Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing the impact on virus transmission and insect vector behavior of a viral mixed infection in melon.

Mixed viral infections in plants are common, and can result in synergistic or antagonistic interactions. Except in complex diseases with severe symptoms, mixed infections frequently remain unnoticed, and their impact on insect vector transmission is largely unknown. In this study, we considered mixed infections of two unrelated viruses commonly found in melon plants, the crinivirus Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV) and the potyvirus Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), and evaluated their vector-transmission by whiteflies and aphids, respectively. Their dynamics of accumulation was analyzed until 60 days post-inoculation (dpi) in mixed-infected plants, documenting reduced titers of WMV and much higher titers of CYSDV compared with single infections. At 24 dpi, corresponding to the peak of CYSDV accumulation, similar whitefly transmission rates were obtained when comparing either individual or mixed-infected plants as CYSDV sources, although its secondary dissemination was slightly biased towards plants previously infected with WMV, regardless of the source plant. However, at later time points mixed-infected plants partially recovered from the initially severe symptoms, and CYSDV transmission became significantly higher. Interestingly, aphid transmission rates both at early and late time points were unaltered when WMV was acquired from mixed-infected plants despite its reduced accumulation. This lack of correlation between WMV accumulation and transmission could result from compensatory effects observed in the analysis of the aphid feeding behavior by electrical penetration graphs. Thus, our results showed that mixed-infected plants could provide advantages for both viruses, directly favoring CYSDV dissemination while maintaining WMV transmission.
Protein Kinase CK2—A Putative Target for the Therapy of Diabetes Mellitus?

Since diabetes is a global epidemic, the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of this disease is of major clinical interest. Diabetes is differentiated in two types: type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). T1DM arises from an autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing β-cells whereas T2DM is characterized by an insulin resistance, an impaired insulin reaction of the target cells, and/or dysregulated insulin secretion. In the past, a growing number of studies have reported on the important role of the protein kinase CK2 in the regulation of the survival and endocrine function of pancreatic β-cells. In fact, inhibition of CK2 is capable of reducing cytokine-induced loss of β-cells and increases insulin expression as well as secretion by various pathways that are regulated by reversible phosphorylation of proteins. Moreover, CK2 inhibition modulates pathways that are involved in the development of diabetes and prevents signal transduction, leading to late complications such as diabetic retinopathy. Hence, targeting CK2 may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of diabetes.
Effects of Soft Tissue Massage of the Posterior Deltoid Muscle on Shoulder Horizontal Adduction

Abstract 1)Stiffness of the posterior deltoid is as a causative factor in the limited range of glenohumeral horizontal adduction and various other shoulder pathologies including shoulder impingement syndrome, frozen shoulder, and humerus anterior glide syndrome. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two techniques (soft tissue massage and cross-body stretch) on increasing the range of horizontal adduction. Thirty-two subjects with a 10° or greater difference between the right and left sides in hori-zontal adduction were selected. Sixteen subjects from each group were allocated randomly. Interventions were applied on six occasions for 2 weeks, and the range of horizontal adduction was measured using an inclinometer at pre-and post-intervention. A 2×2 analysis of variance (intervention×time) was used to compare the effects of the two techniques. In the soft tissue massage group, the angle of horizontal ad-duction significantly increased compared with the cross-body stretch group. These findings indicate that the soft tissue massage of the posterior deltoid muscle is a more effective method to increase the flexi-bility of the glenohumeral horizontal adduction.Key Words: Cross-body stretch; Glenohumeral horizontal adduction; Posterior deltoid; Soft tissue massage.
Osteonecrosis de los maxilares: Documento de consenso

Resumen Nuestro objetivo ha sido elaborar un documento de posicion sobre el riesgo de desarrollar una osteone-crosis de maxilares (ONM) en los pacientes que reciben bifosfonatos para el tratamiento de la osteopo-rosis, identificando y valorando el grado de evidencia que apoyan las recomendaciones.Para ello se revisaron los estudios publicados sobre la definicion, epidemiologia, fisiopatologia, clinica,diagnostico y tratamiento de la ONM, elaborandose tras su analisis las presentes recomendaciones. Estasse efectuaron tras un proceso pre-especificado y reproducible, que incluyo un modelo aceptado para laevaluacion y la cita de la evidencia que las apoyaban. El documento, una vez elaborado por los coordi-nadores, fue revisado y discutido por todos los miembros del panel, elaborandose las recomendacionesprovisionales que finalmente fueron estudiadas y aprobadas por los expertos de las sociedades medicasrelacionadas con el metabolismo mineral oseo, que se muestran en el Anexo 2. Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
The promise of plant based foods: new directions?

The consumption of a plant based diet has important implications for health and the environment, yet little is known about the attitudes of the food industry and media personnel towards plant foods and the barriers they face to the production, retail and promotion of such foods. Therefore, 32 Australian food industry and media representatives participated in individual interviews on plant foods. Participants saw strong health benefits associated with the consumption of plant foods. Barriers to production or retail of plant foods that were identified included drought and lack of grower control over the distribution and marketing of their product. Participants believed that we are in the early stages of learning about consumer attitudes and preferences to plant foods. In addition to the greater financial resources necessary to be able to compete with less healthy foods, better cooperation within and between industry and non-industry groups was identified as a key factor that could help in their endeavours to promote plant foods.
Double Hierarchy Hesitant Fuzzy Linguistic LINMAP Method for Multiple Attribute Group Decision Making

Compared with hesitant fuzzy linguistic term set (HFLTS), double hierarchy hesitant fuzzy linguistic term set (DHHFLTS) has a second hierarchy linguistic term set, which is a detailed supplementary of each linguistic term included in the first hierarchy linguistic term set. Thus, DHHFLTS can express more complex and sufficient evaluation information than HFLTS. To solve multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM) problems in which the assessment values of alternatives and the preference relations between alternatives are denoted by double hierarchy hesitant fuzzy linguistic elements, this paper extends the traditional LINMAP method under double hierarchy hesitant fuzzy linguistic environment. A practical example is provided to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method.
Factors influencing the appropriateness of hospital stays

The purpose of this study was to determine the level of appropriateness in hospital stays and factors influencing inappropriate hospital stays. The study was conducted at fifteen general care units in a tertiary university hospital. Appropriateness of hospital stay was assessed using Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol by trained head nurses. The total of 447 patient records were reviewed. Among them, 352 patient data were included in the final data set. A unit of observation was patient day. A rate of appropriate hospital stay was calculated per patient as a unit of analysis. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the factors affecting inappropriate hospital stay. The eighty-three percent (2030/2651) of hospital stays were evaluated as appropriate. There were significant differences in appropriateness of hospital stay according to patient`s age, type of health insurance, medical specialty, and length of stay(p
Time-Based Modeling of Linguistic Preference to Preferential Probability

In this paper, we present a method to estimate the likely concept a committee of designers will select given their verbalized preferences toward each alternative. In order to perform this estimation, we present a new method of preference elicitation based on natural language. First, we show a way to model preference in the natural language of appraisal, which describes the degree of intensity and the uncertainty of preference based upon gradable semantic resources to express appraisals. We then show a way to map linguistic appraisals into probability distribution functions. Finally, we present a Markov model that utilizes these probability distribution functions in state transition matrices to calculate in a time-varying manner the change of preference over time. We present a case study to illustrate the validity of the method.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
A Semantic Resource Based Approach for Star Schemas Matching

The hybrid approach is widely used in constructing data warehouse (DW) schemas. It relies on a complex process for matching two sets of multidimensional star schemas: schemas built from business requirements (BR-Star schemas) and schemas constructed on the organization data source (DS-Star schemas). Using a semantic resource during this matching helps solving heterogeneity problems.This paper suggests a semiautomatic approach for the construction of approved star schemas by matching DS-Star schemas with BRStars, and by using WordNet as a semantic resource for solving heterogeneity issues. This approach consists of three steps: i) Match DS-Stars with BR-Stars; ii) Involve the DW designer for approval of the matching process;and then iii) Generate approved star schemas. We have defined two Boolean functions and four semantic metrics for the matching process. We have developed a software prototype for testing our approach.
RiskCog: Unobtrusive Real-Time User Authentication on Mobile Devices in the Wild

Recent hardware advances have led to the development and consumerization of mobile devices, which mainly include smartphones and various wearable devices. To protect the privacy of users, various user authentication mechanisms have been proposed. In particular, biometrics has been widely used for multi-factor authentication. However, biometrics-based authentication mechanisms usually require costly sensors deployed on devices, and rely on explicit user input and Internet connection for performing user authentication. In this article, we propose a system, called RiskCog, which can authenticate the ownership of mobile devices unobtrusively and in a real-time manner by adopting a learning-based approach. Unlike previous studies on user authentication, for cross-platform deployment, maximum user privacy protection, and unobtrusive authentication, RiskCog only relies on those widely available and privacy-insensitive motion sensors to capture the data related to the users’ daily device usage. It requires no users’ explicit input and has no requirement on the users’ motion state or the device placement. RiskCog is also usable in the environment without Internet access by performing offline user identity verification. We conduct comprehensive experiments on smartphones and smartwatches, which show that RiskCog can authenticate device users rapidly and with high accuracy.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation and Hemorrhage After Dilation and Evacuation Abortion for Fetal Death.

OBJECTIVE To examine the association between fetal death and risk of hemorrhage and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) among women undergoing dilation and evacuation (D&E) procedures. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all D&Es at one academic abortion clinic in San Francisco between 2009 and 2013. We abstracted data on fetal death status, demographic characteristics, and complications including hemorrhage and DIC. We examined the risk of hemorrhage and DIC among women with fetal death compared with those without. We conducted unadjusted and adjusted analyses for the outcomes of hemorrhage, DIC, and any complication. RESULTS Among 92 cases of D&E for fetal death and 4,428 cases of D&E for other reasons, hemorrhage occurred in 10% and 7%, respectively (P=.28), and DIC occurred in 2.0% and 0.2% of the fetal death and nonfetal death cohorts (P<.001). In adjusted analysis, fetal death was associated with 2.9 times higher odds of hemorrhage (95% CI 1.4-6.0). In an unadjusted analysis, fetal death was associated with 12.3 times higher odds of DIC (95% CI 2.6-58.6) and 3.0 times higher odds of any complication (95% CI 1.6-5.9). CONCLUSION Women undergoing D&E for fetal death are far more likely to experience DIC and hemorrhage than are women without fetal death, yet the absolute risk is low (2%). Although D&E providers should be prepared for DIC and hemorrhage, we do not recommend any specific preoperative preparation because the vast majority of D&E abortions for fetal death are uncomplicated.
Haloarchaeal Carotenoids: Healthy Novel Compounds from Extreme Environments

Haloarchaea are halophilic microorganisms belonging to the archaea domain that inhabit salty environments (mainly soils and water) all over the world. Most of the genera included in this group can produce carotenoids at significant concentrations (even wild-type strains). The major carotenoid produced by the cells is bacterioruberin (and its derivatives), which is only produced by this kind of microbes and few bacteria, like Micrococcus roseus. Nevertheless, the understanding of carotenoid metabolism in haloarchaea, its regulation, and the roles of carotenoid derivatives in this group of extreme microorganisms remains mostly unrevealed. Besides, potential biotechnological uses of haloarchaeal pigments are poorly explored. This work summarises what it has been described so far about carotenoids from haloarchaea and their production at mid- and large-scale, paying special attention to the most recent findings on the potential uses of haloarchaeal pigments in biomedicine.
Ten‐year trends in catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia vs other interventional procedures in Australia

Major technological and procedural advancements have reinvigorated catheter ablation as adjunctive therapy for drug‐refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT). We examined temporal trends in VT ablations as compared to other interventional cardiovascular procedures namely, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation in Australia.
Protein kinase C mediates the phosphorylation of the Nem1–Spo7 protein phosphatase complex in yeast

The Nem1–Spo7 complex in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a protein phosphatase required for the nuclear/endoplasmic reticulum membrane localization of Pah1, a phosphatidate phosphatase that produces diacylglycerol for triacylglycerol synthesis at the expense of phospholipid synthesis. In a previous study, we showed that the protein phosphatase is subject to phosphorylation by protein kinase A (PKA). Here, we demonstrate that Nem1–Spo7 is regulated through its phosphorylation by protein kinase C (PKC), which plays multiple roles, including the regulation of lipid synthesis and cell wall integrity. Phosphorylation analyses of Nem1–Spo7 and its synthetic peptides indicate that both subunits of the complex are bona fide PKC substrates. Site-directed mutagenesis of NEM1 and SPO7, coupled with phosphopeptide mapping and immunoblotting with a phosphoserine-specific PKC substrate antibody, revealed that Ser-201 in Nem1 and Ser-22/Ser-28 in Spo7 are major PKC target sites of phosphorylation. Activity analysis of mutant Nem1–Spo7 complexes indicates that the PKC phosphorylation of Nem1 exerts a stimulatory effect, but the phosphorylation of Spo7 has no effect. Lipid-labeling analysis of cells expressing the phosphorylation-deficient alleles of NEM1 and SPO7 indicates that the stimulation of the Nem1–Spo7 activity has the effect of increasing triacylglycerol synthesis. Prephosphorylation of Nem1–Spo7 by PKC inhibits the PKA phosphorylation of Nem1, whereas prephosphorylation of the phosphatase complex by PKA inhibits the PKC phosphorylation of Spo7. Collectively, this work advances the understanding of the Nem1–Spo7 regulation by phosphorylation and its impact on lipid synthesis.
Developmental responses to early‐life adversity: Evolutionary and mechanistic perspectives

Adverse ecological and social conditions during early life are known to influence development, with rippling effects that may explain variation in adult health and fitness. The adaptive function of such developmental plasticity, however, remains relatively untested in long‐lived animals, resulting in much debate over which evolutionary models are most applicable. Furthermore, despite the promise of clinical interventions that might alleviate the health consequences of early‐life adversity, research on the proximate mechanisms governing phenotypic responses to adversity have been largely limited to studies on glucocorticoids. Here, we synthesize the current state of research on developmental plasticity, discussing both ultimate and proximate mechanisms. First, we evaluate the utility of adaptive models proposed to explain developmental responses to early‐life adversity, particularly for long‐lived mammals such as humans. In doing so, we highlight how parent‐offspring conflict complicates our understanding of whether mothers or offspring benefit from these responses. Second, we discuss the role of glucocorticoids and a second physiological system—the gut microbiome—that has emerged as an additional, clinically relevant mechanism by which early‐life adversity can influence development. Finally, we suggest ways in which nonhuman primates can serve as models to study the effects of early‐life adversity, both from evolutionary and clinical perspectives.
Construction of a comprehensive observer-based scale assessing aging-related health and functioning in captive rhesus macaques

Aging-related health and functioning are difficult to quantify in humans and nonhuman primates. We constructed an observer-based scale for daily application in assessing the aging-related health and functioning of rhesus macaques. Ten items referring to an aging appearance, musculoskeletal aging and aging-related eating behavior were selected through a panel consensus. The Aging-related Health and Functioning Scale (AHFS) was constructed based on these scored items form 57 healthy rhesus macaques. High reliability of the AHFS was shown based on Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (0.877). The structure of the AHFS was validated by three exploratory factors. The largest factor, whose four components were dietary uptake, iliac muscle mass, hair condition and fragility, and sex, explained 50.5% of the variation in aging-related health and functioning scores. The second factor, involving age, tooth loss and tooth wear, explained 15.5% of the variation. The lowest-ranking factor comprised only facial redness and accounted for 10% of the variation. A hierarchical cluster analysis validated the good applicability of the scale in distinct samples. From these scale-scored results, complicated aging phenomena observed in humans, including the sex-survival paradox and the calorie-related health-survival paradox, were both demonstrated in rhesus macaques. Therefore, the AHFS provides a valuable approach for aging-related research.
Interaction Between HBS- βo-Thalassemia and α-Thalassemia

We have defined the clinical and laboratory characteristics of a group of patients with HbS-βo+α-thalassemia plus α-thalassemia, by analysis of erythrocyte indices, hemoglobin A2 and F levels, globin biosynthesis studies and α-globin gene mapping. Patients with HbS-βo + α-thalassemia closely resembled individuals with HbS-βo-thalassemia except for balanced globin synthesis ratios and a lower HbF level. The frequency of painful crises, leg ulceration, aseptic necrosis of bone and acute chest syndrome was similar in HbS-βo + α-thalassemia patients and controls with sickle cell anemia (HbSS), HbSS-α-thalassemia and HbS-βo-thalassemia. These findings are consistent with previous work which failed to show a reduction in the vaso-occlusive severity of sickle cell disease by the coexistence of α-thalassemia.
Red Wine Grape Pomace Attenuates Atherosclerosis and Myocardial Damage and Increases Survival in Association with Improved Plasma Antioxidant Activity in a Murine Model of Lethal Ischemic Heart Disease

A healthy dietary pattern and high quality nutrient intake reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk. Red wine grape pomace (RWGP)—a rich natural source of dietary fiber and antioxidants—appears to be a potential functional food ingredient. The impact of a dietary supplementation with RWGP flour was evaluated in atherogenic diet-fed SR-B1 KO/ApoER61h/h mice, a model of lethal ischemic heart disease. SR-B1 KO/ApoER61h/h mice were fed with atherogenic (high fat, cholesterol, and cholic acid, HFC) diet supplemented with: (a) 20% chow (HFC-Control), (b) 20% RWGP flour (HFC-RWGP), or (c) 10% chow/10% oat fiber (HFC-Fiber); and survival time was evaluated. In addition, SR-B1 KO/ApoER61h/h mice were fed for 7 or 14 days with HFC-Control or HFC-RWGP diets and plasma lipid levels, inflammation, oxidative damage, and antioxidant activity were measured. Atherosclerosis and myocardial damage were assessed by histology and magnetic resonance imaging, respectively. Supplementation with RWGP reduced premature death, changed TNF-α and IL-10 levels, and increased plasma antioxidant activity. Moreover, decreased atheromatous aortic and brachiocephalic plaque sizes and attenuated myocardial infarction and dysfunction were also observed. These results suggest that RWGP flour intake may be used as a non-pharmacological therapeutic approach, contributing to decreased progression of atherosclerosis, reduced coronary heart disease, and improved cardiovascular outcomes.