Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Maternal High Fat Diet Is Associated with Decreased Plasma n–3 Fatty Acids and Fetal Hepatic Apoptosis in Nonhuman Primates

To begin to understand the contributions of maternal obesity and over-nutrition to human development and the early origins of obesity, we utilized a non-human primate model to investigate the effects of maternal high-fat feeding and obesity on breast milk, maternal and fetal plasma fatty acid composition and fetal hepatic development. While the high-fat diet (HFD) contained equivalent levels of n-3 fatty acids (FA's) and higher levels of n-6 FA's than the control diet (CTR), we found significant decreases in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and total n-3 FA's in HFD maternal and fetal plasma. Furthermore, the HFD fetal plasma n-6∶n-3 ratio was elevated and was significantly correlated to the maternal plasma n-6∶n-3 ratio and maternal hyperinsulinemia. Hepatic apoptosis was also increased in the HFD fetal liver. Switching HFD females to a CTR diet during a subsequent pregnancy normalized fetal DHA, n-3 FA's and fetal hepatic apoptosis to CTR levels. Breast milk from HFD dams contained lower levels of eicosopentanoic acid (EPA) and DHA and lower levels of total protein than CTR breast milk. This study links chronic maternal consumption of a HFD with fetal hepatic apoptosis and suggests that a potentially pathological maternal fatty acid milieu is replicated in the developing fetal circulation in the nonhuman primate.
Genetic Suppression of Basement Membrane Defects in Caenorhabditis elegans by Gain of Function in Extracellular Matrix and Cell-Matrix Attachment Genes

Basement membranes are extracellular matrices essential for embryonic development in animals. Peroxidasins are extracellular peroxidases implicated in the unique sulfilimine cross-links between type IV basement membrane collagens. Loss of function in the Caenorhabditis elegans peroxidasin PXN-2 results in fully penetrant embryonic or larval lethality. Using genetic suppressor screening, we find that the requirement for PXN-2 in development can be bypassed by gain of function in multiple genes encoding other basement membrane components, or proteins implicated in cell-matrix attachment. We identify multiple alleles of let-805, encoding the transmembrane protein myotactin, which suppress phenotypes of pxn-2 null mutants and of other basement membrane mutants such as F-spondin/spon-1. These let-805 suppressor alleles cause missense alterations in two pairs of FNIII repeats in the extracellular domain; they act dominantly and have no detectable phenotypes alone, suggesting they cause gain of function. We also identify suppressor missense mutations affecting basement membrane components type IV collagen (emb-9, let-2) and perlecan (unc-52), as well as a mutation affecting spectraplakin (vab-10), a component of the epidermal cytoskeleton. These suppressor alleles do not bypass the developmental requirement for core structural proteins of the basement membrane such as laminin or type IV collagen. In conclusion, putative gain-of-function alterations in matrix proteins or in cell-matrix receptors can overcome the requirement for certain basement membrane proteins in embryonic development, revealing previously unknown plasticity in the genetic requirements for the extracellular matrix.
Social-ecological factors associated with selling sex among men who have sex with men in Jamaica: results from a cross-sectional tablet-based survey

ABSTRACT Background: Globally, men who have sex with men (MSM) experience social marginalization and criminalization that increase HIV vulnerability by constraining access to HIV prevention and care. People who sell sex also experience criminalization, rights violations, and violence, which elevate HIV exposure. MSM who sell sex may experience intersectional stigma and intensified social marginalization, yet have largely been overlooked in epidemiological and social HIV research. In Jamaica, where same sex practices and sex work are criminalized, scant research has investigated sex selling among MSM, including associations with HIV vulnerability. Objective: We aimed to examine social ecological factors associated with selling sex among MSM in Jamaica, including exchanging sex for money, shelter, food, transportation, or drugs/alcohol (past 12 months). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey with a peer-driven sample of MSM in Kingston, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate intrapersonal/individual, interpersonal/social, and structural factors associated with selling sex. Results: Among 556 MSM, one-third (n = 182; 32.7%) reported selling sex. In the final multivariable model, correlates of selling sex included: individual/intrapersonal (lower safer sex self-efficacy [AOR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.77, 0.94]), interpersonal/social (concurrent partnerships [AOR: 5.52, 95% CI: 1.56, 19.53], a higher need for social support [AOR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.12], lifetime forced sex [AOR: 2.74, 95% 1.65, 4.55]) and structural-level factors (sexual stigma [AOR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.15], food insecurity [AOR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.41, 4.02], housing insecurity [AOR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.16, 3.26], no regular healthcare provider [AOR: 2.72, 95% CI: 1.60, 4.64]). Conclusions: This study highlights social ecological correlates of selling sex among MSM in Jamaica, in particular elevated stigma and economic insecurity. Findings suggest that MSM in Jamaica who sell sex experience intensified social and structural HIV vulnerabilities that should be addressed in multi-level interventions to promote health and human rights.
Developmental abnormalities of cortical interneurons precede symptoms onset in a mouse model of Rett syndrome

Rett syndrome (RTT, MIM312750), a neurodevelopmental disorder predominantly occurring in females, is caused in the majority of cases by sporadic mutations in the gene encoding the transcriptional modulator methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2 (MECP2). In mice, impaired MeCP2 function results in severe motor, cognitive, and emotional defects. The lack of Mecp2 in γ‐aminobutyric acid‐(GABA) releasing forebrain interneurons (INs) recapitulate many RTT features, however, the role of this gene in the development of the cortical inhibitory system is still unknown. Here, we found that MeCP2 expression varies among the three major classes of cortical INs and its nuclear localization differs between neuronal types. The density of calretinin+ and parvalbumin+ INs increases in Mecp2 knockout mice (Mecp2−/y) already at early post‐natal developmental stages. In contrast, the density of somatostatin+ INs is not affected. We also found that the development of multipolar‐calretinin+ INs is selectively affected by the absence of Mecp2. Additionally, we show that in Mecp2 heterozygous female mice, a model closely mimicking human RTT condition, IN abnormalities are similar to those observed in Mecp2−/y mice. Together, our study indicates that loss of function of Mecp2 strongly interferes with the correct establishment of the neocortical inhibitory system producing effects that are specific to different IN subtypes.
Inpatient Diabetes Management

PURPOSE Morning diabetes management in an inpatient acute care facility was examined. METHODS A descriptive, nonexperimental research design was used to study the effect of the following variables on patients' prelunch blood glucose: duration of time between (1) blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration, (2) insulin administration and breakfast, and (3) blood glucose monitoring and breakfast. A nonprobability convenience sample was used to examine 40 adults with diabetes who were hospitalized in an urban, academic medical center. RESULTS The chi2 test and measurements of central tendency were used for statistical analysis. The mean interval of time between (1) blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration was 93 minutes+/-52.82, (2) blood glucose monitoring and breakfast was 121+/-47 minutes, and (3) insulin administration and breakfast was 73+/-37.06 minutes. Insulin was administered in 28% of patients<45 minutes before breakfast, whereas in 39% and 33%, it was administered between 46 and 90 minutes and >90 minutes prior to breakfast, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference (P=.033) between mean prelunch glucose levels for subjects who received insulin>45 minutes before breakfast and mean glucose levels for those who received insulin<45 minutes before breakfast. Eighty percent of patients whose breakfast was >45 minutes following insulin had prelunch glucose values of >180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L) versus 20%<180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L). Of those whose breakfast was <45 minutes before insulin, 43% had blood glucose levels>180 mg/dL, and 57% had blood glucose<180 mg/dL (P=.026). A logistical regression model revealed that patients had a 5.3 times higher risk of having a prelunch blood glucose level>180 mg/dL when their breakfast time was >45 minutes after receiving insulin as compared to those whose insulin was given<45 minutes before breakfast (relative risk, 5.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-25; P=.031). CONCLUSION Current practice suggests patients are at a higher risk of prelunch hyperglycemia, and multiple opportunities exist to improve care for the inpatient with diabetes.
The Initiation of GTP Hydrolysis by the G-Domain of FeoB: Insights from a Transition-State Complex Structure

The polytopic membrane protein FeoB is a ferrous iron transporter in prokaryotes. The protein contains a potassium-activated GTPase domain that is essential in regulating the import of iron and conferring virulence to many disease-causing bacteria. However, the mechanism by which the G-domain of FeoB hydrolyzes GTP is not well understood. In particular, it is not yet known how the pivotal step in GTP hydrolysis is achieved: alignment of a catalytic water molecule. In the current study, the crystal structure of the soluble domains from Streptococcus thermophilus FeoB (NFeoBSt) in complex with the activating potassium ion and a transition-state analogue, GDP⋅AlF4 −, reveals a novel mode of water alignment involving contacts with the protein backbone only. In parallel to the structural studies, a series of seven mutant proteins were constructed that targeted conserved residues at the active site of NFeoBSt, and the nucleotide binding and hydrolysis properties of these were measured and compared to the wild-type protein. The results show that mutations in Thr35 abolish GTPase activity of the protein, while other conserved residues (Tyr58, Ser64, Glu66 and Glu67) are not required for water alignment by NFeoBSt. Together with the crystal structure, the findings suggest a new mechanism for hydrolysis initiation in small G-proteins, in which the attacking water molecule is aligned by contacts with the protein backbone only.
Multiple Distant Origins for Green Sea Turtles Aggregating off Gorgona Island in the Colombian Eastern Pacific

Mitochondrial DNA analyses have been useful for resolving maternal lineages and migratory behavior to foraging grounds (FG) in sea turtles. However, little is known about source rookeries and haplotype composition of foraging green turtle aggregations in the southeastern Pacific. We used mitochondrial DNA control region sequences to identify the haplotype composition of 55 green turtles, Chelonia mydas, captured in foraging grounds of Gorgona National Park in the Colombian Pacific. Amplified fragments of the control region (457 bp) revealed the presence of seven haplotypes, with haplotype (h) and nucleotide (π) diversities of h = 0.300±0.080 and π = 0.009±0.005 respectively. The most common haplotype was CMP4 observed in 83% of individuals, followed by CMP22 (5%). The genetic composition of the Gorgona foraging population primarily comprised haplotypes that have been found at eastern Pacific rookeries including Mexico and the Galapagos, as well as haplotypes of unknown stock origin that likely originated from more distant western Pacific rookeries. Mixed stock analysis suggests that the Gorgona FG population is comprised mostly of animals from the Galapagos rookery (80%). Lagrangian drifter data showed that movement of turtles along the eastern Pacific coast and eastward from distant western and central Pacific sites was possible through passive drift. Our results highlight the importance of this protected area for conservation management of green turtles recruited from distant sites along the eastern Pacific Ocean.
HCCL at SemEval-2017 Task 2: Combining Multilingual Word Embeddings and Transliteration Model for Semantic Similarity

In this paper, we introduce an approach to combining word embeddings and machine translation for multilingual semantic word similarity, the task2 of SemEval-2017. Thanks to the unsupervised transliteration model, our cross-lingual word embeddings encounter decreased sums of OOVs. Our results are produced using only monolingual Wikipedia corpora and a limited amount of sentence-aligned data. Although relatively little resources are utilized, our system ranked 3rd in the monolingual subtask and can be the 6th in the cross-lingual subtask.
Estimation of a laser biostimulation dose

A b s t r a c t. The method for a quantitative determination of the laser irradiation dose supplied to the seed surface during the advance laser biostimulation of seeds prior to sowing is presented. Two, the most common laser irradiation geometries are discussed: the first, when seeds move with a constant speed, and the other where seeds freely fall down with acceleration characteristic for the gravity over illuminated area. Simple equations for calculating a laser irradiation dose are presented. K e y w o r d s: biostimulation, seeds, laser irradiation dose
Written reflection in an eHealth intervention for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a qualitative study

Background Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are responsible for the daily decisions and actions necessary to manage their disease, which makes self-management the cornerstone of diabetes care. Many patients do not reach recommended treatment goals, and thus it is important to develop and evaluate innovative interventions that facilitate optimal motivation for adequate self-management of T2DM. Objective The aim of the current study was to explore how adults with T2DM experience using reflection sheets to stimulate written reflection in the context of the Guided Self-Determination (GSD) eHealth intervention and how written reflection might affect their motivation for self-management of T2DM. Methods We used a qualitative design in which data were collected through individual interviews. The sample consisted of 10 patients who completed the GSD eHealth intervention, and data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results The qualitative content analysis yielded 2 main themes. We labeled the first theme as “Written reflection affects awareness and commitment in diabetes self-management”, which reflects 2 subthemes, namely, “Writing creates space and time for autonomous reflection” and “Writing influences individuals’ focus in diabetes self-management”. We labeled the second theme as “Written reflection is perceived as inapplicable in diabetes self-management”, which reflects 2 subthemes, namely, “Responding in writing is difficult” and “The timing of the writing is inappropriate”. Conclusion Our findings indicate that written reflection in the context of the GSD eHealth intervention may be conducive to motivation for diabetes self-management for some patients. However, it seems that in-person consultation with the diabetes nurse may be necessary to achieve the full potential benefit of the GSD as an eHealth intervention. We advocate further development and examination of the GSD as a “blended” approach, especially for those who consider written reflection to be difficult or unfamiliar.
A Map of Copy Number Variations in Chinese Populations

It has been shown that the human genome contains extensive copy number variations (CNVs). Investigating the medical and evolutionary impacts of CNVs requires the knowledge of locations, sizes and frequency distribution of them within and between populations. However, CNV study of Chinese minorities, which harbor the majority of genetic diversity of Chinese populations, has been underrepresented considering the same efforts in other populations. Here we constructed, to our knowledge, a first CNV map in seven Chinese populations representing the major linguistic groups in China with 1,440 CNV regions identified using Affymetrix SNP 6.0 Array. Considerable differences in distributions of CNV regions between populations and substantial population structures were observed. We showed that ∼35% of CNV regions identified in minority ethnic groups are not shared by Han Chinese population, indicating that the contribution of the minorities to genetic architecture of Chinese population could not be ignored. We further identified highly differentiated CNV regions between populations. For example, a common deletion in Dong and Zhuang (44.4% and 50%), which overlaps two keratin-associated protein genes contributing to the structure of hair fibers, was not observed in Han Chinese. Interestingly, the most differentiated CNV deletion between HapMap CEU and YRI containing CCL3L1 gene reported in previous studies was also the highest differentiated regions between Tibetan and other populations. Besides, by jointly analyzing CNVs and SNPs, we found a CNV region containing gene CTDSPL were in almost perfect linkage disequilibrium between flanking SNPs in Tibetan while not in other populations except HapMap CHD. Furthermore, we found the SNP taggability of CNVs in Chinese populations was much lower than that in European populations. Our results suggest the necessity of a full characterization of CNVs in Chinese populations, and the CNV map we constructed serves as a useful resource in further evolutionary and medical studies.
The Impact of Advice on Women's and Men's Selection into Competition

We conduct a laboratory experiment to study how advice by a more experienced and better-informed person affects an individual's entry into a real-effort tournament and the gender gap. Our experiment is motivated by the concerns raised by approaching the gender gap through affirmative action policies. Overall, advice improves the entry decision of subjects, in that forgone earnings due to wrong entry decisions go significantly down. The improvements are mainly driven by increased entry of strong-performing women, who also become more confident, and reduced entry of weak-performing men. We find that the overall gender gap persists even though it disappears among low and strong performers. The persistence is due to an emerging gender gap among intermediate performers driven by women (men) following more the advice to stay out of (enter) the tournament in this performance group. This paper was accepted by Uri Gneezy, behavioral economics.
Neuromuscular disease‐specific questionnaire to assess quality of life in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy

To date, generic questionnaires have been used to investigate quality of life (QoL) in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) patients. Although these measures are very useful, they are not usually precise enough to measure all specific characteristics of the disease. Our aim was to investigate QoL using the neuromuscular disease‐specific questionnaire (individualized neuromuscular quality of life, INQoL) in a large cohort of patients with CIDP. Our study comprised 106 patients diagnosed with CIDP. INQoL questionnaire, Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score, Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment (INCAT) disability score, Visual Analogue Pain Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Krupp's Fatigue Severity Scale were used in our study. Physical domains of INQoL were more affected than mental, and the overall score was 57 ± 25. Significant predictors of higher INQoL score in our patients with CIDP were severe fatigue (β = 0.35, p < 0.01), higher INCAT disability score at time of testing (β = 0.29, p < 0.01), and being unemployed/retired (β = 0.22, p < 0.05). QoL was reduced in our cohort of CIDP patients, which was more pronounced in physical segments. Patients with fatigue, more severe disability, and unemployed/retired need special attention of neurologists because they could be at greater risk to have worse QoL.
Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae Sensitivity/Resistance Pattern Towards Antimicrobial Agents in Primary and Simple Urinary Tract Infection Patients Visiting University Hospital of Jamia Hamdard New Delhi

Abstract Aim This study was carried out to record the sensitivity/resistance pattern of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae towards antimicrobial drugs prescribed to urinary tract infection (UTI) patients. Materials and Methods A total of 68 bacteriologically proven simple UTI patients were included in the study, based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subjects demographics, antibiotics prescribed, sensitivity pattern of antibiotics towards the urinary pathogens were recorded in drug utilization and documentation form. Results The mean age of the patients was 29.32 years. The maximum number of patients fell under the age group 21–30 years. The maximum no of male and female patients belonged to the age group 21–30 years, 82.35% were females and 17.64% were males. E. coli found to be the most common uropathogens followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae. Nitrofurantoin was the most commonly prescribed drug followed by ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and amoxicillin + clavulanic acid and amikacin. E. coli isolates showed high resistance for ampicillin followed by cotrimoxazole, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, tetracycline and ceftazidime and least resistance to amikacin, nitrofurantoin. Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were highly resistant against ceftazidime, ampicilline, cotrimoxazole, nitrofurantoin, gentamicin, amoxicillin + sulbactam. Overall, the antibiotic against with high resistance found was ampicillin followed by cotrimoxazole, gentamicin, ceftazidime, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, levofloxacin, cefepime and least resistance to amikacin, netilmicin and nitrofurantoin. Conclusion Majority of UTIs in this study were caused by E. coli followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae. The high resistance was found with ampicillin (75%). Nitrofurantoin was the most commonly prescribed drug followed by other flouroquinolones.