Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endogenous NUCB2/Nesfatin-1 Regulates Energy Homeostasis Under Physiological Conditions in Male Rats

Abstract Nesfatin-1 is the proteolytic cleavage product of Nucleobindin 2, which is expressed both in a number of brain nuclei (e. g., the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus) and peripheral tissues. While Nucleobindin 2 acts as a calcium binding protein, nesfatin-1 was shown to affect energy homeostasis upon central nervous administration by decreasing food intake and increasing thermogenesis. In turn, Nucleobindin 2 mRNA expression is downregulated in starvation and upregulated in the satiated state. Still, knowledge about the physiological role of endogenous Nucleobindin 2/nesfatin-1 in the control of energy homeostasis is limited and since its receptor has not yet been identified, rendering pharmacological blockade impossible. To overcome this obstacle, we tested and successfully established an antibody-based experimental model to antagonize the action of nesfatin-1. This model was then employed to investigate the physiological role of endogenous Nucleobindin 2/nesfatin-1. To this end, we applied nesfatin-1 antibody into the paraventricular nucleus of satiated rats to antagonize the presumably high endogenous Nucleobindin 2/nesfatin-1 levels in this feeding condition. In these animals, nesfatin-1 antibody administration led to a significant decrease in thermogenesis, demonstrating the important role of endogenous Nucleobindin 2/nesfatin-1in the regulation of energy expenditure. Additionally, food and water intake were significantly increased, confirming and complementing previous findings. Moreover, neuropeptide Y was identified as a major downstream target of endogenous Nucleobindin 2/nesfatin-1.
Investigating Morphological Complexes Using Informational Dissonance and Bayes Factors: A Case Study in Corbiculate Bees

Abstract It is widely recognized that different regions of a genome often have different evolutionary histories and that ignoring this variation when estimating phylogenies can be misleading. However, the extent to which this is also true for morphological data is still largely unknown. Discordance among morphological traits might plausibly arise due to either variable convergent selection pressures or else phenomena such as hemiplasy. Here, we investigate patterns of discordance among 282 morphological characters, which we scored for 50 bee species particularly targeting corbiculate bees, a group that includes the well-known eusocial honeybees and bumblebees. As a starting point for selecting the most meaningful partitions in the data, we grouped characters as morphological modules, highly integrated trait complexes that as a result of developmental constraints or coordinated selection we expect to share an evolutionary history and trajectory. In order to assess conflict and coherence across and within these morphological modules, we used recently developed approaches for computing Bayesian phylogenetic information allied with model comparisons using Bayes factors. We found that despite considerable conflict among morphological complexes, accounting for among-character and among-partition rate variation with individual gamma distributions, rate multipliers, and linked branch lengths can lead to coherent phylogenetic inference using morphological data. We suggest that evaluating information content and dissonance among partitions is a useful step in estimating phylogenies from morphological data, just as it is with molecular data. Furthermore, we argue that adopting emerging approaches for investigating dissonance in genomic datasets may provide new insights into the integration and evolution of anatomical complexes. [Apidae; entropy; morphological modules; phenotypic integration; phylogenetic information. ]
High-risk sexual practices contribute to HIV-1 double infection among MSM in Madrid".

BACKGROUND Data on the prevalence of double infection (DI) in HIV individuals are lacking in Spain. To fill this gap, we analyzed the prevalence of DI in a cohort of men who have sex with men (MSM) and examined factors contributing to DI. METHODS We selected 81 MSM attending Centro Sanitario Sandoval, a Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic in Madrid. We obtained by ultra-deep sequencing the proviral sequences in gag and env genes and performed a phylogenetic analysis for the identification of DI. Clinical, behavioral, host and viral factors were studied for its association with DI. RESULTS We detected 6 individuals with DI and one case of superinfection with a global prevalence of 8.6%. The genetic distance among the subtype B viruses in mono-infected individuals (24.4%) was lower than the distance between the two viruses in subtype B DI individuals (29.5%). Individuals with a high number of sexual contacts (>25 partners/year) had an 8.66 times higher risk of DI (p=0.017). CONCLUSIONS In this MSM cohort the prevalence of HIV DI was estimated at 8.6%. DI was strongly associated with the number of sexual partners. Because of the pathogenic consequences of HIV DI, this high prevalence should promote Public Health Programs targeted to high risk population such as MSM for the control of HIV infection and DI. HIV DI should be considered for a better clinical management of these individuals.
Design of an Integrated Platform for Mapping Residential Exposure to Rf-Emf Sources

Nowadays, information and communication technologies (mobile phones, connected objects) strongly occupy our daily life. The increasing use of these technologies and the complexity of network infrastructures raise issues about radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (Rf-Emf) exposure. Most previous studies have assessed individual exposure to Rf-Emf, and the next level is to assess populational exposure. In our study, we designed a statistical tool for Rf-Emf populational exposure assessment and mapping. This tool integrates geographic databases and surrogate models to characterize spatiotemporal exposure from outdoor sources, indoor sources, and mobile phones. A case study was conducted on a 100 × 100 m grid covering the 14th district of Paris to illustrate the functionalities of the tool. Whole-body specific absorption rate (SAR) values are 2.7 times higher than those for the whole brain. The mapping of whole-body and whole-brain SAR values shows a dichotomy between built-up and non-built-up areas, with the former displaying higher values. Maximum SAR values do not exceed 3.5 and 3.9 mW/kg for the whole body and the whole brain, respectively, thus they are significantly below International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) recommendations. Indoor sources are the main contributor to populational exposure, followed by outdoor sources and mobile phones, which generally represents less than 1% of total exposure.
Maternal Eating Behavior and Problematic Eating Behaviors of Children Undergoing Weight Loss Treatment: A Cluster Analysis.

Background: Research on the interplay between mothers' and children's eating behaviors is needed to better inform sensitive and tailored interventions for treatment-seeking children with overweight/obesity. The present study aimed to identify mothers' eating behavior phenotypes, investigating their associations with problematic eating behaviors of children undergoing weight loss treatment in two central hospitals. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study evaluating 136 mother-child dyads (Mothers: age 39.58 ± 5.40 years; Children: n = 75 female; age 10.13 ± 1.37 years). Mothers' eating behavior (restraint, emotional, and uncontrolled eating) and depression/anxiety, and children's problematic eating attitudes/behaviors were assessed. A cluster analysis (K-means) was performed using mothers' eating behavior dimensions. Multivariate Analysis of Covariance investigated differences between clusters on mothers' and children's sociodemographic, anthropometric, psychological, and eating-related variables. Results: Three clusters emerged: The Disordered Eating group (n = 39) of mothers with the highest scores on emotional eating and uncontrolled eating dimensions, the Restraint Eating group (n = 48), including mothers scoring high in cognitive restraint, and the Low Disordered Eating (n = 49) group where mothers scored low in all eating behavior dimensions. Children of mothers in the Disordered Eating cluster had significantly higher emotional overeating relative to children of mothers in the other two clusters. Conclusions: Distinctive eating behavior profiles of mothers, instead of the presence of single eating behaviors, seem to be associated with specific problematic eating behaviors of children undergoing weight loss treatment. Prospective studies are essential to determine whether these profiles can predict differential weight change trajectories in pediatric obesity treatment.
Evaluation of the effects of dioxin and PCBs on Fundulus heteroclitus populations using a modeling approach

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reevaluating the risks associated with 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin and related chlorinated hydrocarbons (CHCs). Most information currently available concerning CHC toxic action and biological effects focuses on the responses of individual organisms, as opposed to the potential impacts of CHCs on populations, communities, or ecosystems. In support of EPA's reevaluation, survivorship and reproduction data from two previous studies involving the estuarine fish, Fundulus heteroclitus (Linnaeus), exposed as adults to either dioxin or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), were interpreted at the population level using a stage‐classified model of F. heteroclitus population dynamics. The studies differed with respect to the route of exposure of the parental stock: dietary exposure to dioxin in the laboratory and natural exposure to PCBs at the New Bedford Harbor, Massachusetts marine Superfund site. The CHC effects documented in these studies were used to modify fertility and survivorship in the population model. The finite population multiplication (growth) rate, estimated using the model, was used as the measure of population‐level effect. In both cases, a negative relationship was observed between CHC dose (quantified as dioxin whole‐body burden and liver burden of non‐ortho‐ and mono‐ortho‐substituted PCB congeners) and population growth rate. The dose‐response relationships developed in this study provide useful information for assessing the ecological risks of CHCs to estuarine fish populations.
Does Being a Visible Minority Matter? Predictors of Internationally Educated Nurses’ Workplace Integration

Study Background Nurses continue to migrate to Canada. Majority are visible minorities. Once employed, internationally educated nurses can struggle to integrate into their workplaces. A comprehensive understanding of factors that support internationally educated nurses’ workplace integration is lacking, limiting our ability to design appropriate policies and practices. Purpose The aim is to (1) examine internationally educated nurses’ perceptions of the extent to which they have integrated in their workplaces and the individual and contextual factors that supported their workplace integration, (2) explore whether internationally educated nurses’ perceptions differed by visible minority status, and (3) identify the key factors that predict internationally educated nurses’ workplace integration. Methods Cross-sectional survey of 1215 internationally educated nurses. All were immigrants, permanent residents, and employed as regulated nurses. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the influence of individual and contextual factors on perceived degree of workplace integration. Results Visible minority status had a large, statistically significant negative association with workplace integration (ß = −0.236, p < .001). Good relationships with coworkers (ß =0.043, p < .005), and continuing to develop nursing knowledge and skills (ß =0.178, p < .003), had statistically significant, positive associations with workplace integration. Conclusions Internationally educated nurses’ visible minority status can influence their workplaces. Providing education, managerial support, and mentorship fosters internationally educated nurses’ workplace integration.
A redescription of Eucyclops serrulatus (Fischer, 1851) (Crustacea: Copepoda: Cyclopoida) and some related taxa, with a phylogeny of the E. serrulatus‐group

Eucyclops serrulatus (Fischer, 1851), the type species of the genus Eucyclops, is redescribed from specimens found in the St. Petersburg area, Russia (type locality) and compared with specimens from Siberia, western Europe and North Africa. A neotype is selected. Cultures were set up, and interpopulation hybridization as well as hybridization with related species was attempted. The classical description of external body morphology was combined with pore signature mapping and with DNA nuclear small subunit (18S) ribosomal gene sequence analysis. Comparisons with E. dumonti Alekseev, 2000, E. hadjebensis Kiefer, E. speratus Lilljeborg, E. turcomanus Lindberg, and E. pectinifer (Cragin, 1883) were carried out. A phylogenetic tree based on molecular information shows that E. serrulatus and E. speratus should be regarded as separate species. E. dumonti also deserves species status, but not E. hadjebensis. A cladistic tree based on the pore pattern of the cephalosome agrees well with a tree based on the sequence of the 18S rDNA gene. Cephalosome (and probably metasome) pore patterns seem useful to elucidate relationships within genera, while urosomal pore patterns better reflect the relationship between genera. E. serrulatus occurs in three morphological forms over most of its range; one of these (C) might be a rare (‘recessive’) morphotype, while forms A and B differ in microhabitat choice, but hybridize when living together. The same polymorphism also occurs in an American species (E. prionophorus), and therefore two hypotheses regarding its origin are advanced: either forms A and B evolved during the glacial episode (Pleistocene origin), separately on both sides of the Atlantic, or the polymorphism was already present in the ancestor of the serrulatus‐group, and was later lost in some but not in all species (Pliocene origin.)
Immunometabolic Status of COVID-19 Cancer Patients

Cancer patients appear to be more likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19. This is supported by the understanding of immunometabolic pathways that intersect patients with infection and cancer. However, data derived by case series and retrospective studies do not offer a coherent interpretation, since data from China suggest an increased risk of COVID-19, while data from United States and Italy show a prevalence of COVID-19 in cancer patients comparable with general population. Noteworthy, cancer and COVID-19 exploit distinct patterns of macrophage activation, which promote disease progression in the most severe forms. In particular, the alternative activation of M2-polarized macrophages plays a crucial role in cancer progression. In contrast, the macrophage-activation syndrome (MAS) appears as source of M1-related cytokine storm in severe COVID-19 disease, thus indicating macrophages as a source of distinct inflammatory states in the two diseases, nonetheless as a common therapeutic target. New evidence indicates that NAMPT/NAD metabolism can direct both innate immune cells effector functions and the homeostatic robustness, in both cancer and infection. Moreover, a bidirectional relationship exists between the metabolism of NAD and the protective role that ACE2, the COVID-19 receptor, can play against hyperinflammation. Within this immunometabolic framework, the review considers possible interference mechanisms that viral infections and tumours elicit on therapies and provides an overview for the management of patients with cancer affected by COVID-19, particularly for the balance of risk and benefit when planning normally routine cancer treatments and follow-up appointments.
Prevalence of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Western Highlands in Yemen

Leishmaniasis in Yemen is still not fully investigated nor well studied. Recently, outbreaks of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in western highland were declared. However, there are no reports concerning the disease and the circulating species in the region. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Utmah district located in Western Highlands in Yemen. A cross-sectional survey was carried out at those highlands. For the survey, 1165 participants were subjected to Leishmanin Skin Test (LST) accompanied with direct interviews and physical examination. The overall prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the district was 18.5% and the cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) was more frequent in the escarpments with a prevalence of 37%, including 5.5% for active lesion and 31.5% for scar of healed lesions. Children under the age of 16 years old comprised most of the CL cases (76.3%). The escarpments of western highlands in Yemen were hyperendemic areas for CL and the infection was more prevalent in children.
Dual neutralisation of IL-17F and IL-17A with bimekizumab blocks inflammation-driven osteogenic differentiation of human periosteal cells

Objectives Interleukin (IL)-17 signalling has been shown to be a key regulator of disease in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with several IL-17 blockers currently clinically approved. Despite this, the role of IL-17 in bone pathology is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate IL-17 signalling in the context of pathological bone formation. Methods A biomimetic human periosteum-derived cell (hPDC) model of osteogenic differentiation was used in combination with recombinant IL-17 cytokines, T-cell supernatants or serum from patients with AS. IL-17A, IL-17F and bimekizumab monoclonal antibodies were used to block IL-17 cytokine action. Results Recombinant IL-17A and IL-17F are pro-osteogenic with respect to hPDC differentiation. T helper 17 or γδ-T cell supernatants also potently stimulated in vitro bone formation, which was blocked deeper by dual inhibition of IL-17A and IL-17F than by neutralisation of IL-17A or IL-17F individually. Osteogenic blockade may be due to an increase in expression of the Wnt antagonist DKK1. Interestingly, osteocommitment was also induced by serum obtained from patients with AS, which was also abrogated by dual neutralisation of IL-17A and IL-17F. Conclusions These data show for the first time that IL-17A and IL-17F enhance in vitro osteogenic differentiation and bone formation from hPDCs, inhibition of which may offer an attractive therapeutic strategy to prevent pathological bone formation.
Use of AbobotulinumtoxinA in Adults with Cervical Dystonia: A Systematic Literature Review

Cervical dystonia (CD) is a neurological movement disorder characterized by sustained involuntary muscle contractions. First-line therapy for CD is intramuscular injections of botulinum neurotoxin (e.g., abobotulinumtoxinA) into the affected muscles. The objective of this systematic literature review is to assess the clinical evidence regarding the effects of abobotulinumtoxinA for treatment of CD in studies of safety, efficacy, patient-reported outcomes, and economic outcomes. Using comprehensive electronic medical literature databases, a search strategy was developed using a combination of Medical Subject Heading terms and keywords. Results were reviewed by two independent reviewers who rated the level of evidence. The search yielded 263 publications, of which 232 were excluded for being duplicate publications, not meeting the selection criteria, or failing to meet predefined eligibility criteria, leaving a total of 31 articles. Clinical efficacy, patient-reported outcomes, and safety data were in 6 placebo-controlled trials (8 articles), 6 active-controlled trials, and 16 observational studies (17 articles). Data on health economic outcomes were provided in one of the clinical trials, in two of the observational studies, and in one specific cost-analysis publication. This review demonstrated that the routine use of abobotulinumtoxinA in CD is well-established, effective, and generally well-tolerated, with a relatively low cost of treatment.
Motivational Interview to improve vascular health in Adolescents with poorly controlled type 1 Diabetes (MIAD): a randomized controlled trial

Introduction We studied if motivational interviewing (MI) added to standard educational care (SEC) improves vascular health in adolescents with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes. Research design and methods 47 adolescents with type 1 diabetes of at least 2 years duration and hemoglobin A1c >75 mmol/mol (>9.0%) on two visits were randomized to MI+SEC or SEC. We also compared vascular health parameters of patients with type 1 diabetes at trial baseline with a group of healthy historical controls matched for age and body size. Results 39 adolescents (20 MI+SEC) completed the vascular health study. At 12 months, parameter changes were not statistically significantly different between MI+SEC and SEC (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV): mean difference 0.052 m/s (95% CI −0.395 to 0.500, p=0.81); carotid-radial PWV (crPWV): 0.118 m/s (95% to 0.478 to 0.713, p=0.69), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT): 0.002 mm (95% CI −0.37 to 0.40, p=0.93), systolic blood pressure (BP) z-score: 0.495 (95% CI −0.099 to 1.09, p=0.10). At baseline, duration of type 1 diabetes was associated with radial IMT (r=0.430, p=0.007) and cfPWV (r=0.373, p=0.018), and carotid, femoral and brachial IMT were correlated with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) SD (r=0.440, p=0.017; r=0.377, p=0.048; r=0.387, p=0.038). There was an inverse association between CGM time-in-range (3.9–10.0 mmol/L) and crPWV (r=−0.476, p=0.022) changes. Systolic BP change was associated with body mass index change (r=0.374, p=0.019) and IMT change (r=0.461, p=0.016 for carotid IMT; r=0.498, p=0.010 for femoral IMT). PWVs were higher and common carotid compliance lower among patients with type 1 diabetes at baseline compared with healthy controls, but no other differences were found. Conclusion There was no effect of MI added to SEC on vascular health parameters. Although disease duration and glycemic control were associated with vascular health at baseline, there were only limited associations between glycemic control and vascular health parameter changes. Vascular health parameter changes were interrelated suggesting clustering of cardiovascular risk. Trial registration number NCT02637154.
Strength Degradation in Curved Fiber-reinforced Polymer (FRP) Bars Used as Concrete Reinforcement

Steel reinforcements in concrete tend to corrode and this process can lead to structural damage. Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcements represent a viable alternative for structures exposed to aggressive environments and have many possible applications where superior corrosion resistance properties are required. The use of FRP rebars as internal reinforcements for concrete, however, is limited to specific structural elements and does not yet extend to the whole structure. The reason for this relates to the limited availability of curved or shaped reinforcing FRP elements on the market, as well as their reduced structural performance. This article presents a state-of-the art review on the strength degradation of curved FRP composites, and also assesses the performance of existing predictive models for the bend capacity of FRP reinforcements. Previous research has shown that the mechanical performance of bent portions of FRP bars significantly reduces under a multiaxial combination of stresses. Indeed, the tensile strength of bent FRP bars can be as low as 25% of the maximum tensile strength developed in a straight counterpart. In a significant number of cases, the current design recommendations for concrete structures reinforced with FRP were found to overestimate the bend capacity of FRP bars. A more accurate and practical predictive model based on the Tsai–Hill failure criteria is also discussed. This review article also identifies potential challenges and future directions of research for exploring the use of curved/shaped FRP composites in civil engineering applications.