Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electrophysiological Correlates of Error Monitoring and Feedback Processing in Second Language Learning

Humans monitor their behavior to optimize performance, which presumably relies on stable representations of correct responses. During second language (L2) learning, however, stable representations have yet to be formed while knowledge of the first language (L1) can interfere with learning, which in some cases results in persistent errors. In order to examine how correct L2 representations are stabilized, this study examined performance monitoring in the learning process of second language learners for a feature that conflicts with their first language. Using EEG, we investigated if L2 learners in a feedback-guided word gender assignment task showed signs of error detection in the form of an error-related negativity (ERN) before and after receiving feedback, and how feedback is processed. The results indicated that initially, response-locked negativities for correct (CRN) and incorrect (ERN) responses were of similar size, showing a lack of internal error detection when L2 representations are unstable. As behavioral performance improved following feedback, the ERN became larger than the CRN, pointing to the first signs of successful error detection. Additionally, we observed a second negativity following the ERN/CRN components, the amplitude of which followed a similar pattern as the previous negativities. Feedback-locked data indicated robust FRN and P300 effects in response to negative feedback across different rounds, demonstrating that feedback remained important in order to update memory representations during learning. We thus show that initially, L2 representations may often not be stable enough to warrant successful error monitoring, but can be stabilized through repeated feedback, which means that the brain is able to overcome L1 interference, and can learn to detect errors internally after a short training session. The results contribute a different perspective to the discussion on changes in ERN and FRN components in relation to learning, by extending the investigation of these effects to the language learning domain. Furthermore, these findings provide a further characterization of the online learning process of L2 learners.
Tratamento antirretroviral: adesão e a influência da depressão em usuários com HIV/Aids atendidos na atenção primária

Adherence to treatment is one of the major challenges to HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) treatment, being depression a factor that impacts on it. The research aimed to identify if depression interferes with adhesion. A multi-approach method for adherence, open interview and Beck Depression Inventory were used for depression screening. The relationship between depression and nonadherence was not found, although the prevalence of depression reached 22.24%. Some patients assume fear of stigma and difficulty in following antiretroviral treatment due to the drug adverse effects. Also a social protection network was perceived as crucial as was the necessity to build a care network.
New Species of Aleocharinae from Japan, I (Staphylinidae ; Coleoptera)

A new genus, a new subgenus, thirteen new species and a new subspe- cies belonging to the Aleocharinae are described and illustrated from Japan under the names of Atheta (Paradota n. subg.) liberta n. sp. , A. (DimetrotaÅr allocera ontaleeana n. subsp., A, (D.) yamamoim n. sp,, A. (D.) nileleoensis n. sp. , A. (AnoPleta) oleamotpt' n, sp. , A. (Netothecta) uatauabei n, sp. , A. (N.) incola n. sp. , A. (N.) leashimaensis n, sp. , A. (N.) effecta n. sp. , A. (Badura) ririleoae n, sp,, Liogluta tibraria n. sp. , PelioPtera babai n. sp. , Aloconota bulbosa n, sp. , Plesiochara fusca n, g, et n. sp. A key is given for the genera and subgenera treated. In the chaetal arrangement of labial palpus (Fig. D) and in the spiniform suspensoria of aedeagus the new species is similar to the European A. (NJ Paltidicomis (Th.). The median area of prementum is, however, very broad in the Japanese species, and the spermatheca (Fig. O) is strikingly different. Deeply divided, long arms of glossa and the multiplicity of the abdominal macrosetae are the features characteristic to the present specles. Europe, but differs in the unmodified tergite va of the male and in the different genitalia. very characteristic in that the labial palpus sement
SMALL HIVE BEETLE (NOTES)

The small hive beetle (Aethina tumida) was first discovered in the State of New South Wales, Australia, in October 2002. Evidence has emerged that this pest was present in colonies for a least twelve months before being reported by beekeepers. Detection, even though the beetle is easy to see can be difficult because the beetles hide when exposed to light. The paper will describe the best method to use to detect small numbers of beetles and surveying methods used to determine this pests spread. been possible to determine how this beetle entered Australia, hosts are colonies of bees, fruit, wax capping, comb and soil. Colonies of bees are not imported into Australia. The greatest impact following the discovery of this pest is the export of live bees and queens, worth over 2 million US dollars. To date, the beetles are not causing any major problems in commercial managed colonies or to fruit. Locating reproduction areas is proving difficult, as beetle numbers in colonies are very small. It is suspected ants may be having a very significant effect on reproduction, with the ants controlling the larval stage in the soil preventing pupation. A comprehensive research program is to be implemented, the paper discusses the impact of the small hive beetle on marketing, control options without using chemicals, observation in the colonies and the field, and conclusions.
Glucosylation of p-tyrosol to salidroside by Rhodiola rosea L. cell cultures

Salidroside was produced using Rhodiola rosea cell cultures via biotransformation (glucosylation) of the exogenously added p-tyrosol substrate within an in vitro system. The substrate was transformed up to 57% after 72 hours of incubation. Among the biotransformation products, salidroside and tyrosol were found in intracellular spaces of all the cells treated using TLC and RP-HPLC methods. Salidroside yields of 1.21-2.31% dry weight were obtained.
Efecto del Número de Hojas Funcionales a la Floración sobre la Producción de Banano Gran Enano (Musa AAA Simmonds)

The effect of the selective removal of leaves at flowering on yield, growth, maturity and quality of Grand Nain banana fruits was evaluated. The present study was conducted in three regions of Uraba (Colombia) with precipitation low (experiment 1), medium (experiment 2) and high (experiment 3). The experimental design used randomized complete blocks, four treatments (6, 8, 10 and 12 leaves from the start of flowering) and three replications. Every 15 days, the thickness (cm) and length (cm) of central fruit from the second hand were measured and two fruits were taken to record fresh weight and dry weight. At harvest, leaf number, bunch weight (kg), and the thickness (cm) and length (cm) of central fruit from the second hand were measured. During fruit ripening (8 and 15 days), the contents of starch and sugars in the pulp were determined. The thickness and length of the fruit, bunch weight and the boxstem ratio were not affected (P<0.05) by selectively removing leaves. The percentages of total sugars and starch during fruit ripening were unchanged (P<0.05) as a result of the number of functional leaves. These results suggest that in banana cultivation, it is possible to leave less than 12 leaves at flowering without affecting fruit quality or postharvest ripening. / Se evaluo el efecto de la eliminacion selectiva de hojas a la floracion sobre la produccion, crecimiento, maduracion y calidad de los frutos de banano Gran Enano. El estudio se realizo en tres zonas de Uraba (Colombia), con precipitacion baja (experimento 1), media (experimento 2) y alta (experimento 3). Se uso un diseno de bloques completamente al azar, cuatro tratamientos (6, 8, 10 y 12 hojas desde el inicio de floracion) y tres repeticiones. Cada 15 dias se midieron el grosor (cm) y la longitud (cm) del fruto central de la segunda mano y se tomaron dos frutos mas para registrar el peso fresco y el peso seco. A la cosecha se midieron el numero de hojas, el peso del racimo (kg), el grosor (cm) y la longitud (cm) del fruto central de la segunda mano. Durante la maduracion de los frutos (8 y 15 dias) se determinaron los contenidos de almidon y azucares en la pulpa. El grosor y la longitud del fruto, peso del racimo y la cantidad de cajas a partir de un racimo (ratio), no fueron afectados (P<0,05) por la eliminacion selectiva de hojas. Los porcentajes de almidon y azucares totales durante la maduracion de los frutos no variaron (P<0,05) como consecuencia del numero de hojas funcionales presentes. Estos resultados sugieren que en el cultivo de banano, es posible dejar las plantas con menos de 12 hojas desde la floracion sin que se afecte la calidad de los frutos o su maduracion en poscosecha.
PRECLINICAL DEVELOPMENT OF PHYTOCANNABINOID- AND ENDOCANNABINOID- BASED PHARMACOTHERAPIES FOR THE TREATMENT OF ETHANOL-INDUCED NEURODEGENERATION

OF DISSERTATION PRECLINICAL DEVELOPMENT OF PHYTOCANNABINOIDAND ENDOCANNABINOIDBASED PHARMACOTHERAPIES FOR THE TREATMENT OF ETHANOL-INDUCED NEURODEGENERATION Excessive ethanol consumption, characteristic of alcohol use disorders (AUDs), is associated with widespread neurodegeneration and cognitive and behavioral impairments that may contribute to the chronic and relapsing nature of alcoholism. Therefore, identifying novel targets that can afford neuroprotection will undoubtedly aid current treatment strategies for AUDs. The cannabinoids have been shown to provide neuroprotection in a variety of preclinical models of neurodegeneration; however minimal data is available regarding the use of cannabinoid-based pharmacotherapies for treating ethanol-induced neurodegeneration. Therefore, the current dissertation examined the overarching hypothesis: the cannabinoids are a therapeutic strategy to afford neuroprotection in the context of ethanol-induced neurodegeneration. Importantly, this overarching hypothesis was approached with translational considerations in mind. Specifically, the use of many cannabinoids in the clinic is hindered due to multiple unfavorable pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profiles, including high first pass metabolism and untoward psychoactivity. Therefore, the studies herein were designed to circumvent these PK/PD obstacles. The first set of studies examined whether transdermal delivery of the phytocannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), could attenuate binge ethanol induced neurodegeneration. Transdermal CBD afforded neuroprotection in the entorhinal cortex and neuroprotection was similar in magnitude as intraperitoneal administration. The second set of studies found that binge ethanol treatment transiently down-regulated the main CNS cannabinoid receptor, CB1R. Interestingly, these changes were not accompanied by alterations in one of the major endogenous ligands, anandamide (AEA), or other related n-acylethanolamides (NAEs). The latter finding is in contrast to other literature reports demonstrating that endocannabinoid content is substantially elevated in response to a CNS insult. Nevertheless, studies were carried out to determine if administration of the AEA and NAE catabolism inhibitor, URB597, could attenuate binge ethanol induced neurodegeneration. URB597 failed to produce neuroprotection in the entorhinal cortex and dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. However, additional studies found that URB597 failed to elevate AEA in the entorhinal cortex, and in general the biological activity of URB597 was impaired by ethanol exposure. Therefore, with further drug discovery/development efforts, it may be feasible to optimize such treatment strategies. In conclusion, the studies within the current dissertation demonstrated the feasibility of using some cannabinoid-based agents to prevent ethanol-induced neurodegeneration.
The effects of supplementing with constituents of flaxseed during exercise training on inflammation in older adults

This thesis evaluated supplementation with two components of flaxseed during exercise training on inflammation in older adults.Experiment 1: This experiment assessed secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) supplementation during aerobic exercise training on inflammation in older adults. Methods: One hundred subjects aged 50y or older were randomized to receive either SDG or placebo before completing a 6-month walking program. Fasting concentrations of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-a, glucose, triacylglycerol (TAG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol as well as leukocyte cell count were measured every two months while body composition, resting blood pressure, and a composite Z-score of six metabolic syndrome risk factors were assessed at baseline and 6 months. Results: Men on placebo increased metabolic syndrome composite Z-score (p
The relationship of malocclusion with periodontal status, dental caries, and sociodemographic factors in school children of Ludhiana

Aim: The aim of this study was to find the relationship of orthodontic malocclusion with periodontal status, dental caries, and sociodemographic factors. Materials and Methods: The study population comprised 400 school-going children of age 11–14 years. The severity of malocclusion was determined by Treatment Priority Index. The sociodemographic factors were evaluated using a questionnaire that enquired about age, gender, parents' monthly income, and their educational status. Periodontal status was assessed using Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Need (CPITN) index. To know about dental caries, decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index was used in this study. Statistical Analysis Used: Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were used to find an association between variables. The effect of sociodemographic factors on treatment priority index (TPI) scores was examined using Chi-square test. Student's t-test (to compare TPI scores of different genders) and analysis of variance (to compare TPI scores among different age groups) were used in this study. Results: Out of a total of 400 children included in the study, 19.5% students had normal occlusion whereas a majority of them (80.5%) showed some sort of malocclusion. CPITN scores revealed that 3.1% pupils had no sign of the disease, 57.5% showed gingival bleeding after gentle probing, and 39.4% had supra or subgingival calculus. Conclusions: No statistically significant correlation was found between the orthodontic treatment need, periodontal status, and sociodemographic factors while a significant relation is observed of TPI with DMFT.
Dry Immersion as a Novel Physical Therapeutic Intervention for Rehabilitation of Parkinson’s Disease Patients: A Feasibility Study

Abstract Background The study was aimed at evaluating therapeutic effect of analogue microgravity in a form of “dry immersion” (DI) on motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods A group of 12 PD patients aged 67 (63–68) years, Hoenh and Yahr staged 1–3, participated in this study. During DI a subject wrapped in a thin waterproof material was immersed in a bathtub at 31°C. The rehabilitation program included 7 DI sessions (45 min each, 2 times per week, on-medication). The Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale parts I, II and III (UPDRS-I/II/III) and the Hamilton’s Depression Rate Scale (HDRS) were applied before the 1st, after 4th and 7th DI session, and 2 weeks and 2 months after the whole DI program. Results The UPDRS-III score, HDRS, and rigidity signs score have significantly decreased by 16–35% two weeks after the DI program. Two months after completion of the DI program all studied parameters regained their pre-treatment values. The UPDRS-I, II, tremor and akinesia signs score did not respond to the DI program. Conclusion The DI program promises rehabilitation potential for patients with parkinsonism.
A Preliminary Receiver Operating Characteristic Analysis on Voice Handicap Index Results of the Greek Voice-Disordered Patients

Objective(s): The cutting-edge assessment of voice disorders includes objective and subjective methods in the daily clinical practice. The latter assessment is usually performed through the administration of self-reported questionnaires. Voice Handicap Index (VHI) is one of the most widely used tools both in clinical practice and in research level. This tool-questionnaire was employed in this research along with the Voice Evaluation Template (VEF). In turn, the aim of this study was to analyse and produce the cut-off points of VHI for voice-disordered patients in Greece by using Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves (ROC Curves). Methods: Sixty-three participants (40 non-dysphonic and 23 with different types of dysphonia) were classified by ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctors and SLPs (Speech-Language Pathologists). The Hellenic VHI along with the translated Greek version of the VEF was administered to the subjects of this research. Results: The voice-disordered subjects exhibited higher overall VHI scores (in total and in its 3 subdomains) compared to the control group. Statistical significant differences were found between dysphonic and non-dysphonic participants for all VHI’s construct domains. The cut-off point of VHI total score was estimated at the value of 14.50 (sensitivity: 0.870, 1-specificity: 0.000). Moreover, the cut-off points of the three subdomains were computed as 7.50 for functional (sensitivity: 0.783, 1-specificity: 0.000), 8.50 for physical (sensitivity: 0.739, 1-specificity: 0.000) and 8.50 for emotional domain (sensitivity: 0.783, 1-specificity: 0.050). Conclusion: The preliminary statistical and ROC data analysis of VHI concluded that by using this type of assessment method, populations with or without voice disorders (in Greece) can be distinguished. Albeit this tool is a non-interventional method it could consequently offer an adequate screening and monitoring capability.
Harnessing Calcium Signaling in Dendritic Cells - A Potential Approach to Modulate the Immune Response In Vivo for Immunotherapy

Over the past several decades, our understanding of the immune system has advanced considerably. With it, an appreciation for its role in a number of diseases, such as cancer and infection has significantly grown. While our increased understanding of the immunological mechanisms underlying these diseases has improved treatment, considerable morbidity and mortality from these illnesses still exists signifying the need for more effective and innovative therapies. Dendritic cell (DC) therapy has been shown to be a promising approach to induce strong immune responses for immunotherapy, and biomaterial-based strategies have been developed to target DCs in vivo to facilitate this purpose. Given the importance of calcium in DC function and activation, we hypothesized that we could develop a biomaterial-based approach to locally and specifically control calcium signaling in DCs in vivo as a novel strategy for immunotherapy. Our first sub-hypothesis was that the calcium used to crosslink alginate gels, a commonly used biomaterial, could activate DCs in vitro; our second subhypothesis was that calcium ionophore A23187 could be delivered from biomaterials to activate DCs in vitro; and our third sub-hypothesis was that calcium used to crosslink alginate gels and/or controlled delivery of A23187 could increase local inflammation in vivo. We found that both the calcium released from calcium alginate gels and A23187 matured DCs and enhanced TLR-induced inflammatory cytokine secretion in vitro. Although we were unable to effectively deliver A23187 in vivo, calcium alginate gels injected subcutaneously were able to upregulate a number of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines relative to barium alginate gels. Likewise, when LPS was delivered from calcium alginate gels, the inflammatory effects of LPS on surrounding tissue were enhanced compared to when it was delivered from barium alginate gels. Thus, we confirmed that the calcium crosslinker in alginate gels could activate
Molecular and biochemical characterisation of mycobacterial cell wall drug targets - Lipoarabinomannan

A recent surge in emergence of drug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the etiological agent of tuberculosis has highlighted the importance of developing new therapeutics and devising novel strategies for effective management of this disease. The cell wall of M. tuberculosis is a major determinant of high level drug resistance demonstrated by this pathogen. Therefore pathways for the synthesis of its components and their regulation have remained an attractive drug target. In this study, the pathway for decaprenyl phosphate recycling emerges as a new target and illustrates a possible mechanism of resistance to the recently discovered anti-tubercular compounds, Benzothiazinones. Additionally, the newly identified Lac-I type transcriptional regulator IpsA, sheds light on an intricate regulatory network for synthesis of cell wall components, such as phosphatidyl inositol based lipoglycans. Since the pathway is critical for growth in members of Corynebacterineae, it provides for an untapped resource for designing novel inhibitors against the pathogenic species M. tuberculosis and Corynebacterium diphtheriae. This work also explores new approaches for design of anti-tubercular compounds against cell wall glycosyltransferases, such as ‘co-targeting’ of interacting transferases as revealed by protein-protein interaction studies and utilising the concept of ‘polar hydrophobicity’ in the design of ‘suicide inhibitors’ of transferase activity.
Cartilage Tympanoplasty Type 1 : Surgical Outcome in Aden, Yemen

Background: Tympanoplasty type 1 is surgical repair of the tympanic membrane (TM) perforation with assessment of ossicular mobility which is indicated to restore hearing ability as well as to prevent recurrent otorrhea. Methods: A retrospective review of the records of all patients who underwent tympanoplasty during the period 2013 2016. Results: The total patients were 102. Males were (48%) and females (52%). Female to male ratio was 1.08:1, and the mean age was 25.9 ± 6.5 years. Bilateral were (36.7%), and unilateral (36.3%). Sites of tympanic membrane were (42.2%) central, (31.4%) posterior and (26.4%) anterior. Perforation sizes were (52.9%) large, (25.5%) medium and (21.6%) small. The preoperative A-B gap was higher 92(90.2%) in the hearing level of > 20 decibels, while the postoperative A-B gap was higher in the gap group 010 decibels (51%) followed by gap group 11-20 decibels 45(44.1%); (p = 0.000). The mean preoperative A-B gap was 32.16 ± 6.84 dB and postoperative A-B gap was 12.11 ± 8.19 dB. The hearing gain was 20.05 dB (p = 0.000). The preoperative hearing threshold was 52.16 ± 6.84 dB and postoperative hearing threshold was 32.15 ± 8.19 dB. The hearing gain was also, 20.01 dB. (p < 0.05). Only 7 (6.9%) patients had complications, and the graft success rate was 98.04%. Conclusion: We concluded that cartilage tympanoplasty is a reliable graft material for reconstruction of tympanic membrane perforations, and gives excellent hearing results, in unilateral and in bilateral tympanic membrane perforations.