adapted to steppe-desert climate extremes one million years ago.

Questions about when early members of the genus adapted to extreme environments like deserts and rainforests have traditionally focused on . Here, we present multidisciplinary evidence from Engaji Nanyori in Tanzania's Oldupai Gorge, revealing that thrived in hyperarid landscapes one million years ago. Using biogeochemical analyses, precise chronometric dating, palaeoclimate simulations, biome modeling, fire history reconstructions, palaeobotanical studies, faunal assemblages, and archeological evidence, we reconstruct an environment dominated by semidesert shrubland.

A Review of Post Neonatal Paediatric Admission Pattern and Outcome in a Public Tertiary Health Facility in Nigeria.

Background: Admissions over the years have been largely due to preventable aetiologies and the possible outcomes are discharge, death, referral or discharge against medical advice. This study aimed to understand the patterns of postneonatal paediatric admissions and outcomes from a public tertiary health facility in South-West Nigeria.

Methodology: A descriptive retrospective study of paediatric admissions over a 2-year period.

Monday-Enhanced CEASE Program for Underserved Ethnic Minorities: a Mixed-Methods Study.

Background: Due to the persistence of tobacco-related health disparities in the U.S., there is a need for innovative strategies to reach the underserved ethnic minority populations who are most at risk.

Whole-genome sequencing reveals de-novo mutations associated with nonsyndromic cleft lip/palate.

The majority (85%) of nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (nsCL/P) cases occur sporadically, suggesting a role for de novo mutations (DNMs) in the etiology of nsCL/P. To identify high impact protein-altering DNMs that contribute to the risk of nsCL/P, we conducted whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analyses in 130 African case-parent trios (affected probands and unaffected parents). We identified 162 high confidence protein-altering DNMs some of which are based on available evidence, contribute to the risk of nsCL/P.

Efficacy Of Microporous Tape In The Prevention Of Abnormal Post-Surgical Scars Among A Black Population.

Background: A scar can be defined as a mark or a blemish resulting from a healed wound. All surgical incisions give rise to scars and approximately 15% have excessive scars. Some scars are thin lines which are almost unnoticeable, whereas others become abnormal when the amount of fibrosis is excessive or suboptimal or when it causes functional disability or aesthetic distress to the patient.

Non-invasive hemoglobin measurement devices require refinement to match diagnostic performance with their high level of usability and acceptability.

Anemia remains an important global health problem. Inexpensive, accurate, and noninvasive solutions are needed to monitor and evaluate anemia in resource-limited settings. We evaluated the performance of multiple point-of-care hemoglobin devices, including a novel noninvasive smartphone application tested on Apple® and Android® cell phones, Masimo Pronto®, and HemoCue® Hb-301 and Hb-801, against a gold-standard hematology analyzer (reference hemoglobin) using venous blood.

Hydrolysis and antioxidant activity of starch modified with phenolic extracts from grape pomace and sorghum bran under alkaline conditions.

The effect of modification with phenolic extracts from grape pomace (GPE) and sorghum bran (SBE) under alkaline conditions for 6 and 12 h, with and without washing with aqueous ethanol (post modification) on the enzymatic hydrolysis as measured by viscosity decrease and antioxidant activity of maize starch was studied. Phenolic-modified starches showed lower rate of starch hydrolysis. The DSC of residues after enzyme hydrolysis showed the conversion of type I inclusion complexes in the unwashed to type II inclusion complexes in the washed phenolic-modified starches.

Pasting, flow, thermal and molecular properties of maize starch modified with crude phenolic extracts from grape pomace and sorghum bran under alkaline conditions.

This study determined the effects of phenolic extracts from grape pomace and sorghum bran, reaction time and washing with aqueous ethanol on the pasting, flow, thermal and molecular properties of maize starch. The starch modification was carried out under alkaline conditions. The phenolic extracts increased the peak viscosity of the starch.

Health-related Quality of Life and Wound Care Practices Among Patients With Chronic Wounds in a Southwestern Nigerian Community.

Introduction: Chronic wounds (CWs) are a common problem around the world. Although known to affect quality of life, patients' perception may vary among cultures.

Objective: The purpose of this article is to determine the effects of CWs on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and identify wound care practices among a select population in southwestern Nigeria.

Antibiotic susceptibility of wound swab isolates in a tertiary hospital in Southwest Nigeria.

Background: Wounds are commonly encountered in the clinical practice. Microbacterial colonization and infection negatively affect wound outcomes. With increasing emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, it is essential to determine local patterns of wound microbiological profile and antibiotic susceptibility to guide rational empirical antibiotic use.

Treatment Complexities Among Patients with Tuberculosis in a High HIV Prevalence Cohort in the United States.

The association between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and tuberculosis (TB) mortality has been studied extensively, but the impact of HIV on other clinically relevant aspects of TB care such as TB drug-related adverse events (AEs), hospital readmissions, and TB treatment duration is less well characterized. We describe the association of HIV infection with TB clinical complexities and outcomes in a high HIV prevalence cohort in the United States. This is a retrospective cohort study among patients treated for culture-confirmed TB between 2008 and 2015 at an inner-city hospital in Atlanta, GA.

Kolaviron attenuates diclofenac-induced nephrotoxicity in male Wistar rats.

The beneficial effects of kolaviron, a natural biflavonoid from the seeds of Garcinia kola, have been attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study was designed to investigate the renoprotective effect of kolaviron in rat model of diclofenac (DFC)-induced acute renal failure. Thirty-five male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups of 5 rats each as follows: a control group that received propylene glycol orally and treatment groups that received DFC, DFC recovery, DFC followed by kolaviron at 3 different doses, and kolaviron only.

Challenges Across the HIV Care Continuum for Patients With HIV/TB Co-infection in Atlanta, GA [corrected].

Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for persons with HIV infection prevents tuberculosis (TB) disease. Additionally, sequential ART after initiation of TB treatment improves outcomes. We examined ART use, retention in care, and viral suppression (VS) before, during, and 3 years following TB treatment for an inner-city cohort in the United States.

Sub-acute administration of lower doses of nicotine caused sex-dependent improvement of renal function in Wistar rats.

The adverse and beneficial health effects of nicotine (NIC), the major alkaloid found in cigarettes and tobacco, are controversial. Most studies on NIC have focused on its effects on cardiovascular and nervous functions. This study aimed at determining dose- and sex-specific effects of sub-acute (28 days) NIC administration on some indices of kidney function in Wistar rats.

A High Throughput Whole Blood Assay for Analysis of Multiple Antigen-Specific T Cell Responses in Human Infection.

Antigen-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells are important components of the immune response to , yet little information is currently known regarding how the breadth, specificity, phenotype, and function of -specific T cells correlate with infection outcome in humans. To facilitate evaluation of human -specific T cell responses targeting multiple different Ags, we sought to develop a high throughput and reproducible T cell response spectrum assay requiring low blood sample volumes. We describe here the optimization and standardization of a microtiter plate-based, diluted whole blood stimulation assay utilizing overlapping peptide pools corresponding to a functionally diverse panel of 60 Ags.

Ginger polyphenols attenuate cyclosporine-induced disturbances in kidney function: Potential application in adjuvant transplant therapy.

Cyclosporine (CYA), a common immuno-suppressant drug that is used in organ transplants, is associated with nephrotoxic effects. Scientific exploration of natural products of plant origin should be considered; especially, in a world with increasing prevalence of kidney diseases. Effects of ginger polyphenols (GP) in Wistar rats with CYA-induced perturbations in electrolyte balance and kidney function was determined.

Ocimum gratissimum Ameliorates Gentamicin-Induced Kidney Injury but Decreases Creatinine Clearance Following Sub-Chronic Administration in Rats.

The effects of aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaf (AOGL) on the renal function of rats with gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity were investigated. This study involved the use of forty five (45) adult male Wistar rats (housed in separate metabolic cages) such that graded doses of OAGL were administered to the experimental groups (p.o.

Time to Sputum Culture Conversion and Treatment Outcomes Among Patients with Isoniazid-Resistant Tuberculosis in Atlanta, Georgia.

Background: Although isoniazid-resistant tuberculosis is more common than multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, it has been much less studied. We examined the impact of isoniazid resistance and treatment regimen, including use of a fluoroquinolone, on clinical outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study among patients with sputum culture-positive tuberculosis was performed.

Neuro-endocrine effects of aqueous extract of (Linn.) leaf in male Wistar rat model of cyclophosphamide-induced reproductive toxicity.

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a widely used cytotoxic alkylating agent with antitumor and immunosuppressant properties that is associated with various forms of reproductive toxicity. The significance of natural antioxidants of plant origin should be explored, especially in a world with increasing incidence of patients in need of chemotherapy. The neuro-endocrine effects of aqueous extract of (Linn.

Chronic administration of gabapentin and a gabapentin-carbamazepine combination reversibly suppress testicular function in male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus).

The effect of chronic administration of gabapentin, carbamazepine or a gabapentin-carbamazepine combination on testicular function in male rats was investigated to determine the effect of combining reduced doses of anti-epileptic drugs on the management of seizures, particularly with respect to the testis sequellae of chronic anti-epileptic administration. Male rats were randomized into four groups (n=10). Each group received daily intraperitoneal (i.

Adapting an Autism Screening Tool for Use in the DeKalb County Refugee Pediatric Clinic.

Background: Minimal literature exists regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) among refugee children in the United States. Reliable ASD screening tools, such as the M-CHAT-R/F, have yet to be culturally adapted and translated into some languages spoken in the homes of these children.

Methods: Pediatric refugee patients (n = 13) of caregivers of Bhutanese (Nepali-speaking) descent were screened using a newly translated Nepali M-CHAT-R/F.

Surgical Reconstruction of Giant Penoscrotal Lymphedema in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Objective: To present management challenges, surgical technique, and outcome associated with penoscrotal reconstruction in patients with giant scrotal lymphedema in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods: A prospective study of all patients who had penoscrotal reconstruction for giant scrotal lymphedema at our university teaching hospital between January 2003 and December 2012 was carried out. Patients' preoperative clinical evaluation findings, operative technique, and postoperative course were reviewed after obtaining ethical approval and informed consent from the patients.

Aqueous Extract of Allium sativum (Linn.) Bulbs Ameliorated Pituitary-Testicular Injury and Dysfunction in Wistar Rats with Pb-Induced Reproductive Disturbances.

Aim: To determine the effects of aqueous extract of Allium sativum bulbs (AEASAB) on pituitary-testicular injury and dysfunction in Wistar rats with lead-induced reproductive disturbances.

Materials And Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups such that the control group received propylene glycol at 0.2 ml/100 g intraperitoneally for 10 consecutive days, the toxic group received lead (Pb) alone at 15 mg/kg/day via intraperitoneal route for 10 days while the treatment groups were pretreated with lead as the toxic group after which they received graded doses of the extract at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day via oral route for 28 days.