Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Validation of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder Screening Questionnaire (RBDSQ-BR)

ABSTRACT Introduction: A diagnosis of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) currently requires confirmation with polysomnography (PSG). However, PSG may not be sufficiently available. In these situations, a clinical diagnostic measure might be useful. Objective: To validate the Brazilian Portuguese version of RBD screening questionnaire (RBDSQ) for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods: Using detailed clinical interviews and PSG analysis (diagnostic gold standard), a convenience sample of 69 subjects was divided into the following subgroups: patients with PD and RBD (PD+RBD; n=50) and patients with PD alone (PD-RBD; n=19). Results: RBDSQ-BR showed adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s α=0.809) and, except for item 8, adequate item-test correlation. The retest performed in a second sample (n=13, consecutive) showed high agreement for total score (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC=0.863) and acceptable agreement for items 2, 3, 6.2, 6.3, 7, and 8 (K>0.60). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.728. A cut-off score of 4 enabled the correct diagnosis of 76.8% subjects and provided the best balance between sensitivity (84%) and specificity (57.9%), with a 2.0 likelihood ratio of a positive result (LR+) and a 0.3 likelihood ratio of a negative result (LR-). Items 2 and 6.2 had 84.2% specificity and 3.2 LR+. Combined items 1+2+6.2, 2+6.1, and 6.1+6.2 increased the specificity to 94.7%, with LR+ ranging from 6.1 to 7.6. Conclusions: RBDSQ-BR is a reliable instrument, which may be useful for RBD diagnosis of Brazilian patients with PD. The instrument is also valid and may help in a better selection of cases for a more detailed clinical evaluation or even PSG analysis.
Influence of the Amount of Instability on the Leg Muscle Activity During a Loaded Free Barbell Half-Squat

This study aimed to understand the acute responses on the muscular activity of primary movers during the execution of a half-squat under different unstable devices. Fourteen male and female high-standard track and field athletes were voluntarily recruited. A repeated measures design was used to establish the differences between muscle activity of the primary movers, the body centre of mass acceleration and the OMNI-Perceived Exertion Scale for Resistance Exercise (OMNI-Res) in a half-squat under four different stability conditions (floor, foam, BOSU-up and BOSU-down). A significant correlation was found between the highest performance limb muscle activity and body centre of mass acceleration for half-squat floor (r = 0.446, p = 0.003), foam (r = 0.322, p = 0.038), BOSU-up (r = 0.500, p = 0.001), and BOSU-down (r = 0.495, p = 0.001) exercises. For the exercise condition, the half-squat BOSU-up and BOSU-down significantly increased the muscle activity compared to half-squat floor (vastus medialis: p = 0.020, d = 0.56; vastus lateralis: p = 0.006, d = 0.75; biceps femoris: p = 0.000–0.006, d = 1.23–1.00) and half-squat foam (vastus medialis: p = 0.005–0.006, d = 0.60–1.00; vastus lateralis: p = 0.014, d = 0.67; biceps femoris: p = 0.002, d = 1.00) activities. This study contributes to improving the understanding of instability training, providing data about the acute muscular responses that an athlete experiences under varied stability conditions. The perturbation offered by the two BOSU conditions was revealed as the most demanding for the sample of athletes, followed by foam and floor executions.
Early Career Nurses’ Experiences of Providing Family Nursing Care: Perceived Benefits and Challenges

Faculty at Minnesota State University, Mankato (USA) developed a family-focused baccalaureate curriculum to address gaps between evidence and practice with families that have been linked to undergraduate nursing education. The purpose of this study was to understand the perceptions of new graduate nurses in providing family-focused nursing care in practice settings. A descriptive design focused on narrative data was used to identify the nurses’ perceived benefits and challenges of caring for families in their current nursing practice. Data were collected from three cohorts of new graduate nurses who were currently employed in health care settings (N = 109) through a five-contact procedure and examined using a content analysis method. Nine perceived benefit categories, subcategories, and summary statements were identified. Seven challenge categories were identified. The early career graduate nurses’ ability to translate family-focused knowledge to their practice was a significant finding. The benefits and value of developing interactions with families were evident in a number of categories. Education and practice systems can implement educational innovations and partner to support new career graduates’ ability to offer skilled family nursing practice.
The nuclear factor CECR2 promotes somatic cell reprogramming by reorganizing the chromatin structure

Somatic cells can be reprogrammed into pluripotent stem cells with a minimal set of defined factors, Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc, also known as OKSM, although this reprogramming is somewhat inefficient. Recent work has identified other nuclear factors, including SALL4, that can synergize with the OSK factors to improve reprogramming dynamics, but the specific role of each of these factors remains poorly understood. In this study, we sought to learn more about the role of SALL4. We observed that SALL4 was the most significant factor in promoting OKS-induced reprogramming. To look for molecules downstream of SALL4, we screened a set of putative targets to determine whether they could promote OKS-induced reprogramming. We identified CECR2, a multidomain nuclear factor and histone acetyl-lysine reader, as a SALL4 effector. Mechanistically, we determined that SALL4 activates Cecr2 expression by directly binding to its promotor region. CECR2 in turn promotes reprogramming by forming a chromatin remodeling complex; this complex contained the SWI/SNF family member SMARCA1 and was dependent on CECR2’s DTT domain. In combination, our findings suggest that CECR2 is a novel reprogramming factor and works through a protein network to overcome epigenetic barriers during reprogramming.
Thoracoscopic (hybrid) complex chest wall resection in pediatric Ewing sarcoma

Askin tumor (a Ewing sarcoma variant) is the most common tumor of the chest wall in the pediatric age group. Multimodal treatment is required, with complete resection being the cornerstone of effective management. We describe the case of a 13-year boy with a left paraspinal Ewing sarcoma with intraspinal extension and spinal cord compression with neurological weakness. He underwent complex surgical resection using thoracoscopic resection of multiple ribs along with vertebral resection and reconstruction, after neoadjuvant therapy.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Staff Working Practices in UK Horseracing

Simple Summary Although coronavirus stopped horseracing in March 2020, most staff were classified as essential workers due to equine care and continued to work throughout lockdown. The physical and psychological impact of working during lockdown is unknown, and staff stress could have negative implications for racehorse welfare. Over half of staff surveyed were still working during lockdown. Racing grooms and stud staff were more likely to be working than most sectors, due to the timing of lockdown with the racing calendar and foaling season. Administrative staff were busier during lockdown, completing additional risk assessments or paperwork. Most staff reported that workplace changes were successful in protecting health and safety, but flat racing grooms felt that work-based changes were less effective. Negative perceptions of work-based COVID-19 changes may affect the staff’s ability to complete daily tasks and thus influence the quality of care provided to horses in their charge. Trainers and part-time staff were concerned about job security, highlighting a need for further employee support structures following the pandemic. The racing industry has prioritised staff health and safety but continued reflection on staff well-being, demands and working practices will maximise staff’s ability to care for horses under their charge, and allow racing to maintain the highest standards of equine welfare. Abstract Due to COVID-19, horseracing was required to cease all activity in March 2020; however, little is known about the pandemic’s impact on staff working practices. This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on staff working practices during the initial lockdown phases. An online survey about working conditions during lockdown was answered by 287 participants. Chi-squared tests for independence and binary logistic regression (BLR) analysis was undertaken. A total of 53.7% (n = 154) of staff were working during lockdown. Pandemic-specific workplace changes were reported as effective by 87.8% (n = 115) of staff. Flat grooms reported workplace changes as less effective (χ2 (52, n = 131) = 92.996, p < 0.001). A total of 67.2% (n = 193) of staff were positive about job security. Trainers and grooms were significantly less likely to report jobs as secure (χ2 (52, n = 287) = 75.653, p < 0.05). The findings suggest that most of the racing industry positively received changes made by their employers to tackle the pandemic, and for staff still working during lockdown, their health and safety was prioritised. Continued development of employee support structures to promote job security and workforce stability is advised, which will minimise the disruption of staff changes on the care and welfare of the horses.
Optimizing Laser Powder Bed Fusion Parameters for IN-738LC by Response Surface Method

A method to find the optimum process parameters for manufacturing nickel-based superalloy Inconel 738LC by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology is presented. This material is known to form cracks during its processing by LPBF technology; thus, process parameters have to be optimized to get a high quality product. In this work, the objective of the optimization was to obtain samples with fewer pores and cracks. A design of experiments (DoE) technique was implemented to define the reduced set of samples. Each sample was manufactured by LPBF with a specific combination of laser power, laser scan speed, hatch distance and scan strategy parameters. Using the porosity and crack density results obtained from the DoE samples, quadratic models were fitted, which allowed identifying the optimal working point by applying the response surface method (RSM). Finally, five samples with the predicted optimal processing parameters were fabricated. The examination of these samples showed that it was possible to manufacture IN738LC samples free of cracks and with a porosity percentage below 0.1%. Therefore, it was demonstrated that RSM is suitable for obtaining optimum process parameters for IN738LC alloy manufacturing by LPBF technology.
Effect of Mucin13 gene polymorphism on diarrhoeagenic E. coli adhesion pattern and its expression analysis in native Indian pigs

Abstract. We identified genetic polymorphism in Mucin13 gene affecting E. coli adhesion patterns using (local isolate) diarrhoeagenic E. coli in Indian desi pigs. Five SNPs and one indel previously reported to be associated with enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) F4ab/ac adhesion pattern were examined by designing PCR-RFLP protocol. The genotypic frequencies of only one SNP (g.22304A > G) differed significantly (at P≤0.05) in adhesive, non-adhesive and weakly adhesive population. The AA (306 sbp, 231 bp), AG (306, 231, 108, 198 bp) and GG (231, 198 bp, 108 b) genotypes of g.22304A > G locus were observed with frequencies 50.0 %, 21.25 % and 28.75 %, respectively and AG genotype was significantly (P≤0.05) associated with a non-adhesive pattern. The polymorphism information content of SNPs ranged from 17.67 (g.22124T > C) to 37.36 % (g.21471C > T) loci. Three loci (g.21471C > T, g.22124T > C and g.22304A > G) were significantly departed from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The linkage disequilibrium analysis revealed locus g.22124T > C and g.22304A > G were significantly (P≤0.05) associated with each other. Expression profiling of target gene in jejuna of animals having AA, AG and GG genotypes revealed differences in various genotypes with the highest in the AA, moderate in the GG and low levels in the AG genotype, although they were statistically non-significant (at P≤0.05). The absence of significant effect of genotypes on MUC13 mRNA expression indicates no direct functional role, although the structural role can not be ignored as the putative receptor gene is located within targeted genomic region. Further, reports of same SNP association with an ETEC F4ab/ac adhesion pattern indicate the target gene's role in diarrhoea even caused by other strains of E. coli which is not ETEC.
The protective effect of herniarin on genotoxicity and apoptosis induced by cisplatin in bone marrow cells of rats

Abstract Herniarin is a member of simple coumarins, which are a group of common secondary metabolites in plants. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of herniarin on genotoxicity and apoptosis induced by cisplatin in rat bone marrow cells. The experimental rats were treated with four different doses of herniarin (50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg.) for seven consecutive days. The cisplatin (5 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected into mice 1 h after the last oral herniarin administration on the seventh day. The protective effects of herniarin were investigated by hematological test, flow cytometry, micronucleus assay, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level analysis. Herniarin caused a marked reduction in the frequencies of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs) and micronucleated normochromatic erythrocytes (MnNCEs) 24 h after exposure to cisplatin at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. Furthermore, herniarin significantly increased the levels of both red and white blood cells in peripheral blood. Treatment of rats with herniarin before cisplatin, significantly decreased the percentage of apoptotic and necrotic cells and the ROS level in bone marrow cells. This study indicated that herniarin can be introduced as a new chemoprotective agent against cisplatin-induced genotoxicity in the future.
Lateral variations and vertical structure of the microbial methane cycle in the sediment of Lake Onego (Russia)

ABSTRACT The significance of methane production by lakes to the global production of greenhouse gas is well acknowledged while underlying processes sustaining the lacustrine methane budget remain largely unknown. We coupled biogeochemical data to functional and phylogenetic analyses to understand how sedimentary parameters characterize the methane cycle vertically and horizontally in the ice-covered bay of the second largest lake in Europe, Lake Onego, Russia. Our results support a heterogeneous winter methane cycle, with higher production and oxidation closest to riverine inputs. Close to the river mouth, the largest numbers of copies of methane-related functional genes pmoA and mcrA were associated with a specific functional community, and methane production potential exceeded oxidation, resulting in 6–10 times higher methane fluxes than in the rest of the bay. The elevated fluxes arise from the spatial differences in quantity and type (lacustrine versus riverine sources) of organic matter. More homogeneity is found toward the open lake, where the sediment is vertically structured into 3 zones: a shallow zone of methane oxidation; a transitional zone (5–10 cm) where anaerobic methane oxidation is dominant; and a methane production zone below. This vertical pattern is structured by the redox gradient and human-induced changes in sedimentary inputs to the bay. Retrieved 16S rRNA gene sequences from Candidatus Methanoperedens and Cand. Methylomirabilis suggest that anaerobic oxidation of methane occurs in these freshwater lake sediments.
Potential of Native Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Rhizobia, and/or Green Compost as Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Enhancers under Salinity

Salinity is one of the devastating abiotic stresses that cause reductions in agricultural production. The increased salinization affects alfalfa growth, metabolism, and rhizobium capacity for symbiotic N2 fixation negatively. This study was undertaken to investigate the efficiency of green compost (C; made from green waste), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (M; field-sourced native consortium), and/or rhizobium (R; a salt-tolerant rhizobium strain) individually or in combination as an effective strategy to improve alfalfa productivity under non-saline and high-saline (120 mM NaCl) conditions. In addition, we aimed to understand the agro-physiological and metabolic basis as well as glomalin content in the soil of biofertilizers-induced salt tolerance in alfalfa. Here, we show that mycorrhizal infection was enhanced after MR inoculation, while C application decreased it significantly. Salinity reduced growth, physiological functioning, and protein concentration, but the antioxidant system has been activated. Application of the selected biofertilizers, especially C alone or combined with M and/or R improved alfalfa tolerance. The tri-combination CMR mitigated the negative effects of high salinity by stimulating plant growth, roots and nodules dry matters, mineral uptake (P, N, and K), antioxidant system, synthesis of compatible solutes, and soil glomalin content, sustaining photosynthesis-related performance and decreasing Na+ and Cl− accumulation, lipid peroxidation, H2O2 content, and electrolyte leakage.
Biological and Chemical Processes that Lead to Textile Malodour Development

The development of malodour on clothing is a well-known problem with social, economic and ecological consequences. Many people still think malodour is the result of a lack of hygiene, which causes social stigma and embarrassment. Clothing is washed more frequently due to odour formation or even discarded when permastink develops. The malodour formation process is impacted by many variables and processes throughout the textile lifecycle. The contact with the skin with consequent transfer of microorganisms, volatiles and odour precursors leads to the formation of a distinctive textile microbiome and volatilome. The washing and drying processes further shape the textile microbiome and impact malodour formation. These processes are impacted by interindividual differences and fabric type as well. This review describes the current knowledge on the volatilome and microbiome of the skin, textile and washing machine, the multiple factors that determine malodour formation on textiles and points out what information is still missing.
Health care of sexual and gender minorities: an integrative literature review.

OBJECTIVES to describe health care practices aimed at lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transvestites, and transsexuals. METHODS an integrative literature review based on systematic steps, in MEDLINE, LILACS AND SciELO databases and/or electronic libraries. It was held from September to November 2018, with articles published between 2012 and 2017, available in full in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, addressing health care to that population group. RESULTS fourteen articles were included. Most of the articles were about the trajectory of individuals within health services and showed limitations and obstacles in the use of these services. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS there is evidence that factors related to organization of services, attitude of professionals, stigma, and discrimination experienced undermine health care practices. Therefore, it is essential to carry out educational activities in health services and educational institutions.
Current trends in polymerase chain reaction based detection of three major human pathogenic vibrios

Abstract Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio vulnificus are the most significant aquatic pathogens of the genera Vibrio, account for most Vibrio‐associated outbreaks worldwide. Rapid identification of these pathogens is of great importance for disease surveillance, outbreak investigations and food safety maintenance. Traditional culture dependent methods are time-consuming and labor-intensive whereas culture-independent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based assays are reliable, consistent, rapid and reproducible. This review covers the recent development and applications of PCR based techniques, which have accelerated advances in the analysis of nucleic acids to identify three major pathogenic vibrios. Emphasis has been given to analytical approaches as well as advantages and limits of the available methods. Overall, this review article possesses the substantial merit to be used as a reference guide for the researchers to develop improved PCR based techniques for the differential detection and quantification of Vibrio species.
Human pluripotent stem cell‐derived lung organoids: Potential applications in development and disease modeling

The pulmonary system is comprised of two main compartments, airways and alveolar space. Their tissue and cellular complexity ensure lung function and protection from external agents, for example, virus. Two‐dimensional (2D) in vitro systems and animal models have been largely employed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying human lung development, physiology, and pathogenesis. However, neither of these models accurately recapitulate the human lung environment and cellular crosstalk. More recently, human‐derived three‐dimensional (3D) models have been generated allowing for a deeper understanding of cell‐to‐cell communication. However, the availability and accessibility of primary human cell sources from which generate the 2D and 3D models may be limited. In the past few years, protocols have been developed to successfully employ human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and differentiate them toward pulmonary fate in vitro. In the present review, we discuss the advantages and pitfalls of hPSC‐derived lung 2D and 3D models, including the main characteristics and potentials for these models and their current and future applications for modeling development and diseases. Lung organoids currently represent the closest model to the human pulmonary system. We further focus on the applications of lung organoids for the study of human diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, infectious diseases, and lung cancer. Finally, we discuss the present limitations and potential future applications of 3D lung organoids.