Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Root Traits Play a Role in Integrated Management of Fusarium Root Rot in Snap Beans

Fusarium root rot is a major limiting factor in snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production. The level of genetic resistance in commercial bean cultivars is minimal and disease is frequently exacerbated by environmental factors. We investigated the contribution of vigorous, adventitious roots to enhancing root rot tolerance in snap bean. Seedling root system architecture was evaluated in 17 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a cross of a resistant snap bean line (FR266) and a susceptible dry bean cultivar (Montcalm). The RILs varied in tolerance to Fusarium root rot. Although overall length and branching density (as measured by fractal dimension and meristem numbers) of root systems were not related to root rot resistance, the lateral root number at the root: shoot interface was positively correlated with genotype tolerance (R 2 = 0.6*). Root diameter was also positively correlated with tolerance; this is consistent with the hypothesis that larger adventitious and basal roots are beneficial under disease stress. A field-based study of commercial snap bean cultivars compared raised and flat-bed systems of production, in a soil inoculated with Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli. Substantially greater yields (40% to 90%) were observed in raised beds. Root vigor was relatively high (root length density >0.2 cm.cm -3 ) and root rot scores were lower with raised than with flat-beds, in 2001, but not in 2000. Overall, this is suggestive that integrated crop management practices can improve lateral root vigor and reduce root rot severity.
Stability of immersed liquid threads

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Spiophanes norrisi sp. nov. (Polychaeta: Spionidae)a new species from the NE Pacific coast, separated from the Spiophanes bombyx complex based on both morphological and genetic studies

Morphological and genetic studies of specimens identified as Spiophanes bombyx (Claparede, 1870) revealed that the supposedly cosmopolitan species represents a species complex. Species belonging to this complex are S. bombyx (Claparede, 1870), S. aucklandicus Meisner, 2005, S. uschakowi Zachs, 1933 and the newly described S. norrisi. Morphological differences between these species are slight and concern the start of sabre chaetae, the shape of dorsal ciliated organs, and the start and number of neuropodial hooks in relation to body size. Specimens from the Atlantic Ocean examined in the course of this study also belong to this species complex but could not be assigned to any of the known species. Genetic differences between S. bombyx and S. norrisi in both examined genes (18S, COI) are significant and genetic distances are comparable to distances found between sister species in other spionid taxa. As expected, the nuclear 18S rRNA is generally more conserved than the mitochondrial COI gene. The significance beyond taxonomy of dorsal ciliated organs and of the presence of sabre chaetae in certain body regions is briefly discussed, but conclusions about the phylogenetic relationships and character evolution within Spiophanes must remain tentative.
Seasonal patterns in diet composition of adult shovelnose sturgeon in a free-flowing river

ABSTRACT The relationship between seasonal diet composition of shovelnose sturgeon, Scaphirhynchus platorynchus (Rafinesque) and water discharge has not been described in large unimpounded rivers that are connected to their floodplains. We sampled adult shovelnose sturgeon from a commercially exploited population in the free-flowing Wabash River, Illinois/Indiana, USA to determine the seasonal variation in diet structure. Prey items were observed in a large proportion of individuals (97.8%), suggesting that appropriate prey taxa were widely available to shovelnose sturgeon throughout the year. Overall, Hydropsychidae, Chironomidae, Potamanthidae, and Elmidae were the most important prey taxa with winter, summer, and fall samples dominated by Hydropsychidae larvae (58.9%, 63.8%, and 73.7% by number, respectively) and spring samples dominated by Chironomidae larvae (85.9%). Remains of bony fish were observed in a few spring and winter samples. Fall and winter samples had the highest and lowest proportions of inorganic materials, respectively. Higher consumption rates were observed when prey availability coincided with precipitation events. Conservation efforts within mid-western Rivers should focus on increasing habitat complexity and hydrological connectivity within floodplains.
A fuller picture of COVID-19 prognosis: the added value of vulnerability measures to predict mortality in hospitalised older adults

Abstract Background Although coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disproportionally affects older adults, the use of conventional triage tools in acute care settings ignores the key aspects of vulnerability. Objective This study aimed to determine the usefulness of adding a rapid vulnerability screening to an illness acuity tool to predict mortality in hospitalised COVID-19 patients. Design Cohort study. Setting Large university hospital dedicated to providing COVID-19 care. Participants Participants included are 1,428 consecutive inpatients aged ≥50 years. Methods Vulnerability was assessed using the modified version of PRO-AGE score (0–7; higher = worse), a validated and easy-to-administer tool that rates physical impairment, recent hospitalisation, acute mental change, weight loss and fatigue. The baseline covariates included age, sex, Charlson comorbidity score and the National Early Warning Score (NEWS), a well-known illness acuity tool. Our outcome was time-to-death within 60 days of admission. Results The patients had a median age of 66 years, and 58% were male. The incidence of 60-day mortality ranged from 22% to 69% across the quartiles of modified PRO-AGE. In adjusted analysis, compared with modified PRO-AGE scores 0–1 (‘lowest quartile’), the hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for 60-day mortality for modified PRO-AGE scores 2–3, 4 and 5–7 were 1.4 (1.1–1.9), 2.0 (1.5–2.7) and 2.8 (2.1–3.8), respectively. The modified PRO-AGE predicted different mortality risk levels within each stratum of NEWS and improved the discrimination of mortality prediction models. Conclusions Adding vulnerability to illness acuity improved accuracy of predicting mortality in hospitalised COVID-19 patients. Combining tools such as PRO-AGE and NEWS may help stratify the risk of mortality from COVID-19.
Impact of Strategies for Preventing Obesity and Risk Factors for Eating Disorders among Adolescents: A Systematic Review

An effective behavior change program is the first line of prevention for youth obesity. However, effectiveness in prevention of adolescent obesity requires several approaches, with special attention paid to disordered eating behaviors and psychological support, among other environmental factors. The aim of this systematic review is to compare the impact of two types of obesity prevention programs, inclusive of behavior change components, on weight outcomes. “Energy-balance” studies are aimed at reducing calories from high-energy sources and increasing physical activity (PA) levels, while “shared risk factors for obesity and eating disorders” focus on reducing disordered eating behaviors to promote a positive food and eating relationship. A systematic search of ProQuest, PubMed, PsycInfo, SciELO, and Web of Science identified 8825 articles. Thirty-five studies were included in the review, of which 20 regarded “energy-balance” and 15 “shared risk factors for obesity and eating disorders”. “Energy-balance” studies were unable to support maintenance weight status, diet, and PA. “Shared risk factors for obesity and eating disorders” programs also did not result in significant differences in weight status over time. However, the majority of “shared risk factors for obesity and eating disorders” studies demonstrated reduced body dissatisfaction, dieting, and weight-control behaviors. Research is needed to examine how a shared risk factor approach can address both obesity and eating disorders.
Colonoscopist Performance and Colorectal Cancer Risk after Adenoma Removal to Stratify Surveillance: two nationwide observational studies.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Colonoscopy surveillance after adenoma removal is an increasing burden in many countries. Surveillance recommendations consider characteristics of removed adenomas, but not colonoscopist performance. We investigated the impact of colonoscopist performance on colorectal cancer risk after adenoma removal. METHODS We compared colorectal cancer risk after removal of high-risk adenomas, low-risk adenomas, and after negative colonoscopy for all colonoscopies performed by colonoscopists with low versus high performance quality (adenoma detection rate <20% versus ≥20%) in the Polish screening program between 2000 and 2011, with follow-up until 2017. Findings were validated in the Austrian colonoscopy screening program. RESULTS 173,288 Polish colonoscopies were included in the study. Of 262 colonoscopists, 160 (61.1%) were low performers, and 102 (38.9%) were high performers. 11.1% of individuals had low-risk and 6.6% had high-risk adenomas removed at screening; 82.2% had no adenomas. During 10 years follow-up, 443 colorectal cancers were diagnosed. For low-risk adenoma individuals, colorectal cancer incidence was 0.55% (95%CI 0.40-0.75) with low-performing colonoscopists versus 0.22% (95%CI 0.14-0.34) with high-performing colonoscopists (HR 2.35; 95%CI 1.31-4.21; p=0.004). For high-risk adenoma individuals, colorectal cancer incidence was 1.14% (95%CI 0.87-1.48) with low-performing colonoscopists versus 0.43% (95%CI 0.27-0.69) with high-performing colonoscopists (HR 2.69; 95%CI 1.62-4.47; p<0.001). After negative colonoscopy, colorectal cancer incidence was 0.30% (95%CI 0.27-0.34) for individuals examined by low-performing colonoscopists, versus 0.15% (95%CI 0.11-0.20) for high-performing (HR 2.10; 95%CI 1.52-2.91; p<0.001). The observed trends were reproduced in the Austrian validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that endoscopist performance may be an additional important contributor to polyp characteristics in determining colorectal cancer risk after colonoscopy screening.
The association between Candida infection and ankylosing spondylitis: a population-based matched cohort study

Abstract Aims To explore whether newly diagnosed Candida infection increases the risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods and materials We investigated 61,550 patients with newly diagnosed Candida infection between 1997 and 2013 from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Datasets to conduct a population-based matched-cohort study. Controls were 61,550 subjects without Candida infection and propensity score matched with the Candida exposure cohort. The follow-up period was defined as month from the initial diagnosis of Candida infection (or nested index date for controls) to the date of AS, or 31 December 2013. We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the occurrence of AS. Results The incidence rates of AS in the Candida group and comparison group were respectively 4.58 and 3.88 per 100,000 person-months. The adjusted HR (95% CI) of AS for the Candida group was 1.19 (0.99–1.44) compared to the control group after adjustment for age, gender and all covariates (95% CI = 1.77–2.27). However, an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 1.77-fold (95% CI = 1.26–2.53) significant increase in the risk of developing AS was observed after 6 years of follow-up, when exposure to Candida was at baseline. The effect of Candida infection was significantly time varying (p value for interaction between follow-up period and Candida infection is .018). Conclusions A risk of AS was found after Candida infection, and a year of follow-up acts as an effect modifier between the Candida infection and risk of AS. Key messages What is already known on this subject? Links between spondyloarthritis and fungal infections have been found in animal studies before. What does this study add? Our study demonstrated that Candida infection is an independent risk factor for developing ankylosing spondylitis in terms of gender, age and relevant variables and comorbidities. A risk of ankylosing spondylitis was found after Candida infection, and year of follow-up acts as an effect modifier between the Candida infection and risk of AS. Clinicians should be aware of possible Candida infection in managing patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Implications: Clinicians must pay greater attention to patients with newly diagnosed Candida infection. Specifically, they should conduct tests for ankylosing spondylitis. Further research is needed to examine if and how treatment of Candida infection alleviates symptoms of AS.
Smart Hotels and Sustainable Consumer Behavior: Testing the Effect of Perceived Performance, Attitude, and Technology Readiness on Word-of-Mouth

Many recent studies with the topic of innovative technologies have been executed in the viewpoint of adoption/readiness of one specific cutting-edge technology in the hospitality industry. Unlike with the existing studies, the present research comprehensively dealt with consumers’ perceived performance of a smart hotel and explored its influence on the formation of attitude and word-of-mouth intention. Furthermore, this study encompassed drivers of technology readiness (optimism and innovativeness) as critical moderators. Our analysis results confirmed that the perceived performance of a smart hotel is essential in generating individuals’ favorable attitudes and positive word-of-mouth intentions. The moderating roles of optimism and innovativeness were also found in the link between perceived performance and attitude. Theoretical value and managerial contributions were discussed through unpinning the structural relationships among study variables in the smart hotel context.
Raloxifene as Treatment for Various Types of Brain Injuries and Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Good Start †

Recent studies have shown that the selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) raloxifene had pronounced protective effects against progressing brain damage after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in mice. These studies, indicating beneficial effects of raloxifene for brain health, prompted the study of the history and present state of knowledge of this topic. It appears that, apart from raloxifene, to date, four nonrelated compounds have shown comparable beneficial effects—fucoidan, pifithrin, SMM-189 (5-dihydroxy-phenyl]-phenyl-methanone), and translocator protein (TSPO) ligands. Raloxifene, however, is ahead of the field, as for more than two decades it has been used in medical practice for various chronic ailments in humans. Thus, apart from different types of animal and cell culture studies, it has also been assessed in various human clinical trials, including assaying its effects on mild cognitive impairments. Regarding cell types, raloxifene protects neurons from cell death, prevents glial activation, ameliorates myelin damage, and maintains health of endothelial cells. At whole central nervous system (CNS) levels, raloxifene ameliorated mild cognitive impairments, as seen in clinical trials, and showed beneficial effects in animal models of Parkinson’s disease. Moreover, with stroke and TBI in animal models, raloxifene showed curative effects. Furthermore, raloxifene showed healing effects regarding multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in cell culture. The adverse biological signals typical of these conditions relate to neuronal activity, neurotransmitters and their receptors, plasticity, inflammation, oxidative stress, nitric oxide, calcium homeostasis, cell death, behavioral impairments, etc. Raloxifene favorably modulates these signals toward cell health—on the one hand, by modulating gene expression of the relevant proteins, for example by way of its binding to the cell nuclear estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ (genomic effects) and, on the other hand (nongenomic effects) by modulation of mitochondrial activity, reduction of oxidative stress and programmed cell death, maintaining metabolic balance, degradation of Abeta, and modulation of intracellular cholesterol levels. More specifically regarding Alzheimer’s disease, raloxifene may not cure diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease. However, the onset of Alzheimer’s disease may be delayed or arrested by raloxifene’s capability to attenuate mild cognitive impairment. Mild cognitive impairment is a condition that may precede diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. In this review, relatively new insights are addressed regarding the notion that Alzheimer’s disease can be caused by bacterial (as well as viral) infections, together with the most recent findings that raloxifene can counteract infections of at least some bacterial and viral strains. Thus, here, an overview of potential treatments of neurodegenerative disease by raloxifene is presented, and attention is paid to subcellular molecular biological pathways that may be involved.
Reversal of Age-Related Neuronal Atrophy by α5-GABAA Receptor Positive Allosteric Modulation.

Aging is associated with reduced brain volume, altered neural activity, and neuronal atrophy in cortical-like structures, comprising the frontal cortex and hippocampus, together contributing to cognitive impairments. Therapeutic efforts aimed at reversing these deficits have focused on excitatory or neurotrophic mechanisms, although recent findings show that reduced dendritic inhibition mediated by α5-subunit containing GABA-A receptors (α5-GABAA-Rs) occurs during aging and contributes to cognitive impairment. Here, we aimed to confirm the beneficial effect on working memory of augmenting α5-GABAA-R activity in old mice and tested its potential at reversing age-related neuronal atrophy. We show that GL-II-73, a novel ligand with positive allosteric modulatory activity at α5-GABAA-R (α5-PAM), increases dendritic branching complexity and spine numbers of cortical neurons in vitro. Using old mice, we confirm that α5-PAM reverses age-related working memory deficits and show that chronic treatment (3 months) significantly reverses age-related dendritic shrinkage and spine loss in frontal cortex and hippocampus. A subsequent 1-week treatment cessation (separate cohort) resulted in loss of efficacy on working memory but maintained morphological neurotrophic effects. Together, the results demonstrate the beneficial effect on working memory and neurotrophic efficacy of augmenting α5-GABAA-R function in old mice, suggesting symptomatic and disease-modifying potential in age-related brain disorders.
The Degradation and Repolymerization Analysis on Solvolysis Liquefaction of Corn Stalk

One of the most effective and renewable utilization methods for lignocellulosic feedstocks is the transformation from solid materials to liquid products. In this work, corn stalk (CS) was liquified with polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400) and glycerol as the liquefaction solvents, and sulfuric acid as the catalyst. The liquefaction conditions were optimized with the liquefaction yield of 95.39% at the reaction conditions of 150 °C and 120 min. The properties of CS and liquefaction residues (LRs) were characterized using ATR–FTIR, TG, elemental analysis and SEM. The chemical components of liquefied product (LP) were also characterized by GC–MS. The results indicated that the depolymerization and repolymerization reaction took place simultaneously in the liquefaction process. The depolymerization of CS mainly occurred at the temperature of <150 °C, and the repolymerization of biomass derivatives dominated at a higher temperature of 170 °C by the lignin derivatives repolymerization with cellulose derivatives, hemicellulose derivatives and PEG400 and self-condensation of lignin derivatives. The solvolysis liquefaction of CS could be classified into the mechanism of electrophilic substitution reaction attacked by the hydrogen cation.
Health state utility values in people living with HTLV-1 and in patients with HAM/TSP: The impact of a neglected disease on the quality of life

Background: HTLV-1 is a neglected sexually transmitted infection despite being the cause of disabling neurological disease HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). There is no treatment for this infection and public health policies are essential to reduce its transmission. However, there are no data to support adequate cost-effective analysis in this field. The aim of this study was to obtain health state utility values for individuals with HAM/TSP and HTLV-1 asymptomatic carriers (AC). The impact of both states on quality of life (QoL) is described and compared to other diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study of 141 individuals infected with HTLV-1 (79 with HAM/TSP and 62 AC) from three Brazilian states (Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Alagoas) and from the United Kingdom. Participants completed a validated general health questionnaire (EQ-5D, Euroqol) from which country specific health state utility values are generated. Clinical and epidemiological data were collated. Principal findings: Health state utility value for HAM/TSP was 0.2991. QoL for 130 reported clinical conditions ranges from 0.35 to 0.847. 12% reported their quality of life as worse as death. Low QoL was associated with severity rather than duration of disease with a moderate inverse correlation between QoL and Osame’s Motor Disability Score (-0.4933) Patients who are wheelchair dependent had lowest QoL whilst those still walking unaided had the highest. AC also reported impaired QoL (0.7121) compared to general population. Conclusion: HTLV-1 and its associated neurological disease has a marked impact on QoL. This study provides robust data to support the development of cost-utility analysis of interventions for HTLV-1.