Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electromagnetic Irradiation Evokes Physiological and Molecular Alterations in Rice

Electromagnetic energy is the “backbone” of wireless communication systems, and its progressive use is considered to have a low but measurable impact on a wide range of biological systems. Even though a growing amount of data has reported electromagnetic energy absorption in humans along with subsequent biological effects, the consequences of electromagnetic energy absorption on plants have been insufficiently addressed. The higher surface to volume ratio along with the enormous water‐ion concentrations makes the plant an ideal model to interact with non‐ionizing electromagnetic radiation. In this study, controlled and periodic electromagnetic exposure of 1837.50 MHz, 2.75 W/m2 for 6 h a day on a popular rice variety (var. Satabdi) reduced the seed germination rate. The same dose of periodic electromagnetic exposure upregulated phytochrome B and phytochrome C gene transcripts in 12‐day‐old seedlings, whereas, in 32‐day‐old plants, the dose upregulated calmodulin and phytochrome C while the bZIP1 gene showed repression. However, the transcript abundance of bZIP1, phytochrome B, and phytochrome C genes was enhanced even in 12‐day‐old Satabdi seedlings following instantaneous short‐duration (2 h 30 min) controlled electromagnetic exposure to 1837.50 MHz, 2.75 W/m2. The reported responses in rice were observed below the international electromagnetic regulatory limits. Thus, rice plants perceived electromagnetic energy emitted by the wireless communication system as abiotic stress as per its response by upregulation or repression of known stress‐sensing genes. Bioelectromagnetics. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society
The Patient's Perspective on Returning to Elective Surgery After COVID-19.

T he recent COVID-19 pandemic necessitated refocusing of resources to prevent healthcare systems from becoming overwhelmed, resulting in the cancellation of elective surgery. Simultaneously, many patients were restricted in their contact with others and instructed not to attend healthcare facilities unless absolutely necessary. Patient adherence led to significant reductions in attendances, to a point were life-threatening illnesses were not being addressed. Lately, an effort has been made to restart elective surgery. Noteworthy, guidance has been issued by the American College of Surgeons and the Royal College of Surgeons on the resumption of elective surgery. Although work on the ‘‘project restart’’ is ongoing, little is known about the thoughts of the patients, their fears, and their willingness to undergo surgery. This work explores patients’ perspectives on the return to a modified provision of elective surgery within the orthopedic discipline.
Social–emotional functioning in young people with symptoms of eating disorders: A gender inclusive analogue study

Contemporary models of eating disorders (EDs) suggest that EDs are maintained by social–emotional difficulties. However, supporting evidence is derived largely from female, clinic‐based samples. This study, which refrained from gender specific inclusion criteria, aimed to improve understanding of social–emotional functioning in a large community‐based analogue sample of young adults aged 16–26.
Pressure dependence of methane dissociation

The very early stages of the pryolysis of methane (0.003–0.05% reaction) have been studied in a quartz-lined flow reactor, over the pressure and temperature ranges 0.5 ⩽p/MPa ⩽ 5 and 1073 ⩽T/K ⩽ 1148, in pure methane and in the diluents helium and argon. The rate constant k1 of the dissociation, CH4→ CH3+ H, has been obtained directly from the product yield data at the lower extents of reaction and by including correction for autocatalysis using a 36-step model at larger extents. The unimolecular rate constant is in the fall-off region under all conditions studied but approaches the high-pressure limit at 5 MPa. Comparison with low-pressure data and with RRKM calculations has enabled the short extrapolation to the high-pressure limit, k∞1, to be made reliable. k∞1 values are a factor of two higher than those previously obtained from the long RRKM extrapolation of low-pressure data. Arrhenius parameters based on a zero activation energy for the reverse reaction are k∞1/s–1=(1.75 ± 0.25)× 1016 exp (–440.7 kJ mol–1/RT). Pyrolysis of mixtures of 10% methane in helium and argon gave fall-off curves for these bath gases from which, by comparison with strong collision curves, the weak collision efficiencies (βc) for CH4, He, Ar of 0.12, 0.088 and 0.079, respectively, were obtained.
The role of socioeconomic status on outcomes following cerebellopontine angle tumor resection

Abstract Purpose It is well documented that the interaction between many social factors can affect clinical outcomes. However, the independent effects of economics on outcomes following surgery are not well understood. The goal of this study is to investigate the role socioeconomic status has on postoperative outcomes in a cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumor resection population. Materials and methods Over 6 years (07 June 2013 to 24 April 2019), 277 consecutive CPA tumor cases were reviewed at a single, multihospital academic medical center. Patient characteristics obtained included median household income, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), race, BMI, tobacco use, amongst 23 others. Outcomes studied included readmission, ED evaluation, unplanned return to surgery (during and after index admission), return to surgery after index admission, and mortality within 90 days, in addition to reoperation and mortality throughout the entire follow-up period. Univariate analysis was conducted amongst the entire population with significance set at a p value <0.05. The population was divided into quartiles based on median household income and univariate analysis conducted between the lowest (Q1) and highest (Q4) socioeconomic quartiles, with significance set at a p value <0.05. Stepwise regression was conducted to determine the correlations amongst study variables and identify confounding factors. Results Regression analysis of 273 patients did not find household income to be associated with any of the long-term outcomes assessed. Similarly, a Q1 vs Q4 comparison did not yield significantly different odds of outcomes assessed. Conclusion Although not statistically significant, the odds ratios suggest socioeconomic status may have a clinically significant effect on postsurgical outcomes. Further studies in larger, matched populations are necessary to validate these findings.
Hydrothermal Dehydration for the “Green” Reduction of Exfoliated Graphene Oxide to Graphene and Demonstration of Tunable Optical Limiting Properties

This work reports a simple, clean, and controlled hydrothermal dehydration route to convert graphene oxide (GO) to stable graphene solution. The hydrothermally treated GO was characterized using UV−visible absorption spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, and solid state 13C NMR spectra. Compared to chemical reduction processes using hydrazine, the present “water-only” route has the combined advantages of removing oxygen functional groups from GO and repairing the aromatic structures. By controlling the hydrothermal temperatures, we can modify the physical properties of GO and obtain tunable optical limiting performance.
Re-sensitizing tumor cells to cancer drugs with epigenetic regulators.

Cancer drug resistance is a major problem for cancer therapy. While many drugs can be effective in first line treatments, cancer cells can become resistant due to genetic (mutations and chromosomal aberrations) but also epigenetic changes. Hence, many research studies addressed epigenetic drugs in circumventing resistance to conventional therapeutics in different tumor entities and in increasing efficiency of immune checkpoint therapies. Furthermore, repositioning of already approved drugs in combination with epigenetic modifiers could potentiate their efficacy and could thus be an attractive strategy for cancer treatment. Summarizing, we recapitulate current data on epigenetic drugs and their targets in modulating sensitivity towards conventional and immune therapies, providing evidence that altering expression profiles by epigenetic modifiers holds great potential to improve clinical outcome of may cancer patients.
Transcranial direct current stimulation modulates autonomic nervous system and reduces ambulatory blood pressure in hypertensives

ABSTRACT Purpose: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) seems to positively modulate the autonomic nervous system in different clinical conditions and healthy subjects; however, its effects on hypertensive (HTN) patients are not completely known. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a tDCS or SHAM session (20 min) on blood pressure (BP) and autonomic variables of HTN patients. Materials and Methods: Subjects (n = 13) were randomly submitted to SHAM and tDCS sessions (1 week of washout). Hemodynamic and autonomic variables were measured at baseline, during, and immediately after tDCS or SHAM stimulation (Finometer®, Beatscope). Ambulatory BP measurement (ABPM) was evaluated after the experimental period. Results: Hemodynamic variables were not changed by tDCS, except for the fall in peripheral vascular resistance (Δ = −1696.51 ± 204.65 dyn.s/cm5). After the tDCS, sympathetic modulation was decreased (−61.47%), and vagal modulation was increased (+38.09%). Such acute autonomic changes may have evoked positive results observed in 24 hs-systolic blood pressure (Δ = −8.4 ± 6.2; P = .0022) and 24hs-diastolic blood pressure (Δ = −5.4 ± 4.2; P = .0010) in tDCS subjects compared with that in SHAM. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the tDCS could promote positive acute adjustments on cardiac autonomic control and reduced values on 24-hs BP of HTN patients. More than a proof-of-concept, these results may point out to the future, where brain stimulation (tDCS) can be used to HTN syndromes, such as refractory HTN.
Epigenetic mechanisms underlying the benefits of flavonoids in cardiovascular health and diseases: are long non-coding RNAs rising stars?

Abstract Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) rank as the first leading cause of death globally. High dietary polyphenol (especially flavonoids) intake has strongly been associated with low incidence of the primary outcome, overall mortality, blood pressure, inflammatory biomarkers, onset of new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and obesity. Phytogenic flavonoids affect the physiological and pathological processes of CVDs by modulating various biochemical signaling pathways. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have attracted increasing attention as fundamental regulator of gene expression involved in CVDs. Among the different ncRNA subgroups, long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) have recently emerged as regulatory eukaryotic transcripts and therapeutic targets with important and diverse functions in health and diseases. lncRNAs may be associated with the initiation, development and progression of CVDs by modulating acute and chronic inflammation, adipogenesis and lipid metabolism, and cellular physiology. This review summarizes this research on the modulatory effects of lncRNAs and their roles in mediating cellular processes. The mechanisms of action of flavonoids underlying their therapeutic effects on CVDs are also discussed. Based on our review, flavonoids might facilitate a significant epigenetic modification as part (if not full) of their tissue-/cell-related biological effects. This finding may be attributed to their interaction with cellular signaling pathways involved in chronic diseases. Certain lncRNAs might be the target of specific flavonoids, and some critical signaling processes involved in the intervention of CVDs might mediate the therapeutic roles of flavonoids.
Chicken Second Branchial Arch Progenitor Cells Contribute to Heart Musculature in vitro and in vivo

In the past, the heart muscle was thought to originate from a single source of myocardial progenitor cells. More recently, however, an additional source of myocardial progenitors has been revealed to be the second heart field, and chicken embryos were important for establishing this concept. However, there have been few studies in chicken on how this field contributes to heart muscles in vitro. We have developed an ex vivo experimental system from chicken embryos between stages HH17–20 to investigate how mesodermal progenitors in the second branchial arch (BA2) differentiate into cardiac muscles. Using this method, we presented evidence that the progenitor cells within the BA2 arch differentiated into beating cardiomyocytes in vitro. The beating explant cells were positive for cardiac actin, Nkx2.5, and ventricular myosin heavy chain. In addition, we performed a time course for the expression of second heart field markers (Isl1 and Nkx2.5) in the BA2 from stage HH16 to stage HH21 using in situ hybridization. Accordingly, using EGFP-based cell labeling techniques and quail-chicken cell injection, we demonstrated that mesodermal cells from the BA2 contributed to the outflow tract and ventricular myocardium in vivo. Thus, our findings highlight the cardiogenic potential of chicken BA2 mesodermal cells in vitro and in vivo.
Development and evaluation of a new procedure for subject-specific tensioning of finite element knee ligaments

Abstract Subject-specific tensioning of ligaments is essential for the stability of the knee joint and represents a challenging aspect in the development of finite element models. We aimed to introduce and evaluate a new procedure for the quantification of ligament prestrains from biplanar X-ray and CT data. Subject-specific model evaluation was performed by comparing predicted femorotibial kinematics with the in vitro response of six cadaveric specimens. The differences obtained using personalized models were comparable to those reported in similar studies in the literature. This study is the first step toward the use of simplified, personalized knee FE models in clinical context such as ligament balancing.
Ultrastructural alteration of pulmonary tissue under conditions of high oxygen concentration.

OBJECTIVE To determine the structure of pulmonary tissue under conditions of high oxygen concentration. METHODS Ten-week-old C57BL male mice and control mice were exposed to 100% oxygen and to room air for 72 hours, respectively. To follow the progression of lesions, the mice were sacrificed at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after 100% oxygen administration. Lung specimens obtained from these mice underwent morphologic analysis and immunofluorescence studies. We used scanning and transmission electron microscopy to determine the ultrastructure of the pulmonary capillaries, including the endothelial glycocalyx. To visualize the endothelial glycocalyx, we performed lanthanum nitrate staining. RESULTS The survival rate of the 100% oxygen administration group was 5% (2/40) and that of the control group was 100%. Perivascular cavity enlargement was detected 12 hours after 100% oxygen administration and expanded over time. Ultrastructural analysis using electron microscopy revealed collapsed alveoli and pulmonary capillary wall and alveolar wall thickening in the 100% oxygen group. The pulmonary capillary endothelial glycocalyx was injured in the 100% oxygen group. The perivascular cavity decreased in mice that were returned to room air after 48 hours of 100% oxygen administration. CONCLUSION High-concentration oxygen causes perivascular cavity enlargement; this is thought to be a special characteristic of high oxygen damage. In addition, high-concentration oxygen may be involved in pulmonary endothelial glycocalyx injury.
Ovarian cancer: new strategies and emerging targets for the treatment of patients with advanced disease

ABSTRACT Recently approved therapies have contributed to a significant progress in the management of ovarian cancer; yet, more options are needed to further improve outcomes in patients with advanced disease. Here we review the rationale and ongoing clinical trials of novel combination strategies involving chemotherapy, poly ADP ribose polymerase, programmed death 1 (PD-1)/PD-ligand 1 immune checkpoint and/or vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitors. Further, we discuss novel agents aimed at targets associated with ovarian cancer growth or progression that are emerging as potential new treatment approaches. Among them, agents targeted to folate receptor α, tissue factor, and protein kinase-mediated pathways (WEE1 kinase, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase α, cell cycle checkpoint kinase 1/2, ATR kinase) are currently in clinical development as mono- or combination therapies. If successful, findings from these extensive development efforts may further transform treatment of patients with advanced ovarian cancer.
Comparison of Psychological and Physiological Stress in NICU Nurses

Background: Effects of unit design and shift worked on stress in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses have not been fully studied. Purpose: To compare stress in NICU nurses who work in single-family room (SFR) or open bay (OBY) units and on nonrotating day or night shift. Methods: Full-time registered nurses (RNs) (n = 72) from a 42-bed SFR and a 131-bed OBY NICU participated in this comparative cross-sectional study. The Nurse Stress Scale (NSS) and within-shift repeated salivary cortisol levels were used to measure stress. The relationship between NSS score and salivary cortisol level was examined using multiple linear regression. Salivary cortisol levels of day versus night shift were compared with mixed-effects linear models. Results: NSS scores were similar for SFR and OBY units (P = .672) and day versus night shift (P = .606). Changes in cortisol level over time (P = .764) and final cortisol level (P = .883) for SFR versus OBY were not significantly different after controlling for shift. Salivary cortisol level of day-shift nurses decreased significantly over time compared with night-shift nurses (P < .001). The final cortisol level was significantly higher for night-shift compared with day-shift nurses (P < .001). Implications for Practice: Psychological (NSS) and physiologic (salivary cortisol) stress of NICU nurses is similar in established SFR and OBY units. Cortisol levels are higher at the end of shift in nurses who work night shift and may reflect increased physiologic stress. Implications for Research: Strategies are needed for reducing stress in NICU nurses who work night shift.
Ythdf is a N6‐methyladenosine reader that modulates Fmr1 target mRNA selection and restricts axonal growth in Drosophila

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) regulates a variety of physiological processes through modulation of RNA metabolism. This modification is particularly enriched in the nervous system of several species, and its dysregulation has been associated with neurodevelopmental defects and neural dysfunctions. In Drosophila, loss of m6A alters fly behavior, albeit the underlying molecular mechanism and the role of m6A during nervous system development have remained elusive. Here we find that impairment of the m6A pathway leads to axonal overgrowth and misguidance at larval neuromuscular junctions as well as in the adult mushroom bodies. We identify Ythdf as the main m6A reader in the nervous system, being required to limit axonal growth. Mechanistically, we show that the m6A reader Ythdf directly interacts with Fmr1, the fly homolog of Fragile X mental retardation RNA binding protein (FMRP), to inhibit the translation of key transcripts involved in axonal growth regulation. Altogether, this study demonstrates that the m6A pathway controls development of the nervous system and modulates Fmr1 target transcript selection.
Cutaneous and muscular afferents from the foot and sensory fusion processing: Physiology and pathology in neuropathies

The foot‐sole cutaneous receptors (section 2), their function in stance control (sway minimisation, exploratory role) (2.1), and the modulation of their effects by gait pattern and intended behaviour (2.2) are reviewed. Experimental manipulations (anaesthesia, temperature) (2.3 and 2.4) have shown that information from foot sole has widespread influence on balance. Foot‐sole stimulation (2.5) appears to be a promising approach for rehabilitation. Proprioceptive information (3) has a pre‐eminent role in balance and gait. Reflex responses to balance perturbations are produced by both leg and foot muscle stretch (3.1) and show complex interactions with skin input at both spinal and supra‐spinal levels (3.2), where sensory feedback is modulated by posture, locomotion and vision. Other muscles, notably of neck and trunk, contribute to kinaesthesia and sense of orientation in space (3.3). The effects of age‐related decline of afferent input are variable under different foot‐contact and visual conditions (3.4). Muscle force diminishes with age and sarcopenia, affecting intrinsic foot muscles relaying relevant feedback (3.5). In neuropathy (4), reduction in cutaneous sensation accompanies the diminished density of viable receptors (4.1). Loss of foot‐sole input goes along with large‐fibre dysfunction in intrinsic foot muscles. Diabetic patients have an elevated risk of falling, and vision and vestibular compensation strategies may be inadequate (4.2). From Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth 1A disease (4.3) we have become aware of the role of spindle group II fibres and of the anatomical feet conditions in balance control. Lastly (5) we touch on the effects of nerve stimulation onto cortical and spinal excitability, which may participate in plasticity processes, and on exercise interventions to reduce the impact of neuropathy.
Parents’ lived experiences of parental needs for support at a burn centre

ABSTRACT Purpose: A burn injury to a child is a traumatic event and the parent’s emotional reactions and coping strategies affect the child’s adaptive outcome. It is therefore important that parents get the right support. The aim was to explore parents’ lived experiences of their need for support when having a child admitted to a burn centre. Methods: Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 22 parents of children age <12 years hospitalised with an accidental burn injury, 9 to 27 days after the burn accident, from April 2017 to July 2018. A Ricoeur-inspired textual analysis method was used. Results: Four themes emerged from the analysis and describe the parents’ needs for support. The parents wanted to be taken care of as a whole family and feel safe in the hands of professionals. This, in turn, depended on being informed about the child’s condition and treatment, but also on getting help in dealing with feelings of guilt. Not least, parents wanted opportunities to take care of their own fundamental needs in terms of hygiene, food, adequate rest and activities. Conclusion: As an overall understanding the healthcare providers should focus on the family as a whole in care and treatment.