Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Testing to Identify Submaximal Effort: Lifting to a Perceived 50% Effort vs. an Assigned Submaximal Load

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Abstract Swift, MC, Townsend, R, Edwards, D, and Loudon, J. Testing to identify submaximal effort: Lifting to a perceived 50% effort vs. an assigned submaximal load. J Strength Cond Res 36(8): 2115–2120, 2022—The ability to accurately measure effort during postinjury functional testing allows for the validation of displayed physical limitations by injured workers. The Cross-Reference Testing System (XRTS) has been developed to identify submaximal efforts through distraction-based dynamic material handling testing. The XRTS material handling assessment compares dynamic lifts of weights in a crate and lifts using a lever arm device. The purpose of this study was to determine whether subjects lifting an assigned submaximal load influence test results compared with subjects lifting to but not exceeding a 50% perceived effort. Subjects in group A (n = 35) were assigned the condition to attempt to lift to but not exceed a randomly assigned weight value for both the crate lift and XRTS at 3 lifting heights. Subjects in group B (n = 32) were asked to lift to but not exceed 37.5 lb from the same 3 lifting heights. The reproducibility of effort was measured with current validity criteria for distraction-based material handling testing. Using the percent difference values, a 2 × 3 (group, lifting height) analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to test the hypothesis. The alpha level was set at 0.05. The mean percent change between comparative lifts was 31.13%, 95% CI (22.51–39.75) for group A and 29.26% 95% CI (21.91–36.61) for group B. The 2 × 3 ANOVA demonstrated no significant difference (p = 0.751) between groups. The results indicate attempting to lift to a perceived 50% effort was not significantly different from attempting to lift to but not exceed an assigned submaximal load.
Chitin perception in plasmodesmata characterizes submembrane immune-signaling specificity in plants

Significance Plasmodesmata connect the cytoplasm of neighboring plant cells across cell walls. In response to various signals, they open and close to connect and isolate cells. We have found that the plasmodesmal plasma membrane hosts a unique immune-signaling cascade—different from that in the surrounding plasma membrane—which leads to plasmodesmata closure and cell isolation upon chitin perception. This response is mediated by a specific receptor complex, which in turn activates an NADPH oxidase via a specific regulatory module. This work characterizes how a cell can produce a localized and specific response in a discrete membrane domain, identifying that there is microdomain specificity in immune signaling to a single elicitor and that cell-to-cell connections are independently controlled. The plasma membrane (PM) is composed of heterogeneous subdomains, characterized by differences in protein and lipid composition. PM receptors can be dynamically sorted into membrane domains to underpin signaling in response to extracellular stimuli. In plants, the plasmodesmal PM is a discrete microdomain that hosts specific receptors and responses. We exploited the independence of this PM domain to investigate how membrane domains can independently integrate a signal that triggers responses across the cell. Focusing on chitin signaling, we found that responses in the plasmodesmal PM require the LysM receptor kinases LYK4 and LYK5 in addition to LYM2. Chitin induces dynamic changes in the localization, association, or mobility of these receptors, but only LYM2 and LYK4 are detected in the plasmodesmal PM. We further uncovered that chitin-induced production of reactive oxygen species and callose depends on specific signaling events that lead to plasmodesmata closure. Our results demonstrate that distinct membrane domains can integrate a common signal with specific machinery that initiates discrete signaling cascades to produce a localized response.
Freeze-all, for whom, when, and how

Abstract Background: The ‘freeze-all’ practice refers to the cryopreservation of all mature oocytes or viable embryos after ovarian stimulation. The development of the vitrification technique has been crucial to make this approach a reality, since it increases the post-thaw survival rates and permits comparable implantation rates with fresh embryos. Nonetheless, as implantation probabilities are comparable to fresh embryo transfer in normo-responder patients, the freeze- all strategy has demonstrated no benefits overall. Method: Narrative review in which we give an overview of this approach, discuss recent advances in the field, as well as for whom, when and how it is recommended to emply the freeze-all technique. Results: However, there is some clinical evidence that shows its feasibility. Thus, it has been demonstrated that elevation of progesterone at the end of ovarian stimulation decreases the implantation rates after the transfer of day 6 blastocysts in fresh and some uterine pathologies; freeze-all is also the preferred option for patients undergoing pre-implantation genetic testing, since there is an improvement of the results and it allows for inclusion of all blastocysts of the cohort. In high responders, the freeze-all strategy optimizes the response whilst also minimizing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Conclusion: Due to the different cases that a reproductive expert might encounter, it is essential to highlight benefits and drawbacks of this practice.
The early impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the global and Turkish economy

Background/aim Individuals infected by the Covid-19 potentially are at risk of health and economic well-being. Today, the Covid-19 is a global issue, and the world economy can be interpreted as almost at the standstill. In this context, this study aims to discuss the potential first reactions of short and long term global economic impacts of the pandemic through sectors by assessing its costs according to the data announced for both the world and Turkey. In addition, this study tries to put forth possible economic and political scenarios for the post-pandemic world. Materials and methods This is a review article that summarizes the current reports and discussions about the economic consequences of this historical event, and tries to make some inferences considering them. Results This pandemic has severe adverse effects on the employees, customers, supply chains and financial markets, in brief, most probably it will cause a global economic recession. Nevertheless, due to the uncertainty of the end of this pandemic, both the length and scale of this contraction are not predictable. Conclusion It takes a while for the world economy to recover from the contraction. It seems that this pandemic will lead to a permanent shift in the world and its politics, especially in health, security, trade, employment, agriculture, manufacturing goods production and science policies. Since this new world might provide great opportunities for some countries that did not dominate world production before, governments should develop new strategies to adjust the new world order without much delay.
Factors affecting productive herd life, longevity and lifetime calf production traits in Hariana cattle

The present investigation was undertaken on 953 Friswal cows maintained at military dairy farm Meerut over 16 years (1985-2000) to determine the effect of genetic and non-genetic factors on productive herd life, longevity and life time calf production traits. The study revealed that averages of productive herd life (PHL), longevity, total calves born, total normal calves born, total female calves born and selective value were 375±0.09,6.20±0.09 years. 2.91±0.07,2.57±0.06, 1.23±0.04 and 0.92±0.04 respectively. The selective value of 0.92 indicated that each Frieswal cow did not replace herself in the herd. The period of birth, first lactation milk yield (PLMY) and sire ofcow have highly significant effect on all the above traits, whereas age at first calving (AFC) had only significant effect on PHL and total calves born.
A Rare Case of Lupus Vulgaris in a Private Tertiary Health Facility in South-Western Nigeria

Background: Lupus Vulgaris is the most common form of cutaneous tuberculosis. It represents a reactivation of infection in people with moderate to high immunity against mycobacterium tuberculosis. Lesions can develop in all ages, as a collection of discrete, red-brown papules that subsequently coalesce to form an indolent asymptomatic plaque on the affected site. Diagnosis constitutes a major challenge as the most definitive investigative modality, mantoux test is not always positive. Histological examination and initiation of antitubercular therapy usually leads to diagnosis and clinical cure respectively. Objective: We report a case of Lupus Vulgaris of external nose, a rare, underreported and commonly misdiagnosed condition in Nigeria. Case Report Akinola et al.; JAMMR, 27(11): 1-6, 2018; Article no.JAMMR. 44566 2 Case Report: A 13-year-old female presented with proliferative, raised multinodular lesion over the external nose. Clinical features, histopathological examination and a strongly reactive tuberculin skin test were all supportive of a diagnosis of Lupus Vulgaris. Antitubercular therapy (9-month regimen) was started and later followed by serial debridement of necrosed tissue. The lesion significantly resolved.
Kynurenine/Tryptophan Ratio Predicts Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Responsiveness in Patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease

Albuminuria is a measurement and determinant factor for diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) is recommended for albuminuria in DKD with variable response. To find surrogate markers to predict the therapeutic effect of ARB, we carried out a prospective study to correlate plasma metabolites and the progression of renal function/albuminuria in DKD patients. A total of 56 type 2 diabetic patients with various stages of chronic kidney disease and albuminuria were recruited. ARB was prescribed once albuminuria was established. Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) was determined before and six months after ARB treatment, with a ≥30% reduction of UACR considered an ARB responder. Plasma levels of 145 metabolites were measured before ARB treatment; only those associated with albuminuria were selected and compared between ARB responders and non-responders. Both lower tryptophan (Trp ≤ 46.75 μmol/L) levels and a higher kynurenine/tryptophan ratio (KTR ≥ 68.5 × 10−3) were significantly associated with macroalbuminuria (MAU), but only KTR (≥54.7 × 10−3) predicts ARB responsiveness (sensitivity 90.0%, specificity 50%) in MAU. Together, these data suggest that the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio predicts angiotensin receptor blocker responsiveness in patients with diabetic kidney disease.
Mesenchymal stem cells alleviate rat diabetic nephropathy by suppressing CD103+ DCs‐mediated CD8+ T cell responses

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) as a kind of serious microvascular complication of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) usually causes the end‐stage of renal disease (ESRD). Studies have demonstrated that CD103+ dendritic cells (DCs) exhibited a renal pathogenic effect in murine chronic kidney disease (CKD). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can alleviate DN and suppress the DCs maturation. To explore the role of CD103+ DCs and the potential mechanisms underlying MSCs‐mediated protective effects in DN, we used bone marrow MSCs (BM‐MSCs) to treat DN rats. MSCs transplantation considerably recovered kidney function and diminished renal injury, fibrosis and the population of renal CD103+ DCs in DN rat. The MSCs‐treated DN rats had decreased mRNA expression levels of interleukin (IL)1β, IL6, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP‐1) and reduced CD8 T cell infiltration in the kidney. MSCs significantly down‐regulated the genes expression of transcription factors (Basic leucine zipper transcriptional factor ATF‐like 3, Batf3 and DNA‐binding protein inhibitor ID‐2, Id2) and FMS‐like tyrosine kinase‐3 (Flt3) which are necessary for CD103+ DCs development. The protective effect of MSCs may be partly related to their immunosuppression of CD8+ T cell proliferation and activation mediated by CD103+ DCs in the kidney of DN rats.
Genetic analysis of physiochemical traits in chickpea (Cicer arietinum) seeds.

Forty genotypes of chickpea were evaluated to estimate genetic variability, heritability, genetic gain and correlation among physiochemical traits. Significant genotypic differences were revealed for all traits except hydration index. Maximum 100seed weight of 35.7 g was recorded in genotype NCS-0607 and NCS-0529, seed volume of 0.28 mL seed in Flip 02-18C, hydration capacity of 10.37 g seed in Flip 02-36C and swelling capacity of 0.94 mL seed in NCS-0708. The high phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were observed for 100 seed weight, seed volume and hydration capacity i.e., 17.89, 22.02 and 17.82, respectively. High heritability and genetic gain was observed in all characters except hydration index. A positive and significant association of 100-seed weight occurred with seed volume (0.723), with hydration capacity (0.732) and with swelling capacity (0.695). Seed volume showed positive correlation with hydration capacity (0.651) and swelling capacity (0.311). Genotypes Flip 02-63C, NCS-0708, NCS-0529, AZC-06, Punjab-2008, CMC-211S appeared promising based on their phenotypic performance. Selection was based on swelling capacity in small and medium seeded genotypes. Hydration capacity, hydration index and swelling capacity in large seeded genotypes may prove advantageous for improvement of physiochemical traits in chickpea. © 2011 Friends Science Publishers
Artificial Intelligence to Detect Papilledema from Ocular Fundus Photographs.

BACKGROUND Nonophthalmologist physicians do not confidently perform direct ophthalmoscopy. The use of artificial intelligence to detect papilledema and other optic-disk abnormalities from fundus photographs has not been well studied. METHODS We trained, validated, and externally tested a deep-learning system to classify optic disks as being normal or having papilledema or other abnormalities from 15,846 retrospectively collected ocular fundus photographs that had been obtained with pharmacologic pupillary dilation and various digital cameras in persons from multiple ethnic populations. Of these photographs, 14,341 from 19 sites in 11 countries were used for training and validation, and 1505 photographs from 5 other sites were used for external testing. Performance at classifying the optic-disk appearance was evaluated by calculating the area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity, as compared with a reference standard of clinical diagnoses by neuro-ophthalmologists. RESULTS The training and validation data sets from 6779 patients included 14,341 photographs: 9156 of normal disks, 2148 of disks with papilledema, and 3037 of disks with other abnormalities. The percentage classified as being normal ranged across sites from 9.8 to 100%; the percentage classified as having papilledema ranged across sites from zero to 59.5%. In the validation set, the system discriminated disks with papilledema from normal disks and disks with nonpapilledema abnormalities with an AUC of 0.99 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98 to 0.99) and normal from abnormal disks with an AUC of 0.99 (95% CI, 0.99 to 0.99). In the external-testing data set of 1505 photographs, the system had an AUC for the detection of papilledema of 0.96 (95% CI, 0.95 to 0.97), a sensitivity of 96.4% (95% CI, 93.9 to 98.3), and a specificity of 84.7% (95% CI, 82.3 to 87.1). CONCLUSIONS A deep-learning system using fundus photographs with pharmacologically dilated pupils differentiated among optic disks with papilledema, normal disks, and disks with nonpapilledema abnormalities. (Funded by the Singapore National Medical Research Council and the SingHealth Duke-NUS Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program.).
The Complete Chloroplast Genome of Two Important Annual Clover Species, Trifolium alexandrinum and T. resupinatum: Genome Structure, Comparative Analyses and Phylogenetic Relationships with Relatives in Leguminosae

Trifolium L. , which belongs to the IR lacking clade (IRLC), is one of the largest genera in the Leguminosae and contains several economically important fodder species. Here, we present whole chloroplast (cp) genome sequencing and annotation of two important annual grasses, Trifolium alexandrinum (Egyptian clover) and T. resupinatum (Persian clover). Abundant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions/deletions (In/Dels) were discovered between those two species. Global alignment of T. alexandrinum and T. resupinatum to a further thirteen Trifolium species revealed a large amount of rearrangement and repetitive events in these fifteen species. As hypothetical cp open reading frame (ORF) and RNA polymerase subunits, ycf1 and rpoC2 in the cp genomes both contain vast repetitive sequences and observed high Pi values (0.7008, 0.3982) between T. alexandrinum and T. resupinatum. Thus they could be considered as the candidate genes for phylogenetic analysis of Trifolium species. In addition, the divergence time of those IR lacking Trifolium species ranged from 84.8505 Mya to 4.7720 Mya. This study will provide insight into the evolution of Trifolium species.
Supplementation of Underfed Twin-Bearing Ewes with Herbal Vitamins C and E: Impacts on Birth Weight, Postnatal Growth, and Pre-Weaning Survival of the Lambs

Simple Summary In twin-bearing ewes, undernourishment during pregnancy lowers the birth weight and increases morbidity and mortality of lambs. One of the causes is oxidative stress, which can be prevented by supplementing antioxidant vitamins. In the present study we tested the effect of supplementation with herbal vitamins C and E alone or in combination with concentrate on pregnancy outcomes and growth and survival of lambs during early postnatal stages (lactation). The results showed that vitamin supplementation increased offspring birth weight and antioxidant capacity, with a trend towards higher body weight (BW) at weaning. Nutritional supplementation only had a positive effect on birth weight, meanwhile combined supplementation of vitamins and concentrate improves the lamb response. Lambs’ survival was not affected by the treatment, although absolute values of survival were higher in vitamin-treated groups. It is concluded that supplementation with herbal vitamins C and E alone or in combination with concentrate during pregnancy may constitute a good nutritional strategy to improve productivity in sheep herds reared in harsh environmental conditions. Abstract Twin-bearing pregnancies of sheep reared in harsh environmental conditions result in maternal undernutrition and feto-maternal oxidative stress, leading to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). We assessed the efficiency of supplementation with antioxidant herbal vitamins C and E alone or in combination with concentrate throughout gestation on pregnancy outcomes, pre-weaning growth, and survival of twin lambs from grazing ewes at the Magellan Steppe. Four groups (n = 30 each) of twin-bearing ewes received a base natural prairie (P) diet, supplemented with either herbal vitamins C 500 mg and E 350 IU per day (V) or concentrated food (S); groups were: P, P + V, P + S, and P + VS. Vitamins and concentrate were supplemented until parturition. At birth, lambs were weighed, and blood was drawn for total antioxidant capacity (TAC) evaluation. Lamb body weight (BW) and survival rate were evaluated at mid-lactation (60 days) and at weaning (120 days). Vitamin supplementation resulted in increased lamb birth weight and TAC, with a trend towards higher BW at weaning, while nutritional supplementation only had a positive effect on birth weight. Lamb survival was higher in both vitamin supplemented groups. In conclusion, supplementation with herbal vitamins C and E alone or in combination with concentrate food during pregnancy may constitute a good nutritional strategy for sheep reared in harsh environmental conditions.
The effect of nasal and oral breathing on airway collapsibility in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: Computational fluid dynamics analyses

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of breathing route on the collapsibility of the pharyngeal airway in patients with obstructive sleep apnea by using computational fluid dynamics technology. Methods This study examined Japanese men with obstructive sleep apnea. Computed tomography scans of the nose and pharynx were taken during nasal breathing with closed mouth, nasal breathing with open mouth, and oral breathing while they were awake. Three-dimensional reconstructed stereolithography models and digital unstructured grid models were created and airflow simulations were performed using computational fluid dynamics software. Results Airflow velocity was significantly higher during oral breathing than during nasal breathing with open or closed mouth. No significant difference in maximum velocity was noted between nasal breathing with closed and open mouth. However, airflow during nasal breathing with open mouth was slow but rapidly sped up at the lower level of the velopharynx, and then spread and became a disturbed, unsteady stream. In contrast, airflow during nasal breathing with closed mouth gradually sped up at the oropharyngeal level without spreading or disturbance. Negative static pressure during oral breathing was significantly decreased; however, there were no significant differences between nasal breathing with closed or open mouth. Conclusions Computational fluid dynamics results during nasal and oral breathing revealed that oral breathing is the primary condition leading to pharyngeal airway collapse based on the concept of the Starling Resistor model. Airflow throughout the entirety of the breathing route was smoother during nasal breathing with closed mouth than that with open mouth.
Emergence of Novel Coronavirus and COVID-19: whether to stay or die out?

Abstract The last century has witnessed several assaults from RNA viruses, resulting in millions of death throughout the world. The 21st century appears no longer an exception, with the trend continued with escalated fear of SARS coronavirus in 2002 and further concern of influenza H5N1 in 2003. A novel influenza virus created the first pandemic of the 21st century, the pandemic flu in 2009 preceded with the emergence of another deadly virus, MERS-CoV in 2012. A novel coronavirus “SARS-CoV-2” (and the disease COVID-19) emerged suddenly, causing a rapid outbreak with a moderate case fatality rate. This virus is continuing to cause health care providers grave concern due to the lack of any existing immunity in the human population, indicating their novelty and lack of previous exposure. The big question is whether this novel virus will be establishing itself in an endemic form or will it eventually die out? Endemic viruses during circulation may acquire mutations to infect naïve, as well as individual with pre-existing immunity. Continuous monitoring is strongly advisable, not only to the newly infected individuals, but also to those recovered individuals who were infected by SARS-CoV-2 as re-infection may lead to the selection of escape mutants and subsequent dissemination to the population.