Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic Predisposition to Cervical Cancer and the Association With XRCC1 and TGFB1 Polymorphisms

Objective Cervical carcinoma (CC), a multifactorial cancer, is assumed to have a host genetic predisposition component that modulates its susceptibility in various populations. We investigated the association between CC risk in Saudi women and 6 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in hypothesis-driven candidate genes. Methods A total of 545 females were included, comprising 232 CC patients and 313 age-/sex-matched control subjects. Six SNPs (CDKN1A C31A, ATM G1853A, HDM2 T309G, TGFB1 T10C, XRCC1 G399A, and XRCC3 C241T) were genotyped by direct sequencing. Results Of the 6 SNPs studied, TGFB1 T10C (odds ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.57–0.94) and XRCC1 G399A (odds ratio, 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.11–1.90) displayed different frequencies in cancer patients and control subjects and showed statistically significant association in univariate (P = 0.017, P = 0.005, respectively) analysis. The Cochran-Armitage trend test had confirmed the results (P = 0.027 and P = 0.006, respectively), indicating an ordering in the effect of the risk alleles in CC patients. The 2 SNPs, TGFB1 T10C and XRCC1 G399A, showed also degrees of deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in cancer patients (P = 0.001 and P = 0.083, respectively) but not in the control subjects. Furthermore, correction for multiple testing using multivariate logistic regression to assess the joint effect of all SNPs has sustained significant statistical association (P = 0.025 and P = 0.009, respectively). Conclusions TGFB1 T10C and XRCC1 G399A SNPs were associated with CC risk in univariate and multivariate analysis and displayed allele-dosage effects and coselection in cancer patients. Patients harboring the majority allele TGFB1 T10 (Leu) or the variant allele XRCC1 399A (Gln) have approximately 1.5-fold increased risk to develop CC. Host SNPs genotyping may provide relevant biomarkers for CC risk assessment in personalized preventive medicine.
Translational Research in Acute Lung Injury and Pulmonary Fibrosis Using cultured endothelial cells to study endothelial barrier dysfunction : Challenges and opportunities

Jurjan Aman, Ester M. Weijers, Geerten P. van Nieuw Amerongen, Asrar B. Malik, and Victor W. M. van Hinsbergh Department of Physiology, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Institute for Cardiovascular Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
Variation in the Fitness Effects of Mutations with Population Density and Size in Escherichia coli

The fitness effects of mutations are context specific and depend on both external (e.g., environment) and internal (e.g., cellular stress, genetic background) factors. The influence of population size and density on fitness effects are unknown, despite the central role population size plays in the supply and fixation of mutations. We addressed this issue by comparing the fitness of 92 Keio strains (Escherichia coli K12 single gene knockouts) at comparatively high (1.2×107 CFUs/mL) and low (2.5×102 CFUs/mL) densities, which also differed in population size (high: 1.2×108; low: 1.25×103). Twenty-eight gene deletions (30%) exhibited a fitness difference, ranging from 5 to 174% (median: 35%), between the high and low densities. Our analyses suggest this variation among gene deletions in fitness responses reflected in part both gene orientation and function, of the gene properties we examined (genomic position, length, orientation, and function). Although we could not determine the relative effects of population density and size, our results suggest fitness effects of mutations vary with these two factors, and this variation is gene-specific. Besides being a mechanism for density-dependent selection (r-K selection), the dependence of fitness effects on population density and size has implications for any population that varies in size over time, including populations undergoing evolutionary rescue, species invasions into novel habitats, and cancer progression and metastasis. Further, combined with recent advances in understanding the roles of other context-specific factors in the fitness effects of mutations, our results will help address theoretical and applied biological questions more realistically.
Cast and age hardening behaviour of Al6061 alloy reinforced with an in-situ ceramic composite prepared by carbo thermal reduction of fly ash in plasma reactor

An in-situ ternary ceramic composite material is developed indigenously by carbo thermal reduction of fly ash in a plasma reactor. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-Energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) analyses of the developed ternary mixture has revealed in-situ conversion of SiO2 to SiC in the vicinity of Al2O3, present in the fly ash material. Presence of carbon in the form of graphite is also confirmed by XRD and EDX analyses. The morphology of the fly ash powder particles is changed from irregular to rod shaped particles with the presence of whiskers (diameter ∼ 0.2 µm, length 8–20 µm). Metal matrix based (Al6061) ceramic composites are prepared with the plasma synthesized fly ash and untreated fly ash composites by stir casting method with different volume fractions of ceramic powders of both the category. Progressive reductions of grain size by increasing volume fractions with segregation of ceramic particles at the grain boundaries are salient features of microstructures. Remarkable improvement in strength and wear resistance is the two significant features of the novel Al6061alloy based composite developed with plasma treated fly ash. Results are presented on the ageing behaviour of the alloy composite for both the categories and mechanical properties of age hardened alloy based composites are compared with monolithic alloy. Accelerated ageing behaviour is observed for alloy based composites, which is found to depend on the morphology of the incoherent dispersed phases. Accelerated precipitation during ageing has been confirmed by hardness versus time as well as by differential scanning calorimetry analysis. Sequences of precipitation for all materials are shown in differential scanning calorimetry thermogram.
Silent synapses generate sparse and orthogonal action potential firing in adult-born hippocampal granule cells

In adult neurogenesis young neurons connect to the existing network via formation of thousands of new synapses. At early developmental stages, glutamatergic synapses are sparse, immature and functionally 'silent', expressing mainly NMDA receptors. Here we show in 2- to 3-week-old young neurons of adult mice, that brief-burst activity in glutamatergic fibers is sufficient to induce postsynaptic AP firing in the absence of AMPA receptors. The enhanced excitability of the young neurons lead to efficient temporal summation of small NMDA currents, dynamic unblocking of silent synapses and NMDA-receptor-dependent AP firing. Therefore, early synaptic inputs are powerfully converted into reliable spiking output. Furthermore, due to high synaptic gain, small dendritic trees and sparse connectivity, neighboring young neurons are activated by different distinct subsets of afferent fibers with minimal overlap. Taken together, synaptic recruitment of young neurons generates sparse and orthogonal AP firing, which may support sparse coding during hippocampal information processing.
Association of Waist Circumference Gain and Incident Prediabetes Defined by Fasting Glucose: A Seven-Year Longitudinal Study in Beijing, China

The risk of incident prediabetes with gain in waist circumference (WC) has not been addressed among Chinese adults. A total of 7951 participants who underwent health check-ups at the Beijing Physical Examination Center and Beijing Xiaotangshan hospital were recruited in 2009 and followed up in 2016. Participants were classified into four groups according to categories of percent WC gain: ≤−2.5%, −2.5–2.5%, 2.5–5%, and >5%. The effect of WC gain on prediabetes was evaluated using modified Poisson regression models. Over seven years of follow-up, we identified 1034 prediabetes cases (413 women). Compared with a WC gain of ≤−2.5%, participants with a WC gain of >5% have a higher risk of prediabetes, be they male (non-abdominal obesity at baseline group: RR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.10–2.24, abdominal obesity at baseline group: RR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.20–2.30) or female (non-abdominal obesity at baseline group: RR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.14–2.64, abdominal obesity at baseline group: RR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.43–4.28). In conclusion, the risk of prediabetes increased significantly with increasing WC for both genders in the Chinese population. Lifestyle interventions aiming at preventing abdominal obesity are urgently needed to reduce the increasing burden of prediabetes, diabetes, and its complications.
Use of cone calorimetry to quantify the burning hazard of apparel fabrics

UK fire statistics reveal that there are 60–80 clothing‐related burns fatalities each year and nightwear is the garment category which is more likely to cause deaths. Existing test methods for assessing the burning behaviour of apparel fabrics do not quantify the fabrics for their potential burn injury hazard. In the present work an oxygen consumption or cone calorimetric technique has been used to study the heat release parameters of apparel fabrics. Experimental fabrics selected for this study represent those typically used in manufacturing nightwear. Reproducibility and repeatability have been tested for both thermally thin and thick specimens in the form of single and multi‐layered fabrics, respectively. The effect of varying incident heat flux enabled the derivation of critical heat flux (CHF), peak heat release (PHRR) under zero incident heat flux and fire growth index (FIGRA). Ranking of fabrics for their potential burning hazard is discussed in terms of the relative magnitudes of these parameters. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Symptom- and Laboratory-Based Ebola Risk Scores to Differentiate Likely Ebola Infections

Rapidly identifying likely Ebola patients is difficult because of a broad case definition, overlap of symptoms with common illnesses, and lack of rapid diagnostics. However, rapid identification is critical for care and containment of contagion. We analyzed retrospective data from 252 Ebola-positive and 172 Ebola-negative patients at a Sierra Leone Ebola treatment center to develop easy-to-use risk scores, based on symptoms and laboratory tests (if available), to stratify triaged patients by their likelihood of having Ebola infection. Headache, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, and conjunctivitis comprised the symptom-based score. The laboratory-based score also included creatinine, creatine kinase, alanine aminotransferase, and total bilirubin. This risk score correctly identified 92% of Ebola-positive patients as high risk for infection; both scores correctly classified >70% of Ebola-negative patients as low or medium risk. Clinicians can use these risk scores to gauge the likelihood of triaged patients having Ebola while awaiting laboratory confirmation.
Exploring the ways experienced nurses in Poland view their profession: a focus group study.

AIMS To conduct an in-depth analysis to understand how Polish nurses perceive their profession from the perspective of the jobs they perform and their experiences connected with the work. BACKGROUND Although there are general educational standards in the nursing profession, nurses worldwide perform their jobs under different systems and cultural conditions. Exploring and describing how experienced nurses view their profession can contribute to recommendations on how to promote the image of the profession and can assist in recruiting new nurses. METHODS A descriptive, explorative qualitative study was conducted. Focus groups (n = 6) were organized involving nurses (n = 60) who had between 8 and 33 years of work experience. FINDINGS Data analysis revealed four main themes and ten sub-themes: (i) the role of the nurse (idealistic view of a nurse's work before starting the job, realistic perception of the profession while doing the job); (ii) respect for a nurse (nurses' attitudes towards one another, doctors' attitudes towards nurses, patients' and their families' attitudes towards nurses); (iii) gender issues (stereotypes, favouritism towards male nurses); (iv) prestige of the profession (prestige of the nursing profession in society, remuneration, nurses' choice of a future profession for their children). DISCUSSION The study demonstrates that there is a huge discrepancy between the commonly held image of the nursing profession and the reality of the nurse's job. The idealistic view that it is a "clean" job in which the nurse only gives injections is not reflected in the actual duties. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY The findings revealed factors which influence the perception of the nursing profession in Poland, that is the system of education, professional experience and the current situation in which nurses perform their roles. Nurses' current perception of the job may have negative consequences both for nurses themselves (e.g. burnout) and for the whole profession (e.g. negative selection). Nurses should aim to fulfil leadership roles and participate in the management of health policy so as to have greater influence on healthcare planning.
An RNA‐binding atypical tropomyosin recruits kinesin‐1 dynamically to oskar mRNPs

Localization and local translation of oskar mRNA at the posterior pole of the Drosophila oocyte directs abdominal patterning and germline formation in the embryo. The process requires recruitment and precise regulation of motor proteins to form transport‐competent mRNPs. We show that the posterior‐targeting kinesin‐1 is loaded upon nuclear export of oskar mRNPs, prior to their dynein‐dependent transport from the nurse cells into the oocyte. We demonstrate that kinesin‐1 recruitment requires the DmTropomyosin1‐I/C isoform, an atypical RNA‐binding tropomyosin that binds directly to dimerizing oskar 3′UTRs. Finally, we show that a small but dynamically changing subset of oskar mRNPs gets loaded with inactive kinesin‐1 and that the motor is activated during mid‐oogenesis by the functionalized spliced oskar RNA localization element. This inefficient, dynamic recruitment of Khc decoupled from cargo‐dependent motor activation constitutes an optimized, coordinated mechanism of mRNP transport, by minimizing interference with other cargo‐transport processes and between the cargo‐associated dynein and kinesin‐1.
Morphology, Reproduction and Diet in Australian and Papuan Death Adders (Acanthophis, Elapidae)

Death adders (genus Acanthophis) differ from most other elapid snakes, and resemble many viperid snakes, in their thickset morphology and ambush foraging mode. Although these snakes are widely distributed through Australia and Papua New Guinea, their basic biology remains poorly known. We report morphological and ecological data based upon dissection of >750 museum specimens drawn from most of the range of the genus. Female death adders grow larger than conspecific males, to about the same extent in all taxa (20% in mean adult snout-vent length, = SVL). Most museum specimens were adult rather than juvenile animals, and adult males outnumbered females in all taxa except A. pyrrhus. Females have shorter tails (relative to SVL) than males, and longer narrower heads (relative to head length) in some but not all species. The southern A. antarcticus is wider-bodied (relative to SVL) than the other Australian species. Fecundity of these viviparous snakes was similar among taxa (mean litter sizes 8 to 14). Death adders encompass a broad range of ecological attributes, taking a wide variety of vertebrate prey, mostly lizards (55%), frogs and mammals (each 21%; based on 217 records). Dietary composition differed among species (e.g. frogs were more common in tropical than temperate-zone species), and shifted with snake body size (endotherms were taken by larger snakes) and sex (male death adders took more lizards than did females). Overall, death adders take a broader array of prey types, including active fast-moving taxa such as endotherms and large diurnal skinks, than do most other Australian elapids of similar body sizes. Ambush foraging is the key to capturing such elusive prey.
Toward Incorporation of Relevant Documents in word2vec

Recent advances in neural word embedding provide significant benefit to various information retrieval tasks. However as shown by recent studies, adapting the embedding models for the needs of IR tasks can bring considerable further improvements. The embedding models in general define the term relatedness by exploiting the terms' co-occurrences in short-window contexts. An alternative (and well-studied) approach in IR for related terms to a query is using local information i.e. a set of top-retrieved documents. In view of these two methods of term relatedness, in this work, we report our study on incorporating the local information of the query in the word embeddings. One main challenge in this direction is that the dense vectors of word embeddings and their estimation of term-to-term relatedness remain difficult to interpret and hard to analyze. As an alternative, explicit word representations propose vectors whose dimensions are easily interpretable, and recent methods show competitive performance to the dense vectors. We introduce a neural-based explicit representation, rooted in the conceptual ideas of the word2vec Skip-Gram model. The method provides interpretable explicit vectors while keeping the effectiveness of the Skip-Gram model. The evaluation of various explicit representations on word association collections shows that the newly proposed method out- performs the state-of-the-art explicit representations when tasked with ranking highly similar terms. Based on the introduced ex- plicit representation, we discuss our approaches on integrating local documents in globally-trained embedding models and discuss the preliminary results.
Experimental Production and Evaluation of Cement-Bonded Composite Pipes for Water Conveyance

Cement-bonded particleboard was investigated for its potentials as a conduit pipe material. As a cost reduction strategy, the effects of partial replacement of Portland cement with ground eggshell powder and waste carbide on the properties of the composite pipes were also investigated. 300 mm long pipe specimens were manufactured in two thicknesses of 6mm and 8mm, each one having an outer diameter of 166mm. Selected physic-mechanical properties of the pipes were assessed using standard methods. Results obtained showed that the density (< 500 Kg/m3), water absorption (< 40%) and thickness swelling (< 6%) of the pipes were generally within acceptable limits. The burst strength (0.02- 0.10 MPa) was relatively low compared to values reported in literature for polyvinyl chloride (0.875 – 1.79 MPa), asbestos (0.86 – 1.38 MPa) and aluminum (1.38 and 3.24 MPa) pipes. The values also decreased with increase in proportions of eggshell and carbide waste. The eggshell appeared to have more negative effect on the pipe properties than carbide waste. The pH of the water samples deliberately stored in the pipes for 24 hours at room temperature ranged between 8.0 and 10.7. These findings, particularly the relatively low burst strength, suggest that the composite pipes would better be put to use in activities that do not require high pressure water conveyance.
Diet as a Trigger or Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

The most common question asked by patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is, "Doctor, what should I eat? " Findings from epidemiology studies have indicated that diets high in animal fat and low in fruits and vegetables are the most common pattern associated with an increased risk of IBD. Low levels of vitamin D also appear to be a risk factor for IBD. In murine models, diets high in fat, especially saturated animal fats, also increase inflammation, whereas supplementation with omega 3 long-chain fatty acids protect against intestinal inflammation. Unfortunately, omega 3 supplements have not been shown to decrease the risk of relapse in patients with Crohn's disease. Dietary intervention studies have shown that enteral therapy, with defined formula diets, helps children with Crohn's disease and reduces inflammation and dysbiosis. Although fiber supplements have not been shown definitively to benefit patients with IBD, soluble fiber is the best way to generate short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate, which has anti-inflammatory effects. Addition of vitamin D and curcumin has been shown to increase the efficacy of IBD therapy. There is compelling evidence from animal models that emulsifiers in processed foods increase risk for IBD. We discuss current knowledge about popular diets, including the specific carbohydrate diet and diet low in fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides and polyols. We present findings from clinical and basic science studies to help gastroenterologists navigate diet as it relates to the management of IBD.
Correlation between gyrA and CmeR Box Polymorphism and Fluoroquinolone Resistance in Campylobacter jejuni Isolates in China

ABSTRACT Sequence analysis of 79 ciprofloxacin-resistant Campylobacter jejuni isolates collected in China showed resistance-related sequence variations in gyrA and CmeR-Box. All the isolates contain an identical Thr-86-Ile substitution in GyrA. Several novel CmeR-Box variations, including point substitutions, deletion, and insertion, were identified. The point insertion or deletion led to dramatically reduced binding of CmeR to the cmeABC promoter, which significantly increases the expression of cmeABC and contributes to the high fluoroquinolone resistance.
Traditional Medicare Versus Private Insurance: How Spending, Volume, And Price Change At Age Sixty-Five.

To slow the growth of Medicare spending, some policy makers have advocated raising the Medicare eligibility age from the current sixty-five years to sixty-seven years. For the majority of affected adults, this would delay entry into Medicare and increase the time they are covered by private insurance. Despite its policy importance, little is known about how such a change would affect national health care spending, which is the sum of health care spending for all consumers and payers-including governments. We examined how spending differed between Medicare and private insurance using longitudinal data on imaging and procedures for a national cohort of individuals who switched from private insurance to Medicare at age sixty-five. Using a regression discontinuity design, we found that spending fell by $38.56 per beneficiary per quarter-or 32.4 percent-upon entry into Medicare at age sixty-five. In contrast, we found no changes in the volume of services at age sixty-five. For the previously insured, entry into Medicare led to a large drop in spending driven by lower provider prices, which may reflect Medicare's purchasing power as a large insurer. These findings imply that increasing the Medicare eligibility age may raise national health care spending by replacing Medicare coverage with private insurance, which pays higher provider prices than Medicare does.