Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Economic Evaluations of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Screening: A Systematic Review

Background This study aims to find evidence of the cost-effectiveness of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) screening and assess the quality of current economic evaluations, which have shown different conclusions with a variation in screening methods, data sources, outcome indicators, and implementation in diverse organizational contexts. Methods Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Health Technology Assessment, database, and National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database databases were searched through June 2019. Studies on economic evaluation reporting both cost and health outcomes of GDM screening programs in English language were selected, and the quality of the studies was assessed using Drummond’s checklist. The general characteristics, main assumptions, and results of the economic evaluations were summarized. Results Our search yielded 10 eligible economic evaluations with different screening strategies compared in different settings and perspectives. The selected papers scored 81% (68–97%) on the items in Drummond’s checklist on average. In general, a screening program is cost-effective or even dominant over no screening. The one-step screening, with more cases detected, is more likely to be cost-effective than the two-step screening. Universal screening is more likely to be cost-effective than screening targeting the high-risk population. Parameters affecting cost-effectiveness include: diagnosis criteria, epidemiological characteristics of the population, efficacy of screening and treatment, and costs. Conclusions Most studies found GDM screening to be cost-effective, though uncertainties remain due to many factors. The quality assessment identified weaknesses in the economic evaluations in terms of integrating existing data, measuring costs and consequences, analyzing perspectives, and adjusting for uncertainties.
Genetic and environmental variation in heartwood colour of Australian blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon R.Br.)

Abstract Australian blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon R.Br.) is a high-quality appearance-grade timber species native to eastern Australia. It is characterised by dark-coloured heartwood, with colour varying from pale straw to red-brown and walnut brown, and pale cream-coloured sapwood. This wide range in heartwood colour is expressed as between- and within-tree variation, and is regarded as a problem in markets where colour consistency is important. To understand the genetic and environmental control of heartwood colour, multiple colour measurements were taken from stem cores from 16 open-pollinated family collections of blackwood planted across three 19-year-old progeny trials. Data was analysed with a mixed model with within-tree variation modelled using a three-node cubic spline. Significant genetic, environmental and genetic-by-environment interactions were detected, not only in the variation in between-tree mean heartwood colour but also in the pattern of within-tree heartwood colour variation. In general, heartwood colour became darker, less yellow and more red towards the sapwood/heartwood boundary. To control the between- and within-tree heartwood colour variation in blackwood plantations, care is needed to not only select genotypes with the desired wood colour and colour variation but also site characteristics that allow expression of that colour.
Relative sensitivity of five benthic invertebrate species to reference toxicants and resin‐acid contaminated sediments

Five sediment-dwelling native New Zealand freshwater invertebrate species (amphipod, Chaetocorophium c.f. lucasi; clam, Sphaerium novaezelandiae; oligochaete, Lumbriculus variegatus; tanaid, Tanais standfordi; and the burrowing mayfly, Ichthybotus hudsoni) were assessed for their suitability for sediment toxicity testing by comparison of sensitivity to reference toxicants [phenol and pentachlorophenol (PCP)] and contaminated sediments. The 96-h EC50 values at 20°C showed a greater range in test sensitivity for phenol (30-fold range) from the most sensitive test, amphipod (8.1 mg/L), to the least sensitive one, clam (243 mg/L), compared with PCP (14-fold range), with amphipod the most sensitive test species (0.13 mg/L) and tanaid the least sensitive (1.8 mg/L). Clam reburial was a more sensitive end point than was lethality for phenol (by 20-fold) and PCP (by 2.4-fold). Four of the test species, excluding the tanaid, showed good 10-d survival in reference muds (≥87%) but lower survival in sand sediments (≥79%). Bleached kraft mill sediment containing high resin-acid concentrations (total 1,900 mg/kg dry weight) showed significant reductions in amphipod survival (15%), clam reburial (30%), and oligochaete survival (17%), and reproduction (49%). Amphipods, clams, and oligochaetes were the most promising species for sublethal test development.
Introducing the Sociopolitical Motive × Intergroup Threat Model to Understand How Monoracial Perceivers’ Sociopolitical Motives Influence Their Categorization of Multiracial People

Researchers have used social dominance, system justification, authoritarianism, and social identity theories to understand how monoracial perceivers’ sociopolitical motives influence their categorization of multiracial people. The result has been a growing understanding of how particular sociopolitical motives and contexts affect categorization, without a unifying perspective to integrate these insights. We review evidence supporting each theory’s predictions concerning how monoracial perceivers categorize multiracial people who combine their ingroup with an outgroup, with attention to the moderating role of perceiver group status. We find most studies cannot arbitrate between theories of categorization and reveal additional gaps in the literature. To advance this research area, we introduce the sociopolitical motive × intergroup threat model of racial categorization that (a) clarifies which sociopolitical motives interact with which intergroup threats to predict categorization and (b) highlights the role of perceiver group status. Furthermore, we consider how our model can help understand phenomena beyond multiracial categorization.
Kernel set and flower synchrony within the ear of maize: II. Plant population effects

Kernel number (KN) per plant declines with increasing plant population (PP) in maize (Zea mays L.) and controversy exists about the critical period for spikelet abortion. In this work, the effect of PP (5 and 9 plants m -2 ) on floral differentiation and kernel set was analyzed for two genotypes of contrasting prolificacy at Grignon, France, (48°51'N). Kernel set variability was tested at Balcarce (37°45'S), Argentina, with three PP (2, 8, and 16 plants m -2 ) and a thinning treatment (from 16 to 2 plants m -2 ) at silking. Plants were grown with no water or nutrient restrictions. At 9 plants m -2 , floral differentiation was delayed in apical ears but almost all spikelets started silk elongation. In subapical ears, 17% of the spikelets of the nonprolific hybrid and 19% of the prolific hybrid had not completed development at silking. At 5 plants m -2 these proportions were reduced to 6%. Significant (P < 0.01) differences were detected in apical ear length after the onset of rapid ear growth (silking - 20 d), resulting in reduced ear biomass at silking at high PP. Barrenness occurred at 16 plants m -2 (0.5 ears plant -1 ), but spikelet abortion took place in all apical ears after silking, except at 2 plants m -2 (control). Kernel number per plant was not related to the degree of floral differentiation reached at silking, but to the amount of intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (KN = 149.5 + 204.6 MJ plant -1 d -1 , r 2 = 0.92) when the silking - 15-d period was included in the calculations. Presilking limitations to ear growth appear to reduce ear sink strength.
A Simplified Method to Determine Methylated Cytosines in a Target Gene

Abstract-In this paper we discuss methylation sequencing of DNA target in E-Cadherin gene in head and neck cancer and colorectal cancer by bisulfite-PCR. Bisulfite converted genomic DNA were purified prior to amplification by PCR. Primers are designed to amplify both methylated and unmethylated strands of target DNA sequence. Status of methylation was ascertained by native PAGE. Intriguingly, we have observed methylated, unmethylated and partially methylated amplicons in the tissue samples. Occurrence of positive results in unmethylated primers of cancer tissues as well as positive results for both methylated and unmethylated primers in some tissue samples reveal the limitation of existing methodology in capturing real methylation status. In partially overcoming this limitation, we have designed and implemented specific fluorescence detection based sequencing protocol namely, methylation-sequencing which capture complete methylation status of target gene. In that we have combined dideoxy termination at specific methylation site with fluorescently tagged primer in the PCR reaction which allows the fluorescence detection of specifically terminated oligos. Using a target template DNA and custom-built fluorescence detection apparatus, we demonstrate utility of this approach in obtaining accurate methylation status of given gene target. By design, the methodology eliminates need to sequence entire target DNA.
Examination of race and infrainguinal bypass conduit use in the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative

Background Vein conduit is known to have better patency than prosthetic for infrainguinal bypass. Here we explore if racial disparities exist in infrainguinal bypass vein conduit use amid preoperative patient and systemic factors. Methods Retrospective Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative data for 23,959 infrainguinal bypasses between 2003 and 2017 for occlusive disease were analyzed. For homogeneity, only infrainguinal bypasses originating from the common femoral artery were included. Demographics of patients receiving vein vs prosthetic were compared and logistic regression analyses were performed with race and preoperative factors to evaluate for predictors of vein conduit use. Results Adjusted regression models demonstrated black patients were 76% as likely (p < .001) and Hispanic patients 79% as likely (p = .003) to have vein conduit compared to white patients. Factors positively correlating with vein use included vein mapping, more distal bypass target, tissue loss or acute ischemia bypass indications, commercial insurance, and weight. Factors against vein use included advanced age, female gender, ASA class 4, urgent procedure, preoperative mobility limitation, prior CABG or leg bypass, prior smoking, preoperative anticoagulation, and a bypass performed in the Southern US or before 2012. While black and Hispanic patients were less likely to receive vein, they were vein mapped at similar or higher rates than other groups. Conclusion Racial disparities exist in conduit use for infrainguinal bypass, with black and Hispanic patients less likely to receive vein bypasses. However, the contribution of race to conduit selection is small in adjusted and unadjusted models. Overall, pre-operative variables in the Vascular Quality Initiative poorly predicted vein conduit use for infrainguinal bypass.
Liking of Traditional Cheese and Consumer Willingness to Pay

We review herein the relevance of credence and sensory attributes for cheese liking as a basis for subsequent discussion on attributes related to traditional dairy products such as place of origin, process characteristics, etc. Several studies suggest that place of origin may have a positive impact on consumer evaluation. In addition, protected designation of origin labels generally affects consumers’ purchasing decisions, with a premium price paid for traditional products. Some of the main dimensions of traditional food products are: familiarity of the product, processing through traditional recipes, sensory properties and origins. However, different dimensions can be relevant for consumers of different countries. Southern European regions frequently tend to associate the concept of traditional with broad concepts such as heritage, culture or history; whereas central and northern European regions tend to focus mainly on practical issues such as convenience, health or appropriateness. Sensitivity to traditional cheese attributes may also vary according to different groups of consumers with older, more educated and wealthier subjects showing higher willingness to pay and acceptance levels. Given that sensory properties play a central role in product differentiation, we can conclude that information about credence attributes, if reliable, positively perceived and directed to sensitive groups of consumers, is able to affect consumer liking and willingness to pay for traditional cheese. Thus, it provides a further potential tool for product differentiation to small-scale traditional farms, where husbandry is often based on extensive rearing systems and production costs tend to be higher.
Eye Care Utilization in A Community-oriented Mobile Screening Programme for Improving Eye Health in Iran: A Cluster Randomized Trial

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the effect of a mobile-based screening programme on eye care utilization in Iran. Method In this cluster randomized community trial, a representative sample of residents aged≥50 years from urban and rural areas in four districts in Tehran province were enrolled. The clusters were randomly assigned to one of the three parallel arms; the mHealth arm with digital data collection, vision screening test and retina evaluation using an integrated mobile application, the conventional arm with manual data collection and screening tests using Snellen chart and Fundus photography at the local primary healthcare facility, and the control arm with manual data collection without screening tests. The main outcome measure was eye care utilization which was defined as at least one visit to an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Results Of 3312 eligible individuals, 2520 (76.1%) participated. In the first 3 months after the screening programme, eye care utilization was higher among those who were referred by the mHealth method (35.6% 95%CI: 31.1–40.4%) compared to those referred by the conventional method (32.7%, 95%CI: 27.5–38.2%) and to those observed in the control arm (4.5%, 95%CI: 3.2–6.0). Eye care utilization improved (OR = 1.5, 95%CI: 1.2–1.9) among the referred people after the screening programme compared to the utilization before this programme; however, this improvement was significantly higher in the mHealth method (OR: 1.7, 95%CI: 1.2–2.4) compared to the conventional method (OR: 1.2, 95%CI: 0.8–1.8). Conclusion and relevance The mobile-based screening programme can significantly improve eye care utilization at the community level.
Phytases and myo-inositol modulate performance, bone mineralization and alter lipid fractions in the serum of broilers

Under conditions simulating intestinal digestion in broilers, phytase B was found to free myo-inositol from low non-phytate phospho- rus maize-soyabean meal-based and wheat-soyabean meal-based diets, whereas both 3- and 6-phytases A accelerated myo-inositol release only in the presence of phytase B. In the feeding experiment, myo-inositol at 1 g · kg -1 increased the feed intake and body weight gain of broilers fed both types of feeds. Phytase B at 1300 acid phosphatase units (AcPU) · kg -1 enhanced feed consumption, body weight gain, and tibia mineralization, whereas phytase B mixed with 6-phytase A at 500 phytase units (FTU) · kg -1 produced further en- hancements in performance and bone mineralization. After 6 weeks, broilers fed the maize-based diets supplemented with both phytase B and 6-phytase A had increased serum concentrations of triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol, as well as an enhanced HDL/total cholesterol ratio. The increases in this ratio cannot be attributed to the release of phosphorus or to the generation of myo- inositol by the supplemented enzymes, but can only be explained as effects of intermediate products of phytate dephosphorylation.
Host plant specificity, oviposition behaviour and egg parasitism in some leafhoppers of the genus Eupteryx (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

Abstract. 1 Three species of Eupteryx, E.aurata, E.cyclops and E.urticae are regularly found on stinging nettles in South Wales. 2 E.aurata host alternates between nettles in spring and autumn, and Heraclewn, Eupatorium and Mentha species in summer. E.cyclops and E.urticae attack only nettles. 3 All species are host specific during oviposition and show preferences to lay eggs in discrete plant regions. 4 A Mymarid egg parasite of the genus Anagrus was reared more commonly from eggs laid in nettles than from eggs laid in alternative hosts.
Long- and Short-Term Dynamic Optimization Models with Application to the Feeding Strategy of the Loggerhead Shrike

Two dynamic optimization models, having scale lengths of 1 yr and 1 day, respectively, are used to gain insight into the feeding strategy of the loggerhead shrike. The need for at least two models underscores the fact that no single mathematical model is ever likely to describe all aspects of the feeding behavior of an organism. The long-term optimization model begins with the premise that total prey handling time is minimized, but the model is extended to a multiple objective scheme where handling time and weight are optimized simultaneously. The model indicated that it is optimal for shrikes to exceed 50 g in October and November, fall to about 45 g in December and January, and hover close to 50 g the rest of the year. These results are at least consistent with the small amount of data available on the weight of the shrikes. The model also predicts that the shrike should focus optimally on prey of size classes 5 and 6, in agreement with data. The short-term model attempts to account for the diversity of prey and the occurrence of uneconomical prey in the shrike's diet. If prey are unevenly available during the day, the shrike's hunger threshold frequently may be exceeded when only less preferred prey are obtainable. For 1 day in a given month (September) the number of attacks per day, the frequency of attacks for different periods of the day, and the diversity of prey predicted by the model are in good agreement with corresponding observations.
Reassessment of the TM 1517 odonto-postcranial assemblage from Kromdraai B, South Africa, and the maturational pattern of Paranthropus robustus.

OBJECTIVES The Pleistocene taxon Paranthropus robustus was established in 1938 following the discovery at Kromdraai B, South Africa, of the partial cranium TM 1517a and associated mandible TM 1517b. Shortly thereafter, a distal humerus (TM 1517g), a proximal ulna (TM 1517e), and a distal hallucial phalanx (TM 1517k) were collected nearby at the site, and were considered to be associated with the holotype. TM 1517a-b represents an immature individual; however, no analysis of the potentially associated postcranial elements has investigated the presence of any endostructural remnant of recent epiphyseal closure. This study aims at tentatively detecting such traces in the three postcranial specimens from Kromdraai B. MATERIALS AND METHODS By using μXCT techniques, we assessed the developmental stage of the TM 1517b's C-M3 roots and investigated the inner structure of TM 1517g, TM 1517e, and TM 1517k. RESULTS The M2 shows incompletely closed root apices and the M3 a half-completed root formation stage. The distal humerus was likely completely fused, while the proximal ulna and the distal hallucial phalanx preserve endosteal traces of the diaphyseo-epiphyseal fusion process. DISCUSSION In the hominin fossil record, there are few unambiguously associated craniodental and postcranial remains sampling immature individuals, an essential condition for assessing the taxon-specific maturational patterns. Our findings corroborate the original association of the craniodental and postcranial remains representing the P. robustus type specimen. As with other Plio-Pleistocene hominins, the odonto-postcranial maturational pattern of TM 1517 more closely fits an African great ape rather than the extant human pattern.
Effects of Temperature on Growth of Zooplankton, and the Adaptive Value of Vertical Migration

Existing theories of the adaptive value of vertical migration are examined and found wanting. Adult size and generation length are negative functions of temperature. It is shown that Bělehradek's temperature function gives a close fit to size and development rate of several species of zooplankters growing in adequate food supply, although conclusions do not depend on the theoretical content of this equation. Fecundity is an exponential function of adult size, and enough data are available for two quite different zooplankters — the copepod Pseudocalanus minutus and the chaetognath Sagitta elegans — to depict relative rates of increase as generally positive functions of temperature. Diurnal migrants are known to feed nearer the surface, which is almost universally warmer. Increased fecundity gained by spending part time in deeper, cooler waters, might be offset by slower development, although interrupted or seasonal breeders could sacrifice development rate for greater ultimate fecundity. However, an animal.
The effects of an intradialytic resistance training on lower extremity muscle functions

Abstract Purpose The loss of muscle functions is a significant health issue among dialysis patients. Poor muscle strength negatively affects a patient’s mobility, independence and quality of life. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of an intradialytic resistance training (IRT) on lower extremity muscle functions among dialysed patients. Materials and methods Ninety patients were allocated into an experimental group (n = 57) or control group (CNG) (n = 33) according to the location of the dialysis service center. Fifty-eight patients completed the study follow-up. The intervention regarded 12-week IRT, while the controls remained physically inactive during hemodialysis. In both groups of patients, we assessed lower extremity muscle functions by a diagnostics of maximal isometric force generated during hip flexion (HF), hip extension (HE), and knee extension (KE) contractions at baseline, after the 12-weeks intervention and after a further 12-weeks follow up. Results We found that improvements in HE between baseline and post-intervention were significantly larger for the experimental than the CNG (difference 32.0, 95% CI = 12.3–51.8, p = 0.002). For the other primary outcomes, we found no differences between the groups, and neither for the two other indices of muscle strength (HF and KE). At 12-weeks follow-up, we found no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Conclusions Our findings indicate that exercise during dialysis not just suppresses adverse effects in muscle strength and functioning, but effectively and safely increases lower extremities muscle function in a relatively short time. Implications for Rehabilitation Regular, progressive, resistance training realized during dialysis is well tolerated and safe for exercise interventions in hemodialysis patients. A 12-weeks intradialytic resistance training is effective in the prevention and clinical management of muscle function loss among hemodialysis patients. The range of improvements in muscle functions, demonstrated by the assessment of maximal isometric force, varied severely during different lower extremity movements of hemodialysis patients.