Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stroke in the Time of Coronavirus Disease 2019: Experience of Two University Stroke Centers in Egypt

In the beginning of year 2020, the world was hit by a pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), thus posing a significant challenge to health care systems worldwide. Consequently, emergency doctors tend to avoid hospital admission of patients with risk factors because of the higher mortality rate if this population is exposed to COVID-19 infection. Nevertheless, non-communicable diseases, as acute stroke, are still there in the background of this pandemic and definitely need to be efficiently managed. This implies that acute stroke management pathways ought to be revised to maintain proper stroke care while protecting patients and health care providers from contracting COVID-19.
Piezoelectric Sensing Techniques in Structural Health Monitoring: A State-of-the-Art Review

Recently, there has been a growing interest in deploying smart materials as sensing components of structural health monitoring systems. In this arena, piezoelectric materials offer great promise for researchers to rapidly expand their many potential applications. The main goal of this study is to review the state-of-the-art piezoelectric-based sensing techniques that are currently used in the structural health monitoring area. These techniques range from piezoelectric electromechanical impedance and ultrasonic Lamb wave methods to a class of cutting-edge self-powered sensing systems. We present the principle of the piezoelectric effect and the underlying mechanisms used by the piezoelectric sensing methods to detect the structural response. Furthermore, the pros and cons of the current methodologies are discussed. In the end, we envision a role of the piezoelectric-based techniques in developing the next-generation self-monitoring and self-powering health monitoring systems.
STUDIES ON BREDININ. I

Bredinin, C9H13N3O6, is, a novel imidazole nucleoside with an immunosbppressive activity. It was isolated from the culture filtrate of Eupenicillium brefeldianum M-2166 by means of ion-exchange or partition chromatography. Bredinin shows selective cytotoxicity against L5178Y cells derived from malignant lymphoma of the mouse. As an immunosuppressant, it has favorable characteristics, namely, a potent activity, low acute toxicity, and a slight effect on a decrease of peripheral leukocytes. Bredinin inhibits the growth of vaccinia virus but not that of bacteria or fungi except for Candida albicans in vitro.Slight prolongation in the survival period of mice inoculated with lymphatic leukemia L1210 was observed by intraperitoneal injection of bredinin, however, it was not effective on P388 leukemia or EHRLICH ascites tumor.
Prediction of Rarities from Habitat Variables: Coastal Plain Plants on Nova Scotian Lakeshores

Predictive models relating species richness of rare plants to measured habitat variables were developed using data from the shoreline vegetation of lakes in southwestern Nova Scotia. These lakes contain large disjunct populations of many Atlantic Coastal Plain plant species whose main ranges are along the eastern seaboard of the United States. The richness of rare coastal plain herbs was easier to predict than richness of the "background flora" of wide—ranging species from noncoastal plain elements. Multiple—regression models using habitat variables accounted for 83% of the variability in species richness of rare coastal plain species but only 45% of that for the background flora. Richness was best correlated with the two inter—related variables, watershed area and shoreline width. The mechanism underlying this pattern appears to be that flooding kills woody plants, thereby reducing competition from shrubs and creating open expanses of shoreline. See full-text article at JSTOR
Dietary Diversity and Micronutrients Adequacy in Women of Childbearing Age: Results from ELANS Study

Dietary diversity, an important component of diet quality, is associated with an increased probability of adequate micronutrient intake. Women of childbearing age (WCA) are particularly vulnerable to micronutrient inadequacy. The Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) has been used widely as a proxy measurement of micronutrient adequacy. This study aimed to assess the association between MDD-W and nutrients adequacy among WCA of eight Latin American countries. Nutrient intakes from 3704 WCA were analyzed with two 24-hour dietary recalls. Dietary diversity was calculated based on ten food groups with a cut-off point of intake ≥5 groups. The mean dietary diversity score was 4.72 points, and 57.7% of WCA achieved MDD-W. Vitamin D and E showed a mean Nutrient Adequacy Ratio (NAR) of 0.03 and 0.38, respectively. WCA with a diverse diet (MDD-W > 5) reported a significantly higher intake of most micronutrients and healthy food groups with less consumption of red and processed meats and sugar-sweetened beverages. MDD-W was significantly associated with the mean adequacy ratio (MAR) of 18 micronutrients evaluated. Nevertheless, even those women with a diverse diet fell short of meeting the Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) for vitamins D and E. MDD-W is an appropriate tool to evaluate micronutrients adequacy in WCA from Latin America, showing that women who achieved the MDD-W reported higher adequacy ratios for most micronutrients and an overall healthier diet.
Investigating the origins of ultra-short relaxation times of silver filaments in forming-free SiO2-based conductive bridge memristors

The threshold switching effect is considered of outmost importance for a variety of applications ranging from the reliable operation of crossbar architectures to emulating neuromorphic properties with artificial neural networks. This property is strongly believed to be associated with the rich inherit dynamics of a metallic conductive filament (CF) formation and its respective relaxation processes. Understanding the origin of these dynamics is very important in order to control the degree of volatility and design novel electronic devices. Here, we present a synergistic numerical and experimental approach in order to deal with that issue. The distribution of relaxation time is addressed through time-resolved pulse measurements whereas the entire switching behavior is modeled through a 2D dynamical model by taking into account the destructive interference of the drift/diffusion transport mechanisms and the Soret diffusion flux due to the intense local Joule heating. The proposed mechanism interprets successfully both the threshold to bipolar switching transition as well as the self-rectifying effects in SiO2-based memories. The model incorporates the effect of electrode materials on the switching pattern and provides a different perception of the ionic transport processes, shading light into the ultra-small lifetimes of the CF and explaining the different behavior of the silver or copper active materials in a conductive bridge random access memory architecture.
Species Boundaries and Phylogeographic Patterns in Cryptic Taxa Inferred from AFLP Markers: Veronica subgen. Pentasepalae (Scrophulariaceae) in the Western Mediterranean

Abstract We show the power of detailed AFLP study to address questions of species delimitation and genetic diversity in morphologically-cryptic plants. We have combined this technique with karyological studies to explore species boundaries in the Western Mediterranean representatives of Veronica subgen. Pentasepalae. Several members of this subgenus are represented in the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa by morphologically similar populations, which lead to different taxonomic hypotheses. We have analyzed genetic variation with two different objectives: first, to provide a basis on which one taxonomic hypothesis is favored against its alternatives, and second, to obtain a satisfactory interpretation of phylogeographic patterns. The usefulness of several parameters and analyses is considered in order to help rank taxa and to reveal details of their speciation modes. Some of these parameters are presented with a geographical background to facilitate phylogeographic interpretations. The data support one of the previously proposed taxonomic hypotheses, which results in the recognition of eight taxa. An east-to-west migration route within the Iberian Peninsula is hypothesized, coinciding with the general pattern proposed for Veronica subgen. Pentasepalae. Further data on genetic variability and chromosome counts for 41 populations are provided.
Infection Dynamics of Mycoplasma bovis and Other Respiratory Mycoplasmas in Newly Imported Bulls on Italian Fattening Farms

Italian beef production is mainly based on a feedlot system where calves are housed with mixed aged cattle often in conditions favourable to bovine respiratory disease (BRD). In Veneto, an indoor system is also used for imported bulls around 300–350 kg. Mycoplasmas, in particular Mycoplasma bovis and Mycoplasma dispar, contribute to BRD in young calves, but their role in the disease in older cattle has not been investigated. In this study, ten heads of cattle were selected from each of the 24 groups kept in 13 different farms. Bulls were sampled by nasal swabbing at 0, 15, and 60 days after arrival for Mycoplasma isolation. Identification was carried out by 16S-rDNA PCR followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. M. bovis, M. dispar, and M. bovirhinis were identified, and prevalence was analysed by mixed-effects logistic regression models. This showed that most bulls arrived free of M. bovis, but within two weeks, approximately 40% became infected, decreasing to 13% by the last sampling. In contrast, the prevalence of M. dispar was not dependent on time or seasonality, while M. bovirhinis only showed a seasonality-dependent trend. The Italian fattening system creates an ideal environment for infection with M. bovis, probably originating from previously stabled animals.
Rapid Communication: Ca2+ Channel Blockers Attenuate β‐Amyloid Peptide Toxicity to Cortical Neurons in Culture

Abstract: Deposit of β‐amyloid protein (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease brain may contribute to the associated neurodegeneration. We have studied the neurotoxicity of Aβ in primary cultures of murine cortical neurons, with the aim of identifying pharmacologic ways of attenuating the injury. Exposure of cultures to Aβ (25–35 fragment; 3–25 4mUM) generally triggers slow, concentration‐dependent neurodegeneration (over 24–72 h). With submaximal Aβ‐ (25–35) exposure (10 μM), substantial (>40% within 48 h) degeneration often occurs and is markedly attenuated by the presence of the Ca2+ channel blockers nimodipine (1–20 μM) and Co2+ (100 μM) during the Aβ exposure. However, Aβ neurotoxicity is not affected by the presence of glutamate receptor antagonists. We suggest that Ca2+ influx through voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels may contribute to Aβ‐induced neuronal injury and that nimodipine and Co2+, by attenuating such influx, are able to attenuate Aβ neurotoxicity.
Reformulation of sugar contents in Canadian prepackaged foods and beverages between 2013 and 2017 and resultant changes in nutritional composition of products with sugar reductions

Abstract Objective: To quantify total sugar reformulation in Canadian prepackaged foods and beverages between 2013 and 2017 and identify changes in the nutritional composition of the foods and beverages reformulated to be lower in total sugar. Design: Longitudinal examination of foods and beverages present in both 2013 and 2017 collections of the University of Toronto’s Food Label Information Program database (n 6628 matched products). The proportion of products with changes in sugar levels was determined. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to examine changes in sugar levels overall for products lower or higher in sugar and changes in nutrient composition for products lower in sugar. Setting: Largest grocery retailers by market share in Canada. Participants: Canadian prepackaged foods and beverages. Results: The majority (76·6 %) of products had no change in total sugar content, 12·4 % were reformulated to be lower in sugar and 11·0 % were higher in sugar. A median sugar reduction of 19·0 % (1·6 g) was seen among products lower in sugar which was offset by a median 18·0 % (1·5 g) increase among products higher in sugar. Overall, median levels of energies and other nutrients stayed the same or decreased among products reformulated to be lower in sugar, the exception was for starch, which increased. Conclusions: Limited progress was made to reformulate foods and beverages to be lower in total sugar between 2013 and 2017. Results from this study identify areas in the food supply where attention may be needed to avoid unintended consequences of sugar-focused reformulation in terms of overall nutritional composition.
Temporal trend in the prevalence of indicators related to driving a motor vehicle after alcohol consumption, between 2007 and 2018.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the temporal trend of indicators related to motor vehicle driving after alcohol consumption, in the general population and among drivers. METHODS Temporal trend study of indicators related to driving motorized vehicles after alcohol consumption, between 2007 and 2018, based on information from Vigitel. The population consisted of adults (≥ 18 years old) living in Brazilian capitals with a landline. Trend analysis was performed by linear regression. RESULTS Between 2007 and 2018, there was a reduction in the indicator "driving a vehicle after alcohol abuse by the population" from 2.0% to 0.7% (p < 0.001). This consumption when calculated only among drivers decreased from 3.5 in 2011 to 1.6 in 2018 (p < 0.003). Driving a vehicle by drivers after consuming any amount of alcohol had high prevalences, ranging from 15.7% (2011) to 11.4% (2018). Prevalence in all indicators was higher among men, younger adults (18 to 34 years) and with higher education. CONCLUSION The practice of alcohol abuse and driving reduced in Brazil, however, driving after drinking any amount of alcohol still remains high. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain regulatory measures to control alcohol and driving in order to reduce traffic accidents.
Prevalence of Insulin Resistance in the Hungarian General and Roma Populations as Defined by Using Data Generated in a Complex Health (Interview and Examination) Survey

Data mainly from one-off surveys clearly show that the health of Roma, the largest ethnic minority of Europe, is much worse than that of the general population. However, results from comprehensive exploratory studies are missing. The aim of our study was to create a complex database for comparative and association studies to better understand the background of the very unfavourable health of Roma, especially the high burden of cardiometabolic diseases. A three-pillar (questionnaire-based, physical and laboratory examinations) health survey was carried out on randomly selected samples of the Hungarian general (HG, n = 417) and Roma (HR, n = 415) populations, and a database consisting of more than half a million datapoints was created. Using selected data, the prevalence rates of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and of its components were determined, and to estimate the risk of insulin resistance (IR), surrogate measures (the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index, quantitative insulin sensitivity check index, McAuley and TyG indices and the TG/HDL-C ratio) were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and Youden’s method were used to define the optimal cut-off values of each IR index. The prevalence of MetS was very high in both study populations (HG: 39.8%, HR: 44.0%) with no statistically significant difference between the two groups in females or males. The prevalence of MetS showed a very marked increase in the HR 35–49 years age group. Among surrogate measures, the TyG index showed the greatest power for predicting IR/MetS at a cut-off value of 4.69 (77% sensitivity, 84% specificity) and indicated a 42.3% (HG) and 40.5% (HR) prevalence of IR. The prevalence of MetS and IR is almost equally very unfavourable in both groups; thus, the factors underlying the high premature mortality burden of Roma should be further clarified by investigating the full spectrum of risk factors available in the database, with a special focus on the access of Roma people to preventive and curative health services.
Epiphytic diatom communities of Terra Nova Bay, Ross Sea, Antarctica: structural analysis and relations to algal host

Abstract Epiphytic diatoms are important constituents of the Southern Ocean coastal water ecosystem, being a key element in many of the Antarctic trophic chains. However, only limited information exists relating to these microalgal communities. Here we describe our findings of a study on epiphytic diatoms from Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea, Antarctica) based on material collected during the summer campaigns spanning from 1990–2004. Observations of diatoms associated with three rhodophyte species (Iridaea cordata (Turner) Bory, Phyllophora antarctica Gepp & Gepp, and Plocamium cartilagineum (L.) Dixon) were carried out with the use of a scanning electron microscope. A total of 73 diatom taxa (32 genera) were distinguished, of which 20 taxa exceeded 3% of total abundance. Cocconeis fasciolata (Ehrenberg) Brown, Navicula perminuta Grunow, and Fragilariopsis nana (Steemann Nielsen) Paasche appeared in every sample. The analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) test as well as non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis indicated the nature of host organism as a major factor influencing associated diatom community structure, whereas depth, site, and time of sampling seemed to be less important. The epizooic communities associated with sessile fauna epiphytic on macroalgae differed significantly from those associated with macroalgal surface. A pronounced difference between the communities epiphytic on various host macroalgae species was also observed, although most of the dissimilarities occurred between diatom taxa of the same growth form.
The Production of Second Clutches in the Common Tern: Proximate Effects of Timing and Food Supply

Abstract The Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) rarely produces more than one brood per breeding cycle. In 1996, 18 of 365 pairs (5%) of Common Terns nesting at a Lake Ontario colony laid second clutches while caring for first-brood nestlings; no second clutches were recorded during four previous breeding seasons at this location. Second clutches were smaller than first clutches of the same pairs (2 versus 3 eggs), and were initiated when first broods contained 1-3 nestlings that ranged in age from 12-22 d. Success of second clutches was low. Only two nestlings, from one second clutch, survived for >18 d; all remaining second clutches were abandoned or predated prior to (N = 16) or just after (N = 1) hatching. Three proximate factors were examined, within and among years, related to the production of second clutches: 1) earlier initiation of first broods, 2) reduced parental effort toward first broods, and 3) foraging conditions during rearing of first broods. Second clutches were not related to earlier breeding or reduced parental effort: clutch initiation dates, clutch sizes, and egg volumes of first clutches were similar among years, and first-clutch size and initiation date did not differ between pairs producing one versus two clutches. Conversely, parental care patterns in 1996 had several unusual characteristics compared to other years, including: (1) shorter provisioning trips, (2) higher provisioning rates, and (3) reduced rates of kleptoparasitism. These characteristics suggest that an abundant food supply close to the colony in 1996 was the likely proximate explanation for second-clutching.
Production and storage of mealworm beetle as prey for predatory stinkbug

Abstract Arthropod predators can be produced using alternative prey, but the availability of a constant supply of prey at low cost is necessary to support large-scale production. The use of stored prey can be advantageous for maintaining a constant food supply, but its quality may decline in storage. Thus, we tested the effect of using stored pupae of the alternative prey Tenebrio molitor L. at low temperature (mean of 3.6°C) on the performance of predatory stinkbug Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas). The treatment conditions we tested were: pupae stored for exactly 30 days before being used as prey (30-d pupae); pupae stored for either 20 or 35 days prior to the initiation of their use as prey, with continued storage during nymphal and adult stages (20-d+ or 35-d+ pupae); and 2-day-old newly moulted pupae as the control treatment. The duration of the nymphal stage of females and the weight of males were lower for nymphs fed 20-d+ and 35-d+ pupae, respectively. The pupal weight consumed and the rate of eggs and nymphs produced per gram of consumed pupae were also lower for adult females fed 35-d+ pupae compared to females that were fed 2-day-old pupae. These measures, however, were similar for females fed 30-d and 20-d+ pupae. The greatest consumption of pupae was observed for 20-d+ and 35-d+ treatments during nymphal and adult stages, respectively. The use of stored T. molitor pupae supported the development and reproduction of P. nigrispinus, regardless of the period of storage but with variable results among treatments. Therefore, among any of the tested treatments those pupae that were stored for exactly 30 days produced the highest fitness for P. nigrispinus.
Prospective Memory, Sleep, and Age

It is reported that sleep enhances prospective memory (PM), but it remains to be understood whether this influence is moderated by age, since sleep changes across the lifespan. To this end, we performed a retrospective study in a naturalistic setting in a large life span sample: 397 healthy participants (227 females) from middle childhood (nine years old) to late adulthood (70 years old). Participants were requested to perform a naturalistic activity-based PM task, namely, to remember to press the event-marker button of an actigraph when they went to bed (activity 1) and when they got out of bed (activity 2) after nocturnal sleep. The percentages of button presses were the measure of our activity-based PM task. For activities 1 and 2, we separately performed a moderation model with actigraphic sleep parameters (sleep efficiency, midpoint of sleep, and total sleep time) as predictors of PM performance with age as a moderator factor. With reference to activity 1, we observed a significant interaction between sleep efficiency and age, showing a decrease in PM performance with the increase in sleep efficiency in the low age group. Only age was a significant (negative) predictor of PM in activity 2, i.e., with increasing age, PM performance significantly decreased. The present study shows, in a large life span sample, that sleep does not seem to play a relevant predictive role of activity-based PM performance.