Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Association of High-Frequency Nut Intake With a Low Risk of Psychological Problems in Female Methamphetamine Users

Background Recent years have witnessed a gradual increase in the number of female methamphetamine users. Meanwhile, female methamphetamine users are more likely to have psychological problems than male methamphetamine users. The association between diet and psychological problems have been found among non-methamphetamine user. The present study aims to investigate the relationship between dietary intake frequency and psychological problems in female methamphetamine users. Materials and Methods A total of 109 female methamphetamine users, collected from a Compulsory Isolated Drug Rehabilitation Centre in northern China, participated in the study. All participants completed the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) questionnaire to assess psychological status. The relation of dietary intake frequency with the SCL-90 score was tested in partial correlation analysis. Multivariable regression models were used to calculate odds ratios to evaluate the association of dietary intake frequency with psychological problems. Results Of the current female methamphetamine population, 33 participants were diagnosed with psychological problems using SCL-90. In the terms of dietary intake frequency, the frequency of nut intake in the psychiatric symptom group was significantly lower than that in the asymptomatic group. However, there was no difference in the frequency of other food intakes between the two groups. The frequency of nut intake was negatively correlated with the total score of SCL-90 and 8 different symptom clusters of psychopathologies on SCL-90. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the increased frequency of nut intake was associated with a lower risk of psychological problems. Conclusion In the female methamphetamine population, increasing the frequency of nut intake may reduce the risk of psychological problems for female methamphetamine users.
Scientific motivations and future directions of whole atmosphere modeling

The recent development of whole atmosphere models that extend from the surface to the upper thermosphere represents a significant advance in modeling capabilities of the ionosphere-thermosphere. Whole atmosphere models have had an especially important influence on understanding the role of terrestrial weather on generating variability in the ionosphere-thermosphere. This paper provides an overview of the scientific motivations and contributions made by whole atmosphere modeling. This is followed by a discussion of future directions in whole atmosphere modeling and the science that they will enable.
Gut Microbiota Composition in Prediabetes and Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies

Evidence of gut microbiota involvement in regulating glucose metabolism and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) progression is accumulating. The understanding of microbial dysbiosis and specific alterations of gut microbiota composition that occur during the early stages of glucose intolerance, unperturbed by anti-diabetic medications, is especially essential. Hence, this systematic review was conducted to summarise the existing evidence related to microbiota composition and diversity in individuals with prediabetes (preDM) and individuals newly diagnosed with T2DM (newDM) in comparison to individuals with normal glucose tolerance (nonDM). A systematic search of the PubMed, MEDLINE and CINAHL databases were conducted from inception to February 2021 supplemented with manual searches of the list of references. The primary keywords of “type 2 diabetes”, “prediabetes”, “newly-diagnosed” and “gut microbiota” were used. Observational studies that conducted analysis of the gut microbiota of respondents with preDM and newDM were included. The quality of the studies was assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale by independent reviewers. A total of 18 studies (5,489 participants) were included. Low gut microbial diversity was generally observed in preDM and newDM when compared to nonDM. Differences in gut microbiota composition between the disease groups and nonDM were inconsistent across the included studies. Four out of the 18 studies found increased abundance of phylum Firmicutes along with decreased abundance of Bacteroidetes in newDM. At the genus/species levels, decreased abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Roseburia, Dialister, Flavonifractor, Alistipes, Haemophilus and Akkermansia muciniphila and increased abundance of Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Escherichia, Veillonella and Collinsella were observed in the disease groups in at least two studies. Lactobacillus was also found to positively correlate with fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c and/or homeostatic assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in four studies. This renders a need for further investigations on the species/strain-specific role of endogenously present Lactobacillus in glucose regulation mechanism and T2DM disease progression. Differences in dietary intake caused significant variation in specific bacterial abundances. More studies are needed to establish more consistent associations, between clinical biomarkers or dietary intake and specific gut bacterial composition in prediabetes and early T2DM.
Development of a simple mechanical measurement method to measure spasticity based on an analysis of a clinical maneuver and its concurrent validity with the modified Ashworth scale

Background: Despite recent developments in the methodology for measuring spasticity, the discriminative capacity of clinically diagnosed spasticity has not been well established. This study aimed to develop a simple device for measuring velocity-dependent spasticity with improved discriminative capacity based on an analysis of clinical maneuver and to examine its reliability and validity. Methods: This study consisted of three experiments. First, to determine the appropriate motion of a mechanical device for the measurement of velocity-dependent spasticity, the movement pattern and the angular velocity used by clinicians to evaluate velocity-dependent spasticity were investigated. Analysis of the procedures performed by six physical therapists to evaluate spasticity were conducted using an electrogoniometer. Second, a device for measuring the resistance force against ankle dorsiflexion was developed based on the results of the first experiment. Additionally, preliminary testing of validity, as compared to that of the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), was conducted on 17 healthy participants and 10 patients who had stroke with spasticity. Third, the reliability of the measurement and the concurrent validity of mechanical measurement in the best ankle velocity setting were further tested in a larger sample comprising 24 healthy participants and 32 patients with stroke. Results: The average angular velocity used by physical therapists to assess spasticity was 268 ± 77°/s. A device that enabled the measurement of resistance force at velocities of 300°/s, 150°/s, 100°/s, and 5°/s was developed. In the measurement, an angular velocity of 300°/s was found to best distinguish patients with spasticity (MAS of 1+ and 2) from healthy individuals. A measurement of 300°/s in the larger sample differentiated the control group from the MAS 1, 1+, and 2 subgroups (p < 0.01), as well as the MAS 1 and 2 subgroups (p < 0.05). No fixed or proportional bias was observed in repeated measurements. Conclusion: A simple mechanical measurement methodology was developed based on the analysis of the clinical maneuver for measuring spasticity and was shown to be valid in differentiating the existence and extent of spasticity. This study suggest possible requirements to improve the quality of the mechanical measurement of spasticity.
Two divergent immune receptors of the allopolyploid Nicotiana benthamiana reinforce the recognition of a fungal microbe-associated molecular pattern VdEIX3

The allotetraploid Solanaceae plant Nicotiana benthamiana contains two closely related receptor-like proteins (RLPs), NbEIX2 and NbRXEG1, which regulate the recognition of VdEIX3 and PsXEG1, respectively. VdEIX3, PsXEG1, and their homologs represent two types of microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) that are widespread in diverse pathogens. Here, we report that NbRXEG1 also participates in VdEIX3 recognition. Both eix2 and rxeg1 single mutants exhibited significantly impaired but not abolished ability to mediate VdEIX3-triggered immune responses, which are nearly abolished in eix2 rxeg1 double mutants. Moreover, a dominant negative mutant of eix2 that contains a 60 bp deletion failed to respond to VdEIX3 and could suppress VdEIX3-induced cell death in the wild-type N. benthamiana. Further phylogenetic analyses showed that NbEIX2 and NbRXEG1 are obtained from different diploid ancestors by hybridization. These results demonstrate that the allotetraploid N. benthamiana recognizes two types of MAMPs by two homologous but diverged RLPs, which provides a model in which an allopolyploid plant probably exhibits defense hybrid vigor by acquiring divergent immune receptors from different ancestors.
Definably amenable NIP groups

We study definably amenable NIP groups. We develop a theory of generics, showing that various definitions considered previously coincide, and study invariant measures. Applications include: characterization of regular ergodic measures, a proof of the conjecture of Petrykowski connecting existence of bounded orbits with definable amenability in the NIP case, and the Ellis group conjecture of Newelski and Pillay connecting the model-theoretic connected component of an NIP group with the ideal subgroup of its Ellis enveloping semigroup.
The interplay between Helicobacter pylori and the gut microbiota: An emerging driver influencing the immune system homeostasis and gastric carcinogenesis

The human gut microbiota are critical for preserving the health status because they are required for digestion and nutrient acquisition, the development of the immune system, and energy metabolism. The gut microbial composition is greatly influenced by the colonization of the recalcitrant pathogen Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and the conventional antibiotic regimens that follow. H. pylori is considered to be the main microorganism in gastric carcinogenesis, and it appears to be required for the early stages of the process. However, a non-H. pylori microbiota profile is also suggested, primarily in the later stages of tumorigenesis. On the other hand, specific groups of gut microbes may produce beneficial byproducts such as short-chain fatty acids (acetate, butyrate, and propionate) that can modulate inflammation and tumorigenesis pathways. In this review, we aim to present how H. pylori influences the population of the gut microbiota to modify the host immunity and trigger the development of gastric carcinogenesis. We will also highlight the effect of the gut microbiota on immunotherapeutic approaches such as immune checkpoint blockade in cancer treatment to present a perspective for further development of innovative therapeutic paradigms to prevent the progression of H. pylori-induced stomach cancer.
Behavior without beliefs: Profiles of heteronormativity and well-being among heterosexual and non-heterosexual university students in Chile

Heteronormativity comprises essentialist, binary beliefs about sex and gender, and normative behaviors derived from those beliefs. There is scarce literature on how heteronormative attitudes and well-being variables are concurrent among individuals who are heterosexual or gay, lesbian, bisexual, and of other queer sexual identities (LGBQ). The objective of this study was to distinguish profiles of university students based on essentialism and normative behavior, two dimensions of heteronormativity, and to characterize these groups by sexual orientation and gender, perceived social support, physical and mental health, and life satisfaction. A sample of 552 university students in Temuco, Chile, responded to an online questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic questions, the Scale of Heteronormative Attitudes and Beliefs, the Life Satisfaction Scale, the Health-Related Quality of Life Index, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. We used Latent profile analysis to distinguish profiles based on significant score differences in Essentialism and Normative behavior. We identified four heteronormativity profiles: High heteronormativity (34.85%), with a significant proportion of heterosexuals and men; Low heteronormativity (25.59%), comprising a significant proportion of students who were non-binary, and LGBQ; Heteronormativity focused on normative behavior (20.42%), with a significant proportion students who were men or non-binary, and who were lesbian, gay or bisexual or preferred not to disclose their sexual orientation; and Heteronormativity focused on essentialism (19.14%), with a significant proportion of heterosexuals and women, and individuals who preferred not to disclose their sexual orientation. The four profiles differed in the proportions of students by faculty and area of residence (urban/rural), and by life satisfaction, self-perceived mental health, and perceived social support. These results show that patterns of association between heteronormativity and subjective well-being are heterogeneous among heterosexual and non-heterosexual individuals. Some of these patterns may respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted daily life and social dynamics. These findings expand our understanding of advantageous and disadvantageous conditions associated with maintaining heteronormativity attitudes, particularly among non-heterosexual individuals.
Putative role of corazonin in the ovarian development of the swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus

Corazonin (Crz) is a neuropeptide that widely distributed in insects and crustaceans. The Crz is proposed to have pleiotropic functions in insects, but its physiological roles in crustaceans are poorly understood. In the present study, Crz and its putative receptor (CrzR) were identified from the swimming crab, Portunus trituberculatus, and their interaction was validated using the Dual-Luciferase reporter assay system. Tissue distribution analysis showed the PtCrz was mainly derived from center nerve system, while its receptor was highly expressed in Y-organ, the main site for ecdysteroids synthesis. Exposure of YO to synthetic Crz and CrzR dsRNA respectively led to the transcriptional changes of two ecdysteroidogenesis genes, further indicating a putative role of Crz signaling on ecdysteroids synthesis. During the ovarian development, the mRNA levels of PtCrz and PtCrzR increased significantly in vitellogenic stages, suggesting a potential role of Crz signaling in vitellogenesis. The hypothesis was further strengthened by in vitro experiments that the expression of vitellogenin (Vg), Vg receptor (VgR), cyclinB, and Cdc2 in ovary explants could be induced by synthetic Crz, whereas reduced by CrzR dsRNA. In addition, since 20-hydroxyecdysone also showed a stimulating effect on Vg expression, an indirect regulation of Crz signaling on ovarian development via ecdysteroids might also exist.
Association of FLG mutation with tumor mutation load and clinical outcomes in patients with gastric cancer

Background: Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in the world with a poor prognosis due to genetic heterogeneity. The present study aimed to explore potential prognostic predictors and therapeutic targets that can be used for STAD treatment. Methods: We collected relevant data of STAD patients from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), including somatic mutation, transcriptome, and survival data. We performed a series of analyses such as tumor mutational burden (TMB), immune infiltration, and copy number variation (CNV) analysis to evaluate the potential mechanism of filaggrin (FLG) mutation in gastric cancer. Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed for annotation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The STRING online database was used to construct the protein–protein interaction (PPI) and ceRNA network and hub genes were identified. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to determine the effect of selected DEGs on tumor prognosis. Results: The FLG-mutant group (FLG-MT) showed a higher mutation load and immunogenicity in gastric cancer. GO and KEGG analyses identified and ranked unique biologic processes and immune-related pathway maps that correlated with the FLG-mutant target. GSEA analysis showed that several tumorigenesis and metastasis-related pathways were indeed enriched in FLG-mutant tumor tissue. Both cell cycle–related pathways and the DNA damage and repair associated pathways were also enriched in the FLG-MT group. The FLG mutations resulted in increased gastric cancer sensitivity to 24 chemotherapeutic drugs. The ceRNA network was established using Cytoscape and the PPI network was established in the STRING database. The results of the prognostic information further demonstrated that the OS and DFS were significantly higher in FLG mutation carriers, and the FLG gene mutation might be a protective factor. Conclusion: The multiple molecular mechanisms of the FLG gene in STAD are worthy of further investigation and may reveal novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers for STAD treatment.
Assessment of macular structures and vascular characteristics in highly myopic anisometropia using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the macular structures and vascular characteristics of more myopic (MM) and contralateral eyes with highly myopic anisometropia. Methods: Comprehensive ophthalmic examinations were performed for 33 patients with highly myopic anisometropia. Macular structures (total retinal layer [TRL], ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer [GCIPL], inner nuclear layer [INL], outer retinal layer [ORL], nerve fiber layer [NFL], choroidal layer [CHL]) and vascular characteristics (superficial vascular complex density [SVD], deep vascular complex density [DVD], choriocapillaris perfusion area [CCPA]) were assessed using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). Macular structures and vascular characteristics of each subregion were compared to those of the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS). Results: With highly myopic anisometropia, the thicknesses of the TRL, GCIPL, INL, and ORL in MM eyes were smaller than those in contralateral eyes in at least one quadrant of the perifoveal and parafoveal circles (all p < 0.05), with no changes in the foveal and temporal quadrants of perifoveal regions (all p > 0.05). A thicker NFL (p = 0.018) was found in MM eyes than in contralateral eyes in the superior perifoveal quadrant. The CHL (all p < 0.05) in MM eyes was thinner in all regions than in the contralateral eyes according to the ETDRS. There were no statistical differences in the SVD, DVD, and CCPA of MM and contralateral eyes (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: All retinal layers, except the NFL, tended to be thinner in all subregions, except the temporal perifoveal and foveal quadrants in MM eyes, and choroidal thickness was thinned in all areas.
Discriminant Analysis with Singular Covariance Matrices: Methods and Applications to Spectroscopic Data

SUMMARY Currently popular techniques such as experimental spectroscopy and computer-aided molecular modelling lead to data having very many variables observed on each of relatively few individuals. A common objective is discrimination between two or more groups, but the direct application of standard discriminant methodology fails because of singularity of covariance matrices. The problem has been circumvented in the past by prior selection of a few transformed variables, using either principal component analysis or partial least squares. Although such selection ensures nonsingularity of matrices, the decision process is arbitrary and valuable information on group structure may be lost. We therefore consider some ways of estimating linear discriminant functions without such prior selection. Several spectroscopic data sets are analysed with each method, and questions of bias of assessment procedures are investigated. All proposed methods seem worthy of consideration in practice.
Identification of an unknown dielectric target in a half‐space using the E‐pulse technique

This paper describes an approach to model the impulse response of a dielectric target below a half‐space using a time domain deconvolution technique. The complex natural resonances (CNR) of the target are extracted from the time domain impulse response using a matrix pencil method and can be correlated with the target's physical properties. An automated E‐pulse scheme has been used to discriminate changes in the physical properties of target. The discrimination performance is calculated quantitatively by using an energy discrimination number (EDN) and discrimination ratio (DR). This technique can ultimately be used as a diagnostic tool in detection and discrimination of an unknown target inside a half‐space.
Genes Coding for Antibiotics Resistance in Isolated Bacteria from Well Water Samples

Water quality of different well water samples in hostels at Iworoko Ekiti were assessed using standard bacteriological and physicochemical methods. The total bacteria counts ranged from 7.9 x 10 5 CFU/ml to 3.0 x 10 5 CFU/ml and the total coliform counts ranged from 9.0 x 10 4 CFU/ml to 1.0 x 10 5 CFU/ml. Eight bacteria species were isolated: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella aerogenes, Enterobacter aerogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus spp. , Pseudomonas sp. , Micrococcus sp. and Streptococcus sp . Escherichia coli (29%) had the highest occurrence while Streptococcus sp. had the least occurrence with 4% among the bacteria isolates. Antibiotic resistant profiling of the bacteria isolates showed that 51% of the bacteria isolates were resistant to ten different antibiotics used with some of them having plasmids. The molecular characterization of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella aerogenes showed that the antibiotic resistance gene is chromosomally mediated. The water samples were observed to be within the WHO recommended physicochemical standard for potable water however, it wasn’t bacteriologically safe for consumption. There is therefore a need for sensitization and adoption of proper treatment and purification procedures for the water samples so as to avert water borne infections by antibiotic resistant pathogens.
Phase-Disposition PWM Based 2DoF-Interleaving Scheme for Minimizing High Frequency ZSCC in Modular Parallel Three-Level Converters

This paper proposes a two-degree-of-freedom (2DoF) interleaving scheme based on phase-disposition (PD) PWM for minimizing the high-frequency zero-sequence circulating current (ZSCC) in modular interleaved three-level converters. The method incorporates an internal interleaving by phase-shifting the carriers in each individual converter, and an external interleaving by phase-shifting the carriers of the different converters. A general harmonic distribution analysis which is valid for all types of voltage source converters is carried out to simplify the evaluation of the proposed method. A comprehensive evaluation of the proposed method shows that the PD-2DoF interleaving scheme produces the lowest ZSCC maximum value as compared to existing approaches. Moreover, it can achieve comparable performances as existing methods do in terms of output quality and common mode voltage magnitude, showing a great potential for practical implementation. Simulation and experimental results are obtained to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method. Generalization of the 2DoF interleaving scheme to high-level converter is also discussed in this paper.