Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predicting Postnatal Psychological Distress in a Zambian Cohort: Relationship between the EPDS and the GHQ-12

Postnatal mental distress is a public health problem and women screening positive of psychological distress who do not meet the diagnostic criteria for psychiatric disorder may be experiencing significant distress for which they might require assistance from mental health personnel. The risk of a woman experiencing psychological distress during the postnatal period can be predicted before it occurs. The study included 300 pregnant women who were selected systematically and on whom two assessments were conducted at two different points. The first assessment was conducted at 32-week gestation while the second one at six weeks following childbirth. The participants were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test the association between the EPDS and the GHQ-12 while logistic regression analysis was carried out in order to predict postnatal psychological distress. The results showed no significant difference between the socio-demographic characteristics and the EPDS score. A significant association was found between the GHQ-12 and EPDS scores (r = 0.545; p = 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that a single predictor, antenatal EPDS individual score, alone provided a highly adequate model and was statistically reliable in distinguishing between presence and absence of psychological distress in the postnatal period (−2 log likelihood = 225.634; CI (1.035 - 1.173); X2 (1) 9.633, p = 0.002). The study revealed a correlation between EPDS score and GHQ-12 and that the EPDS can predict postnatal psychological distress using the data from the antenatal period. Therefore, patients who are found with antenatal psychological distress should be consistently evaluated throughout pregnancy and during the postnatal period to allow for early detection and intervention of postnatal psychological distress.
Measured and Predicted Resting Energy Expenditure in Malnourished Older Hospitalized Patients: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Comparison

A number of equations have been proposed to predict resting energy expenditure (REE). The role of nutritional status in the accuracy and validity of the REE predicted in older patients has been paid less attention. We aimed to compare REE measured by indirect calorimetry (IC) and REE predicted by the Harris–Benedict formula in malnourished older hospitalized patients. Twenty-three malnourished older patients (age range 67–93 years, 65% women) participated in this prospective longitudinal observational study. Malnutrition was defined as Mini Nutritional Assessment Long Form (MNA-SF) score of less than 17. REE was measured (REEmeasured) and predicted (REEpredicted) on admission and at discharge. REEpredicted within ±10% of the REEmeasured was considered as accuracy. Nutritional support was provided to all malnourished patients during hospitalization. All patients were malnourished with a median MNA-LF score of 14. REEmeasured and REEpredicted increased significantly during 2-week nutritional therapy (+212.6 kcal and +19.5 kcal, respectively). Mean REEpredicted (1190.4 kcal) was significantly higher than REEmeasured (967.5 kcal) on admission (p < 0.001). This difference disappeared at discharge (p = 0.713). The average REEpredicted exceeded the REEmeasured on admission and at discharge by 29% and 11%, respectively. The magnitude of difference between REEmeasured and REEpredicted increased along with the degree of malnutrition (r = 0.42, p = 0.042) as deviations ranged from −582 to +310 kcal/day in severe to mildly malnourished patients, respectively. REEpredicted by the Harris–Benedict formula is not accurate in malnourished older hospitalized patients. REE measured by IC is considered precise, but it may not represent the true energy requirements to recover from malnutrition. Therefore, the effect of malnutrition on measured REE must be taken into account when estimating energy needs in these patients.
The serological, chemical and physicochemical analyses of cryptococcal capsular polysaccharides.

The taxonomic value of cryptococcal capsular polysaccharides was studied by comparing those of Cryptococcus neoformans and of nine related species. The characterization of the soluble capsular polysaccharides of these 10 species by their serological specificity, chemical constituents and structures represented by the proton magnetic resonance (PMR) spectra demonstrated a division into 2 groups. Species belonging to one group were closely related to C. neoformans and the members of the other group were markedly different from those of the former. It is suggested that the serological, chemical and physicochemical properties of capsular polysaccharides would be useful criteria for the classification of the Cryptococcus species.
The life-course association of birth-weight genes with self-rated health

ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of genes associated with normal-range birth weight (2500–4500 grams) on self-rated health in mid-to-late life course. Fifty-eight previously identified genetic variants that explain the variation in the normal-range birth weight were used to construct a genetic measure of birth weight for the non-Hispanic white sample from the Health and Retirement Study. Our results show that the genetic tendency toward higher birth weight predicts better self-rated health in mid-to-late life course net of various demographic, socioeconomic, and health behavioral factors. We also examine the heterogeneous effects of birth-weight genes across birth cohorts and age groups. Moreover, to clarify the paradox that higher birth weight can predict both better self-rated health and higher BMI, we show the positive association between birth weight genes and BMI can only hold within the normal-range BMI (18 ≤ BMI < 30). Overall, these findings suggest the genetic factors underlying the normal-range birth weight can have life-courseimpacts on health.
Meaningful Data Treatment from Multiple Physiological Sensors in a Cyber-Physical System

Once specific Smart Sensors are designed and manufactured in the newest nanoelectronics technology, and a Wireless Sensor Network is designed for being used on wearable applications (Cyber-Physical System) with optimum performance (data rate, power consumption, comfortability, etc.) the next step is the treatment applicable to the large amount of data collected. This can be a very general, and sometimes an unaffordable problem, but considering a system collecting physiological data from smart sensors on a human body, the range of possibilities is restricted to health or leisure but also to safety. In this case, a finite, and well-located, number of physiological sensors are producing few data per unit of time, which are locally processed for obtaining a reduced set of characteristics that are globally analyzed. In this paper, an analysis on different approaches for combining data from smart sensors attached to human body, with the purpose of determining the main emotion present in the person, is presented. Machine learning, selection of the best characteristics from raw sensor data, databases for system training, etc. are the key aspects in this problem. The conclusions of the analysis will help in the design of a new application, where emotion detection can be used for personal safety (domestic violence, sexual violence, bullying, etc.). Attention is paid on the locally and globally data processing in terms of hardware and software, together with low-power behavior.
NKNK: a New Essential Motif in the C-Terminal Domain of HIV-1 Group M Integrases

Intensive studies of HIV-1 have revealed its extraordinary ability to adapt to environmental and immunological challenges, an ability that is also at the basis of antiviral treatment escape. Here, by deconvoluting the different roles of the viral integrase in the various steps of the infectious cycle, we report how the existence of alternative equally efficient structural arrangements for carrying out one function opens up the possibility of adapting to the optimization of further functionalities exerted by the same protein. Such a property provides an asset to increase the efficiency of the infectious process. On the other hand, though, the identification of this new motif provides a potential target for interfering simultaneously with multiple functions of the protein. ABSTRACT Using coevolution network interference based on comparison of two phylogenetically distantly related isolates, one from the main group M and the other from the minor group O of HIV-1, we identify, in the C-terminal domain (CTD) of integrase, a new functional motif constituted by four noncontiguous amino acids (N222K240N254K273). Mutating the lysines abolishes integration through decreased 3′ processing and inefficient nuclear import of reverse-transcribed genomes. Solution of the crystal structures of wild-type (wt) and mutated CTDs shows that the motif generates a positive surface potential that is important for integration. The number of charges in the motif appears more crucial than their position within the motif. Indeed, the positions of the K’s could be permutated or additional K’s could be inserted in the motif, generally without affecting integration per se. Despite this potential genetic flexibility, the NKNK arrangement is strictly conserved in natural sequences, indicative of an effective purifying selection exerted at steps other than integration. Accordingly, reverse transcription was reduced even in the mutants that retained wt integration levels, indicating that specifically the wt sequence is optimal for carrying out the multiple functions that integrase exerts. We propose that the existence of several amino acid arrangements within the motif, with comparable efficiencies of integration per se, might have constituted an asset for the acquisition of additional functions during viral evolution. IMPORTANCE Intensive studies of HIV-1 have revealed its extraordinary ability to adapt to environmental and immunological challenges, an ability that is also at the basis of antiviral treatment escape. Here, by deconvoluting the different roles of the viral integrase in the various steps of the infectious cycle, we report how the existence of alternative equally efficient structural arrangements for carrying out one function opens up the possibility of adapting to the optimization of further functionalities exerted by the same protein. Such a property provides an asset to increase the efficiency of the infectious process. On the other hand, though, the identification of this new motif provides a potential target for interfering simultaneously with multiple functions of the protein.
Phosphatome RNAi Screen Identifies Eya1 as a Positive Regulator of Hedgehog Signal Transduction

The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is vital for vertebrate embryogenesis and aberrant activation of the pathway can cause tumorigenesis in humans. In this study, we used a phosphatome RNAi screen for regulators of Hh signaling to identify a member of the Eyes Absent protein family, Eya1, as a positive regulator of Hh signal transduction. Eya1 is both a phosphatase and transcriptional regulator. Eya family members have been implicated in tumor biology, and Eya1 is highly expressed in a particular subtype of medulloblastoma (MB). Here we show that RNAi-mediated knock-down of Eya1, as well as knock-down of its co-factor, Six1, blocks Hh signaling as assessed by induction of Hh response genes. Utilizing small molecule agonists, RNAi, and protein overexpression methods, we place the influence of Eya1 and Six1 within the Hh signaling pathway downstream of Smoothened (Smo) and at or above the level of Suppressor of Fused (Sufu). Interestingly, Eya1 appears to be specifically required for Hh-responsive gene activation mediated by Gli transcriptional activators but not for Hh-mediated transcriptional de-repression mediated by the inhibition of Gli transcriptional repressors. Furthermore, we find that Eya1 and Six1 regulate the expression of Neuropilin1 (Nrp1)
Effects of the e-Motivate4Change Program on Metabolic Syndrome in Young Adults Using Health Apps and Wearable Devices: Quasi-Experimental Study

Background The health behaviors of young adults lag behind those of other age groups, and active health management is needed to improve health behaviors and prevent chronic diseases. In addition, developing good lifestyle habits earlier in life could reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) later on. Objective The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the e-Motivate4Change program, for which health apps and wearable devices were selected based on user needs. The program was developed for the prevention and management of MetS in young adults. Methods This experimental study used a nonequivalent control group. In total, 59 students from 2 universities in Daegu, Korea participated in the study (experimental group n=30; control group n=29). Data were collected over 4 months, from June 1 to September 30, 2018. The experimental group received a 12-week e-Motivate4Change program intervention, and the control group received MetS education and booklets without the e-Motivate4Change program intervention. Results After the program, the experimental group had significantly higher scores for health-related lifestyle (t=3.86; P<.001) and self-efficacy (t=6.00; P<.001) than did the control group. Concerning BMI, there were significant effects by group (F=1.01; P<.001) and for the group × time interaction (F=4.71; P=.034). Concerning cholesterol, there were significant main effects for group (F=4.32; P=.042) and time (F=9.73; P<.001). Conclusions The e-Motivate4Change program effectively improved participants’ health-related lifestyle scores and self-efficacy, and significantly reduced their BMI and cholesterol levels. The program can be used to identify and prevent MetS among young adults.
The morphology and reproduction of Derbesia clavaeformis (J. Agardh) De Toni (Chlorophyta)

Abstract Derbesia clavaeformis grows in heavily-shaded pools on rough-water coasts, from Kangaroo Island in South Australia to Cape Patterson in Victoria. Field and culture studies show that it reproduces by multiflagellate zoospores which produce a prostrate pad, developing into a disc-like attachment stage characterized by an internal skeletal structure of calcium carbonate, deposited as aragonite. From this attachment stage, or directly from floating zoospores, fine, much-branched, non-septate filaments develop and later produce the adult, clavate, branches which bear sporangia. The life-history is thus direct and sporophytic, and has been followed in culture through successive generations. In the field, the adult thalli with clavate branches occur in summer, and the discoid attachment stage in winter. D. clavaeformis is retained within the Derbesiales, but recognized as a distinct genus, Pedobesia gen. nov., characterized by its direct life history and distinctive, calcified, attachment stage.
Orthodontic force prediction model of T-loop closing spring based on dynamic resistance model

Malocclusion has been seriously endangering human oral function. The most effective and mature therapy is orthodontic treatment. But the relationship between the shape of the T-loop and the orthodontic force is unclear, and the precise mathematical model has not been established. In this article, the dynamic orthodontic force prediction model of the T-loop was established by analyzing the treatment process of the T-loop. The model was based on the dynamic resistance model of waxy dental jaw, the theory of beam deformation, and the deformation characteristics of the T-loop. In the experimental process, 11 kinds of orthodontic archwires were used as experimental samples, including 2 kinds of common archwire materials, 7 kinds of cross-sectional sizes, and 10 kinds of clearance distances. The T-loop was put into the extraction space and immersed in 75°C constant temperature water for 2 min. And the experimental data were measured and collected by the dynamic force measuring device. The experimental results show that the cross-sectional size and the clearance distance are positively correlated with the orthodontic force. The influence of the clearance distance on the orthodontic force is greater than that of the cross-section size. The deviation rates between the experimental values of orthodontic force and the theoretical values are between 1.10% and 9.09%, which verifies the accuracy of the dynamic orthodontic force prediction model. The model can predict the orthodontic force, improve the treatment effect, shorten the treatment cycle, and provide reference and guidance for orthodontists to carry out orthodontic treatment safely and effectively.
Ontogenetic variations of thermal optimum for growth, and its implication on thermolabile sex determination in blue tilapia

Knowledge of how the optimum temperature for growth (T° opt ) varies during ontogeny, and how close it is to the temperatures that induce phenotypic masculinization is fundamental to the understanding of the evolution of thermolabile sex determinism (TSD) in fishes. In blue tilapia Oreochromis aureus, T° opt is 32.6° C at the start of exogenous feeding (10 mg fish) and it decreases by c. 1° C each time that the fish body mass increases by an order of magnitude. Temperatures <35° C are not sufficient to induce complete phenotypic masculinization. Based on a multiple-regression model (r 2 =0.938) plotting growth against body mass and water temperature, genotypically female tilapia living at high temperatures during the thermosensitive period (21-28 days) and being reversed into phenotypic males would incur an initial growth disadvantage over fish living at T° opt , but not over those living at slightly colder temperatures (27-29° C). This initial disadvantage would be later compensated for by faster growth because of between-sex growth dimorphism to the detriment of phenotypic females. These arguments suggest that there is no definite pressure against the selection of TSD in blue tilapia and probably other Oreochromis spp.
Sampling selectivity in acoustic-trawl surveys of Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax) biomass and length distribution

David A. Demer1*, Juan P. Zwolinski2, George R. Cutter, Jr1, Kyle A. Byers1, Beverly J. Macewicz1, and Kevin T. Hill1 Fisheries Resources Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC), National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA Ocean Associates Inc. (contracted to SWFSC), 4007 N Abingdon Street, Arlington, VA 22207, USA
Rearrangement of the Cellulose-Enriched Cell Wall in Flax Phloem Fibers over the Course of the Gravitropic Reaction

The plant cell wall is a complex structure consisting of a polysaccharide network. The rearrangements of the cell wall during the various physiological reactions of plants, however, are still not fully characterized. Profound changes in cell wall organization are detected by microscopy in the phloem fibers of flax (Linum usitatissimum) during the restoration of the vertical position of the inclined stems. To characterize the underlying biochemical and structural changes in the major cell wall polysaccharides, we compared the fiber cell walls of non-inclined and gravistimulated plants by focusing mainly on differences in non-cellulosic polysaccharides and the fine cellulose structure. Biochemical analysis revealed a slight increase in the content of pectins in the fiber cell walls of gravistimulated plants as well as an increase in accessibility for labeling non-cellulosic polysaccharides. The presence of galactosylated xyloglucan in the gelatinous cell wall layer of flax fibers was demonstrated, and its labeling was more pronounced in the gravistimulated plants. Using solid state NMR, an increase in the crystallinity of the cellulose in gravistimulated plants, along with a decrease in cellulose mobility, was demonstrated. Thus, gravistimulation may affect the rearrangement of the cell wall, which can enable restoration in a vertical position of the plant stem.
Validity assessment of self-reported weight and its correction process among Mexican adult women of reproductive age

Objective We aimed to evaluate the agreement between self-reported weight (SRW) and measured weight (MW) in adult women of reproductive age, identify characteristics associated with the difference between SRW and MW (DW), and develop a correction procedure for SRW. Methods We used data from 3,452 non-pregnant or non-lactating adult women who participated in the Mexican Family Life Survey. Standardized personnel asked women about their weight before measuring weight and height. We conducted a Bland-Altman analysis for agreement and adjusted linear regression models for sociodemographic characteristics. Results Mean DW was -0.59±3.21 kg. Difference varied according to Body Mass Index (BMI) and region of residence (p< 0.05). Correction model for log-MW, included the log-SRW, age group (18–34 and 35–49 years), interaction term (age × SRW), log-height, Southern region, and living with a partner. Based on self-reported weight, we observed an overestimation of underweight/normal weight prevalence and an underestimation of overweight or obesity prevalence. Conclusion SRW has limitations to be considered as an alternative to MW among women of reproductive age with specific characteristics. Our proposed correction equation may decrease SRW imprecision improving the estimation of overweight and obesity. We suggest that studies consider and adjust the possible bias associated with weight misreporting on health outcomes.