Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A proximate model for thermal tolerance in ectotherms

Thermal limits of viable ectotherm development are threshold-like and near-symmetrical around the temperature of optimal performance and usually well within the thermal tolerance range of adult physiological traits. A proximate model is proposed to show that the interaction between reversible temperature inactivation of cell cycle proteins and their regulation can explain (1) the symmetry and (2) threshold character of thermal limits of viable embryonal and larval development in ectotherms. It is suggested that temperature inactivation of regulatory proteins mimics the decrease in concentration resulting from gene dosage change and transcriptional regulation during the cell cycle. If certain regulatory proteins have equal probability to be active or inactive at a certain temperature, cell division and, consequently, development becomes blocked. Model predictions were tested by comparing thermal tolerance limits as observed in viability experiments with 14 developing insect species with the estimated temperatures at which a hypothetical rate-determining developmental enzyme has an equal probability to be active or inactive. These ‘expected’ thermal limits were derived from the Sharpe-Schoolfield equation which describes temperature–differentiation rate reaction norms. In 21 out of 23 comparisons ‘expected’ thermal limits agree closely with the observed thermal tolerance limits. The implications of the model for thermal tolerance, thermal adaptation, epidemiology and life-history strategies are discussed.
Improved Ankle Mobility After a 4-Week Training Program Affects Landing Mechanics: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Howe, LP, Bampouras, TM, North, JS, and Waldron, M. Improved ankle mobility after a 4-week training program affects landing mechanics: a randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 36(7): 1875–1883, 2022—This study examined the effects of a 4-week ankle mobility intervention on landing mechanics. Twenty subjects with restricted ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DF ROM) were allocated to either a strength training only (n = 9) or a strength training and ankle mobility program (n = 11). Subjects performed a weight-bearing lunge test and bilateral drop-landings before and after the intervention. Normalized peak vertical ground reaction force (vGRF), time to peak vGRF, and loading rate were calculated, alongside sagittal-plane initial contact angles, peak angles, and sagittal-plane joint displacement for the ankle, knee, and hip. Frontal-plane projection angles were also calculated. After the intervention, only the strength and mobility group improved ankle DF ROM (mean difference = 4.1°, effect size [ES] = 1.00, p = 0.002). A one-way analysis of covariance found group effects for ankle joint angle at initial contact (p = 0.045), ankle (p < 0.001) and hip joint angle at peak flexion (p = 0.041), and sagittal-plane ankle (p < 0.001) and hip joint displacement (p = 0.024) during bilateral drop-landings. Post hoc analysis revealed that the strength and mobility group landed with greater ankle plantarflexion at initial contact (mean difference = 1.4 ± 2.0°, ES = 0.46) and ankle dorsiflexion at peak flexion (mean difference = 6.3 ± 2.9°, ES = 0.74) after the intervention, resulting in a greater ankle joint displacement (mean difference = 7.7 ± 4.0°, ES = 1.00). However, the strength training only group landed with increased peak hip flexion (mean difference = 14.4 ± 11.0°, ES = 0.70) and hip joint displacement (mean difference = 8.0 ± 6.6°, ES = 0.44) during post-testing. The findings suggest that changes in landing strategies following the performance of a strength training program are specific to whether restrictions in ankle mobility are considered as part of the intervention.
Co-occurring Use of Cannabis and Tobacco and the Presence of Acute Respiratory Symptoms among Young Adult Light and Intermittent Smokers

Abstract Background Cannabis use and intermittent smoking are becoming increasingly prevalent among young adults. Thus, identifying health consequences of co-occurring use of these substances represents an emerging research priority. Purpose/Objectives: This study evaluated the relationship between tobacco/cannabis co-use and acute symptoms of respiratory illness among young adult intermittent smokers. We hypothesized that tobacco/cannabis co-use would be more strongly associated with respiratory symptoms relative to use of neither or one product. Methods: A secondary analysis of a three-year observational study was conducted. Non-daily smokers (n = 563) aged 18–24 were recruited via social media and completed electronic surveys at baseline and annually for two years, producing three total assessments. Past-two-week use of tobacco and cannabis was measured at each assessment, as was severity of six acute respiratory symptoms. The respiratory measure was dichotomized to indicate the presence or absence of symptoms. Results: Tobacco/cannabis co-use decreased from 54.8% at baseline to 43.4% at year two (p < .001). Mean respiratory symptoms also declined significantly over time (ps < .05). At each timepoint, co-use was more strongly associated with presence of respiratory symptoms than the use of neither product (aORs = 2.73–4.39, ps ≤ .013). Co-users were also 38%–183% more likely to endorse the presence of respiratory symptoms than single product users at each timepoint (aORs = 1.38–2.83, ps = .023–.212). Conclusions/Importance: Although co-occurring use of tobacco and cannabis by young adults may represent experimental use of multiple substances, it may also promote or exacerbate acute symptoms of respiratory illness. Further exploration with more granular patterns of co-use and across different routes of administration is warranted.
Comparison of frog assemblages between urban and non-urban habitats in the upper Blue Mountains of Australia

Summary 1. World wide, and in Australia, many frog populations have declined over the last two decades. The present study was undertaken to determine whether urbanization has affected frog diversity and abundance. 2. Five urban sites were paired with non-urban sites. Urban sites were in Katoomba and Blackheath, and were subject to physical environmental disturbance and impacted by storm water pollution due to urban runoff. Non-urban sites were in the Blue Mountains National Park and were effectively subject to no human impact. 3. Water quality at urban sites was typical of sites polluted with sewage, while non-urban sites exhibited water quality typical of ‘pristine’ natural bushland streams. 4. Six species were found at urban sites (Litoria peronii, Litoria dentata, Litoria verreauxii, Limnodynastes dumerilii, Limnodynastes peronii, Crinia signifera), with up to four species present at a site. Only one species (C. signifera) was recorded at non-urban sites, and frogs were absent from most non-urban sites. 5. The situation in non-urban sites mirrors the trend of decline observed in other montane regions. Surprisingly, frog abundance and diversity were higher in urban habitats, running counter to this trend. 6. We hypothesize that the salts, detergents and other chemicals in urban wastewaters provide frogs with a level of protection against disease, particularly chytridiomycosis.
COVID‐19 affected patients' utilization of dental care service

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), characterized by symptoms of fever and pneumonia, was reported in Wuhan, China at the end of 2019 (Phelan, Katz, & Gostin, 2020). Given the likely transmission of COVID-19 via droplets and aerosols during dental clinical procedures, dental practitioners are at a high risk of COVID-19 infections (Ather, Patel, Ruparel, Diogenes, & Hargreaves, 2020). According to the guidelines of the Chinese Stomatological Association (CSA), dental clinics in China suspended the routine dental services and only provided emergency dental care between January and April 2020 (CSA, 2020). The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of COVID-19 on patients' utilization of dental services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Influence of CLA supplementation on the lipid quality of rabbit meat

Riassunto Effetti dell’integrazione di CLA sulla qualità dei lipidi della carne di coniglio. Per la prova sono stati utilizzati 24 conigli, ibridi californiani, alimentati con 3 diete diversificate per quantità e qualità della fonte lipidica: la dieta di controllo conteneva olio di soia all’1%, mentre le altre sono state integrate rispettivamente con l’1 ed il 2% di un olio di girasole arricchito industrialmente di Acido Linoleico Coniugato (CLA). Le diete in esame hanno mostrato una buona appetibilità e gli animali in prova non hanno evidenziato alcuna patologia. Le carni ottenute hanno presentato un arricchimento in CLA, in maniera del tutto paragonabile alla percentuale di inclusione di tale acido grasso nella dieta.
Effects of Systemic Hypothermia on Microcirculation in Conditions of Hemodynamic Stability and in Hemorrhagic Shock

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text ABSTRACT Introduction: Although hypothermia is independently associated with an increased mortality in trauma patients, it might be an effective therapeutic approach for otherwise lethal hemorrhage. The effect of hypothermia on microcirculation, however, has been poorly studied in this setting. Our goal was to characterize the effects of hypothermia on microcirculation in normal conditions and in severe hemorrhagic shock. Methods: In anesthetized and mechanically ventilated sheep, we measured cardiac output (CO), renal blood flow (RBF), and systemic and renal O2 consumption (VO2). Cortical renal, intestinal villi, and sublingual microcirculation was assessed by IDF-videomicroscopy. After basal measurements, sheep were assigned to hypothermia (n = 12) and normothermia (n = 12) groups. Central temperature was reduced to ∼34°C and maintained at baseline in each group, respectively. Measurements were repeated after 1 h of hemodynamic stable conditions and 1 h of severe hemorrhagic shock. Results: In conditions of hemodynamic stability, the hypothermia group showed lower CO, RBF, and systemic and renal VO2 than the normothermia group. Red blood cell velocity was also lower in renal, villi, and sublingual microvascular beds (836 ± 195 vs. 1,066 ± 162, 916 ± 105 vs. 1051 ± 41, and 970 ± 182 vs. 1,102 ± 49 μm/s, respectively; P < 0.0001 for all). In hemorrhagic shock, most of the microvascular variables were similarly compromised in both the groups. In hypo- and normothermia groups, the percentage of reduction in perfused vascular density was higher in renal than in intestinal and sublingual microcirculation (66 ± 31 vs. 31 ± 23 and 15 ± 15%, and 78 ± 26 vs. 32 ± 37 and 18 ± 21%, P < 0.01 for both). Conclusions: This is the first experimental study assessing the effect of systemic hypothermia on microcirculation in severe hemorrhagic shock. The main finding was that hypothermia did not hamper additionally the microcirculatory derangements induced by hemorrhagic shock. In addition, renal microcirculation was more susceptible to hemorrhagic shock than villi and sublingual microcirculation.
Aggravated MRSA pneumonia secondary to influenza A virus infection is derived from decreased expression of IL‐1β

Secondary methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is a cause of severe pneumonia with high mortality during influenza A virus (IAV) pandemics. Alveolar macrophages (AMs) mount cellular defenses against IAV and MRSA infection, which occurs via the nucleotide‐binding domain‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. However, the activity and function of the NLRP3 inflammasome in MRSA pneumonia secondary to IAV infection remain unclear. To clarify this, we studied MRSA infection secondary to IAV both in vitro and in mouse model. The expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, Western blot, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The lung pathology and the rate of weight change were observed. We found that IAV infection for 1 week activated NLRP3 inflammasome. The enhanced expression of NLRP3, caspase‐1, and cleaved caspase‐1 was associated with MRSA infection secondary to IAV, but the expression of interleukin (IL)‐1β decreased in superinfection with MRSA both in vitro and in vivo. The aggravated inflammatory pathology in MRSA pneumonia secondary to IAV infection was associated with decreased expression of IL‐1β. And increased weight loss in MRSA pneumonia secondary to IAV infection was related to decreased concentration of IL‐1β in serum. It infers that superinfection with MRSA reduces expression of IL‐1β someway, and decreased expression of IL‐1β impairs the host immunity and leads to aggravated pneumonia. These results contributed to our understanding of the detailed activity of the NLRP3 inflammasome, IL‐1β, and their relationship with aggravation of MRSA pneumonia secondary to IAV infection. Immunotherapy targeting the IL‐1β signaling pathway could be possible therapeutic strategy for secondary MRSA pneumonia.
Temporal integration as “common currency” of brain and self‐scale‐free activity in resting‐state EEG correlates with temporal delay effects on self‐relatedness

The self is a multifaceted phenomenon that integrates information and experience across multiple time scales. How temporal integration on the psychological level of the self is related to temporal integration on the neuronal level remains unclear. To investigate temporal integration on the psychological level, we modified a well‐established self‐matching paradigm by inserting temporal delays. On the neuronal level, we indexed temporal integration in resting‐state EEG by two related measures of scale‐free dynamics, the power law exponent and autocorrelation window. We hypothesized that the previously established self‐prioritization effect, measured as decreased response times or increased accuracy for self‐related stimuli, would change with the insertion of different temporal delays between the paired stimuli, and that these changes would be related to temporal integration on the neuronal level. We found a significant self‐prioritization effect on accuracy in all conditions with delays, indicating stronger temporal integration of self‐related stimuli. Further, we observed a relationship between temporal integration on psychological and neuronal levels: higher degrees of neuronal integration, that is, higher power‐law exponent and longer autocorrelation window, during resting‐state EEG were related to a stronger increase in the self‐prioritization effect across longer temporal delays. We conclude that temporal integration on the neuronal level serves as a template for temporal integration of the self on the psychological level. Temporal integration can thus be conceived as the “common currency” of neuronal and psychological levels of self.
Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of New Quinazolinone Derivatives that Inhibit Bloom's Syndrome Protein (BLM) Helicase, Trigger DNA damage at the Telomere Region and Synergize with PARP Inhibitors.

DNA damage response (DDR) pathways are crucial for the survival of cancer cells and are attractive targets for cancer therapy. Bloom syndrome protein (BLM) is a DNA helicase that performs important roles in DDR pathways. Our previous study discovered an effective new BLM inhibitor with a quinazolinone scaffold by a screening assay. Herein, to better understand the structure-activity relationship (SAR) and biological roles of the BLM inhibitor, a series of new derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated based on this scaffold. Among them, compound 9h exhibited nanomolar inhibitory activity and binding affinity for BLM. 9h could effectively disrupt BLM recruitment to DNA in cells. Furthermore, 9h inhibited the proliferation of the colorectal cell line HCT116 by significantly triggering DNA damage in the telomere region and inducing apoptosis, especially in combination with a PARP inhibitor. This result suggested a synthetic lethal effect between the BLM and PARP inhibitors in DDR pathways.
Development of the Readiness and Success Model for Assessing the Information System Integration

This study 1 reports how to combine a technology readiness model within an information system (IS) success model in the context for assessing the readiness and success factors of an IS integration. As it is indicated by many IS studies, that most of the IS models are developed by adopting, combining, and adapting the previous ones. The researcher developed the model based on the input-process-output logic and the processional and causal model of the IS success models. The developed model was structured within nine variables and 44 indicators. The influence paths among the variables were presented by 23 links. In respect of the research implementation, the author has also broken down the model into its assessment instrument level. However, the model development study may have limited to the used assumption set and understanding of the researcher, it may contribute theoretically, in terms of a new model proposition. Besides that, the development transparency and the proposed model and its data collection instrument may be the practical consideration points for the further studies.
The Diatom Genus Thalassiosira (Bacillariophyta) in the Estuaries of the Schelde (Belgium/The Netherlands) and the Elbe (Germany)

A taxonomic and ecological study of the phytoplankton of the estuaries of the Schelde (Belgium/The Netherlands) and the Elbe (Germany) revealed the presence of numerous species belonging to the diatom genus Thalassiosira. Its representatives were a dominant component of the phytoplankton spring bloom in these estuaries. A total of 13 species were identified. All of these were present in the Schelde, while only 10 were found in the Elbe. Seven and five species respectively had previously not been reported from the Schelde and Elbe. A detailed light and electron microscopical description of these species is given. Most species had their distributional optimum in the polyhaline reaches of the estuaries. Community structure in these reaches was different from the one in the euhaline zone, indicating that the lower and middle reaches of these estuaries harbour specific assemblages which do not occur in the neighbouring coastal environment. Only one species, Thalassiosira proschkinae, had its maximal abundance in the mesohaline zone and can thus be regarded as a truly brackish water species. Thalassiosira pseudonana was restricted to the tidal freshwater zone of the estuaries. Some taxa often appeared to be associated with sediment and detritus particles. The significance of this phenomenon is discussed. was carried out. This study revealed the presence of numerous representatives of the diatom genus Thalassiosira Cleve, most of which had a specific distri
Age and growth of Alitta succinea (Polychaeta; Nereididae) in a tropical estuary of Brazil

The aim of this work was to study the dynamics of Alitta succinea population growth in a tropical estuary. The organisms were collected in the polyhaline area of Pina Basin, north-eastern Brazil, in lower and shallow subtidal consolidated substrates, from October 2009 to March 2011. Fifteen samples with a size of 0.01 m2 were collected every month. A total of 2064 A. succinea individuals were measured for growth analysis, and the measure used was the length from prostomium to the 25th setiger. Growth parameters were estimated by the frequency–length distribution data from three different functions (i.e. von Bertalanffy, Gompertz and Richards). The differences in the densities of A. succinea were significant between the months of the dry and the rainy season, with the rain pattern being the factor that most affects the A. succinea life cycle. According to Akaike information criteria, the von Bertalanffy and Gompertz models were the ones that presented the best fit with the growth curve of A. succinea for the studied period. Using the Bhattacharya method for the analysis of modal progression, we identified eight cohorts. The lowest recruitment values were found in July and August 2010, respectively, and the remaining months had numbers of recruits that were representative of the total population. The growth performance index (Ø′) found was 2.86. The maximum longevity indicates that specimens of A. succinea live between 586 and 953 d, and the instantaneous mortality rate (Z) is 1.53 yr−1.
Correlation between obesity and pelvic organ prolapse in Korean women

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between obesity and pelvic organ prolapse (POP), both anatomically and symptomatically, in Korean women. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 476 women who visited the urogynecology clinic between January 2013 and December 2016. All the enrolled women were Korean. We sought to evaluate the relationship between obesity and POP, both anatomically and symptomatically, by using a validated tool. Anatomic assessment was performed by a standardized Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system and symptomatic assessment was performed by a Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI)-20 questionnaire. Obesity measurement was performed by measuring body mass index (BMI). Results We enrolled 476 women in our study. There was no statistically significant correlation between BMI and POP-Q or PFDI-20 scores: Ba (P=0.633), Bp (P=0.363), C (P=0.277), Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory-6 (P=0.286), Colorectal Anal Distress Inventory-8 (P=0.960), Urinary Distress Inventory-6 (P=0.355), and PFDI-20 (P=0.355). In addition, there was no statistically significant correlation between BMI and POP-Q or PFDI-20 in patients with severe (greater than stage III) POP. We also separately analyzed the differences in the POP-Q points and PFDI-20 scores between the obese and non-obese groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Conclusion We evaluated the correlation between obesity and POP using a validated tool. The present study revealed no significant correlation between obesity and POP severity anatomically or symptomatically in Korean women. This contrasts the results of most studies of Western women. Further studies in Asian women are required in order to confirm our results.
Mechanical Restraint in Nursing Homes in Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE to estimate the mechanical restraint prevalence in Nursing Homes in Brazil and the factors associated with its performance. METHODS this cross-sectional study was carried out in 14 institutions, with a final sample of 443 elderly people. Mechanical restraint was considered as a dependent variable. RESULTS there was a 7.45% prevalence of mechanical restraint considering bed rails and 3.84% without considering bed rails. Main justification for restraint use was risk of falls (66.7%), and restraint duration was 24 hours (84.8%). The factors associated with the dependent variable were: wandering (p=0.000); MMSE, with cognitive loss (p=0.000); Katz Index, with dependence for Activities of Daily Living (p=0.000); and Alzheimer's comorbidity (p=0.001) Conclusion: prevalence was lower than international studies, but there was an association with worsening of wandering, dependence, cognitive worsening, and Alzheimer's Disease, showing the need for alternative interventions to mechanical restraint.
Effects of Soil Moisture Stress on Two Varieties of Upland Cotton in Israel. III. The Bet-She'an Valley

SUMMARY The effects of moisture stress during various stages of the development of two varieties of upland cotton (Acala 4–42 and Deltapine Smoothleaf) were studied in two irrigation experiments in the Bet-She'an valley, where summer temperatures were high and evapotranspiration in the fully irrigated treatments was up to 8–10 mm. /day in July and August. Optimum time for first irrigation in the Bet-She'an valley was two or three weeks before flowering and six or seven irrigations, if timed to prevent moisture stress, were sufficient to give high yields and good lint quality. Lint yield ranged from 270 kg. /ha. in non-irrigated to 2000 kg. /ha. in the fully irrigated treatments in 1966.