Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Class-Level School Performance and Life Satisfaction: Differential Sensitivity for Low- and High-Performing School-Aged Children

This study investigates whether class-level school performance affects students’ life satisfaction and if there are differential effects for high- and low-performing students. Data were derived from the National Educational Panel Study, including n = 5196 students (49.6% girls), nested in 478 classes and 250 secondary schools. School performance in class was measured by aggregating individual grade point average in Mathematics and German. The study could not reveal the “big-fish-little-pond”-effect regarding students’ life satisfaction but found differential effects for high- vs. low performing students. There was no significant association for low-performing students attending classes with higher class-level performance However, low-performing students revealed the lowest life satisfaction. High-performing students placed in classes with higher average performance reported lower life satisfaction compared to high-performing students in classes with lower average performance. This study provides evidence for the impact of the learning environment in class on school-aged children’s life satisfaction, by highlighting the differential sensitivity of high-performing students when placed in classes with higher or lower average performance.
Three‐dimensional imaging of the human internal acoustic canal and arachnoid cistern: a synchrotron study with clinical implications

A thorough knowledge of the gross and micro‐anatomy of the human internal acoustic canal (IAC) is essential in vestibular schwannoma removal, cochlear implantation (CI) surgery, vestibular nerve section, and decompression procedures. Here, we analyzed the acoustic‐facial cistern of the human IAC, including nerves and anastomoses using synchrotron phase contrast imaging (SR‐PCI). A total of 26 fresh human temporal bones underwent SR‐PCI. Data were processed using volume‐rendering software to create three‐dimensional (3D) reconstructions allowing soft tissue analyses, orthogonal sectioning, and cropping. A scalar opacity mapping tool was used to enhance tissue surface borders, and anatomical structures were color‐labeled for improved 3D comprehension of the soft tissues. SR‐PCI reproduced, for the first time, the variable 3D anatomy of the human IAC, including cranial nerve complexes, anastomoses, and arachnoid membrane invagination (acoustic‐facial cistern; an extension of the cerebellopontine cistern) in unprocessed, un‐decalcified specimens. An unrecognized system of arachnoid pillars and trabeculae was found to extend between the arachnoid and cranial nerves. We confirmed earlier findings that intra‐meatal vestibular schwannoma may grow unseparated from adjacent nerves without duplication of the arachnoid layers. The arachnoid pillars may support and stabilize cranial nerves in the IAC and could also play a role in local fluid hydrodynamics.
Baicalin Ameliorates Collagen-Induced Arthritis Through the Suppression of Janus Kinase 1 (JAK1)/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) Signaling in Mice

Background Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation and there is no cure. Baicalin, as an ingredient in the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis, is supposed to possess an anti-inflammatory effect. However, the protective effect of baicalin on collagen-induced arthritis requires further investigation. Material/Methods A model of rheumatoid arthritis was established in 20 mice (8- to 10-weeks old). The mice were randomly divided into 2 groups after modeling and then injected with saline or baicalin, respectively. The synovial fluids and tissues were collected, and the pressure pain threshold and clinical arthritis score were measured. The levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interlukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2, MMP-9, nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and their downstream inflammatory mediators Janus kinase 1 (JAK1)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38, Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) activation were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and western blotting analyses. The mononuclear cells apoptosis ratio was calculated by flowcytometry analyses. Results Baicalin significantly reduced disease activities in a rheumatoid arthritis mouse model, which were reflected by pressure pain thresholds and clinical arthritis scores. Relevant proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, gelatinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) and inducible enzymes (iNOS, COX-2) were generally suppressed. Moreover, baicalin treatment induced cells apoptosis in synovial fluid monocytes and markedly down regulated JAK1/STAT3 but not mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) expressions in synovium of arthritis. Conclusions These observations confirm the relief of rheumatoid arthritis by baicalin. Our results indicate the effect is related with the modulation of decreased proinflammatory cytokines and inflammatory markers. And the apoptosis promotion of monocytes in synovial fluid were also inhibited. Moreover, the molecular mechanism implies suppressed JAK1/STAT3 signaling with baicalin treatment.
The Role of Mitochondria in Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and Its Implications for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Mitochondria are dynamic cellular organelles that consistently migrate, fuse, and divide to modulate their number, size, and shape. In addition, they produce ATP, reactive oxygen species, and also have a biological role in antioxidant activities and Ca2+ buffering. Mitochondria are thought to play a crucial biological role in most neurodegenerative disorders. Neurons, being high-energy-demanding cells, are closely related to the maintenance, dynamics, and functions of mitochondria. Thus, impairment of mitochondrial activities is associated with neurodegenerative diseases, pointing to the significance of mitochondrial functions in normal cell physiology. In recent years, considerable progress has been made in our knowledge of mitochondrial functions, which has raised interest in defining the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we summarize the existing knowledge of the mitochondrial function in reactive oxygen species generation and its involvement in the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
Comparison of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Whooley questions in screening for postpartum depression in Japan

Abstract Objective: We examined the clinical utility of the Whooley questions in comparison with that of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) in Japan. Methods: We carried out mental health screening of all postnatal mothers (n = 258) who gave birth to singleton babies at term attending our hospital using the EPDS and the Whooley questions. For the EPDS, scores were calculated, and a score of nine points or more was regarded as “positive screening” according to the results of previous observations in Japan. For the Whooley questions, if at least one question was answered “yes,” we diagnosed it as “positive screen. ” Results: The positive rate of the Whooley questions was 16.7%, while that of the EPDS (≥ 9 points) was 14.8% (p = .55). The incidence of postpartum depression was 5.4%. The difference in the sensitivity and positive predictive value of the two tools did not reach significance (p = .09 and .45, respectively). Conclusions: There were no significant differences in accuracy on comparing the two screening tools. We should examine how to use the two tools according to the regional support systems.
Quasi-opacity and headed spans in Silly and Megisti Greek

A number of Greek dialects developed a phonological process very similar to Vowel Harmony (VH) due to a long period of contact with Turkish. In this paper, we focus on Silly (Asia Minor Greek) and Megisti (Southern Greek), hitherto unknown in the literature, in order to study the interaction between VH and epenthesis. This interaction poses a puzzle for surface-based accounts of phonology since it looks opaque. We propose that no extra theoretical devices - such as Comparative Markedness, Output-Output Correspondence or Sympathy - are needed to account for these phenomena, once we accept appropriate theories of phonological representations and extend the notion of CONTAINMENT (Prince & Smolensky 1993) to the phonology-morphology interaction.
Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training Combined with L-Citrulline Supplementation on Functional Capacities and Muscle Function in Dynapenic-Obese Older Adults

Background: To compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) alone vs. HIIT combined with L-citrulline (CIT) supplementation on functional capacity and muscle function in dynapenic-obese elderly. Methods: A total of 56 obese (fat mass: men > 25%, women > 35%) and dynapenic (grip strength/body weight: women < 0.44, men < 0.61) subjects were recruited and divided in two groups: HIIT+CIT (n = 26; age: 6 5 ± four years) vs. HIIT+Placebo (PLA, n = 30; age: 68 ± four years). Participants followed a 12-week HIIT using an elliptical trainer. Participants took a single and isocaloric 10 g-dose of CIT or PLA every day. Body composition; functional and aerobic capacities; absolute or relative upper and lower limbs muscle strength, muscle power; and energy balance were measured pre and post intervention. Results: Both groups significantly improved functional capacity and muscle function. However, HIIT+CIT demonstrated greater improvements in fast-paced Timed Up & Go (p = 0.04) and upper limbs muscle strength (absolute and relative) (p = 0.05) than HIIT+Placebo. Conclusion: CIT supplementation when combined with HIIT seems to induce greater improvements in upper limbs muscle strength and walking speed in dynapenic-obese elderly. Further studies are needed to confirm our results, to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of CIT and to define the long-term impact of CIT/HIIT.
Validation of an Airborne Doppler Wind Lidar in Tropical Cyclones

This study presents wind observations from an airborne Doppler Wind Lidar (ADWL) in 2016 tropical cyclones (TC). A description of ADWL measurement collection and quality control methods is introduced for the use in a TC environment. Validation against different instrumentation on-board the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s WP-3D aircraft shows good agreement of the retrieved ADWL measured wind speed and direction. Measurements taken from instruments such as the global positioning system dropsonde, flight-level wind probe, tail Doppler radar, and Stepped Frequency Microwave Radiometer are compared to ADWL observations by creating paired datasets. These paired observations represent independent measurements of the same observation space through a variety of mapping techniques that account for differences in measurement procedure. Despite high correlation values, outliers are identified and discussed in detail. The errors between paired observations appear to be caused by differences in the ability to capture various length scales, which directly relate to certain regions in a TC regime. In validating these datasets and providing evidence that shows the mitigation of gaps in 3-dimensional wind representation, the unique wind observations collected via ADWL have significant potential to impact numerical weather prediction of TCs.
Armazenamento de pitanga em pó

EnglishThe type of drying and packaging are two essential factors in the study of dehydration andpreservation of fruits, respectively. The objective was study the storage of surinam cherry powderproduced by foam mat drying and packaged in flexible packing (PET/PP). The powder sampleswere obtained by pulp dehydration in an oven with circulating air (0.5 m s-1) in the temperature of70 °C. The surinam cherry powder was wrapped in flexible packing and stored at room temperatureand relative humidity for 60 days. During the storage was evaluated the stability of powder throughthe monitoring every 10 days the moisture content, ascorbic acid, pH, titratable acidity, reducingsugars, non reducing sugars, total sugars and color parameters (brightness, redness and yellowness). Only the non-reducing sugars did not differ significantly with the storage time. The results indicatedthat the powder has changed in most of the properties, but the ascorbic acid content, moisturecontent, total acidity and total sugars varied little over the 60 days portuguesO tipo de secagem e a embalagem sao dois fatores indispensaveis no estudo da desidratacao econservacao de frutos, respectivamente. Objetivou-se estudar o armazenamento de pitanga empo, produzida por meio de secagem em camada de espuma, acondicionada em embalagemflexivel multifolhada (PET/PP). As amostras em po foram obtidas mediante desidratacao da polpa emestufa com circulacao de ar (0,5 m s-1) a temperatura de 70 oC. A pitanga em po foi acondicionadaem embalagem flexivel e armazenada a temperatura e umidade relativa ambiente durante 60dias. Durante o armazenamento foi avaliada a estabilidade do po por meio do acompanhamentoa cada 10 dias do teor de umidade, acido ascorbico, pH, acidez total titulavel, acucares redutores,acucares nao redutores, acucares totais e dos parâmetros de cor (luminosidade, intensidade devermelho e amarelo). Apenas os acucares nao redutores nao apresentaram diferenca estatisticaao longo de todo o armazenamento. Os resultados indicaram que o po sofreu alteracoes namaioria das propriedades avaliadas, mas os teores de acido ascorbico, umidade, acidez totaltitulavel e acucares totais pouco variaram ao longo dos 60 dias.
Bacterial diversity and community in Qula from the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau in China

Qula is a cheese-like product usually prepared with unpasteurized yak milk under open conditions, with both endogenous and exogenous microorganisms involved in the fermentation process. In the present study, 15 Qula samples were collected from five different regions in China to investigate the diversity of microbial communities using high-throughput sequencing targeting the V3–V4 region of 16S rRNA gene. The bacterial diversity significantly differed among samples of different origins, indicating a possible effect of geography. The result also showed that microbial communities significantly differed in samples of different origin and these differences were greater at the genus than the phylum level. A total of six phyla were identified in the samples, and Firmicutes and Proteobacteria had a relative abundance >20%. A total of 73 bacterial genera were identified in the samples. Two dominant genera (Lactobacillus and Acetobacter) were common to all samples, and a total of 47 operational taxonomic units at different levels significantly differed between samples of different origin. The predicted functional genes of the bacteria present in samples also indicated differences in bacterial communities between the samples of different origin. The network analysis showed that microbial interactions between bacterial communities in Qula were very complex. This study lays a foundation for further investigations into its food ecology.
Multi-drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background In past years, much focus has been on tackling the scourge and spread of tuberculosis worldwide. The recent emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis has, however, negatively threatened progress made so far. Nigeria ranks fourth out of the 22 high tuberculosis burden countries in the world and has the highest burden of tuberculosis in Africa. It is therefore necessary to monitor the MDR tuberculosis situation in the country. Objectives This study set out to assess the proportions of MDR tuberculosis in patients attending six directly observed treatment short-course centres in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, from October 2015 to October 2016. Methods Six hundred and nine participants between the ages of 18 and 75 years were enrolled in this study and comprised suspected and newly diagnosed tuberculosis cases. Sputum samples obtained from the participants were screened for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis using standard culture and phenotypic biochemical techniques, and drug susceptibility testing was carried out using the 1% proportion conventional method. Results Of the 609 participants enrolled, 30 (4.9%) were confirmed as M. tuberculosis-positive cases. A high prevalence of drug resistant tuberculosis was noted in this study (14/30, 46.7%), with 26.7% of isolates resistant to streptomycin. MDR tuberculosis, defined as being resistant to isoniazid and rifampicin, was detected in only one case (3.3%). Conclusion This study reports a low rate of MDR tuberculosis and contributes to the sparse data on drug resistant tuberculosis in Nigeria.
Impact of body mass index on short-term outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy in Asian patients: A meta-analysis

AIM To perform a meta-analysis to investigate the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) for gastric cancer (GC) in Asian patients. METHODS The PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were searched for studies that focused on the impact of obesity on the short-term outcomes of LG for GC in Asian patients who were classified into a high BMI (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) or low BMI group (BMI < 25 kg/m2). The results are expressed using the pooled odds ratio (OR) for binary variables and standard mean difference (SMD) for continuous variables with 95% confidence interval (CI), and were calculated according to the fixed-effects model while heterogeneity was not apparent or a random-effects model while heterogeneity was apparent. RESULTS Nine studies, with a total sample size of 6077, were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with the low BMI group, the high BMI group had longer operative time (SMD = 0.26, 95%CI: 0.21 to 0.32, P < 0.001), greater blood loss (SMD = 0.19, 95%CI: 0.12 to 0.25, P < 0.001), and fewer retrieved lymph nodes (SMD = -0.13, 95%CI: 0.18 to 0.07, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the high and low BMI groups in postoperative complications (OR = 1.12, 95%CI: 0.95 to 1.33, P = 0.169), the duration of postoperative hospital stay (SMD = 0.681, 95%CI: -0.05 to 0.07, P = 0.681), postoperative mortality (OR = 1.95, 95%CI: 0.78 to 4.89, P = 0.153), or time to resuming food intake (SMD = 0.00, 95%CI: -0.06 to 0.06, P = 0.973). CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis provides strong evidence that despite being associated with longer operative time, greater blood loss, and fewer retrieved lymph nodes, BMI has no significant impact on the short-term outcomes of LG for GC in Asian patients, including postoperative complications, the duration of postoperative hospital stay, postoperative mortality, and time to resuming food intake. BMI may be a poor risk factor for short-term outcomes of LG. Other indices should be taken into account.
Pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 promotes cell proliferation via inhibiting apoptosis in human malignant melanoma

Introduction Human malignant melanoma (MM) is a highly malignant tumor of cutaneous melanocytes with a fast progression. We investigated the cellular effects of pyrroline-5- carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1) in the MM cell lines, A375 and M14. Methods Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry analysis were performed to evaluate the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of MM cell lines, respectively. To gain more insight into the role of PYCR1 in tumor growth, we analyzed the AKT phosphorylation level in PYCR1-specific siRNA (siPYCR1) and negative control (NC) cells. Results Biochemical analysis revealed a clear increase in PYCR1 expression in human MM samples, and its high expression predicted a poor prognosis. Silencing of PYCR1 suppressed the proliferation and migration of A375 and M14 cells. The percentage of apoptosis in cells transfected with siPYCR1 significantly increased in comparison to that of cells transfected with negative control siRNA (NC). The enhanced apoptosis in PYCR1 knockdown cells was consistent with an increased level of markers of apoptosis. siPYCR1 inhibited AKT phosphorylation, as well as the expression of its downstream protein, P70, suggesting that PYCR1 promoted cell growth of the MM cell lines A375 and M14 through stimulation of the AKT pathway. Moreover, forkhead box K2 and regulatory associated protein of MTOR complex 1 shared a similar expression pattern to that of PYCR1 and were significantly downregulated in PYCR1 knockdown cells. Conclusion PYCR1 promoted tumor progression through the AKT pathway in human MM in vitro. Our results expand the knowledge of PYCR1 functions in solid tumors and provide a potential target for the clinical treatment of human MM.
Predictors of adherence to a physical activity counseling intervention delivered by exercise physiologists: secondary analysis of the NewCOACH trial data

Background General practitioners (GPs) cite time as a barrier to physical activity counseling. An alternative for time-poor GPs in Australia is the referral of insufficiently active patients to exercise physiologists (EPs). As data on the predictors of adherence to physical activity counseling interventions are limited, this study aimed to identify the sociodemographic, medical, health, and psychological characteristics of insufficiently active primary care patients who adhered to a physical activity counseling intervention delivered by EPs. Methods This secondary analysis of data from the NewCOACH randomized trial used logistic regression to identify predictors of adherence, defined as patient participation in at least four of the five physical activity counseling sessions. EPs provided information about the number of sessions, while other potential predictors were obtained from the self-administered baseline questionnaire and medical summary sheets provided by the GPs. Results Of the 132 patients referred to an EP, 102 (77%) were adherent: 91 (69%) and eleven (8.3%) participated in all, or all but one, of the sessions, respectively. Of the remainder, seven (5.3%) patients participated in three sessions, seven (5.3%) participated in two sessions, five (3.8%) participated in one session, and eleven (8.3%) did not participate in any session. The odds of being adherent were 5.84 (95% CI 1.46-23.4, P≤0.05) times higher among retired participants than in those who were not in paid employment. The odds of being adherent 1) increased as the positive outcome expectation score increased (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.12-3.18, P≤0.05) and 2) decreased as the duration (days) between referral and the initial counseling session increased (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92-0.98, P<0.01). Conclusion More than three quarters of the patients participated in all, or all but one, of the sessions. Being retired, positive outcome expectations, and having a shorter wait between referral and the initial appointment predicted adherence.