Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Malaria Infection is High at Transit and Destination Phases Among Seasonal Migrant Workers in Development Corridors of Northwest Ethiopia: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose Malaria is a leading public health problem in Ethiopia. Every year, thousands of seasonal farm workers travel to farm corridors in Northwest Ethiopia and fall at risk of malaria infection. However, the magnitude of malaria infection and risk factors during harvest time were not well identified. This study aimed at estimating the prevalence and risk factors of malaria infection among seasonal migrant workers in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A repeated cross-sectional study was conducted at transit and destination phases in Metema district from September 15, 2018 to October 30, 2019. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. A capillary blood sample was collected to examine infection with malaria parasite using a microscope. A multivariate logistic regression technique was used to determine risk factors. Results The malaria prevalence at transit and destination phases among migrant workers was 13.5% (95% CI: 12.07–14.93%) and 18.7% (95% CI: 16.40–21.02%), respectively. The combined prevalence was 16.1% (95% CI: 14.67–17.63%). The odds of malaria infection among migrant workers at the destination phase was 1.5 (OR=1.5, 95% CI 1.167–1.846) times higher compared to the transit phase. Education (AOR=8.198; 95% CI: 4.318–15.564), knowledge of antimalarial drugs (AOR=2.4; 95% CI: 1.43–3.95), and use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (AOR=5.0; 95% CI: 3.34–4.43) were significantly associated with malaria infection at migration phases. Conclusion This study showed that the burden of malaria among seasonal migrant workers was high at transit and destination phases. Malaria prevalence was higher at the destination phase compared to the transit phase. A tailored malaria prevention intervention is needed including awareness creation, screening, treatment, repellent, and prophylaxis at both phases to reduce malaria infections.
[Gly14]-Humanin Ameliorates High Glucose-Induced Apoptosis by Inhibiting the Expression of MicroRNA-155 in Endothelial Microparticles

Background Humanin, a newly emerging endogenously expressed cytoprotective peptide, has been shown to have anti-apoptotic properties effects by protecting neuronal cells injury. Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) are considered as vital mediators in intercellular communication. EMPs may regulate various physiological and pathological processes by transferring mRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs) to recipient cells. Methods EMPs were isolated from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by ultracentrifugation. EMPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analyses. Observation of EMPs uptake into HUVECs and the number of EMPs were realized by confocal microscopy. The expression of miR-155 was examined using real-time PCR. Cell apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry assay. Results We found that high glucose (HG) increased the number of EMPs and upregulated the expression of miR-155 contained within EMPs, which was mitigated by HNG pretreatment. miR-155 overexpression in EMPs reversed the effects of HNG pretreatment and increased apoptosis of target cells. Effects of HNG pretreatment on HG-treated endothelial cells (ECs) were mitigated after miR-155 mimic transfection into HUVECs while were augmented after miR-155 inhibitor transfection into HUVECs. Conclusion HNG inhibited HG-induced apoptosis of ECs and the effect of HNG may be mediated by inhibiting the transfer of EMPs miR-155 from HG-induced HUVECs to normal cells. This study provides a new direction for biological products related to humanin to treat vascular complications associated with all forms of diabetes mellitus.
Adapting lending policies in a “negative-for-long” scenario

What is the long-term impact of negative interest rates on bank lending? To answer this question we construct a unique summary measure of negative rate exposure by individual banks based on exclusive survey data and banks’ balance sheets and couple it with the credit register of Spain and firms’ balance sheets to identify this impact on the supply of credit to firms. We find that only after a few years of negative rates do affected banks (relative to non-affected banks) decrease their supply and increase their rates, especially when lowly capitalized and lending to risky firms. This suggests that the adverse effects of the negative interest rates on banks’ intermediation capacity only show up after a protracted period of ultra-low rates.
Competitive Market Behavior: Convergence and Asymmetry in the Experimental Double Auction

We conducted a large number of controlled continuous double auction experiments to reproduce and stress-test the phenomenon of convergence to competitive equilibrium under private information. A common finding across a total of 104 markets (involving 1k+ individual subjects and trading rounds) is convergence after a handful of trading periods. Initially, however, there is evidence for an inherent asymmetry that favors buyers, which is expressed in symmetric markets by deal prices that are significantly below equilibrium prices. Analysis of the 80k+ observations of individual bids and asks helps identify several empirical ingredients contributing to the observed phenomena including higher initial aggressiveness amongst buyers than sellers.
Rationality Test in the Housing Market: Project-level Evidence from China

This paper examines the rationality of the residential housing market. We adopt a proprietary dataset covering China’s first-tier cities from 2009 to 2016 that consists of project-level rents and repeated selling prices and identify investors’ “underreaction” phenomenon to the cash flow news. With the benefit of this project-level dataset, we demonstrate that research in this field suffers serious aggregation bias for omitting the heterogeneity in dynamic interactions among micro- and macro-level variables. Aggregation leads to a wrong conclusion that investors’ reaction to cash flow news is nearly rational or they slightly overreact. We therefore argue that research on the pricing behavior in the residential housing market has to be conducted at a disaggregated level.
Time Series Momentum around FOMC Meetings

We document a novel time-series momentum strategy around monetary policy decisions in the US. Stock returns drift upward preceding expansionary monetary decisions and downward before contractionary decisions. The differential pre-drift amounts to 2.5% and increases to 4.5% in the 15 days post policy decision. The differential drift is a pervasive finding across industries, international markets, other asset classes and is concentrated in times of high uncertainty.
REITs and Liquidity in Real Estate Markets

Is setting up a real estate investment trust (REIT) regime a zero-sum game? Using a unique set of institutional real estate investment data from 146 countries (including 59 countries with a REIT regime) for 2001 to 2014, we find significant increases in investments in local real estate markets of 25.3% in terms of transaction value and 18.0% in terms of transaction volume after countries set up a REIT regime. The increases are more than enough to offset the reductions in foreign real estate investments of 11.2% and 7.4% in transaction value and volume, respectively. Our evidence suggests that the declines in foreign investments are motivated by foreign investors seeking liquidity by switching their real estate investments to REITs. The liquidity benefit associated with a REIT regime is also supported by evidence of reduced stock market volatility and higher comovements of local stock returns with global REIT returns. The findings help allay apprehensions among policymakers that a REIT regime may reduce investments in local real estate markets.
Option trading under uncertainty

We investigate optimal trading strategies under uncertainty in a nonparametric no-arbitrage framework that is consistent with an arbitrary number of assets. We show that extreme aversion to uncertainty precludes trading, and that preference for uncertainty induces market participation. <br> In an empirical exercise using S&amp;P 500 options, we find that magnitudes of optimal portfolio positions are small when uncertainty is high, whereas risk-based models usually predict the opposite. They also strongly co-move with trading volume. Differences in beliefs modelled through differences in agents' ambiguity priors lead to an equilibrium in which agents' ambiguity aversion is persistent over time.
Superstar Firms and College Major Choice

We study the relation between the presence of superstar firms and college students' major choice. Salient occurrences of superstar performers in an industry are followed by a sharp rise in the number of college students choosing to major in related fields. This cohort effect remains significant after controlling for lagged industry returns and wages. Students' tendency to follow superstars, however, is met with lower real wages earned by entry-level employees when these students enter the job market. Further evidence from two college-graduate surveys shows that such adverse career outcomes can last for decades.
Isolation and conversion of penicillic acid to 6-iodo-α-pyran-2,5-dione: A key intermediate for the synthesis of pectinolide F

ABSTRACT Penicillic acid was isolated from Aspergillus sclerotiorum and converted into 6-iodo-α-pyran-2,5-diones using iodolactonization, a key intermediate for the synthesis of pectinolide F. Structures of penicillic acid and its iodolactonized product were confirmed by using NMR experiments. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Response of Bovine Cumulus–Oocytes Complexes to Energy Pathway Inhibition during In Vitro Maturation

Glucose or fatty acids (FAs) metabolisms may alter the ovarian follicle environment and thus determine oocyte and the nascent embryo quality. The aim of the experiment was to investigate the effect of selective inhibition of glucose (iodoacetate + DHEA) or FA (etomoxir) metabolism on in vitro maturation (IVM) of bovine COCs (cumulus–oocyte complexes) to investigate oocyte’s development, quality, and energy metabolism. After in vitro fertilization, embryos were cultured to the blastocyst stage. Lipid droplets, metabolome, and lipidome were analyzed in oocytes and cumulus cells. mRNA expression of the selected genes was measured in the cumulus cells. ATP and glutathione relative levels were measured in oocytes. Changes in FA content in the maturation medium were evaluated by mass spectrometry. Our results indicate that only glucose metabolism is substantial to the oocyte during IVM since only glucose inhibition decreased embryo culture efficiency. The most noteworthy differences in the reaction to the applied inhibition systems were observed in cumulus cells. The upregulation of ketone body metabolism in the cumulus cells of the glucose inhibition group suggest possibly failed attempts of cells to switch into lipid consumption. On the contrary, etomoxir treatment of the oocytes did not affect embryo development, probably due to undisturbed metabolism in cumulus cells. Therefore, we suggest that the energy pathways analyzed in this experiment are not interchangeable alternatives in bovine COCs.
TP53 Targeted Deep Sequencing of Cell-Free DNA in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using Low-Quality Serum: Concordance with Tumor Mutation

Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is emerging as a potential tumor biomarker. CfDNA-based biomarkers may be applicable in tumors without an available non-invasive screening method among at-risk populations. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and residents of the Asian cancer belt are examples of those malignancies and populations. Previous epidemiological studies using cfDNA have pointed to the need for high volumes of good quality plasma (i.e., >1 mL plasma with 0 or 1 cycles of freeze-thaw) rather than archival serum, which is often the main available source of cfDNA in retrospective studies. Here, we have investigated the concordance of TP53 mutations in tumor tissue and cfDNA extracted from archival serum left-over from 42 cases and 39 matched controls (age, gender, residence) in a high-risk area of Northern Iran (Golestan). Deep sequencing of TP53 coding regions was complemented with a specialized variant caller (Needlestack). Overall, 23% to 31% of mutations were concordantly detected in tumor and serum cfDNA (based on two false discovery rate thresholds). Concordance was positively correlated with high cfDNA concentration, smoking history (p-value = 0.02) and mutations with a high potential of neoantigen formation (OR; 95%CI = 1.9 (1.11–3.29)), suggesting that tumor DNA release in the bloodstream might reflect the effects of immune and inflammatory context on tumor cell turnover. We identified TP53 mutations in five controls, one of whom was subsequently diagnosed with ESCC. Overall, the results showed that cfDNA mutations can be reliably identified by deep sequencing of archival serum, with a rate of success comparable to plasma. Nonetheless, 70% non-identifiable mutations among cancer patients and 12% mutation detection in controls are the main challenges in applying cfDNA to detect tumor-related variants when blindly targeting whole coding regions of the TP53 gene in ESCC.
Strength and Power Characteristics in National Amateur Rugby Players

Rugby players need muscular strength and power to meet the demands of the sport; therefore, a proper assessment of the performance in rugby players should include both variables. The purpose of this study was to examine the strength and power characteristics (SPC) during the squat (SQ) and bench press (BP) in national amateur rugby players and to analyze gender- and position-related differences. A total of 47 players (30 males and 17 females; age: 25.56 ± 1.14 and 23.16 ± 1.38 years, respectively) participated in the study. The one repetition-maximum (1-RM) and SPC in SQ and BP were obtained using a Smith Machine. Then, subjects performed one set of five repetitions on the SQ and BP against six relative loads (30–40–50–60–70–80% 1-RM) using a linear transducer. Differences between genders were found in 1-RM for maximal power, kilograms lifted at maximal power, maximal power, maximal strength and maximal speed in BP (p < 0.00) and 1-RM, kilograms lifted at maximal power, maximal power, maximal strength and maximal speed in SQ (p < 0.00). Comparisons between variables in SQ and BP present a significant relationship (p < 0.01) in SQ and BP 1-RM with kilograms lifted at maximal power (r = 0.86 and r = 0.84), maximal strength (r = 0.53 and r = 0.92) and maximal power (r = 0.76 and r = 0.93). This study confirms the importance of the SPC assessment for training prescription in rugby amateur players.
A Novel Broad Host Range Phage Infecting Alteromonas

Bacteriophages substantially contribute to bacterial mortality in the ocean and play critical roles in global biogeochemical processes. Alteromonas is a ubiquitous bacterial genus in global tropical and temperate waters, which can cross-protect marine cyanobacteria and thus has important ecological benefits. However, little is known about the biological and ecological features of Alteromonas phages (alterophages). Here, we describe a novel alterophage vB_AmeP-R8W (R8W), which belongs to the Autographiviridae family and infects the deep-clade Alteromonas mediterranea. R8W has an equidistant and icosahedral head (65 ± 1 nm in diameter) and a short tail (12 ± 2 nm in length). The genome size of R8W is 48,825 bp, with a G + C content of 40.55%. R8W possesses three putative auxiliary metabolic genes encoding proteins involved in nucleotide metabolism and DNA binding: thymidylate synthase, nucleoside triphosphate pyrophosphohydrolase, and PhoB. R8W has a rapid lytic cycle with a burst size of 88 plaque-forming units/cell. Notably, R8W has a wide host range, such that it can infect 35 Alteromonas strains; it exhibits a strong specificity for strains isolated from deep waters. R8W has two specific receptor binding proteins and a compatible holin–endolysin system, which contribute to its wide host range. The isolation of R8W will contribute to the understanding of alterophage evolution, as well as the phage–host interactions and ecological importance of alterophages.
Novel Tdp1 Inhibitors Based on Adamantane Connected with Monoterpene Moieties via Heterocyclic Fragments

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (Tdp1) is a promising target for anticancer therapy due to its ability to counter the effects topoisomerase 1 (Top1) poison, such as topotecan, thus, decreasing their efficacy. Compounds containing adamantane and monoterpenoid residues connected via 1,2,4-triazole or 1,3,4-thiadiazole linkers were synthesized and tested against Tdp1. All the derivatives exhibited inhibition at low micromolar or nanomolar concentrations with the most potent inhibitors having IC50 values in the 0.35–0.57 µM range. The cytotoxicity was determined in the HeLa, HCT-116 and SW837 cancer cell lines; moderate CC50 (µM) values were seen from the mid-teens to no effect at 100 µM. Furthermore, citral derivative 20c, α-pinene-derived compounds 20f, 20g and 25c, and the citronellic acid derivative 25b were found to have a sensitizing effect in conjunction with topotecan in the HeLa cervical cancer and colon adenocarcinoma HCT-116 cell lines. The ligands are predicted to bind in the catalytic pocket of Tdp1 and have favorable physicochemical properties for further development as a potential adjunct therapy with Top1 poisons.
Reactivation of Multiple Fetal miRNAs in Lung Adenocarcinoma

Simple Summary Patterns of microRNA expression in fetal tissues are not well-characterized, due to the rarity of human fetal samples. Characterization of these patterns is vital for improving our understanding of developmental disorders, and can also provide insights into cancer development, as tumours frequently exploit developmental pathways to facilitate their uncontrolled growth. To profile fetal microRNA expression, we compared the small RNA transcriptomes of a unique cohort of 25 fetal lung samples and two independent cohorts of adult lung specimens, each containing adenocarcinoma and non-malignant samples. We identified 13 ‘oncofetal’ microRNAs that were highly expressed in the fetal and adenocarcinoma samples but absent from the adult non-malignant samples. These microRNAs showed potential as markers for cancer detection, and the expression of three of them was associated with shorter survival times for lung adenocarcinoma patients. The absence of these microRNAs from the non-malignant adult lung also makes them compelling targets for novel therapies. Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play vital roles in the regulation of normal developmental pathways. However, cancer cells can co-opt these miRNAs, and the pathways that they regulate, to drive pro-tumourigenic phenotypes. Characterization of the miRNA transcriptomes of fetal organs is essential for identifying these oncofetal miRNAs, but it has been limited by fetal sample availability. As oncofetal miRNAs are absent from healthy adult lungs, they represent ideal targets for developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. We conducted small RNA sequencing of a rare collection of 25 human fetal lung (FL) samples and compared them to two independent cohorts (n = 140, n = 427), each comprised of adult non-neoplastic lung (ANL) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) samples. We identified 13 oncofetal miRNAs that were expressed in FL and LUAD but not in ANL. These oncofetal miRNAs are potential biomarkers for LUAD detection (AUC = 0.963). Five of these miRNAs are derived from the imprinted C14MC miRNA cluster at the 14q32 locus, which has been associated with cancer development and abnormal fetal and placental development. Additionally, we observed the pulmonary expression of 44 previously unannotated miRNAs. The sequencing of these fetal lung samples also provides a baseline resource against which aberrant samples can be compared.
Electroretinography and Gene Expression Measures Implicate Phototransduction and Metabolic Shifts in Chick Myopia and Hyperopia Models

The Retinal Ion-Driven Fluid Efflux (RIDE) model theorizes that phototransduction-driven changes in trans-retinal ion and fluid transport underlie the development of myopia (short-sightedness). In support of this model, previous functional studies have identified the attenuation of outer retinal contributions to the global flash electroretinogram (gfERG) following weeks of myopia induction in chicks, while discovery-driven transcriptome studies have identified changes to the expression of ATP-driven ion transport and mitochondrial metabolism genes in the retina/RPE/choroid at the mid- to late-induction time-points. Less is known about the early time-points despite biometric analyses demonstrating changes in eye growth by 3 h in the chick lens defocus model. Thus, the present study compared gfERG and transcriptome profiles between 3 h and 3 days of negative lens-induced myopia and positive lens-induced hyperopia in chicks. Photoreceptor (a-wave and d-wave) and bipolar (b-wave and late-stage d-wave) cell responses were suppressed following negative lens-wear, particularly at the 3–4 h and 3-day time-points when active shifts in the rate of ocular growth were expected. Transcriptome measures revealed the up-regulation of oxidative phosphorylation genes following 6 h of negative lens-wear, concordant with previous reports at 2 days in this model. Signal transduction pathways, with core genes involved in glutamate and G-protein coupled receptor signalling, were down-regulated at 6 h. These findings contribute to a growing body of evidence for the dysregulation of phototransduction and mitochondrial metabolism in animal models of myopia.
Effectiveness of Interprofessional Consultation-Based Interventions for Delirium: A Scoping Review

Background: Interprofessional geriatric consultation teams and multicomponent interventions are established models for delirium care. They are combined in interprofessional consultative delirium team interventions; however, insight into this novel approach is lacking. Objective: To describe the effectiveness and core components of consultation-based interventions for delirium. Method: Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and ProQuest. Data on core intervention components, outcomes, facilitators, and barriers were extracted. Results: 10 studies were included. Core intervention components were systematic delirium screening, ongoing consultation, implementation of non-pharmacologic and pharmacological interventions, and staff education. Of the included studies, 1/6 found a significant reduction in delirium incidence, 1/2 a reduction in delirium duration, and 2/3 found a reduction in falls. Facilitators and barriers to implementation were discussed. Conclusion: There was consistency in team structure and core components, however intervention operationalization and effectiveness varied widely. There is some evidence that this model is effective for reducing delirium and its sequelae.