Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Profile of presentation of HIV-positive patients to an emergency department in Johannesburg, South Africa

Background Despite improved availability and better access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), approximately 36% of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive South Africans are still not virally suppressed. Objective The aim of this study was to describe the patterns of presentation of HIV-positive patients to a major central hospital emergency department (ED). Methods In this prospectively designed study, consecutive HIV-positive patients presenting to the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) adult ED were enrolled between 07 July 2017 and 18 October 2018. Results A total of 1224 participants were enrolled. Human immunodeficiency virus was newly diagnosed in 212 (17.3%) patients, 761 (75.2%) were on ART, 245 (32.2%) reported ART non-adherence, 276 (22.5%) had bacterial pneumonia, 244 (19.9%) had tuberculosis (TB), 86 (7.0%) had gastroenteritis, 205 (16.7%) required intensive care unit admission, 381 (31.1%) were admitted for ≥ 7 days and 166 (13.6%) died. With regard to laboratory parameters, CD4 cell count was < 100 cell/mm3 in 527 (47.6%) patients, the viral load (VL) was > 1000 copies/mL in 619 (59.0%), haemoglobin was < 11 g/dL in 636 (56.3%), creatinine was > 120 µmol/L in 294 (29.3%), lactate was > 2 mmol/L in 470 (42.0%) and albumin was < 35 g/L in 633 (60.8%). Conclusion Human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients presenting to the CMJAH ED demonstrated a high prevalence of opportunistic infections, required a prolonged hospital stay and had high mortality rates. There is a need to improve the quality of ART services and accessibility to care.
A New Approach for Treatment of Woman With Absolute Uterine Factor Infertility: A Traditional Review of Safety and Efficacy Outcomes in the First 65 Recipients of Uterus Transplantation

Uterine transplantation restores fertility in women with absolute uterine factor infertility and allows the opportunity to conceive, experience gestation, and acquire motherhood. The number of cases being performed is increasing dramatically, with detailed outcomes from 65 cases now available. Pregnancies achieved through uterus transplantation and following in vitro fertilization (IVF) are associated with an increased risk for further mother and newborn babies. This traditional review is focused on the safety and efficacy features of the treatment. However, it is associated with significant risk, with approximately one-quarter of grafts are removed because of complications. Uterine transplantation is realizable in women with uterine factor infertility but is associated with a significant complication risk. The risk of the procedure and gestational and delivery complications deserve important consideration before receiving such treatments. Nevertheless, these observations are preliminary and should be revised after a larger series of data are published.
Antimicrobial Activity of Thermocycled Polymethyl Methacrylate Resin Reinforced with Titanium Dioxide and Copper Oxide Nanoparticles

Aims This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 2.5% and 7.5% copper oxide (CuO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on the antimicrobial activity of thermocycled polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture base material against standard strains of yeast and bacteria species. Material and Methods. In this in vitro study, 150 disk-shaped (10 × 2 mm) specimens of heat-cured PMMA were prepared and divided into five groups (n = 30) to be reinforced with 2.5% CuO, 7.5% CuO, 2.5% TiO2, or 7.5% TiO2 nanoparticles and a control group (without nanoparticle). The specimens were thermocycled, and their antimicrobial activity was assessed against standard strains of yeast including Candida albicans and C. dubliniensis and oral bacteria species including Streptococcus mutans, S. sobrinus, S. salivarius, and S. sanguis. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests (α = 0.05). Results Both concentrations of CuO and TiO2 nanoparticles had significant antimicrobial activity against S. salivarius, S. sanguis, and C. dubliniensis compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Significant differences existed between both 2.5% (P = 0.006) and 7.5% CuO (P = 0.005) and the control group against S. mutans. However, TiO2 groups were not significantly different from the control group against S. mutans. Concerning C. albicans, 7.5% TiO2 was the only nanoparticle with significantly higher antimicrobial activity compared with the control group (P = 0.043). Conclusions Both concentrations of CuO and TiO2 were effective antimicrobial agents against S. salivarius, S. sanguis, and C. dubliniensis, and the concentration of CuO was effective against S. mutans. Yet, TiO2 was not much effective. Regarding C. albicans, only 7.5% TiO2 showed efficient antimicrobial activity.
Is Dry Needling Effective When Combined with Other Therapies for Myofascial Trigger Points Associated with Neck Pain Symptoms? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective To evaluate the effects of combining dry needling with other physical therapy interventions versus the application of the other interventions or dry needling alone applied over trigger points (TrPs) associated to neck pain. Databases and Data Treatment. Electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials where at least one group received dry needling combined with other interventions for TrPs associated with neck pain. Outcomes included pain intensity, pain-related disability, pressure pain thresholds, and cervical range of motion. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, methodological quality was assessed with PEDro score, and the quality of evidence was assessed by using the GRADE approach. Between-groups mean differences (MD) and standardized mean difference (SMD) were calculated. Results Eight trials were included. Dry needling combined with other interventions reduced pain intensity at short-term (SMD −1.46, 95% CI −2.25 to −0.67) and midterm (SMD −0.38, 95% CI −0.74 to −0.03) but not immediately after or at long-term compared with the other interventions alone. A small effect on pain-related disability was observed at short-term (SMD −0.45, 95% CI −0.87 to −0.03) but not at midterm or long-term. The inclusion of dry needling was also effective for improving pressure pain thresholds only at short-term (MD 112.02 kPa, 95% CI 27.99 to 196.06). No significant effects on cervical range of motion or pain catastrophism were observed. Conclusion Low-to-moderate evidence suggests a positive effect to the combination of dry needling with other interventions for improving pain intensity, pain-related disability, pressure pain thresholds, and cervical range of motion in people with neck pain associated with TrPs at short-term. No midterm or long-term effects were observed.
Hole Transport Triphenylamine−Azomethine Conjugated System: Synthesis and Optical, Photoluminescence, and Electrochemical Properties

A series of six conjugated aromatic polyazomethines has been obtained by high-temperature solution polycondensation of diformyltriphenylamine with different primary aromatic diamines. The structures of polymers are characterized by means FTIR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis; the results show an agreement with the proposed structure. Polyazomethines emitted blue or blue-green light. Relative PL intensity of the polymers investigated in chloroform solution was found about 0.30%, while for doped ones it was about 20% in relation to 9,10-diphenylanthracene. Additionally, the photoluminescence spectra of the polyazomethines in polymer blend with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) have also been described. The lowest optical band gap value at 2.41 eV was detected. Polymers were investigated also by cyclic voltametry and differential pulse voltammetry in dichloromethane. An influence of different types of dopants, i.e., methanesulfonic acid (MSA), camphorsulfonic acid (CSA), m-cresol (MC),.
Zeta Potential of Sepiolite in Aqueous System

Zeta potential of purified sepiolite in aqueous system was studied as a function of pH and solid content. From the experimental results, it was found that sepiolite surface acquired a negative charge in water at natural pH, and the value of zeta potential decreased with the increase of pH value. Solid content had effect on zeta potential, but it can be minimized by the increase of time.
Ghrelin and oral diseases

Eating food is one of the most complicated behaviours in mammals, especially humans. The primary function of ghrelin is regulation of the appetite level and its stimulation. It is also responsible for the body’s energy balance and glucose homeostasis. Ghrelin has been shown to affect many brain structures, which confirms the presence of ghrelin receptors in the brain. Studies are also conducted to assess the possible role of ghrelin in anxiety states and in memory disorders and motor dysfunctions. Ghrelin has been found in saliva and salivary glands, teeth and gums, and in the taste buds of the tongue epithelium; it is also secreted by mucosal cells and gingival fibroblasts. The presence of ghrelin in developmental enamel, especially in odontoblasts and ameloblasts, may suggest its regulatory role in the development of teeth. Patients with chronic periodontitis have significantly higher concentrations of ghrelin in the peripheral blood serum, as compared to the control group. Ghrelin plays a special role in the proliferation of cancer cells and in the development of neoplastic metastases. The abundant presence of ghrelin receptors in cancer cells is considered an important target in the treatment of neoplasms. Ghrelin is a hormone whose multidirectional mechanism of action has not yet been fully understood. However, its ubiquitous occurrence in the human body and its very diverse participation in metabolic processes may prove to be a significant obstacle in achieving the expected clinical effect of ghrelin as an effective drug in selected disease units.
Design and development of an integrated device consisting of an independent solar cell with electrical storage capacity

A thin film‐integrated device was constructed consisting of photovoltaic layers combined with additional layers to store charge in real time within the same device. In our design, a dye‐sensitized solar cell and capacitor layers are integrated by a double‐anodized titanium plate, which consists of TiO2 nanotubes grown on either side by electrochemical anodization. The combination device can act either as an independent solar cell, a capacitor, or as a solar cell/capacitor device. The results presented here illustrate the capacitive behavior of high surface area nanotubular metal oxide films, with an achieved capacitance of 140 μF cm−2. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Burst Pressures in Eyes with Clear Corneal Incisions Treated with ReSure Glue

Purpose This study aims to measure burst pressures in 3 mm clear corneal incisions sealed with ReSure, a biodegradable hydrogel sealant, and to compare it to traditional 10-0 nylon sutures and unsealed controls. Design An ex vivo animal study. Methods 3 mm clear corneal incisions were performed in rabbit eyes (ex vivo). The burst pressure was determined, and then, the incisions were sealed with either ReSure glue or a single 10-0 nylon suture. Burst pressure measurements were repeated. Results Fourteen eyes were included. The median burst pressure in the suture-control group (7 eyes) prior to suture application was 7 mmHg (range: 0–45); the median burst pressure in the 7 glue-controls was 36 mmHg (range: 5–61, p = 0.08 for the comparison of the two control groups). The median burst pressure in the glue group was 93 mmHg (range: 39–129, p = 0.043 when compared to glue-control). The median burst pressure in the suture group was 158 mmHg (range: 70–180, p = 0.018 when compared to suture-control). There was no statistically significant difference in burst pressure values between the glue and suture groups (p = 0.08). Conclusion In this study, ReSure glue applied to 3 mm clear corneal incisions provided sufficient resistance to elevated intraocular pressure when compared to controls. The results of this study suggest that ReSure glue may be comparable to a single 10-0 nylon suture in resisting fluid egress during the early postoperative period.
Fatty Pancreas: Disease or Finding?

Despite a growing number of investigative studies on pancreatic fat deposition, there remains no clear indication regarding the clinical relevance of fat infiltration in the pancreas, also called fatty pancreas (FP). An individual’s body weight is correlated with their pancreatic weight. Moreover, lipid infiltration causes disorders that compromise not only morphology but also metabolic functions. Fat infiltration leads to insulin resistance, type II diabetes mellitus, and pancreatic cancer; however, knowledge about pancreatic fat content and aspects related to the clinical profile remains unclear in the literature. The present review describes the current knowledge of FP, including its pathophysiology and clinical implications, as well as lifestyle changes in FP.
Courtship behavior, nesting microhabitat, and assortative mating in sympatric stickleback species pairs

Abstract The maintenance of reproductive isolation in the face of gene flow is a particularly contentious topic, but differences in reproductive behavior may provide the key to explaining this phenomenon. However, we do not yet fully understand how behavior contributes to maintaining species boundaries. How important are behavioral differences during reproduction? To what extent does assortative mating maintain reproductive isolation in recently diverged populations and how important are “magic traits”? Assortative mating can arise as a by‐product of accumulated differences between divergent populations as well as an adaptive response to contact between those populations, but this is often overlooked. Here we address these questions using recently described species pairs of three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), from two separate locations and a phenotypically intermediate allopatric population on the island of North Uist, Scottish Western Isles. We identified stark differences in the preferred nesting substrate and courtship behavior of species pair males. We showed that all males selectively court females of their own ecotype and all females prefer males of the same ecotype, regardless of whether they are from species pairs or allopatric populations. We also showed that mate choice does not appear to be driven by body size differences (a potential “magic trait”). By explicitly comparing the strength of these mating preferences between species pairs and single‐ecotype locations, we were able to show that present levels of assortative mating due to direct mate choice are likely a by‐product of other adaptations between ecotypes, and not subject to obvious selection in species pairs. Our results suggest that ecological divergence in mating characteristics, particularly nesting microhabitat may be more important than direct mate choice in maintaining reproductive isolation in stickleback species pairs.
Transcription factor E2F4 is an indicator of poor prognosis and is related to immune infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: Recent studies have shown that the transcription factor E2F4 is involved in the progression of various tumors, but its expression and influence on immune cell infiltration and biological functions are largely unknown in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) and related online tools as well as a tissue microarray (TMA) were used for analyses in our study. Results: E2F4 expression was elevated in HCC tumor tissue compared with adjacent normal tissue at both the mRNA and protein levels. Overexpression of E2F4 was markedly related to a poor prognosis in HCC patients. In addition, positively and negatively correlated significant genes of E2F4 were identified in HCC. Pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the top 100 positively correlated significant genes of E2F4 were closely related to nuclear splicing and degradation-related pathways. Furthermore, nine hub genes correlated with E2F4 expression were validated based on a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. It was also demonstrated that E2F4 expression was negatively correlated to immune purity and positively correlated to immune cell infiltration. Conclusion: E2F4 could serve as a novel biomarker for HCC diagnosis and prognosis prediction.
Recombinant Lactococcus lactis Carrying IL-4 and IL-10 Coding Vectors Protects against Type 1 Diabetes in NOD Mice and Attenuates Insulitis in the STZ-Induced Model

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that culminates in beta cell destruction in the pancreas and, subsequently, deficiency in insulin production. Cytokines play a crucial role in the development of diabetes, orchestrating the recruitment and action of immune cells, to not only destroy insulin-producing cells but also preserve them. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of orally administered Lactococcus lactis MG1363 FnBPA+ strains carrying plasmids encoding IL-4 and IL-10 in the streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetes model and in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. The STZ-induced mice that were treated with combined bacterial strains carrying plasmids encoding IL-4 and IL-10 showed lower incidence of diabetes and more preserved pancreatic islets than the mice that received the individual bacterial strains. Combined administration of L. lactis MG1363 FnBPA+ (pValac::dts::IL-4) and L. lactis MG1363 FnBPA+ (pValac::IL-10) resulted in protection against diabetes in NOD mice. It was shown that the combined treatment with recombinant bacterial by oral route prevented hyperglycemia and reduced the pancreatic islets-destruction in NOD mice. In addition, increased levels of IL-4 and IL-10 in serum and pancreatic tissue revealed a systemic effect of the treatment and also favored an anti-inflammatory microenvironment. Reduced concentrations of IL-12 in pancreas were essential to the regulation of inflammation, resulting in no incidence of diabetes in treated NOD mice. Normal levels of intestinal sIgA after long-term treatment with the L. lactis strains carrying plasmids encoding IL-4 and IL-10 indicate the development of oral tolerance and corroborate the use of this potent tool of mucosal delivery. For the first time, L. lactis MG1363 FnBPA+ strains carrying eukaryotic expression vectors encoding IL-4 and IL-10 are tested in STZ-induced and NOD mouse models. Therefore, our study demonstrates this innovative strategy provides immunomodulatory potential for further investigations in T1D and other autoimmune diseases.
Prevalence of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Colonizers among Basic Science MBBS and BDS Students of Kathmandu Medical College

ABSTRACT Introduction: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus exhibit multiple drug resistance phenotypes. Colonizers harboring Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus are often associated with its outbreaks in both hospital and community settings. This study was done to determine the prevalence of nasal carriage rate of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus among basic science MBBS and BDS students of Kathmandu Medical College. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in Kathmandu Medical College from March 5 to June 5 2020. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee with reference no. 040320201. A convenient sampling method was used, and the sample size was calculated with a prevalence of 50%. Two hundred students studying MBBS and BDS were enrolled. The nasal swab was collected and processed using standard microbiological methods. The data obtained were computed and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences 16.0 Version. Results: Among 200 participants, 9 (4.5%) were found to be nasal carriers of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusions: Colonization of anterior nares by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in apparently healthy individuals is a cause of concern. Education regarding Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, its carrier and significance, and its screening must be included early on in MBBS and BDS.
The dysregulation of microarray gene expression in cervical cancer is associated with overexpression of a unique messenger RNA signature

Background and Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the fourth most common cause of cervical cancer (CC). The aim of the present study was to investigate gene expression levels of previously identified transcriptional signatures for malignant and non-malignant CC. Materials and Methods: To validate of previously analyzed microarray gene expression data, we selected two hub genes (CDK1 and PLK1) and four differentially expressed mRNAs that were common in pre-malignant-normal and malignant-pre-malignant networks (SMS, NNT, UHMK1 and DEPDC1). To this purpose, the study included women diagnosed histologically with malignant CC (n=15), pre-malignant (n=15), and normal subjects (n=15). The expression of six host genes and viral E6/E7 genes were measured by quantitative Real-Time PCR. Results: The results showed higher expression of CDK1/PLK1 hub genes and SMS, NNT and UHMK1 genes in malignant CC group than non-malignant CC group and normal group. A positive correlation was observed between gene expression of viral E6/E7 oncogenes and UHMK1 gene. Conclusion: Dysregulation of several mRNA signatures are a common feature of CC and can be potentially used as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers as well as can be applied to therapeutic targets for CC treatment.
A Retrospective Review of Lead Migration Rate in Patients Permanently Implanted with Percutaneous Leads and a 10 kHz SCS Device

Background Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been used over decades for pain management, but migration of percutaneous leads has been the most common complication. Better surgical techniques and newer SCS technologies likely reduced the incidence of lead migration requiring surgical revision, although data are sparse. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the incidence of clinically significant percutaneous lead migration in patients permanently implanted with a 10 kHz SCS system. Methods Consecutive patients with chronic trunk and/or limb pain, permanently implanted between January 2016 and June 2019, were included in the analysis. Data were collected from the hospital's electronic medical records and the manufacturer's database. Clinically significant lead migration, defined as diminished pain relief followed by surgery to correct lead location, was assessed at the 6-month follow-up. Results At the 6-month follow-up, there were no cases of clinically significant lead migration, average pain relief was 65.2%, 82% of patients had response (≥50% pain relief), improvement of function was noted in 72% of patients, and decrease of medication was observed in 42% of patients. Therapy efficacy was sustained in patients with >12 months follow-up; the average pain relief was 58.5%, and the response rate was 82%. Conclusions The surgical techniques in use today are designed to minimise the risk of percutaneous lead migration and may have reduced its incidence. In addition, new SCS systems may give greater opportunity to mitigate cases of minor lead movement using alternative stimulation programs.