Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of alcohol dose on the development of hypertension in Asian and Western men: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background/Aims There are inconsistencies in the effects of low to moderate dose alcohol consumption on the development of hypertension in adult men. We hypothesized that a region-specific effect might participate in this heterogeneity. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of alcohol dose on hypertension incidence using contemporary data through December 2017. Subjects were categorized according to their level of alcohol consumption as non-drinkers (reference) and low- (0.01 to 20.0 g/day), moderate- (20.1 to 40.0 g/day), moderate- to high- (40.1 to 60.0 g/day), and high-dose (> 60.0 g/day) drinkers. We defined hypertension as a blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg and/or the use of anti- hypertensive drugs. Results In total, 11 articles (seven Asian and four Western) were selected for our analysis. Among Asian men, a significantly elevated risk was observed even in the low alcohol dose group in comparison with the group with no alcohol consumption, and the risk increased in a dose-dependent manner (pooled relative risks [95% confidence intervals (CI)]: 1.25 [1.13 to 1.38], 1.48 [1.27 to 1.72], 1.75 [1.43 to 2.15], and 1.78 [1.51 to 2.09]). Among Western men, a similar dose-response relationship was noted in general (p for subgroup difference > 0.1), but a significantly elevated risk was evident only in the high-dose group (pooled relative risks [95% CI]: 1.22 [0.85 to 1.74], 1.57 [0.90 to 2.75], 1.47 [0.44 to 4.91], and 1.49 [1.02 to 2.18]). Conclusions Even low doses of alcohol can lead to the development of hypertension, particularly in Asian men. Our findings could serve as additional evidence for developing an appropriate preventive strategy in each region.
Synthesis and evaluation of polymeric micelle containing piperacillin/tazobactam for enhanced antibacterial activity

Abstract Infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria such as P. aeruginosa are important therapeutic complications. Piperacillin/Tazobactam is considered a safe antimicrobial agent. But we should not ignore the prevalence of resistant strains to this drug. In this work, a new polymeric micelle composed of Piperacillin/Tazobactam-loaded Poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether-block-poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA-PEG) was developed to improve the antimicrobial performance of P/T. The SEM and TEM studies of PLGA-PEG micelle showed, semi-spherical morphology with a mean diameter of below 30 nm. Zeta potential results indicated that the surface charge of PLGA-PEG micelle was −2.98 mV, while after encapsulation of P/T, the surface charge decreases to −4.13 mV. Clinical strains of P. aeruginosa were isolated and their resistance pattern against different antibiotics was evaluated. The MIC of free and P/T -Loaded PLGA-PEG micelles was determined. Also, the effect of free or P/T micelle against minimal biofilm eradication concentration and motility inhibition was evaluated. The bacterial isolates were resistant to most common antibiotics. The MIC of the free drug form and micelle form ranged from 4 to 512 µg/ml and 2 to 256 µg/ml, respectively. Generally, micelle showed more effective antibiofilm activities, inhibition of bacterial motility and reducing the MIC than that free drug form.
The coevolution of contagion and behavior with increasing and decreasing awareness

Understanding the effects of individual awareness on epidemic phenomena is important to comprehend the coevolving system dynamic, to improve forecasting, and to better evaluate the outcome of possible interventions. In previous models of epidemics on social networks, individual awareness has often been approximated as a generic personal trait that depends on social reinforcement, and used to introduce variability in state transition probabilities. A novelty of this work is to assume that individual awareness is a function of several contributing factors pooled together, different by nature and dynamics, and to study it for different epidemic categories. This way, our model still has awareness as the core attribute that may change state transition probabilities. Another contribution is to study positive and negative variations of awareness, in a contagion-behavior model. Imitation is the key mechanism that we model for manipulating awareness, under different network settings and assumptions, in particular regarding the degree of intentionality that individuals may exhibit in spreading an epidemic. Three epidemic categories are considered—disease, addiction, and rumor—to discuss different imitation mechanisms and degree of intentionality. We assume a population with a heterogeneous distribution of awareness and different response mechanisms to information gathered from the network. With simulations, we show the interplay between population and awareness factors producing a distribution of state transition probabilities and analyze how different network and epidemic configurations modify transmission patterns.
Ribosomal protein gene RPL9 variants can differentially impair ribosome function and cellular metabolism

Abstract Variants in ribosomal protein (RP) genes drive Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA), a bone marrow failure syndrome that can also predispose individuals to cancer. Inherited and sporadic RP gene variants are also linked to a variety of phenotypes, including malignancy, in individuals with no anemia. Here we report an individual diagnosed with DBA carrying a variant in the 5′UTR of RPL9 (uL6). Additionally, we report two individuals from a family with multiple cancer incidences carrying a RPL9 missense variant. Analysis of cells from these individuals reveals that despite the variants both driving pre-rRNA processing defects and 80S monosome reduction, the downstream effects are remarkably different. Cells carrying the 5′UTR variant stabilize TP53 and impair the growth and differentiation of erythroid cells. In contrast, ribosomes incorporating the missense variant erroneously read through UAG and UGA stop codons of mRNAs. Metabolic profiles of cells carrying the 5′UTR variant reveal an increased metabolism of amino acids and a switch from glycolysis to gluconeogenesis while those of cells carrying the missense variant reveal a depletion of nucleotide pools. These findings indicate that variants in the same RP gene can drive similar ribosome biogenesis defects yet still have markedly different downstream consequences and clinical impacts.
An Improved Conjugated Beam Method for Deformation Monitoring with a Distributed Sensitive Fiber Optic Sensor

Based on the distributed fiber optic sensing technique of pulse-prepump Brillouin Optical Time Domain Analysis, this paper proposes an improved conjugated beam method (ICBM) for distributed structural deformation monitoring. Because ICBM is suitable for the combined actions of loads, support settlements and temperature variations, it extends the application of the classical conjugated beam method. Other advantages include the linear and explicit relationship between structural deformation and strain and the fact that all calculation parameters can be easily determined free from random load or section stiffness distribution. Theoretical and experimental investigations are carried out to confirm that the accuracy of deformation monitoring with ICBM in one span of a continuous structure is related only to the accuracy of strain measurements for the same span. This characteristic is used to avoid the influence of strain measurement error accumulation from a series of strain measurement data on other spans. Such accumulation can result in uncontrolled deviation of monitoring deformation with the classical double integration method. In order to further increase the accuracy of deformation monitoring, a new distributed sensitive fiber optic sensor (DSFOS) is proposed to improve the accuracy of strain measurement with good designability according to detailed sensing requirements. The results of a uniaxial tensile experiment show that the strain measurements from DSFOSs agree well with the true values, and the measuring standard deviations appear to be lower than those obtained from UV coating fiber optic sensor. The flexural experimental results from reinforced concrete beams show that the obtained structural deflection data agree with the values observed from digital indicators. Relative to common fiber optic sensors, DSFOSs can obtain deformation and strain with higher accuracy to show applicability for daily monitoring.
ELECTROSTATICS AS A FACTOR OF BIOMOLECULAR RECOGNITION IN PROCESSES OF TRANSCRIPTION AND TRANSLATION

General. Major cellular processes such as gene transcription and translation, signal transduction, electron and ion transport, cell motion, a plethora of regulatory mechanisms and much more, are driven by evolutionarily selected processes of biomolecular recognition. Protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid recognition are the most complex and diverse of all recognition processes inherent in living cells. Properties of molecular complexes such as non-linearity, large dimensions (tens and hundreds of thousands of atoms are involved), enormous numbers of degrees of freedom, presence of characteristic collective motions, a wide range of spatial and temporal scales resulting in hierarchical nature of recognition, ensure their high biological specificity. The same properties make the physics of biomolecular recognition very difficult both in terms of problem setup and problem solution. The very dimensions of biomolecular systems are a part of the difficulty, since they are large in terms of atomic scale but their specificity prevents the use of macroscopic, solid-state approaches. State of the art. A large body of experimental data available of protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions with well-defined conditions and parameter values provide a sufficient reference frame for computer modeling, within the entire temporal range important for biomolecular recognition. The arsenal of methods used in computer modeling, in principle, can also cover this entire range to provide exhaustive description and predictive power with respect to the experimental data. However, those methods very often fail to guarantee either accuracy or reliability. Thus it is crucial to learn to model or simulate such systems with sufficient accuracy, and study their behavior under wide ranges of conditions, thus studying the system “as a whole”. These continuously increasing requirements for accuracy, both in terms of parameter sets for molecular modeling (force fields) and of methods and algorithms for calculating molecular structure and dynamics, urge for reformulation in both problem setups and computational implementations of solutions. It must be noted that the existing methods and algorithms, particularly those for modeling biomolecular recognition (“docking” methods) ignore the hierarchical nature of recognition process and can therefore be misleading. This background has urged us to formulate the below-described strategy for biomolecular recognition research:
A species-level taxonomic review and host associations of Glyptapanteles (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae) with an emphasis on 136 new reared species from Costa Rica and Ecuador

Abstract The descriptive taxonomic study reported here is focused on Glyptapanteles, a species-rich genus of hymenopteran parasitoid wasps. The species were found within the framework of two independent long-term Neotropical caterpillar rearing projects: northwestern Costa Rica (Área de Conservación Guanacaste, ACG) and eastern Andes, Ecuador (centered on Yanayacu Biological Station, YBS). One hundred thirty-six new species of Glyptapanteles Ashmead are described and all of them are authored by Arias-Penna. None of them was recorded in both countries; thus, 78 are from Costa Rica and the remaining 58 from Ecuador. Before this revision, the number of Neotropical described Glyptapanteles did not reach double digits. Reasonable boundaries among species were generated by integrating three datasets: Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene sequencing data, natural history (host records), and external morphological characters. Each species description is accompanied by images and known geographical distribution. Characteristics such as shape, ornamentation, and location of spun Glyptapanteles cocoons were imaged as well. Host-parasitoid associations and food plants are also here published for the first time. A total of 88 species within 84 genera in 15 Lepidoptera families was encountered as hosts in the field. With respect to food plants, these wild-caught parasitized caterpillars were reared on leaves of 147 species within 118 genera in 60 families. The majority of Glyptapanteles species appeared to be relatively specialized on one family of Lepidoptera or even on some much lower level of taxonomic refinement. Those herbivores in turn are highly food-plant specialized, and once caterpillars were collected, early instars (1–3) yielded more parasitoids than later instars. Glyptapantelesjimmilleri Arias-Penna, sp. nov. is the first egg-larval parasitoid recorded within the genus, though there may be many more since such natural history requires a more focused collection of eggs. The rate of hyperparasitoidism within the genus was approximately 4% and was represented by Mesochorus spp. (Ichneumonidae). A single case of multiparasitoidism was reported, Copidosomafloridanum Ashmead (Encyrtidae) and Glyptapantelesilarisaaksjarvi Arias-Penna, sp. nov. both parasitoid species emerged from the caterpillar of Noctuidae: Condicacupienta (Cramer). Bodyguard behavior was observed in two Glyptapanteles species: G.howelldalyi Arias-Penna, sp. nov. and G.paulhansoni Arias-Penna, sp. nov. A dichotomous key for all the new species is provided. The numerous species described here, and an equal number already reared but not formally described, signal a far greater Glyptapanteles species richness in the Neotropics than suggested by the few described previously.
Associations of Ambient Air Pollutant Concentrations With Respiratory Symptoms and Perceived Health Status in Japanese Adults With and Without Chronic Respiratory Diseases: A Panel Study

Objectives In recent years, transboundary air pollution from mainland East Asia has led to growing concerns about air pollution in Japan. Air pollution is reportedly associated with the exacerbation of respiratory diseases. In this study, we assessed the effects of air pollution on respiratory symptoms and the health status of participants with and without chronic respiratory diseases. Methods Participants (n=2753) with and without chronic respiratory diseases who visited healthcare facilities in Japan during February from 2010 to 2015 filled out a self-report questionnaire regarding their symptoms and perceived health status. Participants were followed up during April-May and June-July. Results Oxidant concentrations were associated with respiratory symptoms, overall health, and quality of life (QoL). Suspended particulate matter (SPM) and particulate matter <2.5 μm levels were associated with physical fitness; SPM was also associated with QoL. Recent experience of an Asian sand dust event had a significant effect on allergic symptoms, change in health, and QoL. Conclusions Respiratory symptoms were more strongly affected by oxidants than by other pollutants. Significant associations of air pollutants were found with a comprehensive range of items related to perceived health status, including overall health and QoL. Although the effects of air pollutants on respiratory symptoms and health status were more apparent among patients with respiratory diseases, the adverse effects of air pollutants were significant even among participants without such conditions.
Laboratory Calibration and Field Validation of Soil Water Content and Salinity Measurements Using the 5TE Sensor

Capacitance sensors are widely used in agriculture for irrigation and soil management purposes. However, their use under saline conditions is a major challenge, especially for sensors operating with low frequency. Their dielectric readings are often biased by high soil electrical conductivity. New calculation approaches for soil water content (θ) and pore water electrical conductivity (ECp), in which apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa) is included, have been suggested in recent research. However, these methods have neither been tested with low-cost capacitance probes such as the 5TE (70 MHz, Decagon Devices, Pullman, WA, USA) nor for field conditions. Thus, it is important to determine the performance of these approaches and to test the application range using the 5TE sensor for irrigated soils. For this purpose, sandy soil was collected from the Jemna oasis in southern Tunisia and four 5TE sensors were installed in the field at four soil depths. Measurements of apparent dielectric permittivity (Ka), ECa, and soil temperature were taken under different electrical conductivity of soil moisture solutions. Results show that, under field conditions, 5TE accuracy for θ estimation increased when considering the ECa effect. Field calibrated models gave better θ estimation (root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.03 m3 m−3) as compared to laboratory experiments (RMSE = 0.06 m3 m−3). For ECp prediction, two corrections of the Hilhorst model were investigated. The first approach, which considers the ECa effect on K’ reading, failed to improve the Hilhorst model for ECp > 3 dS m−1 for both laboratory and field conditions. However, the second approach, which considers the effect of ECa on the soil parameter K0, increased the performance of the Hilhorst model and gave accurate measurements of ECp using the 5TE sensor for irrigated soil.
Tissue-specific expression of 11β-HSD and its effects on plasma corticosterone during the stress response

ABSTRACT The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis is under complex regulatory control at multiple levels. Enzymatic regulation plays an important role in both circulating levels of glucocorticoids and target tissue exposure. Three key enzyme pathways are responsible for the immediate control of glucocorticoids. De novo synthesis of glucocorticoid from cholesterol involves a multistep enzymatic cascade. This cascade terminates with 11β-hydroxylase, responsible for the final conversion of 11-deoxy precursors into active glucocorticoids. Additionally, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) controls regeneration of glucocorticoids from inactive metabolites, providing a secondary source of active glucocorticoids. Localized inactivation of glucocorticoids is under the control of Type 2 11β-HSD (11β-HSD2). The function of these enzymes is largely unexplored in wild species, particularly songbirds. Here, we investigated the contribution of both clearance and generation of glucocorticoids to regulation of the hormonal stress response via the use of pharmacological antagonists. Additionally, we mapped 11β-HSD gene expression. We found 11β-HSD1 primarily in liver, kidney and adrenal glands, although it was detectable across all tissue types. 11β-HSD2 was predominately expressed in the adrenal glands and kidney with moderate gonadal and liver expression. Inhibition of glucocorticoid generation by metyrapone was found to decrease levels peripherally, while both peripheral and central administration of the 11β-HSD2 inhibitor DETC resulted in elevated concentrations of corticosterone. These data suggest that during the stress response, peripheral antagonism of the 11β-HSD system has a greater impact on circulating glucocorticoid levels than central control. Further studies should aim to elucidate the respective roles of the 11β-HSD and 11β-hydroxylase enzymes. Summary: Peripheral enzymes are primarily responsible for enzymatic modulation of the glucocorticoid stress response in songbirds.
Rapid Isolation and Biophysical Characterization of Circulating Tumor Cells with Microfluidic Vortex Technology

Disseminated and circulating tumor cells are key players of metastatic cancer and have high diagnostic and prognostic value. These cells may often accumulate and persist in body fluids—such as in pleural effusions or blood—which are minimally-invasive sources for patient sampling. However, tumor cells are relatively scarce and must typically be enriched from a large background of blood cells. An inertial microfluidic device was developed to specifically trap and concentrate large tumor cells in stable microvortices which form under high flow rates. The novel label-free Vortex platform was optimized to isolate large rare cells at high efficiency (up to 80%), purity (10-80%), concentration (~200 μL volume), and viability (>80%) in a short time period (<30 min). Enriched cells from pleural effusions and blood are made freely available and compatible for a variety of downstream analysis techniques. This work highlights the purification of disseminated tumor cells from pleural effusions, yielding i) a greater than 65-fold enrichment of malignant cells for a significant reduction in cytology slide background that facilitates ease of diagnostics by pathologists, and ii) an increase in area under the receiver operating characteristic curve from 0.90 to 0.99 for the detection of point mutations which may aid in personalized medicine. Isolation of circulating tumor cells from blood was also demonstrated and applied toward i) immunofluorescent staining to achieve a 5.7x higher success rate of tumor cell detection than the existing CellSearch gold standard, and ii) mechanophenotyping of cells by deformability as a truly label-free and potentially superior approach over immunostaining (93.8% vs. 71.4% success rate) for enriching and enumerating cells to determine cancer patient prognosis. The presented platform technology is a means for rapidly providing valuable information about patient state that is useful for informed cancer treatments and monitoring of disease progression.
Is Ginger an Effective Treatment for Moderate or Severe Dysmenorrhea in Females Over The Age of 18

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not ginger is a safe and effective treatment for moderate or severe dysmenorrhea in females over the age of 18. STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized controlled studies. All three studies are published in English between 2009-2013. DATA SOURCES: Three randomized placebo controlled studies found using PubMed and Medline. OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes that were measured were severity of pain, duration of pain, change in symptoms, and change in severity. This was done by using a visual analogue scale, 5-point Likert scale, Wilcoxon’s rank-sum test, and verbal multidimensional scoring system. RESULTS: The first study, the Jenabi study showed that 29 subjects, 82.85%, reported improvement in their dysmenorrhea symptoms compared to 16 subjects, 47.05%, in the placebo group determined by the five-point Likert scale. In the second study, Ozgoli et al study showed that 62% of subject showed improvement using ginger capsules via a verbal multidimensional scoring system, as compared to 66% of patients using ibuprofen respectively. The third study, Rahnama et al study showed that the ginger group reported 11 hours less pain duration as well as 3 cm less in severity of pain than the placebo group, measured by verbal multidimensional scoring system and visual analogue scale. No serious adverse events were noted in any of the three studies. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these three trials, ginger is a safe and effective treatment for moderate or severe dysmenorrhea. Each study showed improvement of symptoms or showed it to be as effective as NSAIDs without any serious side effects when using ginger.