Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Peer relationship profiles in rural Chinese adolescents: Longitudinal relations with subjective well-being

Using two waves of data, this study aimed to identify the peer relationship profiles of 1295 rural Chinese adolescents based on a person-centered approach and to examine the interactions among these profiles, left-behind status, and gender in predicting subsequent subjective well-being. Latent profile analyses identified four profiles: a socially competent profile, a socially accepted profile, an isolated profile, and a rejected profile. These profiles were linked to left-behind status (i.e. both-parent migration, father-only migration, mother-only migration, and non-parent migration) and gender. Moreover, left-behind status moderated the longitudinal relations between the peer relationship profiles and subjective well-being for boys and girls.
Acute Impact of Recovery on the Restoration of Cellular Immunological Homeostasis

Abstract In view of the growing amount of (intense) training in competitive sports, quick recovery plays a superior role in performance restoration. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of active versus passive recovery during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and sprint interval training (SIT) protocols on acute alterations of circulating blood cells. Twelve male triathletes/cyclists performed 1) a HIIT consisting of 4×4 min intervals, 2) a SIT consisting of 4×30s intervals, separated by either active or passive recovery. Blood samples were collected immediately before and at 0’, 30’, 60’ and 180’ (minutes) post-exercise. Outcomes comprised leukocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, mixed cell count, platelets, cellular inflammation markers (neutrophil/lymphocyte-ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte-ratio (PLR)), and the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII). In view of HIIT, passive recovery attenuated the changes in lymphocytes and neutrophils compared to active recovery. In view of SIT, active recovery attenuated the increase in leukocytes, lymphocytes and absolute mixed cell count compared to passive recovery. Both protocols, independent of recovery, significantly increased NLR, PLR and SII up to 3h of recovery compared to pre-exercise values. The mode of recovery influences short-term alterations in the circulating fraction of leukocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils and the mixed cell count, which might be associated with different hormonal and metabolic stress responses due to the mode of recovery.
Preservation of Neurovascular Coupling to Cognitive Activity in Anterior Cerebrovasculature During Incremental Ascent to High Altitude.

Lefferts, Wesley K. , Jacob P. DeBlois, Jan Elaine Soriano, Leah Mann, Zahrah Rampuri, Brittney Herrington, Scott Thrall, Jordan Bird, Taylor S. Harman, Trevor A. Day, Kevin S. Heffernan, and Tom D. Brutsaert. Preservation of neurovascular coupling to cognitive activity in anterior cerebrovasculature during incremental ascent to high altitude. High Alt Med Biol. 00:000-000, 2019. Background: High altitude sojourn challenges blood flow regulation in the brain, which may contribute to cognitive dysfunction. Neurovascular coupling (NVC) describes the ability to increase blood flow to working regions of the brain. Effects of high altitude on NVC in frontal regions undergoing cognitive activation are unclear but may be relevant to executive function in high-altitude hypoxia. This study sought to examine the effect of incremental ascent to very high altitude on NVC by measuring anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) hemodynamic responses to sustained cognitive activity. Materials and Methods: Eight adults (23 ± 7 years, four female) underwent bilateral measurement of ACA and MCA mean velocity and pulsatility index (PI) through transcranial Doppler during a 3-minute Stroop task at 1400, 3440, and 4240 m. Results: Resting MCA and ACA PI decreased with high-altitude hypoxia (p < 0.05). Cognitive activity at all altitudes resulted in similar increases in MCA and ACA mean velocity, and decreases in ACA and MCA PI (p < 0.05 for MCA, p = 0.07 for ACA). No significant altitude-by-Stroop interactions were detected, indicating NVC was stable with increasing altitude. Conclusions: Ascent to very high altitude (4240 m) using an incremental profile that supports partial acclimatization does not appear to disturb (1) increases in cerebral blood velocity and (2) reductions in pulsatility that characterize optimal NVC in frontal regions of the brain during cognitive activity.
Climate‐driven habitat change causes evolution in Threespine Stickleback

Climate change can shape evolution directly by altering abiotic conditions or indirectly by modifying habitats, yet few studies have investigated the effects of climate‐driven habitat change on contemporary evolution. We resampled populations of Threespine Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) along a latitudinal gradient in California bar‐built estuaries to examine their evolution in response to changing climate and habitat. We took advantage of the strong association between stickleback lateral plate phenotypes and Ectodysplasin A (Eda) genotypes to infer changes in allele frequencies over time. Our results show that over time the frequency of low‐plated alleles has generally increased and heterozygosity has decreased. Latitudinal patterns in stickleback plate phenotypes suggest that evolution at Eda is a response to climate‐driven habitat transformation rather than a direct consequence of climate. As climate change has reduced precipitation and increased temperature and drought, bar‐built estuaries have transitioned from lotic (flowing‐water) to lentic (still‐water) habitats, where the low‐plated allele is favoured. The low‐plated allele has achieved fixation at the driest, hottest southernmost sites, a trend that is progressing northward with climate change. Climate‐driven habitat change is therefore causing a reduction in genetic variation that may hinder future adaptation for populations facing multiple threats.
High rate of hepatitis C reinfection following antiviral treatment in the North East England Prisons

To achieve elimination of hepatitis C (HCV), a critical group to prioritise for diagnosis and treatment is the prison population, where HCV prevalence is high. A universal offer of blood‐borne virus testing (UOBBVT) programme and a new treatment pathway were introduced to seven North East England (NEE) Prisons. Our aim was to assess: (a) the proportion of individuals with active HCV commencing direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs); (b) the outcomes following DAA treatment; (3) the reinfection rate following sustained virological response (SVR).
Response to Comment on Pilemann-Lyberg et al. Uric Acid Is an Independent Risk Factor for Decline in Kidney Function, Cardiovascular Events, and Mortality in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2019;42:1088–1094

We appreciate the comments by Chen et al. (1) regarding our investigation of the association between serum uric acid (UA) and the risk of developing complications in patients with type 1 diabetes (2). We found that increased levels of UA, expressed as hazard ratio per doubling of UA, was a significant and independent risk factor for loss of renal function, cardiovascular events, and mortality. However, in a previous study investigating UA in the same cohort with shorter follow-up time and no data on hard end points, we were not able to show any association between UA and loss of …
African midwifery students’ self-assessed confidence in antenatal care: a multi-country study

ABSTRACT Background: Evidence-based antenatal care is one cornerstone in Safe Motherhood and educated and confident midwives remain to be optimal caregivers in Africa. Confidence in antenatal midwifery skills is important and could differ depending on the provision of education among the training institutions across Africa. Objective: The aim of the study was to describe and compare midwifery students’ confidence in basic antenatal skills, in relation to age, sex, program type and level of program. Methods: A survey in seven sub-Saharan African countries was conducted. Enrolled midwifery students from selected midwifery institutions in each country presented selfreported data on confidence to provide antenatal care. Data were collected using a selfadministered questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 22 antenatal skills based on the competency framework from the International Confederation of Midwives. The skills were grouped into three domains; Identify fetal and maternal risk factors and educate parents; Manage and document emergent complications and Physical assessment and nutrition. Results: In total, 1407 midwifery students from seven Sub-Saharan countries responded. Almost one third (25-32%) of the students reported high levels of confidence in all three domains. Direct entry programs were associated with higher levels of confidence in all three domains, compared to post-nursing and double degree programs. Students enrolled at education with diploma level presented with high levels of confidence in two out of three domains. Conclusions: A significant proportion of student midwives rated themselves low on confidence to provide ANC. Midwifery students enrolled in direct entry programs reported higher levels of confidence in all domains. It is important that local governments develop education standards, based on recommendations from the International Confederation of midwives. Further research is needed for the evaluation of actual competence.
A Single Approach to Arthroscopic Reduction and Debridement for Developmental Dislocation of the Hip in 12 Infants

Background Developmental dislocation of the hip (DDH) results in osteoarthritis in infants and children. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a single approach to arthroscopic reduction and debridement on clinical outcome in 12 infants with DDH. Material/Methods Twelve infants with irreducible DDH underwent single approach arthroscopic reduction and debridement followed by the use of a frog-leg position plaster cast with fixed flexion and abduction of the hips combined with external fixation for 6–8 weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or plain X-ray images were analyzed. Intra-articular obstructive factors for reduction were evaluated. The safety angle, medialization rate of the femoral head, and the acetabular angle were measured before and after arthroscopic reduction. Results Imaging showed that the signs of DDH were significantly improved following arthroscopic reduction. Obstructive factors included hypertrophy of the round ligament, fibrous tissue and fat in the acetabular base, arthrocapsular constriction, and varus deformity of the hip. The safety angle was significantly increased following arthroscopic reduction (53.5°) compared with the safety angle before treatment (18.5°) (p<0.05). Medialization of the femoral head was significantly increased (127%) compared with that before treatment (72%) (p<0.05). Arthroscopic reduction significantly reduced the acetabular angle (25°) compared with that before treatment (37.5°) (p<0.05). Conclusions Single approach arthroscopic reduction and debridement was an effective method for treating DDH that significantly improved the medialization rate of the femoral head, acetabular angle, and the outcome of external fixation when a plaster cast was used with fixed flexion and abduction of the hips.
The broad autism phenotype in real-life: clinical and functional correlates of autism spectrum symptoms and rumination among parents of patients with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract Objective Increasing literature reported higher rates of psychiatric disorders in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as of autistic-like features in social and cognitive functioning. However, little attention has been paid to the association between autistic traits (AT) and global functioning in this population. The aim of the present work was to investigate clinical and functional correlates of AT among parents of ASD children, with a specific focus on ruminative thinking. Methods One hundred and twenty parents of ASD children were assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS Spectrum), the Ruminative Response Scale (RRS), the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS). Results Subjects with at least 1 psychiatric disorder (39.2%) showed significantly higher AdAS Spectrum and RRS scores. Subjects with a history of school difficulties and with language development alterations scored significantly higher on specific AdAS Spectrum domains. A significant negative correlation was found between SOFAS and AdAS Spectrum scores, as well as between SOFAS and RRS scores. AdAS Spectrum nonverbal communication domain score was identified has a statistically predictive variable for the presence of psychiatric disorders and lower SOFAS scores. Finally, we found a significant indirect effect of AdAS total score on SOFAS score, which was fully mediated by RRS total score. Conclusions AT in parents of ASD children seem to be associated with a higher vulnerability toward psychopathology and with a lower global functioning. Ruminative thinking may play a role in the relationship between AT and functional outcome.
Agonism of the TMEM16A Calcium-Activated Chloride Channel Modulates Airway Smooth Muscle Tone.

TMEM16A (anoctamin 1) is an important calcium-activated chloride channel (CaCC) in airway smooth muscle (ASM). We have previously shown that TMEM16A antagonists such as benzbromarone relax ASM and have proposed TMEM16A antagonists as novel therapies for asthma treatment. However, TMEM16A is also expressed on airway epithelium, and TMEM16A agonists are being investigated as novel therapies for cystic fibrosis. There are theoretical concerns that agonism of TMEM16A on ASM could lead to bronchospasm making them detrimental as airway therapeutics. The TMEM16A agonist Eact induced a significant contraction of human ASM and guinea pig tracheal rings in an ex vivo organ bath model. Pretreatment with two different TMEM16A antagonists, benzbromarone or T16Ainh-A01, completely attenuated these Eact-induced contractions. Pretreatment with Eact alone augmented the maximum acetylcholine contraction. Pretreatment of A/J mice in vivo with nebulized Eact caused an augmentation of methacholine-induced increases in airway resistance measured by the forced oscillatory technique (Flexivent{trade mark, serif}). Pretreatment with the TMEM16A antagonist benzbromarone significantly attenuated methacholine-induced increases in airway resistance. In in vitro cellular studies, TMEM16A was found to be expressed more abundantly in ASM compared to epithelial cells in culture (8 fold higher in ASM). Eact caused an increase in intracellular calcium in human ASM cells which was completely attenuated by pretreatment with benzbromarone. Eact acutely depolarized the plasma membrane potential of ASM cells which was attenuated by benzbromarone or nifedipine. The TMEM16A agonist Eact modulates ASM contraction in both ex vivo and in vivo models, suggesting that agonism of TMEM16A may lead to clinically relevant bronchospasm.
An updated phylogenetic classification of Corynespora cassiicola isolates and a practical approach to their identification based on the nucleotide polymorphisms at the ga4 and caa5 loci

ABSTRACT Corynespora cassiicola (Burk. & M.A. Curtis) C.T. Wei. is an anamorphic fungus that affects more than 530 plant species, including economically important crops. Several lineages of this pathogen have been recognized, but the classification of isolates into clades is time-consuming and still sometimes leads to unclear results. In this work, eight major phylogenetic clades (PhL1–PhL8) including 245 isolates of C. cassiicola from 44 plant species were established based on a Bayesian inference analysis of four combined C. cassiicola genomic loci retrieved from GenBank, i.e., rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS), actin-1,ga4, and caa5. The existence of PhL1–PhL5 and PhL7 as clonal lineages was further confirmed through the analysis of full-genome single-nucleotide polymorphisms of 39 isolates. Haplotypes of the caa5 locus were PhL specific and encode isoforms of the LDB19 domain of a putative α-arrestin N-terminal–like protein. Evolution of the Caa5 arrestin is in correspondence with the PhLs. ga4 and caa5 PhL consensus sequences and a cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) procedure were generated based on the conserved nucleotide sequences and enzyme restriction patterns observed among isolates from the same lineage, respectively. The CAPS method was validated in silico, and its practical use allowed us to differentiate between tomato and papaya isolates, as well as to reveal the prevalence of PhL1 among isolates infecting soybean in Brazil. This novel approach could be useful in the efforts to control the diseases associated with C. cassiicola.
DO/ART4 gene sequencing in sub‐Saharan cohorts and African migrants: useful data describing the diversity and spreading of rare variants

Due to the unavailability of immunological reagents, the Dombrock blood group is insufficiently explored in African populations and can be a source of alloimmunization. A large study including pygmoid and nonpygmoid ethnic groups from East, Central, and West continental Africa, together with African migrants like Comorians, Afro‐Caribbean from Martinique, and Maroons from French Guiana would be helpful to increase transfusion safety.
Allyl isothiocyanate up-regulates MRP1 expression through Notch1 signaling in human bronchial epithelial cells.

Multidrug resistance-associated protein-1 (MRP1) and Notch signaling are closely related and both play critical role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) establishment and progression. The aim of our work was to test whether Notch1 is invoved in AITC-induced MRP1 expression. We used cigarette smoke extract (CSE) to simulate the smoking microenvironment in vitro. The results demonstrated that CSE led to apoptosis, as well as reduced the expression of Notch1, Hes1 and MRP1, while AITC significantly reversed this down-regulation. Transfected with Notch1 siRNA down-regulated MRP1 expression and activity, aggravated suppression effect by CSE and abolished the AITC-induced Notch1, Hes1 and MRP1 expression. Validation of the correlation between Notch1 and MRP1was implemented by gel-shift assays (EMSA) assay. The result revealed an interaction between a specific promoter region of MRP1 and the intracellular domain of Notch1 (NICD). In conclusion, Notch1 signaling positively regulated MRP1 in 16HBE cells, and AITC induced MRP1 expression and function may be attributed to Notch1 signaling. These findings show that Notch1 and MRP1 might have a potential protective effect in the COPD process and become a new therapeutic target for COPD or other lung diseases. It also provides theoretical basis for the therapeutic effects of AITC.
Toward a systems approach to cytochrome P450 ensemble: interactions of CYP2E1 with other P450 species and their impact on CYP1A2.

In this study we investigate the ability of ethanol-inducible CYP2E1 to interact with other cytochrome P450 species and affect the metabolism of their substrates. As a model system we used CYP2E1-enriched human liver microsomes (HLM) obtained by incorporation of purified CYP2E1. Using a technique based on homo-FRET in oligomers of CYP2E1 labeled with BODIPY 577/618 maleimide we demonstrated that the interactions of CYP2E1 with HLM result in the formation of its mixed oligomers with other P450 species present in the microsomal membrane. Incorporation of CYP2E1 results in a multifold increase in the rate of metabolism of CYP2E1-specific substrates p-Nitrophenol and Chlorzaxozone. The rate of their oxidation remains proportional to the amount of incorporated CYP2E1 up to the content of 0.3-0.4 nmol/mg protein (or about 50% CYP2E1 in the P450 pool). The incorporated CYP2E1 becomes a fully-functional member of the P450 ensemble and do not exhibit any detectable functional differences with the endogenous CYP2E1. Enrichment of HLM with CYP2E1 results in pronounced changes in the metabolism of 7-ethoxy-4-cyanocoumarin (CEC), the substrate of CYP2C19 and CYP1A2 suggesting an increase in the involvement of the latter in its metabolism. This effect goes together with an augmentation of the rate of dealkylation of CYP1A2-specific substrate 7-ethoxyresorufin. Furthermore, probing the interactions of CYP2E1 with model microsomes containing individual P450 enzymes we found that CYP2E1 efficiently interacts with CYP1A2, but lacks any ability to form complexes with CYP2C19. This finding goes inline with CYP2E1-induced redirection of the main route of CEC metabolism from CYP2C19 to CYP1A2.
Comparison of the efficacy between NAC and metformin in treating PCOS patients: a meta-analysis

Abstract Our aim is to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety by comparing N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) with metformin administrated by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs). MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched for studies. 10 studies were considered eligible for inclusion. NAC significantly reduced BMI and total testosterone, there was no significant difference in pregnancy rate, serum LH level, fasting insulin, and LH/FSH ratio. In conclusions, NAC may be considered as an alternative supplement to metformin, but large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of NAC in PCOS patients.
Complementology’s foundation: The 100-year anniversary of the Nobel Prize to Jules Bordet

ABSTRACT The discovery of the complement system was associated with the creation of medical serodiagnosis in the early 20th century. Its biotechnological applications, usable even a century after its development by Jules Bordet, preceded for decades the proof of its biochemical rather than biophysical nature. Complement science has begun to emerge, thanks to the labs of Michael Heidelberger and his student Manfred Martin Mayer. Complementology had known difficult moments like the suicide of Louis Pillemer by swallowing the reagents of his laboratory following the criticisms of his discovery by Robert A. Nelson, Jr., in March 1957, at the Walter Reed Army Institute. This alternative complement pathway continues to revolutionize medicine by its implications as the principal component of immunosurveillance and as an amplification loop for plasma proteolytic cascades. Moreover, the drug designed in pathologies related to this pathway, eculizumab, was the most expensive drug in the world at the beginning of its marketing. Complementology promises great hopes in inflammatory and degenerative diseases, regenerative medicine, transplantation, and vector nanotechnology and as a diagnostic tool primarily in transplantation and inflammatory imaging. The moral and historical responsibility requires to make known this legacy to the new generation of doctors and scientists and also the technicians of the clinical laboratory of complementology throughout the world.