Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Angiosperm speciation cools down in the tropics

Abstract Recent evidence has questioned whether the Latitudinal Diversity Gradient (LDG), whereby species richness increases towards the Equator, results in higher rates of speciation in the tropics. Allowing for time heterogeneity in speciation rate estimates for over 60,000 angiosperm species, we found that the LDG does not arise from variation in speciation rates because lineages do not speciate faster in the tropics. These results were consistently retrieved using two other methods to test the association between occupancy of tropical habitats and speciation rates. Our speciation rate estimates were robust to the effects of both undescribed species and missing taxa. Overall, our results show that speciation rates follow an opposite pattern to global variation in species richness. Greater ecological opportunity in the temperate zones, stemming from less saturated communities, higher species turnover or greater environmental change, may ultimately explain these results.
Isolation of an Obligate Mixotrophic Methanogen That Represents the Major Population in Thermophilic Fixed-Bed Anaerobic Digesters

Methanothermobacter Met2 is a metagenome-assembled genome (MAG) that encodes a putative mixotrophic methanogen constituting the major populations in thermophilic fixed-bed anaerobic digesters. In order to characterize its physiology, the present work isolated an archaeon (strain Met2-1) that represents Met2-type methanogens by using a combination of enrichments under a nitrogen atmosphere, colony formation on solid media and limiting dilution under high partial pressures of hydrogen. Strain Met2-1 utilizes hydrogen and carbon dioxide for methanogenesis, while the growth is observed only when culture media are additionally supplemented with acetate. It does not grow on acetate in the absence of hydrogen. The results demonstrate that Methanothermobacter sp. strain Met2-1 is a novel methanogen that exhibits obligate mixotrophy.
Some virulence factors of Escherichia coli isolated from diarrheic calves

Escherichia coliare the most common cause of diarrhea in calves. Diarrhea in calvesremains one of the most important problems faced by livestock, causing greateconomic losses. Some strains ofE. coli characterized by the presence of specificvirulence factors including haemolysin production, resistance to bactericidal effectsof serum and Congo red binding activity. In this studyfecal samples were collectedfrom 115 diarrheic calves aged from 3 days to one year and from different localities in Egypt along the period from February to August 2015.The prevalence of E. coli in diarrheic calves was 72.2%. 39.8% of isolated E. coli were haemolytic to sheep blood agar, 68.7% were serum resistant, 100% showed Congo red binding activity.
Predicting sleep apnea responses to oral appliance therapy using polysomnographic airflow.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Oral appliance therapy is an increasingly common option for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients who are intolerant to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Clinically applicable tools to identify patients who could respond to oral appliance therapy are limited. METHODS Data from three studies (N = 81) were compiled, which included two sleep study nights, on and off oral appliance treatment. Along with clinical variables, airflow features were computed that included the average drop in airflow during respiratory events (event depth) and flow shape features, which, from previous work, indicates the mechanism of pharyngeal collapse. A model was developed to predict oral appliance treatment response (>50% reduction in apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] from baseline plus a treatment AHI <10 events/h). Model performance was quantified using (1) accuracy and (2) the difference in oral appliance treatment efficacy (percent reduction in AHI) and treatment AHI between predicted responders and nonresponders. RESULTS In addition to age and body mass index (BMI), event depth and expiratory "pinching" (validated to reflect palatal prolapse) were the airflow features selected by the model. Nonresponders had deeper events, "pinched" expiratory flow shape (i.e. associated with palatal collapse), were older, and had a higher BMI. Prediction accuracy was 74% and treatment AHI was lower in predicted responders compared to nonresponders by a clinically meaningful margin (8.0 [5.1 to 11.6] vs. 20.0 [12.2 to 29.5] events/h, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS A model developed with airflow features calculated from routine polysomnography, combined with age and BMI, identified oral appliance treatment responders from nonresponders. This research represents an important application of phenotyping to identify alternative treatments for personalized OSA management.
Predicting Remission Among Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Starting Tocilizumab Monotherapy: Model Derivation and Remission Score Development

Most patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) strive to consolidate their treatment from methotrexate combinations. The objective of this analysis was to identify patients with RA most likely to achieve remission with tocilizumab (TCZ) monotherapy by developing and validating a prediction model and associated remission score.
Home Accidents among Children:  A Retrospective Study at a Tertiary Care Center in Oman

Objectives We sought to identify the prevalence, commonest causes, and severity of home accident injuries and their effects on children who present to the emergency department (ED) of a university-tertiary hospital in Oman. Methods We conducted a retrospective study among children aged ≤ 18 years old who presented with home accidents to the ED between January and June 2017. A checklist for data collection was designed to include demographic data, causes and effects of home accidents, and treatment outcomes. The data was retrieved from the hospital electronic patient records. Results A total of 1333 children presented to the ED over six months as a result of unintentional home accidents, giving a prevalence of 7.7% from all children who visited the ED. There was a significant male to female ratio of 1.7:1. The most prevalent causes for home accidents were ‘falls’ in 716 (53.7%) children, followed by ‘struck by/against-animate/inanimate mechanical force’ in 201 (15.1%) children. ‘Poisoning’ was the third major cause in 117 (8.8%) children. Severity scale showed that around 36.0% of children suffered from severe injuries and 5.4% were admitted to the hospital. Conclusions Despite this study being a single-center study in Oman, it indicates a high prevalence and severity of unintentional home accidents among children. The study findings suggest the need for implementing strategies to raise public awareness of child safety at home and to improve the preparedness of healthcare providers in ED to deal with such accidents.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy Decreases Depressive Symptoms Among Adolescents in an Acute-Care Inpatient Unit.

Objective: Research has shown that Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an effective treatment modality to decrease suicidal ideation, incidents of nonsuicidal self-injurious behavior, and suicide attempts in an adolescent outpatient population. However, research on the impact of DBT on depressive and manic symptoms for adolescents and within an inpatient setting is limited. The purpose of this study is to examine whether DBT significantly decreases depressive and manic symptoms compared with treatment as usual (TAU) for inpatient adolescents. Method: We conducted a retrospective chart review for adolescents receiving inpatient DBT and for a historical control group on the same unit before DBT (i.e., TAU). Group differences for continuous outcomes were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), where discharge scores for Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Clinical Global Impressions-Severity for Symptoms (CGI-S), and Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression (DASA) were predicted by treatment condition (i.e., DBT and TAU) while co-varying for admission scores and using a t test for CGI-Improvement (CGI-I) in functioning, which was administered upon discharge. Results: Patients who received DBT had significantly lower HAMD scores, F(1, 409) = 5.272, p = 0.022, ηp2 = 0.013, and lower CGI-I scores, t(596) = 2.50, p = 0.00 upon discharge when controlling for admission scores, compared with patients who received TAU. ANCOVAs showed no significant differences on the YMRS, CGI-S, or DASA between the DBT and TAU groups. Conclusion: DBT on an acute-care inpatient unit for adolescents seems to significantly decrease depressive symptoms during a relatively short period of time compared with TAU. DBT may be an effective treatment modality to decrease depressive symptoms for acute-care inpatient units for adolescents.
Histological study on the heart ventricle of Egyptian bovines (Bos aegyptiacus)

Background: The heart ventricles have thicker walls than atrium as they pump blood through blood vessels into all body organs. Aim: This study aimed to describe the histological changes of the heart ventricles in Egyptian bovine (Bos aegyptiacus) with special reference to Purkinje fibers. Methods: A total of 10 male Egyptian bovines of 1–10 years old were divided into three groups according to age; immature, mature, and adult animals. Results: The histological sections from all examined animals’ groups revealed three different layers of the wall of both right and left ventricles; endocardium, myocardium, and epicardium. The endocardium was lined with endothelium and filled with fibrous connective tissue. The endocardium of adult bovine was the thickest. Purkinje fibers appeared of pale cytoplasm with few myofibrils. They were present in the deep layer of the endocardium and in the myocardium. The size of Purkinje fibers and the amount of their myofibrils appeared to be increased with advanced age. Bundles of cardiac muscles were the main constituent of the myocardium. The myocardial bundles were separated by fine connective tissue in immature animals that showed an increased amount in the adult animals. The hypereosinophilic cardiac muscle cells were observed in the ventricles of both mature and adult animals suggesting hypercontraction during rigor mortis. An external layer of the ventricles was the epicardium which consisted of connective tissue and covered with mesothelium. Conclusion: Overall, this study revealed histological changes in the wall of the ventricle and Purkinje fibers of Egyptian bovines (B. aegyptiacus) in relation to age. Additionally, the hypereosinophilia of the cardiac muscle cells was recorded in the ventricles of mature and adult bovines.
Survey of Schistosomiasis in Saint Lucia: Evidence for Interruption of Transmission

Abstract. Saint Lucia at one time had levels of schistosomiasis prevalence and morbidity as high as many countries in Africa. However, as a result of control efforts and economic development, including more widespread access to sanitation and safe water, schistosomiasis on the island has practically disappeared. To evaluate the current status of schistosomiasis in Saint Lucia, we conducted a nationally representative school-based survey of 8–11-year-old children for prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni infections using circulating antigen and specific antibody detection methods. We also conducted a questionnaire about available water sources, sanitation, and contact with fresh water. The total population of 8–11-year-old children on Saint Lucia was 8,985; of these, 1,487 (16.5%) provided urine for antigen testing, 1,455 (16.2%) provided fingerstick blood for antibody testing, and 1,536 (17.1%) answered the questionnaire. Although a few children were initially low positives by antigen or antibody detection methods, none could be confirmed positive by follow-up testing. Most children reported access to clean water and sanitary facilities in or near their homes and 48% of the children reported contact with fresh water. Together, these data suggest that schistosomiasis transmission has been interrupted on Saint Lucia. Additional surveys of adults, snails, and a repeat survey among school-age children will be necessary to verify these findings. However, in the same way that research on Saint Lucia generated the data leading to use of mass drug administration for schistosomiasis control, the island may also provide the information needed for guidelines to verify interruption of schistosomiasis transmission.
Exploring Kernberg’s Model of Personality Functioning as a Moderator of Traits: Focus on DSM-5’s Section III Alternative Model of Personality Disorder

A current trend emphasizes simplified models of traits and personality functioning that would reduce individuals to as few as five potential traits and one dimension of personality functioning. However, the evidence behind those models is based on linear methods of analysis that authors from Cattell to Kernberg (2016) believe do not capture the potential moderating interaction effects of personality. Using models of traits and functioning from the DSM-5, this study demonstrates not only that traits and functioning interact, but that they do so in a rich and meaningful way that points up the dangers of collapsing these concepts. Without taking the interaction into account, satisfaction in romantic or work relationships often could not be predicted or understood. If we cannot predict satisfaction in these relationships with precision, honest confusion arises over how to guide others toward these goals. Low Detachment depends on high levels of Self-Definition, just as low Antagonism relies on high levels of Empathy to be successful. Most interestingly, negative traits and low functioning can actually lead to individual satisfaction, suggesting not only that interaction is key but that nonlinear effects may also be present.
Reference intervals of mesenteric lymph node size according to lymphocyte counts in asymptomatic children

There is no acknowledged reference interval of mesenteric lymph node size in healthy children, and the size criterion for mesenteric lymph node enlargement (MLNE) has long been controversial. This study aimed to explore the reference intervals of mesenteric lymph node size according to lymphocyte counts in asymptomatic children and to develop a more appropriate definition of MLNE. The asymptomatic children included were divided into five age strata: 2 to 3 yr; 3 to 4 yr; 4 to 5 yr; 5 to 6 yr; and 6 to 7 yr. Correlation analyses between lymphocyte counts and the long-axis diameter, short-axis diameter, and average diameter of the largest mesenteric lymph node (LMLN) were performed. A reference interval of the short-axis diameter of LMLN was established according to this correlation analysis in each age group. We also report a reference interval of lymphocyte count in each age group. This study revealed significant correlations between the short-axis diameter of LMLN and lymphocyte count in all age groups, as well as in subdivided boy groups and girl groups. The overall reference interval of the short-axis diameter of LMLN in children was 0.54 cm—1.03 cm, with mean value of 0.75 cm. This study supports the use of the short-axis diameter greater than 8–10 mm as the diagnostic criterion for primary mesenteric lymphadenitis based on the presence of a cluster of three or more mesenteric lymph nodes and in the absence of other abnormalities.
Similar but different: Profiling secondary school students based on their perceived motivational climate and psychological need-based experiences in physical education

The purpose of this study was to provide more insight into how the physical education (PE) context can be better tailored to the diverse motivational demands of secondary school students. Therefore, we examined how different constructs of student motivation in the context of PE combine into distinct motivational profiles, aiming to unveil motivational similarities and differences between students’ PE experiences. Participants were 2,562 Dutch secondary school students, aged 12–18, from 24 different schools. Students responded to questionnaires assessing their perception of psychological need satisfaction and frustration, and perceived mastery and performance climate in PE. In order to interpret the emerging profiles additional variables were assessed (i.e. demographic, motivational and PE-related variables). Two-step cluster analysis identified three meaningful profiles labelled as negative perceivers, moderate perceivers and positive perceivers. These three profiles differed significantly with regard to perceived psychological need satisfaction and frustration and their perception of the motivational climate. This study demonstrates that students can be grouped in distinct profiles based on their perceptions of the motivational PE environment. Consequently, the insights obtained could assist PE teachers in designing instructional strategies that target students’ differential motivational needs.
Analysis of Answers to Queries among Anonymous Users with Gastroenterological Problems on an Internet Forum

Internet forums are an attractive source of health-related information. We aimed to investigate threads in the gastroenterological section of a popular Polish medical forum for anonymous users. We characterised the following aspects in threads: the main problem of the original poster, declared ailments and rationale of the responses (rational, neutral, harmful or not related to the problem of the original poster). We analysed over 2717 forum threads initiated in the years 2010–2018. Users mostly asked for diagnosis of the problem [1814 (66.8%)], treatment [1056 (38.9%)] and diagnostic interpretation [308 (11.3%)]. The most commonly declared symptoms were abdominal pain [1046 (38.5%)], diarrhea [454 (16.7%)] and bloating [354 (13.0%)]. Alarm symptoms were mentioned in 309 (11.4%) threads. From the total 3550 responses, 1257 (35.4%) were assessed as rational, 693 (19.5%) as neutral, 157 (4.4%) as harmful and 1440 (40.6%) as not related to the user’s problem. The original poster’s declaration of blood in stool, dyspepsia, pain in the abdominal right lower quadrant, weight loss or inflammatory bowel disease was positively related to obtaining at least one potentially harmful response. Advice from anonymous users on Internet forums may be irrational and disregards alarm symptoms, which can delay the diagnosis of life-threatening diseases.
Alkylation of Aromatic Compounds with Pentabromobenzyl Bromide and Tetrabromoxylene Dibromide as a New Route to High Molecular Weight Brominated Flame Retardants

In the view of many national and international human health and environmental regulations, polymeric flame retardants are sustainable products. In this work, a series of high molecular weight and polymeric brominated flame retardants are synthesized by the alkylation of aromatic molecules or the alkylation of aromatic polymers with pentabromobenzyl bromide (PBBB) or tetrabromoxylylene dibromide (TBXDB). The flame retardants prepared via the alkylation of toluene or diphenylethane with PBBB were found to be not truly polymeric but had high Mw > 1400. However, the alkylation of the same aromatic molecules by a mixture of PBBB and TBXDP resulted in polymeric flame retardants with Mw > 130,000. Two other polymeric flame retardants were prepared by the alkylation of aromatic polymers (polyphenylene ether or polystyrene) with PBBB. It was found that the new flame retardants had a high bromine content of more than 68%. They showed high thermal stability with the onset of thermal decomposition above 360 °C and a maximum rate of weight loss at about 375–410 °C. The newly synthesized flame retardants were tested in different thermoplastics. Flame retardant efficiency and physical properties were comparable or better than the reference commercial flame retardants.
Entomopathogenic effect of Trichothecium roseum (Pers.) Link (Hypocreales: Ascomycota) against Pauropsylla buxtoni (Psylloidea: Hemiptera) infesting Ficus carica leaves and its potential use as biocontrol agent of the insect

To isolate and characterize a native strain of Trichothecium roseum infecting the immatures of Pauropsylla buxtoni on fig leaves, to study the morphological features of the isolated strain, then to test the entomopathogenic effect of the isolated strain against the immatures of P. buxtoni on fig leaves.
Volatile, Sensory and Functional Properties of HydroSOS Pistachios

Climate change, the increase in world population, and the intensification of urban and industrial activities, will cause a shortage of water for agriculture. This situation requires conscientious studies to manage water deficits without affecting the quality of the crops. In this study, regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) strategies and three rootstocks (P. atlantica, P. integerrima, and P. terebinthus) were applied to pistachio cultivation to study the quality of fruits obtained based on the morphological, functional, aroma, and their sensory properties. The results obtained demonstrated that RDI T1 (during phenological phase II of cultivation the stem water potential was maintained around −1.5 MPa) led to pistachios with same morphological properties, total polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, volatile composition, sensory properties, better profile of fatty acids, and being the favorite ones for international consumers, as compared to pistachios obtained under full irrigation treatments. On the other hand, when P. integerrima was used, pistachios obtained had the highest weight, the lowest content of sucrose and the best functional properties.
Effect of Shading on Red Colour and Fruit Quality in Blush Pears “ANP-0118” and “ANP-0131”

Some cultivars of Pyrus communis develop mature fruit with a distinctive red blush. Investigating the patterns of pear colour development in response to sunlight has implications for orchard management of these pears. The objectives of these experiments are to study the seasonal patterns of colour development and investigate the influence of shade and sunlight exposure on the red colour and harvest quality of blush pears “ANP-0118” and “ANP-0131”. Several long, medium and short shading treatments were applied at different stages of fruit development from 28 (“ANP-0131”) and 29 (“ANP-0118”) days after full bloom (DAFB) until harvests at 119 DAFB (“ANP-0118”) and 175 DAFB (“ANP-0131”). Fruits were measured every three weeks for colour parameters (a*, hue angle, chroma) and at harvest for quality parameters (fresh weight, visual assessments of percentage blush coverage and blush intensity, flesh firmness and soluble solids concentration). In the unshaded control, red colour increased during the growing season (increase in a* value and decrease in hue angle), as well as increasing in chroma value. Periods of shading during the season negatively affected red colour in both cultivars, as evidenced by significant decreases in a* value and increases in hue angle. Shaded fruits that were subsequently re-exposed to sunlight reacted with a dynamic increase in a* value and decrease in hue angle. Fruit shaded for the length of the experiment or prior to harvest had significantly lower a* values than the control at harvest. Visual assessment at harvest of percentage blush coverage and blush intensity were significantly affected by shading in both cultivars. Shading treatments applied early in the experiment had a negative effect on the fresh fruit weight of “ANP-0118”.