Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Skills in FXS: A Review of the Literature and Evaluation of the PEDI-Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT) to Measure Adaptive Skills

As adaptive skills (AS) are dynamic and may indicate the success of an intervention, they are a common domain measured in clinical trials. Typical interview tools for measuring AS are time-consuming, and questionnaire measures often lead to inconsistent information. The present study was designed to evaluate the feasibility, validity and test-retest performance of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT) in Fragile X syndrome (FXS). The PEDI-CAT is administered via tablet and uses the item response theory to efficiently determine the items administered. The PEDI-CAT was administered to 42 individuals with FXS (27 males; 15 females) aged 1.6–50.9 years (M = 14.9; SD = 11.2), followed by the Vineland-3 (VABS-3) interview for comparison. Administration was efficient (M = 21.7 min; SD = 9.5; range 8–45 min; mode = 19). Males and females did not significantly differ on the PEDI-CAT domains, except for daily activities (t(40) = −2.22, p = 0.037). Floor effects were significant for both measures, although the PEDI-CAT showed more floor effects in the mobility (35.7%) and social-cognitive (50%) domains. PEDI-CAT daily activities, mobility, social-cognitive and responsibility domains were all significantly correlated with most of the VABS-3 domains (all rho > 0.5; p < 0.01). Test-rest of the PEDI-CAT was comparable to the VABS-3. Results suggest that the PEDI-CAT is efficient, and minimal training is needed to administer it; however, it lacks specificity and shares a high rate of floor effects with the VABS-3.
SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AND EARLY LIFE EVENTS ASSOCIATED WITH HAPPINESS IN ADULTS OF METROPOLITAN LIMA

Objectives: To estimate socio-demographic factors and early life events associated with happiness in adults in metropolitan Lima. Materials and methods: A secondary analysis was carried out on the Epidemiological Study of Mental Health of Metropolitan Lima 2012. The instruments used were the Quality of Life Index; a brief and modified version of the EMBU; a questionnaire of early adverse events; a Happiness Index built from Andrews’ single item of Happiness and the Life Satisfaction Scale. Adjusted multivariate analyses were performed. Results: Happiness was significantly associated with gender, marital status, poverty, and level of education. Parenting styles associated significantly with less happiness were: behaviors of rejection and sexist attitudes; and with higher happiness: emotional warmth. No association was found with overprotection or favoritism breeding practices. Early adverse events significantly associated with lower happiness were discussions within the family, father with problems of alcohol, parental absence, behaviors of emotional blackmail or threats. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of developing intensive programs in the first years of life that promote parenting styles and healthy development environments.
Applications of biotechnology in turfgrass genetic improvement

During the past two decades, substantial progress has been made in applying modern biotechnology in turfgrass genetic improvement. Applications of biotechnology have assisted turfgrass breeding programs in several different ways. This review article addresses the advances made in turfgrass biotechnology, which are categorized in the following areas: (i) applications of molecular markers to assist breeding practice, (ii) in vitro manipulations for regenerable tissue culture, (iii) genetic engineering by DNA transfer techniques, and (iv) the use of fungal endophytes to improve turfgrass performance. Further achievements in turfgrass biotechnology hold promise for solving problems that challenge the turfgrass industry.
The Role of P2X7 Purinergic Receptors in the Renal Inflammation Associated with Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension

Purinergic receptors play a central role in the renal pathophysiology of angiotensin II-induced hypertension, since elevated ATP chronically activates P2X7 receptors in this model. The changes induced by the P2X antagonist Brilliant blue G (BBG) in glomerular hemodynamics and in tubulointerstitial inflammation resulting from angiotensin II infusion were studied. Rats received angiotensin II (435 ng kg−1 min−1, 2 weeks) alone or in combination with BBG (50 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally). BBG did not modify hypertension (214.5 ± 1.4 vs. 212.7 ± 0.5 mmHg), but restored to near normal values afferent (7.03 ± 1.00 to 2.97 ± 0.27 dyn.s.cm−5) and efferent (2.62 ± 0.03 to 1.29 ± 0.09 dyn.s.cm−5) arteriolar resistances, glomerular plasma flow (79.23 ± 3.15 to 134.30 ± 1.11 nL/min), ultrafiltration coefficient (0.020 ± 0.002 to 0.036 ± 0.003 nL/min/mmHg) and single nephron glomerular filtration rate (22.28 ± 2.04 to 34.46 ± 1.54 nL/min). Angiotensin II induced overexpression of P2X7 receptors in renal tubular cells and in infiltrating T and B lymphocytes and macrophages. All inflammatory cells were increased by angiotensin II infusion and reduced by 20% to 50% (p < 0.05) by BBG administration. Increased IL-2, IL-6, TNFα, IL-1β, IL-18 and overexpression of NLRP3 inflammasome were induced by angiotensin II and suppressed by BBG. These studies suggest that P2X7 receptor-mediated renal vasoconstriction, tubulointerstitial inflammation and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome are associated with angiotensin II-induced hypertension.
Microfluidic droplet application for bacterial surveillance in fresh-cut produce wash waters

Foodborne contamination and associated illness in the United States is responsible for an estimated 48 million cases per year. Increased food demand, global commerce of perishable foods, and the growing threat of antibiotic resistance are driving factors elevating concern for food safety. Foodborne illness is often associated with fresh-cut, ready-to-eat produce commodities due to the perishable nature of the product and relatively minimal processing from farm to the consumer. The research presented here optimizes and evaluates the utility of microfluidic droplets, also termed ultra-miniaturized bioreactors, for rapid detection of viable Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium in a shredded lettuce wash water acquired from a major Mid-Atlantic produce processing facility (denoted as Producer) in the U.S. Using a fluorescently-labeled anti-S. Typhimurium antibody and relative fluorescence intensities, paired with in-droplet incubation, S. Typhimurium was detected and identified with 100% specificity in less than 5 h. In initial optimization experiments using S. Typhimurium-spiked sterile water, the relative fluorescence intensity of S. Typhimurium was approximately two times that of the observed relative intensities of five non-S. Typhimurium negative controls at 4-h incubation in droplets containing Rappaport-Vasiliadis (RV) broth at 37°C: relative fluorescence intensity for S. Typhimurium = 2.36 (95% CI: 2.15–2.58), Enterobacter aerogens 1.12 (95% CI: 1.09–1.16), Escherichia coli 700609 = 1.13 (95% CI: 1.09–1.17), E. coli 13706 1.13 (95% CI: 1.07–1.19), E. coli 700891 1.05 (95% CI: 1.03–1.07) and Citrobacter freundii 1.04 (95% CI: 1.03–1.05). S. Typhimurium- and E. aerogens-spiked shredded lettuce wash waters acquired from the Producer were then incubated 4 h in-droplet at 37°C with RV broth. The observed relative fluorescence of S. Typhimurium was significantly higher than that of E. aerogens, 1.56 (95% CI: 1.42–1.71) and 1.10 (95% CI: 1.08–1.12), respectively. While further optimization focusing on compatible concentration methodologies for highly-dilute produce water samples is needed, this application of droplet microfluidics shows great promise in dramatically shortening the time necessary–from days to hours–to confirm viable bacterial contamination in ready-to-eat produce wash waters used throughout the domestic and international food industry.
The neurons that mistook a hat for a face

Despite evidence that context promotes the visual recognition of objects, decades of research have led to the pervasive notion that the object processing pathway in primate cortex consists of multiple areas that each process the intrinsic features of a few particular categories (e.g. faces, bodies, hands, objects, and scenes). Here we report that such category-selective neurons do not in fact code individual categories in isolation but are also sensitive to object relationships that reflect statistical regularities of the experienced environment. We show by direct neuronal recording that face-selective neurons respond not just to an image of a face, but also to parts of an image where contextual cues—for example a body—indicate a face ought to be, even if what is there is not a face.
Phenotyping Heart Failure According to the Longitudinal Ejection Fraction Change: Myocardial Strain, Predictors, and Outcomes

Background Many patients with heart failure (HF) experience changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) during follow‐up. We sought to evaluate the predictors and outcomes of different HF phenotypes according to longitudinal changes in EF. Methods and Results A total of 2104 patients with acute HF underwent echocardiography at baseline and follow‐up. Global longitudinal strain was measured at index admission. HF phenotypes were defined as persistent HF with reduced EF (persistent HFrEF, LVEF ≤40% at baseline and follow‐up), heart failure with improved ejection fraction (LVEF≤40% at baseline and improved to >40% at follow‐up), heart failure with declined ejection fraction (LVEF>40% at baseline and declined to ≤40% at follow up), and persistent HF with preserved EF (persistent HFpEF, LVEF>40% at baseline and follow‐up). Overall, 1130 patients had HFrEF at baseline; during follow‐up, 54.2% and 46.8% had persistent HFrEF and heart failure with improved ejection fraction, respectively. Among 975 patients with HFpEF at baseline, 89.5% and 10.5% had persistent HFpEF and heart failure with declined ejection fraction at follow‐up, respectively. The 5‐year all‐cause mortality rates were 43.1%, 33.1%, 24%, and 17% for heart failure with declined ejection fraction, persistent HFrEF, persistent HFpEF, and heart failure with improved ejection fraction, respectively (global log‐rank P<0.001). In multivariable analyses, each 1% increase in global longitudinal strain (greater contractility) was associated with 10% increased odds for heart failure with improved ejection fraction among patients with HFrEF at baseline and 7% reduced odds for heart failure with declined ejection fraction among patients with HFpEF at baseline. Conclusions LVEF changed during follow‐up. Each HF phenotype according to longitudinal LVEF changes has a distinct prognosis. Global longitudinal strain can be used to predict the HF phenotype. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials. gov; Unique identifier: NCT03513653.
Haugh unit as a measure of the quality of hen eggs stored under refrigeration

Durante o armazenamento, ocorrem alteracoes nas caracteristicas fisicas, quimicas e funcionais das proteinas de ovos em cascas. Essas mudancas dependem das condicoes de armazenamento, como o tempo, a temperatura e a umidade relativa do ar. Neste trabalho, compararam-se os valores da unidade "Haugh" de ovos frescos e de ovos armazenados a temperatura ambiente (25°C) e a temperatura de refrigeracao (8°C), durante 7, 14 e 21 dias de armazenamento. Os valores da unidade "Haugh" e da altura da clara espessa diminuiram, consideravelmente, com o armazenamento a temperatura de 25°C. No ambiente refrigerado, nao houve diferenca significativa na unidade "Haugh", nos periodos de armazenamento, mas seus valores foram menores do que obtidos para ovos frescos. O peso dos ovos nao diferiu, significativamente, durante o periodo de armazenamento, independentemente da temperatura. O pH correlacionou-se, positivamente, nas duas temperaturas com a unidade "Haugh" e negativamente com a altura do albume denso.
Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitor Ameliorates Autophagic Flux Impairment on Renal Proximal Tubular Cells in Obesity Mice

Obesity is supposed to cause renal injury via autophagy deficiency. Recently, sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) were reported to protect renal injury. However, the mechanisms of SGLT2i for renal protection are unclear. Here, we investigated the effect of SGLT2i for autophagy in renal proximal tubular cells (PTCs) on obesity mice. We fed C57BL/6J mice with a normal diet (ND) or high-fat and -sugar diet (HFSD) for nine weeks, then administered SGLT2i, empagliflozin, or control compound for one week. Each group contained N = 5. The urinary N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase level in the HFSD group significantly increased compared to ND group. The tubular damage was suppressed in the SGLT2i–HFSD group. In electron microscopic analysis, multi lamellar bodies that increased in autophagy deficiency were increased in PTCs in the HFSD group but significantly suppressed in the SGLT2i group. The autophagosomes of damaged mitochondria in PTCs in the HFSD group frequently appeared in the SGLT2i group. p62 accumulations in PTCs were significantly increased in HFSD group but significantly suppressed by SGLT2i. In addition, the mammalian target of rapamycin was activated in the HFSD group but significantly suppressed in SGLT2i group. These data suggest that SGLT2i has renal protective effects against obesity via improving autophagy flux impairment in PTCs on a HFSD.
Silibinin and SARS-CoV-2: Dual Targeting of Host Cytokine Storm and Virus Replication Machinery for Clinical Management of COVID-19 Patients

COVID-19, the illness caused by infection with the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, is a rapidly spreading global pandemic in urgent need of effective treatments. Here we present a comprehensive examination of the host- and virus-targeted functions of the flavonolignan silibinin, a potential drug candidate against COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2. As a direct inhibitor of STAT3—a master checkpoint regulator of inflammatory cytokine signaling and immune response—silibinin might be expected to phenotypically integrate the mechanisms of action of IL-6-targeted monoclonal antibodies and pan-JAK1/2 inhibitors to limit the cytokine storm and T-cell lymphopenia in the clinical setting of severe COVID-19. As a computationally predicted, remdesivir-like inhibitor of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp)—the central component of the replication/transcription machinery of SARS-CoV-2—silibinin is expected to reduce viral load and impede delayed interferon responses. The dual ability of silibinin to target both the host cytokine storm and the virus replication machinery provides a strong rationale for the clinical testing of silibinin against the COVID-19 global public health emergency. A randomized, open-label, phase II multicentric clinical trial (SIL-COVID19) will evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of silibinin in the prevention of acute respiratory distress syndrome in moderate-to-severe COVID-19-positive onco-hematological patients at the Catalan Institute of Oncology in Catalonia, Spain.
Caregivers of Patients with Hematological Malignancies within Home Care: A Phenomenological Study

The role of caregivers in homecare settings is relevant to the patient’s wellbeing and quality of life. This phenomenon is well described in the literature for the oncological setting but not specifically for that of hematological malignancies. The aim of this study was to explore the experience of primary caregivers of patients with hematological malignancies within home care. We conducted a phenomenological study based on interviews with 17 primary caregivers of hematological patients. Analysis of the contents led to the identification of five main themes. Perhaps, the innovative aspects of this study can be summarized in three points: This service was demonstrated to fulfil the ethical aspects of providing the patient with a dignified accompaniment to the end of life. Secondly, the efficiency of the service and the benefit are directly dependent on the caregivers’ wellbeing, so knowledge of the dynamics and emotions involved can lead to the development and implementation of programs for hematological malignancies. Lastly, a collaborative caregivers–professionals relationship can improve a sense of accomplishment for all parties involved, lessening the family’s frustration related to not having done their best. Home care brings significant benefits for both the patient and the caregivers and fulfils the ethical obligation of providing the patient dignified end-of-life care.
Manipulating Self-Avatar Body Dimensions in Virtual Worlds to Complement an Internet-Delivered Intervention to Increase Physical Activity in Overweight Women

Virtual reality has been found to be a useful tool for positively influencing relevant psychological variables in order to increase physical activity (PA), especially in the overweight population. This study investigates the use of avatars and their physical variations to extend the effectiveness of existing interventions to promote PA. The main objective is to analyze the influence of the avatars’ body dimensions on the efficacy of an Internet intervention to increase PA levels and improve other relevant variables (motivation toward PA, enjoyment, anxiety, self-efficacy, and PA goals). A total of 42 overweight women received a brief online intervention, and they were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: the “Ideal avatar” (IAC: participants are represented by avatars with ideal body dimensions); the “Real avatar” (RAC: participants are represented by avatars with participants’ current body dimensions); and the “Non avatar” (NAC: participants are not represented by avatars). Results showed that the online intervention was effective in increasing PA practice and self-efficacy expectations. However, manipulating the body dimensions of avatars did not improve this intervention, although ideal avatars helped to reduce the anxiety experienced during PA in this population.
A skeleton of Mesoscalops (Mammalia, Insectivora) from the Miocene Deep River Formation, Montana, and a review of the proscalopid moles: evolutionary, functional, and stratigraphic relationships

ABSTRACT A nearly complete and partially articulated skeleton of Mesoscalops, a genus of fossorial insectivore hitherto known only by isolated teeth and some bones of the forelimb, is described and compared with other proscalopids, talpids, and chrysochlorids. The skeleton (UWBM 54708) is more complete than that of any proscalopid known to date, and provides a basis for description of the previously unknown vertebral column, ribs, articulated forelimb including the scapula, clavicle, manubrium, pelvis, femur, fibula, astragalus, and metatarsals. UWBM 54708, from the Hemingfordian or Barstovian Deep River Formation, Meagher County, Montana, represents a new species, M. montanensis. The skull of M. montanensis more closely resembles Whitneyan than late Arikareean proscalopids, suggesting that Mesoscalops was derived from a Whitneyan form of Proscalops. The morphology of proscalopids, as exemplified by Mesoscalops montanensis, reflects a unique digging stroke and differs from that of talpids to a greater deg.
Novel coronavirus pneumonia and acute pulmonary thromboembolism: casualty or causality?

Motivo de grande preocupacao no cenario global atual, a pandemia pelo novo coronavirus (COVID-19) tem sido um dos grandes motivos da realizacao de tomografias computadorizadas de torax, seja na avaliacao inicial ou no controle evolutivo. Esses pacientes apresentam aumento do dimero D, achado provavelmente relacionado a um estado de hipercoagulabilidade e que marca pior prognostico. ( )A seguir, ilustramos dois casos de pacientes com confirmacao laboratorial de infeccao pelo coronavirus e sinais de tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP) – associacao ja descrita. ( , [. ]
Muscle Synergies in Parkinson’s Disease

Over the last two decades, experimental studies in humans and other vertebrates have increasingly used muscle synergy analysis as a computational tool to examine the physiological basis of motor control. The theoretical background of muscle synergies is based on the potential ability of the motor system to coordinate muscles groups as a single unit, thus reducing high-dimensional data to low-dimensional elements. Muscle synergy analysis may represent a new framework to examine the pathophysiological basis of specific motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD), including balance and gait disorders that are often unresponsive to treatment. The precise mechanisms contributing to these motor symptoms in PD remain largely unknown. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of balance and gait disorders in PD is necessary to develop new therapeutic strategies. This narrative review discusses muscle synergies in the evaluation of motor symptoms in PD. We first discuss the theoretical background and computational methods for muscle synergy extraction from physiological data. We then critically examine studies assessing muscle synergies in PD during different motor tasks including balance, gait and upper limb movements. Finally, we speculate about the prospects and challenges of muscle synergy analysis in order to promote future research protocols in PD.
Buschke‐Ollendorff syndrome with LEMD3 germline stopgain mutation p.R678* presenting as multiple subcutaneous nodules with mucin deposition

Buschke‐Ollendorff syndrome (BOS; OMIM 166700) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the existence of connective tissue nevus and/or osteopoikilosis. The skin lesions usually present as firm, yellow, or flesh‐colored papules and nodules, which may coalesce into plaques and increase in size and number over time. We present a case of a 26‐year‐old male with multiple subcutaneous nodules on the waist and thigh for more than 20 years. Being deeply seated, his skin lesions were not visible and could only be appreciated by palpation. Accordingly, pathology showed an increase in thick, crossed, or paralleled, elastic fibers arranged between the collagen bundles in the lower part of the reticular dermis and the subcutaneous fat with mucin deposition. Heterozygous point mutation in exon 8 of the LEMD3 gene was detected, which confirmed the diagnosis of BOS. The deeply situated nature of skin lesions noted in our case has not been reported in the literature of BOS. Our case thus expands the clinical and pathological features of the disease.
Association of Happiness and Nursing Work Environments with Job Crafting among Hospital Nurses in South Korea

Nurses are key professionals in healthcare sectors, whose job attitude is closely associated with patient health outcomes and safety. Job crafting describes how workers shape their tasks to find a sense of meaning and value in their work. This study aimed to examine the associations of happiness at the individual level and nursing work environments at the organizational level with job crafting among hospital nurses in Korea. This cross-sectional study analyzed survey data from 220 nurses working in four Korean hospitals. Multiple linear regression modeling was used to examine associations among the study variables. Nurses who were satisfied with their lives were significantly more likely to exhibit higher levels of job crafting (B = 0.07, p < 0.001). Nursing work environments had no significant association with nurses’ job crafting. In comparison with nurses working in general units, operating room nurses were significantly less likely to craft their job (B = −0.35, p = 0.001). Organizational support should be established to improve nurses’ happiness and job crafting. Hospitals should provide various opportunities for education and training to strengthen job crafting.