Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recent cohort effects in suicide in Scotland: a legacy of the 1980s?

Background Mortality rates are higher in Scotland relative to England and Wales, even after accounting for deprivation. This ‘excess’ mortality is partly due to higher mortality from alcohol-related and drug-related deaths, violence and suicide (particularly in young adults). This study investigated whether cohort effects from exposure to neoliberal politics from the 1980s might explain the recent trends in suicide in Scotland. Methods We analysed suicide deaths data from 1974 to 2013 by sex and deprivation using shaded contour plots and intrinsic estimator regression modelling to identify and quantify relative age, period and cohort effects. Results Suicide was most common in young adults (aged around 25–40 years) living in deprived areas, with a younger peak in men. The peak age for suicide fell around 1990, especially for men for whom it dropped quickly from around 50 to 30 years. There was evidence of an increased risk of suicide for the cohort born between 1960 and 1980, especially among men living in the most deprived areas (of around 30%). The cohort at highest risk occurred earlier in the most deprived areas, 1965–1969 compared with 1970–1974. Conclusions The risk of suicide increased in Scotland for those born between 1960 and 1980, especially for men living in the most deprived areas, which resulted in a rise in age-standardised rates for suicide among young adults during the 1990s. This is consistent with the hypothesis that exposure to neoliberal politics created a delayed negative health impact.
Drosophila WASH is required for integrin-mediated cell adhesion, cell motility and lysosomal neutralization

ABSTRACT The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein and SCAR homolog (WASH; also known as Washout in flies) is a conserved actin-nucleation-promoting factor controlling Arp2/3 complex activity in endosomal sorting and recycling. Previous studies have identified WASH as an essential regulator in Drosophila development. Here, we show that homozygous wash mutant flies are viable and fertile. We demonstrate that Drosophila WASH has conserved functions in integrin receptor recycling and lysosome neutralization. WASH generates actin patches on endosomes and lysosomes, thereby mediating both aforementioned functions. Consistently, loss of WASH function results in cell spreading and cell migration defects of macrophages, and an increased lysosomal acidification that affects efficient phagocytic and autophagic clearance. WASH physically interacts with the vacuolar (V)-ATPase subunit Vha55 that is crucial to establish and maintain lysosome acidification. As a consequence, starved flies that lack WASH function show a dramatic increase in acidic autolysosomes, causing a reduced lifespan. Thus, our data highlight a conserved role for WASH in the endocytic sorting and recycling of membrane proteins, such as integrins and the V-ATPase, that increase the likelihood of survival under nutrient deprivation. Summary: Drosophila wash was originally described as an essential gene. We show that wash mutant flies are viable and fertile, and that WASH has conserved functions in integrin receptor recycling and lysosome neutralization.
HIV und Laktation

Über 90% der HIV-positiven Kinder haben sich nachweislich über die Mutter-Kind-Übertragung mit dem Virus infiziert. Schätzungen gehen davon aus, dass sich weltweit jedes Jahr 750 000 Kinder mit dem HI-Virus infizieren, die meisten davon in Subsahara-Afrika. Zu den Übertragungswegen der vertikalen Transmission zählen die Übertragung über die Plazenta während der Schwangerschaft, die Ansteckung während der Geburt sowie die Übertragung durch Muttermilch und blutende Brustwarzen. Das prozentuale Risiko der Mutter-Kind-Übertragung ist bei den oben genannten Übertragungswegen unterschiedlich. Ohne spezifische Interventionen beträgt die Rate der Mutter-Kind-Übertragung ungefähr 15–20% und verdoppelt sich bei längerem Stillen (>6 Monate) auf 35–40%. Obwohl die Verwendung einer Muttermilchersatznahrung hier als Mittel der Wahl nahe liegt, um das Risiko der vertikalen Transmission durch das Stillen, d.h. über Muttermilch und blutende Brustwarzen, zu senken, könnte sich diese Option für Säuglinge von Müttern aus ressourcenarmen Regionen als schädlich erweisen. In diesen Umgebungen sind schwere Durchfallerkrankungen und Mangelernährung aufgrund einer nicht sicheren Ernährung mit Muttermilchersatznahrung und nicht optimalen Stillens (d.h. kein ausschliessliches Stillen während der ersten sechs Lebensmonate) die Hauptfaktoren der hohen Säuglingsmortalität. Laut einem WHO-Bericht neueren Datums (2006) wird geschätzt, dass jedes Jahr weltweit bereits 1,45 Millionen Todesfälle (bei Kindern unter 2 Jahren) auf nicht optimales Stillen in Entwicklungsländern zurückzuführen sind; wohingegen geschätzte 242 000 Todesfälle bei Säuglingen durch die Mutter-Kind-Übertragung verursacht werden. Die WHO-Richtlinien zur Ernährung von Säuglingen bei HIV stellen einen wichtigen Rahmen dar, den Regierungen, Politiker und Mitarbeiter des Gesundheitswesens bei der Erarbeitung von Richtlinien und Behandlungsprotokollen zur Vermeidung der Mutter-Kind-Übertragung berücksichtigen müssen. Es gibt sowohl in Entwicklungsländern als auch in Industrienationen Gemeinden, die nicht über sauberes Trinkwasser und Elektrizität verfügen; die Richtlinien müssen daher die Bedürfnisse der verschiedenen Gemeinden berücksichtigen. Die WHO-Richtlinien empfehlen, dass Stillen durch HIV-infizierte Mütter vermieden werden sollte, wenn adäquate, finanzierbare, nachhaltige und sichere Alternativen für die kindliche Entwicklung zur Verfügung stehen. In den Industrieländern wurde die vertikale HIV-Transmission dank eines entsprechenden Einsatzes der antiretroviralen Therapie, der Möglichkeit und richtigen Terminierung eines elektiven Kaiserschnitts und der Unterstützung der Mütter bei der Vermeidung des Stillens beinahe ausgemerzt und die Rate der Mutter-Kind-Übertragung auf unter 1–2% gesenkt.
Evaluation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendations regarding routine testing for human immunodeficiency virus by an inpatient service: who are we missing?

OBJECTIVE To assess the proportion of hospitalized patients who tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by a routine inpatient testing service, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who might not have been identified had routine testing not been offered. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, the medical records of patients who tested HIV positive by the inpatient testing service between 1999 and 2003 were compared with the medical records of inpatients who tested HIV negative by the inpatient testing service and the medical records of patients who tested HIV positive in ambulatory settings. We compared HIV risk factors, discharge diagnoses, CD4 cell counts, and HIV RNA concentrations. RESULTS A total of 243 patients participated in this study: 81 patients who tested HIV positive and 81 who tested HIV negative by the inpatient testing service, and 81 patients who tested HIV positive in ambulatory settings. Both HIV-positive inpatients and HIV-positive outpatients had similar frequencies of HIV risk factors (46% vs 43%; P=.75). Both groups differed significantly from HIV-negative inpatients (4%; P<.001). Comparing HIV-positive inpatients with HIV-positive outpatients, CD4 cell counts were lower (196 vs 371 cells/mm3; P<.001), and HIV RNA levels were higher (4.61 vs 4.09 Iog, HIV RNA; P=.001). At diagnosis, 64 HIV-positive inpatients (79%) met criteria for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome compared with 21 HIV-positive outpatients (26%) (P<.001). CONCLUSION Patients who tested HIV positive through inpatient testing have more advanced disease than those identified as outpatients. Half of these patients would not have been identified had testing not been routinely offered. Routine inpatient HIV testing offers an important opportunity to identify patients with HIV infection.
Robust subthreshold logic for ultra-low power operation

Digital subthreshold logic circuits can be used for applications in the ultra-low power end of the design spectrum, where performance is of secondary importance. In this paper, we propose two different subthreshold logic families: 1) variable threshold voltage subthreshold CMOS (VT-Sub-CMOS) and 2) subthreshold dynamic threshold voltage MOS (Sub-DTMOS) logic. Both logic families have comparable power consumption as regular subthreshold CMOS logic (which is up to six orders of magnitude lower than that of normal strong inversion circuit) with superior robustness and tolerance to process and temperature variations than that of regular subthreshold CMOS logic.
Genomic mapping and survival prediction in glioblastoma: molecular subclassification strengthened by hemodynamic imaging biomarkers.

PURPOSE To correlate tumor blood volume, measured by using dynamic susceptibility contrast material-enhanced T2*-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion studies, with patient survival and determine its association with molecular subclasses of glioblastoma (GBM). MATERIALS AND METHODS This HIPAA-compliant retrospective study was approved by institutional review board. Fifty patients underwent dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced T2*-weighted MR perfusion studies and had gene expression data available from the Cancer Genome Atlas. Relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) (maximum rCBV [rCBV(max)] and mean rCBV [rCBV(mean)]) of the contrast-enhanced lesion as well as rCBV of the nonenhanced lesion (rCBV(NEL)) were measured. Patients were subclassified according to the Verhaak and Phillips classification schemas, which are based on similarity to defined genomic expression signature. We correlated rCBV measures with the molecular subclasses as well as with patient overall survival by using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS No statistically significant differences were noted for rCBV(max), rCBV(mean) of contrast-enhanced lesion or rCBV(NEL) between the four Verhaak classes or the three Phillips classes. However, increased rCBV measures are associated with poor overall survival in GBM. The rCBV(max) (P = .0131) is the strongest predictor of overall survival regardless of potential confounders or molecular classification. Interestingly, including the Verhaak molecular GBM classification in the survival model clarifies the association of rCBV(mean) with patient overall survival (hazard ratio: 1.46, P = .0212) compared with rCBV(mean) alone (hazard ratio: 1.25, P = .1918). Phillips subclasses are not predictive of overall survival nor do they affect the predictive ability of rCBV measures on overall survival. CONCLUSION The rCBV(max) measurements could be used to predict patient overall survival independent of the molecular subclasses of GBM; however, Verhaak classifiers provided additional information, suggesting that molecular markers could be used in combination with hemodynamic imaging biomarkers in the future.
Efficacy of macrophage-activating lipopeptide-2 combined with interferon-gamma in a murine asthma model.

RATIONALE The incidence and prevalence of allergic asthma, caused by Th2-mediated inflammation in response to environmental antigens, is increasing. Epidemiologic data suggest that a lack of Th1-inducing factors may play a pivotal role in the development of this disease. We have previously shown that dendritic cells treated with macrophage-activating lipopeptide-2 (MALP-2) combined with IFN-gamma modulate the Th2 response toward Th1 in an in vitro allergy model. OBJECTIVE To test in vivo efficacy of this regime, the effects of the substances were evaluated in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation. METHODS Female Balb/c mice were sensitized to ovalbumin, whereas control animals were sham-sensitized with adjuvant only. After 4 weeks, MALP-2 and IFN-gamma or NaCl, respectively, were intratracheally instillated. After inhalational ovalbumin challenge, airway hyperreactivity (AHR) to inhaled methacholine was measured by head-out body plethysmography. The animals were subsequently killed to sample bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lungs. RESULTS Sensitized NaCl-treated mice developed marked AHR compared with sham-sensitized animals. This coincided with eosinophilia as well as the amplification of eotaxin and the Th2 cytokines interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-13 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Treatment of sensitized mice with MALP-2 and IFN-gamma significantly reduced AHR compared with the sensitized, NaCl-treated positive control. Eosinophilia as well as Th2 cytokines were reduced to the levels of unsensitized animals. In contrast, IL-12p70 and neutrophils were markedly increased by treatment with both substances. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate the in vivo efficacy of MALP-2 and IFN-gamma to reduce allergic inflammation and AHR in allergic asthma.
Digital breast tomosynthesis: initial experience in 98 women with abnormal digital screening mammography.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to compare the image quality of tomosynthesis with that of conventional mammography and to estimate the recall rate of screening when tomosynthesis is used in addition to mammography. MATERIALS AND METHODS Women with an abnormal screening mammography were recruited sequentially. Consenting women underwent tomosynthesis of the affected breast corresponding to the views obtained with diagnostic mammography. The study radiologist compared the image quality, including lesion conspicuity and feature analysis, of tomosynthesis with diagnostic film-screen mammography and assessed the need for recall when tomosynthesis was added to digital screening mammography. Screening recalls were considered unnecessary when tomosynthesis did not show a corresponding abnormality or allowed definitely benign lesion characterization. Fisher's exact test was used to determine the association of equivalence and recall status with mammographic finding type. RESULTS There were 99 digital screening recalls in 98 women. The image quality of tomosynthesis was equivalent (n = 51) or superior (n = 37) to diagnostic mammography in 89% (88/99). Finding type was significantly (p < 0.001) associated with equivalence. Approximately half--52/99 (52%)--of the findings would not have been recalled when digital screening mammography was supplemented with tomosynthesis. When adjusting for confounding conditions, the recall reduction was 40% (37/92). The likelihood of recall was also dependent on finding type (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION Subjectively, tomosynthesis has comparable or superior image quality to that of film-screen mammography in the diagnostic setting, and it has the potential to decrease the recall rate when used adjunctively with digital screening mammography.
Stem cell factor influences mast cell mediator release in response to eosinophil-derived granule major basic protein.

Stem cell factor (SCF) is an important mast cell growth, differentiation, and survival factor. We investigated whether SCF influenced the response of mouse mast cells to an IgE-independent stimulus, eosinophil-derived granule major basic protein (MBP). Mouse bone marrow cultured mast cells (BMCMC) were derived in either concanavalin-stimulated mouse spleen conditioned medium (CM) or SCF. The cloned growth, factor-independent mast cell line Cl.MC/C57.1 was also studied. BMCMC in SCF exhibited cytochemical staining properties, protease and histamine content, and increased serotonin uptake consistent with more mature differentiated mast cells as compared with BMCMC in CM or Cl.MC/ C57.1 cells. BMCMC in SCF released serotonin, 14C-labeled arachidonic acid metabolites and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on stimulation with MBP, while no response was seen from either BMCMC in CM or Cl.MC/C57.1 cells. All three mast cell populations released mediators on stimulation with the cationic MBP analog, poly-L-arginine, indicating that the cationic charge did not explain the selective response of BMCMC in SCF to eosinophil-derived granule MBP. These findings show that SCF significantly influences mast cell differentiation and the responsiveness of mast cells to eosinophil-derived granule MBP.
Cesarean deliveries and other risks for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate risks for persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn, confirmed by echocardiography, associated with cesarean deliveries and other factors. METHODS Cohort of all deliveries >36 weeks within a period of 23 months. A nested case-control study was performed in a subset of the cohort, involving newborns admitted into neonatal intensive care unit with diagnosis of persistent pulmonary hypertension matched with normal controls, with application of questionnaires to mothers to identify risks. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios. RESULTS From 9452 newborns, 8388 (88.7%) were delivered by cesarean and 1064 (11.3%) by vaginal delivery. Questionnaires were applied to 173 mothers. Infants from cesareans had a fivefold increased risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn: 42 (0.5%) versus 1 case (0.09%) in the vaginal group (OR 5.32, p=0.027). No interactions were found between smoking, parity, arterial hypertension and labor before cesarean section and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. First minute Apgar score <7 and maternal diabetes were related to increased risk. CONCLUSION Reducing cesarean deliveries could prevent many cases of serious persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.
Preschool children's use of trait labels to make inductive inferences.

One hundred one preschool children (ages 3 years 5 months to 4 years 10 months) participated in 3 studies examining the tendency to use verbal labels versus appearance information in making novel inductive inferences. A triad task analogous to that of S. A. Gelman and E. M. Markman (1986) was devised. Participants learned a different property for each of 2 children, and were asked which of the properties was true of a third child. One of the first 2 children was identified with the same label as the third child (e.g., both were labeled as shy) but looked different, and the other was identified with a different label than the third child but looked very similar. Results of Study 1 revealed that participants tended to use the trait labels, rather than superficial resemblance, in making psychological inferences. Studies 2 and 3 suggest that these results cannot be attributed to biases on the task. Study 4 provided a replication of the results of Study 1 in a context in which appearance information was explicitly pointed out and in which different trait labels were used.
The Association between Splenocyte Apoptosis and Alterations of Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 mRNA Expression, and Oxidative Stress Induced by Dietary Nickel Chloride in Broilers

Two hundred and forty avian broilers were equally divided into four groups, and raised with a corn-soybean basal diet or the same diet supplemented with 300, 600, 900 mg/kg NiCl2 for 42 days. Numbers or percentages of apoptotic splenocytes by flow cytometry (FCM) and TUNEL were higher (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) in the 300, 600 and 900 mg/kg groups than those in the control group. Results measured by qRT-PCR and ELISA showed that mRNA expression and contents were significantly higher (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) in Bax and Caspase-3, and were significantly lower (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) in Bcl-2 of the 300, 600 and 900 mg/kg groups. Also, the SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities, and the ability to inhibit hydroxyl radical, and GSH contents were significantly decreased (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), and MDA contents were increased (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) in all groups. In conclusion, dietary NiCl2 in excess of 300 mg/kg caused apoptosis, altered Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 mRNA expression levels and contents, and induced oxidative stress in the spleen. Also, splenocyte apoptosis was closely related to the alternations of Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 mRNA expression, and oxidative damage. The splenic immunity and blood filtration functions were impaired in broilers.
Assimetria de Informação e Mercado de Trabalho: Uma Análise Teórico-empírica para a Economia Brasileira

O objetivo deste artigo e analisar as teorias existentes sobre assimetria de informacao para o mercado de trabalho e, a partir de analises descritivas e de um modelo econometrico de dados em painel dinâmico. Conclui-se que a taxa de desemprego ainda e maior para as pessoas semi-qualificadas e os mais jovens, ou seja, grupos mais heterogeneos e suscetiveis a assimetria de informacao. Alem disso, averiguou-se que o fato do salario real se tornar mais rigido, somado a falta de informacao dos empregadores a cerca da produtividade, (indicativo de desemprego proveniente da assimetria de informacao), nao foi encontrada.
Scalable source localization with multichannel α-stable distributions

In this paper, we focus on the problem of sound source localization and we propose a technique that exploits the known and arbitrary geometry of the microphone array. While most probabilistic techniques presented in the past rely on Gaussian models, we go further in this direction and detail a method for source localization that is based on the recently proposed α-stable harmonizable processes. They include Cauchy and Gaussian as special cases and their remarkable feature is to allow a simple modeling of impulsive and real world sounds with few parameters. The approach we present builds on the classical convolutive mixing model and has the particularities of requiring going through the data only once, to also work in the underdetermined case of more sources than microphones and to allow massively parallelizable implementations operating in the time-frequency domain. We show that the method yields interesting performance for acoustic imaging in realistic simulations.