Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Visuomotor characteristics and differences between the tremor-dominant and akinetic-rigid type of Parkinson’s disease

Abstract The purpose of carrying out this research is to evaluate the characteristics and differences of visuomotor in Bender–Gestalt II performance among Parkinson’s disease of type tremor-dominant and akinetic-rigid. The possibility of predicting Parkinson’s disease type based on Bender–Gestalt II performance was also assessed. A movement disorder specialist diagnosed all the patients and confirmed Parkinson’s disease in them. The patients were classified into different types of Parkinson’s disease under the observation of movement specialists. This classification was based on the patient’s initial descriptions and dominant symptoms. The patient-related information and the characteristics of visuomotor were collected from Bender–Gestalt II and interview. There was a total of 15 tremor-dominant and 17 akinetic-rigid patients. The average age of patients suffering from tremor type disease was 68.33 years and for akinetic type patients 68.70 years, respectively. There were no statistically significant results between the type, socioeconomic status, educational status, sex, and duration of Parkinson’s disease. The akinetic-rigid type evidently impaired visuomotor function, visuomotor memory, and the timely reaction of visuomotor function. The visuomotor abilities kept preserved in the tremor type. The akinetic-rigid type also occupies more neurological indicators as compared to the tremor-dominant type (p > 0.01). It is possible to predict the type of Parkinson’s disease based on the Bender–Gestalt II analysis (sig = 0.00). The impairment of different visuomotor abilities in akinetic-rigid type can be related to the fact that they have more damage in globus pallidus, prefrontal cortex, visuo-perceptive functions, and in specific executive functions than tremor-dominant type.
Population-based age adjustment tables for use in occupational hearing conservation programs

Abstract Objective: In occupational hearing conservation programmes, age adjustments may be used to subtract expected age effects. Adjustments used in the U.S. came from a small dataset and overlooked important demographic factors, ages, and stimulus frequencies. The present study derived a set of population-based age adjustment tables and validated them using a database of exposed workers. Design: Cross-sectional population-based study and retrospective longitudinal cohort study for validation. Study sample: Data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (unweighted n = 9937) were used to produce these tables. Male firefighters and emergency medical service workers (76,195 audiograms) were used for validation. Results: Cross-sectional trends implied less change with age than assumed in current U.S. regulations. Different trends were observed among people identifying with non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity. Four age adjustment tables (age range: 18–85) were developed (women or men; non-Hispanic Black or other race/ethnicity). Validation outcomes showed that the population-based tables matched median longitudinal changes in hearing sensitivity well. Conclusions: These population-based tables provide a suitable replacement for those implemented in current U.S. regulations. These tables address a broader range of worker ages, account for differences in hearing sensitivity across race/ethnicity categories, and have been validated for men using longitudinal data.
Development of a Measure to Assess Protective Behavioral Strategies for Pregaming among Young Adults

Abstract Background: Although most young adults drink alcohol, there are specific drinking contexts that are associated with increased risk for alcohol-related consequences. One such drinking context is pregaming, which typically involves heavy drinking in brief periods of time and has consistently been linked to consequences within the pregaming event itself, on a night after pregaming, and in the long-term. Intervention efforts that specifically target this risky behavior are needed, but these efforts need to be informed by empirical work to better understand what behaviors young people engage in that can protect them from pregaming-related harms. Purpose: We designed this study to create a measure of protective behavioral strategies that young people use before, during, and after pregaming to inform future intervention work. Methods: We tested an item pool with 363 young adult college students who engaged in pregaming in the past year and conducted exploratory factor analysis to develop a 19-item Protective Behavioral Strategies for Pregaming (PBSP) scale, which featured four subscales of safety and familiarity, setting drink limits, pacing strategies, and minimizing intoxication. Results: Each subscale negatively and significantly correlated with measures of alcohol use and consequences, though subscales differed in their associations with specific pregaming outcomes and by sex. Conclusion: This initial exploratory examination of the PBSP scale's psychometric properties suggests that use of protective behavioral strategies used specifically during pregaming events may protect young people from heavy drinking and harms. More research with the PBSP scale is encouraged to determine its practical utility as a clinical and assessment tool with young people.
Diverse Long-Term Effects of Childhood Exposure to Intimate Partner Violence: Development of Externalizing Behaviors in Males and Females

Using data from all three waves of the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods (PHDCN) longitudinal cohort study, this article examined the long-term effects of intimate partner violence (IPV) exposure during childhood and early adolescence on subsequent externalizing behaviors (i.e., delinquency, violence, and drug offenses). A propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to match a group of individuals reporting childhood/adolescence IPV exposure to those not exposed to IPV on key variables. Longitudinal latent class analyses (LLCA) were then utilized to estimate the longitudinal developmental trajectories of externalizing behaviors separately for the IPV- and non-IPV-exposed males and females and compared with each other. PSM revealed that there were small but significant differences in mean levels of externalizing behaviors between IPV-exposed and non-IPV-exposed youth at Waves 2 and 3. Furthermore, LLCA indicated that there were three distinct developmental trajectories of externalizing behaviors among the IPV-exposed males but four distinct developmental trajectories of externalizing behaviors among the IPV-exposed females, non-IPV-exposed males, and non-IPV-exposed females. Overall, the IPV-exposed males had the largest number of life-course-persistent offenders as well as adolescents who started their offending at a very early age but rapidly declined by the end of the study period. However, the non-IPV-exposed males’, albeit smaller, life-course-persistent group displayed by far the highest levels of externalizing behaviors of the entire sample. Females in the present study were largely similar to each other in the development of externalizing behaviors, regardless of IPV exposure. Policy implications are discussed.
Over-accumulation of abscisic acid in transgenic tomato plants increases the risk of hydraulic failure.

Climate change threatens food security, and plant science researchers have investigated methods of sustaining crop yield under drought. One approach has been to overproduce abscisic acid (ABA) to enhance water use efficiency. However, the concomitant effects of ABA overproduction on plant vascular system functioning are critical as it influences vulnerability to xylem hydraulic failure. We investigated these effects by comparing physiological and hydraulic responses to water deficit between a tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) wild type control (WT) and a transgenic line overproducing ABA (sp12). Under well-watered conditions, the sp12 line displayed similar growth rate and greater water use efficiency by operating at lower maximum stomatal conductance. X-ray micro-tomography revealed that sp12 was significantly more vulnerable to xylem embolism, resulting in a reduced hydraulic safety margin. We also observed a significant ontogenic effect on vulnerability to xylem embolism for both WT and sp12. This study demonstrates that the greater water use efficiency in the tomato ABA overproducing line is associated with higher vulnerability of the vascular system to embolism and a higher risk of hydraulic failure. Integrating hydraulic traits into breeding programs represents a critical step for effectively managing a crop's ability to maintain hydraulic conductivity and productivity under water deficit. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Alzheimer’s Disease: Are We Ready?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is among a growing family of noninvasive brain stimulation techniques being developed to treat multiple neurocognitive disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although small clinical trials in AD have reported positive effects on cognitive outcome measures, significant knowledge gaps remain, and little attention has been directed at examining the potential influence of TMS on AD pathogenesis. Abstract Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is among a growing family of noninvasive brain stimulation techniques being developed to treat multiple neurocognitive disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although small clinical trials in AD have reported positive effects on cognitive outcome measures, significant knowledge gaps remain, and little attention has been directed at examining the potential influence of TMS on AD pathogenesis. Our review briefly outlines some of the proposed neurobiological mechanisms of TMS benefits in AD, with particular emphasis on the modulatory effects on excitatory/inhibitory balance. On the basis of converging evidence from multiple fields, we caution that TMS therapeutic protocols established in young adults may have unexpected detrimental effects in older individuals or in the brain compromised by AD pathology. Our review surveys clinical studies of TMS in AD alongside basic research as a guide for moving this important area of work forward toward effective treatment development.
Polo regulates Spindly to prevent premature stabilization of kinetochore–microtubule attachments

Accurate chromosome segregation in mitosis requires sister kinetochores to bind to microtubules from opposite spindle poles. The stability of kinetochore–microtubule attachments is fine‐tuned to prevent or correct erroneous attachments while preserving amphitelic interactions. Polo kinase has been implicated in both stabilizing and destabilizing kinetochore–microtubule attachments. However, the mechanism underlying Polo–destabilizing activity remains elusive. Here, resorting to an RNAi screen in Drosophila for suppressors of a constitutively active Polo mutant, we identified a strong genetic interaction between Polo and the Rod–ZW10–Zwilch (RZZ) complex, whose kinetochore accumulation has been shown to antagonize microtubule stability. We find that Polo phosphorylates Spindly and impairs its ability to bind to Zwilch. This precludes dynein‐mediated removal of the RZZ from kinetochores and consequently delays the formation of stable end‐on attachments. We propose that high Polo‐kinase activity following mitotic entry directs the RZZ complex to minimize premature stabilization of erroneous attachments, whereas a decrease in active Polo in later mitotic stages allows the formation of stable amphitelic spindle attachments. Our findings demonstrate that Polo tightly regulates the RZZ–Spindly–dynein module during mitosis to ensure the fidelity of chromosome segregation.
Geosocial Networking Application Use, Characteristics of App-Met Sexual Partners, and Sexual Behavior Among Sexual and Gender Minority Adolescents Assigned Male at Birth

ABSTRACT Although many sexual and gender minorities (SGM) assigned male at birth (AMAB) use sexual networking applications intended for adult sexual minority men, little is known about adolescents’ use of these technologies and characteristics of their online-met partners. We conducted an online survey of 219 sexually experienced SGM AMAB adolescents in the USA aged 15–17 (39.3% racial/ethnic minority; 74.9% gay; 94.1% cisgender male). Questions assessed app use patterns, partner-seeking behaviors on sexual minority male-specific apps vs. social media/other dating apps, app-met partner characteristics, and sexual behavior with app-met partners. Most (70.3%) used apps for sexual minority men, 14.6% used social media/other apps to meet partners, and 15.1% used neither. Nearly 60% of adolescents who used any type of app reported having met people from the apps in person, and nearly 90% of these reported at least one online-met sexual partner. Most partners were reportedly older than participants, and participants were more likely to report condomless receptive anal sex with older (vs. younger) online-met partners. Although partnerships were primarily sexual in nature, a minority reported friendships or serious partnerships. Meeting same-sex/gender partners via applications for adults may be common among SGM AMAB adolescents, which has implications for their sexual health and well-being.
Young Broiler Feeding Kinematic Analysis as A Function of the Feed Type

Simple Summary The present study aims to compare the kinematic feeding variables of 3–4 days old broiler chickens using three different feed types: fine mash (F1), coarse mash (F2), and crumbled (F3); size was 476 µm, 638 µm, and 1243 µm, respectively. The head displacement and the maximum beak gape were automatically calculated by computational image analysis to find the feeding behavior of broilers. The results did not show strong correlations between birds’ weight, beak size (length and width), and the kinematic variables. The “catch-and-throw” movements in F1 (the smallest feed particle) generally occurred in the first mandibulation, while in F3 (the largest feed particle) occurred in the latest mandibulation. It can be suggested that the adoption of “catch-and-throw” in the latest mandibulations increases with larger particles. Abstract Past publications describe the various impact of feeding behavior of broilers on productivity and physiology. However, very few publications have considered the impact of biomechanics associated with the feeding process in birds. The present study aims at comparing the kinematic variables of young broiler chicks (3–4 days old; 19 specimens) while feeding them with three different feed types, such as fine mash (F1), coarse mash (F2), and crumbled feed (F3). The feeding behavior of the birds was recorded using a high-speed camera. Frames sequences of each mandibulation were selected manually and classified according to the temporal order that occurred (first, second, third, or fourth, and further). The head displacement and the maximum beak gape were automatically calculated by image analysis. The results did not indicate strong correlations between birds’ weight, beak size (length and width), and the kinematic variables of feeding. The differences between the tested feed were found mostly in the first and second mandibulations, probably explained by the higher incidence of “catch-and-throw” movements in F3 (33%) and F1 (26%) than F2 (20%). The “catch-and-throw” movements in F1 (the smallest feed particle) mostly occurred in the first mandibulation, as in F3 (the largest feed particle) also occurred in the latest mandibulations. It might be suggested that the adoption of “catch-and-throw” in the latest mandibulations increases with larger particles. The kinematic variables in the latest mandibulations (from the third one on) seem to be similar for all feed types, which represent the swallowing phase. It might be inferred that the temporal sequence of the mandibulations should be essential to describe the kinematics of a feeding scene of broiler chickens, and the first and second mandibulations are potentially the key factors for the differences accounted by the diverse feed particle sizes.
Obstetric perineal tears, sexual function and dyspareunia among primiparous women 12 months postpartum: a prospective cohort study

Objective Sexuality is an important aspect of human identity and contributes significantly to the quality of life in women as well as in men. Impairment in sexual health after vaginal delivery is a major concern for many women. We aimed to examine the association between degree of perineal tear and sexual function 12 months postpartum. Design A prospective cohort study Setting Four Danish hospitals between July 2015 and January 2019 Participants A total of 554 primiparous women: 191 with no/labia/first-degree tears, 189 with second-degree tears and 174 with third-degree/fourth-degree tears. Baseline data were obtained 2 weeks postpartum by a questionnaire and a clinical examination. Sexual function was evaluated 12 months postpartum by an electronic questionnaire (Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ-12)) and a clinical examination. Primary outcome measures Total PISQ-12 score and dyspareunia Results Episiotomy was performed in 54 cases and 95 women had an operative vaginal delivery. The proportion of women with dyspareunia was 25%, 38% and 53% of women with no/labia/first-degree, second-degree or third-degree/fourth-degree tears, respectively. Compared with women with no/labia/first-degree tears, women with second-degree or third-degree/fourth-degree tears had a higher risk of dyspareunia (adjusted relative risk (aRR) 2.05; 95% CI 1.51 to 2.78 and aRR 2.09; 95% CI 1.55 to 2.81, respectively). Women with third-degree/fourth-degree tears had a higher mean PISQ-12 score (12.2) than women with no/labia/first-degree tears (10.4). Conclusions Impairment of sexual health is common among primiparous women after vaginal delivery. At 12 months postpartum, more than half of the women with a third-degree/fourth-degree tear experienced dyspareunia. Women delivering with no/labia/first-degree tears reported the best outcomes overall. Thus, it is important to minimise the extent of perineal trauma and to counsel about sexuality during and after pregnancy.
Antibodies to watch in 2020

ABSTRACT This 2020 installment of the annual ‘Antibodies to Watch’ series documents the antibody therapeutics approved in 2019 and in regulatory review in the United States or European Union, as well as those in late-stage clinical studies, as of November 2019*. At this time, a total of 5 novel antibody therapeutics (romosozumab, risankizumab, polatuzumab vedotin, brolucizumab, and crizanlizumab) had been granted a first approval in either the US or EU, and marketing applications for 13 novel antibody therapeutics (eptinezumab, teprotumumab, enfortumab vedotin, isatuximab, [fam-]trastuzumab deruxtecan, inebilizumab, leronlimab, sacituzumab govitecan, satralizumab, narsoplimab, tafasitamab, REGNEB3 and naxituximab) were undergoing review in these regions, which represent the major markets for antibody therapeutics. Also as of November 2019, 79 novel antibodies were undergoing evaluation in late-stage clinical studies. Of the 79 antibodies, 39 were undergoing evaluation in late-stage studies for non-cancer indications, with 2 of these (ublituximab, pamrevlumab) also in late-stage studies for cancer indications. Companies developing 7 (tanezumab, aducanumab, evinacumab, etrolizumab, sutimlimab, anifrolumab, and teplizumab) of the 39 drugs have indicated that they may submit a marketing application in either the US or EU in 2020. Of the 79 antibodies in late-stage studies, 40 were undergoing evaluation as treatments for cancer, and potentially 9 of these (belantamab mafodotin, oportuzumab monatox, margetuximab, dostarlimab, spartalizumab, 131I-omburtamab, loncastuximab tesirine, balstilimab, and zalifrelimab) may enter regulatory review in late 2019 or in 2020. Overall, the biopharmaceutical industry’s clinical pipeline of antibody therapeutics is robust, and should provide a continuous supply of innovative products for patients in the future. *Note on key updates through December 18, 2019: 1) the US Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to enfortumab vedotin-ejfv (Padcev) on December 18, 2019, bringing the total number of novel antibody therapeutics granted a first approval in either the US or EU during 2019 to 6; 2) the European Commission approved romosozumab on December 9, 2019; 3) the European Medicines Agency issued a positive opinion for brolucizumab; 4) Sesen Bio initiated a rolling biologics license application (BLA) on December 6, 2019; 5) GlaxoSmithKline submitted a BLA for belantamab mafodotin; and 6) the status of the Phase 3 study (NCT04128696) of GSK3359609, a humanized IgG4 anti-ICOS antibody, in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma was updated to recruiting from not yet recruiting.
Assessment of the manganese cluster’s oxidation state via photoactivation of photosystem II microcrystals

Significance Photosynthetic water oxidation by the multisubunit membrane protein complex PSII is an important process that sustains all aerobic life on Earth by producing molecular oxygen from sunlight and water. Understanding the mechanism of this process is crucial toward advancing fundamental knowledge as well as providing a blueprint for the development of solar fuel devices. Important pieces of information required for solving the mechanism of biological water oxidation are the oxidation states of the manganese ions forming the catalytic site of water oxidation in PSII. Here, we resolve a long-standing controversy between 2 competing schools of thought, by providing a clear-cut determination of overall manganese oxidation states using a simple counting experiment. Knowledge of the manganese oxidation states of the oxygen-evolving Mn4CaO5 cluster in photosystem II (PSII) is crucial toward understanding the mechanism of biological water oxidation. There is a 4 decade long debate on this topic that historically originates from the observation of a multiline electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signal with effective total spin of S = 1/2 in the singly oxidized S2 state of this cluster. This signal implies an overall oxidation state of either Mn(III)3Mn(IV) or Mn(III)Mn(IV)3 for the S2 state. These 2 competing assignments are commonly known as “low oxidation (LO)” and “high oxidation (HO)” models of the Mn4CaO5 cluster. Recent advanced EPR and Mn K-edge X-ray spectroscopy studies converge upon the HO model. However, doubts about these assignments have been voiced, fueled especially by studies counting the number of flash-driven electron removals required for the assembly of an active Mn4CaO5 cluster starting from Mn(II) and Mn-free PSII. This process, known as photoactivation, appeared to support the LO model since the first oxygen is reported to evolve already after 7 flashes. In this study, we improved the quantum yield and sensitivity of the photoactivation experiment by employing PSII microcrystals that retained all protein subunits after complete manganese removal and by oxygen detection via a custom built thin-layer cell connected to a membrane inlet mass spectrometer. We demonstrate that 9 flashes by a nanosecond laser are required for the production of the first oxygen, which proves that the HO model provides the correct description of the Mn4CaO5 cluster’s oxidation states.