Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of alcohol use disorder family history on cognitive function

Abstract Background Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is associated with cognitive deficits but little is known to what degree this is caused by genetically influenced traits, i.e. endophenotypes, present before the onset of the disorder. The aim of the current study was to investigate to what degree family history (FH) of AUD is associated with cognitive functions. Methods Case-control cross-sectional study at an outpatient addiction research clinic. Treatment-seeking AUD patients (n = 106) were compared to healthy controls (HC; n = 90), matched for age and sex. The HC group was further subdivided into AUD FH positive (FH+; n = 47) or negative (FH−; n = 39) based on the Family Tree Questionnaire. Participants underwent psychiatric and substance use assessments, completed the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale and performed a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests assessing response inhibition, decision making, attention, working memory, and emotional recognition. Results Compared to HC, AUD patients exhibited elevated self-rated impulsivity (p < 0.001; d = 0.62), as well as significantly poorer response inhibition (p = 0.001; d = 0.51), attention (p = 0.021; d = 0.38) and information gathering in decision making (p = 0.073; d = 0.34). Similar to AUD patients, FH+ individuals exhibited elevated self-rated impulsivity (p = 0.096; d = 0.46), and in addition significantly worse future planning capacity (p < 0.001; d = 0.76) and prolonged emotional recognition response time (p = 0.010; d = 0.60) compared to FH−, while no other significant differences were found between FH+ and FH−. Conclusions Elevated impulsivity, poor performance in future planning and emotional processing speed may be potential cognitive endophenotypes in AUD. These cognitive domains represent putative targets for prevention strategies and treatment of AUD.
Hemodynamic Effects of a Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Stimulator, Riociguat, and an Activator, Cinaciguat, During NO-Modulation in Healthy Pigs

Cardiovascular diseases are often characterized by dysfunctional endothelium. To compensate for the related lack of nitric oxide (NO), a class of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators and activators have been developed with the purpose of acting downstream of NO in the NO-sGC-cGMP cascade. These drugs have been discovered using photoaffinity labeling of sGC and high-throughput screening of a vast number of chemical compounds. Therefore, an understanding of the integrated physiological effects of these drugs in vivo is necessary on the path to clinical application. We have characterized the integrated hemodynamic impact of the sGC stimulator riociguat and the activator cinaciguat in different NO-states in healthy juvenile pigs (n = 30). We assessed the vascular effects in both systemic and pulmonary circulation, the contractile effects in the right and left ventricles, and the effects on diastolic cardiac functions. Nitric oxide-tone in these pigs were set by using the NO-blocker l-NAME and by infusion of nitroglycerine. The studies show a more pronounced vasodilatory effect in the systemic than pulmonary circulation for both drugs. Riociguat acts integrated with NO in an additive manner, while cinaciguat, in principle, completely blocks the endogenous NO effect on vascular control. Neither compound demonstrated pronounced cardiac effects but had unloading effect on both systolic and diastolic function. Thus, riociguat can potentially act in various disease states as a mean to increase NO-tone if systemic vasodilation can be balanced. Cinaciguat is a complicated drug to apply clinically due to its almost complete lack of integration in the NO-tone and balance.
Occlusal Features and TMJ Clicking: A 30-Year Evaluation from a Cohort Study

Occlusal features that deviate from normative values have been historically considered risk factors for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Nowadays, a putative association between dental occlusion and TMJ disorders remains controversial, with research findings on associations being inconsistent and inconclusive. We hypothesized that putative occlusal features identified during adolescence are associated with TMJ clicking later in life. The Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study is a longitudinal birth cohort study investigation of 1,037 children (48.4% female) born in Dunedin, New Zealand, between April 1, 1972, and March 31, 1973, and assessed repeatedly since then. Associations between posterior crossbite, overbite, and overjet at age 15, as well as both self-reported and clinically assessed TMJ clicking sounds at age 45, were studied. Data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression, after controlling for sex, emotional style, self-reports of tooth clenching and sleep bruxism, and history of orthodontic treatment. Self-reported and examiner-reported TMJ clicking at age 45 affected 18.3% and 23.8% of the study sample, respectively, and were not associated with the presence of a posterior crossbite or abnormal overjet/overbite values during adolescence. Self-reported history of tooth clenching and emotional style were associated with self-reported TMJ clicking later in life. In addition, there is a suggestion that high overbite during adolescence is negatively associated with TMJ clicking later in life. A history of orthodontic treatment was not associated with TMJ clicking. Abnormal occlusal features, such as posterior crossbite and high and low overjet/overbite in adolescence, are not associated with higher prevalence of TMJ clicking later in life. Personality also appears to influence self-reports of TMJ clicking later in life.
Multicenter prospective study on predictors of short-term outcome in disorders of consciousness

Objective This international multicenter, prospective, observational study aimed at identifying predictors of short-term clinical outcome in patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (DoC) due to acquired severe brain injury. Methods Patients in vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (VS/UWS) or in minimally conscious state (MCS) were enrolled within 3 months from their brain injury in 12 specialized medical institutions. Demographic, anamnestic, clinical, and neurophysiologic data were collected at study entry. Patients were then followed up for assessing the primary outcome, that is, clinical diagnosis according to standardized criteria at 6 months postinjury. Results We enrolled 147 patients (44 women; mean age 49.4 [95% confidence interval 46.1–52.6] years; VS/UWS 71, MCS 76; traumatic 55, vascular 56, anoxic 36; mean time postinjury 59.6 [55.4–63.6] days). The 6-month follow-up was complete for 143 patients (VS/UWS 70; MCS 73). With respect to study entry, the clinical diagnosis improved in 72 patients (VS/UWS 27; MCS 45). Younger age, shorter time postinjury, higher Coma Recovery Scale–Revised total score, and presence of EEG reactivity to eye opening at study entry predicted better outcome, whereas etiology, clinical diagnosis, Disability Rating Scale score, EEG background activity, acoustic reactivity, and P300 on event-related potentials were not associated with outcome. Conclusions Multimodal assessment could identify patients with higher likelihood of clinical improvement in order to help clinicians, families, and funding sources with various aspects of decision-making. This multicenter, international study aims to stimulate further research that drives international consensus regarding standardization of prognostic procedures for patients with DoC.
Vaccination with Secreted Aspartyl Proteinase 2 Protein from Candida parapsilosis Can Enhance Survival of Mice during C. tropicalis-Mediated Systemic Candidiasis

The rising incidence of non-albicans Candida species globally, along with the emergence of drug resistance, is a cause for concern. This study investigated the protective efficacy of secreted aspartyl proteinase 2 (Sap2) in systemic C. tropicalis infection. Vaccination with recombinant Sap2 (rSap2) protein from C. parapsilosis enhanced survival of mice compared to rSap2 vaccinations from C. albicans (P = 0. ABSTRACT The rising incidence of non-albicans Candida species globally, along with the emergence of drug resistance, is a cause for concern. This study investigated the protective efficacy of secreted aspartyl proteinase 2 (Sap2) in systemic C. tropicalis infection. Vaccination with recombinant Sap2 (rSap2) protein from C. parapsilosis enhanced survival of mice compared to rSap2 vaccinations from C. albicans (P = 0.02), C. tropicalis (P = 0.06), and sham immunization (P = 0.04). Compared to sham-immunized mice, the fungal CFU number was significantly reduced in organs of Sap2-parapsilosis-immunized mice. Histopathologically, increased neutrophilic recruitment was observed in Sap2-parapsilosis- and Sap2-tropicalis-immunized mice. Among different rSap2 proteins, Sap2-parapsilosis vaccination induced increased titers of Sap2-specific Ig, IgG, and IgM antibodies, which could bind whole fungus. Between different groups, sera from Sap2-parapsilosis-vaccinated mice exhibited increased C. tropicalis biofilm inhibition ability in vitro and enhanced neutrophil-mediated fungal killing. Passive transfer of anti-Sap2-parapsilosis immune serum in naive mice significantly reduced fungal burdens compared to those in mice receiving anti-sham immune serum. Higher numbers of plasma cells and Candida-binding B cells in Sap2-vaccinated mice suggest a role of B cells during early stages of Sap2-mediated immune response. Additionally, increased levels of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines observed in Sap2-parapsilosis-vaccinated mice indicate immunomodulatory properties of Sap2. Epitope analysis performed using identified B-cell epitopes provides a basis to understand differences in immunogenicity observed among Sap2-antigens and can aid the development of a multivalent or multiepitope anti-Candida vaccine(s). In summary, our results suggest that Sap2-parapsilosis vaccination can improve mouse survival during C. tropicalis infection by inducing both humoral and cellular immunity, and higher titers of Sap2-induced antibodies are beneficial during systemic candidiasis.
How a rodent is dosed and sampled is equally important to how the samples are analyzed: automated dosing, sampling and LC/MSMS with ion traps and triple quads

The preclinical bioanalytical process with animal models begins with dosing and then sampling biological fluids and tissue. How an animal is housed, dosed and then sampled is equally important to how the samples are analyzed. Animal science and bioanalytical chemistry are very different professions, but integrating them is essential to the process of searching for new medicines to improve human health. The goal is to understand oral absorption kinetics, distribution, metabolism, excretion, blood-brain barrier penetration, drug-drug interactions, and the influences on biomarkers, hematology, electrophysiology, cardiology, blood pressure and behavior. In a typical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynemic study, 8-12 samples are collected over a time span of 10-24 h. Urine, feces, bile, ultrafiltrates and microdialysates can augment the information available from whole blood. In the last decade, LC/MSMS augmented by automation of sample preparation has saved labor and improved precision for smaller volume/lower concentration samples. To improve both the quality and throughput, while providing for reduced numbers of animals and enhanced animal comfort, we have implemented a robotic system (automated blood sampling system) that can accomplish most of the above goals. This review is a progress report on this evolving research program for automated blood and microdialysis sampling, which demonstrates that good preclinical bioanalytical chemistry requires proper sampling from low-stress laboratory animals.
PURIFICATION AND PARTIAL CHARACTERIZATION OF EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL INVERTASES FROM TWO STRAINS OF TRICHOSPORON ADENINOVORANS

We investigated the extracellular and intracellular invertase activity of two Trichosporon adeninovorans strains. Both strains (SBUG 724 and CBS 2844) secrete one invertase into the medium. The external enzymes were purified by chromatography on hydroxylapatite. The molecular weight of the external invertase of SBUG 724 was found to be 650,000 and of CBS 2844 450,000. The internal invertases were separated by DEAE-cellulose chromatography. The molecular weight of the enzyme from CBS 2844 was estimated to be 125,000. In the strain SBUG 724 we found two internal invertases (Mr 230,000 and 70,000). The activity of all invertases has similar properties. The pH optimum of the reaction was determined between 5.0 and 5.2 and the temperature optimum was 60 to 70°C. The Km value for sucrose was determined to be 71 to 83 mM and for raffinosc 27 to 36 mM.
Nisin Production by Immobilized Microbial Cell Culture during Batch and Fed-Batch Fermentations with Various pH Profiles

In this study, nisin production has been enhanced by using batch and fed-batch fermentation with calcium-alginate immobilized cell culture. Due to the inhibitory effects of original phosphate rich growth medium on the immobilizing beads, an altered complex growth medium for nisin production was used. Various pH profiles were evaluated for both batch and fed-batch fermentations. For batch fermentations, a 2.1 fold higher nisin activity was obtained by allowing the pH to drop freely after 4 hrs of fermentation at constant pH. A periodic pH profile exhibited a detrimental effect on nisin production during batch fermentations. For fed-batch fermentations, a 2.9 fold higher nisin activity was obtained by allowing the pH to remain at pH of 6.8. Approximately the same maximum concentration, 3300 IU/ml, of nisin was observed when the best pH profile for batch and fed batch experiments were compared. The results also showed that immobilized cell culture can be used in order to improve nisin fermentation for both batch and fed-batch fermentation.
Stephanodiscus kusuensis, sp. nov a new Pleistocene diatom from Southern Japan

A new fossil diatom, Stephanodiscus kusuensis sp. nov., is described from a diatomite deposit from the Kusu Basin, Oita Prefecture Japan. Radiometric age estimates of the strata in which the taxon occurs are 400–500 kyr. The new species is distinct from all other known species of Stephanodiscus because it possesses a highly pronounced double concentric undulation and two distinct arrangements of central strutted processes. Cladistic analysis is used to identify the phylogenetic position of this taxon with respect to other Stephanodiscus species.
Obstacle distance measurement based on binocular vision for high-voltage transmission lines using a cable inspection robot

Obstacle distance measurement is one of the key technologies for cable inspection robots on high-voltage transmission lines. This article develops a novel method based on binocular vision for extracting the feature points of images and reconstructing 3D scenes. The proposed method seamlessly incorporates camera calibration, dense stereo matching, and 3D reconstruction. We apply a novel calibration method to acquire intrinsic and extrinsic parameters and use an improved Semi-Global Matching (SGM) algorithm based on the least squares fitting interpolation to refine the basic disparity map. Based on the depth information of the optimized disparity map and the principle of binocular vision measurement, a model is established to estimate the distance of an obstacle from the cable inspection robot. Extensive experiments show that the proposed method achieves an estimation accuracy of less than 5% from 0.5 m to 5.0 m, offering extremely high distance estimation accuracy and robustness. The study improves the autonomy and intelligence of inspection robots used in the power industry.
20th Anniversary Update of the Ottawa Decision Support Framework Part 1: A Systematic Review of the Decisional Needs of People Making Health or Social Decisions

Background. The Ottawa Decision Support Framework (ODSF) has been used for 20 years to assess and address people’s decisional needs. The evidence regarding ODSF decisional needs has not been synthesized. Objectives. To synthesize evidence from ODSF-based decisional needs studies, identify new decisional needs, and validate current ODSF decisional needs. Methods. A mixed-studies systematic review. Nine electronic databases were searched. Inclusion criteria: studies of people’s decisional needs when making health or social decisions for themselves, a child, or a mentally incapable person, as reported by themselves, families, or practitioners. Two independent authors screened eligibility, extracted data, and quality appraised studies using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data were analyzed using narrative synthesis. Results. Of 4532 citations, 45 studies from 7 countries were eligible. People’s needs for 101 unique decisions (85 health, 16 social) were reported by 2857 patient decision makers (n = 36 studies), 92 parent decision makers (n = 6), 81 family members (n = 5), and 523 practitioners (n = 21). Current ODSF decisional needs were reported in 2 to 40 studies. For 6 decisional needs, there were 11 new (manifestations): 1) information (overload, inadequacy regarding others’ experiences with options), 2) difficult decisional roles (practitioner, family involvement, or deliberations), 3) unrealistic expectations (difficulty believing outcome probabilities apply to them), 4) personal needs (religion/spirituality), 5) difficult decision timing (unpredictable), and 6) unreceptive decisional stage (difficulty accepting condition/need for treatment, powerful emotions limiting information processing, lacking motivation to consider delayed/unpredictable decisions). Limitations. Possible publication bias (only peer-reviewed journals included). Possible missed needs (non-ODSF studies, patient decision aid development studies, 3 ODSF needs added in 2006). Conclusion. We validated current decisional needs, identified 11 new manifestations of 6 decisional needs, and recommended ODSF revisions.
Comparative seed germination ecology of Austrostipa compressa and Ehrharta calycina (Poaceae) in a Western Australian Banksia woodland

Austrostipa compressa, a native ephemeral of southwest Western Australia was stimulated to germinate under a range of temperatures, in the presence of light, and exposure to smoke-water. This combination of environmental cues results in winter-maximum germination in immediate postfire and disturbed-soil environments of this Mediterranean-type climate. In contrast, Ehrharta calycina, an introduced perennial grass from southern Africa that has invaded Banksia woodlands, germinated under a wide range of temperature and light conditions, but showed no promotive response to smoke-water. Although A. compressa seeds tolerated heat shock better than E. calycina, the self-burial mechanism ofA. compressa seeds ensures protection from fire. High-intensity fire could have a greater impact on E. calycina, as the seeds of this species tend to accumulate in the top of the soil profile where they are more susceptible to high temperatures. Although seeds of E. calycina are more susceptible to high temperatures, survival of mature individuals by postfire resprouting ensures continued survival in native woodlands. Estimates of soil seed bank densities showed extreme variability, but some recently burnt areas of the Yule Brook Botany Reserve contained up to 8000 seed m -2 of A. compressa and nearly 75 000 seeds m -2 of E. calycina. Viable soil seed bank densities of A. compressa are reduced with time-since-last fire, but areas of greater than 45 years since the last fire, still contained up to 119 seeds m -2 . In both species, only about half their soil seed bank germinates following fire, thus ensuring the potential for later recruitment. Massive soil seed populations of E. calycina in native Banksia woodlands pose a major problem to management of this plant community type.
A co-dominant molecular marker linked to the monoecious gene CmACS-7 derived from gene sequence in Cucumis melo L.

This study aimed to find a molecular marker linked to the sex determination geneCmACS-7 based on the sequence publicly available in GenBank (accession number EU791279). Four pairs of primers were designed to clone the CmACS-7gene on the monoecious parental line ‘RH107’ and the andromonoecious parental line ‘76-09’. Analysis of the fragments’ sequences and the publicly available sequences showed homology of 99% and 98%, respectively. According to the insertion/deletion loci between the two parental lines, a pair of specific primers Tl-L/Tl-R was designed to assay the polymorphism in the parents and F1, F2, and BC1populations and additional 20 accessions. The specific fragment amplified with primers Tl-L/Tl-R, was identified as a co-dominant molecular marker co-segregated with the sexual genotype in melon, named C1A/C1a, and could be used in marker assistant selection in melon breeding. Key words: melon, sexual, CmACS-7, co-dominant, molecular marker
Nest Site Characteristics of the Endangered Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus) in Southwest Virginia

Abstract We investigated nest site use of the federally endangered northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus) in southwest Virginia at Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. In second-growth and old forests, number of nests used by both sexes combined was x̄ = 3.3 ± 0.8 (females n = 3, x̄ = 2.7 ± 0.9, males n = 8, x̄ = 3.7 ± 1.2, overall range = 1–6). Nest site characteristics varied and flying squirrels used a variety of nest types including subterranean structures. We found northern flying squirrels chose larger taller nest trees regardless of nest tree type [red spruce (Picea rubens), n = 3, P = 0.04, deciduous, n = 8, P = 0.02, snags, n = 3, P = 0.01] compared to the available trees of the same type within a 200 m2 area of the nest tree. Nest sites in old forest stands (i.e., ≥125 y old) were characterized by greater downed wood (% cover/ha) that can be associated with the increased density of fungal colonies, lower snag density (n-snags/ha) that means a more open midstory for clearer glide paths, lower live-tree density (n-trees/ha) relating to clearer glide paths and lower shrub cover (% cover/ha) indicating a more open understory compared to nest sites in second-growth stands.
Environmental Factors Affecting Productivity of Brown-Headed Nuthatches

Abstract Understanding the link between habitat use and components of fitness can yield useful insight into the environmental conditions necessary for population maintenance and can help promote effective habitat management. This information is especially important for species that are in decline or otherwise of conservation concern. Populations of brown-headed nuthatches (Sitta pusilla), an obligate cavity nester, have declined throughout their range, primarily due to extensive habitat loss and degradation. To help guide habitat management for this species, we identified habitat features associated with variation in the number of offspring fledged within 2 populations in southern Florida, USA. The most important predictor of productivity was the date on which a nest attempt began, with earlier nests producing more fledglings. The number of large pine (Pinus elliottii var. densa) snags and, to a lesser extent, the number of small pine trees surrounding a nest site were positively associated with productivity. We recommend that land managers in southern Florida focus on providing abundant large pine snags because doing so will increase productivity and also may increase nest-site availability and the percentage of individuals that breed each year. Prescribed burning may be an effective way to increase the abundance of large pine snags; however, land managers should exercise caution when doing so because of the trade-off between snag recruitment and snag consumption that accompanies the use of fire. We lack the data required to predict the fire-return interval that optimizes this trade-off, but until these data are available we recommend increasing the spatial heterogeneity in fire-return interval and lengthening the fire-return interval in some areas to 5–6 years.