Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Maternal Mortality at the Dori Regional Hospital in Northern Burkina Faso, 2014-2016

Background: Maternal mortality is of considerable magnitude. It is particularly relevant to developing countries, including those in Sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this work was to study the cases of maternal deaths in the Dori Regional Hospital, Burkina Faso in the Sahel region, by analyzing the epidemiological aspects of these deaths in order to guide decision-making. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study which spanned the period from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016. Cases of maternal death and live births that occurred in the hospital during this period were collected by documentary review. Results: A total of 141 maternal deaths and 2,626 live births were recorded with a maternal mortality ratio of 5,369 for 100,000 live births. In 99 (72.20%) cases, death occurred in the postpartum. A home delivery had been reported in 33.70% of cases. Direct obstetric causes were found in 72.10% of cases. They were mainly represented by infections (32.40%) and hemorrhages (23%). Anemia was the indirect cause of death in 25 women (17.80%). The delay in health care access and the lack of blood products contributed to maternal deaths in 64.50% and 26.20% of cases. Conclusion and Global Health Implications: An intensification of awareness-raising messages about the importance of the rapid use of health care is necessary. Also, systematic audits of maternal deaths in the care environment and in the community would make it possible to clarify the determinants of maternal mortality in the Sahel region and to provide adequate solutions.
Comparative Efficacy of Medical Treatments for Thyroid Eye Disease: A Network Meta-Analysis

Purpose Numerous medical strategies have been proposed for the treatment of thyroid eye disease (TED); however, the best methods for standard treatment are still a matter of controversy. The purpose of this network meta-analysis was to integrate previous evidence to create hierarchies of comparative efficacy of eleven commonly used medical treatments for TED. Methods A comprehensive search of electronic scientific literature databases was performed and the data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing treatment outcomes for patients with active TED were selected. Treatment strategies included in this network meta-analysis were intravenous glucocorticoids (IVGC), oral glucocorticoids (OGC), orbital injection of glucocorticoids (OIGC), orbital radiotherapy (OR), intravenous glucocorticoids combined with orbital radiotherapy (IVGC + OR), oral glucocorticoids combined with orbital radiotherapy (OGC + OR), rituximab (RTX), somatostatin analogs, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), teprotumumab, and cyclosporine. The outcomes were response rate, mean difference in proptosis reduction, and reduction in disease activity. A random-effects network meta-analysis using a frequent method was conducted in STATA. Results Twenty-three studies comprising a total of 1047 patients were included in the analysis. Inconsistency plots showed heterogeneity in the IVGC-Placebo-RTX loop to some extent (RoR = 8.029, P=0.075). Rankings of response rates were as follows: IVGC + OR, teprotumumab, IVGC, OGC + OR, RTX, OIGC, OR, IVIG, OGC, somatostatin, placebo, and cyclosporine. The rank probability analysis of proptosis reduction showed that teprotumumab was the most effective, followed by IVGC, IVGC + OR, OIGC, OGC, OGC + OR, OR, somatostatin, cyclosporine, and placebo. Conclusions IVGC, alone or combination with OR, and teprotumumab should be preferred as the most effective strategies for active moderate to severe TED. Teprotumumab showed profound effect on proptosis reduction. OIGC, OR, and somatostatin analogs showed some statistical benefit and can be employed as second-line treatment strategies. RTX is a promising biologic agent, but more RCTs are required to define its appropriate role in treating TED.
Antibody Responses in HIV-Infected Patients With Advanced Immunosuppression and Asymptomatic Cryptococcal Antigenemia

Abstract Background There are no host biomarkers of risk for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis (CM) except CD4+ T-cell deficiency. At present, serum cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening of those with CD4 <100 cells/µL is used to identify persons at risk for HIV-associated CM. We determined if plasma antibody profiles could discriminate CrAg+ from CrAg- patients. Methods We performed serological analyses of 237 HIV-infected asymptomatic Zimbabwean patients with CD4 <100 cells/µL; 125 CrAg- and CrAg+ but cerebrospinal fluid CrAg- by CrAg lateral flow assay. We measured plasma immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin G (IgG) 1, and IgG2 concentrations by Luminex, and titers of Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) polysaccharide and naturally occurring Laminarin (natural Lam, a β-(1–3)-glucan linked polysaccharide)-binding IgM and IgG by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results GXM-IgG, -IgM, and -IgG2 levels were significantly higher in CrAg+ patients, whereas natural Lam-IgM and Lam-IgG were higher in CrAg- patients before and after adjustment for age, sex, and CD4 T-cell count, despite overlap of values. To address this variability and better discriminate the groups, we used Akaike Information Criteria to select variables that independently predicted CrAg+ status and included them in a receiver operating characteristic curve to predict CrAg status. By inclusion of CD4, GXM-IgG, GXM-IgM, and Lam-IgG, -IgG2, and -IgM, this model had an 80.4% probability (95% confidence interval, 0.75–0.86) of predicting CrAg+ status. Conclusions Statistical models that include multiple serological variables may improve the identification of patients at risk for CM and inform new directions in research on the complex role that antibodies may play in resistance and susceptibility to CM.
MRI Brain Lesions in Eclampsia: A Series of 50 Cases Admitted to HDU of a Tertiary Care Hospital

Objective: To correlate the Magnetic Resonance Imaging findings and clinical presentation in patients of eclampsia. Materials and methods: This one year prospective study was conducted in the HDU of Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, PT.B. D.Sharma, PGIMS, Rohtak . A total of 50 women with eclampsia (both antepartum and postpartum) were divided into two groups: a) study group patients with abnormal MRI b) control group: b) control group: patients with normal MRI.Comparison was done using chi-square test and unpaired student ‘t’ test. Results: MRI revealed abnormal findings in 24% of women, commonest diagnosis being CVT without infarct (10%) followed by infarct (8%), PRES (4%) and HLE (2%). Totally 66% (n = 33) of the women presented with postpartum eclampsia while 34% (n = 17) had antepartum eclampsia.96%(n = 48) were unbooked cases. Unconsciousness, altered sensorium, headache, blurring of vision, seizures, GCS < 3 correlated well with MRI findings (p = 0.000, p = 0.027, p = 0.001, p = 0.007, p = 0.005, p = 0.000 respectively) whereas fundoscopic changes did not (p = 0.520). The mean uric acid and serum creatinine levels was higher (0.41 ± 0.11 mmol/ L vs 0.26 ± 0.10 mmol/ L and 80 ± 18 µmol/ L vs 71 ± 9 µmol/ L) in the study group and this was statistically significant (p = 0.003, p = 0.04 respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between blood pressure values of cases with or without MR imaging evidence of brain lesions. There was no maternal mortality among 50 cases. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of neurological findings for abnormal MRI in patients with eclampsia was found to be 91.7%, 73.7%, 52.4%, 96.6% respectively. Conclusion: Unconsciousness, altered sensorium, headache, blurring of vision,seizures, GCS < 3, elevated uric acid and serum creatinine levels in the follow-up of pregnant patients with preeclampsia/eclampsia should be a warning for possible brain lesions whereas booking status, mean BP, fundoscopy, platelet, hemoglobin, liver enzymes were not significantly associated with positive MRI findings in patients of eclampsia.
Clinical-Morphological Aspects in Spinal Tuberculosis

Osteoarticular tuberculosis (OATB) Aim: The authors made a clinical morphological assessment of tissue samples from patients admitted in Surgical Departments of the Emergency County Hospital of Craiova, Romania, between 1990 and 2015, proved as presenting tuberculous lesions of the spine in the Department of Pathology of the same Hospital. Materials and Methods: The studied material consisted of bone, joint and sometimes muscle tissue fragments resulted from biopsies or surgical excisions from 7 cases coming out of 54 patients investigated in the above-mentioned period of time, where the established histological diagnosis was tuberculosis (TB). For diagnostic confirmation, Ziehl-Neelsen staining has been used as a rule but, in some cases, immunohistochemistry was also used. Results: TB lesions have prevailed in men and around the age of 50 years. Thoracic segment of the spine was the most involved. Epithelioid and giant Langhans cells dominated the inflammatory cellular population. Necrosis was always present, usually in its classical acidophilic form. Fibrosis was almost always absent. On the whole, the granulomatous reaction was in almost half of the cases hyporeactive and disorganized. Conclusions: The clinical morphological profile of our series is fitting with data described in the literature. Because of its life threatening potential, spinal TB should be investigated thoroughly especially in its morphological features in order to obtain as quickly as possible an etiological diagnosis.
Impact of School Air Quality on Children's Respiratory Health

Background: Asthma is common in children with indoor pollutants influencing the development of the disease. Since children spend most of their time outside their homes within the school environment, school indoor air quality can directly influence their respiratory health. Aims: This study aims to analyze the indoor and outdoor air quality of Maltese schools and if an association exists between indoor pollutants and respiratory health in children. Settings and Design: Five primary schools were selected with 9- to 11-year-old students participating. Materials and Methods: Standardized health questionnaires and lung function tests were utilized. Indoor and outdoor air sampling together with traffic counts were carried out. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS version 21 was used and the Chi-squared, logistic regression, and Pearson's correlation were used. Results: The mean indoor PM 2.5 level of 17.78 μg/m3 and CO (9.11 ppm) exceeded World Health Organization thresholds. Indoor ozone levels exceeded the mean European school's indoor ozone concentration of 8 μg/m3. High exposure to formaldehyde, NO2, and ozone was associated with atopy in children. Heavy vehicles passing near the schools were associated with current wheezing (P < 0.001) but not nocturnal cough (P = 0.34). Conclusions: School indoor and outdoor environment has a direct impact on children's respiratory health. This study has identified significant associations between high exposures to indoor air pollutants, school characteristics, and upper and lower airway inflammation.
Melatonin ameliorates ANIT-induced cholestasis by activating Nrf2 through a PI3K/Akt-dependent pathway in rats

Cholestasis is a devastating liver condition which is increasing in prevalence worldwide; however, its underlying pathogenic mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. It was hypothesised that melatonin may alleviate the hepatic injury associated with cholestasis due to its established antioxidant effects. Therefore, the effect and potential anticholestatic properties of melatonin were investigated in rats with α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced liver injury, a common animal model that mimics the cholestasis-associated liver injury in humans. The rats received intraperitoneal injection of ANIT with or without subsequent treatment with melatonin, and were sacrificed 24 h later. The serum biochemistry parameters of the liver were measured using conventional laboratory assays, and the liver tissue was subjected to conventional histological examination, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis and western blotting. The levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, total bile acids, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl transferase and glutathione were restored in rats treated with melatonin. Histological examination provided further evidence supporting the protective effect of melatonin against ANIT-induced cholestasis. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of glutamate cysteine ligase, phosphorylated Akt and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 were restored in rats treated with melatonin. These findings indicate that melatonin is a natural agent that appears to be promising for the treatment of cholestasis, and that the anticholestatic effects of melatonin involve the alleviation of oxidative stress.
Life history responses of two ephemeral plant species to increased precipitation and nitrogen in the Gurbantunggut Desert

Precipitation change and nitrogen deposition are not only hot topics of current global change but also the main environmental factors affecting plant growth in desert ecosystems. Thus, we performed an experiment of increased precipitation, nitrogen, and precipitation plus nitrogen on the ephemeral annual species Nepeta micrantha and Eremopyrum distans in the Gurbantunggut Desert. We aimed to determine the life history responses of N. micrantha and E. distans to environment changes, and the germination percentage of the offspring (seeds) was also tested in the laboratory. The results showed that increased nitrogen and precipitation plus nitrogen increased the growth of both plant species, whereas increased precipitation inhibited the growth of N. micrantha but increased the growth of E. distans. This differential response of these two species to precipitation and nitrogen also affected the germination of their offspring. In response to increased nitrogen and precipitation plus nitrogen, the germination percentage of the offspring produced by two species decreased in conjunction with the plants exhibiting high reproduction, which may prevent overcrowding during the following year; however, the N. micrantha plants produced more nondormant offspring in conjunction with low reproduction under relatively greater amounts of precipitation, and N. micrantha offspring could occupy their habitat via rapid germination in suitable environments. Therefore, with increased precipitation and nitrogen deposition, these differences in offspring dormancy may affect their ecological niche in the community.
Involvement of M1 Macrophage Polarization in Endosomal Toll-Like Receptors Activated Psoriatic Inflammation

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that affects ~2%–3% of the worldwide population. Inappropriate and excessive activation of endosomal Toll-like receptors 7, 8, and 9 (TLRs 7–9) at the psoriatic site has been shown to play a pathogenic role in the onset of psoriasis. Macrophage is a major inflammatory cell type that can be differentiated into phenotypes M1 and M2. M1 macrophages produce proinflammatory cytokines, and M2 macrophages produce anti-inflammatory cytokines. The balance between these two types of macrophages determines the progression of various inflammatory diseases; however, whether macrophage polarization plays a role in psoriatic inflammation activated by endosomal TLRs has not been investigated. In this study, we investigated the function and mechanism of macrophages related to the pathogenic role of TLRs 7–9 in the progression of psoriasis. Analysis of clinical data in database revealed significantly increased expression of macrophage markers and inflammatory cytokines in psoriatic tissues over those in normal tissues. In animal studies, depletion of macrophages in mice ameliorated imiquimod, a TLR 7 agonist-induced psoriatic response. Imiquimod induced expression of genes and cytokines that are signature of M1 macrophage in the psoriatic lesions. In addition, treatment with this TLR 7 agonist shifted macrophages in the psoriatic lesions to a higher M1/M2 ratio. Both of the exogenous and endogenous TLR 7–9 ligands activated M1 macrophage polarization. M1 macrophages expressed higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines and TLRs 7–9 than M2 macrophages. These results suggest that by rendering macrophages into a more inflammatory status and capable of response to their ligands in the psoriatic sites, TLR 7–9 activation drives them to participate in endosomal TLR-activated psoriatic inflammation, resulting in an amplified inflammatory response. Our results also suggest that blocking M1 macrophage polarization could be a strategy which enables inhibition of psoriatic inflammation activated by these TLRs.
Checklist to the Elatostema (Urticaceae) of Vietnam including 19 new records, ten new combinations, two new names and four new synonyms

Elatostema (Urticaceae) comprises several hundred herbaceous species distributed in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asia, Australia and Oceania. The greatest species richness occurs on limestone karst in Southeast Asia. Taxonomic revisions of Elatostema are largely out of date and contradict each other with respect to the delimitation of Elatostema and Pellionia. Most herbaria in SE Asia and worldwide contain significant amounts of unidentified material. As part of a broader revision of Elatostema in SE Asia, we present an updated checklist for Vietnam based on field visits, a review of specimens in herbaria worldwide, a review of type material and nomenclature. We recognize 77 taxa (75 species and two infraspecific taxa) of Elatostema in Vietnam, 23 of which were previously ascribed to Pellionia. Nineteen of these are new records for the country, i.e., E. attenuatoides, E. austrosinense, E. backeri, E. brunneinerve, E. crassiusculum, E. crenatum, E. fengshanense, E. glochidioides, E. malacotrichum, E. nanchuanense, E. oblongifolium, E. obtusum, E. oppositum, E. pergameneum, E. prunifolium, E. pseudolongipes, E. pycnodontum, E. salvinioides and E. xichouense. We place E. baviensis in synonymy of E. platyphyllum, E. colaniae in synonymy of E. myrtillus, P. macroceras in synonymy of E. hookerianum, and P. tetramera in synonymy of E. dissectum for the first time. Fourteen taxa (18% of all the recognized taxa) are endemic to Vietnam, which makes Elatostema one of the richest genera for endemic species in this country; this level of endemism is comparable to levels observed in Orchidaceae. Our checklist suggests that the highest diversity and endemism of Elatostema occurs in northern Vietnam, and that there is the greatest floristic similarity of northern Vietnam to SW China. The relationship among floristic regions is also investigated. We could find no records of Elatostema for 33 out of 63 provincial units of Vietnam, including all the southernmost provinces. We propose that further studies on the diversity of Elatostema in central and southern Vietnam are severely needed.
The Relation Between Free Testosterone and Components of Metabolic Syndrome in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Objective: To assess the relationship between free testosterone level and components of MS in women with PCOS. Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional study which was conducted on 215 women with PCOS. PCOS was diagnosed based on the Rotterdam criteria. Patients were divided into two subgroups of patients with and without MS based on ATP III criteria. In each subgroup, the association between individual components of MS with free testosterone was measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The prevalence of MS was 28.8% (n = 62). The mean level of free testosterone in patients with blood pressure ≥ 130/85 was significantly higher than those with blood pressure < 130/85 mm/hg. (p = 0.029) Also, in patients with diastolic blood pressure ≥ 85, the level of free testosterone was significantly higher than patients with diastolic blood pressure < 85. (p = 0.026). Results showed significant positive correlation between the level of free testosterone and cholesterol (p = 0.024). But no significant correlation was noted between levels of free testosterone and other variables. Conclusion: Regarding the relationship between blood pressure and high levels of free testosterone, it seems that regular blood pressure screening has a higher priority of concern comparing other complications for preventing cardiovascular adverse effects in women with PCOS and hyperandrogenism.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the MYB transcription factor in moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis)

The MYB family, one of the largest transcription factor (TF) families in the plant kingdom, plays vital roles in cell formation, morphogenesis and signal transduction, as well as responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the underlying function of bamboo MYB TFs remains unclear. To gain insight into the status of these proteins, a total of 85 PeMYBs, which were further divided into 11 subgroups, were identified in moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) by using a genome-wide search strategy. Gene structure analysis showed that PeMYBs were significantly different, with exon numbers varying from 4 to 13. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that PeMYBs clustered into 27 clades, of which the function of 18 clades has been predicted. In addition, almost all of the PeMYBs were differently expressed in leaves, panicles, rhizomes and shoots based on RNA-seq data. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analysis showed that 12 PeMYBs related to the biosynthesis and deposition of the secondary cell wall (SCW) were constitutively expressed, and their transcript abundance levels have changed significantly with increasing height of the bamboo shoots, for which the degree of lignification continuously increased. This result indicated that these PeMYBs might play fundamental roles in SCW thickening and bamboo shoot lignification. The present comprehensive and systematic study on the members of the MYB family provided a reference and solid foundation for further functional analysis of MYB TFs in moso bamboo.
Serum and urinary calcium level in Latvian patients with sarcoidosis

Objectives Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown etiology that in 90% of cases affects the lungs. Calcium metabolism testing can be useful in diagnostics. The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between calcium metabolism and sarcoidosis form of manifestation/demographic indicators. Material and methods In a retrospective study medical records of all patients (n = 699) who had been hospitalized with suspected sarcoidosis in a specialized clinic of Riga Eastern Clinical University Hospital during the period from January 1st, 2013 until December 31st, 2014 were analyzed. Further analysis included only patients with histologically and/or clinically confirmed sarcoidosis (n = 281). Results Patients’ average age at the time of diagnosis was 39 ±13 years. Elevated serum calcium was observed in 9.9% of cases. A statistically significant correlation was found between serum calcium and age (p < 0.01). There was an association between serum calcium and gender (p < 0.05) – levels were higher in men (2.43 mmol/l) than in women (2.40 mmol/l). Elevated calcium in 24-hour urine was observed in 22.7% of patients. The mean value was 232.3 mg/24 h, levels were higher in men (258.7 mg/24 h) than in women (202.3 mg/24 h), and the association with gender was statistically significant (p < 0.01). Conclusions We can conclude that in Latvia sarcoidosis affects mostly young and middle-aged people. Both serum calcium and calcium in 24-hour urine are important parameters for sarcoidosis diagnostics. Hypercalcemia was found in 9.9% of patients, hypercalciuria in 22.7% of patients, and both were statistically significantly higher in men, regardless of age.