Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Employment Precarity, COVID-19 Risk, and Workers' Well-Being During the Pandemic in Europe

The COVID-19 crisis highlights a growing precarity in employment and the importance of employment for workers' well-being. Existing studies primarily examine the consequences of employment precarity through non-standard employment arrangements or the perception of job insecurity as a one-dimensional measure. Recent scholars advocate a multidimensional construct with a wide range of objective and subjective characteristics of precariousness. Using data from Eurofound's Living, Working, and COVID-19 surveys, I define employment precarity as the objective form of employment instability, as well as subjective terms of job insecurity and emotional precariousness. I also investigate whether and how various facets of employment precarity along with COVID-19 risk are associated with workers' mental and subjective well-being across 27 European Union member states during the pandemic. This study sheds light on a comprehensive understanding of objective and subjective dimensions of employment precarity, as well as their effects on workers' well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
EPIDEMIOLOGIE DE LA DYSLIPIDEMIE EN TUNISIE.Etude Hammam Sousse Sahloul Heart Study (HSHS 3)*

Résumé Introduction: La dyslipidémie est une cause majeure de morbi-mortalité dans le monde du fait qu’elle augmente le risque des maladies cardiovasculaires. Objectif : Déterminer la prévalence de la dyslipidémie et ses composantes dans la population générale de Hammam Sousse (Tunisie) et d’identifier ses facteurs de risque. Méthodes: Il s’agissait d’une analyse approfondie de la base de données HSHS (Hammam Sousse Sahloul Heart Study), une étude transversale «community-based» sur les facteurs de risque cardio-vasculaire dont la dyslipidémie, auprès d’un échantillon aléatoire en grappes à deux degrés et à probabilité proportionnelle. Tous les sujets de 20 ans et plus ont bénéficié d’une entrevue sur le style de vie, d’un examen clinique avec des mesures anthropométriques et d’un prélèvement sanguin. La dyslipidémie était définie par des taux de: cholestérol total ≥5,2 mmol/l, hyper LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) cholestérolémie ≥4,1 mmol/l, hypo HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) cholestérolémie <1,03 mmol/l chez les hommes et <1,29 mmol/l chez les femmes et hyper-triglycéridémie ≥2,26 mmol/l. Une analyse multi variée par régression logistique a été conduite afin de déterminer les facteurs indépendamment associés à la dyslipidémie. Résultats: La population d’étude a été composée de 481 hommes et 960 femmes soit un sex-ratio de 0,5. La moyenne du cholestérol était plus élevée chez les femmes (5 mmol/l±1,01) que chez les hommes (4,8 mmol/l±0,92). Seulement 24,9% des hommes et 29,1% des femmes avaient un taux normal de cholestérol HDL. Les femmes avaient des taux plus élevés d’hypercholestérolémie et de LDL cholestérolémie que les hommes (p<10-6). L’analyse multi variée a montré que la dyslipidémie a été associée de façon indépendante et statistiquement significative à un âge ≥40 ans (p<10-3), la sédentarité (p<10-3) et l’obésité (p=0,025). Conclusion: En conséquence de la situation épidémiologique de la dyslipidémie dans la population d’étude, la promotion d’un style de vie actif semble essentiel. En plus, l’éducation nutritionnelle améliorait le profil lipidique en favorisant la perte du poids et en équilibrant la consommation des lipides.
Large perturbation flow field analysis and simulation for supersonic inlets

An analysis technique for simulation of supersonic mixed compression inlets with large flow field perturbations is presented. The approach is based upon a quasi-one-dimensional inviscid unsteady formulation which includes engineering models of unstart/restart, bleed, bypass, and geometry effects. Numerical solution of the governing time dependent equations of motion is accomplished through a shock capturing finite difference algorithm, of which five separate approaches are evaluated. Comparison with experimental supersonic wind tunnel data is presented to verify the present approach for a wide range of transient inlet flow conditions.
Injectable enzyme-catalyzed crosslinking hydrogels as BMSCs-laden tunable scaffold for osteogenic differentiation

Abstract Bone defects caused by trauma or tumor are a significant challenge in clinical practice. Hydrogel-based tissue engineering has been considered an effective strategy. This study successfully formed a series of injectable hydrogels by enzyme-catalyzed crosslinking hyaluronic acid-tyramine (HA-TA) and sodium alginate-tyramine (ALG-TA) under physiological conditions in the presence of both horseradish peroxidase and hydrogen peroxide. The morphology, mechanical properties, swelling properties, and biodegradation properties of hydrogels were investigated. The results showed that the mechanical properties, swelling properties and biodegradation of HA/ALG hydrogels varied with the precursor solution concentration. Furthermore, the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs within the HA/ALG hydrogels were evaluated in vitro. The results illustrated that the hydrogels could offer an excellent microenvironment for BMSCs growth and promote osteogenic differentiation. Therefore, the injectable hydrogels can be used as an effective 3 D scaffold for bone repair and regeneration.
A review of African American women's experiences in menopause

African American women may experience menopause differently than women of other ethnic groups. This narrative review synthesizes the literature about the menopausal experiences of African American women. Abstract Importance and Objective Little is known and reported about the experiences of African American women as they transition to and experience menopause. Accepted norms are based on the experience of a predominantly White population. The aim of this study is to review available data about the distinct experiences of African American women during the menopause transition and menopause. Methods A literature search was developed and executed by the review team in collaboration with a health sciences librarian. The search combined controlled vocabulary and title/abstract terms related to the health status disparities of African Americans in the menopause transition and menopause. The following databases were searched from inception through April 28, 2022: PubMed, Scopus (Elsevier), and Web of Science Core Collection (Clarivate). Discussion and Conclusion African American women experience distinct differences in physical, psychological, social, and quality of life measures during menopause. Increasing awareness about the unique menopause experiences of African American women is critically important to improve the health of this underserved population.
Stability Analysis of Phase-Locked Bursting in Inhibitory Neuron Networks

Networks of neurons, which form central pattern generators (CPGs), are important for controlling animal behaviors. Of special interest are configurations or CPG motifs composed of reciprocally inhibited neurons, such as half-center oscillators (HCOs). Bursting rhythms of HCOs are shown to include stable synchrony or in-phase bursting, which is a phase-locked state that has zero phase difference. This in-phase bursting can co-exist with anti-phase bursting, commonly expected as the single stable state in HCOs that are connected with fast non-delayed synapses. The finding contrasts with the classical view that reciprocal inhibition has to be slow or time-delayed to synchronize such bursting neurons. Phase-locked rhythms are analyzed via Lyapunov exponents estimated with variational equations, and through the convergence rates estimated with Poincaré return maps. A new mechanism underlying multistability is proposed that is based on the spike interactions, which confer a dual property on the fast non-delayed reciprocal inhibition; this reveals the role of spikes in generating multiple co-existing phase-locked rhythms. In particular, it demonstrates that the number and temporal characteristics of spikes determine the number and stability of the multiple phase-locked states in weakly coupled HCOs. The generality of the multistability phenomenon is demonstrated by analyzing diverse models of bursting networks with various inhibitory synapses; the individual cell models include the reduced leech heart interneuron, the Sherman model for pancreatic beta cells, the Purkinje neuron model and Fitzhugh-Rinzel phenomenological model. Finally, hypothetical and experiment-based CPGs composed of HCOs are investigated, and predictions that may be verified by electrophysiologists studying the sensory-motor systems are made. This study is relevant for various applications that use CPGs such as robotics, prosthetics, and artificial intelligence. INDEX WORDS: Bursting, Central pattern generator, Fast threshold modulation, Half-center oscillator, Inhibition, Lyapunov exponents, Multistability, Networks, Neurons, Phase-locking, Poincaré return maps, Synchrony, Variational equations STABILITY ANALYSIS OF PHASE-LOCKED BURSTING IN INHIBITORY NEURON NETWORKS
Problems associated with vermicomposting of dog excrement in practice using Eisenia andrei

One 25-kg dog produces about 500 g of excrement per day. Excrement is a potentially hazardous material, as it may contain pathogenic microorganisms. Our samples were tested for the presence of thermotolerant coliform bacteria, Enterococcus spp. , Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. , which are indicators of faecal contamination, as well as for the presence of helminths and their eggs. During the experiment, it was observed whether these microorganisms could be eliminated by vermicomposting. There were two variants of vermicomposting piles: one test pile (with continuous feeding) and one control pile (with a single feeding). The vermicomposting process was run in outdoor conditions in park for 51 weeks using Eisenia andrei earthworms. The vermicomposting of dog excrement with waste from park maintenance (1:2) can produce a good quality fertiliser. During the process of vermicomposting, there was a gradual decrease in the content of pathogenic bacteria. At the end of the vermicomposting process, there were no eggs or adult helminths. The vermicompost was very rich in microorganisms and enzymatic activity. The pH value was slightly alkaline, and the C:N ratio corresponded to value of mature vermicompost.
Immunostimulant plant proteins: Potential candidates as vaccine adjuvants

The COVID‐19 pandemic is shaking up global scientific structures toward addressing antibiotic resistance threats and indicates an urgent need to develop more cost‐effective vaccines. Vaccine adjuvants play a crucial role in boosting immunogenicity and improving vaccine efficacy. The toxicity and adversity of most adjuvant formulations are the major human immunization problems, especially in routine pediatric and immunocompromised patients. The present review focused on preclinical studies of immunoadjuvant plant proteins in use with antiparasitic, antifungal, and antiviral vaccines. Moreover, this report outlines the current perspective of immunostimulant plant protein candidates that can be used by researchers in developing new generations of vaccine‐adjuvants. Future clinical studies are required to substantiate the plant proteins' safety and applicability as a vaccine adjuvant in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Vivaxin genes encode highly immunogenic, non-variant antigens on the Trypanosoma vivax cell-surface

Trypanosoma vivax is a unicellular hemoparasite, and a principal cause of animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT), a vector-borne and potentially fatal livestock disease across sub-Saharan Africa. Previously, we identified diverse T. vivax-specific genes that were predicted to encode cell surface proteins. Here, we examine the immune responses of naturally and experimentally infected hosts to these unique parasite antigens, to identify immunogens that could become vaccine candidates. Immunoprofiling of host serum shows that one particular family (Fam34) elicits a consistent IgG antibody response. This gene family, which we now call Vivaxin, encodes at least 124 transmembrane glycoproteins that display quite distinct expression profiles and patterns of genetic variation. We focused on one gene (viv-β8) that encodes one particularly immunogenic vivaxin protein and which is highly expressed during infections but displays minimal polymorphism across the parasite population. Vaccination of mice with VIVβ8 adjuvanted with Quil-A elicits a strong, balanced immune response and delays parasite proliferation in some animals but, ultimately, it does not prevent disease. Although VIVβ8 is localized across the cell body and flagellar membrane, live immunostaining indicates that VIVβ8 is largely inaccessible to antibody in vivo. However, our phylogenetic analysis shows that vivaxin includes other antigens shown recently to induce immunity against T. vivax. Thus, the introduction of vivaxin represents an important advance in our understanding of the T. vivax cell surface. Besides being a source of proven and promising vaccine antigens, the gene family is clearly an important component of the parasite glycocalyx, with potential to influence host-parasite interactions.
Zooplankton act as cruise ships promoting the survival and pathogenicity of pathogenic bacteria

Bacteria in general interact with zooplankton in aquatic ecosystems. These zooplankton–bacterial interactions help to shape the bacterial community by regulating bacterial abundances. Such interactions are even more significant and crucially in need of investigation in the case of pathogenic bacteria, which cause severe diseases in humans and animals. Among the many associations between a host metazoan and pathogenic bacteria, zooplankton provide nutrition and protection from stressful conditions, promote the horizontal transfer of virulence genes, and act as a mode of pathogen transport. These interactions allow the pathogen to survive and proliferate in aquatic environments and to endure water treatment processes, thereby creating a potential risk to human health. This review highlights current knowledge on the contributions of zooplankton to the survival and pathogenicity of pathogenic bacteria. We also discuss the need to consider these interactions as a risk factor in water treatment processes.
Prevalence, patterns, and attitude regarding dietary supplement use in Saudi Arabia: Data from 2019

Dietary supplements are products containing dietary elements including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, or botanicals. They can aid consumers with low dietary intake and quality, as well as those with high demands, by boosting nutritious value. A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults living in Saudi Arabia aged between 18–60 years old using online self-administered questionnaire. Information regarding sociodemographic characteristics, use and type of dietary supplements, and attitude toward and patterns of dietary supplement use was collected. The chi-square test, Pearson correlations, and the independent t-test were used. In total, 531 participants (115 men and 416 women) were included. Approximately half of the participants (51.8%, n = 275) used dietary supplements. Participants who were using dietary supplements were significantly younger (29.16 ± 9.32 years), more highly educated (85.5%, n = 235), and worked in the health sector (63.7%, n = 100). Herbal supplement use was associated with older age and female sex. Single mineral supplements were used more frequently by married, female, pregnant, or breastfeeding participants and those not working in the health sector. Fatty supplements were used more frequently by participants with a higher level of education. Regarding the attitude toward dietary supplement use, women, single participants, and health care workers showed a significant positive attitude. In-depth investigation into the amount of and reasons for dietary supplement use in the health sector is required. Additionally, educating pregnant and breastfeeding women on the importance of dietary supplements is necessary.
Long-distance transport of sucrose in source leaves promotes sink root growth by the EIN3-SUC2 module

In most plants, sucrose, a major storage sugar, is transported into sink organs to support their growth. This key physiological process is dependent on the function of sucrose transporters. Sucrose export from source tissues is predominantly controlled through the activity of SUCROSE TRANSPORTER 2 (SUC2), required for the loading of sucrose into the phloem of Arabidopsis plants. However, how SUC2 activity is controlled to support root growth remains unclear. Glucose is perceived via the function of HEXOKINASE 1 (HXK1), the only known nuclear glucose sensor. HXK1 negatively regulates the stability of ETHYLENE-INSENSITIVE3 (EIN3), a key ethylene/glucose interaction component. Here we show that HXK1 functions upstream of EIN3 in the regulation of root sink growth mediated by glucose signaling. Furthermore, the transcription factor EIN3 directly inhibits SUC2 activity by binding to the SUC2 promoter, regulating glucose signaling linked to root sink growth. We demonstrate that these molecular components form a HXK1-EIN3-SUC2 module integral to the control of root sink growth. Also, we demonstrate that with increasing age, the HXK1-EIN3-SUC2 module promotes sucrose phloem loading in source tissues thereby elevating sucrose levels in sink roots. As a result, glucose signaling mediated-sink root growth is facilitated. Our findings thus establish a direct molecular link between the HXK1-EIN3-SUC2 module, the source-to sink transport of sucrose and root growth.
Oocyte‐secreted factor TGFB2 enables mouse cumulus cell expansion in vitro

Cumulus expansion is necessary for the release of a fertilizable oocyte from the ovary, which is critical for the normal fertilization of mammals. Cumulus expansion requires cooperation between epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐like growth factors and oocyte paracrine factors. Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) are well‐known paracrine factors secreted by oocytes. In addition, transforming growth factor‐β2 (TGFB2) was primarily expressed in oocytes and its membrane receptors type 1 receptor (TGFBR1) and type 2 receptor (TGFBR2) were located in cumulus cells. In our present study, TGFB2 induced expansion of oocytectomized (OOX) complexes and increased the expression of expansion‐related genes in the presence of EGF, suggesting that TGFB2 enables cumulus expansion. Inhibition of TGF‐β signaling with SD208 blocked TGFB2‐promoted cumulus expansion. Furthermore, in the culture of OOX complexes from mice of Tgfbr2‐specific depletion in granulosa cells, TGFB2‐promoted cumulus expansion and the expression of expansion‐related genes were impaired. These results suggest that TGFB2 could induce cumulus expansion through TGFBR‐SMAD2/3 signaling. Tgfb2‐specific depletion in oocytes using Zp3‐Cre mice had no effect on cumulus expansion in vivo, possibly due to the compensatory effect of other cumulus expansion‐enabling factors. Taken together, TGFB2 is involved in expansion‐related gene expression and consequent cumulus expansion.
Readmission and Resource Utilization in Patients From Socioeconomically Distressed Communities Following Lumbar Fusion

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objective: To determine whether: (1) patients from communities of socioeconomic distress have higher readmission rates or postoperative healthcare resource utilization and (2) there are differences in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) based on socioeconomic distress. Summary of Background Data: Socioeconomic disparities affect health outcomes, but little evidence exists demonstrating the impact of socioeconomic distress on postoperative resource utilization or PROMs. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent lumbar fusion at a single tertiary academic center from January 1, 2011 to June 30, 2021. Patients were classified according to the distressed communities index. Hospital readmission, postoperative prescriptions, patient telephone calls, follow-up office visits, and PROMs were recorded. Multivariate analysis with logistic, negative binomial regression or Poisson regression were used to investigate the effects of distressed communities index on postoperative resource utilization. Alpha was set at P<0.05. Results: A total of 4472 patients were included for analysis. Readmission risk was higher in distressed communities (odds ratio, 1.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–2.87; P=0.028). Patients from distressed communities (odds ratio, 3.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.60–9.72; P=0.003) were also more likely to be readmitted for medical, but not surgical causes (P=0.514), and distressed patients had worse preoperative (visual analog-scale Back, P<0.001) and postoperative (Oswestry disability index, P=0.048; visual analog-scale Leg, P=0.013) PROMs, while maintaining similar magnitudes of clinical improvement. Patients from distressed communities were more likely to be discharged to a nursing facility and inpatient rehabilitation unit (25.5%, P=0.032). The race was not independently associated with readmissions (P=0.228). Conclusion: Socioeconomic distress is associated with increased postoperative health resource utilization. Patients from distressed communities have worse preoperative PROMs, but the overall magnitude of improvement is similar across all classes. Level of Evidence: Level IV.
Aster la vista: Unraveling the biochemical basis of carotenoid homeostasis in the human retina

Carotenoids play pivotal roles in vision as light filters and precursor of chromophore. Many vertebrates also display the colorful pigments as ornaments in bare skin parts and feathers. Proteins involved in the transport and metabolism of these lipids have been identified including class B scavenger receptors and carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases. Recent research implicates members of the Aster protein family, also known as GRAM domain‐containing (GRAMD), in carotenoid metabolism. These multi‐domain proteins facilitate the intracellular movement of carotenoids from their site of cellular uptake by scavenger receptors to the site of their metabolic processing by carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases. We provide a model how the coordinated interplay of these proteins and their differential expression establishes carotenoid distribution patterns and function in tissues, with particular emphasis on the human retina.
The TV2 ground calibrations of the WFC3 NIR grisms

Based on thermal vacuum tests (TV2; June August 2007), the performance of the WFC3 near-IR G102 and G141 grisms has been assessed. The locations of the different orders relative to exposures taken through a direct imaging filter are determined, trace and wavelength solutions are derived, and the absolute throughput of the different orders is quantified. The trace and wavelength solutions were found to be linear functions varying smoothly as function of field of view. Aperture corrections are given for both grims as function of wavelength. Furthermore, we describe flat-field cubes that provide pixel-to-pixel information as function of wavelength to an accuracy of about 1%. New detectors in the UV and IR channels are being tested in TV3 (March – April 2008), therefore updates for the sensitivity calibrations are to be expected while geometric properties are predicted to remain stable.