Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Natural variation and underlying genetic loci of γ‐oryzanol in Asian cultivated rice seeds

γ‐oryzanol is the most studied component in rice (Oryza sativa L.) bran oil. It is not only associated with physiological processes of rice growth and development but also grain quality that is related to human health. Previous studies focused mainly on γ‐oryzanol composition and content in various rice cultivars, while its biosynthetic and regulatory pathways remain unknown. Here we present the quantitative identification of γ‐oryzanol in rice seeds across 179 Asian cultivated accessions using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐TOF/MS), which revealed a significant natural variation in γ‐oryzanol content among these tested rice accessions. In addition, we present, for the first time, the genome‐wide association study (GWAS) on rice seed γ‐oryzanol, which identified 187 GWAS signal hot spots and 13 candidate genes that are associated with variable γ‐oryzanol content and provided the top 10 rice haplotypes with high γ‐oryzanol content for breeding. Collectively, our study provides valuable germplasms for breeding rice cultivars rich in γ‐oryzanol and genetic resources for elucidating genetic and biochemical bases of variable γ‐oryzanol in rice.
Intersection of alcohol use, HIV infection, and the HIV care continuum in Zambia: nationally representative survey

ABSTRACT Through a nationally-representative household survey, we measured the prevalence and correlates of unhealthy alcohol use (UAU) in Zambia and its association with the HIV care continuum. Adolescent and adult (ages 15–59 years) data, including the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C), from the 2016 Zambia Population-based HIV Impact Assessment, were analyzed. UAU was defined as AUDIT-C of 3 + points for women and 4 + for men. Among 20,923 participants, 15.3% had UAU; this was 21.6% among people living with HIV (PLWH). Male sex, increasing age, being employed, urban residence, and having HIV were independent correlates of UAU (all P < 0.05). Among PLWH, UAU was associated with reduced HIV diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.66, 95% CI 0.50–0.88) and non-significant trends toward reduced ART use if diagnosed (AOR: 0.73, 95% CI 0.73–1.10) and reduced viral suppression (VS) if on ART (AOR: 0.91, 95% CI 0.57–1.44). Overall, UAU was linked to 25% lower odds of VS compared to abstinence. UAU in Zambia disproportionately affects certain groups including PLWH. Achieving and sustaining HIV epidemic control in Zambia will require evidence-based approaches to screen and treat UAU.
Determinants of overweight and/or obesity among school adolescents in Butajira Town, Southern Ethiopia. A case-control study

Background The global rise of adolescent overweight and obesity is posing a new challenge to the public health sector by determining the forthcoming generation for the most awful and upsetting quality of social life by inducing bantering, social isolation, and stigmatization among children that contribute to the mental wellbeing of the growing adolescents. Risk factors for overweight and/or obesity might not be the same across different regions due to differences in socioeconomic characteristics, culture, ethnicity, and geographical location. Moreover, in this study area, no report has been documented so far on the determinant factors of overweight and/or obesity among school adolescents. Hence, this study aimed at identifying context-specific determinants of overweight and/or obesity among adolescents in the study area. Methods and materials School-based unmatched case-control study design was employed from March 1–30, 2019, in Butajira town, Southern Ethiopia. Data were collected regarding sociodemographic, dietary practice, physical activity, nutritional knowledge-related factors, and anthropometric measurements. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify independent predictors of overweight/obesity. Results We enrolled 297 adolescents: 99 cases, 198 controls. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis revealed that those in high socioeconomic status [AOR = 5.8, 95% CI (2.66, 12.5)], consumed soft drinks 3 and above times per week [AOR = 3.7, 95% CI (1.8, 7.3)], physically inactive [AOR = 4.4 95% CI (1.68, 11.6)], spent free time by watching television/movies for 3 and above hours per day [AOR = 8.6, 95% CI (4.3, 17)] and with poor nutritional knowledge [AOR = 3.4, 95%CI (1.7, 6.9)] were significantly associated with overweight and/obesity. Conclusion High socioeconomic status, consumption of soft drinks, physical inactivity, sedentary behavior, and poor nutritional knowledge were significantly associated with overweight/obesity. Therefore, strengthening parent and school-based health education in healthy nutrition behaviors and promotion tactics such as enhancing physical activity, limiting watching television, and soft drinks will be helpful to minimize overweight and obesity among adolescents.
Joint Localization and Classification of Breast Cancer in B-Mode Ultrasound Imaging via Collaborative Learning With Elastography

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been successfully applied in the computer-aided ultrasound diagnosis for breast cancer. Up to now, several CNN-based methods have been proposed. However, most of them consider tumor localization and classification as two separate steps, rather than performing them simultaneously. Besides, they suffer from the limited diagnosis information in the B-mode ultrasound (BUS) images. In this study, we develop a novel network ResNet-GAP that incorporates both localization and classification into a unified procedure. To enhance the performance of ResNet-GAP, we leverage stiffness information in the elastography ultrasound (EUS) modality by collaborative learning in the training stage. Specifically, a dual-channel ResNet-GAP network is developed, one channel for BUS and the other for EUS. In each channel, multiple class activity maps (CAMs) are generated using a series of convolutional kernels of different sizes. The multi-scale consistency of the CAMs in both channels are further considered in network optimization. Experiments on 264 patients in this study show that the newly developed ResNet-GAP achieves an accuracy of 88.6%, a sensitivity of 95.3%, a specificity of 84.6%, and an AUC of 93.6% on the classification task, and a 1.0NLF of 87.9% on the localization task, which is better than some state-of-the-art approaches.
The diagnostic and prognostic value of serum exosome‐derived carbamoyl phosphate synthase 1 in HEV‐related acute liver failure patients

Early diagnosis and prognosis evaluation are of great significance to hepatitis E virus (HEV)‐related acute liver failure (HEV‐ALF) patients. We collected serum samples from 200 health controls (HCs), 200 patients with acute hepatitis E (AHE), and 200 HEV‐ALF patients to evaluate serum exosome‐derived carbamoyl phosphate synthase 1 (CPS1) levels and determine its diagnostic and prognostic value. The exosome‐derived CPS1 levels in the HEV‐ALF group were significantly higher than those in the AHE and HCs groups. The AUC of exosome‐derived CPS1 to predict the occurrence of HEV‐ALF was 0.850 (0.811−0.883). Both logistical regression and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) showed that exosome‐derived CPS1 is an independent risk factor for HEV‐ALF. The exosome‐derived CPS1 levels were positively correlated with organ failure and the outcomes in HEV‐ALF patients. The exosome‐derived CPS1 levels in the worsening group were significantly higher than those in the fluctuating and the improving groups. The AUC of serum exosome‐derived CPS1 to predict 30‐day mortality was 0.829 (0.770−0.879), which was significantly greater than that of the Child‐Pugh, KCH, and MELD models. The level of serum exosome‐derived CPS1 might serve as a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HEV‐ALF patients, which may provide better guidance for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of HEV‐ALF patients.
Analysis of Wilson disease mutations in copper binding domain of ATP7B gene

Wilson’s disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder, resulting from variations in ATP7B gene. Clinical heterogeneity, including neuropsychiatric and hepatic manifestations over a large range of age groups make diagnosis difficult. Most of WD patients suffer severe disabilities and even die. So, overall goal of proposed study is the genetic and clinical characterization of Wilson’s disease cases from Pakistani population. Clinical data was collected, and patients were investigated for variations in selected ATP7B exons using PCR based Sanger sequencing. Pathogenic effect predictions for detected variants were carried out using PROVEAN, MutationTaster2, and HSF software’s. Clinical heterogeneity was observed in patients including reduced serum ceruloplasmin, signs of chronic liver damage and raised 24 h urinary copper excretion. Mean age of onset was 11.3 years. Kayser-Fleischer rings were present in 75% of cases. About 82.5% patients belonged to inbred families. Patients having neurological disorder were above 12 years of age. Total ten variants in analyzed region of ATP7B gene, including a reported variation (p. L227Yfs*35) were found in patients. The study also identified 4 putative novel synonymous variants (c.251A>C, c.15T>A, c.6T>C, c.238C>T) and 5 reported polymorphisms (c.83C>A, c.39_40insCGGCG, p.V456L, c.39_40insCGCCG and c.1544-53A>C). Reliable understanding of clinical presentations and genotype-phenotype correlation provide insight to function and structure of ATP7B and may assist in disease prognosis and family counseling. The study revealed clinical presentation of Pakistani WD cases and identification of sequence variants in screened region of ATP7B.
Multiple roles of ghrelin in breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most threatening malignant tumors in women worldwide; hence, investigators are continually performing novel research in this field. However, an accurate prediction of its prognosis and postoperative recovery remains difficult. The severity of breast cancer is patient-specific and affected by several health factors; thus, unknown mechanisms may affect its progression. This article analyzes existing literature on breast cancer, ranging from the discovery of ghrelin to its present use, and aims to provide a reference for future research into breast cancer mechanisms and treatment-plan improvement. Various parts of ghrelin have been associated with breast cancer by direct or indirect evidence. The ghrelin system may encompass the direction of expanding breast cancer treatment methods and prognostic indicators. Therefore, we compiled almost all studies on the relationship between the ghrelin system and breast cancer, including unacylated ghrelin, its GHRL gene, ghrelin O-acyltransferase, the receptor growth hormone secretagogue receptor, and several splice variants of ghrelin to lay the foundation for future research.
Lasers and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) for the Treatment of Pathological Scars: A Network Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND Laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapies have shown promising effect on pathological scars, but the comparative effectiveness of laser and IPL therapies has not yet been studied. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to compare and rank the efficacy of laser and IPL therapies to determine the most effective treatment method for pathological scars. METHODS Relevant studies published up to February 2022 were identified by searching PubMed, Web of science, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang databases. We defined Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) score as the primary outcome. Both frequentist and Bayesian approaches were used to perform a network meta-analysis (NMA). RESULTS We included 25 trials with a total of 1688 participants. The SUCRA rankings for VSS score based on the Bayesian approach suggested IPL + CO₂ (96.43%) > PDL + 1064 nm Nd:YAG (86.21%) > PDL + CO₂ (82.15%) > CO₂ (58.97%) > 1064 nm Nd:YAG (57.03%) > PDL (52%) > 532nm Nd:YAG (33.28%) > Er:YAG + IPL (28.38%) > Er:YAG (26.56%) > IPL (15.03%) > Control (13.97%). The ranking results based on the frequentist approach were basically consistent with those based on frequentist approach. CONCLUSIONS The results of the NMA showed that the combination of IPL and CO₂ laser has the highest probability of being the most effective intervention. However, our conclusions must be interpreted with caution due to the relatively few evaluation indicators included in our study. Future well-designed randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes are required to confirm our conclusions.
A bistable prokaryotic differentiation system underlying development of conjugative transfer competence

The mechanisms and impact of horizontal gene transfer processes to distribute gene functions with potential adaptive benefit among prokaryotes have been well documented. In contrast, little is known about the life-style of mobile elements mediating horizontal gene transfer, whereas this is the ultimate determinant for their transfer fitness. Here, we investigate the life-style of an integrative and conjugative element (ICE) within the genus Pseudomonas that is a model for a widespread family transmitting genes for xenobiotic compound metabolism and antibiotic resistances. Previous work showed bimodal ICE activation, but by using single cell time-lapse microscopy coupled to combinations of chromosomally integrated single copy ICE promoter-driven fluorescence reporters, RNA sequencing and mutant analysis, we now describe the complete regulon leading to the arisal of differentiated dedicated transfer competent cells. The regulon encompasses at least three regulatory nodes and five (possibly six) further conserved gene clusters on the ICE that all become expressed under stationary phase conditions. Time-lapse microscopy indicated expression of two regulatory nodes (i.e., bisR and alpA-bisDC) to precede that of the other clusters. Notably, expression of all clusters except of bisR was confined to the same cell subpopulation, and was dependent on the same key ICE regulatory factors. The ICE thus only transfers from a small fraction of cells in a population, with an estimated proportion of between 1.7–4%, which express various components of a dedicated transfer competence program imposed by the ICE, and form the centerpiece of ICE conjugation. The components mediating transfer competence are widely conserved, underscoring their selected fitness for efficient transfer of this class of mobile elements.
Exploring player behavior and motivations to continue playing Pokémon GO

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the determinants of players’ continuance intentions to play Pokémon GO (PG) and ultimately make in-app purchases, mainly from the perspectives of psychological, social and gaming motivational factors. Design/methodology/approach The research model was empirically assessed based on 362 validated responses from current players of PG in Malaysia. Analysis was carried out using the partial least squares path modeling method. Findings The results indicated that enjoyment, network externalities, community involvement and the need-to-collect significantly influence players’ continuance intention. Furthermore, the findings reveal that flow and nostalgia have indirect effects on players’ continuance intention, which in turn significantly influences their purchase intention. Originality/value This study provides empirical support for an integrated model for understanding the antecedents of the players’ behavioral intentions that incorporates psychological, social and gaming motivational factors in the context of an augmented reality mobile game.
Movement and Distribution of Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae) Adults Under Different Temperature Differences in Different Lengths of Horizontal Grain Columns

Abstract Understanding insect movement and distribution is critical for developing an effective insect pest management protocol. Movement and distribution of adult Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) in response to nominal temperature differences of 5, 10, 15, and 20°C in 1- and 2-m horizontal columns filled with 12.5% moisture content wheat were studied in 24, 48, and 72 h of movement times. In the wheat columns without temperature differences, adults had a diffusion distribution pattern caused by their random movement. Adults showed bias movement to the warmer grain in wheat columns with temperature differences and preferred the warmer grain regardless of the magnitude of temperature differences in less than 24 h. Their distribution did not have significant differences among different movement times in 1- or 2-m columns. About 40% of adults moved to the warmer wheat located at 0.4 to 0.5 m in the 1 m column but did not move to the warmer wheat located at 0.9 to 1 m in the 2-m column. Therefore, length of grain column influenced detection of warmer grain by insects. Adults under different temperatures had a similar response as that under linear temperature gradients.
Stability and existence of surfaces in symplectic 4-manifolds with b +=1

We establish various stability results for symplectic surfaces in symplectic 4-manifolds with b^{+}=1 . These results are then applied to prove the existence of representatives of Lagrangian ADE-configurations as well as to classify negative symplectic spheres in symplectic 4-manifolds with \kappa=-\infty . This involves the explicit construction of spheres in rational manifolds via a new construction technique called the tilted transport.
Scientific Publications on Thyroid Ultrasound between 2001 and 2020: Differences in Research Characteristics by Disciplines

Objective To analyze the characteristics and trends of scientific publications on thyroid ultrasound (US) from 2001 to 2020, specifically examining the differences among disciplines. Materials and Methods The MEDLINE database was searched for scientific articles on thyroid US published between 2001 and 2020 using the PubMed online service. The evaluated parameters included year of publication, type of document, topic, funding, first author's specialty, journal name, subject category, impact factor, and quartile ranking of the publishing journal, country, and language. Relationships between the first author's specialty (radiology, internal medicine, surgery, otorhinolaryngology, and miscellaneous) and other parameters were analyzed. Results A total of 2917 thyroid US publications were published between 2001 and 2020, which followed an exponential growth pattern, with an annual growth rate of 11.6%. Radiology produced the most publications (n = 1290, 44.2%), followed by internal medicine (n = 716, 24.5%), surgery (n = 409, 14.0%), and otorhinolaryngology (n = 171, 5.9%). Otorhinolaryngology and internal medicine published significantly more case reports than radiology (p < 0.001, each). Radiology published a significantly higher proportion of publications on imaging diagnosis (p < 0.001 for all) and a significantly lower proportion of publications on biopsy (p < 0.001 for all) than the other disciplines. Publications produced by radiology authors were less frequently published in Q1 journals than those from other disciplines (p < 0.005 for internal medicine and miscellaneous disciplines and < 0.01 for surgery and otorhinolaryngology). China contributed the greatest number of publications (n = 622, 21.3%), followed by South Korea (n = 478, 16.4%) and the United States (n = 468, 16.0%). Conclusion Radiology produced the most publications for thyroid US than any other discipline. Radiology authors published more notably on imaging diagnosis compared to other topics and in journals with lower impact factors compared to authors in other disciplines.
The Impact of Organizational Factors on E-Business Adoption: An Empirical Analysis

Purpose: Provide empirical validation of the model developed by García-Moreno, García-Moreno, Nájera-Sánchez and Pablos-Heredero (2016) on the factors influencing the adoption of e-business in firms. Design/methodology/approach: Consideration is given to the method for measuring each one of the variables included in the model. Use has been made of the e-Business Watch database, which contains measures for the theoretical model’s three categories: firm, technology, and environment. Multinomial logistic regression models have been provided. Findings: The variables included have revealed significant statistical relationships for the model in question, although the intensity of the relationships differs. The variables related to the environment also reveal statistically significant relationships, whereby the attitude of trading partners appears to have a relevant and growing impact on e-business adoption. Research limitations/implications: Data come from just one database: the e-Business Watch database/enriched data from alternative databases could be included. Practical implications: The infrastructure of information and communications technologies (ICTs) is confirmed to be a determining factor in e-business development. Nevertheless, the effect of competitor rivalry has a more erratic influence that is encapsulated in a significant relationship in intermediate models, with a sharper increase in the likelihood of being in the category of customer-focused firms, and less internally focused. Social implications: The human capital linked to ICTs is a driving force behind the adoption of these practices. Albeit with a more moderate effect, note should also be taken of the capacity for entering into relationships with third parties within the scope of ICTs, with significant effects that become more robust as they are tested in models that seek to explain the probability of recording higher levels of e-business adoption. Originality/value: The article presents a first empirical analysis to apply the previous developed model published in this journal in 2016.
Reliability and validity of using the global school-based student health survey to assess 24 hour movement behaviours in adolescents from Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT This study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) to measure 24-hour movement behaviours (moderate-to-vigorous physical activity - MVPA; sedentary behaviour in the form of recreational screen time - ST; and sleep) in Saudi Arabian youths. A total of 120 (50% female) participants aged 12–15 years old were recruited from eight Saudi public middle schools. Participants completed GSHS survey twice and wore GENEActiv accelerometers for seven consecutive days and completed a diary log. ICC indicated moderate reliability in all 24-hour movement behaviours (ICC = 0.41 - 0.60), whereas ST and sleep were strongly reliable for females only (ICC = 0.61 - 0.80). Kappa agreements for all 24-hr movement behaviours were moderate (k = 0.41 - 0.60), but fair in MVPA and ST for males only (k = 0.21 - 0.40). Spearman’s indicated low validity (r = 0.1 - 0.3) in MVPA and sleep between GSHS and GENEActiv. However, kappa test results indicated poor-to-slight agreements (k = <0.00 - 0.2) in MVPA and sleep, but fair in MVPA for males only (k = 0.21 - 0.4). GSHS provided good reliability for single items of 24-hour movement behaviours, and the validity was acceptable and in line with other comparable questionnaires.