Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Effects of Climate on Host-Parasite Interactions: A Comparative Study of European Birds and Their Parasites

Background Climate change potentially has important effects on distribution, abundance, transmission and virulence of parasites in wild populations of animals. Methodology/Principal Finding Here we analyzed paired information on 89 parasite populations for 24 species of bird hosts some years ago and again in 2010 with an average interval of 10 years. The parasite taxa included protozoa, feather parasites, diptera, ticks, mites and fleas. We investigated whether change in abundance and prevalence of parasites was related to change in body condition, reproduction and population size of hosts. We conducted analyses based on the entire dataset, but also on a restricted dataset with intervals between study years being 5–15 years. Parasite abundance increased over time when restricting the analyses to datasets with an interval of 5–15 years, with no significant effect of changes in temperature at the time of breeding among study sites. Changes in host body condition and clutch size were related to change in temperature between first and second study year. In addition, changes in clutch size, brood size and body condition of hosts were correlated with change in abundance of parasites. Finally, changes in population size of hosts were not significantly related to changes in abundance of parasites or their prevalence. Conclusions/Significance Climate change is associated with a general increase in parasite abundance. Variation in laying date depended on locality and was associated with latitude while body condition of hosts was associated with a change in temperature. Because clutch size, brood size and body condition were associated with change in parasitism, these results suggest that parasites, perhaps mediated through the indirect effects of temperature, may affect fecundity and condition of their hosts. The conclusions were particularly in accordance with predictions when the restricted dataset with intervals of 5–15 years was used, suggesting that short intervals may bias findings.
Effects of feeding 4 levels of soy protein for 3 and 6 wk on blood lipids and apolipoproteins in moderately hypercholesterolemic men.

BACKGROUND Replacing animal protein with soy protein has been shown to reduce total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations in humans. However, the minimum amount of soy protein required for significant reduction of blood lipids is not known. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the amount of soy protein needed to reduce blood lipids in moderately hypercholesterolemic men. DESIGN Eighty-one men with moderate hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol concentration between 5.70 and 7.70 mmol/L) were studied. After a 3-wk lead-in on a Step I diet, total cholesterol was measured and subjects were randomly divided into 5 groups. For 6 wk, each group received 50 g protein/d, which included isolated soy protein (ISP) and casein, respectively, in the following amounts: 50:0, 40:10, 30:20, 20:30, and 0:50 (control group) g. Blood was collected at baseline and weeks 3 and 6 of the intervention. RESULTS At week 6, significant reductions (P < 0.05) from baseline compared with the control group were found for non-HDL and total cholesterol and apolipoprotein (apo) B for all ISP groups (except total cholesterol with 40 g ISP). At week 3, significant reductions (P < 0.05) were found in apo B for the groups that consumed >/=30 g ISP and in non-HDL cholesterol for the groups that consumed >/=40 g ISP. HDL-cholesterol, apo A-I, lipoprotein(a), and triacylglycerol concentrations were not significantly affected by dietary treatment. CONCLUSION Our findings show that consuming as little as 20 g soy protein/d instead of animal protein for 6 wk reduces concentrations of non-HDL cholesterol and apo B by approximately 2.6% and 2.2%, respectively. 2000;71:-84.
Trees Grow on Money: Urban Tree Canopy Cover and Environmental Justice

This study examines the distributional equity of urban tree canopy (UTC) cover for Baltimore, MD, Los Angeles, CA, New York, NY, Philadelphia, PA, Raleigh, NC, Sacramento, CA, and Washington, D.C. using high spatial resolution land cover data and census data. Data are analyzed at the Census Block Group levels using Spearman’s correlation, ordinary least squares regression (OLS), and a spatial autoregressive model (SAR). Across all cities there is a strong positive correlation between UTC cover and median household income. Negative correlations between race and UTC cover exist in bivariate models for some cities, but they are generally not observed using multivariate regressions that include additional variables on income, education, and housing age. SAR models result in higher r-square values compared to the OLS models across all cities, suggesting that spatial autocorrelation is an important feature of our data. Similarities among cities can be found based on shared characteristics of climate, race/ethnicity, and size. Our findings suggest that a suite of variables, including income, contribute to the distribution of UTC cover. These findings can help target simultaneous strategies for UTC goals and environmental justice concerns.
Absence of the frequently reported PIK3CA, CASP8, and NOTCH1 mutations in South Indian oral cancers.

OBJECTIVES Somatic mutations of the PIK3CA, CASP8, and NOTCH1 have been frequently detected in various human cancers. Our study aimed to analyze the mutational status of these genes in South Indian oral cancers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We performed mutational analysis of the PIK3CA (exons 9 and 20), CASP8 (exon 9), and NOTCH1 (exons 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9) genes in 96, 48, and 44 oral cancer samples, respectively. All the specified exons were PCR (polymerase chain reaction)-amplified and directly sequenced by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS PIK3CA gene mutations were not found; however, a synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) [rs17849079] was observed frequently [35/96 (36.4%)] in oral cancer samples. Further, no mutations were detected in the CASP8 gene, but observed a frequent [32/48 (66.6%)] SNP [rs1045487] in the oral cancer samples. We did not detect any mutation in the NOTCH1 gene (exons 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9) in all the [0/44] analyzed oral cancer samples. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study that reports the status of the PIK3CA, CASP8, and NOTCH1 mutations in South Indian oral cancer samples. Our study suggests that either mutations in these genes are uncommon in South Indian oral cancer samples or likely other genes in this pathway might be mutated.
Mandated Reporters’ Perceptions of and Encounters With Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking of Adolescent Females in the United States

This is the first study to explore whether mandated reporters who work with adolescent females, ages 10 to 17, recognize domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) and associated risk factors. Because mandated reporters are required by law to report child abuse, neglect, and child exploitation, lack of specific DMST training or not believing DMST exists in communities continues to place young females at risk for revictimization. Results indicate that 60% of mandated reporters in the sample (N = 577) had no specific training on DMST. Furthermore, almost 25% of respondents did not believe DMST existed in their communities. Implications for practice are discussed.
The 2006 California Heat Wave: Impacts on Hospitalizations and Emergency Department Visits

Background Climate models project that heat waves will increase in frequency and severity. Despite many studies of mortality from heat waves, few studies have examined morbidity. Objectives In this study we investigated whether any age or race/ethnicity groups experienced increased hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits overall or for selected illnesses during the 2006 California heat wave. Methods We aggregated county-level hospitalizations and ED visits for all causes and for 10 cause groups into six geographic regions of California. We calculated excess morbidity and rate ratios (RRs) during the heat wave (15 July to 1 August 2006) and compared these data with those of a reference period (8–14 July and 12–22 August 2006). Results During the heat wave, 16,166 excess ED visits and 1,182 excess hospitalizations occurred statewide. ED visits for heat-related causes increased across the state [RR = 6.30; 95% confidence interval (CI), 5.67–7.01], especially in the Central Coast region, which includes San Francisco. Children (0–4 years of age) and the elderly (≥ 65 years of age) were at greatest risk. ED visits also showed significant increases for acute renal failure, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, electrolyte imbalance, and nephritis. We observed significantly elevated RRs for hospitalizations for heat-related illnesses (RR = 10.15; 95% CI, 7.79–13.43), acute renal failure, electrolyte imbalance, and nephritis. Conclusions The 2006 California heat wave had a substantial effect on morbidity, including regions with relatively modest temperatures. This suggests that population acclimatization and adaptive capacity influenced risk. By better understanding these impacts and population vulnerabilities, local communities can improve heat wave preparedness to cope with a globally warming future.
Zinc plus beta-carotene supplementation of pregnant women is superior to beta-carotene supplementation alone in improving vitamin A status in both mothers and infants.

BACKGROUND Deficiencies of vitamin A, iron, and zinc are prevalent in women and infants in developing countries. Supplementation during pregnancy can benefit mother and infant. OBJECTIVE We examined whether supplementation during pregnancy with iron and folic acid plus beta-carotene or zinc or both improves the micronutrient status of mothers and infants postpartum. DESIGN Pregnant women (n = 170) were supplemented daily only during pregnancy with beta-carotene (4.5 mg), zinc (30 mg), or both or placebo plus iron (30 mg) and folic acid (0.4 mg) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Micronutrient status was assessed 1 and 6 mo postpartum. RESULTS Six months postpartum, plasma retinol concentrations were higher in the women who received zinc during pregnancy than in women who did not. Infants born to mothers supplemented with beta-carotene + zinc had higher plasma retinol concentrations, with the frequency of vitamin A deficiency reduced by >30% compared with the other 3 groups. Breast-milk beta-carotene concentrations were higher in all women supplemented with beta-carotene, but breast-milk retinol concentrations were higher only in women who received beta-carotene + zinc. Zinc concentrations did not differ among groups in mothers and infants. CONCLUSIONS Zinc supplementation during pregnancy improved the vitamin A status of mothers and infants postpartum, which indicates a specific role of zinc in vitamin A metabolism. Addition of both beta-carotene and zinc to iron supplements during pregnancy could be effective in improving the vitamin A status of mothers and infants.
Clinical significance of serum dynamics of HSP90a level in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy.

PURPOSE We evaluate whether the change of heat shock protein 90a (HSP90a) level before and after definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) affects tumor response and overall survival (OS). This study aimed to investigate the role of HSP90a reduction ratio after CRT. METHODS Correlations between pre-CRT HSP90a levels and the tumor response to CRT were analysed. Patients were divided into three groups (Group 1: Serum HSP90a levels pretreatment CRT less than 124 ng/mL; Group 2: pre-CRT HSP90a of 124 ng/mL or more with HSP90a reduction ratio of 65% or more; Group 3: pre-CRT HSP90a of 124 ng/mL or more with HSP90a reduction ratio less than 65%), and their oncologic outcomes were compared. RESULTS The rates of good response in HSP90a low (pre-CRT HSP90a ≤ 124 ng/mL) and high groups (pre-CRT HSP90a ≤ 124 ng/mL) were 67.3% (68/101) and 37.78% (20/79), respectively (P= 0.004). The rates of good response were significantly higher in Group 1 than in Groups 2 and 3 (58.5% vs. 46.0% and 27.8%, respectively; P= 0.013). The results from statistical analysis indicated that the tumor response was significantly associated with the serum levels of pre-CRT HSP90a and HSP90a Group (P< 0.05). The OS rate was not different between Groups 1 and 2 but was significantly lower in Group 3. HSP90a Group were independent prognostic factors for OS. CONCLUSIONS HSP90a levels could be of clinical value as a predictor of response to CRT HSP90a reduction ratio might be an independent prognostic factor for in ESCC patients treated with definitive CRT.
Physical Activity: Absolute Intensity versus Relative-to-Fitness-Level Volumes

Purpose This study aimed to investigate in a real-life setting how moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity (PA) volumes differ according to absolute intensity recommendation and relative to individual fitness level by sex, age, and body mass index. Methods A total of 23,224 Finnish employees (10,201 men and 13,023 women; ages 18–65 yr; body mass index = 18.5–40.0 kg·m−2) participated in heart rate recording for 2+ d. We used heart rate and its variability, respiration rate, and on/off response information from R-R interval data calibrated by participant characteristics to objectively determine daily PA volume, as follows: daily minutes of absolute moderate (3–<6 METs) and vigorous (≥6 METs) PA and minutes relative to individual aerobic fitness for moderate (40%–<60% of oxygen uptake reserve) and vigorous (≥60%) PA. Results According to absolute intensity categorization, the volume of both moderate- and vigorous-intensity PA was higher in men compared with women (P < 0.001), in younger compared with older participants (P < 0.001), and in normal weight compared with overweight or obese participants (P < 0.001). When the volume of PA intensity was estimated relative to individual fitness level, the differences were much smaller. Mean daily minutes of absolute vigorous-intensity PA were higher than those of relative intensity minutes in normal weight men ages 18–40 yr (17.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 16.9–18.6, vs 8.6, 95% CI = 8.0–9.1; P < 0.001), but the reverse was the case for obese women ages 41–65 yr (0.3, 95% CI = 0.2–0.4, vs 7.8, 95% CI = 7.2–8.4; P < 0.001). Conclusion Compared with low-fit persons, high-fit persons more frequently reach an absolute target PA intensity, but reaching the target is more similar for relative intensity.
Effects of portion size and energy density on young children's intake at a meal.

BACKGROUND Large portions of energy-dense foods are one feature of obesity-promoting dietary environments. Entrée portion size has been shown to influence energy intake at meals by young children. The role of energy density (ED) in children's response to portion size, however, is unknown. OBJECTIVE We aimed to test the effects of portion size and ED on children's food and energy intakes at a meal. DESIGN Participants were 53 (28 girls and 25 boys; 15 Hispanic, 20 black, 16 white, 2 other race) 5- to 6-y-old children [mean (+/-SD) body mass index percentile: = 61 +/- 28]. A 2 x 2 within-subjects design was used to manipulate entrée portion size (250 compared with 500 g) and ED (1.3 compared with 1.8 kcal/g). Fixed portions of other familiar foods were provided. Weighed intake, food preference, and weight and height data were obtained. RESULTS Effects of portion size (P<0.0001) and ED (P<0.0001) on entrée energy intake were independent but additive. Energy intake from other foods at the meal did not vary across conditions. Compared with the reference portion size and ED condition, children consumed 76% more energy from the entrée and 34% more energy at the meal when served the larger, more energy-dense entrée. Effects did not vary by sex, age, entrée preference, or body mass index z score. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide new evidence that portion size and ED act additively to promote energy intake at meals among preschool-aged children.
Dynamics of Mechanosensitive Neural Stem Cell Differentiation

Stem cell differentiation can be highly sensitive to mechanical inputs from the extracellular matrix (ECM). Identifying temporal windows during which lineage commitment responds to ECM stiffness, and the signals that mediate these decisions, would advance both mechanistic insights and translational efforts. To address these questions, we investigate adult neural stem cell (NSC) fate commitment using an oligonucleotide‐crosslinked ECM platform that for the first time offers dynamic and reversible control of stiffness. “Stiffness pulse” studies in which the ECM was transiently or permanently softened or stiffened at specified initiation times and durations pinpoint a 24‐hour window in which ECM stiffness maximally impacts neurogenic commitment. Overexpression of the transcriptional coactivator Yes‐associated protein (YAP) within this window suppressed neurogenesis, and silencing YAP enhanced it. Moreover, ablating YAP‐β‐catenin interaction rescued neurogenesis. This work reveals that ECM stiffness dictates NSC lineage commitment by signaling via a YAP and β‐catenin interaction during a defined temporal window. Stem Cells 2017;35:497–506
Zinc supplementation as adjunct therapy in children with measles accompanied by pneumonia: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND Zinc deficiency, common in developing countries, is associated with decreased immunocompetence. Zinc supplementation benefits children with acute and persistent diarrhea and prevents pneumonia. Most deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases are from measles and whooping cough; pneumonia is the most common complication of measles and often the proximate cause of related deaths. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the effect of zinc supplementation on episodes of illness in children with measles accompanied by pneumonia. DESIGN In a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, children aged 9 mo-15 y who were admitted to the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Calcutta with clinically severe measles accompanied by pneumonia and who had been ill for </= 7 d were randomly assigned to receive zinc (20 mg, in elemental form as acetate, twice daily for 6 d) or a placebo. All patients received standard treatment with antibiotics and an initial 100 000-IU dose of vitamin A (as palmitate) by mouth. RESULTS Time-to-event analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model (42 in the zinc group and 43 in the placebo group) showed that the time needed for the resolution of fever and tachypnea, the return of appetite, and the achievement of a "much improved" or "cured" status was not different between the 2 groups. A high proportion of children had low serum retinol and zinc concentrations. Improvement in serum zinc and retinol concentrations after 6 d of treatment was not different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION Children with severe measles accompanied by pneumonia treated with antibiotics and vitamin A did not show any additional benefit from also receiving a zinc supplement.
Glycosylated amyloid‐like proteins in the structural extracellular polymers of aerobic granular sludge enriched with ammonium‐oxidizing bacteria

A new type of structural extracellular polymers (EPS) was extracted from aerobic granular sludge dominated by ammonium‐oxidizing bacteria. It was analyzed by Raman and FTIR spectroscopy to characterize specific amino acids and protein secondary structure, and by SDS‐PAGE with different stains to identify different glycoconjugates. Its intrinsic fluorescence was captured to visualize the location of the extracted EPS in the nitrifying granules, and its hydrogel‐forming property was studied by rheometry. The extracted EPS is abundant with cross ß‐sheet secondary structure, contains glycosylated proteins/polypeptides, and rich in tryptophan. It forms hydrogel with high mechanical strength. The extraction and discovery of glycosylated proteins and/or amyloids further shows that conventionally used extraction and characterization techniques are not adequate for the study of structural extracellular polymers in biofilms and/or granular sludge. Confirming amyloids secondary structure in such a complex sample is challengeable due to the possibility of amyloids glycosylation and self‐assembly. A new definition of extracellular polymers components which includes glycosylated proteins and a better approach to studying them is required to stimulate biofilm research.
Iron supplement use and iron status among US adults: results from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

BACKGROUND Patients with hemochromatosis are instructed to avoid taking supplemental iron. Whether supplemental iron intakes lead to higher iron status among healthy persons remains less clear. OBJECTIVE The objective was to ascertain whether supplemental iron intakes are associated with increases in iron transport (transferrin saturation) and stores (serum ferritin) among US adults aged > or = 19 y. DESIGN We analyzed data for 5948 adults from whom a fasting serum sample was collected during the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We used multivariable linear regression and analysis of variance to assess the association of supplemental iron intake with iron transport and stores among men (aged 19-30 y or > 30 y) and women (nonpregnant premenopausal or postmenopausal); multiple comparison tests were also performed. RESULTS Healthy adults who took supplements containing average daily amounts of iron at < or = 3 times the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) did not have significantly higher iron transport or stores than did those who did not take supplements. In younger men, the intake of > 32 mg Fe/d (> 4x RDA) was associated with mean transport iron concentrations that were significantly higher than those in persons who took 0 to < or = 24 mg Fe/d. In older men, the intake of > 32 mg Fe/d (> 4x RDA) was associated with mean iron stores that were significantly higher than those in persons who took 0 to < or = 24 mg Fe/d; a similar result was observed in postmenopausal women, but it was of borderline statistical significance. CONCLUSION Supplement users should be made aware of the amount of iron necessary to satisfy dietary requirements and informed of the possible influence that excess iron intake can have on body iron stores and health.
Influence of DEHP on thyroid, sex steroid‐related genes and gonadal differentiation in Rana chensinensis tadpoles

In the present study, responses of the Chinese brown frog (Rana chensinensis) to exposure to di‐2‐ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), a common plasticizer, during the larval period were characterized. The effects of DEHP on metamorphosis rate, thyroid hormone, thyroid histology and the expression of genes involved in the steroid hormone synthesis in gonad were investigated. Metamorphosis rate and 50 percent of the tadpoles to reach Gosner stage 42 (T0.5) were significantly slower in all DEHP groups. The thyroid glands of the tadpoles exposed to DEHP clearly exhibited colloid depletion. In addition, decreased concentrations of T4 and T3 were observed in the tadpoles exposed to DEHP. Moreover, the highest DEHP exposure (10 µmol/L DEHP) showed increased ratio of females significantly. Also, up‐regulation significantly of transcripts of cytochrome P450 aromatase (CYP19) gene was detected in male tadpoles exposed to DEHP. The present results indicate that this increase in estrogens could lead to female‐biased sex ratio in DEHP exposure group. Taken together, the present study indicates that DEHP disrupt thyroid hormone and sex steroid signaling in R. chensinensis tadpoles. Our present observations support evidence of a crosstalk between TH and sex steroids in gonad differentiation.