Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sexual orientation and migration intentions among rural, exurban and urban adolescents in Iceland

Abstract Rural areas have often been assumed to be somewhat hostile territory for sexual minorities. As a result, moving to an urban area may be an integral part of “coming out” for those living in a rural area. However, surprisingly few quantitative studies have examined the level of rural-to-urban migration intent among sexual minorities. In this study, we examined the migration expectations of adolescents in Iceland, a country characterised by a heavy urban concentration and a scattered rural population, strong international ties and comparatively high levels of formal rights and public acceptance of sexual minorities. Based on a population sample of 2,858 students aged 15–16 years, we found no evidence of greater overall migration expectations among rural or exurban lesbian, gay, bisexual and questioning (LGBQ) youth than their urban counterparts. However, while urban LGBQ youth were more likely to move abroad, young people in other areas are more likely to move domestically. The results are discussed in the context of prior studies of sexual minorities in rural areas and migration expectations among rural youth.
Study of Genetic diversity in Rhizospheric Trichoderma isolates from Uttarakhand

Thirty isolates of Trichoderma obtained from rhizospheric soils of various crops from different locations of Uttarakhand, India were characterized morphologically as Trichoderma harzianum and T. virens. They were compared using RAPD markers to estimate the genetic variations. A total number of 792 reproducible polymorphic bands were obtained using 13 random primers and data were subjected to numerical analysis using NTSYS software and unweighted pair-group (UPGMA) cluster analysis to generate a dendrogram showing the relationship among them. The isolates were grouped into two major clusters; the first major cluster consisted of isolate number PB10, 13, 23, 26, 27 and 28. The remaining isolates in second major cluster were further separated into two sub-clusters; the first sub-cluster consisted of isolates PB5, 15 and 16, and the second sub-cluster consisted of isolates PB 1–4, 6–9, 11, 12, 14, 17–22, 24, 25, 29 and 30. The similarity matrix indicated that isolates PB 8 and 21 were genetically distinct as they showed only 1% similarity followed by PB 11 and 21 (2%) while the isolates PB 29 and 30 were genetically closer, with 61% similarity between them followed by isolate number PB 13 and 14 with 59% similarity.
Association of Survival With Adjuvant Chemotherapy Among Patients With Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer With vs Without High-Risk Clinicopathologic Features.

Importance Tumor size larger than 4 cm is accepted as an indication for adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with node-negative non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Treatment guidelines suggest that high-risk features are also associated with the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy among patients with early-stage NSCLC, yet this association is understudied. Objective To assess the association between adjuvant chemotherapy and survival in the presence and absence of high-risk pathologic features in patients with node-negative early-stage NSCLC. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study using data from the National Cancer Database included 50 814 treatment-naive patients with a completely resected node-negative NSCLC diagnosed between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2015. The study was limited to patients who survived at least 6 weeks after surgery (ie, estimated median time to initiate adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery) to mitigate immortal time bias. Statistical analysis was performed from December 1, 2018, to February 29, 2020. Exposures Adjuvant chemotherapy use vs observation, stratified according to the presence or absence of high-risk pathologic features (visceral pleural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and high-grade histologic findings), sublobar surgery, and tumor size. Main Outcomes and Measures The association of high-risk pathologic features with survival after adjuvant chemotherapy vs observation was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results Overall, 50 814 eligible patients with NSCLC (27 365 women [53.9%]; mean [SD] age, 67.4 [9.5] years]) were identified, including 4220 (8.3%) who received adjuvant chemotherapy and 46 594 (91.7%) who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy. Among patients with tumors 3 cm or smaller, chemotherapy was not associated with improved survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.10; 95% CI, 0.96-1.26; P = .17). For patients with tumors larger than 3 cm to 4 cm, adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with a survival benefit among patients who underwent sublobar surgery (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.56-0.93; P = .004). For tumors larger than 4 cm to 5 cm, a survival benefit was associated with adjuvant chemotherapy only in patients with at least 1 high-risk pathologic feature (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.56-0.80; P = .02). For tumors larger than 5 cm, adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with a survival benefit irrespective of the presence of high-risk pathologic features (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.61-0.91; P = .004). Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study, tumor size alone was not associated with improved efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with early-stage (node-negative) NSCLC. High-risk clinicopathologic features and tumor size should be considered simultaneously when evaluating patients with early-stage NSCLC for adjuvant chemotherapy.
Mycobacterial Infections of the Hand

Background Hand infections caused by mycobacteria are relatively uncommon compared to infections caused by other pathogens; therefore, much of the available literature consists of case reports and limited case series. Broadly categorized into tuberculous and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections, both tuberculous and NTM infections are typically insidious with long incubation periods and with the ability to remain dormant for prolonged periods. Methods We reviewed the most current literature on the epidemiology, presentations, treatment methods, and resistance patterns of mycobacterial infections of the hand focusing on the indications and outcomes of nonoperative as well as operative interventions. Results The worldwide burden of tuberculosis remains high and while the overall rate of new diagnosis drug resistant tuberculosis has been on the decline some regions of the world have demonstrated staggeringly high resistance rates to first-line tuberculosis therapies. Signs and symptoms of mycobacterial hand infection are typically inconsistent, and highly dependent on the specific structures of the hand that are affected; therefore, these infections may mimic other infections of the hand like tenosynovitis, joint space infections, and cutaneous infections. The main stay of treatment remains antimycobacterial therapies including but not limited to rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. Conclusions The complications associated with mycobacterial hand infections can be significant. Prompt evaluation, including a thorough history to evaluate for potential exposures to infectious sources, followed by appropriate antibiotic choice and duration, with surgical management as needed, is key to reducing the chance that patients experience lasting effects of the infection.
A pilot randomized trial of an educational intervention to increase genetic counseling and genetic testing among Latina breast cancer survivors

Latinas are less likely to participate in genetic counseling (GC) and genetic testing (GT) than non‐Hispanic Whites. A multisite, randomized pilot study tested a culturally targeted educational intervention to increase uptake of GC/GT among Latina breast cancer (BC) survivors (N = 52). Participants were recruited in Tampa, FL and Ponce, PR and randomized to: (a) fact sheet about BC survivorship (control) or (b) a culturally targeted educational booklet about GC/GT (intervention). Participants in the intervention condition were also offered no‐cost telephone GC followed by free GT with mail‐based saliva sample collection. Participants self‐reported hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) knowledge and emotional distress at baseline and 1‐ and 3‐month follow‐ups. We used logistic regression to examine differences in GC/GT uptake by study arm (primary outcome) and repeated measures ANOVA to examine the effects of study arm and time on HBOC knowledge and emotional distress (secondary outcomes). Compared to the control arm, intervention participants were more likely to complete GC (ORIntervention = 13.92, 95% CI = 3.06–63.25, p < .01) and GT (ORIntervention = 12.93, 95% CI = 2.82–59.20, p < .01). Study site did not predict uptake of GC (p = .08) but Ponce participants were more likely to complete GT (ORPonce = 4.53, 95% CI = 1.04–19.72, p = .04). ANOVAs demonstrated an increase in HBOC knowledge over time across both groups (F(2,88) = 12.24, p < . 01, ηp2 = 0.22). We also found a significant interaction of study arm and time, such that intervention participants demonstrated a greater and sustained (to the 3‐month follow‐up) increase in knowledge than control participants (F(2,88) = 3.66, p = . 03, ηp2 = 0.08). No other main or interaction effects were significant (all p’s> .15). Study findings demonstrate the potential of our culturally targeted print intervention. Lessons learned from this multisite pilot study for enhancing GC/GT in Latinas include the need to attend to both access to GC/GT and individual factors such as attitudes and knowledge.
Behavioural and cognitive changes in aged pet dogs: No effects of an enriched diet and lifelong training

Dogs demonstrate behavioural changes and cognitive decline during aging. Compared to laboratory dogs, little is known about aging in pet dogs exposed to different environments and nutrition. In this study, we examined the effects of age, an enriched diet and lifelong training on different behavioural and cognitive measures in 119 pet dogs (>6yrs). Dogs were maintained on either an enriched diet or a control diet for one year. Lifelong training was calculated using a questionnaire where owners filled in their dog’s training experiences to date. Before commencing the diet and after one year of dietary treatment, they were tested in the Modified Vienna Canine Cognitive Battery (MVCCB) consisting of 11 subtests to examine correlated individual differences in a set of tasks measuring general, social and physical cognition and related behaviours. Fourty two behavioural variables were coded and were subjected to principle component analyses for variable reduction. Twelve subtest level components and two Z-transformed variables were subjected to exploratory factor analysis which resulted in six final factors: Problem solving, Trainability, Sociability, Boldness, Activity-independence and Dependency. Problem solving, Sociability, Boldness, and Dependency showed a linear decline with age, suggesting that the MVCCB can be used as a tool to measure behavioural and cognitive decline in aged pet dogs. An enriched diet and lifelong training had no effect on these factors, calling attention to the fact that the real world impact of nutritional and other interventions in possibly counteracting the effects of aging, should be further investigated in pet dogs living under diverse conditions, in order to understand their ultimate effects.
Diosmetin and Its Glycoside, Diosmin, Improve Atopic Dermatitis-Like Lesions in 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene-Induced Murine Models

Naturally derived diosmetin and its glycoside diosmin are known to be effective in treating inflammatory disease. This study was performed to determine whether diosmin and diosmetin have the effect of improving atopic dermatitis in a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzen (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD) model. DNCB was used to establish AD model in hairless mice. Skin moisture, serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin 4 (IL-4), and histological analysis were performed to measure the effectiveness of diosmin and diosmetine to improve AD. IL-4 levels were also measured in RBL-2H3 cells. Administration of diosmetin or diosmin orally inhibited the progress of DNCB-induced AD-like lesions in murine models by inhibiting transdermal water loss (TEWL) and increasing skin hydration. Diosmetin or diosmin treatment also reduced IgE and IL-4 levels in AD-induced hairless mouse serum samples. However, in the in vitro assay, only diosmetin, not diosmin, reduced the expression level of IL-4 mRNA in RBL-2H3 cells. Diosmin and diosmetine alleviated the altered epidermal thickness and immune cell infiltration in AD. Diosmin is considered effective in the cure of AD and skin inflammatory diseases by being converted into diosmetin in the body by pharmacokinetic metabolism. Thus, oral administration of diosmetin and diosmin might be a useful agent for the treatment of AD and cutaneous inflammatory diseases.
Molecular computations of preferential interactions of proline, arginine.HCl, and NaCl with IgG1 antibodies and their impact on aggregation and viscosity

ABSTRACT Preferential interactions of excipients with the antibody surface govern their effect on the stability of antibodies in solution. We probed the preferential interactions of proline, arginine.HCl (Arg.HCl), and NaCl with three therapeutically relevant IgG1 antibodies via experiment and simulation. With simulations, we examined how excipients interacted with different types of surface patches in the variable region (Fv). For example, proline interacted most strongly with aromatic surfaces, Arg.HCl was included near negative residues, and NaCl was excluded from negative residues and certain hydrophobic regions. The differences in interaction of different excipients with the same surface patch on an antibody may be responsible for variations in the antibody's aggregation, viscosity, and self-association behaviors in each excipient. Proline reduced self-association for all three antibodies and reduced aggregation for the antibody with an association-limited aggregation mechanism. The effects of Arg.HCl and NaCl on aggregation and viscosity were highly dependent on the surface charge distribution and the extent of exclusion from highly hydrophobic patches. At pH 5.5, both tended to increase the aggregation of an antibody with a strongly positive charge on the Fv, while only NaCl reduced the aggregation of the antibody with a large negative charge patch on the Fv. Arg.HCl reduced the viscosities of antibodies with either a hydrophobicity-driven mechanism or a charge-driven mechanism. Analysis of this data presents a framework for understanding how amino acid and ionic excipients interact with different protein surfaces, and how these interactions translate to the observed stability behavior.
A review on habitat, diet and growth of the dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe, 1834) Bilan des connaissances sur l'habitat, l'alimentation et la croissance du mérou brun, Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe, 1834)

Harmelin J.-G. , M. Harmelin-Vivien, 1999 - A review on habitat, diet and growth of the dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus Lowe, 1834). Mar. Life , 9 (2) : 11-20. The dusky grouper ( Epinephelus marginatus ) inhabits almost exclusively coastal rocky bottoms (mostly 30 cm TL. Preys of larger dusky grouper (>60 cm TL) are in order of importance cephalopods and fish. Size-weight relationships are known from 11 samples of different geographic origin (2 Atlantic and 9 Mediterranean sites). For a given individual size, the weight can double according to the site considered or the method used. Similarly, growth appears to have a marked site variability. The lowest growth rate has been recorded in Southern Tunisia and the highest rate in Western Algeria. The estimated age of the largest studied individuals (34 kg) was 36 yrs. However, E. marginatus is likely to live much longer as indicated by fished individuals weighing more than 50 kg. Special attention should be paid to the youngest stages for which ecological and biological data are scarce.
Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in residents of Karachi—challenges in acquiring herd immunity for COVID 19

Abstract Background The recent pandemic by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a global emergency. There is large number of asymptomatic cases of SARS-CoV-2 that are not reported. Hence, serological evidence of SARS-CoV2 antibodies is warranted for a better estimation of the actual number of infected patients to limit the disease spread and to get an idea of herd immunity. Methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted from May 2020 to July 2020 at National Institute of Blood Diseases at Pakistan. The study includes healthcare workers (HCWs), community and industrial workers. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 test was performed by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer. Results A total of 1675 samples have been received from three groups of population. The percentage positivity for industrial employees is high (50.3%) for HCW (13.2%) and community population (34%). Total percentage for positive antibodies result is ~36%. Conclusion Our seroprevalence is 36%, which still far from herd immunity that needs to be at least 60–70% in population. If we consider acquiring 60% seroprevalence in next few months, then herd immunity is not far from reality, provided the antibodies did not decline with time. Although the current study is based on a small sample of participants, the findings suggest a study with larger population to implement stronger and targeted interventions.
Deep Learning-Assisted High-Throughput Analysis of Freeze-Fracture Replica Images Applied to Glutamate Receptors and Calcium Channels at Hippocampal Synapses

The molecular anatomy of synapses defines their characteristics in transmission and plasticity. Precise measurements of the number and distribution of synaptic proteins are important for our understanding of synapse heterogeneity within and between brain regions. Freeze–fracture replica immunogold electron microscopy enables us to analyze them quantitatively on a two-dimensional membrane surface. Here, we introduce Darea software, which utilizes deep learning for analysis of replica images and demonstrate its usefulness for quick measurements of the pre- and postsynaptic areas, density and distribution of gold particles at synapses in a reproducible manner. We used Darea for comparing glutamate receptor and calcium channel distributions between hippocampal CA3-CA1 spine synapses on apical and basal dendrites, which differ in signaling pathways involved in synaptic plasticity. We found that apical synapses express a higher density of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors and a stronger increase of AMPA receptors with synaptic size, while basal synapses show a larger increase in N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors with size. Interestingly, AMPA and NMDA receptors are segregated within postsynaptic sites and negatively correlated in density among both apical and basal synapses. In the presynaptic sites, Cav2.1 voltage-gated calcium channels show similar densities in apical and basal synapses with distributions consistent with an exclusion zone model of calcium channel-release site topography.
Antibiotic overuse in the primary health care setting: a secondary data analysis of standardised patient studies from India, China and Kenya

Introduction Determining whether antibiotic prescriptions are inappropriate requires knowledge of patients’ underlying conditions. In low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), where misdiagnoses are frequent, this is challenging. Additionally, such details are often unavailable for prescription audits. Recent studies using standardised patients (SPs) offer a unique opportunity to generate unbiased prevalence estimates of antibiotic overuse, as the research design involves patients with predefined conditions. Methods Secondary analyses of data from nine SP studies were performed to estimate the proportion of SP–provider interactions resulting in inappropriate antibiotic prescribing across primary care settings in three LMICs (China, India and Kenya). In all studies, SPs portrayed conditions for which antibiotics are unnecessary (watery diarrhoea, presumptive tuberculosis (TB), angina and asthma). We conducted descriptive analyses reporting overall prevalence of antibiotic overprescribing by healthcare sector, location, provider qualification and case. The WHO Access–Watch–Reserve framework was used to categorise antibiotics based on their potential for selecting resistance. As richer data were available from India, we examined factors associated with antibiotic overuse in that country through hierarchical Poisson models. Results Across health facilities, antibiotics were given inappropriately in 2392/4798 (49.9%, 95% CI 40.8% to 54.5%) interactions in India, 83/166 (50.0%, 95% CI 42.2% to 57.8%) in Kenya and 259/899 (28.8%, 95% CI 17.8% to 50.8%) in China. Prevalence ratios of antibiotic overuse in India were significantly lower in urban versus rural areas (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 0.70, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.96) and higher for qualified versus non-qualified providers (aPR 1.55, 95% CI 1.42 to 1.70), and for presumptive TB cases versus other conditions (aPR 1.19, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.33). Access antibiotics were predominantly used in Kenya (85%), but Watch antibiotics (mainly quinolones and cephalosporins) were highly prescribed in India (47.6%) and China (32.9%). Conclusion Good-quality SP data indicate alarmingly high levels of antibiotic overprescription for key conditions across primary care settings in India, China and Kenya, with broad-spectrum agents being excessively used in India and China.
Synergetic Effect of Plasmonic Gold Nanorods and MgO for Perovskite Solar Cells

We report new structured perovskite solar cells (PSCs) using solution-processed TiO2/Au nanorods/MgO composite electron transport layers (ETLs). The proposed method is facile, convenient, and effective. Briefly, Au nanorods (NRs) were prepared and introduced into mesoporous TiO2 ETLs. Then, thin MgO overlayers were grown on the Au NRs modified ETLs by wet spinning and pyrolysis of the magnesium salt. By simultaneous use of Au NRs and MgO, the power conversion efficiency of the PSC device increases from 14.7% to 17.4%, displaying over 18.3% enhancement, compared with the reference device without modification. Due to longitudinal plasmon resonances (LPRs) of gold nanorods, the embedded Au NRs exhibit the ability to significantly enhance the near-field and far-field (plasmonic scattering), increase the optical path length of incident photons in the device, and as a consequence, notably improve external quantum efficiency (EQE) at wavelengths above 600 nm and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSC solar cells. Meanwhile, the thin MgO overlayer also contributes to enhanced performance by reducing charge recombination in the solar cell. Theoretical calculations were carried out to elucidate the PV performance enhancement mechanisms.