Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MdMYB10 affects nitrogen uptake and reallocation by regulating the nitrate transporter MdNRT2.4-1 in red-fleshed apple

ABSTRACT Nitrate is the major nitrogen source for higher plants. In addition to serving as a nutrient, it is also a signaling molecule that regulates plant growth and development. Although membrane-bound nitrate transporter/peptide transporters (NRT/PTRs) have been extensively studied and shown to regulate nitrate uptake and movement, little is known about how these factors are regulated by the external nitrogen environment. Red-fleshed apple, whose coloration is determined by the transcription factor MdMYB10, had higher nitrate uptake efficiency than non-red-fleshed apple. Nitrate assimilation and utilization were higher in red-fleshed apple cultivars, and comparative transcriptome analysis showed that the expression of genes encoding the NRT2s was increased in red-fleshed apple. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that MdMYB10 directly bound to the MdNRT2.4-1 promoter to transcriptionally activate its expression, resulting in enhanced nitrate uptake. MdMYB10 also controlled nitrate reallocation from old leaves to new leaves through MdNRT2.4-1. Overall, our findings provide novel insights into the mechanism by which MdMYB10 controls nitrate uptake and reallocation in apple, which facilitates adaptation to a low-nitrogen environment.
Occurrence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in ‘coalho’ cheese produced in Brazil

Abstract The experiments reported in this research communication analysed the presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in 112 samples of ‘coalho’ cheese, from 56 dairy producing farms in 28 cities in all mesoregions of the State of Ceará, Brazil. To assess antimicrobial resistance we also examined the presence of genes encoding enterotoxins and toxic shock syndrome toxin, as well as the presence of the blaZ gene for β-lactamases, and resistance to oxacillin. The research found 69 isolates of S. aureus, of which 13.04% had the mecA gene encoding the penicillin-binding protein, which confers resistance to methicillin, in cheese samples from 6 different cities. This included the state capital, Fortaleza, which had the largest prevalence (23.19%) of mecA positive isolates. It was also found that 55.07% of the isolates of S. aureus had the blaZ gene, and 7.25% demonstrated resistance to oxacillin in the plate disc diffusion tests. We did not show the presence of isolates carrying toxigenic genes. The findings suggest that strict supervision of production processes in the dairy industry is necessary in all production scale processes, thus preventing contamination and possible problems for consumers.
A Novel SCN8A mutation in a case of early-onset infantile epileptic encephalopathy: A Case Report

SCN8A gene encodes sodium channel alpha subunit Nav1.6, and its mutation is associated with Early Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathy-13 (EIEE-13). The mean age of onset is 4-5 months. The phenotype of SCN8A mutation varies from benign epilepsy syndromes, movement disorder, intellectual disability to severe epileptic syndromes with different types of seizures. We hereby report a case of a one-year old female who had an onset of infantile spasms on the seventeenth day of life, which gradually progressed to focal, multifocal, GTCS, and epileptic encephalopathy by one year of age associated with global developmental delay and hypotonia. All metabolic workup, TMS, GCMS, and MRI brain were normal. EEG at 2.5 months was suggestive of epileptic discharge arising from the left frontal region, evolving into generalized discharges. Whole exome sequencing revealed a heterozygous mutation in the SCN8A gene at exon 16 (p.Val892Ala) suggestive of Early Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathy-13 (EIEE-13). This is a novel mutation in the SCN8A gene which has not been reported previously in the literature. (www.actabiomedica.it)
Present status and future directions – Managing discoloured teeth

Abstract Managing tooth discolouration involves a range of different protocols for clinicians and patients in order to achieve an aesthetic result. There is an increasing public awareness in the appearance of their teeth and management of tooth discolouration may be inter‐disciplinary and involve both vital and nonvital teeth. Vital teeth can be easily treated with low concentration hydrogen peroxide products safely and effectively using an external approach and trays. For endodontically treated teeth, the walking bleach technique with hydrogen releasing peroxide products is popular. However, there is an association with external cervical root resorption with higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide of 30%–35%. There are also regulatory considerations for the use of hydrogen peroxide in certain jurisdictions internationally. Prosthodontic treatments are more invasive and involve loss of tooth structure as well as a life cycle of further treatment in the future. This narrative review is based on searches on PubMed and the Cochrane library. Bleaching endodontically treated teeth can be considered a safe and effective protocol in the management of discoloured teeth. However, the association between bleaching and resorption remains unclear although there is likely to be a relation to prior trauma. It is prudent to avoid thermocatalytic approaches and to use a base/sealer to cover the root filling. An awareness expectations of patients and multidisciplinary treatment considerations is important in achieving the aesthetic result for the patient. It is likely that there will be an increasing demand for aesthetic whitening treatments. Bleaching of teeth has also become increasingly regulated although there are international differences in the use and concentration of bleaching agents.
Assessing the effects of load limiting retractors on occupant motion

Load limiting restraint devices used in conjunction with frontal airbags have been shown to provide a means to reduce belt induced occupant loads and the risk of belt induced injury. These load limiting devices have become increasingly common since the mid to late 90’s and are currently commonplace in contemporary production vehicles. These devices are intended to feed out additional belt webbing during the collision when the belt loads exceed a predetermined threshold. Load limiters have been shown to reduce chest injury measures, both deflections and accelerations, in full frontal barrier impacts. During the full frontal barrier tests, however, the occupant benefits not only from the seatbelt (typically including a pretensioner), but also from full engagement of the frontal airbag. As the belt spools out webbing, it also allows additional occupant excursion. The challenge of balancing the dangers associated with this additional excursion against the potential for belt induced injury reduction has long been recognized. Unlike the full frontal test environment, real world crashes often direct the occupant off of 12 o’clock, result in additional structural intrusion, and produce longer duration crash pulses and/or include multiple impacts. This study reviews a series of selected cases in which occupant forward excursion allowed by a force limiting seatbelt resulted in injurious contact with vehicle interior structures. Often other contributing factors were involved (e.g., airbag or seatbelt malfunction, oblique collision, offset collision) that caused differences compared to what would typically be observed in the United States’ New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) barrier tests. Force limiter spoolout observed in each reviewed case is compared and contrasted to that observed in frontal NCAP tests for equivalent vehicles.
BrpNAC895 and BrpABI449 coregulate the transcription of the afflux-type cadmium transporter BrpHMA2 in Brassica parachinensis

Abstract Brassica parachinensis is a popular leafy vegetable. It is able to accumulate high concentrations of cadmium (Cd), but the molecular mechanism of Cd accumulation is unknown. This study investigated the function and regulatory mechanism of the Cd-responsive metal ion transporter gene BrpHMA2. BrpHMA2 was induced by Cd stress and specifically expressed in vascular tissues, and the protein was localized in the plasma membrane. Heterologous expression of BrpHMA2 enhanced Cd accumulation and Cd sensitivity in transgenic Arabidopsis and yeast. After Cd stress, the transcription factors BrpNAC895 and BrpABI449, which may recognize the abscisic acid-responsive elements in the BrpHMA2 promoter, were also differentially expressed. The transcriptional regulation of BrpHMA2 was further investigated using the chromatin immunoprecipitation–quantitative PCR (ChIP–qPCR) assay, the electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), and luciferase (LUC) reporter activity analysis employing the transient expression system of B. parachinensis protoplasts and tobacco leaves and the Escherichia coli expression system. By binding to the promoter, BrpNAC895 induced the transcription of BrpHMA2. BrpABI449 might bind to the BrpHMA2 promoter or interact with BrpNAC895 to interfere with the action of BrpNAC895. The findings suggest that BrpHMA2 is a membrane-based afflux-type Cd transporter involved in Cd2+ uptake and long-distance transport in plants. BrpNAC895 and BrpABI449, which function as the transcription activator and repressor, respectively, coregulate BrpHMA2 expression.
Population‐based prevalence of polypharmacy and patterns of medication use in southwestern Iran: A cross‐sectional study

Pharmaceutical medications are considered an important component of healthcare delivery and there is a need for its rational use; although there have been major improvements in the pharmaceutical sector in the recent past, inappropriate medication use is considered a major threat to patients' health. Therefore, the pattern of medication use should be monitored routinely. The aim of this study was to investigate the population‐based prevalence of polypharmacy and the patterns of medication use in southwestern Iran. We also investigated correlates between polypharmacy and patterns of medication use.
Smart Speakers: The Next Frontier in mHealth

The rapid dissemination and adoption of smart speakers has enabled substantial opportunities to improve human health. Just as the introduction of the mobile phone led to considerable health innovation, smart speaker computing systems carry several unique advantages that have the potential to catalyze new fields of health research, particularly in out-of-hospital environments. The recent rise and ubiquity of these smart computing systems holds significant potential for enhancing chronic disease management, enabling passive identification of unwitnessed medical emergencies, detecting subtle changes in human behavior and cognition, limiting isolation, and potentially allowing widespread, passive, remote monitoring of respiratory diseases that impact public health. There are 3 broad mechanisms for how a smart speaker can interact with a person to improve health. These include (1) as an intelligent conversational agent, (2) as a passive identifier of medically relevant diagnostic sounds, and (3) by active sensing using the device's internal hardware to measure physiologic parameters, such as with active sonar, radar, or computer vision. Each of these different modalities has specific clinical use cases, all of which need to be balanced against potential privacy concerns, equity concerns related to system access, and regulatory frameworks which have not yet been developed for this unique type of passive data collection.
Spatio-temporal health benefits attributable to PM2.5 reduction in an Indian city

ABSTRACT Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked with a wide spectrum of human health effects and has the highest contribution to total air pollution mortality. This study aims to quantify health benefits of reducing PM2.5 concentration to World Health Organization standard (annual mean = 10 µg m−3) for various health endpoints during 2011–2019 period using AirQ+ and BenMAP-CE software packages. Intraurban assessment in Vellore city, India was done by estimating health benefits at ward level. Both software packages estimated annual average all-cause, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease health benefits in the range of 919–945, 175–234, 70–152, and 99–175 cases at city level and 15–16, 3–4, 1–3, and 2–3 cases at ward level, respectively. Sensitivity analysis showed that relative risk had a large influence on health benefit estimates. Present study results will play a crucial role in the future air quality and public health policies of Vellore city.
Probing the correlation between corrosion resistance and biofouling of thermally sprayed metallic substrata in the field

Abstract The correlation between inherent corrosion resistance and biofouling was investigated for five different metallic coatings. Steel panels thermally spray-coated with either aluminium, Monel, bronze or different aluminium alloys were tested in controlled salt mist conditions and electrochemical corrosion tests and subsequently employed at sea. The biofouling of the panels was monitored at different depths (5, 10 and 15 m) at periods ranging from 5 to 12 months. The main macrofouling organisms were quantified and analysed using permutational multivariate analysis. The results indicate a significant difference in fouling pressure between depths and the geographic sites used. No statistically significant link between high corrosion resistance and lower biofouling pressure was observed, indicating that the main marine macrofoulers settled equally well on corrosion resistant and corrosion prone metallic surfaces. This work sheds light on biofouling of thermally sprayed metallic substrata and it characterizes and compares biofouling assemblages from different biogeographical regions in Europe.
Prebiotic Oligosaccharides Enhance Iron Absorption Via Modulation of Protein Expression and Gut Microbiota in a Dose-response Manner in Iron-deficient Growing Rats.

SCOPE Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in children is one of the most common nutrition-related health conditions worldwide. Prebiotic oligosaccharides, fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), have shown to affect iron absorption in anemic subjects, but the results in previous studies were inconsistent, thus the underlying mechanism and the effective dose of GOS in mitigating anemia remain unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS The present study aimed to investigate the mechanism of how GOS/FOS affect iron absorption in an iron-deficient growing rat model from the perspectives of protein expression and gut microbiota, and determine the optimum dose of GOS. Iron-deficient model were established by providing young rats diet without iron addition for 14 days. Later, iron-deficient rats were provided with standard rat chows supplemented with 0%, 3%, 5%, 10% GOS and 10% FOS for 21 days. The results showed that ≥5% GOS supplementation in diet improved iron status and significantly impacted iron-binding/transport protein expression. Furthermore, a dose-dependent modulating effect of GOS on gut microbiota was determined. CONCLUSION For the first time, the present study provided evidence that GOS supplementation induced a dose-response effect on iron absorption and gut microbiota in the established model, suggesting a positive role of GOS in ameliorating IDA in children. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Perceived job insecurity and risk of suicide and suicide attempts: a study of men and women in the Swedish working population

Objective Whether perceived job insecurity increases the risk of suicidal behaviors is unclear. Improved understanding in this area could inform efforts to reduce suicide risk among those experiencing elevated job insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as post-pandemic. We aimed to investigate if perceived job insecurity predicted increased risk of suicide mortality and suicide attempts. Method Employees (N=65 571), representative of the Swedish working population who participated in the Swedish Work Environment Survey in 1991–2003, were followed up through 2016 in the National Inpatient and Death Registers. Suicide deaths and suicide attempts were defined according to International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10 and ICD-8/9 codes of underlying cause of death and in-/outpatient care. Job insecurity and subsequent risk of suicide and suicide attempt were investigated with marginal structural Cox regression analyses and inverse probability of treatment weighting to control for confounding. Results Perceived job insecurity was associated with an elevated risk of suicide [hazard ratio (HR) 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–2.20], but not with incident suicide attempts (HR 1.03, CI 0.86–1.24). Estimates remained similar after considering prevalent/previous poor mental health, other work factors, and when restricting the follow up time to ten years. Conclusion The study suggests that job insecurity is associated with an increased risk of suicide mortality. Concerns about elevated job insecurity and suicide levels in the wake of the current pandemic could thus be considered in strategies to reduce the population health impact job insecurity both during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Analysis of Vibration Effects on Floor of Office Building due to Ground Vibrations from Passing Vehicles

Since the earliest days of ground road transportations and constructions in urban areas, there have been complaints of vibration in building caused by this external source of vibration, known as ground borne vibration. Vibration when it exceeds the recommended threshold could affect the structure of the building and any sensitive equipment housed inside the building, as well as causing discomfort and annoyance to the occupants of the building. The objectives of the study are to determine the level of vibration on each floor of a multi storey building due to ground borne vibration from road traffic, second to numerically investigate the structural response on the multi storey building from vehicles, and lastly to assess the vibration response obtained from both vehicles with the vibration criteria guideline. The selected building for this study is Registrar Office building located in Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). The scope of study is focused on the effect of ground borne vibration from vehicles on multi storey building and analyzing the data using MATLAB and ANSYSv14. The real inputs of vibration from vehicles were measured and obtained using Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV). The vibration level from vehicles and footfalls on the multi storey office building can be determined using Vibration Criteria (VC) guidelines by Gordon. Finally, from the study, the vibration level achieved for this Registrar Office building is above the ISO level which is exceeds the acceptable vibration limit for office building.
Structure and function of language networks in temporal lobe epilepsy

Individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) may have significant language deficits. Language capabilities may further decline following temporal lobe resections. The language network, comprising dispersed gray matter regions interconnected with white matter fibers, may be atypical in individuals with TLE. This review explores the structural changes to the language network and the functional reorganization of language abilities in TLE. We discuss the importance of detailed reporting of patient's characteristics, such as, left‐ and right‐sided focal epilepsies as well as lesional and nonlesional pathological subtypes. These factors can affect the healthy functioning of gray and/or white matter. Dysfunction of white matter and displacement of gray matter function could concurrently impact their ability, in turn, producing an interactive effect on typical language organization and function. Surgical intervention can result in impairment of function if the resection includes parts of this structure‐function network that are critical to language. In addition, impairment may occur if language function has been reorganized and is included in a resection. Conversely, resection of an epileptogenic zone may be associated with recovery of cortical function and thus improvement in language function. We explore the abnormality of functional regions in a clinically applicable framework and highlight the differences in the underlying language network. Avoidance of language decline following surgical intervention may depend on tailored resections to avoid critical areas of gray matter and their white matter connections. Further work is required to elucidate the plasticity of the language network in TLE and to identify sub‐types of language representation, both of which will be useful in planning surgery to spare language function.
A Brief Media Intervention Influences Collegiate Males’ Attitude and Knowledge Towards Breastfeeding

ABSTRACT Breastfeeding is the optimal source of infant nutrition, yet the motherʻs decision to breastfeed is complex and influenced by factors including social support and breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes. This study employed a two-group pretest-posttest design to examine whether brief, online video presentations (<2.5 minutes in length) could improve breastfeeding knowledge and attitude among males and compare the outcomes between a knowledge-based and attitude-based intervention. Collegiate male participants (N = 213, 18–40 years of age) demonstrated high breastfeeding exposure (90.1% had friends/family breastfeed) and positive attitudes (89.2% accepted women could breastfeed and work outside home) yet knowledge deficits concerning breastfeeding health benefits were identified. Breastfeeding exposure was positively associated with baseline attitude (r(212)=. 186, p = . 006 and knowledge (r(212)=. 229, p = . 001. Both intervention groups reported similar gains in attitude scores; only the knowledge-based intervention reported significant gains in knowledge (M = 1.5, SD = 2.63 vs M = −.07, SD = 1.44, (t = −5.496, df = 211, p < .05). Brief online video presentations may constitute an additional exposure to or nudging toward breastfeeding, and breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes can be positively influenced in young adult males with similar interventions that are affordable and require a minimal time commitment.
The Short-term Effects of Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Horseback Riding on Spasticity in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Meta-analysis

Purpose: We systematically reviewed the short-term effects of hippotherapy and therapeutic horseback riding (THR) on lower-limb muscle spasticity in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched for relevant quantitative studies. Treatment effects were coded using the Ashworth scale (AS) or modified Ashworth scale (MAS) in pre- and posttreatment evaluations. Of the 73 studies identified initially, 7 met the inclusion criteria. Results: Treatment was associated with positive effects on lower-limb muscle spasticity, as supported by the AS or MAS scores. However, repeated trials did not show a statistically significant difference from a single trial (Q = 2.95, P = .086). Conclusion: Hippotherapy and THR can be used to treat lower-limb muscle spasticity in children with CP. However, repeated sessions did not show a better effect in reducing spasticity. What this adds to the evidence: This is the first meta-analysis to confirm that hippotherapy or THR can reduce lower-limb muscle spasticity in children with CP in the short term, but long-term effects on function still require further studies.