Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Digitally programmed (CAD) offset values for prototyped occlusal splints (CAM): assessment of appliance-fitting using surface-based superimposition and deviation analysis.

AIM Limited data are available on the fitting properties of prototyped occlusal appliances. The aim of the present study was to assess the fitting of prototyped splints digitally designed with different offset values and generated with two different biocompatible resins. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten dental digital models were included, and occlusal splints were designed with different offset values (0.0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25 mm). Each splint was 3D printed using two different biocompatible resins, and the gap between the splint and the teeth was recorded by placing impression material. A specific 3D technology was used to assess the gap volume between the splint and the teeth and to calculate the Euclidean distance between the surface points of two digital models, with and without the gap volume. RESULTS The splints with a 0.20-mm offset value showed smaller gap volume and deviation analysis values compared with those with offset values of 0.15 and 0.25 mm (P < 0.05). These results were consistent with both types of biocompatible resins used. For each offset value tested, the gap volume and deviation value analysis did not significantly differ between the splints printed with the two different resins. CONCLUSION According to the present findings, the 0.20-mm offset value would be the best choice when digitally designing occlusal appliances.
VipariNama: RNA viral vectors to rapidly elucidate the relationship between gene expression and phenotype

Abstract Synthetic transcription factors have great promise as tools to help elucidate relationships between gene expression and phenotype by allowing tunable alterations of gene expression without genomic alterations of the loci being studied. However, the years-long timescales, high cost, and technical skill associated with plant transformation have limited their use. In this work, we developed a technology called VipariNama (ViN) in which vectors based on the tobacco rattle virus are used to rapidly deploy Cas9-based synthetic transcription factors and reprogram gene expression in planta. We demonstrate that ViN vectors can implement activation or repression of multiple genes systemically and persistently over several weeks in Nicotiana benthamiana, Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). By exploring strategies including RNA scaffolding, viral vector ensembles, and viral engineering, we describe how the flexibility and efficacy of regulation can be improved. We also show how this transcriptional reprogramming can create predictable changes to metabolic phenotypes, such as gibberellin biosynthesis in N. benthamiana and anthocyanin accumulation in Arabidopsis, as well as developmental phenotypes, such as plant size in N. benthamiana, Arabidopsis, and tomato. These results demonstrate how ViN vector-based reprogramming of different aspects of gibberellin signaling can be used to engineer plant size in a range of plant species in a matter of weeks. In summary, ViN accelerates the timeline for generating phenotypes from over a year to just a few weeks, providing an attractive alternative to transgenesis for synthetic transcription factor-enabled hypothesis testing and crop engineering.
The neural G protein Gαo tagged with GFP at an internal loop is functional in Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract Gαo is the alpha subunit of the major heterotrimeric G protein in neurons and mediates signaling by every known neurotransmitter, yet the signaling mechanisms activated by Gαo remain to be fully elucidated. Genetic analysis in Caenorhabditis elegans has shown that Gαo signaling inhibits neuronal activity and neurotransmitter release, but studies of the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects have been limited by lack of tools to complement genetic studies with other experimental approaches. Here, we demonstrate that inserting the green fluorescent protein (GFP) into an internal loop of the Gαo protein results in a tagged protein that is functional in vivo and that facilitates cell biological and biochemical studies of Gαo. Transgenic expression of Gαo-GFP rescues the defects caused by loss of endogenous Gαo in assays of egg laying and locomotion behaviors. Defects in body morphology caused by loss of Gαo are also rescued by Gαo-GFP. The Gαo-GFP protein is localized to the plasma membrane of neurons, mimicking localization of endogenous Gαo. Using GFP as an epitope tag, Gαo-GFP can be immunoprecipitated from C. elegans lysates to purify Gαo protein complexes. The Gαo-GFP transgene reported in this study enables studies involving in vivo localization and biochemical purification of Gαo to compliment the already well-developed genetic analysis of Gαo signaling.
Human yolk sac-like haematopoiesis generates RUNX1- and GFI1/1B-dependent blood and SOX17-positive endothelium.

The genetic regulatory network controlling early fate choices during human blood cell development are not well understood. We used human pluripotent stem cell reporter lines to track the development of endothelial and haematopoietic populations in an in vitro model of human yolk-sac development. We identified SOX17-CD34+CD43- endothelial cells at day 2 of blast colony development, as a haemangioblast-like branch point from which SOX17-CD34+CD43+ blood cells and SOX17+CD34+CD43- endothelium subsequently arose. Most human blood cell development was dependent on RUNX1. Deletion of RUNX1 only permitted a single wave of yolk sac-like primitive erythropoiesis, but no yolk sac myelopoiesis or aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM)-like haematopoiesis. Blocking GFI1/1B activity with a small molecule inhibitor abrogated all blood cell development, even in cell lines with an intact RUNX1 gene. Together, our data defines the hierarchical requirements for both RUNX1 and GFI1/1B during early human haematopoiesis arising from a yolk sac-like SOX17-negative haemogenic endothelial intermediate.
A mixed methods exploration of “Creativity in Mind”, an online creativity-based intervention for low mood and anxiety

Abstract Background Within the current context of a global pandemic, the value of the Internet has been greatly elevated for many people. This study is an investigation into a 30-day online intervention called Creativity in Mind (CIM). Aims To provide a preliminary indication of the relationship between participation in CIM and change in mood symptoms and wellbeing. Methods A co-produced mixed methods design was used to evaluate CIM. Data was obtained from 55 participants. Each day for 30 days participants received a predetermined creative challenge that they were encouraged to complete and share within the group. Measures of mood and wellbeing were collected at three time points, including a 3-month follow-up. Qualitative interviews were undertaken with 18 participants and analysed using framework analysis. Results Scores on mood and wellbeing measures showed an overall significant improvement following completion of the programme. However, only a small number of participants demonstrated clinically significant improvement (14%) or deterioration (5%). The qualitative data indicated that CIM was experienced positively, with some negative emotions arising from the volume of interactions and negative comparisons made between participants. Conclusions Preliminary results demonstrate that the pattern of clinically significant change across individual participants was comparable to other psychological therapy.
Modeling human epigenetic disorders in mice: Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome and Silver-Russell Syndrome.

Genomic imprinting, a phenomenon where the two parental alleles are regulated differently, is observed in mammals, marsupials and a few other species, including seed-bearing plants. Dysregulation of genomic imprinting can cause developmental disorders such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) and Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS). In this review, we discuss 1) how various (epi)genetic lesions lead to the dysregulation of clinically relevant imprinted loci and 2) how such perturbations may contribute to the developmental defects in BWS and SRS. Given that the regulatory mechanisms of most imprinted clusters are well conserved between mice and humans, numerous mouse models of BWS and SRS have been generated. These mouse models are key to understanding how mutations at imprinted loci result in pathological phenotypes in humans, although there are some limitations. This review focuses on how the biological findings obtained from innovative mouse models explain clinical features of BWS and SRS.
Gas Phase Oxidation of Nicotine by OH Radicals: Kinetics, Mechanisms, and Formation of HNCO

Cigarette smoke is recognized as having harmful health effects for the smoker and for people breathing second-hand smoke. In an atmospheric chemistry context, however, little is known about the fate of organic nitrogen compounds present in cigarette smoke. Indeed, the atmospheric oxidation of nicotine, a major nitrogen-containing component of cigarette smoke, by OH radicals has yet to be investigated. We measured the first rate coefficient between OH and nicotine to be (8.38 ± 0.28) × 10–11 cm3 molecule–1 s–1 at 298 ± 3 K. We use an online proton-transfer-reaction mass spectrometer (PTR-MS) to quantify nicotine’s oxidation products, including formamide and isocyanic acid (HNCO). We present the first evidence that HNCO is formed from nicotine’s gas phase oxidation, and we highlight the potential for this toxic molecule to be an indoor air pollutant after smoking has ended. Mechanistic pathways for the oxidation of nicotine by OH radicals were investigated by theoretical calculations at the M06-2X level of .
Mitochondrial damage and senescence phenotype of cells derived from a novel frataxin G127V point mutation mouse model of Friedreich's ataxia

ABSTRACT Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease caused by reduced expression of the mitochondrial protein frataxin (FXN). Most FRDA patients are homozygous for large expansions of GAA repeat sequences in intron 1 of FXN, whereas a fraction of patients are compound heterozygotes, with a missense or nonsense mutation in one FXN allele and expanded GAAs in the other. A prevalent missense mutation among FRDA patients changes a glycine at position 130 to valine (G130V). Herein, we report generation of the first mouse model harboring an Fxn point mutation. Changing the evolutionarily conserved glycine 127 in mouse Fxn to valine results in a failure-to-thrive phenotype in homozygous animals and a substantially reduced number of offspring. Like G130V in FRDA, the G127V mutation results in a dramatic decrease of Fxn protein without affecting transcript synthesis or splicing. FxnG127V mouse embryonic fibroblasts exhibit significantly reduced proliferation and increased cell senescence. These defects are evident in early passage cells and are exacerbated at later passages. Furthermore, increased frequency of mitochondrial DNA lesions and fragmentation are accompanied by marked amplification of mitochondrial DNA in FxnG127V cells. Bioenergetics analyses demonstrate higher sensitivity and reduced cellular respiration of FxnG127V cells upon alteration of fatty acid availability. Importantly, substitution of FxnWT with FxnG127V is compatible with life, and cellular proliferation defects can be rescued by mitigation of oxidative stress via hypoxia or induction of the NRF2 pathway. We propose FxnG127V cells as a simple and robust model for testing therapeutic approaches for FRDA. Summary: Sole expression of the mutant frataxin G127V protein is sufficient for viability of the first Friedreich's ataxia point mutation mouse model, but induces premature senescence in isolated cells.
The cognitive benefits of bilingualism in autism spectrum disorder: Is theory of mind boosted and by which underlying factors?

This study examined whether bilingualism boosts Theory of Mind as measured by a non‐verbal false belief (FB) task in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and how this potential boost may stem from improvements in a variety of other domains, namely executive functions (EFs), language, metalinguistic awareness skills, as well as autism severity. One hundred and three children with ASD (7‐ to 15‐year‐olds) (43 bilingual and 60 age‐ and IQ‐matched monolingual children) were tested on a nonverbal task of attentional switching, working memory and updating task, and an online, low‐verbal first‐order FB task. Results showed a clear FB benefit for bilingual children with ASD as compared with their monolingual peers. There were also boosts in EF, however, there is no evidence that these EF boosts drove the FB advantage. Enhanced FB was not explained either by language, metalinguistic skills, or lower autism severity. While the results do not conclusively settle the debate on what triggers the ToM advantage in bilingual children with ASD, the empirical picture of the current study suggests that the ToM component of FB understanding in bilingual children with ASD is enhanced by the bilingual experience per se.
A follow-up study (2007–2018) on American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis in the municipality of Caratinga, Minas Gerais State, Brazil: Spatial analyses and sand fly collection

Background The municipality of Caratinga is an important endemic area for American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL) and no epidemiological studies were performed during the past two decades. Here, we analyzed the epidemiological situation and the geographical distribution of ATL cases in the municipality of Caratinga from 2007 to 2018 using geographic information systems (GIS). Also, we evaluated the impact of several demographic parameters in ATL distribution and the sand flies incriminated in its transmission. Methods All demographic information (gender, age, educational level, clinical form, diagnostic criteria and case evolution) used in this study was retrieved from the public health archives and confirmed in the State Health Services databases. All cases were analyzed using GIS software based on ATL distribution. Also, non-systematic sand fly collections and molecular detection of Leishmania were performed in the hotspots. Results and conclusions During the period, ATL cases continued and increased especially in the past years (2016–2018). Hotspots included urban Caratinga areas and the districts of Patrocínio de Caratinga and Sapucaia. The species Nyssomyia whitmani, Nyssomyia intermedia, Migonemyia migonei and Evandromyia cortelezzii complex were captured. However, ITS1-PCR did not detect Leishmania DNA in those insects. Based on our analyses, urbanization of ATL in Caratinga has occurred in the past years. Due to the increase in the number of cases and vectors presence, it is recommended that health authorities focus on control measures in the most affected areas (Patrocínio of Caratinga and Sapucaia districts and urban Caratinga).
Drop jump neuromuscular performance qualities associated with maximal horizontal deceleration ability in team sport athletes

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between, and within, drop jump (DJ) neuromuscular performance (NMP) qualities and maximal horizontal deceleration ability. We also compared DJ NMP qualities in “high” versus “low” horizontal deceleration ability athletes. Twenty-nine university athletes performed: (1) DJs on force plates from 20 (DJ20) and 40 cm (DJ40) heights and (2) maximal horizontal deceleration, measured using radar, following a 20 m acceleration. Maximal horizontal deceleration was evaluated using deceleration (HDEC; m·s−2), across the entire deceleration phase and during early and late deceleration sub-phases. Of the DJ variables assessed, DJ20 and DJ40 reactive strength index (RSI) and concentric mean force had the largest correlations with HDEC (r = −0.54 to −0.61) and the largest differences between high and low HDEC groups (d = 1.20 to 1.40). These correlations were stronger with the early than late HDEC sub-phase (r = −0.54 to −0.66 vs. r = −0.24 to −0.40). Notably, eccentric mean force in DJ40 had large correlations with both DJ20 and DJ40 concentric mean force (r = 0.67 to 0.77), whereas at DJ20 these correlations were small (r = 0.22 to 0.40). Similarly, DJ40 eccentric mean force had a much larger difference between the high and low HDEC groups than DJ20 (d = 1.11 vs. 0.51). These findings suggest DJ RSI from either height may be used as a proxy for HDEC ability, while DJ kinetic analyses should use a higher height to distinguish those with a better capacity to generate eccentric braking forces under increased eccentric loading demands. HIGHLIGHTS Players with greater drop jump reactive strength index (RSI) demonstrated superior horizontal deceleration ability. Drop jump RSI had a greater association with the early compared to the late horizontal deceleration sub-phase. Of the drop jump kinetic variables examined, concentric mean force had the largest associations with horizontal deceleration ability.
A novel and easy way to improve the thermal stability of insoluble sulfur by curing process

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT ABSTRACT The influence of the curing atmosphere on the thermal stability of insoluble sulfur has been systematically studied. The effect of oxygen concentration, which was the preferred atmosphere, on the thermal stability of insoluble sulfur was further investigated. In addition, the thermodynamic characteristics of insoluble sulfur in various gaseous atmospheres were conducted by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the thermal degradation activation energy was calculated using the Ozawa method and the Kissinger method. The results showed that in air atmosphere, the thermal stability was higher than in nitrogen and oxygen, but it was a little lower than in mixtures of nitrogen–oxygen atmosphere. In nitrogen–oxygen mixed gas atmosphere, the thermal stability could be improved efficiently at approximately less than 80% oxygen concentration; otherwise, the presence of more than 80% oxygen concentration could lead to the decrease of thermal stability, which indicated that the optimum curing atmosphere for improving thermal stability was obtained to be an atmosphere of oxygen (80%) and nitrogen (20%). The DSC analysis results showed the maximum thermal degradation activation energy was found in the stream of 80% oxygen and 20% nitrogen, which exactly consisted with the curing atmosphere experiment results.
The role of gender, profession and informational role self-efficacy in physician–nurse knowledge sharing and decision-making

ABSTRACT While gender and professional status influence how decisions are made, the role played by health care professionals’ informational role self-efficacy appears as a central construct fostering participation in decision-making. The goal of this study is to contribute to a better understanding of how gender and profession affect the role of self-efficacy in sharing expertise and decision-making. Validated questionnaires were answered by a cross-sectional sample of 108 physicians and nurses working in mental health care teams. A moderated mediation analysis was performed. Results reveal that the impact of sharing knowledge on informational role self-efficacy is negative for nurses. Being a nurse negatively affects the relation between informational role self-efficacy and participating in decision-making. Informational role self-efficacy is also a strong positive predictor of participation in decision-making for male physicians but less so for female physicians.
Measuring social‐communication difficulties in school‐age siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder: Standardized versus naturalistic assessment

Younger siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; high‐risk siblings) are at elevated risk for developing the broader autism phenotype (BAP), which consists of subclinical features of ASD. We examined conversational skills in a naturalistic context and standardized assessments of pragmatic language and communication skills in high‐risk and low‐risk school‐age children with BAP (n = 22) and ASD (n = 18) outcomes, as well as comparison children without ASD or BAP (n = 135). Children with BAP characteristics exhibited lower conversational skills than comparison children, but did not differ on any of three standardized measures. Only the conversational ratings significantly predicted membership in the BAP versus Comparison group. This suggests that naturalistic tasks are crucial when assessing social‐communication difficulties in children with a family history of ASD.
Structures of MERS‐CoV macro domain in aqueous solution with dynamics: Impacts of parallel tempering simulation techniques and CHARMM36m and AMBER99SB force field parameters

A novel virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) worldwide appeared in 2019. Detailed scientific knowledge of the members of the Coronaviridae family, including the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) is currently lacking. Structural studies of the MERS‐CoV proteins in the current literature are extremely limited. We present here detailed characterization of the structural properties of MERS‐CoV macro domain in aqueous solution. Additionally, we studied the impacts of chosen force field parameters and parallel tempering simulation techniques on the predicted structural properties of MERS‐CoV macro domain in aqueous solution. For this purpose, we conducted extensive Hamiltonian‐replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations and Temperature‐replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations using the CHARMM36m and AMBER99SB parameters for the macro domain. This study shows that the predicted secondary structure properties including their propensities depend on the chosen simulation technique and force field parameter. We perform structural clustering based on the radius of gyration and end‐to‐end distance of MERS‐CoV macro domain in aqueous solution. We also report and analyze the residue‐level intrinsic disorder features, flexibility and secondary structure. Furthermore, we study the propensities of this macro domain for protein‐protein interactions and for the RNA and DNA binding. Overall, results are in agreement with available nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy findings and present more detailed insights into the structural properties of MERS CoV macro domain in aqueous solution. All in all, we present the structural properties of the aqueous MERS‐CoV macro domain using different parallel tempering simulation techniques, force field parameters and bioinformatics tools.
Is patient participation in multidisciplinary tumor conferences associated with their fear of progression?

Previous studies found that some breast cancer patients in Germany are invited to participate in a multidisciplinary tumor conference (MTC) during the discussion of their own case. MTCs are regular meetings of a treatment team in which the diagnosis and treatment plan of cancer patients are discussed. Psychological consequences concerning the patients' participation in an MTC have not been examined yet. This study examines the association between patients' participation in MTC and patients' fear of progression (FoP).
Activated mast cells in skeletal muscle can be a potential mediator for cancer‐associated cachexia

Eighty per cent of United States advanced cancer patients faces a worsened prognosis due to cancer‐associated cachexia. Inflammation is one driver of muscle atrophy in cachexia, and skeletal muscle‐resident immune cells could be a source of inflammation. This study explores the efficacy of cancer activated skeletal muscle‐resident mast cells as a biomarker and mediator of cachexia.