Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Associations of infant feeding with trajectories of body composition and growth.

Background: The extent to which breastfeeding is protective against later-life obesity is controversial. Little is known about differences in infant body composition between breastfed and formula-fed infants, which may reflect future obesity risk.Objective: We aimed to assess associations of infant feeding with trajectories of growth and body composition from birth to 7 mo in healthy infants.Design: We studied 276 participants from a previous study of maternal vitamin D supplementation during lactation. Mothers used monthly feeding diaries to report the extent of breastfeeding. We measured infants' anthropometrics and used dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to assess body composition at 1, 4, and 7 mo. We compared changes in infant size (z scores for weight, length, and body mass index [BMI (in kg/m2)]) and body composition (fat and lean mass, body fat percentage) between predominantly breastfed and formula-fed infants, adjusting in linear regression for sex, gestational age, race/ethnicity, maternal BMI, study site, and socioeconomic status.Results: In this study, 214 infants (78%) were predominantly breastfed (median duration: 7 mo) and 62 were exclusively formula fed. Formula-fed infants had lower birth-weight z scores than breastfed infants (-0.22 ± 0.86 and 0.16 ± 0.88, respectively; P < 0.01) but gained more in weight and BMI through 7 mo of age (weight z score difference: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.71; BMI z score difference: 0.35; 95% CI: 0, 0.69), with no difference in linear growth (z score difference: 0.05; 95% CI: -0.24, 0.34). Formula-fed infants gained more lean mass (difference: 303 g; 95% CI: 137, 469 g) than breastfed infants, but not fat mass (difference: -42 g; 95% CI: -299, 215 g). Conclusions: Formula-fed infants gained weight more rapidly and out of proportion to linear growth than did predominantly breastfed infants. These differences were attributable to greater accretion of lean mass, rather than fat mass. Any later obesity risk associated with infant feeding does not appear to be explained by differential adiposity gains in infancy.
The use of sociocultural constructs in cancer screening research among African Americans.

BACKGROUND Studies are increasingly examining the role of sociocultural values, beliefs, and attitudes in cancer prevention. However, these studies vary widely in how sociocultural constructs are defined and measured, how they are conceived as affecting cancer beliefs, behaviors, and screening, and how they are applied in interventions. METHODS To characterize the current state of this research literature, we conducted a critical review of studies published between 1990 and 2006 to describe the current use of sociocultural constructs in cancer screening research among African Americans. We included quantitative and qualitative studies with cancer as a primary focus that included African American participants, assessed screening behaviors, reported race-specific analyses, and considered one or more sociocultural factors. Studies were evaluated for type of cancer and screening analyzed, study population, methodology, sociocultural constructs considered, definitions of constructs, provision of psychometric data for measures, and journal characteristics. RESULTS Of 94 studies identified for review, 35 met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated. Most focused on breast cancer screening, and thus African American women. Sociocultural constructs were seldom clearly defined, and the sources and psychometric properties of sociocultural measures were rarely reported. CONCLUSIONS A multidisciplinary approach to developing a common language and a standardized set of measures for sociocultural constructs will advance research in this area. Specific recommendations are made for future research.
Nanocellulose-Based Composites and Bioactive Agents for Food Packaging

Global environmental concern, regarding the use of petroleum-based packaging materials, is encouraging researchers and industries in the search for packaging materials from natural biopolymers. Bioactive packaging is gaining more and more interest not only due to its environment friendly nature but also due to its potential to improve food quality and safety during packaging. Some of the shortcomings of biopolymers, such as weak mechanical and barrier properties can be significantly enhanced by the use of nanomaterials such as nanocellulose (NC). The use of NC can extend the food shelf life and can also improve the food quality as they can serve as carriers of some active substances, such as antioxidants and antimicrobials. The NC fiber-based composites have great potential in the preparation of cheap, lightweight, and very strong nanocomposites for food packaging. This review highlights the potential use and application of NC fiber-based nanocomposites and also the incorporation of bioactive agents in food packaging.
Improvement of FinFET electrical characteristics by hydrogen annealing

Hydrogen anneal is used during FinFET processing to round off the corners of the silicon fins prior to gate oxidation and to smooth the surface of the fin sidewalls. This procedure greatly improves gate leakage and, in addition, reduces the width of the fins, resulting in a lower threshold voltage and improved drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL) characteristics. Reduction of the leakage current by up to four orders of magnitude is obtained after edge rounding by hydrogen annealing. In addition, a 50% decrease of DIBL is observed, due to fin width reduction.
Nonstructural Proteins Are Preferential Positive Selection Targets in Zika Virus and Related Flaviviruses

The Flavivirus genus comprises several human pathogens such as dengue virus (DENV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), and Zika virus (ZIKV). Although ZIKV usually causes mild symptoms, growing evidence is linking it to congenital birth defects and to increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome. ZIKV encodes a polyprotein that is processed to produce three structural and seven nonstructural (NS) proteins. We investigated the evolution of the viral polyprotein in ZIKV and in related flaviviruses (DENV, Spondweni virus, and Kedougou virus). After accounting for saturation issues, alignment uncertainties, and recombination, we found evidence of episodic positive selection on the branch that separates DENV from the other flaviviruses. NS1 emerged as the major selection target, and selected sites were located in immune epitopes or in functionally important protein regions. Three of these sites are located in an NS1 region that interacts with structural proteins and is essential for virion biogenesis. Analysis of the more recent evolutionary history of ZIKV lineages indicated that positive selection acted on NS5 and NS4B, this latter representing the preferential target. All selected sites were located in the N-terminal portion of NS4B, which inhibits interferon response. One of the positively selected sites (26M/I/T/V) in ZIKV also represents a selection target in sylvatic DENV2 isolates, and a nearby residue evolves adaptively in JEV. Two additional positively selected sites are within a protein region that interacts with host (e.g. STING) and viral (i.e. NS1, NS4A) proteins. Notably, mutations in the NS4B region of other flaviviruses modulate neurovirulence and/or neuroinvasiveness. These results suggest that the positively selected sites we identified modulate viral replication and contribute to immune evasion. These sites should be prioritized in future experimental studies. However, analyses herein detected no selective events associated to the spread of the Asian/American ZIKV lineage.
The Auxin Biosynthetic TRYPTOPHAN AMINOTRANSFERASE RELATED TaTAR2.1-3A Increases Grain Yield of Wheat1

Overexpression of the auxin biosynthesis gene TaTAR2.1-3A in wheat increases grain yield under different nitrogen nutritional conditions. Controlling the major auxin biosynthetic pathway to manipulate auxin content could be a target for genetic engineering of crops with desired traits, but little progress had been made because low or high auxin contents often cause developmental inhibition. Here, we performed a genome-wide analysis of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) to identify the Tryptophan Aminotransferase of Arabidopsis1/Tryptophan Aminotransferase-Related (TAA1/TAR) genes that function in the tryptophan-dependent pathway of auxin biosynthesis. Sequence mining together with gene cloning identified 15 TaTAR genes, among which 12 and three genes were phylogenetically close to Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) AtTAR2 and AtTAR3, respectively. TaTAR2.1 had the most abundant transcripts in the TaTAR2 genes and was expressed mainly in roots and up-regulated by low nitrogen (N) availability. Knockdown of TaTAR2.1 caused vegetative and reproductive deficiencies and impaired lateral root (LR) growth under both high- and low-N conditions. Overexpressing TaTAR2.1-3A in wheat enhanced LR branching, plant height, spike number, grain yield, and aerial N accumulation under different N supply levels. In addition, overexpressing TaTAR2.1-3A in Arabidopsis elevated auxin accumulation in the primary root tip, LR tip, LR primordia, and cotyledon and hypocotyl and increased primary root length, visible LR number, and shoot fresh weight under high- and low-N conditions. Our results indicate that TaTAR2.1 is critical for wheat growth and also shows potential for genetic engineering to reach the aim of improving the grain yield of wheat.
Resolution of epileptic encephalopathy following treatment with transdermal nicotine

We report resolution of an epileptic encephalopathy by administration of transdermal nicotine patches in an adolescent with severe nonlesional refractory frontal lobe epilepsy. The 18.5‐year‐old female patient had refractory epilepsy from the age of 11. Recurrent electroencephalography (EEG) recordings showed mostly generalized activity, albeit with right frontal predominance. Almost all antiepileptic medications failed to provide benefit. She developed an encephalopathic state with cognitive decline. The nonlesional frontal lobe epilepsy and a family history of a cousin with nocturnal epilepsy with frontal origin suggested genetic etiology. Transdermal nicotine patches brought complete resolution of the seizures, normalization of the EEG, and a significant improvement in her thinking process and speech organization. Sequencing of the CHRNB2 and CHRNA4 genes did not detect a mutation. Transdermal nicotine patches should be considered in severe pharmacoresistant frontal lobe epilepsy.
Salmonella effectors translocated across the vacuolar membrane interact with the actin cytoskeleton

A family of nine Salmonella typhimurium type III secretion effectors with a conserved amino‐terminus have been defined. Three family members (SifA, SifB and SseJ) have previously been demonstrated to localize to the Salmonella‐containing vacuole and to Salmonella‐induced filaments. In contrast, we demonstrate that two other family members, SspH2 and SseI, co‐localized with the polymerizing actin cytoskeleton. These proteins also interacted with the mammalian actin cross‐linking protein filamin in the yeast two‐hybrid assay through their highly conserved amino‐terminal domains. This amino‐terminus was sufficient to direct localization to the polymerizing actin cytoskeleton, suggesting that the interaction with filamin is important for this subcellular localization. In addition, SspH2 co‐localized with vacuole‐associated actin polymerizations (VAP) induced by intracellular bacteria through the Salmonella pathogenicity island (SPI)‐2 type III secretion system (TTSS). SspH2 interacted with the actin‐binding protein profilin in the yeast two‐hybrid assay and by affinity chromatography. This interaction was highly specific to SspH2 and was mediated by its carboxy‐terminus. Furthermore, SspH2 inhibited the rate of actin polymerization in vitro, suggesting that it functions to reduce or remodel VAP. Strains with mutations in sspH2 and sseI retained the ability to form VAP. However, a third intracellular virulence factor, spvB, which ADP‐ribosylates actin, strongly inhibited VAP formation in HeLa cells, suggesting a more subtle effect for SspH2 and SseI on the actin cytoskeleton.
Are there “women’s crops”? A new tool for gender and agriculture

ABSTRACT A “Gender Control Tool” was developed to measure women’s control over decision-making for agricultural production, sales, and use of income. The tool was tested for groundnuts in Eastern Province, Zambia, where mechanisation has increased male participation in groundnut shelling, and for goats in Gwanda district, Zimbabwe, where the introduction of auctions has increased investment and sales. A mixed methods approach was used, that involved focus group discussions (FGDs) and a quantitative household survey. This article compares the results obtained from these two methods and discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the tool in understanding how commercialisation affects women’s control.
Health expectancy in Denmark, 1987-2000.

BACKGROUND While life expectancy quantifies average length of life, health expectancy represents the average lifetime in different health states and offers the possibility to evaluate quality of life with respect to health. The purpose of the study was to estimate changes in health expectancy in Denmark from 1987 to 2000 and to assess theories about the relation between increased total lifetime and lifetime in various health states. METHODS Data on health status derived from the Danish Health Interview Surveys carried out in 1987, 1991, 1994 and 2000 were combined with life-table data. Expected lifetime in selfrated good health, life expectancy without longstanding illness and disabilityfree life expectancy were estimated by Sullivan's method. RESULTS In 1987, the life expectancy of a 65-year-old man was 14.1 years, 8.9 years of which were expected to be disabilityfree. In 2000, life expectancy had increased to 15.0 years, 11.3 years of which were disabilityfree. Thus, life expectancy had increased by 0.9 years, whereas disabilityfree life expectancy had increased by 2.4 years. Among 65-year-old women, life expectancy had increased by 0.2 years and disabilityfree life expectancy by 1.1 years. Expected lifetime in selfrated good health had also improved, but the trend in life expectancy without longstanding illness went in the opposite direction, and expected lifetime with longstanding illness had increased. CONCLUSION The recent rise in life expectancy in Denmark after many years of stagnation appears to be accompanied by generally improved health status among the elderly, but health expectancy trends depend on the health indicator chosen. KEY POINTS Health expectancy expresses average lifetime in various states of health. The study examines changes in expected lifetime in selfrated good health, lifetime without longstanding illness and lifetime without longterm disability. Among 65-year-olds the percentage of disabilityfree life expectancy increased from 63.4% to 74.9% for men and from 55.6% to 61.0% for women between 1987 and 2000. Health status among elderly Danes has apparently improved, but secular trends in health expectancy depend on the choice of health indicator.
The challenges for monetary policy normalisation in the United States in the current economic situation

In December 2015 the Federal Reserve System, the central banking system of the United States, raised its official interest rate for the first time after having held it close to 0% for seven years and having embarked on a range of unconventional monetary policy measures to mitigate the impact of the financial crisis. At its latest meeting, in September 2016, the Federal Reserve decided to leave the official interest rate unchanged, although it said that the probability of a future hike had increased. This article reviews some of the features of the expected tightening cycle of monetary policy in the United States in a complex economic situation in which it is likely that it will take a long time for monetary policy to return to normal. This article reviews some of the factors that will influence this process, including monetary policy management and the estimated decrease in the equilibrium real interest rate, in a context in which the official interest rate is close to its effective minimum. From the global standpoint, the shortage of safe assets (which may lead to enduring low levels of the term structure of interest rates), the divergence of its monetary policy stance from that of other central banks, such as the ECB and the Bank of Japan, and developments in emerging economies, particularly China, will also influence monetary policy decisions in the United States.
Human Cu/Zn Superoxide Dismutase (SOD1) Overexpression in Mice Causes Mitochondrial Vacuolization, Axonal Degeneration, and Premature Motoneuron Death and Accelerates Motoneuron Disease in Mice Expressing a Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Mutant SOD1

Cytosolic Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) is a ubiquitous small cytosolic metalloenzyme that catalyzes the conversion of superoxide anion to hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). Mutations in the SOD1 gene cause a familial form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS). The mechanism by which mutant SOD1s causes ALS is not understood. Transgenic mice expressing multiple copies of fALS-mutant SOD1s develop an ALS-like motoneuron disease resembling ALS. Here we report that transgenic mice expressing a high concentration of wild-type human SOD1 (hSOD1(WT)) develop an array of neurodegenerative changes consisting of (1) swelling and vacuolization of mitochondria, predominantly in axons in the spinal cord, brain stem, and subiculum; (2) axonal degeneration in a number of long fiber tracts, predominantly the spinocerebellar tracts; and (3) at 2 years of age, a moderate loss of spinal motoneurons. Parallel to the development of neurodegenerative changes, hSOD1(WT) mice also develop mild motor abnormalities. Interestingly, mitochondrial vacuolization was associated with accumulation of hSOD1 immunoreactivity, suggesting that the development of mitochondrial pathology is associated with disturbed SOD1 turnover. In this study we also crossed hSOD1(WT) mice with a line of fALS-mutant SOD1 mice (hSOD1(G93A)) to generate "double" transgenic mice that express high levels of both wild-type and G93A mutant hSOD1. The "double" transgenic mice show accelerated motoneuron death, earlier onset of paresis, and earlier death as compared with hSOD1(G93A) littermates. Thus in vivo expression of high levels of wild-type hSOD1 is not only harmful to neurons in itself, but also increases or facilitates the deleterious action of a fALS-mutant SOD1. Our data indicate that it is important for motoneurons to control the SOD1 concentration throughout their processes, and that events that lead to improper synthesis, transport, or breakdown of SOD1 causing its accumulation are potentially dangerous.
Outbreak of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase VEB-1-Producing Isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii in a French Hospital

ABSTRACT Twelve clonally related and multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates were recovered during a 4-month period from 12 patients hospitalized at the Valenciennes Hospital in France. Antibiograms determined by the double-disk diffusion technique on cloxacillin-containing plates detected a clavulanic acid-inhibited extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL). PCR and sequencing identified the gene encoding the Ambler class A ESBL VEB-1. This gene was located on the chromosome and was part of a class 1 integron identical to that previously identified in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from Thailand. Additionally, seven clonally related blaVEB-1-positive A. baumannii strains were identified in the immediate environment of the hospitalized patients. This is the first report of the ESBL VEB-1 in Acinetobacter spp. and the first description of VEB-1-producing strains as a source of an outbreak occurring outside Southeast Asia. This report underlines the difficulty of the identification of ESBLs in A. baumannii.
Management of Severe Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects more than one third of the population. It is generally a chronic condition and has the potential to be serious. Some patients with GERD experience persistent daytime or nighttime heartburn and some sustain severe damage, including ulceration, stricture, and Barrett's esophagus, which can predispose to development of adenocarcinoma. Extraesophageal manifestations of GERD can include otolaryngologic, respiratory, and cardiac problems. Severe GERD responds best to agents that suppress gastric acid secretion. Of these, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) provide the most effective control of gastric acidity and are, therefore, the medical treatment of choice. In fact, nonresponse to a PPI should raise the suspicion that the diagnosis is not GERD. Proton pump inhibitors are quickly becoming the treatment of choice for GERD, especially for severe or refractory cases. For patients whose GERD is refractory even to PPIs or who are unwilling to face years of PPI therapy, antireflux surgery remains an option.
Quality and Safety in Health Care, Part XXI: PSOs and the Vascular Quality Initiative

Abstract Congress provided for the formation of patient safety organizations (PSOs) so that physicians and other providers would come forward to improve the safety and quality of health care. Important legal safeguards for the providers and patients were put in place for PSOs. The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) PSO operates the Vascular Quality Initiative. The latter gathers information from certain commonly done vascular procedures. First, information is collected so a risk adjustment determination of each individual patient can be done. Then the details of every procedure are recorded for later analysis of the processes of the patient's care. In addition, outcome analysis from all procedures is carried out. This registry is an important source of data for research improving health care safety and quality.
Comparison of assessment tools to score recovery of function after repair of traumatic lesions of the median nerve

In this paper the recovery after repair of the median nerve has been used to compare different assessment tools for evaluation of peripheral nerve function: touch (moving 2-point discrimination (2PD); Semmes-Weinstein (SW) monofilament, motor (Medical Research Council (MRC) scale), combined motor and sensory (Dellon modification of the Moberg pick up test; Moberg Recognition test), and pain (visual analogue scale; pinprick-test). The mean (SD) age of our 28 patients was 28 (12) years. The mean (SD) follow-up period was 5 years, 2 months (2 years, 8 months). On the operated side three patients (11%) had a moving 2PD of less than 4 mm. The results of the moving 2PD were compared with those of the SW monofilaments, but with a poor correlation. The MRC score correlated well with opposition movement of the thumb and muscle wasting (p<0.01). We recommend a number of tests to evaluate (the chronological return of) peripheral nerve function.