Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Redescription of Apocorophiumacutum (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Corophiidae) with material from type locality and key of world Apocorophium species

﻿Abstract Apocorophiumacutum (Chevreux, 1908), the type species of the genus, was originally but only partially described by Chevreux with female specimens from Bônes (Algeria); male specimens were later described from Brittany (France). Since then, the species has been recorded in different places of the world, some of them questionable. Herein, the species is entirely redescribed with material from the type locality and Brittany, and additional material from Arcachon Bay is studied to provide biological data. The known geographical distribution of this species is summarized, and a world identification key of Apocorophium species is also given.
Teachers' and Students' Perceptions of Goal Orientation Theory in Secondary Instrumental Music Classrooms: A Case Study

Goal orientation theory (Ames, 1992; Blumenfeld, 1992) is a cognitive theory that identifies how goals affect motivation in students. The benefits of mastery goal orientation — aspects of instruction which support the connection between effort and achievement — on student motivation and participation have been well-documented. Researchers (Ames & Archer, 1988; Patrick, et al., 2001) found students can pick up on goal cues and identify traits of each theory apparent in their classroom. Teachers communicate their values through goal structures, and student motivation can be improved by consistent goal structures, or negatively affected by misaligned goal structures (Ames & Archer, 1988). The performance-based nature of large ensemble instrumental music education doubtless influences the perception of goal theory in these learning environments. The purpose of this study was to observe teacher and student perceptions of goal orientation theory occurring in the secondary instrumental music classroom. Teachers and students in two secondary instrumental music programs were interviewed and observed regarding goal orientation theory and its presence within their classrooms. Major questions guiding this inquiry were: 1a. In what ways are teachers’ stated perceptions of their goal orientation consistent with observable characteristics of goal orientation theory? 1b. In what ways are teachers’ stated perceptions of their goal orientation inconsistent with observable characteristics of goal orientation theory? 2. What are students’ perceptions of the goal structures present in their secondary instrumental classrooms? Implications suggest that more specified positive feedback could improve student motivation. Additionally, an awareness of the performance-leaning nature of large ensemble music classrooms could help teachers implement more mastery-traits into their instruction.
Supersymmetric branes in AdS2 × S2 × CY3

1550-7998=20 The problem of finding supersymmetric brane configurations in the near-horizon attractor geometry of a Calabi-Yau black hole with magnetic-electric charges pI; qI is considered. Half-BPS (Bogomol’nyiPrasad-Sommerfield) configurations, which are static for some choice of global AdS2 coordinate, are found for wrapped brane configurations with essentially any four-dimensional charges uI; vI . Half-BPS multibrane configurations can also be found for any collection of wrapped branes provided they all have the same sign for the symplectic inner product pvI uqI of their charges with the black hole charges. This contrasts with the Minkowski problem for which a mutually preserved supersymmetry requires alignment of all the charge vectors. The radial position of the branes in global AdS2 is determined by the phase of their central charge.
Cognitive behavioral therapy with and without biofeedback in fibromyalgia: Assessment of functional and clinical change

The study compared the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with biofeedback or with emotional expression in individuals with fibromyalgia, and a waiting list control group. 88 women participated in a naturalistic study with random assignment. The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, SCL-90R, and a visual analog quality of life scale were used. Both intervention groups improved, but differed in physical and emotional control response. Using the reliable change index procedure, clinical improvement occurred in 18.8% of participants, and 4.8% achieved scores comparable with clinical recovery. Greater specificity on therapeutic objectives is warranted.
The Effects of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NADPH) Oxidase and Erythropoietin, and Their Interactions in Angiogenesis: Implications in Retinopathy of Prematurity

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness in premature infants. Oxidative stress is implicated in its pathophysiology. NADPH oxidase (NOX), a major enzyme responsible for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in endothelial cells, has been studied for its involvement in physiologic and pathologic angiogenesis. Erythropoietin (EPO) has gained interest recently due to its tissue protective and angiogenic effects, and it has been shown to act as an antioxidant. In this review, we summarize studies performed over the last five years regarding the role of various NOXs in physiologic and pathologic angiogenesis. We also discuss the effect of EPO in tissue and vasoprotection, and the intersection of EPO and NOX-mediated oxidative stress in angiogenesis and the pathophysiology of ROP.
Impact of Metformin Treatment on Human Placental Energy Production and Oxidative Stress

Metformin is increasingly prescribed in pregnancy, with beneficial maternal effects. However, it is not known how metformin-treatment impacts metabolism and energy production in the developing feto-placental unit. We assessed the human placental response to metformin using both in vivo and in vitro treated samples. trophoblasts were derived from placentas collected from non-laboured Caesarean deliveries at term, then treated in vitro with metformin (0.01 mM, 0.1 mM or vehicle). Metformin-concentrations were measured using liquid-chromatography mass-spectrometry. Oxygen consumption in cultured-trophoblasts was measured using a Seahorse-XF Mito Stress Test. Markers of oxidative-stress were assayed using qRT-PCR. Metformin-transporter mRNA and protein-levels were determined by quantitative RT-PCR and Western-blotting respectively. Metformin concentrations were also measured in sample trios (maternal plasma/fetal plasma/placental tissue) from pregnancies exposed to metformin on clinical-grounds. Maternal and fetal metformin concentrations in vivo were highly correlated over a range of concentrations (R2 = 0.76, p < 0.001; average fetal:maternal ratio 1.5; range 0.8–2.1). Basal respiration in trophoblasts was reduced by metformin treatment (0.01 mM metformin; p < 0.05, 0.1 mM metformin; p < 0.001). Mitochondrial-dependent ATP production and proton leak were reduced after treatment with metformin (p < 0.001). Oxidative stress markers were significantly reduced in primary-trophoblast-cultures following treatment with metformin. There is a close linear relationship between placental, fetal, and maternal metformin concentrations. Primary-trophoblast cultures exposed to clinically-relevant metformin concentrations have reduced mitochondrial-respiration, mitochondrial-dependent ATP-production, and reduced markers of oxidative-stress. Given the crucial role of placental energy-production in supporting fetal growth and well-being during pregnancy, the implications of these findings are concerning for intrauterine fetal growth and longer-term metabolic programming in metformin-exposed pregnancies.
Orbivirus Screening from Imported Captive Oryx in the United Arab Emirates Stresses the Importance of Pre-Import and Transit Measures

From 1975 to 2021, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) imported more than 1300 live Arabian oryxes (AOs) and scimitar-horned oryxes (SHOs) for conservation programs. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of orbiviruses Bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) in AOs and SHOs from captive herds in the UAE. Between October 2014 and April 2015, 16 AOs and 13 SHOs originating from Texas (USA) and 195 out of about 4000 SHOs from two locations in the UAE were blood sampled to be tested by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays. Eight imported AOs (50% CI [24.7–75.4%]) and eight imported SHOs (61.5% CI [31.6–86.1%]) were found BTV seropositive, in contrast with three out of 195 SHOs (1.5% CI [0.3–4.4%]) from the Emirates. BTV-2 genome was detected in 6/16 of the Arabian Oryx, and amongst those, one out of six was seronegative. None of the tested samples was found positive for EHDV. Our results illustrate the wide local variation regarding BTV seroprevalence in domestic and wild ruminants in the Arabian Peninsula. These results stress the need for pre-import risk assessment when considering translocation of wild ruminant species susceptible to orbiviruses not only in the country of destination but also where transit happens.
Ruthenium(II)–Cyclopentadienyl-Derived Complexes as New Emerging Anti-Colorectal Cancer Drugs

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies and one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide, urging the need for new and more efficient therapeutic approaches. Ruthenium complexes have emerged as attractive alternatives to traditional platinum-based compounds in the treatment of CRC. This work aims to evaluate anti-CRC properties, as well as to identify the mechanisms of action of ruthenium complexes with the general formula [Ru(η5-C5H4R)(PPh3)(4,4′-R′-2,2′-bipyridine)][CF3SO3], where R = CH3, CHO or CH2OH and R′ = H, CH3, CH2OH, or dibiotin ester. The complexes (Ru 1–7) displayed high bioactivity, as shown by low IC50 concentrations against CRC cells, namely, RKO and SW480. Four of the most promising ruthenium complexes (Ru 2, 5–7) were phenotypically characterized and were shown to inhibit cell viability by decreasing cell proliferation, inducing cell cycle arrest, and increasing apoptosis. These findings were in accordance with the inhibition of MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Ruthenium complexes also led to a decrease in cellular clonogenic ability and cell migration, which was associated with the disruption of F-actin cytoskeleton integrity. Here, we demonstrated that ruthenium complexes, especially Ru7, have a high anticancer effect against CRC cells and are promising drugs to be used as a new therapeutical strategy for CRC treatment.
Premature Neural Progenitor Cell Differentiation Into Astrocytes in Retinoic Acid-Induced Spina Bifida Rat Model

During embryonic spinal cord development, neural progenitor cells (NPCs) generate three major cell lines: neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes at precise times and locations within the spinal cord. Recent studies demonstrate early astrogenesis in animal models of spina bifida, which may play a role in neuronal dysfunction associated with this condition. However, to date, the pathophysiological mechanisms related to this early astrocytic response in spina bifida are poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize the development of early astrogliosis over time from Pax6+, Olig2+, or Nkx2.2+ NPCs using a retinoic acid-induced spina bifida rat model. At three gestational ages (E15, E17, and E20), spinal cords from fetuses with retinoic acid-induced spina bifida, their healthy sibling controls, or fetuses treated with the vehicle control were analyzed. Results indicated that premature astrogliosis and astrocytic activation were associated with an altered presence of Pax6+, Olig2+, and Nkx2.2+ NPCs in the lesion compared to the controls. Finally, this response correlated with an elevation in genes involved in the Notch-BMP signaling pathway. Taken together, changes in NPC patterning factor expression with Notch-BMP signaling upregulation may be responsible for the altered astrogenesis patterns observed in the spinal cord in a retinoic acid-induced spina bifida model.
Healthcare Professionals’ Experience of Performing Digital Care Visits—A Scoping Review

The use of digital care visits has been increasing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learning more about healthcare professionals’ technology experiences provides valuable insight and a basis for improving digital visits. This study aimed to explore the existing literature on healthcare professionals’ experience performing digital care visits. A scoping review was performed following Arksey & O’Malley’s proposed framework using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses. The collected data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Five main themes were identified in the literature: positive experiences/benefits, facilitators, negative experiences/challenges, barriers, and suggestions for improvement. Healthcare professionals mostly reported having an overall positive experience with digital visits and discovered benefits for themselves and the patients. However, opinions were mixed or negative regarding the complexity of decision making, workload and workflow, suitability of this type of care, and other challenges. The suggestions for improvement included training and education, improvements within the system and tools, along with support for professionals. Despite overall positive experiences and benefits for both professionals and patients, clinicians reported challenges such as physical barriers, technical issues, suitability concerns, and others. Digital care visits could not fully replace face-to-face visits.
Interpolation with Curvature Constraints

We address the problem of controlling the curvature of a B{ezier curve interpolating a given set of data. More precisely, given two points $M$ and $N$, two directions $\vecu$ and $\vecv$, and a constant $k$, we would like to find two quadratic Bezier curves $\Gamma_1$ and $\Gamma_2$ joined with continuity $G^1$ and interpolating the two points $M$ and $N$, such that the tangent vectors at $M$ and $N$ have directions $\vecu$ and $\vec{v}$ respectively, the curvature is everywhere upper bounded by $k$, and some evaluating function, the length of the resulting curve for example, is minimized. In order to solve this problem, we first need to determine the maximum curvature of quadratic Bezier curves. This problem was solved by Sapidis and Frey in 1992. Here we present a simpler formula that has an elegant geometric interpretation in terms of distances and areas determined by the control points. We then use this formula to solve several problems. In particular, we solve the variant of the curvature control problem in which $\Gamma_1$ and $\Gamma_2$ are joined with continuity $C^1$, where the length $\alpha$ between the first two control points of $\Gamma_1$ is equal to the length between the last two control points of $\Gamma_2$, and where $\alpha$ is the evaluating function to be minimized. We also study the variant where we require a continuity $G^2$, instead of $C^1$, at the junction point. Finally, given two endpoints of a quadratic Bezier curve $\Gamma$, we characterize the locus of control points such that the maximum curvature of $\Gamma$ is prescribed.
Methodology for effective and efficient regional seismic retrofit using machine learning and stochastic optimization

Abstract A major challenge in specifying design requirements for policy-based seismic retrofits is ensuring that the desired performance enhancements are achieved across a portfolio of buildings with diverse structural characteristics and hazard. To address this challenge, a modular optimization methodology is developed. A prediction module uses machine learning-based surrogate models as compact statistical links between building structural characteristics and seismic performance outcomes. The optimization module uses regionally targeted objective functions to determine the retrofit enhancements that achieve the most desirable aggregated performance outcome for the portfolio of buildings. Lastly, the evaluation module benchmarks the performance of the optimized retrofit scheme against the existing inventory as well as more conventional retrofit approaches. The ability of the framework to balance the need for effective (improved performance) and efficient (minimizing cost) retrofits is demonstrated by applying it to the inventory of buildings under the purview of the Los Angeles Soft-Story Ordinance.
Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Cytotoxic Activity of Phenolic Compound Family Extracted from Raspberries (Rubus idaeus): A General Review

Raspberries (Rubus idaeus) possess a wide phenolic family profile; this serves the role of self-protection for the plant. Interest in these compounds have significantly increased, since they have been classified as nutraceuticals due to the positive health effects provided to consumers. Extensive chemical, in vitro and in vivo studies have been performed to prove and validate these benefits and their possible applications as an aid when treating several chronic degenerative diseases, characterized by oxidative stress and an inflammatory response. While many diseases could be co-adjuvanted by the intake of these phenolic compounds, this review will mainly discuss their effects on cancer. Anthocyanins and ellagitannins are known to provide a major antioxidant capacity in raspberries. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge concerning the phenolic compound family of raspberries, and topics discussed include their characterization, biosynthesis, bioavailability, cytotoxicity, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
Crosstalk Between the Gut and Brain: Importance of the Fecal Microbiota in Patient With Brain Tumors

Background Variations in the gut microbiota may affect the metabolism, inflammation and immune response of the host. Microbiota dysbiosis has been extensively investigated in neurological disorders and diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). However, the alterations of the gut microbiota in patients suffering from brain tumors and the associations of the gut microbiota with these diseases remain unknown. Herein, we investigate the alterations of the gut microbiota community in patients with brain tumors and the associations between the two and further explore microbial markers used for the diagnosis of brain tumors. Methods In our study, we recruited 158 participants, consisting of 101 brain tumor patients (65 benign and 36 malignant cases) and 57 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs). We characterized the gut microbial community by using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and investigated its correlations with clinical features. Results The results showed remarkably less microbial ecosystem richness and evenness in patients with brain tumors than in HCs. The gut microbiota community structure underwent profound changes in the brain tumor group, including an increase in the abundances of pathogenic bacteria, such as Fusobacteriota and Proteobacteria and a reduction in the abundances of probiotic bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium or Lachnospira. Moreover, our study indicated more significant correlations and clustering of pathogens in the malignant brain tumor group. Furthermore, a biomarker panel was used to discriminate the brain tumor patients from the healthy controls (AUC: 0.77). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotation revealed an accumulation of harmful metabolites and disorders of the basic physiological pathways in the brain tumor group. Conclusions Our study revealed that brain tumor patients may possess divergent host-microbe interactions from those of healthy controls, especially in malignant brain tumor patients. In addition, the intestinal flora may be involved in immune responses and metabolism in the microenvironment of brain tumors. All evidence, including the biomarker panel, suggests that the intestinal flora may be a useful diagnostic and predictive tool and an important preventive target for brain tumors.
The impact of mental workload, work-related and socio-demographic factors on job burnout among emergency medical staff.

BACKGROUND Job burnout syndrome is caused by prolonged exposure to difficult working conditions. Emergency medical services (EMS) staff are exposed to varying levels of mental workload (MWL) depending on the operation, so it is more likely that they experience burnout syndrome. OBJECTIVE The main aim of the current research was to investigate the effect of MWL, work-related and socio-demographic factors on job burnout among Iranian EMS staff. METHODS The current cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical research was carried out among 198 EMS. In doing so, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), The NASA task load index (NASA TLX), and an author-developed work-related and socio-demographic factors were distributed among participants to collect data. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (t-test, ANOVA test, multiple linear regression, and Pearson correlation coefficient). RESULTS The results showed a significant statistical relationship between burnout and MWL. A significant statistical relationship between overall workload and two dimensions of MBI, namely, emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were observed (P < 0.05). Moreover, a significant statistical difference regarding the mean of burnout in the different groups of educational levels and occupational categories were observed. CONCLUSIONS The EMS staff generally reported moderate levels of MWL and burnout. Findings showed that socio-demographic and occupational factors had little effect on burnout. MWL, education levels, and occupational categories are the main predictors of job burnout.
Les méthodes probabilistes en phylogénie moléculaire : (2) L'approche bayésienne

Although being of relatively recent intro- duction into the field, the Bayesian approach of phylo- genetic reconstruction has soon imposed itself as a lead- ing method. This probabilistic method is based on the calculation of posterior probabilities of phylogenetic trees by the combination of a prior probability with the likelihood function. The use of Monte Carlo Markov chains (MCMC) to compute Bayesian posterior prob- abilities makes this approach particularly appealing. Indeed, these numerical methods allow the implemen- tation of complex models of sequence evolution incor- porating a large number of parameters in a reasonable computation time. The Bayesian approach thus appears as particularly promising for the future of phylogenet- ics. However, as a recently developed method, this approach has its still unresolved problems and the eval- uation of its properties is still in its infancy. This latest aspect thus represents a major research axis for the next coming years.
The Relationship Between Viruses and Clinical Findings in Hospitalized Children Diagnosed with Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

Objective: In this retrospective study, we aimed to identify viral agents in children hospitalized with ALRTI and to show the relationship between viral agents and clinical characteristics. Material and Methods: Two hundred and fifty five children (55.7% male) who were diagnosed with ALRTI and hospitalized between March 2016 and February 2017 were included in the study. Clinical characteristics of the patients who were examined to detect respiratory tract viruses with PCR analysis in nasopharyngeal swab samples were evaluated by using medical records. The patients were divided into three groups according to their age: under two years old, between 2-6 years old, and between 6-18 years old. Newborns were not included in the study.