Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Educational considerations for health professionals to effectively work with clients with complex regional pain syndrome

Introduction People living with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a rare chronic pain disorder, must become experts in their own self-management. Listening to the voice of the patient is often advocated in the pain literature. However, the patient’s option is rarely asked for or considered by clinicians, even when they live with a condition that health professionals have rarely heard of. Purpose To explore what people living with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) think health professionals should know about their condition to provide appropriate care. Design A heuristic, hermeneutic phenomenological study was conducted asking people about their experiences living with CRPS. This paper reports on the findings of an additional question asked of all participants. Participants Seventeen people living with complex regional pain syndrome were interviewed. Findings Overwhelmingly, participants felt that health professionals do not know enough about CRPS, or chronic pain and believe their health outcomes are affected by this lack of knowledge. Sub-themes identified were don’t touch unless I say it is okay; be patient with the patient/ it is important to develop a relationship; educate yourself and educate the patient; choose your words carefully and refer to others as needed. An additional theme, it is very hard to describe CRPS was also identified. Conclusions Including patients as a member of the healthcare team is recommended to help people take control and self-manage their pain. For true patient centered care to be achieved, health professionals must accept and respect patients’ descriptions of pain and their pain experience. This may require additional health professional education at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels in pain and communication to increase their bedside manner and therapeutic communication to deliver care in partnership with the patient.
Diachea mitchellii: A new myxomycete species from high elevation forests in the tropical Andes of Peru

ABSTRACT A new species of the genus Diachea (order Physarales, Myxomycetes, Amoebozoa) is described from Peru. Relevant details on spore germination, as well as morphological and phylogenetic data, are provided. At first glance, the new species shares some morphological similarities with both D. leucopodia, type of the genus, and D. koazei, but it strikingly differs from all other species of its genus by combining a short dark stalk, with a reticulate columella, and clustered spores. Moreover, it seems to be the only species of Diachea exclusively associated with Polylepis tropical forests at elevations above 3500 m. Apart from a comprehensive morphological study of 31 specimens, we here provide phylogenetic evidence to confirm the inclusion of this species in the genus Diachea. Specifically, our phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear 18S rDNA (18S), mitochondrial 17S rDNA (17S), and elongation factor-1 alpha (EF-1α) genes show that the new species is related to D. leucopodia and D. bulbillosa. The remarkably different morphological characters distinguishing the new Diachea from all other species of its genus, along with its particular ecological preferences and geographic distribution, indicate that it is a distinct entity deserving recognition as an independent species.
Intention to maintain and willingness to stop: Applying a dual‐process model to understanding the maintenance of COVID‐19 preventive behaviors

Abstract Preventive behaviors have played an essential role in coping with COVID‐19 and may continue to exerting a crucial impact on pandemic control in the future. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of social‐cognitive factors on maintenance of COVID‐19 preventive behaviors based on a dual‐process model, which encompasses a reasoned path via the intention to maintain and a social reaction path via the willingness to stop. We collected a probability sample of 472 community‐dwelling adults. Social‐cognitive factors, behavioral tendencies, and preventive behaviors of COVID‐19 were measured. The results supported that the dual‐process framework could account for individual differences in preventive behaviors. Self‐efficacy and response cost significantly explained the intention to maintain preventive behaviors, while favorability of risk image and subjective norm significantly explained the willingness to stop preventive behaviors. Our findings proposed strategies for promoting individuals' maintenance of preventive behaviors during a pandemic. The development of prevention policies may focus on two paths: strengthening the intended path by enhancing self‐efficacy and decreasing response cost of preventive behaviors and monitoring and improving social influences, such as risk prototype and subjective norm, which can reduce the willingness to stop preventive behaviors.
Real‐time cardiac MRI using an undersampled spiral k‐space trajectory and a reconstruction based on a variational network

Cardiac MRI represents the gold standard to determine myocardial function. However, the current clinical standard protocol, a segmented Cartesian acquisition, is time‐consuming and can lead to compromised image quality in the case of arrhythmia or dyspnea. In this article, a machine learning–based reconstruction of undersampled spiral k‐space data is presented to enable free breathing real‐time cardiac MRI with good image quality and short reconstruction times.
Persian crucible steel production: Chāhak tradition

Iron and steel making are among the most important industries of mankind. Among these, crucible steel technology that revolutionised modern industry has its roots in medieval Persia and the Indian subcontinent. Crucible steel was always obscured with myths and fictions within Western society due to its exotic origin. Historical accounts testify that the workshops were not accessible to the public mostly because the main purpose of the crucible steel production were linked to the military and supply of arms and armour; this further limited our knowledge of it production methods. Modern studies on crucible steel making are limited to few archaeological sites in Central Asia, India and Sri Lanka, while several historical manuscripts relate this industry to production centres in modern day Iran. Inspired by the historical manuscripts’ recurrent mention of a production site in Persia, the writer of this thesis first undertook a field survey and located the archaeological site of Chāhak in south Iran. The thesis is based on multidisciplinary approaches, combining history and archaeometry for a text aided archaeological investigation of pūlād production at Seljūq-period Chāhak. Accordingly, the historical recipes are studied, compared and technically translated alongside the morphological and chemical analyses of the archaeological samples to reconstruct the technology within its geographic, cultural and political context. The chemical analyses provide a clear picture of the crucible steel industry of Chāhak including some unique features, which characterize this particular tradition. The thesis provides a detailed picture of the Chāhak tradition of crucible steel production, and the skills and knowledge of the craftsmen in using specific methods and substances to create Chāhakī pūlād, which for centuries was widely known for the swords (known as Chāhakī swords) made from it. This thesis broadens our understanding of Persian pūlād technology by defining a different tradition within Persian pūlād technology, and provides the basis for future artefacts analyses to identify products of the Chāhakī pūlād making tradition.
Curcumin and quercetin modify warfarin-induced regulation of porcine CYP1A2 and CYP3A expression and activity in vitro

Abstract The anticoagulant drug warfarin is used treat atrial fibrillation. Several cases of drug–drug and drug–food interactions have been reported for warfarin. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between simultaneous administration of warfarin with the two ubiquitous flavonoids quercetin and curcumin. Using porcine primary hepatocytes we demonstrated that warfarin treatment increased the mRNA and protein expression of CYP3A(29), while no changes in CYP1A2 were observed. Co-treatment with quercetin and/or curcumin decreased the warfarin-induced CYP3A protein expression. Moreover, when quercetin and curcumin were co-administrated to warfarin-exposed hepatocytes the protein expression of CYP1A2 was decreased. In hepatic microsomes, curcumin inhibited the activity of both CYP1A2 and CYP3A, while warfarin had no effect. Both quercetin and curcumin decreased the CYP1A2 and CYP3A activity when co-administrated with warfarin. The results clearly demonstrated that quercetin and curcumin can cause food–drug interactions with warfarin, and that the cocktail effect of exposure to more compounds than one can further enhance these interactions.
Comparison of inversion methods in MR elastography: An open‐access pipeline for processing multifrequency shear‐wave data and demonstration in a phantom, human kidneys, and brain

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) maps the viscoelastic properties of soft tissues for diagnostic purposes. However, different MRE inversion methods yield different results, which hinder comparison of values, standardization, and establishment of quantitative MRE markers. Here, we introduce an expandable, open‐access, webserver‐based platform that offers multiple inversion techniques for multifrequency, 3D MRE data.
Identification of dual active sites in Caenorhabditis elegans GANA-1 protein: an ortholog of the human α-GAL a and α-NAGA enzymes

Abstract Fabry disease (FD) is caused by a defective α-galactosidase A (α-GAL A) enzyme responsible for breaking down globotriaosylceramide (Gb3). To develop affordable therapeutics, more effort is needed to obtain insights into the underlying mechanism of FD and understanding human α-GAL A structure and function in related animal models. We adopted C. elegans as a model to elucidate the sequence and 3D structure of its GANA-1 enzyme and compared it to human α-GAL A. We constructed GANA-1 3D structure by homology modelling and validated the quality of the predicted GANA-1 structure, followed by computational docking of human ligands. The GANA-1 protein shared sequence similarities up to 42.1% with the human α-GAL A in silico and had dual active sites. GANA-1 homology modelling showed that 11 out of 13 amino acids in the first active site of GANA-1 protein overlapped with the human α-GAL A active site, indicating the prospect for substrate cross-reaction. Computational molecular docking using human ligands like Gb3 (first pocket), 4-nitrophenyl-α-D-galactopyranoside (second pocket), α-galactose (second pocket), and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine (second pocket) showed negative binding energy. This revealed that the ligands were able to bind within both GANA-1 active sites, mimicking the human α-GAL A and α-NAGA enzymes. We identified human compounds with adequate docking scores, predicting robust interactions with the GANA-1 active site. Our data suggested that the C. elegans GANA-1 enzyme may possess structural and functional similarities to human α-GAL A, including an intrinsic capability to metabolize Gb3 deposits. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
Quantification of Extracellular DNA Network Abundance and Architecture within Streptococcus gordonii Biofilms Reveals Modulatory Factors

Extracellular DNA (eDNA) is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of many microbial biofilms, making it an attractive target for the management of biofilms. However, our knowledge and targeting of eDNA are currently hindered by a lack of tools for the quantitative assessment of eDNA networks within biofilms. ABSTRACT Extracellular DNA (eDNA) is an important component of biofilm matrix that serves to maintain biofilm structural integrity, promotes genetic exchange within the biofilm, and provides protection against antimicrobial compounds. Advances in microscopy techniques have provided evidence of the cobweb- or lattice-like structures of eDNA within biofilms from a range of environmental niches. However, methods to reliably assess the abundance and architecture of eDNA remain lacking. This study aimed to address this gap by development of a novel, high-throughput image acquisition and analysis platform for assessment of eDNA networks in situ within biofilms. Utilizing Streptococcus gordonii as the model, the capacity for this imaging system to reliably detect eDNA networks and monitor changes in abundance and architecture (e.g., strand length and branch number) was verified. Evidence was provided of a synergy between glucans and eDNA matrices, while it was revealed that surface-bound nuclease SsnA could modify these eDNA structures under conditions permissive for enzymatic activity. Moreover, cross talk between the competence and hexaheptapeptide permease systems was shown to regulate eDNA release by S. gordonii. This novel imaging system can be applied across the wider field of biofilm research, with potential to significantly advance interrogation of the mechanisms by which the eDNA network architecture develops, how it can influence biofilm properties, and how it may be targeted for therapeutic benefit. IMPORTANCE Extracellular DNA (eDNA) is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of many microbial biofilms, making it an attractive target for the management of biofilms. However, our knowledge and targeting of eDNA are currently hindered by a lack of tools for the quantitative assessment of eDNA networks within biofilms. Here, we demonstrate use of a novel image acquisition and analysis platform with the capacity to reliably monitor the abundance and architecture of eDNA networks. Application of this tool to Streptococcus gordonii biofilms has provided new insights into how eDNA networks are stabilized within the biofilm and the pathways that can regulate eDNA release. This highlights how exploitation of this novel imaging system across the wider field of biofilm research has potential to significantly advance interrogation of the mechanisms by which the eDNA network architecture develops, how it can influence biofilm properties, and how it may be targeted for therapeutic benefit.
Metabolite-Based Mutualistic Interaction between Two Novel Clostridial Species from Pit Mud Enhances Butyrate and Caproate Production

Microbial interactions played crucial roles in influencing the assembly, stability, and function of the microbial community. The metabolites of pit mud microbiota are the key to flavor formation of Chinese strong-flavor baijiu. ABSTRACT Pit mud microbial consortia play crucial roles in the formation of Chinese strong-flavor baijiu’s key flavor-active compounds, especially butyric and caproic acids. Clostridia, one of the abundant bacterial groups in pit mud, were recognized as important butyric and caproic acid producers. Research on the interactions of the pit mud microbial community mainly depends on correlation analysis at present. Interaction between Clostridium and other microorganisms and its involvement in short/medium-chain fatty acid (S/MCFA) metabolism are still unclear. We previously found coculture of two clostridial strains isolated from pit mud, Clostridium fermenticellae JN500901 (C.901) and Novisyntrophococcus fermenticellae JN500902 (N.902), could enhance S/MCFA accumulation. Here, we investigated their underlying interaction mechanism through the combined analysis of phenotype, genome, and transcriptome. Compared to monocultures, coculture of C.901 and N.902 obviously promoted their growth, including shortening the growth lag phase and increasing biomass, and the accumulation of butyric acid and caproic acid. The slight effects of inoculation ratio and continuous passage on the growth and metabolism of coculture indicated the relative stability of their interaction. Transwell coculture and transcriptome analysis showed the interaction between C.901 and N.902 was accomplished by metabolite exchange, i.e., formic acid produced by C.901 activated the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway of N.902, thereby enhancing its production of acetic acid, which was further converted to butyric acid and caproic acid by C.901 through reverse β-oxidation. This work demonstrates the potential roles of mutually beneficial interspecies interactions in the accumulation of key flavor compounds in pit mud. IMPORTANCE Microbial interactions played crucial roles in influencing the assembly, stability, and function of the microbial community. The metabolites of pit mud microbiota are the key to flavor formation of Chinese strong-flavor baijiu. So far, researches on the interactions of the pit mud microbial community have been mainly based on the correlation analysis of sequencing data, and more work needs to be performed to unveil the complicated interaction patterns. Here, we identified a material exchange-based mutualistic interaction system involving two fatty acid-producing clostridial strains (Clostridium fermenticellae JN500901 and Novisyntrophococcus fermenticellae JN500902) isolated from pit mud and systematically elucidated their interaction mechanism for promoting the production of butyric acid and caproic acid, the key flavor-active compounds of baijiu. Our findings provide a new perspective for understanding the complicated interactions of pit mud microorganisms.
Effects of acute lysergic acid diethylamide on intermittent ethanol and sucrose drinking and intracranial self-stimulation in C57BL/6 mice

Background: Psychedelics, like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), are again being studied as potential therapies for many neuropsychiatric disorders, including addictions. At the same time, the acute effects of psychedelics on rewarding behaviours have been scarcely studied. Aims: The current study aimed to clarify if LSD decreases binge-like ethanol drinking in mice, and whether the observed acute effects on ethanol consumption are generalizable to a natural reinforcer, sucrose, and if the effects resulted from aversive or reward-attenuating effects caused by LSD. Methods: The effects of acute LSD were examined using 2-bottle choice intermittent ethanol (20%) and sucrose drinking (10%), discrete-trial current-intensity threshold method of intracranial self-stimulation and short-term feeding behaviour assay in C57BL/6 male mice. Results: The results showed that acute 0.1 mg/kg, but not 0.05 mg/kg, dose (i.p.) of LSD reduced 2-h intermittent ethanol drinking transiently without any prolonged effects. No effects were seen in intermittent 2-h sucrose drinking. The tested LSD doses had neither effect on the intracranial self-stimulation current-intensity thresholds, nor did LSD affect the threshold-lowering, or rewarding, effects of simultaneous amphetamine treatment. Furthermore, LSD had small, acute diminishing effects on 2-h food and water intake. Conclusions: Based on these results, LSD decreases binge-like ethanol drinking in mice, but only acutely. This effect is not likely to stem from reward-attenuating effects but could be in part due to reduced consummatory behaviour.
Biodiscoveries within the Australian plant genus Eremophila based on international and interdisciplinary collaboration: results and perspectives on outstanding ethical dilemmas

SUMMARY In a cross‐continental research initiative, including researchers working in Australia and Denmark, and based on joint external funding by a 3‐year grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, we have used DNA sequencing, extensive chemical profiling and molecular networking analyses across the entire Eremophila genus to provide new knowledge on the presence of natural products and their bioactivities using polypharmocological screens. Sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids and dimers of branched‐chain fatty acids with previously unknown chemical structures were identified. The collection of plant material from the Eremophila genus was carried out according to a ‘bioprospecting agreement’ with the Government of Western Australia. We recognize that several Eremophila species hold immense cultural significance to Australia's First Peoples. In spite of our best intentions to ensure that new knowledge gained about the genus Eremophila and any potential future benefits are shared in an equitable manner, in accordance with the Nagoya Protocol, we encounter serious dilemmas and potential conflicts in making benefit sharing with Australia's First Peoples a reality.
Assessing the Quality of the Business and Management Education in Higher Education.

As the third-party planner and implementer of higher education institutional and program evaluations, the Higher Education Evaluation and Accreditation Council of Taiwan (HEEACT) completed program evaluations for all 145 undergraduate business and management (B&M) programs in 43 universities/colleges from 2006 to 2010. In the 145 programs evaluated, 105 programs (or 72 percent) received a five-year certificate of accreditation. However, the failure rate (28 percent) of the programs in this field is much higher than the average failure rate of overall university programs (13 percent). This indicates that not only all programs in this field should keep enhancing quality assurance but also around one third of programs among them have to make many efforts to meet the accreditation criteria. The purpose of this paper was to identify the critical factors of passing/failing the program evaluation and the measures in line with the critical factors should be urgently improved. To attain the purpose, a content analysis of 145 B&M program evaluation reports was conducted. As result of the analysis, the following results are achieved: (1) The 10 critical factors of passing/failing the program evaluation are coherence between goal feature and curriculum, self-improvement capability and mechanism, composition and operation of program committee, curriculum design and mapping, interaction between faculty and student, use and benefit of instructional equipment, environment and rewarding system for research, research outcome and faculty load, graduate’s education-employment match, and employment counseling and alumni follow-up; (2) The three measures that should be urgently taken include “aligning program goals, faculty quantity and quality, and curriculum planning”, “encouraging all faculty to engage in research and increase research quantity, quality and internationalization”, as well as “strengthening faculty quantity and quality, and lightening their workload”.
Approximate likelihood methods for estimating local recombination rates

Summary. There is currently great interest in understanding the way in which recombination rates vary, over short scales, across the human genome. Aside from inherent interest, an understanding of this local variation is essential for the sensible design and analysis of many studies aimed at elucidating the genetic basis of common diseases or of human population histories. Standard pedigree‐based approaches do not have the fine scale resolution that is needed to address this issue. In contrast, samples of deoxyribonucleic acid sequences from unrelated chromosomes in the population carry relevant information, but inference from such data is extremely challenging. Although there has been much recent interest in the development of full likelihood inference methods for estimating local recombination rates from such data, they are not currently practicable for data sets of the size being generated by modern experimental techniques. We introduce and study two approximate likelihood methods. The first, a marginal likelihood, ignores some of the data. A careful choice of what to ignore results in substantial computational savings with virtually no loss of relevant information. For larger sequences, we introduce a ‘composite’ likelihood, which approximates the model of interest by ignoring certain long‐range dependences. An informal asymptotic analysis and a simulation study suggest that inference based on the composite likelihood is practicable and performs well. We combine both methods to reanalyse data from the lipoprotein lipase gene, and the results seriously question conclusions from some earlier studies of these data.