Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metabolic syndrome and its components are underdiagnosed in cardiology clinics.

BACKGROUND Although metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an important clinical condition, evidence is scarce on how often doctors successfully diagnose this syndrome. AIMS To assess the extent of doctors' diagnosis of MetS and its components in cardiology outpatient setting and whether such diagnosis affects the way patients are counselled on lifestyle modification. METHODS This is a multicentre cross-sectional study on randomly selected clinical notes at ambulatory cardiology clinics in three academic centres in the USA. We abstracted data on cardiovascular risk factors, and examined whether doctors documented a diagnosis of MetS and its components. RESULTS Of 511 participants who satisfied our inclusion criteria, the MetS was present in 246 participants (48%). The proportions with which a doctor correctly documented diagnoses were: MetS 9.3% (23/246), obesity 60% (119/197), elevated blood pressure 74% (305/412), elevated fasting glucose 17% (49/291), reduced high density lipoprotein cholesterol 10% (18/190) and elevated triglycerides 20% (32/164). This pattern of diagnoses, less frequent with dyslipidaemia and elevated fasting glucose compared with the rest, was persistently observed regardless of sex, age, and presence or absence of MetS. Those diagnosed were more likely to receive a recommendation of weight loss or increase in physical activity than those undiagnosed: 91% (21/23) versus 37% (82/223) for weight loss, and 83% (19/23) versus 26% (58/223) for increase in physical activity (P < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that MetS and its components are commonly underdiagnosed in cardiology outpatient setting. Better diagnosis may lead to better counselling on lifestyle changes and improvement in the quality of care.
Trypanosome Letm1 Protein Is Essential for Mitochondrial Potassium Homeostasis*

Background: Letm1 is a mitochondrial protein attributed disparate roles, including cation/proton antiport and translation. Results: Letm1 RNAi silencing in Trypanosoma brucei triggers swelling mitochondria and translation arrest that is ameliorated by chemical potassium/proton exchangers. Conclusion: The ancestral function of Letm1, to maintain mitochondrial potassium homeostasis, shows remarkable conservation. Significance: Results from diverged T. brucei provide a better understanding of Letm1 function throughout eukaryotes. Letm1 is a conserved protein in eukaryotes bearing energized mitochondria. Hemizygous deletion of its gene has been implicated in symptoms of the human disease Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. Studies almost exclusively performed in opisthokonts have attributed several roles to Letm1, including maintaining mitochondrial morphology, mediating either calcium or potassium/proton antiport, and facilitating mitochondrial translation. We address the ancestral function of Letm1 in the highly diverged protist and significant pathogen, Trypanosoma brucei. We demonstrate that Letm1 is involved in maintaining mitochondrial volume via potassium/proton exchange across the inner membrane. This role is essential in the vector-dwelling procyclic and mammal-infecting bloodstream stages as well as in Trypanosoma brucei evansi, a form of the latter stage lacking an organellar genome. In the pathogenic bloodstream stage, the mitochondrion consumes ATP to maintain an energized state, whereas that of T. brucei evansi also lacks a conventional proton-driven membrane potential. Thus, Letm1 performs its function in different physiological states, suggesting that ion homeostasis is among the few characterized essential pathways of the mitochondrion at this T. brucei life stage. Interestingly, Letm1 depletion in the procyclic stage can be complemented by exogenous expression of its human counterpart, highlighting the conservation of protein function between highly divergent species. Furthermore, although mitochondrial translation is affected upon Letm1 ablation, it is an indirect consequence of K+ accumulation in the matrix.
Psychological Distress in International University Students: An Australian Study

Abstract Australia is a much sought-after destination of study for many thousands of international university students. However, tertiary study brings with it many challenges that may potentially precipitate psychological distress in international students. Psychological distress may be experienced in various ways. The aim of this study was to investigate the manner in which psychological distress is manifested in international students and the factors that contribute to their psychological distress. The participants consisted of 86 international students enrolled at a Queensland university who completed a battery of 9 self-report questionnaires. Results showed that obsessive–compulsiveness reflected by worry, ruminations and perfectionist tendencies was the most common symptom of psychological distress in international students. Dysfunctional coping was the only factor contributing to psychological distress. These findings have important implications for the international students with reference to the assessment of their mental health issues and the designing of suitable intervention programs.
Monitoring for success : implementing a proactive probation program for diverse, at-risk college students

"This study examined the impact of the University of North Carolina Greensboro's Strategies for Academic Success (SAS 100) program on the self-efficacy and academic achievement of students on academic probation. The Student Strategies for Success Survey, an instrument based upon Samejima's Graded Response Model, was used to collect data from 279 participants in a pre/post manner. The results showed a significant difference between participants' pre- and post-scores, indicating improved levels of Social Behavior, Academic Preparedness, Interdependence, Dedication, Self-knowledge, and Confidence. Qualitative data were collected through individual student interviews and document review to capture reasons why students performed poorly enough to be placed on academic probation and how the SAS 100 program facilitates the development of improved academic strategies. The factors that impact student retention were examined based on the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data. This study identified and described the characteristics of four unique cohort groups of students on academic probation. Both the quantitative and qualitative findings confirmed that the SAS 100 program had a positive impact by facilitating participants' development of improved academic strategies. Further, the Student Strategies for Success survey proved to be a reliable instrument in measuring the development of students on probation. "--Abstract from author supplied metadata.
Glucose-stimulated Single Pancreatic Islets Sustain Increased Cytosolic ATP Levels during Initial Ca2+ Influx and Subsequent Ca2+ Oscillations*

Background: The roles of ATP in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion have not been well described. Results: After glucose stimulation, ATP levels were elevated prior to an increase in Ca2+ levels. High nonoscillatory ATP levels were sustained during Ca2+ oscillations. Conclusion: High ATP levels may be necessary for initial Ca2+ influx and subsequent Ca2+ oscillations. Significance: This adds new insight into the mechanism of insulin secretion. In pancreatic islets, insulin secretion occurs via synchronous elevation of Ca2+ levels throughout the islets during high glucose conditions. This Ca2+ elevation has two phases: a quick increase, observed after the glucose stimulus, followed by prolonged oscillations. In these processes, the elevation of intracellular ATP levels generated from glucose is assumed to inhibit ATP-sensitive K+ channels, leading to the depolarization of membranes, which in turn induces Ca2+ elevation in the islets. However, little is known about the dynamics of intracellular ATP levels and their correlation with Ca2+ levels in the islets in response to changing glucose levels. In this study, a genetically encoded fluorescent biosensor for ATP and a fluorescent Ca2+ dye were employed to simultaneously monitor the dynamics of intracellular ATP and Ca2+ levels, respectively, inside single isolated islets. We observed rapid increases in cytosolic and mitochondrial ATP levels after stimulation with glucose, as well as with methyl pyruvate or leucine/glutamine. High ATP levels were sustained as long as high glucose levels persisted. Inhibition of ATP production suppressed the initial Ca2+ increase, suggesting that enhanced energy metabolism triggers the initial phase of Ca2+ influx. On the other hand, cytosolic ATP levels did not fluctuate significantly with the Ca2+ level in the subsequent oscillation phases. Importantly, Ca2+ oscillations stopped immediately before ATP levels decreased significantly. These results might explain how food or glucose intake evokes insulin secretion and how the resulting decrease in plasma glucose levels leads to cessation of secretion.
Taking the PACIC back to basics: the structure of the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care.

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) is a widely used 20-item measure consisting of five subscales. Published factor analyses of PACIC scores have produced conflicting results on the measure's factorial validity, and therefore some confusion as to the utility of its subscales. We aim to reduce this confusion by reviewing the evidence on the PACIC's factorial validity, exploring the statistical issues it raises, and considering more broadly what such analyses can reveal about the validity of the PACIC. METHODS To achieve these aims we review six published studies on the PACIC's factorial validity, present confirmatory factor analyses of our own PACIC data from 251 chronic care patients, and assess the PACIC with respect to its status as a reflective or a formative measure. RESULTS Our statistical analyses support the view that a 5-factor model does not fit the structure of the PACIC, and highlight a variety of technical issues that confront researchers who wish to factor analyse the measure. However, we argue that, as the PACIC is more accurately seen as a formative measure, such analyses do not provide information that should be used to assess the PACIC's validity. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that, while it is important to continue examining the reliability and validity of the PACIC in a variety of ways, traditional analyses of its factorial validity (and internal consistency) are inappropriate. Meanwhile, use of the subscales is defensible as long as they continue to meet other types of reliability and validity requirements.
Leaf physiology and biomass allocation of backcross hybrid American chestnut (Castanea dentata) seedlings in response to light and water availability.

Partial canopy cover promotes regeneration of many temperate forest trees, but the consequences of shading on seedling drought resistance are unclear. Reintroduction of blight-resistant American chestnut (Castanea dentata (Marsh.) Borkh. ) into eastern North American forests will often occur on water-limited sites and under partial canopy cover. We measured leaf pre-dawn water potential (Ψpd), leaf gas exchange, and growth and biomass allocation of backcross hybrid American chestnut seedlings from three orchard sources grown under different light intensities (76, 26 and 8% full photosynthetically active radiation (PAR)) and subjected to well-watered or mid-season water-stressed conditions. Seedlings in the water-stress treatment were returned to well-watered conditions after wilting to examine recovery. Seedlings growing under medium- and high-light conditions wilted at lower leaf Ψpd than low-light seedlings. Recovery of net photosynthesis (Anet) and stomatal conductance (gs) was greater in low and medium light than in high light. Seed source did not affect the response to water stress or light level in most cases. Between 26 and 8% full PAR, light became limiting to the extent that the effects of water stress had no impact on some growth and morphological traits. We conclude that positive and negative aspects of shading on seedling drought tolerance and recovery are not mutually exclusive. Partial shade may help American chestnut tolerate drought during early establishment through effects on physiological conditioning.
Allocation to carbon storage pools in Norway spruce saplings under drought and low CO2.

Non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) are critical to maintain plant metabolism under stressful environmental conditions, but we do not fully understand how NSC allocation and utilization from storage varies with stress. While it has become established that storage allocation is unlikely to be a mere overflow process, very little empirical evidence has been produced to support this view, at least not for trees. Here we present the results of an intensively monitored experimental manipulation of whole-tree carbon (C) balance (young Picea abies (L.) H Karst. ) using reduced atmospheric [CO2] and drought to reduce C sources. We measured specific C storage pools (glucose, fructose, sucrose, starch) over 21 weeks and converted concentration measurement into fluxes into and out of the storage pool. Continuous labeling ((13)C) allowed us to track C allocation to biomass and non-structural C pools. Net C fluxes into the storage pool occurred mainly when the C balance was positive. Storage pools increased during periods of positive C gain and were reduced under negative C gain. (13)C data showed that C was allocated to storage pools independent of the net flux and even under severe C limitation. Allocation to below-ground tissues was strongest in control trees followed by trees experiencing drought followed by those grown under low [CO2]. Our data suggest that NSC storage has, under the conditions of our experimental manipulation (e.g., strong progressive drought, no above-ground growth), a high allocation priority and cannot be considered an overflow process. While these results also suggest active storage allocation, definitive proof of active plant control of storage in woody plants requires studies involving molecular tools.
CYP17 genotype modifies the impact of anthropometric variation on salivary estradiol in healthy women.

Several studies demonstrate that human ovarian function is responsive to the energetic environment, which has led to the development of theoretical models that explain this phenomenon. Although many genes are involved in ovarian hormone production, the possibility that genetic polymorphism may affect ovarian response to energetic conditions has not been considered. Cytochrome P450c17α is an enzyme that produces androgen precursors used to make estrogens during ovarian steroidogenesis, and is encoded by the CYP17 gene. A functionally significant variant within the promoter region of CYP17 has been linked to variation in steroid production, and some evidence suggests that this polymorphism could alter transcription of CYP17 in an insulin-dependent manner. We tested the hypothesis that the CYP17 variant affected the relationship between anthropometric measurements and salivary estradiol in healthy women in the United States (n = 28). PCR-RLFP analysis was used to genotype women for the genetic variant, and estradiol was assayed from saliva by EIA. Moderated regression analysis of these preliminary data revealed a significant interaction between waist-to-hip ratio and CYP17 genotype (P = 0.004). Our study provides evidence that gene-environment interactions should be considered in future adaptive models for human ovarian function. Moreover, our results stand to illuminate possible associations between this genetic variant and reproductive disease.
Genome-wide association study identifies peanut allergy-specific loci and evidence of epigenetic mediation in US children

Xiumei Hong1,*, Ke Hao2,*, Christine Ladd-Acosta3,*, Kasper D. Hansen4,5, Hui-Ju Tsai6,7,8, Xin Liu6,9, Xin Xu10, Timothy A. Thornton11, Deanna Caruso1, Corinne A. Keet3,12, Yifei Sun4, Guoying Wang1, Wei Luo2,13, Rajesh Kumar14, Ramsay Fuleihan14, Anne Marie Singh15, Jennifer S. Kim14,16, Rachel E. Story14,17, Ruchi S. Gupta6, Peisong Gao18, Zhu Chen1, Sheila O. Walker1, Tami R. Bartell6, Terri H. Beaty3, M. Daniele Fallin19, Robert Schleimer20, Patrick G. Holt21, Kari Christine Nadeau22, Robert A. Wood12, Jacqueline A. Pongracic14, Daniel E. Weeks23 & Xiaobin Wang1,24
Revisiting issues, drawbacks and opportunities with observational studies in comparative effectiveness research.

RATIONALE Despite their inherently pervasive limitations, data from observational studies are increasingly relied upon by health care decision makers to fill critical information gaps created by lack of evidence from randomized controlled trials. AIM AND OBJECTIVE The aim and objective of this article was to revisit the major issues associated with observational studies from secondary data sources. METHOD The method of this article was canvass of the literature. RESULTS Sources of bias are highlighted and steps intended to minimize bias are summarized. CONCLUSION Efforts should be made to improve causal inference of treatment effects from observational studies found in secondary data sources. Extra care and caution should be exercised in the interpretation and reporting of results from these studies.
Assessing digestibility of Hadza tubers using a dynamic in-vitro model.

OBJECTIVES Bioaccessibility is a useful measure for assessing the biological value of a particular nutrient from food, especially foods such as tubers. The wild tubers exploited by Hadza foragers in Tanzania are of interest because they are nontoxic, consumed raw or briefly roasted, and entail substantial physical barriers to consumers. In this study, we attempted to elucidate the biological value of Hadza tubers by measuring the absorption of glucose through in-vitro digestion. METHODS We quantified digestibility using data from 24 experimental trials on four species of Hadza tuber using a dynamic in-vitro model that replicates digestion in the stomach and small intestine. Analysis of glucose in the input meal and output dialysate revealed the accessible glucose fraction. We also conducted assays for protein, vitamin, and mineral content on whole tubers and meal fractions. RESULTS Bioaccessibility of glucose varies depending on tuber species. Holding effects of chewing constant, brief roasting had negligible effects, but high intraspecific variation precludes interpretive power. Overall, Hadza tubers are very resistant to digestion, with between one- and two-thirds of glucose absorbed on average. Glucose absorption negatively correlated with glucose concentration of the tubers. CONCLUSIONS Roasting may provide other benefits such as ease of peeling and chewing to extract edible parenchymatous tissue. A powerful factor in glucose acquisition is tuber quality, placing emphasis on the skill of the forager. Other nutrient assays yielded unexpectedly high values for protein, iron, and iodine, making tubers potentially valuable resources beyond caloric content.
Clustering reveals cavitation-related acoustic emission signals from dehydrating branches.

The formation of air emboli in the xylem during drought is one of the key processes leading to plant mortality due to loss in hydraulic conductivity, and strongly fuels the interest in quantifying vulnerability to cavitation. The acoustic emission (AE) technique can be used to measure hydraulic conductivity losses and construct vulnerability curves. For years, it has been believed that all the AE signals are produced by the formation of gas emboli in the xylem sap under tension. More recent experiments, however, demonstrate that gas emboli formation cannot explain all the signals detected during drought, suggesting that different sources of AE exist. This complicates the use of the AE technique to measure emboli formation in plants. We therefore analysed AE waveforms measured on branches of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. 'Chardonnay') during bench dehydration with broadband sensors, and applied an automated clustering algorithm in order to find natural clusters of AE signals. We used AE features and AE activity patterns during consecutive dehydration phases to identify the different AE sources. Based on the frequency spectrum of the signals, we distinguished three different types of AE signals, of which the frequency cluster with high 100-200 kHz frequency content was strongly correlated with cavitation. Our results indicate that cavitation-related AE signals can be filtered from other AE sources, which presents a promising avenue into quantifying xylem embolism in plants in laboratory and field conditions.
Isotopic and genetic analyses of a mass grave in central California: Implications for precontact hunter-gatherer warfare.

OBJECTIVES Analysis of a mass burial of seven males at CA-ALA-554, a prehistoric site in the Amador Valley, CA, was undertaken to determine if the individuals were "locals" or "non-locals," and how they were genetically related to one another. METHODS The study includes osteological, genetic (mtDNA), and stable (C, N, O, S) and radiogenic (Sr) isotope analyses of bone and tooth (first and third molars) samples. RESULTS Isotopes in first molars, third molars, and bone show they spent the majority of their lives living together. They are not locals to the Amador Valley, but were recently living to the east in the San Joaquin Valley, suggesting intergroup warfare as the cause of death. The men were not maternally related, but represent at least four different matrilines. The men also changed residence as a group between age 16 and adult years. CONCLUSIONS Isotope data suggest intergroup warfare accounts for the mass burial. Genetic data suggest the raiding party included sets of unrelated men, perhaps from different households. Generalizing from this case and others like it, we hypothesize that competition over territory was a major factor behind ancient warfare in Central California. We present a testable model of demographic expansion, wherein villages in high-population-density areas frequently fissioned, with groups of individuals moving to lower-population-density areas to establish new villages. This model is consistent with previous models of linguistic expansion.
Trade-offs between water transport capacity and drought resistance in neotropical canopy liana and tree species

In tropical forest canopies, it is critical for upper shoots to efficiently provide water to leaves for physiological function while safely preventing loss of hydraulic conductivity due to cavitation during periods of soil water deficit or high evaporative demand. We compared hydraulic physiology of upper canopy trees and lianas in a seasonally dry tropical forest to test whether trade-offs between safety and efficiency of water transport shape differences in hydraulic function between these two major tropical woody growth forms. We found that lianas showed greater maximum stem-specific hydraulic conductivity than trees, but lost hydraulic conductivity at less negative water potentials than trees, resulting in a negative correlation and trade-off between safety and efficiency of water transport. Lianas also exhibited greater diurnal changes in leaf water potential than trees. The magnitude of diurnal water potential change was negatively correlated with sapwood capacitance, indicating that lianas are highly reliant on conducting capability to maintain leaf water status, whereas trees relied more on stored water in stems to maintain leaf water status. Leaf nitrogen concentration was related to maximum leaf-specific hydraulic conductivity only for lianas suggesting that greater water transport capacity is more tied to leaf processes in lianas compared to trees. Our results are consistent with a trade-off between safety and efficiency of water transport and may have implications for increasing liana abundance in neotropical forests.