Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of Teen Dating Aggression With Risk Behavior and Academic Adjustment

This study constructed a six-item Teen Dating Aggression (TDA) scale, investigated the prevalence of TDA in a statewide sample, and identified associations between TDA and high-risk behaviors and academic adjustment. Based on a review of literature, TDA included physical harm, threats to harm, verbal aggression, forced sexual contact, coercion to use alcohol or drugs, and harassment after the relationship ended. The sample consisted of 32,428 students (Grades 9–12) in 320 Virginia high schools who completed a statewide school climate survey. Participation rates were 99% for schools and 80.5% for students. Confirmatory factor analysis and hierarchical regression analyses investigated the associations between TDA and high-risk behaviors and poor academic adjustment. School fixed-effects analyses accounted for school-level influences in student responses. Nearly four in 10 students (39%) reported experiencing at least one form of dating aggression in the past year. The 12,596 students who experienced TDA (40%) in the past year reported more marijuana use (26% vs. 13%), alcohol use (40% vs. 22%), fighting (13% vs. 5%), suicidal ideation (31% vs. 13%), and suicide attempts (17% vs. 5%), as well as lower school engagement, educational aspirations, and grades than 19,832 students who dated without TDA. The current study emphasized the need for dating aggression to be a focus of secondary school prevention programs due its associations with poorer academic performance, high-risk behavior with potentially serious mental health consequences. Accurate assessment of TDA can also guide the evaluation of intervention programs that target TDA.
Evaluation of Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy Techniques in Outfield Organs of Rando Phantom with Thermoluminescence Dosimeter

Background: Given the importance of scattered and low doses in secondary cancer caused by radiation treatment, the point dose of critical organs, which were not subjected to radiation treatment in breast cancer radiotherapy, was measured. Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the peripheral dose in two techniques of breast cancer radiotherapy with two energies. Material and Methods: Eight different plans in two techniques (conventional and conformal) and two photon energies (6 and 15 MeV) were applied to Rando Alderson Phantom’s DICOM images. Nine organs were contoured in the treatment planning system and specified on the phantom. To measure the photon dose, forty-eight thermoluminescence dosimeters (MTS700) were positioned in special places on the above nine organs and plans were applied to Rando phantom with Elekta presice linac. To obtain approximately the same dose distribution in the clinical organ volume, a wedge was used on planes with an energy of 6 MeV photon. Results: Point doses in critical organs with 8 different plans demonstrated that scattering in low-energy photon is greater than high-energy photon. In contrast, neutron contamination in high-energy photon is not negligible. Using the wedge and shield impose greater scattering and neutron contamination on patients with low-and high-energy photon, respectively. Conclusion: Deciding on techniques and energies required for preparing an acceptable treatment plan in terms of scattering and neutron contamination is a key issue that may affect the probability of secondary cancer in a patient.
4D Multimodal Nanomedicines Made of Nonequilibrium Au–Fe Alloy Nanoparticles

Several examples of nanosized therapeutic and imaging agents have been proposed to date, yet for most of them there is a low chance of clinical translation due to long-term in vivo retention and toxicity risks. The realization of nanoagents that can be removed from the body after use remains thus a great challenge. Here, we demonstrate that nonequilibrium gold–iron alloys behave as shape-morphing nanocrystals with the properties of self-degradable multifunctional nanomedicines. DFT calculations combined with mixing enthalpy-weighted alloying simulations predict that Au–Fe solid solutions can exhibit self-degradation in an aqueous environment if the Fe content exceeds a threshold that depends upon element topology in the nanocrystals. Exploiting a laser-assisted synthesis route, we experimentally confirm that nonequilibrium Au–Fe nanoalloys have a 4D behavior, that is, the ability to change shape, size, and structure over time, becoming ultrasmall Au-rich nanocrystals. In vivo tests show the potential of these transformable Au–Fe nanoalloys as efficient multimodal contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging and computed X-ray absorption tomography and further demonstrate their self-degradation over time, with a significant reduction of long-term accumulation in the body, when compared to benchmark gold or iron oxide contrast agents. Hence, Au–Fe alloy nanoparticles exhibiting 4D behavior can respond to the need for safe and degradable inorganic multifunctional nanomedicines required in clinical translation.
Liver-directed gene-based therapies for inborn errors of metabolism

ABSTRACT Introduction Inborn errors of metabolism include several genetic disorders due to disruption of cellular biochemical reactions. Although individually rare, collectively they are a large and heterogenous group of diseases affecting a significant proportion of patients. Available treatments are often unsatisfactory. Liver-directed gene therapy has potential for treatment of several inborn errors of metabolism. While lentiviral vectors and lipid nanoparticle-mRNA have shown attractive features in preclinical studies and still have to be investigated in humans, adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have shown clinical success in both preclinical and clinical trials for in vivo liver-directed gene therapy. Areas covered In this review, we discussed the most relevant clinical applications and the challenges of liver-directed gene-based approaches for therapy of inborn errors of metabolism. Expert Opinion Challenges and prospects of clinical gene therapy trials and preclinical studies that are believed to have the greatest potential for clinical translation are presented.
Dietary fibre intake and its associations with depressive symptoms in a prospective adolescent cohort

Abstract Depression is a major cause of disability in adolescents. Higher dietary fibre intake has been associated with lower depressive symptoms in adults, but there is a lack of research in adolescents. We examined the association between dietary fibre intake (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) FFQ) and depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory for Youth) in adolescents with prospective data from the Raine Study Gen2 14- and 17-year follow-ups (n 1260 and 653). Odds of moderate/extreme (clinically relevant) depressive symptoms by quartile of fibre intake were calculated using mixed-effects logistic regression for all participants, in a paired sample without moderate/extreme depressive symptoms at 14 years and in a sub-sample of participants with available inflammatory data at the ages of 14 and 17 years (n 718 and 547). Odds of moderate/extreme depressive symptoms were lower in the fourth (highest) quartile of overall fibre intake (OR 0·273, 95 % CI 0·09, 0·81) compared with the first (lowest) quartile, adjusting for sex, age, energy intake, adiposity, and family and lifestyle factors. However, further adjustment for dietary patterns attenuated the results. Associations of depressive symptoms with cereal or fruit and vegetable fibre intake were not significant in the final model. Adjustment for inflammation had no effect on OR. The association between a higher dietary fibre intake and lower odds of clinically relevant depressive symptoms may be more reflective of a high-fibre diet with all its accompanying nutrients than of an independent effect of fibre.
Thirty-day readmission rate: A predictor of initial surgical severity or quality of surgical care? A regional hospital analysis.

BACKGROUND Unplanned readmission within 30 days is currently being used in high-income countries (HICs) for measuring the quality of surgical care. Surgical site infection (SSI), abdominal complaints and pain are the most common causes for such readmission. The correlation between readmission rates and mortality, increased patient volumes and complexity of surgery remains controversial. OBJECTIVES To explore the risk factors for unplanned readmission in the surgical population in a low- and middle-income country setting. METHODS This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data of unplanned 30-day readmissions from January 2014 to December 2017 in the Department of General Surgery, Worcester Hospital, South Africa (SA). Basic patient demographics, reasons for readmission, operative urgency and severity, wound class, length of stay and final outcomes were used to compare the inpatient cohort and identify predictors for unplanned readmission. RESULTS A total of 9 649 patients were admitted to the general surgery department at Worcester Hospital - 2.87% (n=270) were unplanned readmissions within 30 days. The mean age of this cohort was 42 (standard deviation (SD) 22) years, with 61% male patients. SSI (60.37%; n=163), gastrointestinal complications (24.44%; n=66) and blood transfusion (7.03%; n=19) were the most common causes for readmission. Median initial length of stay (LOS) was 4 days; after readmission it was 5 days. Readmissions were responsible for 1 914 additional patient days. Operative Portsmouth-POSSUM (P-POSSUM) (Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity) score (p<0.001), increase in operative wound classification (p=0.001) and emergency surgical procedures (p=0.001) were significant risk factors for readmission within 30 days. CONCLUSIONS The Department of General Surgery, Worcester Hospital, had a readmission rate comparable with that in HICs. Readmission rate is an indicator of advanced surgical pathology requiring an operative intervention of greater magnitude, often presenting as an emergency. Our results can be used to improve postoperative surveillance and ultimately improve outcomes in high-risk surgical populations. This study provides a benchmark for other regional hospitals in SA and has implications for quality-improvement programmes.
Three phases of Gene × Environment interaction research: Theoretical assumptions underlying gene selection

Abstract Some Gene × Environment interaction (G×E) research has focused upon single candidate genes, whereas other related work has targeted multiple genes (e.g., polygenic scores). Each approach has informed efforts to identify individuals who are either especially vulnerable to the negative effects of contextual adversity (diathesis stress) or especially susceptible to both positive and negative contextual conditions (differential susceptibility). A critical step in all such molecular G×E research is the selection of genetic variants thought to moderate environmental influences, a subject that has not received a great deal of attention in critiques of G×E research (beyond the observation of small effects of individual genes). Here we conceptually distinguish three phases of G×E work based on the selection of genes presumed to moderate environmental effects and the theoretical basis of such decisions: (a) single candidate genes, (b) composited (multiple) candidate genes, and (c) GWAS-derived polygenic scores. This illustrative, not exhaustive, review makes it clear that implicit or explicit theoretical assumptions inform gene selection in ways that have not been clearly articulated or fully appreciated.
Holothuria scabra Extract Induces Cell Apoptosis and Suppresses Warburg Effect by Down-Regulating Akt/mTOR/HIF-1 Axis in MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract Introduction Cancer cells utilize the modified glucose metabolism known as Warburg effect, with lactate production as the end product. In the search for alternative therapy, the body wall of sea cucumbers contains various substances with pharmacological activities. Herein, we investigate the effect of Holothuria scabra extract on the viability and Warburg effect of aggressive breast cancer cells. Methods Body wall of H. scabra was extracted using 95% ethanol. Triple-negative breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231, were treated with the extract at various concentrations under normoglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions. Cytotoxicity test was performed using MTT assay. Apoptotic proteins were quantified using Western blot. Apoptotic cells were stained with Hoechst 33342. Lactate production was determined using L-lactate assay kit. Results By MTT assay, H. scabra extract suppressed the viability of breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner by enhancing apoptosis, indicated by a marked increase of proapoptotic Bax and pro-caspase three expressions, and decreased expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2. The extract could reduce hexokinase II expression, leading to reduced lactate production by blocking the Akt/mTOR/HIF-1 axis. Discussion Overall findings indicated that H. scabra extract could be a possible therapeutic against breast cancer progression in patients with hyperglycemia, for instance, diabetes mellitus.
Cigarillos Compromise the Mucosal Barrier and Protein Expression in Airway Epithelia.

Despite a downward trend in cigarette use, less-regulated tobacco products, such as cigarillos, which are often flavored to appeal to specific demographics, such as younger people, are becoming increasingly popular. There is a notion that cigar/cigarillo smoking is a safer alternative to cigarettes, but the health risks associated with cigar in comparison to cigarette smoking are not well understood. To address this knowledge gap, we characterized the effects of multiple brands of cigarillos on the airway epithelium using ex vivo and in vivo models. We assessed the cellular viability/integrity of smoke-exposed primary airway cell cultures, the protein compositions of apical secretions from cigarillo-exposed airway epithelial cultures and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of cigarillo-exposed mice through quantitative proteomics and determined the chemical composition of smoke from cigarillo products. We found that cigarillo smoke exerts similar or greater effects than cigarette smoke in terms of reduced cell viability, altered protein levels, including those of innate immune proteins, induced oxidative stress markers, and greater nicotine delivery to cells. The analysis of the chemical composition of the cigarillo products revealed differences that might be linked to the differential effects of these products on cell viability and protein abundance profiles, which have been associated with a range of health risks in the context of airway biology. These findings contradict the assumption that cigarillos might be safer/less harmful than cigarettes. Instead, our results indicate that cigarillo smoke is associated with equal or greater health risks and the same or increased airway toxicity compared with cigarette smoke.
A National Curriculum to Address Professional Fulfillment and Burnout in OB-GYN Residents.

Background Physician well-being is a priority in graduate medical education as residents suffer high rates of burnout. With complex stressors affecting the clinical environment, conflicting evidence exists as to whether a formal curriculum improves resident well-being. Objective We assessed the feasibility and impact of a national pilot of a yearlong wellness curriculum for obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) residents. Methods The Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology Wellness Task Force developed a national multicenter pilot group of 25 OB-GYN programs to participate in a prospective cohort study. The curriculum included 6 interactive wellness workshops using uniform teaching materials delivered during didactic time. Prior to and following their participation in the curriculum, residents completed a survey containing demographic information and the Professional Fulfillment Index. Results Among 592 eligible participants, 429 (72%) responded to the pretest and 387 (65%) to the posttest. Average age of respondents was 29.1 years (range = 24-52 years) and included 350 (82%) women and 79 (18%) men. At baseline, 254 of 540 (47%) respondents met criteria for burnout, and 101 (23%) met criteria for robust professional fulfillment. Residents participated in an average of 3.9 workshops. While aggregate posttest scores did not differ from baseline, residents attending 4 to 6 workshops had improved rates of burnout (40% vs 50%, P = .017) and robust professional fulfillment (28% vs 20%, P < .001) compared with those with lower attendance. Conclusions A wellness curriculum was a feasible addition to OB-GYN residency program curricula in programs across the country. Residents with higher attendance experienced improved professional fulfillment and less burnout.
Current Pharmacological Trends on Myricetin

Abstract Myricetin is a member of the group of ﬂavonoids called ﬂavonols. Myricetin is obtained from various fruit, vegetables, tea, berries and red wine. Myricetin is characterized by the pysrogallol B-ring, and the more hydroxylated structure is known to be capable for its increased biological properties compared with other ﬂavonols. Myricetin is produced by the Myricaceae, Anacardiaceae, Polygonaceae, Pinaceae and Primulacea families. It is soluble in organic solvent such as ethanol, DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), and dimethyl formamide (DMF). It is sparingly soluble in aqueous buffers. Myricetin shows its various pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-amyloidogenic, antibacterial, antiviral, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inﬂammatory, anti-epileptic and anti-ulcer. This review article focuses on pharmacological effects of Myricetin on different diseases such as osteoporotic disorder, anti-inflammatory disorder, alzheimer’s disease, anti-epileptic, cancer, cardiac disorder, diabetic metabolic disorder, hepatoprotective disorder and gastro protective disorder.
Complement C4 Gene Copy Number Variation Genotyping by High Resolution Melting PCR

Background: Complement C4 gene copy number variation plays an important role as a determinant of genetic susceptibility to common diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, schizophrenia, rheumatoid arthritis, and infectious diseases. This study aimed to develop an assay for the quantification of copy number variations in the C4 locus. Methods: the assay was based on a gene ratio analysis copy enumeration (GRACE) PCR combined with high resolution melting (HRM) PCR. The test was optimized using samples of a known genotype and validated with 72 DNA samples from healthy blood donors. Results: to validate the assay, standard curves were generated by plotting the C4/RP1 ratio values against copy number variation (CNV) for each gene, using genomic DNA with known C4 CNV. The range of copy numbers in control individuals was comparable to distributions observed in previous studies of European descent. Conclusions: the method herein described significantly simplifies C4 CNV diagnosis to validate the assay.
Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D Printing of Atomoxetine Hydrochloride Tablets Using Photoreactive Suspensions

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies are based on successive material printing layer-by-layer and are considered suitable for the production of dosage forms customized for a patient’s needs. In this study, tablets of atomoxetine hydrochloride (ATH) have been successfully fabricated by a digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing technology. Initial materials were photoreactive suspensions, composed of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate 700 (PEGDA 700), poly(ethylene glycol) 400 (PEG 400), photoinitiator and suspended ATH. The amount of ATH was varied from 10.00 to 25.00% (w/w), and a range of doses from 12.21 to 40.07 mg has been achieved, indicating the possibility of personalized therapy. The rheological characteristics of all photoreactive suspensions were appropriate for the printing process, while the amount of the suspended particles in the photoreactive suspensions had an impact on the 3D printing process, as well as on mechanical and biopharmaceutical characteristics of tablets. Only the formulation with the highest content of ATH had significantly different tensile strength compared to other formulations. All tablets showed sustained drug release during at least the 8h. ATH crystals were observed with polarized light microscopy of photoreactive suspensions and the cross-sections of the tablets, while no interactions between ATH and polymers were detected by FT-IR spectroscopy.
Muscle weakness has a limited effect on motor control of gait in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Aim Our aim was to determine if synergy weights and activations are altered in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and if these alterations could be linked to muscle weakness. Methods In 22 children with DMD and 22 typical developing (TD) children of a similar age, surface electromyography (sEMG) of the gluteus medius, rectus femoris (REF), medial hamstrings, tibialis anterior, and medial gastrocnemius (GAS) were recorded during gait. Muscle weakness was assessed with maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC). Synergies were calculated with non-negative matrix factorization. The number of synergies explaining ≥90% of the variance in the sEMG signals (N90), were extracted and grouped with k-means cluster analysis. We verified differences in weights with a Mann-Whitney U test. Statistical non-parametric mapping (Hotelling's T2 test and two-tailed t-test) was used to assess group differences in synergy activations. We used Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients and canonical correlation analysis to assess if weakness was related to modifications in weights and activations, respectively. Results For both groups, average N90 was three. In synergy one, characterized by activity at the beginning of stance, the DMDs showed an increased REF weight (p = 0.001) and decreased GAS weight (p = 0.007). Synergy activations were similar, with only a small difference detected in mid-swing in the combined activations (p<0.001). Weakness was not associated with these differences. Conclusion Despite the apparent weakness in DMD, synergy weights and activations were similar between the two groups. Our findings are in line with previous research suggesting non-neural alterations have limited influence on muscle synergies.