Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Taxonomic Reappraisal of Periconiaceae with the Description of Three New Periconia Species from China

As a result of an ongoing research survey of microfungi in Yunnan, China, several saprobic ascomycetes were collected from various host substrates. Preliminary morphological analyses identified a few of these taxa as Periconia species. We obtained DNA sequence data of the Periconia species from pure cultures and investigated their phylogenetic affinities. Phylogenetic analyses of a combined LSU, ITS, SSU and tef1-α sequence dataset demonstrated that five isolates of Periconia formed well-resolved subclades within Periconiaceae. Accordingly, three new Periconia species are introduced viz. P. artemisiae, P. chimonanthi and P. thysanolaenae, and new host and geographical records of P. byssoides and P. pseudobyssoides, are also reported from dead branches of Prunus armeniaca and Scrophularia ningpoensis. Periconia celtidis formed a monophyletic clade with P. byssoides in the present phylogenetic analyses. Results of the pairwise homoplasy index (PHI) test indicated significant recombination between P. byssoides and P. celtidis. Therefore, P. celtidis has been synonymized under P. byssoides. In addition, we re-illustrated and studied the type specimen of the sexual genus Bambusistroma. As a type species of Bambusistroma, B. didymosporum features similar morphology to the sexual morph of Periconia homothallica and P. pseudodigitata. We therefore synonymize Bambusistroma under Periconia based on morphological and phylogenetic evidence. Furthermore, our new isolates produced brown conidia of asexual morph in agar media typical of the genus Noosia. Based on morphological comparison with Periconia in vitro and phylogenetic status of Noosia, we also treat Noosia as a synonym of Periconia. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of three novel taxa and two new records of Periconia byssoides and P. pseudobyssoides as well as the illustration of P. didymosporum comb. nov. are provided. An updated phylogenetic tree of Periconiaceae using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses is constructed. Generic circumscription of Periconia is amended.
Physical Inactivity and Its Associated Factors among Adults in Malaysia: Findings from National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019

Introduction: Physical inactivity has been identified as the fourth leading risk factor for worldwide mortality with major implications towards general health. Monitoring the level of physical inactivity may reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors. This study aims to determine the prevalence of physical inactivity and its associated factors among adults aged 18 years and above in Malaysia. Methodology: Data was obtained from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019. It was a cross-sectional, population-based survey which employed two- stage stratified random sampling design. A total of 10,356 out of 10,472 respondents were interviewed using a short version of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: Overall, the prevalence of physical inactivity among adults aged 18 years and above in Malaysia was 24.6% (95% CI: 23.2, 26.1). Results from multivariable logistic model showed that Chinese ethnicity (aOR 1.32; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.67), urban dwellers (aOR 1.30; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.57), those who were single (including widow, widower and divorcee) (aOR 1.36; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.61), students (aOR 2.10; 95% CI: 1.30, 3.40), higher household income earners (aOR 1.34; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.68) and those with hypercholesterolaemia (aOR 1.25; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.51) were significantly more likely to be physically inactive. Conclusion: Specific and appropriate intervention towards targeted group is in crucial need to increase the level of physical activity and to promote an active living towards an active and healthy Malaysia.
Emerging Presence of Culturable Microorganisms in Clinical Samples of the Genitourinary System: Systematic Review and Experience in Specialized Care of a Regional Hospital

The detection of emerging pathogens responsible for genitourinary infections has increased with technological advances. We conducted a systematic review of publications on the involvement of these microorganisms in genitourinary samples, and we also investigated their presence and antibiotic susceptibility in samples from patients at our regional hospital (Granada, Spain). The MEDLINE database was searched up to 31 December 2020, and a cross-sectional descriptive study was performed of results obtained in urine samples and genital exudates from January 2016 through December 2019. The review highlighted the frequent involvement of Neisseria meningitidis in genital infections, while the data on other microorganisms were consistent with findings in our patient series. The emerging microorganisms most often responsible for urinary tract infections were Streptococcus bovis (58.5%) and Gardnerella vaginalis (23.6%) in females, and S. bovis (32.3%), Aerococcus urinae (18.6%), and Corynebacterium spp. (16.9%) in males; those most frequently reported in genital infections were S. viridans (36.4%) in females and C. glucuronolyticum (32.2%) and G. vaginalis (35.6%) in males. In general, emerging pathogens are resistant to conventional antibiotics such as penicillin. However, there has also been an increase in beta-lactam resistance by the S. bovis group and Corynebacterium spp. The systematic review showed that emerging microorganisms are responsible for only a small percentage of genitourinary infections but are of major clinical interest, with a predominance of the S. bovis group, G. vaginalis, Lactobacillus spp. , Aerococcus spp. , and Corynebacterium spp. in urine samples and of G. vaginalis and C. glucuronolyticum in genital samples. Given the increasing resistance to antibiotics empirically prescribed in patients with genitourinary infections, it is recommended to create an antibiogram in all cases.
Computer Simulation for Dynamic Meshing Force of Involute Gears

In order to obtain the data of dynamic meshing force of involute gears in meshing transmission process , computer simulation of involute gears meshing transmission simulation is proposed on the basis of MSC-ADAMS software. Considering the high speed and large torque of the gears transmission as well as the variation of meshing point of involute gears in the transmission process, the formula for the calculation of the contact stiffness based on Hertz elastic contact theory was devised and a simulation model was built for the meshing process of involute gears. The meshing process of a pair of gears was simulated in three running situations and their dynamic meshing force responses were calculated. The results showed that the gear meshing forces in the meshing process of involute gears were obviously dynamic. The dynamic loads were not symmetric forces. Moreover, the dynamic forces and their time ratio in a running loop increased with the rise of the rotational velocity of the gears.
High-Resolution X-ray Phase-Contrast Imaging and Sensory and Rheometer Tests in Cooked Edamame

Although several reports exist on the use of X-ray analysis in vegetables and fruits to examine internal disorders, cavities, and porosity, information on X-ray analysis of qualities, such as texture, is lacking as well as information on X-ray analysis of legumes. Therefore, this study aimed to perform X-ray analysis with sensory and rheometer tests in cooked vegetable soybean (edamame). Edamame is popular worldwide due to its deliciousness and nutritional value. Vascular structures and cracks around them were clearly visualized using X-ray phase-contrast computed tomography (CT) imaging. In addition, we observed the fine structure of the seed coat, which could be important for seed development, germination, and processing. The density in the edamame beans declined as the boiling time increased, promoting a reduction in hardness described in sensory and rheometer tests. The reduction in density proceeded from the gap between cotyledons, the opposite side of the hypocotyl, and the crack. Collectively, the findings show that the high-resolution X-ray phase-contrast CT imaging conducted in a nondestructive manner may help in effectively evaluating the quality of vegetables and in observing the internal structures related to plant development.
Alterations in pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators are involved in microvascular dysfunction in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Evidence has shown that women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have a greater risk of cardiovascular complications compared with men, but this sex difference is not clearly understood. This study assessed the microvascular function and circulatory biomarkers in postmenopausal women (PMW) with T2DM compared with diabetic men and their non-diabetic counterparts. Sixty participants were divided into nondiabetic PMW, PMW with T2DM, non-diabetic men, and diabetic men. Microvascular function was assessed using non-invasive equipment (EndoPAT®) and reported as reactive hyperemia index (RHI). Anthropometric and cardiovascular parameters were also measured. Two-way ANOVA was performed using sex (women or men) and T2DM (non-diabetic and diabetic) as the two factors. RHI impairment (1.97±0.14) was detected in diabetic PMW compared with women without T2DM (2.5±0.13) accompanied by lower adiponectin levels (T2DM: 9.3±1.2 and CTL: 13.8±1.8 ug/mL, P<0.05). An increase in the Nε-carboxymethyllysine (CML), nitrate/nitrite, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were observed in diabetic PMW compared to the other groups. Although a poor glycemia control was seen in diabetic men, neither RHI nor circulatory biomarkers were affected by T2DM. Multiple linear regression stratified by sex and T2DM identified some variables with RHI only in PMW with T2DM: HbA1c (P=0.003), body mass index (P=0.029), CML (P=0.032), and CRP (P=0.006). Diabetic PMW were more susceptible to the deleterious effects of hyperglycemia than men, showing microvascular dysfunction with high levels of pro-inflammatory mediators (CML and CRP) and a lower adiponectin concentration.
Drug Lag and Associated Factors for Approved Drugs in Korea Compared with the United States

(1) Background: Drug lag, the delay between the first global regulatory approval and approval by the national health authorities in other countries, impacts the accessibility of drugs. Although the Korean pharmaceutical market has grown significantly, most of its innovative drugs for public health depend on imports from foreign pharmaceutical markets. (2) Methods: We extracted data from the official websites of the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) and the US Food and Drug Administration. Information on new molecule entity drugs, approved as imported drugs by MFDS from 2000 to 2019, was extracted. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models on drug approval were estimated. (3) Results: In total, 424 drugs were analyzed. Orphan drugs designated by MFDS were less likely to receive approval (HR = 0.731, 95% CI: 0.572–0.934). The drugs with Korean MAHs were less likely to obtain drug approval than those with MAHs of subsidiaries of multinational pharmaceutical companies (HR = 0.524, 95% CI: 0.371–0.738). In the analyses for non-orphan drugs (n = 37), oncology drugs that need local clinical study (HR = 0.247, 95% CI: 0.093–0.657) and drugs that need more patients in a local clinical study (HR = 0.993, 95% CI: 0.988–0.999) were less likely to receive approval, with longer drug lag. The higher number of clinical studies in Korea was associated with a shorter drug lag (HR = 2.133, 95% CI: 1.196–3.805). (4) Conclusions: Our findings imply that Korean pharmaceutical companies should augment their research capabilities for new drug development. Furthermore, consideration of orphan drugs used in rare diseases is needed for drug approval to ensure the availability of these drugs in the market without approval delays.
What Should Be the Topics of a Prospective Study on Ovarian Masses in Children?—Results of a Multicenter Retrospective Study and a Scoping Literature Review

Purpose: to determine management problems of ovarian masses in girls in order to form a baseline for prospective randomized studies of the established topics and quality improvement of our management. Materials and Methods: We performed a national analysis of clinical aspects of ovarian masses in girls operated on in Poland, analyzed retrospectively medical files of all consecutive patients aged 0–18 who underwent surgeries for ovarian lesions between 2012 and 2017 at 17 pediatric surgical departments and complemented the analysis with a scoping review of a recent primary research related to ovarian masses in children. Results: The study group comprised 595 patients. Forty-four (7.39%) girls were diagnosed with malignant tumors. The overall preservation rate was 64.54%. The analysis revealed that positive tumor markers (OR = 10.3), lesions larger than 6 cm (OR = 4.17) and solid mass on ultrasound examination (OR = 5.34) are interdependent variables differentiating malignant tumors from non-malignant lesions (X42 = 79.1; p = 0.00000). Our scoping review revealed 10 major branches of research within the topic of ovarian masses in pediatric population. Conclusions: We have developed an overview of the field with the emphasis on the local environment. Our next step is a multi-institutional prospective study of a quality improvement project implementation based on the obtained knowledge.
PARENTING STYLES AS DETERMINANT OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR OF IN-SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA

This study examined the relationship between parenting style and sexual behaviour of in-school adolescents in the South East Zone of Nigeria. The population of this study comprised 137, 095 in-school adolescents in senior secondary II in public secondary schools. The sample of the study was 1200 senior secondary II in-school adolescents. Three research questions and one hypothesis were formulated for the study and the study adopted a correlation survey design. Two instruments, namely: Parenting Style Questionnaire (PSQ) with a reliability coefficient of 0.66; and Sexual Behaviour Questionnaire (SBQ) with a reliability coefficient of 0.78 were developed by the researcher and used for data collection in the study. The research questions in the study were answered using mean, standard deviation, simple regression analysis while t-test and multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The result obtained indicated that the parenting styles to which in-school adolescents were exposed are authoritative, authoritarian and permissive. In-school adolescents’ sexual behaviour in South East Nigeria are an attraction to their opposite sex and enjoying sexual intercourse under the influence of alcohol, among others; There exists a direct positive relationship between parenting styles and sexual behaviour of adolescents and a weak variation in sexual behaviour of adolescents is attributed to parenting style; inference drawn from hypothesis one indicated that parenting style has no significant relationship with the sexual behaviour of in-school adolescents. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended among others, that more counsellors should be employed, retained and empowered to help in-school adolescents regulate their engagement with peers and sexual behaviour. Article visualizations:
Clinical characteristics and predictors of death among hospitalized patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Sicily, Italy: A retrospective observational study

Since late December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has spread across the world, which resulted in the World Health Organization declaring a global pandemic. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents a highly variable spectrum with regard to the severity of illness. Most infected individuals exhibit a mild to moderate illness (81%); however, 14% have a serious disease and 5% develop severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), requiring intensive care support. The mortality rate of COVID-19 continues to rise across the world. Data regarding predictors of mortality in patients with COVID 19 are still scarce but are being actively investigated. The present multicenter retrospective observational study provides a complete description of the demographic and clinical characteristics, comorbidities and laboratory abnormalities in a population of 421 hospitalized patients recruited across eight infectious disease units in Southern Italy (Sicily) with the aim of identifying the baseline characteristics predisposing COVID-19 patients to critical illness or death. In this study, older age, pre-existing comorbidities and certain changes in laboratory markers (such as neutrophilia, lymphocytopenia and increased C-reactive protein levels) at the time of admission were associated with a higher risk of mortality. Male sex, on the other hand, was not significantly associated with increased risk of mortality. Symptoms such as fatigue, older age, a number of co-pathologies and use of continuous positive airway pressure were the most significant contributors in the estimation of clinical prognosis. Further research is required to better characterize the epidemiological features of COVID-19, to understand the related predictors of death and to develop new effective therapeutic strategies.
What Are Young Chinese People’s Attitudes on Muslims in China and What are the Factors That Influence the Attitude?

This research paper attempts to paint a more detailed picture of Chinese young people’s attitudes towards Muslims in China that might help to eliminate stereotypes and improve intergroup relationship. In the study, questionnaire was sent out to 200 Chinese young people to investigate their expressed attitude toward Muslims and Islamic Culture. Overall, the result of the study demonstrates that there is an overall positive attitude toward Muslims in China. In addition, the result also shows generally the participants have a positive stereotypes and a weak feeling of being potentially threaten by Muslims in China. Furthermore, the analysis of different factors including participants’ age, sex, ethnical background, and intergroup contact with Muslims reveals that a higher intergroup contact with Muslims in school, neighborhood and other places is highly associated with less negative stereotypes and more positive expressed attitude toward muslims. This result contributes to a deeper understanding of potential effective solutions to eliminate stereotypes faced by Chinese Muslims.
Adaptation and Assessment of Psychometric Properties of the Brief Sensation-seeking Scale in an Indonesian General Sample

This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Brief Sensation-seeking Scale (BSSS, Hoyle et al., 2002) in an Indonesian sample. A set of questionnaires consisting of an adaptation of the BSSS, Ten Item Personality Inventory (TIPI)-Indonesia, and a risky driving behavior scale were administered to 360 participants with an average age of 25.23 years. The reliability test using the internal consistency method showed high reliability (α=0.79). CFA analysis shows that the factor structure of the 4-factor BSSS-Indonesia model is more fit to the data than the 1-factor model. Construct validity was also found from the results of the correlation analysis of the BSSS-I score with the personality traits of openness to experience (convergent), agreeableness, and conscientiousness (discriminant). Regarding demographics, it was found that there were differences in the average scores between both sexes and age groups. The BSSS-I score was also found to be a significant predictor of risky driving behavior (concurrent validity). Taken together, the findings of this study show satisfactory evidence of psychometric properties, in line with previous adaptation of BSSS in several other cultures. This indicates that the BSSS-I is a sound instrument to measure trait sensation-seeking in the Indonesian population.
In Vitro and In Vivo Biocontrol of Tomato Fusarium Wilt by Extracts from Brown, Red, and Green Macroalgae

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) in tomatoes is globally recognized as one of the most significant tomato diseases, both in fields and in greenhouses. Macroalgae contain a diversity of bioactive complexes. This research was carried out to assess the value of the extracts from three macroalgae (Sargassum dentifolium belongs to Phaeophyta, Gracilaria compressa belongs to Rhodophyta, and Ulva lactuca belongs to Chlorophyta) against wilt disease in tomato plants. The fungal pathogen was isolated from diseased tomato plants growing in several parts of Saudi Arabia. Isolates of the pathogen were identified by morphological and molecular methods. Three organic solvents, in addition to water, were used for extraction to assess the effect of reducing FOL hyphal growth on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Radial reductions in pathogen hyphal growth were seen with all of the solvent and water extracts, but the three macroalgae methanol extracts that were tested showed the greatest reduction in pathogen hyphal growth. The total phenol content of the S. dentifolium extract was higher than that of the other two macroalgae. The phenolic compounds showed variability in all of the extracts that were identified and calculated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Phloroglucinol (7.34 mg/g dry weight), vanillic acid (7.28 mg/g dry weight), and gallic acid (6.89 mg/g dry weight) were the phenolic compounds with the highest concentrations in the S. dentifolium, G. compressa, and U. lactuca extracts, respectively. The mycelium of FOL treated with a crude macroalgae extract of tested at 100 µg/mL was examined with a scanning electron microscope. The results showed an obvious difference between the extract-treated and untreated hyphae. The extract-treated hyphae collapsed and bruised, as well as; empty and dead. In the greenhouse experiment, S. dentifolium powder was used to evaluate its effect on disease decline. It led to a decrease in disease severity of 40.8%. The highest total yield (560.8 g) was obtained from the plants treated with S. dentifolium powder. We recommend the use of macroalgae extracts to combat fungal phytopathogens. Because chemical fungicides are extremely toxic to humans and the environment, macroalgae extracts are a good alternative that can be widely and safely used in the field.
Green rigid polyurethane foam from hydroxyl liquid natural rubbers as macro-hydroxyl polyols

The novel renewable source precursors from hydroxyl liquid natural rubbers (HLNRs) with various secondary hydroxyl content of 22% (HLNR22), 35% (HLNR35), and 50% (HLNR50) (or naming macro-hydroxyl polyols) were used to prepare rigid polyurethane foam. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hydroxyl content of HLNR precursors and the ratio of HLNRs and commercial polyols on physico-mechanical properties of rigid polyurethane foams in comparison to foams made from commercial polyols. The increase in hydroxyl content of HLNRs resulted in the foams with larger cell size while the increase in the HLNR portion caused a small and more uniform cell size, which is related to their density and compressive strength. Thermal stability of polyurethane foams was analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis and the results have demonstrated that the use of HLNR polyols improved thermal stability of polyurethane foams in comparison to commercial foam.