Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parkinson’s Disease-Cognitive Rating Scale for Evaluating Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review

The aim of the present systematic review was to examine the evidence on the accuracy and psychometric properties of the Parkinson’s Disease-Cognitive Rating Scale (PD-CRS) for evaluating the presence of cognitive impairment in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) as well as to highlight the quality and quantity of research available on the use of the PD-CRS in this population. We searched four databases from inception until July 2020. Eight studies, published between 2008 and 2020, met the inclusion criteria: One cross-sectional study in which participants were assessed with the index test (PD-CRS) and a reference standard diagnostic assessment, in accordance with the Level II criteria of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS); one case-control study comparing the PD-CRS to an extensive battery of tests (i.e., MDS Level II diagnosis); and six studies comparing the PD-CRS to other short cognitive batteries. In patients with Parkinson’s disease, the PD-CRS test provides information about cortical and sub-cortical cognitive functions. Even if it demonstrated good psychometric properties, the results regarding the optimal threshold for detecting mild cognitive impairment and dementia in PD are somewhat inconsistent. Further cross-sectional studies are necessary to examine the optimum cut-off score for detecting cognitive dysfunction in PD patients.
Clock‐drawing test: Normative data of three quantitative scoring methods for Chinese‐speaking adults in Shijiazhuang City and clinical utility in patients with acute ischemic stroke

The clock‐drawing test (CDT) is a widely used screening tool for detecting cognitive decline. However, normative data for Chinese individuals are scarce. Our study aimed to provide standardized values for the three quantitative CDT scoring methods that were tailored for Chinese‐speaking adults in Shijiazhuang City and explore the discriminant validity of the CDT scores in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Autonomic dysfunction in posttraumatic stress disorder indexed by heart rate variability: a meta-analysis

Abstract Background Changes in autonomic nervous system (ANS) function have been observed in a variety of psychological disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) provides insight into the functioning of the ANS. Previous research on PTSD found lower HRV in PTSD patients compared to controls, indicating altered sympathetic and parasympathetic activity, but findings are inconsistent. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to examine differences in HRV indices between individuals with PTSD and healthy controls at baseline and during stress. Methods The included primary studies present an aggregate of studies analyzing different HRV indices. Examined HRV indices were standard deviation of the normalized NN-intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) spectral components, LF/HF ratio, and heart rate (HR). Moderating effects of study design, HRV and PTSD assessment, and sample characteristics were examined via subgroup-analyses and meta-regressions. Results Random-effects meta-analyses for HRV parameters at rest revealed significant group differences for RMSSD and HF-HRV, suggesting lower parasympathetic activity in PTSD. The aggregated effect size for SDNN was medium, suggesting diminished total variability in PTSD. A small effect was found for LF-HRV. A higher LF/HF ratio was found in the PTSD sample as compared to controls. Individuals with PTSD showed significantly higher HR. During stress, individuals with PTSD showed higher HR and lower HF-HRV, both indicated by small effect sizes. Conclusions Findings suggest that PTSD is associated with ANS dysfunction.
Effects of Nitrogen Supplementation Status on CO2 Biofixation and Biofuel Production of the Promising Microalga Chlorella sp. ABC-001

The use of microalgal biomass as feedstock for biofuels has been discussed for decades as it provides a sustainable approach to producing fuels for the future. Nonetheless, its feasibility has not been established yet and various aspects of biomass applications such as CO2 biofixation should also be explored. Therefore, in this study, the CO2 biofixation and lipid/carbohydrate production potential of Chlorella sp. ABC-001 were examined under various nitrogen concentrations. The highest biomass productivity and CO2 biofixation rate of 0.422 g/l/d and 0.683 g/l/d, respectively, were achieved under a nitrogen-rich condition (15 mM nitrate). Carbohydrate content was generally proportional to initial nitrate concentration and showed the highest value of 41.5% with 15 mM. However, lipid content showed an inverse relationship with nitrogen supplementation and showed the highest value of 47.4% with 2.5 mM. In consideration as feedstock for biofuels (bioethanol, biodiesel, and biogas), the sum of carbohydrate and lipid contents were examined and the highest value of 79.6% was achieved under low nitrogen condition (2.5 mM). For lipid-based biofuel production, low nitrogen supplementation should be pursued. However, considering the lower feasibility of biodiesel, pursuing CO2 biofixation and the production of carbohydrate-based fuels under nitrogen- rich condition might be more rational. Thus, nitrogen status as a cultivation strategy must be optimized according to the objective, and this was confirmed with the promising alga Chlorella sp. ABC-001.
Variation in Employment of Therapy Assistants in Skilled Nursing Facilities Based on Organizational Factors

Employment of therapy assistants enables skilled nursing facilities to provide more therapy services at lower costs. Yet little is known about employment of therapy assistants relative to organizational characteristics. Taking advantage of publicly available Medicare administrative data from 2016, we examined the relationships between organizational characteristics of skilled nursing facilities and employment of therapy assistants. Therapy assistants represent approximately half of the therapy workforce in skilled nursing facilities. Regression analyses indicate significantly higher percentages of therapy assistants are employed in facilities that are staffed by contract therapists, provide more therapy, have more total stays, operate in rural areas, and are located in states with certificate of need laws or moratoria. Skilled nursing facility quality was not significantly associated with employment of therapy assistants. As new payment mechanisms change incentivizes for therapy in skilled nursing facilities, employment of therapy assistants may be a cost-effective way to continue to provide services when necessary.
Graphitic carbon nitride/SmFeO3 composite Z-scheme photocatalyst with high visible light activity

In this work, novel heterostructured photocatalysts associating graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN) and SmFeO3 were prepared via a mixing-ultrasonication process. Structural, optical and morphological characterizations demonstrate that the interfacial junction between g-CN and SmFeO3 is well established for all g-CN/SmFeO3 composites prepared with g-CN:SmFeO3 weight ratio of 20:80, 50:50 and 80:20. The g-CN/SmFeO3 (80:20) composite exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity for the degradation of pollutants like the Orange II dye and the tetracycline hydrochloride antibiotic under visible light irradiation. This high photocatalytic activity originates from the enhanced light absorption over the whole visible region compared to pure g-CN and from the improved separation and transfer of photogenerated electron/hole pairs as demonstrated by photoluminescence and photocurrent measurements. A Z-scheme charge carrier transfer mechanism was demonstrated for the photocatalytic reactions. The g-CN/SmFeO3 (80:20) catalyst was also demonstrated to be stable and can be reused up to six times without significant alteration of the activity.
The effects of storage time on vitelline membrane protein banding patterns and interior egg quality of eggs from non-molted and molted hens

The Effects of Storage Time on Vitelline Membrane Protein Banding Patterns and Interior Egg Quality of Eggs from Non-Molted and Molted Hens. (December 2003) Angela Jean Kelley. B.S., Stephen F. Austin State University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Sarah G. Birkhold Vitelline membrane strength plays a role in preventing contamination of albumen by yolk during separation and is important to food safety. Two experiments were conducted to determine if a relationship exists between vitelline membrane protein banding patterns, interior egg quality, and vitelline membrane rupture strength. Eggs were gathered from commercial egg producers from pre-molt (26 wk or 72 wk) and post-molted (74 wk or 82 wk) hens. In each of two trials twenty-one eggs were gathered and stored (4°C) per experiment. Three eggs were evaluated on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 for eggs from pre-molted hens; and 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 for eggs from molted hens for changes in SDS-PAGE protein banding patterns. The yolk from each egg was isolated and rolled on a wet paper towel to remove adhering albumen. The yolk was emptied and washed. The whole membrane was placed into double deionized water and divided into two sections. The first section was the whole membrane sample and the other was separated by forceps into inner and outer membrane samples. The three sections were dissolved separately in 1% SDS/70 mM Tris/HCl, pH 6.8. Protein concentration was determined using the Lowry method and proteins separated on 4-20% gradient gel by SDS-PAGE. Protein banding
Neurological manifestations of coronavirus infections – a systematic review

To optimize diagnostic workup of the current severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic, we systematically reviewed neurological and neuroradiological manifestations of SARS‐CoV‐2 and all other known human coronavirus species (HCoV). Which lessons can we learn? We identified relevant publications (until 26 July 2020) using systematic searches in PubMed, Web of Science, and Ovid EMBASE with predefined search strings. A total of 4571 unique publications were retrieved, out of which 378 publications were selected for in‐depth analysis by two raters, including a total of 17549 (out of which were 14418 SARS‐CoV‐2) patients. Neurological complications and associated neuroradiological manifestations are prevalent for all HCoVs (HCoV‐229E, HKU1, NL63, OC43, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)‐CoV, SARS‐CoV‐1, and SARS‐CoV‐2). Moreover there are similarities in symptomatology across different HCoVs, particularly between SARS‐CoV‐1 and SARS‐CoV‐2. Common neurological manifestations include fatigue, headache, and smell/taste disorders. Additionally, clinicians need to be attentive for at least five classes of neurological complications: (1) Cerebrovascular disorders including ischemic stroke and macro/micro‐hemorrhages, (2) encephalopathies, (3) para‐/postinfectious immune‐mediated complications such as Guillain‐Barré syndrome and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, (4) (meningo‐)encephalitis, potentially with concomitant seizures, and (5) neuropsychiatric complications such as psychosis and mood disorders. Our systematic review highlights the need for vigilance regarding neurological complications in patients infected by SARS‐CoV‐2 and other HCoVs, especially since some complications may result in chronic disability. Neuroimaging protocols should be designed to specifically screen for these complications. Therefore, we propose practical imaging guidelines to facilitate the diagnostic workup and monitoring of patients infected with HCoVs.
A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of the after-action review (or debrief) and factors that influence its effectiveness.

This study examined the effectiveness of the after-action review (AAR)-also commonly termed debrief-and 4 training characteristics within the context of Villado and Arthur's (2013) conceptual framework. Based on a bare-bones meta-analysis of the results from 61 studies (107 ds [915 teams and 3,499 individuals]), the AAR leads to an overall d of 0.79 improvement in multiple training evaluation criteria. This effect is larger than some of the largest training method effects reported in Arthur, Bennett, Edens, and Bell (2003), and it is also larger than Tannenbaum and Cerasoli's (2013) estimate of the effect of the AAR on task performance (d = 0.67). Two training characteristics consistently contributed to the effectiveness of the AAR: (a) alignment to the individual or the team, and (b) objective performance review media. The effects of the other training characteristics were often interactive. Most notably, the facilitation approach contributes to the effectiveness of the AAR in combination with the individual versus the team and the type of review media, with the most effective combinations being the self-led facilitation approach coupled with a team-aligned AAR, and the self-led approach coupled with objective media. Additionally, the AAR that is highly structured is more effective than a less structured AAR in the military, but high and low structured AARs display comparable effectiveness in healthcare. Overall, this study suggests that the effectiveness of the AAR should be understood as a function of the combined influence among multiple interacting characteristics. Future theoretical development and research should be directed at better understanding these interactions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Biodegradation of Triclosan by Aerobic Microorganisms

Biodegradation of Triclosan by Aerobic Microorganisms. (August 2012) Do Gyun Lee, B.E. , Korea University; M.S., The University of California at Berkeley Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Kung-hui Chu Triclosan, a synthetic antimicrobial agent, is an emerging environmental contaminant. Due to incomplete removal of triclosan by wastewater treatment plants, treated wastewater is one major source of environmental triclosan. Biodegradation of triclosan has been observed in activated sludge and the environment, suggesting that it is possible to develop a cost-effective biotreatment strategy for triclosan removal from wastewater. However, current knowledge on triclosan biodegradation is scarce and limited. To bridge this knowledge gap, this dissertation characterized cultivable triclosan-degrading microorganisms, identified uncultivable triclosan-utilizing bacteria, and elucidated triclosan biodegradation pathways. Furthermore, two treatment strategies were examined to enhance triclosan biodegradation in nitrifying activated sludge (NAS). A wastewater bacterial isolate, Sphingopyxis strain KCY1 (hereafter referred as strain KCY1), can completely degrade triclosan with a stoichiometric release of chloride. This strain can retain its degradation ability toward triclosan when after grown in complex nutrient medium containing triclosan as low as 5 μg/L. Based on five identified metabolites, a meta-cleavage pathway was proposed for triclosan
The Gut Microbiome Is Associated with Clinical Response to Anti–PD-1/PD-L1 Immunotherapy in Gastrointestinal Cancer

This analysis of the gut microbiome of patients with gastrointestinal cancer receiving anti–PD-1/PD-L1 shows that responders and nonresponders exhibit differential microbial genera. This suggests that the composition of the microbiome could serve as a biomarker of response. We report on a comprehensive analysis of the gut microbiomes of patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer receiving anti–PD-1/PD-L1 treatment. The human gut microbiota has been associated with clinical responses to anti–PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy in melanoma, non–small cell lung cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. We aimed to investigate this association in GI cancers. We also identified bacterial taxa with patient stratification potential. We recruited 74 patients with advanced-stage GI cancer receiving anti–PD-1/PD-L1 treatment and collected their fecal samples prior to and during immunotherapy, along with clinical evaluations. Our 16S rRNA taxonomy survey on the fecal samples revealed an elevation of the Prevotella/Bacteroides ratio in patients, with a preferred response to anti–PD-1/PD-L1 treatment, and a particular subgroup of responders harboring a significantly higher abundance of Prevotella, Ruminococcaceae, and Lachnospiraceae. The shotgun metagenomes of the same samples showed that patients exhibiting different responses had differential abundance of pathways related to nucleoside and nucleotide biosynthesis, lipid biosynthesis, sugar metabolism, and fermentation to short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). Gut bacteria that were capable of SCFA production, including Eubacterium, Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus, were positively associated with anti–PD-1/PD-L1 response across different GI cancer types. We further demonstrated that the identified bacterial taxa were predictive of patient stratification in both our cohort and melanoma patients from two previously published studies. Our results thus highlight the impact of gut microbiomes on anti–PD-1/PD-L1 outcomes, at least in a subset of patients with GI cancer, and suggest the potential of the microbiome as a marker for immune-checkpoint blockade responses. See articles by Tomita et al., p. 1236, and Hakozaki et al., p. 1243
The effects of roflumilast, a phosphodiesterase type-4 inhibitor, on EEG biomarkers in schizophrenia: A randomised controlled trial

Background: Patients with schizophrenia have significant cognitive deficits, which may profoundly impair quality of life. These deficits are also evident at the neurophysiological level with patients demonstrating altered event-related potential in several stages of cognitive processing compared to healthy controls; within the auditory domain, for example, there are replicated alterations in Mismatch Negativity, P300 and Auditory Steady State Response. However, there are no approved pharmacological treatments for cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Aims: Here we examine whether the phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, roflumilast, can improve neurophysiological deficits in schizophrenia. Methods: Using a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design study in 18 patients with schizophrenia, the effect of the phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, roflumilast (100 µg and 250 µg) on auditory steady state response (early stage), mismatch negativity and theta (intermediate stage) and P300 (late stage) was examined using electroencephalogram. A total of 18 subjects were randomised and included in the analysis. Results: Roflumilast 250 µg significantly enhanced the amplitude of both the mismatch negativity (p=0.04) and working memory-related theta oscillations (p=0.02) compared to placebo but not in the other (early- or late-stage) cognitive markers. Conclusions: The results suggest that phosphodiesterase-4 inhibition, with roflumilast, can improve electroencephalogram cognitive markers, which are impaired in schizophrenia, and that phosphodiesterase-4 inhibition acts at an intermediate rather than early or late cognitive processing stage. This study also underlines the use of neurophysiological measures as cognitive biomarkers in experimental medicine.
Challenges in parathyroid cancers: a review

Parathyroid carcinomas are rare neoplasms, with a reported incidence of less than 1% of cases of primary hyperparathyroidism. Diagnosis and treatment of parathyroid carcinoma remains a challenge, as many of the pathologic features are neither sensitive nor specific in differentiating from benign parathyroid lesions. The rule of 3’s (serum calcium of more than 3mmol/L and size of the adenoma being more than 3cm) is helpful in risk identifying a cancer. Ultrasound of the neck and Tc-99m pertechnetate/Tc-99m sestamibi (MIBI) scan remains the two main modalities of investigation of parathyroid disease. Although en-bloc treatment is recommended for parathyroid cancer, it is only performed in up to 12% of cases. This review illustrates the challenges in diagnosis and treatment of parathyroid carcinoma.
Exploring the Barriers to Cervical Cancer Screening through the Lens of Implementers and Beneficiaries of the National Screening Program: A Multi-Contextual Study

Background: Cervical cancer is a major reason for morbidity and mortality in Low and Middle income countries. The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancers, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) sets out broad national guideline to implement Cervical cancer screening. However, an implementation strategy for cervical cancer screening is not in place for districts. Although opportunistic screening takes place, implementation is hindered by psychological and physical barriers for women, as well as insufficient capacity on the part of implementers. This qualitative study aims to identify the specific barriers that prevent the uptake of cervical cancer screening. Methods: Women who could benefit from cervical cancer program were interviewed to explore the factors that influenced their uptake of the cervical screening offered. Key informant interviews were conducted with implementers of the NPCDCS and with public health staff of three States (Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Karnataka), to understand their perception of determinants of the utilization of screening services. Results: The general health concern among the participants was low, and routine check-ups were considered unimportant. Poor knowledge about cervical cancer, benefits of screening service availability, as well as a general sense of well-being, embarrassment or anxiety related to the screening procedure, fear of being judged for lack of modesty, and stigma were common barriers to screening uptake. In addition to a general unawareness of cervical cancer geographical inaccessibility of screening as a barrier to participate in cervical cancer screening, in certain regions. Conclusion: It is essential to increase the knowledge on cervical cancer and on the benefits of screening among Indian women. Providing information and cues to action by health workers and professionals can facilitate the decision to participate. Implementers need to be involved to ensure context specific implementation of the National programme to overcome these barriers.
Positive Impacts of a Sport Intervention on Male Students of Color and School Climate

ABSTRACT A positive school climate is strongly associated with enhanced student outcomes. With the disengagement of Black and Latinx youth living in poverty being at an all-time high, participation in sport-based youth development (SBYD) programs may enhance school climate, while capitalizing on existing interests. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a SBYD intervention on male students of color and school climate. Method: Using a mixed-methods quasi-experimental design, 32 male students of color (11 Black, 13 Latinx, 8 two or more races) participated in an SBYD intervention, twice a week for a total of 20 weeks (Ages 10–14, M = 11.46). School climate data were gathered at the beginning and the end of the school year. Student, teacher, and administrator focus groups and interviews were also conducted at the end of the year. Results: A statistically significant interaction was found between students who participated in the intervention and those who did not participate in the intervention, on school climate measures F(1,74) = 15.00, p < . 01, partial η2 = . 17. Overall school climate scores were statistically significantly greater in the intervention group (F(1,74) = 19.22, p < . 01, partial η2 = . 20) at the end of the year. Focus group data also revealed themes of improved school connectedness, peer support, the acquisition of social/civic skills, and school engagement. Conclusions: A SBYD intervention may be a viable strategy to engage disconnected students and increase school climate perceptions, particularly among male students of color living in poverty.