Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using multiple landscape genetic approaches to test the validity of genetic clusters in a species characterized by an isolation-by-distance pattern

Bayesian clustering methods are typically used to identify barriers to gene flow, but they are prone to deduce artificial subdivisions in a study population characterized by an isolation-by-distance pattern (IbD). Here we analysed the landscape genetic structure of a population of wild boars (Sus scrofa) from south-western Germany. Two clustering methods inferred the presence of the same genetic discontinuity. However, the population in question was characterized by a strong IbD pattern. While landscape-resistance modelling failed to identify landscape features that influenced wild boar movement, partial Mantel tests and multiple regression of distance matrices (MRDMs) suggested that the empirically inferred clusters were separated by a genuine barrier. When simulating random lines bisecting the study area, 60% of the unique barriers represented, according to partial Mantel tests and MRDMs, significant obstacles to gene flow. By contrast, the random-lines simulation showed that the boundaries of the inferred empirical clusters corresponded to the most important genetic discontinuity in the study area. Given the degree of habitat fragmentation separating the two empirical partitions, it is likely that the clustering programs correctly identified a barrier to gene flow. The differing results between the work published here and other studies suggest that it will be very difficult to draw general conclusions about habitat permeability in wild boar from individual studies.
Elevated blood pressure in high-fat diet-exposed low birthweight rat offspring is most likely caused by elevated glucocorticoid levels due to abnormal pituitary negative feedback

Being delivered as a low birthweight (LBW) infant is a risk factor for elevated blood pressure and future problems with cardiovascular and cerebellar diseases. Premature babies have been reported to possess a lower number of nephrons, but the mechanisms by which blood pressure is elevated in full-term LBW infants remain unclear. We generated a fetal low-carbohydrate and calorie-restricted model rat, and some individuals showed postnatal growth failure caused by increased miR-322 expression in the liver and decreased growth hormone receptor expression. Using this model, we examined how a high-fat diet-induced mismatch between prenatal and postnatal environments could elevate blood pressure after growth. Although LBW rats fed standard chow had slightly higher blood pressure than control rats, their blood pressure was significantly higher than controls when exposed to a high-fat diet. Observation of glomeruli subjected to PAM staining showed no difference in number or size. Aortic and cardiac angiotensin II receptor expression was altered with compensatory responses. Blood aldosterone levels were not different between control and LBW rats, but blood corticosterone levels were significantly higher in the latter with high-fat diet exposure. Administration of metyrapone, a steroid synthesis inhibitor, reduced blood pressure to levels comparable to controls. We showed that high-fat diet exposure causes impairment of the pituitary glucocorticoid feedback via miR-449a. These results clarify that LBW rats have increased blood pressure due to high glucocorticoid levels when they are exposed to a high-fat diet. These findings suggest a new therapeutic target for hypertension of LBW individuals.
Lower-limb joint kinetics in jump rope skills performed by competitive athletes

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to characterise lower-limb joint kinetics during consecutive double unders and speed step sprints performed by competitive jump rope athletes, and to compare these measurements to running. Sixteen adolescent competitive jump rope athletes performed consecutive double under, speed step, and running trials while motion capture and ground reaction force data were collected. Lower-limb joint moments, power, and work were calculated using an inverse dynamics approach and discrete measurements were compared between skills. Peak ground reaction forces were similar between movements; however, knee and hip joint kinetics were distributed differently between double unders and speed step. In general, double unders were characterised by an increased reliance on knee joint kinetics, while speed step was characterised by an increased reliance on hip joint kinetics. Peak ankle moments were 9–20% greater in speed step when compared to double unders and running (p ≤ 0.050), and peak negative ankle power was 39–114% greater in double unders and speed step when compared to running (p ≤ 0.002). These findings may have important implications for injury risk and load management in jump rope athletes or other individuals that incorporate jump rope into their training programs.
Cytocompatibility, stability and osteogenic activity of powder metallurgy Ta-xZr alloys as dental implant materials

Tantalum (Ta) and zirconium (Zr) alloys were found to had low elastic modulus and similar biomechanical characteristics as the human bone. However, the biocompatibility and osteogenic potential of Ta-xZr alloyswith different proportions (20, 30, 40 and 50% Zr by atom) remains to be investigated. In this study, the biocompatibility of Ta-xZr alloys and commercially pure titanium (cpTi) was evaluated in vitro by cell counting kit-8 assay. The adhesion of MG63 osteoblasts to the surface of the alloys was observed by fluorescence microscopy, and their morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The expressions of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Ki67, osteocalcin (OC), collagen-I (Col-I) and Integrin β1 mRNA in the cultured cells were determined by RT-PCR. As a result, Ta-xZr (x = 20, 30, 40 and 50 at%) alloys were non-toxic and supported proliferation of the MG63 cells. The osteoblasts adhered to the Ta-xZr alloys, and subsequently spread and proliferated rapidly. Furthermore, the cells grown on Ta-20Zr and Ta-30Zr expressed high levels of ALP, Col I and OC, indicating that the Ta-xZr alloys can induce osteogenesis. In conclusion, Ta-xZr alloys promoted the adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MG63 cells. The Ta-xZr composites with a higher proportion of Ta exhibited superior osteogenic activity, and Ta-30Zr is therefore a promising alternative for Ti implants.
Serum selenium levels of pre-eclamptic and normal pregnant women in Nigeria: A comparative study

Introduction Trace element selenium, an antioxidant, and peroxynitrite scavenger when incorporated into selenoproteins and enzymes reduce oxidative stress which is implicated in the aetiopathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. A paucity of information exists on the serum selenium levels among pre-eclamptic pregnant women in Nigeria, hence the need for this study. Objective To compare mean serum selenium levels and prevalence of selenium deficiency in preeclamptic pregnant women and their normotensive pregnant controls. Materials and methods A comparative case-control study was carried out at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo state. Fifty-eight preeclamptic and equal normotensive pregnant controls were matched for age groups, gestational age groups, parity groups, and socio-economic status had their serum samples analyzed for selenium level using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (ASS). Data analysis was done using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. P-value of < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Result Mean serum selenium levels of the preeclamptic women(0.67±0.27μmol/l) was significantly (p<0.001) lower than that of the normotensive controls(1.20±0.46μmol/l). Selenium deficiency occurred significantly more in preeclamptic women (33(56.9%) than normotensive women (10(17.2%). Pearson’s coefficient analysis showed negative correlation between serum selenium level with severity of systolic blood pressure (Correlation Coefficient (r) = -0.593), diastolic blood pressure(r = -0.519) and severity of preeclampsia(r = -0.598). Conclusion Serum selenium levels of pre-eclamptic women were significantly lower compared to that of normotensive pregnant controls and selenium deficiency occurred significantly more among the preeclamptic pregnant women compared to the normotensive controls. Selenium level dynamics in pregnancy possibly could play a role in the incidence of pre-eclampsia among pregnant women.
Classification and Nomenclature: Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity

Recommendation: The historical nomenclature for the adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) is confusing, at times called posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD), the adult flexible flatfoot deformity, posterior tibial tendon rupture, peritalar instability and peritalar subluxation (PTS), and progressive talipes equinovalgus. Many but not all of these deformities are associated with a rupture of the posterior tibial tendon (PTT), and some of these are associated with deformities either primarily or secondarily in the midfoot or ankle. There is similar inconsistency with the use of classification schemata for these deformities, and from the first introduced by Johnson and Strom (1989), and then modified by Myerson (1997), there have been many attempts to provide a more comprehensive classification system. However, although these newer more complete classification systems have addressed some of the anatomic variations of deformities encountered, none of the above have ever been validated. The proposed system better incorporates the most recent data and understanding of the condition and better allows for standardization of reporting. In light of this information, the consensus group proposes the adoption of the nomenclature “Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity” (PCFD) and a new classification system aiming at summarizing recent data published on the subject and to standardize data reporting regarding this complex 3-dimensional deformity. Level of Evidence: Level V, consensus, expert opinion. Consensus Statements Voted: CONSENSUS STATEMENT ONE: We will rename the condition to Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity (PCFD), a complex 3-dimensional deformity with varying degrees of hindfoot valgus, forefoot abduction, and midfoot varus. Delegate vote: agree, 100% (9/9); disagree, 0%; abstain, 0%. (Unanimous, strongest consensus) CONSENSUS STATEMENT TWO: Our current classification systems are incomplete or outdated. Delegate vote: agree, 100% (9/9); disagree, 0%; abstain, 0%. (Unanimous, strongest consensus) CONSENSUS STATEMENT THREE: MRI findings should be part of a new classification system. Delegate vote: agree, 33% (3/9); disagree, 67% (6/9); abstain, 0%. (Weak negative consensus) CONSENSUS STATEMENT FOUR: Weightbearing CT (WBCT) findings should be part of a new classification system. Delegate vote: agree, 56% (5/9); disagree, 44% (4/9); abstain, 0%. (Weak consensus) CONSENSUS STATEMENT FIVE: A new classification system is proposed and should be used to stage the deformity clinically and to define treatment. Delegate vote: agree, 89% (8/9); abstain, 11% (1/9). (Strong consensus)
Clinician Training in the Adaptation of a Comprehensive Tobacco-Free Workplace Program in Agencies Serving the Homeless and Vulnerably Housed

Tobacco use is exceedingly high among those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness but not commonly addressed by clinicians. Taking Texas Tobacco Free (TTTF) is a tobacco control program that addresses known clinician barriers to intervention (e.g., low training receipt, limited resources). Here, we examine the process and outcomes of TTTF’s adaptation within four agencies that provide housing or other services to individuals who are homeless or vulnerably housed. Pre- and post-implementation data were collected from clinicians (N = 68) to assess changes in training receipt, knowledge, and intervention behaviors, relative to program goals. Results indicated significant gains in clinicians’ receipt of training in 9 (of 9) target areas (p’s ≤ 0.0042) and a 53% knowledge gain (p < 0.0001). From pre- to post-implementation, there were mean increases in the use of the 5As (ask, advise, assess, assist, and arrange) and other evidence-based interventions for tobacco cessation, with significant gains seen in assisting residents/clients to quit, arranging follow-ups, and providing or referring for non-nicotine medications (p’s ≤ 0.0491). All program goals, except gains related to advising smokers to quit and the use of specific interventions (behavioral counseling), were met. Overall, TTTF improved clinicians’ capacity to address tobacco use among homeless and vulnerably housed individuals and can serve as a model for tobacco control efforts in similar agencies.
Hearing-Impaired Listeners Show Reduced Attention to High-Frequency Information in the Presence of Low-Frequency Information

Many listeners with sensorineural hearing loss have uneven hearing sensitivity across frequencies. This study addressed whether this uneven hearing loss leads to a biasing of attention to different frequency regions. Normal-hearing (NH) and hearing-impaired (HI) listeners performed a pattern discrimination task at two distant center frequencies (CFs): 750 and 3500 Hz. The patterns were sequences of pure tones in which each successive tonal element was randomly selected from one of two possible frequencies surrounding a CF. The stimuli were presented at equal sensation levels to ensure equal audibility. In addition, the frequency separation of the tonal elements within a pattern was adjusted for each listener so that equal pattern discrimination performance was obtained for each CF in quiet. After these adjustments, the pattern discrimination task was performed under conditions in which independent patterns were presented at both CFs simultaneously. The listeners were instructed to attend to the low or high CF before the stimulus (assessing selective attention to frequency with instruction) or after the stimulus (divided attention, assessing inherent frequency biases). NH listeners demonstrated approximately equal performance decrements (re: quiet) between the two CFs. HI listeners demonstrated much larger performance decrements at the 3500 Hz CF than at the 750 Hz CF in combined-presentation conditions for both selective and divided attention conditions, indicating a low-frequency attentional bias that is apparently not under subject control. Surprisingly, the magnitude of this frequency bias was not related to the degree of asymmetry in thresholds at the two CFs.
Point-of-Care Assays Could Be Useful for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of IBD Patients in a Proactive Strategy with Adalimumab

The objective of the study was to evaluate whether Point-of-Care (POC) assays are equivalent to ELISAs for measuring residual trough levels of adalimumab (ADA) in a cohort of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients. ADA trough levels obtained by POC assays were used to optimize patients in daily clinical practice. Different assays (three ELISAs (Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay) from two different suppliers and two POC assays) were compared to measure ADA trough levels in a first cohort of 31 IBD patients. All assays revealed a high correlation within the assays, ranging from 0.86 to 0.99. Cut-off values were always higher with ELISAs than with POC assays. Then, a small prospective clinical study with a second cohort of 37 IBD patients was performed to compare POC assays and ELISAs for their ability to optimize patients on the basis of the measured ADA trough levels. The use of a POC assay to monitor ADA trough levels did not improve the follow-up of patients with loss of response, as they were always optimized whatever their ADA residual rate. For patients in clinical remission, a POC assay can be useful in some clinical situations to maintain or de-escalate ADA doses according to the measured trough levels. In conclusion, different assays for ADA monitoring are quite equivalent. A POC assay could be only useful for a proactive strategy for asymptomatic patients with a sub-therapeutic dose of ADA, but new therapeutic thresholds need to be identified.
ANALISIS AKTIVITAS ANTIBAKTERI EKSTRAK DAUN MANGROVE Avicennia marina DARI KABUPATEN TRENGGALEK DAN KABUPATEN PASURUAN TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN Staphylococcus aureus DAN Vibrio alginolyticus

Avicennia marina mampu beradaptasi pada habitat pasang-surut dan memiliki toleransi salinitas bervariasi. Bentuk adaptasi tersebut berpotensi mempengaruhi komposisi senyawa metabolit sekunder A. marina. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui komposisi senyawa bioaktif yang terdapat pada ekstrak daun A. marina dari Kabupaten Trenggalek dan Kabupaten Pasuruan dan mengetahui aktivitas antibakteri ekstrak A. marina dalam menghambat pertumbuhan bakteri Staphylococcus aureus dan Vibrio alginolyticus. Hasil uji fitokimia menunjukkan kandungan alkaloid, flavonoid, dan saponin pada ekstrak A. marina dari kedua lokasi. Namun, kandungan senyawa Terpenoid dan Tanin hanya ditemukan pada stasiun dengan kondisi tertentu. Hasil uji aktivitas antibakteri ekstrak daun A. marina dari Kabupaten Trenggalek dan Kabupaten Pasuruan terhadap S. aureus menunjukkan hasil rata-rata diameter zona bening sebesar 4,43 – 5,79 mm dan terhadap V. alginolyticus sebesar 4,25 – 5,48 mm. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa ekstrak daun mangrove A. marina mampu menghambat pertumbuhan bakteri S. aureus dan V. alginolyticus. Perbedaan habitat tidak memberikan pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap kemampuan daya hambat, tetapi pada komposisi senyawa bioaktif. Kata Kunci: aktivitas antibakteri, senyawa metabolit sekunder, Kabupaten Trenggalek, Kabupaten Pasuruan, Avicennia marina ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY ANALYSIS OF LEAF EXTRACT FROM DISTRICT MANGROVE Avicennia marina PASURUAN TRENGGALEK AND ON THE GROWTH AND Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio alginolyticus ABSTRACT Avicennia marina capable of adapting to the habitat in tidal and have varying salinity tolerance. Adaptation has the potential to affect the composition of secondary metabolites, A. marina. This study aims to determine the composition of bioactive compounds contained in extracts of leaves of A. marina of Trenggalek and Pasuruan and determine the antibacterial activity of the extracts of A. marina in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio alginolyticus. The test results showed phytochemical content of alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins in the extracts of A. marina from both locations. However, the compound Terpenoid and Tannins are found only in stations with certain conditions. The test results of antibacterial activity of the extracts of leaves of A. marina Trenggalek and Pasuruan against S. aureus showed an average yield of clear zone diameter of 4.43 to 5.79 mm and against V. alginolyticus of 4.25 to 5.48 mm. This indicates that A. marina mangrove leaf extract can inhibit the growth of bacteria S. aureus and V. alginolyticus. Differences habitat does not have a significant impact on the ability of inhibition, but the composition of bioactive compounds. Keywords: antibacterial activity, Avicennia marina, Pasuruan, secondary metabolites, Trenggalek
Efficacy of Emu Oil Transfersomes for Local Transdermal Delivery of 4-OH Tamoxifen in the Treatment of Breast Cancer

Oral tamoxifen used in the prevention and treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) (estrogen-positive) patients has limited acceptance, due to its adverse side effects. The efficacy of tamoxifen is related to its major metabolite, 4-hydroxytamoxifen. Local transdermal therapy of 4-hydroxytamoxifen to the breast might avert the toxicity of oral tamoxifen, while maintaining efficacy. We aim to study the skin irritancy, as well as to evaluate the efficacy of the developed transfersome formulations, with/without emu oil, using a syngeneic mouse model of breast cancer. We also quantified tamoxifen/4-hydroxytamoxifen concentrations in blood plasma and performed histopathology. The skin irritancy test showed that the pure emu oil and transfersome formulations with or without the emu oil did not cause skin irritancy in the animals studied. A sensitive and specific LC–MS/MS method for the quantification of tamoxifen and 4-hydroxytamoxifen was developed and validated. Studies on tumor volume and necrosis (histopathology) using the breast cancer mouse model showed that the 4-OHT transfersomal formulations, with and without emu oil, showed comparable efficacy with that of orally administered tamoxifen. However, the transfersomal formulations, with and without emu oil, resulted in significantly lower (10.24 ± 0.07 and 32.45 ± 0.48 ng/mL, respectively) plasma concentrations of 4-hydroxytamoxifen, compared to the oral tamoxifen (TAMX) group (634.42 ± 7.54 ng/mL). This study demonstrated the potential use of emu oil in a local transdermal formulation for the treatment of breast cancer and its reduced adverse effects.
Effects of being watched on eye gaze and facial displays of typical and autistic individuals during conversation

Communication with others relies on coordinated exchanges of social signals, such as eye gaze and facial displays. However, this can only happen when partners are able to see each other. Although previous studies report that autistic individuals have difficulties in planning eye gaze and making facial displays during conversation, evidence from real-life dyadic tasks is scarce and mixed. Across two studies, here we investigate how eye gaze and facial displays of typical and high-functioning autistic individuals are modulated by the belief in being seen and potential to show true gaze direction. Participants were recorded with an eye-tracking and video-camera system while they completed a structured Q&A task with a confederate under three social contexts: pre-recorded video, video-call and face-to-face. Typical participants gazed less to the confederate and produced more facial displays when they were being watched and when they were speaking. Contrary to our hypotheses, eye gaze and facial motion patterns in autistic participants were overall similar to the typical group. This suggests that high-functioning autistic participants are able to use eye gaze and facial displays as social signals. Future studies will need to investigate to what extent this reflects spontaneous behaviour or the use of compensation strategies. Lay abstract When we are communicating with other people, we exchange a variety of social signals through eye gaze and facial expressions. However, coordinated exchanges of these social signals can only happen when people involved in the interaction are able to see each other. Although previous studies report that autistic individuals have difficulties in using eye gaze and facial expressions during social interactions, evidence from tasks that involve real face-to-face conversations is scarce and mixed. Here, we investigate how eye gaze and facial expressions of typical and high-functioning autistic individuals are modulated by the belief in being seen by another person, and by being in a face-to-face interaction. Participants were recorded with an eye-tracking and video-camera system while they completed a structured Q&A task with a confederate under three social contexts: pre-recorded video (no belief in being seen, no face-to-face), video-call (belief in being seen, no face-to-face) and face-to-face (belief in being seen and face-to-face). Typical participants gazed less to the confederate and made more facial expressions when they were being watched and when they were speaking. Contrary to our hypotheses, eye gaze and facial expression patterns in autistic participants were overall similar to the typical group. This suggests that high-functioning autistic participants are able to use eye gaze and facial expressions as social signals. Future studies will need to investigate to what extent this reflects spontaneous behaviour or the use of compensation strategies.