Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rotterdam Transition Test: A Valid Tool for Monitoring Disease Knowledge in Adolescents With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text ABSTRACT Objectives: Disease knowledge is important in adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) transitioning to adult care. We developed an IBD-specific knowledge questionnaire, the Rotterdam Transition Test (RTT), and aimed to validate this tool. Methods: This is a prospective longitudinal validation study. The RTT has 25 open questions on IBD, medication, lifestyle, and transition to adult care. A scoring model was developed, and inter-rater agreement was assessed. Using a Rasch model, we determined the difficulty and performance of the questions. Cronbach alpha was used to demonstrate reliability. Patient factors (age, disease, education, medication use, illness acceptance, and independence) were correlated to RTT score. Results: A total of 207 RTTs were evaluated in 111 adolescent IBD patients. The scoring model showed a kappa score of >0.61 for all questions. Reliability with Cronbach alpha was good (0.81). Mean total result of the RTT was 58% (girls) and 55% (boys) of maximal score. The RTT discriminated well between the different levels of knowledge. Knowledge scores increased in patients who did repeated RTTs during the transition period. Male sex, low educational level, disease acceptance issues, and dependence on parents associated with a significantly lower total RTT score. Prednisone use within 3 months and treatment without biologics associated with significantly higher RTT scores. Disease activity was not a significant factor. Conclusions: The RTT is a reliable and valid tool to assess IBD knowledge. The RTT can be used to detect and discuss knowledge gaps in adolescents with IBD transitioning to adult healthcare.
DeSUMOylation of Apoptosis Inhibitor 5 by Avibirnavirus VP3 Supports Virus Replication

Apoptosis inhibitor 5 (API5) is a nuclear protein initially identified for its antiapoptotic function. However, so far, posttranslational modification of API5 is unclear. ABSTRACT SUMOylation is a reversible posttranslational modification involved in the regulation of diverse biological processes. Growing evidence suggests that virus infection can interfere with the SUMOylation system. In the present study, we discovered that apoptosis inhibitor 5 (API5) is a SUMOylated protein. Amino acid substitution further identified that Lys404 of API5 was the critical residue for SUMO3 conjugation. Moreover, we found that Avibirnavirus infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) infection significantly decreased SUMOylation of API5. In addition, our results further revealed that viral protein VP3 inhibited the SUMOylation of API5 by targeting API5 and promoting UBC9 proteasome-dependent degradation through binding to the ubiquitin E3 ligase TRAF3. Furthermore, we revealed that wild-type but not K404R mutant API5 inhibited IBDV replication by enhancing MDA5-dependent IFN-β production. Taken together, our data demonstrate that API5 is a UBC9-dependent SUMOylated protein and deSUMOylation of API5 by viral protein VP3 aids in viral replication. IMPORTANCE Apoptosis inhibitor 5 (API5) is a nuclear protein initially identified for its antiapoptotic function. However, so far, posttranslational modification of API5 is unclear. In this study, we first identified that API5 K404 can be conjugated by SUMO3, and Avibirnavirus infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) infection significantly decreased SUMOylation of API5. Mechanically, viral protein VP3 directly interacts with API5 and inhibits SUMOylation of API5. Additionally, the cellular E3 ligase TNF receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3) is employed by VP3 to facilitate UBC9 proteasome-dependent degradation, leading to the reduction of API5 SUMOylation. Moreover, our data reveal that SUMOylation of API5 K404 promotes MDA5-dependent beta interferon (IFN-β) induction, and its deSUMOylation contributes to IBDV replication. This work highlights a critical role of conversion between SUMOylation and deSUMOylation of API5 in regulating viral replication.
Burning the Candle at Both Ends: Have Exoribonucleases Driven Divergence of Regulatory RNA Mechanisms in Bacteria?

Regulatory RNAs have emerged as ubiquitous gene regulators in all bacterial species studied to date. The combination of sequence-specific RNA interactions and malleable RNA structure has allowed regulatory RNA to adopt different mechanisms of gene regulation in a diversity of genetic backgrounds. ABSTRACT Regulatory RNAs have emerged as ubiquitous gene regulators in all bacterial species studied to date. The combination of sequence-specific RNA interactions and malleable RNA structure has allowed regulatory RNA to adopt different mechanisms of gene regulation in a diversity of genetic backgrounds. In the model Gammaproteobacteria Escherichia coli and Salmonella, the regulatory RNA chaperone Hfq appears to play a global role in gene regulation, directly controlling ∼20 to 25% of the entire transcriptome. While the model Firmicutes Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus encode a Hfq homologue, its role has been significantly depreciated. These bacteria also have marked differences in RNA turnover. E. coli and Salmonella degrade RNA through internal endonucleolytic and 3′→5′ exonucleolytic cleavage that appears to allow transient accumulation of mRNA 3′ UTR cleavage fragments that contain stabilizing 3′ structures. In contrast, B. subtilis and S. aureus are able to exonucleolytically attack internally cleaved RNA from both the 5′ and 3′ ends, efficiently degrading mRNA 3′ UTR fragments. Here, we propose that the lack of 5′→3′ exoribonuclease activity in Gammaproteobacteria has allowed the accumulation of mRNA 3′ UTR ends as the “default” setting. This in turn may have provided a larger pool of unconstrained RNA sequences that has fueled the expansion of Hfq function and small RNA (sRNA) regulation in E. coli and Salmonella. Conversely, the exoribonuclease RNase J may be a significant barrier to the evolution of 3′ UTR sRNAs in B. subtilis and S. aureus that has limited the pool of RNA ligands available to Hfq and other sRNA chaperones, depreciating their function in these model Firmicutes.
Synergic Interface Optimization with Green Solvent Engineering in Mixed Perovskite Solar Cells

Organic–inorganic hybrid halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have recently drawn enormous attentions due to their impressive performance (>22%) and low temperature solution processability (<150 °C). Current solution process involves application of a large amount of toxic solvents, such as chlorobenzene, which is heavily employed in both the perovskite layer and the hole transport layer (HTL) deposition. Herein, this study employs green solvent of ethyl acetate for engineering efficient perovskite and HTL layers, which enables a synergic interface (perovskite/HTL) optimization. A champion efficiency of 19.43% is obtained for small cells (0.16 cm2 with mask) and over 14% for large size modules (5 × 5 cm2). The PSCs prepared from the green solvent engineering demonstrate superior performance on both efficiency and stability over their chlorobenzene counterparts. These enhancements are ascribed to the in situ inhibition on carrier recombination induced by interfacial defects during the solution processing, which enables about 2/3 reduction of calculated recombination rate. Thus, the green solvent route shows the great potential toward environmental‐friendly manufacturing.
Differential genetic stability in vineyards of the cultivar ‘Italy’ (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivated in different regions of Southern and Southwestern Brazil

During more than 50 years the vegetative propagation has been the form of maintaining and multiplication of the cv. ’Italy’ vineyards, a ’Bicane’ x ’Muscat Hamburg’ hybrid. In the current study, polymorphism in 17 microsatellite loci was used to evaluate the genetic stability at DNA level in vineyards of cv. ’Italy’ planted in different regions of the states of Parana and Sao Paulo, Brazil. Unchanged and equal allele frequency indicating genetic stability was reported in 47% of the microsatellite loci in vineyards of six localities, while allele frequency variation has been observed in Scu15vv, Udv44, Udv74, Udv96, Udv107, Udv108, Vvmd5, Vvmd6 and Vvs3 microsatellite loci. Alleles Udv96 140 and Vvs3 448 , detected in vines in only one of the vineyards, evidenced somatic mutations at molecular level in cv. ’Italy’. Genetic diversity, as result of changes in the allele frequencies in 53% of microsatellite loci, was detected more frequently than somatic mutations due to new alleles. Polymorphism in microsatellite loci revealed different genetic stability in vineyards of cv. ’Italy’ cultivated in six different Brazilian regions and indicated vineyards with less genetic stability as a possible source of somatic mutants, showing traits of agronomic interest with a potential to generate new cultivars.
Review on Comparison of Different Energy Storage Technologies Used in Micro-Energy Harvesting, WSNs, Low-Cost Microelectronic Devices: Challenges and Recommendations

This paper reviews energy storage systems, in general, and for specific applications in low-cost micro-energy harvesting (MEH) systems, low-cost microelectronic devices, and wireless sensor networks (WSNs). With the development of electronic gadgets, low-cost microelectronic devices and WSNs, the need for an efficient, light and reliable energy storage device is increased. The current energy storage systems (ESS) have the disadvantages of self-discharging, energy density, life cycles, and cost. The ambient energy resources are the best option as an energy source, but the main challenge in harvesting energy from ambient sources is the instability of the source of energy. Due to the explosion of lithium batteries in many cases, and the pros associated with them, the design of an efficient device, which is more reliable and efficient than conventional batteries, is important. This review paper focused on the issues of the reliability and performance of electrical ESS, and, especially, discussed the technical challenges and suggested solutions for ESS (batteries, supercapacitors, and for a hybrid combination of supercapacitors and batteries) in detail. Nowadays, the main market of batteries is WSNs, but in the last decade, the world’s attention has turned toward supercapacitors as a good alternative of batteries. The main advantages of supercapacitors are their light weight, volume, greater life cycle, turbo charging/discharging, high energy density and power density, low cost, easy maintenance, and no pollution. This study reviews supercapacitors as a better alternative of batteries in low-cost electronic devices, WSNs, and MEH systems.
The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Otostegia persica (Burm.) Boiss. against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in human endothelial cells

Background and objectives: Otostegia persica (Burm.) Boiss. is an endemic plant of Iran with various applications in traditional medicine which contains of several antioxidant constituents. This research was aimed to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract from O. persica aerial parts in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as an inducer of oxidative damage. Methods: The total phenolics content of the extract was estimated using Folin-Ciocalteu method. The probable cytotoxicity of O. persica extract and also its cytoprotective effect on HUVEC cells against oxidative stress was assessed using 3-(4,5- Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The intra and extra-cellular hydroperoxides concentration and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were determined in pretreated cells. Results: Total phenolics content was found to be 42.41±0.1 mg tanic acid equivalent/g of thedried extract. No cytotoxic effect was observed from O. persica extract in the range of 25-250 µg/mL. Pretreatment of HUVECs with O. persica extract with the concentrations of 50-250 µg/mL significantly reduced the cytotoxic effect of H2O2. Otostegia persica extract attenuated the concentration of hydroperoxides and increased FRAP value in intra- and extra-cellular fluids at different concentration ranges. Conclusion: This study indicated the antioxidant and cytoprotective activities of O. persica extract against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in HUVEC cells; however, more researches are required for finding the precise mechanism and assessing its clinical value.
What are the PROSPECTs and clinical implications of vulnerable plaque?

Despite the fact that it has been three decades since James Muller and his colleagues first proposed the concept of vulnerable plaque and 18 years since Naghavi et al. published their consensus document summarizing the concepts behind vulnerable patients and vulnerable plaques, including classifications for clinical and pathological evaluation, we still have much to learn about the clinical implications of vulnerable plaque (Graphical Abstract). Feasibility of vulnerable plaque detection in clinical practice was the initial clinical hurdle. In 2011, the first landmark natural history study of rupture-prone vulnerable plaques, PROSPECT, used threevessel virtual histology–intravascular ultrasound to study patients presenting with an acute coronary syndrome. After PROSPECT, there remained a gap in major natural history studies until LRP (patients with suspected coronary artery disease who underwent cardiac catheterization with possible ad hoc percutaneous coronary intervention), CLIMA (proximal left anterior descending arteries in unselected patients), and PROSPECT II (patients with a myocardial infarction within 4 weeks) were published from 2019 to 2021. Although enrolment criteria and imaging technologies and protocols varied among these four studies, they established the feasibility of vulnerable plaque detection using intravascular imaging. However, and once detected, what were the clinical sequelae of vulnerable plaque? The association between vulnerable plaque and events was harder to study. With an annualized death and myocardial infarction rate of Graphical Abstract Timeline of development and future directions for clinical trials in coronary vulnerable plaque (VP).
Audiologists’ perspectives on management of mild bilateral hearing loss in infants and young children

Abstract Objective Universal newborn hearing screening programs have led to early identification of infants with congenital mild bilateral hearing loss (MBHL). The current lack of evidence-based protocols to guide audiological management of infants with MBHL has led to clinical equipoise about fitting of hearing aids. The purpose of this study was to increase understanding about the perspectives of paediatric audiologists on factors influencing their management of MBHLin infants and young children. Design A qualitative descriptive research methodology involving semi-structured interviews with audiologists. Study sample Twenty-three paediatric audiologists in diagnostic and rehabilitation settings in Victoria, Australia. Results Three main themes that influenced management were identified. These include: (1) evidence, or the lack of it, influences audiologists’ practice; (2) audiologists recognise the need to be fluid; and (3) family characteristics and parents’ perspectives. “Audiologists delivering family-centred practice” was identified as an overarching theme across these factors. Conclusions Audiologists recognised the importance of adopting a family-centred approach in their management of MBHL in infants and young children. Embodied in their practice was the acknowledgement of limited evidence, the consideration of multiple child and family factors, and the incorporation of perspectives of parents and families in adopting a fluid approach to provide individualised services.
Providing easier access to community‐based healthcare for people with joint pain: Experiences of delivering ESCAPE‐pain in community venues by exercise professionals

Abstract Background Joint pain adversely impacts the physical, mental, socioeconomic and emotional wellbeing of many millions of people. Enabling Self‐management and Coping with Arthritic Pain using Exercise, ESCAPE‐pain, is a rehabilitation programme that reduces joint pain and its impact. The programme is usually delivered in clinical settings by physiotherapists but delivering it in community venues would improve access greatly. Aim To explore the feasibility of delivering ESCAPE‐pain in community venues, and the experiences of organisations and facilitators delivering it. Methods Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with managers of 17 community organisations and 10 facilitators. Results People were happy to attend ESCAPE‐pain delivered by exercise professionals at community venues, which they found convenient and valuable. It expanded community organisation's offer to older people, utilised their facilities off‐peak and advanced facilitator's personal and professional development. Recruitment onto the programme was easiest where there were good links with local clinical providers. Although collecting outcome data was burdensome it demonstrated the programme's effectiveness to commissioners. Some clinical commissioners contracted community organisations to deliver ESCAPE‐pain reducing their costs and freeing up clinical facilities. Organisations also financed ESCAPE‐pain by charging participants a nominal fee for the programme, post‐programme classes to support participants remain active and/or a membership fee. Conclusions ESCAPE‐pain delivered in community venues facilitated access to better care and on‐going support. Partnerships between healthcare commissioners and community providers maximised efficient use of their facilities and resources and fulfilled national policy of encouraging self‐management of long‐term conditions in the community.
Physical Activity as a Mediator between Race/Ethnicity and Changes in Multimorbidity.

OBJECTIVES Studies report racial/ethnic disparities in multimorbidity (≥2 chronic conditions) and their rate of accumulation over time as well as differences in physical activity. Our study aimed to investigate whether racial/ethnic differences in the accumulation of multimorbidity were mediated by physical activity among middle-aged and older adults. METHODS We assessed racial/ethnic differences in the accumulation of multimorbidity (of nine conditions) over twelve years (2004-2016) in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; N = 18,264, mean age = 64.4 years). Structural equation modeling was used to estimate latent growth curve models of changes in multimorbidity and investigate whether the relationship of race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, non-Hispanic White participants) to changes in the number of chronic conditions was mediated by physical activity after controlling for age, sex, education, marital status, household wealth, insurance coverage, smoking, alcohol, and body-weight. RESULTS There was a significant increase in multimorbidity over time. Initial levels and changes in multimorbidity over time varied significantly across individuals. Indirect effects of the relationship between race/ethnicity and changes in multimorbidity as mediated by physical activity were significant, consistent with the mediational hypothesis. Black respondents engaged in significantly lower levels of physical activity than White respondents after controlling for covariates, but there were no differences between Hispanic and White respondents once education was included. These results provide important new information for understanding how modifiable lifestyle factors may help explain disparities in multimorbidity in mid-to-late life, suggesting greater need to intervene to reduce sedentary behavior and increase physical activity.
Growth and grazing of the chlorarachniophyte Bigelowiella natans (Chlorarachniophyceae) on the marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus

ABSTRACT Chlorarachniophytes are cosmopolitan, typically unicellular marine phototrophic protists with green plastids of secondary endosymbiotic origin. However, there are few studies of their eco-physiology. Bigelowiella natans feeds mixotrophically on diverse strains of Synechococcus. We investigated feeding by B. natans (Chlorarachniophyceae) on diverse strains of the marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus and quantified the ingestion and clearance rates of B. natans on Synechococcus strains CC9311 and CC9605 as a function of prey concentration, as well as the growth rates of B. natans feeding on these Synechococcus strains. The maximum ingestion rates of B. natans on Synechococcus strains CC9311 and CC9605 were 2.77 and 2.18 cells predator–1 h–1, respectively. The maximum clearance rates of B. natans on Synechococcus CC9311 and CC9605 were 197.2 and 331.5 nl predator–1 h–1, respectively. The maximum mixotrophic growth rates of B. natans on Synechococcus CC9311 and CC9605 were 0.38 d–1 and 0.28 d–1, respectively, while its autotrophic growth rates were 0.174 ± 0.019 d–1. The results of the present study suggest that B. natans is an effective protistan grazer of Synechococcus and that it obtains a significant ecological advantage from a mixotrophic strategy in marine planktonic food webs.
Quality evaluation of biscuits produced from composite blends of pumpkin seed oil press cake and wheat flour

Pumpkin seed oil press cake (PSOPC) is a by-product of pumpkin oil production, and after cold pressing, a significant amount of oil still remains in the press cake. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible use of PSOPC flour as a substitute for wheat flour in biscuit production and, consequently, for reducing shortening usage. Biscuits have been produced from composite blends of plain white flour and PSOPC flour in ratios 100:0, 80:20, 60:40 and 40:60, respectively. Shortening addition was gradually reduced depending on the PSOPC flour addition. Biscuit baking quality was determined by width, thickness, spread factor, volume and textural properties. Computer vision was used to evaluate biscuit colour, and sensory evaluation was conducted for colour, taste, texture and overall acceptance. Results showed that PSOPC flour decreased biscuit diameter, height and volume and also caused a softer texture of biscuit. PSOPC flour contributed to the greenish colour of biscuits and the pleasant taste of roasted pumpkin seed. PSOPC flour can be successfully used as a functional and nutritionally valuable substitute for wheat flour and shortening, even in quantities up to 60%, without significant deterioration of the technological quality of biscuits.
Effect of Microwave-Assisted on the N-Alkylation and N-Acylation of Cyclic Sulfamides

Cyclic sulfamides were efficiently N-acylated and N-alkylated with different alkyl, benzyl and acylhalides. The reactions were carried out under microwave irradiation conditions with and without solvent. A comparison with conventional methods demonstrates the advantages of applying microwave irradiation as a nonconventional method for activation in organic syntheses and chemical transformations. The structures of the synthesized compounds were inferred from their analytical and spectral data. KEYWORD: Microwave; Cyclic sulfamides; alkyl halide; acyl halide; N-alkylation; N-acylation.