Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic divergence for adaptability and stability in sugarcane: Proposal for a more accurate evaluation

The best agro-industrial performance presented by a crop genotype in one environment may not be reproduced in another owing to complex edaphoclimatic variations. Therefore, breeding programs are constantly attempting to obtain, through artificial hybridization, novel genotypes with high adaptability and stability potential. The objective of this study was to analyze genetic divergence in sugarcane based on the genotypic values of adaptability and stability. A total of 11 sugarcane genotypes were analyzed for eight agro-industrial traits. The genotypic values of the traits were determined using mixed model methodology, and the genetic divergence based on phenotypic and genotypic values was measured using the Mahalanobis distance. The distance matrices were correlated using the Mantel test, and the genotypes were grouped using the Tocher method. Genetic divergence is more accurate when based on genotypic values free of genotype–environment interactions and will differ from genetic divergence based on phenotypic data, changing the genotype allocations in the groups. The above methodology can be applied to assess genetic divergence to obtain novel sugarcane genotypes with higher productivity that are adapted to intensive agricultural systems using diverse technologies. This methodology can also be tested in other crops to increase accuracy in selecting the parents to be crossed.
Research progress and development trend of surgical robot and surgical instrument arm

In recent years, surgical robots have become an indispensable part of the medical field. Surgical robots are increasingly being used in the areas of gynaecological surgery, urological surgery, orthopaedic surgery, general surgery and so forth. In this paper, the development of surgical robots in different operations is reviewed and analysed. In the type of master–slave surgical robotic system, the robotic surgical instrument arms were located in the execution terminal of a surgical robot system, as one of the core components, and directly contact with the patient during the operation, which plays an important role in the efficiency and safety of the operation. In clinical, the arm function and design in different systems varies. Furtherly, the current research progress of robotic surgical instrument arms used in different operations is analysed and summarised. Finally, the challenge and trend are concluded.
LncRNA NEAT1 mediates intestinal inflammation by regulating TNFRSF1B

Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic nonspecific intestinal disease. Our previous work showed that long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) plays an important role in IBD. In the current study, we aimed to explore the underlying mechanism by which NEAT1 participates in the development of the disease. Methods Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting were used to detect the expression of NEAT1 and tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 1B (TNFRSF1B) in clinical specimens and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis mice. Inflammatory cell models were established by stimulating human normal intestinal epithelial cell line NCM460 and human colon cancer cell line HT-29 with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Expressions of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-8 (IL-8) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or RT-qPCR, TNFRSF1B, NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65 followed by the knockdown or overexpression of NEAT1 and TNFRSF1B were analyzed by western blotting, and the regulatory effects of NEAT1 on TNFRSF1B were detected by RNA pull-down experiments and RNA-decay assay. The translocation of NF-κB p65 to the nucleus was detected by immunofluorescence. Results In patients’ specimens and DSS colitis mouse models, NEAT1 and TNFRSF1B expression were up-regulated compared with the control group. TNF-α stimulation increased NEAT1 and TNFRSF1B expression and activated NF-κB signaling pathway by increasing the translocation of NF-κB p65 to the nucleus. In the presence of TNF-α stimulation, NEAT1 knockdown reduces the expression of TNFRSF1B and the translocation of NF-κB p65, thereby relieves cell inflammation. These effects can be reversed by the overexpression of TNFRSF1B.In addition, NEAT1 is involved in inflammatory response by up-regulating the mRNA levels of TNFRSF1B, and knocking down NEAT1 can alleviate inflammation by down-regulating TNFRSF1B. Moreover, NEAT1 co-precipitates TNFRSF1B mRNA in RNA-pulldown assay, and the presence of NEAT1 stabilizes the mRNA of TNFRSF1B. Conclusions Our results showed that LncRNA NEAT1 promotes NF-κB p65 translocation and mediates intestinal inflammation by regulating TNFRSF1B.
Craniofacial Evolution: From Australopithecus to Modern Man

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Abstract Through the analysis and evaluation of the size and morphology of teeth and jaws, it is possible to differentiate animal species including man, allowing the theory of human evolution to be established. Hominin evolution is characterized by two main features, the transition to bipedality and the increase in brain size. This had an important impact on the structure and function of the hominine skull. The aim of this article is to retrace the evolutionary steps that led to Homo Sapiens, the direct ancestor of modern man. For the following paper, scientific articles from Medline (PubMed) and Google Scholar database were used from 1929 to 2018. Hominid evolution is characterized by 2 main features, the transition to bipedality and the increase in brain size. The fossils found show that both trends have had an important impact on the morphology and function of the skull of modern man. The basicranial flexion and growth have led to the facial modifications typical of modern man. The main changes concern the mandibular evolution with the appearance of the chin, the formation of the Spee curve due to mandibular arch growth, the formation of the temporomandibular joint as a hinge joint with a sliding socket as the condyle and a better function and maximum efficiency than its predecessors thanks to respect for the divine proportions of the face. Knowledge of ontogenesis allows us to know the factors underlying human form and function, analyze and evaluate them in the clinical context.
A Drosophila perspective on retina functions and dysfunctions

Due to the high degree of conservation of genes and mechanisms, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is a powerful experimental in vivo tool to investigate complex diseases, thus complementing traditional vertebrate systems. Drosophila is also an advantageous system regarding the animal husbandry and the short generation time and lifespan. The growing interest in flies includes the establishment of easily manageable models to study visual degeneration which occur in humans (Gaspar et al., 2019).
Eating Disorders and Sexual Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Body Image Self-consciousness during Physical Intimacy and Dissociation

ABSTRACT Women with eating disorders experience difficulties related to sexual activity, yet little is known about the indirect association between eating disorders and sexual satisfaction. This study examined the indirect association between eating disorders and sexual satisfaction using body image self-consciousness during physical intimacy and dissociation as mediators. Online questionnaires were answered by 985 Israeli women. Of them, 98 were identified as likely to have eating disorders (study group). A matching control group (n = 98) was selected from the remaining respondents. Participants in the study group had significantly higher body image self-consciousness and dissociation than the matched controls, as well as significantly lower sexual satisfaction. The research model revealed that body image self-consciousness during physical intimacy mediates the link between eating disorders and sexual satisfaction, while dissociation does not. Women with eating disorders have higher levels of self-consciousness about their body during sexual activity, which may distract them from their own sexual needs and desires and those of their partners, and this, in turn, is associated with sexual dissatisfaction. Findings highlight the need for improved evidenced-based assessment and management of the sexual satisfaction of women with eating disorders. Abbreviations: ED: eating disorders; AN: anorexia nervosa; BN: bulimia nervosa; BED: binge eating disorder.
The Effect of CPAP on Middle Ear Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Objective: To assess the effect of short-term and long-term continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) use on middle ear pressure (MEP) in adult ears. Databases Reviewed: PubMed, Scopus, and Embase were searched through October 2020. Search strategies used a combination of subject headings (e.g., MeSH in PubMed) and keywords for CPAP and middle ear pressure. Methods: English-language articles studying changes in MEP as measured by tympanometry or tympanograms in patients using CPAP were selected for inclusion. Data extraction from included articles included demographics, baseline, and follow-up data. Results: A total of 7 articles representing 664 patients with weighted mean age of 42.5 years (range 34.9–57.8 yrs) were included. Meta-analysis of three qualifying studies demonstrated a positive correlation between higher CPAP pressures and degree of MEP rise during CPAP use compared to baseline with mean difference of 25.1 daPa (95% confidence interval [18.7, 31.4]) at 5 cm H2O and 81.9 daPa (95% confidence interval [60.2, 103.5]) at 10 cm H2O. Short-term effects of CPAP use were reviewed in four studies that showed a transient rise in MEP. Three separate studies examining the long-term effects of CPAP use showed resting MEP was higher in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which might be related to progressive eustachian tube dysfunction as a complication of severe OSA. Conclusion: Short-term CPAP use is associated with transient elevations of MEP in adult ears. Long-term CPAP use might produce beneficial MEP changes, especially in patients with OSA and eustachian tube dysfunction.
Associations of Community Water Lead Concentrations with Hemoglobin Concentrations and Erythropoietin-Stimulating Agent Use among Patients with Advanced CKD

Visual Abstract Significance Statement It is unknown whether low levels of lead exposure, such as those commonly encountered in drinking water systems, have adverse effects. Using data from patients initiating dialysis in the United States over the last 15 years, the authors found those living in cities with higher lead levels in the drinking water supply had significantly lower hemoglobin concentrations and more erythropoietin stimulating agent use. These associations were observed at lead levels significantly below those that the Environmental Protection Agency mandates as actionable. Whether such levels of lead exposure similarly associate with other lead-related diseases will require further study. The authors’ analysis suggests that for patients with kidney disease, there may be no safe amount of lead in drinking water. Background Although patients with kidney disease may be particularly susceptible to the adverse health effects associated with lead exposure, whether levels of lead found commonly in drinking water are associated with adverse outcomes in patients with ESKD is not known. Methods To investigate associations of lead in community water systems with hemoglobin concentrations and erythropoietin stimulating agent (ESA) use among incident patients with ESKD, we merged data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Information System (documenting average 90th percentile lead concentrations in community water systems during 5 years before dialysis initiation, according to city of residence) with patient-level data from the United States Renal Data System. Results Among 597,968 patients initiating dialysis in the United States in 2005 through 2017, those in cities with detectable lead levels in community water had significantly lower pre-ESKD hemoglobin concentrations and more ESA use per 0.01 mg/L increase in 90th percentile water lead. Findings were similar for the 208,912 patients with data from the first month of ESKD therapy, with lower hemoglobin and higher ESA use per 0.01 mg/L higher lead concentration. These associations were observed at lead levels below the EPA threshold (0.015 mg/L) that mandates regulatory action. We also observed environmental inequities, finding significantly higher water lead levels and slower declines over time among Black versus White patients. Conclusions This first nationwide analysis linking EPA water supply records to patient data shows that even low levels of lead that are commonly encountered in community water systems throughout the United States are associated with lower hemoglobin levels and higher ESA use among patients with advanced kidney disease.
Central Nervous System-Infiltrating T Lymphocytes in Stroke Are Activated via Their TCR (T-Cell Receptor) but Lack CD25 Expression

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background and Purpose: T lymphocytes contribute to secondary brain damage after stroke. It has not been fully investigated whether this contribution is caused by antigen-specific or antigen-nonspecific activation of T lymphocytes. Lymphocytes from Nur77GFP transgenic mice express a fluorescent protein upon activation via the TCR (T-cell receptor), allowing the differentiation of activation mode in a natural repertoire of immune cells and antigens. Methods: Middle cerebral artery occlusion or sham surgery was performed, and T-lymphocyte activation was analyzed by flow cytometry in the brain, spleen, and blood 16 hours, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, and 7 days after surgery. Results: Ipsilateral hemispheric T-lymphocyte invasion peaked on day 4 poststroke. Here, we observed PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1) expression on almost all invading T lymphocytes, while CD25 expression was low. CD25+, CD69+, or PD-1+ T lymphocytes predominantly displayed antigen-specific activation; the opposite was observed for T lymphocytes isolated from the blood. A mixed activation that favored antigen-specific activation was observed in the spleen. PD-1 was upregulated within the brain, whereas CD25 was not. Antigen-specific T lymphocytes home to the brain, while antigen-nonspecifically activated cells remain within the blood. Conclusions: Our data clearly demonstrate antigen-specific activation of T lymphocytes infiltrating ischemic brain lesions in stroke. The high expression of inhibitory PD-1 and low expression of CD25 on activated T lymphocytes in the brain most likely reflect immunosuppressive mechanisms.
Quantification of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Senecio brasiliensis, beehive pollen, and honey by LC-MS/MS

Abstract This article presents the determination of eight pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) by LC-MS/MS in honeys, pollen, and Senecio brasiliensis (Asteraceae) samples, all from Santa Catarina state, Brazil. In addition, the Box-Behnken design was used to perform an optimized sample preparation on pollens and S. brasiliensis parts. Senecionine and its N-oxide, besides retrorsine N-oxide, were determined in six of the seven honeys samples. Pollen from species of the Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Boraginaceae families were found with greater predominance in three of the seven honeys samples. In these three honeys samples were also found the highest PAs levels. In beehive pollen, flower, and leaf of S. brasiliensis, the total levels of PAs and their N-oxides reached 221, 14.1 × 104, and 14.8 × 104 mg kg−1, respectively. In honeys, these compounds are chemical contaminants and therefore undesirable when the sum exceeds 71 µg kg−1, according to EFSA. On the other hand, although PAs are naturally present in plant and pollen of some species (Senecio, Crotalaria, Bacharis, Ecchium, Mimosa scabrella, Vernonia), it is important to monitor their levels in plants but also in honeys, and other beehive products since these compounds are transferred to the final product.
Student aggression against teachers, stress, and emotional intelligence as predictors of withdrawal intentions among secondary school teachers

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives This exploratory study aimed to test the buffering effect of emotional intelligence in the associations between aggression against teachers, perceived stress, and withdrawal intentions. Design and Methods A sample of 329 secondary school teachers (51.4% female) completed questionnaires assessing aggression against teachers, perceived stress, withdrawal intentions, and emotional intelligence. Results The results showed that emotional intelligence was negatively related to perceived stress and withdrawal intentions. Across moderated-mediation analysis, there were mixed findings regarding the moderating effects of emotional intelligence in the proposed model. Findings indicated that emotional intelligence moderated only the association between perceived stress and withdrawal intentions. Conclusions These findings suggest that emotional intelligence is a psychological resource for mitigating the negative effects of perceived stress on negative work attitudes among teaching professionals in the context of harmful student behaviors. Possible avenues for including emotional intelligence in the field of teacher victimization are discussed.
Personalized Visual Mapping Assistive Technology to Improve Functional Ability in Persons With Dementia: Feasibility Cohort Study

Background Mobile health (mHealth) apps using novel visual mapping assistive technology can allow users to develop personalized maps that aid people living with cognitive impairment in the recall of steps needed to independently complete activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, toileting, and dressing. Objective This study aims to determine the feasibility and preliminary impact of an mHealth assistive technology app providing guidance to aid individuals living with cognitive impairment in the recall of steps to independently complete ADLs. Methods A total of 14 Veterans (mean age 65 SD 9.5 years; 14/14, 100% male; 10/14, 71.4% Black) and 8 non-Veterans (mean age 78, SD 10.3 years; 5/8, 62.5% male; 8/8, 100% Black) were recruited and enrolled from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and non-VA cognitive care clinics. A visual mapping software program, MapHabit, was used to generate a series of personalized visual map templates focused on ADLs created within the MapHabit app. The visual maps were accessed through a tablet device. A 19-item exit questionnaire was administered to the participants to assess perceived improvement in their functional ability after using the MapHabit system for 3 months. Results A total of 13 (93%) VA clinic participants and 8 (100%) non-VA clinic participants completed the 3-month study. Baseline cognitive testing indicated impaired to significantly impaired cognitive function. After 3 months of using the MapHabit system, VA clinic participants reported perceived improvement in social engagement (P=.01) and performance of ADLs (P=.05) compared to the baseline, whereas non-VA clinic participants reported improvements in the performance of ADLs (P=.02), mood (P=.04), social engagement (P=.02), and memory (P=.02). All study participants reported they would recommend the MapHabit system to a colleague, and 85% (11/14) of VA and 100% (8/8) of non-VA clinic participants reported a willingness to participate in a future study. Conclusions Older VA and non-VA clinic participants with cognitive impairment were willing to use an mHealth app to assist with the completion of ADLs, and they reported positive preliminary effects. A larger study is warranted to assess the efficacy in the setting of a randomized controlled trial.
Nitrogen sources affected the biosynthesis of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, cooked rice elongation and amylose content in rice

Many studies have been carried out on N sources effect on fragrant rice; however, their impact on rice grain quality is largely unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effects of different types of N sources on rice growth, yield, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP), amylose and cooked rice elongation. Two indica rice cultivars, Basmati 385 (B385), Xiangyaxiangzhan (XYXZ) and two japonica cultivars, Yunjingyou (YJY), Daohuaxiang (DHX) were grown in experimental pots with six replications under four N sources: Potassium nitrate (KNO3), ammonium bicarbonate (NH4HCO3), urea (H2NCONH2) and sodium nitrate (NaNO3) in 2019 and 2020 early seasons. Our results showed that N dynamics regulated the number of panicles, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, amylose and cooked rice elongation across all the four treatments. The NH4HCO3 treatment significantly increased the number of panicles and grain yield across the four rice varieties compared with KNO3, H2NCONH2 and NaNO3 N sources in both 2019 and 2020 early season, The KNO3 treatment significantly showed higher 1000-grain weight in B-385, YJY, XYXZ and DHX compared to other N sources. Compared with other N sources treatment, the NH4HCO3 treatments significantly increased the 2AP contents in heading stage leaves, matured leaves and grains of B-385, YJY, XYXZ and DHX respectively. Cooked rice elongation percentage also showed significant difference in all treatments studied with KNO3 recorded the highest across the four varieties. Analysis of major enzymes and compounds such as P5C, P5CS, PDH, Pyrroline, proline and Methylglyoxal showed remarkable differences in each cultivar at heading and maturity stages with higher activity in NH4HCO3 and H2NCONH2 treatments. Similarly, in all treatments, we also observed significant increase in amylose content percentage, with NH4HCO3 having greater percentage of amylose.
Integrating the monoamine and cytokine hypotheses of depression: Is histamine the missing link?

Psychiatric diseases, like depression, largely affect the central nervous system (CNS). While the underlying neuropathology of depressive illness remains to be elucidated, several hypotheses have been proposed as molecular underpinnings for major depressive disorder, including the monoamine hypothesis and the cytokine hypothesis. The monoamine hypothesis has been largely supported by the pharmaceuticals that target monoamine neurotransmitters as a treatment for depression. However, these antidepressants have come under scrutiny due to their limited clinical efficacy, side effects, and delayed onset of action. The more recent, cytokine hypothesis of depression is supported by the ability of immune‐active agents to induce “sickness behaviour” akin to that seen with depression. However, treatments that more selectively target inflammation have yielded inconsistent antidepressive results. As such, neither of these hypotheses can fully explain depressive illness pathology, implying that the underlying neuropathological mechanisms may encompass aspects of both theories. The goal of the current review is to integrate these two well‐studied hypotheses and to propose a role for histamine as a potential unifying factor that links monoamines to cytokines. Additionally, we will focus on stress‐induced depression, to provide an updated perspective of depressive illness research and thereby identify new potential targets for the treatment of major depressive disorder.