Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Left-Behind Women in the Context of International Migration: A Scoping Review

Introduction: Despite the research on left-behind children, less is known about left-behind women across transnational spaces. The purpose of this scoping review was to assess the extent, range, and nature of the existing body of literature on left-behind women whose partners have migrated across borders. Method: This scoping review was guided by the five-step approach of Arksey and O’Malley. Fifty-four articles that focused on left-behind women across transnational spaces were included. Data were synthesized using descriptive statistics and conventional content analysis. Results: Left-behind women were primarily from Mexico (n = 13) and the migrants’ place of destination was primarily the United States (n = 14). We identified two major themes: (a) women’s social, economic and cultural conditions and (b) women’s well-being. Discussion: We identified significant knowledge gaps regarding left-behind women in the context of transnational migration. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Perceived barriers and facilitators to female condoms among UK based healthcare professionals

Abstract Objectives The female condom (FC) is an effective strategy against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in susceptible women and men who have sex with men. FCs are the only female-initiated dual protection method that protects against both STIs and unintended pregnancy. As healthcare professionals (HCPs) are a key element in the promotion of contraceptive use, it is important to examine attitudes towards FCs among this group. Study participants: 15 male and female HCPs aged between 22 and 57 years recruited from sexual and reproductive health settings located in Brighton, London, and Glasgow. Sampling method: Purposive sampling with targeted advertisements (newsletters and bulletins). Study design: face-to-face and telephone interviews with sexual health HCPs. Main outcome measure: potential barriers and facilitators to FCs in the UK. Data were analysed thematically to identify common views and perspectives. Results FCs were thought to be unacceptable to most women due to stigma, design, negative visual appeal, insertion difficulties and lack of familiarity. The perceived unavailability and higher cost of FCs, in comparison to male condoms, are major barriers to their use. Conclusions HCPs are reluctant to promote FCs, often due to the perceived social stigma surrounding FCs. Further education and promotion are needed to increase acceptability and correct usage. Future research needs to explore strategies to increase the acceptability of FCs among women, men who have sex with men and HCPs.
Other factors than apoplastic ascorbate contribute to the differential ozone tolerance of two clones of Trifolium repens L

Apoplastic reactive oxygen intermediates, which are formed during the exposure of a higher plant to ozone (O3), have been proposed to be detoxified by apoplastic ascorbate (ASC). An investigation to determine whether the differential sensitivity of two white clover clones (Trifolium repens L. cv Regal) to O3 was related with their levels of ASC, glutathione derivatives or with the total antioxidative capacity. In contrast to what might be expected, the sensitive clone of white clover (NC-S) constitutively showed a 72% higher concentration of apoplastic ASC compared to the O3-tolerant clone (NC-R). Furthermore, NC-S also showed a higher redox status of apoplastic ASC. These results indicate that higher ASC levels in the apoplast of NC-S are not sufficient to induce a higher O3 tolerance. The redox status, but not the absolute concentration of homoglutathione in the symplast was found to be constitutively higher in NC-R than in NC-S. It is not clear, however, whether homoglutathione is a direct cause of the differential O3 detoxification capacity of both clones. Total antioxidative capacity measurements ruled out the contribution of other low-molecular antioxidants to the relative tolerance of NC-R. It was concluded that elevated apoplastic ASC levels can not always be sufficient to render a plant O3 tolerant.
GENOTYPIC VARIATION IN CHLOROPHYLL FLUORESCENCE PARAMETERS, PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND GROWTH OF TOMATO GROWN AT LOW-TEMPERATURE AND LOW IRRADIANCE

The genetic variation in low temperature sensitivity of eight tomato genotypes grown at suboptimal temperature (19 degrees C) and at low irradiance (140 mu mol m(-2) s(-1)) was assessed at the plant, chloroplast and thylakoid membrane levels. Temperature effects on the thylakoid membrane were determined by measuring the maximum fluorescence (F-p) and the maximal fluorescence rise (Delta DP) of induction traces of leaf discs at decreasing temperatures (30, 28, . 0 degrees C). Two discontinuities were found in F-p versus temperature curves: a low temperature break at ca. 12 degrees C (HTB) and a high temperature break at ca. 22 degrees C (HTB). Below LTB, SFp and sDP were determined as the temperature induced changes in F-p, respectively Delta DP. Chloroplast functioning was determined by measuring net CO2 fixation rate (P-N) of leaves. Plant performance was determined by measuring the increase in leaf area and shoot dry mass in time, Correlations between the various parameters were analysed across-the genotypic variation found. Chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence parameters were not correlated with plant performance at suboptimal growth conditions. PN of leaves was correlated with plant performance, but only at ambient CO2. Effects of stomatal resistance on P-N were large. The Chi fluorescence parameters LTB, sF(p) and sDP could distinguish between tomato genotypes. Nevertheless, the ranking of the genotypes depended on the specific parameter selected, indicating that each parameter assessed a different aspect of the heterogeneous temperature dependence of Chl fluorescence induction. Their genetic variation suggested that the genotypes differed in the organisation and functioning of the thylakoid membrane. These differences were not reflected in P-N of leaves or plant performance.
Prognostic Significance of the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) Score in Patients with Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated with Nivolumab after Failure of Prior Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors.

PURPOSE The controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score, consisting of albumin, lymphocytes, and total cholesterol, is a validated, objective tool for nutritional assessment. Patients with advanced cancer frequently have malnutrition in association with cachexia and chronic inflammation. We explored the prognostic significance of the CONUT score in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) receiving nivolumab. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study included 60 stage IV RCC patients treated with nivolumab after failure of prior tyrosine kinase inhibitors at two cancer centers between 2013 and 2019. Associations of the CONUT score with progression-free survival (PFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and tumor shrinkage rate (TSR) were assessed. RESULTS The median (range) CONUT score was 2 (0-10). During follow-up periods, 29 and 14 patients exhibited disease progression and died of cancer, respectively. Both PFS and CSS were significantly stratified by CONUT scores of 0-1, 2-4, and ≥5 (p=0.002). A CONUT score of ≥5 (versus score 0-1) was independently associated with unfavorable PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 5.18, p=0.003) and CSS (HR 15.34, p=0.014), as was the absence of prior nephrectomy (HR 4.23, p=0.004 and HR 6.57, p=0.001, respectively). C-indices of the CONUT score for predicting PFS and CSS were 0.694 and 0.737, respectively. The CONUT score was significantly associated with the best response to nivolumab with the median TSR of -23%, +8%, and +24% for CONUT scores of 0-1, 2-4, and ≥5, respectively (p=0.021). CONCLUSIONS The CONUT score may be useful to predict the clinical outcomes and therapeutic response in advanced RCC patients receiving nivolumab.
Brain states govern the spatio-temporal dynamics of resting-state functional connectivity

Previously, using simultaneous resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and photometry-based neuronal calcium recordings in the anesthetized rat, we identified blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) responses directly related to slow calcium waves, revealing a cortex-wide and spatially organized correlate of locally recorded neuronal activity (Schwalm et al., 2017). Here, using the same techniques, we investigate two distinct cortical activity states: persistent activity, in which compartmentalized network dynamics were observed; and slow wave activity, dominated by a cortex-wide BOLD component, suggesting a strong functional coupling of inter-cortical activity. During slow wave activity, we find a correlation between the occurring slow wave events and the strength of functional connectivity between different cortical areas. These findings suggest that down-up transitions of neuronal excitability can drive cortex-wide functional connectivity. This study provides further evidence that changes in functional connectivity are dependent on the brain’s current state, directly linked to the generation of slow waves.
Local enhancement in a seabird: reaction distances and foraging consequence of predator aggregations

Seabirds foraging on pelagic fish develop behavioral strategies specifically adapted to locate inconspicuous prey that are aggregated in spatially dynamic patches. In the marine environment, they may use various mechanisms to detect cues of prey availability. The aggregation of predators at a patch of food is a particularly obvious cue to locate prey, a mechanism known as local enhancement. Pioneering studies described the formation of foraging groups at sea, showing that seabirds are attracted to feeding conspecifics. Improved foraging success due to local enhancement has been suggested from modeling studies, but no direct validation of these results exists. We deployed video cameras concomitantly with GPS loggers on Cape gannets to study the behavioral responses of equipped birds to the aggregation of predators at food patches. We showed that the reaction distances of equipped birds increased with the size of an aggregation, demonstrating that predator aggregations enhance food detectability for foragers. For small aggregations (<50 gannets), reaction distances were mostly less than 10 km, and they increased up to almost 40 km for larger aggregations (100–150 gannets). In addition, we showed that the number and frequency of dives increased with the number of conspecifics aggregated, up to a threshold. The predator aggregations on a patch of food could, therefore, not only inform about the presence of prey but also entail information about foraging conditions. From direct observations on the various components involved, our study provides justification of the use and advantages of local enhancement in foraging seabirds.
Characterization of six phosphate-dissolving bacteria isolated from rhizospheric soils in Mali

Maize rhizospheric soils in Mali were analysed for their content in microorganisms capable of dissolving phosphate rock and producing plant growth substances. Six bacteria were isolated and found to have the capacity to dissolve /solubilize the Tilemsi phosphate rock (TPR) by producing low molecular weight organic acids and phosphorus cycle enzymes. The bacterial isolates had an average of TPR solubilization efficiency of 195% on solid medium and 282 mg P/g TPR on liquid medium. The aim of this work was to identify these microorganisms using molecular techniques as well as determining the nature of the produced organic acids. And the level of P-related enzyme activity. The 16S rDNA sequencing indicates that all the bacteria were
Towards a Redefinition of Cognitive Frailty

Background: The progressive aging of the population will dramatically increase the burden of dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative disorders in the future. Because of the absence of drugs that can modify the neuropathological substrate of AD, research is focusing on the application of preemptive and disease-modifying strategies in the pre-symptomatic period of the disease. In this perspective, the identification of people with cognitive frailty (CF), i.e., those individuals with higher risk of developing dementia, on solid pathophysiological bases and with clear operational clinical criteria is of paramount importance. Objective/Methods: This hypothesis paper reviews the current definitions of CF, presents and discusses some of their limitations, and proposes a framework for updating and improving the conceptual and operational definition of the CF construct. Results: The potential for reversibility of CF should be supported by the assessment of amyloid, tau, and neuronal damage biomarkers, especially in younger patients. Physical and cognitive components of frailty should be considered as separate entities, instead of part of a single macro-phenotype. CF should not be limited to the geriatric population, because trajectories of amyloid accumulation are supposed to start earlier than 65 years in AD. Operational criteria are needed to standardize assessment of CF. Conclusion: Based on the limitations of current CF definitions, we propose a revised one according to a multidimensional subtyping. This new definition might help stratifying CF patients for future trials to explore new lifestyle interventions or disease-modifying pharmacological strategies for AD and dementia.
Irrevocable Goals

When a goal is deemed to be unattainable, people typically try to find some feasible substitute for it. When the goal is viewed as irreplaceable as well as definitely unattainable, it is typically given up. However, some goals are perceived as irrevocable, even though they are believed to be irreplaceable and definitely unattainable. We will try to understand why one is unable to give up a goal while believing it is impossible to bring about the desired state of affairs. Once outlined a few basic assumptions underlying our approach, we will first address the phenomenon of goal replacement, and we will distinguish three kinds of goal replacement: by equivalence, by surrogation, and by compensation. Then we will focus on irrevocable goals, trying to identify their qualifying features, psychological implications, and underlying motivations. Finally we will address the question of the possible functions of such “goal fixation,” despite its apparent maladaptive consequences.
Devonohexapodus bocksbergensis, a new marine hexapod from the Lower Devonian Hunsrück Slates, and the origin of Atelocerata and Hexapoda

We describe a new arthropod (approximately 75 mm long) from the Lower Devonian (Lower Emsian) Hunsruck Slates near Bundenbach, western Germany. The specimen is from an isolated piece of rock found on the quarry dump, precluding precise resolution of stratigraphic age. The Hunsruck Slates are marine sediments with a rich fauna of exclusively marine taxa, suggesting that our fossil was also marine. The animal has a small head with large compound eyes and long, filiform, myocerate antennae. Its trunk is divided distinctly into a thorax with three segments and three pairs of slender legs, and a post-thoracic domain composed of 35-40 limb-bearing segments of which the anteriormost are paired, stout, and ventrally-oriented leglets; the three ultimate limb-bearing segments bear longer, posteriorly-oriented and apparently specialised appendages. The overall appearance of the new form is reminiscent of Archaeognatha or Odonata. It is interpreted as a representative of the Hexapoda because of the possession of a three-segmented thorax and three pairs of legs that are clearly distinct from the posterior set. The large number of leg-bearing post-thoracic segments discriminates it from the Insecta, which possess 11 “abdominal” segments maximally, originally also leg-bearing. The formal systematic classification of the organism is: (Hexapoda (Devonohexapodus bocksbergensis + Insecta (“entognaths” + Ectognatha))). The morphology of the fossil and its environment suggest that the hexapody of hexapods did not evolve as an adaptation to terrestrial locomotion, but was already developed in the marine habitat. No terrestrial arthropods have changed their original tagmosis for biomechanical reasons, for example, no “myriapods” have reduced their leg numbers or modified their trunk to evolve a thorax and abdomen similar to insects. Walking exclusively on uniramous prosomal legs in the Chelicerata also occurred well before terrestrialization of this other euarthropodan group. It is not unlikely that the last common ancestor of the Hexapoda was large and that the small size of extant “entognaths” evolved due to reduction in their stem lineage. Being marine, the new fossil also has considerable impact on hypotheses about the early evolution of Atelocerata (“myriapods” + Hexapoda). For example, if their last common ancestor was aquatic, terrestrialization took place at least twice and tracheal breathing probably evolved independently in both taxa after terrestrialization.
Selection in three vicia faba varieties and evaluation under orobanche stress

Three faba bean varities (Cairo 4, Cairo 5 and Cairo 25) that are blends of different genotypes and lines and tolerant to Orobanche crenata were subgected to individual plant and bulk selection methods. Materials werte selected under free or under Orobanche infestation and were evaluated under infested plots. Individual plant se;ection was more effective in the three varieties than bulk seleection, however, bulk selection was not effective in variety Cairo 25. Effect of selection was obvious when comparing performance of selected materials with unselected populations and plants from original stored seeds. Success of selection may have resulted from the origin of the blended varieties and generation of variation resulting from the pollination system of the crop. materials selected under free condition and evaluated under Orobanche had much petter performance than sister ones that were selected and evaluated under Orobanche stress. May be "performance potential" is affected under stress conditions or was betterunder healthy plots.
Reactive Oxygen-Forming Nox5 Links Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Switching and Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Vascular Calcification

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Rationale: Vascular calcification, the formation of calcium phosphate crystals in the vessel wall, is mediated by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive, precluding mechanism-based therapies. Objective: Phenotypic switching denotes a loss of contractile proteins and an increase in migration and proliferation, whereby VSMCs are termed synthetic. We examined how VSMC phenotypic switching influences vascular calcification and the possible role of the uniquely calcium-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS)-forming Nox5 (NADPH oxidase 5). Methods and Results: In vitro cultures of synthetic VSMCs showed decreased expression of contractile markers CNN-1 (calponin 1), α-SMA (α-smooth muscle actin), and SM22-α (smooth muscle protein 22α) and an increase in synthetic marker S100A4 (S100 calcium binding protein A4) compared with contractile VSMCs. This was associated with increased calcification of synthetic cells in response to high extracellular Ca2+. Phenotypic switching was accompanied by increased levels of ROS and Ca2+-dependent Nox5 in synthetic VSMCs. Nox5 itself regulated VSMC phenotype as siRNA knockdown of Nox5 increased contractile marker expression and decreased calcification, while overexpression of Nox5 decreased contractile marker expression. ROS production in synthetic VSMCs was cytosolic Ca2+-dependent, in line with it being mediated by Nox5. Treatment of VSMCs with Ca2+ loaded extracellular vesicles (EVs) lead to an increase in cytosolic Ca2+. Inhibiting EV endocytosis with dynasore blocked the increase in cytosolic Ca2+ and VSMC calcification. Increased ROS production resulted in increased EV release and decreased phagocytosis by VSMCs. Conclusions: We show here that contractile VSMCs are resistant to calcification and identify Nox5 as a key regulator of VSMC phenotypic switching. Additionally, we describe a new mechanism of Ca2+ uptake via EVs and show that Ca2+ induces ROS production in VSMCs via Nox5. ROS production is required for release of EVs, which promote calcification. Identifying molecular pathways that control Nox5 and VSMC-derived EVs provides potential targets to modulate vascular remodeling and calcification in the context of mineral imbalance.
Response of Rocky Mountain Elk (Cervus elaphus) to Wind-power Development

Abstract Wind-power development is occurring throughout North America, but its effects on mammals are largely unexplored. Our objective was to determine response (i.e., home-range, diet quality) of Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus) to wind-power development in southwestern Oklahoma. Ten elk were radiocollared in an area of wind-power development on 31 March 2003 and were relocated bi-weekly through March 2005. Wind-power construction was initiated on 1 June 2003 and was completed by December 2003 with 45 active turbines. The largest composite home range sizes (>80 km2) occurred April–June and September, regardless of the status of wind-power facility development. The smallest home range sizes (<50 km2) typically occurred in October–February when elk aggregated to forage on winter wheat. No elk left the study site during the study and elk freely crossed the gravel roads used to access the wind-power facility. Carbon and nitrogen isotopes and percent nitrogen in feces suggested that wind-power development did not affect nutrition of elk during construction. Although disturbance and loss of some grassland habitat was apparent, elk were not adversely affected by wind-power development as determined by home range and dietary quality.