Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Function of Akkermansia muciniphila in Obesity: Interactions With Lipid Metabolism, Immune Response and Gut Systems

Obesity and its metabolic syndrome, including liver disorders and type 2 diabetes, are a worldwide epidemic and are intimately linked to diet. The gut microbiota interaction has been pointed to as a hot topic of research in the treatment of obesity and related metabolic diseases by influencing energy metabolism and the immune system. In terms of the novel beneficial microbes identified, Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) colonizes the mucosa layer of the gut and modulates basal metabolism. A. muciniphila is consistently correlated with obesity. The causal beneficial impact of A. muciniphila treatment on obesity is coming to light, having been proved by a variety of animal models and human studies. A. muciniphila has been characterized as a beneficial player in body metabolism and has great prospects for treatments of the metabolic disorders associated with obesity, as well as being considered for next-generation therapeutic agents. This paper aimed to investigate the basic mechanism underlying the relation of A. muciniphila to obesity and its host interactions, as identified in recent discoveries, facilitating the establishment of the causal relationship in A. muciniphila-associated therapeutic supplement in humans.
Fabrication of SiOx-G/PAA-PANi/Graphene Composite With Special Cross-Doped Conductive Hydrogels as Anode Materials for Lithium Ion Batteries

Silicon oxides (SiOx) have been considered to be the likeliest material to substitute graphite anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high theoretical capacity, appropriate working potential plus rich abundance. Nevertheless, the two inherent disadvantages of volume expansion and low electrical conductivity of SiOx have been a main obstacle to its application. Here, SiOx-G/PAA-PANi/graphene composite has been successfully synthesized by in-situ polymerization, in which SiOx-G particles linked together by a graphene-doped polyacrylic acid-polyaniline conductive flexible hydrogel and SiOx-G is encapsulated inside the conductive hydrogel. We demonstrate that SiOx-G/PAA-PANi/graphene composite possesses a discharge-specific capacity of 842.3 mA h g−1 at a current density of 500 mA g−1 after a cycle life of 100 cycles, and a good initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) of 74.77%. The superior performance probably due to the lithium ion transmission rate and the electric conductivity enhanced by the three-dimensional (3D) structured conductive polymer hydrogel.
Advances in Crop Improvement and Delivery Research for Nutritional Quality and Health Benefits of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Groundnut is an important global food and oil crop that underpins agriculture-dependent livelihood strategies meeting food, nutrition, and income security. Aflatoxins, pose a major challenge to increased competitiveness of groundnut limiting access to lucrative markets and affecting populations that consume it. Other drivers of low competitiveness include allergens and limited shelf life occasioned by low oleic acid profile in the oil. Thus grain off-takers such as consumers, domestic, and export markets as well as processors need solutions to increase profitability of the grain. There are some technological solutions to these challenges and this review paper highlights advances in crop improvement to enhance groundnut grain quality and nutrient profile for food, nutrition, and economic benefits. Significant advances have been made in setting the stage for marker-assisted allele pyramiding for different aflatoxin resistance mechanisms—in vitro seed colonization, pre-harvest aflatoxin contamination, and aflatoxin production—which, together with pre- and post-harvest management practices, will go a long way in mitigating the aflatoxin menace. A breakthrough in aflatoxin control is in sight with overexpression of antifungal plant defensins, and through host-induced gene silencing in the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway. Similarly, genomic and biochemical approaches to allergen control are in good progress, with the identification of homologs of the allergen encoding genes and development of monoclonal antibody based ELISA protocol to screen for and quantify major allergens. Double mutation of the allotetraploid homeologous genes, FAD2A and FAD2B, has shown potential for achieving >75% oleic acid as demonstrated among introgression lines. Significant advances have been made in seed systems research to bridge the gap between trait discovery, deployment, and delivery through innovative partnerships and action learning.
Biocompatibility of Portunus Pelagicus Hydroxyapatite Graft on Human Gingival Fibroblast Cell Culture

Introduction: Crab shell (Portunus pelagicus) has the potential to be a source of hydroxyapatite biomaterials that used as bone grafts. Before clinical application, crab shell graft should be tested for its biocompatibility in vitro on human gingival fibroblast. Aim: This study aimed to determine the biocompatibility of Portunus pelagicus hydroxyapatite graft on human gingival fibroblast cell culture. Methods: Human gingival fibroblast cell cultures were divided into control group and treatment group with the addition of hydroxyapatite graft powder from Portunus pelagicus at a concentration of 100 ppm, 50 ppm, and 25 ppm. The synthesis process of hydroxyapatite was conducted by heating at 1000°C then characterizing the compound with SEM-EDX. All samples were incubated in α-MEM medium, then were given MTT material. The cultures on the plate were examined using ELISA reader. The results were analyzed using a Oneway Anova. Results: The percentage of living cells throughout all treatment group shown results that exceeded the LD50 parameter. The highest percentage of living cells was at 25 ppm concentration group. Conclusion: The hydroxyapatite graft powder from crab shells is biocompatible with human gingival fibroblast cell culture.
Fabrication and Application of a 3D-Printed Poly-ε-Caprolactone Cage Scaffold for Bone Tissue Engineering

Poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) is a promising synthetic material in bone tissue engineering (BTE). Particularly, the introduction of rapid prototyping (RP) represents the possibility of manufacturing PCL scaffolds with customized appearances and structures. Bio-Oss is a natural bone mineral matrix with significant osteogenic effects; however, it has limitations in being constructed and maintained into specific shapes and sites. In this study, we used RP and fabricated a hollow-structured cage-shaped PCL scaffold loaded with Bio-Oss to form a hybrid scaffold for BTE. Moreover, we adopted NaOH surface treatment to improve PCL hydrophilicity and enhance cell adhesion. The results showed that the NaOH-treated hybrid scaffold could enhance the osteogenesis of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMMSCs) both in vitro and in vivo. Altogether, we reveal a novel hybrid scaffold that not only possesses osteoinductive function to promote bone formation but can also be fabricated into specific forms. This scaffold design may have great application potential in bone tissue engineering.
Immediate Effects and Acceptability of an Application-Based Stretching Exercise Incorporating Deep Slow Breathing for Neck Pain Self-management

Objectives This study evaluated the immediate effects and acceptability of a smartphone application named NeckProtector to promote neck pain self-management through stretching incorporating deep slow breathing, among smartphone users with neck pain. Methods One-hundred participants were recruited in the study. Participants were divided into two groups by block randomized allocation. The researchers gave the NeckProtector application to all participants for acceptability testing by navigation of the application for 20–30 minutes. Next, the treatment group (n = 50) conducted the exercise program via smartphone application for 15–20 minutes, while the control group (n = 50) rested for 20 minutes. Evaluations were performed at baseline and after intervention for pain intensity, muscle tension, pressure pain threshold (PPT), and cervical range of motion (CROM). Quantitative and qualitative feedback was then obtained by an acceptability survey and open-ended questionnaires. Results The immediate effects showed statistically significant improvements in pain intensity, muscle tension, PPT, and CROM in the treatment group in comparison to the control group. Participants reported a high level of acceptability through ratings on a Likert scale. The qualitative questionnaires received positive responses that the application was easy to use and the exercise program was useful to cope with neck pain. Conclusions NeckProtector can be an alternative treatment for neck pain self-management via smartphone application among smartphone users with neck pain. Further studies should examine the long-term effectiveness (Clinical trials registry: TCTR20160523001).
Extraction of the Proximal Phalanx: A New Option in Surgical Treatment of the Crossover Second Toe

One of the biggest and commonest problems that is seen and treated by foot and ankle surgeons is the deformity where the second toe crosses over the hallux. According to available literature, this is the first published case of extraction of the proximal phalanx due to crossover toe deformity. We present the case of a 64-year-old Caucasian female with a crossover second toe deformity of her left foot. Because of this deformity, she was completely disabled to wear normal shoes and she felt intensive pain in her front part of the foot. She underwent a total extraction of the proximal phalanx of the second toe. After the operation, she was very satisfied with the status of the operated foot and the final result of the surgical treatment. The procedure that we performed could be a good possibility for the treatment of crossover second toe deformity because we got a good functional and cosmetic result, the morbidity associated with more advanced reconstruction is avoided, and the rehabilitation period was short. Patient satisfaction was high, and complications were minimal.
Laparoscopic Ovarian Transposition and Ovariopexy for Fertility Preservation in Patients Treated with Pelvic Radiotherapy with or without Chemotherapy

Background Preservation of fertility in cancer patients of reproductive age is a concern for both the patient and the clinician. In this study, we aimed to study the effectiveness of laparoscopic ovarian transposition or ovariopexy in preserving ovarian function in women undergoing pelvic radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy for pelvic tumours. Methods The records of patients who underwent laparoscopic ovarian transposition or ovariopexy prior to pelvic radiation therapy between 2002 and 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Results Thirty-nine women or adolescent girls with a diagnosis of cervical cancer (n=15), Hodgkin’s lymphoma (n=6) or other types of pelvic tumours (n=18) were included in the study. The majority of patients had bilateral (n=25) or unilateral (n=8) ovarian transposition prior to radiotherapy. Nine out of 10 (90%) patients with soft tissue tumors, Ewing sarcoma or ependymoma, five out of seven (71.4%) patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, two patients (100%) with rectal and anal cancer, and six out of 15 (40%) with cervical cancer retained ovarian function. Patients with cervical cancer, those who received concomitant chemotherapy and those older than 30 years were more likely to experience ovarian failure. Five patients conceived spontaneously and two women had four live births. Conclusion Laparoscopic repositioning of the ovaries out of the radiation field in order to protect ovarian function in patients receiving radiotherapy appears to be effective in the majority of patients. The procedure seems safe and should be considered either as a sole procedure or in association with other fertility preservation methods prior to pelvic radiotherapy.
The Functional Severity Assessment of Coronary Stenosis Using Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography-Based Myocardial Mass at Risk and Minimal Lumen Diameter

Background We investigated whether or not the addition of myocardial mass at risk (MMAR) to quantitative coronary angiography was useful for diagnosing functionally significant coronary stenosis in the daily practice. Methods We retrospectively enrolled 111 consecutive patients with 149 lesions who underwent clinically indicated coronary computed tomography angiography and subsequent elective coronary angiography with fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement. MMAR was calculated using a workstation-based software program with ordinary thin slice images acquired for the computed tomography, and the minimal lumen diameter (MLD) and the diameter stenosis were measured with quantitative coronary angiography. Results The MLD and MMAR were significantly correlated with the FFR, and the MMAR-to-MLD ratio (MMAR/MLD) showed a good correlation. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of MMAR/MLD for FFR ≤ 0.8 was 0.746, and the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 60%, 83%, 68%, and 77%, respectively, at a cut-off value of 29.5 ml/mm. The addition of MMAR/MLD to diameter stenosis thus made it possible to further discriminate lesions with FFR ≤ 0.8 (AUC = 0.750). For the proximal left coronary artery lesions, in particular, MMAR/MLD showed a better correlation with the FFR, and the AUC of MMAR/MLD for FFR ≤ 0.8 was 0.919 at a cut-off value of 31.7 ml/mm. Conclusions The index of MMAR/MLD correlated well with the physiological severity of coronary stenosis and showed good accuracy for detecting functional significance. The MMAR/MLD might be a useful parameter to consider when deciding the indication for revascularization.
Influence of carbon type and carbon to nitrogen ratio on the biochemical methane potential, pH, and ammonia nitrogen in anaerobic digestion

Abstract Organic waste used as a feedstock in the anaerobic digestion (AD), it includes carbon and nitrogen. Carbon and nitrogen have an effect on the various digestive characteristics during AD, however, the study is rare about those of the interaction. This study investigates the influence of carbon type and carbon to nitrogens (C/N ratios) on the AD characteristics of organic waste. Experimental treatments involved a combination of three carbon types with three C/N ratios. The AD tests were carried out using a 125-mL serum bottle at a constant temperature of 37°C and moisture 95% for 18 days. Degradation pattern shows the difference among three-carbon treatments, the starch group was faster than other groups. Maximum methane production date was similar between starch (9.96 ± 0.05 day) and xylan group (10.0 ± 0.52 day), those of the cellulose group (14.6 ± 1.80 day) was slower than other groups (p < 0.05). The lag phase was only affected by the carbon type (p < 0.05). Ammonia nitrogen was mainly affected by nitrogen concentration regardless of carbon type (p < 0.05). This study showed that xylan is useful as feedstock in order to decrease the lag phase, and it showed that ammonia was independently affected by the nitrogen concentration.
Chromatin accessibility analysis reveals regulatory dynamics of developing human retina and hiPSC-derived retinal organoids

Epigenetic and transcriptomic profiling of developing human retina and retinal organoids revealed regulators in human retinal development. Retinal organoids (ROs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) provide potential opportunities for studying human retinal development and disorders; however, to what extent ROs recapitulate the epigenetic features of human retinal development is unknown. In this study, we systematically profiled chromatin accessibility and transcriptional dynamics over long-term human retinal and RO development. Our results showed that ROs recapitulated the human retinogenesis to a great extent, but divergent chromatin features were also discovered. We further reconstructed the transcriptional regulatory network governing human and RO retinogenesis in vivo. Notably, NFIB and THRA were identified as regulators in human retinal development. The chromatin modifications between developing human and mouse retina were also cross-analyzed. Notably, we revealed an enriched bivalent modification of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 in human but not in murine retinogenesis, suggesting a more dedicated epigenetic regulation on human genome.
Framingham Risk Stratification of Middle-Aged Migraineurs

Introduction. Migraine is a common primary headache disorder involving about 10-15% of the whole population. Several epidemiological and prospective studies showed a link between migraine (especially migraine with aura) and cardio- and cerebrovascular events. Objectives We prospectively analyzed the data of vascular event-free middle-aged patients with migraine who were referred to our Headache Clinic between 01/2014 and 01/2018. Framingham 10-year risk were calculated; covariates included in the analysis were age, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, antihypertensive medication use, current smoking, and diabetes status. Results Total of 1037 patients were screened and 221 were selected, 161 were women (mean age 55.5 ± 5.2 years) and 60 were men (mean age 56 ± 6 years). 25 patients (11.3%) were labelled as having low risk, 162 patients (73.3%) had moderate risk, and 34 patients (15.4%) had high or very high risk. Blood pressure and lipid targets were reached in 73% and in 49% in the moderate risk and in 53% and 12% in the high risk/very high risk groups, respectively. Migraine with aura (MA) was associated significantly higher cardiovascular risk profile compared with migraine without aura (MO). About one-third of our nondiabetic patients had fasting blood glucose above the normal levels. 24 patients (mean age 60 ± 4.9 years) were diabetic. Mean blood pressure was 149/85 Hgmm, mean choleterol was 5.11 mmol/l, and mean LDL was 2.93 mmol/l in this subgroup, respectively, which do not fall within the recommended targets. Conclusion Our article draws attention to the higher cardiovascular risk profile of middle-aged migraineurs and highlights the deficiency of primary prevention. Pain physicians must be aware of the cardiovascular aspects of migraine and holistic approach is required instead of focusing only on pain and pain relief.
Phosphoregulation of Rad51/Rad52 by CDK1 functions as a molecular switch for cell cycle–specific activation of homologous recombination

Phosphorylation of Rad51/Rad52 by CDK1 regulates cell cycle–specific activation of homologous recombination. Homologous recombination is exquisitely activated only during specific cell phases. In the G1 phase, homologous recombination activity is completely suppressed. According to previous reports, the activation of homologous recombination during specific cell phases depends on the kinase activity of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1). However, the precise regulatory mechanism and target substrates of CDK1 for this regulation have not been completely determined. Here, we report that the budding yeast CDK1, Cdc28, phosphorylates the major homologous recombination regulators Rad51 and Rad52. This phosphorylation occurs in the G2/M phase by Cdc28 in combination with G2/M phase cyclins. Nonphosphorylatable mutations in Rad51 and Rad52 impair the DNA binding affinity of Rad51 and the affinity between Rad52 rings that leads to their interaction. Collectively, our data provide detailed insights into the regulatory mechanism of cell cycle–dependent homologous recombination activation in eukaryotic cells.
Animal Models of Osteochondral Defect for Testing Biomaterials

The treatment of osteochondral defects (OCD) remains a great challenge in orthopaedics. Tissue engineering holds a good promise for regeneration of OCD. In the light of tissue engineering, it is critical to establish an appropriate animal model to evaluate the degradability, biocompatibility, and interaction of implanted biomaterials with host bone/cartilage tissues for OCD repair in vivo. Currently, model animals that are commonly deployed to create osteochondral lesions range from rats, rabbits, dogs, pigs, goats, and sheep horses to nonhuman primates. It is essential to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each animal model in terms of the accuracy and effectiveness of the experiment. Therefore, this review aims to introduce the common animal models of OCD for testing biomaterials and to discuss their applications in translational research. In addition, we have reviewed surgical protocols for establishing OCD models and biomaterials that promote osteochondral regeneration. For small animals, the non-load-bearing region such as the groove of femoral condyle is commonly chosen for testing degradation, biocompatibility, and interaction of implanted biomaterials with host tissues. For large animals, closer to clinical application, the load-bearing region (medial femoral condyle) is chosen for testing the durability and healing outcome of biomaterials. This review provides an important reference for selecting a suitable animal model for the development of new strategies for osteochondral regeneration.
Management of the Developing Dentition and Occlusion in Pediatric Dentistry.

This best practice asserts that the management of developing dentition and occlusion is an essential part of comprehensive oral health care and that early diagnosis and treatment of abnormalities can aid patients in achieving the goal of a stable, functional, and esthetic occlusion. The document outlines the components of the clinical examination and necessary diagnostic records and emphasizes the importance of the diagnostic summary for determining treatment priorities and timing. Considerations for management according to each stage of dentition (primary, mixed, adolescent, adult) are presented along with treatment objectives and recommendations for relevant dental concerns, including oral habits, congenitally-missing or supernumerary teeth, ectopic eruption, and ankylosis or primary failure of eruption. Lastly, the document provides discussion of arch length discrepancy, space maintenance, space regaining, crossbites, and Class II and Class III malocclusions. Providers may use this document as a resource for gathering crucial diagnostic information and making informed decisions regarding the timing, sequence, and appropriateness of interventions. This document was developed through a collaborative effort of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Councils on Clinical Affairs and Scientific Affairs to offer updated information and recommendations regarding management of developing dentition and occlusion.
The HOPS complex subunit VPS39 controls ciliogenesis through autophagy

Abstract Primary cilia are microtubule-based organelles that assemble and protrude from the surface of most mammalian cells during quiescence. The biomedical relevance of cilia is indicated by disorders ascribed to cilia dysfunction, known as ciliopathies, that display distinctive features including renal cystic disease. In this report, we demonstrate that vacuolar protein sorting 39 (VPS39), a component of the homotypic fusion and vacuole protein sorting (HOPS) complex, acts as a negative regulator of ciliogenesis in human renal cells, by controlling the localization of the intraflagellar transport 20 protein at the base of cilia through autophagy. Moreover, we show that VPS39 controls ciliogenesis through autophagy also in vivo in renal tubules of medaka fish. These observations suggest a direct involvement of the HOPS complex in the regulation of autophagy-mediated ciliogenesis and eventually in target selection. Interestingly, we show that the impact of autophagy modulation on ciliogenesis is cell-type dependent and strictly related to environmental stimuli. This report adds a further tile to the cilia-autophagy connection and suggests that VPS39 could represent a new biological target for the recovery of the cilia-related phenotypes observed in the kidneys of patients affected by ciliopathies.