Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exercise and Interorgan Communication: Short-Term Exercise Training Blunts Differences in Consecutive Daily Urine 1H-NMR Metabolomic Signatures between Physically Active and Inactive Individuals

Physical inactivity is a worldwide health problem, an important risk for global mortality and is associated with chronic noncommunicable diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the differences in systemic urine 1H-NMR metabolomes between physically active and inactive healthy young males enrolled in the X-Adapt project in response to controlled exercise (before and after the 3-day exercise testing and 10-day training protocol) in normoxic (21% O2), normobaric (~1000 hPa) and normal-temperature (23 °C) conditions at 1 h of 50% maximal pedaling power output (Wpeak) per day. Interrogation of the exercise database established from past X-Adapt results showed that significant multivariate differences existed in physiological traits between trained and untrained groups before and after training sessions and were mirrored in significant differences in urine pH, salinity, total dissolved solids and conductivity. Cholate, tartrate, cadaverine, lysine and N6-acetyllisine were the most important metabolites distinguishing trained and untrained groups. The relatively little effort of 1 h 50% Wpeak per day invested by the untrained effectively modified their resting urine metabolome into one indistinguishable from the trained group, which hence provides a good basis for the planning of future recommendations for health maintenance in adults, irrespective of the starting fitness value. Finally, the 3-day sessions of morning urine samples represent a good candidate biological matrix for future delineations of active and inactive lifestyles detecting differences unobservable by single-day sampling due to day-to-day variability.
Nail Changes in COVID-19: A Cross Sectional Study From India

Background: Various nail manifestations have been reported with COVID-19; mostly in the form of isolated reports. Objective: This cross-sectional study was carried out to assess nail changes in hospitalized patients with moderate to severe COVID-19. Methods: Nail findings in 43 adults being treated for COVID-19, were evaluated after obtaining informed written consent. Nail changes involving fingernails and toenails were documented as new-onset or pre-existing changes. Disease status, hematological and biochemical tests, inflammatory markers, treatment administered and outcomes were also recorded. The frequency of changes in fingernails and toenails were statistically compared. Results: The red half-moon sign (32.5%) and nail bed erythema (34.8%) were the commonest changes seen in fingernails; while apparent leukonychia (46.5%) and distal brown discoloration (51.1%) were commonest changes in toenails. The difference in frequency of changes seen between fingernails and toenails was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Nail changes correlated with systemic involvement in these patients. Limitations: Single-center evaluation in a limited number of patients, without using augmented examination techniques like onychoscopy, nail fold capillaroscopy, or fluoroscence. Those with less severe disease or with rapid fatality could not be studied. Conclusion: Nail changes in COVID-19 are common and reflect the systemic nature of illness, being a harbinger of underlying complications.
Seasonal Variations of Spodoptera frugiperda Host Plant Diversity and Parasitoid Complex in Southern and Central Benin

Simple Summary The detection of fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in 2016 attacking maize fields in central and west Africa indicated the need to increase the knowledge on the pest host plants and natural enemies adapting to it. A field survey was conducted for two years (from June 2018 to January 2020) to determine host plant and parasitoid records variations across seasons (maize growing and off-seasons) in selected sites in southern and central Benin. A total of eleven new host plant species were reported for the first time, including grasses. The survey revealed seven parasitoid species belonging to four families, namely Platygastridae, Braconidae, Ichneumonidae and Tachinidae, associated with FAW on maize and alternative host plants. The most abundant parasitoid species found was the egg parasitoid Telenomus remus (Nixon) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae). The study provides crucial information for understanding the bioecology of the pest and for its long-term management using natural enemies. Abstract Fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was recorded for the first time in 2016 attacking maize fields in central and west Africa. Soon after, several other regions and countries have reported the pest in almost the entire sub-Saharan Africa. In the present study, we assumed that (i) a variety of alternative plant species host FAW, especially during maize off-season, (ii) a wide range of local parasitoids have adapted to FAW and (iii) parasitoid species composition and abundance vary across seasons. During a two-year survey (from June 2018 to January 2020), parasitoids and alternative host plants were identified from maize and vegetable production sites, along streams and lowlands, on garbage dumps and old maize fields in southern and partly in the central part of Benin during both maize growing- and off-season. A total of eleven new host plant species were reported for the first time, including Cymbopogon citratus (de Candolle) Stapf (cultivated lemon grass), Bulbostylis coleotricha (A. Richard) Clarke and Pennisetum macrourum von Trinius (wild). The survey revealed seven parasitoid species belonging to four families, namely Platygastridae, Braconidae, Ichneumonidae, and Tachinidae associated with FAW on maize and alternative host plants. The most abundant parasitoid species across seasons was the egg parasitoid Telenomus remus (Nixon) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae). These findings demonstrate FAW capability to be active during the maize off-season in the selected agro-ecologies and provide baseline information for classical and augmentative biocontrol efforts.
Speckled Pigmentation in Nevus Depigmentosus-An Unfamiliar Concurrence

© 2022 Indian Dermatology Online Journal | Published by Wolters Kluwer Medknow Nevus depigmentosus (ND) is a relatively rare congenital disorder presenting with hypopigmented macules and patches as a result of functionally defective melanocytes and abnormal melanosomes. Clinically, three variants have been described. A localized variant has a single localized hypopigmented macule or patch with serrated borders. The segmental variant has a block‐like distribution of hypopigmented lesions without crossing the midline. Systematized/linear/whorled variant is associated with seizures, hemihypertrophy, mental retardation, yellow hair, or atopic dermatitis. [1] Herein, we report a rare presentation of ND with speckled pigmentation in the entire patch.
The Influence of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Shooting Performance in Elite Deaflympic Athletes: A Case Series

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to improve motor learning in numerous studies. However, only a few of these studies have been conducted on elite-level performers or in complex motor tasks that have been practiced extensively. The purpose was to determine the influence of tDCS applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on motor learning over multiple days on 10-m air rifle shooting performance in elite Deaflympic athletes. Two male and two female elite Deaflympic athletes (World, European, and National medalists) participated in this case series. The study utilized a randomized, double-blind, SHAM-controlled, cross-over design. Anodal tDCS or SHAM stimulation was applied to the left DLPFC for 25 min with a current strength of 2 mA concurrent with three days of standard shooting practice sessions. Shooting performance was quantified as the points and the endpoint error. Separate 2 Condition (DLPFC-tDCS, SHAM) × 3 Day (1,2,3) within-subjects ANOVAs revealed no significant main effects or interactions for either points or endpoint error. These results indicate that DLPFC-tDCS applied over multiple days does not improve shooting performance in elite athletes. Different stimulation parameters or very long-term (weeks/months) application of tDCS may be needed to improve motor learning in elite athletes.
Radiation Use Efficiency and Agronomic Performance of Biomass Sorghum under Different Sowing Dates

Accurate estimation of radiation use efficiency (RUE) at variable timed sowing dates will enhance the prediction of plant dry matter accumulation. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the impact of three sowing dates on the productivity, performance, and economic feasibility of three biomass sorghum hybrids and (2) evaluate the variability of RUE in the production of biomass sorghum under the effects of variable timed sowing dates. Over a two-year experiment, biomass sorghum hybrids were grown and monitored at different sowing seasons under optimal growth conditions. Average dry biomass (DB) productivity at harvest ranged from 22.71 to 32.77 Mg ha−1. Higher leaf area index (LAI) values (>4.0) represented an intercept of over 95% of incident photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). RUE obtained from the slope of the linear relationship between DB produced and accumulated intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR) ranged from 2.92 to 4.157 g MJ−1 across growing seasons. Higher RUE values were observed for the energy hybrids in the early and mid-season. They converted IPAR efficiently into DB. Lastly, the economic feasibility of each sorghum hybrid and sowing date was evaluated in terms of their expected net returns. Economic results suggest that the sorghum hybrids considered could be a viable source of biomass season long, with net returns ranging from USD 560.55 ha−1 to USD 1255.06 ha−1.
The effects of hypoxia-inducible factors-1α and -2α and erythroferrone on hepcidin in patients with chronic kidney disease stages 3–5 and renal anemia

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α), and erythroferrone (ERFE) on hepcidin in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3–5 and renal anemia. Methods A total of 90 patients with CKD stages 3–5 and renal anemia were selected for the study at the Nephrology Department of Fujian Provincial People’s Hospital and divided into three groups, according to CKD stage, while another 30 healthy subjects who underwent a physical examination at the hospital during the same period were selected as the normal group. The serum levels of hepcidin, HIF-1α, HIF-2α, ERFE, and furin were measured using an avidin biotin peroxidase complex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to compare the differences between the groups in the related indicators. Results ① Serum HIF-2α, HIF-1α, ERFE, and furin levels increased gradually in the patients with CKD stages 3–5 (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). ②Simple correlation analysis:Serum hepcidin was positively correlated with HIF-2α, ERFE, and HIF-1α in the CKD patients (p < 0.01). ③Serum hepcidin was positively correlated with HIF-2α, HIF-1α, and ERFE in the CKD patients injected with erythropoietin (EPO) (p < 0.01), while serum hepcidin was positively correlated with HIF-2α and HIF-1α (p < 0.01) in the patients not injected with EPO. ④ Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that HIF-1α, (β = 4.36, p < 0.01), serum ferritin(SF) (β = 0.13, p < 0.01), and HIF-2α (β = 0.66, p < 0.01) were significantly correlated with hepcidin. Conclusion HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and SF are factors which have an effect on hepcidin in patients with CKD stages 3–5 and renal anemia. The increase of HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and ERFE does not seem to inhibit the increase of hepcidin.
Detection of Low MAP Shedder Prevalence in Large Free-Stall Dairy Herds by Repeated Testing of Environmental Samples and Pooled Milk Samples

Simple Summary Paratuberculosis is a disease which affects ruminants worldwide. Many countries have implemented certification and monitoring systems to control the disease, particularly in dairy herds. Monitoring herds certified as paratuberculosis non-suspect is an important component of paratuberculosis herd certification programs. The challenge is to detect the introduction or reintroduction of the infectious agent as early as possible with reasonable efforts but high certainty. In our study, we evaluated different low-cost testing schemes in herds where the share of infected animals was low, resulting in a low within-herd prevalence of animals shedding the bacteria that causes paratuberculosis in their feces. The test methods used were repeated pooled milk samples and fecal samples from the barn environment. Our study showed that numerous repetitions of different samples are necessary to monitor such herds with sufficiently high certainty. In the case of herds with a very low prevalence, our study showed that a combination of different sampling approaches is required. Abstract An easy-to-use and affordable surveillance system is crucial for paratuberculosis control. The use of environmental samples and milk pools has been proven to be effective for the detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP)-infected herds, but not for monitoring dairy herds certified as MAP non-suspect. We aimed to evaluate methods for the repeated testing of large dairy herds with a very low prevalence of MAP shedders, using different sets of environmental samples or pooled milk samples, collected monthly over a period of one year in 36 herds with known MAP shedder prevalence. Environmental samples were analyzed by bacterial culture and fecal PCR, and pools of 25 and 50 individual milk samples were analyzed by ELISA for MAP-specific antibodies. We estimated the cumulative sensitivity and specificity for up to twelve sampling events by adapting a Bayesian latent class model and taking into account the between- and within-test correlation. Our study revealed that at least seven repeated samplings of feces from the barn environment are necessary to achieve a sensitivity of 95% in herds with a within-herd shedder prevalence of at least 2%. The detection of herds with a prevalence of less than 2% is more challenging and, in addition to numerous repetitions, requires a combination of different samples.
Child Labor in the United States

The icon of the exploited child is as much a product of the industrial age as the steam engine. Both the protest against child labor and the scholarship that studies it have intently axed upon the miseries of children in factories. Although curiously silent about children on the farm, both reformers and scholars question economies that send the young to work in mills and mines; the villains in the story are often the same—industrial capitalism, employers who abuse child workers, and the poverty or greed that urges some parents to compel sons and daughters to work. Beyond these factors lies another, more nettlesome yet. Did certain ethnic groups’ cultures sanction the exploitation of children? Despite scholarly and reformist axation on the factory, child labor has always been more extensive and normative in preindustrial than industrial societies. In traditional cultures, children and parents consider such labor to be acceptable and commendable. It is equally clear that children continue to work after they have been removed from the factory; the small head bent, often unhappily, over the school desk appears only marginally less
Fragmentation of Healthcare Services as a Possible Determinant of the Low Completion for the Tuberculosis Cascade of Prevention among Asylum Seekers: Results from a Prospective Study with Historical Comparison

Abstract Background: Effective screening for tuberculosis infection (TBI) among asylum seekers (AS) is crucial for tuberculosis (TB) elimination in low incidence countries. Methods: We assessed the proportion of completion of the screening for TBI among asylum seekers with a centralized delivery method compared to the decentralized model previously adopted in the study area (historical control). In the historical model (January 2017 to May 2018) screening of AS was performed at the arrival offering TBI testing (TST followed by IGRA among those positive), radiological investigation, treatment initiation and hospital referral, if needed, at three sites: migrant health clinic, pneumology clinic and infectious diseases department for active disease (decentralized model). In the study model (June 2018, centralized) all steps of screening were performed at a single site, at a minimum of 6 months after arrival. Multivariable Poisson regression analysis, with robust variance, was used to assess variables associated with the completion of screening for infection. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the diagnosis of TB infection. Results: The intervention approach was offered to 144 AS with an overall 98.6% proportion of completion (98.7% for those with a positive TST). In the historical screening model, 1192 AS were candidates for screening, which was completed by 74.5% of those who started it (44.7% for those resulted TST positive). Major losses (55%) were detected in the TST/CXR-IGRA sequential step, followed by the execution of TST test (25%). The ratio of screening completion was significantly higher in the intervention period (aIRR 1.78, 95% CI 1.68–1.88) and for AS coming from high incidence TB countries (aIRR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04–1.25). Screening after 6 months from arrival and age were associated with TB infection (2.09, 95% CI 1.36–3.2 and 1.14, 95% CI 1.01–1.29). Conclusions: Screening for TBI can be improved by a centralized approach. Higher prevalence of TBI 6 months after arrival could reflect recent (either during travel or in Italy) acquisition of the infection.
Evaluation of the Pathogenic Potential of Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Eye Infections

While primarily Gram-positive bacteria cause bacterial eye infections, several Gram-negative species also pose eye health risks. Currently, few studies have tried to understand the pathogenic mechanisms involved in E. coli eye infections. Therefore, this study aimed to establish the pathogenic potential of E. coli strains isolated from eye infections. Twenty-two strains isolated between 2005 and 2019 from patients with keratitis or conjunctivitis were included and submitted to traditional polymerase chain reactions (PCR) to define their virulence profile, phylogeny, clonal relationship, and sequence type (ST). Phenotypic assays were employed to determine hemolytic activity, antimicrobial susceptibility, and adhesion to human primary corneal epithelial cells (PCS-700-010). The phylogenetic results indicated that groups B2 and ST131 were the most frequent. Twenty-five virulence genes were found among our strains, with ecp, sitA, fimA, and fyuA being the most prevalent. Two strains presented a hemolytic phenotype, and resistance to ciprofloxacin and ertapenem was found in six strains and one strain, respectively. Regarding adherence, all but one strains adhered in vitro to corneal cells. Our results indicate significant genetic and virulence variation among ocular strains and point to an ocular pathogenic potential related to multiple virulence mechanisms.
A 3D-Printed Polycaprolactone/Marine Collagen Scaffold Reinforced with Carbonated Hydroxyapatite from Fish Bones for Bone Regeneration

In bone tissue regeneration, extracellular matrix (ECM) and bioceramics are important factors, because of their osteogenic potential and cell–matrix interactions. Surface modifications with hydrophilic material including proteins show significant potential in tissue engineering applications, because scaffolds are generally fabricated using synthetic polymers and bioceramics. In the present study, carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) and marine atelocollagen (MC) were extracted from the bones and skins, respectively, of Paralichthys olivaceus. The extracted CHA was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, while MC was characterized using FTIR spectroscopy and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The scaffolds consisting of polycaprolactone (PCL), and different compositions of CHA (2.5%, 5%, and 10%) were fabricated using a three-axis plotting system and coated with 2% MC. Then, the MC3T3-E1 cells were seeded on the scaffolds to evaluate the osteogenic differentiation in vitro, and in vivo calvarial implantation of the scaffolds was performed to study bone tissue regeneration. The results of mineralization confirmed that the MC/PCL, 2.5% CHA/MC/PCL, 5% CHA/MC/PCL, and 10% CHA/MC/PCL scaffolds increased osteogenic differentiation by 302%, 858%, 970%, and 1044%, respectively, compared with pure PCL scaffolds. Consequently, these results suggest that CHA and MC obtained from byproducts of P. olivaceus are superior alternatives for land animal-derived substances.
Avalanche Hazard Modelling within the Kráľova Hoľa Area in the Low Tatra Mountains in Slovakia

The aim of this work is a comprehensive assessment of the avalanche risk within the Kráľova hoľa area in the Low Tatra Mountains in Slovakia by the modeling of trigger areas, and the simulation of avalanche movements and their maximum impact using GIS and the RAMMS simulation model. Within the environment of geographic information systems, we created a layer of trigger areas using a digital elevation model and a vector layer of a land cover as input data. This layer was added together with the digital elevation model to the RAMMS simulation model, where cartographic outputs were created, focusing on snow cover height, avalanche flow speed, and pressure exerted by a falling avalanche. Based on these documents, we were able to develop an updated map of the avalanche cadastre of the examined area. In the given territory, we mapped a range of trigger areas within an area of 2.6 km2 and the total range of avalanche run-outs within 14 interconnected areas. Of all the high mountains in Slovakia endangered by avalanches, this is the lowest range. The results are a suitable basis for the proper management and optimal use of the territory, which is part of Low Tatras National Park.
Validation of the Persian version of the Instagram Addiction Scale among Iranian students

Background: The increasing use of social networking sites (SNSs) globally has brought about significant changes in individuals’ daily lives and interpersonal relationships. Instagram is one of the most popular SNSs and has played an important role in these changes. While most individuals’ use of Instagram has beneficial effects, there have been some studies suggesting that Instagram use can be addictive for a small minority of users. Therefore, valid and reliable tools are needed to investigate this phenomenon . Method: The present study tested the psychometric properties of the 15-item Persian version of the Instagram Addiction Scale (IAS) among Iranian students. Confirmatory factor analysis and convergent validity were used to evaluate scale validity, and Cronbach's alpha and test-retest methods were used to evaluate the reliability. The sample comprised 660 students, including 476 women (72.1%) and 184 men (27.9%). The mean age of the total sample was 23.7 years. Results: Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were 0.87 for the whole scale, 0.74 for the social effect subscale and 0.84 for the compulsion subscale. Correlation coefficients obtained from divergent validity with psychological well-being and life satisfaction scales were significant. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the Persian IAS is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the risk of Instagram addiction among Iranian students.