores the need to address the profound health and social disparities experienced by minority neighbourhoods for more equitable neighbourhoods.
Assessment of Vulnerability and Adaptation to Sea-Level Rise for the Coastal Zone of Germany

Abstract Germany's coast extends over 3700 km on both the North and Baltic Seas and is shared by five coastal states. Major seaport cities, Hamburg and Bremen, form two of these states, whereas rural areas and small and medium-size coastal towns comprise the other three coastal states. Along the coast large low-lying areas are already threatened by recurring storm flood events and erosion. Accelerated sea-level rise therefore exacerbates a high-risk situation. It is estimated that under a 1-m accelerated sea-level rise scenario the recurrence of devastating storm floods that presently have a probability of 1 in 100 will decrease to a 1 in 10 or even 1 in 1 probability. Vulnerability assessments have been carried out in Germany at three scales: (i) the national level, i.e., for all coastal areas lying below 5 m (Baltic Sea Coast) and 10 m (North Sea Coast), (ii) the regional level for the coastal state of Schleswig-Holstein, and (iii) the local level for selected communities within this state. When comparing findings from these analyses, the results show that the economic risks of flooding and erosion are highest when detailed studies covering the full range of infrastructure assets are used. However, the actual risk areas in detailed studies may be more confined when considering local topography and infrastructure such as road dams. Nationally, an accelerated sea-level rise of 1 m would put more than 300,000 people at risk in the coastal cities and communities, and economic values endangered by flooding and erosion would amount to more than 300 billion US$ (based on 1995 values). This is why German coastal states are following a strategy based on hard coastal protection measures against flooding, although authorities realize that maintaining and/or improving these defence structures might become rather costly in the long-term. Although additional investment in flood and erosion protection will be considerable (estimated at more than 500 million US$) this seems manageable for the national and regional economies. On the other hand, hard coastline defence and accelerated sea-level rise will increase “coastal squeeze” on the seaward side, endangering important coastal ecosystems such as tidal flats (Wadden Sea), saltmarshes, and dunes. Currently there is no strategy to remedy this increasing ecological vulnerability.
A Calibration-Free Optical Emission Spectroscopic Method to Determine the Composition of a Spark Discharge Plasma Used for AuAg Binary Nanoparticle Synthesis

Spark discharge generators (SDGs) employ controlled gaseous environments to induce spark ablation of non-insulating electrodes, resulting in the formation of various nanostructures in the gas phase. The method offers technological advantages such as continuous particle production, scalable yield, and minimal waste. Additionally, the versatility of the process enables the generation of alloy nanoparticles from various material combinations, including immiscible ones. In order to fully exploit its potential, understanding the atomic mixing process during electrode ablation, particularly in the case of dissimilar electrodes, is crucial. Temporally and spatially resolved optical emission spectroscopy (OES) has been previously demonstrated as an effective characterization tool for spark plasmas in SDGs. However, to gain a deeper insight into the vapor mixing process, it is essential to quantitatively determine the plasma composition in both space and time. This paper introduces a calibration-free OES-based method tailored for spark plasmas utilized in binary nanoparticle generation. The method introduces the so-called multi-element combinatory Boltzmann plots, which use intensity ratios of emission atomic lines from different materials, allowing for the direct estimation of total number concentration ratios. The approach is tested using synthetic spectra and validated with experimental spark spectra obtained near an alloyed gold–silver (AuAg) electrode with a known composition. The study demonstrates the capabilities and robustness of the proposed method, with a focus on the AuAg system due to its significance in plasmonic research and frequent synthesis using spark ablation. Graphical abstract This is a visual representation of the abstract.
Development and Evaluation of a Virtual Reality Therapy System for Children with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy

Children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, or hemiplegia, can improve their motor skills through repetitive practice. A need exists for engaging home activities that can encourage such exercise. Virtual reality (VR) therapy involves immersive and interactive computer-mediated experiences designed to elicit specific neuromotor movements. This thesis details the development and testing of a low-cost, home-based VR therapy system for children with hemiplegia. One device, adapted from the PlayStation 2 with EyeToy (PS2-E), was evaluated with five primary school children with hemiplegia. The study found that the PS2-E elicited targeted neuromotor movements of the hemiplegic upper extremity (UE) at high rates (13.2 ± 4.0 movements/minute of play) over an extended period of game playing (18.6 ± 2.6 minutes). Surveys showed that participants also enjoyed using the device and would likely accept it as part of a home-based therapy program. Meanwhile, an adaptive hands-on interface in which the child performs fine motor skills while playing computer games was also developed and fabricated. The interface includes software that processes user inputs and adjusts the level of difficulty to maximize rehabilitation outcomes. Overall, these devices may be useful for the improvement of specific UE function of children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
Impact of New Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19. Results of the “ACO-VID” Registry

Objective To assess the impact of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) on patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods Multicenter and retrospective study that included subjects >55 years hospitalized with COVID-19 from March to October 2020 in Spanish hospitals. Patients were divided into 3 groups (no AF, new-onset AF, and preexisting AF) and followed-up to 90 days. Results A total of 668 patients were included, of whom 162 (24.3%) had no AF, 107 (16.0%) new-onset AF and 399 (59.7%) preexisting AF. Compared to patients without AF, those patients with new-onset AF were older and had more comorbidities, but without differences with preexisting AF. During hospitalization, in the univariate analysis, compared to patients without AF, major bleeding and cardiovascular mortality were more frequent in patients with new-onset AF (10.3% vs 0.6%; P < .001; 2.8% vs 0.6%; P = .025, respectively), with a trend toward more stroke (1.9% vs 0%; P = .085). Outcomes were similar between AF groups, but the length of stay was greater in preexisting AF patients. Among patients with new-onset AF taking reduced doses of anticoagulant treatment was associated with higher risks of stroke and major bleeding. Conclusions In COVID-19 hospitalized patients, new-onset AF may be associated with worse outcomes, but influenced by the dose of anticoagulants.
Temporal Dynamic Regulation of Autophagy and Senescence Induction in Response to Radiation Exposure

Autophagy and senescence are closely related cellular responses to genotoxic stress, and play significant roles in the execution of cellular responses to radiation exposure. However, little is known about their interplay in the fate-decision of cells receiving lethal doses of radiation. Here, we report that autophagy precedes the establishment of premature senescence in normal human fibroblasts exposed to lethal doses of radiation. Activation of the p53-dependent DNA damage response caused sustained dephosphorylation of RB proteins and consequent cell cycle arrest, concurrently with Ulk1 dephosphorylation at Ser638 by PPM1D, which promoted autophagy induction 1–2 days after irradiation. In addition, mitochondrial fragmentation became obvious 1–2 days after irradiation, and autophagy was further enhanced. However, Ulk1 levels decreased significantly after 2 days, resulting in lower LC3-II levels. An autophagic flux assay using chloroquine (CQ) also revealed that the flux in irradiated cells gradually decreased over 30 days. In contrast, lysosomal augmentation started at 1 day, became significantly upregulated after 5 days, and continued for over 30 days. After a rapid decrease in autophagy, p16 expression increased and senescence was established, but autophagic activity remained reduced. These results demonstrated that X-ray irradiation triggered two processes, autophagy and senescence, with the former being temporary and regulated by DNA damage response and mitophagy, and the latter being sustained and regulated by persistent cell cycle arrest. The interplay between autophagy and senescence seems to be essential for the proper implementation of the cellular response to radiation exposure.
Experimental Study on Groundwater Flow in a Borehole

This study presents the results from experiment on the groundwater flow in a borehole in porous media. A laser-Doppler velocimeter is employed for measuring the velocity in the hole. The groundwater flow in the porous media around the hole is demonstrated using the observed stream line in the tracer experiment. The measured velocity distributions in the streamwise direction agree well with the theoretical solution presented by Sano (1983) . It is experimentally found that ( ) the streamwise velocity at the center of the hole is three times larger than the seepage velocity in the porous media before the hole bored, (ii) the streamwise velocity distribution in the hole is a parabolic type, and (iii) the fluid in the vicinity of the upstream side of the hole is sucked into the hole and flows out to the downstream side in a symmetrical stream line. It can be said that these experimental findings will be useful in the in-situ measurement of groundwater velocity using a single borehole.
Central Corneal Thickness and Intraocular Pressure in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Purpose The aim of this study is to determine the mean central corneal thickness (CCT) and mean intraocular pressure (IOP) in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and to determine the relationship between CCT and IOP on the one hand and age, sex, retinopathy hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and duration of diabetes on the other. Methods This is a case-control, hospital-based study conducted at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia between January and November 2022. Thirty-eight children with T1DM were recruited as cases, and 38 healthy children were recruited as controls. The cases and controls then underwent ophthalmic examination, IOP measurement, and CCT measurement using optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the right eye. The IOP measurements were adjusted for CCT for further analysis. Results The means of CCT and IOP values were significantly higher in the T1DM group than in the control group (all p = 0.02). The mean CCT was 542.18 ± 20.40 μm in the T1DM group, and 529.52 ± 26.17 μm in the control group. The mean IOP was 14.68 ± 1.98 mmHg in the T1DM group, and 13.52 ± 1.66 mmHg in the control group. The mean HbA1c was 10.68% ± 2.49% in the T1DM group. Age and duration of DM were found to have a significant association with CCT in children with T1DM. The duration of DM was also found to be significantly associated with the IOP. Sex and HbA1c levels were found to have no significant relationship with either CCT or IOP. Conclusions Children with T1DM have significantly higher CCT and IOP than the average child. The duration of DM is a significant factor that impacts both CCT and IOP. In addition, age is another factor that affects CCT in children with T1DM.
An interpolation result for $A_1$ weights with applications to fractional Poincar\'e inequalities

We characterize the real interpolation space between weighted $L^1$ and $W^{1,1}$ spaces on arbitrary bounded domains, when the weights are positive powers of the distance to the boundary multiplied by an $A_1$ weight. As an application of this result we obtain weighted fractional Poincar\'e inequalities with sharp dependence on the fractional parameter $s$ (for $s$ close to 1) and show that they are equivalent to a weighted Poincar\'e inequality for the gradient.