Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sensory Trial of Quintuple Fortified Salt—Salt Fortified With Iodine, Iron, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, and Zinc—Among Consumers in New Delhi, India

Background: Micronutrient deficiencies are a cause of significant public health burden and loss of gross domestic product, especially in developing countries. Multiple fortified salt can potentially address this challenge at scale and in a cost-effective manner. Objective: This laboratory-based sensory trial evaluated the acceptability of quintuple fortified salt (Q5FS), that is, iodized salt (IS) fortified with additional 4 micronutrients: iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, and zinc. Iodized salt and double fortified salt (DFS), that is, IS fortified with iron, are used for comparison. Methods: Forty-five respondents were recruited by open invitations to the university staff and their families. Each study participant rated 10 food items each in a set of 3 identical preparations differing only in the salt used. A 5-point hedonic scale was used to rate each dish on 6 sensory attributes: appearance, color, aroma, taste, texture, and aftertaste. Finally, the dish was rated on the attribute of overall acceptability—a subjective combined score based on all sensory attributes considered together. Results: Among the 3 salt types, there was no difference in scores for the sensory attributes of appearance, aroma, taste, texture, and aftertaste, and the attribute of overall acceptability. Color in IS scored significantly higher than in Q5FS and DFS, but there was no difference between the scores of DFS and Q5FS. Conclusions: The 3 salts IS, DFS, and Q5FS are comparable to each other in all sensory properties, except for color. This study concludes that Q5FS is organoleptically acceptable under ideal conditions.
Inflammatory, Oxidative Stress, and Cardiac Damage Biomarkers and Radiation-Induced Fatigue in Breast Cancer Survivors

Purpose Studies examining biomarkers associated with fatigue in breast cancer survivors treated with radiation are limited. Therefore, we examined the longitudinal association between serum biomarkers and post-breast cancer fatigue in survivors treated with radiation: [oxidative stress] 8-hydroxyguanosine, myeloperoxidase; [inflammation] interleukin-6 (IL-6), c-reactive protein, growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), placental growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta, [cardiac damage] cystatin-C, troponin-I. Methods In a secondary analysis, we included participants from the Women’s Health Initiative if they had: a previous breast cancer diagnosis (stages I-III), no prior cardiovascular diseases, pre-and post-breast cancer serum samples drawn approximately 3 years apart, and fatigue measured using the Short-Form 36 vitality subscale at both serum collections. Biomarkers were measured using ELISA or RT-qPCR and modeled as the log2 post-to pre-breast cancer ratio. Results Overall, 180 women with a mean (SD) age of 67.0 (5.5) years were included. The mean (SD) vitality scores were 66.2 (17.2) and 59.7 (19.7) pre- and post-breast cancer, respectively. Using multivariable weighted linear regression, higher biomarker ratios of cystatin-C, IL-6, and GDF-15 were associated with a lower vitality score (i.e., higher fatigue). For example, for each 2-fold difference in cystatin-C biomarker ratio, the vitality score was lower by 7.31 points (95% CI: −14.2, −0.45). Conclusion Inflammatory and cardiac damage biomarkers are associated with fatigue in breast cancer survivors treated with radiation; however, these findings should be replicated in a larger sample. Biomarkers could be measured in clinical practice or assessed in risk prediction models to help identify patients at high risk for fatigue.
Circ_0093887 regulated ox-LDL induced human aortic endothelial cells viability, apoptosis, and inflammation through modulating miR-758-3p/BAMBI axis in atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND Compelling evidence demonstrated that circular RNAs (circRNAs) were involved in the progression of atherosclerosis (AS). However, the role of circ_0093887 in the progression of AS is unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the role and mechanism of circ_0093887 in oxidized-low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). METHODS HAECs were stimulated by ox-LDL to simulate AS-like injury in vitro. Circ_0093887, microRNA-758-3p (miR-758-3p), and BMP And Activin Membrane-Bound Inhibitor (BAMBI) levels were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). PCNA, Bax, Bcl-2, and BAMBI protein levels were detected by western blot. Cell viability and apoptosis were examined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry. Tube formation assay was used to assess tube formation. The levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β were detected by corresponding ELISA kits. The relationship between miR-758-3p and circ_0093887 or BAMBI was tested via dual-luciferase reporter analysis and RNA immunoprecipitation. Oxidative stress related indexes (ROS and MDA) were detected by corresponding kits. RESULTS The expression levels of circ_0093887 and BAMBI were prominently downregulated in ox-LDL-induced HAECs compared with control, whereas the expression of miR-758-3p was upregulated. Overexpression of circ_0093887 promoted HAECs viability and tube formation, and restrained cell apoptosis in ox-LDL-induced HAECs compared with untreated HAECs. Mechanistically, circ_0093887 regulated the expression of BAMBI through miR-758-3p. Further experiments showed that upregulation of miR-758-3p reversed changes in cell function induced by circ_0093887. In addition, reduced BAMBI salvaged miR-758-3p knockdown mediated effects on cell function. CONCLUSION Circ_0093887 demonstrated its diagnostic and therapeutic value in AS by promoting the role of the miR-758-3p/BAMBI axis in the ox-LDL-induced endothelial injury of HAECs.
Anatomical, histochemical and surface ultrastructural characteristics of cavum nasi of the common quails (Coturnix coturnix. Erlangeri)

Ten normal, mature and common quails were used to study in detail the gross anatomy, histochemical and surface ultrastructural characteristics of the nasal cavity. The relationship between the structure and function of the nasal cavity also were assessed. The quail nasal cavity was divided into the vestibule, nasal cavity proper and fundus. The nasal cavity began rostrally by two slit‐like external nares located laterally in the middle third of the upper beak. A previous authors stated that no rostral concha but the current study record that the rostral nasal concha was located opposite the nostrils and exhibited a C‐shaped appearance in transverse section and was 5 mm long and 3 mm wide. The middle nasal concha was narrow and elongated. The caudal nasal concha was spherical, located caudodorsal to the rostral nasal concha and measured 2 mm in diameter. The infraorbital sinus was a roughly triangular cavity situated immediately rostral to the orbit. The histological and surface ultrastructural study of the nasal cavity of common quail did not studied previously. Histologically, the cavum nasi was composed of three regions: vestibule, respiratory and olfactory. The vestibule was lined with stratified squamous epithelium that was keratinized rostrally and non‐keratinized caudally. The respiratory region was covered by pseudostratified columnar epithelium. Intra‐epithelial mucous glands were present in the respiratory region and displayed a strong reaction with Alcian blue. The lining epithelium in the olfactory region was pseudostratified and contained olfactory, supporting and basal cells.
Loiasis from where you don’t expect it: an illustrative case of misled diagnosis

In the absence of pathognomonic signs, the diagnosis of filarial infections relies on geographical exposure and morphology of microfilariae, which requires expertise. We present a case of loiasis in a patient not reporting exposure in areas of known Loa loa endemicity, whose diagnosis was achieved by molecular analysis of microfilariae.
Impediment to Structure-Borne Sound Propagation from Vibration Isolation Mass

Vibration isolation mass impeding propagation of plane flexural waves was analyzed with the force excitation applied on an infinite plate. The effect of impeding was quantified by the vibration isolation degree based on the energy standpoint. The feasibility of simplified formula was verified by a coupling elimination analysis. The maximum transmission of the plate flexural waves through the vibration isolation mass was found to occur at the resonance frequencies corresponding to the optimal coupling between the plate flexural waves and the flexural and torsional waves in the vibration isolation mass. The example analysis and experimental study show the correctness of the theory analysis. The study provides a theoretical and experimental basis for the vibration isolation mass applying to structure-borne sound propagation control.
Design, synthesis, in vitro and in silico bioactivity profiles of new urea/thiourea derivatives of 2-pyridyl piperazine as potent antioxidant and antimicrobial agents: chemo-bio-computational approach

Abstract Synthesis of a series of new urea and thiourea derivatives of 2-pyridyl piperazine was accomplished by reacting various isocyanates and isothiocyanates in the presence of triethylamine (TEA) at 50 °C. All the title compounds were obtained in high yields and their structures were characterized by IR, 1H, 13C NMR, Mass spectral, and Elemental analysis. The synthesized compounds were screened for in vitro and in silico antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. All the title compounds exhibited potent antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Out of all, 2c and 2f against DPPH, H2O2 and Nitro oxide have exhibited significant activity and the levels of activity were higher than the reference compounds, ascorbic acid and BHT. Whereas 2a, 2c, 2f and 2j have shown prominent activity in terms of zone of inhibition against all the microbial strains tested than the standards such as levofloxacin and nystatin. In addition in silico studies also conveyed the same that is 2a, 2c, 2f and 2j have displayed the highest binding energies against peroxiredoxins and DNA gyrase protein than the standards akin to the rest of the compounds. In overall, 2c and 2f have exhibited most promising antioxidant and antimicrobial activity than the rest of the title compounds in vitro and in silico. Hence, 2c and 2f will stand as a lead and promising antioxidant and antimicrobial drug candidates in future. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
State-by-State Variability in Adolescent Privacy Laws.

OBJECTIVES Health care providers managing the complex health needs of adolescents must comply with state laws governing adolescent consent and right to privacy. However, these laws vary. Our objectives were to summarize consent and privacy laws state-by-state and assess the implications of variation for compliance with the 21st Century Cures Act and with evidence-based guidance on adolescent care. METHODS We summarized state laws and regulations on minor consent for the following: health services, substance abuse treatment, prenatal care, mental health care, contraceptive management, immunizations, sexually transmitted infection management, human immunodeficiency viruses testing and treatment, dental care, and sexual assault evaluation. We compared state laws and regulations with American Academy of Pediatrics' evidence-based guidelines to assess consistencies in guidance. RESULTS We observed notable state-by-state variability in laws governing consent for adolescent patients. No states had identical policies for all services studied. For example, although all states had provisions for consent to management of sexually transmitted infections, there were variable specifications in the age and type of minor, whether this includes human immunodeficiency viruses, and whether confidentiality is protected. Providing confidential care to the adolescent patient has been set as a priority by medical societies; however, guidelines are limited by the need to comply with state laws and regulations. CONCLUSIONS State laws on consent and privacy for adolescents are highly variable, and many do not reflect pediatric professional standards of care. This inconsistency is a barrier to operationalizing a consistent and equitable experience providing evidence-based medical care and ensuring adolescent privacy protection.
The influence of nasal deviation on the perception of maxillary dental centreline and smile aesthetics

Objective: To assess the impact of nasal deviation on the perception of the maxillary dental centreline position as judged by orthodontists, dentists and laypersons. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK. Participants: Three groups of raters comprising 30 orthodontists, 30 dentists and 30 laypersons. Methods: A frontal photograph of a smiling white woman was captured and digitally manipulated with varying degrees of nasal deviation and dental centreline (DC) position in increments of 1.5 mm and 3 mm to the right and left. Three rater groups assessed the attractiveness of images using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Multiple regression analysis was undertaken, and images were compared using the Tukey HSD method. Results: Using a mixed linear model, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was estimated in the range of 69%–86%, indicating good inter-rater reliability. The interaction between image rating and nasal position (P < 0.001), DC position (P < 0.001) and the relationship between nose and DC position (P < 0.001) were found to be statistically significant with symmetrical upper midline and nasal tip position, both considered to be most aesthetically pleasing. Image rating was not influenced by rater group type (P = 0.995), age (P = 0.983) or sex (P = 0.476). Conclusion: There was a preference for a central and coincident nose and maxillary DC position uniformly across the rater groups. Deviations of the nose, DC and their interactions negatively impacted on perceived smile aesthetics with increasing extent and opposing direction of deviations rated progressively more unaesthetic. No differences were observed between orthodontists, general dental practitioners and lay people with respect to perceived impact on smile aesthetics.
Transcriptional changes of proteins of the thioredoxin and glutathione systems in Acanthamoeba spp. under oxidative stress – an RNA approach

The thioredoxin (Trx) and the glutathione (GSH) systems represent important antioxidant systems in cells and in particular thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) has been shown to constitute a promising drug target in parasites. For the facultative protozoal pathogen Acanthamoeba, it was demonstrated that a bacterial TrxR as well as a TrxR, characteristic of higher eukaryotes, mammals and humans is expressed on the protein level. However, only bacterial TrxR is strongly induced by oxidative stress in Acanthamoeba castellanii. In this study, the impact of oxidative stress on key enzymes involved in the thioredoxin and the glutathione system of A. castellanii under different culture conditions and of clinical Acanthamoeba isolates was evaluated on the RNA level employing RT-qPCR. Additionally, the effect of auranofin, a thioredoxin reductase inhibitor, already established as a potential drug in other parasites, on target enzymes in A. castellanii was investigated. Oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide led to significant stimulation of bacterial TrxR and thioredoxin, while diamide had a strong impact on all investigated enzymes. Different strains displayed distinct transcriptional responses, rather correlating to sensitivity against the respective stressor than to respective pathogenic potential. Culture conditions appear to have a major effect on transcriptional changes in A. castellanii. Treatment with auranofin led to transcriptional activation of the GSH system, indicating its role as a potential backup for the Trx system. Altogether, our data provide more profound insights into the complex redox system of Acanthamoeba, preparing the ground for further investigations on this topic.
Regenerating Myofiber Directs Tregs and Th17 Responses in Inflamed Muscle through the Intrinsic TGF-β Signaling Mediated IL-6 Production.

TGF-β is considered to be an important immuno regulatory cytokine. However, it remains unknown whether and how the muscle fiber specific-TGF-β signaling is directly involved in intramuscular inflammatory regulation by affecting T cells. Here, we addressed these in a mouse tibialis anterior muscle Cardiotoxin injection-induced injury repair model in MCK-Cre control or transgenic mice with TGF-β receptor II (TGF-βr2) being specifically deleted in muscle cells (SM TGF-βr2-/-). In control mice, TGF-β2 and TGF-βr2 were found significantly up-regulated in muscle after the acute injury. In mutant mice, deficiency of TGF-β signaling in muscle cells caused more serious muscle inflammation, with the increased infiltration of macrophages and CD4+ T cells at the degeneration stage (D4) and the early stage of regeneration (D7) after myoinjury. Notably, the loss of TGF-β signaling in myofibers dramatically affected on CD4+ T cell function and delayed T cells withdrawal at the later stage of muscle regeneration (D10 and D15), marked by the elevated Th17, but the impaired Tregs response. Furthermore, in vivo and in vitro, the intrinsic TGF-β signaling affected on immune behaviors of muscle cells, and directed CD4+ T cells differentiation by impairing IL-6 production and release. It suggests that local muscle inflammation can be inhibited potentially by directly activating the TGF-β signaling pathway in muscle cells to suppress Th17, but induce Tregs responses. Thus, according to the results of this study, we found a new idea for the control of local acute inflammation in skeletal muscle.
Givosiran for the treatment of acute hepatic porphyria

ABSTRACT Introduction Acute hepatic porphyrias (AHPs) are a family of rare inherited disorders characterized by enzyme dysfunctions in the hepatic pathway of heme biosynthesis. In AHPs, accumulation of the neurotoxic porphyrin precursors delta-aminolevulinic acid and porphobilinogen, caused by enhanced activity of hepatic aminolevulinate synthase 1 (ALAS1), is associated with acute, potentially life-threatening neurovisceral attacks. Symptoms during and between attacks dramatically reduce patients’ quality of life (QoL). Givosiran is the first mRNA-targeted treatment for AHPs, silencing ALAS1 expression. Areas covered For givosiran, this review summarizes its chemistry, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, preclinical and clinical data in AHP, postmarketing surveillance, and regulatory status. A literature search of public and internal databases was performed, bibliographies of retrieved articles were manually searched to identify additional studies of relevance, and information was also provided by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. Expert opinion Givosiran is a small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutic that reduces hepatic activity of ALAS1 and decreases accumulation of neurotoxic porphyrin precursors in patients with AHPs, ultimately reducing the number of acute attacks and improving symptoms and QoL between attacks. As AHPs are lifelong diseases, long-term safety data are needed for givosiran as an siRNA-based therapy.
Anterior Ocular Biometrics Using Placido-scanning-slit System, Rotating Scheimpflug Tomography, and Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography

Purpose To compare anterior biometry measurements using placido-scanning-slit topography, rotating Scheimpflug tomography, and swept-source optical coherence tomography. Methods A retrospective review consisted of 80 eyes of 49 participants who underwent anterior chamber depth (ACD), central corneal thickness (CCT), and keratometry examination on the same day. We used placido-scanning-slit topography (ORBscan II), rotating Scheimpflug tomography (Pentacam HR), and swept-source optical coherence tomography (CASIA SS-1000). The intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman plots were used to evaluate the agreement and differences between measurements. Results The mean ACD values were 2.88 ± 0.43, 2.82 ± 0.50, and 2.68 ± 0.44 mm; and the mean CCT values were 536.96 ± 31.19, 543.79 ± 31.04, and 561.41 ± 32.60 μm; and the mean keratometry (Km) were 43.81 ± 1.69, 43.81 ± 1.77, and 44.65 ± 1.95 diopters; as measured by CASIA SS-1000, Pentacam HR, and ORBscan II, respectively. Among the three devices, ACD was deepest to shallowest in the order of CASIA SS-1000, Pentacam HR, and ORBscan II (p < 0.05). The CCT was thickest to thinnest in the order of ORBscan II, Pentacam HR, and CASIA SS-1000 (p < 0.05). No significant differences in Km values were examined between CASIA SS-1000 and Pentacam HR, whereas ORBscan II overestimated Km with a statistically significant difference compared to the other two devices. Conclusions High level of agreement was found between CASIA SS-1000 and Pentacam HR for anterior parameters, including ACD, CCT, and Km, suggesting interchangeability. However, ORBscan II measurements differed considerably with the measurements obtained from the other two devices; therefore, it should not be used interchangeably. However, further studies with repeatability test should be considered in order to elucidate the reliability of each device.
Using artificial intelligence to determine the influence of dental aesthetics on facial attractiveness in comparison to other facial modifications.

BACKGROUND Facial aesthetics is a major motivating factor for undergoing orthodontic treatment. OBJECTIVES To ascertain-by means of artificial intelligence (AI)-the influence of dental alignment on facial attractiveness and perceived age, compared to other modifications such as wearing glasses, earrings, or lipstick. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty volunteering females (mean age: 24.5) with near perfectly aligned upper front teeth [Aesthetic Component scale of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (AC-IOTN) = 1 and Peer Assessment Rating Index (PAR Index) = 0 or 1] were photographed with a standardized pose while smiling, in the following settings (number of photographs = 960): without modifications, wearing eyeglasses, earrings, or lipstick. These pictures were taken with natural aligned dentition and with an individually manufactured crooked teeth mock-up (AC-IOTN = 8) to create the illusion of misaligned teeth. Images were assessed for attractiveness and perceived age, using AI, consisting of a face detector and deep convolutional neural networks trained on dedicated datasets for attractiveness and age prediction. Each image received an attractiveness score from 0 to 100 and one value for an age prediction. The scores were descriptively reviewed for each setting, and the facial modifications were tested statistically whether they affected the attractiveness score. The relationship between predicted age and attractiveness scores was examined with linear regression models. RESULTS All modifications showed a significant effect (for all: P < 0.001) on facial attractiveness. In faces with misaligned teeth, wearing eyeglasses (-17.8%) and earrings (-3.2%) had an adverse effect on facial aesthetics. Tooth alignment (+6.9%) and wearing lipstick (+7.9%) increased attractiveness. There was no relevant effect of any assessed modifications or tooth alignment on perceived age (all: <1.5 years). Mean attractiveness score declined with predicted age, except when wearing glasses, in which case attractiveness was rated higher with increasing predicted age. CONCLUSIONS Alignment of teeth improves facial attractiveness to a similar extent than wearing lipstick, but has no discernable effect on perceived age. Wearing glasses reduces attractiveness considerably, but this effect vanishes with age.