Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Loss of libido in Parkinson's disease.

INTRODUCTION Sexual dysfunction is a frequent but neglected problem in Parkinson's disease (PD). Decreased sexual desire in PD correlates with reduced general satisfaction from life. Many variables might be related to the loss of libido in PD and they have not been carefully investigated yet. AIM To assess the frequency of loss of libido in PD and its relation to neurological symptoms, depression, anxiety, fatigue, and cognitive performance. METHODS The response of 90 PD patients of both genders to item "loss of libido" from the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was analyzed. A structured psychiatric interview (MINI-Plus) evaluated the presence of major depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Clinical assessment also comprised neurological examination, which included all sections of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Hoehn-Yahr and Schwab-England Scale (SES). The Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the PD Fatigue Scale (PDFS) were also performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Frequency of loss of libido and its main predictors. RESULTS The frequency of loss of libido was 65.6%, and 42.6% of men also complained of erectile dysfunction. Ageing (P = 0.012), female gender (P < 0.001), lower education (P < 0.001), and depression (P = 0.006) associated with decreased sexual desire. Higher BDI scores (P < 0.001) correlated with a greater loss of libido. Decreased interest in sex was not associated with antidepressants. Neurological features associated with higher loss of libido were predominance of motor symptoms on the left side of the body (P = 0.026), autonomic dysfunction (P = 0.012), higher UPDRS scores (P = 0.006), and lower scores on SES (P = 0.003). In men, erectile dysfunction associated with decreased interest in sex (P < 0.001). Patients with lower performance on FAB (P < 0.001) and MMSE (P = 0.002), and with higher scores on PDFS (P < 0.001) also had less interest in sex. A multiple regression analysis indicated age, gender and BDI score as the main predictors of loss of libido. CONCLUSIONS Loss of libido is frequent in PD and depression may be its main predictor. However, decreased interest in sex was not associated with antidepressant therapy. Thus, loss of libido resulting from depression may be effectively treated, and physicians should be encouraged to assess these symptoms in their patients.
OncomiR: an online resource for exploring pan-cancer microRNA dysregulation

Summary Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) is extensively associated with cancer development and progression. miRNAs have been shown to be biomarkers for predicting tumor formation and outcome. However, identification of the relationships between miRNA expression and tumor characteristics can be difficult and time-consuming without appropriate bioinformatics expertise. To address this issue, we present OncomiR, an online resource for exploring miRNA dysregulation in cancer. Using combined miRNA-seq, RNA-seq and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, we systematically performed statistical analyses to identify dysregulated miRNAs that are associated with tumor development and progression in most major cancer types. Additional analyses further identified potential miRNA-gene target interactions in tumors. These results are stored in a backend database and presented through a web server interface. Moreover, through a backend bioinformatics pipeline, OncomiR can also perform dynamic analysis with custom miRNA selections for in-depth characterization of miRNAs in cancer. Availability and implementation The OncomiR website is freely accessible at www.oncomir. org. Contact xiaowei.wang@wustl.edu. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Comparative analyses of species delimitation methods with molecular data in snappers (Perciformes: Lutjaninae)

Abstract The integration of approaches that allow the incorporation of stochasticity of gene histories with phylogenetic methods resulted in new approaches for the old issue of species delimitation. Nevertheless, coalescent methods seem problematic for taxa with large effective population size and shallow temporal diversification (like marine fishes). Here, we investigate the performance of single-locus (cytochrome oxidase 1, commonly used in DNA barcoding initiatives) methods for molecular species delimitation in snappers of Lutjaninae from the Western Atlantic and Pacific Eastern. Our results show incongruences among methods. ABGD, PTP and mPTP trend towards a lower number of estimated species. Phylogenetic-coalescent methods with single threshold were majority congruent for a same number of lineages. On the other hand, algorithms with multiple thresholds tend to estimate a higher number of potential species. We do not endorse the use of single-locus for species delimitation, but we do reinforce that single-locus data is sufficient to flag many problems.
Race‐Sex Differences in Statin Use and Low‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Control Among People With Diabetes Mellitus in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke Study

Background Statin therapy is a cornerstone of cardiovascular disease risk reduction for people with diabetes mellitus. Past reports have shown race‐sex differences in statin use in general populations, but statin patterns by race and sex in those with diabetes mellitus have not been thoroughly studied. Methods and Results Our sample of 4288 adults ≥45 years of age with diagnosed diabetes mellitus who had low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) >100 mg/dL or were taking statins recruited for the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke study from 2003 to 2007. Exposures included race‐sex groups (white men [WM], black men [BM], white women [WW], black women [BW]) and factors that may influence healthcare utilization. Proportions and prevalence ratios were calculated for statin use and LDL‐C control. Statin use for WM, BM, WW, and BW was 66.0%, 57.8%, 55.0%, and 53.6%, respectively (P<0.001). After adjustment for healthcare utilization factors, statin use was lower for BM, WW, and BW compared with WM (prevalence ratios [95%CI]: 0.96 [0.89‐1.03], 0.86 [0.80‐0.92], and 0.87 [0.81‐0.93], respectively, P<0.001). LDL‐C control among those taking statins for WM, BM, WW, and BW was 75.3%, 62.7%, 69.0%, and 56.0%, respectively (P<0.001). After adjustment, LDL‐C control was lower for BM, WW, and BW compared with WM (prevalence ratios [95%CI]: 0.85 [0.79‐0.93], 0.89 [0.82‐0.96], and 0.73 [0.67‐0.80], respectively, P<0.001). Conclusions Race‐sex disparities in statin use and LDL‐C control were only partly explained by factors influencing health services utilization. Healthcare provider awareness of these disparities may help to close the observed race‐sex gaps in statin use and LDL‐C control among people with diabetes mellitus.
An Efficient and Versatile Query Engine for TopX Search

This paper presents a novel engine, coined TopX, for efficient ranked retrieval of XML documents over semistructured but nonschematic data collections. The algorithm follows the paradigm of threshold algorithms for top-k query processing with a focus on inexpensive sequential accesses to index lists and only a few judiciously scheduled random accesses. The difficulties in applying the existing top-k algorithms to XML data lie in 1) the need to consider scores for XML elements while aggregating them at the document level, 2) the combination of vague content conditions with XML path conditions, 3) the need to relax query conditions if too few results satisfy all conditions, and 4) the selectivity estimation for both content and structure conditions and their impact on evaluation strategies. TopX addresses these issues by precomputing score and path information in an appropriately designed index structure, by largely avoiding or postponing the evaluation of expensive path conditions so as to preserve the sequential access pattern on index lists, and by selectively scheduling random accesses when they are cost-beneficial. In addition, TopX can compute approximate top-k results using probabilistic score estimators, thus speeding up queries with a small and controllable loss in retrieval precision.
Ischemic Preconditioning Improves Time Trial Performance at Moderate Altitude

PurposeEndurance athletes often compete and train at altitude where exercise capacity is reduced. Investigating acclimation strategies is therefore critical. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) can improve endurance performance at sea level through improved O2 delivery and utilization, which could also prove beneficial at altitude. However, data are scarce, and there is no study at altitudes commonly visited by endurance athletes. MethodsIn a randomized, crossover study, we investigated performance and physiological responses in 13 male endurance cyclists during four 5-km cycling time trials (TT), preceded by either IPC (3 × 5 min ischemia/5-min reperfusion cycles at 220 mm Hg) or SHAM (20 mm Hg) administered to both thighs, at simulated low (FIO2 0.180, ~1200 m) and moderate (FIO2 0.154, ~2400 m) altitudes. Time to completion, power output, cardiac output (Q˙), arterial O2 saturation (SpO2), quadriceps tissue saturation index (TSI) and RPE were recorded throughout the TT. Differences between IPC and SHAM were analyzed at every altitude using Cohen effect size (ES) and compared with the smallest worthwhile change. ResultsAt low altitude, IPC possibly improved time to complete the TT (−5.2 s, −1.1%; Cohen ES ± 90% confidence limits −0.22, −0.44; 0.01), power output (2.7%; ES 0.21, 0.08; 0.51), and Q˙ (5.0%; ES 0.27, 0.00; 0.54), but did not alter SpO2, muscle TSI, and RPE. At moderate altitude, IPC likely enhanced completion time (−7.3 s; −1.5%; ES −0.38, −0.55; −0.20), and power output in the second half of the TT (4.6%; ES 0.28, −0.15; 0.72), increased SpO2 (1.0%; ES 0.38, −0.05; 0.81), and decreased TSI (−6.5%; ES −0.27, −0.73; 0.20) and RPE (−5.4%, ES −0.27, −0.48; −0.06). ConclusionsIschemic preconditioning may provide an immediate and effective strategy to defend SpO2 and enhance high-intensity endurance performance at moderate altitude.
Learning rules and network repair in spike-timing-based computation networks

Plasticity in connections between neurons allows learning and adaptation, but it also allows noise to degrade the function of a network. Ongoing network self-repair is thus necessary. We describe a method to derive spike-timing-dependent plasticity rules for self-repair, based on the firing patterns of a functioning network. These plasticity rules for self-repair also provide the basis for unsupervised learning of new tasks. The particular plasticity rule derived for a network depends on the network and task. Here, self-repair is illustrated for a model of the mammalian olfactory system in which the computational task is that of odor recognition. In this olfactory example, the derived rule has qualitative similarity with experimental results seen in spike-timing-dependent plasticity. Unsupervised learning of new tasks by using the derived self-repair rule is demonstrated by learning to recognize new odors.
Effect of Cold-Water Immersion on Elbow Flexors Muscle Thickness After Resistance Training

Abstract Matos, F, Neves, EB, Rosa, C, Reis, VM, Saavedra, F, Silva, S, Tavares, F, and Vilaça-Alves, J. Effect of cold-water immersion on elbow flexors muscle thickness after resistance training. J Strength Cond Res 32(3): 756–763, 2018—Cold-water immersion (CWI) is commonly applied to speed up the recovery process after exercise. Muscle damage may induce a performance reduction and consequence of the intramuscular pressure induced by the muscular swelling. The aim of the study was to verify the CWI effects on muscle thickness (MT) behavior of the elbow flexors after a strength training (ST) protocol. Eleven men were submitted to an ST, performed in 2 different weeks. In one of the weeks, subjects experienced a passive recovery. In the other, subjects were submitted to a CWI (20 minutes at 5–10° C). Ultrasound (US) images were taken before, after, as well as 24, 48, and 72 hours after exercise, to evaluate the MT. Muscle thickness in both exercise arm (EA) and control arm (CA) was significantly higher 48 and 72 hours after exercise when subjects were submitted to a passive recovery compared with the CWI (p = 0.029, p = 0.028, p = 0.009, and p = 0.001, 48 hours, 72 hours, EA, and CA, respectively). When each arm was analyzed with or without using CWI individually, significantly higher MT was observed in the EA with CWI: before exercise in relation to 72 hours after exercise (p = 0.042) and after exercise in relation to the other measurements (p = 0.003, p = 0.003, p = 0.038, and p < 0.0001, before exercise and 24, 48, 72 hours after exercise, respectively). The evaluation of MT by US provides evidence that CWI after ST (and 24 hours after exercise) may reduce muscle swelling in the postexercise days when compared with a passive recovery. Seems to be a paradox between the uses of CWI for an acute reduction of muscle swelling.
Evaluating Suitability of Applying Blockchain

Blockchain is an emerging technology for decentralized and transactional data sharing across a large network of untrusted participants. It enables new forms of distributed software architectures, where agreement on shared states can be established without trusting a central integration point. As a database and computational platform, blockchain has both advantages and disadvantages compared with conventional techniques. Blockchain may be an appropriate choice for some use cases while conventional technologies will be more appropriate for other use cases. A major difficulty for practitioners to decide whether or not to use blockchain is that limited product data or reliable technology evaluation available to assess the suitability of blockchains. In this paper, we propose an evaluation framework that comprises a list of criteria and a typical process for practitioners to assess the suitability of applying blockchain using these criteria based on the characteristics of the use cases. We then use several existing industrial trails to evaluate the feasibility of our framework.
The Implicit Power Motive in Intergroup Dialogues About the History of Slavery

This research demonstrates that individual differences in the implicit power motive (i.e., the concern with impact, influence, and control) moderate how African Americans communicate with White Americans in challenging intergroup dialogues. In a study with African American participants we find that the higher their implicit power motive, the more they use an affiliation strategy to communicate with a White American partner in a conversation context that evokes the history of slavery (Study 1). In a study with White American participants we find that, in the same conversation context, they are more engaged (i.e., open, attentive, and motivated) if they receive an affiliation message rather than a no-affiliation message from an African American partner (Study 2). In interracial dyads we find that African American participants’ implicit power motives moderate how much they intend to signal warmth to a White American discussion partner, how much they display immediacy behaviors and use affiliation imagery in the discussion, and with what level of engagement White American participants respond (Study 3). High but not low implicit power African Americans thus employ a communication strategy—expressing affiliation and warmth—that can be effective for engaging White Americans with uncomfortable, race-identity-relevant topics.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Seroprevalence Among Different National Populations of Middle East and North African Men

Background There are limited data on herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) seroprevalence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). We examined country- and age-specific HSV-2 seroprevalence among select MENA populations residing in Qatar. Methods Sera were collected from male blood donors attending Hamad Medical Corporation between June 2013 and June 2016. Specimens were screened for anti-HSV-2 IgG antibodies following a 2-test algorithm: HerpeSelect 2 ELISA was used to identify HSV-2–positive specimens, and Euroline-WB was used to confirm positive and equivocal specimens for final HSV-2 status. Trends and associations with HSV-2 seropositivity were assessed. Results Of the 2077 tested sera, 61 were found and confirmed positive. The proportion of those confirmed positive increased steadily with HerpeSelect 2 ELISA index value, ranging from 16.3% for index values of 1.101 to 1.999 to 92.9% for index values of 4 or greater. Nationality-specific seroprevalence was 6.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.1%–8.8%) in Qataris, 5.3% (95% CI, 2.5%–11.1%) in Iranians, 4.2% (95% CI, 1.8%–9.5%) in Lebanese, 3.1% (95% CI, 1.2%–7.7%) in Sudanese, 3.0% (95% CI, 1.4%–6.4%) in Palestinians, 2.2% (95% CI, 1.1%–4.3%) in Egyptians, 2.0% (95% CI, 1.0%–5.0%) in Syrians, 1.0% (95% CI, 0.3%–3.6%) in Jordanians, 0.7% (95% CI, 0.1%–3.7%) in Yemenis, and 0.5% (95% CI, 0.1%–2.8%) in Pakistanis. There was evidence for higher seroprevalence in older age groups. Conclusions The seroprevalence of HSV-2 was in the range of few percentage points. There were no major differences in seroprevalence by nationality. These findings add to our understanding of HSV-2 epidemiology in MENA and indicate unmet needs for sexual health and control of sexually transmitted infections.
Participants’ Experiences of a Sexual Counseling Intervention During Cardiac Rehabilitation

Background: International guidelines recommend sexual assessment and counseling be offered to all patients with cardiovascular disease during cardiac rehabilitation. However, sexual problems are infrequently addressed. The Cardiac Health and Relationship Management and Sexuality (CHARMS) intervention is a complex, multilevel intervention designed to increase the provision of sexual counseling in cardiac rehabilitation. It was piloted in 2 cardiac rehabilitation centers to assess the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention and to inform and refine a definitive cluster randomized controlled trial protocol. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences, perceptions, and opinions of patients, partners, and cardiac rehabilitation staff who participated in the CHARMS staff-led patient education class. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive study using semistructured interviews to collect the data. Cardiac rehabilitation staff (n = 8) were interviewed when the intervention commenced in their center and 3 months later (n = 6). Patients (n = 19) and partners (n = 2) were interviewed after delivery of the class; 7 were interviewed again 3 months postintervention to explore temporal changes in opinions. Results: Most cardiac rehabilitation staff were comfortable delivering the CHARMS intervention but would prefer a less structured format. Some staff perceived discomfort among patients. Few patients reported discomfort. Most patients and partners considered that the intervention was a welcome and acceptable part of a cardiac rehabilitation program. Conclusion: Incorporating sexual counseling into cardiac rehabilitation programs is feasible. Although the views of the patients and staff diverged on a number of issues including the perceived comfort of patients, its inclusion was welcomed by patients and was acceptable overall to both staff and patients.
Development and future of ultraviolet light-emitting diodes: UV-LED will replace the UV lamp

Ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) have started replacing UV lamps. The power per LED of high-power LED products has reached 12 W (14 A), which is 100 times the values observed ten years ago. In addition, the cost of these high-power LEDs has been decreasing. In this study, we attempt to understand the technologies and potential of UV-LEDs.
The evolution of floral signals in relation to range overlap in a clade of California Jewelflowers (Streptanthus s.l.)

Because of their function as reproductive signals in plants, floral traits experience distinct selective pressures related to their role in speciation, reinforcement, and prolonged coexistence with close relatives. However, few studies have investigated whether population‐level processes translate into detectable signatures at the macroevolutionary scale. Here, we ask whether patterns of floral trait evolution and range overlap across a clade of California Jewelflowers reflect processes hypothesized to shape floral signal differentiation at the population level. We found a pattern of divergence in floral scent composition across the clade such that close relatives had highly disparate floral scents given their age. Accounting for range overlap with close relatives explained additional variation in floral scent over time, with sympatric species pairs having diverged more than allopatric species pairs given their age. However, three other floral traits (flower size, scent complexity and flower color) did not fit these patterns, failing to deviate from a null Brownian motion model of evolution. Together, our results suggest that selection for divergence among close relatives in the composition of floral scents may play a key, sustained role in mediating speciation and coexistence dynamics across this group, and that signatures of these dynamics may persist at the macroevolutionary scale.
The effect of sampling bias on generalizability in intervention trials after brain injury

ABSTRACT Objective and design: The first objective of this descriptive study was to explore the effect of strict inclusion and exclusion criteria on patient recruitment in cognitive rehabilitation; the second was to analyse the representativeness of study patients for all eligible stroke and traumatic brain injury patients referred to the department from September 2011 to November 2014. Methods: The setting was multi-professional in- and outpatient brain injury rehabilitation in a university hospital. Participants were enrolled consecutively in acute (< 4 months) or sub-acute (4–12 months) phases of rehabilitation after injury. Results: Nine-hundred-and-forty-four patients were screened. Many failed to meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria (acute phase = 90.5%; sub-acute phase = 85.3% excluded). The most frequent exclusion criteria were age and multiple co-morbidity. The most striking differences between eligible participants and non-participants were the latter’s lower educational and occupational levels. Conclusion: Results indicate the need for a closer connection between selection criteria and study aims. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria render the study population less representative and, thus, reduces generalizability. Data collection is prolonged. This study, instead, advocates the use of broad inclusion criteria and common data elements and the need to report data from the total patient population. Increased awareness of the participants’ socioeconomic backgrounds is also needed when recruiting to research studies.