Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reduced Quantitative Ultrasound Bone Mineral Density in HIV-Infected Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Senegal

Background Bone status in HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral treatment (ART) is poorly documented in resource-limited settings. We compared bone mineral density between HIV-infected patients and control subjects from Dakar, Senegal. Methods A total of 207 (134 women and 73 men) HIV-infected patients from an observational cohort in Dakar (ANRS 1215) and 207 age- and sex-matched controls from the general population were enrolled. Bone mineral density was assessed by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) at the calcaneus, an alternative to the reference method (i.e. dual X-absorptiometry), often not available in resource-limited countries. Results Mean age was 47.0 (±8.5) years. Patients had received ART for a median duration of 8.8 years; 45% received a protease inhibitor and 27% tenofovir; 84% had undetectable viral load. Patients had lower body mass index (BMI) than controls (23 versus 26 kg/m2, P<0.001). In unadjusted analysis, QUS bone mineral density was lower in HIV-infected patients than in controls (difference: −0.36 standard deviation, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.59;−0.12, P = 0.003). Adjusting for BMI, physical activity, smoking and calcium intake attenuated the difference (−0.27, CI: −0.53;−0.002, P = 0.05). Differences in BMI between patients and controls explained a third of the difference in QUS bone mineral density. Among patients, BMI was independently associated with QUS bone mineral density (P<0.001). An association between undetectable viral load and QUS bone density was also suggested (β = 0.48, CI: 0.02;0.93; P = 0.04). No association between protease inhibitor or tenofovir use and QUS bone mineral density was found. Conclusion Senegalese HIV-infected patients had reduced QUS bone mineral density in comparison with control subjects, in part related to their lower BMI. Further investigation is needed to clarify the clinical significance of these observations.
Genotypic diversity of the Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptors (KIR) and their HLA class I Ligands in a Saudi population

Abstract Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptors (KIR) have been used as good markers for the study of genetic predisposition in many diseases and in human genetic population dynamics. In this context, we have investigated the genetic diversity of KIR genes and their main HLA class I ligands in Saudi population and compared the data with other studies of neighboring populations. One hundred and fourteen randomly selected healthy Saudi subjects were genotyped for the presence or absence of 16 KIR genes and their HLA-C1, -C2, -Bw4Thr80 and Bw4Ile80 groups, using a PCR-SSP technique. The results show the occurrence of the framework genes (3DL2, 3DL3 and 2DL4) and the pseudogenes (2DP1 and 3DP1) at highest frequencies. All inhibitory KIR (iKIR) genes appeared at higher frequencies than activating genes (aKIR), except for 2DS4 with a frequency of 90.35%. A total of 55 different genotypes were observed appearing at different frequencies, where 12 are considered novel. Two haplotypes were characterized, AA and Bx (BB and AB), which were observed in 24.5% and 75.5% respectively of the studied group. The frequencies of iKIR + HLA associations were found to be much higher than aKIR + HLA. KIR genes frequencies in the Saudi population are comparable with other Middle Eastern and North African populations.
An operational approach to spacetime symmetries: Lorentz transformations from quantum communication

In most approaches to fundamental physics, spacetime symmetries are postulated a priori and then explicitly implemented in the theory. This includes Lorentz covariance in quantum field theory and diffeomorphism invariance in quantum gravity, which are seen as fundamental principles to which the final theory has to be adjusted. In this paper, we suggest, within a much simpler setting, that this kind of reasoning can actually be reversed, by taking an operational approach inspired by quantum information theory. We consider observers in distinct laboratories, with local physics described by the laws of abstract quantum theory, and without presupposing a particular spacetime structure. We ask what information-theoretic effort the observers have to spend to synchronize their descriptions of local physics. If there are ‘enough’ observables that can be measured universally on several different quantum systems, we show that the observers’ descriptions are related by an element of the orthochronous Lorentz group O + ( 3 , 1 ) , together with a global scaling factor. Not only does this operational approach predict the Lorentz transformations, but it also accurately describes the behavior of relativistic Stern–Gerlach devices in the WKB approximation, and it correctly predicts that quantum systems carry Lorentz group representations of different spin. This result thus hints at a novel information-theoretic perspective on spacetime.
Natural regeneration on seismic lines influences movement behaviour of wolves and grizzly bears

Across the boreal forest of Canada, habitat disturbance is the ultimate cause of caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) declines. Habitat restoration is a focus of caribou recovery efforts, with a goal to finding ways to reduce predator use of disturbances, and caribou-predator encounters. One of the most pervasive disturbances within caribou ranges in Alberta, Canada are seismic lines cleared for energy exploration. Seismic lines facilitate predator movement, and although vegetation on some seismic lines is regenerating, it remains unknown whether vegetation regrowth is sufficient to alter predator response. We used Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data, and GPS locations, to understand how vegetation and other attributes of seismic lines influence movements of two predators, wolves (Canis lupus) and grizzly bears (Ursus arctos). During winter, wolves moved towards seismic lines regardless of vegetation height, while during spring wolves moved towards seismic lines with higher vegetation. During summer, wolves moved towards seismic lines with lower vegetation and also moved faster near seismic lines with vegetation <0.7 m. Seismic lines with lower vegetation height were preferred by grizzly bears during spring and summer, but there was no relationship between vegetation height and grizzly bear movement rates. These results suggest that wolves use seismic lines for travel during summer, but during winter wolf movements relative to seismic lines could be influenced by factors additional to movement efficiency; potentially enhanced access to areas frequented by ungulate prey. Grizzly bears may be using seismic lines for movement, but could also be using seismic lines as a source of vegetative food or ungulate prey. To reduce wolf movement rate, restoration could focus on seismic lines with vegetation <1 m in height. However our results revealed that seismic lines continue to influence wolf movement behaviour decades after they were built, and even at later stages of regeneration. Therefore it remains unknown at what stage of natural regeneration, if any, wolves cease to respond to seismic lines. To reduce wolf response to seismic lines, active restoration tactics like blocking seismic lines and tree planting, along with management of alternate prey, could be evaluated.
Dehydroleucodine inhibits mitotic clonal expansion during adipogenesis through cell cycle arrest

Aberrant levels of preadipocyte differentiation, triggered by adipocyte hyperplasia and hypertrophy, results in the obesogenic phenotype. Obesity is a risk factor for several metabolic disorders. In this paper, dehydroleucodine inhibited the accumulation of lipid droplets and decreased the elevations of triglycerides, and this inhibitory effect occurred during the early stage of adipogenesis. Thus, not only did dehydroleucodine downregulate the expression of C/EBPα and PPARγ, it also strongly blocked the expression of C/EBPβ, an early stage biomarker of early adipogenesis, in a concentration‐dependent manner. The proliferation of preadipocytes was dramatically suppressed when dehydroleucodine was added to the medium as early as 24 hr. These results indicate that dehydroleucodine may specifically affect mitotic clonal expansion to inhibit preadipocyte differentiation. Dehydroleucodine arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase, increased p27 and decreased both cyclins A and D and their partners (e.g., CDK2 and CDK4). Additionally, dehydroleucodine decreased phosphorylation of Erk1/2 and Akt. Furthermore, dehydroleucodine downregulated expression of histone demethylase JMJD2B as well as repressed the expression of histone methyltransferase MLL4, which in turn diminished the expression of C/EBPβ and PPARγ, respectively. Collectively, our results indicate that dehydroleucodine inhibits preadipocyte differentiation by blocking mitotic clonal expansion via cell cycle arrest, which may be mediated by regulation of selective histone methylation/demethylation in transcription activation during the early step of adipogenesis.
Orthologues of Streptococcus pyogenes nuclease A (SpnA) and Streptococcal 5′-nucleotidase A (S5nA) found in Streptococcus iniae

Streptococcus pyogenes nuclease A (SpnA) and streptococcal 5' nucleosidase A (S5nA) are two recently described virulence factors from the human pathogen S. pyogenes. In vitro studies have shown that SpnA is a nuclease that cleaves ssDNA and dsDNA, including the DNA backbone of neutrophil extracellular traps. S5nA was shown to hydrolyse AMP and ADP, but not ATP, to generate the immunomodulatory molecule adenosine. S5nA also generates the macrophage-toxic deoxyadenosine from dAMP. However, detailed in vivo studies of the two enzymes have been hampered by difficulties with using current animal models for this exclusive human pathogen. Here we report the identification of two novel enzymes from the fish pathogen Streptococcus iniae that show similarities to SpnA and S5nA in amino acid sequence, protein domain structure and biochemical properties. We propose that SpnAi and S5nAi are orthologues of the S. pyogenes enzymes, providing a rationale to analyse the in vivo function of the two enzymes using a S. iniae-zebrafish infection model.
Increased mortality among HIV infected patients with cryptococcal antigenemia in Guinea-Bissau

Cryptococcal antigenemia may precede development of cryptococcal meningitis and death among patients with advanced HIV infection. Among 200 retrospectively and randomly selected ART-naïve patients with CD4 counts < 100 cells/μl from Guinea-Bissau, 20 (10%) had a positive cryptococcal antigen test. Self-reported headache and fever were predictors of a positive test, while cryptococcal antigenemia was a strong predictor of death within the first year of follow-up, MRR 2.22 (95% CI: 1.15-4.30). Screening for cryptococcal antigenemia should be implemented for patients with advanced HIV in Guinea-Bissau. Pre-emptive anti-fungal therapy should be initiated prior to ART-initiation if the screening is positive.
Domain-general subregions of the medial prefrontal cortex contribute to recovery of language after stroke

The pre-supplementary motor area/dorsal anterior cingulate (SMA/dACC) has a broad role in cognition. Geranmayeh et al. perform longitudinal fMRI in 27 patients after stroke, and show that preSMA/dACC activity during speech production positively correlates with levels of spontaneous recovery. Recruitment of domain-general systems can thus help to restore language function.
Clinical effectiveness and safety of fingolimod in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis in Western Iran

Objectives: To investigate the clinical effectiveness and safety of fingolimod in the western Iranian population. Methods: This study was performed as a prospective observational study between March 2014 and October 2015. Sixty patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) who were referred to the MS clinic of Imam Reza Hospital, which is affiliated with Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Iran, were treated with 0.5 mg oral fingolimod capsules once daily for 12 months. The outcomes were clinical and included the annualized relapse rate, expanded disability status scale (EDSS) change, proportion of relapse-free patient, and side effects. Results: An 85% reduction in the annualized relapse rate compared with the baseline (from 1.8±1.35 to 0.27±0.58, p=0.001) was observed, and 76.66% of patients were free from relapse after the 12-month intervention. In addition, a significant reduction of EDSS was measured from 3.32 at baseline to 2.97 (p=0.001). The overall adverse events in our study were similar to those in previous studies. Conclusion: The present study confirms the effectiveness of fingolimod as a second-line therapy in western Iranian RRMS patients. Fingolimod side effects were generally mild and tolerable.
Impediments to Effective Altruism: The Role of Subjective Preferences in Charitable Giving

Charity could do the most good if every dollar donated went to causes that produced the greatest welfare gains. In line with this proposition, the effective-altruism movement seeks to provide individuals with information regarding the effectiveness of charities in hopes that they will contribute to organizations that maximize the social return of their donation. In this research, we investigated the extent to which presenting effectiveness information leads people to choose more effective charities. We found that even when effectiveness information is made easily comparable across options, it has a limited impact on choice. Specifically, people frequently choose less effective charity options when those options represent more subjectively preferred causes. In contrast to making a personal donation decision, outcome metrics are used to a much greater extent when choosing financial investments and when allocating aid resources as an agent of an organization. Implications for effective altruism are discussed.
Influence of reminder therapy for controlling bacterial plaque in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE To assess the scientific evidence regarding the influence of reminder therapy on plaque index, gingival index, and white spots in patients subjected to orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS Randomized clinical trials were searched in the electronic databases LILACS, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, LIVIVO, and Cochrane Library. The databases OpenThesis and OpenGrey were used to capture the "gray literature," preventing selection and publication biases. The risk of bias was assessed by the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Randomized Controlled Trials tool. The software Review Manager was used for the meta-analysis. The heterogeneity among studies was assessed through the I 2 statistic. A summary of the overall strength of evidence available was assessed using the Grades of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool. RESULTS A total of 332 records were found, from which only 7 articles met the inclusion criteria and were subjected to analysis. Reminder therapy showed improved scores for the plaque index (standardized mean difference = -1.22; 95% confidence interval = -2.03 to -0.42; P = .003) and the gingival index (standardized mean difference = 1.49; 95% confidence interval = -2.61 to 0.37; P = .009). Moreover, there was lower occurrence of white spots (relative risk = 0.53; 95% confidence interval = 0.38 to 0.74; P < .001) when reminder therapy was implemented. CONCLUSIONS According to the existing high-quality evidence, reminder therapy is a valuable strategy and may contribute to the reduction of plaque and gingival indices as well as to the lower occurrence of white spots in patients subjected to orthodontic treatment.
Deep Reinforcement Learning for Optimizing Finance Portfolio Management

Deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is an emerging artificial intelligence (AI) research field which combines deep learning (DL) for policy optimization and reinforcement learning (RL) for goal-oriented self-learning without human intervention. We address major research issues of policy optimization for finance portfolio management. First, we explore one of the deep recurrent neural network (RNN) models, GRUs, to decide the influences of earlier states and actions on policy optimization in non-Markov decision processes. Then, we craft for a viable risk-adjusted reward function to evaluate the expected total rewards for policy. Third, we empower the integration of RL and DL to leverage their respective capabilities to discover an optimal policy. Fourth, we investigate each type of RL approaches for integrating with the DL method while solving the policy optimization problem.
Observation of a Topological Edge State in the X‐ray Band

The possibility of obtaining edge states of light that are robust against disorder by mimicking the topological properties of a solid‐state system has brought a profound impact on optical sciences. In the short‐wavelength region, X‐ray science and technology is undergoing tremendous development. It requires high‐precision optics with exquisite control of light properties and robustness against structural perturbations. Therefore, it is very attractive to extend the concept of optical topological manipulation to the X‐ray regime. Herein, the topological edge state is theoretically proposed and experimentally demonstrated at the interface of two kinds of photonic crystals having different bandgap topological characteristics in the X‐ray regime. Remarkably, this topologically protected edge state is immune to the thickness disorder as long as the zero‐average‐effective‐mass condition is satisfied. This work extends the topological photonics to the X‐ray regime and paves the way for the development of novel X‐ray optics such as high‐resolution X‐ray filters/monochromators, or X‐ray quantum optics, to realize the phenomena such as Rabi splitting that are robust against disorders.
Source of the Fitness Defect in Rifamycin-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis RNA Polymerase and the Mechanism of Compensation by Mutations in the β′ Subunit

ABSTRACT Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a critical threat to human health due to the increased prevalence of rifampin resistance (RMPr). Fitness defects have been observed in RMPr mutants with amino acid substitutions in the β subunit of RNA polymerase (RNAP). In clinical isolates, this fitness defect can be ameliorated by the presence of secondary mutations in the double-psi β-barrel (DPBB) domain of the β′ subunit of RNAP. To identify factors contributing to the fitness defects observed in vivo, several in vitro RNA transcription assays were utilized to probe initiation, elongation, termination, and 3′-RNA hydrolysis with the wild-type and RMPr M. tuberculosis RNAPs. We found that the less prevalent RMPr mutants exhibit significantly poorer termination efficiencies relative to the wild type, an important factor for proper gene expression. We also found that several mechanistic aspects of transcription of the RMPr mutant RNAPs are impacted relative to the wild type. For the clinically most prevalent mutant, the βS450L mutant, these defects are mitigated by the presence of secondary/compensatory mutations in the DPBB domain of the β′ subunit.
Streamer discharges can move perpendicularly to the electric field

Streamer discharges are a primary mode of electric breakdown in thunderstorms and high voltage technology; they are generally believed to grow along electric field lines. However, we here give experimental and numerical evidence that streamers can propagate nearly perpendicularly to the background electric field. These streamers are guided by pre-ionization that is orders of magnitude lower than the ionization density in a streamer channel, hardly affecting the background field. Positive streamers could be guided in nitrogen with 0.5% of oxygen or less, but not in air. This observation also tests the role of photo-ionization in gas mixtures with varying nitrogen–oxygen ratio.
Referral bias in ALS epidemiological studies

Background Despite concerns about the representativeness of patients from ALS tertiary centers as compared to the ALS general population, the extent of referral bias in clinical studies remains largely unknown. Using data from EURALS consortium we aimed to assess nature, extent and impact of referral bias. Methods Four European ALS population-based registries located in Ireland, Piedmont, Puglia, Italy, and Limousin, France, covering 50 million person-years, participated. Demographic and clinic characteristics of ALS patients diagnosed in tertiary referral centers were contrasted with the whole ALS populations enrolled in registries in the same geographical areas. Results Patients referred to ALS centers were younger (with difference ranging from 1.1 years to 2.4 years), less likely to present a bulbar onset, with a higher proportion of familial antecedents and a longer survival (ranging from 11% to 15%) when compared to the entire ALS population in the same geographic area. Conclusions A trend for referral bias is present in cohorts drawn from ALS referral centers. The magnitude of the possible referral bias in a particular tertiary center can be estimated through a comparison with ALS patients drawn from registry in the same geographic area. Studies based on clinical cohorts should be cautiously interpreted. The presence of a registry in the same area may improve the complete ascertainment in the referral center.
Outsourcing within the Nordic context: Care services for older people in Finland

ABSTRACT The early 1990s economic setback brought significant reforms favoring the outsourcing of care in Finnish municipalities. Here, outsourcing refers to the practice of municipalities employing private organizations through different means (e.g., open tendering) to deliver public care services. In this context, this study examines the growth in the outsourcing of service housing and home-help services in 311 municipalities from 2001 to 2015 and investigates the municipal factors associated with outsourcing using four dimensions: care needs, population size, economic situation, and political ideology of the municipality. The findings reveal a steep increase in the outsourcing of home-help and service housing. Care needs of older people are the most influential factor for outsourcing, particularly for service housing. Overall, the findings show a growing trend in private care provision in Finnish municipalities.