Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alcohol Availability, Cost, Age of First Drink and Association with At-Risk Alcohol Use in Moshi, Tanzania.

BACKGROUND The Kilimanjaro region has one of the highest levels of reported alcohol intake per capita in Tanzania. Age at first drink has been found to be associated with alcohol problems in adulthood, but there is less information on the age of first drink in the Kilimanjaro region and its associations with alcohol-related consequences later in life. Furthermore, local alcohol cost and availability may influence the prevalence of alcohol use and alcohol use disorders. METHOD Data on the age of first drink, alcohol use disorder identification tool (AUDIT), number and type of alcohol consequences (DrInC), and perceived alcohol at low cost and high availability for children and adolescents were collected from an alcohol and health behavior survey of injury patients (N = 242) in Moshi, Tanzania. Generalized linear models were used to test age at first drink, perceived alcohol cost and availability, and their association with the AUDIT and DrInC scores, and current alcohol use, respectively. RESULTS Consuming alcohol before age 18 was significantly associated with higher AUDIT and DrInC scores, with odds ratios of 1.22 (CI: 1.004, 1.47) and 1.72 (CI: 1.11, 2.63), respectively. Female gender is strongly associated with less alcohol use and alcohol consequences, represented by an odds ratio of 3.70 (CI: 1.72, 8.33) for an AUDIT score above 8 and an odds ratio of 3.84 (CI: 2.13, 6.67) with the DrInC score. Perceived high availability of alcohol for children is significantly related to higher alcohol use quantity, with the odds ratio of 1.6 (CI: 1.17, 2.20). CONCLUSIONS The first use of alcohol before the age of 18 is associated with higher alcohol use and alcohol-related adverse consequences. In Tanzania, age at first drink is an important target for interventions aiming to prevent negative alcohol-related consequences later in life.
Generating CRISPR-Cas9 genome-engineered human embryonic stem cell to model a genetic mechanism of asthma

Asthma is a major public health epidemic that presents a heavy burden on those who suffer from the disease. Little is currently understood about the genetic signature that distinguishes one type of asthma from another. Recently, the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs968567 was found to have a high degree of association in asthmatic patients (Sharma et al., 2014). This particular SNP is in the promoter region of the FADS2 gene that synthesizes the enzyme delta-6-desaturase (D6D). D6D mediates the formation of pro-inflammatory factors that lead to exacerbation of asthmatic symptoms. We engineered a novel, customized CRISPR-Cas9 construct to induce the SNP rs968567 in the HUES9 human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line. Our results show success in generating the custom CRISPR-Cas9 construct for use in stem cells, while efficiency in expressing the desired mutation in our cell line is currently being optimized. Disease modeling in the genomic era of medicine provides an opportunity for the development of personalized medical treatment. Future projects aim to differentiate stem cell lines edited with our CRISPR-Cas9 construct to lung progenitor cells to study the cellular phenotype of this mutation in context of asthma pathogenesis.
Pediatric Sepsis in Community Emergency Care Settings: Guideline Concordance and Outcomes

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Objectives Bundled pediatric sepsis care has been associated with improved outcomes in tertiary pediatric emergency departments. Sepsis care at nontertiary sites where most children seek emergency care is not well described. We sought to describe the rate of guideline-concordant care, and we hypothesized that guideline-concordant care in community pediatric emergency care settings would be associated with decreased hospital length of stay (LOS). Method This retrospective cohort study of children with severe sepsis presenting to pediatric community emergency and urgent care sites included children 60 days to 17 years with severe sepsis. The primary predictor was concordance with the American College of Critical Care Medicine 2017 pediatric sepsis resuscitation bundle, including timely recognition, vascular access, intravenous fluids, antibiotics, vasoactive agents as needed. Results From January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2017, 90 patients with severe sepsis met inclusion criteria; 22 (24%) received guideline-concordant care. Children receiving concordant care had a median hospital LOS of 95.3 hours (50.9–163.8 hours), with nonconcordant care, LOS was 88.3 hours (57.3–193.2 hours). In adjusted analysis, guideline-concordant care was not associated with hospital LOS (incident rate ratio, 0.99 [0.64–1.52]). The elements that drove overall concordance were timely recognition, achieved in only half of cases, vascular access, and timely antibiotics. Conclusions Emergency care for pediatric sepsis in the community settings studied was concordant with guidelines in only 24% of the cases. Future study is needed to evaluate additional drivers of outcomes and ways to improve sepsis care in community emergency care settings.
E-cigarette Unit Sales, by Product and Flavor Type — United States, 2014–2020

Since electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) entered the U.S. marketplace in 2007, the landscape has evolved to include different product types (e.g., prefilled cartridge-based and disposable products) and flavored e-liquids (e.g., fruit, candy, mint, menthol, and tobacco flavors), which have contributed to increases in youth use (1,2). E-cigarettes have been the most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. youths since 2014; in 2019, 27.5% of high school students reported current e-cigarette use (3). To assess trends in unit sales of e-cigarettes in the United States by product and flavor type, CDC, CDC Foundation, and Truth Initiative analyzed retail scanner data during September 14, 2014-May 17, 2020, from Information Resources, Inc. (IRI). During this period, total e-cigarette sales increased by 122.2%, from 7.7 million to 17.1 million units per 4-week interval. By product type, the proportion of total sales that was prefilled cartridge products increased during September 2014-August 2019 (47.5% to 89.4%). During August 2019-May 2020, the proportion of total sales that was disposable products increased from 10.3% to 19.8%, while the proportion that was prefilled cartridge products decreased (89.4% to 80.2%). Among prefilled cartridge sales, the proportion of mint sales increased during September 2014-August 2019 (<0.1% to 47.6%); during August 2019-May 2020, mint sales decreased (47.6% to 0.3%), as menthol sales increased (10.7% to 61.8%). Among disposable e-cigarette sales during September 2014-May 2020, the proportion of mint sales increased (<0.1% to 10.5%), although tobacco-flavored (52.2% to 17.2%) and menthol-flavored (30.3% to 10.2%) sales decreased; during the same period, sales of all other flavors combined increased (17.2% to 62.1%). E-cigarette sales increased during 2014-2020, but fluctuations occurred overall and by product and flavor type, which could be attributed to consumer preferences and accessibility. Continued monitoring of e-cigarette sales and use is critical to inform strategies at the national, state, and community levels to minimize the risks of e-cigarettes on individual- and population-level health. As part of a comprehensive approach to prevent and reduce youth e-cigarettes use, such strategies could include those that address youth-appealing product innovations and flavors.
Cytospyrone and Cytospomarin: Two New Polyketides Isolated from Mangrove Endophytic Fungus, Cytospora sp. †

Two new polyketides, cytospyrone (1), cytospomarin (2), together with three known metabolites dimethoxyphtalide (3), integracin A (4) and integracin B (5), were isolated from the culture of Cytospora sp. from the Chinese mangrove Ceriops tagal. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses and time dependent density functional theory (TDDFT), calculation of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and optical rotation (OR) data. Compound 2 displayed weak inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli GIM1.201 (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 0.35 mM). Compounds 4 and 5 displayed significant cytotoxicity against human cancer cell line HepG2 (IC50 values of 5.98 ± 0.12 µM and 9.97 ± 0.06 µM, respectively), more potent than the positive control 5-fluorouracil (IC50 value of 43.50 ± 3.69 µM).
Assessing the Perturbing Effects of Drugs on Lipid Bilayers Using Gramicidin Channel-Based In Silico and In Vitro Assays

Partitioning of bioactive molecules, including drugs, into cell membranes may produce indiscriminate changes in membrane protein function. As a guide to safe drug development, it therefore becomes important to be able to predict the bilayer-perturbing potency of hydrophobic/amphiphilic drugs candidates. Toward this end, we exploited gramicidin channels as molecular force probes and developed in silico and in vitro assays to measure drugs’ bilayer-modifying potency. We examined eight drug-like molecules that were found to enhance or suppress gramicidin channel function in a thick 1,2-dierucoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DC22:1PC) but not in thin 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DC18:1PC) lipid bilayer. The mechanism underlying this difference was attributable to the changes in gramicidin dimerization free energy by drug-induced perturbations of lipid bilayer physical properties and bilayer–gramicidin interactions. The combined in silico and in vitro approaches, which allow for predicting the perturbing effects of drug candidates on membrane protein function, have implications for preclinical drug safety assessment.
Glucocorticoid levels are linked to lifetime reproductive success and survival of adult barn owls

Glucocorticoid hormones, such as corticosterone, are crucial in regulating daily life metabolism and energy expenditure, as well as promoting short‐term physiological and behavioural responses to unpredictable environmental challenges. Therefore, glucocorticoids are considered to mediate trade‐offs between survival and reproduction. Relatively little is known about how selection has shaped glucocorticoid levels. We used 15 years of capture–recapture and dead recovery data combined with 13 years of corticosterone and breeding success data taken on breeding barn owls (Tyto alba) to investigate such trade‐offs. We found that survival was positively correlated with stress‐induced corticosterone levels in both sexes, whereas annual and lifetime reproductive success (i.e. the sum of young successfully fledged during the entire reproductive career) was positively correlated with both baseline and stress‐induced corticosterone levels in females only. Our results suggest that, in the barn owl, the stress‐induced corticosterone response is a good proxy for adult survival and lifetime reproductive success. However, selection pressure appears to act differently on corticosterone levels of males and females.
Durability Characterisation of Portland Cement–Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes have outstanding mechanical properties that, when combined with Portland cement, can provide cementitious composites that could lead to the innovative construction of stronger, lighter, and thinner built infrastructure. This paper addresses a knowledge gap that relates to the durability of CNT–cement composites. The durability to corrosive chloride, uptake of water by sorption, and flow of the permeability of water acting under high water pressure are addressed. Flow simulations were undertaken through segmented 3D pore networks, based on X-ray computed microtomography measurements, the creation of a virtual microstructure, and fluid simulations that were compared with larger-scale samples. The investigation showed decreased water sorptivity of CNT–cement mixtures, indicating improved durability for the cover zone of concrete that is prone to the uptake of water and water-borne corrosives. Chloride diffusion of CNT–cement composites provided up to 63% improvement compared with control samples. The favourable durability bodes well for the construction of long-life CNT-reinforced concrete infrastructure.
Broad Efficacy of Cariprazine on Depressive Symptoms in Bipolar Disorder and the Clinical Implications.

Introduction Bipolar disorder is a complex mood disorder characterized by a chronic and subtle course of fluctuating manic/hypomanic and depressive symptoms. Cariprazine, a dopamine D₃-preferring D₃/D₂ receptor partial agonist with serotonin 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist and serotonin 5-HT2A antagonist properties, is approved to treat manic and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder. Post hoc analyses evaluated efficacy across symptoms in bipolar depression. Methods Pooled data were analyzed from 3 phase 2 or 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of adults with bipolar disorder and a major depressive episode. Mean change from baseline to week 6 in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score and individual item scores were analyzed in individual dose groups (1.5 mg/d, 3 mg/d) and overall cariprazine (1.5-3 mg/d). Pooled safety was evaluated via adverse events. Results A significantly greater difference in mean change from baseline in MADRS total score was seen for each cariprazine dose group versus placebo (least squares mean difference vs placebo: 1.5-3 mg/d = -2.6, 1.5 mg/d = -2.8, 3 mg/d = -2.4) (P < .001 all). Significant differences versus placebo were seen on all individual MADRS items except inner tension for the overall cariprazine group (P < .05). Cariprazine was generally well tolerated. Conclusions Cariprazine demonstrated broad efficacy across symptoms of depression in bipolar disorder. In previous post hoc analyses, cariprazine also demonstrated broad efficacy across manic symptoms, suggesting that it is effective across the wide range of symptoms on the bipolar spectrum. A 1.5-mg/d starting dose and slow titration resulted in lower rates of some adverse events in the bipolar depression studies versus the mania studies. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT01396447, NCT02670538, NCT02670551.
Sphingomyelin Synthase 2 Participate in the Regulation of Sperm Motility and Apoptosis

Sphingomylin participates in sperm function in animals, and also regulates the Akt and ERK signaling pathways, both of which are associated with the asthenospermia. Sphingomyelin synthase 2 (SMS2) is involved in the biosynthesis of sphingomylin. To determine the relationship between SMS2 and human sperm function, we analyzed the distribution of SMS2 in human sperm and testes, and SMS2 expression in patients with asthenospermia and normozoospermia; human sperm were treated with anti-SMS2, and the sperm motility, penetration ability into methylcellulose, capacitation and acrosome reaction, and sperm [Ca2+]i imaging were evaluated, while the Akt and ERK pathway and cleaved caspase 3 were also analyzed. Results showed that SMS2 was localized in the testis and human sperm, and the protein levels of normozoospermia were higher than asthenospermia. Inhibition of SMS2 activity significantly decreased sperm motility and penetration ability into methylcellulose, but had no influence on capacitation and acrosome reaction, or on intracellular [Ca2+]i compared to IgG-treated control groups. Moreover, the phosphorylation level of Akt was decreased, whereas the phosphorylation of ERK and cleaved-caspase 3 levels were significantly increased. Taken together, SMS2 can affect sperm motility and penetration ability into methylcellulose, and participate in apoptosis associated with the Akt and ERK signaling pathways.
Sedoanalgesia modality during laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity: Intraoperative complications and early postoperative follow-up.

BACKGROUND Laser photocoagulation (LPC) is a surgical procedure used in the treatment of premature retinopathy that may cause retinal detachment and blindness if not diagnosed and treated early. The anesthesia method used in LPC varies from sedoanalgesia to general anesthesia and airway management varies from spontaneous ventilation to endotracheal intubation. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of sedoanalgesia applications and this anesthesia procedure concerning intraoperative and postoperative complications by avoiding intubation and mechanical ventilation in premature infants with a fragile population. METHODS This retrospective study included 89 patients who underwent laser photocoagulation under anesthesia for premature retinopathy. Patients' demographic characteristics, preoperative risk factors, anesthesia technique, especially airway management, changes in ventilation status during surgery, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, and intensive care follow-up, were recorded and analyzed statistically. RESULTS Two of the 89 patients who underwent laser photocoagulation were excluded from this study because they were followed up intubated. The number of patients who received mask ventilation due to intraoperative complications was 12 (13.8%). The mean operation time was 36.2±10.1 minutes. In 86.2% (n=75) of the patients, the surgical procedure was completed with sedoanalgesia while maintaining spontaneous ventilation. CONCLUSION Sedoanalgesia application during the surgical intervention of patients with Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) requiring early diagnosis and emergency treatment will minimize intraoperative and postoperative complications. We believe that sedoanalgesia as an anesthetic method can be applied as an effective alternative method while preserving spontaneous ventilation.
A linkage disequilibrium study of the dinucleotide repeat polymorphism in the promoter region of neurotrophin-3 gene and schizophrenia

Objective To explore the relationship between the dinucleotide repeat polymorphism in the promoter region of neurotrophin 3 (NT 3) gene and schizophrenia. Methods One hundred and fifteen affected sib pair and trios families were genotyped on the dinucleotide repeat polymorphism of NT 3 gene. Both multi allelic mode and diallelic mode linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis combining with diagnosis, symptoms and age of onset were conducted. Results (1) Multi allele mode LD analysis produced negative result. (2)Diallelic mode LD analyses indicated transmission of the special allele of 147 bp to the affected individuals was significant (P=0 04) or closely significant (P=0 07). The transmissions in the subgroups that the scores of PANSS G, PANSS P, PANSS N and PANSS S were above the 75 percentiles were significant as well, with P value of 0 019, 0 012, 0 025, 0 044 respectively. In the families with individuals′ onset age early than 25 years, the significant result was observed only in the subgroup of higher PANSS G score (P0 05). Conclusions The special allele of 147 bp of dinucleotide repeat polymorphism in promoter region of NT 3 gene is linkage disequilibrium with schizophrenia, particularly in the individuals with severe symptoms, but does not seem to relate to the early onset.
Agrochemical Health Risks Exposure and Its Determinants: Empirical Evidence among Cassava Farmers in Nigeria

ABSTRACT Background: Over the years there has been a change in the dimensions of agricultural health risk exposure among crop farmers in Nigeria due to innovation adoption. This study assessed agrochemical health risk exposures and its determinants among cassava farmers in Nigeria. Method: The study engaged the baseline of a longitudinal study conducted using a standardized questionnaire. Randomly selected and interviewed for the study were 480 small-scale cassava farmers across 24 farming communities in Kogi and Kwara States, Nigeria. Descriptive statistics, binary regression model, and Likert scale were used for analysis. Results: Most of the farmers were exposed to agrochemical health risks in cassava operations. The frequently used chemicals belong to WHO class II and III. There was poor knowledge of safe farm practices among cassava farmers. About 77% of farmers reported not using complete protective equipment while handling farm chemicals. Several risk factors were associated with farm chemical health risks exposure, including inappropriate time of spray (Odd ratio [OR] = 1.21), frequency of spray (OR = 1.06), long hours of daily chemical spray (OR = 1.10), and non-usage of chemical labels (OR = 2.31). Conclusion:The study concluded cassava farmers in some selected communities in Kogi and Kwara States, North-Central Nigeria engage in unsafe farm practices via the use of farm chemicals that expose them to health risks. There is, therefore, a need for efficiently delivered agricultural health education as an intervention tool to alleviate Nigerian crop farmers from being exposed to such health risks.
A new species of bent-toed gecko ( Cyrtodactylus , Gekkonidae) from the North Papuan Mountains

We describe a new species of Cyrtodactylus from lower montane forests on the Torricelli and Foja Mountain ranges of northern New Guinea. Cyrtodactylus boreoclivus sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other described Cyrtodactylus by the combination of moderately large size (SVL 104–109 mm), males with pores extending to the knee and arranged in independent precloacal and femoral series, transversely enlarged subcaudal scales, and dorsal pattern consisting of five to seven indistinct transverse dark bands. The known distribution of this species is similar to many other vertebrate taxa apparently restricted to isolated ranges within the North Papuan Mountains, and supports the biogeographic association of these poorly known upland areas.
Value-Added Compound Recovery from Invasive Forest for Biofunctional Applications: Eucalyptus Species as a Case Study

From ancient times, the medicinal properties of the different Eucalyptus species are well known. In fact, plants from this family have been used in folk medicine as antiseptics, and to treat different ailments of the upper respiratory tract such as sinus congestion, common cold, or influenza. Moreover, other biological activities were described for Eucalyptus species such as antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In the last few decades, numerous investigations revealed that the compounds responsible for these properties are secondary metabolites that belonging to the group of phenolic compounds and are present in different parts of the plants such as leaves, bark, wood, fruits, and stumps. The increasing demand for natural compounds that can substitute synthetic antioxidants and the increase in resistance to traditional antibiotics have boosted the intense search for renewable natural sources containing substances with such bioactivities, as well as greener extraction technologies and avant-garde analytical methods for the identification of the target molecules. The literature data used in this paper were collected via Scopus (2001–2020) using the following search terms: Eucalyptus, extraction methods, phenolic compounds, and biological activities. This review collects the main studies related to the recovery of value-added compounds from different Eucalyptus species, as well as their biofunctional applications.