Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Household food insecurity in Panamanian subsistence farming communities is associated with indicators of household wealth and constraints on food production

Abstract Objective: To determine if constraints on agricultural production were a novel construct in the Panama Food Security Questionnaire (FSQ) and to characterize agricultural and economic determinants of food insecurity during the planting, growing and harvesting time periods in subsistence farming communities. Design: This longitudinal study followed households during land preparation, growing and harvest periods in one agricultural cycle. Agricultural production and economic variables were recorded and the Panama FSQ was administered. Exploratory factor analysis was used to verify construct validity of the FSQ. A food insecurity score (FIS), ranging from 0 to 42, was derived. Multiple regression analyses of FIS were conducted for each agricultural period. Setting: Fifteen rural villages in Panama. Participants: Subsistence farming households (n 237). Results: The FSQ contained four constructs: (i) ability to buy food; (ii) decreased amount/number of meals; (iii) feeling hungry; and (iv) lower agricultural production because of weather or lack of resources. Although most households were mildly food insecure in all time periods, determinants of food insecurity differed in each. Higher FIS was associated during land preparation with less rice and legumes planted and lower asset-based wealth; during growing months with less rice, more maize and pigeon peas planted and not selling produce; and during harvest with less rice planted, fewer chickens and lower income. Conclusions: Constraints on agriculture was a novel construct of the Panama FSQ. Different income-related variables emerged in each agricultural period. Planting staple foods and raising chickens were associated with food security, but some crop choices were associated with food insecurity.
Identification of mineralocorticoid receptor target genes in the mouse hippocampus

Brain mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) respond to the same glucocorticoid hormones but can have differential effects on cellular function. Several lines of evidence suggest that MR‐specific target genes must exist and might underlie the distinct effects of the receptors. The present study aimed to identify MR‐specific target genes in the hippocampus, a brain region where MR and GR are co‐localised and play a role in the stress response. Using genome‐wide binding of both receptor types, we previously identified MR‐specific, MR‐GR overlapping and GR‐specific putative target genes. We now report altered gene expression levels of such genes in the hippocampus of forebrain MR knockout (fbMRKO) mice, killed at the time of their endogenous corticosterone peak. Of those genes associated with MR‐specific binding, the most robust effect was a 50% reduction in Jun dimerization protein 2 (Jdp2) mRNA levels in fbMRKO mice. Down‐regulation was also observed for the MR‐specific Nitric oxide synthase 1 adaptor protein (Nos1ap) and Suv3 like RNA helicase (Supv3 l1). Interestingly, the classical glucocorticoid target gene FK506 binding protein 5 (Fkbp5), which is associated with MR and GR chromatin binding, was expressed at substantially lower levels in fbMRKO mice. Subsequently, hippocampal Jdp2 was confirmed to be up‐regulated in a restraint stress model, posing Jdp2 as a bona fide MR target that is also responsive in an acute stress condition. Thus, we show that MR‐selective DNA binding can reveal functional regulation of genes and further identify distinct MR‐specific effector pathways.
Reduction of Tubulin Expression in Angomonas deanei by RNAi Modifies the Ultrastructure of the Trypanosomatid Protozoan and Impairs Division of Its Endosymbiotic Bacterium

In the last two decades, RNA interference pathways have been employed as a useful tool for reverse genetics in trypanosomatids. Angomonas deanei is a nonpathogenic trypanosomatid that maintains an obligatory endosymbiosis with a bacterium related to the Alcaligenaceae family. Studies of this symbiosis can help us to understand the origin of eukaryotic organelles. The recent elucidation of both the A. deanei and the bacterium symbiont genomes revealed that the host protozoan codes for the enzymes necessary for RNAi activity in trypanosomatids. Here, we tested the functionality of the RNAi machinery by transfecting cells with dsRNA to a reporter gene (green fluorescent protein), which had been previously expressed in the parasite and to α‐tubulin, an endogenous gene. In both cases, protein expression was reduced by the presence of specific dsRNA, inducing, respectively, a decreased GFP fluorescence and the formation of enlarged cells with modified arrangement of subpellicular microtubules. Furthermore, symbiont division was impaired. These results indicate that the RNAi system is active in A. deanei and can be used to further explore gene function in symbiont‐containing trypanosomatids and to clarify important aspects of symbiosis and cell evolution.
Opening the Convergence Black Box Measurement Problems and Demographic Aspects

In this paper we address the issues involved with the use of microeconomic data, that is, household surveys, to compare the patterns of income growth among different regions instead of the commonly used aggregate data. In particular, we investigate the issues of aggregation of household income to regional income and the problem of demography. As returns to experience generally differ across regions, differences in the patterns of income growth across regions in the same time interval will differ across age groups, which means that convergence or divergence of aggregate income among regions will depend on the age structure of their population. We apply these concepts to the case of the states of Brazil, for which we have repeated cross sections from a rich household survey. We find that patterns of income growth vary a great deal across birth cohorts, depending on the economic returns to experience.
IL-17, IL-10, IL-6, and IFN-γ in Egyptian Behçet’s disease: correlation with clinical manifestations

There are a limited number of studies that report the polarization of the immune system toward the production of T helper 1 (Th1), Th2, or Th17-type cytokines in patients with Behçet’s disease (BD). Here, we aimed to detect the presence of various cytokines in serum samples of Egyptian BD patients and to determine the correlation between their production levels and clinical manifestations. To that aim, serum levels of IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-6, and IL-17 measured by ELISA were determined in BD patients with active or inactive disease to evaluate their clinical relevance. The results of the present study show significantly elevated levels of IL-17 and IL-6, as well as a reduction in IL-10, and no change in IFN-γ, in sera of BD patients, as compared to the healthy control group. Moreover, IL-6 serum levels were increased in BD patients in active stages of disease and correlated with arthritic manifestations. On the other hand, IL-10 serum levels were significantly decreased in patients with gastrointestinal tract complications. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between IL-10 serum levels and ocular manifestations in BD patients, in contrast to those of IL-17, showing no correlation with the different clinical manifestations. Taken together, the magnitude of IL-6 serum levels could be a potential marker for arthritic manifestations and disease activity, whereas those of IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-17 cannot be considered predictors for different clinical manifestations in patients with BD.
A novel LuxR‐type solo of Sinorhizobium meliloti, NurR, is regulated by the chromosome replication coordinator, DnaA and activates quorum sensing

The genome of Sinorhizobium meliloti, a model for studying plant‐bacteria symbiosis, contains eight genes coding for LuxR‐like proteins. Two of these, SinR and ExpR, are essential for quorum sensing (QS). Roles and regulation surrounding the others are mostly unknown. Here, we reveal the DNA recognition sequence and regulon of the LuxR‐like protein SMc00877. Unlike ExpR, which uses the long‐chain acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) as inducers, SMc00877 functioned independently of AHLs and was even functional in Escherichia coli. A target of SMc00877 is SinR, the major regulator of AHL production in S. meliloti. Disruption of SMc00877 decreased AHL production. A weaker production of AHLs resulted in smaller microcolonies, starting from single cells, and delayed AHL‐dependent regulation. SMc00877 was expressed only in growing cells in the presence of replete nutrients. Therefore, we renamed it NurR (nutrient sensitive LuxR‐like regulator). We traced this nutrient‐sensitive expression to transcription control by the DNA replication initiation factor, DnaA, which is essential for growth. These results indicate that NurR has a role in modulating the threshold of QS activation according to growth. We propose growth behavior as an additional prerequisite to population density for the activation of QS in S. meliloti.
Risk Factors Associated With Atrioventricular Block

Key Points Question Are there readily modifiable risk factors associated with the risk of atrioventricular block? Findings In this population-based cohort study of 6146 community-dwelling individuals, elevated blood pressure and blood glucose levels were associated with the development of atrioventricular block. Population-attributable risk calculations suggest that elevated blood pressure and glucose levels may be associated with more than half of all cases of atrioventricular block. Meaning Optimizing blood pressure and glucose level control may serve as effective strategies to prevent clinically relevant conduction disease and pacemaker implantation.
National survey on total-body irradiation prior to reduced-intensity stem cell transplantation in Japan: The Japanese Radiation Oncology Study Group

Abstract Reduced-intensity stem cell transplantation (RIST) minimizes the adverse effects of traditional hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and low-dose total-body irradiation (TBI) is administered over a short period prior to RIST (TBI–RIST). Different institutes adopt different approaches for the administration of TBI–RIST, and since no study had previously investigated this issue, a survey of the TBI schedules in Japan was conducted. In October 2015, the Japanese Radiation Oncology Study Group initiated a national survey of TBI–RIST procedures conducted between 2010 and 2014. Of 186 institutions performing TBI, 90 (48%) responded to the survey, 78 of which performed TBI–RIST. Of 2488 patients who underwent TBI for malignant disease at these institutions, 1412 (56.8%) patients were treated for leukemia, 477 (19.2%) for malignant lymphoma, 453 (18.2) for myelodysplastic syndrome, 44 (1.8%) for multiple myeloma, and 102 (4.1%) for other malignant diseases. Further, 206 (52.0%) of 396 patients (a high proportion of patients) who underwent TBI for benign disease had aplastic anemia. The TBI–RIST equipment and treatment methods were similar to those used for myeloablative regimens. Routinely shielded organs included the lungs (43.6%), eyes (50.0%) and kidneys (10.2%). The ovaries (14.1%), thyroid (6.4%) and testicles (16.7%) were also frequently shielded, possibly reflecting an emphasis on shielding reproductive organs in children. TBI–RIST was performed more frequently than myeloablative conditioning in patients with benign disease. Genital and thyroid shielding were applied more frequently in patients treated with TBI–RIST than in patients treated with myeloablative conditioning. In conclusion, this study indicates the status of TBI–RIST in Japan and can assist future efforts to standardize TBI–RIST treatment methods and to design a future multicenter collaborative research study.
Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis or Photorefractive Keratectomy After Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty

Purpose: To report the outcomes of laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). Methods: A retrospective case series was conducted on 5 postoperative unilateral DSAEK cases that underwent LASIK or PRK. DSAEK was performed for Fuchs corneal dystrophy and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy. Postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and current graft status were ascertained for the 5 eyes included in the study. Results: All eyes had clear grafts at the most recent postoperative visit. Three eyes underwent LASIK, and 2 eyes had PRK 11 to 17 months after DSAEK. UCVA ranged from 20/80 to 20/200 before refractive surgery (BSCVA: 20/20 to 20/30). Postoperative UCVA improved to 20/20-20/40, and BSCVA was unchanged at 20/20 to 20/30. No patient lost vision. Conclusions: Refractive error after DSAEK may be safely treated with LASIK or PRK. PRK is equally as effective as LASIK. All grafts remain clear, and all the eyes have significantly improved UCVA.
Early Glomerular Hyperfiltration and Long-Term Kidney Outcomes in Type 1 Diabetes: The DCCT/EDIC Experience.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Glomerular hyperfiltration has been considered to be a contributing factor to the development of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). To address this issue, we analyzed GFR follow-up data on participants with type 1 diabetes undergoing 125I-iothalamate clearance on entry into the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT)/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications study. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS This was a cohort study of DCCT participants with type 1 diabetes who underwent an 125I-iothalamate clearance (iGFR) at DCCT baseline. Presence of hyperfiltration was defined as iGFR levels ≥140 ml/min per 1.73 m2, with secondary thresholds of 130 or 150 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Cox proportional hazards models assessed the association between the baseline hyperfiltration status and the subsequent risk of reaching an eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2. RESULTS Of the 446 participants, 106 (24%) had hyperfiltration (iGFR levels ≥140 ml/min per 1.73 m2) at baseline. Over a median follow-up of 28 (interquartile range, 23, 33) years, 53 developed an eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2. The cumulative incidence of eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 at 28 years of follow-up was 11.0% among participants with hyperfiltration at baseline, compared with 12.8% among participants with baseline GFR <140 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Hyperfiltration was not significantly associated with subsequent risk of developing an eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 in an unadjusted Cox proportional hazards model (hazard ratio, 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.43 to 1.62) nor in an adjusted model (hazard ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.38 to 1.54). Application of alternate thresholds to define hyperfiltration (130 or 150 ml/min per 1.73 m2) showed similar findings. CONCLUSIONS Early hyperfiltration in patients with type 1 diabetes was not associated with a higher long-term risk of decreased GFR. Although glomerular hypertension may be a mechanism of kidney injury in DKD, higher total GFR does not appear to be a risk factor for advanced DKD.
Psychosis risk stigma and help‐seeking: Attitudes of Chinese and Taiwanese residing in the United States

Intervention during the clinical high‐risk phase for psychosis (CHR) can reduce duration of untreated psychosis and associated negative outcomes. Early treatment access and sustained engagement are important to understand for effective intervention. Understanding stigma and help‐seeking processes is particularly important for groups that experience mental healthcare disparities such as those of Chinese heritage living in the United States.
Prospective study of factors influencing timely versus delayed presentation of preterm babies for retinopathy of prematurity screening at a tertiary eye hospital in India: The Indian Twin Cities ROP Screening (ITCROPS) data base report number 6

Purpose: To evaluate the factors influencing timely versus delayed presentation of preterm babies for ROP evaluation. Methods: Preterm babies (≤35 weeks gestational age, ≤2000 g birth weight) were prospectively included in the study. Timely presentation was defined as babies who presented for the first ROP screening within 30 days of birth and Delayed as more than 30 days of birth. An event survey to assess factors influencing timely vs delayed presentation was administered to parents/guardian of babies after obtaining informed consent. Results: Data of 278 preterm babies (n = 139 timely vs n = 139 delayed presentation) collected in the event surveys were analyzed. The delayed presenters came at a median duration of 6.3 weeks (1st and 3rd quartiles: 5.3 and 9.1) after birth. The odds of any stage of ROP was 2.6 times and the odds of sight threatening ROP was 6.8 times in those presenting delayed compared to those presenting timely. Major Reasons for delayed presentation were not asked to do so/no referral from pediatrician in 64 (46%) participants and unaware of the importance by 46 (33%) participants. Conclusion: Deviation from screening protocol is an important modifiable risk factor in ROP screening. The study findings suggest the need for creating awareness about timely screening and referral guidelines among the pediatricians involved in “care” of preterm infants at risk of developing ROP.
Antimicrobial Susceptibilities of Group B Streptococci in New Zealand

Increasing resistance of group B Streptococcus (GBS) to clindamycin and erythromycin has been noted in many parts of the world ([1][1]-[4][2], [6][3], [8][4]-[10][5], [12][6], [13][7], [16][8]). Recent studies from North America have documented clindamycin and erythromycin resistance rates of 2.1 to
Egg Consumption in U.S. Children is Associated with Greater Daily Nutrient Intakes, including Protein, Lutein + Zeaxanthin, Choline, α-Linolenic Acid, and Docosahexanoic Acid

Dietary pattern recommendations include consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods in children and adolescents to promote optimal growth and development. The current study investigated associations with egg consumption and nutrient intakes, diet quality, and growth outcomes relative to non-egg consumers. The analysis used data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2012 in children and adolescents aged 2–18 years (N = 3,299, egg consumers; N = 17,030, egg non-consumers). Daily energy and nutrient intakes were adjusted for the complex sample design of NHANES using appropriate weights. Consuming eggs was associated with increased daily energy intake relative to non-egg consumption. Children and adolescents consuming eggs had elevated daily intake of protein, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and total fat, α-linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), choline, lutein + zeaxanthin, vitamin D, potassium, phosphorus, and selenium. Egg consumers had greater consumption, sodium, saturated fat, with reduced total and added sugar versus egg non-consumers. The analysis also showed that egg consumption was linked with lower intake of dietary folate, iron, and niacin. No associations were determined when examining diet quality and growth-related measures. A sub-analysis considering socioeconomic status showed that egg consumption was positively related with daily lutein + zeaxanthin and DHA intake. The current analysis demonstrated several nutrient-related benefits to support the continued inclusion of eggs in the dietary patterns of children and adolescents.
Tick Species Establishment in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, U.S.A., Identified by Seasonal Sampling in Residential and Non-Residential Sites

ABSTRACT: In recent years, human tick-borne disease occurrence has risen in Oklahoma, U.S.A. , but year-round data on tick presence in frequently used recreational areas is not widely available. In this study, ticks were collected monthly for one year at residential and non-residential sites in a suburban area of Oklahoma County, OK, U.S.A. At each trapping site, dry ice traps were used in both woodland and grassland areas and fabric tick drags were used in grassland areas. Four species were collected from each park: Amblyomma americanum, Amblyomma maculatum, Dermacentor variabilis, and Ixodes scapularis. Prior to this study, A. americanum was the only species with an established population in Oklahoma County. Consistent with this, A. americanum was collected in all months of the year and accounted for over 90% of ticks collected at each site. Based on our tick survey, we report that A. maculatum, D. variabilis, and I. scapularis, which were each collected in numbers greater than six within a single sampling occasion, are now each confirmed as established populations in Oklahoma County.
Effect of Material and Process Specific Factors on the Strength of Printed Parts in Fused Filament Fabrication: A Review of Recent Developments

Additive manufacturing (AM) is rapidly evolving as the most comprehensive tool to manufacture products ranging from prototypes to various end-user applications. Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is the most widely used AM technique due to its ability to manufacture complex and relatively high strength parts from many low-cost materials. Generally, the high strength of the printed parts in FFF is attributed to the research in materials and respective process factors (process variables, physical setup, and ambient temperature). However, these factors have not been rigorously reviewed for analyzing their effects on the strength and ductility of different classes of materials. This review systematically elaborates the relationship between materials and the corresponding process factors. The main focus is on the strength and ductility. A hierarchical approach is used to analyze the materials, process parameters, and void control before identifying existing research gaps and future research directions.
Pharmacological studies on ginger. II. Pressor action of (6)-shogaol in anesthetized rats, or hindquarters, tail and mesenteric vascular beds of rats.

When (6)-shogaol (0.5 mg/kg, i.v.) was administered to rats, blood pressure showed a tri-phasic response which was comprised of a rapid fall, followed by a rise and a delayed fall. The rapid fall, which followed immediately after injection of (6)-shogaol, disappeared with the use of atropine and vagotomy. The marked rise, which occurred after the rapid fall, was not affected by alpha-adrenoceptor blockades, Ca antagonists and ganglion blockade. However, a combination of alpha-adrenoceptor blockade and Ca antagonist inhibited this pressor response. In hindquarters perfused with a nutrient solution, (6)-shogaol (10(-5) g)-induced peripheral pressor response was also not affected by alpha-adrenoceptor blockades and Ca antagonists, but was inhibited by the combination of an alpha-adrenoceptor blockade and a Ca antagonist. Furthermore, this peripheral pressor response was eliminated by the removal of Ca ion from the perfusate. (6)-Shogaol did not exhibit a pressor response in an artery and a vein of the tail or an artery of the femur perfused with a nutrient solution. (6)-Shogaol-induced peripheral pressor response in hindquarters was markedly potentiated during the perfusion of norepinephrine (5 X 10(-6) g/ml), but this potentiation was prevented by pretreatment with reserpine (5 mg/kg, i.p.). Moreover, repeated injections of (6)-shogaol caused a tachyphylaxis in mesenteric and tail vascular beds and a slight tachyphylaxis in hindquarters.