Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The comparison of antimicrobial effects of herbal and chemical agents on toothpaste: An experimental study

Background: Nowadays, health-care companies use different antimicrobial agents in toothpastes to reduce oral microorganisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial effects of one Iranian herbal toothpaste in different concentrations compared with the chemical type on oral microorganisms in vitro. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the antimicrobial effect of one Iranian herbal toothpaste in comparison with its chemical type at three concentrations of 1, 1:1, and 1:3 on Streptococcus mutans (SM), Lactobacillus (LB), and Candida albicans (CA), respectively, were studied by agar disc diffusion method. The microorganisms were cultured on 21 plates. Then, four sterile paper discs were placed on each plate and the extracts were placed on them in prepared concentrations and incubated at 37°C ± 0°C for 24 h. The diameter of the inhibition zone around the discs was then measured in millimeters and recorded two-way ANOVA, one-way ANOVA tests, and regarding the difference variances, Tamhane supplementary tests were used at the significance level of P < 0.05. Results: According to the results of this study, the full concentration of Iranian herbal toothpaste on SM, LB, and CA microorganisms had higher antimicrobial effect than the other two concentrations. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Furthermore, all the three toothpastes at full concentration had the same antimicrobial activity (P < 0.05). The antimicrobial effect of herbal toothpaste decreased significantly compared with the chemical toothpaste while the concentration decreased (P < 0.05). Conclusion: At full concentration, herbal and chemical toothpastes have the same antimicrobial effect, but by reducing the concentration, the antimicrobial effect of herbal toothpaste is reduced compared with the chemical one.
Genome mapping of seed-borne allergens and immunoresponsive proteins in wheat

We present a comprehensive analysis of variation in genes and gene expression of allergens and immunoresponsive proteins in wheat. Wheat is an important staple grain for humankind globally because of its end-use quality and nutritional properties and its adaptability to diverse climates. For a small proportion of the population, specific wheat proteins can trigger adverse immune responses and clinical manifestations such as celiac disease, wheat allergy, baker’s asthma, and wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA). Establishing the content and distribution of the immunostimulatory regions in wheat has been hampered by the complexity of the wheat genome and the lack of complete genome sequence information. We provide novel insights into the wheat grain proteins based on a comprehensive analysis and annotation of the wheat prolamin Pfam clan grain proteins and other non-prolamin allergens implicated in these disorders using the new International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium bread wheat reference genome sequence, RefSeq v1.0. Celiac disease and WDEIA genes are primarily expressed in the starchy endosperm and show wide variation in protein- and transcript-level expression in response to temperature stress. Nonspecific lipid transfer proteins and α-amylase trypsin inhibitor gene families, implicated in baker’s asthma, are primarily expressed in the aleurone layer and transfer cells of grains and are more sensitive to cold temperature. The study establishes a new reference map for immunostimulatory wheat proteins and provides a fresh basis for selecting wheat lines and developing diagnostics for products with more favorable consumer attributes.
Intragenomic polymorphism and intergenomic recombination in the ribosomal RNA genes of strains belonging to a yeast species Pichia membranifaciens

ABSTRACT A concerted evolution model has been proposed to explain the observed lack of sequence variation among the multiple ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene copies in many different eukaryotic species. Recent studies on the level of intragenomic variations in the rRNA gene repeats of fungi resulted in controversial conclusions. In this study, we clearly showed that significant polymorphisms of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) exist within the genome of a strain of the yeast species Pichia membranifaciens. More interestingly, we showed that the intragenomic ITS sequence polymorphisms were formed by intergenomic rDNA recombination among different P. membranifaciens strains with significantly different ITS sequences. Intergenomic rDNA recombination was also responsible for the diversification of rDNA sequences in different strains of the species. After the events bring together different rDNA types in individual genomes of the P. membranifaciens strains compared, rDNA sequence heterogeneity has remained in the genome of one but eliminated by homogenisation in the genomes of other strains. Our findings show new clue for further investigation on the mechanism of concerted evolution of rRNA genes in eukaryotes.
Synergy effect of meropenem-based combinations against Acinetobacter baumannii: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose The main objective of our meta-analysis was to examine the in vitro synergistic effect of meropenem-based combination therapies against Acinetobacter baumannii through a systematic review of the existing literature. Methods An extensive search was performed with no restrictions on date of publication, language, and publication type. Our study evaluated the main conclusions drawn from various studies describing the synergistic activity of combination therapies in vitro. Results In this review, 56 published studies were included. Our report included data on 20 types of antibiotics combined with meropenem in 1,228 Acinetobacter baumannii isolates. In time-kill studies, meropenem combined with polymyxin B and rifampicin showed synergy rates of 98.3% (95% CI, 83.7%–100.0%) and 89.4% (95% CI, 57.2%–100.0%), respectively, for Acinetobacter baumannii, modest synergy rates were found for meropenem combined with several antibiotics such as colistin and sulbactam, and no synergy effect was displayed in the combination of meropenem and ciprofloxacin, whereas in checkerboard method, the synergy rates of polymyxin B and rifampicin were 37.0% (95% CI, 0.00%–100.0%) and 56.3% (95% CI, 8.7%–97.8%), respectively. Conclusion We found that time-kill studies generally identified the greatest synergy, while checkerboard and Etest methods yielded relatively poor synergy rates. Further well-designed in vivo studies should be carried out to confirm these findings.
Impact of fire on the macrofungal diversity in scrub jungles of south-west India

ABSTRACT Fortnightly survey in control and fire-impacted regions of scrub jungle of south-west coast of India during south-west monsoon (50 m2 quadrats up to 10 weeks) yielded 34 and 25 species of macrofungi, respectively. The species as well as sporocarp richness were the highest during the fourth week, while the diversity attained the highest during the second week in control region. In fire-impacted region, the species and sporocarp richness and diversity peaked at sixth week. Seven species common to both regions were Chlorophyllum molybdites, Lepiota sp. , Leucocoprinus birnbaumii, Marasmius sp. 3, Polyporus sp. , Schizophyllum commune and Tetrapyrgos nigripes. The overall sporocarp richness was higher in fire-impacted than in control region. The Jaccard’s similarity between regions was 13.5%, while fortnights of regions ranged from 0% (10th week) to 11.7% (eighth week). Control region showed single-species dominance by Xylaria hypoxylon, while multispecies dominance by Cyathus striatus and Lentinus squarrosulus in fire-impacted region. Except for air temperature, nine abiotic factors significantly differed between control and fire-impacted regions. The Pearson correlation was positive between species richness and phosphorus content in fire-impacted region (r = 0.696), while sporocarp richness was negatively correlated with pH in control region (r = −0.640). Economically viable species were 12 and 10 without overlap in control and fire-impacted regions, respectively.
Back to the future: cordycipitoid fungi in a postgenomic world

ABSTRACT The massive – but nearly uninterpretable – work of Kobayasi on Cordyceps species (many of which were illustrated gorgeously by D. Shimizu’s paintings) was made useful and modernised by the phylogenetically based reclassification by Gi-Ho Sung and others in 2007. The rejection of dual nomenclature in favour of the new standard for the names of pleomorphic fungi that allow only a single valid name for any one organism has resulted in uncertainties and confusions about what names should be used, and these doubts will certainly continue until at least the 2023 International Botanical Congress. Enough genomic and molecular information has now accumulated about so many of these cordycipitoid fungi, however, that it is appropriate to step back from the thermocyclers that now dominate so many biological laboratories to consider how these genomic findings may be used to advance our understanding of these fungi and their activities in the real world (as opposed to their genomic dissections in a thermocycler). Questions to be considered include how genomic information might help guide future research on such diverse issues as understanding the natural ecology of these fungi, the interactions of biotic and abiotic factors needed to initiate their sexual stages, and better clues about how to elicit the productions of a wide range of biologically active compounds known to be produced by cordycipitoid fungi.
Situation of type specimens of Cordyceps and allies described by Dr Kobayasi

ABSTRACT Information about authentic specimens of Cordyceps spp. that were described by Dr Kobayasi were summarised. Dr Kobayasi, National Museum of Nature and Science, has described/proposed about 28% of the scientific names for the major two genera of entomopathogenic fungi (Cordyceps s. l. and Torrubiella s. l.) with Mr Shimizu before 2007. In total 44 authentic specimens were discovered at present: 19 in Torrubiella, 6 in Cordyceps spp. on Elaphomyces, 19 in Cordyceps spp. on cicada. Although the colour iconography books published by Dr Kobayasi and Mr Shimizu did not explain the information about the illustrated specimens, 22 among the discovered specimens have been illustrated in colour showing their fresh condition in the books.
CTLA4 tagging polymorphisms and risk of colorectal cancer: a case–control study involving 2,306 subjects

Background CTLA4 is a candidate gene which has been implicated in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Patients and Methods To determine the important role of CTLA-4 polymorphisms on risk of CRC, we genotyped four CTLA-4 tagging polymorphisms and calculated crude/adjusted ORs with their 95% CIs. We recruited 1,003 sporadic CRC cases and 1,303 controls. Results The findings suggested that CTLA-4 rs231775 G>A polymorphism increased the risk of CRC (homozygote model: adjusted OR=1.40, 95% CI=1.05–1.87, P=0.022; dominant model: adjusted OR=1.19, 95% CI=1.00–1.41, P=0.047; and recessive model: adjusted OR=1.38, 95% CI=1.05–1.82, P=0.021). In a stratified analysis by site of tumor, this association was also found in colon cancer. We also found that CTLA-4 rs231775 GA/AA genotypes might be associated with an increased risk of CRC in Zhenjiang cohort. In addition, we found the CTLA-4 rs16840252 C>T polymorphism was associated with the risk of colon cancer. Haplotype comparison analysis showed that CTLA-4 Grs3087243Crs16840252Crs733618 Ars231775, Grs3087243Crs16840252Trs733618Ars231775, and other haplotypes increased the risk of CRC (P<0.001, <0.001, and 0.002, respectively). Conclusion This study evidences an association of CTLA-4 tagging polymorphisms and haplotypes with CRC risk. Additional well-designed studies with large sample sizes are required to confirm our findings.
INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF ACCRUAL ACCOUNTING IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT MALANG

This research aim to understand the application of accrual accounting in Malang viewed from their organizational change using New Institutional Sociology's perspective. This research is qualitative research with case study as the background to understand the context of accrual adoption. The results indicated about isomorphism while implementing accrual accounting in Malang, such as: coercive through pressure from the central government using their regulation, mimetic through learning from external parties that more experience, and normative through the role of professional actors. Decoupling behavior also emerged as a response of changes to develop accounting standards based on accrual. Keys: Accrual Accounting, New Institutional Sociology, Organizational change, Isomorphism
Influence Of Angiogenic Mediators And Bone Remodelling In Paget´s Disease Of Bone

Paget´s disease of bone (PDB) is characterized by increased bone resorption followed by an excessive compensatory bone formation, with an abnormal bone structure with altered mechanical properties. Pagetic bone also has a higher vascularization and marrow fibrosis. Despite of pagetic bone being a highly vascularized tissue, there are no studies on the plasma levels of angiogenic mediators in the different states of the disease; moreover, the effect of PDB treatment on plasma levels of these angiogenic mediators is not very well known. The aim of this study was to analyse plasma levels of cytokines implicated in the increased bone turnover (OPG, RANKL, sclerostin) and hypervascularization (VEGF, PGF, ENG) observed in PDB and their evolution and response to zoledronic acid treatment in 70 PDB patients, 29 with an active disease measured by plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Plasma ALP concentration was higher in active PDB than in inactive PDB patients, whereas there were no differences in OPG, RANKL, sclerostin, VEGF, PGF and ENG plasma levels between active and inactive PDB patients. ALP decreased at 3 and 12 months after zoledronic acid treatment. RANKL levels were reduced and sclerostin levels were increased after 12 months of treatment. PGF levels were lower 12 months after zoledronic acid treatment, whereas there were no differences in plasma VEGF and ENG after zoledronic acid treatment. Summarizing, zoledronic acid treatment is associated to decreases in plasma levels of ALP, RANKL, sclerostin and P1GF in active PDB patients. This treatment may reduce bone turnover and might reduce the pathological vascularisation typical of pagetic bone.
The effect of low-level laser 810 nm and light-emitting diode photobiomodulation (626 nm) on the stability of the implant and inflammatory markers interleukin-1 beta and prostaglandin E2, around implants

Background: One of the most common problems in edentulous patients is the low stability of lower dentures. The most effective method to overcome this problem is implant-supported overdentures. After placing an implant, for the process of osseointegration to be complete and successful, it is better that patients do not use their denture for few months. This may be nonconvenient for patient because they are unable to speak and eat properly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of low level laser (LLL) and light-emitting diode (LED) photobiomodulation on implant stability as well as their effect on interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) biomarkers around implant in lower anterior region (over denture). Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 36 implants were placed in fully edentulous mandibles (12 people per person - three implants in areas of midline and canine). Each of the implants was randomly placed in one of three groups of laser, LED, and control. LLL (power of 50 mw and the amount of 20 J/cm2 for each implant) and LED with dose (20 mw/cm2) were irradiated on the day of surgery (zero), 3, 7, 10, and 14 days. The stability of implants was measured on the day of surgery and weeks 3, 4, and 8 after surgery with Periotest. The inflammatory biomarkers of IL-1β and PGE2 were also collected from gingival crevicular fluid around implants in 4 and 8 weeks. The collected data were analyzed by ANOVA statistical tests.pvalue<0.05 considered significant. Results: The amounts of Periotest significantly increased 3rd week after surgery in the control group (P < 0.001). However, the laser group and LED group were associated with minimal changes, which indicates lower stability of implant in 3rd week in control group but no changes in stability of test groups (laser and LED). Laser and LED had no effect on the level of IL-1β and PGE2 in 4 and 8 weeks. Conclusion: The use of LLL or LED has a positive effect on the stability of the implants 3 weeks after surgery.
Simple Mortality Predictive Models for Improving Critical Care in Resource-Limited Settings: An Insight on the Modified Early Warning Score and Rapid Emergency Medical Score

Mortality rate among critically ill patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit is high, particularly in low-income countries (LIC). Many scores have been developed to predict these fatal outcomes. In LIC, the applicability of scoring systems is precluded by the unavailability of resources to compile all the parameters of these scores. Herein, we highlight the advantages of two models: the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) and the Rapid Emergency Medical Score (REMS). The REMS and the MEWS have the advantage of being accurate, simple, inexpensive, and practical for LIC.
Internet-Based Universal Prevention for Students and Parents to Prevent Alcohol and Cannabis Use Among Adolescents: Protocol for the Randomized Controlled Trial of Climate Schools Plus

Background Early initiation of alcohol and cannabis use markedly increases the risk of harms associated with use, including the development of substance use and mental health disorders. To interrupt this trajectory, effective prevention during the adolescent period is critical. Despite evidence showing that parents can play a critical role in delaying substance use initiation, the majority of prevention programs focus on adolescents only. Accordingly, the Climate Schools Plus (CSP) program was developed to address this gap. Objective This paper outlines the protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the CSP program, a novel internet-based program for parents and students to prevent adolescent substance use and related harms. The CSP program builds on the success of the Climate Schools student programs, with the addition of a newly developed parenting component, which allows parents to access the internet-based content to equip them with knowledge and skills to help prevent substance use in their adolescents. Methods A cluster RCT is being conducted with year 8 students (aged 12-14 years) and their parents from 12 Australian secondary schools between 2018 and 2020. Using blocked randomization, schools are assigned to one of the two groups to receive either the CSP program (intervention) or health education as usual (control). The primary outcomes of the trial will be any student alcohol use (≥1 standard alcoholic drink/s) and any student drinking to excess (≥5 standard alcoholic drinks). Secondary outcomes will include alcohol- and cannabis-related knowledge, alcohol use-related harms, frequency of alcohol consumption, frequency of drinking to excess, student cannabis use, parents’ self-efficacy to stop their children using alcohol, parental supply of alcohol, and parent-adolescent communication. All students and their parents will complete assessments on three occasions—baseline and 12 and 24 months postbaseline. In addition, students and parents in the intervention group will be asked to complete program evaluations on two occasions—immediately following the year 8 program and immediately following the year 9 program. Results Analyses will be conducted using multilevel, mixed-effects models within an intention-to-treat framework. It is expected that students in the intervention group will have less uptake and excessive use of alcohol compared with the students in the control group. Conclusions This study will provide the first evaluation of a combined internet-based program for students and their parents to prevent alcohol and cannabis use. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000153213; https://www.anzctr. org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx? id=374178 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/71E0prqfQ) Registered Report Identifier RR1-10.2196/10849
Communicating Environmental Health Risks with Indigenous Populations: A Systematic Literature Review of Current Research and Recommendations for Future Studies

ABSTRACT Indigenous populations are recognized as a group who are potentially vulnerable to environmental health hazards due to their intimate relationship with and reliance on local environments for aspects of culture, health, and well-being. In many circumstances barriers to effective communication and health risk management are linked to cultural, economic, and geographic factors. A systematic literature review was conducted to consolidate peer-reviewed research on the communication of environmental health risks with Indigenous populations. The comprehensive literature review procedures included searching databases and key journals that represented various fields in communication, environmental health, and Indigenous studies. The review yielded a total of 4,469 potential articles and a total of 13 of these manuscripts met the inclusion criteria. The 13 articles were analyzed to identify lessons learned for effective risk communication. Factors that influence successful risk communication strategies with Indigenous populations on this topic include: (1) developing messages that are congruent with the populations’ cultural beliefs and understanding of the environment; (2) including Indigenous populations in message design and delivery; (3) using credible and trustworthy spokespeople in message delivery; (4) identifying and utilizing effective communication materials and channels; and (5) ensuring that messages are understandable to the target audience. Gaps in the literature include the lack of longitudinal studies that empirically measure changes in perception, awareness and behavior, as well as a general lack of theory-based research. Results from this review provide directions for future work to help guide the development of more effective health risk communication research and strategies with Indigenous populations.
T Cell Immunity To Enterovirus 71 Infection In Humans And Implications For Vaccine Development

Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) is one of the major pathogens causing hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). Some strains can lead to neurological disease and fatality in children. Up to date, there is no FDA-approved vaccine to prevent severe HFMD and mortality. Although the inactivated vaccine has advanced to production in China, lack of long-term protection and the requirement of multiple boosters have necessitated the development of other types of vaccines. Recent studies indicate that cellular and not humoral immunity determines the clinical outcome of EV-A71 infections. High levels of cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-γ tend to correlate with clinical severity in patients with pulmonary edema and encephalitis. The live attenuated vaccine may serve as the preferred choice as it can induce excellent humoral and cellular immunity as well as live-long immunity. Expression of certain HLA alleles such as TNF-α promoter type II (-308 allele), HLA-A33 and HLA-DR17 responses have been linked to severe HFMD. However, the high variability of MHC genes could restrict T cell recognition and be a major obstacle in the design of peptide vaccines. Hence, the development of a T cell universal vaccine (incorporating both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell epitopes) that induces broad, multifunctional and cross-reactive CD8+ T cell responses maybe desirable.