Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hopelessness, Depressive Symptoms, and Carotid Atherosclerosis in Women: The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) Heart Study

Background and Purpose— Depression and hopelessness are associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality; however, few studies have compared these constructs early in the atherogenic process, particularly in women or minorities. Methods— This cross-sectional study examined associations of hopelessness and depressive symptoms with carotid artery intimal-medial thickening (IMT) in 559 women (62% white, 38% black; mean±SD age, 50.2±2.8 years) without evidence of clinical CVD from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) Heart Study. Hopelessness was measured by 2 questionnaire items; depressive symptoms were measured with the 20-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Mean and maximum IMT were assessed by B-mode ultrasonography of the carotid arteries. Results— Increasing hopelessness was significantly related to higher mean (P=0.0139) and maximum (P=0.0297) IMT in regression models adjusted for age, race, site, income, and CVD risk factors. A weaker pattern of associations was noted for depressive symptoms and mean (P=0.1056) and maximum (P=0.0691) IMT. Modeled simultaneously in a risk factor–adjusted model, hopelessness was related to greater mean IMT (P=0.0217) and maximum IMT (P=0.0409), but depressive symptoms were unrelated to either outcome (P>0.4). No interactions with race or synergistic effects of depressive symptoms and hopelessness were observed. Conclusions— Among middle-aged women, higher levels of hopelessness are associated with greater subclinical atherosclerosis independent of age, race, income, CVD risk factors, and depressive symptoms.
Fungal Scleral Keratitis Caused by Phomopsis phoenicicola

ABSTRACT We report a case of scleral keratitis caused by Phomopsis phoenicicola. Pterygium surgery was a predisposing factor, and the patient was treated with natamycin and fluconazole eye drops and oral fluconazole. The fungus was identified by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the fungal ribosomal DNA (rDNA) locus and confirmed on the basis of its typical pycnidia and conidia.
The role of candidal histolytic enzymes on denture-induced stomatitis in patients living in retirement homes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifty nine elders wearing complete dentures and living in retirement homes in Curitiba (southern Brazil), were divided into two groups: group #1, 26 patients with denture-induced stomatitis and group #2, 33 patients without denture-induced stomatitis. The two groups were evaluated in relation to the degree of denture-induced stomatitis, salivary fungal loads, and secretion of some histolytic enzymes. RESULTS Patients from group #1 showed higher degrees of colonisation by Candida albicans (p = 0.031). Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, and Candida parapsilosis were also isolated, but there were no differences between the groups (p > 0.05). Secretory aspartyl protease (Sap) and chondroitinase did not show significant differences among the isolated Candida spp. in the two groups. Phospholipase secretion rates were higher among the strains of C. albicans from group #2 (p = 0.036). The same behaviour was not detected for non-albicans Candida species. CONCLUSIONS The results could infer that differences in the secretion rates of candidal histolytic enzymes should not be imputed as imperative for the progress of denture-induced stomatitis.
Assessment of forward head posture in females: observational and photogrammetry methods.

BACKGROUND There are different methods to assess forward head posture (FHP) but the accuracy and discrimination ability of these methods are not clear. OBJECTIVES Here, we want to compare three postural angles for FHP assessment and also study the discrimination accuracy of three photogrammetric methods to differentiate groups categorized based on observational method. METHOD All Seventy-eight healthy female participants (23 ± 2.63 years), were classified into three groups: moderate-severe FHP, slight FHP and non FHP based on observational postural assessment rules. Applying three photogrammetric methods - craniovertebral angle, head title angle and head position angle - to measure FHP objectively. RESULTS One - way ANOVA test showed a significant difference in three categorized group's craniovertebral angle (P< 0.05, F=83.07). There was no dramatic difference in head tilt angle and head position angle methods in three groups. According to Linear Discriminate Analysis (LDA) results, the canonical discriminant function (Wilks'Lambda) was 0.311 for craniovertebral angle with 79.5% of cross-validated grouped cases correctly classified. CONCLUSION Our results showed that, craniovertebral angle method may discriminate the females with moderate-severe and non FHP more accurate than head position angle and head tilt angle. The photogrammetric method had excellent inter and intra rater reliability to assess the head and cervical posture.
Antioxidant vitamin supplementation reduces arterial stiffness in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND Several studies tested the effects of supplementation with antioxidant vitamins on arterial stiffness, but the results were contradictory. OBJECTIVES The aim of our study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the effect of antioxidant vitamins on arterial stiffness and to determine whether the effects on arterial stiffness vary according to dose, duration of intervention, and health or nutritional status of the included participants. METHODS We searched 3 databases (Medline, Embase, and Scopus) for articles that potentially met the following eligibility criteria: 1) randomized controlled trials comparing antioxidant vitamins (vitamins C, E, and A and β-carotene) to either placebo or no active control in 2) adult participants aged ≥18 y; 3) antioxidant vitamins administered alone or in combination, irrespective of dose, duration, and route of administration; and 4) changes in arterial stiffness or arterial compliance. Data were pooled as standardized mean differences (SMDs) and analyzed using fixed- and random-effects models. RESULTS Data synthesis showed that antioxidant vitamins reduced arterial stiffness significantly (SMD: -0.17; 95% CI: -0.26, -0.08; P < 0.001). This effect was significant in experimental (SMD: -1.02; 95% CI: -1.54, -0.49; P < 0.001) and primary prevention (SMD: -0.14; 95% CI: -0.24, -0.04; P < 0.01) studies, whereas a trend for reduced arterial stiffness was observed in studies including participants with diseases (SMD: -0.19; 95% CI: -0.40, 0.02; P = 0.08). Vitamin supplementation improved arterial stiffness irrespective of age group and duration of intervention. Antioxidant vitamins were more effective in participants with low baseline plasma concentrations of vitamins C (SMD: -0.35; 95% CI: -0.62, -0.07; P < 0.016) and E (SMD: -0.79; 95% CI: -1.23, -0.33; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Supplementation with antioxidant vitamins has a small, protective effect on arterial stiffness. The effect may be augmented in those with lower baseline plasma vitamin E and C concentrations. This trial was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42014007260.
A consumption theory and task-fitness perspective of wireless internet adoption for mobile commerce

Recent advances in wireless technology have resulted in new opportunities for electronic commerce to migrate to mobile platforms. To understand the acceptance of mobile commerce, we investigate the drivers of the adoption of wireless internet broadband for the laptop. Task fitness is important to those users conducting mobile commerce, which may involve completion of several sequential transactions. This study draws upon consumption theory and task–technology fit literature to investigate the antecedents of wireless internet adoption. The structural equation model of field study data indicates that there are significant positive relationships among perceived quality, task fitness, and perceived value and the intention to adopt wireless internet. Surprisingly, the study also finds that the likelihood to subscribe to wireless internet declines as the awareness about the technology increases. This research provides theoretical insights for researchers and practical guidance for service providers as they push mobile commerce to increase data traffic revenue.
Mass estimate of the XTE J1650-500 black hole from the Extended Orbital Resonance Model for high-frequency QPOs

Context. XTE J1650-500 is a Galactic black-hole binary system for which at least one high-frequency QPO at 250 Hz was reported. Moreover there are indications that the system harbours a near-extreme Kerr black-hole with a spin a∗ ≃ 0.998 and mass MBH . 7.3 M⊙. Recently it was discovered that the orbital 3-velocity of t est-particle (geodesical) discs orbiting Kerr black holes with the spin a∗ > 0.9953, being analyzed in the locally non-rotating frames, reveals a hump near the marginally stable orbit. Further it was suggested that the hump could excite the epicyclic motion of particles near the ISCO with frequencies typical for high-frequency QPOs. Characteristic frequency of the hump-induced oscillations was defined as the maximal positive rate of change of th e LNRFrelated orbital velocity with the proper radial distance. I f the characteristic “humpy frequency” and the radial epicyclic frequency are commensurable, strong resonant phenomena are expected. Aims. Application of the idea of hump-induced oscillations in accretion discs around near-extreme Kerr black holes to estimate the black-hole mass in XTE J1650-500 binary system. Methods. For the Kerr black hole with spin a∗ ≃ 0.9982 the characteristic “humpy frequency” and the radial epicyclic frequency at the orbit, where the positive rate of change of the LNRF-related orbital velocity with the proper radial distance is maxi mal, are in ratio 1:3. Identifying the radial epicyclic frequency with the ob served 250 Hz QPO, we arrive at the mass of the black hole. In this method the ratio of frequencies determines the spin (and vice versa), and concrete values of frequencies determine the black-hole mass. Results. Mass of the Kerr black hole in XTE J1650-500 binary system is estimated to be around 5.1 M⊙.
Peripapillary and Macular Choroidal Thickness in Glaucoma

Purpose To compare choroidal thickness (CT) between individuals with and without glaucomatous damage and to explore the association of peripapillary and submacular CT with glaucoma severity using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Methods Ninety-one eyes of 20 normal subjects and 43 glaucoma patients from the UCLA SD-OCT Imaging Study were enrolled. Imaging was performed using Cirrus HD-OCT. Choroidal thickness was measured at four predetermined points in the macular and peripapillary regions, and compared between glaucoma and control groups before and after adjusting for potential confounding variables. Results The average (± standard deviation) mean deviation (MD) on visual fields was −0.3 (±2.0) dB in controls and −3.5 (±3.5) dB in glaucoma patients. Age, axial length and their interaction were the most significant factors affecting CT on multivariate analysis. Adjusted average CT (corrected for age, axial length, their interaction, gender and lens status) however, was not different between glaucoma patients and the control group (P=0.083) except in the temporal parafoveal region (P=0.037); nor was choroidal thickness related to glaucoma severity (r=−0.187, P=0.176 for correlation with MD, r=−0.151, P=0.275 for correlation with average nerve fiber layer thickness). Conclusions Choroidal thickness of the macular and peripapillary regions is not decreased in glaucoma. Anatomical measurements with SD-OCT do not support the possible influence of the choroid on the pathophysiology of glaucoma.
RISK FACTORS OF BRONCHIAL ASTHMA IN BAHRAH, SAUDI ARABIA

Background: Asthma is a common health problem whose prevalence in Saudi Arabia has risen over the last few decades. Brick factories in the city of Bahrah have exacerbated the problem, and increasing numbers of asthma cases are attending local primary health care centers. Objective: Determine the risk factors of asthma in Bahrah. Materials and Methods: The study was comprised of 110 cases of bronchial asthma resident in Bahrah who were diagnosed by the treating physicians and 110 healthy controls matched in age and sex. A questionnaire was completed from cases and controls, consisting of data regarding personal, familial, indoor and outdoor environmental factors that may be potential risk factors to asthma. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done to assess risk factors. Results: The mean ages of cases and controls were 22.4 (± 16.7) and 22.8 (± 16.1) years, respectively. Each group consisted of 64 males (58%) and 46 (42%) females. There was a significant association between distance from houses to brick factories and bronchial asthma (Chi square for linear trend = 26.6, p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that living within one kilometer of a brick factory (OR=5.1, CI=2.33-11.16), family history (OR=4.6, CI=2.16-9.78), allergic rhinitis (OR=3.39, CI=1.49-7.69), skin atopy (OR=4.6, CI=1.53-13.87) and recurrent respiratory tract infections (OR=4.1, CI=1.79-9.22) were independent risk factors for asthma in Bahrah. Conclusions and recommendations: Brick factories, family history and history of rhinitis, skin atopy, or recurrent respiratory tract infections are risk factors of bronchial asthma. An in-depth study to asses air pollution in Bahrah is recom-mended. People are advised not to live near brick factories.
Ca2+-Citrate Uptake and Metabolism in Lactobacillus casei ATCC 334

ABSTRACT The putative citrate metabolic pathway in Lactobacillus casei ATCC 334 consists of the transporter CitH, a proton symporter of the citrate-divalent metal ion family of transporters CitMHS, citrate lyase, and the membrane-bound oxaloacetate decarboxylase complex OAD-ABDH. Resting cells of Lactobacillus casei ATCC 334 metabolized citrate in complex with Ca2+ and not as free citrate or the Mg2+-citrate complex, thereby identifying Ca2+-citrate as the substrate of the transporter CitH. The pathway was induced in the presence of Ca2+ and citrate during growth and repressed by the presence of glucose and of galactose, most likely by a carbon catabolite repression mechanism. The end products of Ca2+-citrate metabolism by resting cells of Lb. casei were pyruvate, acetate, and acetoin, demonstrating the activity of the membrane-bound oxaloacetate decarboxylase complex OAD-ABDH. Following pyruvate, the pathway splits into two branches. One branch is the classical citrate fermentation pathway producing acetoin by α-acetolactate synthase and α-acetolactate decarboxylase. The other branch yields acetate, for which the route is still obscure. Ca2+-citrate metabolism in a modified MRS medium lacking a carbohydrate did not significantly affect the growth characteristics, and generation of metabolic energy in the form of proton motive force (PMF) was not observed in resting cells. In contrast, carbohydrate/Ca2+-citrate cometabolism resulted in a higher biomass yield in batch culture. However, also with these cells, no generation of PMF was associated with Ca2+-citrate metabolism. It is concluded that citrate metabolism in Lb. casei is beneficial when it counteracts acidification by carbohydrate metabolism in later growth stages.
Proteomic tools for environmental microbiology—A roadmap from sample preparation to protein identification and quantification

The steadily increasing amount of (meta‐)genomic sequence information of diverse organisms and habitats has a strong impact on research in microbial physiology and ecology. In‐depth functional understanding of metabolic processes and overall physiological adaptation to environmental changes, however, requires application of proteomics, as the context specific proteome constitutes the true functional output of a cell. Considering the enormous structural and functional diversity of proteins, only rational combinations of various analytical approaches allow a holistic view on the overall state of the cell. Within the past decade, proteomic methods became increasingly accessible to microbiologists mainly due to the robustness of analytical methods (e.g. 2DE), and affordability of mass spectrometers and their relative ease of use. This review provides an overview on the complex portfolio of state‐of‐the‐art proteomics and highlights the basic principles of key methods, ranging from sample preparation of laboratory or environmental samples, via protein/peptide separation (gel‐based or gel‐free) and different types of mass spectrometric protein/peptide analyses, to protein identification and abundance determination.
In Silico fragment-based drug design using a PASS approach

Fragment-based drug design integrates different methods to create novel ligands using fragment libraries focused on particular biological activities. Experimental approaches to the preparation of fragment libraries have some drawbacks caused by the need for target crystallization (X-ray and nuclear magnetic resonance) and careful immobilization (surface plasmon resonance). Molecular modelling (docking) requires accurate data on protein–ligand interactions, which are difficult to obtain for some proteins. The main drawbacks of QSAR application are associated with the need to collect large homogeneous datasets of chemical structures with experimentally determined self-consistent quantitative values (potency). We propose a ligand-based approach to the selection of fragments with positive contribution to biological activity, developed on the basis of the PASS algorithm. The robustness of the PASS algorithm for heterogeneous datasets has been shown earlier. PASS estimates qualitative (yes/no) prediction of biological activity spectra for over 4000 biological activities and, therefore, provides the basis for the preparation of a fragment library corresponding to multiple criteria. The algorithm for fragment selection has been validated using the fractions of intermolecular interactions calculated for known inhibitors of nine enzymes extracted from the Protein Data Bank database. The statistical significance of differences between fractions of intermolecular interactions corresponds, for several enzymes, to the estimated positive and negative contribution of fragments in enzyme inhibition.
Repeated events survival models: the conditional frailty model

Repeated events processes are ubiquitous across a great range of important health, medical, and public policy applications, but models for these processes have serious limitations. Alternative estimators often produce different inferences concerning treatment effects due to bias and inefficiency. We recommend a robust strategy for the estimation of effects in medical treatments, social conditions, individual behaviours, and public policy programs in repeated events survival models under three common conditions: heterogeneity across individuals, dependence across the number of events, and both heterogeneity and event dependence. We compare several models for analysing recurrent event data that exhibit both heterogeneity and event dependence. The conditional frailty model best accounts for the various conditions of heterogeneity and event dependence by using a frailty term, stratification, and gap time formulation of the risk set. We examine the performance of recurrent event models that are commonly used in applied work using Monte Carlo simulations, and apply the findings to data on chronic granulomatous disease and cystic fibrosis. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating GWAS-Identified SNPs for Age at Natural Menopause among Chinese Women

Background Age at natural menopause (ANM) is a complex trait with high heritability and is associated with several major hormonal-related diseases. Recently, several genome-wide association studies (GWAS), conducted exclusively among women of European ancestry, have discovered dozens of genetic loci influencing ANM. No study has been conducted to evaluate whether these findings can be generalized to Chinese women. Methodology/Principal Findings We evaluated the index single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 19 GWAS-identified genetic susceptibility loci for ANM among 3,533 Chinese women who had natural menopause. We also investigated 3 additional SNPs which were in LD with the index SNP in European-ancestry but not in Asian-ancestry populations. Two genetic risk scores (GRS) were calculated to summarize SNPs across multiple loci one for all SNPs tested (GRSall), and one for SNPs which showed association in our study (GRSsel). All 22 SNPs showed the same association direction as previously reported. Eight SNPs were nominally statistically significant with P≤0.05: rs4246511 (RHBDL2), rs12461110 (NLRP11), rs2307449 (POLG), rs12611091 (BRSK1), rs1172822 (BRSK1), rs365132 (UIMC1), rs2720044 (ASH2L), and rs7246479 (TMEM150B). Especially, SNPs rs4246511, rs365132, rs1172822, and rs7246479 remained significant even after Bonferroni correction. Significant associations were observed for GRS. Women in the highest quartile began menopause 0.7 years (P = 3.24×10−9) and 0.9 years (P = 4.61×10−11) later than those in the lowest quartile for GRSsel and GRSall, respectively. Conclusions Among the 22 investigated SNPs, eight showed associations with ANM (P<0.05) in our Chinese population. Results from this study extend some recent GWAS findings to the Asian-ancestry population and may guide future efforts to identify genetic determination of menopause.
Fully automatic and precise detection of thread safety violations

Concurrent, object-oriented programs often use thread-safe library classes. Existing techniques for testing a thread-safe class either rely on tests using the class, on formal specifications, or on both. Unfortunately, these techniques often are not fully automatic as they involve the user in analyzing the output. This paper presents an automatic testing technique that reveals concurrency bugs in supposedly thread-safe classes. The analysis requires as input only the class under test and reports only true positives. The key idea is to generate tests in which multiple threads call methods on a shared instance of the tested class. If a concurrent test exhibits an exception or a deadlock that cannot be triggered in any linearized execution of the test, the analysis reports a thread safety violation. The approach is easily applicable, because it is independent of hand-written tests and explicit specifications. The analysis finds 15 concurrency bugs in popular Java libraries, including two previously unknown bugs in the Java standard library.