Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Systematic Review of Evidence Pertaining to Factors That Modify Risk of Early Childhood Caries

Introduction: A systematic review of evidence on the impact of modifiable risk factors on early childhood caries (ECC) was conducted to inform recommendations in a World Health Organization manual on ECC prevention. Objectives: To systematically review published evidence pertaining to the effect of modifiable risk factors on ECC. Methods: Twelve questions relating to infant feeding, diet, oral hygiene, and fluoride were addressed, as prioritized by a World Health Organization expert panel. Questions pertaining to the use of fluoride toothpaste were excluded due to its proven efficacy. The target population was children aged <72 mo. Data sources included Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and PubMed, and all human epidemiologic studies were included. The highest level of evidence was used for evidence synthesis and, where possible, meta-analysis. The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) statement, with evidence assessed via the GRADE method. Results: Of the 13,831 papers identified, 627 were screened in duplicate; of these, 139 were included. The highest-level evidence indicated that breastfeeding ≤24 mo does not increase ECC risk but suggested that longer-duration breastfeeding increases risk (low-quality evidence). Low-quality evidence indicated increased risk associated with consumption of sugars in bottles. Only 1 study had data on the impact of sugars in complementary foods, which increased risk. Moderate-quality evidence showed a benefit of oral health education for caregivers (odds ratio, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.80, P = 0.009). Meta-analysis of data on the impact on ECC from living in a fluoridated area showed a significant effect (mean difference, –1.25; 95% CI, –1.24 to −0.36; P = 0.006). Limited moderate- and low-quality data indicated a benefit of fluoride exposure from salt and milk, respectively. Conclusion: The best available evidence indicates that breastfeeding up to 2 y of age does not increase ECC risk. Providing access to fluoridated water and educating caregivers are justified approaches to ECC prevention. Limiting sugars in bottles and complementary foods should be part of this education. Knowledge Transfer Statement: This research is being used by the World Health Organization in developing a toolkit on the prevention and management of early childhood caries. The information will guide 1) governments in developing national oral health plans and 2) clinicians when providing preventive advice, including that regarding infant feeding practices. It will help ensure that advice is in line with current World Health Organization guidelines and the best available evidence.
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 family with phenotypic overlap with Multiple System Atrophy.

AIM OF THE STUDY Multiple system atrophy (MSA) and spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) share similar symptomatology. We describe a rare occurrence of familial MSA that proved to be SCA6 upon genetic analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighty MSA patients were enrolled in our study; blood samples were collected and genetic screening of the familial case for known SCA loci was performed. RESULTS A 68-year-old woman presented with recurrent and severe episodes of light-headedness, imbalance, frequent falls, neck and lower back stiffness, subjective arm and leg weakness, and numbness and tingling in both feet. One year later, her condition had declined; she experienced more falls, worsening instability, again more generalised but still subjective weakness, impaired fine motor movements, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, episodes of choking, bladder incontinence, and constipation. Clinical suspicion included parkinsonism, MSA, and SCA. The patient was enrolled in our MSA study and was found to have 22 and 12 CAG repeats in CACNA1A. The other 79 clinical MSA patients were negative for SCA6 screening. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS While MSA and SCA may have similar presentations during early disease stages, the presence of both conditions on the list of differential diagnoses can be a diagnostic dilemma. Further analysis will aid in developing a biomarker to distinguish between the two conditions and guide proper management.
Relating size and functionality in human social networks through complexity

Significance Dunbar hypothesized, on the basis of empirical evidence, that a typical individual can have a stable relation with at most 150 other people. We establish that this number results from the internal dynamics of a complex network. Two network models having phase transitions are used to determine the optimal size for the most efficient information exchange. Such criticality generates intermittent events, with time intervals between successive events being independent (renewal) and scaling. The scaling index depends nonmonotonically on network size and direct calculations show that the index is maximum for networks the size of the Dunbar number and provides maximal information exchange efficiency. This result provides a theory-based bridge to span the conceptual gap between psychology and sociology. Extensive empirical evidence suggests that there is a maximal number of people with whom an individual can maintain stable social relationships (the Dunbar number). We argue that this arises as a consequence of a natural phase transition in the dynamic self-organization among N individuals within a social system. We present the calculated size dependence of the scaling properties of complex social network models to argue that this collective behavior is an enhanced form of collective intelligence. Direct calculation establishes that the complexity of social networks as measured by their scaling behavior is nonmonotonic, peaking around 150, thereby providing a theoretical basis for the value of the Dunbar number. Thus, we establish a theory-based bridge spanning the gap between sociology and psychology.
Systolic blood pressure postural changes variability is associated with greater dementia risk

Objective To determine whether orthostatic hypotension (OHYPO) and visit-to-visit blood pressure (BP) postural changes variability are associated with incident dementia. Methods We studied 2,131 older adults from the Health, Aging, and Body Composition cohort study. Orthostatic BP was repeatedly assessed over a 5-year baseline period. OHYPO was defined as a fall ≥15 mm Hg in systolic or ≥7 mm Hg in diastolic BP after standing from a sitting position for one-third or more of the visits. Systolic OHYPO and diastolic OHYPO were also examined separately. BP postural changes variability over time was evaluated with several indicators, including SD and coefficient of variation (CV). Incident dementia was determined over 12 years after the baseline period by dementia medication use, ≥1.5 SD decline in Modified Mini-Mental State Examination score, or hospitalization records. Results Of 2,131 participants (mean age 73 years, 53% female, 39% Black), 309 (14.5%) had OHYPO, 192 (9.0%) had systolic OHYPO, 132 (6.2%) had diastolic OHYPO, and 462 (21.7%) developed dementia. After adjustment for demographics, seated systolic BP (SBP), antihypertensive drugs, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, depressive symptoms, smoking, alcohol, body mass index, and presence of 1 or 2 APOE ε4 alleles, systolic OHYPO was associated with greater dementia risk (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.88), unlike diastolic OHYPO and OHYPO. SBP postural changes variability was also associated with higher dementia risk (highest tertile of variability [CV]: adjusted HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.06–1.71). Conclusion Systolic OHYPO and visit-to-visit SBP postural changes variability were associated with greater dementia risk. Our findings raise the question of potential preventive interventions to control orthostatic SBP and its fluctuations.
DNA microsatellite analysis of naturally occurring colour intermediates between Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) and Bactrocera neohumeralis (Hardy) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The sympatric tephritid fruit flies Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Queensland fruit fly) and B. neohumeralis (Hardy) differ in time of mating and for the colour of the humeral callus ('shoulder pad'), which is typically entirely yellow in B. tryoni and typically entirely brown in B. neohumeralis. Field collections in sympatric regions usually include at least 1% of individuals whose humeral calli show mixed patches of yellow and brown ('intermediates'). Over 40 years, a number of studies have debated the possibility that these intermediates are interspecific hybrids. In the present study, we have used microsatellites to show that few if any of these intermediates are hybrids. Instead, most variation humeral callus appears to be confined to one species, B. tryoni. We discuss these results in the context of geneflow between the two species and suggest directions for future research.
Epithelioid glioblastoma with microglia features: potential for novel therapy

Epithelioid glioblastoma (E‐GBM) was recently designated as a subtype of glioblastoma (GBM) by the World Health Organization (2016). E‐GBM is an aggressive and rare variant of GBM that primarily occurs in children and young adults. Although most characterized cases of E‐GBM harbor a mutation of the BRAF gene in which valine (V) is substituted by glutamic acid (E) at amino acid 600 (BRAF‐V600E), in addition to telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutations and homozygous CDKN2A/B deletions, the origins and cellular nature of E‐GBM remain uncertain. Here, we present a case of E‐GBM that exhibits antigenic and functional traits suggestive of microglia. Although no epithelial [e.g., CKAE1/3, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA)] or glial (e.g., GFAP, Olig2) markers were detected by immunohistochemical staining, the microglial markers CD68 and Iba1 were readily apparent. Furthermore, isolated E‐GBM‐derived tumor cells expressed microglial/macrophage‐related genes including cytokines, chemokines, MHC class II antigens, lysozyme and the critical functional receptor, CSF‐1R. Isolated E‐GBM‐derived tumor cells were also capable of phagocytosis and cytokine production. Treating E‐GBM‐derived tumor cells with the BRAF‐V600E inhibitor, PLX4032 (vemurafenib), resulted in a dose‐dependent reduction in cell viability that was amplified by addition of the CSF‐1R inhibitor, BLZ945. The present case provides insight into the cellular nature of E‐GBM and introduces several possibilities for effective targeted therapy for these patients.
EFFECT OF PLANT DENSITY AND SEEDING DATE ON EARLY- AND LATE-MATURING SUNFLOWER HYBRIDS

Field experiments were conducted in 1983, 1984 and 1986 to determine the response of Sun M 20 (early) and 894 (late) sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) hybrids to three plant densities (30 000, 45 000 and 60 000 plants ha−1) at two seeding dates (18–24 May and 13–16 June). With increase in plant density, achene yields followed the same trends in each seeding date for both hybrids. Yields were similar at the 30 000 and 45 000 plant densities, but lower at the 60 000 density. Plant height and oil content of achenes increased while achene weight decreased with increase in plant density. Plant height was greater but achene weight, oil content and achene yield were lower in the late than the early seeding.Key words: Sunflower, Helianthus annuus L. , plant density, seeding date
Plant Facilitation on a Mine Tailings Dump

Facilitation is a potentially useful tool in restoration efforts. We investigated the causes of facilitation in planted Picea mariana seedlings in an unvegetated mine tailings dump. Clusters of plants doubled the survival rate in the first growing season compared to single plants. In the first year mycorrhizal inoculation had no effect on survival, but by the second growing season only mycorrhizal inoculated plants survived, most of these being in plant clusters. This suggests that facilitation in this environment is partly the result of interactions with mycorrhizae.
Short- and long-term differences in growth, feed conversion efficiency and deformities in juvenile Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) startfed on rotifers or zooplankton

Growth, feed conversion e⁄ciency and frequencies of skeletal deformities were studied in juvenile Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua )t hat had been startfed on either rotifers (rotifer group) or zooplankton (zooplankton group). After metamorphosis, the ¢sh were reared at four constant temperatures (7, 10, 13, 161C) or moved successively from 16 to 13 and 101C (T-step, average 13.2 1C). The zooplankton group had a consistently higher growth rate at all the temperatures studied. Further, the zooplankton group had higher food intake (20%) and higher feed conversion ratio (1.65 vs. 1.31). In addition, a signi¢cantly higher incidence of skeletal deformities was found in the rotifer group (14.2%) compared with the zooplankton group (4.1%). After termination of the laboratory study, the ¢sh were reared in sea pens under ambient conditions for 17 months. Final weights of the zooplankton group were consistently larger (between 12% and 14% larger depending on original temperature groups). To verify the growth results, we conducted a follow-up study where a single egg group was divided into two parts and fed either on rotifers or zooplankton. This study indicated similar growth diierences as found in the ¢rst study. Overall, our data suggest that diierent startfeeding diets may be important for long-term growth, incidence of deformities and quality of juvenile cod. The use of zooplankton can greatly improve long-term growth and quality of cod juveniles. The study also highlights the advantage of using elevated temperatures in the juvenile phase as this will lead to signi¢cantly higher ¢nal weights in the adult stage.
The role of non-toxic prefeed and postfeed in the development and maintenance of 1080 bait shyness in captive brushtail possums

Shyness to sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) in cereal bait can persist in sub-lethally poisoned possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) populations for at least 2 years. We investigated the use of non-toxic cereal ‘prefeed’ and ‘postfeed’ as ways of inhibiting and overcoming such shyness. The postfeed result was also compared with changing to a non-cereal, gel-based 1080 bait. Prefeeding had a significant effect on the number of possums that became ‘bait shy’ following an approximate LD20 1080 dose, with 97% of non-prefed possums developing an aversion to 1080 cereal bait compared with only 22% of prefed possums. In contrast, postfeeding with cereal was relatively ineffective in reducing the number of 1080 bait-shy possums, with mortality of these possums being 30% compared with 0% of non-postfed possums. In contrast, the gel 1080 bait killed 64% of 1080 cereal bait-shy possums. These results suggest that 1080 bait shyness can be markedly reduced by prefeeding non-toxic bait to possums prior to each control operation. However, this may not be the most cost-effective control option, given the observed efficacy of follow-up baiting with 1080 gel.
Variance Component Score Statistics for QTL Mapping

Variance Components based models are commonly used for linkage and association mapping of quantitative traits. Score Tests based on these models are generally more robust to various modeling assumptions than the corresponding likelihood ratio tests. They are also computationally much simpler than the likelihood ratio tests, making them the natural choice for whole genome scans, which have become increasingly common with the emergence of high-throughput genotyping technologies. However the popularity of score statistics havebeen limited, due to several practical issues, such as lack of availability of software and guidelines for choice of score statistic variants. In this dissertation, we develop novel score statistics for both linkage and association mapping, elucidate the theoretical properties of these and of the existing variants, and also compare some of the existing and proposed score variants using simulation. Analytical arguments and simulation results are used to develop guidelines for choice of appropriate score variants under different practical situations. In this dissertation, we are primarily concerned with identifying robust and powerful score statistics for detecting genetic susceptibility loci for complex diseases by mapping underlying quantitative phenotypes. Unlike Mendelian disorders, complex diseases in humans typically have a large number of modest genetic effects, which cumulatively have a significant impact on the disease. The work in this dissertation is aimed at maximizing the power of genome scans to detect more of these small genetic effects. This is of considerable public health significance, as the identified genetic variants can be followed up to gain important insights into the etiology of the disease, which can further lead to development of screening tests and preventive and therapeutic interventions for complex diseases.
Fish Meal and Alternate Sources of Protein in Fish Feeds Update 1993

Abstract Close to 12% of the world's 6.5 million metric tons of fish meal is used for aquaculture feeds. If current trends continue, roughly 20% to 25% of total world fish meal production could be used for aquaculture by the year 2000. Fish stocks used in fish meal reduction, however, appear to be in worldwide decline. A growing fish farming industry and a stagnating, if not diminishing, supply of fish meal have sobering economic and technologic implications for fish culture. Unless suitable alternate protein sources are found or other animal feeds begin to rely less on fish meal, fish production costs can be expected to increase dramatically. A precedent was set by the poultry industry, the most economically successful and competitive of the animal agriculture industries. Twenty years ago, the poultry industry consumed up to 80% of fish meal supplies. Through deliberate and well-organized research into alternate protein sources, the industry now uses less than 40% of supplies, and the trend is toward com.
Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen Decoction Relieves Renal Anemia in 5/6 Nephrectomized Rats: Production of Erythropoietin via Hypoxia Inducible Factor Signaling

Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen (JPYS) is one of the herbal medicines for treatment of anemic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, less of scientific evidence to support JPYS involved in treating anemia has been revealed. Here, an animal study was performed to investigate its hematopoietic activities and the underlying mechanism. The 5/6 nephrectomized inductions of CKD anemic rats were randomly divided into two groups: CKD group and JPYS group. Sham-operated rats served as sham group. JPYS (1.36 g/kg/d) was administered orally to CKD rats daily for six consecutive weeks. Results showed that JPYS treatment notably improved renal function and pathological injury in CKD rats. JPYS also restored the hematological parameters, including red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. In parallel, the reduction level of EPO was reversed by JPYS. Furthermore, JPYS induced the accumulation of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-α protein expression. Collectively, these results provide convincing evidence for JPYS decoction in ameliorating CKD-associated anemia, and its mechanism might be related to regulate EPO production via HIF signaling pathway.
Reflexivity and Environmental Justice Scholarship: A Role for Feminist Methodologies

This article explores the potential analytic and practical benefits that a reflexive, process-oriented approach to research and representation might hold for community-based environmental justice scholarship. Reflexive analysis can challenge the supremacy of positivist methods, illuminate the social production of knowledge, attend to the remaining influence of hierarchies of power and privilege, and aid academics and community members in developing realistic expectations of the collaborative research process. This article uses three vignettes from the author’s ethnographic study of food justice and farmers’ markets to demonstrate one model of what reflexive analysis of community-based environmental justice research might look like and to illustrate theoretical insights gained through this technique.
Effects of age and distance on the composition of mixed deciduous forest fragments in an agricultural landscape

Forest patches in central Belgium were inventoried twice for the presence or absence of forest plant species to study the effects of age and distance on species composition. All forests in the study area were subdivided based on their land use history. To avoid effects of autocorrelated environ- mental characteristics on species composition, habitat homo- geneity was indirectly investigated using a TWINSPAN clas- sification of the vegetation data. Two major habitats (alluvial and non-alluvial forests) were distinguished and analysed separately. Patterns of species composition were investigated at the landscape level using Mantel tests. Species composition similarity measures were calculated between all pairs of frag- ments based on the floristic data. A highly significant correla- tion was found between species composition similarity and inter-patch distance. Difference in age, which we used as a measure for habitat quality, was less important in explaining species composition patterns. The effects of spatial configura- tion became significant when difference in age was accounted for, and a partial correlation was calculated between inter- patch distance and species composition similarity. Different results were found for alluvial and non-alluvial forest types. Alluvial forests were more influenced by the spatial configu- ration than the non-alluvial. For the non-alluvial forest type effects measured with the difference in age between forest fragments obscured the effects of inter-patch distance. Based on our findings we suggest that species composition is not only internally generated, but external processes such as dif- ferential colonization caused by varying degrees of isolation may be of overriding importance.
The effect of domestication on some life history traits of sea trout and Atlantic salmon

During the period 1968–1991, certain morphological traits of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar and sea trout S. trutta have been recorded regularly at the hatchery at Alvkarleby, central Sweden. Total body length, weight (for females both before and after stripping), number of eggs, egg size and date of ovulation. A smaller data set for fish marked and released as smolts, providing information about total body length of released smolts, time spent at sea and body size of the recovered adults, was also available for analysis. According to theory and empirical data, the process of artificial breeding results in an evolutionary divergence of the cultured strain from the wild phenotypic norm. The reason for such a divergence is that both natural and sexual selection pressures are altered or relaxed during the process of artificial breeding, as well as random genetic processes, such as founder effects and in- and outbreeding. A path analysis of both species and sexes revealed that the size of the released smolts had increased during the study period. Time spent in sea has decreased for both female and male sea trout, but not for Atlantic salmon. Adult body size for female and male trout have increased as well as female trout condition factor. The increase found in egg size of both species was greater for the salmon than for the trout, indicating that female salmon invest more in egg size with increasing body size. These results support the view that domestication probably has a significant and selective impact on the life history traits of the two salmonid species studied.