Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and correlates of metabolic syndrome and its components in adults with psychotic disorders in Eldoret, Kenya

Background A high prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components in patients with psychotic disorders may increase the risk for cardiovascular diseases. Unfortunately, relatively little work in this field has emerged from low-resourced contexts. This study investigated the prevalence, correlates, and treatment patterns of metabolic disorders in patients with psychotic disorders in Western Kenya. Methods 300 patients with psychosis and 300 controls were recruited at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya. Data on demographic characteristics, weight, height, abdominal circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose, lipid profile, and treatments were collected. Categorical and continuous data were compared between the patient and control groups using Pearson’s chi-squared tests and t-tests, respectively. Variables found to be significantly different between these groups were included in logistic regression models to determine potential predictors of metabolic syndrome. Results Compared to controls, patients with psychosis were found to have a higher mean random blood glucose [5.23 vs 4.79, p = 0.003], higher body mass index [5.23 vs 4.79, p = 0.001], higher triglycerides [1.98 vs 1.56, p<0.001], larger waist circumference [89.23 vs 86.39, p = 0.009] and lower high density lipoprotein [1.22 vs 1.32, p<0.001]. The odds of developing metabolic syndrome were increased with age [OR = 1.05, CI: 1.02–1.07] and presence of a psychotic disorder [OR = 2.09 [CI 1.23–3.55]; and were reduced with female gender [OR 0.41, CI 0.25–0.67], among those who were never married [OR 0.52, CI 0.28–0.94] and among the widowed/separated/ divorced marital status [OR 0.38, CI 0.17–0.81]. While the majority of patients received treatment with olanzapine, there was no association between olanzapine use and metabolic syndrome and its components. More than half of the patients in this study sample were not receiving treatment for the various components of metabolic syndrome. Conclusion In the study setting of Eldoret, metabolic syndrome and its components were more prevalent among patients with psychotic disorders than in controls; and a clear treatment gap for these disorders was evident. There is a need for efforts to ensure adequate screening and treatment for these physical disorders in resource-limited settings.
High-resolution current and temperature mapping of electronic devices using scanning Joule expansion microscopy

A new technique called scanning Joule expansion microscopy has been developed to measure the current and temperature distributions of electronic devices and interconnects with 0.01 /spl mu/m spatial resolution and 20 kHz-1 GHz frequency bandwidth. Based on the atomic force microscope, the technique relies on measuring the AC modulated thermal expansion of a sample due to Joule heating.
Electric forming and telegraph noise in tunnel junctions

The normal state resistance of Pb/Bi/In‐oxide‐Pb/Bi and Pb/Bi/In‐oxide‐Ag can be changed by applying sufficiently high voltage across the oxide barrier. To explain this effect we discuss an electrical dipole, a donor, a metal ion, and an oxygen migration model. The oxygen migration model best accounts for the experimental observations. Our investigations include telegraph noise measurements. A significant change in the low‐frequency noise spectrum before and after electrical forming is found. It is possible to create and destroy two‐level signals by applying an electric field on the order of 2.5×108 V/m.
Elevated Extracellular cGMP Produced after Exposure to Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Heat-Stable Toxin Induces Epithelial IL-33 Release and Alters Intestinal Immunity

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a major diarrheal pathogen in children in low- to middle-income countries. Previous studies identified heat-stable enterotoxin (ST)-producing ETEC as a prevalent diarrheal pathogen in children younger than 5 years. ABSTRACT Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a major diarrheal pathogen in children in low- to middle-income countries. Previous studies identified heat-stable enterotoxin (ST)-producing ETEC as a prevalent diarrheal pathogen in children younger than 5 years. While many studies have evaluated the interaction of ETEC heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) with host epithelium and immunity, few investigations have attempted similar studies with ST. To further understand ST pathogenesis, we examined the impact of ST on cGMP localization, epithelial cell cytokine production, and antibody development following immunization. In addition to robust intracellular cGMP in T84 cells in the presence of phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDEis) that prevent the breakdown of cyclic nucleotides, we found that prolonged ST intoxication induced extracellular cGMP accumulation in the presence or absence of PDEis. Further, ST intoxication induced luminal cGMP in vivo in mice, suggesting that secreted cGMP may have other cellular functions. Using transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) and quantitative PCR (qPCR), we demonstrated that ST intoxication, or treatment with the clinically used ST mimic linaclotide, altered inflammatory cytokine gene expression, including the interleukin 1 (IL-1) family member IL-33, which could also be induced by cell-permeative 8-Br-cGMP. Finally, when present during immunization, ST suppressed induction of antibodies to specific antigens. In conclusion, our studies indicate that ST modulates epithelial cell physiology and the interplay between the epithelial and immune compartments.
Quantifying Grass Coverage Trends to Identify the Hot Plots of Grassland Degradation in the Tibetan Plateau during 2000–2019

Grassland covers 54% of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and suffered overgrazing and degradation problems during past decades. To alleviate these problems, a series of policy measures have been implemented during recent two decades and inevitably caused changes of the grassland. To this end, this study quantitatively analyzed the grassland changes and the effects of reduced grazing intensity, and identified the hot plots of grassland degradation in the TP during 2000–2019. The grassland status was indicated by the Fractional Vegetation Cover in the green grass period (GP), i.e., FVCGP, and its changes and spatial variations were detected by analyzing the FVCGP trends and their distribution, using the Mann–Kendal, Sen’s Slope, and ArcGIS buffering methods, and data of the MOD13Q1 Collection 6 products and other sources. The results showed that 62.12% of the grasslands were significantly increased in the FVCGP, and 28.34% had no apparent changes. The remaining 9.54% of the grassland significantly decreased in the FVCGP, mainly occurring in the areas nearby roads, rivers, and lakes, and distributed mostly in a point pattern. Of the total FVCGP decreased grassland area, 27.03% was clustered and identified as the hot plots of grassland degradation in six main regions. Decreased grazing intensity and increased precipitation contributed to the increase of grassland FVC in the TP, while local overgrazing could be the main cause of the FVC decrease. To strength the grassland restoration in the TP, the government supports and supervision should be enhanced to further mitigate the grassland pressure of animal grazing, particularly in the hot plot areas of degradation.
Hydrolysis rates of some acetylimidazole derivatives

N-Acetylbenzimidazole (4), N-acetyl-N′-methylbenzimidazolium acetate (5), and N-acetyl-N′-methyltetrahydrobenzimidazolium acetate (6) were synthesized and their hydrolysis rates were studied.
MARVIN: a new computer code for studying surfaces and interfaces and its application to calculating the crystal morphologies of corundum and zircon

A new computer code (MARVIN), employing two-dimensional (2D) periodic boundary conditions, has been developed for the simulation of surfaces and interfaces. The models and methodologies incorporated within the program are discussed. The utility of the program in calculating crystal morphologies is explored using α-Al2O3 and zircon as examples. The important aspects of these calculations are that they include the use of covalent-type force fields in the latter potential model and that the effects of surface relaxation on the growth morphology are calculated for the first time. It is demonstrated that relaxation has a much larger effect on the equilibrium morphology than the growth morphology, but it can still be significant on the latter. A previously derived relationship between the growth and equilibrium morphologies is shown not to hold for relaxed systems. The growth morphologies are found to be in better agreement with experiment than the equilibrium morphologies since the latter overestimates the importance of high-index faces, especially after relaxation. Finally, the calculated surface relaxation for the basal plane of α-Al2O3 is found to be in complete agreement with Hartree–Fock ab initio calculations, verifying that the bulk potentials transfer to this surface.
Surgical Management of Bone Sarcomas with an Inappropriate Biopsy Site: A Case Series and Review of Literature.

AIM To study bone sarcoma patients who underwent limb salvage surgery with an inappropriate biopsy site and their surgical management. MATERIALS AND METHODS There were 28 patients with bone sarcoma who underwent limb salvage surgery from 2015 - 2019, among them 4 patients had inappropriate biopsy scar. They were analyzed with respect to modification of incision, extent of flap elevation, difficulties in exposure of neurovascular structures, reconstructive methods and post-operative wound morbidity. RESULTS In all cases biopsy was done in outside hospital. One patient had open biopsy, remaining all were core needle biopsies. Out of the 4, three patients had distal femur lesion and one patient had proximal tibial lesion. Patient with proximal tibial lesion had biopsy site placed anteriorly over tibia. Patient underwent proximal tibial resection with anteromedial incision. Remaining three patients had distal femur lesion. One patient had pathological fracture with internal fixation done with lateral incision, and biopsy site placed medially. During surgery lateral incision was taken to include internal fixation scar with the distal end curved medially and extended over leg after including the biopsy site. One patient had distal femur lesion with laterally placed biopsy site, surgery done with lateral approach and medial gastrocnemius flap used to cover the prosthesis. One patient had anteriorly placed biopsy site, so after including the inappropriate biopsy site the lateral incision was curved medially and extended over leg. Two out of these four patients had skin necrosis; one patient had partial thickness skin necrosis and the other full thickness skin necrosis which was managed conservatively. CONCLUSION In case of limb salvage surgery, skin incisions should be planned taking extent of lesion and biopsy scars into account. Good knowledge of vascular supply and incisions required if and when surgery is planned helps in selecting proper site for biopsy.
Nutritional Quality of Pasta Sold on the Italian Market: The Food Labelling of Italian Products (FLIP) Study

Pasta represents a staple food in many populations and, in recent years, an increasing number of pasta items has been placed on the market to satisfy needs and trends. The aims of this work were: (i) to investigate the nutritional composition of the different types of pasta currently sold in Italy by collecting the nutrition facts on their packaging; (ii) to compare energy, nutrient and salt content per 100 g and serving in fresh and dried pasta; (iii) to compare the nutrition declaration in pairs of products with and without different declarations (i.e., gluten free (GF), organic, and nutrition claims (NC)). A total of 756 items, made available by 13 retailers present on the Italian market, were included in the analysis. Data showed a wide difference between dried and fresh pasta, with high inter-type variability. A negligible amount of salt was observed in all types of pasta, except for stuffed products, which had a median high quantity of salt (>1 g/100 g and ~1.5 g/serving). Organic pasta had higher fibre and lower protein contents compared to conventional pasta. GF products were higher in carbohydrate and fat but lower in fibre and protein than not-GF products, while only a higher fibre content was found in pasta with NC compared to products not boasting claims. Overall, the results show high variability in terms of nutrition composition among the pasta items currently on the market, supporting the importance of reading and understanding food labels for making informed food choices.
Decreased coevolutionary potential and increased symbiont fecundity during the biological invasion of a legume‐rhizobium mutualism

Although most invasive species engage in mutualism, we know little about how mutualism evolves as partners colonize novel environments. Selection on cooperation and standing genetic variation for mutualism traits may differ between a mutualism's invaded and native ranges, which could alter cooperation and coevolutionary dynamics. To test for such differences, we compare mutualism traits between invaded‐ and native‐range host‐symbiont genotype combinations of the weedy legume, Medicago polymorpha, and its nitrogen‐fixing rhizobium symbiont, Ensifer medicae, which have coinvaded North America. We find that mutualism benefits for plants are indistinguishable between invaded‐ and native‐range symbioses. However, rhizobia gain greater fitness from invaded‐range mutualisms than from native‐range mutualisms, and this enhancement of symbiont fecundity could increase the mutualism's spread by increasing symbiont availability during plant colonization. Furthermore, mutualism traits in invaded‐range symbioses show lower genetic variance and a simpler partitioning of genetic variance between host and symbiont sources, compared to native‐range symbioses. This suggests that biological invasion has reduced mutualists’ potential to respond to coevolutionary selection. Additionally, rhizobia bearing a locus (hrrP) that can enhance symbiotic fitness have more exploitative phenotypes in invaded‐range than in native‐range symbioses. These findings highlight the impacts of biological invasion on the evolution of mutualistic interactions.
The Role of the Eph Receptor Family in Tumorigenesis

Simple Summary The Eph receptor family is implicated in both tumour promotion and suppression, depending on the tissue-specific context of available receptor interactions with ligands, adaptor proteins and triggered downstream signalling pathways. This complex interplay has not only consequences for tumorigenesis but also offers a basis from which new cancer-targeting strategies can be developed. This review comprehensively summarises the current knowledge of Eph receptor implications in oncogenesis in a tissue- and receptor-specific manner, with the aim to develop a better understanding of Eph signalling pathways for potential targeting in novel cancer therapies. Abstract The Eph receptor tyrosine kinase family, activated by binding to their cognate ephrin ligands, are important components of signalling pathways involved in animal development. More recently, they have received significant interest due to their involvement in oncogenesis. In most cases, their expression is altered, affecting the likes of cell proliferation and migration. Depending on the context, Eph receptors have the potential to act as both tumour promoters and suppressors in a number of cancers, such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, brain cancer and Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), the latter being intrinsically linked to EphA2 as this is the receptor used for endothelial cell entry by the Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). In addition, EphA2 deregulation is associated with KS, indicating that it has a dual role in this case. Associations between EphA2 sequence variation and KSHV infection/KS progression have been detected, but further work is required to formally establish the links between EphA2 signalling and KS oncogenesis. This review consolidates the available literature of the role of the Eph receptor family, and particularly EphA2, in tumorigenesis, with the aim to develop a better understanding of Eph signalling pathways for potential targeting in novel cancer therapies.
Joint Fiber Nonlinear Noise Estimation, OSNR Estimation and Modulation Format Identification Based on Asynchronous Complex Histograms and Deep Learning for Digital Coherent Receivers

In this paper, asynchronous complex histogram (ACH)-based multi-task artificial neural networks (MT-ANNs), are proposed to realize modulation format identification (MFI), optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) estimation and fiber nonlinear (NL) noise power estimation simultaneously for coherent optical communication. Optical performance monitoring (OPM) is demonstrated with polarization mode multiplexing (PDM), 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), PDM-32QAM, as well as PDM-star 16QAM (S-16QAM) for the first time. The range of launched power is −3 to −2 dBm with a fiber link of 160–1600 km. Then, the accuracy of MFI reaches 100%. The average root mean square error (RMSE) of OSNR estimation can reach 0.37 dB. The average RMSE of NL noise power estimation can reach 0.25 dB. The results show that the monitoring scheme is robust to the increase of fiber length, and the solution can monitor more optical network parameters with better performance and fewer training data, simultaneously. The proposed ACH MT-ANN has certain reference significance for the future long-haul coherent OPM system.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Dietary Phosphorus and Calcium in Two Strains of Laying Hens

Simple Summary Phosphorus and calcium are essential nutrients for body functions including the immune system and are generally supplemented to poultry diets. Phosphorus is also present in plant feedstuffs, bound as phytate, which can be used by enzymatic hydrolyzation in the chicken. A reduction of dietary mineral phosphorus might consequently be conceivable, without negatively influencing the immune system. The high concentration of calcium in diets for laying hens that is needed for eggshell formation may inhibit phytate degrading enzymes, and thus, decrease phosphorus availability for the hen. Both phytate degradation and several immune parameters are known to be strain-specific, making an interaction of the genetic background and the dietary phosphorus and calcium supply with the immune system likely. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of reduced concentrations of dietary phosphorus and calcium on the peripheral and gut-associated immune system in two laying hen strains. Reduced mineral phosphorus enhanced, while reduced calcium reduced several immune parameters. The two strains showed differences in many immune parameters, but only the impact of dietary phosphorus was influenced by the genetic background. These results suggest that dietary phosphorus and calcium supply may strain-specifically influence immune defense and protection against infection in chicken. Abstract Insufficient nutrient supply can impair the immune system, which is important for animal health and welfare. Since chicken can partly hydrolyze phytate, which is the primary phosphorus storage in plant seeds, a reduction of mineral phosphorus in the diets could be an option for more sustainable egg production. Laying hens require high concentrations of calcium that might inhibit the function of endogenous enzymes for phytate hydrolyzation. The objective of this study was to characterize the impact of standard and reduced dietary phosphorus and calcium concentrations on the number and functionality of immune cells in the peripheral and gut-associated immune system in a white and brown laying hen strain. Reduced mineral phosphorus enhanced several immune parameters such as B cells in blood and IgA concentrations in bile in both strains, and peripheral monocytes and γδ T cells in cecal tonsils in brown hens. Reduced calcium levels resulted in lower numbers of T cells in blood and cecal tonsils in both strains, suggesting negative effects on adaptive immunity. Differences between the two strains were found in almost all immune parameters. Results suggest a potentially beneficial effect of reduced dietary mineral phosphorus on the immune system that is dependent on the genetic background.
Deciphering the Role of Ca2+ Signalling in Cancer Metastasis: From the Bench to the Bedside

Simple Summary Ca2+ dyshomeostasis is implicated in several key pathophysiological processes attributed to cancer metastasis biology. Here, we decipher the role of intracellular and extracellular Ca2+ signalling pathways in processes that contribute to metastasis at the local level (involving cell proliferation, adhesion, motility, invasion, migration and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition) and also their effects on cancer metastasis globally. Ca2+ proteins are potential candidates for cancer biomarkers and druggable targets for future metastatic cancer therapy. Abstract Metastatic cancer is one of the major causes of cancer-related mortalities. Metastasis is a complex, multi-process phenomenon, and a hallmark of cancer. Calcium (Ca2+) is a ubiquitous secondary messenger, and it has become evident that Ca2+ signalling plays a vital role in cancer. Ca2+ homeostasis is dysregulated in physiological processes related to tumour metastasis and progression—including cellular adhesion, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, cell migration, motility, and invasion. In this review, we looked at the role of intracellular and extracellular Ca2+ signalling pathways in processes that contribute to metastasis at the local level and also their effects on cancer metastasis globally, as well as at underlying molecular mechanisms and clinical applications. Spatiotemporal Ca2+ homeostasis, in terms of oscillations or waves, is crucial for hindering tumour progression and metastasis. They are a limited number of clinical trials investigating treating patients with advanced stages of various cancer types. Ca2+ signalling may serve as a novel hallmark of cancer due to the versatility of Ca2+ signals in cells, which suggests that the modulation of specific upstream/downstream targets may be a therapeutic approach to treat cancer, particularly in patients with metastatic cancers.
Sleep, Prospective Memory, and Immune Status among People Living with HIV

Background: Persons living with HIV (PLWH) frequently report sleep complaints, but objective measurements are still lacking regarding sleep continuity, total sleep time per 24 h, and the links with both prospective memory performance and HIV infection parameters. Methods: PLWH (n = 96) and control (n = 96) groups (balanced for gender and age) were monitored by 24h-actigraphy for at least seven consecutive days. The prospective memory performance was assessed through a naturalistic, activity-based task performed twice a day on the actigraph. Results: PLWH had greater sleep latency and worse sleep continuity (higher fragmentation index) for night-time sleep and longest daytime nap (mean duration of the longest nap). Comparable results were reported for the prospective memory task; better performance scores were associated with several sleep parameters in controls but not in PLWH. Finally, within the PLWH group, being a long sleeper per 24 h (total sleep time > 8 h including more and long daytime naps) was associated with a greater severity of the disease (lower CD4 nadir and more frequent history of AIDS-defining events). Conclusions: These findings indicate that PLWH have more fragmented sleep and that the severity of HIV infection is associated with increased sleep duration.