Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reliability of the test of gross motor development: A systematic review

Objective To identify, synthesise and evaluate studies that investigated the reliability of the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD) variants. Methods A systematic search was employed to identify studies that have investigated internal consistency, inter-rater, intra-rater and test-retest reliability of the TGMD variants through Scopus, Pubmed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Sport Discus and Web of Science databases. Results Of the 265 studies identified, 23 were included. Internal consistency, evaluated in 14 studies, confirming good-to-excellent consistency for the overall score and general motor quotient (GMQ), and acceptable-to-excellent levels in both subscales (locomotor and ball skills). Inter-rater reliability, evaluated in 19 studies, showing good-to-excellent intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) values in locomotor skills score, ball skills score, overall score, and GMQ. Intra-rater reliability, evaluated in 13 studies, displaying excellent ICC values in overall score and GMQ, and good-to-excellent ICC values in locomotor skills score and ball skills score. Test-retest reliability was evaluated in 15 studies with 100% of the statistics reported above the threshold of acceptable reliability when ICC was not used. Studies with ICC statistic showed good-to-excellent values in ball skills score, overall score, and GMQ; and moderate-to-excellent values in locomotor skills score. Conclusions Overall, the results of this systematic review indicate that, regardless of the variant of the test, the TMGD has moderate-to-excellent internal consistency, good-to-excellent inter-rater reliability, good-to-excellent intra-rater reliability, and moderate-to-excellent test-retest reliability. Considering the few high-quality studies in terms of internal consistency, it would be recommend to carry out further studies in this field to improve their quality. Since there is no gold standard for assessing FMS, TGMD variants could be appropriate when opting for a psychometrical robust test. However, standardized training protocols for coding TGMD variants seem to be necessary both for researchers and practitioners in order to ensure acceptable reliability.
Co-Expression Networks for Causal Gene Identification Based on RNA-Seq Data of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is a Gram-positive bacterium that causes caseous lymphadenitis, a disease that predominantly affects sheep, goat, cattle, buffalo, and horses, but has also been recognized in other animals. This bacterium generates a severe economic impact on countries producing meat. Gene expression studies using RNA-Seq are one of the most commonly used techniques to perform transcriptional experiments. Computational analysis of such data through reverse-engineering algorithms leads to a better understanding of the genome-wide complexity of gene interactomes, enabling the identification of genes having the most significant functions inferred by the activated stress response pathways. In this study, we identified the influential or causal genes from four RNA-Seq datasets from different stress conditions (high iron, low iron, acid, osmosis, and PH) in C. pseudotuberculosis, using a consensus-based network inference algorithm called miRsigand next identified the causal genes in the network using the miRinfluence tool, which is based on the influence diffusion model. We found that over 50% of the genes identified as influential had some essential cellular functions in the genomes. In the strains analyzed, most of the causal genes had crucial roles or participated in processes associated with the response to extracellular stresses, pathogenicity, membrane components, and essential genes. This research brings new insight into the understanding of virulence and infection by C. pseudotuberculosis.
DNA damage and growth hormone hypersecretion in pituitary somatotroph adenomas.

Drivers of sporadic benign pituitary adenoma growth are largely unknown. Whole exome sequencing of 159 prospectively resected pituitary adenomas showed somatic copy number alteration (SCNA) rather than mutation is a hallmark of hormone-secreting adenomas and that SCNA correlate with adenoma phenotype. Using single-gene SCNA pathway analysis, we observed cAMP and Fanconi anemia DNA damage repair pathways both affected by SCNA in growth hormone (GH)-secreting somatotroph adenomas. As somatotroph differentiation and GH secretion is dependent on cAMP activation and we previously showed DNA damage, aneuploidy, and senescence in somatotroph adenomas, we studied links between cAMP signaling and DNA damage. Stimulation of cAMP in C57Bl/6 mouse primary pituitary cultures using forskolin or long-acting GH releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue increased GH production and DNA damage measured by phosphorylated H2AX and Comet assay. Octreotide, a somatostatin receptor ligand that targets somatotroph adenoma GH secretion in patients with acromegaly, inhibited cAMP and GH and reversed DNA damage induction. In vivo long-acting GHRH treatment also induced mouse pituitary DNA damage. We conclude that cAMP, which induces somatotroph proliferation and GH secretion, may concomitantly induce DNA damage, potentially linking hormone hypersecretion to SCNA and genome instability. These results elucidating somatotroph adenoma pathophysiology identify pathways for treatment targeting.
Recovery of Plant Species Richness and Composition in an Abandoned Forest Settlement Area in Kenya

Cultivation of annual crops in the initial stage of reforestation has been commonly practiced in the tropics. In recent decades, however, cultivation of such areas has been discontinued, resulting in widespread abandoned settlements. In this article we used a former forest village settlement in Kenya, which had been cleared, cultivated and then abandoned, to study how natural vegetation recovers after such disturbances. Species richness, abundance, and composition of tree seedlings, saplings, adult trees, shrubs, and herbs were recorded in different zones, from a heavily degraded zone in the center of the settlement, through less disturbed transition zones (TZs), and in the surrounding secondary forest (SF). Species richness and abundance of tree seedlings, saplings, and adult trees increased gradually from the heavily degraded zone to the SF, whereas shrub and herb richness were the same for TZs and SF and abundance was lowest in the SF. Total species richness was highest in the SF. Some pioneer tree species were highly associated with the TZs, whereas sub‐canopy tree species were associated with the SF. A group of tree species were not particularly associated with any of the four zones. Thus, these species might have good potential as restoration species. The results of our study contribute to the knowledge of natural regeneration in general, and of individual species characterizing the different stages of recovery of abandoned settlements in particular. Such information is urgently needed in designing ecologically sound management strategies for restoring abandoned forest settlements in tropical areas.
Addition of an Emotionally Stable Node in the SOSa-SPSa Model for Group Emotional Contagion of Panic in Public Health Emergency: Implications for Epidemic Emergency Responses

Sentiment contagion is similar to an infectious disease that spreads in a crowd. In this study, we explore the law of emotional infection under sudden public events by SIR model. The paper adds an emotionally stable node and establishes a group emotional infection model of U-SOSPa-SPSOa model. Simulation results show that our model is reasonable and can better explain the entire contagion process by considering four groups (unsusceptible-susceptible-optimistic-pessimistic) of people. Our theoretical results show: When the pessimists were below the critical value of 0.34, the number of negative emotional groups first increased and then decreased. As the proportion increases, the emotional peak of pessimists increases. The cure probability θo has the least influence on the P(t), and at the same time, under the action of θp, the P(t) reaches the stable state first. The increase of the risk coefficient can promote the pessimist infection. When the degree of risk is low, the rate of emotional infection is increased. When the degree of risk is high, the rate of infection is slowed. Therefore, system customizers and related managers can improve the efficiency of stable groups, adjust the proportion of initial negative emotions, control the infection of the spontaneous infection process, and directly deal with negative emotions. They can carry out treatment and other means to stabilize group emotions and maintain social stability.
Influence of Plasma Treatment on the Polyphenols of Food Products—A Review

The consumption of bioactive compounds, especially phenolic compounds, has been associated with health benefits such as improving the health status and reducing the risk of developing certain diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. However, the preservation of natural bioactive compounds in food products is a major challenge for the food industry. Due to the major impact of conventional thermal processing, nonthermal technologies such as cold plasma have been proposed as one of the most promising solutions for the food industry. This review will cover the current knowledge about the effects of cold plasma in polyphenols found in food products. The increasing number of studies in the last years supports the continuous search for specific treatment conditions for each type of food and the central role of plasma treatments as a food-processing technology.
Thyroidal angiogenesis in zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) exposed to high perchlorate concentration

As a well known environmental contaminant, perchlorate inhibits thyroidal iodide uptake and reduces thyroid hormone levels. In zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to high concentrations of sodium perchlorate (200, 350 and 500 mg/L) for 10 days, remarkable angiogenesis was identified, not only histopathologically but also statistically by counting of the small, medium and large sized (grades 1 to 3) vessels per unit area. Angiogenic response is concluded as the most sensitive parameter for rating of high concentrations of perchlorate exposure.
The ups and downs of daily life during COVID-19: Age differences in affect, stress, and positive events

Abstract Objective Past research has linked older age with greater emotional well-being and decreased reactivity to stressors, but it is unknown whether age-related advantages in emotional well-being are maintained in the wake of COVID-19. We examined age differences in exposure and affective reactivity to daily stressors and positive events in the first several weeks of the COVID-19 outbreak. Method In March and April 2020, 776 adults from Canada and the U.S. ages 18-91 (mean age 45) reported COVID-19 threats at baseline, then completed nightly surveys for one week about their daily stressors, positive events, and affect. Results Younger age predicted more concerns about the threat of COVID-19 across multiple domains, in addition to lower positive affect, higher negative affect, and less frequent positive events. Younger adults had more non-COVID-19 daily stressors and higher perceived control over stressors, but lower perceived coping efficacy than older adults. There were no age differences in the frequency of COVID-19 daily stressors nor perceived stressor severity. Younger adults had greater reductions in negative affect on days when more positive events occurred and greater increases in negative affect on days when non-COVID-19 stressors occurred. Age moderation was attenuated for negative affective reactivity to COVID-19 stressors. Age did not moderate positive affective reactivity to daily events. Discussion In the early weeks of the pandemic, older adults showed better emotional well-being and less reactivity to stressors but did not differ from younger adults in their exposure to COVID-19 stressors. Additionally, younger adults benefited more from positive events.
Muscles of the neck, trunk and tail in the Noisy Scrub-bird, Atrichornis clamosus , and Superb Lyrebird, Menura novaehollaindiae (Passeriformes: Atrichornithidae and Menuridae)

Muscles of the neck, trunk and tail of the Noisy Scrub-bird, Atrichornis clamosus, are described, illustrated and compared with those of the Superb Lyrebird, Menura novaehollandiae. It is proposed that hypertrophy of various neck muscles in A trich orn is is related to use of the head in penetrating litter and undergrowth. Atrichornis and Menura are shown to have qualitative differences in myology and in morphology of the uropygial glands, but taxonomic interpretation of these differences is judged to be premature without broader comparisons. ZUSI, R.L. , 1985. Muscles of the neck, trunk and tail in the Noisy Scrub-bird, Atrichornis clamosus, and Superb Lyrebird, Menura novaehollandiae (Passeriformes: Atrichornithidae and Menuridae). Records of the Australian Museum 37(4): 229-242.
Total phenolic content, flavonoid content and in vitro antioxidant activities of Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f.) Ettingsh

The total phenolic content(TPC) and total flavonoid content(TFC) of chloroform(CEDF), methanol(MEDF) and hydroalcoholic(HEDF) extracts of an Indian ayurvedic plant Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f) Ettingsh were measured using Folin-Ciocalteau and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. The in vitro antioxidant activities were also investigated by using in vitro antioxidant models including 2,2´-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS + ), 1,1-diphenyl- 2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH), nitric oxide(NO), hydroxyl radical(OH‾), super oxide(SO) and reducing power (Fe 3+ to Fe 2+ transformation) assay. The TPC were 21.78 ± 3.145, 38.66 ± 1.862 and 46.43 ± 2.55 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g extract, while TFC were 9.74 ± 1.324, 21.59 ± 1.09 and 33.42 ± 2.083 mg quercetin equivalents (QRT)/g extract sample for CEDF, MEDF and HEDF, respectively. Analysis of the free radical scavenging activities of the fractions revealed a concentration- dependent antiradical activity resulting from reduction of ABTS + , DPPH, NO, OH‾ and SO radicals to non-radical form. The scavenging activity of ascorbic acid, a known antioxidant used as positive control, was however higher and scavenging potential was in the order: ascorbic acid > HEDF > MEDF > CEDF. The reducing power of ascorbic acid, CEDF, MEDF and HEDF increased gradually with increasing concentration. The order of the reduction potential was ascorbic acid > HEDF > MEDF > CEDF. These results obtained in the present study indicate that D. falcata extracts can be a potential source of natural antioxidant with strong antiradical capacity.
Chain reactions: molecular mechanisms of RBR ubiquitin ligases

Ubiquitination is a fundamental post-translational modification that regulates almost all aspects of cellular signalling and is ultimately catalysed by the action of E3 ubiquitin ligases. The RING-between-RING (RBR) family of E3 ligases encompasses 14 distinct human enzymes that are defined by a unique domain organisation and catalytic mechanism. Detailed characterisation of several RBR ligase family members in the last decade has revealed common structural and mechanistic features. At the same time these studies have highlighted critical differences with respect to autoinhibition, activation and catalysis. Importantly, the majority of RBR E3 ligases remain poorly studied, and thus the extent of diversity within the family remains unknown. In this mini-review we outline the current understanding of the RBR E3 mechanism, structure and regulation with a particular focus on recent findings and developments that will shape the field in coming years.
Osthole resensitizes CD133+ hepatocellular carcinoma cells to cisplatin treatment via PTEN/AKT pathway

The population of CD133 positive cancer cells has been reported to be responsible for drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the potential molecular mechanism by which CD133+ HCC cells develop drug resistance is still unclear. In this study, we found that CD133+ HepG2 and Huh7 cells were resistant to cisplatin treatment, compared to the CD133- HepG2 and Huh7 cells. However, treatment with osthole, a natural coumarin isolated from umbelliferae plant monomers, was found to resensitize CD133+ HepG2 and Huh7 cells to cisplatin treatment. In the mechanism research, we found that treatment with osthole increased the expression of PTEN. As a result, osthole inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT and Bad to decrease the amount of free Bcl-2 in CD133+ HepG2 and Huh7 cells. Finally, cisplatin-induced mitochondrial apoptosis was expanded. In conclusion, combination treatment with osthole can resensitize CD133+ HCC cells to cisplatin treatment via the PTEN/AKT pathway.
A Broader Perspective on Anti-Ro Antibodies and Their Fetal Consequences—A Case Report and Literature Review

The presence of maternal Anti-Ro/Anti-La antibodies causes a passively acquired autoimmunity that may be associated with serious fetal complications. The classic example is the autoimmune-mediated congenital heart block (CHB) which is due in most cases to the transplacental passage of Anti-Ro/Anti-La antibodies. The exact mechanisms through which these pathologic events arise are linked to disturbances in calcium channels function, impairment of calcium homeostasis and ultimately apoptosis, inflammation and fibrosis. CHB still represents a challenging diagnosis and a source of debate regarding the best management. As the third-degree block is usually irreversible, the best strategy is risk awareness and prevention. Although CHB is a rare occurrence, it affects one in 20,000 live births, with a high overall mortality rate (up to 20%, with 70% of in utero deaths). There is also concern over the lifelong consequences, as most babies need a pacemaker. This review aims to offer, apart from the data needed for a better understanding of the issue at hand, a broader perspective of the specialists directly involved in managing this pathology: the rheumatologist, the maternal–fetal specialist and the cardiologist. To better illustrate the theoretical facts presented, we also include a representative clinical case.
Taxonomic revision of the genus Amaranthus (Amaranthaceae) in Italy

A taxonomic revision of the genus Amaranthus (Amaranthaceae) in Italy is here presented. Field surveys were carried out during the period 2006–2014. 58 herbaria (both European and American, including 12 personal herbaria) were consulted (more than 3,000 specimens were examined) as well as extensive literature was analized. Twenty-seven non-hybrid taxa (twenty-four species, and six varieties) are recognized ( A. crassipes and A. graecizans subsp. graecizans are considered doubtful for the flora of Italy). Three taxa ( A. blitum , A. cacciatoi , and A. graecizans subsp. sylvestris ) are native, one ( A. bouchonii ) has doubtful origin, while the others are to be considered aliens, mostly neophytes native to the Americas. Information about nomenclature (accepted names, main synonyms, and types), morphology, chromosome number, chorology (for native taxa) or alien status (for exotic taxa, at national and regional levels), occurrence in Italy (at regional scale), ecology (preferential habitat, phenology, elevation), taxonomic annotations are provided for each taxon, as well as original photos were prepared. Diagnostic keys at species and infraspecific levels (for A. blitum subsp. blitum s.l., A. emarginatus s.l., and A. graecizans s.l.) are given. An isolectotype for the name A. bouchonii was found at Z. A list of the seven hybrids recorded and their main morphological characteristics are also given. Among them, A. × mauritii is recorded in the present study for the first time in Italy. The nomenclatural change Amaranthus × pyxidatus comb. et stat. nov. is proposed. Two specimens preserved at MPU are designated as lectotype and isolectotype of the name A. × mauritii s.s. , while for A. × mauritii f. ramosissima the holotype was found; the two names are to be considered heterotypic synonyms (new synonymy).
Cross-Border Spillover Effects of the G20 Financial Regulatory Reforms: Results from a Pilot Survey

We study the effect of ageing, defined as an extra year of life, on health care utilisation. We disentangle the direct effect of ageing, from other alternative explanations such as the presence of comorbidities and endogenous time to death (TTD) that are argued to absorb the effect of ageing (so-called 'red herring' hypothesis). We exploit individual level end of life data from several European countries that record the use of medicine, outpatient and inpatient care and long-term care. Consistently with the 'red herring hypothesis', we find that corrected TTD estimates are significantly different from uncorrected ones, and their effect size exceeds that of an extra year of life, which in turn is moderated by individual comorbidities. Corrected estimates suggest an overall attenuated effect of ageing, which does not influence outpatient care utilisation. These results suggest the presence of 'more than one red herring' depending on the type of health care examined.
DETECTION OF MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS DNA IN BUCCAL SWAB SAMPLES FROM CHILDREN IN LIMA, PERU.

We examined Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA detection from buccal swab samples collected from children in Lima, Peru. DNA was extracted and amplified via real-time polymerase chain reaction. Sensitivity was 21% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7%-42%) in 24 culture-confirmed tuberculosis cases and 4.6% (95% CI: 1%-13%) in 65 clinically diagnosed unconfirmed cases. Sensitivity was highest for smear-positive tuberculosis. Specificity was 99% in the 199 controls (95% CI: 96%-100%).
The Effectiveness and Safety of General and Spinal Anesthesia on Systemic Inflammatory Response in Patients with Tumor-Type Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background: The anesthesia procedure in tumor-type total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may contribute to systemic inflammatory response. Therefore, we aim to investigate the effectiveness and safety of general and spinal anesthesia in patients with tumor-type TKA. Patients and Methods: Twenty-five patients with tumors around the knee undergoing primary unilateral TKA were randomly divided into the general anesthesia group (n = 13) and spinal anesthesia group (n = 12). Knee joint HSS scores and Western Ontario and McMaster University osteoarthritis index (WOMAC osteoarthritis) were recorded before surgery and 12 months after surgery. Visual analogue scale, C-reactive protein (CPR), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) concentration were measured preoperatively (T0), on the day of the operation (T1), and on the first day (T2) after the operation. Complications in the two groups were recorded. Results: The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, tourniquet time, and complication rate were not significantly different between the general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia groups (all p > 0.05). There were no significant differences in CPR (7.6 ± 3.1, 8.1 ± 4.1, 91.3 ± 24.2 vs. 7.1 ± 2.9, 7.6 ± 3.8, 85.1 ± 19.3 pg/mL, respectively), IL-8 (12.2 ± 6.6, 13.4 ± 7.3, 19.2 ± 10.5 vs. 11.9 ± 5.7, 12.9 ± 8.6, 22.2 ± 12.4 pg/mL, respectively), and TNF-α (2.5 ± 1.7, 2.2 ± 1.9, 2.8 ± 2.1 vs. 2.4 ± 1.3, 2.7 ± 2.1, 2.9 ± 1.6 pg/mL, respectively) between the two groups at T0, T1, and T2 (all p > 0.05). There were no statistical differences in pre- and postoperative HSS knee scores (39.78 ± 11.3, 90.24 ± 15.3 vs. 42.68 ± 12.5, 91.21 ± 16.3) and WOMAC indexes (49.89 ± 7.9, 25.12 ± 6.2 vs. 51.3 ± 8.3, 23.15 ± 5.3) between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: General anesthesia and spinal anesthesia in patients with tumor-type TKA had the same effectiveness and safety.