Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A molecular line study of the filamentary infrared dark cloud G304.74+01.32

Context. Infrared dark clouds (IRDCs) are promising sites to study the earliest formation stages of stellar clusters and high-mass stars, and the physics of molecular-cloud formation and fragmentation. Aims. We attempt to improve our understanding of the physical and chemical properties of the filamentary IRDC G304.74+01.32 (hereafter, G304.74). In particular, we investigate the kinematical and dynamical state of the cloud and clumps within it, and the amount of CO depletion. Methods. All of the submillimetre peak positions in the cloud identified from our previous LABOCA 870-μm map were observed in C 17 O(2−1) with APEX. These are the first line observations along the whole filament that have been made so far. Selected positions were also observed in the 13 CO(2−1), SiO(5−4), and CH3OH(5k−4k) transitions at ∼1 mm. Results. The C 17 O lines were detected towards all target positions at similar radial velocities. CO does not appear to be significantly depleted in the clumps, the largest depletion factors being only about 2. Two to three methanol 5k−4k lines near ∼241.8 GHz were detected towards all selected positions, whereas SiO(5−4) was seen in only one of these positions, namely SMM 3. In the band covering SiO(5−4), we also detected the DCN(3−2) line towards SMM 3. The 13 CO(2−1) lines display blue asymmetric profiles, which are indicative of large-scale infall motions. The clumps show transonic to supersonic non-thermal motions, and a virial-parameter analysis suggests that most of them are gravitationally bound. The external pressure may also play a non-negligible role in the dynamics. Our analysis suggests that the fragmentation of the filament into clumps is caused by a “sausage”-type instability, in agreement with results from other IRDCs. Conclusions. The uniform C 17 O radial velocities along the G304.74 cloud shows that it is a coherent filamentary structure. Although the clumps appear to be gravitationally bound, the ambient turbulent ram pressure may be an important factor in the cloud dynamics. This is qualitatively consistent with our earlier suggestion that the filament was formed by converging supersonic turbulent flows. The poloidal magnetic field could resist the radial cloud collapse, which conforms to the low infall velocites that we derived. The cloud may be unable to form high-mass stars based on the mass-size threshold. The star-formation activity in the cloud, such as outflows, is likely responsible for the release of CO from the icy grain mantles back into the gas phase. Shocks related to outflows may also have injected CH3OH, SiO, and DCN into the gas-phase in SMM 3.
Convolutional Long Short-Term Memory Model for Recognizing Postures from Wearable Sensor

This research investigates the feasibility and viability of applying Deep Neural Networks (DNN) to improve performance with respect to posture recognition based on multi-channel motion data from Wearable Sensors (WS). The authors use the recognition of posture that can be linked to risk of Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD)among construction workers as the testbed. The proposed approach is based on the use of a DNN model integrating Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Long short-term memory (LSTM) that can achieve automated feature engineering and sequential pattern detection. The model performance was evaluated using datasets collected from four construction workers. The proposed model outperformed baseline CNN and LSTM models. Under the personalized modelling approach, it improved recognition performance by 3% from the benchmark Machine Learning models; the improvement is 2% for generalized modelling approach. The proposed model achieves high-performance posture recognition, which facilitates the MSD prevention in construction through monitoring injury-related postures.
Characterisation of ocular involvement in an experimental model of neuroschistosomiasis mansoni

The Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 listed schistosomiasis among the leading 100 causes of death in Brazil, responsible for 3.6% of the estimated total of deaths globally. Eye and adnexa are very rarely affected by schistosomiasis mansoni, with limited documentation of ocular pathology in this setting. This short communication reports ocular histolopathological findings in a murine model of neuroschistosomiasis mansoni. Lesions were found in the bulbar conjunctiva, lacrimal gland, choroid and corneoscleral limbus.
Family satisfaction with intensive care services: A survey from three tertiary hospital units

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the level of family satisfaction in three intensive care units (ICUs) in a tertiary hospital in the United Arab Emirates, which is a multicultural society.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Family members of patients who were admitted to the ICU for more than 48 h were included in the study. Families were approached with a validated FS24-ICU Family Satisfaction Survey Questionnaire. One hundred questionnaires were collected over 3 months from January 1, 2016, to March 31, 2016, in the pediatric medical-surgical and cardiac, adult cardiac, and adult medical/surgical ICUs.Results: The overall level of satisfaction measured as total satisfaction score, medical care score, and decision-making score were 75.1 ± 14.2, 80.1 ± 18.6, and 68.1 ± 11.5, respectively. These results are comparable to other high-income and developed countries. Conclusions: This is the very first study from the UAE demonstrating a high level of patient family satisfaction in both adult and pediatric ICUs. This study also highlighted areas where further improvement needs to occur.
Lipidomic Profiling Reveals Disruption of Lipid Metabolism in Valproic Acid-Induced Hepatotoxicity

Valproic acid (VPA) is one of the most widely prescribed antiepileptic drugs, as VPA-induced hepatotoxicity is one of the most severe adverse reaction that can lead to death. The objective of this study was to gain an understanding of dysregulated lipid metabolism in mechanism of hepatotoxicity. Nontargeted lipidomics analysis with liquid chromatography–quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF/MS) was performed to explore differential lipids from the patient serum and L02 cells. Lipidomics data interpretation was augmented by gene expression analyses for the key enzymes in lipid metabolism pathways. From patient serum lipidomics, pronouncedly changed lipid species between abnormal liver function (ALF) patients and normal liver function (NLF) patients were identified. Among these lipid species, LPCs, Cers, and SMs were markedly reduced in the ALF group and showed negative relationships with liver injury severity [alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels], while significantly increased triacylglycerols (TAG) with higher summed carbon numbers demonstrated a positive relationship with ALT levels. Regarding lipidomics in hepatic L02 cells, TAG was markedly elevated after VPA exposure, especially in TAGs with more than 53 summed carbons. Besides, gene expression analysis revealed dysregulated lipid metabolism in VPA-treated L02 cells. Peroxime proliferators-activated receptor (PPARγ) pathway played an important role in VPA-induced lipid disruption through inducing long-chain fatty acid uptake and TAG synthesis, which was also regulated by Akt pathway. Our findings present that VPA-induced lipid metabolism disruption might lead to lipotoxicity in the liver. This approach is expected to be applicable for other drug-induced toxicity assessments.
Assessment of ultrasound flow-mediated dilation of brachial artery in regular blood donors in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Background: Iron is a pro-oxidant cofactor that may be linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) progression and reduction of body iron stores have been hypothesized to reduce the risk of CV disease. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess reduction in CVD risk susceptibility among regular blood donors compared with nondonors using ultrasound brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (BAFMD). Settings and Design: A prospective comparative study designed to establish the difference between mean flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) in the patients who are regular blood donors compared with nondonors recruited from a Teaching Hospital donor clinic. Materials and Methods: Data were collected over 7 months from December 2014 to June 2015. 100 eligible regular male blood donors, aged 21–50 years, were selected from a Teaching Hospital blood donor records and their BAFMD assessed. 50 nondonors/ first time donors, of equivalent age group, consecutively were assessed for comparison. Serum markers of iron stores, markers of oxidative stress and other related cardiac risk factors were also assessed in all patients. Results: BAFMD was significantly greater in regular blood donors when compared with nondonors (13.95% ± 7.02% vs. 8.20% ± 4.19%, P = 0.000). Serum ferritin was significantly decreased in regular blood donors when compared with nondonors (mean value 41.92 ng/ml ± 23.12 ng/ml vs. 61.97 ± 30.19 ng/ml, P = 0.000), but Hb did not differ between the groups. High FMD was significantly associated with high C-high-density lipoprotein and low C-LDL (r = −0.215*, P = 0.032, r = 0.188, P = 0.031, r = 0.193, P = 0.027, r = 0.0279, P = 0.002, r = 0.139, P = 0.084). LDL was decreased in regular blood donors compared with nondonors. Conclusion: The study provides prognostic information for assessing ultrasound BAFMD as a cardiac risk marker. Regular blood donors have enhanced cardiovascular function with increased flow-mediated dilation, decreased body iron stores, and decreased oxidative stress compared with nondonors.
The Modum-ED Trial Protocol: Comparing Compassion-Focused Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Treatment of Eating Disorders With and Without Childhood Trauma: Protocol of a Randomized Trial

Background: The combination of eating disorder (ED) and the experience of childhood trauma leads to significant impairment and suffering. To improve treatment, it is critically important to study treatment effects, and the mechanism of these effects. The overall aim of the current project is to; (1) build knowledge on how to best treat patients with ED with and without childhood trauma, (2) develop our understanding about how change happens for these patients. We will do this by comparing two treatment models in an inpatient setting; Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for ED. This paper describes the development, design and implementation of the trial. Methods and Design: Patients included in this randomized controlled trial will satisfy DSM-5 criteria for ED and approximately half of the patients will in addition have a history of childhood trauma. A total of 144 patients who have received either CFT or CBT are followed up 1 year after completion of the treatment. The study will collect a rich dataset of outcome measures at four time points, and process and sub-outcome measures at 13 time points. All patients will be assessed with the same clinical instruments based on current state-of-the-art methods. The primary outcome will be change in the severity of ED features as measured by the global ED examination score, and having a global ED examination score less than one standard deviation above the community mean, while secondary outcomes will relate to treatment effects on trauma symptoms, general symptoms, and quality of life. Discussion: This trial will make an important contribution to the need for evidence of effective treatment for patients with ED with or without childhood trauma. Ethics and Dissemination: The project is approved by the South-Eastern Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics of Norway (REC;2014/836). Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, http://www.Clinicaltrials. gov/ct2/show/NCT02649114.
Competition Stress Leads to a Blunting of the Cortisol Awakening Response in Elite Rowers

Background: Anticipation of forthcoming demands is often met with biological up-regulation, for example, levels of the stress hormone cortisol are typically elevated immediately prior to an anticipated event. Similarly, the cortisol awakening response (CAR), a surge in cortisol in the period following waking, is elevated on days of anticipated demand and this is viewed as an adaptive response in the preparation for challenge. This study assessed the effects of competition as an anticipated challenge in elite rowers. Methods: Elite rowers (N = 8) were assessed during two training and two competition weekends. Each assessment involved the measurement of self-reported competitive (cognitive and somatic) anxiety and salivary diurnal cortisol across 2 days representing a preparation day prior to either a training or competition day. Competitive anxiety was measured each morning and saliva samples were provided immediately upon waking and 30 min post waking (CAR) and before bed. Results: Self-reported cognitive and somatic anxiety levels were significantly greater during the competition phase compared with training. Additionally, levels of cognitive anxiety were greater on the day of competition compared with the preparation day. CAR magnitude was significantly reduced during the competition phase compared with training; however, there were no differences between preparation and event days. Conclusions: Reduced or blunted CARs are typically observed in chronically stressed populations and are characteristic of burnout and fatigue. While an increased CAR during competition may represent an adaptive response to challenge, blunted CARs and the concomitant increases in competitive anxiety observed here indicate maladaptive responding during a period where maximized functioning is critical.
Hepatoprotective effect of methanol fruit pulp extract of Musa paradisiaca on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver toxicity in Wistar rats

CONTEXT: Musa paradisiaca (Banana) fruit pulp has been used in folk medicine to treat various kinds of ailments, such as dysentery, diarrhea, bronchitis, ulcer, fevers, and hemorrhages in different parts of the globe, including Nigeria, Western Africa. AIM: This study was designed to histologically and biochemically assess the protective effect of methanol fruit pulp extract of M. paradisiaca (MFMP) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided into six groups (I–VI; n = 4). Group I (control) was administered distilled H2O (2 ml/kg), whereas Groups II, III, and IV were administered MFMP (500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, and 1500 mg/kg, respectively) and Group V administered Silymarin (100 mg/kg), as the reference drug, for a period of 14 days. Hepatotoxicity was induced in rats by the administration of CCl4(1 ml, 1:1 solution: olive oil). On the 15th day, Groups II–VI were administered single dose of CCl4. All administrations were through the oral route. After 12 h of CCl4administration, rats were euthanized and liver organs harvested for routine (H and E) histological tissue processing and blood samples collected for biochemical analysis of serum liver enzymes (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase). RESULTS: MFMP-treatment revealed remarkable histoarchitectural preservation of the liver parenchyma against CCl4-induced liver damage and decreased (P < 0.05) serum liver enzyme levels elevated by CCl4. Hepatoprotective activity was comparable with that of the reference drug, Silymarin. CONCLUSION: Result suggests that MFMP possesses hepatoprotective potentials against chemically-induced acute hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. Hepatoprotective potential of MFMP is possible as a result of its antioxidant properties.
Mode of Action of Microbial Biological Control Agents Against Plant Diseases: Relevance Beyond Efficacy

Microbial biological control agents (MBCAs) are applied to crops for biological control of plant pathogens where they act via a range of modes of action. Some MBCAs interact with plants by inducing resistance or priming plants without any direct interaction with the targeted pathogen. Other MBCAs act via nutrient competition or other mechanisms modulating the growth conditions for the pathogen. Antagonists acting through hyperparasitism and antibiosis are directly interfering with the pathogen. Such interactions are highly regulated cascades of metabolic events, often combining different modes of action. Compounds involved such as signaling compounds, enzymes and other interfering metabolites are produced in situ at low concentrations during interaction. The potential of microorganisms to produce such a compound in vitro does not necessarily correlate with their in situ antagonism. Understanding the mode of action of MBCAs is essential to achieve optimum disease control. Also understanding the mode of action is important to be able to characterize possible risks for humans or the environment and risks for resistance development against the MBCA. Preferences for certain modes of action for an envisaged application of a MBCA also have impact on the screening methods used to select new microbials. Screening of MBCAs in bioassays on plants or plant tissues has the advantage that MBCAs with multiple modes of action and their combinations potentially can be detected whereas simplified assays on nutrient media strongly bias the selection toward in vitro production of antimicrobial metabolites which may not be responsible for in situ antagonism. Risks assessments for MBCAs are relevant if they contain antimicrobial metabolites at effective concentration in the product. However, in most cases antimicrobial metabolites are produced by antagonists directly on the spot where the targeted organism is harmful. Such ubiquitous metabolites involved in natural, complex, highly regulated interactions between microbial cells and/or plants are not relevant for risk assessments. Currently, risks of microbial metabolites involved in antagonistic modes of action are often assessed similar to assessments of single molecule fungicides. The nature of the mode of action of antagonists requires a rethinking of data requirements for the registration of MBCAs.
Should oral contraceptive pills be available without a prescription? A systematic review of over-the-counter and pharmacy access availability

Introduction Making oral contraceptives (OC) available over the counter (OTC) could reduce barriers to use. To inform WHO guidelines on self-care interventions, we conducted a systematic review of OTC availability of OCs. Methods We reviewed data on both effectiveness and values and preferences surrounding OTC availability of OCs. For the effectiveness review, peer-reviewed articles were included if they compared either full OTC availability or pharmacist-prescribing (behind-the-counter availability) to prescription-only availability of OCs and measured an outcome of interest. For the values and preferences review, we included peer-reviewed articles that presented primary data (qualitative or quantitative) examining people’s preferences regarding OTC access to OCs. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS and EMBASE through November 2018 and extracted data in duplicate. Results The effectiveness review included four studies with 5197 total participants. Two studies from the 2000s compared women who obtained OCs OTC in Mexico to women who obtained OCs from providers in either Mexico or the USA. OTC users had higher OC continuation rates over 9 months of follow-up (adjusted HR: 1.58, 95 % CI 1.11 to 2.26). One study found OTC users were more likely to report at least one WHO category 3 contraindication (13.4% vs 8.6%, p=0.006), but not category 4 contraindications; the other study found no differences in contraindicated use. One study found lower side effects among OTC users and high patient satisfaction with both OTC and prescription access. Two cross-sectional studies from the 1970s in Colombia and Mexico found no major differences in OC continuation, but some indication of slightly higher side effects with OTC access. In 23 values and preference studies, women generally favoured OTC availability. Providers showed more modest support, with pharmacists expressing greater support than physicians. Support was generally higher for progestogen-only pills compared with combination OCs. Conclusion A small evidence base suggests women who obtain OCs OTC may have higher continuation rates and limited contraindicated use. Patients and providers generally support OTC availability. OTC availability may increase access to this effective contraceptive option and reduce unintended pregnancies. Systematic review (PROSPERO) registration number CRD42019119406.
The Impact of the Technology Used in Formative Assessment

This study demonstrates how the technology used to assist formative assessment in spelling can have an impact on learning. Formative assessment represents a set of student-centered practices, the results of which are not always optimal. Furthermore, different technologies are better suited to certain tasks than to others. The study follows a Design-Based Research approach and was conducted in Chile in two phases. In the first phase of the study, a formative assessment strategy for teaching spelling is developed. In a subsequent phase, the impact of different technologies on this strategy is analyzed. This is achieved by comparing two different technologies: Tablet PCs and the interpersonal computer. The results reveal that a self-paced formative assessment strategy using Tablets is more effective than the same strategy using an interpersonal computer when teaching spelling to primary school students. This therefore highlights the impact of technology on learning when adopting a formative assessment strategy.
Possible Implication of the CA2 Hippocampal Circuit in Social Cognition Deficits Observed in the Neuroligin 3 Knock-Out Mouse, a Non-Syndromic Animal Model of Autism

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) comprise a heterogeneous group of neuro-developmental abnormalities with a strong genetic component, characterized by deficits in verbal and non-verbal communication, impaired social interactions, and stereotyped behaviors. In a small percentage of cases, ASDs are associated with alterations of genes involved in synaptic function. Among these, relatively frequent are mutations/deletions of genes encoding for neuroligins (NLGs). NLGs are postsynaptic adhesion molecules that, interacting with their presynaptic partners neurexins, ensure the cross talk between pre- and postsynaptic specializations and synaptic stabilization, a condition needed for maintaining a proper excitatory/inhibitory balance within local neuronal circuits. We have focused on mice lacking NLG3 (NLG3 knock-out mice), animal models of a non-syndromic form of autism, which exhibit deficits in social behavior reminiscent of those found in ASDs. Among different brain areas involved in social cognition, the CA2 region of the hippocampus has recently emerged as a central structure for social memory processing. Here, in vivo recordings from anesthetized animals and ex vivo recordings from hippocampal slices have been used to assess the dynamics of neuronal signaling in the CA2 hippocampal area. In vivo experiments from NLG3-deficient mice revealed a selective impairment of spike-related slow wave activity in the CA2 area and a significant reduction in oscillatory activity in the theta and gamma frequencies range in both CA2 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus. These network effects were associated with an increased neuronal excitability in the CA2 hippocampal area. Ex vivo recordings from CA2 principal cells in slices obtained from NLG3 knock-out animals unveiled a strong excitatory/inhibitory imbalance in this region accompanied by a strong reduction of perisomatic inhibition mediated by CCK-containing GABAergic interneurons. These data clearly suggest that the selective alterations in network dynamics and GABAergic signaling observed in the CA2 hippocampal region of NLG3 knock-out mice may account for deficits in social memory reminiscent of those observed in autistic patients.