Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dysconnectivity of Large-Scale Functional Networks in Early Psychosis: A Meta-analysis

Objective Increasingly, studies have identified abnormalities in the functional connectivity (FC) of large-scale neural networks in early psychosis, but the findings thus far have been inconclusive. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify robust alterations in FC of the default mode (DMN), salience (SN), and central executive networks (CEN), in patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) using a meta-analytic approach. Methods Included studies were required to be resting-state, seed-to-whole brain, FC neuroimaging studies, comparing FEP patients to healthy controls (HC), with seeds within the boundaries of the region-of-interest networks. Peak effect coordinates and peak t, z, or p values were meta-analyzed using Seed-based d Mapping software. Results The DMN seeds primarily displayed within-network hypoconnectivity (largest clusters including the middle orbital gyrus; and ventral anterior cingulate gyrus). The SN seeds displayed hypoconnectivity with regions in the DMN and CEN (largest clusters located in the bilateral middle temporal gyri). Review of the limited CEN data revealed hypo- and hyperconnectivity across the networks. Negative symptoms were positively correlated with all DMN FC abnormalities in the FEP group. Antipsychotic-treated patients displayed greater hypoconnectivity than antipsychotic-naïve patients between both the DMN/SN seeds and prefrontal regions. Conclusions These findings provide substantial evidence of widespread resting-state FC abnormalities of the DMN, SN, and CEN in early psychosis; particularly implicating DMN and SN dysconnectivity as a core deficit underlying the psychopathology of psychosis. Additionally, we highlight the importance of disentangling connectivity abnormalities resulting from disease processes, from those that result from antipsychotic treatment.
Distribution of particulate matter and ammonia and physicochemical properties of fine particulate matter in a layer house

ABSTRACT High concentrations of particulate matter (PM) and ammonia (NH3) in poultry houses have adverse effects on the health of workers and animals. The present study investigated the distribution of the PM in different size fractions and NH3, as well as analyzing the physicochemical properties of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in an enclosed layer house. The detection was taken from 5:00 to 21:00 in every 2 h for a 7‐d continuous monitoring using a DustTrak II model 8532 aerosol monitor for PM concentrations and a JK40‐IV portable gas detector for NH3 concentrations. The concentrations of inhalable particulate matter (PM10), total suspended particles (TSP), and NH3 were significantly higher in the rear of the chicken house compared to the front (P < 0.05). The PM10, TSP, and NH3 concentrations inside the layer house were significantly higher than outside (P < 0.001). The concentrations of PM10 and TSP were both highest at the first feeding time at 7:00. The PM2.5/PM10, PM2.5/TSP, and PM10/TSP concentration ratios at 5:00 were highest with 0.84, 0.62, and 0.74, respectively. Airflow speed showed a significant correlation with other measured microclimatic variables. Organic carbon was the primary constituent of PM2.5 collected from the layer house. It was also observed that mass percentage of elements C and O were both the highest by energy spectrum diagrams of PM2.5. The ultrastructure of PM2.5 revealed that there were mineral particles derived from feed, feces, or the ground and that smoke polymers came from ambient air. In conclusion, air quality was better at the front than at the middle and rear of the layer house. Air quality outside was better than that inside the house. Chicken activities primarily caused the PM10 and TSP concentrations to increase in the chicken house. The main components of PM2.5 in the layer house were organic matter and minerals, which were mostly derived from feed, feces, and ground dust.
Midsession Reversal Task With Pigeons: Parallel Processing of Alternatives Explains Choices

Most models of choice assume a “tug of war” (ToW) between options present at the time of the choice, arguing that preferences are built on this process, and implying that adding options increases delay to act. In contrast, the sequential choice model (SCM) proposes that choices are driven by parallel expression of the mechanisms that control action in sequential encounters, without comparative deliberation at choice time. Only the SCM predicts choice preferences based on latencies to respond in single-option encounters. SCM further predicts that latencies to choose should either be the same or shorter than those in sequential encounters. We contrasted these models using a midsession reversal task with pigeons. Responses to one alternative (S1) were rewarded in the first half of each session and those to the other (S2) in the second half. Single-option (sequential) and two-option (choice) trials were intermingled. In choice trials subjects strongly preferred S1 early in the session, showed intermediate preferences toward the midsession, and preferred S2 late. These preferences were all predicted by changes in latency toward the presently negative alternative (S2 early and S1 late) in single-option trials. Latency toward presently positive stimuli were minimal throughout, in both single and two option trials, with no evidence of an evaluation time cost of choice. The ability to predict choice preference from latencies in sequential encounters and the absence of a choice delay support the SCM against ToW models, consistently with results from other protocols and species.
Serum androgen levels are positively correlated with athletic performance and competition results in elite female athletes

We thank our colleagues for their constructive comments that relate to our two articles in the July 2017 issue of BJSM . 1 2 The main criticisms expressed about the data used and our statistical analysis were (1) our ‘concentration’ on free testosterone (fT) rather than total testosterone (T)3 (presumably because the T results were only presented in the Internet version of the paper), (2) the fact that 17.3% of the athletes were sampled at both World Championships (Daegu and Moscow),3 (3) the fact that no correlation analysis was performed other than comparison of fT or T tertiles,3 (4) the absence of statistical comparison between a group with high T levels and a group with normal T levels4 and (5) the lack of adjustment for multiple comparisons (suggesting that the significant differences observed in our study could have happened by chance). 5 Taking this last criticism first, we note that we presented an exploratory study, without no attempt to claim confirmatory results. In fact, the exploratory evidence presented in the study is strong, and correction for multiplicity may be too conservative. But we agree that the results should be put into context. At the type 1 error level of 0.05, we could expect 1 of 20 hypotheses tested to be significant merely by chance, that is, p <0.05. In this study, we have observed significant correlations at the 0.05 level in five events, out of 21 events in total. Therefore, it is very unlikely that all these findings are caused by chance. Moreover, the five flagged events were showing similar findings in both fT and T, which indicates that the evidence and findings are robust. Franklin et al report that, using Fisher’s combination test, they were unable to reject the hypothesis that the p values calculated from the …
Cognitive Reflection and the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election

We present a large exploratory study (N = 15,001) investigating the relationship between cognitive reflection and political affiliation, ideology, and voting in the 2016 Presidential Election. We find that Trump voters are less reflective than Clinton voters or third-party voters. However, much (although not all) of this difference was driven by Democrats who chose Trump. Among Republicans, conversely, Clinton and Trump voters were similar, whereas third-party voters were more reflective. Furthermore, although Democrats/liberals were somewhat more reflective than Republicans/conservatives overall, political moderates and nonvoters were least reflective, whereas libertarians were most reflective. Thus, beyond the previously theorized correlation between analytic thinking and liberalism, these data suggest three additional consequences of reflectiveness (or lack thereof) for political cognition: (a) facilitating political apathy versus engagement, (b) supporting the adoption of orthodoxy versus heterodoxy, and (c) drawing individuals toward candidates who share their cognitive style and toward policy proposals that are intuitively compelling.
Activity of dalbavancin and comparator agents against Gram-positive cocci from clinical infections in the USA and Europe 2015–16

Background Many infections due to Gram-positive cocci (GPC; staphylococci, streptococci and enterococci) regularly involve prolonged systemic antibiotic use. Dalbavancin has demonstrated activity against GPC isolates and has been approved for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs) in adults. Objectives To evaluate the activity of dalbavancin against GPC isolated from a variety of infection types in the USA and Europe. Methods A total of 14 319 Staphylococcus aureus, 1992 CoNS, 3269 β-haemolytic streptococci (BHS), 2071 Enterococcus faecalis, 936 Enterococcus faecium, 71 Enterococcus gallinarum/casseliflavus and other Enterococcus spp. , 3487 Streptococcus pneumoniae and 1063 viridans group streptococci (VGS) causing clinical infections were consecutively collected (2015-16) and tested for susceptibility by broth microdilution methods. Results All S. aureus (36.4% MRSA) isolates were susceptible to dalbavancin, teicoplanin and vancomycin, while daptomycin and linezolid showed susceptibility rates of >99.9% (according to CLSI criteria). Dalbavancin MIC results were at least 16-fold lower than these comparators against all S. aureus. Dalbavancin was the most potent agent against CoNS [62.2%/59.6% methicillin-resistant (CLSI/EUCAST)], followed by daptomycin, linezolid and vancomycin. All vancomycin-susceptible E. faecalis isolates were inhibited by dalbavancin at ≤0.25 mg/L (FDA susceptible breakpoint). Dalbavancin was very active against BHS (MIC90 0.03 mg/L) and the most active agent against S. pneumoniae and VGS (highest MIC 0.25 mg/L). Ceftriaxone, daptomycin, levofloxacin and vancomycin were also active (93.5%-100.0% susceptible) against VGS, whereas clindamycin, erythromycin, penicillin and tetracycline had lower activity. Conclusions Dalbavancin appears to be a viable candidate for treating serious infections caused by GPC.
Integrating cell and molecular biology concepts: Comparing learning gains and self‐efficacy in corresponding live and virtual undergraduate laboratory experiences

Multiple pedagogical approaches, such as experimental experiences or computer‐based activities, have been shown to increase student learning and engagement. We have developed a laboratory module that includes both a traditional “live” experimental component and a student‐designed “virtual” computer simulation component. This laboratory employs the mating pathway of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) to demonstrate four fundamental cell and molecular biology concepts: cell signaling, cytoskeleton, cell cycle, and cell cycle checkpoints. In the live laboratory, students add mating pheromone to cultures, then measure changes in cell division and morphology characteristics of the S. cerevisiae mating response. We also developed a “virtual” complement to this laboratory. Using the principles of Design Thinking and Agile methodology, we collaborated with an undergraduate Computer Science course to generate two computer simulations which can support the live laboratory or provide a virtual laboratory experience. We assessed how both the live and virtual laboratories contributed to learning gains in analytical skills and course content. Students who performed the simulation alone or the simulation plus live lab demonstrated learning gains, with greater gains for the live lab, but students who performed neither lab did not. Attitudinal assessment demonstrated increased student engagement and self‐efficacy after performing the live and virtual labs. © 2018 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46:361–372, 2018.
The effect of a dysfunctional upper limb on community‐dwelling stroke survivors and their carers: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

OBJECTIVES The poststroke upper limb continues to pose a myriad of physical and psychological challenges for patients and caregivers. To optimize existing services, this study firstly aimed to explore the experiences of both stroke survivors and caregivers and secondly identify their ongoing needs. METHODS A qualitative approach was utilized for this study. Six participants (three stroke survivors and three caregivers) were purposively sampled from community stroke groups. Semi structured interviews were utilized to collect experiential data, which were analysed using an interpretative phenomenological approach. RESULTS Three master themes emerged from data analysis: "Finding a way forwards from a poor start," "The battle with the upper-limb," and "Relationships with self and society. " All participants, seemingly affected by disappointing services, expressed negative views of rehabilitation. Misplaced or persistent hope, losses in control, and reduced autonomy may have contributed to poor functional outcomes and perceptions of rehabilitation services. The complex physical and psychological impact of the experience of the dysfunctional upper limb was also associated with ongoing and unmet support needs for stroke survivors and carers. CONCLUSIONS Healthcare professionals may consider the varying impact of the dysfunctional upper limb during decision-making and treatment planning, particularly during acute rehabilitation. Future research could explore therapists' perceptions and experiences of upper-limb rehabilitation during this period.
Occurrence and characterization of seven major Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli serotypes from healthy cattle on cow–calf operations in South Africa

Cattle are a major reservoir of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli. This study investigated the occurrence of seven major STEC serogroups including O157, O145, O103, O121, O111, O45 and O26 among 578 STEC isolates previously recovered from 559 cattle. The isolates were characterized for serotype and major virulence genes. Polymerase chain reaction revealed that 41.7% (241/578) of isolates belonged to STEC O157, O145, O103, O121, O45 and O26, and 33 distinct serotypes. The 241 isolates corresponded to 16.5% (92/559) of cattle that were STEC positive. The prevalence of cattle that tested positive for at least one of the six serogroups across the five farms was variable ranging from 2.9% to 43.4%. Occurrence rates for individual serogroups were as follows: STEC O26 was found in 10.2% (57/559); O45 in 2.9% (16/559); O145 in 2.5% (14/559); O157 in 1.4% (8/559); O121 in 1.1% (6/559); and O103 in 0.4% (2/559). The following proportions of virulence genes were observed: stx1, 69.3% (167/241); stx2, 96.3% (232/241); eaeA, 7.1% (17/241); ehxA, 92.5% (223/241); and both stx1 and stx2, 62.2% (150/241) of isolates. These findings are evidence that cattle in South Africa carry STEC that belong to six major STEC serogroups commonly incriminated in human disease. However, only a subset of serotypes associated with these serogroups were clinically relevant in human disease. Most STEC isolates carried stx1, stx2 and ehxA but lacked eaeA, a major STEC virulence factor in human disease.
Inulin-Type Fructan Supplementation of 3- to 6-Year-Old Children Is Associated with Higher Fecal Bifidobacterium Concentrations and Fewer Febrile Episodes Requiring Medical Attention

Abstract Background Inulin-type fructans used in formula have been shown to promote microbiota composition and stool consistency closer to those of breastfed infants and to have beneficial effects on fever occurrence, diarrhea, and incidence of infections requiring antibiotic treatment in infants. Objectives The primary study aim was to explore whether prophylactic supplementation with prebiotic fructans is able to influence the frequency of infectious diseases in kindergarten children during a winter period. A secondary objective was to ascertain the effect on the intestinal microbiota. Methods 142 boys and 128 girls aged 3–6 y were randomly allocated to consume 6 g/d fructans or maltodextrin for 24 wk. At baseline, stool samples were collected for microbiota analysis and anthropometric measurements were made. During the intervention period diagnoses were recorded by physicians, whereas disease symptoms, kindergarten absenteeism, dietary habits, and stool consistency were recorded by parents. Baseline measurements were repeated at wk 24. Results In total 219 children finished the study. Both the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium (P < 0.001) and that of Lactobacillus (P = 0.014) were 19.9% and 7.8% higher, respectively, post data normalization, in stool samples of children receiving fructans as compared with those of controls at wk 24. This was accompanied by significantly softer stools within the normal range in the prebiotic group from wk 12 onwards. The incidence of febrile episodes requiring medical attention [0.65 ± 1.09 compared with 0.9 ± 1.11 infections/(24 wk × child), P = 0.04] and that of sinusitis (0.01 ± 0.1 compared with 0.06 ± 0.25, P = 0.03) were significantly lower in the prebiotic group. The number of infectious episodes and their duration reported by parents did not differ significantly between the 2 intervention groups. Conclusions Prebiotic supplementation modified the composition of the intestinal microbiota and resulted in softer stools in kindergarten-aged children. The reduction in febrile episodes requiring medical attention supports the concept of further studies on prebiotics in young children. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03241355.
Memory Guides the Processing of Event Changes for Older and Younger Adults

Memory for related past experiences can guide current perceptions. However, memory can lead one astray if situational features have changed. Thus, to adaptively use memory to guide perception, one needs to retrieve relevant memories and also to register differences between remembered and current events. Event Memory Retrieval and Comparison Theory proposes that observers associatively activate memories of related previous episodes, and that this guides their ongoing perception. Conflicts between previous and current event features can hurt immediate performance, but if changes are registered and encoded they can lead to highly effective encoding of the prior event, current event, and their relationship. Disruption of these mechanisms could play a role in older adults’ greater susceptibility to event memory interference. Two experiments tested these hypotheses by asking participants to watch movies depicting two fictive days of an actor. Some activities were repeated across days, others were repeated with a changed feature (e.g., waking up to an alarm clock or a phone alarm), and others were performed only on Day 2. One week after watching the Day 2 movie, participants completed a cued-recall test. Changes that participants detected but did not remember led to proactive interference in recall, but changes that were successfully detected and remembered led to facilitation. Younger adults detected and remembered more changes than older adults, which partly explained older adults’ differential memory deficit for changed activities. These findings suggest a role for episodic reminding in event perception and a potential source of age differences in event memory.
Phlebitis-related peripheral venous catheterization and the associated risk factors

Background and Aim: Development of phlebitis is a painful and common complication in the application of peripheral intravenous catheter (PIC). This is a prospective observational study performed to identify development rate of phlebitis in application of PIC and the factors that affect the development of phlebitis. Materials and Methods: The study universe comprises of catheters applied on inpatients in the internal diseases clinic of a state hospital, and the sample comprises of catheters eligible to be included in the study. Five hundred and thirty-two PICs applied on a total of 317 patients were reviewed. The patient identification form, information form for peripheral venous catheter and treatment, and visual infusion phlebitis (VIP) assessment scale were used to collect data. Results: 31.8% had phlebitis and a large number of them (79.2%) were Level I phlebitis. There was a significant relationship between having a chronic disease, duration of catheterization and type of fluid used and the development rate of phlebitis. Conclusion: The phlebitis in individuals receiving intravenous (IV) treatment was higher than the rate defined by both the centers for disease control and prevention and IV nurses society. It may be recommended to assess phlebitis by VIP assessment scale and to take preventive measures specifically for development of phlebitis.
Molecular characterization of predominant Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes causing invasive infections in Canada: the SAVE study, 2011-15.

Objectives This study characterized the 11 most predominant serotypes of invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae infections collected by the annual SAVE study in Canada, between 2011 and 2015. Methods A subset of the 11 most predominant serotypes (7F, 19A, 22F, 3, 12F, 11A, 9N, 8, 33F, 15A and 6C) collected by the SAVE study was analysed using PFGE and MLST, as well as PCR to identify pilus-encoding genes. WGS analyses were performed on a subset of the above isolates plus a random selection of background strains. Results Of the predominant serotypes analysed, 7F, 33F and 19A were obtained more commonly from children <6 years of age, whereas 15A, 6C, 22F and 11A were more common in adults >65 years of age. Pneumococcal pilus PI-1 was identified in antimicrobial-susceptible serotype 15A (61/212) and <10% of 6C isolates (16/188). PI-2 was found in serotype 7F (683/701) and two-thirds of 11A isolates (162/241). Only serotype 19A-ST320 possessed both pili. Molecular and phylogenetic analyses identified serotypes 19A, 15A, 6C, 9N and 33F as highly diverse, whereas 7F, 22F and 11A demonstrated clonality. Antimicrobial resistance determinants were common within diverse serotypes, and usually similar within a clonal complex. Conclusions Despite successful use of conjugate vaccines, S. pneumoniae remains a highly diverse organism in Canada. Several predominant serotypes, both antimicrobial susceptible and MDR, have demonstrated rapid clonal expansion or an increase in diversity. As S. pneumoniae continues to evolve in Canada, WGS will be a necessary component in the ongoing surveillance of antimicrobial-resistant and expanding clones.