Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Filamentous calcareous alga provides substrate for coral-competitive macroalgae in the degraded lagoon of Dongsha Atoll, Taiwan

Background The chemically-rich seaweed Galaxaura is not only highly competitive with corals, but also provides substrate for other macroalgae. Its ecology and associated epiphytes remain largely unexplored. To fill this knowledge gap, we undertook an ecological assessment to explore the spatial variation, temporal dynamics, and diversity of epiphytic macroalgae of Galaxaura divaricata on patch reefs in the lagoon of Dongsha Atoll, a shallow coral reef ecosystem in the northern South China Sea that has been repeatedly impacted by mass coral bleaching events. Methods Twelve spatially independent patch reefs in the Dongsha lagoon were first surveyed to assess benthic composition in April 2016, and then revisited to determine G. divaricata cover in September 2017, with one additional Galaxaura-dominated reef (site 9). Four surveys over a period of 17 months were then carried out on a degraded patch reef site to assess the temporal variation in G. divaricata cover. Epiphytic macroalgae associated with G. divaricata were quantified and identified through the aid of DNA barcoding at this degraded site. Results Patch reefs in the Dongsha lagoon were degraded, exhibiting relatively low coral cover (5–43%), but high proportions of macroalgae (13–58%) and other substrate (rubble and dead corals; 23–69%). The distribution of G. divaricata was heterogeneous across the lagoon, with highest abundance (16–41%) in the southeast area. Temporal surveys showed consistently high covers (mean ± SD = 16.9 ± 1.21%) of G. divaricata for 17 months. Additional photographic evidence suggested that overgrowth of G. divaricata can persist for 3.5 years. Yet, G. divaricata provides substrate to other macroalgae (e.g., Lobophora sp.) that also limit the growth of corals. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that an allelopathic seaweed, such as G. divaricata, can overgrow degraded coral reefs for extended periods of time. By providing habitat for other harmful macroalgae, a prolonged Galaxaura overgrowth could further enhance the spread of macroalgae, and strengthen negative feedback loops, decreasing the recovery potential of degraded reefs.
[Clinical epidemiological characteristics of 3870 cases of colorectal cancers in Guangdong region].

OBJECTIVE To explore the clinical characteristics and pattern of incidence of colorectal cancers in Guangdong region. METHODS Analysis and summary were made for 3870 colorectal cancer patients pathologically confirmed in the Nanfang Hospital and Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital of Guangdong province. RESULTS Median age of 3870 cases with colorectal cancer was 55.3. The high-risk age ranged from 41 to 70.204 cases among them were young patients (age < or = 30, 5.3%). With increase of age the number of cases with rectal cancers decreased gradually, while cancers occurring in the right hemi colon increased gradually. The ratio between male and female was 1.42:1. There were altogether 3958 colonic cancer lesions found in all the cases. Among them 3783 (97.8%) cases presented with a single lesson, 87 (2.2%) cases presented with multiple lesions. 2243 (56.7%) lesions located in the rectum, 717 (18.1%) in the left hemi colon, 998 (25.2%) in the right hemi colon. Histological types in all the lesions cases were grouped as follows: tubular adenocarcinoma 2943 (76.0%); papillary adenocarcinoma 256 (6.6%); mucinous carcinoma 425 (11.0%); and miscellaneous types 246 (6.4%). Colorectal cancers with poor differentiation occurring in the young were 38.2% while in the middle age and the elderly were 29.9% and 14.6%, respectively. The difference between two groups showed a statistical significance (P < 0.01). The cases with confirmed stage A, B, C and D were 234 (6.0%), 1936 (50.0%), 1310 (33.9%) and 390 (10.1%), respectively, according to Dukes' staging system. The cases with the progressing stages (B, C, D stages) were 3636 (94.0%) among all the cases. CONCLUSIONS The number of patients with colorectal cancer admitted in hospital increased gradually in the recent 20 years, and showed a trend with the decrease percentage in rectal cancer and the gradual increasing in right hemi colon cancer with increase of patients age. Half of the colorectal cancer occurred in the rectum, the rest occurred in the left and right hemi colon. The three clinical epidemiological characteristics of colorectal cancer, which once existed in Chinese, has disappeared in Guangdong region.
Comparative effect of statins and types of physical exercise on arterial stiffness

Introduction: The purpose of this study protocol is to provide the methodology for a review to compare the effect of statins vs physical exercise interventions and the effect of different types of physical exercise, on reducing arterial stiffness associated with cardiovascular diseases and mortality. Methods and analysis: The literature search will be conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Web of Science databases from their inception until July 31, 2019. We will include randomized controlled trials, nonrandomized experimental studies, and controlled pre–post studies assessing the effect in the general population of statins and physical exercise interventions on arterial stiffness measured by pulse wave velocity. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool and the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies will be used to assess the risk of bias for studies included in the systematic review. A Bayesian network meta-analysis will be carried out to determine the comparative effect of the different physical exercise interventions and/or statin intervention. Ethics and dissemination: This study will generate evidence about the effectiveness of both statins and exercise on reducing arterial stiffness that potentially can be transferred to patients and practitioners. Moreover, in light of the importance of reducing arterial stiffness for preventing cardiovascular disease, the evidence provided by this study will be potentially suitable to be included in cardiovascular clinical practice guidelines. Strengths and limitations: This protocol describes the methods of a study examining, using network meta-analysis strategies, the efficacy of statins and different types of exercise on improving arterial stiffness, which is an early marker of atherosclerosis. The results of this study could immediately help clinicians to recommend the best evidence-based intervention to their patients to reduce arterial stiffness and, as a consequence, prevent major complications, such as heart failure, stroke, or myocardial infarction. Trial registration number: PROSPERO CRD42019123120
Optimal power flow in bipolar DC distribution grids with asymmetric loading

The emergence of distributed energy resources can lead to congestions in distribution grids. DC distribution grids are becoming more relevant as more sources and loads connected to the low voltage grid use dc. Bipolar dc distribution grids with asymmetric loading can experience partial congestion resulting in a nodal price difference between the two polarities. In order to take into account this price difference, this paper presents an exact optimal power flow (OPF) model, formulated in terms of voltage and current. In the case of bipolar dc distribution grids, the common ground plane assumption cannot be used as current can flow in the neutral conductors as well. Moreover, loads and sources can be connected between any two nodes in the network. The proposed OPF problem formulation includes bilinear cost functions, therefore the locational marginal prices (LMP) are solved in a second step.
Cellular stressors may alter islet hormone cell proportions by moderation of alternative splicing patterns

Abstract Changes to islet cell identity in response to type 2 diabetes (T2D) have been reported in rodent models, but are less well characterized in humans. We assessed the effects of aspects of the diabetic microenvironment on hormone staining, total gene expression, splicing regulation and the alternative splicing patterns of key genes in EndoC-βH1 human beta cells. Genes encoding islet hormones [somatostatin (SST), insulin (INS), Glucagon (GCG)], differentiation markers [Forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), Paired box 6, SRY box 9, NK6 Homeobox 1, NK6 Homeobox 2] and cell stress markers (DNA damage inducible transcript 3, FOXO1) were dysregulated in stressed EndoC-βH1 cells, as were some serine arginine rich splicing factor splicing activator and heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein particle inhibitor genes. Whole transcriptome analysis of primary T2D islets and matched controls demonstrated dysregulated splicing for ~25% of splicing events, of which genes themselves involved in messenger ribonucleic acid processing and regulation of gene expression comprised the largest group. Approximately 5% of EndoC-βH1 cells exposed to these factors gained SST positivity in vitro. An increased area of SST staining was also observed ex vivo in pancreas sections recovered at autopsy from donors with type 1 diabetes (T1D) or T2D (9.3% for T1D and 3% for T2D, respectively compared with 1% in controls). Removal of the stressful stimulus or treatment with the AKT Serine/Threonine kinase inhibitor SH-6 restored splicing factor expression and reversed both hormone staining effects and patterns of gene expression. This suggests that reversible changes in hormone expression may occur during exposure to diabetomimetic cellular stressors, which may be mediated by changes in splicing regulation.
Role of an altered penicillin-binding protein in methicillin- and cephem-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

About 80% of methicillin- and cefazolin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus isolated clinically in Japan in 1982 retained their resistance even after elimination of penicillinase-encoding plasmids. The penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) of the penicillinase-free, methicillin- and cephem-resistant subclones of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were compared with those of spontaneous susceptible revertants which had been obtained by the replica method after 10 subcultures in drug-free media. A new PBP fraction (PBP2') having a molecular weight of 78,000 and low binding affinities for various beta-lactam antibiotics was found in MRSA exclusively. The levels of resistance of MRSA strains were reduced markedly by culturing them at 43 degrees C or at pH 5.2 or both. We found that the binding capacity of PBP2' for 14C-labeled penicillin G was decreased by preincubation of the membrane fractions of MRSA strains at 43 degrees C for 60 min and that the amount of PBP2' in MRSA strains grown at pH 5.2 was less than that the amount of PBP2' in MRSA strains grown at pH 7.0. Temperature- and pH-dependent expression of resistance in MRSA is likely to reflect the temperature sensitivity and neutral pH-dependent production of the specific PBP fraction (PBP2'). We suggest that MRSA strains can grow in the presence of beta-lactam antibiotics because of the low affinities of the specific PBP2' fraction for various beta-lactam antibiotics.
Mothers’ Vegetable Consumption Behaviors and Preferences as Factors Limiting the Possibility of Increasing Vegetable Consumption in Children in a National Sample of Polish and Romanian Respondents

Increasing the insufficient intake of vegetables in children may be difficult, due to the influence of parents and at-home accessibility. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between self-reported vegetable consumption behaviors and preferences of mothers and the behaviors and preferences of their children, as declared by them. The nationally representative Polish (n = 1200) and Romanian (n = 1157) samples of mothers of children aged 3–10 were obtained using the random quota sampling method, and interviewed for their and their children’s general frequency of consumption and preferences of vegetables in years 2012–2014. A 24 h dietary recall of vegetable consumption was conducted for mothers and their children. Associations were observed for general number of servings consumed per day by mother–child pairs (p < 0.0001; R = 0.6522, R = 0.6573 for Polish and Romanian samples, respectively) and number of types indicated as preferred (p < 0.0001; R = 0.5418, R = 0.5433). The share of children consuming specific vegetables was 33.1–75.3% and 42.6–75.7% while their mothers also consumed, but 0.1–43.2% and 1.2–22.9% while their mothers did not. The share of children preferring specific vegetables was 16.7–74.1% and 15.2–100% when their mother shared the preference, but 1.3–46.9% and 0–38.3% when their mother did not. The mothers’ vegetable consumption behaviors and preferences may be a factor limiting the possibility of increasing vegetable consumption in their children.
Onset symptoms as predictors of mortality and disability in multiple sclerosis

Abstract– 941 cases of definite/probable multiple sclerosis living in Los Angeles County, California and King and Pierce Counties, Washington in 1970 who had onset between 1960 and 1969 were followed for mortality and disability through 1980. Early age of onset and residence in Washington State were predictors of less rapid and severe subsequent course. Coordination symptoms at onset were prognostic of rapid progression to disability and/or early death, whereas early motor weakness was significantly predictive only for disability. The presence of sensory symptoms in addition to motor and/or coordination symptoms at onset, however, indicated a better prognosis than coordination and/or motor symptoms alone. This observation and the results of regression analyses indicated that specific groupings of symptoms at onset were more important for predicting course than the number of symptoms present at onset.
Socioeconomic and demographic determinants of postoperative outcome after endoscopic sinus surgery

Socioeconomic and demographic factors have a significant impact on healthcare utilization and surgical outcomes. The effect of these variables on baseline symptom severity and quality of life (QOL) after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is not well established. Our goal was to investigate the association of sociodemographic factors on QOL before and after ESS, as reflected by the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) score.
Determination of the fertile window: Reproductive competence of women – European cycle databases

Objectives. The objective of the present paper is to review the main results of recent European cycle databases on ovulation detection and determination of the fertile window performed by the women themselves. Methods. The ongoing German Long-term Cycle Database currently comprises 32 788 prospectively collected cycle charts of 1551 women, the I European Cycle Database (10 countries) 1328 women/19 048 cycles, the II European Cycle Database (six countries) 782 women/6724 cycles, and the World Health Organization Database (one European country) 234 women/2808 cycles. The women record cycle parameters (cervical mucus changes, temperature rise, etc.), family planning intention and sexual behavior. Results. With the symptothermal method of natural family planning it has become possible to determine the fertile window in order to avoid pregnancy with a method effectiveness of 0.3%. According to a small sub-study, the ovulation time observed by the women themselves correlates closely with ovulation detected by ultrasound and measurement of luteinizing hormone (correlation within 1 day in 89% of the 62 cycles). Fertility awareness methods can be integrated into the management of sub-fertility. They seem to shorten the time to pregnancy. Conclusions. Self-observation of the fertile window puts women into a position to develop a high level of reproductive competence that could be used much more in different areas than is currently the case.
Assessment of musculoskeletal pain in dance focusing on dance-style related differences

ABSTRACT Objectives: Pain in dance may be related to the high specific load on the musculoskeletal system caused by dance techniques. Up to the present, data on pain-relevant aspects considering the dance style as a contributing factor to pain occurrence in dance are still pending. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare dance-style specific pain with regard to prevalence, localization, subjective pain perception, duration, frequency, temporary dynamics and pain evaluation in dancers of the two popular dance styles (ballet and contemporary dance). Methods: The quantitative cross-sectional observation study with descriptive focus was carried out in n = 64 classical (ballet) dancers (B) and n = 81 jazz/modern/contemporary dancers (JMC). All participants were non-professional dancers. The data were collected by using an online questionnaire consisting of existing pain assessments adapted for dance. Results: Above all, differences were found in the comparison of the dancers’ body regions. While the lower extremity was particularly affected in ballet dancers (B) (right calf, p = 0.04; forefoot and toes, p < 0.01), dancers of the JMC were more frequently affected by pain in the head and trunk (neck, p < 0.01; upper back, p < 0.01) and the upper extremity (shoulders, p < 0.01; wrists, p < 0.01; left elbow, p = 0.03). More than 65% of the dancers (B and JMC) reported pain in the context of dancing within the recent 3 and 12 months. Further parallels in the two dance styles could be observed in the subjective sensation of pain, the temporal course and the evaluation of pain. Conclusion: In the overall view of pain aspects, the parallels between the investigated dance styles prevail, which dominate in the aspects of pain prevalence, subjective perception, temporal progression, and pain evaluation. This allows the careful conclusion that the dance style performed is of limited importance for the pain aspects mentioned. The differences must be taken into account in future prevention measures.
Biological Activities and Chemical Constituents of Essential Oils from Piper cubeba Bojer and Piper nigrum L.

In this study, we evaluated antioxidant, antihyperuricemic, and herbicidal activities of essential oils (EOs) from Piper cubeba Bojer and Piper nigrum L. ; two pepper species widely distributed in tropics, and examined their chemical compositions. Dried berries of P. cubeba and P. nigrum were hydro-distilled to yield essential oil (EO) of 1.23 and 1.11% dry weight, respectively. In the antioxidant assay, the radical scavenging capacities of P. cubeba EO against DPPH and ABTS free radicals were 28.69 and 24.13% greater than P. nigrum, respectively. In the antihyperuricemic activity, P. cubeba EO also exhibited stronger inhibitory effects on xanthine oxidase (IC50 = 54.87 µg/mL) than P. nigrum EO (IC50 = 77.11 µg/mL). In the herbicidal activity, P. cubeba EO showed greater inhibition on germination and growth of Bidens pilosa and Echinochloa crus-galli than P. nigrum EO. Besides, P. cubeba EO decreased 15.98–73.00% of photosynthesis pigments of B. pilosa and E. crus-galli, while electrolyte leakages, lipid peroxidations, prolines, phenolics, and flavonoids contents were increased 10.82–80.82% at 1.93 mg/mL dose. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) analyses revealed that P. nigrum and P. cubeba EOs principally possessed complex mixtures of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Terpinen-4-ol (42.41%), α-copaene (20.04%), and γ-elemene (17.68%) were the major components of P. cubeba EO, whereas β-caryophyllene (51.12%) and β-thujene (20.58%) were the dominant components of P. nigrum EO. Findings of this study suggest both P. cubeba and P. nigrum EOs were potential to treat antioxidative stress and antihyperuricemic related diseases. In addition, the EOs of the two plants may be useful to control B. pilosa and E. crus-galli, the two invasive and problematic weeds in agriculture practice.
Transcriptional regulation of human excitatory amino acid transporter 1 (EAAT1): cloning of the EAAT1 promoter and characterization of its basal and inducible activity in human astrocytes

Excitatory amino acid transporter 1 (EAAT1) is one of the two glial glutamate transporters that clear the extracellular glutamate generated during neuronal signal transmission. Here, we cloned and characterized a 2.1‐kb promoter region of human EAAT1 and investigated its function in the transcriptional regulation of the EAAT1 gene in human primary astrocytes. The full‐length promoter region lacked TATA and CCAAT boxes and an initiator element, it contained several potential transcription factor‐binding sites and it exhibited promoter activity in primary astrocytes and in several types of transformed cells. Consecutive 5′‐deletion analysis of the EAAT1 promoter indicated the presence of negative and positive regulatory regions and a putative core promoter between −57 bp and +20 bp relative to the transcription start site (TSS). The core promoter contained a single GC‐box in position −52/−39 and one E‐box near the TSS and the GC‐box site that was responsible for 90% of the basal promoter activity as determined by mutational analysis. Electrophoretic mobility shift, supershift and competition assays demonstrated binding of stimulating proteins (Sp) 1 and 3 to the GC‐box and upstream stimulating factor (USF) 1 to the E‐box. Treatment of primary human astrocytes with cellular modulators 8‐bromo cyclic AMP and epidermal growth factor increased EAAT1 promoter activity in transient transfection assays and increased cellular EAAT1 mRNA expression and glutamate uptake by astrocytes. Conversely, tumor necrosis factor‐α reduced both EAAT promoter activity and cellular EAAT1 mRNA expression. These results enable studies of transcriptional regulation of EAAT1 gene at the promoter level.
Mental health services, care provision, and professional support for people diagnosed with borderline personality disorder: systematic review of service-user, family, and carer perspectives

Abstract Background Mental health professionals’ attitudes to people with Borderline Personality Disorder can be negative. No systematic review to date has examined how service-users and their families experience professional care. Aims To critically synthesise evidence of service-users’ and families’ subjective experience of mental health care for borderline personality disorder. Methods Multiple computerised databases were searched using comprehensive terms. All relevant, English language empirical studies were included. We read and critically assessed all papers independently. Study findings were subject to a meta-synthesis. Results A total of 38 studies were included. Analysis revealed four themes for service-users: assessment and diagnosis; approach of professionals; therapeutic interventions, and service provision; two broad themes for family/carers: support, burden, and information; and experience of professional and therapeutic approaches. Both groups expected to receive professional healthcare, and were clear they valued professionalism, respect, compassion and the therapeutic nature of positive relationships with professionals. Expectations were jeopardised where difficulties with knowledge, communication, information sharing, and support were perceived. Conclusions Service-users and families/carers should expect to receive high quality, fair and equal care. In light of current evidence, a cultural shift towards more relational, person centred and recovery-focused care could improve experiences.