Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Soft Contact Lens Wear on Meibomian Gland Morphology and Function.

PURPOSE To evaluate the impact of soft contact lens (CL) wear on the morphology and function of the meibomian glands (MG). METHODS One hundred seventy-three eyes of 87 soft CL wearers and 103 eyes of 55 age-matched healthy volunteers were included into this study. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the total duration of lens wear: less than 3 years, 3 to 7 years, and more than 7 years. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores, slitlamp biomicroscopy findings, fluorescein staining of the ocular surface, tear film break-up time (BUT), Schirmer I test, and meibography findings were recorded in all patient eyes and were compared with controls. RESULTS The mean meiboscores of the upper and lower eyelids were significantly higher in CL wearers compared with controls (P<0.05). The mean BUT and the mean MG expressibility were significantly lower, whereas the mean OSDI score, corneal staining scores, percentage of partial/complete gland loss, and percentage of thickened and curled MG in upper/lower lids were statistically significantly higher in CL wearers (P<0.05). Meiboscores were significantly higher in patients with a total lens wear duration of more than 3 years compared to those with less than 3 years of lens wear for both upper/lower lids (P<0.05). The earliest morphological change in the MG of CL wearers was MG thickening, and this parameter was the only meibography finding that had the highest diagnostic ability for MG dysfunction. CONCLUSION Soft CL wear causes significant morphological and functional changes in MG with thickening of MG presenting an early diagnostic finding of MG dysfunction on meibography.
Sedentary lifestyle associated with mortality in rural patients with heart failure

Background: The incidence of mortality five years after the onset of symptomatic heart failure is about 50%. Lifestyle behaviors differ substantially and likely lead to prognostic differences. Aims: We sought to determine the factors associated with all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure, particularly the impact of a sedentary lifestyle on mortality. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (REMOTE-HF) to improve self-care through education and counseling (N=602). We conducted an unadjusted Cox proportional hazards regression analysis with sedentary lifestyle as a predictor of mortality, then added depressive symptoms as a confounder. A Kaplan–Meier survival analysis assessed time to event comparing sedentary lifestyle. Cox models included variables of clinical relevance as well as all significant variables from baseline characteristics associated with all-cause mortality. Results: The mean ± SD age was 66 ± 12.4 years, 41% were women, and 90% were of white race. There were 125 all-cause deaths over 24 months. Sedentary lifestyle was associated with a 75% increase in the expected hazard of all-cause mortality (hazards ratio 1.75; p = 0.003; 95% CI 1.21–2.54) after adjusting for moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Two Cox models showed an 89 and 95% increase, respectively, in all-cause mortality in sedentary participants holding all other variables constant. Conclusions: Sedentary lifestyle is strongly associated with all-cause mortality, independent of having moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Clinicians and researchers have an important role in promoting sustained and safe physical activity to improve survival. Other important modifiable targets to improve survival include depressive symptoms, low literacy, and low body mass index. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: https://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique Identifier: NCT00415545
Determinants of growth in HIV-exposed and HIV-uninfected infants in the Kabeho Study.

HIV-exposed and HIV-uninfected (HEU) infants may be at increased risk of poor health and growth outcomes. We characterized infant growth trajectories in a cohort of HEU infants to identify factors associated with healthy growth. HIV-positive women participating in prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission programmes in Kigali, Rwanda, were followed until their infants were 2 years old. Infant anthropometrics were regularly collected. Latent class analysis was used to categorize infant growth trajectories. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of infants belonging to each growth trajectory class. On average, this population of HEU infants had moderate linear growth faltering, but only modest faltering in weight, resulting in mean weight-for-length z-score (WLZ) above the World Health Organization (WHO) median. Mean WLZ was 0.53, and mean length-for-age z-score (LAZ) was -1.14 over the first 2 years of life. We identified four unique WLZ trajectories and seven trajectories in LAZ. Low neonatal weight-for-age and a high rate of illness increased the likelihood that infants were in the lightest WLZ class. Shorter mothers were more likely to have infants with linear growth faltering. Female infants who were older at the end of exclusive breastfeeding were more likely to be in the second tallest LAZ class. In conclusion, the current WHO recommendations of Option B+ and extended breastfeeding may induce higher WLZ and lower LAZ early in infancy. However, there is considerable heterogeneity in growth patterns that is obscured by simply analysing average growth trends, necessitating the analysis of growth in subpopulations.
Prevalence of the E321G MYH1 variant for immune‐mediated myositis and nonexertional rhabdomyolysis in performance subgroups of American Quarter Horses

Background Immune‐mediated myositis (IMM) in American Quarter Horses (QHs) causes acute muscle atrophy and lymphocytic infiltration of myofibers. Recently, an E321G mutation in a highly conserved region of the myosin heavy chain 1 (MYH1) gene was associated with susceptibility to IMM and nonexertional rhabdomyolysis. Objectives To estimate prevalence of the E321G MYH1 variant in the QH breed and performance subgroups. Animals Three‐hundred seven elite performance QHs and 146 random registered QH controls. Methods Prospective genetic survey. Elite QHs from barrel racing, cutting, halter, racing, reining, Western Pleasure, and working cow disciplines and randomly selected registered QHs were genotyped for the E321G MYH1 variant and allele frequencies were calculated. Results The E321G MYH1 variant allele frequency was 0.034 ± 0.011 in the general QH population (6.8% of individuals in the breed) and the highest among the reining (0.135 ± 0.040; 24.3% of reiners), working cow (0.085 ± 0.031), and halter (0.080 ± 0.027) performance subgroups. The E321G MYH1 variant was present in cutting (0.044 ± 0.022) and Western Pleasure (0.021 ± 0.015) QHs at lower frequency and was not observed in barrel racing or racing QHs. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Knowing that reining and working cow QHs have the highest prevalence of the E321G MYH1 variant and that the variant is more prevalent than the alleles for hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia and hyperkalemic periodic paralysis in the general QH population will guide the use of genetic testing for diagnostic and breeding purposes.
Spectatoring Mediates the Association Between Penis Appearance Concerns and Sexual Dysfunction

Abstract Men with penis appearance concerns are more likely to experience sexual dysfunction, but the processes underlying this association are unknown. This study investigated whether spectatoring (i.e., negative self-directed attentional focus during sex) mediates the association between penis appearance concerns and sexual dysfunction. Men in romantic relationships (N = 512, in predominantly mixed-gender relationships) reported on sex they had with their partner in the previous month. Indirect effects indicated that penis appearance concerns predicted greater spectatoring, and in turn predicted greater erectile and orgasmic dysfunction. Results suggest that spectatoring is a conduit through which penis appearance concerns impede sexual function.
PREDICTORS OF LONELINESS INCIDENCE IN CHINESE OLDER ADULTS FROM A LIFE COURSE PERSPECTIVE

Abstract Objectives: We aim to examine what factors are predictive of loneliness incidence from a life course perspective and whether predictors differ between women and men based on a nationally representative longitudinal dataset in China. Method: A total of 5,043 older adults aged 65 or above from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey who were not lonely in the 2008 wave were included in the analysis. Logistic regression models were applied to examine what factors in the 2008 wave predicted loneliness incidence in the 2011 wave. Analyses were also stratified by gender to examine gender differences. Results: Older ages and self-rated poor health increased the odds, whereas receiving one or more years of schooling, rural-urban migration, living with family members, having a white-collar job, having a good family economic status, being currently married, having a higher resilience and social support decreased the odds of loneliness incidence. We also found gender differences: socioeconomic factors were significant only for older men, whereas self-rated health, resilience, and social support were significant only for older women. Conclusion: This study offers insights into disentangling the complexity of factors associated with loneliness incidence in Chinese older adults from a life course perspective and from a gendered perspective.
Single-molecule dynamics and genome-wide transcriptomics reveal that NF-kB (p65)-DNA binding times can be decoupled from transcriptional activation

Transcription factors (TFs) regulate gene expression in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes by recognizing and binding to specific DNA promoter sequences. In higher eukaryotes, it remains unclear how the duration of TF binding to DNA relates to downstream transcriptional output. Here, we address this question for the transcriptional activator NF-κB (p65), by live-cell single molecule imaging of TF-DNA binding kinetics and genome-wide quantification of p65-mediated transcription. We used mutants of p65, perturbing either the DNA binding domain (DBD) or the protein-protein transactivation domain (TAD). We found that p65-DNA binding time was predominantly determined by its DBD and directly correlated with its transcriptional output as long as the TAD is intact. Surprisingly, mutation or deletion of the TAD did not modify p65-DNA binding stability, suggesting that the p65 TAD generally contributes neither to the assembly of an “enhanceosome,” nor to the active removal of p65 from putative specific binding sites. However, TAD removal did reduce p65-mediated transcriptional activation, indicating that protein-protein interactions act to translate the long-lived p65-DNA binding into productive transcription. Author Summary To control transcription of a certain gene or a group of genes, both eukaryotes and prokaryotes express specialized proteins, transcription factors (TFs). During gene activation, TFs bind gene promotor sequences to recruit the transcriptional machinery including DNA polymerase II. TFs are often multi-subunit proteins containing a DNA-binding domain (DBD) as well as a protein-protein interaction interface. It was suggested that the duration of a TF-DNA binding event 1) depends on these two subunits and 2) dictates the outcome, i.e. the amount of mRNA produced from an activated gene. We set out to address these hypotheses using the transcriptional activator NF-κB (p65) as well as a number of mutants affecting different functional subunits. Using a combination of live-cell microscopy and RNA sequencing, we show that p65 DNA-binding time indeed correlates with the transcriptional output, but that this relationship depends on, and hence can be uncoupled by altering, the protein-protein interaction capacity. Our results suggest that, while p65 DNA binding times are dominated by the DBD, a transcriptional output can only be achieved with a functional protein-protein interaction subunit.
Female genital mutilation practices in Kenya: the role of alternative rites of passage: a case study of Kisii and Kuria districts.

This research was undertaken to better understand female genital mutilation (FGM) as currently practised by the Kuria and Kisii communities in Kenya. The study investigated: (1) current attitudes and practices in relation to FGM among men and women; (2) awareness and attitudes towards the Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP); (3) factors which encourage individuals to take decisions to abandon FGM. The research used qualitative methods collecting data through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The findings show that FGM is still a celebrated public event among the Kuria dictated by the decrees from the Council of Elders which decides when circumcision should take place. In Kisii FGM is a private family affair usually without public celebration often in secret. In both communities girls undergoing FGM are given gifts and are generally considered more suitable for marriage and more socially acceptable. Uncircumcised girls and women frequently experience stigmatism isolation and ridicule. However there is evidence in both Kuria and Kisii that the isolation and stigma directed towards uncircumcised girls and women is far greater for uneducated girls than for those who are educated. The report includes recommendations for both communities based on its findings.
Higher Waist Circumference Is Related to Lower Plasma Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Healthy Participants: Metabolic Implications

Abstract Objective: We evaluated whether the relationship between waist circumference (WC) and cardiometabolic risk is related to usual diet and plasma fatty acid composition. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 226 health professionals from 20 to 59 years old. Anthropometric features, oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, and plasma fatty acid profile were assessed. Dietary intake was evaluated with a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, the quality of dietary habits by Healthy Eating Index, and insulin resistance by homeostasis model assessment–insulin resistance and triglyceride-glucose index. Results: Higher WC was associated with lower concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.000) and adiponectin (p = 0.000) and higher uric acid levels (p = 0.011). Plasma polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels were negatively associated with weight (p = 0.046), systolic blood pressure (p = 0.035), fasting glucose (p = 0.000), triglyceride-glucose index (p = 0.023), and IL-1β (p = 0.037). Individuals with elevated WC consumed more calories (p = 0.002), niacin (p = 0.002), and pyridoxine (p = 0.017), but less calcium (p = 0.001), phosphorus (p = 0.016), and vitamin B2 (p = 0.011). In addition, individuals with higher WC denoted lower PUFA concentrations (p = 0.036). Conclusion: The results suggest that participants with higher WC have lower plasma PUFA concentrations and higher levels of saturated fatty acids. This could be related to metabolic and inflammatory changes that could trigger increased risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.
Prognostic implications of psoas muscle area in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

OBJECTIVES This study sought to assess the incremental prognostic value of the psoas muscle area in patients scheduled for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). METHODS A total of 1076 consecutive patients undergoing TAVI at 2 centres between 2010 and 2017 were prospectively included in this study. Computed tomography-derived cross-sectional area of the psoas muscle was measured at the superior border of the third (L3) and fourth (L4) lumbar vertebra and indexed to body surface area (PMAi) as well as stratified into tertiles. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox regression analyses were performed to investigate the value of PMAi as a predictor of 30-day and cumulative mortality. The incremental prognostic value of PMAi over the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score was assessed using a net reclassification analysis. RESULTS The rate of 30-day mortality was 5.8% (n = 62). PMAi at the level of L3 [odds ratio 0.082, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.011-0.589; P = 0.013] and L4 (odds ratio 0.049, 95% CI 0.005-0.536; P = 0.013) was independently associated with 30-day mortality. During a median follow-up of 435 days (interquartile range 139-904), 292 patients (27.1%) died. PMAi of L3 (hazard ratio 0.200, 95% CI 0.083-0.482; P < 0.001) and L4 (hazard ratio 0.083, 95% CI 0.029-0.235; P < 0.001) was independently associated with mortality during follow-up. The addition of PMAi to the STS score led to a net reclassification improvement for 30-day and cumulative mortality. CONCLUSIONS PMAi emerged as a valuable outcome predictor in patients undergoing TAVI. The addition of PMAi to the established STS score led to an increase in its prognostic ability.
Differential Effect of β‐Adrenergic Stimulation on the Frequency‐Dependent Electrophysiologic Actions of the New Class III Antiarrhythmics Dofetilide, Ambasilide, and Chromanol 293.

Class III Antiarrhythmics and β‐Adrenergic Stimulation. Introduction: Blockade of the rapid delayed rectifier potassium current (IKr) as an important mechanism for current Class III antiarrhythmics is less effective in action potential prolongation during β‐adrenergic activation. We hypothesized that blockade of the increased slow IK (IKs) current during β‐adrenergic stimulation could improve action potential prolongation and tested this hypothesis by comparison of three different IK blockers: dofetilide, a selective blocker of IKr; ambasilide, a nonselective blocker of IK; and chromanol 293B, a selective blocker of IKs.
Belief in conspiracy theories and intentions to engage in everyday crime.

Belief in conspiracy theories is associated with negative outcomes such as political disengagement, prejudice, and environmental inaction. The current studies - one cross-sectional (N = 253) and one experimental (N = 120) - tested the hypothesis that belief in conspiracy theories would increase intentions to engage in everyday crime. Study 1 demonstrated that belief in conspiracy theories predicted everyday crime behaviours when controlling for other known predictors of everyday crime (e.g., Honesty-Humility). Study 2 demonstrated that exposure to conspiracy theories (vs. control) increased intentions to engage in everyday crime in the future, through an increased feeling of anomie. The perception that others have conspired may therefore in some contexts lead to negative action rather than inaction.
The impact of digging on the evolution of the rodent mandible

There are two main (but not mutually exclusive) methods by which subterranean rodents construct burrows: chisel‐tooth digging, where large incisors are used to dig through soil; and scratch digging, where forelimbs and claws are used to dig instead of incisors. A previous study by the authors showed that upper incisors of chisel‐tooth diggers were better adapted to dig but the overall cranial morphology within the rodent sample was not significantly different. This study analyzed the lower incisors and mandibles of the specimens used in the previous study to show the impact of chisel‐tooth digging on the rodent mandible. We compared lower incisors and mandibular shape of chisel‐tooth digging rodents with nonchisel‐tooth digging rodents to see if there were morphological differences between the two groups. The shape of incisors was quantified using incisor radius of curvature and second moment of area (SMA). Mandibular shape was quantified using landmark based geometric morphometrics. We found that lower incisor shape was strongly influenced by digging group using a Generalized Phylogenetic ancova (analysis of covariance). A phylogenetic Procrustes anova (analysis of variance) showed that mandibular shape of chisel‐tooth digging rodents was also significantly different from nonchisel‐tooth digging rodents. The phylogenetic signal of incisor radius of curvature was weak, whereas that of incisor SMA and mandibular shape was significant. This is despite the analyses revealing significant differences in the shape of both mandibles and incisors between digging groups. In conclusion, we showed that although the mandible and incisor of rodents are influenced by function, there is also a degree of phylogenetic affinity that shapes the rodent mandibular apparatus.
Expression patterns of C1ql4 and its cell‐adhesion GPCR Bai3 in the murine testis and functional roles in steroidogenesis

C1q‐like 4 (C1QL4), a novel member of the C1q‐ and TNF‐related protein family, was found to be highly expressed in rodent and human testis. However, the localization, developmental, and hormonally regulated expression and biologic function of C1ql4 in the testis have not been investigated. Here, we demonstrated that C1ql4 mRNA and protein levels in murine testes gradually increased from the postnatal period to the adult stage and were up‐regulated by LH in vivo. In situ hybridization demonstrated that the distribution and expression levels of C1ql4 mRNA varied at different developmental stages, although C1ql4 mRNA was detected in the seminiferous tubule and interstitial Leydig cells. Recombinant C1QL4 did not affect cell proliferation but did increase testosterone production in TM3 Leydig cells, as well as in cultured seminiferous tubules. C1QL4‐induced testosterone secretion in Leydig cells was accompanied by increased expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein and steroidogenic enzymes. During this process, the c‐Raf/extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase kinases 1 and 2/ERK1/2/mitogen‐ and stress‐activated protein kinase‐1 and cAMP/PKA/cAMP‐responsive element binding protein signaling cascades were activated by C1QL4. The cell‐adhesion GPCR brain‐specific angiogenesis inhibitor 3 (BAI3), a putative receptor of C1QL4, was detected in the seminiferous tubule and interstitial Leydig cells during testicular development. Knockdown of Bai3 expression in Leydig cells led to a reduction in Star expression, accompanied by increases in phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and intercellular cAMP levels. However, C1QL4‐induced StAR expression was not completely suppressed in the Bai3‐deficient Leydig cells, and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and intercellular cAMP levels were not significantly changed before and after C1QL4 stimulation. Our results suggested that although BAI3 played a role in C1QL4‐induced steroidogenesis, there was an unidentified receptor that mediated C1QL4‐activated testosterone secretion in Leydig cells through phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and up‐regulation of intracellular cAMP levels. Taken together, our results showed, for the first time to our knowledge, that C1QL4 served as a novel acute regulator of testosterone secretion, and BAI3 functioned as a new receptor that is involved in steroidogenesis in Leydig cells. BAI3‐independent ERK1/2 activation and cAMP activation mediated C1QL4‐induced testosterone secretion. This study expanded the reproductive roles and mechanisms of C1QL4 and BAI3 signaling pathways. —Tan, A. , Ke, S. , Chen, Y. , Chen, L. , Lu, X. , Ding, F. , Yang, L. , Tang, Y. , Yu, Y. Expression patterns of C1ql4 and its cell‐adhesion GPCR Bai3 in the murine testis and functional roles in steroidogenesis. FASEB J. 33, 4893–4906 (2019). www.fasebj. org