Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contribution of xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group D gene polymorphisms in breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility

Abstract Background: The role of xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group D (XPD) gene polymorphisms in breast and ovarian cancer development has long been controversial and existing data were inconsistent. Here, we conducted a comprehensive systemic review and meta-analysis to better clarify the association. Methods: Relevant case-control studies published in electronic data base from October 1999 to September 2019 were assessed. The statistical analyses of the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated by using Revman 5.2 software (Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen). Results: 31 articles including 38 case-control studies and 2 XPD polymorphisms (rs1799793 and rs238406) were analyzed. The results showed statistical significance in heterozygous mutants among Asian population for rs1799793 (GA vs GG + AA: OR = 1.38, 95%CI = 1.21–1.56), and Caucasian population for rs238406 (CA vs AA + CC: OR = 0.63, 95%CI = 0.49–0.80), while the rest comparisons including overall groups and subgroups stratified by cancer types and ethnicity failed to indicate any association with breast and ovarian cancer risk. Conclusions: The current meta-analysis suggested no concrete correlation of XPD rs1799793(G/A) and rs238406(C/A) polymorphisms with breast cancer or ovarian cancer susceptibility. However, it indicated that heterozygous genotypes might share different pathophysiologic mechanism from not only homozygous wildtypes but also homozygous mutants. More case–control studies with well-adjusted data and diverse populations are essential for validation of our conclusion.
Effect of high-quality nursing intervention on anxiety and depression in patients with chronic heart failure companied malnutrition

Abstract Background: This study will assess the effect of high-quality nursing intervention (HQNI) on anxiety and depression in patients with chronic heart failure companied malnutrition (CHFM). Methods: We will retrieve electronic databases from the respective dates to February 29, 2020 without language and publication status restrictions: Cochrane Library, Web of Science, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. All potential randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which examined the effect of HQNI on anxiety and depression in patients with CHFM will be included. Two team members will separately perform article retrieval, duplicates excluding, scanning, data collection, and study quality assessment. In addition, this study will carry out data analysis by RevMan 5.3 software. Results: This study will provide high-quality synthesis and/or descriptive analysis of the latest evidence to assess the effect of HQNI on anxiety and depression in patients with CHFM. Conclusion: The findings of this study will exert evidence to judge whether or not HQNI is effective on anxiety and depression in patients with CHFM. Registration number: INPLASY202040069.
Effect of maltodextrin and emulsifiers on the viscosity of cake batter and on the quality of cakes.

Pound cake was made using maltodextrin to achieve fat reduction levels of up to 80%, with or without the addition of emulsifiers (glycerol monostearate (GMS) and sodium stearoyl lactylate (SSL)), and effects on cake batter viscosity and final cake quality were determined. Fat substitution with equal quantities of maltodextrin significantly reduced cake batter viscosity and resulted in firmer, flatter cakes with reduced vol. Batter viscosity could be increased and cake quality improved by using lower concn. of maltodextrin. Further studies carried out using cake formulations containing 80% less fat and 10% added maltodextrin showed that addition of 0.5% SSL improved cake batter viscosity, but had little influence on cake texture or vol. Addition of 0.5% GMS produced cake with superior vol., despite having relatively little effect on batter viscosity.
Radial glia in the zebrafish brain: Functional, structural, and physiological comparison with the mammalian glia

The neuroscience community has witnessed a tremendous expansion of glia research. Glial cells are now on center stage with leading roles in the development, maturation, and physiology of brain circuits. Over the course of evolution, glia have highly diversified and include the radial glia, astroglia or astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal cells, each having dedicated functions in the brain. The zebrafish, a small teleost fish, is no exception to this and recent evidences point to evolutionarily conserved roles for glia in the development and physiology of its nervous system. Due to its small size, transparency, and genetic amenability, the zebrafish has become an increasingly prominent animal model for brain research. It has enabled the study of neural circuits from individual cells to entire brains, with a precision unmatched in other vertebrate models. Moreover, its high neurogenic and regenerative potential has attracted a lot of attention from the research community focusing on neural stem cells and neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, studies using zebrafish have the potential to provide fundamental insights about brain development and function, and also elucidate neural and molecular mechanisms of neurological diseases. We will discuss here recent discoveries on the diverse roles of radial glia and astroglia in neurogenesis, in modulating neuronal activity and in regulating brain homeostasis at the brain barriers. By comparing insights made in various animal models, particularly mammals and zebrafish, our goal is to highlight the similarities and differences in glia biology among species, which could set new paradigms relevant to humans.
Reproductive behaviour in the neotropical foam-nesting frog Pleurodema diplolistris (Leptodactylidae)

Field observations and laboratory video studies were conducted on call production and foam-nest construction of the leptodactylid frog, Pleurodema diplolistris, in Joao Pessoa, Paraiba (Brazil). Males call during the night while floating on the water surface. Sound is generated by the inspiratory airstream during pulmonary respiration. Calls have a mean duration of 11.4 s and consist of a series oflow frequency notes given at a mean rate of 536 min -1 . Pairs mate in axillary amplexus while floating on the water surface. Between 528 and 748 eggs are deposited in a foam nest. Nesting bouts can be divided into three consecutive phases: (1) female lordosis and egg extrusion and male basket formation; (2) foam beating, and (3) foam smoothing by the male. Bouts last up to 2.9 s and occur at a mean rate of 6.0 min -1 . Fifty-one to 101 activity phases are needed to complete nest construction, which lasts between 6:48 and 17:04 min. Interconnected, communal nests outnumber single foam masses. Larvae hatch 22 to 26 h after oviposition at the external gill stage.
Enlarged Stem Glands in the Foot of the Post-Larval Mussel, Mytilus Edulis: Adaptation for Bysso-Pelagic Migration

Following primary settlement and metamorphosis in Myiilus edulu (L.), the original larval stem glands (S1 and S2) increase enormously in size in the plantigrade. These glands, packed with mature secretion, discharge into a multi-partitioned posterior ducted system which is transitional in form between that of the larva and the adult. The gross enlargement of the stem glands appears to be an adaptation for frequent and copious production of byssus material during the bysso-pelagic and attachment phases of early post-larval life. This interpretation is supported by the fact that the volume ratio of the stem glands to the foot declines during subsequent growth of the young mussel and that other glands take over the function of byssus stem formation in mature mussels. Enhanced dispersal of post-larvae by bysso-pelagic drifting would account for the widespread and heavy fouling of offshore platforms by the almost exclusively intertidal mussel, particularly where these structures are far distant from coastal stocks.
In Situ Monitoring of the Unsaturated Phospholipid Monolayer Oxidation in the Ambient Air by HD-SFG Spectroscopy.

The pulmonary surfactant monolayer is indispensable for the respiratory system. Recently, it was reported that some unsaturated lipids of the pulmonary surfactants are oxidized by low-level ozone in the ambient air. However, the molecular-level understanding about the reaction mechanism is still limited due to technical difficulties. We applied heterodyne-detected sum frequency generation (HD-SFG) spectroscopy to probe the reaction process of an unsaturated phospholipid monolayer (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine; POPC), which is one of the major lipids in the pulmonary surfactant, under low-level ozone (30 ± 5 ppb). The HD-SFG spectroscopy realized the accurate peak assignments of the spectra and the identification of molecular species with a high sensitivity, which were impossible with previous measurements. The time-resolved spectra indicated that the C=C moiety in the unsaturated alkyl chain is selectively oxidized by ozone with a time constant of 22 ± 3 minutes by a first-order reaction kinetics. Furthermore, it was revealed for the first time that the reaction product of the POPC monolayer under low-level ozone is not the carboxylic form but the aldehyde form based on the vibrational spectroscopy results. The present study has deepened our molecular-level understanding about the oxidation mechanism of unsaturated lipids which are widely found in many biological systems.
Deep Trench Isolation and Inverted Pyramid Array Structures Used to Enhance Optical Efficiency of Photodiode in CMOS Image Sensor via Simulations

The photodiode in the backside-illuminated CMOS sensor is modeled to analyze the optical performances in a range of wavelengths (300–1100 nm). The effects of changing in the deep trench isolation depth (DTI) and pitch size (d) of the inverted pyramid array (IPA) on the peak value (OEmax.) of optical efficiency (OE) and its wavelength region are identified first. Then, the growth ratio (GR) is defined for the OE change in these wavelength ranges to highlight the effectiveness of various DTI and d combinations on the OEs and evaluate the OE difference between the pixel arrays with and without the DTI + IPA structures. Increasing DTI can bring in monotonous OEmax. increases in the entire wavelength region. For a fixed DTI, the maximum OEmax. is formed as the flat plane (d = 0 nm) is chosen for the top surface of Si photodiode in the RGB pixels operating at the visible light wavelengths; whereas different nonzero value is needed to obtain the maximum OEmax. for the RGB pixels operating in the near-infrared (NIR) region. The optimum choice in d for each color pixel and DTI depth can elevate the maximum GR value in the NIR region up to 82.2%.
Characterization of Indigenous Lactic Acid Bacteria in Cow Milk of the Maltese Islands: A Geographical and Seasonal Assessment

A geographical and seasonal assessment of indigenous lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in Maltese cow milk was conducted in this study. To investigate this, milk was collected from different regions of Malta during winter and summer seasons. Total viable counts (TVC) and LAB population were enumerated. Afterwards, LAB were isolated and identified by molecular methods. According to the results, similar TVC were enumerated on winter and summer samples, while highest LAB population was detected on summer samples. LAB isolates were grouped in seven different clusters which were assigned to Lactobacillus casei, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Weissella paramesenteroides, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactococcus lactis, and Lactococcus garvieae. In addition, Enterococcus and Streptococcus species were also isolated. Season seemed to affect the genus/species of LAB since Lactobacillus were mainly isolated from winter samples, while Lactococcus and Enterococcus species were the main genera identified in summer samples. Regarding the geographical distribution, the majority of the Lactobacillus spp. were isolated from the South-eastern region in both seasons. In conclusion, through this study the diversity of indigenous LAB in the Maltese cow milk was monitored for the first time and highlighted that the microbial communities are affected by seasonality and geographical distribution of the farms.
The Importance of Reactive Agility Tests in Differentiating Adolescent Soccer Players

The ability to differentiate the elite from nonelite athletes is not clearly defined. We investigated level differences in speed, change of direction speed (CODS), and reactive agility in a group of trained adolescent soccer players. A total of 75 adolescent male soccer players (aged 14–19 years) were recruited. The players were grouped based on the level of play to elite, sub-elite, and amateur players. Players were tested for 5-, 10- and 20-m sprints, CODS, and reactive agility tests (RAT). Elite players had faster reaction movement time during RAT with live opponent stimuli (p ≤ 0.01) compared to sub-elite and amateur players. Moreover, elite players showed a faster time during light stimuli (p ≤ 0.01) but only compared to amateur players. The times for 5-m and 10-m sprint groups did not differ (p > 0.05). The results demonstrated that the skilled players (elite and sub-elite) performed better in reactive agility tests, speed, and COD speed compared to amateur players. Additionally, we can conclude that total and reaction time in the agility test with live opponent stimuli can be a significant factor that differentiates between adolescent soccer players considering their level.
Genetic analysis in the methylotrophic yeast Hansenula polymorpha

Techniques are described for the induction, isolation, and characterization of mutants of Hansenula polymorpha. In addition, techniques for controlled passage through the life cycle and genetic analyses, including complementation, tetrad and random spore analysis, have been developed and used to assign mutants to 62 complementation groups. We report that organism conforms to the expected genetics of a homothallic yeast and displays a Mendelian segregation of genes through meiosis. Preliminary mapping data are presented indicating linkage of three genes on a single linkage fragment. Enymatic analysis of methanol‐non‐utilizing mutants identified one class which is totally deficient in the key assimilatroy enzyme, dihydroxyacetone synthase.
A real-time optimization method for economic and effective operation of electrostatic precipitators

ABSTRACT Electrostatic precipitators (ESP) have been considered as the main particulate matter (PM) removal facility in the energy industry. This paper presents a real-time optimization method for a one-chamber industrial ESP in an ultra-low emission power plant with an intelligent optimization system (IOS). The IOS seeks to optimize the energy consumption of ESP subject to the outlet concentration requirement in real-time. A coordination control logic is designed to regulate the optimized operation set points with varying operation conditions. The operation optimized by the IOS is compared with the operations under PID (proportion-integral-derivative) and manual control. The results show that the IOS improves the emission compliance rate from 95% of manual control to 100% and the medium concentration is tuned to be 46.6% closer to the emission target. Furthermore, a good balance between emission and energy consumption is achieved, with 35.50% energy conservation for the same emission upper limit of 30 mg/m3. These results prove that the IOS significantly contributes to the efficient operation and economic PM removal by ESP for the energy industry. Implications Electrostatic precipitators (ESP) is one of the main PM removal facilities in coal-fired power plants. An intelligent optimization system (IOS) with prediction, optimization, and control modules is designed and constructed for the ESP in an ultra-low emission power plant. A PM removal model is used to predict the outlet concentration of the ESP. The optimal energy consumption of ESP subject to the outlet concentration requirement problem is solved by the particle swarm optimization. A closed-loop and rapping tolerant method is used to eliminate the fluctuation in time-averaged concentration. The system raised is able to ensure the compliance rate while decreasing the energy consumption of the ESP.
Barriers to optimal antiretroviral therapy adherence among HIV-infected formerly incarcerated individuals in New York City

In the United States (U.S.), the HIV infection rate is disproportionately high among incarcerated individuals. HIV-infected individuals typically receive antiretroviral therapy (ART) to suppress HIV and reduce the threat of transmission. Although HIV-infected individuals are generally ART-adherent while incarcerated, the public health benefits experienced during incarceration are often lost as HIV-infected individuals struggle to maintain optimal adherence post-incarceration. While the importance of maintaining adherence in the post-incarceration period has been acknowledged, research on barriers to ART adherence during this period is limited. To better understand post-release barriers to ART adherence, we conducted in-depth interviews with 20 HIV-infected formerly incarcerated individuals in New York City; we also followed up with 18 (90%) participants after three months to explore whether their adherence challenges changed over time. Viral load testing results from their most recent physician visit were also recorded at each interview. Interviews were transcribed using transcription software and reviewed for accuracy by a researcher. Thematic coding based on discussion guide prompts were then used to identify commonly mentioned barriers to adherence. The results identified four overarching themes that affected study participants’ efforts to adhere to their ART regimen: medication burden, forgetfulness, mental health and emotional difficulties, and perceived conflict between substance use and medication adherence. These barriers were the most commonly cited and largely persisted at three-month follow-up. The results suggest that interventions addressing these challenges are essential for promoting ART adherence among HIV-infected formerly incarcerated individuals. Effective interventions may include mobile-based text messaging reminders and those that facilitate patient-provider communication. Additionally, interventions or programs that integrate substance use and mental health treatment into HIV-related care, along with other types of behavioral health support, may also be beneficial for this population. Such interventions should be a routine part of discharge planning and support for incarcerated individuals returning to the community.
Atributos químicos e estoques de carbono e nitrogênio em argissolo vermelho-amarelo sob sistemas agroflorestais e agricultura de corte e queima no norte do Piauí

Slash and burn farming practices have caused land degradation in the state of Piaui. This problem has stimulated the adoption of land use sustainable alternatives such as agroforestry systems. This work aimed to evaluate changes in the chemical characteristics and carbon and nitrogen stocks in Acrisol under six (SAF6) and ten year (SAF10) old agroforestry systems, agriculture with a three year (SE3) ecological basis, slash and burning practices (ACQ), and native forest (FN) in the northern state of Piaui. Soil samples, in the dry and humid periods, were collected in the 0-10 cm depth. Chemical soil properties, total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) were evaluated. SAF10 showed lower Al +3 content (0.02 cmolc dm-3) in relation to the other systems. In the dry season, P content in SAF10 (12.27 mg dm-3) was six to seven times larger than ACQ and FN, respectively. The highest values of TOC and TN were observed, in the dry season, respectively, in the SAF10 (48.54 Mg ha-1 and 4.43 Mg ha-1) and SAF6 (43.30 Mg ha-1 and3.45 Mg ha-1). Agroforestry systems improved soil quality and can be considered conservation strategy for northern Piaui.
HRness in Breast and Ovarian Cancers

Ovarian and breast cancers are currently defined by the main pathways involved in the tumorigenesis. The majority are carcinomas, originating from epithelial cells that are in constant division and subjected to cyclical variations of the estrogen stimulus during the female hormonal cycle, therefore being vulnerable to DNA damage. A portion of breast and ovarian carcinomas arises in the context of DNA repair defects, in which genetic instability is the backdrop for cancer initiation and progression. For these tumors, DNA repair deficiency is now increasingly recognized as a target for therapeutics. In hereditary breast/ovarian cancers (HBOC), tumors with BRCA1/2 mutations present an impairment of DNA repair by homologous recombination (HR). For many years, BRCA1/2 mutations were only screened on germline DNA, but now they are also searched at the tumor level to personalize treatment. The reason of the inactivation of this pathway remains uncertain for most cases, even in the presence of a HR-deficient signature. Evidence indicates that identifying the mechanism of HR inactivation should improve both genetic counseling and therapeutic response, since they can be useful as new biomarkers of response.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria Isolated from the Errachidia Province, Morocco.

Aims: The aim of this study was to characterize phenotypically and genotypically bacterial isolated from the soils of the Errachidia province in order to select the ones having the po tential to solubilize the inorganic phosphate. Study Design:Rhizosphere soil samples for different legumes in sixteen sites from Errachidia province were collected for the assessment. Place and Duration of Study:Department of Biology (Soil & EnvironmentMicrobiologyUnit) Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University and Technical Support Unit for Scientific Research, CNRST in Rabat; between September 2012 and January 2013. Original ResearchArticle
Pediatric Anxiety in Practice: A Knowledge and Needs Assessment of Pediatricians and Nurses.

OBJECTIVE To assess pediatric primary care providers' (PCPs) knowledge, perceived barriers, and needs related to child and adolescent anxiety in their practice. METHODS Primary care providers licensed and practicing in the state of Colorado were invited to complete an online knowledge and needs assessment. The survey queried their knowledge of pediatric anxiety, experience in assessing and treating anxiety, perceived barriers in their practice setting to adequately addressing youth anxiety, and interest in additional training on this topic. RESULTS Survey completers included 115 PCPs (51 medical doctors and 64 nurses/nurse practitioners). PCPs had been practicing with their current medical license with pediatric patients for an average of 14 years (SD = 10.45), and 70% reported that they regularly discuss anxiety with patients and parents. Although PCPs had a basic knowledge of youth anxiety, there appeared to be significant gaps in PCP knowledge. Specifically, knowledge gaps included evidence-based assessment and treatment, how to differentiate between developmentally appropriate, transient episodes of anxiety versus anxiety disorders, and where and how to refer youth for specialty services. Nearly all (80%) PCPs indicated that they would be "extremely interested" in additional training in pediatric anxiety, particularly if it occurred in their organizational setting, at a nearby community setting, or online. CONCLUSION Primary care providers reported that a substantial proportion of the patients they see struggle with anxiety. PCPs also reported a growing need for training in how to assess, treat, and refer anxious youth. This needs assessment supports a need for the development of easily accessible training and resources for PCPs to better support their pediatric patients.