Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Incubation and grazing effects on spirotrich ciliate diversity inferred from molecular analyses of microcosm experiments

We used an experimental approach of analyzing marine microcosms to evaluate the impact of both predation (top-down) and food resources (bottom-up) on spirotrich ciliate communities. To assess the diversity, we used two molecular methods–denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and high-throughput sequencing (HTS). We carried out two types of experiments to measure top-down (adult copepods as predators) and bottom-up effects (phytoplankton as food resources) on the spirotrich ciliates. We observed both strong incubation effects (untreated controls departed from initial assessment of diversity) and high variability across replicates within treatments, particularly for the bottom-up experiments. This suggests a rapid community turn-over during incubation and differential susceptibility to the effects of experimental manipulation. Despite the variability, our analyses reveal some broad patterns such as (1) increasing adult copepod predator abundance had a greater impact on spirotrich ciliates than on other microbial eukaryotes; (2) there was no evidence for strong food selection by the dominant spirotrich ciliates.
Mammographic breast density and its association with urinary estrogens and the fecal microbiota in postmenopausal women

Background Breast density, as estimated by mammography, is a strong risk factor for breast cancer in pre- and postmenopausal women, but the determinants of breast density have not yet been established. The aim of this study was to assess if urinary estrogens or gut microbiota alterations are associated with mammographic density in postmenopausal women. Methods Among 54 cancer-free, postmenopausal controls in the Breast and Colon Health study, we classified low- versus high-density women with Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS, 5th edition) mammographic screening data, then assessed associations with urinary estrogens and estrogen metabolites (determined by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry), and fecal microbiota alpha and beta diversity (using Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA amplicons). Results Multiple logistic regression revealed no significant association between breast density and fecal microbiota metrics (PD_tree P-value = 0.82; un-weighted and weighted UniFrac P = 0.92 and 0.83, respectively, both by MiRKAT). In contrast, total urinary estrogens (and all 15 estrogens/estrogen metabolites) were strongly and inversely associated with breast density (P = 0.01) after adjustment for age and body mass index. Conclusion Mammographic density was not associated with the gut microbiota, but it was inversely associated with urinary estrogen levels. Impact The finding of an inverse association between urinary estrogens and breast density in cancer-free women adds to the growing breast cancer literature on understanding the relationship between endogenous estrogens and mammographic density.
Simple and efficient estimation of photovoltaic cells and modules parameters using approximation and correction technique

The behavior of solar cells and modules under various operational conditions can be determined effectively when their intrinsic parameters are accurately estimated and used to simulate the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics. This work proposed a new computational approach based on approximation and correction technique (ACT) for simple and efficient extraction of solar cells and modules parameters from the single-diode model. In this technique, an approximated value of series resistance (Rs) was first derived and used to determine the initial value of parallel resistance (Rp). Later, the final corrected values of Rs and Rp were obtained by resubstituting their approximated values in a five-loop iteration using the manipulated equations. For rapid evaluation and validation of the proposed technique, a software application was also created using MATLAB program. The correctness and robustness of the proposed technique was validated on five types of solar cells and modules operated at varied temperatures and irradiances. The lowest RMSE value was achieved for RTC France (7.78937E-4) and PVM 752 GaAs (2.10497E-4) solar cell. The legitimacy of ACT extracted parameters was established using a simple yet competitive implementation approach wherein the performance of the developed technique was compared with several state-of-the-art methods recently reported in the literature.
Increased labor induction and women presenting with decreased or altered fetal movements - a population-based survey

Introduction Women’s awareness of fetal movements is important as perception of decreased fetal movements can be a sign of a compromised fetus. We aimed to study rate of labor induction in relation to number of times women seek care due to decreased or altered fetal movements during their pregnancy compared to women not seeking such care. Further, we investigated the indication of induction. Material and methods A prospective population-based cohort study including all obstetric clinics in Stockholm, Sweden. Questionnaires were distributed to women who sought care due to decreased or altered fetal movements ≥ 28 week’s gestation in 2014, women for whom an examination did not indicate a compromised fetus that required induction of labor or cesarean section when they sought care. Women who gave birth at ≥ 28 weeks’ gestation in 2014 in Stockholm comprises the reference group. Results Labor was induced more often among the 2683 women who had sought care due to decreased or altered fetal movements (RR 1.4, 95% CI 1.3–1.5). In women who presented with decreased or altered fetal movements induction of labor occurred more frequently for fetal indication than those with induction of labor and no prior fetal movement presentation (RR 1.6, 95% CI 1.4–1.8). The rate of induction increased with number of times a woman sought care, RR 1.3 for single presentation to 3.2 for five or more. Conclusions We studied women seeking care for decreased or altered fetal movements and for whom pregnancy was not terminated with induction or caesarean section. Subsequent (median 20 days), induction of labor and induction for fetal indications were more frequent in this group compared to the group of women with no fetal movement presentations. Among women seeking care for altered or decreased fetal movements, the likelihood of induction of labor increased with frequency of presentation.
Hypercalcemia and Extensive Osteolytic Lesion with Increased Plasma Prostaglandin E2 Level in a Child with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

In this report, we present a rare case of childhood ALL with hypercalcemia and extensive osteolytic lesions. The case was a 7-year-old girl presenting with vomiting and aggravating bone pain. Radiologic examinations showed severe osteolytic lesions of the skull and extremities. Laboratory findings revealed low hemoglobin, normal WBC count with absent circulating blasts, and an increased serum calcium level. Serum intact PTH and 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D3 levels were below the normal ranges and parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) was not detected, whereas serum levels of prostaglandin E2 were elevated. The hypercalcemia resolved with specific antileukemic chemotherapy along with supportive care. The elevated plasma prostaglandin E2 levels decreased slightly after complete remission with induction chemotherapy. These findings suggest that increased plasma prostaglandin E2 levels may be one of the pathogenetic mechanisms responsible for the occurrence of hypercalcemia in this patient. (Korean J Hematol 2007;42:433-438.) 󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏󰠏
Cecropia obtusa extract and chlorogenic acid exhibit anti aging effect in human fibroblasts and keratinocytes cells exposed to UV radiation

Cecropia obtusa is popularly used in the Amazonian region and exhibits antioxidant activity. Cosmetic formulations containing C. obtusa extract are commercially available for purchase; however, the chemical composition and the effects of the topical application of the extract are not described in the literature. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the main components of C. obtusa for the first time and to assess the anti aging effect in human fibroblasts and keratinocytes exposed to UVR. The main components in C. obtusa extract were identified by LC-DAD-MS/MS as chlorogenic acid (CGA), luteolin-C-hexoside, luteolin-C-hexose-O-deoxy-hexose, and apigenin-C-hexose-O-deoxy-hexose. C. obtusa extract and CGA decreased the metalloproteinase-1 and protein carbonyl levels and increased the collagen and hyaluronic acid contents. Overall, the extract exhibited better activity than CGA, and we demonstrated the ability of the extract to protect against the UV-induced increase in the pro inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6, which are potential pathways of the antioxidant and anti aging effect. The chemical characterization added important data to broaden the knowledge related to C. obtusa, and the results suggest that the extract is a promising candidate to be incorporated in topical photochemoprotective formulations.
Public attitudes towards genetically modified polled cattle

Genetic modification of farm animals has not been well accepted by the public. Some modifications have the potential to improve animal welfare. One such example is the use of gene editing (i.e. CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)) to spread the naturally occurring POLLED gene, as these genetically hornless animals would not need to experience the painful procedures used to remove the horns or horn buds. The aim of the current study was to assess public attitudes regarding the use of GM to produce polled cattle. United States (US) citizens (n = 598), recruited via Amazon Mechanical Turk, were asked “Do you think genetically modifying cows to be hornless would be…”, and responded using a 7-point Likert scale (1 = a very bad thing, 4 = neither good nor bad, 7 = a very good thing). Participants were then asked to indicate if they would be willing to consume products from these modified animals. We excluded 164 of the original 598 participants for not completing the survey, failing any of three attention check questions, or providing no or unintelligible qualitative responses. Respondents were then asked to provide a written statement explaining their answers; these reasons were subjected to qualitative analysis. Comparison of Likert scale ratings between two groups was done using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and comparisons between more than two groups were done using the Kruskal-Wallis rank test. More people responded that the modification would be good (Likert ≥ 5; 65.7%) than bad (Likert ≤ 3; 23.1%), and that they would be willing to consume products from these animals (Likert ≥ 5; 66.0%) versus not consume these products (Likert ≤ 3; 22.6%). Qualitative analysis of the text responses showed that participant reasoning was based on several themes including animal welfare, uncertainty about the technology, and worker well-being. In conclusion, many participants reported positive attitudes towards GM polled cattle; we suggest that people may be more likely to support GM technologies when these are perceived to benefit the animal.
Can mothers identify malnutrition in their children

In Bangladesh health workers interviewed 339 mothers and took anthropometric measurements from their 3-35 month old children at the Dhaka hospital of the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh the Dhaka Shishu Hospital and a community clinic 10 km northeast of Dhaka to determine mothers perception about malnutrition and their ability to recognize malnutrition in their children. Most mothers (67%) correctly recognized malnutrition (weight/age =or< 75% of NCHS median). They also tended to correctly recognize better nutritional status (60%). The better educated mothers did not do as well as less educated mothers at identifying better nutritional status (38% vs. 61%). Both groups did well at identifying malnutrition however (74% and 70% respectively). 95% of mothers knew correct means to improve their childrens health e.g. proper diet and treatment. These findings suggested that Bangladesh needs to achieve food security and assure availability of appropriate health care facilities to improve childrens nutritional status. Child health nutrition and food security programs should take into account the fact that mothers can indeed identify malnutrition in their children.
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of MAP0004 (orally-inhaled DHE) in adult asthmatics

ABSTRACT Background: MAP0004 (a proprietary formulation of dihydroergotamine mesylate [DHE]) for inhaled delivery is being developed for acute migraine treatment. Because asthma and migraine often occur as co-morbid conditions, it is considered important to study the safety of MAP0004 in a population of asthmatic adults and to confirm that the pharmacokinetics of DHE, when inhaled by asthmatic subjects, were comparable to a population of healthy volunteers. The safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of orally-inhaled MAP0004 administered by the Tempo * inhaler were studied in adult asthmatics. Scope: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of two doses of inhaled MAP0004. Eligible subjects were randomized in a 2 : 1 ratio to MAP0004 or placebo and observed for 4 h after each dose. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined pre-dose and up to 36 h post-dose. Findings: Among 19 subjects, geometric mean AUC0–36 was 6754 pg·h/mL and geometric mean AUC0–inf was 7483 pg·h/mL. Geometric mean tmax was 9.6 min, geometric mean Cmax was 3174 pg/mL, and geometric mean t½ was 9.5 h. Overall, 13 of 19 (68%) subjects reported at least one adverse event, most commonly nausea, vomiting, dysgeusia, and headache. Conclusion: MAP0004 results in rapid and efficient systemic absorption in asthmatic subjects. Systemic DHE concentrations were similar to those previously reported in healthy subjects, and no clinically relevant safety issues were observed. While this small study was suitable for pharmacokinetic analysis and conclusions, MAP0004 use in migraineurs with concomitant stable asthma should be supported by larger studies of longer duration to confirm that it does not present additional safety risks compared to non-asthmatic migraineurs.
Learning at Home: Families' Educational Media Use in America.

Why some families don't use educational media Perceived sources of learning How parents find educational media Teachers and educational media in the home Joint media engagement Percent of children who use media with a parent Amount of time spent in joint media engagement Proportion of children's media time that is spent with a parent Frequency of joint media engagement with parents and others Reasons parents do and don't engage with media with their children
Patients' perceptions of changing professional boundaries and the future of ‘nurse-led’ services

Nurses are increasingly being employed instead of doctors in some areas of work. This article examines this phenomenon in relation to a ‘nurse-led’ Personal Medical Services Primary Care Act pilot scheme. As part of an evaluative project, we examined the way in which patients understood and constructed nursing roles in the context of their use of primary care services in a socially deprived area. Whilst professional roles are established to some extent as the result of negotiation between and within professions and with government policymakers, patients' perceptions also affect whether or not changes are accepted, and the extent to which new roles gain legitimacy. Our evaluation took the form of a case study with questionnaires, in-depth interviews and observations. This particular paper is based mainly on data obtained from interviews with patients who had experienced the nurse-led service. The results showed that some patients attributed high status to the nurse by emphasizing that the nurse leading the practice was highly qualified, and other patients reconstructed the role and thought of the nurse as a doctor. This latter interpretation was derived from the patients' descriptions of core activities such as diagnosis and treatment, and other factors such as an absence of uniform. However, the most important factor that affected whether or not patients accepted a ‘nurse-led service’ related to the way in which the service met their needs. This seemed to be more important than perceptions of professional identity. The nurse-led service continued to provide the social support and continuity of care that the patients valued, and which had been provided by their previous general practitioner. The provision of these aspects of care appeared to be more important than whether or not the service was nurse-led or doctor-led. It is important to consider patients' perceptions of policy innovation when establishing new services.
Social factors and psychiatric admission for senile dementia

This study investigated the psychosocial and physical factors preceding psychiatric admission in 70 elderly patients suffering from senile dementia by comparing them with two control groups, 50 dementia sufferers in the community and 50 fit elderly people matched for age and sex. There was no overall excess of current physical ill‐health or disability in the dementia sufferers. Moreover, the dementia sufferers had more social contacts and better support from relatives and services than the fit elderly group. However, the dementia patients who lived with a carer had significantly more negative communication than those dementia controls living with carers. Negative communication may increase the risk of admission but may be attenuated by day centre support.
The composition of bacterial communities associated with plastic biofilms differs between different polymers and stages of biofilm succession

Once in the ocean, plastics are rapidly colonized by complex microbial communities. Factors affecting the development and composition of these communities are still poorly understood. Additionally, whether there are plastic-type specific communities developing on different plastics remains enigmatic. We determined the development and succession of bacterial communities on different plastics under ambient and dim light conditions in the coastal Northern Adriatic over the course of two months using scanning electron microscopy and 16S rRNA gene analyses. Plastics used were low- and high-density polyethylene (LDPE and HDPE, respectively), polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride with two typical additives (PVC DEHP and PVC DINP). The bacterial communities developing on the plastics clustered in two groups; one group was found on PVC and the other group on all the other plastics and on glass, which was used as an inert control. Specific bacterial taxa were found on specific surfaces in essentially all stages of biofilm development and in both ambient and dim light conditions. Differences in bacterial community composition between the different plastics and light exposures were stronger after an incubation period of one week than at the later stages of the incubation. Under both ambient and dim light conditions, one part of the bacterial community was common on all plastic types, especially in later stages of the biofilm development, with families such as Flavobacteriaceae, Rhodobacteraceae, Planctomycetaceae and Phyllobacteriaceae presenting relatively high relative abundances on all surfaces. Another part of the bacterial community was plastic-type specific. The plastic-type specific fraction was variable among the different plastic types and was more abundant after one week of incubation than at later stages of the succession.
Plasma protein profiling reveals candidate biomarkers for multiple sclerosis treatment

Multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment options have improved significantly over the past decades, but the consequences of MS can still be devastating and the needs for monitoring treatment surveillance are considerable. In the current study we used affinity proteomics technology to identify potential biomarkers which could ultimately be used to as facilitate treatment decisions. We profiled the intra-individual changes in the levels of 59 target proteins using an antibody suspension bead array in serial plasma samples from 44 MS patients during treatment with natalizumab followed by fingolimod. Nine proteins showed decreasing plasma levels during natalizumab treatment, with PEBP1 and RTN3 displaying the most significant changes. Protein levels remained stable during fingolimod treatment for both proteins. The decreasing PEBP1 levels during natalizumab treatment could be validated using ELISA and replicated in an independent cohort. These results support the use of this technology as a high throughput method of identifying potentially useful biomarkers of MS treatment.
Effects of Daily Life Physical Activity on Obesity Indices, Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Association of the Latter Two with Academic Performance in Bengali Adolescents of India

This study examined the influence of daily life Physical Activity (PA ) on obesity parameters (BMI: Body Mass Index, WHR: Waist Hip Ratio, Body fat percentage) and cardiorespiratory fitness or CRF (PFI: Physical Fitness Index). The influence of the later two on academic performance was also documented. The study was conducted on 720 healthy Bengali adolescents involving 240 subjects from each of the three age groups ( Age group I: 13-14 yrs, Age group II:15-16 yrs, Age group III:17-18 yrs). Subjects of both the genders were chosen from urban and rural areas by random sampling method. Physical activity questionnaire for adolescents (PAQ-A) was used to classify adolescents into low, moderate and high PA levels. Obesity parameters and PFI was measured using standard techniques. Percentage (%) of the mean of the three years total marks of annual school examination was computed to get the academic score (%) of the participant. In most of the instances, obesity parameters were significantly (p < 0.05) varied among different PA levels. PFI also showed similar trend of results.It was seen that rural urban impact on obesity parameters may not always be necessarily present whereas in case of PFI it was consistently significant. Obesity parameters was found to have significant negative correlation (p < 0.001) with PA and academic performance. PFI possessed significant (p < 0.001) positive correlation with PA and academic performance.However, multiple regression analysis found that only body fat percentage independently and significantly predicted academic performance in both the genders. The present data highlighted the importance of practicing sufficient PA in daily life not only to keep check against increased body fat levels and prevent obesity but also to increase CRF. Additively, it indicated that higher levels of body fat and lower levels of CRF may possibly restrict performance in examination. PA induced lowering of body fat and improvements in CRF may be expected to bring about some positive changes in academic performance.