Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Nosocomiicoccus ampullae Strains and a Growth-Adapted Mutant

Here, we present the circular and complete genome sequences of the Nosocomiicoccus ampullae isolate 19-00310 and type strain DSM 19163. To our knowledge, these represent the first complete, circular chromosomes in the entire genus. Sequencing of a growth-adapted mutant suggests iron availability as a factor for growth improvement. ABSTRACT Here, we present the circular and complete genome sequences of the Nosocomiicoccus ampullae isolate 19-00310 and type strain DSM 19163. To our knowledge, these represent the first complete, circular chromosomes in the entire genus. Sequencing of a growth-adapted mutant suggests iron availability as a factor for growth improvement.
The use of propaganda in Malaysiakini online news pertaining to Polis DiRaja Malaysia (PDRM) / Annuar Amri Abdul Muluf and Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin

Online news has become a newly favoured option among the current society for it suits the fast paced lifestyle nowadays. The latest development in any news around the world can be retrieved anywhere and anytime by just a single click. Malaysiakini as one of the most popular online news portal in our country which capitalises on this opportunity by publishing interesting news and stories including those involving provocative and sensitive issues that have indeed created an overwhelming pattern of response amongst its readers.
Pseudo single domain NiZn-γFe2O3 colloidal superparamagnetic nanoparticles for MRI-guided hyperthermia application

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided magnetic nanofluid hyperthermia (MNFH) is highly desirable in cancer treatment because it can allow for diagnosis, therapeutics, and prognosis simultaneously. However, the application of currently developed iron-oxide based superparamagnetic nanoparticles (IOSPNPs) for an MRI-guided MNFH agent is technically limited by the low AC heat induction power at the physiologically tolerable range of AC magnetic field (H AC,safe), and the low transverse r 2-relaxivity responsible for the insufficient heating of cancers, and the low resolution of contrast imaging, respectively. Here, pseudo single domain colloidal Ni x Zn1−x –γFe2O3 (x = 0.6) superparamagnetic nanoparticle (NiZn-γFe2O3 PSD-SPNP) physically and theoretically designed at the H AC,safe, specifically by the applied frequency, is proposed for a highly enhanced MRI-guided MNFH agent application. The NiZn-γFe2O3 PSD-SPNP showed the superparamagnetic characteristics, significantly enhanced AC heat induction performance (ILP = 6.3 nHm2 kg−1), highly improved saturation magnetization (M s = 97 emu g−1 Fe, 3.55 × 105 A m−1) and r 2-relaxivity (r 2 = 396 mM−1 s−1) that are desirable for highly efficient MRI-guided MNFH agent applications. According to the analyzed results, the remarkably enhanced effective relaxation time constant and its dependent out-of-phase magnetic susceptibility, as well as the DC/AC magnetic softness optimized by the PSD-SPNP at the H AC,safe were revealed as the main physical reason for the significance. All the fundamental in vitro and in vivo experimental results demonstrated that the physically designed NiZn-γFe2O3 PSD-SPNP is bio-technically feasible for a highly efficient MRI-guided MNFH agent for future cancer nanomedicine.
Single-feed small circularly polarised square microstrip antenna

The design of a single-feed small microstrip antenna with circular polarisation (CP) radiation is described. This design is achieved by cutting slits in the square patch and. By adjusting the lengths of the slits, the microstrip antenna can perform CP radiation with a reduced patch size at a fixed operating frequency. This design also provides a wide CP bandwidth and relaxed fabrication tolerances.
Optimisation of root traits to provide enhanced ecosystem services in agricultural systems: A focus on cover crops

Abstract Roots are the interface between the plant and the soil and play a central role in multiple ecosystem processes. With intensification of agricultural practices, rhizosphere processes are being disrupted and are causing degradation of the physical, chemical and biotic properties of soil. However, cover crops, a group of plants that provide ecosystem services, can be utilised during fallow periods or used as an intercrop to restore soil health. The effectiveness of ecosystem services provided by cover crops varies widely as very little breeding has occurred in these species. Improvement of ecosystem service performance is rarely considered as a breeding trait due to the complexities and challenges of belowground evaluation. Advancements in root phenotyping and genetic tools are critical in accelerating ecosystem service improvement in cover crops. In this study, we provide an overview of the range of belowground ecosystem services provided by cover crop roots: (1) soil structural remediation, (2) capture of soil resources and (3) maintenance of the rhizosphere and building of organic matter content. Based on the ecosystem services described, we outline current and promising phenotyping technologies and breeding strategies in cover crops that can enhance agricultural sustainability through improvement of root traits.
Application of Data Envelopment Analysis to Studies of Irrigation Efficiency in Andalusia

The semiarid climate of the majority of agricultural districts in the Mediterranean means that water is a key factor limiting production. It is therefore necessary to distribute water in the most efficient way possible and foment the sustainable use of this valuable resource. It is a difficult task to ascertain whether the use of water in an irrigation district is efficient or not, given that water as a resource cannot be considered in an isolated manner. The development of techniques for data envelopment analysis (DEA) has made it possible to evaluate, in a global manner, where the application of water is most efficient. DEA techniques consider the production process as a set of inputs which obtain a set of outputs in the form of profits. The study of efficiency as a combination of resources allows us to assess when the application of water will lead to greater profitability and hence aid water management authorities in distributing the water of their basins in an appropriate manner. In this study, the data envelopment analysis Baker, Charnes, and Cooper model is applied to all of the irrigation districts in Andalusia (Southern Spain). Using the Wilcoxon—Mann—Withney statistical test we conclude that extensive agriculture (located in the interior) and intensive agriculture (on the littoral) are difficult to compare. Although intensive agriculture with localized irrigation systems achieves the highest efficiency values, the spatial distribution of efficiencies is of great utility in detecting local inefficiencies. It is also useful in providing general guidelines as to which trends should be followed in order to obtain the greatest possible efficiency.
‘I like to feel needed, you know?’: a qualitative examination of sense of purpose in older care home residents

Abstract Objectives To explore older care home residents’ experiences of maintaining a sense of purpose in life: a core component of psychological wellbeing. Methods Fifteen residents (9 female; 6 male), aged 60-95 years, from four care homes, were interviewed about their sense of purpose. Interview transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Theme 1 (‘Experiencing Loss’) comprises two sub-themes that describe the impact of age-related losses on residents’ sense of purpose (sub-theme 1) and the different responses that participants had to these losses (sub-theme 2). Theme 2 (‘The Protective Effects of Social Connections’) describes how social relationships could provide a sense of purpose, as well as the difficulties participants experienced in forming these relationships. Finally, theme 3 (‘The Roles of Activities’) describes the types of activities that could help residents to maintain a sense of purpose. Conclusion Care home residents experience losses and barriers that make it more difficult to maintain a sense of purpose. However, with appropriate support and opportunities, residents are able to engage in activities and relationships that provide a sense of purpose. To support residents’ mental health and wellbeing, care homes should offer varied opportunities for residents to engage in purposeful activities.
Executive functioning in adults with borderline personality disorder and first-degree biological relatives

Abstract Objectives Behavioural dysregulation is a heritable core symptom domain in borderline personality disorder (BPD) that is likely influenced by the integrity of executive functions (EFs). However, the extent to which familial risk for BPD confers decrement to EFs has yet to be comprehensively studied. Methods In this family study, probands with BPD (n = 73), first-degree biological relatives (n = 65), and healthy controls without psychiatric diagnoses (n = 77) were assessed in abstraction, attentional vigilance, working memory, cognitive flexibility, interference resolution, planning, problem solving, and response inhibition. Results In univariate analyses, probands demonstrated lower response inhibition than relatives. Comparatively, discriminant function analyses revealed that lower interference resolution and response inhibition jointly discriminated probands from relatives and controls, whereas a combination of less efficient problem solving and difficulty manipulating mental information discriminated probands and relatives from controls. Moreover, the subset of psychiatrically non-affected relatives demonstrated a pattern of resilience to psychiatric morbidity substantiated by stronger response inhibition and abstraction abilities despite less efficient problem solving. Conclusions Familial risk for BPD is represented predominantly by a pattern of problem-solving and working memory deficits. Resilience to a psychiatric disorder in non-affected relatives reflects both EF weaknesses and strengths, highlighting potential protective factors that should be considered in future neurocognitive research on BPD families.
Evaluating the 35°C wet-bulb temperature adaptability threshold for young, healthy adults (PSU HEAT).

A wet-bulb temperature of 35°C has been theorized to be the limit to human adaptability to extreme heat, a growing concern in the face of continued and predicted accelerated climate change. While this theorized threshold is based in physiological principles it has not been tested using empirical data. This study examined the critical wet-bulb temperature (Twb, crit) at which heat stress becomes uncompensable in young, healthy adults performing tasks at modest metabolic rates mimicking basic activities of daily life. Across six experimentally determined environmental limits, no subject's Twb, crit reached the 35°C limit and all means were significantly lower than the theoretical 35°C threshold. Mean Twb, crit values were relatively constant across 36-40°C humid environments and averaged 30.55±0.98 °C but progressively decreased (higher deviation from 35°C) in hotter, dry ambient environments. Twb, crit was significantly associated with mean skin temperature (and a faster warming rate of the skin) due to larger increases in dry heat gain in the hot-dry environments. As sweat rates did not significantly differ among experimental environments, evaporative cooling was outpaced by dry heat gain in hot-dry conditions, causing larger deviations from the theoretical 35°C adaptability threshold. In summary, a wet-bulb temperature threshold cannot be applied to human adaptability across all climatic conditions and where appropriate (high humidity), that threshold is well below 35°C.
How does antiseptic mouthwashes against SARS‐COV‐2 affect the bond strength of universal adhesive to enamel?

This study compares the effect of different mouthwashes that have been recommended during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic on shear bond strength (SBS) of universal adhesive to enamel in regards to self‐etch (SE) and etch‐and‐rinse (ER) modes. Flat enamel surfaces were obtained from 100 sound human maxillary central incisors. They were randomly allocated to five groups according to the different mouthwashes (no mouthwash/control [Ctrl], 0.2% chlorhexidine 1.5% hydrogen peroxide [H2O2], 0.2% povidone‐iodine [PVP‐I], Listerine [L]), and adhesive application modes (ER and SE) (n = 10). After the application of a universal adhesive (single bond universal), composite resin (Filtek Z250) was bonded by a cylinder‐shaped mold (height: 2 mm, diameter: 2.4 mm). They were subjected to SBS test using a universal testing machine (AGS‐X, Shimadzu Corp.) (crosshead speed: 1 mm/min). The resin–enamel interfaces were observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The semiquantitative chemical microanalyses were performed with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The data were statistically analyzed by two‐way analysis of variance and Bonferroni test (p < .05). In SE mode, Group Ctrl revealed significantly higher SBS than all mouthwash groups (p < .05). In ER mode, Group Ctrl showed significantly higher SBS than H2O2 and PVP‐I groups (p < .05). ER mode caused significantly higher SBS than SE mode in all mouthwash groups (p < .05). The SEM observations highlighted that Group Ctrl had a regular and intact hybrid layer with resin tag formation while the H2O2 and PVP‐I groups exhibited a thin hybrid layer in both modes. EDS analysis indicated that in SE mode, all mouthwash groups presented increased O content compared to Group Ctrl. H2O2 and PVP‐I that were suggested for preprocedural use during the COVID‐19 pandemic, reduced the enamel bond strength of the universal adhesive in ER mode.
Asthma and COVID-19: an update

As the world faces the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, concerns have been raised that asthma patients could be at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease severity. However, it appears that asthma is not an independent risk factor for both. Furthermore, asthma is not over-represented in hospitalised patients with severe pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2 infection and there was no increased risk of asthma exacerbations triggered by SARS-CoV-2. There is accumulating evidence that asthma phenotypes and comorbidities are important factors in evaluating the risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease severity, as findings suggest that Th2-high inflammation may reduce the risk of SARS-Cov-2 infection and disease severity in contrast to increased risk in patients with Th2-low asthma. The use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) is safe in asthma patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, it has been proposed that ICS may confer some degree of protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection and the development of severe disease by reducing the expression of angiotensin converting enzyme-2 and transmembrane protease serine in the lung. In contrast, chronic or recurrent use of systemic corticosteroids before SARS-CoV-2 infection is a major risk factor of poor outcomes and worst survival in asthma patients. Conversely, biological therapy for severe allergic and eosinophilic asthma does not increase the risk of being infected with SARS-CoV-2 or having worse COVID-19 severity. In the present review we will summarise the current literature regarding asthma and COVID-19. Chronic or recurrent use of systemic corticosteroids before SARS-CoV-2 infection is a major risk factor of worst COVID-19 severity and survival in asthmatics as opposed to ICS and biological therapy which seems to be safe. https://bit.ly/3jU0zLR
Incidence and prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in Denmark from 1998 to 2018: a nationwide register-based study

Objective To investigate the incidence and prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the adult Danish population. Method In this nationwide register-based cohort study, patients with incident RA between 1998 and the end of 2018 were identified using Danish administrative registries. The age- and sex-standardized incidence rate (IR), incidence proportion (IP), lifetime risk (LR), and point prevalence (PP) of RA were calculated. RA was defined as a first-time RA diagnosis registered in the Danish National Patient Registry combined with a redeemed prescription of a conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug in the following year. In addition, three different case definitions of RA were explored. Results The overall age- and sex-standardized IR of RA from 1998 to 2018 was 35.5 [95% confidence interval (CI) 35.1–35.9] per 100 000 person-years while the IP was 35.2 (95% CI 34.8–35.5) per 100 000 individuals. The IR was two-fold higher for women than for men. The LR of RA ranged from 2.3% to 3.4% for women and from 1.1% to 1.5% for men, depending on the RA case definition used. The overall PP of RA was 0.6% (95% CI 0.5–0.6%) in 2018: 0.8% (95% CI 0.7–0.8%) for women and 0.3% (95% CI 0.3–0.4%) for men. The prevalence increased about 1.5-fold from 2000 to 2018. Conclusion The IR and PP were approximately two-fold higher for women than for men. The prevalence of RA in Denmark increased significantly from 2000 to 2018. The RA case definition had more impact on the results than the choice of denominator.
Exercise Training Protects Against Heart Failure Via Expansion of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Through Regulating IL-10/STAT3/S100A9 Pathway

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: Exercise training (ET) has a protective effect on the progression of heart failure, however, the specific mechanism has not been fully explored. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a group of myeloid-derived immunosuppressive cells, which showed a protective effect in the progression of heart failure. Thus, we hypothesized that the protective effect of ET on heart failure may be related to the infiltration of MDSCs. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were made to run on a treadmill 6× a week for 4 weeks followed by isoproterenol injection from third week. Heart function was evaluated by echocardiography and the proportion of MDSCs was detected by flow cytometry. Hypertrophic markers, cardiac fibrosis, and inflammatory factors were detected by real-time PCR, ELISA, histological staining, and Western blot. Results: ET treatment in isoproterenol-induced heart failure mice (n=7) enhanced cardiac function (57% increase in FS%, P=0.002) and improved morphological changes compared with isoproterenol mice (n=17). ET further caused 79% increasing in cardiac MDSCs in isoproterenol mice (P<0.001). In addition, depletion of MDSCs by 5-Fluorouracil blunted the cardio-protective effect of ET. T-cell proliferation assay showed that ET did not affect the suppressive activity of MDSCs. Furthermore, we found that ET activated the secretion of IL (interleukin)-10 by macrophages in isoproterenol mice. MDSCs expansion and cardio protection was not present in tamoxifen-inducible macrophage-specific IL-10 knockout mice. Western blot results confirmed that IL-10 regulated the differentiation of MDSCs through the translocation of p-STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3)/S100A9 (S100 calcium-binding protein A9) to the nucleus. Conclusions: ET could increase MDSCs by stimulating the secretion of IL-10 from macrophage, which was through IL-10/STAT3/S100A9 signaling pathway, thereby achieving the role of heart protection.
Implantation of bovine hydroxyapatite and secretome with different oxygen concentration may improve massive bone defect regeneration: An experimental study on animal model

The most widely used biomaterials in the treatment of massive bone defects are allograft bone or metal implants. The current problem is that the availability of allographs is limited and metal implants are very expensive. Mass production of secretome can make bone reconstruction of massive bone defects using a scaffold more effective and efficient. This study aims to prove bone regeneration in massive bone defects using bovine hydroxyapatite reconstruction with normoxic and hypoxic secretome conditions using collagen type 1 (COL1), alkaline phosphate (ALP), osteonectin (ON), and osteopontin (OPN) parameters. This is an in vivo study using male New Zealand white rabbits aged 6–9 months. The research was carried out at the Biomaterials Center—Tissue Bank, Dr. Soetomo Hospital for the manufacturer of bovine hydroxyapatite (BHA) and secretome BM-MSC culture under normoxic and hypoxic conditions, and UNAIR Tropical Disease Institute for implantation in experimental animals. Data analysis was carried out with the one-way ANOVA statistical test and continued with the Post Hoc test LSD statistical test to determine whether or not there were significant differences between groups. There were significant differences between hypoxic to normoxic group and hypoxic to BHA group at day-30 observation using ALP, COL 1, ON, and OPN parameters. Meanwhile, there is only osteonectin parameter has significant difference at day-30 observation. At day-60 observation, only OPN parameter has significant differences between hypoxic to normoxic and hypoxic to BHA group. Between day-30 and day-60 observation, BHA and normoxic groups have a significant difference at all parameters, but in hypoxic group, there are only difference at ALP, COL 1, and ON parameters. Hypoxic condition BM-MSC secretome with BHA composite is superior and could be an option for treating bone defect.
Water Chemistry, Exposure Routes, and Metal Forms Determine the Bioaccumulation Dynamics of Silver (Ionic and Nanoparticulate) in Daphnia magna

Treatment wetlands utilize various physical and biological processes to reduce levels of organic contaminants, metals, bacteria, and suspended solids. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one type of contaminant that can enter treatment wetlands and impact the overall treatment efficacy. Grazing by filter‐feeding zooplankton, such as Daphnia magna, is critical to treatment wetland functioning; but the effects of AgNPs on zooplankton are not fully understood, especially at environmentally relevant concentrations. We characterized the bioaccumulation kinetics of dissolved and nanoparticulate (citrate‐coated) 109Ag in D. magna exposed to environmentally relevant 109Ag concentrations (i.e., 0.2–23 nmol L−1 Ag) using a stable isotope as a tracer of Ag. Both aqueous and nanoparticulate forms of 109Ag were bioavailable to D. magna after exposure. Water chemistry affected 109Ag influx from 109AgNP but not from 109AgNO3. Silver retention was greater for citrate‐coated 109AgNP than dissolved 109Ag, indicating a greater potential for bioaccumulation from nanoparticulate Ag. Feeding inhibition was observed at higher dietary 109Ag concentrations, which could lead to reduced treatment wetland performance. Our results illustrate the importance of using environmentally relevant concentrations and media compositions when predicting Ag bioaccumulation and provide insight into potential effects on filter feeders critical to the function of treatment wetlands. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:726–738. © 2021 SETAC