Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interactions of fungal pathogens and antagonistic bacteria in the rhizosphere of Brassica napus

The rhizosphere is an active interface where plants and microorganisms (pathogenic, beneficial and neutral) establish a complex and varied molecular dialogue, however knowledge of the functional mechanisms mediating interactions is still limited. Plants invest a significant proportion of their photosynthetically fixed carbon in maintaining the rhizosphere microbiome via root exudation and in return beneficial microbes provide profitable functions to the plant. The potential of naturally occurring soil microorganisms to control phytopathogens and to promote plant growth is well documented, but the functional mechanisms governing the reciprocal signaling between microbial communities and plants are not well understood. The aim of the studies described in this thesis was to gain insight into the functional basis of interactions between the fungal root pathogen Rhizoctonia solani and root associated antagonistic bacteria of the genus Serratia in the rhizosphere of Brassica napus. Transcriptomic responses of the oilseed rape pathogen R. solani, to the plant-associated and pathogen- antagonistic bacteria Serratia proteamaculans S4 and S. plymuthica AS13, were studied using RNA-sequencing. The results demonstrate a major shift in the fungal gene expression with simultaneous alterations in primary metabolism, activation of defense and attack mechanisms and distortions in hyphal morphology. Stable isotope probing coupled with high throughput sequencing allowed the description of the composition of bacterial and fungal communities in the rhizosphere soil and the roots of B. napus and the identification of active taxa capable of assimilating recently fixed plant carbon. Our results support the idea of active selection of microbial communities from the more diverse rhizosphere environment by the roots. Furthermore, the data confirm the potential of some active genera (Streptomyces, Rhizobium, Clonostachys and Fusarium) to be used as microbial inoculants for improved productivity and health of oilseed rape. Patterns of gene expression in B. napus exposed to factorial combinations of R. solani and S. proteamaculans S4 were examined in-vitro using RNA-sequencing. Plants inoculated with R. solani only were almost dead at 240h post-inoculation and massive transcriptional reprogramming was observed, whereas the presence of S4 modulated the transcriptional responses and resulted in healthy plants. With R. solani present, we observed an interplay between stress and defense involving salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, ethylene and abscisic acid as common regulators. Induced systemic resistance when S4 present potentially depends on jasmonic acid, auxin and salicylic acid. Downregulation of stress-related and upregulation of defense-related genes were associated with transcriptional responses suggesting floral induction and plant development.
Scoping Review and Meta-Analysis Suggests that Cannabis Use May Reduce Cancer Risk in the United States

Introduction: Cannabis smoke contains carcinogens similar to tobacco, in addition to compounds with antitumor activity. Cannabis use reduces the risk of obesity and cannabinoids inhibit chronic inflammation, known causes of cancer. The net effect of Cannabis use on cancer risk is not known. Objective: To examine the association between Cannabis use and cancer risk in the United States. Methods: Identify and analyze published data on cancer risk in Cannabis users. Results: A total of 55 data points, consisting of risk ratios of cancer in Cannabis users and nonusers, were identified from 34 studies. Of these, 5 did not contain data essential for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The remaining data showed a nonsignificant trend to an association with reduced risk (relative risk [RR]=0.90, p>0.06, N=50) although heterogeneity is high (I2=72.4%). Removal of data with high risk of selection bias (defined as those from North Africa and those that failed to adjust for tobacco) and data with high risk of performance bias (defined as those with fewer than 20 cases or controls among Cannabis users) resulted in an RR <1.0 (RR=0.86, p<0.017, N=24) and large effect size (Hedges g=0.66), but did not decrease heterogeneity (I2=74.9). Of all cancer sites, only testicular cancer showed an RR value >1, although this was not significant and had a negligible effect size (RR=1.12, p=0.3, Hedges g=0.02). Following removal of testicular cancers the remaining data showed a decrease in risk (RR=0.87, p<0.025, N=41). Cancers of the head and neck showed a negative association with cancer risk (RR=0.83, p<0.05), with a large effect size (Hedges g=0.55), but high heterogeneity (I2=79.2%). RR did not reach statistical significance in the remaining cancer site categories (lung, testicular, obesity-associated, other). The data are consistent with a negative association between Cannabis use and nontesticular cancer, but there is low confidence in this result due to high heterogeneity and a paucity of data for many cancer types.
FLORISTIC CHANGES IN A SUB-TROPICAL RAIN FOREST SUCCESSION

Floristic changes in a subtropical rain forest were assesed. Three regrowth forests aged 20 years, 50 years and 60 years and an undisturbed forest were sampled. The series of sites sho floristic changes that would be expected in a successional sequence. The regrowth forests were dominated by the secondary species but the primary species occur from the early stage. The oldest regrowth (60 year old-site) was still well short of regaining its original condition.
Finite Element Analysis of a New Dental Implant Design Optimized for the Desirable Stress Distribution in the Surrounding Bone Region

Dental implant macro- and micro-shape should be designed to maximize the delivery of optimal favorable stresses in the surrounding bone region. The present study aimed to evaluate the stress distribution in cortical and cancellous bone surrounding two models of dental implants with the same diameter and length (4.0 × 11 mm) and different implant/neck design and thread patterns. Sample A was a standard cylindric implant with cylindric neck and V-shaped threads, and sample B was a new conical implant with reverse conical neck and with “nest shape” thread design, optimized for the favorable stress distribution in the peri-implant marginal bone region. Materials and methods: The three-dimensional model was composed of trabecular and cortical bone corresponding to the first premolar mandibular region. The response to static forces on the samples A and B were compared by finite element analysis (FEA) using an axial load of 100 N and an oblique load of 223.6 N (resulting from a vertical load of 100 N and a horizontal load of 200 N). Results: Both samples provided acceptable results under loadings, but the model B implant design showed lower strain values than the model A implant design, especially in cortical bone surrounding the neck region of the implant. Conclusions: Within the limitation of the present study, analyses suggest that the new dental implant design may minimize the transfer of stress to the peri-implant cortical bone.
Cognitive behavioural therapy in virtual reality treatments across mental health conditions: a systematic review

Background. Virtual reality (VR) has been effectively used in the treatment of many mental health disorders. However, significant gaps exist in the literature. There is no treatment framework for researchers to use when developing new VR treatments. One recommended treatment across a range of diagnoses, which may be suitable for use in VR treatments, is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). The aim of this systematic review is to investigate CBT treatment methods that utilize VR to treat mental health disorders. Objectives . To investigate how CBT has been used in VR to treat mental health disorders and to report on the treatment characteristics (number of sessions, duration, and frequency) that are linked to effective and ineffective trials. Methods . Studies were included if patients had a mental health diagnosis and their treatment included immersive VR technology and CBT principles. Data were extracted in relation to treatment characteristics and outcomes, and analysed using narrative synthesis. Results. Ninety-three studies were analysed. Exposure-based VR treatments were mainly used to treat anxietyrelated disorders. Treatments generally consisted of eight sessions, once a week for approximately one hour. VR treatments were commonly equal to or more effective than ‘traditional’ face-to-face methods. No specific treatment characteristics were linked to this effectiveness. Conclusion. The number, frequency and duration of the VR treatment sessions identified in this review, could be used as a treatment framework by researchers and clinicians. This could potentially save researchers time and money when developing new interventions.
Objective Evaluation of Therapeutic Effects of ADHD Medication Using a Smart Watch: A Pilot Study

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurobehavioral disorder in schoolchildren. Several methods are used to evaluate ADHD therapeutic effects, including the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham (SNAP) questionnaire, the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale, and the visual analog scale. However, these scales are subjective. In this study, we employed an objective method to evaluate the aforementioned therapeutic effects. Ten patients (nine boys and one girl) with ADHD were enrolled. An accelerometer was embedded in a smart watch to record the movements of patients with ADHD. The variance values of the accelerometer before and after one month of medication (methylphenidate) use were compared. The results demonstrated that the variance values along the y- and z-axes of the accelerometers significantly decreased after one month of methylphenidate use. Before and after one month of methylphenidate use, the variance values were 4.4227 ± 2.1723 and 2.3214 ± 0.6475 (p = 0.0119) on the y-axis, and 4.0933 ± 1.5720 and 2.4091 ± 0.8141 (p = 0.0140) on the z-axis, respectively. In addition, the correlation was moderate-to-strong between the SNAP hyperactivity subscale and variance along the y-axis. Thus, a smart watch with an accelerometer inside is potentially an objective and useful method for evaluating the therapeutic effects of ADHD medications.
The Role of Intravenous Immunoglobulin Anti-A and Anti-B in Complement Activation and Red Blood Cell Phagocytosis

Intravenous immunoglobulin is a human blood derived product that is used to treat immunodeficiencies and autoimmune disorders. An adverse side effect of IVIg therapy is hemolysis. Patients who experience hemolysis are mainly blood group A or AB. Clinical laboratory studies have demonstrated that IVIg contains ABO blood group antibodies, which can bind complement proteins. This study hypothesizes that anti-A/B in IVIg will bind to A/B antigens and activate complement in a dose dependant manner, which may lead to enhanced RBC phagocytosis. This study observed that the quantity of ABO antigens does not affect the in vitro binding of IVIg to RBCs. IVIg induced C3b deposition at high doses; however, the amount of complement deposition was insufficient to enhance phagocytosis of IVIg-sensitized RBCs by monocytic THP-1 cells in vitro. These studies emphasize that hemolytic reactions involve many factors in conjunction with antibodies and complement
Effect of Combined Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer Application on Soil Attributes, Yield and Quality of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.)

The use of organic fertilizers in adequate doses is an alternative to reduce the use of inorganic inputs, improving the soil chemical attributes, and increasing the production and quality of sweet potato. In this perspective, the objectives of this study were: (i) to evaluate the effects of fertilization with poultry and bovine manure, Ribumin ® , and of conventional fertilization on soil attributes, production, and quality of sweet potato; and (ii) to evaluate the residual effect of organic fertilization on the production components and quality of sweet potato, in the second crop cycle. The two experiments were developed in the 2018/2019 crop year at the Agrotechnical School of the Federal University of Roraima (UFRR), Brazil. The treatments were arranged in a randomized block design with three replications, using a (2 × 5 × 2) + 1 factorial arrangement referring to two manure sources (bovine and poultry manure) and five doses, aiming at increasing the content of soil organic matter (1.35%) to 2.35; 3.35; 4.35, and 5.35%, in the absence and presence of Ribumin ® , and an additional treatment referring to organomineral fertilization. For the evaluation of the second cycle, the residual effect of the manure was evaluated by applying only Ribumin ® and conventional fertilizers. In the first cycle, the addition of 50.4 t ha -1 of bovine manure without Ribumin ® provided the highest values of total (14.7 t ha -1 ) and marketable yield (14.6 t ha -1 ). However, the addition of poultry manure associated with the application of Ribumin ® provided no increments in the sweet potato production components. Under the same experimental conditions, chemical fertilization can be replaced by fertilization with organic sources.
Pcdh18a-positive tip cells instruct notochord formation in zebrafish

The notochord defines the axial structure of all vertebrates during development. Notogenesis is a result of major cell reorganization in the mesoderm, the convergence and the extension of the axial cells. However, it is currently not known how these processes act together in a coordinated way during notochord formation. Analysing the tissue flow, we determined the displacement of the axial mesoderm and identified, relative to the ectoderm, an actively-migrating notochord tip cell population and a group of trailing notochordal plate cells. Molecularly, these tip cells express Protocadherin18a, a member of the cadherin superfamily. We show that Pcdh18a-mediated recycling of E-cadherin adhesion complexes transforms these tip cells into a cohesive and fast migrating cell group. In turn, these tip cells subsequently instruct the trailing mesoderm. We simulated cell migration during early mesoderm formation using a lattice-based mathematical framework, and predicted that the requirement for an anterior, local motile cell cluster could guide the intercalation of the posterior, axial cells. Indeed, grafting experiments validated the predictions and induced ectopic notochord-like rods. Our findings indicate that the tip cells influence the trailing mesodermal cell sheet by inducing the formation of the notochord.
A conserved mechanism for regulation of endo-lysosomal pH by histone deacetylases

The pH of the endo-lysosomal system is tightly regulated by a balance of proton pump and leak mechanisms that are critical for storage, recycling, turnover and signaling functions in the cell. Dysregulation of endo-lysosomal pH has been linked to aging, amyloidogenesis, synaptic dysfunction, and various neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, understanding mechanisms that regulate luminal pH may be key to identifying new targets for treatment of these disorders. Meta-analysis of yeast microarray databases revealed that nutrient limiting conditions upregulated transcription of the endosomal Na+/H+ exchanger Nhx1 by inhibition of the histone deacetylase (HDAC) Rpd3, resulting in vacuolar alkalinization. Consistent with these findings, Rpd3 inhibition by the HDAC inhibitor and antifungal drug trichostatin A induced Nhx1 expression and vacuolar alkalinization. Bioinformatics analysis of Drosophila and mouse databases revealed that caloric control of Nhx1 orthologs DmNHE3 and NHE6 respectively, was also mediated by histone deacetylases. We show that NHE6 is a target of cAMP-response element-binding (CREB) protein, providing a molecular mechanism for nutrient and HDAC dependent regulation of endosomal pH. Control of NHE6 expression by pharmacological targeting of the CREB pathway can be used to regulate endosomal pH and restore defective amyloid Aβ clearance in an ApoE4 astrocyte model of Alzheimer’s disease. These observations from yeast, fly, mouse and cell culture models reveal an evolutionarily conserved mechanism for regulation of endosomal NHE expression by histone deacetylases and offer new therapeutic strategies for modulation of endo-lysosomal pH in fungal infection and human disease.
Is Neuraxial Clonidine a Safer Alternative to Opioids for Chronic Pain? An Alternative Worth Exploring

Objective: Exploring the potential role of clonidine as an alternative to the currently available neuraxial medication options for the management of chronic pain. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted investigating the treatment of chronic pain using clonidine over the past 73 years. A stepwise filtering approach was used to obtain articles addressing neuraxial treatment of chronic pain in adults. Selected articles were assessed for their levels of evidence followed by a discussion of their contribution to the understanding of the role of clonidine in chronic pain management. Results: Out of 1,035 articles that described the administration of clonidine for chronic pain management, seven articles met all of the inclusion criteria. Their levels of evidence ranged from 1a to 4 (Oxford Centre CEBM). Neuraxial administration of clonidine was found to be effective in the treatment of chronic pain, often exhibiting a synergistic effect with other analgesics to provide pain reduction with reduced opioid use. The most common side effect was hypotension, in some cases reported to have been serious. Conclusion: The use of neuraxial clonidine, in either a primary or adjunctive role, appears promising as an effective treatment for chronic pain.
Impact of manufacture-induced blade shape distortion on turbine loads and energy yield

A blade shape distortion develops during the manufacturing process. The distortion is defined as the difference between the target blade shape as per the design and the shape under operational temperatures. This initial distortion varies under operational temperatures due to the different thermal coefficients of expansion of the various blade materials. The resulting manufacture-induced distortion and operational temperatures affect the twist angle, the cross-sectional shape, and the sweep of the blade. Young’s modulus of the blade’s raw materials, i.e., the matrix of the fiber-reinforced polymers and the adhesive material, changes during the manufacturing process, complicating the determination of the distortion. This work calculates the shape distortion for a reference temperature on the basis of a thermal stress analysis using a full 3D finite element blade model. It performs an aero-elastic load simulation for two models: one with the target blade shape and one with the distorted shape. The simulation reveals that the turbine with the distorted shape has an energy yield which is 0.5% lower and a lifetime extension of additional 4. 4 years.
Evaluating pedestrian perceptions of street design with a 3D stated preference survey

In many places, streets are still primarily designed for the convenience of motorists, considering mobility function as the principal design goal. There is a scarcity of empirical evidence on the relationship between the design of a street and how it is experienced by pedestrians who use it. This work focuses on quantifying pedestrians’ perception of walkability through a stated preference survey using a dynamic 3D representation of various street designs in Toronto, Canada. The stated preference scenarios are generated through a rule-based 3D environment (Esri’s CityEngine) and animated using a gaming engine (Unity). A random sample of 600 Torontonians is used for the empirical investigation by estimating a mixed multinomial logit model. The results indicate that there is a high preference for (i) streets that include transit lanes as opposed to car-exclusive lanes, (ii) the presence of trees on the sidewalk, and (iii) two-way cycle paths on the curb lane. Furthermore, pedestrians are willing to trade sidewalk width for the presence of trees and outdoor dining. The survey’s innovative presentation mode and its findings can contribute to the development of much-needed evidence-based design tools to assess the trade-offs required between the many possible uses of roadway space, while focusing on the overlooked role of the pedestrian experience.
Effect of pre-incisional infiltration of 0.5% ropivacaine versus placebo in post-operative pain relief among patients undergoing tonsillectomy under general anaesthesia: a comparative study

Various tonsillectomy studies have shown the advantage of local anaesthetic (LA) injection, perioperatively to prevent pain stimulus. The reasons for using LA agents perioperatively are both to block peripheral nociceptive excitation after tissue damage and to prevent the sensitization of the central nervous system. Ropivacaine is a new long acting local anaesthetic, structurally closely related to bupivacaine. It is the first enantiomerically pure local anaesthetic, and exists as the S-enantiomer. Ropivacaine exhibits less central nervous system and cardiovascular toxicity than bupivacaine in healthy volunteers. The objective of the present study is to compare the efficacy of pre incisional infiltration of ropivacaine vs. placebo on ABSTRACT
Exchange Rate Passthrough at the Micro and Macro Levels in a Small Open Economy: Evidence from Several Million Unit Values

Using a large dataset of import volumes and values for goods imports from around 50 trading partners, and 3,000 goods types, this paper finds that, at the micro level, passthrough is non&#8208;linear in the exchange rate. Passthrough of larger bilateral exchange rate movements (i.e., greater than 8% year&#8208;on&#8208;year change) is just over 0.8, whereas smaller changes have a passthrough of around 0.3. However, regressions using aggregate data indicate that passthrough at the macro level is much closer to 0.8 than to 0.3. The resolution to this apparent puzzle lies in the fact that larger bilateral movements account for the vast majority of variation in the exchange rate index, and hence the non&#8208;linearity at the micro level largely disappears at the macro level. This suggests the care should be taken in inferring macro implications from micro&#8208;based passthrough estimates, and vice versa. R&#233;sum&#233;. Transmission des variations de taux de change au niveau micro&#233;conomique et macro&#233;conomique dans une petite &#233;conomie ouverte : &#233;tude bas&#233;e sur plusieurs millions de valeurs unitaires. En s&#8217;appuyant sur un vaste ensemble de donn&#233;es relatives aux volumes d&#8217;importation, &#224; la valeur des importations de biens de 50 partenaires commerciaux et &#224; 3 000 types de produits, cet article montre que la transmission des variations de taux de change est non&#8208;lin&#233;aire au niveau micro&#233;conomique. Le coefficient de transmission des mouvements de taux de change bilat&#233;raux les plus importants (sup&#233;rieurs &#224; 8 % d&#8217;une ann&#233;e &#224; l&#8217;autre) n&#8217;est que l&#233;g&#232;rement sup&#233;rieur &#224; 0,8 tandis qu&#8217;il avoisine 0,3 pour les mouvements plus faibles. N&#233;anmoins, les r&#233;gressions r&#233;alis&#233;es &#224; l&#8217;aide de macrodonn&#233;es montrent que le coefficient de transmission au niveau macro&#233;conomique est plus proche de 0,8 que de 0,3. La solution &#224; cette &#233;nigme r&#233;side dans le fait que les mouvements bilat&#233;raux les plus importants repr&#233;sentent l&#8217;essentiel de la variation de l&#8217;indice de taux de change ; ainsi, la non&#8208;lin&#233;arit&#233; au niveau micro&#233;conomique s&#8217;estompe consid&#233;rablement au niveau macro&#233;conomique. Cela sugg&#232;re qu&#8217;il faudrait tirer les cons&#233;quences des implications macro&#233;conomiques d&#233;coulant des estimations micro&#233;conomiques du coefficient de transmission, et inversement.