Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pupil-linked arousal correlates with neural activity prior to sensorimotor decisions

Objective. Sensorimotor decisions require the brain to process external information and combine it with relevant knowledge prior to actions. In this study, we explore the neural predictors of motor actions in a novel, realistic driving task designed to study decisions while driving. Approach. Through a spatiospectral assessment of functional connectivity during the premotor period, we identified the organization of visual cortex regions of interest into a distinct scene processing network. Additionally, we identified a motor action selection network characterized by coherence between the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Main results. We show that steering behavior can be predicted from oscillatory power in the visual cortex, DLPFC, and ACC. Power during the premotor periods (specific to the theta and beta bands) correlates with pupil-linked arousal and saccade duration. Significance. We interpret our findings in the context of network-level correlations with saccade-related behavior and show that the DLPFC is a key node in arousal circuitry and in sensorimotor decisions.
Primary care-led weight-management intervention: qualitative insights into patient experiences at two-year follow-up

ABSTRACT Purpose The prevalence of overweight and obesity is continuously increasing globally and long-term weight loss intervention outcomes remain disappointing. To determine which behavioural intervention approaches improve the probability of achieving long-term weight loss, this two-year follow-up study aimed to identify distinct factors and strategies for successful long-term weight loss maintenance. Methods A cohort of 20 participants with overweight and obesity from a primary-care led weight management programme with diverse backgrounds was interviewed at baseline, after 1 and 2 years, and asked to do quantitative self-description. This study focused on the 2-year follow-up interviews from this study series. Results We found that agile, continuous self-monitoring with personalized, sustainable lifestyle habits correlated with positive outcomes. Participants reported health benefits, maintained weight loss, and found motivation in supportive peer networks. Challenges like anxiety, disappointment, and disruptions derailed progress. Long-term success relied on a strong support system of healthcare professionals, friends, and family. Conclusions The findings of this study series highlight the intricate nature of long-term weight loss maintenance. This study corroborates the persistence of overarching themes while highlighting the individual variability in their relative importance. Findings emphasize the importance of long-term support to effectively address the diverse needs of patients trying to achieve long-term weight loss maintenance.
Tailored Biologics Selection in Severe Asthma

The management of severe asthma presents a significant challenge in asthma treatment. Over the past few decades, remarkable progress has been made in developing new treatments for severe asthma, primarily in the form of biological agents. These advances have been made possible through a deeper understanding of the underlying pathogenesis of asthma. Most biological agents focus on targeting specific inflammatory pathways known as type 2 inflammation. However, recent developments have introduced a new agent targeting upstream alarmin signaling pathways. This opens up new possibilities, and it is anticipated that additional therapeutic agents targeting various pathways will be developed in the future. Despite this recent progress, the mainstay of asthma treatment has long been inhalers. As a result, the guidelines for the appropriate use of biological agents are not yet firmly established. In this review, we aim to emphasize the current state of biological therapy for severe asthma and provide insights into its future prospects.
The clinical, myopathological, and genetic analysis of 155 Chinese mitochondrial ophthalmoplegia patients with mitochondrial DNA single large deletions

Abstract Background Progressive external ophthalmoplegia (PEO) is a common subtype of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy. Objective The study aimed to investigate the relationship between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) abnormalities, muscle pathology, and clinical manifestations in Chinese patients with single large‐scale mtDNA deletion presenting with PEO. Methods This is a retrospective single‐center study. Patients with PEO who had a single large deletion in mitochondrial DNA were included in this study. The associations were analyzed between mtDNA deletion patterns, myopathological changes, and clinical characteristics. Results In total, 155 patients with mitochondrial PEO carrying single large‐scale mtDNA mutations were enrolled, including 137 chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO) and 18 Kearns–Sayre syndrome (KSS) patients. The onset ages were 9.61 ± 4.12 in KSS and 20.15 ± 9.06 in CPEO. The mtDNA deletions ranged from 2225 bp to 9131 bp, with m. 8470_13446del being the most common. The KSS group showed longer deletions than the CPEO group (p = 0.004). Additionally, a higher number of deleted genes encoding respiratory chain complex subunits (p = 0.001) and tRNA genes (p = 0.009) were also observed in the KSS group. A weak negative correlation between the mtDNA deletion size and ages of onset (p < 0.001, r = −0.369) was observed. The proportion of ragged red fibers, ragged blue fibers, and cytochrome c negative fibers did not correlate significantly with onset ages (p > 0.05). However, a higher percentage of abnormal muscle fibers corresponds to an increased prevalence of exercise intolerance, limb muscle weakness, dysphagia, and cerebellar ataxia. Conclusion We reported a large Chinese cohort consisting of mitochondrial PEO patients with single large‐scale mtDNA deletions. Our results demonstrated that the length and locations of mtDNA deletions may influence onset ages and clinical phenotypes. The severity of muscle pathology could not only indicate diagnosis but also may be associated with clinical manifestations beyond the extraocular muscles.
A Randomized Clinical Trial of Bayesian-Guided Beta-Lactam Infusion Strategy and Associated Bacterial Resistance and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Severe Pneumonia

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a growing health concern worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of beta-lactam infusion on the emergence of bacterial resistance in patients with severe pneumonia in the intensive care unit. Methods: Adult intensive care patients receiving cefepime, meropenem, or piperacillin–tazobactam for severe pneumonia caused by Gram-negative bacteria were randomized to receive beta-lactams as an intermittent (30 minutes) or continuous (24 hours) infusion. Respiratory samples for culture and susceptibility testing, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), were collected once a week for up to 4 weeks. Beta-lactam plasma concentrations were measured and therapeutic drug monitoring was performed using Bayesian software as the standard of care. Results: The study was terminated early owing to slow enrollment. Thirty-five patients were enrolled in this study. Cefepime (n = 22) was the most commonly prescribed drug at randomization, followed by piperacillin (n = 8) and meropenem (n = 5). Nineteen patients were randomized into the continuous infusion arm and 16 into the intermittent infusion arm. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common respiratory isolate (n = 19). Eighteen patients were included in the final analyses. No differences in bacterial resistance were observed between arms (P = 0.67). No significant differences in superinfection (P = 1), microbiological cure (P = 0.85), clinical cure at day 7 (P = 0.1), clinical cure at end of therapy (P = 0.56), mortality (P = 1), intensive care unit length of stay (P = 0.37), or hospital length of stay (P = 0.83) were observed. Achieving 100% ƒT > MIC (P = 0.04) and ƒT > 4 × MIC (P = 0.02) increased likelihood of clinical cure at day 7 of therapy. Conclusions: No differences in the emergence of bacterial resistance or clinical outcomes were observed between intermittent and continuous infusions. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic target attainment may be associated with a clinical cure on day 7.
The longevity bottleneck hypothesis: Could dinosaurs have shaped ageing in present‐day mammals?

The evolution and biodiversity of ageing have long fascinated scientists and the public alike. While mammals, including long‐lived species such as humans, show a marked ageing process, some species of reptiles and amphibians exhibit very slow and even the absence of ageing phenotypes. How can reptiles and other vertebrates age slower than mammals? Herein, I propose that evolving during the rule of the dinosaurs left a lasting legacy in mammals. For over 100 million years when dinosaurs were the dominant predators, mammals were generally small, nocturnal, and short‐lived. My hypothesis is that such a long evolutionary pressure on early mammals for rapid reproduction led to the loss or inactivation of genes and pathways associated with long life. I call this the ‘longevity bottleneck hypothesis’, which is further supported by the absence in mammals of regenerative traits. Although mammals, such as humans, can evolve long lifespans, they do so under constraints dating to the dinosaur era.
Clumped isotope perturbation in tropospheric nitrous oxide from stratospheric photolysis

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is potent greenhouse gas and source of ozone depleting NO to the stratosphere. Recent advances in mass spectrometry allow accurate measurement of multiply substituted (“clumped”) N2O isotopocules, providing new constraints on the N2O source budget. However, this requires a quantification of the “clumped” N2O fractionation from stratospheric photolysis (main sink). We use time‐dependent quantum dynamics and a 1‐D atmospheric model to determine the effect of stratospheric photolysis on the abundances of multisubstituted N2O isotopocules in the atmosphere. The ultraviolet absorption cross sections of 557 (i.e., 15N15N17O), 458, 548, 457, and 547 are presented for the first time and used to derive altitude‐dependent photolysis rates and fractionation constants. We find that photolysis alters the N2O isotopic composition with multisubstituted mass 47 isotopocules being less abundant than expected from stochastics (Δ47 = −1.7‰ in the troposphere and down to −12‰ in the upper stratosphere).
Validity of a Smartphone App Using Artificial Intelligence for the Real-Time Measurement of Barbell Velocity in the Bench Press Exercise

Abstract Balsalobre-Fernández, C, Xu, J, Jarvis, P, Thompson, S, Tannion, K, and Bishop, C. Validity of a smartphone app using artificial intelligence for the real-time measurement of barbell velocity in the bench press exercise. J Strength Cond Res 37(12): e640–e645, 2023—The purpose of this study was to explore the validity and within-session reliability of the newly developed My Jump Lab application (app), which uses artificial intelligence techniques to monitor barbell velocity in real time. Twenty-seven sport science students performed 5 repetitions at 50 and 75% of their self-reported bench press 1 repetition maximum (1RM) during a single testing session, whereas barbell velocity was concurrently measured using the app (installed on an iPhone 12 Pro) and the GymAware linear position transducer (LPT). A very high correlation was observed between devices at each loading condition (50% 1RM: r = 0.90 [0.82–0.97]; 75% 1RM: r = 0.92 [0.86–0.98]). Results showed trivial differences between the app and LPT at both 50% 1RM (g = −0.06) and 75% 1RM (g = −0.12). Bland-Altman analysis showed a bias estimate of −0.010 m·s−1 and −0.026 m·s−1 for the 50 and 75% 1RM, respectively. Finally, similar levels of reliability, as revealed by the coefficient of variation, were observed for both devices (50% 1RM: LPT = 6.52%, app = 8.17%; 75% 1RM: LPT = 12.10%, app = 13.55%). Collectively, the findings of this study support the use of My Jump Lab for the measurement of real-time barbell velocity in the bench press exercise.
Genomic Selection Signals in Andean Highlanders Reveal Adaptive Placental Metabolic Phenotypes That Are Disrupted in Preeclampsia

BACKGROUND: The chronic hypoxia of high-altitude residence poses challenges for tissue oxygen supply and metabolism. Exposure to high altitude during pregnancy increases the incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and fetal growth restriction and alters placental metabolism. High-altitude ancestry protects against altitude-associated fetal growth restriction, indicating hypoxia tolerance that is genetic in nature. Yet, not all babies are protected and placental pathologies associated with fetal growth restriction occur in some Andean highlanders. METHODS: We examined placental metabolic function in 79 Andeans (18–45 years; 39 preeclamptic and 40 normotensive) living in La Paz, Bolivia (3600–4100 m) delivered by unlabored Cesarean section. Using a selection-nominated approach, we examined links between putatively adaptive genetic variation and phenotypes related to oxygen delivery or placental metabolism. RESULTS: Mitochondrial oxidative capacity was associated with fetal oxygen delivery in normotensive but not preeclamptic placenta and was also suppressed in term preeclamptic pregnancy. Maternal haplotypes in or within 200 kb of selection-nominated genes were associated with lower placental mitochondrial respiratory capacity (PTPRD [protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor-δ]), lower maternal plasma erythropoietin (CPT2 [carnitine palmitoyl transferase 2], proopiomelanocortin, and DNMT3 [DNA methyltransferase 3]), and lower VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) in umbilical venous plasma (TBX5 [T-box transcription factor 5]). A fetal haplotype within 200 kb of CPT2 was associated with increased placental mitochondrial complex II capacity, placental nitrotyrosine, and GLUT4 (glucose transporter type 4) protein expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal novel associations between putatively adaptive gene regions and phenotypes linked to oxygen delivery and placental metabolic function in highland Andeans, suggesting that such effects may be of genetic origin. Our findings also demonstrate maladaptive metabolic mechanisms in the context of preeclampsia, including dysregulation of placental oxygen consumption.
Influence of fiber type and carbohydrase supplementation on nutrient digestibility, energy and nitrogen balance, and physiology of sows at mid and late gestation

Abstract Carbohydrase supplementation in grow-finish pig diets improves energy, nutrient digestibility, and gastrointestinal function, but their efficacy in gestation diets is understudied. The experimental objective was to evaluate the efficacy of a multicarbohydrase to improve digestion, energetics, and various physiological functions in gestating sows fed soluble and insoluble fiber diets. On day 28 of gestation, 36 sows (186 ± 4.6 kg body weight), blocked by parity, were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments (n = 9). Factors included fiber type of insoluble (IF; 20% dried distiller grains with solubles) or soluble fiber (SF; 20% sugar beet pulp) and with (+) or without (−) enzyme (0.05%, Rovabio Advance P10; Adisseo, Antony, France). Diets were fed from days 28 to 109 of gestation at a feeding level of 2.1 kg (SID-Lys 11 g/d and 4.5 net energy-Mcal/d). Two separate 9-d metabolism periods were conducted on days 50 to 59 (mid) and 99 to 108 (late) of gestation. During each period, days 1 to 3 served as an adaptation period, days 4 to 7 total urine and feces were collected (96-h) and followed by a 48-h lactulose-mannitol study. Serum and plasma were collected on days 50 and 99. Data were analyzed as repeated records using a linear mixed model with block as a random effect and fiber type, enzyme, and period and their interactions as fixed effects. Sows fed SF+ had increased serum IL-1ra (Fiber × Enzyme P = 0.035), and IL-2 (Fiber × Enzyme P = 0.042). In the presence of IF, multicarbohydrases increased serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, but not when supplemented with SF (Fiber × Enzyme P = 0.028). Circulating IL-8 and TNF-α were decreased in sows fed multicarbohydrases (P < 0.05). Multicarbohydrase supplementation increased the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE), dry matter, and neutral detergent fiber by 2.8%, 3.4%, and 8.3%, respectively (P < 0.05). Compared to IF−, the ATTD of hemicellulose was 5.3% greater in sows fed IF+ but did not differ from SF− and SF+ (Fiber × Enzyme P = 0.037). Sows fed IF+ had the greatest ATTD of insoluble dietary fiber (Fiber × Enzyme P = 0.011). Sows fed multicarbohydrases excreted less energy in their urine (519 vs. 469 GE kcal/d; Enzyme P = 0.033) and in their feces (985 vs. 900 GE kcal/d; Enzyme P = 0.003). This resulted in an improvement in both digestible energy (Enzyme P < 0.01) and metabolizable energy (Enzyme P = 0.041), irrespective of fiber type. In conclusion, multicarbohydrase supplementation increased the digestibility and energetic contribution of fiber, irrespective of adaptation time or fiber type, but modulation of inflammatory responses was unique to dietary fiber type.
Update Lessons from Positron Emission Tomography Imaging Part I: A Systematic Critical Review on Therapeutic Plasma Concentrations of Antipsychotics

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Background: Positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission tomography (SPECT) of molecular drug targets (neuroreceptors and transporters) provide essential information for therapeutic drug monitoring–guided antipsychotic drug therapy. The optimal therapeutic windows for D2 antagonists and partial agonists, as well as their proposed target ranges, are discussed based on an up-to-date literature search. Methods: This part I of II presents an overview of molecular neuroimaging studies in humans and primates involving the target engagement of amisulpride, haloperidol, clozapine, aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, cariprazine, and ziprasidone. The systemic review particularly focused on dopamine D2-like and 5-HT2A receptors. Target concentration ranges were estimated based on receptor occupancy ranges that relate to clinical effects or side effects (ie, extrapyramidal side effects). In addition, findings for other relevant receptor systems were included to further enrich the discussion. Results: The reported reference ranges for aripiprazole and clozapine align closely with findings from PET studies. Conversely, for haloperidol, risperidone, and olanzapine, the PET studies indicate that a lowering of the previously published upper limits would be necessary to decrease the risk of extrapyramidal side effect. Conclusions: Molecular neuroimaging studies serve as a strong tool for defining target ranges for antipsychotic drug treatment and directing therapeutic drug monitoring.
A revision of the upper part of the Saq Formation and Hanadir Shale (lower Ordovician) of Saudi Arabia

Abstract The previously termed Hanadir Shale of Saudi Arabia is described and re-defined as the Hanadir Formation. At the type locality of Al Hanadir the unit is probably entirely of Llanvirn age while further north shelly faunas of possible Llandeilo age occur in the upper part. Trace fossil assemblages with abundant cruzianids (C. furcifera, C. rugosa, C. goldfussi), Pelecypodichnus, Didymaulichnus and Diplichnites indicate an Arenig age for beds in the upper part of the underlying Saq Formation, while the top of this unit yielded hitherto unrecorded pendent and biserial scandent graptolites, a sparse shelly fauna of lingulacean brachiopods, Neseuretus sp. and the trace fossils Cruziana? imbricata and Phycodes.
Bottom-up, global estimates of small-scale marine fisheries catches.

Working on small-scale fisheries often means being torn between two opposites. On one end are those who think that this is a waste of time because, "after all, industrial fisheries in the South and the North provide the bulk of the fish" [a true, and typical, quote, from an author who shall remain unnamed]. This standpoint seems to be justified because for most countries the official statistics do not identify small-scale fisheries, suggesting such catch, if any, is negligible. At the other end are cultural anthropologists and other social scientists, asserting in thesis after thesis and paper after paper that small-scale fisheries are important in the villages they studied, but numbers on catch, fishing effort and other metrics cannot be given, because everything is so complex. Indeed, one is often told by social scientists that catches are not the issue, but instead the catching itself, and the culture that develops around it. The first line of these arguments will be perceived as being correct as long as hard numbers are missing which would document in a compelling fashion that small-scale fisheries, rather than being marginal activities conducted by marginal people, are a vibrant part of the rural economy of numerous countries, providing livelihood to millions of people, besides increasingly feeding into national and international markets. The second line of arguments, while central to the discipline of, e.g., cultural anthropology, indirectly contributes to the marginalization of small-scale fisheries. In the excitement of documenting unique aspects of the maritime culture they study, and of describing its specialized systems of resource use, the larger context is often ignored, and the small-scale fishers and their families are not seen as actors on the national or international stage. Both of these lines of arguments can be overcome by making the case that small-scale fisheries, rather than being a marginal sub-sector, represent, in most countries, most of the people working in fisheries, and generating nearly half of the fish and invertebrate catch, often of high values, destined for human consumption. The numbers assembled in this report support such a case. Moreover, because they use far less fuel energy than industrial fisheries per tonne of fish landed, small-scale fisheries may point to, or even be, the future of fisheries in a world economy shaped by high fuel cost. The conclusions of this report are tentative, however, because the database upon which they are based covers the world …
Food safety knowledge and practices among food handlers and consumers in Gulf countries: An integrative review

ABSTRACT Foodborne illnesses result from inadequate food handling practices, but prevention is possible through implementing food safety principles by handlers and consumers. This paper presents an overview of food safety knowledge and practices among food handlers and consumers in the Gulf countries, identifies factors affecting knowledge and practice, and offers recommendations for promoting food safety among handlers and consumers. A literature search was conducted using an integrative review method. Various combinations of the following descriptors were used: (food safety, food hygiene), (knowledge, practice), and (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait). Out of 164 studies screened, 37 met the eligibility criteria. Food handler studies reported insufficient food safety knowledge, with poor translation of existing knowledge into practice. Consumer studies showed varying levels of food safety knowledge, and the translation of existing knowledge into practice was also found to be inconsistent. Training and educational level were the primary factors positively affecting food safety knowledge and practices. Overall, significant gaps in knowledge and practices were identified among food handlers and consumers in the Gulf. These gaps require urgent attention from the Gulf regulatory bodies to develop targeted food safety training and education programs to enhance awareness and implementation of food safety principles.