Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new specimen of Palvennia hoybergeti: implications for cranial and pectoral girdle anatomy in ophthalmosaurid ichthyosaurs

The Late Jurassic Slottsmøya Member Lagerstätte on Spitsbergen preserves a diverse array of marine reptiles, including four named taxa of ophthalmosaurid ichthyosaurs. One of these, Palvennia hoybergeti, is based on the single holotype specimen (SVB 1451) with an incomplete skull. A newly discovered specimen (PMO 222.669) with a disarticulated but largely complete skull and anterior postcranium is described, which considerably expands our knowledge of this taxon. Two additional new ophthalmosaurid specimens with pectoral girdles from the same member are described. The taxonomic utility of the ophthalmosaurid pectoral girdle is contentious, and an assessment of seven pectoral girdles from the Slottsmøya Member provides a basis for addressing this question via a 2D landmark principal component analysis of baracromian coracoids. The analysis reveals a taxonomic signal in the coracoids but also highlights the degree of individual variation. Commonly used phylogenetic characters do not fully encapsulate the degree of variation seen in coracoids and in some cases combine analogous features.
Fitness costs of key point mutations that underlie acaricide target‐site resistance in the two‐spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae

The frequency of insecticide/acaricide target‐site resistance is increasing in arthropod pest populations and is typically underpinned by single point mutations that affect the binding strength between the insecticide/acaricide and its target‐site. Theory predicts that although resistance mutations clearly have advantageous effects under the selection pressure of the insecticide/acaricide, they might convey negative pleiotropic effects on other aspects of fitness. If such fitness costs are in place, target‐site resistance is thus likely to disappear in the absence of insecticide/acaricide treatment, a process that would counteract the spread of resistance in agricultural crops. Hence, there is a great need to reliably quantify the various potential pleiotropic effects of target‐site resistance point mutations on arthropod fitness. Here, we used near‐isogenic lines of the spider mite pest Tetranychus urticae that carry well‐characterized acaricide target‐site resistance mutations to quantify potential fitness costs. Specifically, we analyzed P262T in the mitochondrial cytochrome b, the combined G314D and G326E substitutions in the glutamate‐gated chloride channels, L1024V in the voltage‐gated sodium channel, and I1017F in chitin synthase 1. Five fertility life table parameters and nine single‐generation life‐history traits were quantified and compared across a total of 15 mite lines. In addition, we monitored the temporal resistance level dynamics of populations with different starting frequency levels of the chitin synthase resistant allele to further support our findings. Three target‐site resistance mutations, I1017F and the co‐occurring G314D and G326E mutations, were shown to significantly and consistently alter certain fitness parameters in T. urticae. The other two mutations (P262T and L1024V) did not result in any consistent change in a fitness parameter analyzed in our study. Our findings are discussed in the context of the global spread of T. urticae pesticide resistance and integrated pest management.
Hypertension prevalence and risk factors in rural and urban Zambian adults in western province: a cross-sectional study

Introduction Hypertension is a longstanding problem in Zambia, yet little is known about its prevalence and risk factors, particularly in rural and urban settings. Identifying geographical variations in hypertension is important to enhance the health of adult Zambians regardless of where they live. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of hypertension and related risk factors between rural (n = 130) and urban (n = 131) communities in Western Province, Zambia. Methods This cross-sectional study included urban and rural adult Zambians attending health checks who completed a modified World Health Organization (WHO) survey, and had blood pressure and anthropometric measurements completed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic and risk factor variables. Chi-square tests of association were used to analyze relationships between categorical variables, t-tests to analyze relationships between continuous variables and logistic regression to examine associations of hypertension with selected risk factors. Results The prevalence of hypertension in rural Zambians was double (46.9%) that of urban Zambians (22.9%). Increasing age, not engaging in walking/biking, and alcohol intake within the last 30 days were associated with an increased likelihood of hypertension in rural Zambians while eating vegetables more days during the week was associated with a decreased likelihood of hypertension in rural Zambians. Body Mass Index (BMI) was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of hypertension in urban Zambians. Conclusion Modifiable risk factors (such as BMI, dietary intake, and physical activity) are associated with hypertension prevalence in this population, indicating opportunities for screening and other prevention measures.
Efektivitas Kinerja Pegawai Pada Kantor Badan Perencanaan Pembangunan Daerah (BAPPEDA) Kota Makassar

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui, Efektivitas Kinerja Pegawai Pada Kantor Badan Perencanaan Pembangunan Daerah (BAPPEDA) Kota Makassar. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif deskriptif, sedangkan yang menjadi unit analisis dalam penelitian ini adalah 11 orang yang terdiri dari Kepala Bappeda, Sekretaris Bappeda, Kepala Kepegawaian Bappeda Kota Makassar, empat Kepala Bidang Bappeda, dan 4 Staf Bappeda. Untuk mencapai tujuan tersebut maka peneliti menggunakan teknik pengumpulan data melalui, observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Efektivitas Kinerja Pegawai Pada Kantor Perencanaan Pembangunan Daerah (BAPPEDA) Kota Makassar, jika dilihat secara keseluruhan sudah efektif. Hal ini dilihat dari kuantitas pekerjaan, kualitas pekerjaan, kerja sama, pengetahuan terhadap pekerjaan, kehadiran dan ketepatan waktu, dan inisiatif.
Dimethyl fumarate as a first- vs second-line therapy in MS

Objective To elucidate the immunomodulatory effects of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) on B cells in patients with relapsing MS receiving DMF as a “1st-line” vs “2nd-line” therapy. Methods B cells were isolated from 43 patients with MS at baseline and after 15-week DMF therapy. Phenotype and functional markers and cytokine profile were assessed by flow cytometry. Analysis included clinical and MRI parameters recorded during a 1-year follow-up. Results 1st-line and 2nd-line patients presented several differences in their baseline immune profile, which corresponded with differences in their immunologic response to DMF treatment. DMF reduced the proportions of B cells and CD8 T cells whereas increased monocytes. DMF reduced memory B cells, including plasma cells in 2nd-line patients only, whereas strongly increased transitional B cells. Several IL10+ B-cell subsets and TGFβ+ B cells were increased. Proinflammatory LTα+ and TNFα+ B cells were reduced, while IL4+ B cells elevated, whereas IFNγ+ B cells showed opposite effects in 1st-line and 2nd-line patients. HLA and ICAM-1 expression was increased, but % CD86+ B cells reduced. The expression of B-cell activating factor receptor and the proportion of activated CD69 B cells were increased. Conclusions DMF is associated with increased transitional and IL10+ and TGFβ+ regulatory B cells and a shift toward a more anti-inflammatory immune profile. Cell activation with reduced costimulatory capacity may induce immune hyporesponsiveness. Carryover effects of preceding therapies in 2nd-line patients and the stage of disease influence the immune profile of the patients and the immunomodulatory effects of DMF.
Two mechanisms of cardiac stem cell-mediated cardiomyogenesis in the adult mammalian heart include formation of colonies and cell-in-cell structures

Aims Because the mechanism of mature cardiomyocyte (CM) development from cardiac stem cells (CSCs) is not fully understood, we explored the involvement of CSCs into two pathways of cardiomyogenesis in adult mammalian heart: (1) via colony formation and (2) by means of intracellular development of CSCs inside CMs followed by the formation of “cell-in-cell structures” (CICSs). Methods and Results Using immunostaining and confocal microscopy, we studied the presence of CSC-derived colonies, CICSs and transitory amplifying cells (TACs), released from ruptured CICSs, in a suspension of ex vivo freshly isolated myocardial cells of mammals of different age and species, human including. All subsets of CSCs (c-kit+, Sca-1+ and Isl-1+) were found in mammals of different age. It was shown that c-kit+ and Sca-1+ CSCs produce both colonies and CICSs. However, Isl-1+ CSCs seem to be involved in cardiac growth during first month of age only both through colony formation and CICS generation. In turn, the studies on myocardial cell suspensions of adult C57/bl6N mice, one-year-old bull and 45-year-old woman not only confirmed the involvement of c-kit+ and Sca-1+ CSCs in both mechanisms of cardiomyogenesis, but also showed that Isl-1+ colonies are present in the myocardium of adult mice and rarely in human. Conclusions The presence of CSC-derived colonies, CICSs and TACs in all experimental specimens of myocardium proved our previous hypothesis about two pathways that generate new CMs in adult heart. Moreover, we suggest that TACs play a central role in self-renewal of myocardium throughout the lifetime of mammals.
Mothers’ dietary practices in the Amoron’i Mania region Madagascar

Introduction Madagascar has one of the highest prevalence's of malnutrition worldwide. Dietary practice is an important element to consider in the fight against malnutrition. This study aims to describe mothers' dietary patterns and dietary diversity and to identify characteristics associated with this dietary diversity. Methods A cross sectional study was carried-out among 670 non-pregnant mothers aged 18 to 45, who had delivered more than 6 months earlier and were living in the Amoron'i Mania region of Madagascar. The study was conducted during the post-harvest period. A food frequency questionnaire were used to assess the dietary pattern and the women's dietary diversity score was established from the 24-hour recall data. Results Almost all (99%) of mothers ate rice every day and 59% ate green leaves. Fifty three percent of mothers had consumed fruit less than once per week, 55% for legumes, 67% for vegetables and 91% for meat. Dietary diversity score ranged from 1 to 7 and 88% of mothers had a low dietary diversity score (<5). On multivariate analysis, factors significantly associated with low dietary diversity were: low education level (AOR=3.80 [1.58-9.02], p=0.003), parity higher than 3 (AOR=2.09 [1.22-3.56], p=0.007), birth interval ≥ 24 months (AOR=4.01 [2.08-7.74], p<0.001), rice production availability ≤ 6 months (AOR=2.33 [1.30-4.17], p=0.013), low attendance at market (AOR=4.20 [1.63-10.83], p<0.001) and low movable property possession score (AOR=4.87 [2.15-11.04], p<0.001). Conclusion Mother's experience poor diet diversity. Unfavorable socioeconomic conditions are associated with this poor food diversification.
Clinical outcomes of intravenous levetiracetam treatment in patients with renal impairment

Intravenous levetiracetam has been approved for use as an antiepileptic drug, as well as in cases of status epilepticus. There are few reports that detail the clinical data and outcomes associated with this antiepileptic drug, particularly in patients with renal impairment. This was a retrospective analytical study conducted at Khon Kaen University’s Srinagarind Hospital in Thailand. The study period was between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2014. The inclusion criteria were that patents were over 15 years old, had renal impairment, and had received intravenous levetiracetam treatment. The main clinical outcomes were seizure control and mortality. Clinical outcomes were compared between those with and without status epilepticus. Mortality of patients with status epilepticus were compared in terms of seizure control and order of intravenous levetiracetam treatment. During the study period, there were 247 patients who met the study criteria. The average age of the patients was 58 years with nearly equal sex distribution. Of those, 90 patients (36.4%) had GRFs of less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 60 patients (24.3%) received intravenous LEVE due to status epilepticus. The seizure control rates in the status epilepticus and non-status epilepticus groups were 36.7% and 88.7%, respectively (P<0.001). The mortality rate did not differ significantly between the two groups (33.3% vs 27.8%; P=0.418). There was no significant overall difference in mortality rate between seizure-controlled and seizure-uncontrolled patients in the status epilepticus group. In the convulsive status epilepticus group, variations in terms of treatment order of intravenous levetiracetam and seizure control resulted in no significant difference in mortality rates (P=0.311). No major side effects were detected in any patients after the intravenous levetiracetam treatment. In conclusion, intravenous levetiracetam treatment was effective and safe in patients with renal impairment.
Open-access bacterial population genomics: BIGSdb software, the PubMLST.org website and their applications

The PubMLST.org website hosts a collection of open-access, curated databases that integrate population sequence data with provenance and phenotype information for over 100 different microbial species and genera. Although the PubMLST website was conceived as part of the development of the first multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) scheme in 1998 the software it uses, the Bacterial Isolate Genome Sequence database (BIGSdb, published in 2010), enables PubMLST to include all levels of sequence data, from single gene sequences up to and including complete, finished genomes. Here we describe developments in the BIGSdb software made from publication to June 2018 and show how the platform realises microbial population genomics for a wide range of applications. The system is based on the gene-by-gene analysis of microbial genomes, with each deposited sequence annotated and curated to identify the genes present and systematically catalogue their variation. Originally intended as a means of characterising isolates with typing schemes, the synthesis of sequences and records of genetic variation with provenance and phenotype data permits highly scalable (whole genome sequence data for tens of thousands of isolates) means of addressing a wide range of functional questions, including: the prediction of antimicrobial resistance; likely cross-reactivity with vaccine antigens; and the functional activities of different variants that lead to key phenotypes. There are no limitations to the number of sequences, genetic loci, allelic variants or schemes (combinations of loci) that can be included, enabling each database to represent an expanding catalogue of the genetic variation of the population in question. In addition to providing web-accessible analyses and links to third-party analysis and visualisation tools, the BIGSdb software includes a RESTful application programming interface (API) that enables access to all the underlying data for third-party applications and data analysis pipelines.
Development and Validation of Neuro-Cognitive Assessment Battery for Stroke Patients (NCABS) in Pakistan

Background & Objective: Post Stroke Cognitive Impairments (PSCI) occur frequently in stroke survivors resulting in devastating consequences affecting daily living of survivors. Currently, there exists scarcity of sound assessment tools for the evaluation of PSCI as most of the commonly used scales offer a number of clinical (requires motor and linguistic skills) and cultural limitations (requires academic exposure). Therefore, current study was aimed at evaluating the efficacy of Neuro-Cognitive Assessment Battery for Stroke patients (N-CABS) in Pakistan. Methods: The participants were randomized in two groups including clinical and non-clinical group. N-CABS was administered on 61 clinical and 60 non-clinical participants (mean age=45 years; SD=5.55). Both groups were matched on all demographic variables including; age, gender, education and occupation. The psychometric properties of N-CABS were established through a number of robust measures of validity (construct, concurrent and discriminant validity) and reliability (internal consistency and test retest reliability). Results: The factor analysis suggested a two-factor solution (labeled as Verbal Cognitive Abilities and Visual Cognitive Abilities) for N-CABS explaining 67% of total variance. A significant test-retest reliability was found (α = 0.92, ***p<0.001). The findings of concurrent validity recommended a significant correlation between N-CABS and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) (α = 0.82, ***p<0.001). Similarly, discriminant validity also revealed significant group differences to exist on N-CABS (***p<0.001) suggesting N-CABS be able to discriminate between patients and healthy controls. Conclusion: The results of the current study favor N-CABS as a psychometrically strong screening instrument to screen PSCI in our culture.
Race, Ethnicity, and Other Factors Predicting U.S. Parents' Support for Policies to Reduce Food and Beverage Marketing to Children and Adolescents

Abstract Purpose: Examine parents' support for policies to reduce unhealthy food and beverage marketing to children and adolescents and identify racial, ethnic, and other sociodemographic characteristics that predict support. Methods: Online survey of U.S. parents (N=3356) with children 2–17 years of age conducted annually (2009–2012). Participants provided attitudes about food marketing to their children, including perceived negative impact and support for food marketing-related policies. Sociodemographic characteristics examined were as follows: race, ethnicity, income, gender, political orientation, and child characteristics. Results: Overall, parents agreed that food marketing negatively impacts their children's eating habits (M=6.87±2.08 out of 10) and supported food marketing-related policies (M=6.73±2.37). Perceived negative impact predicted support and was highest among black and Hispanic parents. Controlling for income and age of children in the household, Hispanic and black parents expressed highest support for policies, as did women and parents who identified as liberal or moderate in political orientation. A significant interaction between parents' political orientation and race/ethnicity indicated similarly high support among all parents, except white non-Hispanic conservative parents. Conclusion: These findings are encouraging for efforts to enact policies to address unhealthy food marketing to youth. High levels of support among parents suggest advocates should continue to engage parents in their efforts. Findings also suggest that families of color would welcome policies limiting unhealthy food marketing to youth in their communities. Issues of targeted marketing and disproportionate exposure to unhealthy food marketing by black and Hispanic youth may be incorporated into campaigns to address food justice and health inequities in communities of color.
Population genomics of the introduced and cultivated Pacific kelp Undaria pinnatifida: Marinas—not farms—drive regional connectivity and establishment in natural rocky reefs

Ports and farms are well‐known primary introduction hot spots for marine non‐indigenous species (NIS). The extent to which these anthropogenic habitats are sustainable sources of propagules and influence the evolution of NIS in natural habitats was examined in the edible seaweed Undaria pinnatifida, native to Asia and introduced to Europe in the 1970s. Following its deliberate introduction 40 years ago along the French coast of the English Channel, this kelp is now found in three contrasting habitat types: farms, marinas and natural rocky reefs. In the light of the continuous spread of this NIS, it is imperative to better understand the processes behind its sustainable establishment in the wild. In addition, developing effective management plans to curtail the spread of U. pinnatifida requires determining how the three types of populations interact with one another. In addition to an analysis using microsatellite markers, we developed, for the first time in a kelp, a ddRAD‐sequencing technique to genotype 738 individuals sampled in 11 rocky reefs, 12 marinas, and two farms located along ca. 1,000 km of coastline. As expected, the RAD‐seq panel showed more power than the microsatellite panel for identifying fine‐grained patterns. However, both panels demonstrated habitat‐specific properties of the study populations. In particular, farms displayed very low genetic diversity and no inbreeding conversely to populations in marinas and natural rocky reefs. In addition, strong, but chaotic regional genetic structure, was revealed, consistent with human‐mediated dispersal (e.g., leisure boating). We also uncovered a tight relationship between populations in rocky reefs and those in nearby marinas, but not with nearby farms, suggesting spillover from marinas into the wild. At last, a temporal survey spanning 20 generations showed that wild populations are now self‐sustaining, albeit there was no evidence for local adaptation to any of the three habitats. These findings highlight that limiting the spread of U. pinnatifida requires efficient management policies that also target marinas.
An Information Theory Approach to Identifying a Representative Subset of Hydro‐Climatic Simulations for Impact Modeling Studies

Uncertainties in hydro‐climatic projections are (in part) related to various components of the production chain. An ensemble of numerous projections is usually considered to characterize the overall uncertainty; however in practice a small set of scenario combinations are constructed to provide users with a subset that is manageable for decision‐making. Since projections are unavoidably uncertain, and multiple projections are typically informationally redundant to a considerable extent, it would be helpful to identify an informationally representative subset in a large model ensemble. Here a framework rooted in the information theoretic Maximum Information Minimum Redundancy concept is proposed for identifying a representative subset from an available ensemble of hydro‐climatic projections. We analyze an ensemble of 16 precipitation and temperature projections for Sweden, and use these as inputs to the HBV hydrological model to project river discharge until the mid of this century. Representative subsets are judged in terms of different statistical properties of three essential climate variables (precipitation, temperature and discharge), whilst we further assess the sensitivity of the optimized subset for different seasons and future periods. Our results indicate that a quarter to a third of the available set of projections can represent more than 80% of the total information of hydro‐climatic changes. We find that the representative subsets are sensitive to the regional hydro‐climatic characteristics and the choice of variables, seasons and periods of interest. Therefore we recommend that any selection process should not be solely driven by climatic variables but, rather, should also consider variables of the impact model.