Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Symbiotic Approach to Generating Stress Tolerant Crops

Studies were undertaken to determine if fungal endophytes from plants in stressful habitats could be commercialized to generate climate resilient crop plants. Fungal endophytes were isolated from weedy rice plants and grasses from South Korea and the USA, respectively. Endophytes (Curvularia brachyspora and Fusarium asiaticum) from weedy rice plants from high salt or drought stressed habitats in South Korea conferred salt and drought stress tolerance to weedy rice and commercial varieties reflective of the habitats from which they were isolated. Fungal endophytes isolated from grasses in arid habitats of the USA were identified as Trichoderma harzianum and conferred drought and heat stress tolerance to monocots and eudicots. Two T. harzianum isolates were exposed to UV mutagenesis to derive strains resistant to fungicides in seed treatment plant protection packages. Three strains that collectively had resistance to commonly used fungicides were used for field testing. The three-strain mixture (ThSM3a) increased crop yields proportionally to the level of stress plants experienced with average yields up to 52% under high and 3–5% in low stress conditions. This study demonstrates fungal endophytes can be developed as viable commercial tools for rapidly generating climate resilient crops to enhance agricultural sustainability.
ING Proteins: Tumour Suppressors or Oncoproteins

Simple Summary The INhibitor of Growth (ING) family of proteins was founded when in 1996 ING1 was identified as a tumour suppressor, a protein that prevents cancer development. Important subsequent genetic and biochemical work in different models, showed that most ING family members are actually required for cellular proliferation, a hallmark of cancer cells. Although several studies suggest that INGs are broadly lost in cancer, some ING family members are amplified and correlate with a bad prognosis. This is especially true in hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast and prostate tumours. Herein, we review these studies and propose that ING proteins are not all tumour suppressors, but can play opposite role. Unquestionably, INGs have various functions, likely many yet to be discovered, and play complex roles during cancer development. Abstract The INhibitor of Growth family was defined in the mid-1990s by the identification of a tumour suppressor, ING1, and subsequent expansion of the family based essentially on sequence similarities. However, later work and more recent investigations demonstrate that at least a few ING proteins are actually required for normal proliferation of eukaryotic cells, from yeast to human. ING proteins are also part of a larger family of chromatin-associated factors marked by a plant homeodomain (PHD), which mediates interactions with methylated lysine residues. Herein, we discuss the role of ING proteins and their various roles in chromatin signalling in the context of cancer development and progression.
Cytotoxicity of Different Composite Resins on Human Gingival Fibroblast Cell Lines

The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the cytotoxic effects of eight composite resins on immortalized human gingival fibroblasts. Composite resins were eluted in cell culture medium for 48 or 72 h at 37 °C. Immortalized human gingival fibroblast-1 (HGF-1) cell lines were seeded in 96-well (1 × 104) plates and incubated for 24 h at 37 °C with the obtained extraction medium. The percentage of viable cells in each well (MTT test) was calculated relative to control cells, which were set to 100%. Data observed were not normally distributed, and nonparametric statistical methods were used for statistical analysis. The Wilcoxon test was used for intragroup comparison, and the Kruskal–Wallis test was used for intergroup multiple comparisons. Significance value was set as p < 0.05. All materials tested showed cytotoxic effects on gingival fibroblasts, recordable as noncytotoxic, mildly cytotoxic or severely cytotoxic, depending on the percentage of cell viability. The Wilcoxon test for intragroup comparison showed that the percentage of viable cells decreased significantly for extracts, for all composite resins tested. The composite resins contained monomers that displayed cytotoxic properties. BisGMA, TEGDMA and UDMA had inhibitory effects and induced apoptotic proteins in pulp fibroblast. Composite resins that contained lower percentages of unbound free monomers—and that released less ions—possessed superior biocompatibility in vitro.
Possible prognostic biomarkers of periodontitis in saliva.

OBJECTIVE While both first-line antioxidant enzymes and oxidation products have been considered as markers of periodontal disease, their assessment in the diagnosis of periodontal disease is more complicated. Some, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH), have indicated significant differences between patients with chronic and aggressive periodontitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS Participants (101) were divided into a control group of healthy individuals and, following diagnosis, patients with gingivitis, chronic periodontitis, and aggressive periodontitis. Compounds reflecting tissue destruction, inflammatory processes or antioxidant responses, such as sirtuins (SIRT-1, SIRT-2), metalloproteinases (MMP), SOD, GPx, GSH, and glutathione reductase (GR) were measured in saliva. RESULTS SIRT-2 levels were significantly increased in all patients. In patients with gingivitis, MMP (p<0.05) and GPx (p<0.01) were significantly increased. In patients with chronic and aggressive periodontitis, SOD activities were increased (p<0.001) while GPx and GR were decreased (p<0.001). Relative activities of MMP were higher in patients with aggressive periodontitis. CONCLUSIONS Measurements of SIRT-2 and SOD clearly showed increased levels of oxidative stress in cases of periodontitis with a subsequent inhibition of other antioxidant enzymes. Levels of GSH suggest reversibility of the conditions with appropriate intervention. With the assessment of the trends of these selected antioxidant markers, it is possible to determine the prognosis of the disease.
Subsequent Primary Cancers of the Digestive System Among Childhood and Adolescent Cancer Survivors From 1975 to 2015 in the United States

INTRODUCTION: Among survivors from first primary cancers that occurred during childhood and adolescence, their risks of developing subsequent primary digestive system cancers are not well understood. Therefore, we conducted the largest and most comprehensive analysis examining risks for diverse types of digestive system cancers after survival from a wide variety of first primary childhood and adolescent cancers. METHODS: We identified 41,249 patients diagnosed with first primary cancer from 1975 to 2015 before 20 years of age from 9 Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program registries. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and absolute excess risks (AERs) for digestive system cancers were calculated controlling for age, sex, race, and calendar year. RESULTS: Among 41,249 cancer survivors, 133 developed subsequent primary digestive system cancer, with a median digestive system cancer diagnosis age of 37 years. The SIR and AER for any digestive system cancer were highest among survivors of bone cancer, lymphoma, and neuroblastoma. Among survivors from any first primary cancer, the SIR was significantly elevated for cancer of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, and pancreas, whereas the AER was highest for large intestine cancer. DISCUSSION: Childhood and adolescent cancer survivors diagnosed from 1975 to 2015 have significantly elevated risks of digestive system cancers compared with the US general population. Our detailed findings may contribute to surveillance recommendations of childhood and adolescent cancer survivors and promote future studies to further understand mechanisms by which having various first primary cancers lead to subsequent primary digestive system cancers.
Pre-Senescence Induction in Hepatoma Cells Favors Hepatitis C Virus Replication and Can Be Used in Exploring Antiviral Potential of Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors

Recent evidence suggests that fibrotic liver injury in patients with chronic hepatitis C correlates with cellular senescence in damaged liver tissue. However, it is still unclear how senescence can affect replication of the hepatitis C virus (HCV). In this work, we report that an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases 4/6, palbociclib, not only induced in hepatoma cells a pre-senescent cellular phenotype, including G1 arrest in the cell cycle, but also accelerated viral replicon multiplication. Importantly, suppression of HCV replication by direct acting antivirals (DAAs) was barely affected by pre-senescence induction, and vice versa, the antiviral activities of host-targeting agents (HTAs), such as inhibitors of human histone deacetylases (HDACi), produced a wide range of reactions—from a dramatic reduction to a noticeable increase. It is very likely that under conditions of the G1 arrest in the cell cycle, HDACi exhibit their actual antiviral potency, since their inherent anticancer activity that complicates the interpretation of test results is minimized.
Biomimicry in French Urban Projects: Trends and Perspectives from the Practice

Biomimicry is a design framework with growing interests in sustainable architectural and urban design practice. Nevertheless, there is a significant lack of studies and knowledge regarding its practical application. In 2020, a French workgroup called Biomim’City Lab published a document identifying and describing 16 urban projects designed by French teams integrating biomimicry at various levels. Our research is an opportunistic study analyzing this data, aiming to identify trends and challenges in the French market. We analyzed the projects using a mixed-method approach, through quantitative typological analysis and qualitative narrative analysis. This sample of French projects indicates a trend of increasing interest in biomimicry on built space projects in France. Biomimicry was primarily applied at the façade/roof/soil systems, mostly using macroscopic models as ecosystems, plants, and animals. Designers declared to aim diverse objectives with the biomimetic approach; still, thermal comfort is the most recurrent in the sample. We also identified that challenges remain to foster the field application, as the lack of awareness of the urban fabric stakeholders on the topic and the gaps between research and design practice.
Death Anxiety in Social Workers as a Consequence of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all social spaces, conditioning our daily routines, including those at work. All professions have been affected by stressful situations and anxiety in the proximity’s face of death generated by the pandemic. In this context, some professionals have emerged as essential, as social workers, acting in extreme situations in the face of increased demands and social uncertainty arising from the health crisis. The present study aimed to determine the levels of anxiety about death among social workers in Spain. For this purpose, an ad hoc questionnaire was designed, taking the Collett and Lester Fear of Death Scale as a reference (n = 304). The exploitation of the data was carried out from a quantitative perspective. First, a descriptive analysis was performed. Then, binary logistic regressions were carried out on the general scale. The dependent variable in all of them was the risk of suffering death anxiety to the set of its subscales. The main research results show high values of this anxiety in social workers concerning the general value of the scale—and the subscales—and the point of view of state and process. The highest values were Fear of Death of Others (81.6%) and Fear of the Process of Dying of Others (78.3%). Regarding the binary logistic regressions applied, predictor variables were identified in all of them, but the following stand out: Lack of personal protection equipment and Need psychological or psychiatric support. In addition, being a woman increases the risk of suffering Fear of the Dying Process of others.
Effect of Speech-to-Noise Ratio and Luminance on a Range of Current and Potential Pupil Response Measures to Assess Listening Effort

In hearing research, pupillometry is an established method of studying listening effort. The focus of this study was to evaluate several pupil measures extracted from the Task-Evoked Pupil Responses (TEPRs) in speech-in-noise test. A range of analysis approaches was applied to extract these pupil measures, namely (a) pupil peak dilation (PPD); (b) mean pupil dilation (MPD); (c) index of pupillary activity; (d) growth curve analysis (GCA); and (e) principal component analysis (PCA). The effect of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR; Data Set A: –20 dB, –10 dB, +5 dB SNR) and luminance (Data Set B: 0.1 cd/m2, 360 cd/m2) on the TEPRs were investigated. Data Sets A and B were recorded during a speech-in-noise test and included TEPRs from 33 and 27 normal-hearing native Dutch speakers, respectively. The main results were as follows: (a) A significant effect of SNR was revealed for all pupil measures extracted in the time domain (PPD, MPD, GCA, PCA); (b) Two time series analysis approaches (GCA, PCA) provided modeled temporal profiles of TEPRs (GCA); and time windows spanning subtasks performed in a speech-in-noise test (PCA); and (c) All pupil measures revealed a significant effect of luminance. In conclusion, multiple pupil measures showed similar effects of SNR, suggesting that effort may be reflected in multiple aspects of TEPR. Moreover, a direct analysis of the pupil time course seems to provide a more holistic view of TEPRs, yet further research is needed to understand and interpret its measures. Further research is also required to find pupil measures less sensitive to changes in luminance.
Processing of Flavor-Enhanced Oils: Optimization and Validation of Multiple Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction-Arrow to Quantify Pyrazines in the Oils

An efficient and effective multiple headspace-solid phase microextraction-arrow-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (MHS-SPME-arrow-GCMS) analytical protocol is established and used to quantify the flavor compounds in oils. SPME conditions, such as fiber coating, pre-incubation temperature, extraction temperature, and time were studied. The feasibility was compared between SPME-arrow and the traditional fiber by loading different sample amounts. It was found that the SPME-arrow was more suitable for the MHS-SPME. The limit of detection (LODs) and limit of quantitation (LOQs) of pyrazines were in the range of 2–60 ng and 6–180 ng/g oil, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of both intra- and inter-day were lower than 16%. The mean recoveries for spiked pyrazines in rapeseed oil were in the range of 91.6–109.2%. Furthermore, this newly established method of MHS-SPME-arrow was compared with stable isotopes dilution analysis (SIDA) by using [2H6]-2-methyl-pyrazine. The results are comparable and indicate this method can be used for edible oil flavor analysis.
Potential Traumatic Events through the Life Cycle in an Immigrant Population

Existing studies on traumatic events focused on children, while it has been understudied in older adults. This study aims to examine prevalence, frequency, and severity of life events in older Chinese Americans. The data were drawn from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly (PINE) in 2017–2019. Twenty life events were evaluated, including natural disasters, personal traumatic events, and historical events. Among 3125 participants, the mean age was 75.33 (standard deviation (SD) = 8.22) with 61.06% female. Cultural Revolution (73.27%) has the highest prevalence. A total of 1819 (58.39%) participants reported typhoon and experienced multiple times. Falsely accused of crime was reported as the most severe event. Women were more likely to report family-related life events. Those with higher education were more likely to report personal traumatic events. This study is among the first to profile life events in older Chinese Americans. Age cohorts, gender roles, and socioeconomic status shape individuals’ exposure to life events. This study could help identify which vulnerable groups have high risks of exposure to traumatic events.
Student Health Implications of School Closures during the COVID-19 Pandemic: New Evidence on the Association of e-Learning, Outdoor Exercise, and Myopia

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic forced many education systems to consider alternative remote e-learning modalities, which have consequential behavioral and health implications for youth. In particular, increased e-learning engagement with digital screens and reduction in outdoor activities are two likely channels posing adverse risks for myopia development. This study investigated the association between e-learning screen use, outdoor activity, lighting condition, and myopia development among school-age children in China, during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from 3405 school-age children attending primary, lower-secondary, and upper-secondary schools in China. Univariate parametric and nonparametric tests, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used. Findings show that each diopter hour increase in daily e-learning screen use is significantly associated with progression of myopia symptoms (OR: 1.074, 95% CI: 1.058–1.089; p < 0.001), whereas engaging in outdoor exercise four to six times per week (OR: 0.745, 95% CI: 0.568–0.977; p = 0.034) and one to three times per week (OR: 0.829, 95% CI: 0.686–0.991; p = 0.048) is associated with a lower likelihood of myopia progression than none at all. In addition, we found that indoor lighting that is either “too dim” (OR: 1.686, 95% CI: 1.226–2.319; p = 0.001) or “too bright” (OR: 1.529, 95% CI: 1.007–2.366; p = 0.036) is significantly associated higher likelihood of myopic symptoms. Findings in this study uncover the less observable vision consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on youths through digital online learning and highlight the importance of considering appropriate mitigation strategies to deal with this emerging public health challenge.
Empathy and Coping in Allied Health Sciences: Gender Patterns

This study aimed to examine the patterns of associations between empathy and coping among undergraduate men and women studying at Allied Health Sciences. This cross-sectional study is part of a larger longitudinal study conducted in an Allied Health Sciences School. Participants were 183 undergraduate students from 12 training programs (e.g., Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy). Their mean age was 20.79 years (SD = 2.64), and they were in their first, third, and fourth years of school. The instruments were the Brief-COPE and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). Empathy correlated with coping strategies in both genders, though showing different patterns of association. First, distinct coping strategies were associated with the same empathy dimension (perspective taking) among women (positive reframing and self-blame) and among men (active coping). Second, the same three coping strategies appeared in both genders (seeking emotional or instrumental support and resorting to religion) but associated with different empathy dimensions (cognitive empathy among women and mostly emotional empathy among men). Third, among women (but not among men), two coping strategies (positive reframing and behavioral disengagement) were each simultaneously correlated with cognitive and emotional empathy in opposite directions. Fourth, emotional empathy correlated, only among women, with several coping strategies considered to be maladaptive (behavioral disengagement, denial and substance use). Among men, only one significant coping strategy was considered to be maladaptive (behavioral disengagement) and it was negatively correlated with cognitive empathy (perspective taking). Unlike in women, relationships between the empathic dimension of fantasy and coping strategies were non-significant among men. These distinct patterns of associations emerged despite significant differences in empathy by gender (fantasy, personal distress and empathic concern) and in coping strategies (instrumental support, emotional support, religion and venting). These results support the idea that the display of empathy might be associated with gender differences in the underlying empathy dimensions and in the coping strategies used to deal with stress in the undergraduate programs of Allied Health Sciences.
Observations on Refractive Status and Risk Factors for Visual Impairment in Children with Disabilities

Vision integrates all the senses and plays a fundamental role in the acquisition of different skills and the general development of a child. Recently, refractive errors and visual impairment have become serious health problems among children. Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of refractive errors and visual impairment in children with disabilities. Moreover, this study aimed to explore the risk factors for visual impairment in children with respect to vitamin D levels, parental smoking, and the use of spectacles. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 161 children aged 5–16 years old, divided into two groups: a group of 80 children with disabilities and a control group consisting of 81 clinically healthy children. All the children underwent refraction measurements, visual acuity testing, and plasmatic vitamin D level dosing, measured in ng/mL. Results: Refractive errors and visual impairment were found to have a higher prevalence in the group of children with disabilities than in the control group. Moreover, the plasma level of vitamin D was lower in the group of children with special health needs. Conclusions: Given the present results, children with disabilities should undergo special eye examinations as soon as possible to ensure the quality of their socio-academic lives.
Distribution of β-Lactamase Genes in Clinical Isolates from California Central Valley Hospital Deviates from the United States Nationwide Trends

The evolution and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes throughout the world are clearly affected by the selection and migration of resistant bacteria. However, the relative contributions of selection and migration at a local scale have not been fully explored. We sought to identify which of these factors has the strongest effect through comparisons of antibiotic resistance gene abundance between a distinct location and its surroundings over an extended period of six years. In this work, we used two repositories of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing isolates collected since 2013 from patients at Dignity Health Mercy Medical Center (DHMMC) in Merced, California, USA, and a nationwide database compiled from clinical isolate genomes reported by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) since 2013. We analyzed the stability of average resistance gene frequencies over the years since collection of these clinical isolates began for each repository. We then compared the frequencies of resistance genes in the DHMMC collection with the averages of the nationwide frequencies. We found DHMMC gene frequencies are stable over time and differ significantly from nationwide frequencies throughout the period of time we examined. Our results suggest that local selective pressures are a more important influence on the population structure of resistance genes in bacterial populations than migration. This, in turn, indicates the potential for antibiotic resistance to be controlled at a regional level, making it easier to limit the spread through local stewardship.