Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploratory Investigation of the Effects of Tactile Stimulation Using Air Pressure at the Auricular Vagus Nerve on Heart Rate Variability

Objective To explore the effects of tactile stimulation using air pressure at the auricular branch of the vagus nerve on autonomic activity in healthy individuals. Methods Three types of tactile stimulation were used in this study: continuous low-amplitude, continuous high-amplitude, and pulsed airflow. The tactile stimulations were provided to the cymba concha to investigate autonomic activity in 22 healthy participants. The mean heart rate (HR) and parameters of HR variability, including the standard deviation of R-R intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of successive R-R interval differences (RMSSD) were compared at baseline, stimulation, and recovery periods. Results Two-way repeated measures ANOVA indicated a significant main effect of time on HR (p=0.001), SDNN (p=0.003), and RMSSD (p<0.001). These parameters showed significant differences between baseline and stimulation periods and baseline and recovery periods in the post-hoc analyses. There were no significant differences in the changes induced by stimulation type and the interaction between time and stimulation type for all parameters. One-way repeated measures ANOVA showed that HR, SDNN, and RMSSD did not differ significantly among the three time periods during sham stimulation. Conclusion Parasympathetic activity can be enhanced by auricular tactile stimulation using air pressure, targeting the cymba concha. Further studies are warranted to investigate the optimal stimulation parameters for potential clinical significance.
Role of paracoccin on Paracoccidioides brasiliensis virulence and susceptibility to antifungal drugs in the Galleria mellonella larvae model

ABSTRACT Paracoccin (PCN), a Paracoccidioides brasiliensis glycoprotein, has been reported to play roles in fungal biology and paracoccidioidomycosis pathogenesis. Lectin and chitinase domains account for the PCN’s dual roles as an immunomodulatory agent and virulence factor. Soluble PCN injected in P. brasiliensis infected mice, by interacting with TLRs’ N-glycans, drives the host immune response toward a protective Th1 axis. Otherwise, mice infection with yeasts overexpressing PCN (ov-PCN) revealed that PCN acts as a fungal virulence factor, thanks to its chitinase activity on the cell wall, resulting in resistance to phagocytes’ fungicidal activity and development of severe paracoccidioidomycosis. Because antifungal drug administration follows the disease diagnosis, we studied the PCN effect on yeast resistance or susceptibility to antifungal agents. Using a paracoccidioidomycosis model developed in Galleria mellonella larvae, we confirmed the observation, in the murine host, that ov-PCN yeasts display maximum virulence compared to wild-type (wt-PCN) or PCN-silenced (kd-PCN) yeasts. PCN overexpression accounted for the highest susceptibility of P. brasiliensis to antifungal and reduced relative mRNA expression of genes encoding proteins related to cell wall remodeling. The lowest virulence, detected in infection with kd-PCN yeasts, correlated with the lowest susceptibility to antifungals and impact on genes for cell wall remodeling. So, we defined that the grade of endogenous PCN production influences the P. brasiliensis virulence and susceptibility to antifungal drugs, as well as the expression of genes related to cell wall remodeling. We postulate that this variable gene expression is mechanistically associated with P. brasiliensis virulence changes.
Two-speed genome evolution drives pathogenicity in fungal pathogens of animals

Significance Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) and its closest relative B. dendrobatidis (Bd) are fungal pathogens that threaten amphibians globally. Pathogenicity in vertebrates by species of Batrachochytrium is thought to have emerged from nonpathogenic and saprobic relatives over millions of years through gene expansions of secreted proteolytic enzymes families. Using deep nanopore sequencing and comparative genomics, we discover that Batrachochytrium genomes have undergone a repeat-driven expansion characterized by flanking repetitive elements enriched around pathogenicity genes, genes with signatures of positive selection, and genes upregulated during infection. These genomic features are the hallmarks of two-speed genomes that have to date only been described in plant pathogens. These discoveries shed new light on the evolution of fungal pathogens of vertebrates driving global declines and extinctions.
Brain DNA damaging effects of volatile anesthetics and 1 and 2 Gy gamma irradiation in vivo: Preliminary results

Although both can cause DNA damage, the combined impact of volatile anesthetics halothane/sevoflurane/isoflurane and radiotherapeutic exposure on sensitive brain cells in vivo has not been previously analyzed. Healthy Swiss albino male mice (240 in total, 48 groups) were exposed to either halothane/sevoflurane/isoflurane therapeutic doses alone (2 h); 1 or 2 gray of gamma radiation alone; or combined exposure. Frontal lobe brain samples from five animals were taken immediately and 2, 6, and 24 h after exposure. DNA damage and cellular repair index were analyzed using the alkaline comet assay and the tail intensity parameter. Elevated tail intensity levels for sevoflurane/halothane were the highest at 6 h and returned to baseline within 24 h for sevoflurane, but not for halothane, while isoflurane treatment caused lower tail intensity than control values. Combined exposure demonstrated a slightly halothane/sevoflurane protective and isoflurane protective effect, which was stronger for 2 than for 1 gray. Cellular repair indices and tail intensity histograms indicated different modes of action in DNA damage creation. Isoflurane/sevoflurane/halothane preconditioning demonstrated protective effects in sensitive brain cells in vivo. Owing to the constant increases in the combined use of radiotherapy and volatile anesthetics, further studies should explore the mechanisms behind these effects, including longer and multiple exposure treatments and in vivo brain tumor models.
An irreducible component of the variety of Leibniz algebras having trivial intersection with the variety of Lie algebras

We show the rigidity of a parameterized family of solvable Leibniz non-Lie algebras in arbitrary dimension, obtaining an irreducible component in the variety L epsilon(n) that does not intersect the variety of Lie algebras non-trivially. Moreover it is shown that for any n >= 3 the Abelian Lie algebra a(n) appears as the algebra of derivations of a solvable Leibniz algebra.
Oral care in intensive care units: Lithuanian nurses’ attitudes and practices

Abstract Aim This study examines the attitudes and practices of ICU nurses towards the provision of oral care to their patients. Objective We conducted this cross-sectional survey about oral health care practices in ICUs in Lithuania. Methods We used a self-administered 20-item questionnaire to survey the current oral care practices, training, and attitudes of 108 nurses. The questionnaire was based on previous studies to gather information related to the attitudes, oral care practices, and training of ICU nurses. We used the chi-square test to analyze relationships between the categorical variables. Results Most (88, 82%) of the nurses stated that oral care is important. Although most (83, 77%) had adequate training, a clear majority (98, 91%) of the nurses reported a willingness to learn more. Most (78, 72%) of the nurses found the oral cavity difficult to clean, and (71, 66%) found doing so unpleasant. When performing oral care, the nurses used mostly foam swabs (62, 61%) and moisturizers (54, 53%). More than half (57, 57%) of the nurses expressed a need for more hospital support. Conclusions Nurses working in ICUs reported that oral care is a high priority for their patients, but a difficult and unpleasant task. Nurses provided oral care mainly with toothbrushes, foam swabs, and moisturizers.
Downstream development associated with the extratropical transition of tropical cyclones over the western North Pacific

Abstract The movement of a tropical cyclone into the midlatitudes involves interactions among many complex physical processes over a variety of space and time scales. Furthermore, the extratropical transition (ET) of a tropical cyclone may also result in a high-amplitude Rossby wave response that can extend to near-hemispheric scales. After an ET event occurs over the western portion of a Northern Hemisphere ocean basin, the high-amplitude downstream response often forces anomalous midlatitude circulations for periods of days to a week. These circulations may then be related to high-impact weather events far downstream of the forcing by the ET event. In this study, downstream development following ET events over the western North Pacific Ocean is examined. Local eddy kinetic energy analyses are conducted on four cases of North Pacific tropical cyclones of varying characteristics during ET into varying midlatitude flow characteristics during 15 July–30 September 2005. The goal is to examine the impact of e.
Sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitor prescribing practices

Accelerated atherogenesis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) remain the most significant cause of morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are one therapy for T2DM associated with cardiovascular protection. Studies examining the effect of the SGLT2 inhibitors empagliflozin, canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, but not ertugliflozin have demonstrated reductions in adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with T2DM, and for dapagliflozin and empagliflozin, significant reductions in major adverse cardiac events and hospitalizations for heart failure (HF) in subjects without diabetes. Guidelines in Europe and the United States recommend SGLT2 inhibitors as firstline therapy for T2DM in patients with or at high risk for atherosclerotic CVD and/or HF, irrespective of glycated haemoglobin. Initiation of SGLT2 inhibitors has increased in recent years, primarily by endocrinologists and internists. Cardiologists routinely account for only 5% to 6% of new SGLT2 inhibitor prescriptions, despite efforts to improve adherence to guideline recommendations. Proposed factors limiting use include medication cost and availability, side effects, discomfort with long-term monitoring, lack of experience with SGLT2 inhibitors, concern about interaction with other T2DM prescriptions, and belief that SGLT2 inhibitor management is outside scope of practice. To further examine current prescribing practices and potential barriers, we surveyed cardiologists, endocrinologists, and primary care physicians (PCPs) regarding SGLT2 inhibitor prescription practices for patients with T2DM, CVD and/or HF, and for patients with HF without concomitant T2DM.
Prevalence and Molecular Analysis of Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) Trypanosomes in Tennessee

Abstract: Populations of eastern hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis) have been declining for multiple decades because of a variety of stressors associated with anthropogenic habitat disturbance followed by riparian sedimentation. The influence of parasite-associated morbidity and mortality on wild hellbender populations is poorly understood. Research has detected widespread trypanosome infection in hellbenders in Virginia, US, with no other reported detections within the eastern hellbender's extensive range. In our study, trypanosomes mostly closely resembling Trypanosoma cryptobranchi were observed in a blood smear of a hellbender from Tennessee during a population survey. Banked whole blood from this hellbender along with 51 other hellbenders was molecularly tested for the 18s rRNA gene of amphibian trypanosomes using newly designed PCR primers. In total, 3/52 (5.8%) hellbenders were PCR- and sequence-positive for trypanosomes. This is the first report of the partial 18s rRNA sequence from hellbender trypanosomes from North America. Further research into trypanosome epidemiology and hellbender health implications is warranted.
Statistical Properties of Precipitation Patterns

Abstract Space and time autocorrelation functions are defined for the precipitation process on a horizontal plane. An optical device was designed and used to measure these functions as well as the mean, the mean square, and the variance of the rainfall rate for a time sequence of precipitation patterns of a widespread convective storm. The input data were radar PPI records stored on film in which the transmittance was adjusted to be proportional to rainfall rate.
Exploring the usability and feasibility of a mobile music listening application for people living in the community with post-stroke aphasia

Abstract Purpose Language and communication disorders can inhibit participation in activities that have potential therapeutic benefits for recovery. This exploratory research examined the usability and feasibility of a purpose-built music listening mobile application for people living in the community with post-stroke aphasia, and examined relationships between useability and participant age, aphasia severity and time post-stroke. Methods Nineteen participants with chronic aphasia tested the application for two weeks. Prior to use, music preferences, technology use and confidence, self-efficacy and music engagement questionnaires were completed. System usability scale, music listening data and a satisfaction rating were completed following use. Results Overall, the application was perceived as being usable and feasible with a high system usability rating and moderate effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction. The system usability scores were not associated with aphasia severity, age, years post-stroke, self-efficacy or music engagement. Technology confidence was positively associated with system usability. Conclusion The music listening application is a feasible and usable option for listening to music in people with chronic post-stroke aphasia. This study provides a foundation for the rigorous examination of the usability of music listening technology for people with post-stroke aphasia and the potential investigation of use in acute care facilities and other clinical populations. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Music listening has potential therapeutic benefits for people with post-stroke aphasia. Applications for music listening require customisation to enable people with post-stroke aphasia opportunity to listen to their preferred music. Music listening applications that are perceived as usable and feasible by people with post-stroke aphasia may have potential application within rehabilitation and community settings.
Application of the perfectly matched absorbing layer model to the linear elastodynamic problem in anisotropic heterogeneous media

We present and analyze a perfectly matched, absorbing layer model for the velocity-stress formulation of elastodynamics. The principal idea of this method consists of introducing an absorbing layer in which we decompose each component of the unknown into two auxiliary components: a component orthogonal to the boundary and a component parallel to it. A system of equations governing these new unknowns then is constructed. A damping term finally is introduced for the component orthogonal to the boundary. This layer model has the property of generating no reflection at the interface between the free medium and the artificial absorbing medium. In practice, both the boundary condition introduced at the outer boundary of the layer and the dispersion resulting from the numerical scheme produce a small reflection which can be controlled even with very thin layers. As we will show with several experiments, this model gives very satisfactory results; namely, the reflection coefficient, even in the case of heterogeneous, anisotropic media, is about 1% for a layer thickness of five space discretization steps.
Croissance uniforme dans les groupes hyperboliques

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Validation of soil test and yield target based fertilizer prescription model for wheat on inceptisol

Soil test crop response (STCR) based fertilizer prescription for desired yield target of wheat was developed under Integrated Plant Nutrition System (STCR-IPNS) on Periyanaickepalayam soil series (Vertic Ustropept) of Tamil Nadu. On-farm testing of fertilizer prescription equations are essential to demonstrate the effectiveness of technology delivery to the stake holders in need. The present study was undertaken in six locations to evaluate the model through field experiments in Western Zone of Tamil Nadu. The treatments included control, blanket recommendation, soil test crop response (STCR) based fertilizer dose for an yield target of 3.0 and 4.0 t/ha, STCR-IPNS based fertilizer dose for an yield target of 3.0 and 4.0 t/ha and farmer's practice. Based on the initial soil test values of available N, P and K and the quantities of N, P and K contributed through farm yard manure (FYM), fertilizer doses were calculated and applied for STCR and STCR-IPNS treatments for the respective yield targets. The treatments were imposed and cultivation practices were carried out periodically and the grain yield was recorded at harvest. Using the data on grain yield and fertilizer doses applied, per cent achievement and response ratio (RR) were worked out. Post-harvest soil samples were collected and analyzed for available N, P and K status. The results of the experiments indicated that in all the six locations, the per cent achievement of the targeted yield was within±10% variation proving the validity of the equations for prescribing integrated fertilizer doses for wheat. The highest mean per cent achievement was recorded in the yield target of 4.0 t/ha (101.2) under STCR-IPNS followed by STCR-NPK alone 4.0 t/ha. The highest mean yield was recorded in STCR-IPNS–4.0 t/ha (4047 kg/ha) recording an increase of 62.1% over blanket recommendation. Among the treatments, STCR-IPNS recorded relatively higher RR than other treatments and the highest mean RR of 6.90 kg/kg was recorded under STCR-IPNS 4.0 t/ha. The highest benefit: cost ratio (1.81) was also recorded in STCR-IPNS 4.0 t/ha. The post-harvest soil available NPK indicated the build up and maintenance of soil fertility due to soil test based fertilizer recommendation under IPNS. The fertilizer prescription equations developed for wheat under IPNS can be recommended for mixed black calcareous soils of Tamil Nadu (Vertic Ustropept) for achieving an yield target of 4.0 t/ha with sustained soil fertility and it can be extrapolated to other agro-climatic zones of Tamil Nadu on similar and allied soil types.
Theory of the Circular Diffraction Antenna

The circular diffraction antenna consists of a coaxial wave guide fitted with an infinite‐plane conducting baffle, and open to free space. An equivalent circuit description, appropriate to principal‐mode propagation in the coaxial region, is investigated theoretically. Variational expressions for the circuit parameters are derived, and used for accurate numerical evaluation.
Intake and food sources of sodium in the population residing in urban areas of Ecuador: results from ELANS study

ABSTRACT Background In 2021, WHO notes that globally, 32% of annual deaths worldwide are due to cardiovascular causes, which have been attributed to excessive sodium intake, and therefore recommends a reduction in salt intake to less than 5 g/day. Ecuador does not have data on sodium consumption in the population. Hence, this study sought to determine the association between sodium consumption and sociodemographic variables in subjects living in urban areas of Ecuador. Objectives Determine the main dietary sources of sodium in subjects living in urban areas of the Coast and Highlands of Ecuador, and the association between sodium intake and sociodemographic variables such as: sex, region, marital status, socio-economic and educational level of this population. Methods Sodium intake was studied in 800 subjects of both sexes aged 15 to 65 years living in urban areas in Ecuador, originating from the Latin American Nutrition and Health Study (ELANS) between 2014 and 2015. Data were obtained through two 24-hour recalls, and were accessed according to sex, region, age, marital status, socio-economic and educational levels. Results The mean sodium intake was 4900 mg/day (SD ± 1188.32 mg/day), and both sexes exceeded the recommendations. Adjusting for energy intake, sodium consumption is higher in participants aged 50–65 years, from low socio-economic status and with basic education level. A positive relationship was found between sodium and energy intake. Around 48% of the sodium sources included the spices, condiments and herbs group. Within this group, salt itself constitutes 99% of sodium sources. Conclusions The Ecuadorian population consumes more than double the sodium recommendations, which vary according to gender and age. The first source of sodium is salt itself, which is part of spices and condiments food group. This data is important to formulate public health policies and interventions in Ecuador, especially in the population at risk.
Telomerase RNA in Hymenoptera (Insecta) switched to plant/ciliate-like biogenesis

Abstract In contrast to the catalytic subunit of telomerase, its RNA subunit (TR) is highly divergent in size, sequence and biogenesis pathways across eukaryotes. Current views on TR evolution assume a common origin of TRs transcribed with RNA polymerase II in Opisthokonta (the supergroup including Animalia and Fungi) and Trypanosomida on one hand, and TRs transcribed with RNA polymerase III under the control of type 3 promoter, found in TSAR and Archaeplastida supergroups (including e.g. ciliates and Viridiplantae taxa, respectively). Here, we focus on unknown TRs in one of the largest Animalia order - Hymenoptera (Arthropoda) with more than 300 available representative genomes. Using a combination of bioinformatic and experimental approaches, we identify their TRs. In contrast to the presumed type of TRs (H/ACA box snoRNAs transcribed with RNA Polymerase II) corresponding to their phylogenetic position, we find here short TRs of the snRNA type, likely transcribed with RNA polymerase III under the control of the type 3 promoter. The newly described insect TRs thus question the hitherto assumed monophyletic origin of TRs across Animalia and point to an evolutionary switch in TR type and biogenesis that was associated with the divergence of Arthropods.