Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Barriers to maternal health services during the Ebola outbreak in three West African countries: a literature review

Introduction The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa, affecting Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone from 2014 to 2016, was a substantial public health crisis with health impacts extending past EVD itself. Access to maternal health services (MHS) was disrupted during the epidemic, with reductions in antenatal care, facility-based deliveries and postnatal care. We aimed to identify and describe barriers related to the uptake and provision of MHS during the 2014–2016 EVD outbreak in West Africa. Methods In June 2020, we conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed publications and grey literature from relevant stakeholder organisations. Search terms were generated to identify literature that explained underlying access barriers to MHS. Published literature in scientific journals was first searched and extracted from PubMed and Web of Science databases for the period between 1 January 2014 and 27 June 2020. We hand-searched relevant stakeholder websites. A ‘snowball’ approach was used to identify relevant sources uncaptured in the systematic search. The identified literature was examined to synthesise themes using an existing framework. Results Nineteen papers were included, with 26 barriers to MHS uptake and provision identified. Three themes emerged: (1) fear and mistrust, (2) health system and service constraints, and (3) poor communication. Our analysis of the literature indicates that fear, experienced by both service users and providers, was the most recurring barrier to MHS. Constrained health systems negatively impacted MHS on the supply side. Poor communication and inadequately coordinated training efforts disallowed competent provision of MHS. Conclusions Barriers to accessing MHS during the EVD outbreak in West Africa were influenced by complex but inter-related factors at the individual, interpersonal, health system and international level. Future responses to EVD outbreaks need to address underlying reasons for fear and mistrust between patients and providers, and ensure MHS are adequately equipped both routinely and during crises.
The Effect of Labor Comfort on Traumatic Childbirth Perception, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Breastfeeding.

Objective: This study aims to examine the effect of labor comfort on traumatic childbirth perception, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and breastfeeding after the fourth postpartum week. Methods: This prospective longitudinal study was conducted between June 2019 and February 2020 in Turkey (n = 102). A personal information form and the Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire were administered to pregnant women with cervical dilatation of 5-8 cm in the delivery room. They were also administered the Traumatic Childbirth Perception Scale (TCPS), PTSD Scale, and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale twice, including 4 weeks and 3 months after childbirth. Additionally, the TCPS and PTSD Scale were reapplied 6 months after childbirth. Results: The prevalence of traumatic childbirth perceptions and PTSD at 4 weeks of the postpartum period was 68.6% and 59.8%, respectively. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between physical labor comfort (p = 0.003), transcendence (p = 0.023), family history of labor difficulty (p = 0.027), and feelings about birth before labor begins (p = 0.005) and traumatic childbirth perceptions 4 weeks after childbirth. Additionally, there was a significant relationship between physical labor comfort (p = 0.001), psychospiritual labor comfort (p = 0.006), transcendence (p = 0.001), primiparity (p = 0.009), place of residence (p = 0.044), and traumatic childbirth perceptions (p < 0.001) and PTSD 4 weeks after childbirth. Physical labor comfort affected traumatic childbirth perceptions 3 and 6 months after childbirth (p < 0.05). Physical labor comfort affected breastfeeding self-efficacy 4 weeks and 3 months after childbirth (p < 0.05). A significant relationship was also found between high traumatic childbirth perception levels, high PTSD prevalence, and low breastfeeding self-efficacy 3 months after giving birth (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Puerperal women had high traumatic childbirth perception levels and PTSD prevalence. Low labor comfort increased traumatic childbirth perception and PTSD prevalence. There was a significant relationship between low labor comfort, high traumatic childbirth perception level, high PTSD prevalence, and low breastfeeding self-efficacy. Therefore, midwives should support pregnant women to increase labor comfort by using alternative methods. Thus, traumatic childbirth perception may decrease and breastfeeding self-efficacy may increase.
Baseline levels of seminal reactive oxygen species predict improvements in sperm function following antioxidant therapy in men with infertility

Poor sperm function is a major cause of infertility. There is no drug therapy to improve sperm function. Semen oxidative stress is a recently identified pathway for sperm damage. Commercial antioxidants such as L‐carnitine and acetyl‐L‐carnitine (LAL) are commonly self‐administered by infertile men. However, concerns have been raised whether inappropriate LAL therapy causes reductive stress‐mediated sperm damage. It is imperative to investigate whether: (1) LAL improves sperm function by reducing reactive oxidative species (ROS); (2) LAL has differential effects on sperm function between men with normal and elevated ROS.
Exploitation of hybrid vigour in radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

Eight divergent genotypes were crossed in a diallel fashion excluding reciporcals. The 28 F1 hybrids and 8 parents were evaluated in the field. Analysis of variance showed highly significant differences among genotypes, parents, hybrids and parents vs. hybrids. The F1 hybrids revealed wide range of heterosis over the better parent for all the eleven characters observed. Shoot weight recorded the maximum heterobeltiosis followed by yield per plant, root weight, leaf width, petiole length, root diameter, leaves per plant, leaf length, root length and root-shoot ratio. Only one hybrid showed heterosis over better parent for days to harvest. Several hybrids exhibited superiority over top parent and standard check for different characters. However, the best performing hybrids were different from the best heterotic crosses in majority of characters. The best performing hybrid P4 × P6 (Acc. No. 30205 × Acc. No. 192) could be considered as a potential hybrid for commercial exploitation.
Uptake, recognition and responses to peptidoglycan in the mammalian host

ABSTRACT Microbiota, and the plethora of signalling molecules that they generate, are a major driving force that underlies a striking range of inter-individual physioanatomic and behavioural consequences for the host organism. Among the bacterial effectors, one finds peptidoglycan, the major constituent of the bacterial cell surface. In the steady-state, fragments of peptidoglycan are constitutively liberated from bacterial members of the gut microbiota, cross the gut epithelial barrier and enter the host system. The fate of these peptidoglycan fragments, and the outcome for the host, depends on the molecular nature of the peptidoglycan, as well the cellular profile of the recipient tissue, mechanism of cell entry, the expression of specific processing and recognition mechanisms by the cell, and the local immune context. At the target level, physiological processes modulated by peptidoglycan are extremely diverse, ranging from immune activation to small molecule metabolism, autophagy and apoptosis. In this review, we bring together a fragmented body of literature on the kinetics and dynamics of peptidoglycan interactions with the mammalian host, explaining how peptidoglycan functions as a signalling molecule in the host under physiological conditions, how it disseminates within the host, and the cellular responses to peptidoglycan.
LMNA functions as an oncogene in hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating the proliferation and migration ability

The role of the LMNA gene in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the associated molecular mechanism is not yet clear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between LMNA and HCC. LMNA gene expression in normal tissues and corresponding tumours was evaluated and the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed. Next, the LMNA gene was knocked out in the 293T and HepG2 cell lines using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique. Subsequently, the proliferation, migration and colony formation rate of the two LMNA knockout cell lines were analysed. Finally, the molecular mechanism affecting the tumorigenesis due to the loss of the LMNA gene was evaluated. The results showed that the LMNA gene was abnormally expressed in many tumours, and the survival rate of the HCC patients with a high expression of the LMNA gene was significantly reduced compared with the rate in patients with a low LMNA expression. The knockout of the LMNA gene in the HCC cell line HepG2 resulted in a decreased tumorigenicity, up‐regulation of the P16 expression and down‐regulation of the CDK1 expression. These findings suggested that LMNA might function as an oncogene in HCC and provided a potential new target for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
Effects of the Dual Endothelin Receptor Antagonist Aprocitentan on Body Weight and Fluid Homeostasis in Healthy Subjects on a High Sodium Diet

Aprocitentan is a novel, oral, dual endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) in development in difficult‐to‐control hypertension. As fluid retention and edema are concerns with ERAs, we investigated whether aprocitentan causes weight gain in healthy subjects on a high sodium diet and explored potential mechanisms if occurring. This double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover study enrolled 28 subjects. Three doses of aprocitentan (10, 25, or 50 mg/day for 9 days) were compared with placebo. Increases in body weight were observed with aprocitentan (placebo‐corrected mean weight gains [90% confidence interval]) of 0.43 [0.05–0.80], 0.77 [0.03–1.51], and 0.83 [0.33–1.32] kg at 10 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg, respectively. Decreases in hemoglobin and uric acid were observed. Plasma volume increased at most by 5.5% without dose‐response relationship. Urinary sodium excretion decreased at 10 mg and 25 mg but not at 50 mg. Therefore, aprocitentan produced moderate weight increases in healthy subjects on high sodium diet, without obvious sodium retention.
The Impact of Male Partner Circumcision on Women's Health Outcomes.

Medical male circumcision is a proven method of HIV risk reduction in men with no known direct benefit to women. We investigated the benefit of partner circumcision on women's health. We conducted a secondary analysis of 5,029 women enrolled in the Vaginal and Oral Interventions to Control the Epidemic trial across 15 African sites, to look at the impact of partner circumcision status on sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, frequency of sex, and condom use in women. Of 4,982 participants with a baseline response, 31% had circumcised partners. Women with circumcised partners had a significantly reduced risk of syphilis acquisition, hazard ratio 0.51 (0.26, 1.00), p value = . 05. Participants with uncircumcised partners were significantly less likely to have used a condom at the last sex act than the other two groups, adj. relative risk 0.86 (0.80, 0.92), adj. p value < . 0001. We found no evidence of sexual risk compensation in women with circumcised partners.
Field guide to the land snails and slugs of eastern South Africa, Dai Herbert & Dick Kilburn : book review

This book, a guide to the land molluscs of eastern South Africa (i.e., KwaZulu-Natal southward as far as and inclusive of Pondoland, the north-eastern tip of Eastern Cape Province - basically the area east of the Drakensberg escarpment) is published on the occasion of the Natal Museum's centenary to commemorate one hundred years of malacological research at the museum.
Radiation protection among health care workers: knowledge, attitude, practice, and clinical recommendations: a systematic review

Abstract Objectives This study was performed to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of health care workers (HCWs) towards radiation protection. Methods In this systematic review study, three international databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus) were searched for related published articles in the English language from 1 January 2000 to 1 February 2020. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Hoy et al. tool. Results Out of the 1,848 studies examined, 41 studies that were performed on 11,050 HCWs were included in the final stage. The results indicated that in most studies, more than half (50%) of the participants had average knowledge. Furthermore, 60% of the participants had a positive attitude, but in most studies, they had average practice regarding radiation protection. The most important recommendation for improving KAP among the participants was incorporating radiation protection standards in the student curriculum. Conclusion Considering the results of the study, further attention should be paid to proper education regarding radiation protection standards and improvement of HCW performance.
Effect of Duodenogastric Reflux on Dental Enamel.

PURPOSE To evaluate the effects of stomach and duodenal fluid on enamel surfaces, simulating the action of refluxed liquid in patients with duodenogastric reflux. METHODS AND MATERIALS Forty bovine incisors were used to obtain enamel fragments. Only half of the enamel surface was exposed to erosive challenges; the samples were then randomly divided into the following four groups (n = 10): G1: HCl; G2: HCl + pepsin; G3: HCl + ox bile + NaHCO3; and G4: HCl + pancreatin + NaHCO3. The specimens were placed in 37°C solutions, six times per day, for 20 s, over a period of 5 days and then analysed for morphology, surface roughness and the step formed on the dental enamel using confocal laser microscopy. The data were analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's test (p <0.05). RESULTS Both analyses revealed a higher step and surface roughness for the G3 group (5.6 μm ± 1.69, 2.2 μm ± 1.61), which were statistically significant compared with the G1 and G2 groups (3.9 μm ± 1.5 μm; 1.0 μm ± 0.18; 3.7 μm ± 1.45; and 0.9 μm ± 0.12) (p <0.05); only the step in the G4 group (4.9 μm ± 1.8 μm) was similar to that of the G3 group (p >0.05). Morphological analysis showed greater structural loss in the G3 and G4 groups. CONCLUSIONS Bile and pancreatin, in combination with hydrochloric acid, may promote a greater loss of structure, increased surface roughness and loss of enamel prismatic anatomy.
Assessing the Ecological Risks of Per‐ and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Current State‐of‐the Science and a Proposed Path Forward

Per‐ and poly‐fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) encompass a large, heterogenous group of chemicals of potential concern to human health and the environment. Based on information for a few relatively well‐understood PFAS such as perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoate, there is ample basis to suspect that at least a subset can be considered persistent, bioaccumulative, and/or toxic. However, data suitable for determining risks in either prospective or retrospective assessments are lacking for the majority of PFAS. In August 2019, the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry sponsored a workshop that focused on the state‐of‐the‐science supporting risk assessment of PFAS. The present review summarizes discussions concerning the ecotoxicology and ecological risks of PFAS. First, we summarize currently available information relevant to problem formulation/prioritization, exposure, and hazard/effects of PFAS in the context of regulatory and ecological risk assessment activities from around the world. We then describe critical gaps and uncertainties relative to ecological risk assessments for PFAS and propose approaches to address these needs. Recommendations include the development of more comprehensive monitoring programs to support exposure assessment, an emphasis on research to support the formulation of predictive models for bioaccumulation, and the development of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo methods to efficiently assess biological effects for potentially sensitive species/endpoints. Addressing needs associated with assessing the ecological risk of PFAS will require cross‐disciplinary approaches that employ both conventional and new methods in an integrated, resource‐effective manner. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:564–605. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Microbial assimilation of atmospheric CO2 into soil organic matter revealed by the incubation of paddy soils under 14C-CO2 atmosphere

ABSTRACT Similar to higher plants, microbial autotrophs possess photosynthetic systems that enable them to fix CO2. To measure the activity of microbial autotrophs in assimilating atmospheric CO2, five paddy soils were incubated with 14C-labeled CO2 for 45 days to determine the amount of 14C-labeled organic C being synthesized. The results showed that a significant amount of 14C-labeled CO2 incorporated into microbial biomass was soil specific, accounting for 0.37%–1.18% of soil organic carbon (14C-labeled organic C range: 81.6–156.9 mg C kg−1 of the soil after 45 days). Consequently, high amounts of C-labeled organic C were synthesized (the synthesis rates ranged from 86 to 166 mg C m−2 d−1). The amount of atmospheric 14CO2 incorporated into microbial biomass (14C-labeled microbial biomass) was significantly correlated with organic C components (14C-labeled organic C) in the soil (r = 0.80, p < 0.0001). Our results indicate that the microbial assimilation of atmospheric CO2 is an important process for the sequestration and cycling of terrestrial C. Our results showed that microbial assimilation of atmospheric CO2 has been underestimated by researchers globally, and that it should be accounted for in global terrestrial carbon cycle models.
Splitting event‐related potentials: Modeling latent components using regression‐based waveform estimation

Event‐related potentials (ERPs) provide a multidimensional and real‐time window into neurocognitive processing. The typical Waveform‐based Component Structure (WCS) approach to ERPs assesses the modulation pattern of components—systematic, reoccurring voltage fluctuations reflecting specific computational operations—by looking at mean amplitude in predetermined time‐windows. This WCS approach, however, often leads to inconsistent results within as well as across studies. It has been argued that at least some inconsistencies may be reconciled by considering spatiotemporal overlap between components; that is, components may overlap in both space and time, and given their additive nature, this means that the WCS may fail to accurately represent its underlying latent component structure (LCS). We employ regression‐based ERP (rERP) estimation to extend traditional approaches with an additional layer of analysis, which enables the explicit modeling of the LCS underlying WCS. To demonstrate its utility, we incrementally derive an rERP analysis of a recent study on language comprehension with seemingly inconsistent WCS‐derived results. Analysis of the resultant regression models allows one to derive an explanation for the WCS in terms of how relevant regression predictors combine in space and time, and crucially, how individual predictors may be mapped onto unique components in LCS, revealing how these spatiotemporally overlap in the WCS. We conclude that rERP estimation allows for investigating how scalp‐recorded voltages derive from the spatiotemporal combination of experimentally manipulated factors. Moreover, when factors can be uniquely mapped onto components, rERPs may offer explanations for seemingly inconsistent ERP waveforms at the level of their underlying latent component structure.
Accounting for the Consequences of Tobacco Dependence on Cravings, Self-efficacy, and Motivation to Quit: Consideration of Identity Concerns

Abstract Tobacco dependence has been found to increase smoking cravings, and reduce both self-efficacy and motivation to quit. The present research proposes to test the hypothesis that such negative consequences are related to identity concerns and should thus appear more strongly in dependent smokers with a high (vs. low) smoker identity. In two correlational studies, daily smokers (Study 1: N = 237; Study 2: N = 154) were assessed for tobacco dependence, smoker identity, self-efficacy, craving to smoke (Study 1), and motivation to quit (Study 2). Among smokers who declared to be strongly dependent, those scoring high in smoker identity reported more smoking cravings (β = .28, p = .008, 95% CI [0.084, 0.563], $ {\upeta}_p^{{}^2} $ = .03) and less motivation to quit than those scoring low (β = –.58, p = .003, 95% CI [–1.379, –0.282], $ {\upeta}_p^{{}^2} $ = .06). Smoker identity was unrelated to these variables among non-dependent smokers (ps > .40). The relationship between tobacco dependence and self-efficacy was not affected by smoker identity (ps > .45). Through these studies, we provided evidence that the implications of tobacco dependence on smoking maintenance and difficulties in quitting may be, in part, explained by identity mechanisms.
Summer diet of the Salvin’s prion at sub-Antarctic Marion Island

Thirty-nine food samples were collected from Salvin’s prions Pachyptila salvini at sub-Antarctic Marion Island, Prince Edward Islands. The diet was dominated by crustaceans which formed 44,2% of the mass, 99,7% of prey items and occurred in 97,4% of the samples. Amphipods were of particular importance, the most abundant species being Themisto gaudichaudii. There was a marked absence of copepods which are an important element in the diets of both the dove P. desolata and broad-billed prions P. vittata. Prey included fish (41,9% by mass) and cephalopods. The results are compared with published data for dove, Salvin’s and broad-billed prions collected at other islands, and with data from Marion Island for blue petrels Halobaena caerulea.
Effect of Organosilicone Surfactants on the Rainfastness of Primisulfuron in Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)

Greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate the influence of three organosilicone surfactants (Silwet L-77®, Silwet® 408, and Sylgard® 309) and two blends of organosilicone surfactants with conventional adjuvants (Dyne-Amic® and Kinetic®) on the rainfastness of primisulfuron in velvetleaf. Four conventional adjuvants, Rigo Oil Concentrate, Agri-Dex®, methylated soybean oil, and X-77® were selected for comparison. Primisulfuron at 40 g ai/ha was applied alone or with the organosilicones, blends, or X-77 at 0.25% (v/v); the other adjuvants were tested at 1% (v/v). Simulated rainfall (1.25 cm/0.5 h) was applied at 0.25, 0.5, 1, or 2 h after treatment. Control ratings were made at 5-d intervals and shoot fresh weights were recorded 20 DAT. The organosilicone surfactants significantly increased the rainfastness of primisulfuron, even when simulated rainfall was applied at 0.25 or 0.5 h after treatment. Rigo Oil Concentrate and Kinetic also increased rainfastness when rainfall was applied 1 h after treatment. Differences among adjuvants were not as apparent when rainfall was applied 2 h after treatment. Regardless of the timing of simulated rainfall after treatment, there were significant differences between treatments and nontreated check; however, control was not acceptable in several instances.