Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on quality of life among relatives of individuals with intellectual disabilities: A longitudinal study

Abstract Background The COVID‐19 pandemic poses risks to the quality of life (QoL) of relatives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. This paper investigates relatives' QoL and associated risk and buffering factors before and during the pandemic. Method Surveys were administered to three samples of relatives in the Netherlands in 2019 (N = 105) and during the first waves of COVID‐19 in June (N = 207) and October 2020 (N = 332). Associations between QoL and care burden, care competence, social support, and resilience, and changes over time were analysed using (logistic) regressions. Results No significant changes in overall QoL nor its domains were found. Care burden was negatively associated with QoL and increased during the pandemic. Care competence was lower than in 2019. Competence, social support, and resilience were positively associated with QoL. Conclusions Although relatives' QoL remained stable, the pandemic poses non‐negligible risks to their wellbeing. It is, therefore, crucial to provide relatives with adequate support.
The Heterogeneity in the Landscape of Gene Dominance in Maize is Accompanied by Unique Chromatin Environments

Abstract Subgenome dominance after whole-genome duplication (WGD) has been observed in many plant species. However, the degree to which the chromatin environment affects this bias has not been explored. Here, we compared the dominant subgenome (maize1) and the recessive subgenome (maize2) with respect to patterns of sequence substitutions, genes expression, transposable element accumulation, small interfering RNAs, DNA methylation, histone modifications, and accessible chromatin regions (ACRs). Our data show that the degree of bias between subgenomes for all the measured variables does not vary significantly when both of the WGD genes are located in pericentromeric regions. Our data further indicate that the location of maize1 genes in chromosomal arms is pivotal for maize1 to maintain its dominance, but location has a less effect on maize2 homoeologs. In addition to homoeologous genes, we compared ACRs, which often harbor cis-regulatory elements, between the two subgenomes and demonstrate that maize1 ACRs have a higher level of chromatin accessibility, a lower level of sequence substitution, and are enriched in chromosomal arms. Furthermore, we find that a loss of maize1 ACRs near their nearby genes is associated with a reduction in purifying selection and expression of maize1 genes relative to their maize2 homoeologs. Taken together, our data suggest that chromatin environment and cis-regulatory elements are important determinants shaping the divergence and evolution of duplicated genes.
The protein scaffold calibrates metal specificity and activation in MerR sensors

MerR metalloregulators are the central components of many biosensor platforms designed to report metal contamination. However, most MerR proteins are non‐specific. This makes it difficult to apply these biosensors in the analysis of real environmental samples. On‐demand implementation of molecular engineering to modify the MerR metal preferences is innovative, although it does not always yield the expected results. As the metal binding loop region (MBL) of these sensors has been proposed to be the major modulator of their specificity, we surgically switched this region for that of well‐characterized specific and non‐specific homologues. We found that identical modifications in different MerR proteins result in synthetic sensors displaying particular metal‐detection patterns that cannot be predicted from the nature of the assembled modules. For instance, the MBL from a native Hg(II) sensor provided non‐specificity or specificity toward Hg(II) or Cd(II) depending on the MerR scaffold into which it was integrated. These and other evidences reveal that residues outside the MBL are required to modulate ion recognition and transduce the input signal to the target promoter. Revealing their identity and their interactions with other residues is a critical step toward the design of more efficient biosensor devices for environmental metal monitoring.
The Oxidative–Glycolytic Balance Influenced by Sprint Duration Is Key during Repeated Sprint in Hypoxia

ABSTRACT Purpose This study investigates the effects of normobaric hypoxia on repeated sprint exercise (RSE) with different balance between oxidative (phosphocreatine and oxidative pathway) and glycolytic contributions. Therefore, performance and psychophysiological responses were compared during RSE to exhaustion with the same exercise-to-rest ratio (1:2) but different sprint durations (5, 10, or 20 s) either in normoxic (RSN) or hypoxic (RSH; Fio2 = 0.13) conditions. Methods On separate visits, 10 active participants completed in random order three cycling RSN (5:10; 10:20 and 20:40) and three similar RSH sessions to exhaustion. Vastus lateralis muscle oxygenation was recorded by near-infrared spectroscopy. Blood lactate concentration, limb and breathing discomfort, and ratings of perceived exertion were measured. Results Total sprint number was smaller in hypoxia than in normoxia for 5:10 (20.8 ± 8.6 vs 14.7 ± 3.4; P = 0.014) and 10:20 (13.7 ± 6.3 vs 8.8 ± 2.5; P = 0.018) but not 20:40 (5.6 ± 1.9 vs 5.6 ± 2.5). The fatigue index was larger in hypoxia only for 5:10 (−43.5%, P < 0.001). Irrespective of condition, blood lactate concentration increased with the sprint duration with higher values for 20:40 than 5:10 (13.1 ± 2.7 vs 11.5 ± 2.2 mmoL·L−1; P = 0.027). Limb and breathing discomfort and ratings of perceived exertion did not differ in all RSE. Muscle oxygenation was mainly impacted by sprint duration (i.e., main effect of sprint duration on [HHb] min, [tHb] max, Δ[HHb], and Δ[tHb]) but not by hypoxia. The normoxia-to-hypoxia percentage decrease for total sprint number for 5:10 was correlated with the highest power output over 5 s (R2 = 0.55; P = 0.013) and 10 s (R2 = 0.53; P = 0.016). Conclusions Hypoxia impairs repeated sprint ability when the oxidative but not the glycolytic contribution is substantial. The oxidative–glycolytic balance, influenced partly by sprint duration, is key during repeated sprint in hypoxia.
Advances in Symmetry‐Based Pulse Sequences in Magic‐Angle Spinning Solid‐State NMR

We review the recent progress in symmetry-based pulse sequences suitable for recoupling and decoupling purposes under magic-angle spinning conditions. The basic average Hamiltonian theory of the pulse schemes is outlined up to second order, and the theory and applications of supercycles are discussed. Some new application areas of symmetry-based pulse schemes for determining molecular structure are also discussed. Keywords: solid-state NMR; rotating solids; dipolar interaction; recoupling; decoupling; double-quantum coherence; multiple-quantum coherence; supercycles; average Hamiltonian theory
Maximum Likelihood Estimation of the Panel Sample Selection Model

Heckman’s (1976, 1979) sample selection model has been employed in many studies of linear or nonlinear regression applications. It is well known that ignoring the sample selectivity problem may result in inconsistency of the estimator due to the correlation between the statistical errors in the selection and main equations. In this paper, we consider the problem of estimating a panel sample selection model. Since the panel data model contains the individual effects, such as the fixed or random effect, the likelihood function is quite complicated when the sample selection is taken into account. We therefore propose to solve the estimation problem by utilizing the maximum likelihood (ML) approach together with the closed skewed normal distribution. Finally, we also conduct a Monte Carlo experiment to investigate the finite sample performance of the proposed estimator and find that our ML estimator provides reliable and quite satisfactory results.
The Effects of Mode and Format on Answers to Scalar Questions in Telephone and Web Surveys

The proliferation of mixed-mode surveys, where data is collected from respondents using different survey modes, raises concern about whether respondent characteristics are being measured equivalently across modes since the data are often combined for analysis. Previous research indicates that three types of factors differentiate survey modes: technical and cultural factors related to the mode or media itself, the impact of interviewer presence or absence, and how information is transmitted or conveyed during the survey (De Leeuw 1992). These differentiating factors can help us understand why variations in survey responses may arise based on the mode of data collection. In addition to mode differences, survey designers often construct questions differently depending on the mode being used to survey respondents. For example, the advent of telephone surveying significantly influenced how scalar questions are asked of respondents. Since respondents to telephone surveys typically do not have any visual stimulus to remind them of the answer categories and to facilitate the telephone interviewing process, telephone surveyors often construct scalar questions where only the polar endpoints are labeled. However, fully labeled scales, where all categories of the scale are given a verbal label, are often used in face-to-face interviews using show cards and in mail and web surveys where the categories can be displayed as part of the questionnaire stimulus. In this paper, we compare different scalar formats using both telephone and web modes to identify ways of asking scalar questions that present the same stimulus to respondents across telephone and web modes so that scalar questions can be constructed optimally for mixed-mode surveys. We designed a field experiment, collecting data from Washington State University students, using a total of 6 questionnaire versions (three telephone and three web). Since the survey was fielded simultaneously, using very similar procedures for both telephone and web respondents, we can estimate “pure” mode effects (Biemer 1988). We include several experimental manipulations designed to compare the same scales across telephone and web modes as well as different scales within these modes. These comparisons test the independent effects of survey mode and scale format as well as whether the interaction of mode and format influence responses to scalar questions. Our results from several multinomial logistic regression models indicate that mode and format independently influence responses to scalar questions; however, the interaction of mode and scalar format is not significant in any of the models.
Structure of Outer Regions of Accretion Disks in AGN: Non Irradiated, Vertically Averaged Accretion Disks

Radial structure of outer regions of α-disks (Shakura is investigated in a more sophisticated way than in Collin-Souffrin & Dumont (1990). The vertically averaged equations for the disk structure hold but some of them are reconsidered : the equation of state (atoms, ions and molecules) with a the rigourous treatment of opacities is introduced. The radiative flux is treated as in Hubeny (1990), and finally a rigourous treatment of the self-gravitaty is included. ,α) the effect of opacity the the
Acute Intraocular Pressure Responses to Resistance Training in Combination With Blood Flow Restriction

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the effect of blood flow restriction (BFR) applied to the legs at different pressures (40% and 60%) on intraocular pressure (IOP) during the execution of ten repetitions maximum (10RM) in the half-squat exercise. Methods: Quasi-experimental, prospective study with 17 healthy physically active subjects (9 males and 8 females; 24.1 ± 4.2 years). Two sessions were conducted. The 10RM load was determined in the first session. The second session consisted of 10RM under three BFR conditions (no-BFR, 40%-BFR, and 60%-BFR) that were applied in random order. IOP was measured before each condition, immediately after each repetition, and after 1 minute of passive recovery. A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA (restriction type [no-BFR, 40%-BFR, and 60%-BFR] x measurement point [basal, repetitions 1–10, and recovery]) was applied on the IOP measurements. Results: A significant main effect of the BFR condition (p = .022, ƞp2 = 0.21) was observed due to the significantly higher mean IOP values for the 60%-BFR (19.0 ± 0.7 mmHg) compared to the no-BFR (18.0 ± 0.8 mmHg; p = .048, dunb = 1.30). Non-significant differences with a large effect size were reached between 60%-BFR and 40%-BFR (18.1 ± 0.8 mmHg; p = .081, dunb = 1.16) and between no-BFR and 40%-BFR (p = .686, dunb = 0.18). IOP increased approximately 3–4 mmHg from baseline to the last repetition. Conclusions: Low-pressure BFR (40%-BFR) in combination with moderate-load (10RM load) resistance exercise could be an effective and safe strength training strategy while avoiding IOP peaks associated with heavy-load resistance exercises. These findings incorporate novel insights into the most effective exercise strategies in individuals who need to maintain stable IOP levels (e.g., glaucoma patients).
Monitoring gait at home with radio waves in Parkinson’s disease: A marker of severity, progression, and medication response

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the fastest-growing neurological disease in the world. A key challenge in PD is tracking disease severity, progression, and medication response. Existing methods are semisubjective and require visiting the clinic. In this work, we demonstrate an effective approach for assessing PD severity, progression, and medication response at home, in an objective manner. We used a radio device located in the background of the home. The device detected and analyzed the radio waves that bounce off people’s bodies and inferred their movements and gait speed. We continuously monitored 50 participants, with and without PD, in their homes for up to 1 year. We collected over 200,000 gait speed measurements. Cross-sectional analysis of the data shows that at-home gait speed strongly correlates with gold-standard PD assessments, as evaluated by the Movement Disorder Society-Sponsored Revision of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) part III subscore and total score. At-home gait speed also provides a more sensitive marker for tracking disease progression over time than the widely used MDS-UPDRS. Further, the monitored gait speed was able to capture symptom fluctuations in response to medications and their impact on patients’ daily functioning. Our study shows the feasibility of continuous, objective, sensitive, and passive assessment of PD at home and hence has the potential of improving clinical care and drug clinical trials. Description Monitoring gait speed at home using radio signals that bounce off a person’s body tracks Parkinson’s progression and medication response. Smart gait tracker Tracking progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD) requires long visits to the clinic and is subjected to several biases. To facilitate objective evaluation of disease state in individuals with PD, Liu et al. developed a home device able to detect and analyze movements of individuals while performing day-to-day activities. The device emits radio waves and detects them after they bounce back off the people’s body, inferring gait speed. Testing in 50 participants showed that the device performed better than the gold standard in tracking disease progression over time and was able to detect positive response to treatment, suggesting that at-home continuous monitoring could improve disease management in individuals with PD.
Flora of sacred groves and its ethno- botanical importance in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India.

Tropical Dry Evergreen Forests (TDEF) are found along the Coromandel coast of peninsular India and their historical distribution ranges from Vishakapatnam in North to Ramanathapuram in South. These forests are now fragmented and reduced to a number of scattered ‘sacred groves’. TDEFs have been reported to harbor plants of high medicinal values. These forests currently face threats in terms of human disturbance and are reported to be shrinking in its extant. This study is carried out to review the current status of medicinal plants, understanding of threats and suggesting pragmatic conservation measures. One hectare plots (100 m × 100 m) were established in two sites namely Kothattai and Sendrakillai to study the species richness and its ethno botanical importance. All trees (≥ 5 cm dbh), lianas (≥ 1 cm dbh), shrub and herb were sampled. A total of 40 species were found to have medicinal value of which 50% were trees, 37.5% were lianas, 10% were herbs and 2.5% were shrubs. The result reveals that, these fragmented forests harbor a wide species of medicinal plants which highlights the need for prioritizing the medicinal plants conservation.
Point-of-Care Tenofovir Urine Testing for the Prediction of Treatment Failure and Drug Resistance During Initial Treatment for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) Infection

ABSTRACT Background Viral rebound during antiretroviral treatment (ART) is most often driven by suboptimal adherence in the absence of drug resistance. We assessed the diagnostic performance of point-of-care (POC) tenofovir (TFV) detection in urine for the prediction of viral rebound and drug resistance during ART. Methods We performed a nested case-control study within the ADVANCE randomized clinical trial (NCT03122262) in Johannesburg, South Africa. Adults with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and newly initiating ART were randomized to receive either dolutegravir or efavirenz, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or alafenamide, and emtricitabine. All participants with rebound ≥200 copies/mL between 24 and 96 weeks of follow-up were selected as cases and matched to controls with virological suppression <50 copies/mL. Rapid POC urine-TFV detection was performed retrospectively. Results We included 281 samples from 198 participants. Urine-TFV was detectable in 30.7% (70/228) of cases and in 100% (53/53) of controls. Undetectable urine-TFV predicted rebound with a sensitivity of 69% [95% confidence interval {CI}: 63–75] and specificity of 100% [93–100]. In cases with virological failure and sequencing data (n = 42), NRTI drug resistance was detected in 50% (10/20) of cases with detectable urine-TFV versus in 8.3% (2/24) of cases with undetectable urine-TFV. Detectable urine-TFV predicted NRTI resistance (odds ratio [OR] 10.4 [1.8–114.4] P = .005) with a sensitivity of 83% [52–98] and specificity of 69% [50–84]. Conclusions POC objective adherence testing using a urine-TFV test predicted viral rebound with high specificity. In participants with rebound, urine-TFV testing predicted the selection of drug resistance. Objective adherence testing may be used to rapidly provide insight into adherence, suppression, and drug resistance during ART.
Microbial granules on reactors performance during organic butyrate digestion: clean production

Abstract This critical review for anaerobic degradation of complex organic compounds like butyrate using reactors has been enormously applied for biogas production. Biogas production rate has a great impact on: reactor granulation methanogenesis, nutrient content, shear velocity, organic loading and loss of nutrients taking place in the reactor continuously. Various technologies have been applied to closed anaerobic reactors to improve biogas production and treatment efficiency. Recent reviews showed that the application of closed anaerobic reactors can accelerate the degradation of organics like volatile fatty acid-butyrate and affect microbial biofilm formation by increasing the number of methanogens and increase methane production 16.5 L−1 CH4 L−1 POME−1. The closed anaerobic reactors with stable microbial biofilm and established organic load were responsible for the improvement of the reactor and methane production. The technology mentioned in this review can be used to monitor biogas concentration, which directly correlates to organic concentrations. This review attempts to evaluate interactions among the: degradation of organics, closed anaerobic reactors system, and microbial granules. This article provides a useful picture for the improvement of the degradation of organic butyrate for COD removal, biogas and methane production in an anaerobic closed reactor. Graphical Abstract Novelty statement Recent reviews showed that the application of closed anaerobic reactors can accelerate the degradation of organic compounds, such as volatile fatty acid-butyrate, and affect microbial biofilm formation by increasing the number of methanogens, thus enhancing biogas production. The closed anaerobic reactors with stable microbial biofilm established the organic load and improved the performance of the reactor for methane production. The technology used involves monitoring biogas concentrations which correlates with organic concentrations. This review attempts to evaluate interactions among: the degradation of organics, closed anaerobic reactors system, and microbial granules. This review, therefore, provides a useful picture for the improvement of butyrate degradation for COD removal and methane production with the help of various anaerobic closed reactors. The performance of UASBR depends on granulation. The granulation process in UASB reactors can be divided into four steps: (1) Transport of cells to the surface of other cells; (2) Initial reversible adsorption by physicochemical forces; (3) Irreversible adhesion of the cells by microbial appendages and/or polymers; and (4) Multiplication of the cells and development of the granules. Any factor which can complement any one of the four steps will be able to accelerate the granulation process and shorten the startup time of UASB reactors.
Injectable hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering

Tissue engineering is a promising method for the regeneration of cartilage defects. This approach generally involves the use of a three-dimensional scaffold which can act as a temporary artificial extracellular matrix (ECM) for healthy cartilage cells, chondrocytes. Hydrogels represent a class of ECM-mimicking scaffolds that are able to retain cells inside and support their growth, thereby inducing the production of such a matrix. So far many hydrogel systems based on natural or synthetic materials have been developed for cartilage regeneration. Among these systems, injectable hydrogels have received much attention since they can be used in a minimally invasive surgical procedure in clinical trials. This thesis focuses on polysaccharide-based injectable hydrogels for cartilage regeneration. The in-situ formation of hydrogels was established via either Michael addition reaction or enzymatic crosslinking of conjugated polysaccharides. The applicability of these hydrogels for tissue engineering was studied by determining the physical and biological characteristics of these hydrogels such as gelation time, swelling and degradation, and mechanical properties. In addition, bovine chondrocytes were incorporated inside the gels and their viability and ability to produce cartilaginous matrix were evaluated in vitro.