Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oral health literacy, self-rated oral health, and oral health-related quality of life in Brazilian adults.

The aim of this study was to investigate associations between oral health literacy (OHL), self-rated oral health (SROH), and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in Brazilian adults. A sample of 523 Brazilian adults completed the short-form Health Literacy in Dentistry (HeLD-14) and the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) instruments that measure OHL and OHRQoL, respectively. The prevalence ratios (PRs) for outcome variables and their 95% CIs were quantified. Multivariable log-binomial regression models were applied, as the statistical models, to estimate bivariate and multivariable relationships of oral health outcomes with OHL, after adjusting for covariates. No significant association was found between poor SROH (as measured by single items) and OHL (PR = 1.28; 95% CI: 0.87-1.88); by contrast, significant associations were found between poor SROH and income (PR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.04-2.21), toothbrushing frequency (PR = 1.69; 95% CI: 1.11-2.58), reason for dental visiting (PR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.03-2.13), and self-rated general health (PR = 3.44; 95% CI: 2.38-4.97). The OHL level (PR = 1.76; 95% CI: 1.21-2.56), educational level (PR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.41-0.93), reason for dental visiting (PR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.30-2.61), and self-rated general health (PR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.03-2.23) were associated with poor OHRQoL.
The role of TNRC6 proteins in gene silencing

Proteins of the GW182 family have recently emerged as key players in miRNAmediated gene silencing. They have been shown to interact with Argonaute proteins, components of the RISC and are assumed to mediate the repression in metazoa. Three paralogues are encoded in the human genome, TNRC6A (GW182), TNRC6B and TNRC6C and only one in fly. Results in Drosophila melanogaster demonstrated that GW182 has the potential to both repress translation and induce mRNA deadenylation and decay. In this work, we investigate the role of GW182 proteins in miRNA-mediated repression. We demonstrate that the repression mediated by TNRC6C is due to a combination of effects on the mRNA level and mRNA translation. Through deletion analysis, we could identify the C-terminal part of TNRC6C as a key effector domain mediating repression of protein synthesis. Furthermore, we show that two unstructured regions located within the C-terminal part are responsible for the effect. We give evidence for a direct interaction of TNRC6C with PABP and CNOT1. Both interactions are mediated by the C-terminal effector domain, however by different sub-fragments. While repression of protein synthesis is independent of the interaction with PABP, it relies on the interaction with the CCR4–NOT complex. The interaction is mediated by GW-repeats which are located in the two regions flanking the RRM. Finally, we show that the C-terminal effector domain is able to induce repression upon tethering not only of poly(A)+ but also of poly(A)–reporters. Our results characterize the role of GW182 proteins in gene silencing and clarify some of the recent contradictions about the diverse proposals for the mode of action of miRNAs. The identified effector motifs function as important mediators of miRNA-induced silencing and reveal the recruitment of the CCR4–NOT machinery to the RNA-induced silencing complex. In addition to inducing mRNA decay, the recruitment of GW182 also results in inhibition of mRNA translation independently of deadenylation.
Repeated hyperstimulation affects the ultrastructure of mouse fallopian tube epithelium

Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) is routinary used in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) to increase the yields of mature oocytes. The possibility that patients with a history of failures or poor-responders may develop side-effects following these treatments is still debated. Epidemiological studies reported controversial results about pregnancy outcome and the risk of developing gynecological cancers. By using a mouse model, here we compared the ultrastructural features of fallopian tubes (FTs) obtained from mice undergoing or not (control, CTR) four (4R) and eight (8R) rounds of gonadotropin stimulation. Although the morphological characteristics of oviductal layers seemed unaffected by repeated treatments, dose-response ultrastructural alterations in the ampulla appeared in the 4R group and even more in the 8R group. The targets were oviductal ciliated (CCs) and non-ciliated (NCCs) cells, which showed damaged mitochondria and glycogen accumulations in the cytoplasm. The drastic reduction of CCs, evident after 4R, was supported by the absence of cilia. After 8R, glycogen granules were significantly reduced and massive degeneration of mitochondria, which appeared swollen and/or vacuolated, occurred in NCCs. Moreover, disintegrated mitochondria were found at the periphery of mitophagic vacuoles with evident signs of cristolysis. The morphometric analysis evidenced a significant increase in the density and frequency of damaged mitochondria after 4R and 8R. The absence of cilia, necessary to sustain oviductal transport of oocytes, spermatozoa and embryos, may originate from either mitochondrial dysfunction or glycogen consumption. These results suggest that repeated COH treatments could induce alterations impairing fertilization and embryo transport toward the uterus.
Subterminal key pinch dynamometry: a new method to quantify strength deficit in ulnar nerve paralysis

Precise pre- and postoperative assessments are fundamental to recording the quality of recovery after ulnar nerve repair. Because of its imprecision, manual muscle testing is being replaced by dynamometry to measure grasping and key-pinch strengths. However, both grasping and key pinch are dependent not only on the ulnar nerve but also the median and radial nerves. We propose to measure strength using a new sort of pinch, called the ‘subterminal key pinch’. Strength was measured using a commercially available pinch meter. Patients applied pressure on the dynamometer with the interphalangeal joint of the thumb, maintaining the joint in extension to avoid enhancement of strength by the flexor pollicis longus. We examined 17 patients before ulnar nerve repair. Preoperatively, grasping strength was 46% of normal, while key pinch was 58%, pinch-to-zoom strength was 26% and subterminal key pinch only 7%. Subterminal key pinch was the most affected pinch with a strength deficit of over 90%. Level of evidence: IV
Comparison of hurdle treatments for buffalo meat

Summary Three types of shelf stable buffalo meat chunks (SBM) were prepared using three types of infusion solution formulations. These contained varying percentages of glycerol, sodium chloride, propylene glycol and honey, in addition to sodium nitrite @ 100 ppm and sorbic acid @ 0.2%. Meat chunks were pasteurised at 80 °C for 20 min and then desorbed under refrigeration, drained and dried at 80 °C. The SBM processed with ISF-3 (glycerol 6.0, propylene glycol 1.00 and sodium chloride 6.00%) had significantly lower salt and moisture content and significantly higher protein and haem pigments than the other two products. The SBM processed with ISF-1 (glycerol 9.5, propylene glycol 1.5, sodium chloride 7.5 and honey 2.0%) had significantly lower water activity but significantly higher yield and protein solubility than other two products. The SBM processed with ISF-2 (glycerol 2.5, propylene glycol 2.5, sodium chloride 8.5 and honey 1.0%) had significantly higher salt content and Thiobarbituric acid values than the other two products. All the three types of products had very good sensory acceptability and satisfactory microbiological qualities.
Interactions of circulating estradiol and progesterone on changes in endometrial area and pituitary responsiveness to GnRH†

Abstract Changes in circulating progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) during proestrus produce dynamic changes in endometrial function and pituitary release of gonadotropins. Independent and combined effects of P4 and E2 on endometrium and pituitary were evaluated. In a preliminary study, an exogenous hormone model of proestrus was created by removal of corpus luteum and follicles ≥5 mm followed by gradual removal of intravaginal P4 implants during 18 h and treatment with increasing doses of estradiol benzoate during 48 h to mimic proestrus using high E2 (n = 9) or low E2 (n = 9). Decreased P4, increased E2, and increased endometrial area (EA) simulated proestrus in high-E2 cows and this was used subsequently. The main experiment used a 2 × 2 factorial design with: high E2 and low P4 (n = 11); high E2 and high P4 (n = 11); low E2 and high P4 (n = 11); low E2 and low P4 (n = 10). At 48 h, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-induced luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) release was determined. Variables were analyzed using PROCMIXED of Statistical Analysis System. The EA increased dramatically during 48 h only in high-E2 and low-P4 cows. For FSH, high-E2 cows had greater area under the curve (AUC) and FSH peak after GnRH than low E2, with mild negative effects of high P4. For LH, concentration at peak and AUC were 2-fold greater in high E2 compared to low-E2 groups, with low P4 also 2-fold greater than high-P4 groups. Thus, maximal changes in uterus and pituitary during proestrus depend on both low P4 and high E2, but different physiologic responses are regulated differently by E2 and P4. Changes in endometrium depend on low P4 and high E2, whereas GnRH-induced FSH secretion primarily depends on high E2, and GnRH-induced LH secretion is independently increased by high E2 or reduced by high P4. Summary Sentence Both high E2 and low P4 are needed for the increase in EA and for maximal GnRH-induced LH and FSH release; nevertheless, elevated E2 is most crucial for FSH release, whereas high E2 or low P4 independently increases LH release.
Association of Patient Demographic Characteristics and Insurance Status With Survival in Cancer Randomized Clinical Trials With Positive Findings

Key Points Question Do positive treatment effects from cancer clinical trials apply to all sociodemographic groups? Findings In this cohort study using patient-level data recorded for 10 804 patients who participated in cancer randomized clinical trials with positive findings, the receipt of experimental treatment vs standard treatment was associated with improved overall survival among patients 65 years or older compared with patients younger than 65 years. No significant added benefit of experimental treatment was observed among patients having Medicaid or no insurance compared with those with private insurance. Meaning Patients with Medicaid or no insurance may have smaller added benefits from experimental therapies in clinical trials.
Estimativas de herdabilidade para permetro escrotal de animais da raa Nelore

Genetic parameters and environmental effects were estimated for 9,355 Nelore cattle scrotal circumference measurements (PE). The univariate analysis considered animal effect (random effect) and fixed effects of contemporary group (GC) and linear and quadratic effects of age at yearling (IDS) and yearling weight adjusted to 550 days (PSAJ). Contemporary group was defined by: year, season at birth and management group at birth, weaning and yearling. Heritability estimates were: 0.42 ± 0.04 (after IDS and PSAJ); 0.41 ± 0.04 (after PSAJ) and 0.35 ± 0.03 (adjusting only for IDS).
The Effects of Cellulose on AOM/DSS-Treated C57BL/6 Colorectal Cancer Mice by Changing Intestinal Flora Composition and Inflammatory Factors

Abstract Chronic intestinal inflammation is a key risk factor of colorectal cancer (CRC). It is known that microbial dysbiosis induces increased inflammatory factors which promote tumorigenesis and cellulose can be beneficial to CRC. In the present study, we investigated the regulatory effects of cellulose on intestinal flora composition and colorectal carcinogenesis in an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced CRC mouse model. Supplementation of cellulose significantly attenuated inflammation and tumor formation in AOM/DSS-treated CRC mice. The survival rate and the tumor inhibition rate were higher in the medium-dose cellulose group (MCEG) and high-dose cellulose group (HCEG) than in the model group (MG; P < 0.05). Cellulose supplementation stimulated shifts in the intestinal flora in AOM/DSS-treated CRC mice. Additionally, levels of inflammatory mediators involved in colorectal carcinogenesis, such as IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, were lower in the serum of the low-dose cellulose group, MCEG, and HCEG when compared with the MG (P < 0.05). Whereas the abundance of differential bacteria was correlated with the concentration of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. These results showed cellulose changed the composition of intestinal flora and inhibited colon inflammation and neoplasm formation caused by the AOM/DSS treatment.
Predator-Prey Interactions

1. Competition Interspecific competition (competition between different species) Intraspecific competition (competition within the same species) 2. Predation Interspecific predation (predator-prey interactions) Intraspecific predation (cannibalism, infanticide) 3. Cooperation Interspecific cooperation (mutualism, symbiosis) Intraspecific cooperation (kin selection, reciprocal altruism) 4. Parasitism Interspecific parasitism (host-parasite interactions, e.g. ectoparasites, endoparasites, viruses, pathogens) Intraspecific parasitism (within-species brood parasitism, e.g. egg dumping, sneaking)
Effect of susceptible and resistant canola plants on Plasmodiophora brassicae resting spore populations in the soil

Clubroot, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, has become a serious threat to canola (Brassica napus) production in western Canada. Experiments were conducted to assess the effect of growing resistant and susceptible canola genotypes on P. brassicae soil resting spore populations under greenhouse, mini-plot and field conditions. One crop of susceptible canola contributed 1·4 × 108 spores mL−1 soil in mini-plot experiments, and 1 × 1010 spores g−1 gall under field conditions. Repeated cropping of susceptible canola resulted in greater gall mass compared to resistant canola lines. It also resulted in reduced plant height, increased clubroot severity in susceptible canola, and increased numbers of resting spores in the soil mix.
Dynamic heterogeneity and non-Gaussian statistics for ganglioside GM1s and acetylcholine receptors on live cell membrane

We have carried out a comparative study of the lateral motion of ganglioside GM1, which is a glycosphingolipid residing on the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane, and acetylcholine receptor (AChR), which is a well-characterized ion channel. Both the lipid molecules and the transmembrane proteins reside on the plasma membranes of live Xenopus muscle cells. From a thorough analysis of a large volume of individual molecular trajectories obtained from more than 300 live cells over a wide range of sampling rates and long durations, we find that the GM1s and AChRs share the same dynamic heterogeneity and non-Gaussian statistics. Our measurements with the ATP-depleted cells reveal that the diffusion dynamics of the GM1s and AChRs is uniformly affected by the intracellular ATP level of the living muscle cells, further demonstrating that membrane diffusion is strongly coupled to the dynamics of the underlying cortical actin network, as predicted by the dynamic picket-fence model.
Prevalence of Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, the Causative Agent of Snake Fungal Disease, in the Interior Plateau Ecoregion of Tennessee, USA

Abstract: The fungal pathogen Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, the causative agent of snake fungal disease, has been implicated in declines of North American snake populations since 2006 and the geographic range of this pathogen is still not fully known. In Tennessee, US, O. ophiodiicola has been detected since 2012, but large portions of the state have not been surveyed for this pathogen. Our primary objective was to monitor the prevalence of O. ophiodiicola in the Interior Plateau ecoregion of Tennessee by swabbing all snakes that were encountered during road cruising survey efforts in 2017 and 2018. Eleven snakes of four species, copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), common water snake (Nerodia sipedon), black kingsnake (Lampropeltis nigra), and smooth earthsnake (Virginia valeriae), tested positive for the presence of O. ophiodiicola. Overall, 9.2% (11/120) of snakes sampled tested positive for the presence of O. ophiodiiola, and we further observed a seasonal trend in detections with summer months having the greatest frequency of detections. Our results extend the known geographic range of O. ophiodiicola in Tennessee by adding four previously unconfirmed O. ophiodiicola-positive counties. Further sampling will need to be conducted across west Tennessee because this is the most data-deficient region of the state. Our results offer additional evidence of the presence of this pathogen in Tennessee and will help researchers further understand the geographic distribution and host range.
The transcription factor ETS1 is an important regulator of human NK cell development and terminal differentiation.

Natural killer (NK) cells are important in the immune defense against tumor cells and pathogens, and regulate other immune cells by cytokine secretion. Whereas murine NK cell biology has been extensively studied, knowledge about transcriptional circuitries controlling human NK cell development and maturation is limited. By generating ETS1-deficient human embryonic stem cells (hESC) and by expressing the dominant-negative ETS1 p27 isoform in cord blood (CB) hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs), we show that the transcription factor ETS1 is critically required for human NK cell differentiation. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis determined by RNA-sequencing combined with chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq) analysis reveals that human ETS1 directly induces expression of key transcription factors that control NK cell differentiation, i.e. E4BP4, TXNIP, TBET, GATA3, HOBIT and BLIMP1. In addition, ETS1 regulates expression of genes involved in apoptosis and NK cell activation. Our study provides important molecular insights into the role of ETS1 as an important regulator of human NK cell development and terminal differentiation.
Comparing Activity and Participation between Acquired Brain Injury and Spinal-Cord Injury in Community-Dwelling People with Severe Disability Using WHODAS 2.0

Central-nervous-system (CNS) injuries constitute a significant cause of morbidity (often resulting in long-term disability) and mortality. This cross-sectional study compared the activity and participation of community-dwelling people with severe disability from acquired brain injuries (ABI) (n = 322) and spinal-cord injuries (SCI) (n = 183) to identify risk factors related to disability. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of community-dwelling people with severe disability attending 65 healthcare centers. The survey included the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) and sociodemographic factors. We categorized a registered grade of disability of 1 or 2 as severe disability. WHODAS 2.0 domain and summary scores were compared between the ABI and SCI groups, and risk factors associated with disability were identified through regression analysis. ABI participants had significantly higher disability in cognition and relationships, whereas patients with SCI had higher disability in mobility (p < 0.05). Onset duration was negatively correlated with cognition, relationships, participation, and summary scores in ABI participants (p < 0.05). Neither group’s socioeconomic factors were associated with WHODA 2.0 scores. Understanding the different patterns of disability between SCI and ABI in community-dwelling people with severe disability helps establish future plans for the management of health resources.
Mound population fluctuations in Cubitermes speciosus (Sjöstedt) (Isoptera, Termitidae)

Forty-nine mounds of Cubitermes speciosus (Sjostedt) were sampled in a primary Gilbertiodendron deweurei forest in Central Zaire and completely sorted. Almost all of them sheltered mature societies; some were possibly senile. A linear correlation was observed between mound volume and above ground outer wall surface. The population density, as related to this surface, was independent of the mound volume, as were the percentages of all castes and stages but the soldier caste. The latter percentage correlated positively and significantly with the mound volume (and not with the mound surface). We suggest that the volume of a mound and the number of passageways between chambers might participate in regulating the number (and thus the percentage) of soldiers. The seasonal cycle of alate production was clear-cut, with swarms occurring in May, during the lesser rainy season. Annual alate production was in the range of 3-7% of the mound population. The seasonal cycle of sterile castes seems to be influenced by (a) rainfall from June to November and (b) reproductive brood development from December to May.
Efficacy of systemic fungicide metalaxyl for the control of downy mildew (Sclerospora graminicola) of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum)

Research on the control of this disease of P. glaucum is reviewed. All the formulations of metalaxyl tested as seed treatment or foliar spray controlled downy mildew with consequent increases in grain yield. Control depended on rate of application and on varietal susceptibility, more fungicide being required on more susceptible cultivars. Metalaxyl was toxic to germination when used at >2 g a.i./kg seed, particularly with the Apron 35 SD formulation, though cultivars differed in sensitivity. This fungistatic compound may be used to protect downy mildew susceptible cultivars in farmers'' fields and also in commercial seed production
Genetic Causes of Severe Childhood Obesity: A Remarkably High Prevalence in an Inbred Population of Pakistan

Monogenic forms of obesity have been identified in ≤10% of severely obese European patients. However, the overall spectrum of deleterious variants (point mutations and structural variants) responsible for childhood severe obesity remains elusive. In this study, we genetically screened 225 severely obese children from consanguineous Pakistani families through a combination of techniques, including an in-house–developed augmented whole-exome sequencing method (CoDE-seq) that enables simultaneous detection of whole-exome copy number variations (CNVs) and point mutations in coding regions. We identified 110 (49%) probands carrying 55 different pathogenic point mutations and CNVs in 13 genes/loci responsible for nonsyndromic and syndromic monofactorial obesity. CoDE-seq also identified 28 rare or novel CNVs associated with intellectual disability in 22 additional obese subjects (10%). Additionally, we highlight variants in candidate genes for obesity warranting further investigation. Altogether, 59% of cases in the studied cohort are likely to have a discrete genetic cause, with 13% of these as a result of CNVs, demonstrating a remarkably higher prevalence of monofactorial obesity than hitherto reported and a plausible overlapping of obesity and intellectual disabilities in several cases. Finally, inbred populations with a high prevalence of obesity provide unique, genetically enriched material in the quest of new genes/variants influencing energy balance.