Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plasma Industrial and Ruminant Trans Fatty Acids and Incident Type 2 Diabetes in the EPIC-Potsdam Cohort

OBJECTIVE Although dietary intake of trans fatty acid (TFA) is a major public health concern because of the associated increase in the risk of cardiovascular events, it remains unclear whether TFAs also influence risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and whether industrial TFAs (iTFAs) and ruminant TFAs (rTFAs) exert the same effect on health. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS To investigate the relationship of 7 rTFAs and iTFAs, including 2 conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs), plasma phospholipid TFAs were measured in a case-cohort study nested within the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition–Potsdam cohort. The analytical sample was a random subsample (n = 1,248) and incident cases of T2D (n = 801) over a median follow-up of 6.5 years. Using multivariable Cox regression models, we examined associations of TFAs with incident T2D. RESULTS The TFA subtypes were intercorrelated with each other, with other fatty acids, and with different food sources. After controlling for other TFAs, the iTFAs (18:1n-6t, 18:1n-9t, 18:2n-6,9t) were not associated with diabetes risk. Some rTFA subtypes were inversely associated with diabetes risk: vaccenic acid (18:1n-7t; hazard ratio [HR] per SD 0.72; 95% CI 0.58–0.89) and t10c12-CLA (HR per SD 0.81; 95% CI 0.70–0.94), whereas c9t11-CLA was positively associated (HR per SD 1.39; 95% CI 1.19–1.62). Trans-palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7t) was not associated with diabetes risk when adjusting for the other TFAs (HR per SD 1.08; 95% CI 0.88–1.31). CONCLUSIONS The TFAs’ conformation plays an essential role in their relationship to diabetes risk. rTFA subtypes may have opposing relationships to diabetes risk. Previous observations for reduced diabetes risk with higher levels of circulating trans-palmitoleic acid are likely due to confounding.
Proteinaceous elicitor from a secretion of egg‐laying insect herbivore induces plant emission that attracts egg parasitoids

The coevolution and arm's race between plants and their herbivores have been a driving force for plant chemical ecology research (Agrawal and Zhang 2021; Jones et al. 2021). Chemical defence compounds produced by plants may directly affect the feeding or egg-laying of insects by disturbing their behaviour and food digestion or indirectly by attracting the natural enemies of the herbivorous insect (Johnson 2011). Plants respond rapidly by activating induced chemical defence, when they are injured by ovipositor or by mouthparts and due to the chemical compounds released by the herbivore. Damage can be mechanical e.g. by chewing mouthparts of insects which result in the breakup of cell membranes and rapid release of so-called green leaf volatiles (Ameye et al. 2018). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Toward a generalized developmental model of psychopathological liabilities and psychiatric disorders

Abstract Background Most psychiatric disorders are associated with several risk factors, but a few underlying psychopathological dimensions account for the common co-occurrence of disorders. If these underlying psychopathological dimensions mediate associations of the risk factors with psychiatric disorders, it would support a trans-diagnostic orientation to etiological research and treatment development. Method An analysis was performed of the 2012–2013 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions III (NESARC-III), a US nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized civilian adults, focusing on respondents who were aged ⩾21 (n = 34 712). Structural equation modeling was used to identify the psychopathological dimensions underlying psychiatric disorders; to examine associations between risk factors, psychopathological dimensions and individual disorders; and to test whether associations of risk factors occurring earlier in life were mediated by risk factors occurring later in life. Results A bifactor model of 13 axis I disorders provided a good fit (CFI = 0.987, TLI = 0.982, and RMSEA = 0.011) including an overall psychopathology factor as measured by all 13 disorders and 2 specific factors, one for externalizing disorders and one for fear-related disorders. A substantial proportion of the total effects of the risk factors occurring early in life were indirectly mediated through factors occurring later in life. All risk factors showed a significant total effect on the general psychopathology, externalizing and fear-related factors. Only 23 of 325 direct associations of risk factors with psychiatric disorders achieved statistical significance. Conclusion Most risk factors for psychiatric disorders are mediated through broad psychopathological dimensions. The central role of these dimensions supports trans-diagnostic etiological and intervention research.
Key Role of 12-Lipoxygenase and Its Metabolite 12-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acid (12-HETE) in Diabetic Retinopathy

Abstract Purpose Abnormal lipid metabolism has been proved to be implicated in the complex pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) is a member of lipoxygenase family responsible for the oxygenation of cellular polyunsaturated fatty acids to produce lipid mediators which modulate cell inflammation. This review explores the role of 12-lipoxygenase and its products in the pathogenesis of DR. Methods A comprehensive medical literature search was conducted on PubMed till September 2021. Results Emerging evidence has demonstrated that 12-LOX and its main product 12- hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) activate retinal cells, especially retinal vascular endothelial cells, through the activation of NADPH oxidase and the subsequent generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mediating multiple pathological changes during DR. Genetic deletion or pharmacological inhibition models of 12-LOX in mice show protection from DR. Conclusion 12-LOX and its product 12-HETE take important part in DR pathogenesis and show their potential as future therapeutic targets for DR. Further studies are needed on the specific mechanism including 12-LOX pathway related molecules, 12-HETE receptors and downstream signaling pathways.
Efficacy of antibody response following the vaccination of SARS‐CoV‐2 infected and noninfected healthcare workers by two‐dose inactive vaccine against COVID‐19

Sinovac is an inactive vaccine produced against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) for almost a year. No sufficient information is available concerning pro‐vaccine immunogenicity. We investigated the efficacy of antibody response following vaccination of SARS‐CoV‐2‐infected and noninfected healthcare workers by a two‐dose inactive vaccine against COVID‐19. The immunogenicity acquired on the 27th day and 42nd day after the first dose of vaccine (corresponding to Day 14 after the second dose) were compared by the demographics, immunosuppression, comorbidities, postvaccination reaction, and IgG levels of 120 subjects. The overall rate of second postvaccine seropositivity was 97.5% (n = 117) of all individuals, and 44 of these were seropositive after the first dose. The percentage of having a previous COVID‐19 (59.1%) among seropositive individuals before 2nd vaccination was significantly higher than those of seropositive individuals (10.96%) after second vaccination (p < 0.0001). In our study, 35 healthcare workers stated that they had previously had a COVID‐19 infection. Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody responses in people infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 follow a classical pattern, with a rapid increase within the first 3 weeks after the appearance of symptoms. Although the titers decreased thereafter, the ability to detect anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibodies supports the view that the majority of subjects previously screened as positive for virus remain intact with confirmed neutralizing activity for up to 6 months.
General toxicity and genotoxicity of altertoxin I: A novel 28‐day multiendpoint assessment in male Sprague–Dawley rats

The mycotoxin altertoxin I (ATX‐I) is one of secondary metabolites produced by Alternaria fungi and is frequently detected as food and feed contaminants. Little is known about the genotoxicity of the ATX‐I. In order to evaluate potential genotoxicity and general toxicity of ATX‐I, the novel 28‐day multiendpoint (Pig‐a assay + micronucleus [MN] test + comet assay) genotoxicity platform was applied. Male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were randomized to five groups (six rats per group), that is, a positive control group (N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea [ENU], 40 mg/kg.bw/d), two solvent control groups (PBS and corn oil), and two ATX‐I‐treated groups (low‐dose group [1.10 μg/kg.bw/d] and high‐dose group [5.51 μg/kg.bw/d]). Treatments were administered by oral gavage to male SD rats for 28 consecutive days. Histopathological damages in the liver, kidney, and spleen were observed, but without significant changes in hematological and serum biochemical parameters. Genotoxic endpoints indicated that ATX‐I could cause DNA damage. To summarize, in a relatively low‐dose range, ATX‐I may not have direct genotoxicity in vivo but could induce liver, kidney, and spleen damage.
Salt tolerance in relation to elemental concentrations in leaf cell vacuoles and chloroplasts of a C4 monocotyledonous halophyte

Abstract Halophytes accumulate and sequester high concentrations of salt in vacuoles while maintaining lower levels of salt in the cytoplasm. The current data on cellular and subcellular partitioning of salt in halophytes are, however, limited to only a few dicotyledonous C3 species. Using cryo‐scanning electron microscopy X‐ray microanalysis, we assessed the concentrations of Na, Cl, K, Ca, Mg, P and S in various cell types within the leaf‐blades of a monocotyledonous C4 halophyte, Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana). We also linked, for the first time, elemental concentrations in chloroplasts of mesophyll and bundle sheath cells to their ultrastructure and photosynthetic performance of plants grown in nonsaline and saline (200 mM NaCl) conditions. Na and Cl accumulated to the highest levels in xylem parenchyma and epidermal cells, but were maintained at lower concentrations in photosynthetically active mesophyll and bundle sheath cells. Concentrations of Na and Cl in chloroplasts of mesophyll and bundle sheath cells were lower than in their respective vacuoles. No ultrastructural changes were observed in either mesophyll or bundle sheath chloroplasts, and photosynthetic activity was maintained in saline conditions. Salinity tolerance in Rhodes grass is related to specific cellular Na and Cl distributions in leaf tissues, and the ability to regulate Na and Cl concentrations in chloroplasts.
Efficacy of mTOR inhibitors (sirolimus) in isolated limb overgrowth: a systematic review

We systematically assessed the literature on the use of sirolimus for the treatment of isolated limb overgrowth conditions and its various modalities of administration in PubMed, Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, references of journals and grey literature using pre-trialled Medical Subject Headings terms and articles. Eleven articles were included, and 39 patients were identified for review. Sirolimus was given orally in 38 patients and topically in one patient. Sirolimus was found to be highly effective in treatment of isolated limb overgrowth conditions with improvement of symptoms (physical, emotional, social) reported in all but one patient. Dosage and adverse effects seemed to be closely correlated. The result of our study suggests that sirolimus should be considered as an adjuvant or first-line management in isolated limb overgrowth in prospective trials.
Risk Factors for Postoperative Ileus in Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery

Study Design Retrospective Cohort Study Objectives Postoperative ileus (POI) is a common complication following elective spinal surgeries. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of POI and identify demographic and surgical risk factors for developing POI after elective instrumented fusion of the thoracolumbar spine. Methods The University of Utah Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved this retrospective study. The study does not require informed consent given the data reviewed was deidentified and collected in accordance with the institution’s standard of care. A designated IRB committee determined that study is exempt under exemption category 7. IRB approval number 00069703. Patients undergoing instrumented thoracolumbar fusion for one or more levels were retrospectively identified from an internal spine surgery database. Cases performed for trauma, infection, or tumors were excluded. Demographics, medical comorbidities, surgical variables, and opioid medication administration (morphine milligram equivalents, MME) were abstracted from the electronic medical record. Univariate analysis was used to identify variables associated with POI. These variables were then tested for independent association with POI using multivariate logistic regression. Results 418 patients were included in the current study. The incidence of POI was 9.3% in this cohort. There was no significant relationship between development of POI and patient age, gender, BMI, diabetes mellitus, thyroid dysfunction, lung disease, CKD, GERD, smoking status, alcohol abuse, anemia, or prior abdominal surgery. Univariate analysis demonstrated significant association between POI and fusion ≥7 levels compared to fusions of fewer levels (P = .001), as well as intraoperative sufentanil compared to other opioids (35.9% vs 20.1%, P = .02). POI was not significantly associated with total intraoperative MME, approach, use of interbody cage, or osteotomy. Multivariate logistic regression confirmed total 24-hour postoperative MME as an independent risk factor for POI (OR 1.004, P = .04), however, intraoperative sufentanil administration was not an independent risk factor for POI when controlling for other variables. Conclusions This retrospective cohort study demonstrates that greater postoperative MME is an independent risk factor for POI after thoracolumbar spine fusion when accounting for demographic, medical, and surgical variables with multiple logistic regression. Prospective studies are warranted to evaluate clinical measures to decrease the risk of POI among patients undergoing instrumented thoracolumbar spinal fusions.
Autonomic and Depression Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease: Clinical Evidence for Overlapping Physiology.

BACKGROUND Autonomic dysfunction and depression are common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) that confer poorer prognosis. These PD symptoms may have overlapping pathophysiologic underpinnings. OBJECTIVE To investigate associations between autonomic and depression symptoms in early PD, and their evolution over time. METHODS We obtained data from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative, a prospective open-access database of early PD. Regression analyses were used to model effects of depression on autonomic symptoms in controls and in PD at baseline, visit 6 (24 months after baseline), and visit 12 (60 months after baseline), correcting for multiple comparisons. RESULTS Data from 421 people with PD at baseline, 360 at visit 6, 300 at visit 12, and 193 controls were included. When controlling for age, depression, and anti-hypertensive medications, depression predicted autonomic symptoms in all groups. Accounting for motor symptoms did not alter these associations. When comparing groups, the influence of depression on autonomic symptoms was stronger in all PD groups compared to controls, and strongest in PD at visit 12. Depression predicted autonomic symptoms only in PD at visit 12. CONCLUSION We demonstrated the important impact of depression on autonomic symptoms in early and middle stages of PD, which are independent of motor symptoms. Though the physiologic basis of these two PD symptoms are not fully understood, our findings add to pathologic evidence of a shared mechanistic substrate, separate from that responsible for PD motor symptoms. These findings may influence clinical management and development of novel therapies.
Risk Factors for Occupational Falls among Middle-aged and Elderly Farm Workers in Nan Province, Thailand

ABSTRACT As the workforce ages, the incidence of occupational falls is increasing. However, risk factors for occupational falls in farm workers have not been evaluated in detail. The current study sought to identify the risk factors for occupational falls among middle-aged and elderly farm workers in Thailand. We conducted a cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire among 419 farm workers aged ≥40 years in Nan province, Thailand. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the factors associated with occupational falls. Occupational falls were experienced by 25.5% of participants. Men had 2.22 times higher odds of occupational falls than women (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19–4.13). Participants aged ≥60 years were less likely to experience occupational falls compared with those aged 40–49 years (odds ratio [OR]: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.20–0.96). Fruit growers were 2.72 times more likely to experience occupational falls than rice growers (95% CI: 1.33–5.55). Individuals with body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 and over were 3.05 times more likely to experience occupational falls than those with body mass index <25 kg/m2 (95% CI: 1.11–8.40). The sex- and age-related trends in fall risk may indicate that elderly individuals and women in agriculture tend to be assigned lighter duties through work accommodation. To prevent falls during agricultural work, it is necessary to pay attention to farm-specific tasks and work environments, such as working at a height in fruit cultivation, as well as instability of walking caused by obesity.
A Quasi-Experimental Evaluation of a School-Based Prescription Opioid Misuse Education Program

The use of prescription opioids is a matter of concern among academics and practitioners, but there remains a lack of programming to target this issue. One program, This Is (Not) About Drugs (TINAD), is intended to address part of this need by altering youth perceptions of the risks associated prescription opioid misuse as well as heroin. This study presents results from a quasi-experimental evaluation of TINAD. Propensity score matching techniques were used to account for selection effects across treatment and comparison groups. Program participants demonstrated increases in understanding of the similarities between prescription opioids and heroin and the risks associated with prescription opioid misuse. While these results are promising, TINAD requires a more rigorous evaluation of its effectiveness.
The State of the Art of Research in the EU on the Uptake and Use of ICT by Immigrants and Ethnic Minorities

The report provides a snapshot on the current state of the art of socio-economic research undertaken in Europe on ICT and migrations. After briefly illustrating the evolution of studies on ICT and migrations, the report provides an overview of the literature (over 150 items) published on this topic between 2004 and 2008. The main themes and disciplines involved are identified, along with emerging research lines of investigation. Based on the questionnaires gathered in the study, the third chapter of the report focuses on European research institutes, experts and the projects addressing the domain of ICT and migration. About 40 expert researchers were identified, working in/for about 30 research organisations in 11 Member States and Switzerland; and carrying on over 40 research projects. Overall, research in this field is carried out very much through networks of individuals (mostly junior scientists, with an overwhelming presence of women) or small groups, with a growing interdisciplinary character. The report concludes that research on ICT and migration would benefit from a stronger focus on user and impact analysis, and a more systematic comparative research across Europe. The authors also suggest a few topics that deserve further elaboration of theoretical approaches and could lead to cutting edge, comparative research in this field.
Health professionals' views and experiences around the dietary and lifestyle management of gestational diabetes in New Zealand.

AIM This study aimed to investigate New Zealand health professionals' views and experiences around the dietary and lifestyle management of gestational diabetes. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted remotely with health professionals; sessions were recorded and transcribed. Core themes were extracted using inductive thematic analysis using a framework method. RESULTS Twenty-seven health professionals were interviewed (13 diabetes dietitians, 8 specialist diabetes midwives, 2 community midwives, 1 antenatal clinic midwife, 1 obstetrician and 2 endocrinologists). Themes were organised into three central domains: (a) Social and cultural barriers, (b) Service provision and (c) Nutrition advice. Enabling themes included professional collaboration, innovation and creating trusting and supportive environments. Key barriers identified included accessibility, cultural barriers, overwhelmed service, fragmentation and conflicting information and nutrition resource gaps. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight foremost a deficit in primary antenatal nutrition advice that may play a significant role in the fragmentation identified. Investment in community-inclusive services providing antenatal nutrition and diabetes education appears critical to overcome barriers associated with misinformation and poor outcomes. Pathways to include nutrition education from various primary care health providers should be investigated to ease the burden from specialist gestational diabetes clinicians and allow effective delegation of dietetic resources. Revision of current nutrition guidelines for the management of gestational diabetes in New Zealand is needed to facilitate consistent messaging and standards of care.
New Insight into the human genetic diversity in North African populations by genotyping of SNPs in DRD3 , CSMD1 and NRG1 genes

The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the dopamine D3 receptor (DRD3), the CUB and sushi multiple domains 1 (CSMD1) and the neuregulin 1 (NRG1) genes were used to study the genetic diversity and affinity among North African populations and to examine their genetic relationships in worldwide populations.
Regulation of CCR4-NOT complex deadenylase activity and cellular responses by MK2-dependent phosphorylation of CNOT2

ABSTRACT CCR4-NOT complex-mediated mRNA deadenylation serves critical functions in multiple biological processes, yet how this activity is regulated is not fully understood. Here, we show that osmotic stress induces MAPKAPK-2 (MK2)-mediated phosphorylation of CNOT2. Programmed cell death is greatly enhanced by osmotic stress in CNOT2-depleted cells, indicating that CNOT2 is responsible for stress resistance of cells. Although wild-type (WT) and non-phosphorylatable CNOT2 mutants reverse this sensitivity, a phosphomimetic form of CNOT2, in which serine at the phosphorylation site is replaced with glutamate, does not have this function. We also show that mRNAs have elongated poly(A) tails in CNOT2-depleted cells and that introduction of CNOT2 WT or a non-phosphorylatable mutant, but not phosphomimetic CNOT2, renders their poly(A) tail lengths comparable to those in control HeLa cells. Consistent with this, the CCR4-NOT complex containing phosphomimetic CNOT2 exhibits less deadenylase activity than that containing CNOT2 WT. These data suggest that CCR4-NOT complex deadenylase activity is regulated by post-translational modification, yielding dynamic control of mRNA deadenylation.