Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The water mites (Acari: Hydrachnidia) of the standing waters of Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily: review and new data

Abstract A compilation of our present knowledge of the water mites (Acari: Hydrachnidia) adapted to life in standing waters on the three large islands in the western Mediterranean (Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily) is provided. In addition to published data, this study deals with a rich volume of new material from recent field work, mostly deriving from intermittent ponds and pools, an extremely poorly investigated yet peculiar habitat type in the Mediterranean area. Species richness of water mites reported for the standing waters of the three islands amounts to 91 species. Out of the 47 species for which we present new distributional data, Hydrachna incisa Halbert, 1903, Hydrachna leegei Koenike, 1895, Piersigia limophila Protz, 1896, Hydryphantes crassipalpis Koenike, 1914 and Piona laminata (Thor, 1900) have not been recorded previously from the Mediterranean area. Most of these species were believed to have typical North European distributions. In addition to these, a further 13 species are recorded for the first time from the area covered. In total, 11 species are new for Italy, seven more are new for Sicily, three for Sardinia and seven for Corsica. Redescriptions are given of Axonopsis complanata (Müller, 1776) (A. graeca, nov. syn), Brachypoda baderi (reported for the first time after the original description from Abruzzo, Italy, synonymization with B. mutila rejected) and B. mutila (recorded for the first time outside Algeria with certainty). For each species, information is given on habitat preference and geographical distribution; the significance of the data is discussed under perspectives of zoogeography and nature protection. The completeness of our knowledge for the three investigated island is assessed using rarefaction curves and non-parametric estimators of species richness; while Sicily can be considered fairly well known, Corsica and Sardinia require further sampling to assess their water mite diversity.
The Improved Polymerase Chain Reaction Method Applied for Sex Identification of Crested Ibis, Nipponianippon

Given the necessity for increased conservation of endangered birds such as the Crested ibis, it is crucial to identify the gender of individuals fro m species with similar external mo rphologies among females (ZW) and males(ZZ) to establish a self-sustainable population for restoration of the species. Moreover, raising young chicks during the juvenile period based on sex determination encourages familiarity, wh ich might increase mating success rates. Thus, this study was carried out to determine the sex of Crested ibis chicks using three primers designed to check their identity. A se t of poly- merase chain reaction(PCR) primers was used to amplify a 276 bp chro mo-helicase-DNA b inding protein region(CHD) on the Z chro mosome in both sexes, whereas the other set was used to amp lify a 169 bp female -specific CHD sequence on the W chromosome. The sequences have been submitted to NCBI(GenBank Accession Number: AB620020, AB620021). Th is method will enable researchers to determine the gender of Crested ibis more simp ly and quickly.
Quantification of Myocardial Mass Subtended by a Coronary Stenosis Using Intracoronary Physiology.

BACKGROUND In patients with stable coronary artery disease, the amount of myocardium subtended by coronary stenoses constitutes a major determinant of prognosis, as well as of the benefit of coronary revascularization. We devised a novel method to estimate partial myocardial mass (PMM; ie, the amount of myocardium subtended by a stenosis) during physiological stenosis interrogation. Subsequently, we validated the index against equivalent PMM values derived from applying the Voronoi algorithm on coronary computed tomography angiography. METHODS Based on the myocardial metabolic demand and blood supply, PMM was calculated as follows: PMM (g)=APV×D2×π/(1.24×10-3×HR×sBP+1.6), where APV indicates average peak blood flow velocity; D, vessel diameter; HR, heart rate; and sBP, systolic blood pressure. We calculated PMM to 43 coronary vessels (32 patients) interrogated with pressure and Doppler guidewires, and compared it with computed tomography-based PMM. RESULTS Median PMM was 15.8 g (Q1, Q3: 11.7, 28.4 g) for physiology-based PMM, and 17.0 g (Q1, Q3: 12.5, 25.9 g) for computed tomography-based PMM (P=0.84). Spearman rank correlation coefficient was 0.916 (P<0.001), and Passing-Bablok analysis revealed absence of both constant and proportional differences (coefficient A: -0.9; 95% CI, -4.5 to 0.9; and coefficient B, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.91 to 1.25]. Bland-Altman analysis documented a mean bias of 0.5 g (limit of agreement: -9.1 to 10.2 g). CONCLUSIONS Physiology-based calculation of PMM in the catheterization laboratory is feasible and can be accurately performed as part of functional stenosis assessment.
Nonlinear biomarker interactions in conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease

Multiple biomarkers can capture different facets of Alzheimer's disease. However, statistical models of biomarkers to predict outcomes in Alzheimer's rarely model nonlinear interactions between these measures. Here, we used Gaussian Processes to address this, modelling nonlinear interactions to predict progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's over 3 years, using Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) data. Measures included: demographics, APOE4 genotype, CSF (amyloid‐β42, total tau, phosphorylated tau), [18F]florbetapir, hippocampal volume and brain‐age. We examined: (a) the independent value of each biomarker; and (b) whether modelling nonlinear interactions between biomarkers improved predictions. Each measured added complementary information when predicting conversion to Alzheimer's. A linear model classifying stable from progressive MCI explained over half the variance (R2 = 0.51, p < .001); the strongest independently contributing biomarker was hippocampal volume (R2 = 0.13). When comparing sensitivity of different models to progressive MCI (independent biomarker models, additive models, nonlinear interaction models), we observed a significant improvement (p < .001) for various two‐way interaction models. The best performing model included an interaction between amyloid‐β‐PET and P‐tau, while accounting for hippocampal volume (sensitivity = 0.77, AUC = 0.826). Closely related biomarkers contributed uniquely to predict conversion to Alzheimer's. Nonlinear biomarker interactions were also implicated, and results showed that although for some patients adding additional biomarkers may add little value (i.e., when hippocampal volume is high), for others (i.e., with low hippocampal volume) further invasive and expensive examination may be warranted. Our framework enables visualisation of these interactions, in individual patient biomarker ‘space', providing information for personalised or stratified healthcare or clinical trial design.
A review of home-based physical activity interventions for breast cancer survivors

As breast cancer relative survival continues to increase, many breast cancer patients face many issues, including recurrence of cancer and cancer-related side effects that impact several aspects of their quality of life. With breast cancer patients living longer, there is more of a concern for negative breast cancer outcomes. Although physical activity is an affordable and relatively convenient way to improve breast cancer outcomes, only about one-third of breast cancer survivors engage in the recommended level of physical activity. This article reviews articles published to date to examine whether home-based physical activity interventions are effective in improving physical activity and other outcomes among breast cancer survivors who have completed primary therapy for the disease. The present review is based upon bibliographic searches in PubMed and CINAHL and relevant search terms. Articles published in English from 1980 through February 28, 2019 were identified. A total of 360 article citations were identified in PubMed and non-duplicates in CINAHL. After screening the abstracts or full texts of these articles and reviewing the references of previous review articles, 20 studies that met the eligibility criteria. Three of the studies were pre-/post-test trials and 17 were randomized controlled trials. home-based exercise programs are effective in improving physical activity among breast cancer survivors who have completed primary therapy for the disease. Home-based exercise programs such as walking programs offer a convenient and affordable option for women who wish to increase their physical activity and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Humanities E-Books: An Affective Faculty Survey

ABSTRACT Subject specialists seek to understand humanists' perceptions of e-books. The investigator conducted an online survey of humanities faculty at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) to find out. The survey uncovered information about the e-book collections humanist scholars benefit from most. Respondents used and valued e-books but felt printed books were more important in their disciplines. The major disadvantages of e-books outnumbered the major advantages in scholars' estimation, but the desire for ready access to book content largely eclipsed their affinity for print and any perceived disadvantages of the e-book format. The investigator considers implications for local humanities collection development.
Sexual and reproductive health of adolescents in rural Nepal: Knowledge, attitudes and behavior

Background: Nepal has a relatively young and growing population, like most low-income countries. Recently, Nepal has accelerated its commitment to the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action by introducing a programme focusing on the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents. This paper aims to report the sexual health knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of adolescents in rural Nepal. Methods: A survey was conducted in four districts of Nepal with representative sample among adolescents aged 15–19 years using pre-tested structured questionnaire in 2011. Questionnaire contents socio-demographic questions including knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to reproductive and sexual health. The study was approved by the Nepal Health Research Council. Results: A total 3041 adolescents (mean age 16.4 years, 49.4% male and 50.6% female) completed the questionnaire. The data indicated that HIV/AIDS and other reproductive and sexual health knowledge among the respondents was moderate. Male respondents have better knowledge on HIV/AIDS compare to female respondents. Similarly, male have better access to modern means of communications. Both male and female were equally likely to say that they had used a condom the last time they had sex. A small proportion of all respondents (9.3%) had acquired emergency contraception, two thirds of those were male (65%) and among total users of emergency contraceptives, 85% were unmarried. Conclusions: Both education and youth-friendly services, targeting to female adolescents are required to improve the sexual health status of adolescents. The findings have important implications for the (re-)development sexual health interventions for adolescents in Nepal.
Using systematic collaborative reflection to enhance consumer-led mental health research

Introduction Consumer-led and collaborative research is consistent with occupational therapy principles of inclusion and client-centredness, and is increasingly valued in mental health. Our research team of three occupational therapists and three consumers was funded to conduct a consumer-led mental health service evaluation. Because of a lack of previous research to guide our practice, we engaged in a collaborative autoethnography to gather information about the process of consumer-led research. We discovered that the systematic reflective processes of collaborative autoethnography played a critical part in shaping the very experiences being investigated. This article describes the impact of using this systematic collaborative reflection on the process of consumer-led research. Method Data from weekly journal entries and quarterly focus groups were analysed using constant comparative analysis. Codes relating to experiences and impacts of the collaborative autoethnography were extracted for presentation in this article. Findings Our collaborative autoethnography activities provided unique opportunities that developed our shared understanding of consumer-led research in mental health, facilitated a respectful and open group culture and, ultimately, resulted in a more consumer-led research project. Conclusion Occupational therapists striving to include and empower service users in research and evaluation could benefit from adopting systematic collaborative, reflective techniques.
Tailoring of a Smartphone Smoking Cessation App (Kick.it) for Serious Mental Illness Populations: Qualitative Study

Background Smoking rates of Australians with severe mental illness (SMI) are disproportionately higher than the general population. Despite the rapid growth in mobile health (mHealth) apps, limited evidence exists to inform their design for SMI populations. Objective This study aimed to explore the feasibility, acceptability, and utility of adapting a novel smoking cessation app (Kick.it) to assist smokers with SMI to prevent smoking relapse and quit. Methods Using co-design, two in-depth interviews with 12 adult smokers and ex-smokers with SMI were conducted in this qualitative study. Stage 1 interviews explored participants’ smoking-related experiences and perceptions of social support for smoking cessation, informed the development of the stage 2 interview schedule, and provided context for participants’ responses to the second interview. Stage 2 interviews explored participants’ perceptions of the feasibility, utility, and acceptability of the app features for SMI populations. Results People with SMI perceived mHealth interventions to support their quit smoking attempts as feasible, acceptable, and useful. Key emerging themes included personalization of the app to users’ psychosocial needs, a caring app to mediate self-esteem and self-efficacy, an app that normalizes smoking relapse and multiple quit attempts, a strong focus on user experience to improve usability, and a social network to enhance social support for smoking cessation. Conclusions This study gained an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of smoking and quitting among people with SMI and their perception of the Kick.it app features to help inform the tailoring of the app. Specific program tailoring is required to assist them in navigating the complex interactions between mental illness and smoking in relation to their psychosocial well-being and capacity to quit. This study describes the adaptations required for the Kick.it app to meet the specific needs and preferences of people with SMI. Results of this study will guide the tailoring of the Kick.it app for SMI populations. The study findings can also inform a co-design process for the future development and design of smoking cessation apps for SMI populations.
Machine learning analysis of serum biomarkers for cardiovascular risk assessment in chronic kidney disease

Abstract Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients show an increased burden of atherosclerosis and high risk of cardiovascular events (CVEs). There are several biomarkers described as being associated with CVEs, but their combined effectiveness in cardiovascular risk stratification in CKD has not been tested. The objective of this work is to analyse the combined ability of 19 biomarkers associated with atheromatous disease in predicting CVEs after 4 years of follow-up in a subcohort of the NEFRONA study in individuals with different stages of CKD without previous CVEs. Methods Nineteen putative biomarkers were quantified in 1366 patients (73 CVEs) and their ability to predict CVEs was ranked by random survival forest (RSF) analysis. The factors associated with CVEs were tested in Fine and Gray (FG) regression models, with non-cardiovascular death and kidney transplant as competing events. Results RSF analysis detected several biomarkers as relevant for predicting CVEs. Inclusion of those biomarkers in an FG model showed that high levels of osteopontin, osteoprotegerin, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and vascular endothelial growth factor increased the risk for CVEs, but only marginally improved the discrimination obtained with classical clinical parameters: concordance index 0.744 (95% confidence interval 0.609–0.878) versus 0.723 (0.592–0.854), respectively. However, in individuals with diabetes treated with antihypertensives and lipid-lowering drugs, the determination of these biomarkers could help to improve cardiovascular risk estimates. Conclusions We conclude that the determination of four biomarkers in the serum of CKD patients could improve cardiovascular risk prediction in high-risk individuals.
Novel approaches for ocular drug delivery: A review

Nanocaarier have been recently studied for their relevance in ophthalmic drug delivery. These systems are capable to evade the ocular barriers that presently edge the efficacy of conventional treatments, as well as offer a additional sustained release of drug, decreasing the administration frequency and increasing patient compliance. This review summarizes the ophthalmic drug delivery from conventional treatment to the utilization of nanocarriers as novel drug delivery system.
Pedaling Asymmetry During Lower Limb Pedaling After Stroke

People with stroke pedal asymmetrically. There may be differences in their pedaling kinetics between their non-paretic and paretic lower limbs and compared to healthy age matched controls. Previous studies have measured pedaling related impairments and impairments with interlimb coordination using electromyography (EMG). These studies did not use torque as a measurement for pedaling related impairments and interlimb coordination impairments. Pedaling symmetry in the laboratory measuring the torque and work production will fill the gaps of the knowledge about motor compensation during lower limb pedaling. As well, pedaling symmetry has not been measured during fMRI because of the inability to measure torque during fMRI pedaling. The purpose of this study was to redesign a torque measurement device used for pedaling safely in an MR environment and measure impairments of the paretic limb during pedaling and impaired interlimb symmetry. To achieve this purpose, a torque measurement system was redesigned for accurate and precise torque measurements. Participants were asked to pedal on a novel pedaling device, at low loads (work < 40 J), outfitted with the torque measurement system in both the laboratory and an MRI. During either session, there were no differences in pedaling symmetry between groups. The stroke group showed significantly more negative work with greater minimum torque in their paretic limb during both sessions. Similar symmetry measurements between groups suggest that at low loads there is not enough resistance or too low of a work load to exacerbate the asymmetries in pedaling. However, the increased negative work and greater minimum work in the paretic limb suggest that the strategy the stroke group uses for their paretic limb is different than that of their non-paretic limb or controls. Stroke group positive work was correlated with the Fugl Meyer and the symmetry was correlated with Fugl Meyer. These data suggest that the Fugl Meyer may be a predictor of higher positive work and a symmetry index close to 0. Overall, this study describes the design of a torque measuring device that can be used in an MR environment and provides insight into the impaired interlimb symmetry and pedaling dynamics after stroke.
Isolation of Mucorales from biological environment and identification of Rhizopus among the isolates using PCRRFLP

Background and aims: Mucorales are fungi belonging to the category of Zygomycetes, found much in nature. Culture-based methods for clinical samples are often negative, difficult and time-consuming and mainly identify isolates to the genus level, and sometimes only as Mucorales. Therefore, applying fast and accurate diagnosis methods such as molecular approaches seems necessary. This study aims at isolating Mucorales for determination of Rhizopus genus between the isolates using molecular methods. Methods: In this descriptive observational study, a total of 500 samples were collected from air and different surfaces and inoculated on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar supplemented with chloramphenicol. Then, the fungi belonging to Mucorales were identified and their pure culture was provided. DNA extraction was done using extraction kit and the chloroform method. After amplification, the samples belonging to Mucorales were identified by observing 830 bp bands. For enzymatic digestion, enzyme BmgB1 was applied for identification of Rhizopus species by formation of 593 and 235 bp segments. Results: One hundred pure colonies belonging to Mucorales were identified using molecular methods and after enzymatic digestion, 21 isolates were determined as Rhizopus species. The sequencing of PCR products and macroscopic and microscopic studies confirmed the existence of R. stolonifera, R. oryzae and R. caespitosus in the samples. Conclusion: Generally, developing a reliable method for determining Zygomycete species can be a useful tool for better understanding of the epidemiology of mucoromycosis.
Automatic voltage regulator for ship generator

The present invention relates to an automatic voltage regulator for a ship generator to facilitate the installation and operation by integrally configuring the automatic voltage regulator (AVR) and the current booster device. The automatic voltage regulator for a ship generator according to the present invention maintains a short-circuit state through an AVR power unit for supplying current to the field winding of the generator during the normal operation of the alternator, and a bidirectional thyristor during the normal operation of the AVR power unit. In case of over-current supply due to overload or abnormality of the generator output stage, a current booster power unit is provided for canceling a short circuit through the thyristor and supplying current to the field winding of the generator. Ship Generator, Automatic Voltage Regulator, Current Booster, AC Generator, Thyristor