Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Screening Potential Antibacterial Properties of the Greek Oregano Honey against Clinical Isolates of Helicobacter pylori

Oregano honey is an exceedingly rare and distinct product, not commercially available, produced by bees bred in oregano fields of alpine altitudes at the mountainous area of Epirus, Greece. In ethnic popular medicine, this product is used as a therapeutic in various gastric diseases. To test this hypothesis, 14 strains of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), 6 isolated from gastric ulcers and 8 from cases of clinical gastritis, were employed in the present study. The above bacterial strains were exposed to various concentrations (75% v/v, 50% v/v, 25% v/v, 12.5% v/v, and 6% v/v) of 50 oregano honey samples by using the agar well method and the inhibition zones observed around each well were recorded. Although the inhibitory zones of the H. pylori isolated from the gastric ulcers were wide enough (0–34 mm), those strains, in general, appeared more resistant than the other eight (0–58 mm). The same result was observed when the same strains were tested against six antibiotics used in clinical practice. Extracts of oregano honey were prepared by extraction with four different organic solvents. N-hexane and chloroform extracts had the most potent antibacterial action. Finally, pure oregano honey and diethyl ether extracts of honey showed significant inhibitory activity against urease secreted by the pathogen. These results strongly indicate the susceptibility of H. pylori strains to the oregano honey by more than one mode of action. Consequently, this variety of honey seems to have potential therapeutic properties against gastric ulcers and gastritis, thus explaining the preference of the locals towards this traditional remedy.
Kinematic and Electrophysiological Characteristics of Pedal Operation by Elderly Drivers during Emergency Braking

Age-related decline in lower limb motor control may cause errors in pedal operation when driving a car. This study aimed to clarify the kinematics and electrophysiological characteristics of the pedal-switching operation associated with emergency braking in the case of elderly drivers. The participants in this study consisted of 11 young drivers and 10 elderly drivers. An experimental pedal was used, and the muscle activity and kinematic data during braking action were analyzed using the light from a light-emitting diode installed in the front as a trigger. The results showed that elderly drivers took the same time from viewing the visual stimulus to releasing the accelerator pedal as younger drivers, but took longer to switch to the brake pedal. The elderly drivers had higher soleus muscle activity throughout the process, from accelerator release to brake contact; furthermore, the rectus femoris activity was delayed, and the simultaneous activity between the rectus femoris and biceps femoris was low. Furthermore, elderly drivers tended to have low hip adduction velocity and tended to switch pedals by hip internal rotation. Thus, the alteration in joint movements and muscle activity of elderly drivers can reduce their pedal operability and may be related to the occurrence of pedal errors.
Eating Speed, Physical Activity, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness Are Independent Predictors of Metabolic Syndrome in Korean University Students

Background: Little is known regarding the role of eating quickly, physical inactivity, and poor cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in assessing the onset of metabolic syndrome (Mets) in Korean young adults. Objectives: This study examined the association between the three risk factors and Mets in 1891 Korean university students (30% female) aged 18–29 years. Methods: Eating speed (slow vs. fast) and physical activity (active vs. inactive) were assessed with a standardized questionnaire. Maximal oxygen uptake as an indicator of CRF was assessed with graded exercise testing. Components of Mets were waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC). Results: All the three exposures were positively associated with abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressures, elevated FBG, elevated TG, and decreased HDLC. Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio (OR) of Mets was incremental in the order of physical inactivity (odds ratio, OR = 1.666; 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.024–2.708; p = 0.040), fast eating (OR = 1.687; 95% CI = 1.094–2.601; p = 0.018), and poor CRF (OR = 5.378; 95% CI = 3.475–8.325; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The current findings suggest that a multifaceted intervention targeting at promotion of physical activity and CRF in concert with healthy eating behaviors should be implemented as a preventive strategy against Mets in Korean university students.
Losing the Self in Near-Death Experiences: The Experience of Ego-Dissolution

Many people who have had a near-death experience (NDE) describe, as part of it, a disturbed sense of having a “distinct self”. However, no empirical studies have been conducted to explore the frequency or intensity of these effects. We surveyed 100 NDE experiencers (Near-Death-Experience Content [NDE-C] scale total score ≥27/80). Eighty participants had their NDEs in life-threatening situations and 20 had theirs not related to life-threatening situations. Participants completed the Ego-Dissolution Inventory (EDI) and the Ego-Inflation Inventory (EII) to assess the experience of ego dissolution and inflation potentially experienced during their NDE, respectively. They also completed the Nature-Relatedness Scale (NR-6) which measures the trait-like construct of one’s self-identification with nature. Based on prior hypotheses, ratings of specific NDE-C items pertaining to out-of-body experiences and a sense of unity were used for correlational analyses. We found higher EDI total scores compared with EII total scores in our sample. Total scores of the NDE-C scale were positively correlated with EDI total scores and, although less strongly, the EII and NR-6 scores. EDI total scores were also positively correlated with the intensity of OBE and a sense of unity. This study suggests that the experience of dissolved ego-boundaries is a common feature of NDEs.
In Vitro Metabolism Study of Seongsanamide A in Human Liver Microsomes Using Non-Targeted Metabolomics and Feature-Based Molecular Networking

Seongsanamide A is a bicyclic peptide with an isodityrosine residue discovered in Bacillus safensis KCTC 12796BP which exhibits anti-allergic activity in vitro and in vivo without significant cytotoxicity. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the in vitro metabolic pathway and potential for drug interactions of seongsanamide A in human liver microsomes using non-targeted metabolomics and feature-based molecular networking (FBMN) techniques. We identified four metabolites, and their structures were elucidated by interpretation of high-resolution tandem mass spectra. The primary metabolic pathway associated with seongsanamide A metabolism was hydroxylation and oxidative hydrolysis. A reaction phenotyping study was also performed using recombinant cytochrome P450 isoforms. CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 were identified as the major metabolic enzymes responsible for metabolite formation. Seongsanamide A did not inhibit the cytochrome P450 isoforms commonly involved in drug metabolism (IC50 > 10 µM). These results will contribute to further understanding the metabolism and drug interaction potential of various bicyclic peptides.
Brain Functional Correlates of Episodic Memory Using an Ecological Free Recall Task

Episodic Memory (EM) allows us to revive a past event through mental time-travel. The neural correlates of memories recollection have been identified in hippocampal regions and multiple neocortical areas, but few neuroimaging studies have used an ecological task such as a free recall of a structured story. Using an ecological fMRI-free recall (FR) task, we aimed to investigate the relevant recruitment of the brain networks associated with the story recollection process and its performance. Fourteen healthy participants listened to a brief story and were tested for Immediate-Recall (IR), a task that is widely used in a neuropsychological evaluation. Then, the subjects underwent an fMRI session, where they had to perform a free recall (FR) of the story subvocally. Finally, the participants were tested for Delayed-Recall (DR). IR and DR scores were significantly (r = 0.942; p < 0.001) correlated. FR enhanced the activity of the Language, the Left Executive Control, the Default Mode and the Precuneus brain networks, with the strongest BOLD signal localized in the left Angular Gyrus (AG) (p < 0.05; FWE-corrected). Furthermore, the story recall performance covaried with specific network activation patterns and the recruitment of the left anterior/posterior AG correlated, respectively, with higher/lower performance scores (p > 0.05). FR seems to be a promising task to investigate ecologically the neural correlates of EM. Moreover, the recruitment of the anterior AG might be a marker for an optimal functioning of the recall process. Preliminary outcomes lay the foundation for the investigation of the brain networks in the healthy and pathological elderly population during FR.
Mating-Type Locus Organization and Mating-Type Chromosome Differentiation in the Bipolar Edible Button Mushroom Agaricus bisporus

In heterothallic basidiomycete fungi, sexual compatibility is restricted by mating types, typically controlled by two loci: PR, encoding pheromone precursors and pheromone receptors, and HD, encoding two types of homeodomain transcription factors. We analysed the single mating-type locus of the commercial button mushroom variety, Agaricus bisporus var. bisporus, and of the related variety burnettii. We identified the location of the mating-type locus using genetic map and genome information, corresponding to the HD locus, the PR locus having lost its mating-type role. We found the mip1 and β-fg genes flanking the HD genes as in several Agaricomycetes, two copies of the β-fg gene, an additional HD2 copy in the reference genome of A. bisporus var. bisporus and an additional HD1 copy in the reference genome of A. bisporus var. burnettii. We detected a 140 kb-long inversion between mating types in an A. bisporus var. burnettii heterokaryon, trapping the HD genes, the mip1 gene and fragments of additional genes. The two varieties had islands of transposable elements at the mating-type locus, spanning 35 kb in the A. bisporus var. burnettii reference genome. Linkage analyses showed a region with low recombination in the mating-type locus region in the A. bisporus var. burnettii variety. We found high differentiation between β-fg alleles in both varieties, indicating an ancient event of recombination suppression, followed more recently by a suppression of recombination at the mip1 gene through the inversion in A. bisporus var. burnettii and a suppression of recombination across whole chromosomes in A. bisporus var. bisporus, constituting stepwise recombination suppression as in many other mating-type chromosomes and sex chromosomes.
Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: Socio-Demographics, Co-Morbidity, and Past Experience of Racial Discrimination

The goal of this study is to explore predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, including socio-demographic factors, comorbidity, risk perception, and experience of discrimination, in a sample of the U.S. population. We used a cross-sectional online survey study design, implemented between 13–23 December 2020. The survey was limited to respondents residing in the USA, belonging to priority groups for vaccine distribution. Responses were received from 2650 individuals (response rate 84%) from all 50 states and Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and Guam. The five most represented states were California (13%), New York (10%), Texas (7%), Florida (6%), and Pennsylvania (4%). The majority of respondents were in the age category 25–44 years (66%), male (53%), and working in the healthcare sector (61%). Most were White and non-Hispanic (66%), followed by Black and non-Hispanic (14%) and Hispanic (8%) respondents. Experience with racial discrimination was a predictor of vaccine hesitancy. Those reporting racial discrimination had 21% increased odds of being at a higher level of hesitancy compared to those who did not report such experience (OR = 1.21, 95% C.I. 1.01–1.45). Communication and logistical aspects during the COVID-19 vaccination campaign need to be sensitive to individuals’ past-experience of racial discrimination in order to increase vaccine coverage.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Children

Background and Objectives: The prevalence of pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is increasing. A lot of new data are published regularly. Materials and Methods: Original clinical studies, review articles, and guidelines in children were searched for and the most relevant included in this review. Results: A total of 138 retrieved papers were classified into pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Pathogenesis is currently explained with the “multi hit hypothesis”, with complex interactions of genetic and environmental factors which trigger inflammation in steatotic liver. The prevalence is rising. A diagnosis can be made with laboratory tests, imaging, and liver biopsy after the exclusion of other causes of liver steatosis. The mainstay of treatment is lifestyle modification consisting of dietary intervention and increased physical activity. The progression to liver cirrhosis can occur even in children. Conclusions: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children is a part of a metabolic syndrome in the majority of patients. Due to its complex etiology and high prevalence, multidisciplinary teams, together with public health professionals, should be involved in its treatment.
Valorization of Mango By-Products to Enhance the Nutritional Content of Maize Complementary Porridges

Mango by-products are disregarded as waste contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. This study used mango seed and kernel to enhance the nutritional content of maize complementary porridges. Composite maize-based porridges (MBP) were formulated by fortifying maize flour with fine ground mango seed and kernel at different levels (31%, 56%, 81%). The by-products and formulated porridges were characterized for their nutritional composition, mineral content, total phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, the bioaccessibility of essential minerals during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of the formulated porridges was determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Mango seed had a high fat (12.0 g/100 g dw) and protein content (4.94 g/100 g dw), which subsequently doubled the fat content of the porridges. Mango by-products increased the total phenolic content of maize porridge by more than 40 times and the antioxidant capacity by 500 times. However, fortification with mango by-products significantly decreased the bioaccessibility of minerals, especially manganese, copper, and iron, as the highest percentages of insoluble minerals were recorded in MBP 81 at 78.4%, 71.0%, and 62.1%, respectively. Thus, the results suggest that mango seed and kernel could increase the nutritional value of maize porridge, but fortification should be done at lower levels of about 31–56%.
Genome Characterization of Nocturne116, Novel Lactococcus lactis-Infecting Phage Isolated from Moth

While looking for novel insect-associated phages, a unique siphophage, Nocturne116, was isolated from a deceased local moth specimen along with its host, which was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing as a strain of Lactococcus lactis. Next-generation sequencing and the subsequent genome annotation elaborated on herein revealed that the genome of Nocturne116 is a 25,554 bp long dsDNA molecule with 10 bp long 3′ cos overhangs and a GC content of 37.99%, comprising 52 predicted open reading frames. The complete nucleotide sequence of phage Nocturne116 genome is dissimilar to any of the already sequenced phages, save for a distant link with Lactococcus phage Q54. Functions for only 15/52 of Nocturne116 gene products could be reliably predicted using contemporary comparative genomics approaches, while 22 of its gene products do not yet have any homologous entries in the public biological sequence repositories. Despite the public availability of nearly 350 elucidated Lactococcus phage complete genomes as of now, Nocturne116 firmly stands out as a sole representative of novel phage genus.
The FibromiR miR-214-3p Is Upregulated in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Promotes Differentiation of Human Fibro-Adipogenic Muscle Progenitors

Fibrosis is a deleterious invasion of tissues associated with many pathological conditions, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) for which no cure is at present available for its prevention or its treatment. Fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) are resident cells in the human skeletal muscle and can differentiate into myofibroblasts, which represent the key cell population responsible for fibrosis. In this study, we delineated the pool of microRNAs (miRNAs) that are specifically modulated by TGFβ1 in FAPs versus myogenic progenitors (MPs) by a global miRNome analysis. A subset of candidates, including several “FibromiRs”, was found differentially expressed between FAPs and MPs and was also deregulated in DMD versus healthy biopsies. Among them, the expression of the TGFβ1-induced miR-199a~214 cluster was strongly correlated with the fibrotic score in DMD biopsies. Loss-of-function experiments in FAPs indicated that a miR-214-3p inhibitor efficiently blocked expression of fibrogenic markers in both basal conditions and following TGFβ1 stimulation. We found that FGFR1 is a functional target of miR-214-3p, preventing the signaling of the anti-fibrotic FGF2 pathway during FAP fibrogenesis. Overall, our work demonstrates that the « FibromiR » miR-214-3p is a key activator of FAP fibrogenesis by modulating the FGF2/FGFR1/TGFβ axis, opening new avenues for the treatment of DMD.
Eggshell and Feed Microbiota Do Not Represent Major Sources of Gut Anaerobes for Chickens in Commercial Production

In this study, we addressed the origin of chicken gut microbiota in commercial production by a comparison of eggshell and feed microbiota with caecal microbiota of 7-day-old chickens, using microbiota analysis by 16S rRNA sequencing. In addition, we tested at which timepoint during prenatal or neonatal development it is possible to successfully administer probiotics. We found that eggshell microbiota was a combination of environmental and adult hen gut microbiota but was completely different from caecal microbiota of 7-day-old chicks. Similarly, we observed that the composition of feed microbiota was different from caecal microbiota. Neither eggshell nor feed acted as an important source of gut microbiota for the chickens in commercial production. Following the experimental administration of potential probiotics, we found that chickens can be colonised only when already hatched and active. Spraying of eggs with gut anaerobes during egg incubation or hatching itself did not result in effective chicken colonisation. Such conclusions should be considered when selecting and administering probiotics to chickens in hatcheries. Eggshells, feed or drinking water do not act as major sources of gut microbiota. Newly hatched chickens must be colonised from additional sources, such as air dust with spores of Clostridiales. The natural colonisation starts only when chickens are already hatched, as spraying of eggs or even chickens at the very beginning of the hatching process did not result in efficient colonisation.
Can Residential Greenspace Exposure Improve Pain Experience? A Comparison between Physical Visit and Image Viewing

Reducing the burden of pain via greenspace exposure is a rising research topic. However, insufficient evidence has been found in relation to the environmental effect itself. Residential greenspace, as a convenient but limited natural environment for urban dwellers, has benefits and services yet to be discovered. Therefore, the current study recruited 24 young adults to evaluate the effects of physical visit to, or image viewing of, residential greenspace on pain perception and related psychophysiological outcomes, via simulated pain. Pain threshold and tolerance were recorded via the level of pain stimuli, and pain intensity was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The state scale of the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) and two adjective pairs were employed to measure the state anxiety and subjective stress, respectively. Meanwhile, heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), and blood pressure (BP) were measured to investigate physiological responses. Besides, Scenic Beauty Estimation (SBE) was also employed to assess participants’ preference regarding the experimental environments. The results revealed that visiting the greenspace significantly increased the pain threshold and tolerance, while no significant effect was observed for image viewing. On the other hand, no significant difference was observed in pain-related psychophysiological indices between the experimental settings, but significantly negative associations were found between the scores of SBE and subjective stress and state anxiety. In conclusion, the current study brings experimental evidence of improving pain experience via residential greenspace exposure, while the related psychophysiological benefits require further investigation.
Nutrient Use Efficiency and Economics of Salad Cucumber Using Drip Fertigation in Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse

An experiment was carried out in naturally ventilated polyhouse with four fertigation levels viz., 110, 100, 90 and 80 per cent recommended dose to determine suitable fertigation dose for salad cucumber under naturally ventilated polyhouse cultivation. Fertigation levels significantly affected (P < 0.05) cucumber yield. Plants that received 100 per cent recommended dose of fertigation (175:125:300 kg NPK ha) showed higher nutrient use efficiency of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (508.93, 712.50, 296.88 kg ha respectively) and recorded significantly higher yield (89.06 t ha) with highest water use efficiency (6167.78 kg ha cm). The economic analysis of cucumber production revealed that 100 per cent recommended dose of fertigation has resulted into maximum Benefit Cost (BC) ratio of 3.42. Both increased and decreased fertigation levels showed almost equal yield which is significantly less than 100 per cent recommended dose.
The Relationship between Mandibular Cortical width and Age in Elderly Indonesian Women

As the elderly population increases, so does the incidence of osteoporosis in the world. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, one in four women over the age of 50 is at risk of osteoporosis, leading to fracture. In its early stage, osteoporosis has no specific symptoms and is often ignored as a result. Currently, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry is considered the gold standard for osteoporosis detection, but it is expensive in Indonesia, and its availability is limited. Thus, a new, alternative early detection tool for osteoporosis risk is being developed by measuring the mandibular cortical width (MCW) on panoramic radiographs. To compare between the mean of MCW in women aged 31-45 years and 46-75 years. This study utilizes 270 digital panoramic radiographs of women aged 31-75 years from the Dental Hospital, Universitas Indonesia. MCW was measured using radiography software with 2x magnification of the region of interest. Average and standard deviation in women aged 31-45 years are 3.40±0.42 mm; 46-60 years 3.18±0.47 mm; and 61-75 years 2.76±0.66 mm. The mean of MCW between each age group is statistically different (p<0.05) and decreases with age. The mean of MCW in women aged 31-45 years is significantly different from women aged 46-75. Clinical article (J Int Dent Med Res 2021; 14(2): 680-685)