Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does essentialism lead to racial prejudice? It is not so Black and White.

Over half a century ago, psychologists hypothesized that social essentialism, an intuitive theory comprising the beliefs that social categories reflect naturally occurring distinctions and that category members share an underlying and fundamental essence, lays the foundation for prejudice. In the intervening decades, research has shown that although essentialism sometimes leads to prejudicial beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, it does not always, sometimes even leading to decreased prejudice toward stigmatized groups. The relation between essentialism and prejudice is clearly complex, but this review proposes four questions that will help clarify how and when essentialism leads to prejudice: (1) What precisely is essentialism and how might a more nuanced understanding of its components and structure shed light on the mechanisms by which essentialist beliefs contribute to prejudice? ; (2) Do essentialist beliefs orient group-based prejudice toward out-groups or toward stigmatized groups, and what are the consequences of essentialist beliefs among those with minoritized identities? ; (3) Do essentialist beliefs engender group-based prejudice directly, or must essentialist beliefs interact with additional information or belief systems to lead to negative consequences? ; and (4) Do essentialist beliefs lay a foundation for group-based prejudice to develop, or is essentialism strategically invoked to justify existing prejudice? By posing these questions, describing what is currently known about each, and proposing future lines of inquiry that focus on the importance of including participants from a diverse set of backgrounds and across developmental periods, this review aims to stimulate research studies best designed to fill the gaps in our knowledge. By understanding how and when essentialism contributes to prejudice, we will be better equipped to use this early-emerging, but malleable, aspect of cognition to decrease prejudice and create a more equitable society.
Effects of aerobic and cognitively-engaging physical activity on academic skills: A cluster randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT This cluster randomized controlled trial (trial-number #) compares effects of two school-based physical activity interventions (aerobic vs. cognitively-engaging) on reading, mathematics, and spelling achievement; and whether effects are influenced by volume of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and baseline achievement. Twenty-two primary schools participated, where a third and fourth grade class were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. Intervention groups were randomly assigned to a 14-week aerobic or cognitively-engaging intervention, receiving four physical education lessons a week. Control groups followed their regular physical education program. Academic achievement of 891 children (mean age 9.17 years, 49.4% boys) was assessed with standardized tests before and after the interventions. Post-Test academic achievement did not significantly differ between intervention groups and control group. A higher volume of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity resulted in better post-test mathematics achievement in both intervention groups, and post-test spelling achievement in the cognitively engaging intervention group. Compared to the control group, lower achievers in reading performed better in reading after the cognitively-engaging intervention. A combination of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and cognitively-engaging exercises seems to have the most beneficial effects. Future intervention studies should take into account quantitative and qualitative aspects of physical activity, and children’s baseline academic achievement.
Association Between Resting-State Functional Connectivity and Reading in Two Writing Systems in Japanese Children With and Without Developmental Dyslexia

Introduction: Japanese is unique, as it features two distinct writing systems that share the same sound and meaning: syllabic Hiragana and logographic Kanji scripts. Acquired reading difficulties in Hiragana and Kanji have been examined in older patients with brain lesions. However, the precise mechanisms underlying deficits in developmental dyslexia (DD) remain unclear. Materials and Methods: The neural signatures of Japanese children with DD were examined by using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. We examined 22 dyslexic and 46 typically developing (TD) children, aged 7–14 years. Results: Reading performance in each writing system was correlated with neural connectivity in TD children. In contrast, in children with DD, weak associations between neural connectivity and reading performance were observed. In TD children, Hiragana-reading fluency was positively correlated with the left fusiform gyrus network. No significant correlations between Hiragana fluency and neural connectivity were observed in children with DD. Correspondingly, there were fewer correlations between Kanji accuracy and strength of reading-related connectivity in children with DD, whereas positive correlations with the bilateral fronto-parietal network and negative correlations with the left fusiform network were found in TD children. Discussion: These data suggest that positive and negative coupling with neural connectivity is associated with developing Japanese reading skills. Further, different neural connectivity correlations between Hiragana fluency and Kanji accuracy were detected in TD children but less in children with DD. Conclusion: The two writing systems may exert differential effects and deficits on reading in healthy children and in children with DD, respectively. Impact statement This is the first study of the precise neurobiological characteristics of dyslexia in Japanese children. Because the Japanese language uniquely features two writing systems and there is a low prevalence of dyslexia among Japanese children, our results from an examination of this population provided unique insights into the neural bases of dyslexia. Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, we determined possible networks that may be implicated in the reading deficits present in these and other children who suffer from dyslexia.
Stillbirth in women with diabetes: a retrospective analysis of fetal autopsy reports

Abstract Introduction Diabetes in pregnancy is associated with an increased rate of stillbirth. There are a wide variety of factors that have been implicated including placental insufficiency, hypoxia, hyperinsulinemia and impaired cardiac function. Furthermore, there is evidence that diabetic pregnancies have an increased rate of fetal cardiomyopathy as compared to non-diabetic pregnancies. Prior studies have indicated that this association can also be an etiology for diabetic stillbirth. The purpose of this study was to determine if diabetic pregnancies have an increased risk of fetal cardiomyopathy identified on fetal autopsy as compared to non-diabetic women with a stillbirth in a cohort of pregnancies that had evaluation with a fetal autopsy. Materials and methods Retrospective cohort study of women with a stillbirth who consented to fetal autopsy at an academic medical center from 2011 to 2017. Stillbirth was defined as an intrauterine fetal demise at ≥20 weeks’ gestation. Women with diabetes defined as pre-gestational diabetes type 1, pre-gestational diabetes type 2, and gestational diabetes were compared to women without diabetes. Primary outcome was fetal cardiomyopathy. Other etiologies for stillbirth were also evaluated and classified according to the Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network (SCRN) initial causes of fetal death. Fisher exact test, χ2 test, and Mann Whitney U tests were performed as appropriate, with p < . 05 considered significant. Generalized linear models were performed for fetal organ weights controlling for gestational age of delivery, maternal chronic hypertension, delivery body mass index, and birthweight. Results A total of 78 women elected to have fetal autopsy examinations during the study period. Of these, 75 had complete information available for review. A total of 60 women did not have diabetes and 15 women had diabetes. Of pregnancies complicated by diabetes, 11 had insulin dependent diabetes and 4 had non-insulin dependent diabetes. Fetal cardiomyopathy was diagnosed on autopsy for 7 (46.7%) of pregnancies with diabetes and 2 (3.3% of pregnancies without diabetes (RR 14.00 [95% CI 3.23–60.65], p < .001). These associations were still significant even when analyzing only those pregnancies without fetal congenital heart disease (7 [46.7%] diabetic pregnancies with cardiomyopathy versus 1 [2.0%] nondiabetic pregnancy with cardiomyopathy, RR 23.80 [95% CI 3.17–178.46], p < .001). There was no difference between diabetic and non-diabetic pregnancies in regards to other causes for stillbirth. Stillbirths in pregnancies with diabetes also had larger fetal heart, liver, and adrenal weights on fetal autopsy. Conclusion Women with diabetes have 14 times the risk of fetal cardiomyopathy identified at fetal autopsy as compared to women without diabetes. As the prediction and prevention of diabetic stillbirth is limited, information on potential causes of stillbirth may help future research identify those pregnancies at the greatest risk for adverse outcome.
Enzymatic antioxidant defences are transcriptionally regulated in Es524, a copper-tolerant strain of Ectocarpus siliculosus (Ectocarpales, Phaeophyceae)

Abstract: Previous investigations have revealed that Ectocarpus siliculosus strain Es524, isolated from a highly copper (Cu)-polluted location in Chile, displays higher activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) under Cu excess. This partly explains its enhanced tolerance compared with other E. siliculosus strains. However, the transcriptomic basis behind the activity of these antioxidant enzymes is still unknown. We have conducted laboratory experiments with Es524 under control conditions and exposure to 2.4 μM total Cu. Under Cu exposure, Es524 showed a decrease in cell length and cell plasmolysis, revealing a certain level of cytophysiological stress. The genes encoding for iron-SOD, APX and CAT were overexpressed under Cu excess, demonstrating that higher activities of these enzymes are transcriptionally regulated. It is now more apparent that the induction of SOD, APX and CAT are conserved molecular and biochemical mechanisms developed after a long history of Cu exposure which is responsible, at least in part, for intraspecific Cu tolerance in E. siliculosus.
Suicide behaviour among adolescents in a high HIV prevalence region of western Kenya: A mixed-methods study

ABSTRACT The study purpose was to determine the prevalence and determinants of suicidal thoughts and behaviours in a rural community sample of 15–19-year-old Kenyan adolescents in a region with high HIV burden. Data were from an observational study examining ethical issues in adolescent HIV research (N=4084). Participants reporting suicidal ideation were assessed for suicide risk. Directed content analyses were conducted using assessment reports. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with suicide outcomes. Prevalence of suicidal ideation was 16%. Of these, 38% were low risk and 12% were moderate/high-risk. Females and sexually active adolescents had higher odds of suicidal ideation and being categorised as moderate/high-risk. Adolescents with higher depression scores had higher odds of reporting ideation. Pregnancy was protective for females while impregnating a partner was a risk factor for males. Abuse from a family member, financial stress and health concerns were the most frequently mentioned precipitants of ideation. However, only abuse increased odds of suicide behaviour. Effective programmes to identify and support sexually active, pregnant, and distressed adolescents at risk for suicide are needed. Approaches involving families, schools, health facilities, and community gatekeepers may have the most promise in sub-Saharan African rural areas with limited mental health services.
The microbial biofilm composition on peripherally inserted central catheters: A comparison of polyurethane and hydrophobic catheters collected from paediatric patients

Background: Peripherally inserted central catheters are susceptible to microbial colonisation and subsequent biofilm formation, leading to central line–associated bloodstream infection, a serious peripherally inserted central catheter–related complication. Next-generation peripherally inserted central catheter biomaterials, such as hydrophobic materials (e.g. Endexo®), may reduce microbial biofilm formation or attachment, consequently reducing the potential for central line–associated bloodstream infection. Methods: Within a randomised controlled trial, culture-dependent and culture-independent methods were used to determine if the biomaterials used in traditional polyurethane peripherally inserted central catheters and hydrophobic peripherally inserted central catheters impacted microbial biofilm composition. This study also explored the impact of other clinical characteristics including central line–associated bloodstream infection, antibiotic therapy and dwell time on the microbial biofilm composition of peripherally inserted central catheters. Results: From a total of 32 patients, one peripherally inserted central catheter was determined to be colonised with Staphylococcus aureus, and on further analysis, the patient was diagnosed with central line–associated bloodstream infection. All peripherally inserted central catheters (n = 17 polyurethane vs n = 15 hydrophobic) were populated with complex microbial communities, including peripherally inserted central catheters considered non-colonised. The two main microbial communities observed included Staphylococcus spp. , dominant on the colonised peripherally inserted central catheter, and Enterococcus, dominant on non-colonised peripherally inserted central catheters. Both the peripherally inserted central catheter biomaterial design and antibiotic therapy had no significant impact on microbial communities. However, the diversity of microbial communities significantly decreased with dwell time. Conclusion: More diverse pathogens were present on the colonised peripherally inserted central catheter collected from the patient with central line–associated bloodstream infection. Microbial biofilm composition did not appear to be affected by the design of peripherally inserted central catheter biomaterials or antibiotic therapy. However, the diversity of the microbial communities appeared to decrease with dwell time.
Rating of pre-injury symptoms over time in patients with mild traumatic brain injury: the good-old-days bias revisited

ABSTRACT Objective Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) occurs following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Patients with mTBI are often assessed using self-report instruments that rely on perception of current symptoms compared to how they felt and functioned pre-injury. The objective was to examine reliability of patients’ post-injury reporting of their pre-injury symptoms. Methods We included two control groups (trauma patients without brain injury history and healthy controls) who were recruited at an outpatient surgical clinic and among the working and social environment of the researchers, respectively. The Head Injury Symptom Checklist (HISC) was used to assess pre-injury and current symptoms at four time points post injury. We included 836 patients with mTBIs, 191 trauma patients without brain injury history, and 100 healthy controls. Results Patients with mTBI reported significantly more pre-injury symptoms than both control groups (p < .001). Forty-five percent of patients with mTBI were inconsistent in their pre-injury ratings across four assessments. Patients with post-injury PCS reported much greater pre-injury symptoms and were more often inconsistent. Conclusion Accurately assessing PCS by comparing pre with post-injury complaints is difficult, and may have implications for diagnosis when using self-report instruments. Therefore, post-injury PCS diagnosis should be interpreted with caution and PCS should ideally be examined using clinical examination.
Using spring weather data to predict harvest date for 'Improved French' prune.

The Californian dried plum/prune (Prunus domestica) industry is almost entirely dependent on a single cultivar, 'Improved French'. Thus the entire crop must be harvested over a relatively narrow harvest period of about three weeks with the harvest times of individual orchards varying as a function of location within the state. The mean fruit maturity dates for the 'Improved French' can vary by as much as thirty days from year to year, with weather patterns seemingly becoming more variable annually. There is a need to be able to predict fruit maturity dates early in the growing season to facilitate planning for orderly harvest and fruit drying. Recent research with peach and nectarine (Prunus persica), and fresh-market plum (Prunus salicina) cultivars indicate that fruit maturity dates can be predicted reasonably well from full bloom dates and the accumulation of growing degree hours 30 days after full bloom (GDH 30) after the relationship between GDH 30 and the length of the fruit growth period between full bloom and GDH 30 is established from historical records. Thus bloom and fruit maturity data were analyzed for the 'Improved French' cultivar for several years from two locations in California, and there was a clear relationship between the length of the fruit growth period and GDH 30. This relationship has subsequently been used to establish an industry oriented "decision support" system that allows growers and dehydration plant managers to use publicly available weather data for their local area and bloom dates from individual orchards to predict fruit maturity dates after only 30 days after bloom.
Use of Trichoderma spp. and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to increase soil beneficial population of bacteria in a nectarine commercial orchard: Effect on root growth, nutrient acquisition and replanting disease

ABSTRACT The aim of the present experiment was to evaluate the effect of commercial Trichoderma and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)-based bio-fertilizers on nectarine root growth, nutrient acquisition and replanting disease. The experiment was performed from 2008 to 2012 in an A. mellea-infected nectarine orchard subjected to the following treatments: 1) untreated control; 2) AMF-biofertilizer applied at planting (120 kg ha−1) and every year in spring and autumn at the rate of 6 kg ha−1; 3) Trichoderma spp applied at planting (5 g plant−1) and every year (in April, May and September) at 2.5 kg ha−1. AMF bio-fertilizers decreased root diameter and increased root survivorship. Leaf phosphorus concentration increased in AMF bio-fertilizers plots, while no significant treatments effects were observed on other leaf nutrient concentration. Although biofertilizer application did not affect soil microbial population, at the end of the trial (2012) the application of Trichoderma alone increased the population of the fungus.
Association of dyslipidaemia with Alzheimer’s disease in a cohort of postmenopausal women

Objective To evaluate the association between dyslipidaemia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in a cohort of postmenopausal women. Methods This retrospective study analysed data from postmenopausal women with early AD (group AD) and a cohort of healthy age- and sex-matched control subjects (group NC) that were considered to be within standard limits according to a neuropsychological assessment between March 2010 and March 2019. The primary endpoints were body mass index and lipid-related laboratory parameters, including leptin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol, adiponectin, triglycerides, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein E4, which were evaluated using multivariate binary logistic analysis. Results The study enrolled 200 postmenopausal women with early AD (mean ± SD age 69.34 ± 6.25 years) and 180 control subjects (mean ± SD age 67.48 ± 7.42 years). Lower HDL-C and higher LDL-C were risk factors for AD. A multivariate binary logistic regression model demonstrated that lower HDL-C and higher LDL-C were the only variables associated with the development of AD (odds ratio [OR] 21.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.47, 4.13; OR 36.35, 95% CI 1.24, 3.38; respectively). Conclusion Both low HDL-C and high LDL-C were associated with the occurrence of AD in a cohort of postmenopausal women.
Differences in Mechanisms of Steroid Therapy and Olfactory Training for Olfactory Loss in Mice

Objective Steroid therapy and olfactory training are common treatments for olfactory loss. Systemic steroid treatment is the most effective approach for treating sinonasal olfactory loss. Olfactory training is typically effective for treating sensorineural olfactory loss. However, the differences in mechanisms of steroid therapy and olfactory training for olfactory dysfunction are unclear. The aim of this study was thus to evaluate the differences in mechanisms of olfactory training and steroid therapy. Subjects and Methods Mice in each group were administered 3-methylindole at a dose of 300 mg/kg. Olfactory function was evaluated with a food-finding test once a week. The olfactory neuroepithelium was harvested for histologic examination and protein analysis. Subsequently, data analysis, gene ontology and pathway analysis, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction of mRNA, and western blot analysis were conducted. Results Mice were divided into four groups according to treatment. Control, anosmia, training, and steroid groups resumed food-finding. MMP27, CCL22 and IL18rap mRNA expression were significantly increased in the training group compared to that in the steroid group. IL1R2 mRNA expression was significantly higher in the olfactory neuroepithelium of steroid-treated mice than in that of the training group mice. Conclusions Steroid therapy improved olfactory function via anti-inflammatory effects, unlike olfactory training which involved cell regeneration and tissue remodeling. Protein and gene analyses revealed that steroid therapy and olfactory training are underpinned by distinct mechanisms. Selection of the most appropriate treatment will be dependent on the cause of olfactory loss.