Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
30-minute postload plasma glucose levels during an oral glucose tolerance test predict the risk of future type 2 diabetes: the Hisayama Study

Introduction To investigate the associations of 30 min postload plasma glucose (30 mPG) levels during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with the risk of future diabetes in a general Japanese population. Research design and methods A total of 2957 Japanese community-dwelling residents without diabetes, aged 40–79 years, participated in the examinations in 2007 and 2008 (participation rate, 77.1%). Among them, 2162 subjects who received 75 g OGTT in a fasting state with measurements of plasma glucose level at 0, 30, and 120 min were followed up for 7 years (2007–2014). Cox’s proportional hazards model was used to estimate HRs and their 95% CIs of each index for the development of type 2 diabetes using continuous variables and quartiles with adjustment for traditional risk factors. The influence of 30 mPG on the predictive ability was estimated with Harrell’s C-statistics, integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), and the continuous net reclassification index (cNRI). Results During follow-up, 275 subjects experienced type 2 diabetes. Elevated 30 mPG levels were significantly associated with increased risk of developing diabetes (p<0.01 for trend): the multivariable-adjusted HR was 8.41 (95% CI 4.97 to 14.24) for the highest versus the lowest quartile, and 2.26 (2.04 to 2.52) per 1 SD increase. This association was attenuated but remained significant after further adjustment for fasting and 2-hour postload plasma glucose levels. Incorporation of 30 mPG into the model including traditional risk factors with fasting and 2-hour postload plasma glucose levels for diabetes improved the predictive ability of type 2 diabetes (improvement in Harrell’s C-statistics values: from 0.828 to 0.839, p<0.01; IDI: 0.016, p<0.01; cNRI: 0.103, p=0.37). Conclusions Elevated 30 mPG levels were associated with increased risk of diabetes, and inclusion of 30 mPG levels significantly improved the predictive ability for future diabetes, suggesting that 30 mPG may be useful for identifying high-risk populations for type 2 diabetes.
A Tool to Calculate the Level of Occupancy in Indoor and Outdoor Spaces Using BLE and Open Data to Be Published in Real-Time

The ability to know the precise level of occupancy in an indoor or outdoor space in real time could have multiple applications. It is a well-known problem for which a number of technologies have been proposed over time. The recent emergence of BLE beacon technology has provided a solution to the problem. This study presents a tool that uses beacons and user smartphones to determine the level of occupancy in indoor and outdoor spaces, providing real-time information that can be published as open data and subsequently used by other applications. The tool was tested in a university environment in real-life situations and has produced promising results in obtaining an occupancy count.
Effects of Neem Seed Extracts on Insect Pests of Eggplant, Okra and Cowpea

Field trials of various neem formulations were conducted to determine their effectiveness for the control of some major pests of eggplant, Solanum melogena (L), okra, Hibiscus esculentus (L) and cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L), Walp. Various concentrations of neem emulsion reduced incidence of Selepa docilis (Butler), Urenlius sp. and Zonocerus variegatus (L), on eggplant. Damage caused by Sylepta derogata (F), defoliator of okra, was less in plots treated with 5, 10 and 20% aqueous-methanol extracts of defatted neem cake. Moreover, neem seed cake applied as dust enhanced cowpea yield. RésuméDes essais de champs des divers formulations de neem ont été essayés à fin de determiner leurs efficacités d’élimination des insects nuisibles d’une importance majeure d’aubergine, Solanum melogena (L), Hibiscus esculentus (L) et de l’haricot, Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp. Des concentrations divers d’emulsion de neem ont réduit la fréquence de Selepa docilis (Butler), Urentius sp et Zonocerus variegatus (L) sur l’aubergine. Les dégats qui ont été produits par Sylepta derogata (F), le défoliant de okra était moins sur les champs fraits à 5%, 10% et 20% des extraires d’alcool aqueux (methane) sans graisse de neem. Le gateau de la graine de neem appliqué comme la poussière a augmentér le rendement d’haricot (cowpea).
Método de predicción de velocidad para una red de tráfico de gran escala usando una convolutional neural network con separable convolution

This paper proposes the reduction of the convergence time on a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) method for traffic speed prediction, without reducing the performance of speed prediction method. The proposed method contains two procedures: The first one is to convert the traffic network data to images; in this case the speed variable will be transformed. The second step of the procedure presents a modification of the CNN method for speed prediction in which a separable convolution is used to reduce the number of parameters. This separable convolution helps to reducing the convergence time of speed predictions for largescale transportation network. The proposal is evaluated with real data from the Caltrans Performance Measurement Syste (PeMS), obtained through sensors. The results show that Separable Convolutional Neural Network (SCNN) reduces convergence time of CNN method whithout losing the performance of the predictions of traffic speed in a large-scale transportation network. CCS Concepts • Computing methodologies➝ Artificial intelligence; • Information systems➝ Sensor networks; • Applied computing ➝ Transportation.
Use of a highly specific kinase inhibitor for rapid, simple and precise synchronization of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium knowlesi asexual blood-stage parasites

During the course of the asexual erythrocytic stage of development, Plasmodium spp. parasites undergo a series of morphological changes and induce alterations in the host cell. At the end of this stage, the parasites exit the host cell, after which the progeny invade a new host cell. These processes are rapid and occur in a time-dependent manner. Of particular importance, egress and invasion of erythrocytes by the parasite are difficult to capture in an unsynchronized culture, or even a culture that has been synchronized to within hours. Therefore, precise synchronization of parasite cultures is of paramount importance for the investigation of these processes. Here we describe a method for synchronizing Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium knowlesi asexual blood stage parasites with ML10, a highly specific inhibitor of the cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) that arrests parasite growth approximately 15 minutes prior to egress. This inhibitor allows parasite cultures to be synchronized to within minutes, with a simple wash step. Furthermore, we show that parasites remain viable for several hours after becoming arrested by the compound and that ML10 has advantages over the previously used PKG inhibitor Compound 2. Here, we demonstrate that ML10 is an invaluable tool for the study of Plasmodium spp. asexual blood stage biology and for the routine synchronization of P. falciparum and P. knowlesi cultures.
Testing Williams' prediction: reproductive effort versus residual reproductive value (RRV)

Williams (1966; Am. Nat. 100(916): 687-690) furthered R.A. Fisher's concept of reproductive value by break- ing it into two components: (1) current reproduction and (2) residual reproductive value (RRV, the summed product of sur- vival and reproduction over the rest of the lifespan). He predicted a negative correlation of measures of these two components among species, and this prediction led in part to the idea of trade-offs in life-history theory. We tested Wil- liams' prediction with 24 species of albatrosses and petrels (order Procellariiformes), species with a great range of body sizes and all laying only one egg at a time (like humans, highly iteroparous). Two measures of reproductive investment were not negatively correlated with RRV. Adjusting data for body mass and phylogeny resulted in significant positive as- sociations. In addition, any measure of annual parental allocation to reproduction (once adjusted for body size) should give a positive association with RRV as shown by a simple simulation model that assumes a highly iteroparous life cycle. Under such life cycles, Williams' prediction confounds the positive influence of reproduction on both current investment and RRV. Principles of life-history theory, however, do not require re-evaluation, as this particular prediction can in at least some cases be internally inconsistent.
Two-Step Floating Catchment Area Model-Based Evaluation of Community Care Facilities’ Spatial Accessibility in Xi’an, China

Due to the rapid increase in the number of elderly people in Chinese cities, the development and planning of aged care facilities, and particularly community care facilities, which will gradually become the mainstream choice for the elderly in China, is becoming an important topic for urban sustainability. Previous studies have shown that the number and scale of aged care facilities in many cities are far from meeting the needs of the elderly and the overall occupation rate is low. Some of these cities are still expanding and some are undergoing urban renovation. In this process, the scientific planning of community care facilities to promote efficient use of facility resources has become an urgent problem that needs to be solved. In this study, the two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method and a potential model based on the Geographic Information System (GIS) were used to carry out a scientific evaluation of the spatial accessibility of community care facilities in the Beilin district of Xi’an. The aims were to explore the best quantitative research methods for assessing the distribution of Xi’an community care facilities’ spatial accessibility, provide ideas for similar studies in the future, and further the understanding of spatial allocation of urban community care facilities resources.
Development of a multiplex PCR system for the simultaneous detection of white spot syndrome virus and hepatopancreatic parvovirus infection

A multiplex PCR kit for simultaneous detection of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) and hepatopancreatic parvovirus (HPV) was developed and field testing was conducted. A 604-bp target sequence was selected from the vp28 gene of WSSV. A primer set was developed to amplify a 338-bp DNA fragment at the junction of the NS2 and NS1 protein genes of HPV after alignment of eight sequences from different strains. Another internal positive control primer set produced a 139-bp PCR fragment from the β-actin gene by alignment of this gene from Litopenaeus vannamei, Fenneropenaeus chinensis and Penaeus monodon. The detection limits, tested using purified plasmids, for WSSV and HPV were 21.4 and 19.0 copies respectively. The optimum ratio for HPV, WSSV and β-actin was 3:1:1, with an optimum annealing temperature of 57°C. Field test of the multiplex PCR with 170 L. vannamei individuals from 17 aquaculture farms showed 41.8% coinfection with WSSV and HPV, and 40.0% and 3.5% single infection with WSSV and HPV respectively. No virus-free shrimp farm was found. Ten wild catch F. chinensis individuals showed 60% coinfection, and 40% were infected with HPV.
Folding and association of β-galactosidase

Abstract β- d -Galactosidase from Escherichia coli is one of the largest tetrameric enzymes known at present. Although its physiological importance, the regulation of its synthesis, its enzymatic properties and its structure are well established, little is known about the stability and the folding pathway of this enzyme. Here we show that the overall folding mechanism of chemically denatured β-galactosidase consists of three stages: (i) formation of elements of secondary structure; (ii) collapse to subdomains and structured monomers; (iii) association to the native quaternary structure via dimeric intermediates. The first rate-limiting step is the association of structured monomers to form dimers in a bi-molecular reaction, with a rate constant of 4.3×10 3 M −1 s −1 at 20°C. The second rate-limiting uni-molecular folding step leads to dimers which are competent for further association, with a rate constant of 0.5×10 −3 s −1 at 20°C. Tetramers form from these dimers in a fast reaction. By determining a similar mechanism for α-complementation of β-galactosidase fragments it could be confirmed that β-galactosidase follows a consecutive bi-uni-molecular mechanism of folding and association.
MR Susceptibility Imaging with a Short TE (MR-SISET): A Clinically Feasible Technique to Resolve Thalamic Nuclei

SUMMARY: The thalamus consists of several functionally distinct nuclei, some of which serve as targets for functional neurosurgery. Visualization of such nuclei is a major challenge due to their low signal contrast on conventional imaging. We introduce MR susceptibility imaging with a short TE, leveraging susceptibility differences among thalamic nuclei, to automatically delineate 15 thalamic subregions. The technique has the potential to enable direct targeting of thalamic nuclei for functional neurosurgical guidance.
Global Survey on Pancreatic Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify the role of pancreatic surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic to optimize patients’ and clinicians’ safety and safeguard health care capacity. Summary Background Data: The COVID-19 pandemic heavily impacts health care systems worldwide. Cancer patients appear to have an increased risk for adverse events when infected by COVID-19, but the inability to receive oncological care seems may be an even larger threat, particularly in case of pancreatic cancer. Methods: An online survey was submitted to all members of seven international pancreatic associations and study groups, investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pancreatic surgery using 21 statements (April, 2020). Consensus was defined as >80% agreement among respondents and moderate agreement as 60% to 80% agreement. Results: A total of 337 respondents from 267 centers and 37 countries spanning 5 continents completed the survey. Most respondents were surgeons (n = 302, 89.6%) and working in an academic center (n = 286, 84.9%). The majority of centers (n = 166, 62.2%) performed less pancreatic surgery because of the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the weekly pancreatic resection rate from 3 [interquartile range (IQR) 2–5] to 1 (IQR 0–2) (P < 0.001). Most centers screened for COVID-19 before pancreatic surgery (n = 233, 87.3%). Consensus was reached on 13 statements and 5 statements achieved moderate agreement. Conclusions: This global survey elucidates the role of pancreatic surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic, regarding patient selection for the surgical and oncological treatment of pancreatic diseases to support clinical decision-making and creating a starting point for further discussion.
Conventional type 1 dendritic cells induce TH1, TH1‐like follicular helper T cells and regulatory T cells after antigen boost via DEC205 receptor

Conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) are specialized in antigen presentation. In the mouse spleen, cDCs are classified in cDC1s and cDC2s, and express DEC205 and DCIR2 endocytic receptors, respectively. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) αDEC205 (αDEC) and αDCIR2 have been fused to different antigens to deliver them to cDC1s or cDC2s. We immunized mice with αDEC and αDCIR2 fused to an antigen using Poly(I:C) as adjuvant. The initial immune response was analyzed from days 3 to 6 after the immunization. We also studied the influence of a booster dose. Our results showed that antigen targeting to cDC1s promoted a pro‐inflammatory TH1 cell response. Antigen targeting to cDC2s induced TFH cells, GCs, and plasma cell differentiation. After boost, antigen targeting to cDC1s improved the TH1 cell response and induced TH1‐like TFH cells that led to an increase in specific antibody titers and IgG class switch. Additionally, a population of regulatory T cells was also observed. Antigen targeting to cDC2s did not improve the specific antibody response after boost. Our results add new information on the immune response induced after the administration of a booster dose with αDEC and αDCIR2 fusion mAbs. These results may be useful for vaccine design using recombinant mAbs.
Hybrid Machine Learning System to Forecast Electricity Consumption of Smart Grid-Based Air Conditioners

This study develops a hybrid prediction system to forecast 1-day-ahead electricity consumption of air conditioners in office spaces. The hybrid system combines a linear autoregressive integrated moving average model and a nonlinear nature-inspired metaheuristic optimization-based prediction model. To evaluate the efficacy of the proposed system, a smart grid-based monitoring device was installed in an office space, which consists of smart meters, environmental monitoring sensors, infrared sensors, and fan adjustment systems. Data were retrieved to train and test the proposed system. Sensitivity analyses were performed to identify the optimal parameters of the model and inputs for future use. Evaluation results confirmed that the proposed hybrid system outperformed the conventional linear and nonlinear models, showing good agreement between predicted and actual electricity consumption of air conditioners. Particularly, the proposed system obtained the correlation coefficient R of 0.71 and total error rate of 4.8%. The hybrid system can facilitate facility managers in forecasting electricity consumption of air conditioners.
Duration and Dosage of Opioids after Spine Surgery: Implications on Outcomes at 1 Year.

STUDY DESIGN Longitudinal Cohort Study OBJECTIVE. : Determine if duration of postoperative opioids is associated with long term outcomes, and if initial postoperative opioid dosage is associated with opioid cessation after spine surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Preoperative opioid use is associated with poor outcomes, but little evidence exists regarding the implications of opioid dosage and duration after spine surgery. METHODS Data from our state's prescription drug database was linked to our prospective clinical spine registry to analyze opioid dispensing and outcomes in elective surgical spine patients between 2010 and 2017. Patients were stratified based on preoperative chronic opioid use and multivariable regression was used to assess associations between duration of postoperative opioids and outcomes at one year, including satisfaction, chronic opioid use, and meaningful improvements in pain, disability, and quality of life. In a secondary aim, a Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine if initial postoperative opioid dosage was associated with time to opioid cessation. RESULTS Of 2172 patients included, 35% had preoperative chronic opioid use. In patients without preoperative chronic opioid use, a postoperative opioid duration of 31-60 days was associated with chronic opioid use at one year (aOR:4.1 [1.7-9.8]) and no meaningful improvement in extremity pain (aOR:1.8 [1.3-2.6]) or axial pain (aOR:1.6 [1.1-2.2]); cessation between 61-90 days was associated with no meaningful improvement in disability (aOR: 2 [1.3-3]) and dissatisfaction (aOR:1.8 [1-3.1]). In patients with preoperative chronic opioid use, postoperative opioids for ≥90 days was associated with dissatisfaction. Cox regression analyses showed lower initial postoperative opioid dosages were associated with faster opioid cessation in both groups. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that a shorter duration of postoperative opioids may result in improved one-year patient reported outcomes, and that lower postoperative opioid dosages may lead to faster opioid cessation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2.
Evidência de infecção por hantavírus em roedores silvestres capturados em uma área rural do estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Hantaviruses are the etiological agents of the Hantavirus Cardio-Pulmonary Syndrome, a serious rodent-borne disease in Brazil. In order to investigate the occurrence of hantavirus infection in wild rodents, a survey was conducted in three different suburban areas of the municipality of Pedreira, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Of the 145 wild animals captured belonging to 12 different species identified by morphology and karyological analysis, 107 were rodents of the following species: Akodon montensis, Bolomys lasiurus, Calomys tener, Oligoryzomys nigripes, Oligoryzomys flavescens, and Myocastor coypus. Blood samples from these rodents were assayed for the presence of antibodies against hantavirus by IgG ELISA using Andes recombinant nucleocapsid antigen. Antibody reactive to Andes virus was found in two different species, O. nigripes and O. flavescens. These results indicate a potential risk for hantavirus transmission to humans in this area, where reservoir rodents are present in peridomestic settings.
Ecological and human impacts on stand density and distribution of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) in Senegal

Indigenous fruit tree species such as tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) in African sub-Saharan traditionally act to build resilience into the farming system in terms of food security, income generation and ecosystem stability. Therefore, increasing our knowledge on their ecology and distribution is a priority. Tamarind is mainly grown for the fruits but is also a valuable timber species. The fruit pulp has a high content of vitamin B and is eaten fresh or made into jam, chutney, juice or sweets. Flowers, leaves and seeds are also edible and used in a variety of dishes. The main objective of this study is to evaluate actual density of tamarind in Senegal and the climate change effects on its distribution for better conservation strategies. Tamarind's distribution and density around villages were recorded and modelled in different agro-ecological zones in Senegal using transect method and under current and future climates. Distribution under two future climate scenarios were modelled using four climate models and three time slices (2020, 2050 and 2080). Results show a decreasing gradient in tree density (from 7 to 1 trees km-2) from the Sudano agro-ecological zone (in the south) to the Sahel (in the north). Future climate predictions show that although tamarind distribution will increase in the north-west and south of the country in 2020; by 2050, the area identified as suitable for its growth will be greatly reduced. Areas in the north-west basin appear to be an important refugia for the species under future climate conditions. However, density around villages in this area was found to be relatively low indicating that this could lead to problems of poor connectivity and inbreeding depression. This region should therefore be highlighted as important conservative management and protection strategies of tamarind in this region.