Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antidepressant Use and Risk of Myocardial Infarction: A Longitudinal Investigation of Sex-Specific Associations in the HUNT Study

ABSTRACT Objective Antidepressants are thought to affect the risk of cardiovascular disease, although the nature of the association is unclear. Men and women have unique cardiovascular risk factors, and sex differences in depression as well as the efficacy of antidepressants are important to consider. We examined whether antidepressant use was associated with risk of having a myocardial infarction (MI) and whether this association was sex-specific. Methods Data from The Trøndelag Health Study were used, gathered from a population in Norway (N = 31,765), collected from 1995 to 2008. These data were combined with the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry and the Norwegian Prescription Database. We performed logistic regression models to examine the association of antidepressant use on risk of having a fatal or nonfatal MI, adjusting for depression, anxiety, diabetes, systolic blood pressure, cholesterol, waist-hip ratio, smoking, age, and sex. Results are presented as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals in parentheses. Results The results indicated that antidepressant use was associated with a reduced risk of having MI at a later date (OR = 0.49 [0.38–0.64]). Although this association was somewhat stronger for women (OR = 0.46 [0.31–0.68]) compared with men (OR = 0.53 [0.37–0.75]), analysis did not identify a sex-specific association of antidepressant use on MI. Follow-up analyses on different subtypes of antidepressants showed that both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and tricyclic antidepressant were associated with a reduced risk of MI. Conclusions In this population study, the use of antidepressants was associated with a reduced risk of MI. This association was stronger for women, although we detected no interaction between sex and antidepressant use in terms of reduced risk of MI. Although limitations apply regarding causality, especially concerning a dose-response relationship, the results suggest that antidepressant use might reduce the risk of MI among both men and women.
Testing the relationship between lateralization on sequence-based motor tasks and language laterality using an online battery

ABSTRACT Studies have highlighted an association between motor laterality and speech production laterality. It is thought that common demands for sequential processing may underlie this association. However, most studies in this area have relied on relatively small samples and have infrequently explored the reliability of the tools used to assess lateralization. We, therefore, established the validity and reliability of an online battery measuring sequence-based motor laterality and language laterality before exploring the associations between laterality indices on language and motor tasks. The online battery was completed by 621 participants, 52 of whom returned to complete the battery a second time. The three motor tasks included in the battery showed good between-session reliability (r ≥ .78) and were lateralized in concordance with hand preference. The novel measure of speech production laterality was left lateralized at population level as predicted, but reliability was less satisfactory (r = .62). We found no evidence of an association between sequence-based motor laterality and language laterality. Those with a left-hand preference were more strongly lateralized on motor tasks requiring midline crossing; this effect was not observed in right-handers. We conclude that there is little evidence of the co-lateralization of language and sequence-based motor skill on this battery.
Magic wavelengths for the np-ns transitions in alkali-metal atoms

Extensive calculations of the electric-dipole matrix elements in alkali-metal atoms are conducted using the relativistic all-order method. This approach is a linearized version of the coupled-cluster method, which sums infinite sets of many-body perturbation theory terms. All allowed transitions between the lowest ns, np{sub 1/2}, np{sub 3/2} states and a large number of excited states are considered in these calculations and their accuracy is evaluated. The resulting electric-dipole matrix elements are used for the high-precision calculation of frequency-dependent polarizabilities of the excited states of alkali-metal atoms. We find 'magic' wavelengths in alkali-metal atoms for which the ns and np{sub 1/2} and np{sub 3/2} atomic levels have the same ac Stark shifts, which facilitates state-insensitive optical cooling and trapping.
A Novel Gene Controls a New Structure: PiggyBac Transposable Element-Derived 1, Unique to Mammals, Controls Mammal-Specific Neuronal Paraspeckles

Abstract Although new genes can arrive from modes other than duplication, few examples are well characterized. Given high expression in some human brain subregions and a putative link to psychological disorders [e.g., schizophrenia (SCZ)], suggestive of brain functionality, here we characterize piggyBac transposable element-derived 1 (PGBD1). PGBD1 is nonmonotreme mammal-specific and under purifying selection, consistent with functionality. The gene body of human PGBD1 retains much of the original DNA transposon but has additionally captured SCAN and KRAB domains. Despite gene body retention, PGBD1 has lost transposition abilities, thus transposase functionality is absent. PGBD1 no longer recognizes piggyBac transposon-like inverted repeats, nonetheless PGBD1 has DNA binding activity. Genome scale analysis identifies enrichment of binding sites in and around genes involved in neuronal development, with association with both histone activating and repressing marks. We focus on one of the repressed genes, the long noncoding RNA NEAT1, also dysregulated in SCZ, the core structural RNA of paraspeckles. DNA binding assays confirm specific binding of PGBD1 both in the NEAT1 promoter and in the gene body. Depletion of PGBD1 in neuronal progenitor cells (NPCs) results in increased NEAT1/paraspeckles and differentiation. We conclude that PGBD1 has evolved core regulatory functionality for the maintenance of NPCs. As paraspeckles are a mammal-specific structure, the results presented here show a rare example of the evolution of a novel gene coupled to the evolution of a contemporaneous new structure.
STAR FORMATION PROPERTIES IN BARRED GALAXIES (SFB). I. ULTRAVIOLET TO INFRARED IMAGING AND SPECTROSCOPIC STUDIES OF NGC 7479

Large-scale bars and minor mergers are important drivers for the secular evolution of galaxies. Based on ground-based optical images and spectra as well as ultraviolet data from the Galaxy Evolution Explorer and infrared data from the Spitzer Space Telescope, we present a multi-wavelength study of star formation properties in the barred galaxy NGC 7479, which also has obvious features of a minor merger. Using various tracers of star formation, we find that under the effects of both a stellar bar and a minor merger, star formation activity mainly takes place along the galactic bar and arms, while the star formation rate changes from the bar to the disk. With the help of spectral synthesis, we find that strong star formation took place in the bar region about 100 Myr ago, and the stellar bar might have been ∼10 Gyr old. By comparing our results with the secular evolutionary scenario from Jogee et al., we suggest that NGC 7479 is possibly in a transitional stage of secular evolution at present, and it may eventually become an earlier type galaxy or a luminous infrared galaxy. We also note that the probable minor merger event happened recently in NGC 7479, and we find two candidates for minor merger remnants.
The effects of weather on depressive symptoms in patients after cardiac surgery

ABSTRACT Patients with cardiovascular disease have depression more often than the general population does. The aim of the study was to detect the associations between the psychological state and weather variables in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting or valve surgery. The prospective study was performed during 2008–2012 in Kaunas, Lithuania. The psychological state of 233 patients was assessed by using the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised instrument. The assessment was carried out at 1.5 months, 1 year, and 2 years after the surgery. A sample of 531 measurements of psychological states was used. To investigate the relationships between psychological scores and daily weather variables, a mixed linear model was used adjusting for sex, the type of surgery, age, the marital status, the presence of arterial hypertension, diabetes, major depressive disorders, dysthymic disorders, agoraphobia, smoking before surgery, and myocardial infarction in the anamnesis. The mean somatisation score and air temperature on the second day prior to the survey were found to have a negative correlation in the multivariate model. Lower mean scores of anxiety and depression were linked to hotter days (air temperature >16.25°C on the second day) that did not occur in July or August. During colder days (air temperature <0.35°C), a higher mean score of anxiety and phobic anxiety was observed. A higher mean score of somatizations, depression, and anxiety was seen on the second day after the day with wind speed ≤2.85 kt and on the day after the day with relative humidity <66%. Both a decrease and an increase in daily atmospheric pressure were associated with a higher depression score. Our results confirm that among patients after open heart surgery, psychosomatic complaints are related to some weather changes. The obtained results can help to determine the complexity of weather patterns linked to poorer psychological health.
Difference in Lesion Reactivation between Pure Type 2 and Mixed Type 1 and 2 Macular Neovascularization and its Influence on Long-Term Treatment Outcomes

ABSTRACT Purpose To compare lesion reactivation and treatment outcomes between pure type 2 and mixed type 1 and 2 macular neovascularization (MNV) treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Methods This retrospective study included 155 patients diagnosed with type 2 MNV. After the initial loading injections, as-needed retreatment was provided. The difference in first lesion reactivation after the initial treatment was evaluated between pure type 2 MNV (pure type 2 group, n = 37) and mixed type 1 and 2 MNV (mixed group, n = 118). The degree of change in the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was also compared between the two groups. Results The mean follow-up period was 32.7 ± 13.7 months. Lesion reactivation differed significantly between the type 2 (60.0%) and mixed (84.5%) (P = .004) groups. The degree of visual change during the follow-up period also differed significantly between the pure type 2 (mean 2.8 lines of improvement) and mixed (mean 0.2 lines of deterioration) (P = .008) groups. In multivariate analysis, lesion type (P = .012) and baseline visual acuity (P = .002) were significantly associated with ≥2 lines of visual improvement Conclusions Lesion reactivation and treatment outcomes differed between pure type 2 and mixed type 1 and 2 MNV. These results suggested the need for different treatment strategies for these two MNV subtypes.
The Association of Age With Depression, Anxiety, and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain: The Role of Loneliness and Prepandemic Mental Disorder

ABSTRACT Objective Older adults may be at lower risk of common mental disorders than younger adults during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Previous research has shown shown differences by age in psychosocial well-being during the pandemic and have highlighted the moderating effect of prepandemic mental disorders on that association. In this line, we examined the association of age with self-reported symptoms of loneliness, depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress, as well as potential roles of loneliness symptoms and prepandemic mental disorders on the association between age and mental disorder symptoms. Methods Cross-sectional data of 2000 adults in Spain interviewed by telephone during the COVID-19 pandemic (February–March 2021) were analyzed. Depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress were measured with the eight-item Patient Health Questionnaire, the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and the four-item checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition), respectively. Loneliness was measured with the three-item University of California at Los Angeles Loneliness Scale. Several regression models were constructed to assess factors related to loneliness and mental disorders. Results According to cutoff points used, 12.4% of participants revealed depression, 11.9% revealed anxiety, and 11.6% revealed posttraumatic stress. Age was negatively related to mental disorder symptoms and loneliness. Loneliness was associated with higher levels of mental disorder symptoms. This association was stronger in younger adults without prepandemic mental disorders and in older adults with them. The association between age and loneliness was stronger in those with prepandemic mental disorders. Loneliness mediated the association of age with mental disorder symptoms. Conclusions Interventions focused on loneliness could alleviate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health.
In silico structural elucidation of Nipah virus L protein and targeting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase domain by nucleoside analogs

Abstract The large (L) protein of Mononegavirales is a multi-domain protein that performs transcription and genome replication. One of the important domains in L is the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), a promising target for antiviral drugs. In this work, we employed rigorous computational comparative modeling to predict the structure of L protein of Nipah virus (NiV). The RdRp domain was targeted by a panel of nucleotide analogs, previously reported to inhibit different viral RNA polymerases, using molecular docking. Best binder compounds were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation to validate their binding. Molecular mechanics/generalized-born surface area (MM/GBSA) calculations estimated the binding free energy. The predicted model of NiV L has an excellent quality as judged by physics- and knowledge-based validation tests. Galidesivir, AT-9010 and Norov-29 scored the top nucleotide analogs to bind to the RdRp. Their binding free energies obtained by MM/GBSA (−31.01 ± 3.9 to −38.37 ± 4.8 kcal/mol) ranked Norov-29 as the best potential inhibitor. Purine nucleotide analogs are expected to harbor the scaffold for an effective drug against NiV. Finally, this study is expected to provide a start point for medicinal chemistry and drug discovery campaigns toward identification of effective chemotherapeutic agent(s) against NiV. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
Favourable effect of a ‘second hit’ after 13 weeks in early RA non-responders: the Amsterdam COBRA treat-to-target randomized trial

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of treat-to-target combination therapy with intensification at 13 weeks in early RA. Methods Early RA patients were classified as being at high or low risk of worsening RA based on disease activity and prognostic factors. High-risk patients received COBRA-light (prednisolone 30 mg/day tapered to 7.5 mg/day, MTX increasing to 25 mg/week), and low-risk patients received MTX monotherapy increasing to 25 mg/week. The primary outcome (target) was DAS44 < 1.6 or EULAR good response at 26 weeks. At 13 weeks, non-responders were randomized to (open-label) intensification [high-risk patients: prednisolone 60 mg/day tapered to 7.5 mg/day, addition of SSZ (2 g/day) and HCQ (400 mg/day); low-risk patients: prednisolone 30 mg/day tapered to 7.5 mg/day] or continuation. Results In the high-risk group (n = 150), 110 patients (73%) reached the target at 13 weeks, and 9 dropped out. Non-responders were randomized to intensification (n = 15) or continuation (n = 16), and after 26 weeks, 12 (80%) vs 7 (44%) of these, respectively, reached the target [difference: 36%, (95% CI 2%, 71%); P = 0.04]. In the low-risk group (n = 40), 17 (43%) reached the target. Non-responders were randomized to intensification (n = 8) or continuation (n = 7); 4 vs 3, respectively, reached the target. Adverse event rates were higher in the high-risk group, and higher in the intensification subgroup of that group. Serious adverse events were rare. Protocol violations were frequent and mostly led to mitigation of actual treatment intensification. Conclusion Initial combination therapy was very successful in high-risk RA, and early intensification was beneficial in patients not reaching the strict target. The low-risk group was too small for drawing conclusions. In routine practice, adherence to early intensification based on strict targets is difficult. Trial registration Netherlands Trial Register (NTR), NL4393, https://www.trialregister. nl/.
The Equality Paradox: Gender Equality Intensifies Male Advantages in Adolescent Subjective Well-Being

Individuals’ subjective well-being (SWB) is an important marker of development and social progress. As psychological health issues often begin during adolescence, understanding the factors that enhance SWB among adolescents is critical to devising preventive interventions. However, little is known about how institutional contexts contribute to adolescent SWB. Using Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2015 and 2018 data from 78 countries (N = 941,475), we find that gender gaps in adolescents’ SWB (life satisfaction, positive and negative affect) are larger in more gender-equal countries. Results paradoxically indicated that gender equality enhances boys’ but not girls’ SWB, suggesting that greater gender equality may facilitate social comparisons across genders. This may lead to an increased awareness of discrimination against females and consequently lower girls’ SWB, diluting the overall benefits of gender equality. These findings underscore the need for researchers and policy-makers to better understand macro-level factors, beyond objective gender equality, that support girls’ SWB.
The LeuO regulator and quiescence: About transcriptional roadblocks, multiple promoters, and crispr‐cas

LeuO is a LysR‐type transcriptional regulator in bacteria. It determines the regulation of numerous genes related to stress response and virulence. Thus, four exciting areas of research are discussed herein. One pertains the leuO gene, which in S. Typhi and in E. coli contains multiple forward promoters as well as reverse promoters, even though it is expressed at very low levels, that is, it is quiescent. Such multiplicity might allow for a greater plasticity in regulation, or even aid in maintaining the quiescence, in processes that appear to involve many nucleoid‐associated proteins in a second area of opportunity. A third one relates to the effector‐binding domain of the LeuO regulator, which is highly conserved in S. enterica and in E. coli and determines its activity as a regulator of transcription. A fourth area regards the role of the CRISPR‐Cas system in gene regulation in S. Typhi; a system that is regulated by LeuO.
N = 4 super Yang-Mills theory from the plane wave matrix model

We propose a nonperturbative definition of N=4 super Yang-Mills (SYM). We realize N=4 SYM on RxS{sup 3} as the theory around a vacuum of the plane wave matrix model. Our regularization preserves 16 supersymmetries and the gauge symmetry. We perform the 1-loop calculation to give evidences that the superconformal symmetry is restored in the continuum limit.
Healthcare pathways for mild traumatic brain injury patients in New Zealand, determined from Accident Compensation Corporation data.

AIMS To describe healthcare pathways for mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients in New Zealand and identify areas for improvement. METHODS A data science methodology was applied to mTBI ACC claims (children and adults) between 1 September 2016 and 1 September 2018, and payment and purchase order data until 1 September 2020. Frequency, median and interquartile ranges were used to describe the pathway. RESULTS Of the 55,494 claims and 63,642 referrals, >99% were accepted by ACC. Claim processing took more than a week for 7% (3,647) of claims and referral processing took more than three days for 33% (21,139) of referrals. One in four (25%) cases referred to a concussion clinic took >2 months to receive the service due to administrative delays. Of all patients, 36% (20,413) received more than the initial appointment, and their median time in the pathway was 49 days (IQR, 12-185). TBI diagnostic codes were not added at initial appointment in 6% (3,382) of cases. CONCLUSIONS Administrative claim and referral processes resulted in minimal delays in the pathway for most patients. However, the volume of claims meant delays affected thousands of New Zealanders every year. Pathways could be improved by facilitating mTBI diagnosis, improving follow-up rates and reducing unnecessary administrative processes.
Control of blood pressure in the cold: differentiation of skin and skeletal muscle vascular resistance

What is the central question of this study? Why does blood pressure increases during cold air exposure? Specifically, what is the contribution of skin and skeletal muscle vascular resistance during whole body versus isolated face cooling? What is the main finding and its importance? Whole‐body cooling caused an increase in blood pressure through an increase in skeletal muscle and cutaneous vascular resistance. However, isolated mild face cooling caused an increase in blood pressure predominately via an increase in cutaneous vasoconstriction.
Ethnomedicinal plants used for treatment of snakebites in Tanzania – a systematic review

Abstract Context Snake envenomation is one of the neglected health problems in Tanzania. Since most people, especially in rural areas, suffer from its burden, their cases are not documented due to reliance on medicinal plants. Despite the pivotal role of medicinal plants in treating snakebites, there is a paucity of information. Objective This review documents medicinal plants used to treat snakebites in Tanzania. Materials and methods A systematic search using electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct and grey literature was conducted to retrieve relevant information on medicinal plants used to treat snakebites in Tanzania. The review was conducted as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The obtained information from 19 published articles was organized and analysed based on citation frequency. Results A total of 109 plant species belonging to 49 families are used as snakebite antivenom in Tanzania. Fabaceae had the highest number of medicinal plants (19.3%). The dominant plant growth forms were trees (35%) and shrubs (33%). Roots were the most frequently used plant part (54%), followed by leaves (26%) and bark (11%). Annona senegalensis Pers. (Annonaceae), Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) (Fabaceae), Suregada zanzibariensis Baill. (Euphorbiaceae), Antidesma venosum E.Mey. ex Tul. (Phyllanthaceae), Cissampelos pareira L. (Menispermaceae) and Dalbergia melanoxylon Guill. & Perr. (Fabaceae) were the most cited medicinal plants. Conclusions Tanzania has diverse plants used for snakebite treatment; a few have been analysed for their bioactive components. Further study of the phytochemicals may provide scientific information to develop snakebite drugs.