Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of heat acclimation on cardiac function in the intertidal mussel Mytilus californianus: can laboratory-based indices predict survival in the field?

ABSTRACT Thermal performance curves are commonly used to investigate the effects of heat acclimation on thermal tolerance and physiological performance. However, recent work indicates that the metrics of these curves heavily depend on experimental design and may be poor predictors of animal survival during heat events in the field. In intertidal mussels, cardiac thermal performance (CTP) tests have been widely used as indicators of animals' acclimation or acclimatization state, providing two indices of thermal responses: critical temperature (Tcrit; the temperature above which heart rate abruptly declines) and flatline temperature (Tflat; the temperature where heart rate ceases). Despite the wide use of CTP tests, it remains largely unknown how Tcrit and Tflat change within a single individual after heat acclimation, and whether changes in these indices can predict altered survival in the field. Here, we addressed these issues by evaluating changes in CTP indices in the same individuals before and after heat acclimation. For control mussels, merely reaching Tcrit was not lethal, whereas remaining at Tcrit for ≥10 min was lethal. Heat acclimation significantly increased Tcrit only in mussels with an initially low Tcrit (<35°C), but improved their survival time above Tcrit by 20 min on average. Tflat increased by ∼1.6°C with heat acclimation, but it is unlikely that increased Tflat improves survival in the field. In summary, Tcrit and Tflat per se may fall short of providing quantitative indices of thermal tolerance in mussels; instead, a combination of Tcrit and tolerance time at temperatures ≥Tcrit better defines changes in thermal tolerance with heat acclimation.
P2X7 receptor‐mediated release of microglial prostanoids and miRNAs correlates with reversal of neuropathic hypersensitivity in rats

P2X7 receptor antagonists have potential for treating various central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including neuropathic pain, although none have been approved for clinical use. Reasons may include insufficient understanding of P2X7 receptor signalling in pain, and the lack of a corresponding preclinical mechanistic biomarker.
The effect of low back pain on neuromuscular control in cyclists

ABSTRACT This study was designed to identify neuromuscular adaptations of low back pain (LBP) cyclists , and the impact of a cycling effort on spinal shrinkage. Forty-eight trained cyclists rode their road bike on a smart trainer for 1-hour. Surface electromyography (EMG) recorded muscle activity of the lumbar erector spinae (LES), 3D motion analysis system recorded kinematic of the trunk, and stadiometry measured spinal height. Statistical comparisons were made using repeated measure ANOVAs. The LBP group presented increase in pain levels throughout the effort (p < 0.001). A significant group difference was only observed for the thoracic angle (p = 0.03), which was less flexed for LBP. The one-hour cycling effort (time effect) significantly increased the trunk flexion (p < 0.001) and thoracic flexion (p < 0.001) for both groups. Significant lower LES activation (35% less) was observed at the end of the effort as well as a decrease in spinal height (p = 0.01) for both groups. Neuromuscular adaptations to cycling effort is identified by a decrease in LES EMG amplitude and an increase flexion of the trunk. Adaptation to pain is seen by an increase in thoracic flexion. Despite these adaptations, LBP cyclists could not ride their bike pain-free.
Association Between Meniere Disease and Migraine.

Importance A connection between Meniere disease (MD) and migraine has been proposed, but the temporal association remains unknown. Objective To examine the bidirectional association of MD with migraine. Design, Setting, and Participants This case-control study included participants 40 years or older from the Korean National Health Insurance Service Health Screening Cohort from 2002 to 2015. Main Outcomes and Measures A total of 6919 patients with MD were matched with 27 676 control participants without MD for age, sex, income, region of residence, and index date. The incidence of migraine was analyzed in the MD and matched groups using a stratified Cox proportional hazard regression model. In addition, 35 889 patients with migraine were matched with 71 778 control participants without migraine. The incidence of MD was analyzed using a stratified Cox proportional hazard regression model. Results Of 142 262 total participants, 94 611 (66.5%) were women. Migraine occurred in 695 of 6919 patients with MD (10.0%) and 970 of 27 676 matched control participants (3.5%). The MD group demonstrated a 2.22-fold higher risk of migraine than the matched control group (95% CI, 1.99-2.49). Meniere disease was present in 1098 of 35 889 patients with migraine (3.1%) and 781 of 71 778 matched control participants (1.1%). The migraine group had a 1.95-fold higher risk of MD than the matched control group (95% CI, 1.77-2.15). Conclusions and Relevance The results of this case-control study suggest that patients with MD had a greater risk of migraine occurrence. Furthermore, patients with migraine had a higher risk of MD. Based on the bidirectional association, therapeutics for migraine could potentially be applied to MD and vice versa.
First Detection of the Invasive Mosquito Vector Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Benin, West Africa, 2021

Abstract Aedes albopictus (Skuse) is native to Southeast Asia and has colonized tropical and temperate regions worldwide in the last three to four decades. In Africa, data on its distribution is incomplete. Most studies having focused on the abundance, competition to other species, and phylogenetics of this vector are from the central African region. Here, we report the first detection of Ae. albopictus in Benin, West Africa. A total of 13 specimens were collected during the study period in 2021. The phylogenetic analysis of a cytochrome oxidase c subunit I gene fragment revealed a close relationship to populations from tropical India. Because of its close geographical proximity to areas where it has been found, it is assumed that the species was introduced several years before and is currently widely distributed in Benin. Additional studies are needed to explore its distribution, expansion range, and competitive effects on native species.
Association of childhood bullying victimisation with suicide deaths: findings from a 50-year nationwide cohort study

Abstract Background Bullying victimisation has been associated with increased risk of suicide ideation and attempt throughout the lifespan, but no study has yet examined whether it translates to a greater risk of death by suicide. We aimed to determine the association of bullying victimisation with suicide mortality. Methods Participants were drawn from the 1958 British birth cohort, a prospective follow-up of all births in 1 week in Britain in 1958. We conducted logistic regressions on 14 946 participants whose mothers reported bullying victimisation at 7 and 11 years with linked information on suicide deaths through the National Health Service Central Register. Results Fifty-five participants (48 males) had died by suicide between the age 18 and 52 years. Bullying victimisation was associated with suicide mortality; a one standard deviation increases in bullying victimisation linked to an increased odds for suicide mortality [odds ratio (OR) 1.29; 1.02–1.64] during adulthood. The OR attenuated by 11% after adjustment for individual (e.g. behavioural and emotional problems) and familial characteristics (e.g. adverse childhood experiences, 1.18; 0.92–1.51). Analysis of bullying victimisation frequency categories yields similar results: compared with individuals who had not been bullied, those who had been frequently bullied had an increased odds for suicide mortality (OR 1.89; 0.99–3.62). Conclusion Our study suggests that individuals who have been frequently bullied have a small increased risk of dying by suicide, when no other risk factors is considered. Suicide prevention might start in childhood, with bullying included in a range of inter-correlated vulnerabilities encompassing behavioural and emotional difficulties and adverse experiences within the family.
Standardized care pathways for patients with suspected urinary bladder cancer: the Swedish experience

Abstract Objectives To compare time intervals to diagnosis and treatment, tumor characteristics, and management in patients with primary urinary bladder cancer, diagnosed before and after the implementation of a standardized care pathway (SCP) in Sweden. Materials and methods Data from the Swedish National Register of Urinary Bladder Cancer was studied before (2011–2015) and after (2016–2019) SCP. Data about time from referral to transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), patients and tumor characteristics, and management were analyzed. Subgroup analyses were performed for cT1 and cT2–4 tumors. Results Out of 26,795 patients, median time to TURBT decreased from 37 to 27 days after the implementation of SCP. While the proportion of cT2–T4 tumors decreased slightly (22–21%, p < 0.001), this change was not stable over time and the proportions cN + and cM1 remained unchanged. In the subgroups with cT1 and cT2–4 tumors, the median time to TURBT decreased and the proportions of patients discussed at a multidisciplinary team conference (MDTC) increased after SCP. In neither of these subgroups was a change in the proportions of cN + and cM1 observed, while treatment according to guidelines increased after SCP in the cT1 group. Conclusion After the implementation of SCP, time from referral to TURBT decreased and the proportion of patients discussed at MDTC increased, although not at the levels recommended by guidelines. Thus, our findings point to the need for measures to increase adherence to SCP recommendations and to guidelines.
Change in toddlers’ cortisol activity during a year in childcare. Associations with childcare quality, child temperament, well-being and maternal education

Abstract Elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol have been found in toddlers in childcare. Measuring cortisol may provide an indication of children’s experiences in childcare and help to adjust practices better to their needs. To the best of our knowledge, toddlers’ cortisol levels in childcare have not yet been investigated longitudinally. Furthermore, it is unclear which child and childcare factors contribute to cortisol elevation in toddlers. Using linear mixed model analyses, we investigated the full-day cortisol activity (10.00 h, 15.00 h, 18.00 h) of 156 toddlers (81 female, 56 male) during a year in childcare (September, January, June). We also investigated child cortisol levels at home in January. In addition, we tested the relation between cortisol activity and changes in cortisol activity across the year and childcare quality, temperament, well-being in childcare, and maternal education. We found increasing evening cortisol levels through the year while controlling for age. Afternoon cortisol levels were stable, but above morning cortisol levels in September and January and only slightly below morning cortisol levels in June. At home in January, afternoon levels were significantly below morning levels. Higher well-being in childcare was associated with lower overall cortisol levels and less increase in evening cortisol levels through the year in childcare. Further, less active toddlers seemed to accumulate some stress during the childcare day, indicated by higher evening cortisol levels. Rising evening cortisol levels may indicate accumulating stress across the year. Results point toward childcare being demanding for toddlers and their need for consideration from caregivers and parents, also after a longer period of childcare attendance. The findings underline the importance of observing, promoting, and further researching children’s well-being in childcare.
Postoccupancy Evaluation of a Neighborhood Concept Redesign of an Acute Care Nursing Unit in a Planetree Hospital

Objective: A comparative study was undertaken to survey nurses working in an acute care nursing unit before and after moving to a new hospital to investigate the impact of a nursing unit designed utilizing Planetree build criteria. Background: The physical and emotional demands of frontline practitioners is a serious concern for patient safety and staff retention as the environmental design of nursing units can influence human errors from fatigue and interruption. Method: A pre-move survey was conducted with acute care nurses in a conventional design nursing unit who were moving to a new facility. After the move to the new hospital design, the same survey was readministered to obtain comparative performance information. Qualitative responses were analyzed for triangulation with survey responses. Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) and Press Ganey scores were collected over a 5-year period. Results: There were statistically significant improvements for most of the survey questions, especially for work efficiency and productivity, the design of the patient room and of support spaces, the information systems, and the environmental conditions. There were statistically significant improvements in the HCHAPS and Press Ganey survey questions. Conclusions: The postoccupancy survey showed statistically significant improvements in most of the concerns highlighted in the pre-move survey and significant improvements in the workflow and overall satisfaction of nurses. Press Ganey results revealed all but five domains fell in the significantly improved category.
Antibiotics Alter the Expression of Genes Related to Behavioral Development in Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Abstract Honey bees, as many species of social insects, display a division of labor among colony members based on behavioral specializations related to age. Adult worker honey bees perform a series of tasks in the hive when they are young (such as brood care or nursing) and at ca. 2–3 wk of age, shift to foraging for nectar and pollen outside the hive. The transition to foraging involves changes in metabolism and neuroendocrine activities. These changes are associated with a suite of developmental genes. It was recently demonstrated that antibiotics influence behavioral development by accelerating or delaying the onset of foraging depending on timing of antibiotic exposure. To understand the mechanisms of these changes, we conducted a study on the effects of antibiotics on expression of candidate genes known to regulate behavioral development. We demonstrate a delay in the typical changes in gene expression over the lifetime of the individuals that were exposed to antibiotics during immature stage and adulthood. Additionally, we show an acceleration in the typical changes in gene expression on individuals that were expose to antibiotics only during immature stage. These results show that timing of antibiotic exposure alter the typical regulation of behavioral development by metabolic and neuroendocrine processes.
The Good Ending - A Study on Terminating Innovation Projects

The Good Ending investigates how different strategies for terminating an innovation project can affect proponents in various ways. Our research separates termination strategies in regard to how sensitive they are to sustain an individual’s “face”. While a Face-Threatening Termination strategy belittles and disrespects the proponent, a Face-Supportive Termination strategy aims to uphold the proponent’s dignity and pride. Our goal was to investigate how these two classifications differed in the effect they had on employees’ Mood, feeling of Psychological Safety, and Willingness to Innovate in the workplace after facing a project termination. In addition, we researched what role the level of Commitment, Resilience, Rejection Sensitivity, and Threat Sensitivity had for the impact of Face Messages on Mood, Psychological Safety, and Willingness to Innovate. In collaboration with Professor John Daly and Professor Alf Steinar Saetre, we created a survey and distributed it to students in MSTC, MBA, and EMBA classes at University of Texas at Austin (UT). In total we received 215 valid responses. The data was analyzed using the software package IBM SPSS Statistics (SPSS) and an add-on macro named PROCESS. All data was manually transcribed into an excel-file and thereafter converted to SPSS. To be able to measure the effects of the given factors on an individual’s Mood, Psychological Safety, and Willingness to Innovate, all variables were created by combining existing scales and adding relevant items to them. For instance, we applied the established scales by Woltin (2015) and Koopmann, Lanaj, Bono, and Campana (2016), Edmondson (1999), and Scott and Bruce (1994) in order to measure the outcome variables Mood, Psychological Safety, and Willingness to Innovate respectively. The validity of each of the resulting variables were checked by the use of reliability tests and comparing the resulting Cronbach’s alpha to Nunnally (1978)’s recommendation for a lower limit of 0.7. Through our research we found that the direct effect of Face Messages on the outcome variables were significant. Face-Threatening Termination was found to have a significantly more negative impact on proponents’ Mood, Psychological Safety, and Willingness to Innovate than Face-Supportive Termination strategy. It was also found support for the hypothesis that people high in Commitment will experience a more negative Mood following a termination, than people low in Commitment. This was found to applicable to both a Face-Threatening and a Face-Supportive Termination. Additionally, Rejection Sensitivity was found to significantly moderate the impact of Face Messages on Mood and Psychological Safety. It was found that with high Rejection
PCDD/Fs and PCBs in Mytilus galloprovincialis from a contaminated area in Italy: the role of mussel size, temperature and meteorological factors

Abstract Mussels represent a food at risk of contamination because they are filter-feeding organisms with high bioaccumulation and low biotransformation potential for organic contaminants. Taranto, Southern Italy, is of particular relevance in this context due to the presence of industrial sources of POPs. The aim of this study was to analyse the role of mussel size, temperature and other meteorological factors in determining PCDD/Fs and PCBs concentrations in mussels. Mussels were collected on a monthly basis with random sampling between 2012 and 2020 according to the extraordinary monitoring plan of the Prevention Department. Samples were analysed by the National Reference Laboratory for Halogenated POPs in food and feed. A total of 787 mussel samples were collected between 2012 and 2020. Higher median concentrations were observed in Mar Piccolo First Inlet: PCDD/Fs 1.49 pg WHO-TEQ/g ww; PCDD/Fs + DL-PCBs 6.35 pg WHO-TEQ/g ww; DL-PCBs 4.74 pg WHO-TEQ/g ww; NDL-PCBs 65.10 ng/g ww. In all basins, PCDD/Fs + DL-PCBs, DL-PCBs and NDL-PCBs showed higher concentrations in mussels ≥ 5 cm. Temperature showed positive association with all pollutants in all basins. Higher relative humidity was associated with higher concentrations of some pollutants, while number of rain days was associated with lower values. Our findings showed higher PCDD/Fs and PCBs concentrations in adult mussels, with dependence on temperature and some other meteorological factors. These results could help guide public health strategies and mussel sampling according to mussel size and meteorological conditions in areas affected by POPs contamination.
The role of high carbohydrate-rich food intake and severity of asthma exacerbation in children between 2 to 6 years aged

Abstract Introduction Over the last decades, dietary habits in developing countries have been characterized by low intake of fruits and vegetables and high consumption of sweetened drinks. Most of the evidence linking carbohydrate intake and asthma comes from children over 6 years of age. The aim of this study was to examine the association between macronutrient intake and the severity of asthma exacerbations in children aged 2–6 years. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study that included all children aged 2–6 years hospitalized due to an asthma exacerbation. Dietary data were collected using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) validated in the Colombian population. The GINA classification of acute asthma was used to define the severity. To identify factors independently associated with asthma exacerbation severity, we fit the data to ordinal logistic regression. Results During the study period, 228 cases of patients with asthma exacerbation were included. Asthma severity was dose-dependently associated with protein and carbohydrate-rich intake. The variables included in the multivariable analysis included reactive C protein (OR 1.05, CI 95% (1.03–1.07)), smoking at home (OR 3.92 (1.82–8.44)), atopic dermatitis (OR 3.82 (1.59–9.21)), and protein and carbohydrate-rich food intake (OR 0.11 (0.03–0.33)) and (OR 2.42 (1.09–5.80)), respectively. Conclusion High carbohydrate-rich food intake is associated with the severity of asthma exacerbation adjusted by other known risk factors such as atopy, smoking, and reactive C protein. This evidence should motivate the development of public health policies to control the consumption of sugar-rich products in children under 6 years.