Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
As above, not so below: Long‐term dynamics of net primary production across a dryland transition zone

Drylands are key contributors to interannual variation in the terrestrial carbon sink, which has been attributed primarily to broad‐scale climatic anomalies that disproportionately affect net primary production (NPP) in these ecosystems. Current knowledge around the patterns and controls of NPP is based largely on measurements of aboveground net primary production (ANPP), particularly in the context of altered precipitation regimes. Limited evidence suggests belowground net primary production (BNPP), a major input to the terrestrial carbon pool, may respond differently than ANPP to precipitation, as well as other drivers of environmental change, such as nitrogen deposition and fire. Yet long‐term measurements of BNPP are rare, contributing to uncertainty in carbon cycle assessments. Here, we used 16 years of annual NPP measurements to investigate responses of ANPP and BNPP to several environmental change drivers across a grassland–shrubland transition zone in the northern Chihuahuan Desert. ANPP was positively correlated with annual precipitation across this landscape; however, this relationship was weaker within sites. BNPP, on the other hand, was weakly correlated with precipitation only in Chihuahuan Desert shrubland. Although NPP generally exhibited similar trends among sites, temporal correlations between ANPP and BNPP within sites were weak. We found chronic nitrogen enrichment stimulated ANPP, whereas a one‐time prescribed burn reduced ANPP for nearly a decade. Surprisingly, BNPP was largely unaffected by these factors. Together, our results suggest that BNPP is driven by a different set of controls than ANPP. Furthermore, our findings imply belowground production cannot be inferred from aboveground measurements in dryland ecosystems. Improving understanding around the patterns and controls of dryland NPP at interannual to decadal scales is fundamentally important because of their measurable impact on the global carbon cycle. This study underscores the need for more long‐term measurements of BNPP to improve assessments of the terrestrial carbon sink, particularly in the context of ongoing environmental change.
ON THE EXTENDED APPELL-LAURICELLA HYPERGEOMETRIC FUNCTIONS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS

The main object of this paper is to present a systematic introduction to the theory and applications of the extended Appell-Lauricella hypergeometric functions defined by means of the extended beta function and extended Dirichlet’s beta integral. Their connections with the Laguerre polynomials, the ordinary Lauricella functions and the Srivastava-Daoust generalized Lauricella functions are established for some specific paramters. Furthermore, by applying the various methods and known formulas (such as fractional integral technique; some results of the Lagrange polynomials), we also derive some elegant generating functions for these new functions.
On the Permanent of a Doubly Stochastic Matrix

If is an n X n matrix, the permanent of A, Per A, is defined by 1 where the sum is over all permutations. If A is doubly stochastic (i.e., nonnegative with row and column sums all equal to 1), then it has been conjectured that Per A ⩾ n! /nn . When confronted with a vaguely similar problem about determinants, M. Kac (1) observed that the computation of minima can often be aided by knowledge of various averages. In this spirit we calculate here the average permanent of a class of doubly stochastic matrices and thereby obtain upper bounds for the minima. These turn out to be surprisingly sharp.
Creatine supplementation and endurance performance: surges and sprints to win the race

ABSTRACT Creatine supplementation is an effective ergogenic aid to augment resistance training and improve intense, short duration, intermittent performance. The effects on endurance performance are less known. The purpose of this brief narrative review is to discuss the potential mechanisms of how creatine can affect endurance performance, defined as large muscle mass activities that are cyclical in nature and are >~3 min in duration, and to highlight specific nuances within the literature. Mechanistically, creatine supplementation elevates skeletal muscle phosphocreatine (PCr) stores facilitating a greater capacity to rapidly resynthesize ATP and buffer hydrogen ion accumulation. When co-ingested with carbohydrates, creatine enhances glycogen resynthesis and content, an important fuel to support high-intensity aerobic exercise. In addition, creatine lowers inflammation and oxidative stress and has the potential to increase mitochondrial biogenesis. In contrast, creatine supplementation increases body mass, which may offset the potential positive effects, particularly in weight-bearing activities. Overall, creatine supplementation increases time to exhaustion during high-intensity endurance activities, likely due to increasing anaerobic work capacity. In terms of time trial performances, results are mixed; however, creatine supplementation appears to be more effective at improving performances that require multiple surges in intensity and/or during end spurts, which are often key race-defining moments. Given creatines ability to enhance anaerobic work capacity and performance through repeated surges in intensity, creatine supplementation may be beneficial for sports, such as cross-country skiing, mountain biking, cycling, triathlon, and for short-duration events where end-spurts are critical for performance, such as rowing, kayaking, and track cycling.
Shedding of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in two asymptomatic children.

Asymptomatic infections with SARS-CoV-2 are associated with viral transmission and have a key role in the propagation of the pandemic. Understanding viral shedding during asymptomatic infections is critical. Unfortunately, data on asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in children is extremely limited. To determine the presence of viral viable shedding, we prospectively followed two healthy children of a family where both parents developed mild COVID-19 (April 2021). SARS-CoV-2 detection was made by RT-PCR and virus isolation by cell culture from saliva samples. Positive samples were sequenced to identify variants of SARS-CoV-2. Serum samples were evaluated to determine the presence of antibodies using a single enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA, COVIDAR IgG). Both children were SARS-CoV-2 positive and asymptomatic. In addition, the virus grew in cell culture from saliva samples. Furthermore, one child showed viable SARS-CoV-2 for at least 17 days after the onset symptoms from his father. The recommended isolation period for asymptomatic contacts during the acquisition of data had been established for 10 days; however, this child remained with viable virus beyond that period. The positive samples from both children were consistent with B.1. 1.28. 1 lineage (Gamma). In both asymptomatic children, anti-Spike IgG was detected. Asymptomatic children may represent a source of infection that should not be underestimated during this pandemic.
How People With Intellectual or Development Disabilities Cope With Verbal Violence

Violence against people is a widespread phenomenon and violence against people with disabilities even more common. Studies have examined different types of violence toward people with disabilities, but there has been almost no research to date on verbal violence involving people with intellectual or development disabilities (IDD). The present research focused on this subject. A qualitative study was conducted using an intervention program. The research questions were (a) what can help people with IDD expand their understanding of verbal violence and differentiate different situations of verbal violence and (b) what can help people with IDD expand their means for handling verbal violence of their own and that directed toward them? The sample included 64 people (45 males, 19 females; ages 22–75) with mild IDD, who were divided into four groups of 16 participants each in the intervention program. The findings indicate that the participants’ conceptualization of verbal violence improved after the intervention program. Three main themes were identified: (a) differentiation between good and bad; (b) choosing how to handle verbal violence; and (c) helping others cope with verbal violence. Consistent with the humanistic perspective, the findings show that people with IDD can learn to handle verbal violence toward them in a way that promotes their understanding, enables them to choose their reactions, and affects those around them, as well as strengthening their self-efficacy. The research contributes to the sparse knowledge regarding verbal violence, especially against people with IDD, and offers ways of intervening to help them handle verbal violence.
Upregulation of UBR1 m6A Methylation by METTL14 Inhibits Autophagy in Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract Gene Expression Omnibus database shows significantly downregulated expression of ubiquitin protein ligase E3 component N-recognin 1 (UBR1) in spinal cord injury (SCI). In this study, we investigated the mechanism of action of UBR1 in SCI. Following the establishment of SCI models in rats and PC12 cells, Basso–Beattie–Bresnahan (BBB) score and hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Nissl staining were used to evaluate SCI. The localization of NeuN/LC3 and the expression of LC3II/I, Beclin-1, and p62 were detected to assess autophagy. The expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and cleaved caspase-3 was detected and TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling staining was employed to determine the changes in apoptosis. The N(6)-methyladenosine (m6A) modification level of UBR1 was analyzed by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation, and the binding of METTL14 and UBR1 mRNA was analyzed by photoactivatable ribonucleoside-enhanced crosslinking and immunoprecipitation. UBR1 was poorly expressed, and METTL14 was highly expressed in rat and cell models of SCI. UBR1 overexpression or METTL14 knock-down enhanced motor function in rats with SCI. Moreover, this modification increased Nissl bodies and autophagy and inhibited apoptosis in the spinal cord of SCI rats. METTL14 silencing reduced the m6A modification level of UBR1 and enhanced UBR1 expression. Importantly, UBR1 knock-down nullified METTL14 knock-down-induced autophagy promotion and apoptosis reduction. The METTL14-catalyzed m6A methylation of UBR1 promoted apoptosis and inhibited autophagy in SCI.
Survival Benefits of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objectives To summarize the role of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in critically ill adults and children with severe sepsis. Data collection A systematic search was performed using the following databases: Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane from January 1990 till December 2022. Comparative studies of TPE in severe sepsis were selected. Adult and pediatric data were analyzed separately. Data synthesis Eight randomized control trials and 6 observational studies (n = 50,142 patients) were included. Centrifugal TPE was the most common modality (209/280, 74.6% adults and 952/1026, 92.7% children). Every TPE study utilized different volume exchanges. Most TPE sessions (1173/1306, 89.8%) employed fresh frozen plasma (FFP) as replacement fluid and heparin as anticoagulant. Adults with severe sepsis supported with TPE using FFP had lower mortality (risk ratio, RR: 0.64 [95% confidence interval, CI: 0.49, 0.84]) compared to those who did not. In contrast, TPE was associated with increased mortality in septic children without thrombocytopenia-associated multiorgan failure (RR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.93, 2.57). There was no difference in outcomes in patients supported with centrifugal and membrane TPE. In both populations, patients supported on TPE as a continuous regime had poorer outcome. Conclusion Current evidence indicates that TPE is a potential adjunct therapy in adults with severe sepsis but not in children.
Phylogenetic Trees and Their Analysis

Determining the best possible evolutionary history, the lowest-cost phylogenetic tree, to fit a given set of taxa and character sequences using maximum parsimony is an active area of research due to its underlying importance in understanding biological processes. As several steps in this process are NP-Hard when using popular, biologically-motivated optimality criteria, significant amounts of resources are dedicated to both both heuristics and to making exact methods more computationally tractable. We examine both phylogenetic data and the structure of the search space in order to suggest methods to reduce the number of possible trees that must be examined to find an exact solution for any given set of taxa and associated character data. Our work on four related problems combines theoretical insight with empirical study to improve searching of the tree space. First, we show that there is a Hamiltonian path through tree space for the most common tree metrics, answering Bryant's Challenge for the minimal such path. We next examine the topology of the search space under various metrics, showing that some metrics have local maxima and minima even with "perfect" data, while some others do not. We further characterize conditions for which sequences simulated under the Jukes-Cantor model of evolution yield well-behaved search spaces. Next, we reduce the search space needed for an exact solution by splitting the set of characters into mutually-incompatible subsets of compatible characters, building trees based on the perfect phylogenies implied by these sets, and then searching in the neighborhoods of these trees. We validate this work empirically. Finally, we compare two approaches to the generalized tree alignment problem, or GTAP: Sequence alignment followed by tree search vs. Direct Optimization, on both biological and simulated data.
Analysis of sensorineural hearing loss in patients attending an otolaryngology clinic in North Central Nigeria

Hearing loss is the third leading cause of years lived with disability. Approximately 1.4 billion people have hearing loss, of which 80% reside in low- and middle-income countries with limited audiology and otolaryngology care available to them. The objective of this study was to estimate period prevalence of hearing loss and audiogram patterns of patients attending an otolaryngology clinic in North Central Nigeria. A 10-year retrospective cohort study was carried out analyzing 1507 patient records of pure tone audiograms of patients at the otolaryngology clinic at Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State, Nigeria. Prevalence of hearing loss of moderate or higher grade increased significantly and steadily after age 60. Compared to other studies, there was a higher prevalence of overall sensorineural hearing loss (24–28% in our study compared to 1.7–8.4% globally) and higher proportions of the flat audiogram configuration among the younger age patients (40% in younger patients compared to 20% in patients older than 60 years). The higher prevalence of the flat audiogram configuration compared to other parts of the world may be suggestive of an etiology specific to this region, such as the endemic Lassa Fever and Lassa virus infection in addition to cytomegalovirus or other viral infections associated with hearing loss.
SURVEY OF OH MASERS AT 1665 AND 1667 MHZ .1. GALACTIC LONGITUDES 326-DEGREES TO 340-DEGREES

The galactic plane between longitudes 3260 and 3400 has been searched for OH emiSSIOn and bsorption on the 1665 and 1667 MHz transitions. Forty main-line emission sources were detected (27 new ones, 13 previously known), and these constitute a sample complete to a weIl-defined lower intensity limit in this region of sky. Line profiles of all sources are shown and the statistics on variability and on the intensity ratios of the ground state transitions are summarized. The completeness of the sample encouraged us to make a first attempt to construct a luminosity function and to estimate the total number of such masers in our Galaxy. A study of the velocity structures showed these to be extremely varied, but none exceed a total range of 25 km s -1; combined velocity and polarization data are compatible with a Zeeman splitting origin for the circular polarization, and with this interpretation several sources yield an estimate for the line-of-sight magnetic field strength of a few mG. Preliminary investigations of the associations with other celestial objects indicate that many of the masers are loosely associated with HII region complexes, but in at least eight instances no HII regions have yet been detected; of these eight masers, two may be associated with supernova remnants and one with an unidentified nonthermal radio source.
Comparison of Three Different Devices for the Evaluation of Axial Length, Refractive Error, and Keratometry

SIGNIFICANCE Myopia prevalence is increasing worldwide. Axial length, refractive error, and keratometry are important outcome measures in myopia management. Precise measurement methods are required for myopia management. Various devices are used to measure these three parameters, and it is not known whether their results can be used interchangeably. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to compare three different devices to evaluate axial length, refractive error, and keratometry. METHODS A total of 120 subjects (37.7 ± 15.5 years) were enrolled in this prospective study. All subjects were measured with DNEye Scanner 2 (Rodenstock GmbH, Munich, Germany), Myopia Master (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany), and IOLMaster 700 (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany). Myopia Master and IOLMaster 700 use interferometry to measure axial length. Rodenstock Consulting software (Rodenstock GmbH, Munich, Germany) was used to calculate axial length from DNEye Scanner 2 measurement. Differences were analyzed using Bland-Altman 95% limits of agreement. RESULTS Differences for axial length were as follows: DNEye Scanner 2 versus Myopia Master, 0.67 ± 0.46 mm; DNEye Scanner 2 versus IOLMaster 700, 0.64 ± 0.46 mm; and Myopia Master versus IOLMaster 700, −0.02 ± 0.02 mm. Differences for mean corneal curvature were as follows: DNEye Scanner 2 versus Myopia Master, −0.20 ± 0.36 mm; DNEye Scanner 2 versus IOLMaster 700, −0.40 ± 0.35 mm; and Myopia Master versus IOLMaster 700, −0.20 ± 0.13 mm. The difference in noncycloplegic spherical equivalent between DNEye Scanner 2 and Myopia Master was 0.05 ± 0.25 D. CONCLUSIONS The results for axial length and keratometry from Myopia Master and IOLMaster were comparable. The axial length calculated by DNEye Scanner 2 was significantly different from interferometry devices and is not appropriate for myopia management. The differences in keratometry readings were clinically not significant. All refractive outcomes were comparable.
The Effectiveness of Remote Video Monitoring on Fall Prevention and Nurses' Acceptance

Background: The use of remote visual monitoring (RVM) technology as a “telesitter” in hospitals can reduce falls and increase the efficiency of patient observation. Purpose: This study aimed to examine RVM effectiveness as a strategy to decrease patient falls and investigate nurses' acceptance and perceived usefulness of RVM technology. Methods: Remote visual monitoring was implemented within a health system in the Southeastern United States. Falls data 6 months prior to and postimplementation were analyzed, and 106 nurses completed a survey evaluating their acceptance of the RVM technology. Results: There was a significant 39.15% reduction in falls with injury (P = .006), and 70.6% of the RVM redirections were successful. Nurses' acceptance and perceived usefulness of RVM were moderate. Conclusion: Implementing RVM has the potential to enhance patient safety by reducing falls with injuries and is considered acceptable and useful by nurses.
Selective detection of urease‐producing bacteria on the genital skin surface in patients with incontinence‐associated dermatitis

We aimed to investigate the association between the presence of cutaneous urease‐producing bacteria and the development of incontinence‐associated dermatitis (IAD) using an original urea agar medium as a step toward developing advanced preventive measures. In previous clinical assessments, we developed an original urea agar medium to detect urease‐producing bacteria via the medium's colour changes. In a cross‐sectional study, specimens were collected via the swabbing technique at genital skin sites in 52 stroke patients hospitalised in a university hospital. The primary objective was to compare the presence of urease‐producing bacteria between the IAD and no‐IAD groups. Determining the bacterial count was the secondary objective. The prevalence of IAD was 48%. A significantly higher detection rate of urease‐producing bacteria was observed in the IAD group than in the no‐IAD group (P = .002) despite the total number of bacteria being equivalent between them. In conclusion, we discovered that there was a significant association between the presence of urease‐producing bacteria and IAD development in hospitalised stroke patients.
An umbrella review of the effectiveness of fiscal and pricing policies on food and non‐alcoholic beverages to improve health

Poor quality diets represent major risk factors for the global burden of disease. Modeling studies indicate a potential for diet‐related fiscal and pricing policies (FPs) to improve health. There is real‐world evidence (RWE) that such policies can change behavior; however, the evidence regarding health is less clear. We conducted an umbrella review of the effectiveness of FPs on food and non‐alcoholic beverages in influencing health or intermediate outcomes like consumption. We considered FPs applied to an entire population within a jurisdiction and included four systematic reviews in our final sample. Quality appraisal, an examination of excluded reviews, and a literature review of recent primary studies assessed the robustness of our results. Taxes and, to some extent, subsidies are effective in changing consumption of taxed/subsidized items; however, substitution is likely to occur. There is a lack of RWE supporting the effectiveness of FPs in improving health but this does not mean that they are ineffective. FPs may be important for improving health but their design is critical. Poorly designed FPs may fail to improve health and could reduce support for such policies or be used to support their repeal. More high‐quality RWE on the impact of FPs on health is needed.
Effectiveness of exercise on fall prevention in community-dwelling older adults: a 2-year randomized controlled study of 914 women

Abstract Background Communal exercise interventions may help prevent falls and injuries. However, pragmatic trials demonstrating the effectiveness of such strategies are sparse. Methods We determined whether a cost-free 12-month admission to the city’s recreational sports facilities including initial 6 months of supervised weekly gym and Tai Chi sessions decreases the number of falls and related injuries. The mean (SD) follow-up time was 22·6 (4.8) months in 2016–19. A total of 914 women from a population-based sample with a mean age of 76.5 (SD 3.3, range 71.1–84.8) years were randomized into exercise intervention (n = 457) and control (n = 457) groups. Fall information was collected through biweekly short message (SMS) queries and fall diaries. Altogether 1,380 falls were recorded for the intention-to-treat analysis, with 1,281 (92.8%) being verified by telephone. Results A 14.3% fall rate reduction was detected in the exercise group (Incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.86; CI 95% 0.77–0.95) compared with the control group. Approximately half of the falls caused moderate (n = 678, 52.8%) or severe (n = 61, 4.8%) injury. In total, 13.2% (n = 166) of falls (including 73 fractures) required medical consultation with a 38% lower fracture rate in the exercise group (IRR = 0.62; CI 95% 0.39–0.99). Overall, the greatest reduction of 41% (IRR = 0.59; CI 95% 0.36–0.99) was observed in falls with severe injury and pain. Conclusions A community-based approach for a 6-month exercise period combined with a 12-month free use of sports premises can reduce falls, fractures and other fall-related injuries in aging women.