Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A novel Wim Hof psychophysiological training program to reduce stress responses during an Antarctic expedition

Objective The aim of this prospective observational study was to investigate the effects of a novel Wim Hof psychophysiological training program on stress responses and hormone release in healthy participants during an Antarctic expedition. Methods All members of an Antarctic expedition were included in the study. The participants were healthy volunteers allocated to an intervention group (n = 6) and a control group (n = 7). The intervention consisted of 8 weeks of Wim Hof training. The training program comprised three integrated parts: breathing exercises, cold exposure and meditation. Psychometric measures (the Beck Depression Inventory and the Trauma Symptom Checklist-40) and neuroendocrine measures (cortisol, melatonin) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results The results showed that the 8-week training program significantly reduced stress responses, as indicated by a reduction in depressive symptoms. A non-significant reduction in cortisol was also observed. Conclusions These data constitute preliminary findings indicating that the Wim Hof Method may positively affect stress symptoms and adaptability of the hormonal system to respond adequately to the circadian rhythm in healthy volunteers who participated in an Antarctic expedition.
Emerging ecophenotype: reward anticipation is linked to high-risk behaviours after sexual abuse

Abstract Adolescents frequently engage in high-risk behaviours (HRB) following childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Aberrant reward processes are implicated in HRB, and their underlying fronto-striatal networks are vulnerable to neurodevelopmental changes during adversity representing a promising candidate for understanding links between CSA and HRB. We examined whether fronto-striatal responses during reward anticipation and feedback (i) are altered in depressed adolescents with CSA compared to depressed, non-abused peers and (ii) moderate the relationship between CSA and HRB irrespective of depression. Forty-eight female adolescents {14 with CSA and depression [CSA + major depressive disorder (MDD)]; 17 with MDD but no CSA (MDD); 17 healthy, non-abused controls} completed a monetary reward task during functional magnetic resonance imaging. No differences in fronto-striatal response to reward emerged between CSA + MDD and MDD. Critically, high left nucleus accumbens activation during reward anticipation was associated with greater HRB in CSA + MDD compared to MDD and controls. Low left putamen activation during reward feedback was associated with the absence of HRB in CSA + MDD compared to MDD. Striatal reward responses appear to play a key role in HRB for adolescents with CSA irrespective of depression, providing initial support for a CSA ecophenotype. Such information is pivotal to identify at-risk youth and prevent HRB in adolescents after CSA.
The benefits of perioperative music interventions for patients undergoing neurosurgery: a mixed-methods systematic review

Abstract Background Several studies have demonstrated music intervention as a safe and inexpensive option for reducing anxiety and pain perioperatively. We performed a systematic review to evaluate its possible benefit in perioperative neurosurgical management. Methods The following databases were searched with no restrictions on publication date: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, CENTRAL and ClinicalTrials.gov. All studies that quantitatively or qualitatively assessed the effects of any music-based intervention administered within one week of cranial or spinal neurosurgery were eligible. Meta-analysis could not be performed, and quantitative findings were instead summarised narratively. We then synthesised qualitative observations through thematic analysis before conducting an integrative review. PROSPERO registration: CRD42019152626. Results Seven studies, of sample sizes ranging from 8 to 60, were included, with the timing, duration, frequency and type of music intervention varying considerably across studies. Quantitative analysis involving five studies showed a significant decrease in anxiety following music intervention in four studies (p < 0.05), and reduced pain perception in three studies (p < 0.05). Mixed evidence was obtained for physiological outcomes including heart rate and blood pressure. Risk of bias was moderate to high. Quantitative findings were generally supported by qualitative analysis which provided additional insight into the factors influencing music intervention’s effectiveness. Conclusion Despite the heterogeneity in study characteristics, this review, which is the first mixed-methods systematic review assessing the effects of perioperative music intervention, not only reveals a potential role for music intervention in neurosurgery, but also highlights the possible importance of considering qualitative evidence in future studies to better characterise its effectiveness.
Thyroid Hormone Abuse in Elite Sports: The Regulatory Challenge

Abstract Abuse of androgens and erythropoietin has led to hormones being the most effective and frequent class of ergogenic substances prohibited in elite sports by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). At present, thyroid hormone (TH) abuse is not prohibited, but its prevalence among elite athletes and nonprohibited status remains controversial. A corollary of prohibiting hormones for elite sports is that endocrinologists must be aware of a professional athlete’s risk of disqualification for using prohibited hormones and/or to certify Therapeutic Use Exemptions, which allow individual athletes to use prohibited substances for valid medical indications. This narrative review considers the status of TH within the framework of the WADA Code criteria for prohibiting substances, which requires meeting 2 of 3 equally important criteria of potential performance enhancement, harmfulness to health, and violation of the spirit of sport. In considering the valid clinical uses of TH, the prevalence of TH use among young adults, the reason why some athletes seek to use TH, and the pathophysiology of sought-after and adverse effects of TH abuse, together with the challenges of detecting TH abuse, it can be concluded that, on the basis of present data, prohibition of TH in elite sport is neither justified nor feasible.
The roles of intensity, exposure duration, and modulation on the biological effects of radiofrequency radiation and exposure guidelines

ABSTRACT In this paper, we review the literature on three important exposure metrics that are inadequately represented in most major radiofrequency radiation (RFR) exposure guidelines today: intensity, exposure duration, and signal modulation. Exposure intensity produces unpredictable effects as demonstrated by nonlinear effects. This is most likely caused by the biological system’s ability to adjust and compensate but could lead to eventual biomic breakdown after prolonged exposure. A review of 112 low-intensity studies reveals that biological effects of RFR could occur at a median specific absorption rate of 0.0165 W/kg. Intensity and exposure duration interact since the dose of energy absorbed is the product of intensity and time. The result is that RFR behaves like a biological “stressor” capable of affecting numerous living systems. In addition to intensity and duration, man-made RFR is generally modulated to allow information to be encrypted. The effects of modulation on biological functions are not well understood. Four types of modulation outcomes are discussed. In addition, it is invalid to make direct comparisons between thermal energy and radiofrequency electromagnetic energy. Research data indicate that electromagnetic energy is more biologically potent in causing effects than thermal changes. The two likely functionthrough different mechanisms. As such, any current RFR exposure guidelines based on acute continuous-wave exposure are inadequate for health protection.
Insurance coverage and respiratory morbidities in bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Preterm infants and young children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are at increased risk for acute care utilization and chronic respiratory symptoms during early life. Identifying risk factors for respiratory morbidities in the outpatient setting could decrease the burden of care. We hypothesized that public insurance coverage was associated with higher acute care usage and respiratory symptoms in preterm infants and children with BPD after initial neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge.
No significant association between SNPs in the CLOCK and ADH4 genes and susceptibility to cluster headaches: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

The circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (CLOCK) gene and the alcohol dehydrogenase 4 (ADH4) gene are promising candidates for susceptibility to cluster headaches (CH). Associations of the three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)—CLOCK SNP rs1801260 and ADH4 SNPs rs1800759, and rs1126671—with CH were studied previously, but the results were inconsistent.
Potato Protein Ingestion Increases Muscle Protein Synthesis Rates at Rest and during Recovery from Exercise in Humans

ABSTRACT Introduction Plant-derived proteins have received considerable attention as an alternative to animal-based proteins and are now frequently used in both plant-based diets and sports nutrition products. However, little information is available on the anabolic properties of potato-derived protein. This study compares muscle protein synthesis rates after the ingestion of 30 g potato protein versus 30 g milk protein at rest and during recovery from a single bout of resistance exercise in healthy, young males. Methods In a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group design, 24 healthy young males (24 ± 4 yr) received primed continuous l-[ring-13C6]-phenylalanine infusions while ingesting 30 g potato-derived protein or 30 g milk protein after a single bout of unilateral resistance exercise. Blood and muscle biopsies were collected for 5 h after protein ingestion to assess postprandial plasma amino acid profiles and mixed muscle protein synthesis rates at rest and during recovery from exercise. Results Ingestion of both potato and milk protein increased mixed muscle protein synthesis rates when compared with basal postabsorptive values (from 0.020% ± 0.011% to 0.053% ± 0.017%·h−1 and from 0.021% ± 0.014% to 0.050% ± 0.012%·h−1, respectively; P < 0.001), with no differences between treatments (P = 0.54). In the exercised leg, mixed muscle protein synthesis rates increased to 0.069% ± 0.019% and 0.064% ± 0.015%·h−1 after ingesting potato and milk protein, respectively (P < 0.001), with no differences between treatments (P = 0.52). The muscle protein synthetic response was greater in the exercised compared with the resting leg (P < 0.05). Conclusions Ingestion of 30 g potato protein concentrate increases muscle protein synthesis rates at rest and during recovery from exercise in healthy, young males. Muscle protein synthesis rates after the ingestion of 30 g potato protein do not differ from rates observed after ingesting an equivalent amount of milk protein.
Yerel Bugday Ekotiplerinde Özellikler Arası iliskiler ve Path Analizi

Bu arastirmada, bugdayda tane verimi ile bazi verim ozellikleri arasindaki iliskileri, korelasyon ve path analizi ile belirlemeye calisilmistir. Arastirma 2000-01 ve 2001-02 yillarinda Isparta Ekolojik kosullarinda yurutulmustur. Calisma, Tesaduf Bloklari denmeme desenine gore 3 tekerrurlu olarak kurulmus olup materyal olarak 3 islah cesidi (Gerek-79 ekmeklik, Kiziltan-91 ve Cesit 1252 makranalik) ve 15 yerel ekotip (Havutlu, Yilanli, Kayi, Buyukkisla, Karagi, Katip, Direkli, Golkonak ve Kucukkisla ekotipleri ekmeklik, Sav, Gedikli, Kiyakdede, Yenisarbademli, Celtek ve Yaka ekotipleri ise makarnalik bugdaylardir) kullanilmistir. Elde edilen sonuclara gore; tane verimi ile bitki boyu, 1000 tane agirligi ve hektolitre agirligi arasinda olumlu ve onemli, basak uzunlugu ile olumsuz ve onemli olurken tane verimi ile basakta tane sayisi ve basakta tane agirligi arasinda ise olumsuz ve onemsiz iliskiler saptanmistir. Yapilan path analizine gore; tane verimine en yuksek dogrudan olumlu etkiyi hektolitre agirligi ve 1000 tane agirligi yaparken, basak tane agirligi ve basak uzunlugu ozelliklerinin etkileri ise olumsuz ve yuksek oldugu belirlenmistir.
To BDZ or not to BDZ? That is the question! Is there reliable scientific evidence for or against using benzodiazepines in the aftermath of potentially traumatic events for the prevention of PTSD? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Most international guidelines suggest that benzodiazepines (BDZs) may be inefficient or iatrogenic in the aftermath of a potentially traumatic event (PTE). The goal of this study was to assess the strength of the evidence on whether the use of BDZs in the aftermath of a PTE negatively affects the incidence and severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods: We systematically scrutinized the ISI Web of Knowledge, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and PTSDpubs electronic databases in addition to citation searching. We included original studies providing data about the development of PTSD in adults after BDZ administration in the aftermath of a PTE. We screened 387 abstracts and selected eight studies for the qualitative synthesis and seven for the meta-analysis. We performed two separate meta-analyses, one for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and the other for cohort studies. Heterogeneity between studies was evaluated with Higgins I² statistic and tested using the χ². This study was registered at PROSPERO (number 127170). Results: The meta-analysis of the cohort studies showed an increased risk of PTSD in patients who received BDZs compared to those who did not (risk ratio (RR) = 1.53; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05–2.23) with a modest heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 41.8, p = 0.143). Regarding the RCTs, the combined measure revealed a tendency toward an increased severity of the PTSD symptoms (standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.24; 95% CI: 0.32–0.79). Conclusion: The studies reviewed showed a possible harmful effect of BDZs when used immediately after a PTE. However, these conclusions were based on a small number of studies of poor to moderate methodological quality.
Non‐invasive evaluation of new‐onset atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery: a protocol for the BigMap study

New‐onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is the most common complication after cardiac surgery, occurring in 25–50% of patients. It is associated with post‐operative stroke, increased mortality, prolonged hospital length of stay, and higher treatment costs. Previous small observational studies have identified the left atrium as a source of the electrical rotors and foci maintaining NOAF, but confirmation by a large prospective clinical study is still missing. The aim of the proposed study is to investigate whether the source of NOAF lies in the left atrium. The correct identification of NOAF‐maintaining structures in cardiac surgical patients might offer potential therapeutic targets for prophylactic perioperative ablation strategies.
Short-term outcomes of very-low-birth-weight infants born to mothers of advanced and very advanced maternal age

Abstract Objective To evaluate whether advanced maternal age (35–39 years, AMA)/very advanced maternal age (≥40 years, VAMA) impacts neonatal outcomes of very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants. Methods Data of VLBW infants admitted to our unit were reviewed. Demographic findings and neonatal outcomes were compared among maternal age [(<35 years, not advanced maternal age, n = 329), AMA (n = 209), and VAMA (n = 43)] groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the associated risk factors for neonatal outcomes. Result Mortality and overall morbidities showed no significant intergroup differences, except for massive pulmonary hemorrhage (MPH). Multivariate analysis revealed that AMA/VAMA was not significantly associated with MPH development, while ≥ two doses of surfactant administration was. Higher gestational age and antenatal corticosteroid administration were protective. Conclusion AMA/VAMA is not associated with neonatal mortality and morbidities. Since the proportion of AMA/VAMA mothers is expected to increase, perinatal medicine practitioners should focus on approaches before and immediately after birth of such infants.
Coaxial Feed Pyramidal Horn Antenna with High Efficiency

ABSTRACT In this paper, a short pyramidal horn antenna with coaxial feed has been designed and fabricated with 52% bandwidth, which covers CDMA and GSM 900 bands. The total length of the antenna including coaxial feed is approximately 0. 85λ at the lowest usable frequency. The effect of coaxial probe length, probe radius, and its location from the short wall of the waveguide on the resonance frequency, impedance matching, and bandwidth of the horn antenna have been analysed using CST Microwave studio software. Also, parametric analyses have been done by varying the horn length and aperture dimensions to study radiation characteristics of the horn antenna. The horn length has been optimized to obtain maximum efficiency for a fixed aperture. Simulation results show that as the frequency increases from 700 to 1130 MHz, the gain monotonically increases from 8.4 to 12.6 dBi with maximum efficiency of 80% at 850 MHz and it varies between 72% and 80% over this band. The pyramidal horn antenna has been fabricated and measured results are in good agreement with the simulated results.
Environmental health efficiency and urbanization: The case solid waste management in Bor municipality of South Sudan

This paper is aimed at studying the environmental health efficiency of solid waste management in Bor Town, South Sudan. Many studies have been carried out about efficiency of solid waste management in many developing countries, but no such study has been done in Bor Town so far. In light of the increasing urban population, the chronic absence of data on domestic solid waste management practices, lack of waste management facilities, weak institutional capacities and inadequate financial resources, the households and the municipality are finding it difficult to efficiently management solid waste in Bor town. To meet the objective, the study have assessed the existing waste management practices, determine waste generation rate and composition as per income groups, develop the performance indicators and apply these indicators in assessing the capacity of waste management institution in managing solid waste effectively.
Examining the impacts of bridging and adaptive co-management strategies on invasive species management

Invasive species are a pressing concern for biodiversity around the world. The emerald ash borer is an invasive species that causes ecological, economic and social impacts falling heavily on local governments and homeowners. My thesis utilized mixed methods to examine how engaging stakeholders in different levels of government (municipal, county and state), private sector firms, and researchers in local task forces enabled shared learning and facilitated invasive species management. Using adaptive co-management theory, I constructed case studies of learning, linking and connections to management based on surveys and interviews with members of three emerald ash borer task forces in New York. In light of literature on bridging organizations, I examined how the extension system in New York worked to bridge stakeholders to respond to EAB. Key findings included the role of knowledge networks in enabling local task forces to use ACM, network formation, and types of learning needed for invasive species management. Leadership emerged as a key theme. Further study is needed to clarify the potential of extension systems to provide bridging leadership across multiple resource issues.
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: Considerations for reluctance and improving vaccine uptake

ABSTRACT The emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19) pandemic during the fall of 2019 led to the rapid development of vaccines aimed at curbing viral infection, spread, and its potential eradication. A recent trend is an overall increase in vaccine hesitancy, leading to the World Health Organization citing this as a problem which needs to be addressed. With the development and approval of vaccines for COVID-19, this trend has quickened, leading to potential negative ramifications in the ability controlling COVID-19 spread. Here we describe reported examples in overall vaccine hesitancy prior to the emergence of COVID-19, as well as summarizing recent reports on vaccine hesitancy related to COVID-19 vaccines. Gaining a better understanding of the reasons individuals have, as well as potential methods for decreasing hesitancy in the future, will hopefully lead to a greater percentage of vaccinated individuals and aid in ending the current pandemic.
The C-terminal tail of ribosomal protein Rps15 is engaged in cytoplasmic pre-40S maturation

ABSTRACT The small ribosomal subunit protein Rps15/uS19 is involved in early nucleolar ribosome biogenesis and subsequent nuclear export of pre-40S particles to the cytoplasm. In addition, the C-terminal tail of Rps15 was suggested to play a role in mature ribosomes, namely during translation elongation. Here, we show that Rps15 not only functions in nucleolar ribosome assembly but also in cytoplasmic pre-40S maturation, which is indicated by a strong genetic interaction between Rps15 and the 40S assembly factor Ltv1. Specifically, mutations either in the globular or C-terminal domain of Rps15 when combined with the non-essential ltv1 null allele are lethal or display a strong growth defect. However, not only rps15 ltv1 double mutants but also single rps15 C-terminal deletion mutants exhibit an accumulation of the 20S pre-rRNA in the cytoplasm, indicative of a cytoplasmic pre-40S maturation defect. Since in pre-40S particles, the C-terminal tail of Rps15 is positioned between assembly factors Rio2 and Tsr1, we further tested whether Tsr1 is genetically linked to Rps15, which indeed could be demonstrated. Thus, the integrity of the Rps15 C-terminal tail plays an important role during late pre-40S maturation, perhaps in a quality control step to ensure that only 40S ribosomal subunits with functional Rps15 C-terminal tail can efficiently enter translation. As mutations in the C-terminal tail of human RPS15 have been observed in connection with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, it is possible that apart from defects in translation, an impaired late pre-40S maturation step in the cytoplasm could also be a reason for this disease.
Glycosylation of the polyphenols from Resina draconis by glycosyltransferase YjiC1

Abstract Resina Draconis (RD), also known as ‘dragon's blood’, contains a broad range of natural compounds, such as flavonoids, stilbenes and dihydrochalcones. It is clinically used to enhance blood circulation. However, the major components of RD suffer from relatively poor water solubility. Glycosylation is a critical determinant for modulating solubility and improving bioavailability and bioactivity of natural products. Herein, we report a novel method to efficiently synthesize glycosidic derivatives of the major polyphenols in RD using a microbial glycosyltransferase, i.e., YjiC1. Solubility test showed that the synthetic glycosidic derivatives displayed higher water solubility than the raw materials. This research sheds light on the structural modification of natural products for higher water solubility, which is important for innovative drug discovery. Graphical Abstract