Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Maternal vitamin D status and infant anthropometry in a US multi-centre cohort study

Abstract Background: Maternal vitamin D status in pregnancy is linked to foetal growth and may impact infant growth. Aim: This study examined the association between maternal vitamin D status and infant anthropometry. Subjects and methods: Data came from n = 2473 mother–child pairs from the 12-site US Collaborative Perinatal Project (1959–1965). Maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured at ≤ 26 weeks gestation. Multivariate-adjusted linear mixed models were used to relate maternal vitamin D status to infant z-scores for length (LAZ), head circumference (HCZ), weight (WAZ) and BMI (BMIZ), measured at birth and 4, 8 and 12 months. Results: Infants with maternal 25(OH)D ≥30 nmol/L vs <30 nmol/L had LAZ and HCZ measures 0.13 (95% CI = 0.03–0.23) and 0.20 (95% CI = 0.11–0.28) units higher, respectively, across the first year of life. Similar differences in WAZ and BMIZ at birth were resolved by 12 months of age due to interactions indicating steeper age slopes in infants with maternal 25(OH)D <30 nmol/L. Conclusion: Low maternal vitamin D status was associated with deficits at birth in infant weight and BMI that were recouped across the first year of life; associations with reduced measures of linear and skeletal growth were sustained from birth to 12 months.
Palynological investigation of lactiferous flora (Apocynaceae) of District Rawalpindi, Pakistan, using light and scanning electron microscopy

This was the first comprehensive pollen micromorphological investigation of lactiferous flora (Apocynaceae) of District Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The pollen morphology of 10 species of the family Apocynaceae was observed and documented using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Pollen was found subspheroidal in shape in most of the species, however peroblate shape was noted in Vinca major. Exine sculpturing patterns (psilate, rugulate, scabrate, and microreticulate) were observed. The result indicated that exine ornamentation of Apocynaceae taxa is systematically informative at generic and species levels. Most of the species have tricolporate type pollen but tetraporate pollen was also observed in Trachelospermum jasminoides and tetracolpate in V. major. Minimum equatorial diameter was noted in Carissa edulis (27.13 μm) and maximum in V. major (108.25 μm). Similarly, maximum exine thickness was found in Cascabela thevetia (9.5 μm). In the present findings, the pollen morphological data are compared with available other pollen studies to evaluate the taxonomic value of pollen traits in Apocynaceae taxa by using multiple microscopic techniques. Furthermore, molecular and phylogenetic studies were recommended to strengthen the systematics of Apocynaceae taxa.
Whole‐exome sequencing suggests multiallelic inheritance for childhood‐onset Ménière's disease

The genetic background of Ménière's disease (MD) was studied in one patient with childhood‐onset MD and his grandfather affected with middle age–onset MD. Whole‐exome sequencing was performed and the data were compared to 76 exomes from unrelated subjects without MD. Thirteen rare inner ear expressed variants with pathogenic estimations were observed in the case of childhood‐onset MD. These variants were in genes involved in the formation of cell membranes or the cytoskeleton and in genes participating in cell death or gene‐regulation pathways. His grandfather shared two of the variants: p.Y273N in HMX2 and p.L229F in TMEM55B. HMX2 p.Y273N was considered the more likely candidate for MD, as the gene is known to affect both hearing and vestibular function. The variant in the HMX2 gene may affect inner ear development and structural integrity and thus might predispose to the onset of MD. As there was a significant difference in onset between the patients, an accumulation of defects in several pathways is probably responsible for the exceptionally early onset of the disease, and the genetic etiology of childhood‐onset MD is most likely multifactorial. This is the first molecular genetic study of childhood‐onset MD.
The fate of cerium oxide nanoparticles in sediments and their routes of uptake in a freshwater worm

Abstract The relative importance of ingestion and transdermal uptake of nanomaterials is poorly understood, particularly in sediment dwelling organisms, where diet has the potential to contribute significantly to particle accumulation. In aquatic sediments, nanoparticles may partition to bind with the solid fraction of sediment, be freely mobile in the pore water or, for certain metal/metal oxides, undergo dissolution, each of which could influence the route of nanoparticle uptake. Here, we used the freshwater worm Lumbriculus variegatus as a model species. We took advantage of its unique feeding and non-feeding life-stages to assess the contribution of dietary and transdermal uptake in the bioaccumulation of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NP) and soluble Ce(III)NO3. Distribution of cerium between the solid, colloidal and soluble fractions in the sediments was determined through sediment separations using micro and ultrafiltration techniques. We assessed particles of differing sizes (10, 28 and 615 nm CeO2) and stabilizing surfactants (10 nm electrostatic Citrate-CeO2 and steric stabilized PEG-CeO2). Soluble Ce(III)NO3, was found to accumulate readily across the skin of the worms whilst nanoparticles were not. Sediments reduced the uptake of CeIII by limiting the presence of dissolved species of cerium in the pore waters. Neither particle size nor the coatings studied altered the distribution of nanoparticles between solid and colloidal fractions of the sediment, with ∼99% associated to the solid phase. Any uptake of CeO2 nanoparticles into worms was only through ingestion. Stabilized 10 nm particles were retained even after gut clearance, indicating that these particles may translocate across the gut wall.
Detection of serum protein and circulating mRNA of cMET, HGF EGF and EGFR levels in lung cancer patients to guide individualized therapy.

BACKGROUND Reseptor tyrosine kinases (cMET and EGFR) are important in lung cancer targeted therapy. We believe if we can use them as markers for clinicians to help decide the diagnosis of lung cancer. This parameter will be important in serum samples of patients with lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study is aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of serum protein and circulating mRNA of cMET and HGF in lung cancer patients. We also analyzed the correlation of mRNA expression with clinicopathologic parameters. METHODS We performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure and compare serum protein and circulating mRNA of cMET and HGF levels in peripheral blood from 60 lung cancer patients and 40 healthy control group. RESULTS We found that both protein and gene expression levels of serum c-MET, HGF and EGFR were significantly higher in patients with lung cancer than control group. There was no association between HGF, cMET, EGF, EGFR (both protein and gene) expression levels with age, gender, smoking habit, COPD, pathological types or tumor size, stage, metastatic-non metastatic adenocarcinoma-squamous carcinoma, SCLC-NSCLC. As a result of ROC analysis, serum cMET (AUC: 0.892) and HGF protein (AUC: 0.784) were diagnosed in lung cancer patients (Fig. 1). The AUC values of serum EGF and EGFR proteins were calculated to be 0.631 and 0.692, respectively. CONCLUSION To our knowledge this is the first study comparing the levels of protein and mRNA in the serum material of HGF, c-MET, EGF and EGFR parameters in lung cancer patients' blood samples. Further prospective studies with more participants for better understanding of mechanism and effect for HGF and c-MET inhibitors in lung cancer will help us to identify of these biomarkers role for guiding us to sellect individualized itargeted therapies.
Expecting the best for students: teacher expectations and academic outcomes.

BACKGROUND Research into teacher expectations has shown that these have an effect on student achievement. Some researchers have explored the impact of various student characteristics on teachers' expectations. One attribute of interest is ethnicity. AIMS This study aimed to explore differences in teachers' expectations and judgments of student reading performance for Maori, Pacific Island, Asian and New Zealand European students. A further objective was to compare teacher expectations and judgments with actual student achievement. SAMPLE The participants were 540 students of 21 primary teachers in Auckland schools. Of these students, 261 were New Zealand European, 88 were Maori, 97 were Pacific Island and 94 were Asian. METHODS At the beginning of the year, the teachers completed a survey related to their expectations for their students' achievement in reading and, at the end of the year, they judged the reading levels their students had actually achieved. The survey data were compared with running record data. RESULTS Teachers' expectations for students in reading were significantly higher than actual achievement for all ethnic groups other than Maori. Maori students' achievement was similar to that of the other groups at the beginning of the year but, by the end of the year, they had made the least gains of all groups. CONCLUSIONS Sustaining expectation effects are one explanation for Maori students' limited progress. For Pacific Island, Asian and New Zealand European students, positive self-fulfilling prophecies may be operating. Future research could investigate the learning opportunities provided to these ethnic groups and the relationship of these to teachers' expectations.
Pain in multiple sclerosis: a clinical and instrumental approach

Background Pain is a frequent and disabling symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. In this study we assess the frequency and intensity of pain, as well as its impact on the quality of life and activities of daily living, in a sample of MS patients. Methods One hundred and twenty eight MS patients underwent a neurological examination, a structured interview designed to assess pain, and a Medical Outcome 36-item Short Form Health Survey. Functional status was assessed by means of the Barthel Index (BI) and Rivermead Mobility Index. We also assessed the presence of depression, by means of the Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale, and fatigue, by means of the Fatigue Severity Scale. An algometer was used to measure thermal and discomfort thresholds in all of the patients and a group of 61 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. Results Pain was present in 61 patients. No differences were found between patients with and those without pain in disease duration, disease form or Expanded Disability Status Scale and its functional systems. Patients with pain had a lower vitality score (p = 0.008), mental health score (p = 0.03) and physical (p < 0.001) and mental composite scores (p = 0.01) than patients without pain. Furthermore, there was a significant difference between patients with and those without pain in the BI (p = 0.04). Both thermal and discomfort thresholds, as assessed by means of the algometer, were statistically lower in MS patients than in controls, whereas no difference was observed between patients with and those without pain. There was a statistically significant improvement in the thermal threshold in patients with pain who were treated pharmacologically when compared with those who were not treated (p = 0.049). Conclusion The results of this study provide further evidence of the negative impact that the presence of pain has on both the quality of life and activities of daily living in MS patients. The lower thermal and discomfort thresholds observed in our MS patients, compared with controls, may represent a predisposition to develop pain during the course of the disease.
Poor management of hypertension is an important precipitating factor for the development of acute aortic dissection

Hypertension is considered a key risk factor for acute aortic dissection (AAD). However, there is limited evidence demonstrating if hypertension management affects AAD development. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of hypertension management in AAD development in a Chinese population. A total of 825 AAD patients and 3300 age‐ and sex‐matched controls were included. The authors analyzed data on demographics, chronic comorbidities, and hypertension management of all participants. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the relationship between chronic comorbidities, as well as the management of hypertension and AAD risk. After adjusting for other related factors, multivariate logistic regression identified hypertension, chronic kidney disease, Marfan syndrome, history of cardiovascular surgery, and history of smoking as risk factors for AAD. Among the identified risk factors, hypertension was an important and controllable risk factor for AAD development. Thus, the authors further evaluated how hypertension management affects AAD development. A total of 848 controls and 585 AAD patients with hypertension were enrolled in this part of the study. Hypertensive patients with AAD had a longer history, higher stage, poorer medication compliance, and poor control rates of blood pressure, among which poor medication compliance (Irregular vs Regular P < 0.001; Never treated vs Regular P < 0.001) and uncontrolled hypertension (P < 0.001) significantly increased the risk of AAD development. In conclusion, uncontrolled hypertension and poor medication compliance are important precipitating and controllable factors for AAD development.
The role of photodynamic therapy in dermatology

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves selective photosensitization of a target tissue by means of a topically or systemically administered agent which is then activated by light to effect an oxygen dependent cytotoxic reaction. The production of reactive oxygen intermediates, including singlet oxygen, is localized to where the photosensitizer accumulates and induces apoptosis and vascular endothelial damage. First‐generation photosensitizers are haematoporphyrin derivatives and are effective in treating certain nonmelanoma skin cancers. However, they induce cutaneous photosensitization for at least 4–6 weeks and have a limited role in dermatology. Many second‐generation photosensitizers, such as 5‐aminolaevulinic acid, are associated with less prolonged photosensitization. Although PDT remains largely experimental, it has potential applications in both benign and malignant skin disease.
Immunohistochemical demonstration of 14‐3‐3 sigma protein in normal human tissues and lung cancers, and the preponderance of its strong expression in epithelial cells of squamous cell lineage

In order to confirm 14‐3‐3 sigma (σ) protein distribution in human tissues, immunohistochemistry was performed using various paraffin‐embedded human tissues. In normal human tissues, the strongest immunoreactivity for 14‐3‐3σ protein was observed in squamous epithelia at various sites, followed by basal cells of the trachea, bronchus and basal or myoepithelial cells of various glands. Moderate to weak 14‐3‐3σ immunoreactivity was seen in the epithelial cells of the alimentary tract, gall bladder, urinary tract and endometrium. In the lung, 14‐3‐3σ immunoreactivity was also observed in hyperplastic type II alveolar cells and metaplastic squamous cells. Immunohistochemical study using non‐small‐cell lung cancers revealed that 14‐3‐3σ immunoreactivity was stronger in squamous cell carcinomas than in adenocarcinomas. The present study revealed that 14‐3‐3σ expression was exclusively present in various epithelial cells and had a tendency to be stronger in cells destined for squamous epithelium or differentiating toward squamous cells in human normal and neoplastic cells.
Composition and stability of the vervet monkey milk microbiome

The human milk microbiome is vertically transmitted to offspring during the postnatal period and has emerged as a critical driver of infant immune and metabolic development. Despite this importance in humans, the milk microbiome of nonhuman primates remains largely unexplored. This dearth of comparative work precludes our ability to understand how species‐specific differences in the milk microbiome may differentially drive maternal effects and limits how translational models can be used to understand the role of vertically transmitted milk microbes in human development. Here, we present the first culture‐independent data on the milk microbiome of a nonhuman primate. We collected milk and matched fecal microbiome samples at early and late lactation from a cohort of captive lactating vervet monkeys (N = 15). We found that, similar to humans, the vervet monkey milk microbiome comprises a shared community of taxa that are universally present across individuals. However, unlike in humans, this shared community is dominated by the genera Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, and Prevotella. We also found that, in contrast to previous culture‐dependent studies in humans, the vervet milk microbiome exhibits greater alpha‐diversity than the gut microbiome across lactation. Finally, we did not find support for the translocation of microbes from the gut to the mammary gland within females (i.e., “entero‐mammary pathway”). Taken together, our results show that the vervet monkey milk microbiome is taxonomically diverse, distinct from the gut microbiome, and largely stable. These findings demonstrate that the milk microbiome is a unique substrate that may selectively favor the establishment and persistence of particular microbes across lactation and highlights the need for future experimental studies on the origin of microbes in milk.
The cost impact of a quality-assured mechanical assessment in primary low back pain care

ABSTRACT Objectives: The escalating cost of low back pain (LBP) care has not improved outcomes. Our purpose: to compare costs between LBP care guided by a quality-assured mechanical assessment (MC) and usual community care (CC). Study Design: Administrative claims data analysis. Methods: Employees and dependents of a large self-insured manufacturer seeking care for LBP in 2013 chose between the company’s primary care clinic (where MC was delivered) and community care. The claims of 5,036 were analyzed for one year following subjects’ initial evaluation excluding only those with diagnostic codes for fractures, dislocations, or infections. MC included an advanced form of Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy (MDT). CC varied based on each subjects’ selection of providers. Primary outcome measure: one-year cost of each subject’s care. Secondary: number of MRIs, spinal injections, and lumbar surgeries undertaken. The payer’s proprietary risk-adjustment algorithm was utilized. Results: After risk adjustment, the average cost per MC subject was 51.48% lower than the CC average cost (p < .0279). The utilization of MRIs, injections, and surgeries was lower with MC by 49.75%, 39.44%, 78.38% with relative risks of 1.99, 1.64, and 4.73, respectively. Conclusions: This 51.5% cost-savings reflects the substantial reduction in downstream care-seeking with MC, including lower utilization of MRIs, injections, surgeries, and downstream care after six months from the initial visit. It is well documented that the MDT clinical examination typically elicit patterns of pain response that in turn identify how most can rapidly recover with self-care with no need for other intervention. Level of Evidence: 1b.
Event-Related Brain Potentials While Encountering Semantic and Syntactic Constraint Violations

The objective of the present study was to delineate brain-electrical correlates of semantic and syntactic integration processes during language comprehension. Twenty-eight subjects were engaged in a lexical decision task. The target item (a legal word or a pseudo word) was always preceded by a prime consisting of a sentence fragment that provided a particular context. With respect to the prime a word target could be either a correct completion, a violation of a semantic selection restriction, or a violation of a syntactic subcategorization rule. An N400-like wave was elicited by both types of deviations. Syntactic anomalies evoked a negative shift predominantly over the anterior scalp with a preponderance over the left hemisphere, while semantic anomalies were accompanied by a much more widespread negativity with the maximum over posterior temporal areas. The amplitude of the semantic vie lation effect was found to be related to the strength of the priming constraints. The topographic difference is consistent with the idea that syntactic and semantic aspects of comprehension are handled by different neural subsystems.
Correlates of dysfunctional career thoughts in breast cancer survivors from the Bahamas

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this research was to examine the correlates of dysfunctional career thoughts (DCTs) in a sample of breast cancers survivors. Sample and design: A total of 195 breast cancer survivors from the Bahamas completed a cross-sectional survey. Methods: The Career Thoughts Inventory (CTI) and standard medical and demographic items were administered. Analysis of Variance and logistic regression models were used to examine associations. Findings: Total CTI scores differed by age group, marital status, surgical remedy, and employment prior to diagnosis. The odds of DCT were higher among younger (Odds Ratio [OR] = 4.4), married (OR = 2.4), who were unemployed prior to diagnosis (OR = 3.5). Conclusion: Dysfunctional career thoughts appear to be common in certain breast cancer survivors. Further research is needed to determine whether similar associations are observed in other samples. Implications for Providers: Providers should discuss DCTs after treatment.
Impact of perceived stigma on inflammatory bowel disease patient outcomes

Background: Perceived stigma has been linked to disease outcome in several chronic illnesses. Stigmatization of illness often leads to increased psychological distress and poorer quality of life. While body stigma has been identified as a specific inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patient concern, no study to date has systematically investigated the presence of stigma in IBD or its effects on disease course and management. Methods: Participants were recruited online and through the Illinois chapter of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. A screening measure was used to identify an established IBD diagnosis. Patients completed the Perceived Stigma Scale in IBS, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale, General Self‐Efficacy Scale, the Brief Symptom Inventory, and the Rating Form of IBD Patient Concerns. Results: A total of 211 patients (156 CD, 55 UC) with a confirmed diagnosis for a minimum of 6 months completed the study. Eighty‐four percent of participants reported perceived stigma. Hierarchical regression demonstrated that perceived stigma accounted for 10%–22% of the variance in health‐related quality of life scores, 4%–16% for psychological distress, 5% for medication adherence, 19% for self‐esteem, and 8% for self‐efficacy. Effect sizes were small, but comparable with more traditionally evaluated patient variables. Conclusions: The majority of IBD patients report some perceived stigmatization. These results suggest that perceived stigma is a significant predictor of poorer outcomes in patients with IBD when controlling for illness and demographic variables. Perceived stigma is a potentially important psychosocial factor in IBD patient care and warrants further investigation. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2009)