Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Examining the Criterion Validity and Diagnostic Specificity of Self-Report Measures of Narcissism and Mania

We examined the validity of self-report measures of narcissism and mania by relating them to interview-based ratings of psychopathology. Narcissism scales were taken from the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI), the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire–4+, and the Short Dark Triad. Mania measures included the Altman Self-Rated Mania Scale (ASRM) and scales taken from the Hypomanic Personality Scale (HPS) and Expanded Version of the Inventory of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms. Our analyses addressed two key issues. The first issue was whether these scales demonstrated significant criterion validity (e.g., whether the HPS scales correlated significantly with interview ratings of mania). The second issue was whether they displayed specificity to their target constructs (e.g., whether the NPI scales correlated more strongly with ratings of narcissistic personality disorder than with other forms of psychopathology). All of the narcissism scales—including all three NPI subscales—correlated significantly with interview ratings of narcissistic personality disorder and showed considerable evidence of diagnostic specificity. Most of the mania scales also displayed good criterion validity and diagnostic specificity. However, two measures—the ASRM and the HPS Social Vitality subscale—had weak, nonsignificant associations with interview ratings of manic episodes; these findings raise concerns regarding their validity as specific indicators of mania.
The effect of N-acetylcysteine in a combined antibiofilm treatment against antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

BACKGROUND The WHO declared Staphylococcus aureus as a 'pathogen of high importance' in 2017. One-fifth of all bloodstream-related infections in Australia and 12 000 cases of bacteraemia in the UK (2017-18) were caused by the MRSA variant. To address the need for novel therapies, we investigated several permutations of an innovative combination therapy containing N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antibiotic and an enzyme of choice in eradicating MRSA and MSSA biofilms. METHODS Biofilm viability (resazurin assay) and colony count methods were used to investigate the effect of NAC, antibiotics and enzymes on S. aureus biofilm disruption and killing. The effects of NAC and enzymes on the polysaccharide content of biofilm matrices were analysed using the phenol/sulphuric acid method and the effect of NAC on DNA cleavage was determined using the Qubit fluorometer technique. Changes in biofilm architecture when subjected to NAC and enzymes were visualized using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). RESULTS NAC alone displayed bacteriostatic effects when tested on planktonic bacterial growth. Combination treatments containing 30 mM NAC resulted in ≥90% disruption of biofilms across all MRSA and MSSA strains with a 2-3 log10 decrease in cfu/mL in treated biofilms. CLSM showed that NAC treatment drastically disrupted S. aureus biofilm architecture. There was also reduced polysaccharide production in MRSA biofilms in the presence of NAC. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that inclusion of NAC in a combination treatment is a promising strategy for S. aureus biofilm eradication. The intrinsic acidity of NAC was identified as key to maximum biofilm disruption and degradation of matrix components.
Variations in litter size and reproductive effort within and between some populations of Lacerta vivipara

We studied the relationships between litter size, litter weight, newborn weight, relative clutch mass and the female snout-vent length in some Lacerta vivipara populations over a period of three years. Litter size and litter weight were positively correlated with female snout-vent length in all the populations for all the years, as in most other lizard species. Relative clutch mass generally increased with female size, though correlations appear not to be very tight. Considering the two best studied populations suggests that montane females invest less in reproduction than lowland ones. The main reproductive traits of the species appeared highly variable between as well as within the different populations hitherto studied. We argue that current theory about lizard reproductive strategy requires, first to work out a good estimate of reproductive effort, and second to get more information about the relations between the species and their environmental, biotic and abiotic conditions.
The acute and chronic effects of resistance training with blood flow restriction on hormonal responses in untrained young men: A comparison of frequency.

The present study aimed to determine the effect of low-intensity training with blood flow restriction (BFR) on the response rate of anabolic hormones. Forty healthy and untrained young men, aged 18 to 25 years old, were randomly divided into five groups: one session of BFR training (BFR1), two sessions of BFR training (BFR2), one session of resistance training without BFR (WBFR1), two sessions of resistance training without BFR (WBFR2), and the control group (without training). BFR groups had three sets of 20 repetitions with 20-30% 1RM, and none-BFR groups had three sets of 10 repetitions with 70-80% 1RM for six weeks. Both BFR1 and WBFR1 groups trained 3day a week (1 session in a day and three sessions a week), BFR2 and WBFR2 groups trained three days a week (but two sessions a day and six sessions in a week) and Control group did not perform any training. The mean changes in growth hormone(GH), testosterone(TS), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) hormones were determined by ELISA technique before, after a first training session and after six weeks of the training program. To the analysis of data, two way repeated measures ANOVA at a significant level of P<0.05 also were used. The results showed a significant increase in GH levels in each of the four training groups as compared with the pre-test and the control group after a first training session and after six weeks of the training program (P<0.05). There was no significant increase in TS levels in each of the four training groups, as compared with the pre-test and the control group in both acute and chronic TS response (P>0.05). Only the WBFR1 group did not significantly increase in VEGF levels after the first training session (P>0.05). In chronic VEGF response, there were no significant changes observed in all training groups as compared with the control group(P>0.05). Despite the effectiveness of low-intensity BFR training, such as high-intensity resistance training on hormonal responses, two sessions per day training with the same volume does not necessarily result in larger responses in all hormones than one session per day training.
Location and habitat characteristics of the breeding nests of the harvest mouse (Micromys minutus) in the reed-beds of an intensively used farmland

Occurrence of harvest mouse breeding nests in relation to reed-bed structure was studied in 2000-2001. This study took place in midfield marsh patches and drainage ditches in an intensively used farmland of western Poland. A total of 88 nests was found. 98% of them were attached to reed stems at a mean height of 48 (± 41 SD) cm. Harvest mice favoured reed-beds with low, thin and sparse stalks, with a high ratio of Carex/grass. Areas with a high density of herbaceous vegetation were avoided as nest sites.
Management of acute ischemic stroke in patients with COVID-19 infection: Report of an international panel

Background and purpose On 11 March 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 infection a pandemic. The risk of ischemic stroke may be higher in patients with COVID-19 infection similar to those with other respiratory tract infections. We present a comprehensive set of practice implications in a single document for clinicians caring for adult patients with acute ischemic stroke with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection. Methods The practice implications were prepared after review of data to reach the consensus among stroke experts from 18 countries. The writers used systematic literature reviews, reference to previously published stroke guidelines, personal files, and expert opinion to summarize existing evidence, indicate gaps in current knowledge, and when appropriate, formulate practice implications. All members of the writing group had opportunities to comment in writing on the practice implications and approved the final version of this document. Results This document with consensus is divided into 18 sections. A total of 41 conclusions and practice implications have been developed. The document includes practice implications for evaluation of stroke patients with caution for stroke team members to avoid COVID-19 exposure, during clinical evaluation and performance of imaging and laboratory procedures with special considerations of intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy in stroke patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection. Conclusions These practice implications with consensus based on the currently available evidence aim to guide clinicians caring for adult patients with acute ischemic stroke who are suspected of, or confirmed, with COVID-19 infection. Under certain circumstances, however, only limited evidence is available to support these practice implications, suggesting an urgent need for establishing procedures for the management of stroke patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection.
THE HOST‐PARASITE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ZIZANIA CADUCIFLORA TURCZ. AND USTILAGO ESCULENTA P. HENN. IV. GROWTH SUBSTANCES IN THE HOST‐PARASITE COMBINATION

SUMMARY The mycelial and sporidial stages of Ustilago esculenta could synthesize IAA in vitro, especially if the medium contained tryptophan. Extract from culms of its host, Zizania caduciflora, contained tryptophan and was a suitable medium for the production of IAA. Significant levels of IAA occurred in non-sporulating and sporulating culms. The culms also contained three cytokinins (presumed to be zeatin and zeatin riboside with one unidentified). Total amounts of cytokinins were (kinetin equivalents): unswollen culm, 8·5 μg 100 g-1; non-sporulating culm, 11·9 μg 100 g-1; sporulating culm, 1·3 μg 100 g fresh wt-1. U. esculenta was able to produce zeatin in culture but the other cytokinins originated from the host or host-parasite combination. A possible sequence of events is proposed to explain the formation of gau sun from the flowering culm.
Loss of Growth Regulation by Transforming Growth Factor - β (TGF-β) in Human Cancers: Studies on Endometrial Carcinoma

Members of the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-beta) family are one of the few endogenous inhibitors of cell growth. As uncontrolled cellular proliferation is a hallmark of cancer, an important question to address is how cancer cells escape normal growth regulatory mechanisms to become malignant. In this context, components of the TGF-beta growth response pathway are considered to be tumor suppressor genes, as absence of one or more of TGF-beta receptor and signaling proteins cause loss of cell growth regulation through an inability to regulate proteins that directly block cells in G1 phase of the cell cycle. Endometrial carcinoma (ECA) provides an excellent paradigm to study the changes that accompany loss of TGF-beta-mediated growth, control as a function of neoplastic development, since it is generally preceded by complex hyperplasia. Type 1 ECA is characterized as an estrogen-induced cancer, which responds well to progestin therapy. Since it has become increasingly evident that steroids can regulate growth through growth factors, ECA is also an ideal model for investigating the role for gonadal steroids in the loss of TGF-beta growth regulation in the etiopathogenesis of ECA. Thus, hormonal carcinogenesis adds another level of complexity in studying loss of growth regulation in human cancers. The purpose of this review is to 1) provide the most current background information on how TGF-beta functions including its activation, receptors, signal transduction mechanisms, and control of the cell cycle. 2) present recent information that shows how malignant cells subvert the growth inhibitory effects of TGF-beta by incurring defects in every aspect of the pathway that mediates the TGF-beta growth inhibitory response, and 3) describe the putative role for TGF-beta in the oncogenesis of ECA, provided primarily by the results from our laboratory. Understanding the molecular events involved in TGF-beta function in normal cells and its lack of function in tumor cells should identify novel therapeutic targets in human cancers.
Examining the effect of virtual reality therapy on cognition post-stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction Virtual reality (VR) are user-computer interface platforms that implement real-time simulation of an activity or environment, allowing user interaction via multiple sensory modalities. VR therapy may be an effective intervention for improving cognitive function following stroke. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of exercise-based VR therapy on cognition post-stroke. Methods Electronic databases were searched for terms related to “stroke”, “virtual reality”, “exercise” and “cognition”. Studies were included if they: (1) were randomized-controlled trials; (2) included VR-based interventions; (3) included individuals with stroke; and (4) included outcome measures related to cognitive function. Data from included studies were synthesised qualitatively and where possible, random effects meta-analyses were performed. Results Eight studies involving 196 participants were included in the review, of which five were included in meta-analyses (n = 124 participants). Studies varied in terms of type (combination of VR therapy and conventional therapy, combination of VR therapy and computer-based cognitive training, VR therapy alone) and duration of interventions (20–180 min), sample size (n = 12–42), length of the interventions (4–8 weeks), and cognitive outcomes examined. VR therapy was not more effective than control for improving global cognition (n = 5, SMD = 0.24, 95%CI:−0.30,0.78, p = .38), memory (n = 2 studies, SMD= 0.00, 95%CI: −0.58, 0.59, p = .99), attention (n = 2 studies, MD = 8.90, 95%CI: −27.89, 45.70, p = .64) or language (n = 2 studies, SMD = 0.56, 95%CI: −0.08,1.21, p = .09). Conclusion VR therapy was not superior to control interventions in improving cognition in individuals with stroke. Future research should include high-quality and adequately powered trials examining the impact of virtual reality therapy on cognition post-stroke. Implications for rehabilitation Virtual reality therapy is a promising new form of technology that has been shown to increase patient satisfaction towards stroke rehabilitation. Virtual reality therapy has the added benefits of providing instant feedback, and the difficulty can be easily modified, underscoring the user-friendliness of this form of rehabilitation. Virtual reality therapy has the potential to improve various motor, cognitive and physical deficits following stroke, highlighting its usefulness in rehabilitation settings.
Zoobenthos of Lake Uluabat, a Ramsar Site in Turkey, and Their Relationship with Environmental Variables

The numerical and proportional distributions of zoobenthos in lake Uluabat, which is located in the Northwestern part of Turkey and having international importance according to the Ramsar Convention, were determined from August 2004 to July 2005 at monthly intervals (except for December 2004, January and February 2005) at 12 different stations. Thirty-three taxonomic groups were recorded. It was found that the zoobenthos consisted of 35.6% Oligochaeta, 27.7% Nematoda, 12.3% Chironomidae larvae, 10.7% Gastropoda, 3.6% Ostracoda, and 10.1 % Varia by numbers (Bivalvia, Ceratopogonidae, Hirudinea, Odonata, Ephemeroptera, Asilidae, Hydraacarina, Hemiptera, Argulidae, and Gammaridae). The average number of invertebrates was 160 individuals for 33 taxa at the 12 different stations. Also some environmental parameters of the lakewater were analyzed (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, NO 2 -N, NO 3 -N, NH 3 -N, PO4 -3 , fecal coliform, and total coliform). The relationships between the dynamics of the Oligochaeta and the physicochemical variables were supported by the Pearson correlation index and the canonical correspondence analysis (CANOCO). It was found that the relation between the average number of P. hammoniensis and P. albicola (p < 0.05, r= 0.590 and 0.593, respectively) and L. hoffmeisteri (p < 0.01, r = 0.777) was directly proportional while the relation between the average number of some taxa Trichodrillus sp. , Rhyacodrilus coccineus, Nais communis, N. variabilis, and N. barbata and NO 3 -N (p < 0.05, r = -0.685) was inversely proportional.
Revascularization following non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction in multivessel coronary disease

The optimal revascularization approach for patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (MVCAD) is controversial. We sought to investigate outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).
Species richness and distribution of ferns along an elevational gradient in Costa Rica

To better understand changes in the distribution and diversity within plant functional types along an elevational gradient and the potential mechanisms driving such changes, we studied species richness of ferns at six elevations along a forested elevational gradient in Costa Rica, from La Selva Biological Station at 30 m a.s. l. up the slopes of Volcan Barva to 2960 m a.s. l. Among the samples from all the sites combined, we found 264 species from 60 genera. Sixty-nine species were terrestrial, 113 were canopy epiphytes, and 121 were low-trunk epiphytes. Only one species occupied both canopy and terrestrial habitats at any of the study sites. Overlap of canopy and low-trunk species composition was relatively low (18%), and lower still was the overlap of terrestrial and low-trunk species (12%). Total species richness peaked at the 1000-m site for canopy and low-trunk epiphytic species. In contrast, the richness of terrestrial species rose to a mid-elevation maximum and remained relatively constant at higher elevations. In an effort to explain elevational patterns of species richness, we examined mean annual rainfall and temperature, light intensities in the canopy and at ground level, and the mid-domain effect. Of the explanatory factors examined, the mid-domain effect accounted for most of the elevational pattern. We found little evidence that environmental gradients drive patterns of fern species richness on this spatial scale.
Mercury in Fishes and Their Diet Items from Flathead Lake, Montana

Abstract Mercury levels in lake trout Salvelinus namaycush, lake whitefish Coregonus clupeaformis, and benthic invertebrates were investigated in Flathead Lake, Montana. For both fish species, mercury increased with size and age and showed a negative relationship with growth rate. No gender-based differences in mercury levels were observed for either lake trout or lake whitefish. A positive relationship between mercury concentration and depth was documented for lake trout and the pooled invertebrate sample, suggesting that individual lake trout have some long-term habitat preferences. In general, these findings underscore the need to consider biological attributes of organisms when conducting contaminant assessments and illustrate the usefulness of contaminants as food web tracers.
Suicide deaths following police contact: A review of coronial inquest findings

Abstract We analyzed 10 years of Australian coronial inquest documents on people who died by suicide or suspected suicide following recent contact with the police. We identified 149 cases of suicide or suspected suicides via coronial websites, 34 of which contained recommendations. We developed four themes from these recommendations, the most common of which was for police to change current practices or policies and modify police officer training. Coroners considered effective working relationships with external stakeholders able to assist police an important means of reducing risk of suicide.
FDA-approved thiol-reacting drugs that potentially bind into the SARS-CoV-2 main protease, essential for viral replication

Abstract Emergent novel SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for the current pandemic outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome with high mortality among the symptomatic population worldwide. Given the absence of a current vaccine or specific antiviral treatment, it is urgent to search for FDA-approved drugs that can potentially inhibit essential viral enzymes. The inhibition of 3CLpro has potential medical application, due to the fact that it is required for processing of the first translated replicase polyproteins into a series of native proteins, which are essential for viral replication in the host cell. We employed an in silico approach to test if disulfiram, as well as its metabolites, and captopril could be used as potential antiviral drugs against COVID-19. We provide data on the potential covalent interaction of disulfiram and its metabolites with the substrate binding subsite of 3CLpro and propose a possible mechanism for the irreversible protease inactivation thought the reaction of the aforementioned compounds with the Cys145. Although, captopril is shown to be a potential ligand of 3CLpro, it is not recommended anti-COVID-19 therapy, due to the fact that it can induce the expression of the viral cellular receptor such as, angiotensin-converting enzyme ACE-2, and thus, making the patient potentially more susceptible to infection. On the other hand, disulfiram, an alcoholism-averting drug, has been previously proposed as an antimicrobial and anti-SARS and MERS agent, safe to use even at higher doses with low side effects, it is recommended to be tested for control of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
Feeding by the pine weevil Hylobius abietis in relation to sun exposure and distance to forest edges

Abstract 1 The intensity of feeding by adult pine weevils Hylobius abietis (L.) on the stem bark of Norway spruce Picea abies (L.) Karst. seedlings planted in rows with a north–south orientation across a clear‐cutting, was measured throughout a growth season. The feeding was then correlated to light interception, soil temperature and distance to the nearest forest edge.