Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Efficiency of Health-care Facilities in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

Background: The provision of health-care services is dependent on the effective and efficient functioning of various components of a health-care system. It is therefore important to evaluate the functioning of these various components. Hence, the aim of this study was to review studies on health-care facilities efficiency in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) with respect to the methodologies used as well as outcomes and factors influencing efficiency. Methods: The review was conducted through a comprehensive search of electronic databases which included PubMed, Web of science, academic search complete via EBSCOhost, Science Direct, and Google scholar. A search was also conducted by looking into citations in the reference list of selected articles and through gray literature. Studies were screened by examining their titles, abstracts, and full-text based on stated inclusion and exclusion criteria. The concurrent screening and data extraction were conducted by the two authors. Results: A total of 40 studies were shortlisted for the review. The majority (90.0%) of the studies employed the data envelopment analysis technique for their efficiency measurements. The input and output variables utilized by most of the studies were predominantly human resources and health-related services respectively. The outcome from majority of the studies showed that less than 40% of the studied facilities were efficient. The leading influencing factors reported by the studies were catchment population, facility ownership, and location. Conclusions: The review showed that there was a marked degree of inefficiency across the health-care facilities. Consequently, due to severe resource constraints facing SSA, there is a need to determine how to use the available resources optimally to improve health systems performance.
Correlations Between Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Parameters and the Visual Acuity in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy

Aim The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between different optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) parameters and the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR). Patients and Methods Sixty eyes of 60 participants were included in this prospective study: 40 diabetic patients [20 with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR group), 20 with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR group)] and 20 age- and gender-matched normal healthy subjects (control group). After full ophthalmological examination and fundus fluorescein angiography, OCTA was performed for all participants. ﻿Quantitative OCTA parameters, such as the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, the superficial capillary plexus vessel density (%) (SCP-VD) and the deep capillary plexus vessel density (%) (DCP-VD) in, whole and parafoveal areas were measured. ﻿Correlations between BCVA and OCTA parameters were analyzed. Results There were no statistically significant differences between groups regarding age, gender, refraction, macular thickness or intraocular pressure. The median (IQR) FAZ area was 0.42 (0.39–0.46) mm2 in the NPDR group, 0.54 (0.45–0.65) mm2 in the PDR group and 0.24 (0.21–0.26) mm2 in the control group (P<0.001). The FAZ area increased with increasing severity of DR. SCP-VD and DCP-VD showed significant differences between groups (P<0.001). Vessel density (VD) was decreased in both DCP and SCP as DR progressed. There was a significant positive correlation between BCVA (LogMAR) and FAZ area. There were significant negative correlations between BCVA (LogMAR) and VD in both SCP and DCP. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that SCP-VD in the whole area and DCP-VD in the parafoveal area were the best predictive factors for BCVA in the NPDR and PDR groups. Conclusion With progression of DR, the VD decreased and the FAZ area increased, and both parameters were correlated with poor visual acuity. OCTA is a non-invasive tool which can be used to detect diabetic macular ischemia and help in the prediction of visual prognosis.
MORE THAN A MARKER: INTERACTION BETWEEN THE CIRCADIAN REGULATION OF TEMPERATURE AND SLEEP, AGE-RELATED CHANGES, AND TREATMENT POSSIBILITIES

The neurobiological mechanisms of both sleep and circadian regulation have been unraveled partly in the last decades. A network of brain structures, rather than a single locus, is involved in arousal state regulation, whereas the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) has been recognized as a key structure for the regulation of circadian rhythms. Although most models of sleep regulation include a circadian component, the actual mechanism by which the circadian timing system promotes—in addition to homeostatic pressure—transitions between sleep and wakefulness remains to be elucidated. Little more can be stated presently than a probable involvement of neuronal projections and neurohumoral factors originating in the SCN. This paper reviews the relation among body temperature, arousal state, and the circadian timing system and proposes that the circadian temperature rhythm provides an additional signaling pathway for the circadian modulation of sleep and wakefulness. A review of the literature shows that increased brain temperature is associated with a type of neuronal activation typical of sleep in some structures (hypothalamus, basal forebrain), but typical of wakefulness in others (midbrain reticular formation, thalamus). Not only local temperature, but also skin temperature are related to the activation type in these structures. Warming of the skin is associated with an activation type typical of sleep in the midbrain reticular formation, hypothalamus, and cerebral cortex (CC). The decreasing part of the circadian rhythm in core temperature is mainly determined by heat loss from the skin of the extremities, which is associated with strongly increased skin temperature. As such, alterations in core and skin
Brain and Physiological Markers of Autonomic Function Are Associated With Treatment-Related Improvements in Self-Reported Autonomic Dysfunction in Veterans With Gulf War Illness: An Exploratory Pilot Study

Background Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a poorly understood condition characterized by a constellation of mood, cognitive, and physical symptoms. A growing body of evidence demonstrates autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction. Few published treatment studies exist for GWI. Method We recently completed a randomized controlled trial comparing a 10-week group yoga intervention to 10-week group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for veterans with GWI. Here, we present exploratory data on ANS biomarkers of treatment response from a small pilot exploratory neurophysiological add-on study (n = 13) within that larger study. Results Findings suggest that veterans with GWI receiving either yoga or CBT for pain improved following treatment and that changes in biological ANS—especially for the yoga group—moved in the direction of healthy profiles: lower heart rate, higher square root of the mean squared differences between successive R-R intervals (RMSSD), greater parasympathetic activation/dominance (increased high-frequency heart rate variability [HF-HRV], decreased low-frequency/high-frequency [LF/HF] ratio), reduced right amygdala volume, and stronger amygdala-default mode/amygdala-salience network connectivity, both immediately posttreatment and at 6-month follow-up. Biological mechanisms of CBT appeared to underlie improvements in more psychologically loaded symptoms such as self-reported fatigue and energy. Higher tonic arousal and/or more sympathetic dominance (higher skin conductance, lower RMSSD, lower HF-HRV, higher LF/HF ratio) pretreatment predicted greater treatment-related improvements in self-reported ANS for both the yoga and CBT group. Conclusion These exploratory pilot data provide preliminary support for the suggestion that treatment (yoga, CBT) is associated with improvements in both biological and self-reported ANS dysfunctions in GWI. The major limitation for these findings is the small sample size. Larger and more controlled studies are needed to replicate these findings and directly compare biomarkers of yoga versus CBT.
Human Health Risk Assessment of Trace Metals in the Commonly Consumed Fish Species in Nakuru Town, Kenya

The present study was conducted to determine daily intake of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) and to assess noncarcinogenic human health risk caused by these trace metals in the commonly consumed fish species (Oreochromis niloticus, Rastrineobola argentea, Lates niloticus, and Protopterus aethiopicus) in Nakuru town, Kenya. Trace metal determination in the composite samples of the commonly consumed fish species was done using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Cd, Cu, and Pb content in the muscle tissues of the commonly consumed fish species ranged from 0.11 ± 0.045 to 1.11 ± 0.931 mg kg−1 for Cd, 0.48 ± 0.013 to 3.00 ± 0.009 mg kg−1 for Cu, and 3.42 ± 0.045 to 12.78 ± 0.108 mg kg−1 for Pb. Cu concentrations were within Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recommended limits for this trace metal in fish. In contrast, Cd and Pb had values above their respective permissible limits in fish. The assessment of human exposure to trace metals indicated that exposure doses of Cd and Cu were safe for fish consumers. Conversely, target hazard quotient (THQ) values of Pb suggested possible health risks for consumers of the commonly consumed fish species in Nakuru town, Kenya.
Influence of Individual Radiosensitivity on the Hormesis Phenomenon: Toward a Mechanistic Explanation Based on the Nucleoshuttling of ATM Protein

Hormesis is a low-dose phenomenon that has been reported to occur, to different extents, in animals, plants, and microorganisms. However, a review of the literature shows that only a few reports describe it in humans. Also, the diversity of experimental protocols and cellular models used makes deciphering the mechanisms of hormesis difficult. In humans, hormesis mostly appears in the 20 to 75 mGy dose range and in nontransformed, radioresistant cells. In a previous paper by Devic et al, a biological interpretation of the adaptive response (AR) phenomenon was proposed using our model that is based on the radiation-induced nucleoshuttling of the ATM protein (the RIANS model). Here, we showed that the 20 to 75 mGy dose range corresponds to a maximum amount of ATM monomers diffusing into the nucleus, while no DNA double-strand breaks is produced by radiation. These ATM monomers are suggested to help in recognizing and repairing spontaneous DNA breaks accumulated in cells and contribute to reductions in genomic instability and aging. The RIANS model also permitted the biological interpretation of hypersensitivity to low doses (HRS)—another low-dose phenomenon. Hence, for the first time to our knowledge, hormesis, AR, and HRS can be explained using the same unified molecular model.
Topology control of human fibroblast cells monolayer by liquid crystal elastomer

Photopatterned liquid crystal elastomer templates living tissue with predesigned alignment patterns and topological defects. Eukaryotic cells in living tissues form dynamic patterns with spatially varying orientational order that affects important physiological processes such as apoptosis and cell migration. The challenge is how to impart a predesigned map of orientational order onto a growing tissue. Here, we demonstrate an approach to produce cell monolayers of human dermal fibroblasts with predesigned orientational patterns and topological defects using a photoaligned liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) that swells anisotropically in an aqueous medium. The patterns inscribed into the LCE are replicated by the tissue monolayer and cause a strong spatial variation of cells phenotype, their surface density, and number density fluctuations. Unbinding dynamics of defect pairs intrinsic to active matter is suppressed by anisotropic surface anchoring allowing the estimation of the elastic characteristics of the tissues. The demonstrated patterned LCE approach has potential to control the collective behavior of cells in living tissues, cell differentiation, and tissue morphogenesis.
CXCR4 and JUNB double-positive disseminated tumor cells are detected frequently in breast cancer patients at primary diagnosis

Background: The chemokine receptor CXCR4 and the transcription factor JUNB, expressed on a variety of tumor cells, seem to play an important role in the metastatic process. Since disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) in the bone marrow (BM) have been associated with worse outcomes, we evaluated the expression of CXCR4 and JUNB in DTCs of primary, nonmetastatic breast cancer (BC) patients before the onset of any systemic treatment. Methods: Bilateral BM (10 ml) aspirations of 39 hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative BC patients were assessed for the presence of DTCs using the following combination of antibodies: pan-cytokeratin (A45-B/B3)/CXCR4/JUNB. An expression pattern of the examined proteins was created using confocal laser scanning microscopy, Image J software and BC cell lines. Results: CXCR4 was overexpressed in cancer cells and DTCs, with the following hierarchy of expression: SKBR3 > MCF7 > DTCs > MDA-MB231. Accordingly, the expression pattern of JUNB was: DTCs > MDA-MB231 > SKBR3 > MCF7. The mean intensity of CXCR4 (6411 ± 334) and JUNB (27725.64 ± 470) in DTCs was statistically higher compared with BM hematopoietic cells (2009 ± 456, p = 0.001; and 11112.89 ± 545, p = 0.001, respectively). The (CXCR4+JUNB+CK+) phenotype was the most frequently detected [90% (35/39)], followed by the (CXCR4–JUNB+CK+) phenotype [36% (14/39)]. However, (CXCR4+JUNB–CK+) tumor cells were found in only 5% (3/39) of patients. Those patients harboring DTCs with the (CXCR4+JUNB+CK+) phenotype revealed lower overall survival (Cox regression: p = 0.023). Conclusions: (CXCR4+JUNB+CK+)-expressing DTCs, detected frequently in the BM of BC patients, seem to identify a subgroup of patients at higher risk for relapse that may be considered for close follow up.
A distinct class of plant and animal viral proteins that disrupt mitosis by directly interrupting the mitotic entry switch Wee1-Cdc25-Cdk1

A distinct class of mitosis regulators, conserved between plant and animal viruses, play active roles in viral pathogenesis. Many animal viral proteins, e.g., Vpr of HIV-1, disrupt host mitosis by directly interrupting the mitotic entry switch Wee1-Cdc25-Cdk1. However, it is unknown whether plant viruses may use this mechanism in their pathogenesis. Here, we report that the 17K protein, encoded by barley yellow dwarf viruses and related poleroviruses, delays G2/M transition and disrupts mitosis in both host (barley) and nonhost (fission yeast, Arabidopsis thaliana, and tobacco) cells through interrupting the function of Wee1-Cdc25-CDKA/Cdc2 via direct protein-protein interactions and alteration of CDKA/Cdc2 phosphorylation. When ectopically expressed, 17K disrupts the mitosis of cultured human cells, and HIV-1 Vpr inhibits plant cell growth. Furthermore, 17K and Vpr share similar secondary structural feature and common amino acid residues required for interacting with plant CDKA. Thus, our work reveals a distinct class of mitosis regulators that are conserved between plant and animal viruses and play active roles in viral pathogenesis.
Infection-induced innate antimicrobial response disorders: from signaling pathways and their modulation to selected biomarkers

Severe infections are a major public health problem responsible for about 40-65% of hospitalizations in intensive care units (ICU). The high mortality (30-50%) of persons diagnosed with severe infection is caused by largely unknown mechanisms of sepsis-induced immune system response. Severe infections with dynamic progress are accompanied with SIRS (systemic inflammatory reaction syndrome) and CARS (compensatory anti-inflammatory response syndrome), and require a biological treatment appropriate to the phase of immune response. The mechanisms responsible for severe infection related to immune system response particularly attract extensive interest of non-specific defense mechanisms, including signaling pathways of Toll-like receptors (mainly TLR4 and TLR2) that recognize distinct pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP) and play a critical role in innate immune response. There are attempts of treatment, followed by blocking ligand binding with TLR or modulation of intracellular signaling pathways, to inhibit signal transduction. Moreover, researches regarding new and more efficient diagnostics biomarkers were mostly focused on indicators related to innate response to infection as well as connections of pro-inflammatory response with anti-inflammatory response.According to these studies, in case of ICU septic patients with high-risk of mortality, the solution for the problem will require mainly early immune and genetic diagnostics (e.g. cytokines, microRNA, cluster of differentiation-64 [CD64], triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 [TREM-1], and high mobility group box 1 protein [HMGB1]).
Efeito de épocas de semeadura sobre cultivares de girassol, no Sul do Estado do Tocantins

This study had as its objective, evaluating the agronomic performance of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cultivars when sown at different times, under the environmental conditions in the south of the State of Tocantins. The experiment was carried out during the 2008/2009 agricultural year, in randomized blocks in a 4 x 5 factorial design (four sowing dates and five sunflower cultivars) with three replications. Each plot consisted of four rows 5.0m in length, spaced 0.80 m apart with 0.20 m between plants. For all sowing dates, the characteristics evaluated were: flowering, plant height, stem diameter, head diameter, normal achenes, grain weight per thousand and grain yield. There was significant correlation of sowing dates with the evaluated cultivars for the traits of flowering, plant height and grain yield. In relation to periods of sowing, there was generally a negative influence on all evaluated traits for the later dates, due to an Indian summer causing moisture stress during the critical period of plant development and the occurrence of disease, especially alternaria leaf-spot. The first sowing period (November) showed higher productivity with an average of more than 3,000 kg ha-1. Irrespective of sowing dates, the more productive cultivars were the hybrids Helio 360 and Helio 884, with an average of 1,709 and 1,697 kg ha-1 respectively.
Genomic characteristics of classical swine fever virus strains of bovine origin according to primary and secondary sequence–structure analysis

Background: Classical swine fever virus (CSFV), species member of the family Flaviviridae, is generally considered restricted to domestic and wild suids. The circulation of CFSV has been detected in cattle herds in China and India. Natural infection appeared associated with clinical signs in some cases. Aim: The secondary structures of the internal ribosome entry site in the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) were used for the genomic characterization of bovine strains. Methods: Sequences have been compared to the representative CSFV strains isolated from pigs, vaccines, and contaminants from porcine cell lines and an ovine strain isolated in Spain. Results: The observed sequences from cattle showed a genetic relatedness with live-attenuated vaccine strains used in pigs. Sequence characteristics of the Chinese strain S171 are genetically distant from the previously reported CSFV genotypes, suggesting a new outgroup in the species, described for the first time, and named CSFV-d. Other Chinese strains were genetically closely related to CSFV genotype a2 (Alfort type) pig strains. Indian strains, reported from the states of Tamil Nadu and Meghalaya, were genetically closely related to CSFV genotype a1 (Brescia type) and a5 pig strains, respectively. Conclusion: These preliminary observations are new and relevant in countries, where CSFV control and eradication strategies are applied.
Lidar reveals activity anomaly of malaria vectors during pan-African eclipse

Free flying mosquitoes in the Tanzanian countryside confused by eclipse were classified by novel laser radar surveillance. Yearly, a quarter billion people are infected and a half a million killed by the mosquito-borne disease malaria. Lack of real-time observational tools for continuously assessing the unperturbed mosquito flight activity in situ limits progress toward improved vector control. We deployed a high-resolution entomological lidar to monitor a half-kilometer static transect adjacent to a Tanzanian village. We evaluated one-third million insect observations during five nights, four days, and one annular solar eclipse. We demonstrate in situ lidar classification of several insect families and their sexes based on their modulation signatures. We were able to compare the fine-scale spatiotemporal activity patterns of malaria vectors during ordinary days and an eclipse to disentangle phototactic activity patterns from the circadian mechanism. We observed an increased insect activity during the eclipse attributable to mosquitoes. These unprecedented findings demonstrate how lidar-based monitoring of distinct mosquito activities could advance our understanding of vector ecology.
Joint remodeling outcome of serum levels of Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), and C-telopeptide of type II collagen (CTXII) in rheumatoid arthritis

Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most widespread chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease over the world. It is characterized by chronic proliferation of synovium, cartilage destruction, and periarticular erosion/bone loss. We investigated the serum levels of the C-telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II), Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) in relationship to the disease activity. Material and methods Serum COMP, CTX-II, and DKK1 levels were measured in 63 RA patients and 50 person age and gender matched as a healthy controls by ELISA test. Disease activity score (DAS) were calculated. Results The mean level of and COMP and CTX-II were significantly higher in patients with RA than in healthy controls (5.71 ±7.04 vs. 2.70 ±1.31 ng/ml, and 0.45 ±0.27 vs. 0.23 ±0.16 ng/ml, respectively; p < 0.001). Also, DKK1 serum levels were significantly higher in patients with RA than in healthy controls (6970.68 ±7566.68 vs. 3276.96 ±1306.77 pg/m; p < 0.001). There was a positive significant correlation between DKK1 and swollen joint (r = 0.42, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the number of patients, gender, the duration of RA disease, DAS, and RF. Sensitivity was 58.7% and specificity was 85.7% at a cut-off point (> 3.6 ng/ml) for serum COMP in RA patients, while, sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 52.4% at a cut-off point (> 0.15 ng/ml) for serum CTX-II and sensitivity was 68.3% and specificity was 95.2 % at a cut-off point (> 4876 pg/ml) for serum DKK1. Conclusions Measurement of some serological biomarkers such as CTX-II, COMP, and DKK1 that reflect bone and cartilage destruction in RA patients could be used to indicate disease activity and early joint affection.