Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parasitic manipulation or side effects? The effects of past Toxoplasma and Borrelia infections on human personality and cognitive performance are not mediated by impaired health

Bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi s. l. and even more the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii are known to affect the behavior of their animal and human hosts. Both pathogens infect a significant fraction of human population, and both survive in the host's body for a long time. The resulting latent infections used to be considered clinically asymptomatic. In the last decade, however, numerous studies have shown that this view may be wrong and both infections can have various adverse effects on human health. Their specific behavioral effects may thus be merely side effects of the general impairment of patients' health. We tested this hypothesis on a cohort of 7,762 members of internet population using a two-hour-long survey consisting of a panel of questionnaires and performance tests. Our findings confirmed that subjects infected with Toxoplasma were in worse physical and mental health and those infected with Borrelia were in worse physical health than corresponding controls. The infected and noninfected subjects also differed in several personality traits (conscientiousness, pathogen disgust, injury disgust, Machiavellianism, narcissism, tribalism, anti-authoritarianism, intelligence, reaction time, and precision). Majority of the behavioral effects associated with Borrelia infection were the same as those associated with Toxoplasma infection, but some dramatically differed (e.g., performance in the Stroop test). Path analyses and nonparametric partial Kendall correlation tests showed that these effects were not mediated by impaired health of the infected individuals. The results thus contradict predictions of the side effects hypothesis.
On nonparametric density estimation at the boundary

Boundary effects are well known to occur in nonparametric density estimation when the support of the density has a finite endpoint. The usual kernel density estimators require modifications when estimating the density near endpoints of the support. In this paper, we propose a new and intuitive method of removing boundary effects in density estimation. Our idea, which replaces the unwanted terms in the bias expansion by their estimators, offers new ways of constructing boundary kernels and optimal endpoint kernels. We also discuss the choice of bandwidth variation functions at the boundary region. The performance of our results are numerically analyzed in a Monte Carlo study.
Newton’s Method Techniques for Singular Perturbations

In this paper, existence and uniqueness of solutions to several classes of singularly perturbed initial value and boundary value problems are proven by use of Newton’s method. Asymptotic expansions of solutions to some of these problems are developed and analyzed, and proof of their asymptotic correctness is shown based on Newton’s method. As a by-product some numerical algorithms for these solutions are obtained.
Integrability and singularity structure of predator‐prey system

The ‘‘extended’’ ARS (Ablowitz, Ramani, and Segur) algorithm is introduced to characterize a dynamical system as Painleve or otherwise; to that end, it is required that the formal series—the Laurent series, logarithmic, algebraic psi series about a movable singularity—are shown to converge in the deleted neighborhood of the singularity. The determinations thus obtained are compared with those following from the α method of Painleve. An attempt is made to relate the structure of solutions about a movable singularity with that of first integrals (when they exist). All these ideas are illustrated by a comprehensive analysis of the general two‐dimensional predator‐prey system.
The complete chloroplast genome of Pseudotsuga sinensis, a China endemic species

Abstract In this study, we collected plant material from Pseudotsuga sinensis in Guizhou, China, and sequenced it. The complete chloroplast genome consisted of 122,243 bp, including a large single-copy (LSC) region, a small single-copy (SSC) region, and two inverted repeat regions like those in P. sinensis var. wilsoniana. The GC content of P. sinensis and P. sinensis var. wilsoniana are 38.7% and 38.8%, respectively. The reconstructed phylogenetic tree reveals that P. sinensis was a sister species to P. sinensis var. wilsoniana. Hence, the availability of the chloroplast genome of P. sinensis will promote further phylogenetic studies of the family Pinaceae.
Medial temporal tau predicts memory decline in cognitively unimpaired elderly

Abstract Alzheimer’s disease can be detected in living people using in vivo biomarkers of amyloid-β and tau, even in the absence of cognitive impairment during the preclinical phase. [18F]-MK-6420 is a high-affinity PET tracer that quantifies tau neurofibrillary tangles, but its ability to predict cognitive changes associated with early Alzheimer’s disease symptoms, such as memory decline, is unclear. Here, we assess the prognostic accuracy of baseline [18F]-MK-6420 tau-PET for predicting longitudinal memory decline in asymptomatic elderly individuals. In a longitudinal observational study, we evaluated a cohort of cognitively normal elderly participants (n = 111) from the translational biomarkers in ageing and dementia study (data collected between October 2017 and July 2020, with a follow-up period of 12 months). All participants underwent tau-PET with [18F]-MK-6420 and amyloid-β PET with [18F]-AZD-4694. The exclusion criteria included the presence of head trauma, stroke or other neurological disorders. There were 111 eligible participants selected based on the availability of amyloid-β PET, tau-PET, MRI and APOEɛ4 genotyping. Among these participants, the mean standard deviation age was 70.1 (8.6) years; 20 (18%) were tau-PET-positive and 71 of 111 (63.9%) were women. A significant association between the baseline Braak Stages I–II [18F]-MK-6240 standardized uptake value ratio positivity and change in composite memory score were observed at the 12-month follow-up, after correcting for age, sex and years of education [logical memory and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, standardized beta = −0.52 (−0.82–0.21), P < 0.001, for dichotomized tau-PET and −1.22 (−1.84−(−0.61)], P < 0.0001, for continuous tau-PET]. Moderate cognitive decline was observed for A + T + over the follow-up period, whereas no significant change was observed for A−T+, A + T- and A-T-, although it should be noted that the A−T + group was small. Our results indicate that baseline tau neurofibrillary tangle pathology is associated with longitudinal changes in memory function, supporting the use of [18F]-MK-6420 PET to predict the likelihood of asymptomatic elderly individuals experiencing future memory decline. Overall, [18F]-MK-6420 PET is a promising tool for predicting memory decline in older adults without cognitive impairment at baseline. This is of critical relevance as the field is shifting towards a biological model of Alzheimer’s disease defined by the aggregation of pathologic tau. Therefore, early detection of tau pathology using [18F]-MK-6420 PET provides us with hope that living patients with Alzheimer’s disease may be diagnosed during the preclinical phase before it is too late.
Tertiary lymphoid structures in desmoplastic melanoma have increased lymphocyte density, lymphocyte proliferation, and immune cross talk with tumor when compared to non-desmoplastic melanomas

ABSTRACT Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are ectopic lymphoid structures that can arise in human cancers and are associated with improved overall survival (OS) and response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in several cancers, including non-desmoplastic metastatic melanoma (NDMM). Desmoplastic melanoma (DM) has one of the highest response rates to ICB, and we previously identified that primary DM (PDM) contains TLS. Despite the association of TLS with survival and ICB response, it is unknown whether TLS or associated markers of immune activity can differ between PDM and NDMM. We hypothesized that PDM would contain higher frequencies of TLS than NDMM, that T and B-cell densities and proliferation would be greater in TLS of PDM than TLS of NDMM, and that proliferation rates of T and B-cells in PDM TLS would be concordant with those of intratumoral lymphocytes. We found that four features of TLS in PDM distinguish them from TLS in NDMM. TLS were peritumoral in NDMM but intratumoral in PDM. CD8+ T-cell and CD20+ B-cell densities and proliferative fractions were higher in PDM TLS than NDMM TLS. Additionally, the proliferative fractions of T- and B-cells were concordant between the TLS and tumor site in PDM and discordant in NDMM. Collectively, these data suggest that TLS and associated immune markers can differ across melanoma subsets and suggest that PDM TLS may be more immunologically active and have enhanced immune cell trafficking between tumor and TLS compared to NDMM.
Selective Inhibition of Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinases 1 and 2: When Less Is More

Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disease, affecting ~300 million people globally, both children and adults, and its prevalence keeps increasing (1). Asthma exacerbations are often severe, and asthma control has become a major public health issue. Asthma pathophysiology is complex, involving airway inflammation, mucus production, bronchoconstriction, airway hyperresponsiveness, and airway remodeling (2). The current therapeutic strategies for asthmamanagement are focused mainly on inhibiting bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation. Among pharmacological options, b-agonists are the drug of choice for evoking bronchorelaxation to reverse an acute asthma attack or for providing bronchoprotection when combined with an inhaled corticosteroid as maintenance therapy (2, 3). Other therapeutic approaches include anti–cysteinyl leukotriene receptors, antimuscarinic acetylcholine receptors, and anti–type 2 inflammation immunotherapy (4). However, evidence suggests that the effectiveness of these drugs in preventing or reversing airway remodeling is limited. The ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2) signaling pathway plays multiple roles in the pathogenesis of asthma, such as T-helper cell type 2 polarization, smooth muscle cell and immune cell proliferation, epithelial cell chemokine production, and airway remodeling (5). Increased phosphorylated ERK1/2 was detected in epithelial cells and a-smooth muscle cells from patients with asthma, and expression of ERK1/2–inducible proteins JunB, sprout-2, and c-Fos were also significantly increased in airway tissue from patients with asthma (6, 7). Hence, inhibiting ERK1/2 activity seems to be a potential therapeutic method for alleviating cellular hyperplasia, tissue remodeling, and other asthma features.
Spot evolution on LQ Hya from 2006–2017: temperature maps based on SOFIN and FIES data

Context. LQ Hya is one of the most frequently studied young solar analogue stars. Recently, it has been observed to show intriguing behaviour when analysing long-term photometry. For instance, from 2003–2009, a coherent spot structure migrating in the rotational frame was reported by various authors. However, ever since, the star has entered a chaotic state where coherent structures seem to have disappeared and rapid phase jumps of the photometric minima occur irregularly over time. Aims. LQ Hya is one of the stars included in the SOFIN/FIES long-term monitoring campaign extending over 25 yr. Here, we publish new temperature maps for the star during 2006–2017, covering the chaotic state of the star. Methods. We used a Doppler imaging technique to derive surface temperature maps from high-resolution spectra. Results. From the mean temperatures of the Doppler maps, we see a weak but systematic increase in the surface temperature of the star. This is consistent with the simultaneously increasing photometric magnitude. During nearly all observing seasons, we see a high-latitude spot structure which is clearly non-axisymmetric. The phase behaviour of this structure is very chaotic but agrees reasonably well with the photometry. Equatorial spots are also frequently seen, but we interpret many of them to be artefacts due to the poor to moderate phase coverage. Conclusions. Even during the chaotic phase of the star, the spot topology has remained very similar to the higher activity epochs with more coherent and long-lived spot structures. In particular, we see high-latitude and equatorial spot activity, the mid latitude range still being most often void of spots. We interpret the erratic jumps and drifts in phase of the photometric minima to be caused by changes in the high-latitude spot structure rather than the equatorial spots.
Implementation of the Learning Circle: Local Food to School Initiative in the Island Communities of Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada—a Descriptive Case Study

ABSTRACT Background Indigenous communities in Canada are concerned about long-term food sovereignty and the reclamation of traditional food-related skills among their people. Learning Circles: Local Food to School (LF2S) was an innovative community-based project that worked to promote multisectoral partnerships, focused on food. Guided by a facilitator, the Learning Circle (LC) brought together interested community members to plan and implement activities aimed at enhancing access to local, healthy, and traditional foods for school communities. Objectives The article describes the context, process, and food-related outcomes of the LC in Haida Gwaii (HG), British Columbia, Canada and evaluates perceptions of the transition in local food systems, food literacy, and community capacity associated with the LC. Methods The sources that were gathered between 2016 and 2018 included annual semidirected interviews with community members and the Learning Circle Coordinator (LCC) (n = 24), process reporting (e.g., reports, conference calls, food sourcing and tracking data) (n = 62 documents), and photographs (n = 75). Data were analyzed thematically. Results HG has a rich food environment and a vibrant local and traditional food culture. A variety of local food-related activities had been taking place before the launch of the LC in 2013, and by 2016 the initiative was firmly established. Between 2016 and 2019, activities in HG focused on schools (e.g., sourcing local, healthy food and developing traditional skills through schools) and pioneering local food pantries. Participants valued increased access to local and traditional foods and opportunities to build youth knowledge and skills. Noted successes of the LC process included transitioning to Haida leadership and fostering relationships. Conclusions The inherent flexibility of the LC model means that communities can prioritize activities of interest. The evolution of the LC model in HG is an inspiration for other communities working to enhance food sovereignty.
Further Analyses of Laminar Flow Heat Transfer in Circular Sector Ducts

Heat transfer in circular sector ducts is often encountered in multipassage tubes. Certain flow characteristics of circular sector ducts for apex angles up to {pi} have been determined as documented by Shah and London (1978). Recently, Lei and Trupp (1989) have more completely analyzed the flow characteristics of fully developed laminar flow for apex angles up to 2{pi}, including the location of the maximum velocity. Heat transfer results of fully developed laminar flow in circular sector ducts are also available for certain boundary conditions. Trupp and Lau (1984) numerically determined the average Nusselt number (Nu{sub T}) for isothermal walls. Eckert et al. (1958) initially derived an analytical expression for the temperature profile for the case of H1. Sparrow and Haji-angles up to {pi}. However, the above work required numerical integration (or equivalent) to obtain a value for Nu{sub H1}. Regarding the H1{sub ad} boundary condition, Date (1974) numerically obtained a limiting value of Nu{sub H1}{sub ad} for the semicircular duct from the prediction of circular tubes containing a twisted tape (straight and nonconducting tape). Hong and Bergles (1976) also reported an asymptotic value of Nu{sub H1}{sub ad} for the semicircular duct from their entrance region solution. Otherwise it appears thatmore » there are no published analytical results of Nu{sub H1}{sub ad} for circular sector ducts. The purpose of this technical note is to communicate these results. In addition, a novel series expression for Nu{sub H1} is presented together with results for apex angles up to 2{pi}. « less
Intraocular Pressure Elevation After Posterior Subtenon Triamcinolone Acetonide Injection in Pediatric Non-Infectious Uveitis

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to evaluate non-infectious pediatric uveitis patients developing elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and glaucoma following posterior subtenon triamcinolone acetonide (PSTA) injection. Methods: The data of 26 pediatric (<18 years) patients with active uveitis were retrospectively evaluated. Exclusion criteria were patients with a previous IOP >21 mmHg and previous subtenon or intraocular steroid injection. The IOP values of the patients before and after the PSTA injection and the treatments administered were recorded. Results: PSTA injection was used in a total of 40 eyes. The mean IOP was 14.0±2.3 (12–19) mmHg before PSTA. The IOP was elevated (≥21 mmHg) in 19 eyes (48%) after PSTA with a mean IOP of 32.9±11.7 mmHg (22–55). The mean interval time to IOP elevation was 3.3±1.9 weeks (1–8). The IOP was controlled in 15 eyes (79%) with topical anti-glaucomatous and these patients were considered as having transient IOP elevation. Trabeculectomy with mitomycin C was required in 4 eyes (21%) in whom the IOP could not be controlled despite the use of maximum topical medication and oral acetazolamide at a mean duration of 9.7±3.6 months (4–19). Subtenon deposit excision was performed in 2 eyes (11%). The mean IOP at the last follow-up was 16.0±2.4 mmHg (12–20). Conclusion: In our study, an IOP elevation rate as high as 47% was found in pediatric non-infectious uveitis patients following only a single PSTA injection. Steroid-induced IOP elevation and resistant glaucoma can develop even after the first PSTA administration in pediatric uveitis. Filtration surgery and the excision of subtenon triamcinolone deposits, when present, are important in glaucoma management. The risk/benefit ratio must be carefully considered when administering steroid injections to children with uveitis.
A mixed-methods analysis of the role of online social support to promote psychological wellbeing in new mothers

Objective Perinatal mental health problems affect between 1 in 3 and 1 in 10 women globally. Using social media could offer helpful support to new mothers to mitigate this. This research examines the impact of online social support on parental stress, and the mediating effect of maternal wellbeing. The goal is to improve understanding of how to optimise online maternal support to improve anxiety and reduce long-term stress for mother and child. Design A mixed-methods, convergent parallel design (QUANT-QUAL) is adopted to facilitate examination of the complex association between constructs. Methods A Qualtrics online survey was administered via social media to mothers of children under two (n = 151). Quantitative multiple regression analyses assessed perceptions of online social support overall and in separate domains (Social Networking Sites Usage and Needs Scale) as a predictor of parental stress (Parental Stress Scale) and the potential mediation effect of mental wellbeing (Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale). Purposely designed survey open-text questions allowed participants to describe the detail and impact of online support experiences and common stresses and formed the basis of a qualitative reflexive thematic analysis examining online support and maternal mental health. Results Mixed-method findings indicate that mothers perceiving more value in online support have higher stress levels and lower wellbeing than others. Mental wellbeing was a partial mediator of the relationship between online support and parental stress. Non-significant statistical effects were reinforced by qualitative themes indicating online support provided safe guidance, peer solidarity and parenting escape. Conclusions Maternal online support was predominantly used to cope with high stress, explaining positive stress correlations. Statistically, online coping strategies contributed little to mental wellbeing. Nevertheless, online support was regarded as a valuable and reassuring tool by some participants. Health professionals could improve perinatal anxiety coping by facilitating quality online support networks.
An evaluation of clinical psychology input into burns multidisciplinary follow-up clinics

Introduction Research highlights the complex psychological needs that patients and their families can face following a burn injury, regardless of the objective severity of the injury and often beyond the timeframe of physical healing. Identification of psychological needs at different stages post-burn recovery is therefore a key role of clinical psychologists working in burn care services. Method This paper presents audit data collected across a two-year period in routine paediatric and adult multidisciplinary team follow-up clinics in a UK burns service. 808 clinical contacts (331 adults, 477 paediatrics) were recorded. Data gathered related to the identification of patient and/or family psychological need and the level of psychology input within clinic. Results For 43% of adult patients and 46% of paediatric patients seen in clinic, some degree of psychological need for the patient and/or family was identified during the consultation. A large majority of concerns related directly to the burn injury. This is consistent with previous research into the psychological impact of burns. Even for patients with no identified psychological needs, psychology presence enabled the opportunity for brief screening, preventative advice or signposting to take place during clinic. Discussion A substantial number of individuals and families presented with some level of psychological concern in relation to a burn injury when attending burns multidisciplinary team follow-up clinics. Conclusion A substantial number of patients and families presented with psychological needs in relation to a burn injury when attending burns MDT follow-up clinics. The presence of Clinical Psychologists at burns MDT follow-up clinics is beneficial for the identification of burns and non-burns related psychological concerns and is a valuable use of psychological resources within a burns service. Lay Summary The Regional Burns Centre holds regular outpatient scar clinics to monitor recovery and healing. As well as the medical professionals, the clinics are joined by Clinical Psychologists who can assess, refer, and support individuals struggling with their burn or scarring on a mental level. Over 15 months, data was collected about patients attending the clinics and the involvement of the psychologists. 43% of adult patients and 46% of paediatric patients were identified as having some psychological need, either related to their burn or to other aspects of their life. This demonstrates the benefits of having psychology presence within scar clinics, as nearly half of the patients seen in clinic received an assessment and further support (such as signposting and referrals to psychological support). Burns staff also felt that psychology presence enhanced conversations and increased collaboration with decision making around treatment.