Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and acceptability of an adapted environmental enrichment intervention for endometriosis: A pilot study

Introduction We have previously shown that Environmental Enrichment (EE)-consisting of social support, novelty, and open spaces—decreased disease progression and anxiety in a rat model of endometriosis. We developed a novel EE intervention to be tested in a pilot randomized clinical trial (RCT) in patients with endometriosis, a painful, stressful disease. Objective To translate and evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an adapted EE intervention as an adjuvant to standard-of-care for endometriosis patients. Methods Feasibility was assessed through recruitment, enrollment, and adherence rates. Acceptability was evaluated through a post-intervention survey and focus group discussion 3-months after the end of the intervention. Results Of the 103 subjects recruited, 64 were randomized to the intervention group and 39 to the control group. At the start of the intervention, the study groups consisted of 29 (intervention) and 27 (control) subjects. Enrollment rates were 45.3% and 69.2%, and adherence rates were 41.4% and 100% for the intervention and control groups, respectively. Delays resulting from natural events (earthquakes, the COVID-19 pandemic) impacted enrollment and adherence rates. The most common reasons for missing an intervention were period pain (39.1%) and work-study (34.8%). There was high acceptability (>80%) of the intervention's logistics. The majority (82.4%) of subjects would continue participating in support groups regularly, and 95.7% would recommend the intervention to other patients. Conclusions We showed that EE could be translated into an acceptable integrative multi-modal therapy perceived as valuable among participants who completed the intervention. High attrition/low adherence indicates that additional refinements would be needed to improve feasibility. Acceptability data indicate that EE has the potential to be integrated into the clinical management of patients with endometriosis and other inflammatory, painful disorders. Studies are ongoing to assess the efficacy of EE in improving pain symptoms, mental health, and quality of life (QoL).
Lateral approach for insertional Achilles tendinitis with Haglund deformity

Objective The study aims to investigate the functional outcome of the lateral approach for insertional Achilles tendinitis (IAT) with Haglund deformity. Methods From January 2016 to September 2019, 14 cases of IAT with Haglund deformity that resisted conservative treatment received surgery in our department. A lateral approach was used to debride the bony and soft tissue and reattach the insertion of the Achilles tendon. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS), and Victorian Institute of Sport Tendon Study Group-Achilles Tendinopathy score (VISA-A) were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Result The mean patient age was 39.57 years at the time of surgery. The mean follow-up was 14.74 months. The mean VAS score significantly decreased from 4.86 ± 0.86 preoperatively to 1.21 ± 1.58 postoperatively (P < 0.001). The mean AOFAS score significantly improved from 66.64 ± 6.23 preoperatively to 90.21 ± 11.50 postoperatively (P < 0.001). The mean preoperative and the last follow-up VISA-A were 66 (range 56.75–69.25) and 86 (range 75.75–97.00) points, respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusion The lateral approach was effective and safe for IAT with Haglund deformity. Moreover, the mid-term functional outcome was promising. Level of Clinical Evidence IV
An unstable 0D model of ionization oscillations in Hall thruster plasmas

The breathing mode is an instability typical of Hall thrusters, which is characterized by oscillations of the discharge current with amplitude of the order of its mean value and frequency in the 5–30 kHz range. The strong link between this instability and the ionization processes is generally recognized. If, on one hand, 1D simulations have shown to be able to reproduce the breathing mode, on the other hand 0D models fell short in recovering self sustained oscillations, making it hard to identify the core physical mechanism governing their formation. In this work an original 0D model is presented and characterized by means of linear stability analysis and direct numerical integration. The electric field is allowed to vary in response to variations of the neutral density, acting on the ionization rate via the electron temperature and the ion dynamics. It is shown that the model is able to reproduce self-sustained oscillations with the typical characteristics of the breathing mode, even when fluctuations of the electron temperature are neglected. The stability of the model is strictly determined by the rigidity with which variations of neutral density reflect into variations of electron mobility.
Low-dimensional systems: Quantum size effects and electronic properties of semiconductor microcrystallites (zero-dimensional systems) and some quasi-two-dimensional systems

This review is concerned with quantum confinement effects in low-dimensional semiconductor systems. The emphasis is on the optical properties, including luminescence, of nanometre-sized microcrystallites, also referred to as zerodimensional systems. There is some discussion on certain of the two-dimensional systems, such as thin films and layer structures. The increase in energy of excitation peaks (blue shift) as the radius R of a microcrystallite is reduced is treated theoretically, and experimental data when they are available are used to assess the reliability of the different models that have been used. These experiments normally make use of microcrystallites dispersed in a large-bandgap matrix such as glass, rocksalt, polymers, zeolites or liquids. Exciton binding energies E b are larger than for bulk semiconductors, and oscillator strengths are higher for the microcrystallites. The regimes of direct interest are as follows. Firstly there is the so-called weak-confinement regime where R is greater than the bulk exciton Bohr radius a B . Experimentally, semiconductors such as CuCl with a B , 7 Å, are suitable for study in this case. Secondly there is the moderate-confinement regime, where R , a B , and a h < R < a e , a h and a e being the hole and electron Bohr radii, respectively. Finally there is the strong-confinement regime, with R < a B , and R < a h , a e . For this case we are concerned with a ladder of discrete energy levels, as in molecular systems, rather than energy bands. The electrons and holes are treated as independent particles, and for excited states we refer to electron-hole pairs rather than excitons. Suitable materials for investigation in this regime are the II-VI semiconductors, and also GaAs and Ge, for which a B is relatively large. Although a number of different theoretical models have been used, none can be described as completely first-principles calculations, and there is room for improvement on this aspect. However, useful expressions have been developed by Brus and by Lippens and Lannoo, giving the energy of excited states as a function of R , in terms of the bulk energy gap, kinetic energy, Coulomb energy and correlation energy. Other phenomena discussed are firstly biexciton formation by the use of high intensity laser beams and secondly nonlinear optical effects. Strong nonlinearities and short decay times for excited states have been predicted, and the models developed cover both the resonant and the non-resonant cases. The possibility of using microcrystallites embedded at reasonable concentrations in a glass matrix in the field of optical communications and optical switching is also considered.
Age and APOE affect L-carnitine system metabolites in the brain in the APOE-TR model

With age the apolipoprotein E (APOE) E4 allele (involved in lipid homeostasis) is associated with perturbation of bioenergetics pathways in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We therefore hypothesized that in aging mice APOE genotype would affect the L-carnitine system (central to lipid bioenergetics), in the brain and in the periphery. Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, levels of L-carnitine and associated metabolites: γ-butyrobetaine (GBB), crotonobetaine, as well as acylcarnitines, were evaluated at 10-, 25-, and 50-weeks, in the brain and the periphery, in a targeted replacement mouse model of human APOE (APOE-TR). Aged APOE-TR mice were also orally administered 125 mg/kg of L-carnitine daily for 7 days followed by evaluation of brain, liver, and plasma L-carnitine system metabolites. Compared to E4-TR, an age-dependent increase among E2- and E3-TR mice was detected for medium- and long-chain acylcarnitines (MCA and LCA, respectively) within the cerebrovasculature and brain parenchyma. While following L-carnitine oral challenge, E4-TR mice had higher increases in the L-carnitine metabolites, GBB and crotonobetaine in the brain and a reduction of plasma to brain total acylcarnitine ratios compared to other genotypes. These studies suggest that with aging, the presence of the E4 allele may contribute to alterations in the L-carnitine bioenergetic system and to the generation of L-carnitine metabolites that could have detrimental effects on the vascular system. Collectively the E4 allele and aging may therefore contribute to AD pathogenesis through aging-related lipid bioenergetics as well as cerebrovascular dysfunctions.
Olfactory functional covariance connectivity in Parkinson’s disease: Evidence from a Chinese population

Introduction Central anosmia is a potential marker of the prodrome and progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging studies have shown that olfactory dysfunction is related to abnormal changes in central olfactory-related structures in patients with early PD. Methods This study, which was conducted at Guanyun People’s Hospital, analyzed the resting-state functional magnetic resonance data using the functional covariance connection strength method to decode the functional connectivity between the white–gray matter in a Chinese population comprising 14 patients with PD and 13 controls. Results The following correlations were observed in patients with PD: specific gray matter areas related to smell (i.e., the brainstem, right cerebellum, right temporal fusiform cortex, bilateral superior temporal gyrus, right Insula, left frontal pole and right superior parietal lobule) had abnormal connections with white matter fiber bundles (i.e., the left posterior thalamic radiation, bilateral posterior corona radiata, bilateral superior corona radiata and right superior longitudinal fasciculus); the connection between the brainstem [region of interest (ROI) 1] and right cerebellum (ROI2) showed a strong correlation. Right posterior corona radiation (ROI11) showed a strong correlation with part 2 of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, and right superior longitudinal fasciculus (ROI14) showed a strong correlation with parts 1, 2, and 3 of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale and Hoehn and Yahr Scale. Discussion The characteristics of olfactory-related brain networks can be potentially used as neuroimaging biomarkers for characterizing PD states. In the future, dynamic testing of olfactory function may help improve the accuracy and specificity of olfactory dysfunction in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases.
Whole-genome resequencing reveals genetic diversity and selection characteristics of dairy goat

The dairy goat is one of the earliest dairy livestock species, which plays an important role in the economic development, especially for developing countries. With the development of agricultural civilization, dairy goats have been widely distributed across the world. However, few studies have been conducted on the specific characteristics of dairy goat. In this study, we collected the whole-genome data of 89 goat individuals by sequencing 48 goats and employing 41 publicly available goats, including five dairy goat breeds (Saanen, Nubian, Alpine, Toggenburg, and Guanzhong dairy goat; n = 24, 15, 11, 6, 6), and three goat breeds (Guishan goat, Longlin goat, Yunshang Black goat; n = 6, 15, 6). Through compared the genomes of dairy goat and non-dairy goat to analyze genetic diversity and selection characteristics of dairy goat. The results show that the eight goats could be divided into three subgroups of European, African, and Chinese indigenous goat populations, and we also found that Australian Nubian, Toggenburg, and Australian Alpine had the highest linkage disequilibrium, the lowest level of nucleotide diversity, and a higher inbreeding coefficient, indicating that they were strongly artificially selected. In addition, we identified several candidate genes related to the specificity of dairy goat, particularly genes associated with milk production traits (GHR, DGAT2, ELF5, GLYCAM1, ACSBG2, ACSS2), reproduction traits (TSHR, TSHB, PTGS2, ESR2), immunity traits (JAK1, POU2F2, LRRC66). Our results provide not only insights into the evolutionary history and breed characteristics of dairy goat, but also valuable information for the implementation and improvement of dairy goat cross breeding program.
Phosphatidylethanolamine homeostasis under conditions of impaired CDP-ethanolamine pathway or phosphatidylserine decarboxylation

Phosphatidylethanolamine is the major inner-membrane lipid in the plasma and mitochondrial membranes. It is synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum from ethanolamine and diacylglycerol (DAG) by the CDP-ethanolamine pathway and from phosphatidylserine by decarboxylation in the mitochondria. Recently, multiple genetic disorders that impact these pathways have been identified, including hereditary spastic paraplegia 81 and 82, Liberfarb syndrome, and a new type of childhood-onset neurodegeneration-CONATOC. Individuals with these diseases suffer from multisystem disorders mainly affecting neuronal function. This indicates the importance of maintaining proper phospholipid homeostasis when major biosynthetic pathways are impaired. This study summarizes the current knowledge of phosphatidylethanolamine metabolism in order to identify areas of future research that might lead to the development of treatment options.
Role of Notch2 pathway in mature B cell malignancies

In recent decades, the Notch pathway has been characterized as a key regulatory signaling of cell-fate decisions evolutionarily conserved in many organisms and different tissues during lifespan. At the same time, many studies suggest a link between alterations of this signaling and tumor genesis or progression. In lymphopoiesis, the Notch pathway plays a fundamental role in the correct differentiation of T and B cells, but its deregulated activity leads to leukemic onset and evolution. Notch and its ligands Delta/Jagged exhibit a pivotal role in the crosstalk between leukemic cells and their environment. This review is focused in particular on Notch2 receptor activity. Members of Notch2 pathway have been reported to be mutated in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma (SMZL) and Nodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma (NMZL). CLL is a B cell malignancy in which leukemic clones establish supportive crosstalk with non-malignant cells of the tumor microenvironment to grow, survive, and resist even the new generation of drugs. SMZL and NMZL are indolent B cell neoplasms distinguished by a distinct pattern of dissemination. In SMZL leukemic cells affect mainly the spleen, bone marrow, and peripheral blood, while NMZL has a leading nodal distribution. Since Notch2 is involved in the commitment of leukemic cells to the marginal zone as a major regulator of B cell physiological differentiation, it is predominantly affected by the molecular lesions found in both SMZL and NMZL. In light of these findings, a better understanding of the Notch receptor family pathogenic role, in particular Notch2, is desirable because it is still incomplete, not only in the physiological development of B lymphocytes but also in leukemia progression and resistance. Several therapeutic strategies capable of interfering with Notch signaling, such as monoclonal antibodies, enzyme or complex inhibitors, are being analyzed. To avoid the unwanted multiple “on target” toxicity encountered during the systemic inhibition of Notch signaling, the study of an appropriate pharmaceutical formulation is a pressing need. This is why, to date, there are still no Notch-targeted therapies approved. An accurate analysis of the Notch pathway could be useful to drive the discovery of new therapeutic targets and the development of more effective therapies.
Antimicrobial pharmacodynamics of vancomycin and disulfiram (Antabuse®) in Staphylococcus aureus

Introduction Intravenous vancomycin (VAN) is the primary treatment for systemic infections due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic target (PK/PD) indices for VAN therapies are more difficult to achieve for MRSA isolates with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) greater than 1 µg mL-1. This research investigated the in vitro antimicrobial PD interaction of disulfiram (DSF) with VAN as a potential adjuvant therapy for infections due to these bacteria. Methods The antimicrobial interaction was assessed by differential analysis using checkerboard titration testing, time-kill studies, flow cytometry, and the post-antibiotic effect (PAE) experiment. Ten MRSA strains with MICs ranging from 1 to >256 µg mL-1 for VAN were evaluated. A comprehensive PD assessment of the VAN/DSF interaction was performed using the VAN-intermediate (VISA) strain Mu50 (MIC 8 µg mL-1). Results The addition of DSF lowered the MIC and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of VAN in either a synergistic or additive manner for the MRSA panel. Optimal bactericidal effects and suppression of VISA Mu50 growth were observed with a 4/8 µg mL-1 combination of VAN/DSF, but not the individual drugs. Flow cytometry further confirmed the enhanced killing action on a cellular level; however, the addition of DSF had an overall antagonistic effect on the PAEs for VAN. Discussion This research established that DSF exhibits additive to synergistic killing action with VAN for MRSA. Conversely, antagonism was observed on the PAE of VAN with DSF addition for the Mu50 strain. Flow cytometry further confirmed the enhanced bactericidal effect on a cellular level while revealing that DSF may counteract the muropeptide fortification mechanism against VAN in VISA.
Circumstellar properties of S stars. I. Dust features

The 1435 stars currently classified as of S spectral type have been searched for association with the IRAS Point Source Catalog. Among the 835 S stars with IRAS counterparts, 149 are found to have usable IRAS low-resolution spectra. The circumstellar properties of these S stars are classified using the LRS. We find that the circumstellar properties of S stars are very similar to those of M stars. For the S stars that have LRS, silicate emission objects form the largest group. Only four objects of the whole sample show the SiC emission feature commonly found in carbon stars. Some of the S stars that show a photospheric continuum with no infrared excess may not be thermal pulsing AGB stars but are mass transfer binaries
Meta-analysis of structural and functional alterations of brain in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Background A large and growing body of neuroimaging research has concentrated on patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but with inconsistent conclusions. This article was intended to investigate the common and certain neural alterations in the structure and function of the brain in patients with ADHD and further explore the differences in brain alterations between adults and children with ADHD. Methods We conducted an extensive literature search of whole-brain voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies associated with ADHD. Two separate meta-analyses with the seed-based d mapping software package for functional neural activation and gray matter volume (GMV) were carried out, followed by a joint analysis and a subgroup analysis. Results This analysis included 29 VBM studies and 36 fMRI studies. Structurally, VBM analysis showed that the largest GMV diminutions in patients with ADHD were in several frontal-parietal brain regions, the limbic system, and the corpus callosum. Functionally, fMRI analysis discovered significant hypoactivation in several frontal-temporal brain regions, the right postcentral gyrus, the left insula, and the corpus callosum. Conclusion This study showed that abnormal alterations in the structure and function of the left superior frontal gyrus and the corpus callosum may be the key brain regions involved in the pathogenesis of ADHD in patients and may be employed as an imaging metric for patients with ADHD pending future research. In addition, this meta-analysis discovered neuroanatomical or functional abnormalities in other brain regions in patients with ADHD as well as findings that can be utilized to guide future research.
Comparative analysis of physiological variations and genetic architecture for cold stress response in soybean germplasm

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is susceptible to low temperatures. Increasing lines of evidence indicate that abiotic stress-responsive genes are involved in plant low-temperature stress response. However, the involvement of photosynthesis, antioxidants and metabolites genes in low temperature response is largely unexplored in Soybean. In the current study, a genetic panel of diverse soybean varieties was analyzed for photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence and leaf injury parameters under cold stress and control conditions. This helps us to identify cold tolerant (V100) and cold sensitive (V45) varieties. The V100 variety outperformed for antioxidant enzymes activities and relative expression of photosynthesis (Glyma.08G204800.1, Glyma.12G232000.1), GmSOD (GmSOD01, GmSOD08), GmPOD (GmPOD29, GmPOD47), trehalose (GmTPS01, GmTPS13) and cold marker genes (DREB1E, DREB1D, SCOF1) than V45 under cold stress. Upon cold stress, the V100 variety showed reduced accumulation of H2O2 and MDA levels and subsequently showed lower leaf injury compared to V45. Together, our results uncovered new avenues for identifying cold tolerant soybean varieties from a large panel. Additionally, we identified the role of antioxidants, osmo-protectants and their posttranscriptional regulators miRNAs such as miR319, miR394, miR397, and miR398 in Soybean cold stress tolerance.