Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Short Sleep Duration and Extremely Delayed Chronotypes in Uruguayan Youth: The Role of School Start Times and Social Constraints

During adolescence, biological, psychosocial, and contextual factors converge in a “perfect storm” and have been put forward to explain the delay in chronotype observed at this age and the prevalence of disrupted sleep. This study provides evidence to support that chronotype and sleep patterns (particularly sleep duration) are socially constrained and to identify novel significant social predictors. Uruguayan public school activities are arranged in up to 4 shifts, creating a natural experiment to examine the effect of school timing on questionnaire-based assessments of sleep and chronotype. In this study, 268 high school students (15-18 years old) who attended school either on morning (0730 to 1130 h) or afternoon shifts (1130 h to 1530 h) responded to an adapted School Sleep Habits Survey. Students attending afternoon shifts had later chronotypes (a 1.5-h later midpoint of sleep on free days adjusted for sleep debt) than those attending the morning shift. Besides shift, evening social activities (including dinner time) were further identified as key predictors of late chronotypes, whereas age and gender were not. Sleep on school days was overall advanced and reduced with respect to weekends, and these effects were stronger in morning-shift students. Weekend sleep duration was similar between shifts, which probably caused the prevalence of reduced sleep durations (average weekly sleep duration, SDweek <8 h) to be higher in morning-shift students (almost 80%) than in afternoon-shift ones (34%). Reduced sleep duration was significantly higher in morning-shift students. In addition, age, chronotype, and dinner time became relevant determinants of sleep deficit only in the morning-shift students. Besides the important social constraint of early school start time, this is the first study to confirm the significance of other types of social pressures on both adolescents’ chronotype and sleep deficit, which can be useful as potential new targets for effective policies to protect adolescent sleep.
Therapeutic efficacy of Qingfei Paidu decoction combined with antiviral drugs in the treatment of corona virus disease 2019

Abstract Background: The corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a global pandemic, there are no specific drugs and vaccines for epidemic control at present. More and more clinical practice shows that traditional Chinese medicine has played an important role in the outbreak. Among them, Qingfei Paidu decoction (QPD) combined with antiviral drugs can enhance the therapeutic efficacy for COVID-19. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive and systematic evidence, which urgently requires us to verify its therapeutic efficacy. Hence, we provide a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: We will search the studies in MEDLINE/PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, VIP database, the Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Database and Chinese Science Citation Database. Searches are limited to clinical studies published in Chinese and English. Next, the quality of each study is assessed according to the criteria of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Then, the outcome data are recorded and pooled by Review Manager 5.3 and STATA 16.0 software. Results: The systematic review and meta-analysis aims to review and pool current clinical outcomes of QPD combined with antiviral drugs for the treatment of COVID-19. Conclusion: This study will provide a high-quality evidence of QPD for the treatment on COVID-19 patients. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42020182409.
Genetic diversity, reproductive capacity and alkaloids content in three endemic Alkanna species

The Balkans endemic species Alkanna primuliflora Griseb. , A. stribrnyi Velen. , and A. graeca Boiss. & Spruner have limited distribution in the Balkan Peninsula and a large variation in the morphological characteristics. The populations of the three Alkanna species in the Bulgarian flora are small and fragmented. There are no previous reports on the chemical profile or on the embryology of these species. The hypothesis was that the limited distribution of A. primuliflora, A. stribrnyi, and A. graeca was due to their reproductive capacity and genetic diversity. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the three species will contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), as other species of the genus Alkanna (Boraginaceae), but they would have differential alkaloids composition. The population genetic structure and differentiation showed a clear distinction between species and revealed average levels of genetic diversity among the natural populations of the three Alkanna species. The embryological investigation observed stability of the processes in the male and female generative spheres and high viability of mature pollen and embryo of the three species. The normal formation of male and female gametophytes without deviations or degenerative processes, and observed levels of genetic diversity between Alkanna individuals are important in maintaining the size and resilience of the Alkanna populations. Eight alkaloids were identified by GC-MS in A. primuliflora and A. graeca and six alkaloids in A. stribrnyi. The main pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in all investigated species was triangularine. A. primuliflora and A. graeca showed similar chemical composition that comprised 9-angeloylretronecine, 7-tigloylretronecine, 9-tigloylretronecine, triangularicine, dihydroxytriangularine, dihydroxytriangularicine, whereas, in A. stribrnyi 9-tigloylretronecine, triangularicine and dihydroxytriangularicine were not found. This is the first report on the presence of PAs in A. primuliflora, A. stribrnyi and A. graeca. Besides, this is the first report on the embryology of these endemic species. The results contribute to the knowledge of the three endemic Alkanna species and will facilitate policy-making and defining new strategies for their conservation.
Systemic glucocorticoids plus cyclophosphamide for acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a retrospective nationwide study.

Purpose Mortality of acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is high, and it remains unknown whether cyclophosphamide is an effective treatment for this condition. Objectives This study compared the effects of cyclophosphamide combined with systemic glucocorticoids with those of systemic glucocorticoids alone. Methods Using the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database in Japan, adult patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who had received high-dose methylprednisolone and mechanical ventilation at admission from July 1, 2010, to March 31, 2014, were identified. Instrumental variable analyses based on a hospital preference for cyclophosphamide were performed to compare in-hospital outcomes. Results Eligible patients (n=1847) were divided into the methylprednisolone plus cyclophosphamide group (n=104) and the methylprednisolone alone group (n=1743). The results of an instrumental variable analysis detected no significant differences between the groups with respect to in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-6.43), ventilator-free days (difference, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, -2.6 to 7.0). Conclusions In a Japanese inpatient database study analyzing outcomes from patients with acute exacerbation idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis receiving systemic glucocorticoids, the addition of cyclophosphamide was not associated with improved in-hospital mortality and ventilator-free days.
Determinants of motor, language, cognitive, and global developmental delay in children with complicated severe acute malnutrition at the time of discharge: An observational study from Central India

Background Undernutrition leads to impaired psychosocial and cognitive development. This study explored the developmental status of children with complicated severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and correlated it with various risk factors for SAM. Methods and findings We recruited 100 children with SAM and no other associated significant health issues during the recovery phase of treatment using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development III prior to discharge from the nutritional rehabilitation unit in R D Gardi Medical College, Ujjain, Central India. We also assessed composite developmental scores, developmental age equivalents, and average differences in developmental age. Risk factors for developmental delay were identified in children with complicated SAM. The results revealed that 75%, 75%, and 63% of children with SAM exhibited delay in motor (mean score: 78.22), language (mean score: 83.97), and cognitive (mean score: 78.06) domains, respectively. A total of 63% children exhibited delay by an average of 4–7 months in the total developmental age. The proportion of children with delay in motor, language, and cognitive domains was determined. An increased risk of global developmental delay was observedin children with a low birth weight (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 18.06, 95%CI: 2.08–156.56; P = 0.009), having working mothers (aOR: 17.54, 95%CI: 3.02–102.59; P = 0.001), weight-for-age less than three standard deviations (aOR: 6.09, 95%CI: 1.08–34.10; P = 0.04), and presence of severe anemia (aOR: 16.34, 95%CI: 2.94–90.73; P = 0.001). Conclusions The results indicated that children with SAM exhibit developmental delay across all domains. Identifying multiple modifiable risk factors for developmental delay in children with SAM will be helpful in devising early interventional strategies in low-middle income countries; however, the exact timing of such interventions should be investigated.
Distinct Profiles of Attention in Children Born Moderate-to-Late Preterm at 6 Years

Abstract Objective Attention difficulties are commonly reported by caregivers in school-aged children born moderate-to-late preterm (MLPT; 32–36 weeks’ gestation). We aimed to assess distinct aspects of attentional functioning (i.e. orienting, alerting and executive attention, processing speed and behavioral components) in children born MLPT and full term (FT), profiles of attentional functioning, and associated risk factors such as preterm birth. Methods Participants were 170 (87 MLPT and 83 FT) children, evaluated on cognitive and behavioral attention aspects at 6 years of age. We used a variable-centered approach to compare attentional functioning of children born MLPT and FT at group level, and a person-centered approach to identify profiles of attentional functioning. Neonatal and demographic characteristics of these profiles were compared. Results The variable-centered approach showed that at group level children born MLPT had poorer orienting attention and processing speed, and behavioral attention than children born FT. The person-centered approach revealed four profiles: (a) normal attentional functioning, (b) overall poorer attention, (c) poorer cognitive attention, and (d) behavioral attention problems. Children born MLPT were overrepresented in each of the suboptimal attention profiles, and were more dispersed across profiles than children born FT. Conclusions Children born MLPT are at increased risk of difficulties in some attention aspects, but at group level differences with children born FT are small. However, children born MLPT show considerable variation in the nature of attention difficulties and are twice as likely to show a suboptimal attention profile, indicating a cumulation of poorer attention scores.
Root Endophytic Fungi: Research Update

Fungal endophytes are group of microorganisms that reside asymptomatically within the healthy living tissue. Root endophytic fungi like dark septate endophytes (DSE), Piriformospora indica, and Trichoderma show mutualistic association with many plant species. The endophytes are known to produce a diverse group of secondary metabolites, extracellular enzymes, antibiotics, antifungal, anticancer agents that can be used as therapeutic drugs, agrochemicals or in industries. Plants associated with fungal endophytes play an important role in the survival of plants in extreme stressed condition. This review focuses on the functions of fungal root endophytes, their relationship with host plant, tolerance to abiotic stress and secondary metabolites production against various pathogens.
Improved Activity of Rifampicin Against Biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus by Multicomponent Complexation

The aim of this study was to evaluate a multicomponent complex (MC) between rifampicin (RIF), β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), and selected amino acids to enhance the solubility and antibiofilm activity of RIF. After performing phase-solubility studies that demonstrated a considerable increase in the solubility of RIF for the MC, the corresponding solid system was prepared by a freeze-drying method. Characterization of the MC was performed by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Structural analyses evidenced molecular interactions between the components, resulting in a MC with amorphous solid features. Structural studies involving both experimental (i.e., 1H NMR) and theoretical (i.e., molecular modeling) methodologies demonstrated the inclusion of the RIF piperazine ring in the β-CD cavity. The bioactivity of the MC measured against biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus showed a significant reduction in the metabolic activity of the bacterium. Overall, the studied MC exhibited promising properties for the development of pharmaceutical formulations to treat bacterial infections.
A Technique of Freezing Plant Crowns to Determine the Cold Resistance of Winter Oats 1

WINTER hardiness of oats (Avena saliva L. and A. byzantina C. Koch.) is a complex charac te r i s t ic conditioned by many genes, and winter survival reflects the ability of a plant to withstand stresses caused by factors such as low temperature, disease, drought, dessication, heaving, prolonged snow cover, or interactions thereof. Because of the undependable nature of winter-killing and the high experimental error in field testing, the breeder generally must depend on the average performance of lines and varieties over a range of environments to determine winter
Novel pyrrole derivatives as selective CHK1 inhibitors: design, regioselective synthesis and molecular modeling

An efficient synthesis of hitherto unreported 3-heteroaryl-pyrroles was described via regioselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of enaminone2 or 3 with nitrilimines 5a–j to afford the corresponding pyrazole derivatives 7a–j. Hydrazinolysis of 7a–f yielded the respective pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyridazines 10a–f. Furthermore, pyrrole analogs substituted on the 3-position with pyranone (14), benzofuran (16) or naphthofuran (18) were also synthesized. The structures of the synthesized compounds were determined by spectral, elemental analyses and alternative syntheses wherever possible. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their protein kinase inhibitory activities against 25 kinases belonging to 4 kinase groups viz. AGC (5 kinases), CAMK (5 kinases), CMGC (4 kinases) and TK (11 kinases). While the tested compounds were found to be good inhibitors of VEGFR-2 and EGFR, exhibiting low micromolar IC50 values, they were selectively more potent against CHK1 eliciting a potent inhibitory effect with IC50 values in the submicromolar range. Finally, docking studies were performed to interpret the possible binding mode of the target compounds with CHK1.
DETECTION OF CYHEXATIN RESISTANCE IN TWOSPOTTED MITE, TETRANYCHUS URTICAE KOCH (ACARINA: TETRANYCHIDAE) IN AUSTRALIA

Two laboratory cultures of Tetranychus urticae were established with material collected from 3 apple orchards at Shepparton, Victoria and from one orchard near Griffith, N.S. W. Cyhexatin was tested against females of each strain and a susceptible reference strain, using a Potter spray tower. Both strains were 7.5X resistant to cyhexatin at the LC50 level compared with the susceptible strain.
Are abandoned wooded pastures suitable refugia for forest species

Questions: Is the species composition of the forest community in abandoned pastures different from that in ancient ungrazed forests? Do abandoned wooded pastures serve as refugia for forest species? Which factors influence forest species communities and the diversity of pastures more than 50 years after abandon- ment? Location: Doupovskehory, Czech Republic. Methods: The species composition of the forest plant community was assessed in 90 plots located in abandoned pastures with different continuities of woody vegetation. The abandoned pastures were compared to 111 other plots located in ancient ungrazed forest. The effects of forest continuity, isolation, pH, canopy cover and terrain were analysed using CCA and GLMs. Results: The forest species communities in abandoned pastures differ from those in ancient ungrazed forests. The number of forest species in abandoned pastures was relatively high. However, abandoned pastures lack some species considered as indicators of ancient forests in Europe. The abandoned wooded pastures and more recently overgrown pastures generally lacked the same set of species in comparison to ancient forests. Additionally, we found no regular asso- ciation of ancient forest indicators with wooded pastures compared to more recently overgrown pastures. The forest species communities in abandoned pas- tures are significantly influenced by continuity, soil pH (KCl) and habitat isola- tion. Forest species richness depends on continuity (with significantly more species in the abandoned woodedpastures than in most recently overgrownpas- tures). Furthermore, species richness is negatively correlated with habitat isola- tion particularly under the open canopy. Conclusions: Abandoned pastures and wooded pastures offer suitable habitats for forest species. However, these forest communities remained unsaturated after more than a half-century of succession. Surprisingly, pastures with a long continuity in woody cover (wooded pastures) were not better refugia for forest species than more recently overgrown pastures. The importance of habitat isola- tion, soil pH and light conditions for forest species community composition and richness was confirmed.
Mode of action studies of the acaricidal agent, epingaione

Summary Activity directed isolation studies of the ethanol extract of Bontia daphnoides L (Myoporaceae) leaves and stems led to the isolation of epingaione, a sesquiterpene furan. This compound was previously described by Chinnock et al. (1987) from the same plant. The compound showed growth regulatory activities on gravid adult female Boophilus microplus Canestrini (the southern cattle tick). The dose required for inhibiting the hatching of B. microplus eggs by 50% (Fid50)was 0.4±0.06 mg/g of the tick body weight. The Fid50 dose inhibited the sequestration of protein into eggs oviposited by 80%. These eggs were non-agglutinated and wrinkled. Histological examination of ovarian sections from the treated ticks revealed significant degeneration of funicle cells and reduction in yolk content.
Methodical investigations about evaluation of lysine utilization In reply to: Pigs following extreme changes of protein quantity and protein quality

Aim of investigations was to measure lysine utilisation under dietary conditions which could have negative effects on well known relation between limiting amino acid and level of N‐utilisation. Incorrect conclusions about level of lysine availability (efficiency) could be drawn under such conditions. Therefore N‐balance trials were done with 32 female pigs (35–45 LW, fitted with urine bladder catheters), based on semisynthetic diets (wheatgluten / cornstarch) supplemented with glutamic acid as additional nitrogen source. Lysine concentration in the protein was further reduced by this way near to N‐balance + 0. Data calculation followed a further developed N‐utilisation model from Gebhardt (1966). Experimental conditions resulted in disturbed relationships between lysine concentration and protein utilisation and led to the conclusion, that N‐balance trials related to estimation of amino acid efficiency in feed proteins resp. to amino acid requirements should be realised under conditions of > 500 mg / LWkg .
Ernährungsphysiologische Untersuchungen an Schweinen zur Beurteilung von modifizierten Proteinen

: Modified proteins were tested in absorption investigations with eight pigs with ileocaecal re-entrant cannulae. The apparent digestibility up to the end of the small intestines showed considerable differences between the feed proteins (77-93%). The same differences could be observed with regard to the apparent absorption of amino acids. Concerning the true N-digestibility resp. the true absorption of the amino acids in the above mentioned section of the intestinal tract there were hardly any differences between the proteins given. The results show that there is a relation between the amount of endogenous N in the chyme at the end of the small intestines and the protein consumed. The amount of endogenous N in the chyme in the small intestines influence N-excretion in urine and thus the intermediary utilisation of feed protein. From the point of view of nutrition physiology it follows that the spun vicia-faba protein/casein (1 : 1) fibres (C) approximate best the value of casein (A). While the treatment of this mixed protein with dyaldehyde starch had a negligible effect on the ascertained parameters only, the treatment of the same protein with aluminium chloride diminished its value more. The isolated vicia-faba (B) was the poorest of the modified proteins tested.
Homework: At Home or at School?—Attitudes of Teachers, Parents and the General Public: A Case Study

The purpose of this study is to investigate the attitudes of three influential groups toward homework: parents, teachers and the public. Specifically, attitudes toward reducing and eliminating homework, as well as creating alternatives to conventional homework, are examined. The first hypothesis is that the attitude of teachers and parents toward homework is positive, whereas that of the public is negative, in line with the Israeli Ministry of Education that suggests changing homework policies. Another hypothesis is that there is a correlation between the seniority of teachers and their attitudes toward homework—the greater the seniority, the more negative the attitude. Finally, the effect of various background variables of teachers (class grade and subject area: sciences or humanities) and parents (age of parents, number of children in the family and child birth-order) on their attitudes toward homework is examined. The first research hypothesis was confirmed—most teachers and parents are supportive of homework, whereas the public is the least supportive. In addition, the public is the most supportive of changing homework policies, parents are less supportive, and teachers are the least supportive. No correlation was found between the seniority of teachers and their attitudes toward homework. Finally, background variables have no effect on attitudes toward homework. According to these findings, the public is not yet ready to completely forgo homework, which has been so widely used and accepted. The desire to change the traditional homework policy exists, but the concept that homework is essential remains.