Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The novel cognitive flexibility in aphasia therapy (CFAT): A combined treatment of aphasia and executive functions to improve communicative success

Abstract Purpose Over and above language deficits, persons with aphasia can present with impairments in executive functions, including deficits in cognitive flexibility. Cognitive flexibility constitutes the ability to update behaviour quickly and flexibly in a changing environment. Its deficits can restrict communicative ability, e. g. the ability to change a topic. To date, these deficits have been neglected in aphasia therapy, even though their consideration regarding language treatment may be beneficial for the persons affected. The present study aimed to evaluate whether aphasia therapy including cognitive flexibility leads to more improvement than conventional aphasia therapy. Method A pilot group study with ten patients was conducted. The patients received both the novel Cognitive Flexibility in Aphasia Therapy (CFAT) and conventional aphasia therapy in a cross-over design. Each therapy method was delivered for 20 sessions within two weeks. An assessment battery was applied five times, including language skills, communicative ability and verbal/nonverbal cognitive flexibility. Result Patients profited from CFAT regarding language skills, communicative ability and verbal cognitive flexibility. Furthermore, compared to conventional therapy, CFAT was more effective for verbal cognitive flexibility. Conclusion This pilot study indicates that CFAT offers a novel opportunity to directly train cognitive flexibility in communicative settings and complements conventional therapy for optimal patient outcome.
Early ICD lead failure in defibrillator systems with multiple leads via cephalic access

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are proven to prevent sudden death in patients at elevated risk for sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Complications related to ICD failure can stem from lead dysfunction, manufacturing defects, patient characteristics, or implantation technique. We conducted a review of all ICD leads implanted at our center from 2011 to 2017 to determine risk factors for premature lead failure.
Proteomic characterisation of drug metabolising enzymes and drug transporters in pig liver

Abstract Liver enzymes and transporters play an essential role in xenobiotic metabolism, distribution and elimination. Pre-clinical safety assessment relies on studies on animal models, including the (mini)pig. The pig shares many anatomical and physiological characteristics with humans, and there is currently a gap in information about porcine metabolism and disposition pathways and their similarities and differences from human ones. Three different sample preparation methods (filter-aided sample preparation (FASP), enhanced FASP (eFASP) and in-solution sample preparation) were used to prepare porcine liver tissue (two samples) for proteomic analysis. The analysis relied on rapid-separation liquid chromatography coupled to Orbitrap mass spectrometry in data-dependent acquisition mode. MASCOT was used for identification and relative label-free quantification was based on spectral counting. The three sample preparation methods provided complementary results, allowing characterisation of approximately 70 pharmacologically relevant proteins. The main quantified proteins included 16 cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, 5 UGT enzymes, and 11 transporters. In addition, 20 Phase I and 14 Phase II enzymes were also characterised. Inter-operator differences were negligible and the pig liver pies for CYP, UGT and efflux transporter proteins were established. Human homologues of the quantified CYP, UGT and transporter proteins were identified.
Attractive sinks, or how individual behavioural decisions determine source–sink dynamics

Gundersen et al. (2001, Source-sink dynamics: how sinks affect demography of sources. Ecol. Lett., 4, 14–21.) suggested that sinks can severely affect the demography of populations in source habitats. We propose this is a common result when animals lack cues associated with reduced fitness inside sinks and consequently select habitat inappropriately. These attractive sinks can result either from undetected risks of mortality (as in the experiment of Gundersen et al. 2001) or from undetected poor breeding probabilities (due to bioaccumulation of pesticides, for instance). Thus, individual habitat choice is a key process underlying source–sink dynamics.
Tracheal branching in ants is area-decreasing, violating a central assumption of network transport models

The structure of tubular transport networks is thought to underlie much of biological regularity, from individuals to ecosystems. A core assumption of transport network models is either area-preserving or area-increasing branching, such that the summed cross-sectional area of all child branches is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of their respective parent branch. For insects, the most diverse group of animals, the assumption of area-preserving branching of tracheae is, however, based on measurements of a single individual and an assumption of gas exchange by diffusion. Here we show that ants exhibit neither area-preserving nor area-increasing branching in their abdominal tracheal systems. We find for 20 species of ants that the sum of child tracheal cross-sectional areas is typically less than that of the parent branch (area-decreasing). The radius, rather than the area, of the parent branch is conserved across the sum of child branches. Interpretation of the tracheal system as one optimized for the release of carbon dioxide, while readily catering to oxygen demand, explains the branching pattern. Our results, together with widespread demonstration that gas exchange in insects includes, and is often dominated by, convection, indicate that for generality, network transport models must include consideration of systems with different architectures.
First report of Hop stunt viroid from plum in China.

Hop stunt viroid (HSVd) was ﬁrst described from hops with stunt disease in Japan (Yamamoto et al ., 1970). HSVd belongs to the genus Hostuviroid (family Pospiviroidae ) and has the broadest host-range known for any viroid. It has since been found in a wide range of herbaceous and woody hosts, including cucumber, grapevine, citrus, plum, peach, pear, apricot, almond and pome - granate (Astruc et al ., 1996). HSVd has been isolated from plums with dapple fruit disease in Japan (Sano et al ., 1989), where the viroid occurs frequently. However, while plums originated in China and are extensively cultivated there, HSVd infection in this host in China has never been reported. In September 2005, six plum varieties were collected from the Institute of Fruit Science of Total RNA was extracted (Li et al ., 1995) from leaves and used for dot blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results of dot blot and RT- PCR showed that one of the six samples was positive for HSVd. The positive sample came from cv. Dashizaosheng one of the most popular and widely grown varieties in China. There were no clear symptoms on leaves or bark when the samples were collected. A 297 bp DNA fragment was ampliﬁed
Combined use of mitochondrial and nuclear genetic markers further reveal immature marine turtle hybrids along the South Western Atlantic

Abstract Marine turtle hybridization is usually sporadic and involves reports of only a few individuals; however, Brazilian populations have high hybridization rates. Here we investigated the presence of hybrids in morphologically identified immature hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricata) along the South Western Atlantic (SWA). We sequenced one mitochondrial (D-Loop) and three nuclear DNA (RAG1, RAG2, and CMOS) markers to better understand the patterns and characteristics of hybrids. We identified 22 hybrids (n = 270), 11 of them at the extreme South of the SWA. Uruguay had the highest hybrid frequency in the SWA (~37.5%) followed by southern Brazil with 30%. These are common areas for loggerheads (Caretta caretta) but uncommon for hawksbills, and these hybrids may be adopting the behavior of loggerheads. By analyzing nuclear markers, we can infer that 50% of the sampled hybrids are first generation (F1) and 36% are the result of backcrosses between hybrids and pure E. imbricata (> F1). We also report for the first time immature E. imbricata x Lepidochelys olivacea hybrids at the Brazilian coast. Considering the high frequency of hybrids in the SWA, continuous monitoring should be performed to assess the fitness, genetic integrity, and extent of changes in the gene pools of involved populations.
Karyological Studies in the Genus Phaseolus, Linn

Karyotypes of somatic chromosomes of 15 species of Phaseolus, L. have been investigated. All the species have been found to have 11 and 22 as haploid and diploid chromosome numbers (except allotetraploid Phaseolus species 2n=44). Primary base number for the genus is eleven. The somatic chromosomes are small, their size range from 0. 85μ to 3. 0μ. The longest being 3. 0μ in P. vulgaris and shortest 0. 85μ is in P. ricciardianus and P. semierectus. TF % have been calculated for each species. On the basis of TF% karyotypes are classified as symmetrical 2A or 3A types. Three species showed asymmetrical karyotypes. Phaseolus ricciardianus have asymmetrical 2B type of karyotype.The karyotypic differences in the species have been brought about by diminution in chromatin length with advancing evolution and pericentric inversions resulting in the shift of position of the centromere and alteration in the size of chromosomes.Phaseolus vulgaris and P. aureus with large somatic chromosomes and longest total chromatin length have been considered primitive especially in climbing and erect habit series. Phaseolus bracteatus and P. ricciardianus with short chromosomes and shortest total chromatin length are considered as advanced. Thus, it is concluded that P. vulgaris which is under cultivation in Mexico for the past 7000 year is primitive and has given rise to other species including the erect ones.
The effects of seasonal acclimatization on correlates of growth rate in juvenile cod, Gadus morhua

The effects of seasonal acclimatization (i.e. simulated autumn and winter water temperature and photoperiod) on the specific growth rate, liver-somatic index, white muscle protein and RNA concentration of juvenile cod were investigated. Winter acclimatization resulted in cod having higher liver-somatic indices and white muscle RNA concentrations. The influence of environmental conditions on growth rate indices of cod are discussed in the light of these results.
Assessing heart rate variability in type 1 diabetes mellitus—Psychosocial stress a possible confounder

Autonomic neuropathy (AN) commonly arises as a long‐term complication in diabetes mellitus and can be diagnosed from heart rate variability (HRV), calculated from electrocardiogram recordings. Psychosocial stress also affects HRV and could be one of several confounders for cardiac AN. The present work investigated the impact of psychosocial stress on HRV in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and assessed the use of salivary cortisol as a biomarker for psychosocial stress in this context.
Saphenous vein graft disease, pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment. A review of the literature

The saphenous vein remains the most frequently used conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting, despite reported unsatisfactory long‐term patency rates. Understanding the pathophysiology of vein graft failure and attempting to improve its longevity has been a significant area of research for more than three decades. This article aims to review the current understanding of the pathophysiology and potential new intervention strategies.
Histomorphometric effects of calcitonin on pharyngeal bone in fed and starved goldfish Carassius auratus

: The effects of salmon calcitonin (sCT) on osteoblasts and osteoclasts were histologically and histomorphometrically investigated in the pharyngeal bone of fed and starved goldfish Carassius auratus. The thickness of the osteoid and the height of osteoblasts were also measured. Fish were given sCT intraperitoneally at a dose of 10 ng/g bodyweight four times every other day under either fed or starved conditions. The sCT treatment induced the retraction of osteoclasts and their disengagement from the bone surface. Salmon calcitonin had no effect on the histomorphometric parameters of bone formation activity, but suppressed the parameter (OcP/EP) that showed osteoclast activity. Salmon calcitonin did not affect the thickness of the osteoid, but increased the height of osteoblasts in starved fish. Histological and histomorphometric results demonstrated that osteoclast activity was suppressed when sCT was given to starved estrogenized goldfish five times for 10 days. Overall, results suggest that calcitonin is involved in bone assimilation by suppressing osteoclast activity and by enhancing osteoblast activity in the pharyngeal bone of goldfish.
Retrospective analysis of dry period length in Italian Holstein cows

Abstract This research studied the relevance of potential sources of variation for dry period length in Italian Holstein cows reared in northern Italy and investigated the effect of days dry (DD) on milk production and calving interval in the subsequent lactation. Field data of individual cow DD were merged: a) with information from the previous lactation (6832 lactations, 87 herds) and analysed to investigate factors influencing DD; b) with milk yield (MY) and calving interval (CI) of the subsequent lactation (≈4000 lactations, >80 herds) and analysed to investigate the effect of DD on subsequent lactation performance. Individual cow DD averaged 67±27d, with a median of 62d; nearly 20% of DD were greater than 80 d. Herd had the greatest impact on DD; average herd DD was 71 d and >50% of herds had a mean dry period length >70d. Longer DD were associated with second or later parity cows, lower daily MY at dry-off, and extremes in the length of the previous lactation, either short or long. After an adjustment for MY genetic merit, dry periods <35 d resulted in losses in subsequent lactation yield of ≈500kg and DD ranging between 35 and 55d were associated with a 200kg decrease when compared to DD that averaged 65d. DD>80d resulted in a 100kg increase in subsequent MY. However, yield lost in the subsequent lactation caused by average DD<65 d might be offset completely by the higher yield obtained in the previous lactation due to its longer length. Conversely, dry period length did not significantly affect ensuing CI. Therefore, data from this study and literature analysis suggest that a decrease in the duration of DD could be profitable for most herds considered. A general recommendation towards dry periods between 45 to 60d could be advised.
The Value of a Modified Wiltse Approach for Deformity Correction in Neuromuscular Scoliosis

ABSTRACT Background: Wiltse approaches have been shown to reduce operative blood loss and enhance recovery in lumbar spinal surgery; however, their efficacy in neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS) deformity correction has never been assessed. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of deformity correction requiring pelvic fixation in NMS performed through a Wiltse approach in contrast to a standard midline approach. Methods: This is a retrospective review of 24 consecutive children with NMS undergoing deformity correction by a single surgeon in our institution. Patient demographic data, operative time, blood loss, curve correction, length of stay, and complications were recorded. Results: In 16 children, the procedure was performed through a Wiltse approach and in 8 through a midline approach. There was no significant difference in age, sex, preoperative Cobb angle, or number of levels fused. Patients who underwent a Wiltse approach had significantly less blood loss yet similar curve correction. The hospital length of stay and complication rate were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusions: A modified Wiltse approach can be safely used for NMS deformity correction. This approach achieves similar curve corrections to a traditional midline approach with less blood loss and no need for iliac screw connectors. Level of Evidence: 3.
miR-21 promotes growth, invasion and migration of lung cancer cells by AKT/P-AKT/cleaved-caspase 3/MMP-2/MMP-9 signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of miR-21 on the growth, migration, and invasion of lung cancer cells A549 in vitro and the possible mechanism. METHODS In vitro cell migration and invasion potential were determined by Transwell chamber assays. FACS was used to assess the effect of miR-21 on A549 cell cycle and apoptosis. 4-6 week-old female mice were utilized to establish a lung cancer model. The pathologic biopsy was processed by H&E staining. The expression of the proteins PTEN, RECK and Caspase 3 were detected through immunohistochemy and tumor cell apoptosis was measured by TUNEL. RESULTS Transwell chamber assays showed that the cells going through the membrane increased significantly compared to the negative control (P<0.05). The tumor volume resulting from miR-21 mimics was significantly greater than in normal mice. Serum ELISA showed that the protein expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in miR-21 overexpression group were increased significantly. In addition, H&E staining results showed that in miR-21 overexpression tissue, invasion is more severe and immunohistochemical results proved that the miR-21 overexpression group had high expression of Caspase 3 protein but the expression of PTEN and RECK were decreased. TUNEL experiments show that increased the expression of miR-21 can inhibit the apoptosis of tumor cells. CONCLUSION MicroRNA-21 promotes the proliferation of lung cancer cells and inhibits the apoptosis of lung cancer cells by the AKT/P-AKT/cleaved-caspase 3/MMP-2/MMP-9 signaling pathway.
A Novel Glycine Receptor Variant with Startle Disease Affects Syndapin I and Glycinergic Inhibition

Glycine receptors (GlyRs) are the major mediators of fast synaptic inhibition in the adult human spinal cord and brainstem. Hereditary mutations to GlyRs can lead to the rare, but potentially fatal, neuromotor disorder hyperekplexia. Most mutations located in the large intracellular domain (TM3-4 loop) of the GlyRα1 impair surface expression levels of the receptors. The novel GLRA1 mutation P366L, located in the TM3-4 loop, showed normal surface expression but reduced chloride currents, and accelerated whole-cell desensitization observed in whole-cell recordings. At the single-channel level, we observed reduced unitary conductance accompanied by spontaneous opening events in the absence of extracellular glycine. Using peptide microarrays and tandem MS-based analysis methods, we show that the proline-rich stretch surrounding P366 mediates binding to syndapin I, an F-BAR domain protein involved in membrane remodeling. The disruption of the noncanonical Src homology 3 recognition motif by P366L reduces syndapin I binding. These data suggest that the GlyRα1 subunit interacts with intracellular binding partners and may therefore play a role in receptor trafficking or synaptic anchoring, a function thus far only ascribed to the GlyRβ subunit. Hence, the P366L GlyRα1 variant exhibits a unique set of properties that cumulatively affect GlyR functionality and thus might explain the neuropathological mechanism underlying hyperekplexia in the mutant carriers. P366L is the first dominant GLRA1 mutation identified within the GlyRα1 TM3-4 loop that affects GlyR physiology without altering protein expression at the whole-cell and surface levels. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We show that the intracellular domain of the inhibitory glycine receptor α1 subunit contributes to trafficking and synaptic anchoring. A proline-rich stretch in this receptor domain forms a noncanonical recognition motif important for the interaction with syndapin I (PACSIN1). The disruption of this motif, as present in a human patient with hyperekplexia led to impaired syndapin I binding. Functional analysis revealed that the altered proline-rich stretch determines several functional physiological parameters of the ion channel (e.g., faster whole-cell desensitization) reduced unitary conductance and spontaneous opening events. Thus, the proline-rich stretch from the glycine receptor α1 subunit represents a multifunctional intracellular protein motif.
Three-Dimensional-Printed Patient-Specific Osteotomy Guides, Repositioning Guides and Titanium Plates for Acute Correction of Antebrachial Limb Deformities in Dogs

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to describe the use of patient-specific three-dimensional (3D)-printed osteotomy guides, repositioning guides and custom-printed titanium plates for acute correction of antebrachial limb deformities in four dogs. Methods Retrospective review of antebrachial limb deformities in small breed chondrodystrophic dogs that were surgically corrected using a closing wedge ostectomy of the radius at a predetermined site using patient-specific osteotomy guides. Reduction was achieved without the need for intraoperative measurements using patient-specific 3D-printed repositioning guides secured and manipulated using temporary Kirschner wire fixation. The ostectomy of the radius was stabilized with a patient-specific 3D-printed titanium plate. Results All limbs were corrected to within 3.5 degrees (standard deviation [SD]: 1 degree) and 7.5 degrees (SD: 3 degrees) of the pre-planned deformity correction in the frontal and sagittal planes, respectively. No complications were encountered. Owners completed a canine orthopaedic index survey at a median postoperative follow-up time of 19 months. Surgery eliminated the main presenting complaint of buckling over of the manus in all cases. Clinical Significance The 3D-printed osteotomy repositioning guides and titanium plates facilitated accurate acute correction of antebrachial deformities in this case series. The methodology described simplifies intraoperative surgical decision-making on limb position with good clinical outcomes seen in a small number of clinical cases.
Autumn Migration Ecology of the Northern Saw-Whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) in Northern Montana

Abstract Characterizing the migration strategies of Northern Saw-whet Owls (Aegolius acadicus) has proved difficult due to variation in movement patterns within and among regions. Such variation underscores the need for information from sites throughout the species' range. To elucidate regional patterns in Northern Saw-whet Owl migration ecology, I studied migration in northern Montana from 2001–06, banding a total of 668 owls between 30 August and 31 October. Capture rates varied greatly among years, as did age ratios. Capture rates peaked between mid-September and early October. Weather variables did not have detectable effects on migration magnitude, but capture rates decreased approximately 2% for every 10% increase in moon illumination. Two owls originally banded in Alberta were captured at my banding site during this study. Additionally, two owls banded during this study were encountered elsewhere: one found dead in southern Montana and the other recaptured in Massachusetts, approximately 3322 km east of my study site. Results were consistent with the hypothesis that high rates of breeding dispersal and density-dependent migratory responses yield annual, latitudinal migrations that vary in magnitude and have a nomadic component.