Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Periodontal Ligament Stem Cell-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles Embedded in Matrigel Enhance Bone Repair Through the Adenosine Receptor Signaling Pathway

Purpose Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are natural biocarriers for biomolecule transfer between cells and promising therapeutic strategies for bone defect repair. In this study, human periodontal ligament stem cell (PDLSC)-derived sEVs (P-EVs) were immobilized in Matrigel to establish a topical cell-free transplantation strategy for bone repair. Methods PDLSCs were cultured and P-EVs were isolated from the culture supernatant. In a rat bilateral calvarial defect model, P-EV/Matrigel was plugged into one defect and PBS/Matrigel was applied to the other. Bone repair in vivo was assessed by micro-computed tomography, histomorphometry, and immunohistochemical staining. In vitro, we investigated the effects of P-EVs on the proliferation and migration capabilities of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) and explored the potential mechanism of action. Results The in vivo study showed that P-EV/Matrigel accelerated bone tissue repair by increasing cell infiltration when compared with the control. In vitro, P-EVs enhanced proliferation and migration of BMMSCs via increased phosphorylation of AKT and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). The role of P-EV-induced adenosine receptor signaling in AKT and ERK1/2 phosphorylation was a key mediator during enhanced BMMSC migration. Conclusion These results are the first to demonstrate that P-EVs accelerated the repair of bone defects, partially through promoting cell proliferation and migration. P-EV/Matrigel, which combines topical EV-implantation and extracellular matrix scaffolds, provides a new cell-free strategy for bone tissue repair.
Transition and Sustainability of an Online Care Model for People With Parkinson's Disease in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction CoronaVirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) led to social distancing and the need for alternative care models. Telehealth programs for people with Parkinson's (PWP) disease may ensure continuity of care. The goal of this observational survey study was to determine the practicability, satisfaction, and barriers to online programs, their relationship to perceived symptoms, mood, and quality of life, and program sustainability beyond the immediate pandemic. Methods In-person Parkinson's programs at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine transitioned online at the start of the pandemic to include Rock Steady Boxing, Support Groups, and Rock Steady Buddies. A custom online survey sent to 150 participants investigated PD history, symptomatology, level of exercise before and during the pandemic, depression (PHQ-9), quality of life (PDQ-39), and practicability and perceived satisfaction related to these online programs. Descriptive statistics were reported. Results Of 69 respondents [mean age of 70.2y (SD 8.4 yrs)], >75% were satisfied with the transition to online programs. Consistent attendance and minimal barriers to programs indicated practicability, with increased adherence to exercise. Of 66 completed PHQ-9s, 22.7% had scores ≥9 (moderate to severe depression); of 61 completed PDQ-39s, scores averaged 21.4; better quality of life than national averages for PWP. Self-perceived physical and mental wellbeing were positively affected. Conclusions Results suggest the transition to online programs met the needs of the Parkinson's community in a practicable and sustainable manner during the pandemic. With COVID-19 still prevalent, the current model of blending synchronous online and in-person classes provides a more flexible, sustainable format compared to in-person alone. Institutions may consider including online components to existing programs to promote continuity of care for aging populations as part of best practices.
The Effect of Long-term Exposure to Aspartame on Histomorphometric, Histochemical and Expression of P53, Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 Genes in the Ovaries of Mice

Background and Objectives: Aspartame is a non-nutritive and artificial sweetener which is widely used in diet and low calorie products and also in a variety of foods, drugs and hygiene products. The present study has been conducted in order to evaluation of the effects of aspartame on ovaries in female mice. Methods: In this experimental study, 36 adult female mice were randomly divided into four groups of nine each. For three groups aspartame was administered orally with the doses of 40, 80 and 160 mg/kg.BW respectively, and one group as the control group received normal saline for 91 days by gavage. Also a control group was considered. 24 hours after the last treatment, ovarian tissue and blood samples were collected and used for biochemical, histomorphological, histomorphometric, histochemical and gene expression studies. The obtained data were analyzed using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s test at the significance level of P<0.05. Results: In ovarian histomorphometric studies, aspartame at a dose of 160 mg/kg significantly reduced growing follicles and significantly increased atresia follicles. Also in biochemical studies caused a significant decrease in TAC and a significant increase in MDA compared to control group. In connection with the studied genes, aspartame at a dose of 160 mg/kg caused a significant decrease in the expression of Bcl-2 gene and also a significant increase in the expression of P53 and Caspase-3 genes compared to the control group. Conclusion: It seems that high dose aspartame can cause adverse effects on histomorphology, histomorphometry and expression of P53, Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 genes in rat ovaries
Parameter Study for the Ice Adhesion Centrifuge Test

In this study, we assessed the effects of ice types, test parameters, and surface properties on measurement data of the ice adhesion centrifuge test. This method is often used for the evaluation of low ice adhesion surfaces, although no test standard has been defined yet. The aim of this paper is to improve the understanding of the relevant test parameter and identify crucial criteria to be considered in harmonization and standardization efforts. Results clearly indicate that the ice type (static vs. impact ice) has the greatest impact on the test results, with static ice delivering higher values in a broader data span. This is beneficial for material developers as it eases the evaluation process, but it contradicts the technical efforts to design tests that are as close as possible to realistic technical environments. Additionally, the selected ice type has a significant impact on the relevance of the surface properties (roughness, wettability). Despite the complexity of interactions, a trend was observed that the roughness is the determining surface parameter for high impact velocity ice (95 m/s). In contrast, for tests with static ice, the wettability of the test surface is of higher relevance, leading to the risk of overestimating the icephobic performance of structured surfaces. The results of this paper contribute to the demanding future tasks of defining well-founded test standards and support the development of icephobic surfaces.
Research Article: Comparative protection of two antigens (whole-cell and outer membrane vesicle) of Yersinia ruckeri in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Yersinia ruckeri (Y. ruckeri)-associated disease remains a problem in fish farming, despite widespread vaccine use. Y. ruckeri is still one of the main causes of economic loss in the aquaculture industry. In this study, we developed outer membrane vesicles (OMV) as a new antigen and compared its efficacy with the classical antigen (whole-cell bacteria). Rainbow trouts were immunized with Y. ruckeri-derived OMVs and formalin-inactivated whole-cell bacteria by immersion route. The fish were then subjected to an intraperitoneal challenge with live bacteria during 2-10 weeks post-immunization. Subsequently, relative percentage of survival (RPS), antibody titer, lysozyme serum activity, lymphocyte percent and kidney pathological signs were evaluated. The OMV morphology was confirmed by electron microscopy. OMV and whole-cell bacteria immunized fish had higher RPS relative to the control group, but whole-cell bacteria resulted in higher RPS than the OMV group. Moreover, in the whole-cell bacteria group antibody titer was higher than the control and OMV groups. Lymphocyte percentage and lysozyme level in the whole-cell bacteria group was increased compared to OMV and control groups. Y. ruckeri's pathological damage was observed in the control group, while only eosinophilic secretions were identified for both immunized groups. These findings proved the protection of Y. ruckeri-derived OMV against Y. ruckeri, but whole-cell bacteria in the immersion method had a better effect on disease protection.
Neurological, Psychiatric, and Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Protocol for a Large-Scale Umbrella Review of Observational Studies

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 disease (SARS-CoV-2) is the most severe manifestation of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Accruing evidence indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic may have profound deleterious neurological, psychiatric, and psychological outcomes. The number of systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) on this topic has grown exponentially. This protocol aims to synthesize all evidence from SRs and MAs on the associations between the COVID-19 pandemic and neuropsychiatric outcomes. The following electronic databases will be systematically searched from inception up to 15 January 2022: PubMed, Embase, APA PsycINFO, and Cochrane Reviews. An umbrella review (UR) of SRs and MAs of observational studies will be conducted. SRs and/or MAs of observational studies examining any direct or indirect association of COVID-19 with the neuropsychiatric outcomes will be deemed eligible for potential inclusion in this UR. The direct associations include the impact on the (1) prognosis of COVID-19 and (2) neuropsychiatric sequelae after COVID-19 infection. The indirect associations include the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the (1) treatments and (2) outcomes of neurological and psychiatric conditions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effect of drop‐size parameterization and rain amount on blade‐lifetime calculations considering leading‐edge erosion

Leading-edge erosion (LEE) of wind turbine blades is caused by the impact of particles, for example, raindrops, and leads to a loss in the power production and high maintenance cost. Investigations have shown that a reduction in tip speed, so-called erosion-safe mode, increases the blade lifetime but the influence of different drop-size parameterizations and rain amounts on the blade lifetime is unclear. This study compares blade lifetime calculations using two different drop-size parameterizations, which both describe a characteristic drop size of a rain measurement. Furthermore, changes in blade lifetime in case rain amount is increased or decreased are investigated as well as the effect of different wind shear exponents. The blade-lifetime calculations are based on a kinetic-energy model and an accumulated rain model. The results show that a drop-size parameterization based on rain rate leads to 44 times longer blade lifetime compared with a parameterization using in situ drop-size measurements. This large difference is probably due to the underestimation of large drops of the first mentioned parameterization. A change in rain amount of about ±17 % results only in a marginal change in blade lifetime. For both cases and models, an extension of blade lifetime was calculated when reducing the tip speed during specific rain events. The change of wind shear exponents caused as well a considerable effect on the lifetime prediction. Overall, blade lifetime is primary depending on the chosen model, where the kinetic-energy model is highly sensitive to the drop-size parameterization.
What Factors Influence the Survival of Subsidised Start-ups for the Unemployed in Slovakia?

Purpose: The aim of the paper is to analyse the factors of sustainability of the public policy subsidising start-ups for the unemployed in Slovakia. Design/Methodology/Approach: The analysis assesses the sustainability of subsidies in the period 2012-2016 based on data provided by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. Logistic regression was used to identify the key factors. Findings: Research shows that in times of economic growth, policies to support the self-employment of the unemployed are a particularly effective form of active labour market policy, especially in the more developed regions. On the contrary, when serving as a business support tool, they lead to very low survival rates of the subsidised companies compared to results of other studies. In terms of factors affecting this sustainability, the length of unemployment, the amount of support, as well as regional characteristics emerge as the most significant. Practical implications: The results allow for a better definition of the conditions for providing subsidies to the unemployed to start a business in the future, while also showing that this instrument leads to employment retention rather than to the promotion of entrepreneurial activities. Originality/value: The research was carried out under specific conditions that had been little explored so far. The policy was evaluated at a time of strong economic growth accompanied by a significant reduction in unemployment. Also worth noting is that it was carried out in a country with some of the most pronounced regional disparities, which made it possible to compare the impact of the policy in different starting conditions.
Analisis Penggunaan Video sebagai Media Pembelajaran Terpadu terhadap Motivasi Belajar Siswa

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh pentingnya keberadaan media pembelajaran berbasis teknologi berupa video pembelajaran. Adanya video pembelajaran ini sebagai upaya motivasi belajar siswa dimana dapat menciptakan suasana belajar yang menyenangkan dan siswa tidak merasa bosan selama pembelajaran berlangsung. Karena jarang sekali guru yang dalam kegiatan pembelajarannya menggunakan video. Adapun tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengetahui penggunaan video sebagai media pembelajaran terpadu terhadap motivasi belajar siswa. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah kualitatif deskriptif. Subjek penelitian adalah siswa kelas III SDN 1 Paniis yang berjumlah 26 orang. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah angket. Angket untuk mengukur motivasi belajar, respon siswa dan penyajian video dalam pembelajaran terpadu. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa : 1) Penggunaan video dalam pembelajaran terpadu memberikan kontribusi yang baik terhadap motivasi belajar siswa, dilihat dari frekuensi kategori sangat setuju sebesar 67,25%, 2) Siswa memberikan respon yang kurang baik terhadap pembelajaran terpadu menggunakan video pembelajaran, dilihat dari frekuensi kategori sangat setuju sebesar 43,5%, 3) Penyajian video dalam pembelajaran terpadu telah disajikan dengan baik, dilihat dari frekuensi kategori sangat setuju sebesar 63% .
The biophysical properties of plantar callus and the relationship between pressure and callus development and regression

Plantar calluses are common skin lesions which often require professional treatment by podiatrists. They commonly present under prominent areas such as the metatarsal heads and can cause significant discomfort during ambulation. Furthermore, they are one of the known risk factors for ulceration in individuals with systemic conditions such as diabetes mellitus. Anecdotal evidence suggests that mechanical factors contribute to calluses and there are numerous studies linking callus to increased peak plantar pressure. However, whether callus is a result of increased pressure or vice versa remains unclear. Skin on other areas of the body has been shown to respond to external loading forces, but no research has specifically investigated the relationship between callus and pressure. A critical review of the literature explored the methods used for skin profiling through biophysical skin measurement. Skin hydration, distensibility and topography were revealed to be useful measurement parameters to characterise plantar skin and for this study, three devices were chosen for testing these parameters. However, as these devices have not received much attention for testing plantar callus in previous research, the first study investigated their repeatability on normal and callused plantar skin. These devices were shown to provide adequate measures of skin properties so they were then used in a larger scale study investigating the biophysical characteristics of normal and callused plantar skin. It was found that callused skin was less hydrated, less distensible, and rougher in texture than normal plantar skin. Work was then undertaken to develop a device that could apply loads to plantar skin in a safe manner so that the skin’s response to external loading could be assessed. A subsequent pilot study was conducted to assess whether normal plantar skin in individuals prone to callus would display callus-like skin changes as a result of increased vertical pressure applied by the skin loading device over a minimum period of six weeks. After the skin loading period, no effect could be observed in normal plantar skin properties. The reasons for this are explored in depth. A study was then undertaken in order to assess the effect of plantar pressure reduction in callused skin over a period of 12 weeks. Pressure reduction was achieved by using customised insoles worn by the study participants. No change in callused skin properties was observed and the reasons for this are explored in depth. These studies provide a strong starting point in understanding the link between pressure and callus and provide a foundation for further research.
#fridaysforfuture – What does Instagram tell us about a social movement?

Understanding social movement structures is important for political decision-makers to enable them to recognise the various motivating factors behind these movements. The Fridays for Future movement characterises a political group that has a majority of young people, frequently using social media to organise actions. By conducting a social network analysis on hashtags, this study contributes to the understanding of the global Fridays for Future movement. Particularly, we focus on the use and connection of hashtags on Instagram. We collected 59,112 posts tagged with #fridaysforfuture and analysed 91,172 hashtags used therein. Subsequently, the 140 most used hashtags were divided into 11 clusters, which provide not only information about the organisation of the social movement via social media, but also insights into lifestyle-related aspects. The clusters include the topics: climate; nutrition, lifestyle and health; memes; cycling; art; sustainable consumption and the Earth Day. The article shows that the motives of the Fridays for Future movement are broad. We can demonstrate that Fridays for Future is connected to other social movements and gain insights into the everyday life of the Fridays for Future stakeholders.
The Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Status of Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a complex musculoskeletal disorder. Its clinical features include psoriasis, peripheral arthritis, spinal involvement, enthesitis, and dactylitis. Typically, skin lesions precede osteoarticular lesions, although osteoarticular lesions can precede skin lesions in some cases. This study aimed to investigate the onset pattern of PsA, the time interval between the occurrence of skin and osteoarticular lesions, and the treatment status of PsA. A total of 64 patients with PsA who had been assessed according to the CASPAR criteria were enrolled. Of those, 75% had a typical lesion onset pattern where skin lesions preceded osteoarticular lesions (skin leading) and 16% had an osteoarticular leading lesion pattern. The mean time interval between the onset of lesions in patients with the skin leading pattern was 14.2 years and that in patients with the osteoarticular leading pattern was 4.5 years. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were prescribed to 39% of patients, conventional synthetic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to 64%, and biologic DMARDs to 51.5%. In conclusion, there were several cases where osteoarticular lesions preceded skin lesions in PsA; therefore, care should be taken with regard to oligo- or poly-arthritis patients with a negative rheumatoid factor without the presence of skin lesions.
The Evolution of Ecological Diversity in Acidobacteria

Acidobacteria occur in a large variety of ecosystems worldwide and are particularly abundant and highly diverse in soils. In spite of their diversity, only few species have been characterized to date which makes Acidobacteria one of the most poorly understood phyla among the domain Bacteria. We used a culture-independent niche modeling approach to elucidate ecological adaptations and their evolution for 4,154 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of Acidobacteria across 150 different, comprehensively characterized grassland soils in Germany. Using the relative abundances of their 16S rRNA gene transcripts, the responses of active OTUs along gradients of 41 environmental variables were modeled using hierarchical logistic regression (HOF), which allowed to determine values for optimum activity for each variable (niche optima). By linking 16S rRNA transcripts to the phylogeny of full 16S rRNA gene sequences, we could trace the evolution of the different ecological adaptations during the diversification of Acidobacteria. This approach revealed a pronounced ecological diversification even among acidobacterial sister clades. Although the evolution of habitat adaptation was mainly cladogenic, it was disrupted by recurrent events of convergent evolution that resulted in frequent habitat switching within individual clades. Our findings indicate that the high diversity of soil acidobacterial communities is largely sustained by differential habitat adaptation even at the level of closely related species. A comparison of niche optima of individual OTUs with the phenotypic properties of their cultivated representatives showed that our niche modeling approach (1) correctly predicts those physiological properties that have been determined for cultivated species of Acidobacteria but (2) also provides ample information on ecological adaptations that cannot be inferred from standard taxonomic descriptions of bacterial isolates. These novel information on specific adaptations of not-yet-cultivated Acidobacteria can therefore guide future cultivation trials and likely will increase their cultivation success.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Based Treatment in Dental Medicine: A Narrative Review

Application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in regenerative therapeutic procedures is becoming an increasingly important topic in medicine. Since the first isolation of dental tissue-derived MSC, there has been an intense investigation on the characteristics and potentials of these cells in regenerative dentistry. Their multidifferentiation potential, self-renewal capacity, and easy accessibility give them a key role in stem cell-based therapy. So far, several different dental stem cell types have been discovered and their potential usage is found in most of the major dental medicine branches. These cells are also researched in multiple fields of medicine for the treatment of degenerative and inflammatory diseases. In this review, we summarized dental MSC sources and analyzed their treatment modalities with particular emphasis on temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ OA).