Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of polymorphisms in the hepatocyte growth factor gene promoter with keratoconus.

PURPOSE Keratoconus is a progressive disorder of the cornea that can lead to severe visual impairment or blindness. Although several genomic regions have been linked to rare familial forms of keratoconus, no genes have yet been definitively identified for common forms of the disease. METHODS Two genome-wide association scans were undertaken in parallel. The first used pooled DNA from an Australian cohort, followed by typing of top-ranked single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in individual DNA samples. The second was conducted in individually genotyped patients, and controls from the USA. Tag SNPs around the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) gene were typed in three additional replication cohorts. Serum levels of HGF protein in normal individuals were assessed with ELISA and correlated with genotype. RESULTS The only SNP observed to be associated in both the pooled discovery and primary replication cohort was rs1014091, located upstream of the HGF gene. The nearby SNP rs3735520 was found to be associated in the individually typed discovery cohort (P = 6.1 × 10(-7)). Genotyping of tag SNPs around HGF revealed association at rs3735520 and rs17501108/rs1014091 in four of the five cohorts. Meta-analysis of all five datasets together yielded suggestive P values for rs3735520 (P = 9.9 × 10(-7)) and rs17501108 (P = 9.9 × 10(-5)). In addition, SNP rs3735520 was found to be associated with serum HGF level in normal individuals (P = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these results implicate genetic variation at the HGF locus with keratoconus susceptibility.
Sex and sexuality in the Shenzhen tongzhi circle: HIV risk context and migrant men who have sex with men in China

The paper explores the HIV risk context of migrant men who have sex with men, or tongzhi, in Shenzhen, China. Findings from 42 qualitative interviews indicate that respondents are living within a complex risk environment, characterised by the realities of migration and a ‘weak ties’, virtual men who have sex with men community, which offers little emotional support but many opportunities for sexual engagement. Male sex work has proliferated in Shenzhen, with respondents informally participating in a type of buy-sell circuit. Respondents' portrayal of their environment and conflicts were underscored by three interacting elements: sexual freedom, migration and traditional Chinese values. The confluence of these factors, and how they may influence risk prioritisation in a multi-risk environment, is explored.
Cytokine-induced memory-like natural killer cells

The mammalian immune response to infection is mediated by 2 broad arms, the innate and adaptive immune systems. Innate immune cells are a first-line defense against pathogens and are thought to respond consistently to infection, regardless of previous exposure, i.e., they do not exhibit memory of prior activation. By contrast, adaptive immune cells display immunologic memory that has 2 basic characteristics, antigen specificity and an amplified response upon subsequent exposure. Whereas adaptive immune cells have rearranged receptor genes to recognize the universe of antigens, natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune lymphocytes with a limited repertoire of germ-line encoded receptors for target recognition. NK cells also produce cytokines such as IFN-gamma (IFN-γ) to protect the host during the innate response to infection. Herein, we show that cytokine-activated NK cells transferred into naïve hosts can be specifically detected 7–22 days later when they are phenotypically similar to naïve cells and are not constitutively producing IFN-γ. However, they produce significantly more IFN-γ when restimulated. This memory-like property is intrinsic to the NK cell. By contrast, memory-like NK cells do not express granzyme B protein and kill targets similarly to naïve NK cells. Thus, these experiments identify an ability of innate immune cells to retain an intrinsic memory of prior activation, a function until now attributed only to antigen-specific adaptive immune cells.
Modified FGF4 Signal Peptide Inhibits Entry of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1

ABSTRACT Entry of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) into host cells occurs through fusion of the viral envelope with the plasma membrane and involves complex and poorly understood interactions between several viral and cellular proteins. One strategy for dissecting the function of this fusion machine is through the use of specific inhibitors. We identified a peptide with antiviral activity that blocks HSV-1 infection at the entry stage and during cell-to-cell spreading. This peptide (called EB for “entry blocker”) consists of the FGF4 signal sequence with an RRKK tetramer at the amino terminus to improve solubility. The activity of EB depends exclusively but not canonically on the signal sequence. Inhibition of virus entry (hrR3) and plaque formation (KOS) strongly depend on virus concentrations and serum addition, with 50% inhibitory concentrations typically ranging from 1 to 10 μM. Blocking preadsorbed virus requires higher EB concentrations. Cytotoxic effects (trypan blue exclusion) are first noted at 50 μM EB in serum-free medium and at ≥200 μM in the presence of serum. EB does not affect gC-dependent mechanisms of virus attachment and does not block virus attachment at 4°C. Instead, EB directly interacts with virions and inactivates them irreversibly without, however, disrupting their physical integrity as judged by electron microscopy. At subvirucidal concentrations, EB changes the adhesive properties of virions, causing aggregation at high virus concentrations. This peptide may be a useful tool for studying viral entry mechanisms.
[The impact of training based on the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative on breastfeeding practices in the Northeast of Brazil].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of training based on the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative on breastfeeding practices in maternity wards and during the first 6 months of life. METHODS Ninety percent of nursing auxiliaries and midwives were trained at two institutions (A and B) in Palmares, Pernambuco state. Three hundred and thirty-four mothers were interviewed within the first 48 hours and 10 days after childbirth to evaluate breastfeeding practices at the maternities and fulfillment of steps 4 through 10 of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. A subset of 166 mothers received seven home visits to evaluate breastfeeding practices throughout the first 6 months of life and to compare results with those of a cohort study conducted in the area in 1998. RESULTS The performance of maternity B was significantly better than that of maternity A, from steps 4 to 10 and also in terms of exclusive breastfeeding and offering less water or tea to infants (p < 0.001). The comparison with a previous cohort study demonstrated an improvement in breastfeeding practices at the maternity wards and an increase of exclusive breastfeeding prevalence (from 21.2 to 70%), during the first 48 hours after delivery and throughout the first six months. CONCLUSIONS The training promoted partial change to some practices related to breastfeeding, having a positive effect on total and exclusive breastfeeding at the maternity wards. However, there was no significant change to these practices over the first 6 months of life, suggesting the need for effective interventions to support exclusive breastfeeding in the health sector and in the community.
Contribution of N‐ and C‐terminal domains to the function of Hsp90 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The molecular chaperone Hsp90 is a regulatory component of some key signalling proteins in the cytosol of eukaryotic cells. For some of these functions, its interaction with co‐chaperones is required. Limited proteolysis defined stable folded units of Hsp90. Both an N‐terminal (N210) and a C‐terminal (262C) fragment interact with non‐native substrate proteins in vitro, but with different specificity and ATP dependence. Here, we analysed the functional properties of these Hsp90 fragments in vivo and in vitro. We determined their influence on the general viability and cell growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Expression of N210 or 262C resulted in a dominant‐negative phenotype in several yeast strains tested. Their expression was not toxic, but inhibited cell growth. Further, both were unable to restore viability to Hsp90‐depleted cells. In addition, N210 and 262C influence the maturation of Hsp90 substrates, such as the glucocorticoid receptor and pp60v–Src kinase. Specifically, 262C forms partially active chaperone complexes, leading to an arrest of the chaperoned substrate at a certain stage of its maturation cycle. This demonstrates the requirement of a sophisticated and cofactor‐regulated interplay between N‐ and C‐terminal activities for Hsp90 function in vivo.
Ramadan Fasting: A Study of Changes in Glucose Profiles Among Patients With Diabetes Using Continuous Glucose Monitoring

Fasting during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan entails abstinence from eating, drinking, and smoking from dawn to sunset. Although the sick are exempted (Holy Koran, Al-Bakarah, 183–185), many patients, including those with diabetes, choose to go ahead with fasting, often for social and cultural as well as religious reasons (1). We have explored changes in glucose profiles of patients with type 2 diabetes in a prospective observational study using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM; Medtronic MiniMed CGMS Gold). This was performed for at least 3 consecutive days during Ramadan (2). Nonfasting CGM for the same length of time was obtained on each patient either before or after Ramadan. A mean CGM curve for all patients was obtained during and outside the Ramadan fasting period …
Prevalence of human papillomavirus genotypes in cytologic abnormalities from unvaccinated women living in north‐western Spain

Otero‐Motta AP, Ordóñez JL, González‐Celador R, Rivas B, García‐Macías MC, Bullón A, Abad MM. Prevalence of human papillomavirus genotypes in cytologic abnormalities from unvaccinated women living in north‐western Spain. APMIS 2011; 119: 204–215.
Convergence économique et Spatiale en Afrique: cas des Pays de la Zone CFA / Economic and Spatial Convergence in Africa: Case of CFA Zone Countries

This paper studies convergence in the economies of the developing countries, specifically in Africa in zones UEMOA and CEMAC using the theory of the convergence inspired by the models of endogenous growth. The results which we found show that the process of convergence is not uniform in the CFA zone. Indeed, the process of convergence is accentuated much more in the countries of UEMOA zone than those of CEMAC zone. In addition, the model of conditional convergence highlights the existence of key variables which maximize the speed of convergence in the zone. A finer approach of convergence, by using the similarities compared to the factors of production, the similarities compared to the natural advantages, made it possible to clarify the presence of club of convergence. The analysis of the space effects highlights the existence of inhibiting effects on the speed of convergence.
Evaluating the Impact of Training in Obesity Prevention Methods on the Counseling, Knowledge, and Skills of WIC Nutritionists in Georgia, 2014-2015

Objectives: Motivational interviewing, a client-centered intervention method focused on enhancing intrinsic motivation for behavior change, shows a positive impact on children’s weight status (ie, stabilizing or slowing down weight gain as a child grows). We evaluated the impact of a training program on knowledge and adoption of evidence-based obesity prevention counseling strategies among counselors from Georgia’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Methods: Between July 2014 and September 2015, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Strong4Life program provided 388 WIC counselors in Georgia with a 2-hour training session on motivational interviewing, patient-centered counseling, and goal setting for obesity prevention. We evaluated the training using (1) self-administered pre- and post-training surveys that assessed knowledge of counseling strategies, (2) post-training observation of counseling interactions, and (3) a review of behavior change goal quality pre- and post-training in a random sample of 200 WIC client charts. Results: In a comparison of pre-training knowledge with immediate post-training knowledge among 388 counselors, 81% vs 91% (P < .001) knew that, to be effective, goals must be important to clients, and 66% vs 94% (P < .001) knew the 5 A’s (assess, advise, agree, assist, arrange) of counseling. Knowledge improvements were sustained at 3 months post-training. We observed no improvements in the quality of chart-documented behavior goals. Conclusions: WIC nutrition counselors in Georgia were aware of evidence-based counseling strategies but did not consistently apply them. The training program was helpful, but time and additional support are needed to adopt new practices.
SNAP-25 is expressed in islets of Langerhans and is involved in insulin release

SNAP-25 is known as a neuron specific molecule involved in the fusion of small synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic plasma membrane. By immunolocalization and Western blot analysis, it is now shown that SNAP- 25 is also expressed in pancreatic endocrine cells. Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) A and E were used to study the role of SNAP-25 in insulin secretion. These neurotoxins inhibit transmitter release by cleaving SNAP-25 in neurons. Cells from a pancreatic B cell line (HIT) and primary rat islet cells were permeabilized with streptolysin-O to allow toxin entry. SNAP-25 was cleaved by BoNT/A and BoNT/E, resulting in a molecular mass shift of approximately 1 and 3 kD, respectively. Cleavage was accompanied by an inhibition of Ca(++)-stimulated insulin release in both cell types. In HIT cells, a concentration of 30-40 nM BoNT/E gave maximal inhibition of stimulated insulin secretion of approximately 60%, coinciding with essentially complete cleavage of SNAP-25. Half maximal effects in terms of cleavage and inhibition of insulin release were obtained at a concentration of 5-10 nM. The A type toxin showed maximal and half-maximal effects at concentrations of 4 and 2 nM, respectively. In conclusion, the results suggest a role for SNAP-25 in fusion of dense core secretory granules with the plasma membrane in an endocrine cell type- the pancreatic B cell.
Social Cohesion and Carbon Emissions

This paper demonstrates that population diversity and its adverse effect on social cohesion have a robust, causal, positive effect on the carbon emissions of sufficiently rich economies. An examination of geocoded data on emissions from fossil fuels reveals that such results holds at a subnational level as well. The documented effect of diversity operates through its impact on mistrust and on heterogeneity in preferences, which suggests a social dimension that must be contemplated when setting a strategy to curb human’s carbon footprint.
Association of β‐1 and β‐2 adrenergic receptor gene polymorphisms with myocardial infarction

Both β1‐ and β2‐adrenergic receptors (β1‐ and β2‐AR) have important roles in heart function mainly in response to catecholamines. Some specific polymorphisms in the β1‐ and β2‐AR genes, named ADRB1 and ADRB2, respectively, have been implicated in several cardiovascular and noncardiovascular phenotypes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible relationship between Ser49Gly and Arg389Gly polymorphisms of the ADRB1 and Arg16Gly and Gln27Glu polymorphisms of the ADRB2 gene with ST elevation myocardial infarction (MI) in a Turkish population. One hundred patients with ST elevation MI and 100 healthy control subjects were genotyped using the PCR‐RFLP method. Although the Arg389 allele of the ADRB1 gene was associated with an elevated risk of MI, the Glu27 allele of the ADRB2 gene was associated with a decreased risk of MI. Carriers of the ADRB1 Arg389 allele (heterozygotes+homozygotes) had an approximately 3.5‐fold increased risk for MI than Gly389 homozygotes (OR=3.59, 95% CI=0.96–13.47, P=0.045). For the ADRB2 Gln27Glu polymorphism, subjects having one or two copies of the Glu27 allele showed a decreased risk of MI compared with Gln27 homozygote subjects (OR=0.48, 95% CI=0.24–0.94, P=0.03). Haplotype analysis of these polymorphisms showed no significant differences between groups. These results suggest that the Arg389Gly and Gln27Glu polymorphisms may be associated with an altered risk of MI in this Turkish population. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 23:237–243, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new EBG structure for low frequency power plane noise mitigation

A new electromagnetic bandgap structure for power plane noise mitigation in the low frequency range is proposed. It consists of an improved asymmetric square patch with meander lines, optimized inductance and high-K dielectric material for the substrate. An example of PWR/GND plane pairs is analyzed where fundamental stop band is demonstrated over a frequency range of less than 300 MHz to about 1 GHz.
Underlying barriers to referral to paediatric palliative care services

Referrals to children’s palliative care services typically occur late in the illness trajectory, with many children who would benefit not referred at all. Previous studies report health care professionals’ (HCPs) assessment of various parent-related factors as barriers to referral. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of HCPs working in a paediatric tertiary care hospital in the United Kingdom, with an established paediatric palliative care team, to explore staff perceptions of barriers, knowledge and attitudes, with the aim of developing interventions to increase patient access to palliative care services. Survey respondents evidenced good knowledge of the principles of palliative care in closed questions, but their attitudes expressed in open-text questions and reported reasons to refer to a palliative care service demonstrated an association of palliative care with death and dying. We suggest that the association of palliative care with end of life may be a modifiable factor relevant to late and non-referral and deserving of further investigation and attention in education and training.
LGBTQ Policies and Resources on Campus and the Experiences and Psychological Well-Being of Sexual Minority College Students: Advancing Research on Structural Inclusion

Among sexual minority (LGBQ+) college students, research suggests that experiencing heterosexist discrimination can contribute to poor psychological well-being. Institutional policies and resources can also affect students’ well-being and experiences, but structural-level factors have received little empirical attention among this population. We present the results of a cross-sectional study that investigates the association between campus-based structural factors and the experiences and psychological well-being of cisgender LGBQ+ college students. Participants (n = 268, 58% undergraduates; 25% students of color; 62% gay/lesbian) from 58 colleges completed an anonymous online survey addressing experiential heterosexism and psychological well-being. Based on information available on each college’s website/staff interviews, we documented the existence of 11 policies and institution- or student-operated resources/programs designed to promote the inclusion and well-being of sexual and gender minorities (LGBTQ). Combining survey and objective data, we examined participants’ experiences of heterosexist discrimination (victimization, microaggressions), psychological distress (perceived stress, anxiety), and self-acceptance (self-esteem, pride) and associations with each LGBTQ-related policy and resource. Structural equation modeling results suggest nondiscrimination policies inclusive of gender identity and sexual orientation (vs. only sexual orientation), offering at least one for-credit LGBTQ course, and a higher ratio of LGBTQ student organizations to the student population were directly associated with participants reporting lower levels of discrimination, which was associated with less distress and higher self-acceptance. The results underscore the importance of particular structural initiatives on campus in protecting LGBQ+ collegians from discrimination. The findings also highlight the value of studying specific structural initiatives when investigating structural stigma and inclusion.
Labour market segmentation and mobility as determinants of trade union membership: A study from Denmark

This article analyses if and to what extent labour market segmentation and labour market mobility influence trade union density. Some industries and sectors have stable employment domains and employees stay to a high degree within the industry even if they change jobs. Other industries and sectors have more unstable employments domains and employees to a higher degree shift to employment in other industries and sectors when they move to another job. In this article, it is analysed how differences in segmentation and employee mobility out of an industry influence union density. The analysis is based on a statistical analysis of registry data from Denmark and contains almost 2 million employees employed in 111 different industries (NACE-coded). The analysis shows that trade union density especially in the private sector industries is significantly influenced by level of segmentation and level of mobility.
Nerve growth factor in serum and lymphocyte culture in pigeon fanciers' acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

BACKGROUND Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophic cytokine with immunomodulatory activity. NGF contributes to neurogenic inflammation and has been described in asthma and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. OBJECTIVES To identify and quantify NGF in serum and peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures from pigeon fanciers, and to investigate an association with the immune response to inhaled avian antigens, and with symptoms of acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). METHODS NGF was quantified and compared with serum IgG antibody against inhaled avian antigens, with serum C-reactive protein (CRP), and with KL-6, a marker of lung interstitial inflammation. These were measured using enzyme-linked immunoassay. Levels were compared with symptom history in 55 pigeon fanciers (26 subjects with acute HP but symptom-free at the time of testing) and 15 subjects with no avian exposure. RESULTS Pigeon fanciers had higher-than-normal serum IgG antibody, CRP, and KL-6 levels (p < 0.01 each). These measures were unrelated to HP symptom category; instead, in all pigeon fanciers, the concentrations of CRP and KL-6 correlated with each other and with the antibody titers (p < 0.01 each). Serum NGF levels were normal; however, NGF production by mitogen-activated lymphocytes was higher than normal, and correlated with IgG antibody titer (p < 0.05) and with serum CRP (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Serum NGF was normal in pigeon fanciers; however, their blood lymphocytes ex vivo synthesized increased NGF in concentrations that correlated with the titer of serum IgG antibody to inhaled avian antigens. These also correlated with CRP and KL-6 levels, suggesting that antigen exposure in seropositive subjects is associated with subclinical inflammation involving coordinated synthesis of neurotrophin and immune mediators.