Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Vigour of Seeds and Age of Old Platycladus orientalis

To understand the relationships in seed germination and judge the aging of Platycladus orientalis,we determined and analyzed the dynamic changes of 1 000-grain weight,germination index,reactive oxygen species(ROS) and malonyldialdehyde(MDA) contents,activities of anti-oxidation enzymes by using the seeds of different ages of P.orientalis collected from Yellow Emperor mausoleum,Songyang Academy,Dai Temple,Jinci Temple,Zhongshan Park and Sleeping Buddha Temple.The results showed that 1 000-grain weight had no significant correlation with the ages of P.orientalis collected from six regions.Germination index and the active of anti-oxidative enzyme of 20-year-old P.orientalis were higher than that of old P.orientalis. However,the content of ROS did not go up with tree age of old P.orientalis. Above all,the seeds of old P.orientalis which taken from different ages and locations had no significant correlation between germination index,ROS(O-·2,H2O2,·OH),MDA contents and activities of anti-oxidation enzymes(SOD,POD,CAT,GR,APX). Compared to the seeds of 20-year-old and 3000-years-old P.orientalis,there were higher germination index and activities of anti-oxidation enzymes and lower contents of ROS and MDA contents.The research discovered that seed vitality of 20-year-old P.orientalis was relatively strong,but there were no clear decline in physiological functions of old P.orientalis seeds in different locations.
Phenotypic Modulation of Biofilm Formation in a Staphylococcus epidermidis Orthopedic Clinical Isolate Grown Under Different Mechanical Stimuli: Contribution From a Combined Proteomic Study

One of the major causes of prosthetic joint failure is infection. Recently, coagulase negative Staphylococcus epidermidis has been identified as an emergent, nosocomial pathogen involved in subclinical prosthetic joint infections (PJIs). The diagnosis of PJIs mediated by S. epidermidis is usually complex and difficult due to the absence of acute clinical signs derived from the host immune system response. Therefore, analysis of protein patterns in biofilm-producing S. epidermidis allows for the examination of the molecular basis of biofilm formation. Thus, in the present study, the proteome of a clinical isolate S. epidermidis was analyzed when cultured in its planktonic or sessile form to examine protein expression changes depending on culture conditions. After 24 h of culture, sessile bacteria exhibited increased gene expression for ribosomal activity and for production of proteins related to the initial attachment phase, involved in the capsular polysaccharide/adhesin, surface associated proteins and peptidoglycan biosynthesis. Likewise, planktonic S. epidermidis was able to aggregate after 24 h, synthesizing the accumulation associate protein and cell-wall molecules through the activation of the YycFG and ArlRS, two component regulatory pathways. Prolonged culture under vigorous agitation generated a stressful growing environment triggering aggregation in a biofilm-like matrix as a mechanism to survive harsh conditions. Further studies will be essential to support these findings in order to further delineate the complex mechanisms of biofilm formation of S. epidermidis and they could provide the groundwork for the development of new drugs against biofilm-related infections, as well as the identification of novel biomarkers of subclinical or chronic infections mediated by these emerging, low virulence pathogens.
Simulation of the Strain Amplification in Sulci Due to Blunt Impact to the Head

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has become a concern in sports, automobile accidents and combat operations. A better understanding of the mechanics leading to a TBI is required to cope with both the short-term life-threatening effects and long-term effects of TBIs, such as the development chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Kornguth et al. (1) proposed that an inflammatory and autoimmune process initiated by a water hammer effect at the bases of the sulci of the brain is a mechanism of TBI leading to CTE. A major objective of this study is to investigate whether the water hammer effect is present due to blunt impacts through the use of computational models. Frontal blunt impacts were simulated with 2D finite element models developed to capture the biofidelic geometry of a human head. The models utilized the Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) method to model a layer of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a deforming fluid allowing for CSF to move in and out of sulci. During the simulated impacts, CSF was not observed to be driven into the sulci during the transient response. However, elevated shear strain levels near the base of the sulci were exhibited. Further, increased shear strain was present when differentiation between white and gray matter was taken into account. Both of the results support clinical observations of (1).
Gut Microbiome and Space Travelers’ Health: State of the Art and Possible Pro/Prebiotic Strategies for Long-Term Space Missions

The upcoming exploration missions will imply a much longer duration than any of the missions flown so far. In these missions, physiological adaptation to the new environment leads to changes in different body systems, such as the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems, metabolic and neurobehavioral health and immune function. To keep space travelers healthy on their trip to Moon, Mars and beyond and their return to Earth, a variety of countermeasures need to be provided to maintain body functionality. From research on the International Space Station (ISS) we know today, that for instance prescribing an adequate training regime for each individual with the devices available in the respective spacecraft is still a challenge. Nutrient supply is not yet optimal and must be optimized in exploration missions. Food intake is intrinsically linked to changes in the gut microbiome composition. Most of the microbes that inhabit our body supply ecosystem benefit to the host-microbe system, including production of important resources, bioconversion of nutrients, and protection against pathogenic microbes. The gut microbiome has also the ability to signal the host, regulating the processes of energy storage and appetite perception, and influencing immune and neurobehavioral function. The composition and functionality of the microbiome most likely changes during spaceflight. Supporting a healthy microbiome by respective measures in space travelers might maintain their health during the mission but also support rehabilitation when being back on Earth. In this review we are summarizing the changes in the gut microbiome observed in spaceflight and analog models, focusing particularly on the effects on metabolism, the musculoskeletal and immune systems and neurobehavioral disorders. Since space travelers are healthy volunteers, we focus on the potential of countermeasures based on pre- and probiotics supplements.
Generation of Virtual Non-Contrast CT From Intravenous Enhanced CT in Radiotherapy Using Convolutional Neural Networks

Objective: To generate virtual non-contrast (VNC) computed tomography (CT) from intravenous enhanced CT through convolutional neural networks (CNN) and compare calculated dose among enhanced CT, VNC, and real non-contrast scanning. Method: 50 patients who accepted non-contrast and enhanced CT scanning before and after intravenous contrast agent injections were selected, and two sets of CT images were registered. A total of 40 and 10 groups were used as training and test datasets, respectively. The U-Net architecture was applied to learn the relationship between the enhanced and non-contrast CT. VNC images were generated in the test through the trained U-Net. The CT values of non-contrast, enhanced and VNC CT images were compared. The radiotherapy treatment plans for esophageal cancer were designed, and dose calculation was performed. Dose distributions in the three image sets were compared. Results: The mean absolute error of CT values between enhanced and non-contrast CT reached 32.3 ± 2.6 HU, and that between VNC and non-contrast CT totaled 6.7 ± 1.3 HU. The average CT values in enhanced CT of great vessels, heart, lungs, liver, and spinal cord were all significantly higher than those of non-contrast CT (p < 0.05), with the differences reaching 97, 83, 42, 40, and 10 HU, respectively. The average CT values of the organs in VNC CT showed no significant differences from those in non-contrast CT. The relative dose differences of the enhanced and non-contrast CT were −1.2, −1.3, −2.1, and −1.5% in the comparison of mean doses of planned target volume, heart, great vessels, and lungs, respectively. The mean dose calculated by VNC CT showed no significant difference from that by non-contrast CT. The average γ passing rate (2%, 2 mm) of VNC CT image was significantly higher than that of enhanced CT image (0.996 vs. 0.973, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Designing a treatment plan based on enhanced CT will enlarge the dose calculation uncertainty in radiotherapy. This paper proposed the generation of VNC CT images from enhanced CT images based on U-Net architecture. The dose calculated through VNC CT images was identical with that obtained through real non-contrast CT.
Resting-State Functional Connectivity Patterns Predict Acupuncture Treatment Response in Primary Dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea (PDM) is a common complaint in women throughout the menstrual years. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in dysmenorrhea; however, there are large interindividual differences in patients’ responses to acupuncture treatment. Fifty-four patients with PDM were recruited and randomized into real or sham acupuncture treatment groups (over the course of three menstrual cycles). Pain-related functional connectivity (FC) matrices were constructed at baseline and post-treatment period. The different neural mechanisms altered by real and sham acupuncture were detected with multivariate analysis of variance. Multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) based on a machine learning approach was used to explore whether the different FC patterns predicted the acupuncture treatment response in the PDM patients. The results showed that real but not sham acupuncture significantly relieved pain severity in PDM patients. Real and sham acupuncture displayed differences in FC alterations between the descending pain modulatory system (DPMS) and sensorimotor network (SMN), the salience network (SN) and SMN, and the SN and default mode network (DMN). Furthermore, MVPA found that these FC patterns at baseline could predict the acupuncture treatment response in PDM patients. The present study verified differentially altered brain mechanisms underlying real and sham acupuncture in PDM patients and supported the use of neuroimaging biomarkers for individual-based precise acupuncture treatment in patients with PDM.
The Immunologic Effect of Early Intravenous Two and Four Gram Bolus Dosing of Tranexamic Acid Compared to Placebo in Patients With Severe Traumatic Bleeding (TAMPITI): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Single-Center Trial

Background The hemostatic properties of tranexamic acid (TXA) are well described, but the immunological effects of TXA administration after traumatic injury have not been thoroughly examined. We hypothesized TXA would reduce monocyte activation in bleeding trauma patients with severe injury. Methods This was a single center, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing placebo to a 2 g or 4 g intravenous TXA bolus dose in trauma patients with severe injury. Fifty patients were randomized into each study group. The primary outcome was a reduction in monocyte activation as measured by human leukocyte antigen-DR isotype (HLA-DR) expression on monocytes 72 h after TXA administration. Secondary outcomes included kinetic assessment of immune and hemostatic phenotypes within the 72 h window post-TXA administration. Results The trial occurred between March 2016 and September 2017, when data collection ended. 149 patients were analyzed (placebo, n = 50; 2 g TXA, n = 49; 4 g TXA, n = 50). The fold change in HLA-DR expression on monocytes [reported as median (Q1–Q3)] from pre-TXA to 72 h post-TXA was similar between placebo [0.61 (0.51–0.82)], 2 g TXA [0.57 (0.47–0.75)], and 4 g TXA [0.57 (0.44–0.89)] study groups (p = 0.82). Neutrophil CD62L expression was reduced in the 4 g TXA group [fold change: 0.73 (0.63–0.97)] compared to the placebo group [0.97 (0.78–1.10)] at 24 h post-TXA (p = 0.034). The fold decrease in plasma IL-6 was significantly less in the 4 g TXA group [1.36 (0.87–2.42)] compared to the placebo group [0.46 (0.19–1.69)] at 72 h post-TXA (p = 0.028). There were no differences in frequencies of myeloid or lymphoid populations or in classical complement activation at any of the study time points. Conclusion In trauma patients with severe injury, 4 g intravenous bolus dosing of TXA has minimal immunomodulatory effects with respect to leukocyte phenotypes and circulating cytokine levels. Clinical Trial Registration www.ClinicalTrials. gov, identifier NCT02535949.
Intracystic Hemorrhage and Its Management During Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Microwave Ablation for Cystic Thyroid Nodules

Background: Intracystic hemorrhage can present occasionally during ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (PMWA) for cystic thyroid nodules. It can affect treatment outcome, can lead to ablation failure, and even conversion to open surgery. We aim to avoid such cases in the future by exploring their causes and management. Methods: From March 2017 to December 2019, we retrospectively studied 87 cystic thyroid nodules in 59 patients who underwent PMWA in the First Hospital of Jilin University. All patients were followed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Results: All patients completed the treatment successfully. Nine cystic thyroid nodules presented with intracystic hemorrhage during the ultrasound-guided PMWA, giving an incidence of 10.3% (9/87 cysts). Larger cystic thyroid nodules were more likely to develop intracystic bleeding during ultrasound-guided PMWA. Intracystic hemorrhage resulted in significantly prolonged ablation time and had a negative effect on treatment outcome. No patients had other complications, but temporary post-operative pain and local swelling were more obvious in patients with intracystic hemorrhage. Conclusion: Intracystic hemorrhage is not rare during ultrasound-guided PMWA for cystic thyroid nodules. Doctors should pay more attention to it, learn to manage it and try to avoid it in clinical practice.
A Spellbinding Interplay Between Biological Barcoding and Nanotechnology

Great scientific research with improved potential in probing biological locales has remained a giant stride. The use of bio-barcodes with the potential use of nanotechnology is a hallmark being developed among recent advanced techniques. Biobarcoding is a novel method used for screening biomolecules to identify and divulge ragbag biodiversity. It establishes successful barcoding projects in the field of nanomedical technology for massively testing disease diagnosis and treatment. Biobarcoding and nanotechnology are recently developed technologies that provide unique opportunities and challenges for multiplex detection such as DNAs, proteins and nucleic acids of animals, plants, viruses, and various other species. These technologies also clump drug delivery, gene delivery, and DNA sequencing. Bio-barcode amplification assay (BCA) is used at large for the detection and identification of proteins and DNAs. DNA barcoding combined with nanotechnology has been proven highly sensitive rendering fast uniplex and multiplex detection of pathogens in food, blood, and other specimens. This review takes a panoramic view of current advances in nano bio-barcodes which have been summarized to explore additional applications such as detection of cytokines, neurotransmitters, cancer markers, prostate-specific antigens, and allergens. In the future, it will also be possible to detect some fungi, algae, protozoa, and other pollutants in food, agriculture, and clinical samples. Using these technologies, specific and efficient sensors would possibly be developed that can perform swift detections of antigens, allergens, and other specimens.
Impacts on school entry of exposure since birth to a conditional cash transfer programme in El Salvador

ABSTRACT Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programmes are important anti-poverty programmes. There is relatively little evidence, however, of ongoing effectiveness several years after they have begun. Such evidence is particularly relevant for policymakers because programme effects may become larger or smaller over time. We analyse whether children exposed since birth to a CCT in El Salvador have better schooling outcomes at initial school ages. The results demonstrate that exposure significantly increased school enrolment and attainment for five-year-olds in preschool. The pattern of impacts suggests continued programme exposure might be improving primary school readiness or shifting norms around child investment.
Misorientation dependence of the grain boundary migration rate: role of elastic anisotropy

ABSTRACT In this work, numerical computations of image forces and stored energy during the growth of a strain free grain within a recovered matrix containing an array of identical dislocations are performed. A decrease of the stored energy is observed when image forces are attractive and an increase when image forces are repulsive. The variation of elastic energy depends closely on the material elastic anisotropy, the number of dislocations in the array and its initial distance to grain boundary. For an array of 20 edge dislocations and the motion of a planar grain boundary over approximately 180 atomic spacing, the magnitude of the energy variation is on the order of one dislocation line energy for Al and six for Cu, which is significant in both cases. Furthermore, by sweeping the whole orientation space for FCC crystals, it is shown that grain boundaries near a misorientation are among those that can display the highest attractive forces on edge dislocations. Since grain boundary migration is driven by the reduction of stored energy, the results are analysed in light of experimental recrystallization data in FCC metals which show that the fastest moving boundaries are often characterised by misorientation axis around and misorientation angle close to .
Comparative Analysis of Lower Genital Tract Microbiome Between PCOS and Healthy Women

Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) often have a history of infertility and poor pregnancy outcome. The character of the lower genital tract (LGT) microbiome of these patients is still unknown. We collected both vaginal and cervical canal swabs from 47 PCOS patients (diagnosed by the Rotterdam Criteria) and 50 healthy reproductive-aged controls in this study. Variable regions 3–4 (V3–4) were sequenced and analyzed. Operational taxonomic unit (OTU) abundance was noted for all samples. Taxa that discriminated between PCOS and healthy women was calculated by linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEFSe). Results from 97 paired vaginal and cervical canal samples collected from 97 women [mean age 30 (±4 years)] were available for analysis. Using the Rotterdam Criteria, 47 women were diagnosed with PCOS (PCOS, n = 47; control, n = 50). There was no significant difference between cervical canal microbiome and vaginal microbiome from the same individual, however, Lactobacillus spp. was less abundant in both vaginal and cervical canal microbiome of PCOS patients. Several non-Lactobacillus taxa including Gardnerella_vaginalis_00703mash, Prevotella_9_other, and Mycoplasma hominis, were more abundant in the LGT microbiota of PCOS patients. There is a difference between the microorganism in the LGT of patients with PCOS and healthy reproductive-aged women.
Where Do We Stand in the Domestic Dog (Canis familiaris) Positive-Emotion Assessment: A State-of-the-Art Review and Future Directions

Although there have been a growing number of studies focusing on dog welfare, the research field concerning dog positive-emotion assessment remains mostly unexplored. This paper aims to provide a state-of-the-art review and summary of the scattered and disperse research on dog positive-emotion assessment. The review notably details the current advancement in dog positive-emotion research, what approaches, measures, methods, and techniques have been implemented so far in emotion perception, processing, and response assessment. Moreover, we propose possible future research directions for short-term emotion as well as longer-term emotional states assessment in dogs. The review ends by identifying and addressing some methodological limitations and by pointing out further methodological research needs.
Using Communication to Modulate Neural Synchronization in Teams

Throughout training and team performance, teams may be assessed based on their communication patterns to identify which behaviors contributed to the team’s performance; however, this process of establishing meaning in communication is burdensome and time consuming despite the low monetary cost. A current topic in team research is developing covert measures, which are easier to analyze in real-time, to identify team processes as they occur during team performance; however, little is known about how overt and covert measures of team process relate to one another. In this study, we investigated the relationship between overt (communication) and covert (neural) measures of team process by manipulating the interaction partner (participant or experimenter) team members worked with and the type of task (decision-making or action-based) teams performed to assess their effects on team neural synchronization (measured as neurodynamic entropy) and communication (measured as both flow and content). The results indicated that the type of task affected how the teams structured their communication but had unpredictable effects on the neural synchronization of the team when averaged across the task session. The interaction partner did not affect team neural synchronization when averaged. However, there were significant relationships when communication and neural processes were examined over time between the neurodynamic entropy and the communication flow time series due to both the type of task and the interaction partner. Specifically, significant relationships across time were observed when participants were interacting with the other participant, during the second task trial, and across different regions of the cortex depending on the type of task being performed. The findings from the time series analyses suggest that factors that are previously known to affect communication (interaction partner and task type) also structure the relationship between team communication and neural synchronization—cross-level effects—but only when examined across time. Future research should consider these factors when developing new conceptualizations of team process measurement for measuring team performance over time.