Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An mHealth voice messaging intervention to improve infant and young child feeding practices in Senegal.

Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have the potential to improve infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices; however, gaps in the literature remain regarding their design, implementation, and effectiveness. The aims of this study were to design an mHealth voice messaging intervention delivered to mothers and fathers targeting IYCF practices and examine its implementation and impact in households with children 6-23 months in three rural villages in Senegal. We conducted focus groups (n = 6) to inform the intervention development. We then conducted a pilot study (n = 47 households) to examine the impact of the intervention on IYCF practices of children 6-23 months. Voice messages were sent to the children's mothers and fathers over a period of 4 weeks (two messages per week; eight messages in total), and 24-hr dietary recalls and food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) were conducted before and immediately after the implementation of the mHealth intervention to examine its impact on IYCF practices. Overall, three of the eight behaviours increased and one decreased. There was a significant increase in the number of children that consumed fish (60% vs. 94%; p = .008) as measured by the 24-hr recall after the completion of the intervention. We also found significantly higher frequency of egg (p = .026), fish (p = .004), and thick porridge (p = .002) consumption in the previous 7 days measured by the FFQ. Our findings suggest that voice messaging IYCF interventions in Senegal have the potential to improve IYCF behaviours among young children in the short term. Future research should entail scaling-up the intervention and examining its sustainability over the long-term.
Validation of Sonographic Fetal Weight Estimators Among Term Parturients in Uganda

BackgroundAccuracy of fetal weight estimation by ultrasound is essential in making decisions on the time and mode of delivery. There are many proposed formulas for fetal weight estimation such as Hadlock 1, Hadlock 2, Hadlock 3, Hadlock 4 and Shepard. What best applies to the Ugandan population isn’t known since no validation of any of the formulas has been done before. The primary aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of sonographic estimation of fetal weight using five most commonly used formulas, and analyze formula variations for different weight ranges. MethodsThis was a hospital based prospective cohort study at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda. A total of 356 pregnant women who consented and were within three days of birth, prenatal ultrasound fetal weight determined by measuring the biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, femoral length, and then was compared with actual birth weight. ResultsThe overall accuracy of Hadlock 1, Hadlock 2, Hadlock 3, Hadlock 4 and Shepard formula were 66.9%, 73.3%, 77.3%, 78.4% and 69.7% respectively. All Hadlocks showed significant mean difference between weight estimates and actual birth weight (p<0.01) whereas Shepard formula did not [p - 0.2], when no stratification of fetal weights was done. However, all Hadlocks showed a none significant (p-values > 0.05) mean difference between weight estimates and actual birth weight when the actual birth weight was ≥4000.0gms. Shepard weight estimates showed a none significant mean difference when actual birth weight was <4000gms. Bland-Altman graphs also showed a better agreement of weight estimated by Shepard formula and actual birth weights. ConclusionAll the five formulas were accurate at estimating actual birth weights within 10% accuracy. However, this accuracy varied with the fetal birth weight. Shepard was more accurate in estimating actual birth weights <4000grams whereas all Hadlocks were more accurate when the actual birthweight was ≥ 4000grams.
Study on miRNAs-Mediated Seed and Stone-Hardening Regulatory Networks and the Mechanism of miRNAs’ Manipulating Gibberellin-Induced Seedless Berries in Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.)

A significant body of evidence supports the important roles of miRNAs in grape berry developments. However, their specific molecular functions during stone-hardening stage development remain unclear. Here, a total of 161 conserved and 85 species-specific miRNAs/miRNAs*(precursor) were identified in grape stone hardening stage berries using Solexa sequencing. Out of them, 30 VvmiRNAs were tissue-specific and identified as stone-hardening related to VvmiRNAs, whereas 52 exhibited differential expression profiles during berry development, potentially participating in modulation of development, and qRT-PCR analysis verified their expression patterns. Interestingly, high SNP variations in VvmiRNA sequences might result into generation of new VvmiRNA family members like VvmiR168, VvmiR479, VvmiR3636 families and so on. Through GO and KEGG pathway analyses, we revealed that 13 VvmiRNAs involved in the regulation of embryo development, 11 in lignin and cellulose biosynthesis, and 28 in the modulation of hormone signaling, sugar and proline metabolism. Furthermore, the target genes for novel VvmiRNAs related to berry development were validated using RLM-RACE and PPM-RACE methods, and it was revealed their cleavage sites mainly happened at the 9th-11th sites from the 5’ ends of miRNAs at their binding regions. The potential roles of these VvmiRNAs in gibberellins repressing grape stone-hardening and embryo development by potentially inducing the expression of VvmiR31-3p and VvmiR8-5p to increase the cleavage product accumulation levels of corresponding target genes like lignin biosynthesis genes, CAFFEOYL COENZYME A-3-O-METHYLTRANSFERASE (VvCCoAOMT) and DDB1-CUL4 ASSOCIATED FACTOR1 (VvDCAF1), as a potential key molecular mechanism involved in GA-induced grape seedless berry development. Based on the characterization of stone-hardening stage related to VvmiRNAs, a schematic model of miRNA-mediated grape seed and stone-hardening development was proposed in this work. This is the first report about the regulatory role of VvmiRNAs in the regulation of stone-hardening stage of grape berries, which provides valuable genetic information for the breeding of seedless grape varieties.
Patterns of Polysubstance Use Among Non-Hispanic White and American Indian/Alaska Native Adolescents: An Exploratory Analysis

Introduction The prevalence of polysubstance use is well described, but less is known about correlates and patterns of polysubstance use. Previous research characterized latent subgroups of substance users by the type substance used. Racial disparities in the prevalence of polysubstance use exist, particularly for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations. The objective of our study was to describe differences in patterns of polysubstance use between non-Hispanic white and AI/AN adolescents. Methods We obtained data from the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). We analyzed substance use patterns (cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, inhalants, heroin, methamphetamines, ecstasy, steroids, and injected drugs) separately among 375 AI/AN and 15,633 non-Hispanic white adolescents. We calculated pairwise correlations. Exploratory factor analysis identified latent factors of polysubstance use patterns. Results The use of all substances by AI/AN adolescents was the same or higher than use by non-Hispanic white adolescents, particularly for cocaine, heroin, and steroids. We found strong correlations between use of heroin and injected drugs and between use of cocaine and ecstasy among both populations. We found a latent factor for cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana and another factor for broad polysubstance use among both populations. We found a factor for steroids and injected drugs among AI/AN adolescents, a factor for cocaine and ecstasy among non-Hispanic white adolescents, and a unique factor for methamphetamines. Conclusion Differences in substance use patterns exist between AI/AN and non-Hispanic white adolescents, particularly for illegal drug use. If validated in future research, information on these differences could be used to inform tailored intervention programs aimed at preventing substance use.
High nitrogen contribution by Gunnera magellanica and nitrogen transfer by mycorrhizas drive an extraordinarily fast primary succession in sub-Antarctic Chile.

Chronosequences at the forefront of retreating glaciers provide information about colonization rates of bare surfaces. In the northern hemisphere, forest development can take centuries, with rates often limited by low nutrient availability. By contrast, in front of the retreating Pia Glacier (Tierra del Fuego, Chile), a Nothofagus forest is in place after only 34 yr of development, while total soil nitrogen (N) increased from near zero to 1.5%, suggesting a strong input of this nutrient. We measured N-fixation rates, carbon fluxes, leaf N and phosphorus contents and leaf δ15 N in the dominant plants, including the herb Gunnera magellanica, which is endosymbiotically associated with a cyanobacterium, in order to investigate the role of N-fixing and mycorrhizal symbionts in N-budgets during successional transition. G. magellanica presented some of the highest nitrogenase activities yet reported (potential maximal contribution of 300 kg N ha-1 yr-1 ). Foliar δ15 N results support the framework of a highly efficient N-uptake and transfer system based on mycorrhizas, with c. 80% of N taken up by the mycorrhizas potentially transferred to the host plant. Our results suggest the symbiosis of G. magellanica with cyanobacteria, and trees and shrubs with mycorrhizas, to be the key processes driving this rapid succession.
The expression of TAP1 candidate gene, but not its polymorphism and methylation, is associated with colonic polyp formation in a porcine model of human familial adenomatous polyposis

Abstract In humans, the dysfunction of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene causes hereditary familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). The severity of polyposis varies between individuals, but genetic basis for this is in large part unknown. This variability also occurs in our porcine model of FAP, based on an APC1311 mutation (orthologous to human APC1309). Since loss of TAP1 function can lead to CRC in humans, we searched for germline polymorphisms in APC1311/+ pigs with low (LP) and high (HP) levels of polyposis, as well as in wild-type pigs representing six breeds and a commercial line. The distribution of 40 identified polymorphic variants was similar in the LP and HP pigs. In contrast, the TAP1 transcript level was significantly higher in normal colon mucosa of HP pigs than in LP pigs. Moreover, six SNPs showed significant effects on TAP1 promoter activity, but no correlation with severity of polyposis was observed. Analysis of DNA methylation in the promoter region showed that one CpG site differed significantly between LP and HP pigs. We conclude that TAP1 genotype may not itself be associated with polyposis, but our findings concerning its expression suggest a role in the development of polyps.
Extracellular miRNAs for the Management of Barrett’s Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma: A Systematic Review

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), the major histologic type of esophageal cancer (EC) in Western countries, is a disease with a poor prognosis, primarily due to usual diagnosis at an advanced stage. The prevalence of EAC has increased in recent years, both in Western countries and in Asia. Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is a precursor lesion of EAC. Therefore, early detection and proper management of BE and EAC is important to improve prognosis. Here, we systematically summarize current knowledge about the potential utility of extracellular microRNAs (miRNAs), which are thought to be non-invasive biomarkers for many diseases, for these purposes. A search of the PubMed and Embase databases identified 22 papers about extracellular miRNAs that have potential utility for management of EAC. Among them, 19 were EAC-related and ten were BE-related; some of these dealt with both conditions. The articles included studies reporting diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment responses. Multiple papers report dysregulation of miR-194-5p in BE and miR-21-5p, -25-3p, and -93-5p in EAC. Although it will take time to utilize these miRNAs in clinical practice, they are likely to be useful non-invasive markers in the future.
Maintenance of World Health Organization Risk Drinking Level Reductions and Posttreatment Functioning Following a Large Alcohol Use Disorder Clinical Trial

Background Reductions in the World Health Organization (WHO) risk drinking levels have been proposed as an alternative primary outcome for alcohol clinical trials. Yet, little is known about whether reductions in WHO risk drinking levels can be maintained over time. The current study examined whether reductions in WHO risk drinking levels were maintained for up to 1 year following treatment, and whether reductions over time were associated with improvements in functioning. Methods Secondary data analysis of individuals with alcohol dependence (n = 1,226) enrolled in the COMBINE study, a multisite, randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. Logistic regression was used to examine the maintenance of end‐of‐treatment WHO risk level reductions and WHO risk level reductions at the 1‐year follow‐up. Repeated‐measures mixed models were used to examine the association between WHO risk level reductions and functional outcomes over time. Results Achieving at least a 1‐ or 2‐level reduction in risk by the end of treatment was significantly associated with WHO risk level reductions at the 1‐year follow‐up assessment (p < 0.001). Among individuals who achieved at least a 1‐level reduction by the end of treatment, 85.5% reported at least a 1‐level reduction at the 1‐year follow‐up. Among individuals who achieved at least a 2‐level reduction by the end of treatment, 77.8% reported at least a 2‐level reduction at the 1‐year follow‐up. WHO risk level reductions were associated with significantly lower alcohol consumption, better physical health (p < 0.01), and fewer alcohol‐related consequences (p < 0.001) up to 1 year following treatment. Conclusions One‐ and 2‐level reductions in WHO risk levels during alcohol treatment were maintained after treatment and associated with better functioning over time. These findings support the use of the WHO risk level reductions as an outcome measure that reflects clinically significant improvement in how individuals seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder feel and function.
Effect of Tiotropium Soft Mist Inhalers on Dynamic Changes in Lung Mechanics of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Receiving Mechanical Ventilation: A Prospective Pilot Study

The effects of tiotropium bromide soft mist inhalers (SMIs) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receiving mechanical ventilation remain unexplored. This study investigated the dynamic effects of a tiotropium SMI on lung mechanics and gas exchange in these patients. We analyzed 11 mechanically ventilated and hemodynamically stable patients with COPD who experienced acute exacerbation and were ready to be weaned from the ventilator. Two puffs of tiotropium (2.5 μg/puff) were administered with a T-adaptor connected to the ventilator circuit. Lung mechanics—peak inspiratory pressure, plateau pressure, mean airway pressure, maximum respiratory resistance (Rrs), and gas exchange function—were analyzed. The two-puff tiotropium SMI treatment led to the greatest reduction in Rrs at 6 h, with the Rrs returning to baseline gradually, and significantly improved the PaO2/FiO2 ratio at 24 h. Compared with baseline values, tiotropium SMI had the strongest effect on Rrs between hours 3 and 6 but did not significantly affect hemodynamic parameters. Tiotropium SMI administration in mechanically ventilated patients with COPD achieved the greatest reduction in Rrs at 6 h and significantly improved the PaO2/FiO2 ratio at 24 h. Future studies should investigate whether the bronchodilation effect can be improved with increased dosage or frequency.
Incidence and Prognosis of Acute Kidney Diseases and Disorders Using an Integrated Approach to Laboratory Measurements in a Universal Health Care System

Key Points Question Do the acute kidney diseases and disorders (AKD) criteria from the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes guidelines identify patients who do not meet existing criteria for chronic kidney disease (CKD) or acute kidney injury (AKI), and what is the prognosis of these patients? Findings In this cohort study of 1.1 million Canadian residents, AKD criteria identified many patients who did not meet existing criteria for CKD or AKI, and patients with AKD without AKI had overall modestly increased risks of incident and progressive CKD, end-stage kidney disease, and death. Meaning The incorporation of AKD into clinical and research initiatives for kidney disease would increase recognition of patients at risk of adverse outcomes who are not identified by current AKI and CKD criteria; however, the clinical importance of AKD remains to be determined.
Decoys provide a scalable platform for the identification of plant E3 ubiquitin ligases that regulate circadian function

The circadian clock relies on regulated degradation of clock proteins to maintain rhythmicity. Despite this, we know few components that mediate protein degradation. This is due to high levels of functional redundancy within plant E3 ubiquitin ligase families. In order to overcome this issue and discover E3 ubiquitin ligases that control circadian function, we generated a library of transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing dominant-negative ‘decoy’ E3 ubiquitin ligases. We determined their effects on the circadian clock and identified dozens of new potential regulators of circadian function. To demonstrate the potency of the decoy screening methodology to overcome redundancy and identify bona fide clock regulators, we performed follow-up studies on MAC3A (PUB59) and MAC3B (PUB60). We show that they redundantly control circadian period by regulating splicing. This work demonstrates the viability of ubiquitin ligase decoys as a screening platform to overcome genetic challenges and discover E3 ubiquitin ligases that regulate plant development.
Adverse events during apheresis: A 10‐year experience at a tertiary academic medical center

Apheresis can be associated with adverse events (AEs). Available studies published on apheresis‐associated AEs lack uniformity of data. Unfortunately, there is no common database in the United States (US) to report apheresis‐associated AEs. We evaluated our institutional incidence of apheresis‐associated AEs and compared it with published literature.
Implementing radical cure diagnostics for malaria: user perspectives on G6PD testing in Bangladesh

Background The radical cure of Plasmodium vivax requires treatment with an 8-aminoquinoline drug, such as primaquine and tafenoquine, to eradicate liver hypnozoite stages, which can reactivate to cause relapsing infections. Safe treatment regimens require prior screening of patients for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency to avoid potential life-threatening drug induced haemolysis. Testing is rarely available in malaria endemic countries, but will be needed to support routine use of radical cure. This study investigates end-user perspectives in Bangladesh on the introduction of a quantitative G6PD test (SD Biosensor STANDARD™ G6PD analyser) to support malaria elimination. Methods The perspectives of users on the SD Biosensor test were analysed using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with health care providers and malaria programme officers in Bangladesh. Key emerging themes regarding the feasibility of introducing this test into routine practice, including perceived barriers, were analysed. Results In total 63 participants were interviewed. Participants emphasized the life-saving potential of the biosensor, but raised concerns including the impact of limited staff time, high workload and some technical aspects of the device. Participants highlighted that there are both too few and too many P. vivax patients to implement G6PD testing owing to challenges of funding, workload and complex testing infrastructure. Implementing the biosensor would require flexibility and improvisation to deal with remote sites, overcoming a low index of suspicion and mutual interplay of declining patient numbers and reluctance to test. This approach would generate new forms of evidence to justify introduction in policy and carefully consider questions of deployment given declining patient numbers. Conclusions The results of the study show that, in an elimination context, the importance of malaria needs to be maintained for both policy makers and the affected communities, in this case by ensuring P. vivax , PQ treatment, and G6PD deficiency remain visible. Availability of new technologies, such as the biosensor, will fuel ongoing debates about priorities for allocating resources that must be adapted to a constantly evolving target. Technical and logistical concerns regarding the biosensor should be addressed by future product designs, adequate training, strengthened supply chains, and careful planning of communication, advocacy and staff interactions at all health system levels.
The Mediating Effect of Pain Catastrophizing on PTSD Symptoms and Pain Outcome

Objective: Coprevalence of chronic pain and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) negatively impacts the course of both disorders. Patients diagnosed with both conditions report greater pain, affective distress, and disability when compared with those with either chronic pain or PTSD alone. While the prevalence and complexity of the comorbidity is widely acknowledged, there is a dearth of research examining potential mechanism variables that might account for the relationship between chronic pain and PTSD. The current study utilizes a series of mediation analyses to examine if pain catastrophizing mediates the relationship between PTSD symptomatology and chronic pain outcome. Materials and Methods: A total of 203 treatment-seeking participants admitted to a 3-week interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation program completed a battery of psychometrically validated measures of pain severity, pain interference, pain catastrophizing, depressive symptoms, and PTSD symptoms at program admission. Results: A series of multiple parallel mediation analyses revealed that pain catastrophizing fully mediated the relationships between PTSD symptoms and pain outcome (ie, pain severity and pain interference) above and beyond the influence of depressive symptoms. Discussion: Results suggest that pain catastrophizing may represent an important cognitive mechanism through which PTSD symptoms influence the experience of chronic pain. Psychosocial treatment approaches that directly target tendency to catastrophize in response to pain may hold the potential to have salutary effects on both chronic pain and PTSD.