Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mitogenomic phylogenetic analyses of Leptogorgia virgulata and Leptogorgia hebes (Anthozoa: Octocorallia) from the Gulf of Mexico provides insight on Gorgoniidae divergence between Pacific and Atlantic lineages

Abstract The use of genetics in recent years has brought to light the need to reevaluate the classification of many gorgonian octocorals. This study focuses on two Leptogorgia species—Leptogorgia virgulata and Leptogorgia hebes—from the northwestern Gulf of Mexico (GOM). We target complete mitochondrial genomes and mtMutS sequences, and integrate this data with previous genetic research of gorgonian corals to resolve phylogenetic relationships and estimate divergence times. This study contributes the first complete mitochondrial genomes for L. ptogorgia virgulata and L. hebes. Our resulting phylogenies stress the need to redefine the taxonomy of the genus Leptogorgia in its entirety. The fossil‐calibrated divergence times for Eastern Pacific and Western Atlantic Leptogorgia species based on complete mitochondrial genomes shows that the use of multiple genes results in estimates of more recent speciation events than previous research based on single genes. These more recent divergence times are in agreement with geologic data pertaining to the formation of the Isthmus of Panama.
Accuracy of the smartphone-based nonmydriatic retinal camera in the detection of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy

Purpose: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of smartphone-based nonmydriatic (NM) retinal camera in the detection of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and sight-threatening DR (STDR) in a tertiary eye care facility. Methods: Patients with diabetes underwent retinal photography with a smartphone-based NM fundus camera before mydriasis and standard 7-field fundus photography with a desktop mydriatic fundus camera after mydriasis. DR was graded using the international clinical classification of diabetic retinopathy system by two retinal expert ophthalmologists masked to each other and to the patient's identity. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) to detect DR and STDR by NM retinal imaging were assessed. Results: 245 people had gradable images in one or both eyes. DR and STDR were detected in 45.3% and 24.5%, respectively using NM camera, and in 57.6% and 28.6%, respectively using mydriatic camera. The sensitivity and specificity to detect any DR by NM camera was 75.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 68.1–82.3) and 95.2% (95%CI 91.1–99.3). For STDR the values were 82.9% (95% CI 74.0–91.7) and 98.9% (95% CI 97.3–100), respectively. The PPV to detect any DR was 95.5% (95% CI 89.8–98.5) and NPV was 73.9% (95% CI 66.4–81.3); PPV for STDR detection was 96.7% (95% CI 92.1–100)) and NPV was 93.5% (95% CI 90.0–97.1). Conclusion: Smartphone-based NM retinal camera had fairly high sensitivity and specificity for detection of DR and STDR in this clinic-based study. Further studies are warranted in other settings.
The Influence of Ionic Liquids on the Effectiveness of Analytical Methods Used in the Monitoring of Human and Veterinary Pharmaceuticals in Biological and Environmental Samples—Trends and Perspectives

Recent years have seen the increased utilization of ionic liquids (ILs) in the development and optimization of analytical methods. Their unique and eco-friendly properties and the ability to modify their structure allows them to be useful both at the sample preparation stage and at the separation stage of the analytes. The use of ILs for the analysis of pharmaceuticals seems particularly interesting because of their systematic delivery to the environment. Nowadays, they are commonly detected in many countries at very low concentration levels. However, due to their specific physiological activity, pharmaceuticals are responsible for bioaccumulation and toxic effects in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems as well as possibly upsetting the body’s equilibrium, leading to the dangerous phenomenon of drug resistance. This review will provide a comprehensive summary of the use of ILs in various sample preparation procedures and separation methods for the determination of pharmaceuticals in environmental and biological matrices based on liquid-based chromatography (LC, SFC, TLC), gas chromatography (GC) and electromigration techniques (e.g., capillary electrophoresis (CE)). Moreover, the advantages and disadvantages of ILs, which can appear during extraction and separation, will be presented and attention will be given to the criteria to be followed during the selection of ILs for specific applications.
Quantitative Analysis of Lower Leg Muscle Enhancement Measured From Dynamic Computed Tomographic Angiography for Diagnosis of Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether quantitative analysis of lower leg muscle enhancement measured from dynamic computed tomographic angiography (dyn-CTA) could be used for diagnosis of peripheral arterial occlusive disease. METHODS Patients (N = 35) with known peripheral arterial occlusive disease underwent the dyn-CTA of calves first. Five minutes later, standard CTA of the peripheral runoff from the diaphragm to the toes was performed. A runoff score was assigned by radiologists as a reference standard for each of 4 lower leg artery segments. The lower leg muscle enhancement measured from the dyn-CTA was analyzed by using quantitative kinetic parameters, including initial enhancement (E1), peak enhancement (Epeak), and enhancement ratio (ER) calculated from average time attenuation curves. In addition, histogram of lower leg muscle enhancement was evaluated by using the first enhanced phase images. RESULTS Lower extremities were diagnosed as a normal group (n = 22) with each vessel segment score equals to 1 or lower and runoff score, 7 or lower, and otherwise as an ischemia group (n = 48). Average ± SD E1 is 91.4% ± 8.5% and 82.3% ± 10.7%, Epeak is 122.7% ± 10.4% and 115.6% ± 11.1%, and ER is 0.75 ± 0.05 and 0.72 ± 0.09 for normal and ischemia group, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that average E1 and Epeak for the ischemia group were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the normal group. The histogram analysis demonstrated that mean and median of muscle enhancement in the ischemia group were significantly smaller (P < 0.05), and coefficient of variation (CV) was significantly larger (P < 0.05) than the normal group. There were weak negative correlations (r = -0.42, P < 0.05) between runoff scores and E1 and Epeak, and weak positive correlation (r = 0.40, P < 0.05) between runoff scores and CV. The receiver operating characteristics analysis between the 2 groups had area under the curve of 0.77 and 0.76 for E1 and CV, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Lower leg muscle enhancement measured from the dyn-CTA could be assessed quantitatively to assist diagnosis of ischemia in clinical practice.
Dimethyl fumarate vs fingolimod following different pretreatments

Objective Despite frequent use of fingolimod (FTY) and dimethyl fumarate (DMF), studies comparing clinical efficacy and withdrawal rates of DMF and FTY concerning different pretreatment situations are rare. The aim of our study was to compare relapse occurrence and withdrawal rates of DMF and FTY in different pretreatment situations. Methods Patients from 4 European centers were retrospectively identified and followed until the 1st relapse after treatment start or if no relapse occurred for a maximum of 2 years. Cox regression analyses adjusted for relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) disease duration, sex, and region were performed for the following pretreatment situations: treatment naive or injectables or DMF/FTY or natalizumab. Results Seven hundred thirty-two patients with RRMS (female/male: 2.4:1.0; DMF n = 409, FTY n = 323) were analyzed. Compared with FTY-treated patients, DMF-treated patients discontinued treatment more frequently mainly because of side effects (DMF/FTY: 29.3%/20.7%). Clinical relapses occurred in 24.5% of the patients within 24 months. Survival analysis demonstrated that compared with FTY treatment, DMF treatment was associated with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for occurrence of relapse of 1.9 (95% CI 1.4–2.6, p < 0.001, n = 732). Stratification into pretreatment groups unmasked a higher relapse risk in DMF patients pretreated with natalizumab (aHR [95% CI] 4.5 [1.9–10.8], p = 0.001, n = 122) or to a lesser extend also in treatment-naive patients (aHR [95% CI] 1.9 [1.01–3.6], p = 0.045, n = 230). No differences were observed in patients pretreated with injectables or the respective other oral drug (injectables: p > 0.05, n = 341; other oral: p > 0.05, n = 39). Conclusions DMF treatment was associated with higher clinical disease activity compared with FTY treatment. A subgroup analysis suggested beneficial effects of FTY in treatment-naive and patients pretreated with natalizumab.
Habitat selection and potential fitness consequences of two early‐successional species with differing life‐history strategies

Abstract Habitat selection and its relationship to fitness is a fundamental concept in ecology, but the mechanisms driving this connection are complex and difficult to detect. Despite the difficulties in understanding such intricate relationships, it is imperative that we study habitat selection and its relationship with fitness. We compared habitat selection of least terns (Sternula antillarum) and piping plovers (Charadrius melodus) on the Missouri River (2012–2014) to examine the consequences of those choices on nest and chick survival. We hypothesized that plovers and terns would select habitat that minimized the chance of flooding and predation of eggs, chicks, and adults, but that plovers would also select habitat that would provide foraging habitat for their chicks. We developed an integrated habitat selection model that assessed selection across multiple scales (sandbar and nest scales) and directly modeled the effect of selection on nest and chick survival. In general, the species selected habitat in keeping with our hypotheses, such that predation and flooding, in particular, may have been reduced. Sandbar selection had either a negative or no appreciable effect on nest survival for both species across years. Nest‐site selection in 2012 had a generally positive effect on nest survival and chick survival for both terns and plovers, and this trended toward a negative effect by 2014. This result suggested that early selection decisions appeared to be adaptive, but we speculate that relatively high site fidelity and habitat degradation led to reduced benefit over time. Our results highlight the complex nature of habitat selection and its relationship to fitness.
Aromatic Characterization of Mangoes (Mangifera indica L.) Using Solid Phase Extraction Coupled with Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry and Olfactometry and Sensory Analyses

Mangoes (Mangifera indica L.) are wildly cultivated in China with different commercial varieties; however, characterization of their aromatic profiles is limited. To better understand the aromatic compounds in different mango fruits, the characteristic aromatic components of five Chinese mango varieties were investigated using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-MS-O) techniques. Five major types of substances, including alcohols, terpenes, esters, aldehydes, and ketones were detected. GC-O (frequency detection (FD)/order-specific magnitude estimation (OSME)) analysis identified 23, 20, 20, 24, and 24 kinds of aromatic components in Jinmang, Qingmang, Guifei, Hongyu, and Tainong, respectively. Moreover, 11, 9, 9, 8, and 17 substances with odor activity values (OAVs) ≥1 were observed in Jinmang, Qingmang, Guifei, Hongyu, and Tainong, respectively. Further sensory analysis revealed that the OAV and GC-O (FD/OSME) methods were coincided with the main sensory aromatic profiles (fruit, sweet, flower, and rosin aromas) of the five mango pulps. Approximately 29 (FD ≥ 6, OSME ≥ 2, OAV ≥ 1) aroma-active compounds were identified in the pulps of five mango varieties, namely, γ-terpinene, 1-hexanol, hexanal, terpinolene trans-2-heptenal, and p-cymene, which were responsible for their special flavor. Aldehydes and terpenes play a vital role in the special flavor of mango, and those in Tainong were significantly higher than in the other four varieties.
Spectroscopic and Microscopic Analyses of Fe3O4/Au Nanoparticles Obtained by Laser Ablation in Water

Magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles constituted of gold and iron oxide were obtained in an aqueous environment by laser ablation of iron and gold targets in two successive steps. Gold nanoparticles are embedded in a mucilaginous matrix of iron oxide, which was identified as magnetite by both microscopic and spectroscopic analyses. The plasmonic properties of the obtained colloids, as well as their adsorption capability, were tested by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy using 2,2′-bipyridine as a probe molecule. DFT calculations allowed for obtaining information on the adsorption of the ligand molecules that strongly interact with positively charged surface active sites of the gold nanoparticles, thus providing efficient SERS enhancement. The presence of iron oxide gives the bimetallic colloid new possibilities of adsorption in addition to those inherent to gold nanoparticles, especially regarding organic pollutants and heavy metals, allowing to remove them from the aqueous environment by applying a magnetic field. Moreover, these nanoparticles, thanks to their low toxicity, are potentially useful not only in the field of sensors, but also for biomedical applications.
Left Ventricular Function and Myocardial Triglyceride Content on 3T Cardiac MR Predict Major Cardiovascular Adverse Events and Readmission in Patients Hospitalized with Acute Heart Failure

Background: This prospective study was designed to investigate whether myocardial triglyceride (TG) content from proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and left ventricular (LV) function parameters from cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) can serve as imaging biomarkers in predicting future major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE) and readmission in patients who had been hospitalized for acute heart failure (HF). Methods: Patients who were discharged after hospitalization for acute HF were prospectively enrolled. On a 3.0 T MR scanner, myocardial TG contents were measured using MRS, and LV parameters (function and mass) were evaluated using cine. The occurrence of MACE and the HF-related readmission served as the endpoints. Independent predictors were identified using univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses. Results: A total of 133 patients (mean age, 52.4 years) were enrolled. The mean duration of follow-up in surviving patients was 775 days. Baseline LV functional parameters—including ejection fraction, LV end-diastolic volume, LV end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI), and LV end-systolic volume (p < 0.0001 for all), and myocardial mass (p = 0.010)—were significantly associated with MACE. Multivariable analysis revealed that LVEDVI was the independent predictor for MACE, while myocardial mass was the independent predictor for 3- and 12-month readmission. Myocardial TG content (lipid resonances δ 1.6 ppm) was significantly associated with readmission in patients with ischemic heart disease. Conclusions: LVEDVI and myocardial mass are potential imaging biomarkers that independently predict MACE and readmission, respectively, in patients discharged after hospitalization for acute HF. Myocardial TG predicts readmission in patients with a history of ischemic heart disease.
The effect of preexisting HMGB1 within fetal bovine serum on murine pancreatic beta cell biology

ABSTRACT High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) can act as a structural protein of the chromatin and at the same time as a mediator of the immune system. Its high correlation with the graft acceptance in pancreatic islet recipients makes it a biomarker in islet transplantation. With the suspicion that preexisting HMGB1 in the fetal bovine serum (FBS) would be detrimental to the viability and function of murine beta cells, HMGB1 was removed from FBS and its impact was investigated. Interestingly, the elimination of HMGB1 from FBS seemed unfavorable to the viability and function of cultured murine beta cells, suggesting that the preexisting HMGB1 in the FBS may be an indispensable component of islet cell culture.
Combinations of Epidemiological and Experimental Studies in Air Pollution Research: A Narrative Review

Scientific literature is evolving to include more systematic reviews that encompass epidemiological and experimental papers so that the whole picture can be examined. The aim of this narrative review is to bridge that gap by combining epidemiological and experimental studies based on the same setting: Examples of Bitterfeld, Utah Valley, Beijing Olympic Games, and Viadana. This review looks at four examples that incorporate multiple epidemiological and experimental papers about air pollution exposure and health effects. The Bitterfeld (spatial) and Utah Valley (temporal) examples showed that particle composition causes the biggest difference in lung injury. In Beijing, a temporal difference of before/after and during the Olympics showed that traffic and industry air pollution-related health effects like lung cancer and cardiovascular disease could be reduced by improvement of air quality. The Viadana example showed a spatial difference in respiratory injury caused by particle composition and interactions with genotoxicity. Combining experimental and epidemiological methods gives a more in-depth look into the whole picture of exposure and health effects. Our review exemplifies the strength of this strategy and encourages further use of it.
Haptoglobin genotype and outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage

Objective After aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH), extracellular haemoglobin (Hb) in the subarachnoid space is bound by haptoglobin, neutralising Hb toxicity and helping its clearance. Two exons in the HP gene (encoding haptoglobin) exhibit copy number variation (CNV), giving rise to HP1 and HP2 alleles, which influence haptoglobin expression level and possibly haptoglobin function. We hypothesised that the HP CNV associates with long-term outcome beyond the first year after aSAH. Methods The HP CNV was typed using quantitative PCR in 1299 aSAH survivors in the Genetics and Observational Subarachnoid Haemorrhage (GOSH) Study, a retrospective multicentre cohort study with a median follow-up of 18 months. To investigate mediation of the HP CNV effect by haptoglobin expression level, as opposed to functional differences, we used rs2000999, a single nucleotide polymorphism associated with haptoglobin expression independent of the HP CNV. Outcome was assessed using modified Rankin and Glasgow Outcome Scores. SAH volume was dichotomised on the Fisher grade. Haemoglobin-haptoglobin complexes were measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 44 patients with aSAH and related to the HP CNV. Results The HP2 allele associated with a favourable long-term outcome after high-volume but not low-volume aSAH (multivariable logistic regression). However rs2000999 did not predict outcome. The HP2 allele associated with lower CSF haemoglobin-haptoglobin complex levels. The CSF Hb concentration after high-volume and low-volume aSAH was, respectively, higher and lower than the Hb-binding capacity of CSF haptoglobin. Conclusion The HP2 allele carries a favourable long-term prognosis after high-volume aSAH. Haptoglobin and the Hb clearance pathway are therapeutic targets after aSAH.
Literature on peer-based community physical activity programmes for mental health service users: a scoping review

ABSTRACT Physical activity is a key determinant of mental health; community programmes aim to increase health and well-being on a community wide scale with emphasis on social interaction. Regular physical activity participation in community settings yields additional social benefits, such as peer support. This scoping review aimed to explore existing literature that has included peer support as a component of community-based physical activity programmes for MHSU. Published literature was examined using electronic databases (SportDiscus, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO), reference lists, and hand searching of journals. Thirteen eligible articles included; adults aged 18 and over, a peer support component, physical activity and/or sport, participants with mental health diagnoses and were community-based. Research published between 2007 and 2019, peer-reviewed and written in English was included. Nine studies found a significant increase in perceived social support, seven studies reported increased mental wellbeing and five studies reported increased physical activity levels. Effectiveness of reviewed programmes were categorised as; overall improvements in physical activity levels, improvements to mental health, exercise related psychosocial benefits, knowledge relating to self-care, and improved social connections. Community-based physical activity programmes produced psychosocial benefits and positive behaviour change for MHSU, warranting greater focus towards implementing effective peer support into community programmes.
Too-Much-Of-A-Good-Thing Effect of External Resource Investment—A Study on the Moderating Effect of Psychological Capital on the Contribution of Social Support to Work Engagement

Built on the job demands-resources model (JD-R) and self-determination theory, the present research proposed that the relationship between work resources (social support) and employees’ work engagement takes on an inverted U-shaped curve, and presents a model of the moderation of personal resources (psychological capital) on the relationship. The hypotheses were tested by hierarchical regression analysis and path analysis with 535 surveys collected in 19 enterprises. The findings demonstrated an inverted U-shaped curve relationship between enterprises’ social support and employees’ work engagement and further suggested that the predicting effect of social support on work engagement is influenced by employees’ psychological capital, that is to say, the transformation from social support to work engagement bears higher efficiency in employees with high psychological capital than in those with low psychological capital. However, psychological capital fails to display a moderating effect on the curve relationship between social support and work engagement. The present study, casting doubt on the assumption that enterprise supply must meet the needs of employees, argued that the effectiveness of enterprises’ resource support is influenced by the individual needs of employees.