Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Social Determinants of Drinking Sugary Beverages Leading to Chronic Illness Among Latina/o Populations

Introduction: The aim of this qualitative study was to assess Latina/o students’ sugary drink consumption patterns and understand the social determinants leading to this consumption behavior in order to design more effective health communication–based campaigns. This study examined the perceived reasons behind high levels of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) consumption among college students of Hispanic origin in the Texas Panhandle region. Method: Fifteen Latina/o students were interviewed via an innovative social media–based online interviewing protocol. Results: Subsequent analyses revealed that peer pressure, socializing, unavailability of packaged drinking water during social events, targeted advertisements, and poor lifestyle choices were perceived reasons for high intake of SSB in the focal population. Conclusion: This study recommends designing public service announcements geared to Latino/a youth that increase awareness about the long-term health risks that can result from high consumption of SSBs. Moreover, the positive health benefits of drinking water should be highlighted and Latina/o parents should avoid glorifying SSBs and restrict their SSB consumption in front of their children. Further research should aim at designing educational messages, using theoretical backing, to test how Latina/o youth respond to them.
Revision of the New World genus Enderleiniella Becker, 1912 (Diptera, Chloropidae)

Abstract The genus Enderleiniella Becker, 1912 is revised. The genus is distinguished on the basis of a somewhat flattened head with the inner vertical setae located anteromedially to the outer vertical setae, three lightly incised lines on the scutum, trapezoidal or rectangular scutellum with marginal setae borne on tubercles, reduced alula and anal angle of the wing, and the structure of the male genitalia. The genus contains eleven species in the northern Neotropical and southern Nearctic Regions: E.caeruleasp. nov. (type locality: Blue Creek, Belize); E.crypticasp. nov. (type locality: 24 km W Piedras Blancas, Costa Rica); E.flavidasp. nov. (type locality: Emerald Pool, Dominica); E.longiventris (Enderlein, 1911) (type species; type locality: Costa Rica); E.maculatasp. nov. (type locality: Xilitla, San Luis Potosi, Mexico); E.marshallisp. nov. (type locality: Guanacaste, Costa Rica); E.mayasp. nov. (type locality: Las Escobas, Guatemala); E.punctatasp. nov. (type locality: Potrerillo, Bolivia); E.tripunctata (Becker, 1916) (type locality: San Mateo, Costa Rica); E.tumescenssp. nov. (type locality: San Esteban, Venezuela); and E.wheelerisp. nov. (type locality: Turrialba, Costa Rica).
Species differences in immune‐mediated CNS tissue injury and repair: A (neuro)inflammatory topic

Cells of the adaptive and innate immune systems in the brain parenchyma and in the meningeal spaces contribute to physiologic functions and disease states in the central nervous system (CNS). Animal studies have demonstrated the involvement of immune constituents, along with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, in neural development and rare genetic disorders (e.g., colony stimulating factor 1 receptor [CSF1R] deficiency). Genome wide association studies suggest a comparable role of the immune system in humans. Although the CNS can be the target of primary autoimmune disorders, no current experimental model captures all of the features of the most common human disorder placed in this category, multiple sclerosis (MS). Such features include spontaneous onset, environmental contributions, and a recurrent/progressive disease course in a genetically predisposed host. Numerous therapeutic interventions related to antigen and cytokine specific therapies have demonstrated effectiveness in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model used to define principles underlying immune‐mediated mechanisms in MS. Despite the similarities in the two diseases, most treatments used to ameliorate EAE have failed to translate to the human disease. As directly demonstrated in animal models and implicated by correlative studies in humans, adaptive and innate immune constituents within the systemic compartment and resident in the CNS contribute to the disease course of neurodegenerative and neurobehavioral disorders. The expanding knowledge of the molecular properties of glial cells provides increasing insights into species related variables. These variables affect glial bidirectional interactions with the immune system as well as their own production of “immune molecules” that mediate tissue injury and repair.
Transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair is coordinated by ubiquitin and SUMO in response to ultraviolet irradiation

Abstract Cockayne Syndrome (CS) is a severe neurodegenerative and premature aging autosomal-recessive disease, caused by inherited defects in the CSA and CSB genes, leading to defects in transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER) and consequently hypersensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. TC-NER is initiated by lesion-stalled RNA polymerase II, which stabilizes the interaction with the SNF2/SWI2 ATPase CSB to facilitate recruitment of the CSA E3 Cullin ubiquitin ligase complex. However, the precise biochemical connections between CSA and CSB are unknown. The small ubiquitin-like modifier SUMO is important in the DNA damage response. We found that CSB, among an extensive set of other target proteins, is the most dynamically SUMOylated substrate in response to UV irradiation. Inhibiting SUMOylation reduced the accumulation of CSB at local sites of UV irradiation and reduced recovery of RNA synthesis. Interestingly, CSA is required for the efficient clearance of SUMOylated CSB. However, subsequent proteomic analysis of CSA-dependent ubiquitinated substrates revealed that CSA does not ubiquitinate CSB in a UV-dependent manner. Surprisingly, we found that CSA is required for the ubiquitination of the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II, RPB1. Combined, our results indicate that the CSA, CSB, RNA polymerase II triad is coordinated by ubiquitin and SUMO in response to UV irradiation. Furthermore, our work provides a resource of SUMO targets regulated in response to UV or ionizing radiation.
A Single Haplotype of IFNG Correlating With Low Circulating Levels of Interferon-γ Is Associated With Susceptibility to Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania guyanensis.

BACKGROUND Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) plays an important role in the control of Leishmania infection. Blockade of IFN-γ signaling in mice increases lesion size and parasite load. In endemic areas of Leishmaniasis, only a fraction of the population develop the disease. This suggest that host genetics may play a role in this response. We investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IFNG may be associated with elevated or decrease risk in the development of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). METHODS We assessed 9 SNP and cytosine-adenine (CA) repeats in IFNG by nucleotide sequencing in 647 patients with CL caused by Leishmania guyanensis and 629 controls. Circulating plasma IFN-γ levels were also assayed in 400 patients with CL and 400 controls. RESULTS The rs2069705TT genotype is associated with elevated risk of developing CL compared with the rs2069705CC genotype (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3-2.4; P = .0008). There is a 70% chance that this genotype raises the risk of developing CL. In a dominant model, carriers of the rs2069705T allele compared with the rs2069705CC genotype showed a 50% (range, 20-100%) increased risk of developing CL (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-2.0; P = .0004). Haplotype analysis showed 1 haplotype (H1) associated with low levels of IFN-γ presented an increased risk of 60% of developing CL (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3-1.9; P = 5 × 10-5) compared with non-H1. CONCLUSIONS IFNG variant rs2069705 seems to be a genetic modifier of clinical outcome of Leishmania infection; individuals with the H1 haplotype, associated with low levels of IFN-γ, have a 60% risk of developing CL.
Enhancing Healthy Behaviors Through Virtual Self: A Systematic Review of Health Interventions Using Avatars.

Objective: A systematic review of health interventions using avatars (N = 18) was conducted to provide comprehensive knowledge of the effectiveness of using avatars to promote healthy behaviors, specifically in relationship to healthy eating and exercising. Materials and Methods: Two researchers identified field or laboratory studies that had quantified study results, which were published in peer-reviewed journals in English from January 2000 to March 2019. Databases (PsychInfo, PubMed, and Web of Science), forward reference, and manual searches were used to identify the studies. Search terms included avatar, the Proteus effect, exercise, and diet, among others. Two field interventions and 16 laboratory studies were identified. Information on sample characteristics, technologies used, study design and conditions pertaining to avatars, outcome measures, results, and conclusion were extracted. Results: Six different avatar characteristics used to elicit health outcomes were identified, which are the similarity with the user, avatar body size, self-domain (e.g., ideal-self), customizability, body transformation, and avatar's behaviors. Only a few studies had a no-avatar control group; thus, it was not possible to conclude whether employing avatars in health interventions increases the effectiveness of the interventions in comparison to not using an avatar. Conclusion: The results indicate that using an avatar that is physically active, fit, and similar-looking (to the user) is effective in eliciting healthy behaviors.
The Whiff of Wine Yeast Innovation: Strategies for Enhancing Aroma Production by Yeast during Wine Fermentation.

Despite being used chiefly for fermenting the sugars of grape must to alcohol, wine yeasts (most prominently Saccharomyces cerevisiae) play a pivotal role in the final aroma profiles of wines. Strain selection, intentionally incorporating non-Saccharomyces yeast in so-called mixed-culture fermentations and genetic modifications of S. cerevisiae have all shown to greatly enhance the chemical composition and sensory profile of wines. In this review, we highlight how wine researchers employ fermenting yeasts to expand on the aroma profiles of the wines they study.
Janus TiXY Monolayers with Tunable Berry Curvature.

Up to now, two-dimensional (2D) materials with both valley polarization and Rashba effect are still rare. In this work, a new kind of Janus monolayers TiXY (X≠Y, X/Y = Cl, Br, I) are demonstrated to have physical properties benefit for spintronics and valleytronics. In particular, Janus TiBrI shows Zeeman-type spin splitting of 70 meV, large Berry curvature of 106.22 Bohr2, and, at the same time, a large Rashba parameter of 147.95 meVÅ. On the basis of k⋅p perturbation theory, we proposed that the Berry curvature can be adjusted by changing the lattice parameter, which will greatly improve the transverse velocities of carriers and promote the efficiency of valley Hall device. Biaxial strain from -2.5% to 2.5% was applied on Janus TiBrI to verify the theory mentioned above, and a general relationship between the Berry curvature and lattice constant was obtained.
Nuclear Ccr4-Not mediates the degradation of telomeric and transposon transcripts at chromatin in the Drosophila germline

Abstract Ccr4-Not is a highly conserved complex involved in cotranscriptional RNA surveillance pathways in yeast. In Drosophila, Ccr4-Not is linked to the translational repression of miRNA targets and the posttranscriptional control of maternal mRNAs during oogenesis and embryonic development. Here, we describe a new role for the Ccr4-Not complex in nuclear RNA metabolism in the Drosophila germline. Ccr4 depletion results in the accumulation of transposable and telomeric repeat transcripts in the fraction of chromatin-associated RNA; however, it does not affect small RNA levels or the heterochromatin state of the target loci. Nuclear targets of Ccr4 mainly comprise active full-length transposable elements (TEs) and telomeric and subtelomeric repeats. Moreover, Ccr4-Not foci localize at telomeres in a Piwi-dependent manner, suggesting a functional relationship between these pathways. Indeed, we detected interactions between the components of the Ccr4-Not complex and piRNA machinery, which indicates that these pathways cooperate in the nucleus to recognize and degrade TE transcripts at transcription sites. These data reveal a new layer of transposon control in the germline, which is critical for the maintenance of genome integrity.
Association Between Recreational Marijuana Legalization in the United States and Changes in Marijuana Use and Cannabis Use Disorder From 2008 to 2016.

Importance Little is known about changes in marijuana use and cannabis use disorder (CUD) after recreational marijuana legalization (RML). Objectives To examine the associations between RML enactment and changes in marijuana use, frequent use, and CUD in the United States from 2008 to 2016. Design, Setting, and Participants This survey study used repeated cross-sectional survey data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2008-2016) conducted in the United States among participants in the age groups of 12 to 17, 18 to 25, and 26 years or older. Interventions Multilevel logistic regression models were fit to obtain estimates of before-vs-after changes in marijuana use among respondents in states enacting RML compared to changes in other states. Main Outcomes and Measures Self-reported past-month marijuana use, past-month frequent marijuana use, past-month frequent use among past-month users, past-year CUD, and past-year CUD among past-year users. Results The study included 505 796 respondents consisting of 51.51% females and 77.24% participants 26 years or older. Among the total, 65.43% were white, 11.90% black, 15.36% Hispanic, and 7.31% of other race/ethnicity. Among respondents aged 12 to 17 years, past-year CUD increased from 2.18% to 2.72% after RML enactment, a 25% higher increase than that for the same age group in states that did not enact RML (odds ratio [OR], 1.25; 95% CI, 1.01-1.55). Among past-year marijuana users in this age group, CUD increased from 22.80% to 27.20% (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.01-1.59). Unmeasured confounders would need to be more prevalent in RML states and increase the risk of cannabis use by 1.08 to 1.11 times to explain observed results, indicating results that are sensitive to omitted variables. No associations were found among the respondents aged 18 to 25 years. Among respondents 26 years or older, past-month marijuana use after RML enactment increased from 5.65% to 7.10% (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.16-1.40), past-month frequent use from 2.13% to 2.62% (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.08-1.41), and past-year CUD from 0.90% to 1.23% (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.08-1.71); these results were more robust to unmeasured confounding. Among marijuana users in this age group, past-month frequent marijuana use and past-year CUD did not increase after RML enactment. Conclusions and Relevance This study's findings suggest that although marijuana legalization advanced social justice goals, the small post-RML increase in risk for CUD among respondents aged 12 to 17 years and increased frequent use and CUD among adults 26 years or older in this study are a potential public health concern. To undertake prevention efforts, further studies are warranted to assess how these increases occur and to identify subpopulations that may be especially vulnerable.
Extracellular microRNA 130b‐3p inhibits eCIRP‐induced inflammation

Although microRNAs regulate mRNA expression intracellularly, they are often released into the circulation in inflammatory diseases. During sepsis, secreted extracellular cold‐inducible RNA‐binding protein (eCIRP) acts as a damage‐associated molecular pattern (DAMP), inducing tissue damage by elevating inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Here, we report that the circulating microRNA 130b‐3p inhibits eCIRP‐mediated sterile and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)‐induced non‐sterile inflammation. We find that levels of miR‐130b‐3p are increased in the serum of septic mice and patients and that it strongly interacts with recombinant murine (rm) CIRP in vitro and with eCIRP in the serum of septic mice in vivo. Combining a miR‐130b‐3p mimic with rmCIRP significantly decreases TNF‐α release by macrophages compared to only rmCIRP‐treated cells. This combined treatment also dose‐dependently decreases the affinity of rmCIRP with its receptor TLR4/MD2. Finally, injection of a miR‐130b‐3p mimic significantly reduces rmCIRP‐ or CLP‐induced systemic inflammation and acute lung injury in mice. These data show that extracellular miR‐130b‐3p functions as a novel endogenous inhibitor of eCIRP and point to an innovative therapeutic approach to treat inflammatory diseases.
Parallel increases in insect herbivory and defenses with increasing elevation for both saplings and adult trees of oak (Quercus) species.

PREMISE Herbivory is predicted to increase toward warmer and more stable climates found at lower elevations, and this increase should select for higher plant defenses. Still, a number of recent studies have reported either no evidence of such gradients or reverse patterns. One source of inconsistency may be that plant ontogenetic variation is usually not accounted for and may influence levels of plant defenses and herbivory. METHODS We tested for elevational gradients in insect leaf herbivory and leaf traits putatively associated with herbivore resistance across eight oak (Quercus, Fagaceae) species and compared these patterns for saplings and adult trees. To this end, we surveyed insect leaf herbivory and leaf traits (phenolic compounds, toughness and nutrients) in naturally occurring populations of each oak species at low-, mid- or high-elevation sites throughout the Iberian Peninsula. RESULTS Leaf herbivory and chemical defenses (lignins) were unexpectedly higher at mid- and high-elevation sites than at low-elevation sites. In addition, leaf chemical defenses (lignins and condensed tannins) were higher for saplings than adult trees, whereas herbivory did not significantly differ between ontogenetic stages. Overall, elevational variation in herbivory and plant chemical defenses were consistent across ontogenetic stages (i.e., elevational gradients were not contingent upon tree ontogeny), and herbivory and leaf traits were not associated across elevations. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest disassociated patterns of elevational variation in herbivory and leaf traits, which, in turn, are independent of plant ontogenetic stage.
Signal transducer and activator of transcription is involved in the expression regulation of ecdysteroid‐induced insulin‐like growth factor‐like peptide in the pupal wing disc of silkworm, Bombyx mori

In insects, 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) and insulin‐like growth factor‐like peptides (IGFLPs) regulate the development of imaginal discs. However, how IGFLPs are up‐regulated to impact the development of the pupal wing disc is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the expression regulation of IGFLP in the pupal wing disc of silkworm, Bombyx mori. We confirmed that B. mori IGFLP (BmIGFLP) was mainly expressed in the pupal wing disc and the expression of BmIGFLP could be significantly induced by 20E. Bioinformatics analysis of BmIGFLP promoter sequence revealed three cis‐regulation elements (CREs) of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), which is a key component in the Janus‐activated kinase / STAT pathway. Luciferase activity assays showed that two CREs enhanced the transcriptional activity of BmIGFLP. Electrophoretic mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that BmSTAT proteins in the nuclear extracts of B. mori pupal wing discs and BmN cells could only bind to the STAT CRE3, indicating that STAT CRE3 activated by BmSTAT enhances BmIGFLP expression at pupal stages. Although 20E could not enhance the expression of BmSTAT, 20E enhanced the nucleus translocation of BmSTAT to bind with the STAT CRE3 in the BmIGFLP promoter. The increase of transcriptional activity of the STAT CRE3 by overexpression of BmSTAT and addition of 20E in BmN cells confirmed this result. Taken together, all data indicate that BmSTAT is one of the transcription factors activating 20E‐induced BmIGFLP expression in the pupal wing disc.
Persistent contamination of Salmonella, Campylobacter, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus at a Broiler Farm in New Zealand.

Intensive poultry production due to public demand raises the risk of contamination, creating potential foodborne hazards to consumers. The prevalence and microbial load of pathogens Campylobacter, Salmonella, S. aureus and E. coli was determined by standard methods at the farm level. After disinfection, swab samples collected on wall crevices, drinkers and vents were heavily contaminated, as accumulated organic matter and dusts were likely protecting pathogens against the disinfectants used. The annex floor also showed high microbial concentrations, suggesting the introduction of pathogens from the external environments, highlighting the importance of erecting hygiene barriers at the entrance of the main shed. Therefore, pathogen control measures and proper application of disinfectants are recommended as intervention strategies. Additionally, qPCR was evaluated as a quantification tool. qPCR showed limitations with samples containing low microbial counts due to the low detection limit of the method. Thus, bacterial pre-enrichment of test samples may be necessary to improve the detection of pathogens by qPCR.