Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantitative study of the behavior of two broadcast spawners, the sea urchins Strongylocentrotus intermedius and Mesocentrotus nudus, during mass spawning events in situ

Background The spatial distribution of spawners and temporal parameters of spawning in motile invertebrates with external fertilization might influence reproductive success. However, to date, data on the prespawning and spawning behaviors of broadcast spawners in the field have been scarce and mostly qualitative. The present study was intended to clarify the behavioral adaptations of two sea urchin species, Strongylocentrotus intermedius and Mesocentrotus nudus, using quantitative analysis of their behavior during mass spawning events under natural conditions. Methods We analyzed in situ video recordings of sea urchin behavior obtained during six spawning seasons (2014–2019). The total number of specimens of each sea urchin species and the numbers of spawning males and females were counted. Quantitative parameters of sea urchin spawning (numbers of gamete batches, release duration of one gamete batch, time intervals between gamete batches and total duration of spawning) and movement (step length of spawners and nonspawners before and during spawning and changes in distances between males/nonspawners and females) were determined. Results For each species, 12 mass spawning events were recorded in which 10 or more individuals participated. The temporal dynamics of the numbers of males and females participating in mass spawning were well synchronized in both species; however, males began to spawn earlier and ended their spawning later than females. In both species, the most significant intersex difference was the longer spawning duration in males due to the longer pause between gamete batches. The total duration of gamete release did not differ significantly between sexes. The average duration of sperm release during mass spawning events was longer than solitary male spawning. Males and females showed significant increases in the locomotion rate 35 min before the start of spawning and continued to actively move during spawning. An increase in movement rate before spawning in males and females was induced by environmental factor(s). Nonspawners of both species showed increased locomotion activity but in the presence of spawning neighbors and less prominently than spawners. On a vertical surface, both echinoids moved strictly upward. On flat surfaces, males, females and nonspawners of both echinoids became closer during spawning. Discussion We showed that two sea urchin species with planktotrophic larvae display similar behavioral adaptations aimed at enhancing reproductive success. The high sensitivity of sea urchins, primarily males, to some environmental factors, most likely phytoplankton, may be considered a large-scale adaptation promoting the development of mass spawning events. The longer spawning duration in males and increased movement activity before and during spawning in both sexes may be considered small-scale adaptations promoting approach of males and females and enhancing the chances of egg fertilization.
SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence study in Lambayeque, Peru. June–July 2020

Background Estimating the cumulative prevalence of SARS-COV-2 will help to understand the epidemic, contagion, and immunity to COVID-19 in vulnerable populations. The objective is to determine the extent of infection in the general population and the cumulative incidence by age group. Methods It was carried out with a longitudinal analytical study, in the population of the Lambayeque region, located in the north of Peru. The selection was carried out in multistages (districts, area, household, and finally choosing the interviewee within the house). Seroprevalence was estimated as a positive result of the rapid test whether it was positive IgM or positive IgG. An adjustment was made for the sampling weights used. Results The seroprevalence found in the region was 29.5%. Young people between 21 and 50 years old presented the highest seroprevalence frequencies. A total of 25.4% were asymptomatic. The most frequent complaint was dysgeusia and dysosmia (85.3% and 83.6%). Dysosmia (PR = 1.69), chest pain (PR = 1.49), back pain (PR = 1.45), cough (PR = 1.44), fever (PR = 1.41), general malaise (PR = 1.27) were associated factors with the higher the frequency of seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2. Reporting of complete isolation at home decreased the frequency of positivity (PR = 0.80), however, reporting having ARI contact (PR = 1.60), having contact with a confirmed case (PR = 1.51), and going to market (PR = 1.26) increased the frequency of positivity for SARS-CoV-2. Conclusion These results suggest that Lambayeque is the region with the highest seroprevalence in the world, well above Spain, the United States and similar to a study in India.
Design of a transcriptional repressor-based biosensor in E. coli

The development of in vivo high-throughput screening techniques for the detection of polyketides is essential to alleviate our dependence of expensive synthetic and time consuming methods for the production these industrial bioactive molecules. Nature provides a vast array of polyketides in a myriad of organisms, produced from highly malleable biosynthetic pathways. Protein transcriptional regulators offer a gateway to mitigate the current processes of polyketide extraction and/or chemical synthesis. By naturally having an affinity for molecules such as polyketides and with the genetic tools available today, transcriptional regulators can be evolved to detect other industrially significant ligands and novel bioactive compounds through directed evolution. This will allow for the design of inexpensive high yield processes when expressed in a genetically manipulative host such as Escherchia coli. In this study, we describe the design of transcriptional repressor-based biosensor for the in vivo detection of polyketides in E. coli. The biosensor was engineered with ActR, a TetR-like transcriptional repressor protein, controlling expression of the gfp reporter gene which produces a green fluorescent protein (GFP). The incorporation of a GFP reporter allows for high-throughput screening of ActR and polyketide biosynthetic pathway combinatorial libraries using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). The ActR mutants will be screened based on their affinity and selectivity for a specific product produced through an engineered polyketide biosynthetic pathway, which the pathway can then be screened for increased yields. The broad range of genetic techniques available for manipulation of E. coli combined with the ActR-based biosensor engineered in E. coli, a new window of opportunity has been presented for engineering more efficient microbial production of polyketide compounds.
Loss of Ambulatory Level and Activities of Daily Living at 1 Year Following Hip Fracture: Can We Identify Patients at Risk?

Introduction: Operative hip fractures are known to cause a loss in functional status in the elderly. While several studies exist demonstrating the association between age, pre-injury functioning, and comorbidities related to this loss of function, no studies have predicted this using a validated risk stratification tool. We attempt to use the Score for Trauma Triage for Geriatric and Middle-Aged (STTGMA) tool to predict loss of ambulatory function and need for assistive device use. Materials and Methods: Five hundred and fifty-six patients ≥55 years of age who underwent operative hip fracture fixation were enrolled in a trauma registry. Demographics, functional status, injury severity, and hospital course were used to determine a STTGMA score and patients were stratified into risk quartiles. At least 1 year after hospitalization, patients completed the EQ-5D questionnaire for functional outcomes. Results: Two hundred and sixty-eight (48.2%) patients or their family members responded to the questionnaire. Of the 184 patients alive, 65 (35.3%) reported a return to baseline function. Eighty-nine (48.4%) patients reported a loss in ambulatory status. Patients with higher STTGMA scores were older, had more comorbidities, reported greater need for help with daily activities, increased difficulty with self-care, and a reduction in return to activities of daily living (all p ≤ 0.001). Patients with lower STTGMA scores were more likely to never require an assistive device while those with higher scores were more likely to continue needing one (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001). Patients in the highest STTGMA risk groups were 1.5x more likely to have an impairment in ambulatory status (need for ambulatory assistive device or decreased ambulatory capacity) (p = 0.004). Discussion: Patients in higher STTGMA risk quartiles were more likely to experience impairment after hip fracture surgery. The STTGMA tool can predict loss of ambulatory independence following hip fracture. At-risk populations can be targeted for enhanced physiotherapy and rehabilitation services for optimal return to prior functioning.
Effect of Staining and Aging on Translucency Parameter of CAD-CAM Materials

Objectives To evaluate different intervals of exposure to staining solutions and artificial aging on translucency parameter (TP00) of CAD-CAM materials. Material and Methods One millimeter thick square-shaped specimens (N = 288) were cut from Cerasmart (CS), IPS e.max (IE), Lava Ultimate (LU), Shofu HC (SH), Vita Enamic (VE), and Vita Suprinity (VS) and were divided into laboratory and chairside polishing. Reflection wavelength spectra, CIE D65 standard illuminant, 2 ° standard observer, SCI, UV included, SAV aperture, 6 mm diameter, were recorded at 10 nm sensitivity against white and black calibration tiles using a benchtop spectrophotometer. Subsequently, they were converted into CIEDE 2000 TP00. After baseline measurements (T0), the specimens were divided as follows (n = 8): staining in coffee (C) and wine (W), for 60 (T1) and 120 hours (T2), and accelerated artificial aging (A). Artificial aging (ISO 4892-2 standard) was performed in two cycles of 150 KJ/m2, for T1 and T2, respectively. TP measurements were repeated at T1 and T2. Data of TP00 retention were submitted to analysis of variance and Fisher’s PLSD multiple comparison test (α=0.05). Results Fisher’s PLSD critical differences among materials, time intervals and staining/aging were 0.16, 0.11 and 0.11, respectively. SH showed the highest TP00 followed by LU > CS > IE = VS > VE. For all time intervals, the lowest TP00 retention was observed with C. W, and A presented similar values. Conclusions Translucency Parameter was a time and staining/aging-dependent material. In majority of cases, it decreased upon staining/aging.
Does Localization Technique Matter for Non-palpable Breast Cancers?

Background There are several techniques for localization of non-palpable breast tumors, but comparisons of these techniques in terms of margin positivity and volume of tissue resected are lacking. Methods Between 2011-2013 and 2016-2018, 2 randomized controlled trials involving 10 centers across the United States accrued 631 patients with stage 0-3 breast cancer, all of whom underwent breast conserving surgery. Of these, 522 had residual non-palpable tumors for which localization was required. The localization technique was left to the discretion of the individual surgeon. We compared margin positivity and volume of tissue resected between various localization techniques. Results The majority of the patients (n = 465; 89.1%) had wire localization (WL), 50 (9.6%) had radioactive seed (RS) localization, and 7 (1.3%) had Savi Scout (SS) localization. On bivariate analysis, there was no difference in terms of margin positivity (37.8% vs. 28.0% vs. 28.6%, P = .339) nor re-excision rates (13.3% vs. 12.0% vs. 14.3%, P = .961) for the WL, RS, and SS groups, respectively. Further, the volume of tissue removed was not significantly different between the 3 groups (71.9 cm3 vs. 55.8 cm3 vs. 86.6 cm3 for the WL, RS, and SS groups, respectively, P = .340). On multivariate analysis, margin status was affected by tumor size (OR = 1.336; 95% CI: 1.148-1.554, P<.001) but not by type of localization (P = .670). Conclusions While there are a number of methods for tumor localization, choice of technique does not seem to influence volume of tissue resected nor margin status.
Oral CBD-rich cannabis induces clinical but not endoscopic response in patients with Crohn's disease, a randomized controlled trial.

AIMS Despite reports that medical cannabis improves symptoms in Crohn's disease (CD), controlled studies evaluating disease response are lacking. This study assessed the effect of cannabidiol (CBD)-rich cannabis oil for induction of remission in CD. METHODS In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled single center trial, patients received orally eithercannabis oil containing160/40mg/ml cannabidiol/ tetrahydrocannabinol (CBD/THC) or placebo for eight weeks. Disease parameters including CD activity index (CDAI), and simple endoscopic score for CD (SES-CD) were assessed before and after treatment. In a subgroup of patients, blood samples were collected for CBD and THC plasma levels. RESULTS The study included 56 patients, age 34.5±11 years, men/women 30/26 (54/46%), 30 in cannabis and 26 in placebo groups. CDAI at recruitment and after eight weeks was282(IQR243-342) and 166 (IQR 82-226) and 264(IQR 234-320) and 237(IQR 121-271) (p<0.05) in the cannabis and placebo groups, respectively. Median QOL score improved from 74 for both groups at baseline to 91 (IQR 85-102) and 75 (IQR 69-88) after 8 weeks in the cannabis and placebo groups, respectively (p=0.004). SES-CD was 10 (7-14) and 11 (IQR7-14), and 7 (4-14) and 8 (IQR 4-12;p=0.75)before and after treatment, in the cannabis and placebo groups, respectively. Inflammatory markers (CRP, calprotectin) remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS Eight weeks of CBD-rich cannabis treatment induced significant clinical and QOL improvement without significant changes in inflammatory parameters or endoscopic scores. The oral CBD-rich cannabis extract was well absorbed. Until further studies are available, cannabis treatment in Crohn's disease should be used only in the context of clinical trials.
Influence of Potassium Humate on Growth and Chemical constituents of Thuja Orientalis L seedlings.

A pot experiment was conducted during 2006-2007 seasons at National Research Centre (Research and Production Station, Nubaria). The aim of this work is to study the effect of foliar spray with potassium humate (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 % K-humate ) on vegetative growth and some chemical constituents of Thuja orientalis L plants. Most criteria of vegetative growth expressed plant height, stem diameter, root length, fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots were significantly affected by application of aforementioned concentrations of K-humate under study, as well as chemical constituents content i.e. total soluble sugar content, (N, P, and K percentage content), essential oil % and essential oil yield/plant. All growth parameters and chemical constituents were increased by increasing humic acid concentrations compared with untreated control. Therefore, humic acid may recommended for promoted growth parameters and possessed the best oil percentage in Thuja orientalis L plants
Association between Topographic Features of the Retinal Nerve Fiber Bundle and Good Visual Acuity in Patients with Glaucoma

ABSTRACT Purpose: Maintaining visual acuity in glaucoma patients is an important part of preventing the deterioration of quality of vision. We identified specific areas of the papillomacular bundle (PMB) that were strongly associated with visual acuity, based on en-face images derived from optical coherence topography (OCT) wide scans. Methods: The study recruited 23 eyes of 21 glaucoma patients (age: 61.3 ± 13.0 years, M: F = 9:12, Humphrey field analyzer-measured mean deviation: -19.9 ± 6.5 dB) with good best-corrected visual acuity (20/20 or more) and a remaining PMB with a maximum width no more than half that of the vertical disc diameter. En-face images were derived from 12 × 9 mm wide-scan images made with DRI-OCT (Triton, Topcon). Averaged en-face images were created by identifying the disc center and fovea line (DFL) and aligning it between images. We then measured the frequency of remaining PMB at 10 µm intervals along a vertical line intersecting the DFL at its midpoint. Finally, we used a logistic analysis in a much larger group of patients to identify cases of glaucoma with low BCVA (<20/20). Results: In the averaged en-face image, the residual PMB area appeared as a high-intensity region above the DFL. Analysis showed that residual PMB was most common in an area 830–870 µm above the DFL. The correlation coefficient of residual PMB in this area to BCVA was -0.57 (p < .01), and among OCT parameters in this residual PMB area, the AUC to identify decreased BCVA was highest for ganglion cell complex thickness (0.85, p < .01), with a cutoff of 87.5 µm. Conclusions: This study identified specific areas of the PMB that were associated with BCVA in wide-scan, en-face OCT images from glaucoma patients. This suggests that it may be possible to identify visual impairment during glaucoma treatment by measuring this area.
Population Dynamics of Community Cats Living in a Tourist Area of Onomichi City, Japan, before and after the Trap-Test-Vaccinate-Alter-Return-Monitor Event

ABSTRACT The community cat program (CCP) was recommended by the Ministry of the Environment to reduce cats in local animal shelters and improve stray cat welfare in Japan. It is a non-lethal control measure with stray cats cared for as free-roaming cats for their lifetime in the community, while Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) or Trap-Test-Vaccinate-Alter-Return-Monitor (TTVARM) activities are carried out. In the CCP, community cat colonies are hypothesized to be closed and static populations. However, it remains unknown whether the cats stay in the colonies, without migration of non-neutered cats following TNR/TTVARM events. We examined the population dynamics of cats before and after a TTVARM event using route censuses (107 days), fixed-point observations, and GPS-tracking in a tourist area in Onomichi. Eleven out of the 30 cats remained in the CCP areas, whereas 13 non-neutered cats immigrated into the CCP areas, within a year, suggesting the CCP program has limited efficacy. Besides, the program cannot support the lifetime management of the cats due rapid turnover of cats. Our results reject the CCP hypothesis, so that the program neither restricts cat breeding nor enhances cat welfare.
Brain stimulation effects on serum BDNF, VEGF, and TNFα in treatment‐resistant psychiatric disorders

Resistance to pharmacological treatment poses a notable challenge for psychiatry. Such cases are usually treated with brain stimulation techniques, including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Empirical evidence links treatment resistance to insufficient brain plasticity and chronic inflammation. Therefore, this study encompasses analysis of neurotrophic and inflammatory factors in psychiatric patients undergoing rTMS and ECT in order to refine the selection of patients and predict clinical outcomes. This study enrolled 25 drug‐resistant depressive patients undergoing rTMS and 31 drug‐resistant schizophrenia patients undergoing ECT. Clinical efficacy of brain stimulation therapies was gauged using MADRS and HAM‐D scales in the depression group and PANSS scale in the schizophrenia group. Blood‐derived BDNF, VEGF, and TNFα were analysed during the treatment course. For reference, 19 healthy control subjects were also enrolled. After statistical analysis, no significant differences were detected in BDNF, VEGF, and TNFα concentrations among healthy, depressive, and schizophrenic subject groups before the treatment. However, depressive patient treatment with rTMS has increased BDNF concentration, while schizophrenic patient treatment with ECT has lowered the concentration of TNFα. Our findings suggest that a lower initial TNFα concentration could be a marker for treatment success in depressed patients undergoing rTMS, whereas in schizophrenic patient group treated with ECT, a higher concentration of VEGF correlates to milder symptoms post‐treatment, especially in the negative scale.
Establishing the base rate of performance invalidity in a clinical electrical injury sample: Implications for neuropsychological test performance

ABSTRACT Objective: The base rate of neuropsychological performance invalidity in electrical injury, a clinically-distinct and frequently compensation-seeking population, is not well established. This study determined the base rate of performance invalidity in a large electrical injury sample, and examined patient characteristics, injury parameters, and neuropsychological test performance based on validity status. Method: This cross-sectional study included data from 101 patients with electrical injury consecutively referred for post-acute neuropsychological evaluation. Eighty-five percent of the sample was compensation-seeking. Multiple performance validity tests (PVTs) were administered as part of standard clinical evaluation. For patients with four or more PVTs, valid performance was operationalized as less than or equal to one PVT failure and invalid performance as two or more failures. Results: Frequency analysis revealed 66% (n = 67) had valid performance while 29% (n = 29) demonstrated probable invalid performance; the remaining 5% (n = 5) had indeterminate validity. No significant differences in demographics or injury parameters emerged between validity groups (0 vs. 1 vs. ≥2 PVT failures). In contrast, the electrical injury group with invalid performance performed significantly worse across tests of processing speed and executive abilities than those with valid performance (ps< .05, ηp 2 = .19-.25). Conclusions: The current study is the first to establish the base rate of neuropsychological performance invalidity in electrical injury survivors using empirical methods and current practice standards. Patient and clinical variables, including compensation-seeking status, did not differ between validity groups; however, neuropsychological test performance did, supporting the need for multi-method, objective performance validity assessment.