Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unhealthy Effects of Atmospheric Temperature and Pressure on the Occurrence of Myocardial Infarction and Coronary Deaths

Background—Associations between an increase in coronary heart disease occurrence and low atmospheric temperatures have been reported from mortality data and hospital admission registries. However, concomitant increases in noncardiovascular case fatality rates and selection bias of hospital cases may weaken this observation. In this study, we addressed the question of the relationships between fatal and nonfatal coronary diseases and meteorological variables in 10-year data (1985 to 1994) collected in a morbidity registry (Lille-WHO MONICA Project) monitoring 257 000 men from 25 to 64 years of age. Methods and Results—The impacts of atmospheric temperature (in Celsius) and pressure (in millibars) on daily rates of myocardial infarction (MI) and coronary deaths were studied. Percentages of variation of event rates according to meteorological variations were derived from the relative risks estimated with a Poisson regression model. During the 10-year longitudinal survey, 3616 events occurred. Rates of events.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Drought Stress Responsive microRNAs in Tibetan Wild Barley

Drought stress is a major obstacle to agricultural production. Tibetan wild barley with rich genetic diversity is useful for drought-tolerant improvement of cereals. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in controlling gene expression in response to various environment perturbations in plants. However, the genome-wide expression profiles of miRNAs and their targets in response to drought stress are largely unknown in wild barley. In this study, a polyethylene glycol (PEG) induced drought stress hydroponic experiment was performed, and the expression profiles of miRNAs from the roots of two contrasting Tibetan wild barley genotypes XZ5 (drought-tolerant) and XZ54 (drought-sensitive), and one cultivated barley Tadmor (drought-tolerant) generated by high-throughput sequencing were compared. There were 69 conserved miRNAs and 1574 novel miRNAs in the dataset of three genotypes under control and drought conditions. Among them, seven conserved miRNAs and 36 novel miRNAs showed significantly genotype-specific expression patterns in response to drought stress. And 12 miRNAs were further regarded as drought tolerant associated miRNAs in XZ5, which mostly participate in gene expression, metabolism, signaling and transportation, suggesting that they and their target genes play important roles in plant drought tolerance. This is the first comparation study on the miRNA transcriptome in the roots of two Tibetan wild barley genotypes differing in drought tolerance and one drought tolerant cultivar in response to PEG treatment. Further results revealed the candidate drought tolerant miRNAs and target genes in the miRNA regulation mechanism in wild barley under drought stress. Our findings provide valuable understandings for the functional characterization of miRNAs in drought tolerance.
Genetic Susceptibility to Systemic Sclerosis in the Greek-Cypriot Population: A Pilot Study

Background: Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), also known as scleroderma, is an autoimmune rheumatic disease, which is clinically subdivided into two major subgroups; limited (lcSSc) and diffuse cutaneous scleroderma (dcSSc). Even though the SSc etiologies remains unclear, some HLA and non-HLA genetic variants have been associated with the disease. Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the associations between several HLA-related genetic variants and SSc in the Greek-Cypriot population. Methods: Forty-one SSc patients and 164 controls were genotyped at 18 selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses, Sanger sequencing, and a multiplex SNaPshot minisequencing assay. Logistic regression analysis under the log-additive model was used to evaluate all possible associations between these SNPs and SSc; nominal statistical significance was assumed at p < 0.05. Results: Associations of SSc with SNPs rs3117230, rs3128930, and rs3128965 within the HLA-DPB1 and HLA-DPB2 regions were observed in the Greek-Cypriot population at the level of p < 0.05. However, none of these associations survived a Bonferroni correction. The direction of the effect is consistent with the direction reported in previous studies. In addition, allele frequencies of the majority of the selected SNPs in the Greek-Cypriot population are similar to those reported in the European population. Conclusion: This study initiates the genetic investigation of SSc in the Greek-Cypriot population, a relatively small newly investigated population. Further investigation with a larger sample size and/or additional SSc susceptibility loci may confirm the association of some of these variants with SSc in the Greek-Cypriot population that could potentially be used for predictive testing.
Development and Validation of a Questionnaire to Measure Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Korean Adults

The Mediterranean diet (MD) has beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and mortality. Although various attempts have been made for estimating adherence to the MD using diet quality indices, few studies involving validated questionnaires for estimating adherence have been performed in Asian populations. We aimed to develop and validate the Korean version of the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (K-MEDAS) by including 211 participants that visited health check-up centers and 116 participants with overweight or hypercholesterolemia that visited obesity clinic. The participants completed both the K-MEDAS and a 106-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). We translated 13 questions and developed 1 question. Considering the agreement between the K-MEDAS and FFQ, nine of the 14 questions showed moderate or high kappa values (≥0.4). The total MD scores measured by the K-MEDAS and FFQ showed substantial concordance (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.678, 95% confidence interval: 0.520, 0.785). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed significant inverse associations between MD score and the levels of serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, after adjusting for confounding variables. We found that K-MEDAS is valid tool for assessing adherence to the MD in the Korean population.
Predictors of Cardiovascular Events in Hypertensive Patients with High Cardiovascular Risk

Background and objectives: A long-term therapeutic strategy in hypertensive patients equally depends on measured arterial blood pressure values and total determined cardiovascular risk. The aim of the adequate hypertensive patient treatment is both the reduction in arterial blood pressure and the reduction of all preexisting modifiable risk factors, prevention of target organs damage, and adverse cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to determine independent predictors of cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension and high cardiovascular (CV) risk, and whether the modifiable risk factors could affect long-term prognosis in the studied population. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 142 hypertensive patients (65% females), mean age 63.1±8 years, with high CV risk. Each participant was followed for 6.2 years. Results: During the follow-up period, the incidence of non-fatal and fatal CV events was 19.7%, CV mortality 7%, and total mortality 9.9%. Our multivariate analysis showed that plaques in both carotid arteries (p = 0.042), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.042) and cholesterol at the beginning of the study (p = 0.016) were significantly associated with an increased risk of CV events. Patients’ age (p = 0.009), intima-media thickness (p = 0.001) and diabetes mellitus (p = 0.042) were significantly associated with an increased risk of CV mortality, and age (p = 0.007) and cholesterol (p = 0.002) were independent variables significantly associated with increased total mortality rates. Conclusions: The results of the present study showed that the main predictors of adverse CV events in high-risk hypertensive patients were years of age, cholesterol levels, diabetes, intima-media thickness, and carotid arteries plaques.
Commentary: Modified intraocular lens injector assisted rescue technique for failed viscoexpression in a case of intracameral cysticercosis

The creation of the extraction assembly is the only disadvantage, but all the parts of the assembly are usually available readily at any general ophthalmic operation theatre. In contrast, the commercially available DMEK injectors are not readily available in developing nations where cysticercosis is endemic. Further, these injectors are expensive. [8] Therefore, the modified injector assembly employed by us is a good tool in such settings. Other simple modifications of DMEK injectors described, e.g., using intravenous catheters instead of the aspiration cannula used by us,[9] may also be employed in such situations.
HIV treatment outcomes among people with initiation CD4 counts >500 cells/µL after implementation of Treat All in South African public clinics: a retrospective cohort study

The World Health Organisation recommends to Treat All people with HIV, irrespective of CD4 count. However, people with CD4 counts >500 cells/µL may be asymptomatic and therefore less motivated to adhere to antiretroviral therapy (ART). We aimed to assess whether people initiated with CD4 counts >500 cells/µL had worse treatment outcomes compared to those initiated at lower CD4 counts.
Small RNA-Mediated De Novo Silencing of Ac/Ds Transposons Is Initiated by Alternative Transposition in Maize

Transposable elements (TEs) are a ubiquitous feature of plant genomes. Because of the threat they pose to genome integrity, most TEs are epigenetically silenced. However, even closely related plant species. Although transposable elements (TEs) comprise a major fraction of many higher eukaryotic genomes, most TEs are silenced by host defense mechanisms. The means by which otherwise active TEs are recognized and silenced remains poorly understood. Here we analyzed two independent cases of spontaneous silencing of the active maize Ac/Ds transposon system. This silencing is initiated by alternative transposition, a type of aberrant transposition event that engages the termini of two nearby separate TEs. Alternative transposition during DNA replication can generate Composite Insertions that contain inverted duplications of the transposon sequences. We show that the inverted duplications of two Composite Insertions are transcribed to produce double-stranded RNAs that trigger the production of two distinct classes of small interfering RNAs: a 24-nt class complementary to the TE terminal inverted repeats and noncoding subterminal regions, and a 21- to 22-nt class corresponding to the TE transcribed regions. Plants containing these small interfering RNA-generating Composite Insertions exhibit decreased levels of Ac transcript and heritable repression of Ac/Ds transposition. Further, we demonstrate that Composite Insertions can heritably silence otherwise active elements in trans. This study documents the first case of transposon silencing induced by alternative transposition and may represent a general initiating mechanism for silencing of DNA transposons.
Influence of Formulation Parameters on Redispersibility of Naproxen Nanoparticles from Granules Produced in a Fluidized Bed Process

The particle size reduction of active pharmaceutical ingredients is an efficient method to overcome challenges associated with a poor aqueous solubility. With respect to stability and patient’s convenience, the corresponding nanosuspensions are often further processed to solid dosage forms. In this regard, the influence of several formulation parameters (i.e., type of carrier material, type and amount of additional polymeric drying excipient in the nanosuspension) on the redispersibility of naproxen nanoparticle-loaded granules produced in a fluidized bed process was investigated. The dissolution rate of the carrier material (i.e., sucrose, mannitol, or lactose) was identified as a relevant material property, with higher dissolution rates (sucrose > mannitol > lactose) resulting in better redispersibility of the products. Additionally, the redispersibility of the product granules was observed to improve with increasing amounts of polymeric drying excipient in the nanosuspension. The redispersibility was observed to qualitatively correlate with the degree of nanoparticle embedding on the surface of the corresponding granules. This embedding was assumed to be either caused by a partial dissolution and subsequent resolidification of the carrier surface dependent on the dissolution rate of the carrier material or by resolidification of the dissolved polymeric drying excipient upon drying. As the correlation between the redispersibility and the morphology of the corresponding granules was observed for all investigated formulation parameters, it may be assumed that the redispersibility of the nanoparticles is determined by their distance in the dried state.
Oxone®-Mediated TEMPO-Oxidized Cellulose Nanomaterials form I and form II

The 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl (TEMPO) oxidation of cellulose, when mediated with Oxone® (KHSO5), can be performed simply and under mild conditions. Furthermore, the products of the reaction can be isolated into two major components: Oxone®-mediated TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanomaterials Form I and Form II (OTO-CNM Form I and Form II). This study focuses on the characterization of the properties of OTO-CNMs. Nanoparticle-sized cellulose fibers of 5 and 16 nm, respectively, were confirmed through electron microscopy. Infrared spectroscopy showed that the most carboxylation presented in Form II. Conductometric titration showed a two-fold increase in carboxylation from Form I (800 mmol/kg) to Form II (1600 mmol/kg). OTO-CNMs showed cellulose crystallinity in the range of 64–68% and crystallite sizes of 1.4–3.3 nm, as shown through XRD. OTO-CNMs show controlled variability in hydrophilicity with contact angles ranging from 16 to 32°, within or below the 26–47° reported in the literature for TEMPO-oxidized CNMs. Newly discovered OTO-CNM Form II shows enhanced hydrophilic properties as well as unique crystallinity and chemical functionalization in the field of bio-sourced material and nanocomposites.
Temperature-Dependence of Rubber Hyperelasticity Based on the Eight-Chain Model

Rubber-based materials are widely used in a variety of industrial applications. In these applications, rubber components withstand various loading conditions over a range of temperatures. It is of great significance to study the mechanical behavior of vulcanized rubber at different temperatures, especially in a range of high temperatures. The temperature dependence of the constitutive behavior of filled rubber is important for the performance of the rubber. However, only a few constitutive models have been reported that investigate the stress–temperature relationship. In this paper, based on an analysis of experimental data, the effects of temperature on the hyperelastic behaviors of both natural rubber and filled rubber, with different mass fractions of carbon black, were studied. The regulation of stress and strain of natural rubber and filled rubber with temperature was revealed. In addition, an eight-chain model that can reasonably characterize the experimental data at different temperatures was proved. An explicit temperature-dependent constitutive model was developed based on the Arruda-Boyce model to describe the stress–strain response of filled rubber in a relatively large temperature range. Meanwhile, it was proved that the model can predict the effect of temperature on the hyperelastic behavior of filled rubber. Finally, the improved Arruda-Boyce model was used to obtain the material parameters and was then successfully applied to finite element analysis (FEA), which showed that the model has high application value. In addition, the model had a simple form and could be conveniently applied in related performance test of actual production or finite element analysis.
Genome-Wide Characterization of Snf1-Related Protein Kinases (SnRKs) and Expression Analysis of SnRK1.1 in Strawberry

The plant sucrose nonfermenting 1 (SNF1)-related protein kinases (SnRKs) are key regulators in the interconnection of various signaling pathways. However, little is known about the SnRK family in strawberries. In this study, a total of 26 FvSnRKs including one FvSnRK1, nine FvSnRK2s and 16 FvSnRK3s were identified from the strawberry genome database. They were respectively designated as FvSnRK1.1, FvSnRK2.1 to FvSnRK2.9 and FvSnRK3.1 to FvSnRK3.16, according to the conserved domain of each subfamily and multiple sequence alignment with Arabidopsis. FvSnRK family members were unevenly distributed in seven chromosomes. The number of exons or introns varied among FvSnRK1s, FvSnRK2s and FvSnRK3s, but highly conserved in the same subfamily. The FvSnRK1.1 had 10 exons. Most of FvSnRK2s had nine exons or eight introns, except FvSnRK2.4, FvSnRK2.8 and FvSnRK2.9. FvSnRK3 genes were divided into intron-free and intron-harboring members, and the number of introns in intron-harboring group ranged from 11 to 15. Moreover, the phylogenetic analysis showed SnRK1, SnRK2 and SnRK3 subfamilies respectively clustered together in spite of the different species of strawberry and Arabidopsis, indicating the genes were established prior to the divergence of the corresponding taxonomic lineages. Meanwhile, conserved motif analysis showed that FvSnRK sequences that belonged to the same subgroup contained their own specific motifs. Cis-element in promoter and expression pattern analyses of FvSnRK1.1 suggested that FvSnRK1.1 was involved in cold responsiveness, light responsiveness and fruit ripening. Taken together, this comprehensive analysis will facilitate further studies of the FvSnRK family and provide a basis for the understanding of their function in strawberry.
Multitarget Approach to Drug Candidates against Alzheimer’s Disease Related to AChE, SERT, BACE1 and GSK3β Protein Targets

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition for which currently there are no drugs that can cure its devastating impact on human brain function. Although there are therapeutics that are being used in contemporary medicine for treatment against Alzheimer’s disease, new and more effective drugs are in great demand. In this work, we proposed three potential drug candidates which may act as multifunctional compounds simultaneously toward AChE, SERT, BACE1 and GSK3β protein targets. These candidates were discovered by using state-of-the-art methods as molecular calculations (molecular docking and molecular dynamics), artificial neural networks and multilinear regression models. These methods were used for virtual screening of the publicly available library containing more than twenty thousand compounds. The experimental testing enabled us to confirm a multitarget drug candidate active at low micromolar concentrations against two targets, e.g., AChE and BACE1.
Effect of chicory inulin-type fructan-containing snack bars on the human gut microbiota in low dietary fiber consumers in a randomized crossover trial.

BACKGROUND The low intake of dietary fiber compared to recommended amounts has been referred to as the dietary fiber gap. The addition of fiber to snack foods could favorably alter gut microbiota and help individuals meet intake recommendations. OBJECTIVES Our objective was to examine the effect of low- and moderate-dose fiber-containing snack bars, comprising mainly chicory root inulin-type fructans (ITF), on gut microbiota in healthy adults with habitual low dietary fiber intake using 16S ribosomal RNA-based approaches. METHODS In 2 separate 4-wk, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover trials, 50 healthy adults with low dietary fiber intake were randomly assigned to receive isocaloric snack bars of either moderate-dose fiber (7 g/d) or control in Trial 1 (n = 25) or low-dose fiber (3 g/d) or control in Trial 2 (n = 25), with 4-wk washout periods. Fecal microbiota composition and inferred function, fecal SCFA concentration, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, dietary intake, and quality of life were measured. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the moderate-dose group showed significant differences across multiple microbial taxa, most notably an increased relative abundance of the Bifidobacterium genus from (mean ± SEM) 5.3% ± 5.9% to 18.7% ± 15.0%. With low-dose ITF, significant increases in Bifidobacterium were no longer present after correction for multiple comparisons but targeted analysis with qPCR showed a significant increase in Bifidobacterium. Predictive functional profiling identified changes in predicted function after intake of the moderate- but not the low-dose bar. Fecal SCFAs were affected by time but not treatment. There were no between-group differences in GI symptoms. Importantly, fiber intake increased significantly with the moderate- and low-dose bars. CONCLUSIONS In healthy adults, adding 3 or 7 g ITF to snack bars increased Bifidobacterium, a beneficial member of the gut microbial community. The addition of ITF to food products could help reduce the dietary fiber gap prevalent in modern life.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03042494.
Effectiveness of Hypopressive Exercises in Women with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Hypopressive exercises have emerged as a conservative treatment option for pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). The aim of this study was to compare the effects of an eight-week hypopressive exercise program to those of an individualized pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training (PFMT) program, and to a combination of both immediately after treatment and at follow-up assessments at 3, 6 and 12 months later. The study was a prospective, single-centre, assessor-blinded, randomised controlled trial. Ninety-four women with PFD were assigned to PFMT (n = 32), hypopressive exercises (n = 31) or both (n = 31). All programs included the same educational component, and instruction about lifestyle interventions and the knack manoeuvre. Primary outcomes were the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory Short Form (PFDI-20); the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire Short Form (PFIQ-7); PFM strength (manometry and dynamometry) and pelvic floor basal tone (dynamometry). There were no statistically significant differences between groups at baseline, nor after the intervention. Overall, women reduced their symptoms (24.41–30.5 on the PFDI-20); improved their quality of life (14.78–21.49 on the PFIQ-7), improved their PFM strength (8.61–9.32 cmH2O on manometry; 106.2–247.7 g on dynamometry), and increased their pelvic floor basal tone (1.8–22.9 g on dynamometry). These data suggest that individual PFMT, hypopressive exercises and a combination of both interventions significantly reduce PFD symptoms, enhance quality of life, and improve PFM strength and basal tone in women with PFD, both in the short and longer term.