Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of exopolysaccharides from cariogenic bacteria on human gingival fibroblasts

Bacterial biofilm (dental plaque) plays a key role in caries etiopathogenesis and chronic periodontitis in humans. Dental plaque formation is determined by exopolysaccharides (EPSs) produced by cariogenic and periopathogenic bacteria. The most frequent cariogenic bacteria include oral streptococci (in particular S. mutans) and lactobacilli (most frequently L. acidophilus). In turn, the dominant periopathogen in periodontitis is Porphyromonas gingivalis. Development of dental caries is often accompanied with gingivitis constituting the mildest form of periodontal disease. Basic cellular components of the gingiva tissue are fibroblasts the damage of which determines the progression of chronic periodontitis. Due to insufficient knowledge of the direct effect of dental plaque on metabolic activity of the fibroblasts, this work analyses the effect of EPSs produced by S. mutans and L. acidophilus strains (H2O2-producing and H2O2-not producing) on ATP levels in human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1) and their viability. EPSs produced in 48-hours bacterial cultures were isolated by precipitation method and quantitatively determined by phenol - sulphuric acid assay. ATP levels in HGF-1 were evaluated using a luminescence test, and cell viability was estimated using fluorescence test. The tests have proven that EPS from S. mutans did not affect the levels of ATP in HGF-1. Whereas EPS derived from L. acidophilus strains, irrespective of the tested strain, significantly increased ATP levels in HGF-1. The analysed EPSs did not affect the viability of cells. The tests presented in this work show that EPSs from cariogenic bacteria have no cytotoxic effect on HGF-1. At the same time, the results provide new data indicating that EPSs from selected oral lactobacilli may have stimulating effect on the synthesis of ATP in gingival fibroblasts which increases their energetic potential and takes a protective effect.
The Effect of a Persian Herbal Medicine Compound on the Lipid Profiles of Patients with Dyslipidemia: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Introduction It has been well established in the world that lipid disorders promote the development of atherosclerosis and its clinical consequences. This study aimed to assess the impacts of a Persian medicinal (PM) compound on lipid profile. Materials and Methods From June 21 to October 21, 2020, a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial was conducted with 74 dyslipidemic patients, who were randomly divided into two equally populated groups: one prescribed with a Persian medicinal herbal compound (n = 37) and a placebo group (n = 37). A Persian herbal medicine including fenugreek, sumac, and purslane is introduced. Biochemical parameters including 12-hour fasting serum levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and triglyceride (TG) were measured before the initiation and after the completion of study protocol. Results Percent changes of biochemical parameters include the following: intervention group = cholesterol: 35.22, Tg: 45.91, LDL: 24.81, HDL: 2.05, VLDL: 8.94 and placebo group = cholesterol: 6.94, Tg: −7.3, LDL: 7.37, HDL: 2.88, VLDL: −0.14. The serum levels of total cholesterol (p=0.01) and LDL (p=0.01) significantly decreased and no increase was recorded in HDL (p=0.03) levels over time in the intervention group. Furthermore, between-group analysis showed a statistically significant difference between the intervention and placebo groups in this regard. VLDL (p=0.2) and TG (p=0.2) levels also decreased, however not significantly. Conclusion This study showed that a Persian medicinal herbal compound could be safe and beneficial to decrease the levels of serum cholesterol and LDL in dyslipidemic patients. However, larger long-term studies are recommended to clarify this effect.
Network analysis of PTSD in college students across different areas after the COVID-19 epidemic

ABSTRACT Background: Various studies have examined the psychological ‘typhoon eye’ and ‘ripple’ effects in mental disorders following COVID-19. However, these studies only considered the disorders as entities and assessed severity, and overlooked the differences in specific symptoms of disorders. Objectives: This aim of the study is to assess the psychological typhoon eye and ripple effects at the symptom-level in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is considered as a common psychopathology following the COVID-19 epidemic. Method: In total, 1150 undergraduates, including 271 students from the Hubei province (e.g. epidemic centre) and 879 students from other provinces, completed the self-report questionnaire. The networks were estimated and compared using the R packages. Results: Although the PTSD networks of Hubei and non-Hubei undergraduates were similarly connected and shared some symptoms with high centrality (e.g. flashbacks, irritability and anger), there were differences across the networks. Distorted cognition and no positive emotion only exhibited high centrality in the Hubei network. Physiological responses and exaggerated startle only exhibited high centrality in the non-Hubei network. Conclusion: These findings suggested that the psychological typhoon eye and ripple effects may co-exist at the symptom level. Targeted and distinct psychological services for college students in Hubei and non-Hubei provinces should be emphasized following COVID-19.
Simulated Patient Environment: A Training Tool for Healthcare Professionals in COVID-19 Era

Background An in-situ simulation model with a simulated patient environment is a training tool that was implemented for the front-line workers managing COVID-19 respiratory infection outbreak in a hospital of National Importance, situated in southern part of India. The objective of this training tool was to improve the preparedness of health care workers and the control measures to manage any respiratory infection outbreaks. Also, to provide good patient care and patient safety during the sudden outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen causing pandemic respiratory infection outbreak worldwide. Methods Simulated patient environment is a kind of functional mock drill that was applied to assess and improve the readiness of the healthcare workers of the hospital to identify the patient at the screening area, guide the patient for investigation and inform the public health system during an outbreak of an infection. The faculty of the Department of Microbiology, Community and Family Medicine, and General Medicine were the educators and demonstrators. Fifty healthcare workers from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Mangalagiri, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW), Government of India, such as doctors, epidemiologists, nurses, laboratory technicians, laboratory attendants, members of infection control team and biomedical waste management team participated in this program. Results Statistical analysis of the results with pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments and feedback from the participants was done at the end of the program. The difference between the mean of pre-intervention and post-intervention scores in doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals was statistically very highly significant (P-value <0.001). Conclusion The training method was the simulation of management of pandemic respiratory infection outbreaks in the most realistic manner possible to test or evaluate the capability of more than one function in the context of an emergency event. An in-situ simulation is an effective method that is close to real-life scenario, to measure the readiness and effectiveness of an emergency response plan. Hence, it is a useful tool to assess disaster preparedness against any type of outbreak.
Associations Between Obesity With Low Muscle Mass and Physical Function in Patients With End-Stage Knee Osteoarthritis

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of obesity with low muscle mass and its impact on physical function, quality of life (QOL) and pain in patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis over 65 years old. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we assessed a total of 562 patients. After separating the group into males and females, we divided patients into 4 further groups: normal BMI with normal muscle mass, obesity with normal muscle mass, normal BMI with low muscle mass and obesity with low muscle mass. All patients completed stair climbing test (SCT), 6-minute walk test, timed up and go test (TUG), instrumental gait analysis, Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, VAS, and EuroQOL 5 dimensions questionnaire. Results: Obesity with low muscle mass was diagnosed in 6 males subjects (7.8%) and 9 female subjects (1.9%). Patients with obesity and low muscle mass performed the SCT-ascent and descent significantly slower than other body composition groups in both males and females. TUG in males and gait speed in females were also significantly slower in the obesity with low muscle mass group. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed that in males, obesity with low muscle mass was significantly predictive of SCT ascent (β = 0.409, p < 0.001), SCT-descent (β = 0.405, p < 0.001), and TUG (β = 0.283, p = 0.009), and in females, obesity with low muscle mass was significantly predictive of SCT-ascent (β = 0.231, p < 0.001), SCT-descent (β = 0.183, p < 0.001), and gait speed (β=-0.129, p = 0.004). Conclusions: This study confirms that the combination of obesity and low muscle mass is associated with impaired physical function in patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis.
Dietary Fat and Fatty Acid Intake in Nulliparous Women: Associations with Preterm Birth and Distinctions by Maternal BMI

ABSTRACT Background Evidence documenting whether diet quality, particularly dietary fatty acids, is associated with preterm birth (PTB) is limited. Objective The aim was to measure associations between dietary fatty acid intake prior to pregnancy, specifically n–3 (ɷ-3) PUFAs and odds of PTB in US women and determine if associations differed by prepregnancy BMI. Methods We designed a secondary analysis of dietary intake in nulliparous women enrolled in a longitudinal cohort (NCT01322529). Participants completed an FFQ, modified to assess detailed PUFA intake, during the 3 mo preceding pregnancy. Inclusion in this analytic cohort required total energy intake within 2 SDs of the group mean. Prepregnancy BMI was categorized as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. The primary exposure was estimated intake of EPA and DHA (combined EPA+DHA), in the context of a recommended intake of 250 mg. The primary outcome was PTB (<37 wk). Adjusted regression models controlled for maternal factors relevant to PTB and evaluated associations with PUFAs. Interaction terms estimated effect modification of BMI. A false discovery rate (FDR) correction accounted for multiple comparisons. Results Median daily intake of combined EPA+DHA in 7365 women was 70 mg (IQR: 32, 145 mg). A significant interaction term indicated the effects of EPA+DHA on odds of PTB were different for different BMI categories (P < 0.01). Specifically, higher intake of combined EPA+DHA was nominally associated with reduced odds of PTB in women with underweight (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.46–0.98) and normal BMI (OR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.78–0.96), yet was associated with increased odds of overweight BMI (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.02–1.44). Associations remained significant after FDR correction. Conclusions Based on a cohort of US women designed to identify predictors of adverse pregnancy outcomes, dietary intake of combined EPA+DHA was considerably lower than recommended. Associations between intake of these recommended n–3 fatty acids and risk of PTB differ by maternal BMI.
The use of information and communication technology in continuing education in tuberculosis

ABSTRACT Introduction: The use of information and communication technologies (ICT) tools has been impacting health care. Distance learning has been used for the continuing improvement of healthcare workers (HCWs). In this systematic review, we evaluated the use of ICT in tuberculosis (TB) continuing education. Methods: We searched Medline and Embase for cross-sectional studies that included HCWs or students, and that reported participants’ learning level. Results: Four studies proved eligible. Three used online educational tools, and another one used CDroms and live video conferencing. All studies evaluated participants’ learning level through online pre- and post-tests. The quality of the studies was high. Conclusions: There is a paucity of studies evaluating distance learning in TB training. Continuing education of students and HCWs is essential for TB control. Accomplishing this is critical in increasing the skills and the numbers of qualified HCWs capable of meeting the health care needs of the population.
Conspicuous animal signals avoid the cost of predation by being intermittent or novel: confirmation in the wild using hundreds of robotic prey

Social animals are expected to face a trade-off between producing a signal that is detectible by mates and rivals, but not obvious to predators. This trade-off is fundamental for understanding the design of many animal signals, and is often the lens through which the evolution of alternative communication strategies is viewed. We have a reasonable working knowledge of how conspecifics detect signals under different conditions, but how predators exploit conspicuous communication of prey is complex and hard to predict. We quantified predation on 1566 robotic lizard prey that performed a conspicuous visual display, possessed a conspicuous ornament or remained cryptic. Attacks by free-ranging predators were consistent across two contrasting ecosystems and showed robotic prey that performed a conspicuous display were equally likely to be attacked as those that remained cryptic. Furthermore, predators avoided attacking robotic prey with a fixed, highly visible ornament that was novel at both locations. These data show that it is prey familiarity—not conspicuousness—that determine predation risk. These findings replicated across different predator–prey communities not only reveal how conspicuous signals might evolve in high predation environments, but could help resolve the paradox of aposematism and why some exotic species avoid predation when invading new areas.
Long-term exposure to artificial light at night in the wild decreases survival and growth of a coral reef fish

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is an increasing anthropogenic pollutant, closely associated with human population density, and now well recognized in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. However, we have a relatively poor understanding of the effects of ALAN in the marine realm. Here, we carried out a field experiment in the coral reef lagoon of Moorea, French Polynesia, to investigate the effects of long-term exposure (18–23 months) to chronic light pollution at night on the survival and growth of wild juvenile orange-fin anemonefish, Amphiprion chrysopterus. Long-term exposure to environmentally relevant underwater illuminance (mean: 4.3 lux), reduced survival (mean: 36%) and growth (mean: 44%) of juvenile anemonefish compared to that of juveniles exposed to natural moonlight underwater (mean: 0.03 lux). Our study carried out in an ecologically realistic situation in which the direct effects of artificial lighting on juvenile anemonefish are combined with the indirect consequences of artificial lighting on other species, such as their competitors, predators, and prey, revealed the negative impacts of ALAN on life-history traits. Not only are there immediate impacts of ALAN on mortality, but the decreased growth of surviving individuals may also have considerable fitness consequences later in life. Future studies examining the mechanisms behind these findings are vital to understand how organisms can cope and survive in nature under this globally increasing pollutant.
Association between Landscape Features and Owl Assemblages in a Tropical Rainforest of Southeastern Mexico

Abstract. Tropical owls are one of the most threatened groups of birds. Studying the association between landscape features and owl assemblages is challenging due to the logistical difficulties of nocturnal fieldwork. We analyzed the association of landscape composition and spatial configuration of forest cover with the composition of the owl assemblages in a tropical rainforest in southeastern Mexico. During the 2014 reproductive season (April to June), we estimated owl abundance through auditory detection and playbacks at 60 survey points distributed in 12 landscapes (625 ha each) within a gradient of forest cover. We found that the owl community comprised six out of the 10 expected resident species. The landscape unit with 41% forest cover contained the most diverse assemblage. The owl species most susceptible to local extinction were specialists of interior areas of old-growth forest. The abundances of the Middle American Screech-Owl (Megascops guatemalae), Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus), and Black-and-white Owl (Ciccaba nigrolineata) were positively associated with the proportion of forest cover as well as with the average size of the patches, but negatively associated with environmental temperature. The abundances of the Barn Owl (Tyto alba) and Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) were positively related to the amount of urban area in the landscape. The only species recorded along the entire gradient was the Mottled Owl (Ciccaba virgata), a species that is a generalist in habitat and diet; its abundance was positively related to the proportion of forest cover and the amount of water surface (lakes and rivers) in the landscape. Four resident species were not recorded: Crested Owl (Lophostrix cristata), Spectacled Owl (Pulsatrix perspicillata), Striped Owl (Pseudoscops clamator), and Central American Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium griseiceps).
Broad-Winged Hawks Overwintering in the Neotropics: Landscape Composition and Threats in Wintering Areas of a Long-Distance Migrant

Abstract. The Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) is an obligate long-distance migrant that breeds in deciduous and mixed forests of North America and migrates to Neotropical regions to overwinter. Despite advances in understanding the breeding ecology and migration of this species, the overwintering period and associated threats remain understudied. We used telemetry data to quantify land cover composition and threats during the overwintering period of seven females affixed with Argos solar-powered transmitters between 2014 and 2018. Broad-winged Hawks in our study nested in Pennsylvania, USA, and overwintered in Colombia, Brazil, and Peru. Overwintering areas varied in size (x̄ = 243.6 ± 101.2 km2) and were composed of evergreen sub-montane forests, lowland non-flooded forests, and lowland flooded evergreen forest. In general, the loss of forest cover in all areas used by Broad-winged Hawks in our study did not exceed 10% of the total overwintering area used, suggesting Broad-winged Hawks may select wintering areas with little forest disturbance. Illegal mining was a common disturbance in areas used by Broad-winged Hawks overwintering in southern Peru, and forest fires were the prevalent disturbance in the overwintering area of Mato Grosso in western Brazil. These results provide the first analysis of land cover composition and threats of Broad-winged Hawks during the overwintering period. Although more data are needed to determine specific habitat selection for this species, our study suggests large forested areas in the Neotropics are key to ensure the conservation of the Broad-winged Hawk during the overwintering period, an understudied stage of its annual cycle.
The Role of End Users in Efficient Business Intelligence Solutions: A Preliminary Study

Business intelligence (BI) is a highly regarded tool used to enhance decision-making and business procedures. Numerous studies argue for its effectiveness. However, the role of end users in ensuring efficient and effective BI solutions has received little attention in the literature. This paper presents a study of interviews with four BI end users to identify their influence on the efficiency of BI solutions. The interviews depart from theories within human-computer interaction (HCI) and information architecture (IA) to reveal users’ perspectives on actively engaging with BI solutions in everyday work tasks. The qualitative interviews demonstrate that users recognize the potential of working with BI and that engaged users support the efficient use of BI solutions in professional organizations. The study concludes that more research should be conducted in this field to increase our understanding of users as critical factors in the efficient use of BI solutions in organizations.
Airborne bacteria over the oceans shed light on global biogeodiversity patterns

Microbes play essential roles in biogeochemical processes in the oceans and atmosphere. Studying the interplay between these two ecosystems can provide important insights into microbial biogeography and diversity. We simultaneously mapped the microbial diversity of airborne and marine bacterial communities across 15,000 kilometers in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Higher variability in microbial community composition was observed in the atmosphere than in the surface waters. In addition, a greater similarity was observed between oceans as compared to their overlaying atmosphere, and between atmospheric samples than with the ocean beneath. We detected higher coverage and relative abundance of marine bacteria in the Pacific atmosphere as compared to the Atlantic, while the dominant fraction in the Atlantic atmosphere was annotated as soil-associated bacteria. This study advances our understanding of microbial dispersion over oceans, and of their potential impact on ecology, and biogeochemistry.
Spatially heterogeneous microstructural development within subcortical regions from 9-13 years

During late childhood behavioral changes, such as increased risk-taking and emotional reactivity, have been associated with the maturation of cortico-subcortical circuits. Understanding microstructural changes in subcortical regions may aid our understanding of how individual differences in these behaviors emerge. Restriction spectrum imaging (RSI) is a framework for modelling diffusion-weighted imaging that decomposes the diffusion signal from a voxel into hindered and restricted compartments. This yields greater specificity than conventional methods of characterizing intracellular diffusion. Using RSI, we modelled voxelwise restricted isotropic, N0, and anisotropic, ND, diffusion across the brain and measured cross-sectional and longitudinal age associations in a large sample (n=8,039) from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) study aged 9-13 years. Older participants had higher N0 and ND across subcortical regions. The largest associations for N0 were within the basal ganglia and for ND within the ventral diencephalon. Importantly, age associations varied with respect to the internal cytoarchitecture within subcortical structures, for example age associations differed across thalamic nuclei. This suggests that developmental effects may map onto specific cell populations or circuits and highlights the utility of voxelwise compared to ROI-wise analyses. Future analyses will aim to understand the relevance of this subcortical microstructural developmental for behavioral outcomes.