Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advanced HIV disease in the botswana combination prevention project: prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE(S) To determine the proportion of individuals linking to HIV-care with advanced HIV-disease (CD4 ≤200 cells/μL) in the Botswana Combination Prevention Project, describe the characteristics of these individuals, and examine treatment outcomes. DESIGN A sub-analysis of a cluster-randomized HIV-prevention trial. HIV status was assessed in 16-64-year-olds through home and mobile testing. All HIV-positive persons not on antiretroviral-therapy (ART) were referred to local Ministry of Health and Wellness clinics for treatment. METHODS Analysis was restricted to the 15 intervention clusters. The proportion of individuals with advanced HIV disease was determined; associations between advanced HIV disease and sex and age explored; and rates of viral suppression determined at 1-year. Mortality and retention in care were compared between CD4 strata (CD4 ≤200 cells/μL vs. > 200 cells/μL). RESULTS Overall, 17.2% (430/2,499; 95% confidence interval [CI] 15.7-18.8%) of study participants had advanced HIV disease (CD4 ≤200 cells/μL) at time of clinic linkage. Men were significantly more likely to present with CD4 ≤200 cells/μL than women (23.7% versus 13.4%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.9, 95% CI 1.5-2.3). The risk of advanced HIV disease increased with increasing age (aOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4-3.2 > 35 years versus < 25 years). Patients with CD4 ≤200 cells/μL had significantly higher rates of attrition from care during follow-up (hazards ratio 1.47, 95% CI 1.1-2.1). CONCLUSIONS Advanced HIV disease due to late presentation to or disengagement from ART care remains common in the Treat All era in Botswana, calling for innovative testing, linkage, and treatment strategies to engage and retain harder-to-reach populations in care.
Association Between Exposure to Pesticides and ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Objective: To conduct a systematic review of studies assessing the relationship between exposure to pesticides and ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Methods: Based on a pre-registered protocol in PROPSERO (CRD42018107847), we searched PubMed, Ovid databases, and ISI Web of Knowledge with no date/language/document type restrictions, up to May 2019. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale was used to assess study quality. Results: Among the 29 retained studies, 13 focused on ADHD, 14 on ASD, and two on both disorders. Ten studies reported a significant association between exposure to pesticides and ADHD/ADHD symptoms and 12 studies found a significant association with ASD/ASD traits. The strengths of the association and the possible confounders controlled for varied substantially across studies. Conclusion: Whilst there is some evidence suggesting a possible link between pesticides and ADHD/ASD, heterogeneity across studies prevents firm conclusions. We provide methodological indications for future studies.
Multilocus sequence analysis of the Rhizobia from five woody legumes in southern China

A total of 11 rhizobial strains from five woody legumes (Acacia confusa, Dalbergia odorifera, Dalbergia fusca, Erythrophleum fordii and Pterocarpus macarocarpus) in Southern China were identified, using 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) of three housekeeping genes (recA, glnII and dnaK). Among the 11 isolated rhizobia, seven were classified as Agrobacterium tumefaciens,Bradyrhizobium elkanii, Ensifer adhaerens and Rhizobium multihospitium and four were within the genus Rhizobium that might be novel species when considering their clustering independently in topology tree and relatively low recA gene sequence similarities (<94%) to the recognized species. In each gene phylogeny, the 16S rRNA gene was found to be incongruent with each house-keeping gene, indicated that this gene should not be used as a single marker in rhizobial taxonomy. In addition, more robust topology trees were produced through the analysis of a concatenation of three housekeeping genes than through each housekeeping gene and 16S rRNA gene trees, with high bootstrap support (≥55%). Overall, our results support that the MLSA has higher discrimination potential in rhizobial taxonomy than the 16S rRNA gene and is suitable to estimate phylogenetic relationships among rhizobia species. Key words: Multilocus sequence analysis, 16S rRNA, rhizobia and woody legume.
Subretinal surgery: functional and histological consequences of entry into the subretinal space

Gene‐therapy, stem‐cell transplantation and surgical robots hold the potential for treatment of currently untreatable retinal degenerative diseases. All of the techniques require entry into the subretinal space, which is a potential space located between the retina and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Knowledge about obstacles and critical steps in relation to subretinal procedures is therefore needed. This thesis explores the functional and histological consequences of separation of the retina from the RPE, extensive RPE damage, a large cut in the retina (retinotomy) and RPE phagocytosis in a porcine model.
Effects of thermomechanical extrusion and particle size reduction on bioconversion rate of corn fiber for ethanol production.

ABSTRACT The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of thermomechanical extrusion and particle size (PS) reduction on the bioconversion rate of corn fiber for ethanol production. Extrusion was conducted at a screw speed of 300 rpm, feed rate of 120 g/min, feed moisture content of 30%, melt temperature of 140°C, and die diameter of 3 mm. Raw and extruded corn fiber were separated into three different PSs (1 > PS ≥ 0.5, 0.5 > PS ≥ 0.3, and 0.3 > PS ≥ 0.15 mm) with a wire sieve. Extrusion pretreatment and PS reduction resulted in a significant (P PS ≥ 0.15 mm was an indication of high degradation of starch during extrusion for higher release of polysaccharides. Moreover, extruded corn fiber at PS reduction 0.3 > PS ≥ 0.15 mm also significantly increased (P < 0.05) ethanol .
Effective Treatment of Vulvar-Vaginal Complaints in Women Taking Combined Oral Contraceptive with a New Medical Device in Gel: A Pilot Study

Objective: To assess efficacy and tolerability of a new medical device in gel based on the synergic combination of NioskinTM Red Clover Extract noisome (NRC) and SylTechTM system (SB), a complex of silicium microcrystals covalently bound with silver ions associated with hyaluronic acid to the treatment of vulvo-vaginal dryness and dyspareunia in women taking combined oral contraceptive (COC). Methods: Forty eight women were treated for 12 weeks with NRC + SB vaginal gel (0.75 g/day) for 3 weeks. After therapy, symptoms (dyspareunia and dryness) were evaluated through a 10-cm VAS. Visual examination of the vagina and vulvar vestibule was also conducted, which included observations for petechiae, pallor, friability, dryness, and redness in the mucosa. Ratings were based on a 4-point scale (0, none; 1, mild; 2, moderate; 3, severe). Results: NRC + SB vaginal gel appears to be effective for relief vulvo-vagianl dryness and dyspareunia and an improvement of vaginal and vestibular trophism was noted. Conclusion: NRC + SB vaginal gel proved good treatment options for relief of vulvovaginal symptoms in women who take COC.
Production of Desmodus rotundus salivary plasminogen activator α1 (DSPAα1) in tobacco is hampered by proteolysis

The high fibrin specificity of Desmodus rotundus salivary plasminogen activator α1 (DSPAα1 or desmoteplase (INN)) makes it a promising candidate for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. In the current study we explored the use of transgenic tobacco plants and BY-2 suspension cells as alternative production platforms for this drug. Four different N-terminal signal peptides, from plants and animals, were used to translocate the recombinant DSPAα1 protein to the endomembrane system. Intact recombinant DSPAα1 was produced in transgenic plants and BY-2 cells, although a certain degree of degradation was observed in immunoblotted extracts. The choice of signal peptide had no major influence on the degradation pattern or recombinant protein accumulation, which reached a maximum level of 38 μg/g leaf material. N-terminal sequencing of purified, His6-tagged DSPAα1 revealed only minor changes in the position of signal peptide cleavage compared to the same protein expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. However, correctly processed recombinant DSPAα1 was also detected. The enzymatic activity of the recombinant protein was confirmed using an in vitro assay with unpurified and purified samples, demonstrating that plants are suitable for the production of functional DSPAα1. In contrast to whole plant cell extracts, no recombinant DSPAα1 was detected in the culture supernatant of transgenic BY-2 cells. Further analysis showed that recombinant DSPAα1 is subject to proteolysis and that endogenous secreted BY-2 proteases are responsible for DSPAα1 degradation in the culture medium. The addition of a highly concentrated protease inhibitor mixture or 5 mM EDTA reduced DSPAα1 proteolysis, improving the accumulation of intact product in the culture medium. Strategies to improve the plant cell suspension system for the production of secreted recombinant proteins are discussed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of apomictic potential in guayule (Parthenium argentatum) in vivo and in vitro

Guayule (Parthenium argentatum Gray), a latex-producing perennial desert shrub and potential industrial crop for semiarid regions, exhibits reproductive modes ranging from sexual, self-sterile diploids to predominantly apomictic, self-compatible polyploids. The objectives of this study were to develop and evaluate a rapid, simple technique for characterizing apomictic potential (percentage of ovules that produce apomictic embryos) in guayule breeding lines. Initial in vivo experiments were based on an auxin test that permitted quantification of apomictic frequency in grasses. In our trials, floral application of NAA or IBA resulted in embryo production similar to that of open-pollinated controls, but 2,4-D inhibited embryo production. Breeding lines could be separated based on embryo production using an in vivo auxin test; however, accuracy of the results was questionable because 1) pollen release and insect activity within isolation bags prevented distinguishing between sexual and apomictic embryos, and 2) high temperatures and large humidity fluctuations could have affected results. Thus, in vitro flower culture was investigated using liquid medium, because it would provide better control of these factors. Flowers developed normally in vitro, except that pollen was not released from the anthers; therefore, any embryos produced in vitro were considered to be apomictic. Embryo production was similar on both Nitsch and Nitsch and Woody Plant Media. Addition of growth regulators inhibited embryo production. Embryo production was tested on Nitsch and Nitsch medium without growth regulators for seven breeding lines. Based on statistical analyses, four classes of apomictic potential were identified, ranging from none (sexual) to high. Chemical names used: 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D); indole-3-butyric acid (IBA); α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA).
Evolutionary network genomics of wood formation in a phylogenetic survey of angiosperm forest trees.

Wood formation was present in early angiosperms, but has been highly modified through evolution to generate the anatomical diversity seen in extant angiosperm lineages. In this project, we modeled changes in gene co-expression relationships associated with the evolution of wood formation in a phylogenetic survey of 13 angiosperm tree species. Gravitropic stimulation was used as an experimental treatment to alter wood formation and also perturb gene expression. Gene transcript levels were determined using RNA sequencing of developing wood tissues from upright trees, and from the top (tension wood) and bottom (opposite wood) tissues of gravistimulated trees. A network-based approach was employed to align gene co-expression networks across species based on orthologous relationships. A large-scale, multi-layer network was modeled that identified both lineage-specific gene co-expression modules and modules conserved across multiple species. Functional annotation and analysis of modules identified specific regulatory processes associated with conserved modules, including regulation of hormones, protein phosphorylation, meristem development and epigenetic processes. Our results provide novel insights into the evolution and development of wood formation, and demonstrate the ability to identify biological processes and genes important for the evolution of a foundational trait in non-model, undomesticated forest trees.
Fe3O4/bioactive glass nanostructure: a promising therapeutic platform for osteosarcoma treatment

An effective strategy of hyperthermia-chemotherapy-regeneration for bone-related cancer treatment is presented. For this purpose, a new approach of magnetic particles (MPs) encapsulated in bioactive glass (BG) structure, with anti-cancer activity, is evaluated. MPs are initially synthesized using a co-precipitation method and then embedded into BG structure through a sol–gel synthesis process. Results confirmed the formation of a crystalline and pure MP structure. MP-BG particles were found to be bioactive by forming a hydroxyapatite layer on their surface. The hyperthermia application of a MP-BG system was also studied. It was found that the particles reach a temperature of 42 °C in an alternating magnetic field. Doxorubicin (DOX), a widely used anticancer drug, was loaded in MP-BG. To enhance the loading efficiency, the BG was surface modified to create NH2 groups on the surface. The encapsulation and release of DOX was studied over 48 h. In vitro tests were performed using human osteosarcoma cell line (MG63). The results demonstrated the non-cytotoxic nature of MP and MP-BG tested at various concentrations. DOX release from MP-BG resulted in decreased MG63 viability. Also, fluorescence microscopy visualization confirmed the intracellular uptake of MP-BG particles and the release of DOX. These results indicate that our suggested strategy of combined hyperthermia-chemotherapy-regeneration using MP-BG structure represents a powerful approach in cancer treatment and tissue regeneration.
First trimester spontaneous abortion: a clinicopathological view

A study of 24 cases of first trimester spontaneous abortions and ten normal ongoing first trimester pregnancies are included. Clinical information (maternal age, gestational age, gravidity, parity, history of prior live or dead babies, residency, history of other diseases, infectious and non infectious.) and laboratory assessment of the cases (complete blood count, biochemical assay of serum malondialdehyde level and pathological confirmation of abortion with measurement of trophoblastic villous diameter). Most cases were found to be within the age group (30-39 years) with higher gravidity and history of previous abortion. Hematological profile( except ESR) and serum malondialdehyde show no significant difference between abortion cases and those with normal first trimester pregnancy, but the malondialdehyde level have a strong statistical relation with trophoblastic villous diameter indicating the possibility of underlying relationship between oxidant injury and villous diameter leading to hydropic or even molar changes.
Going Further: Comprehensive Disease Control of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Targeting Cytokines and Chemokines

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Objectives Mechanism of action of biological and synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) includes the inhibition of specific proinflammatory cytokines. This study aimed to elucidate the cytokines and chemokines inhibited by different treatments (conventional synthetic DMARD [csDMARD], biological and targeted synthetic DMARD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods Fifty-nine RA patients with low disease activity or remission included in a cross-sectional study were classified by treatment in groups: abatacept, certolizumab, rituximab (RTX), tocilizumab, tofacitinib (TOF), baricitinib (BAR), and csDMARD. Cytokine and chemokine serum levels were measured by LEGENDplex Human Inflammation panel. Quantitative variables were compared using Student t or Mann-Whitney U test as appropriate, whereas qualitative variables were compared using χ2 or Fisher exact test. p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results Certolizumab, RTX, tocilizumab, and TOF showed that most cytokine pathways inhibited: tumor necrosis factor α, interferon γ, interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-12, IL-18, and IL-23; in addition, csDMARDs showed a similar inhibition patron except for IL-23. Serum level of tumor necrosis factor α pathway was one of the most inhibited being undetectable in RTX, TOF, and BAR groups. Interleukin 6 was shown to be inhibited by abatacept, RTX, and TOF; however, higher levels were observed in 3 patients treated with tocilizumab. Abatacept, certolizumab, RTX, and TOF downregulated IL-10 in this group of patients but remained detectable in almost half of the subjects, with the highest levels in the BAR group. The active pathways that remained the most were CC chemokine ligand 2, IL-8, IL-17, and IL-33. Conclusions Understanding the cytokine chemokine pathways inhibition could help rheumatologists to prescribe a tailored therapy using the arsenal of DMARDs for individualized RA treatment in an evidence-based decision manner.
Leaf age effects on photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and nitrogen content in a tropical dry forest

This study examines the effect of leaf age on photosynthesis, transpiration and nitrogen concentration in four deciduous (DC) and two evergreen (EG) species coexisting in a tropical dry forest of Venezuela. Leaf age was characterized on the basis of leaf chorophyll, nitrogen content, and construction and maintenance costs. The mean leaf area-based nitrogen concentration (N) in EG was about twice that in DC species. A leaf age effect was observed in both DC and EG species, with largest N concentration in mature leaves. Fractional leaf N allocation to chlorophyll was higher in the DC than in the EG species. Differences in the construction costs of leaf mass between the youngest and the oldest leaves averaged from 2.14 to 1.55 g glucose g−1 dry weight. Although variation in area-based leaf maintenance and construction costs between DC and EG species existed, they were, nevertheless, positively correlated. Individual data sets, for each species, indicated that leaf N and maximum rate of photosynthesis (Amax) were linearly related. Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and water use efficiency (WUE) tended to be higher in mature leaves than in expanding and old leaves. Moreover, DC species always had higher NUE than EG species. Intercellular to ambient pressures of CO2 (Pi/Pa) were related to WUE in a negative manner. Higher Pi/Pa values were observed in expanding and old leaves. Leaf age effect on photosynthesis was, therefore, due to greater decline of carbon fixation capacity by mesophyll tissue relative to the decline in stomatal conductance in youngest and oldest leaves.
THE RESPONSE TO PHOSPHORUS OF SOME ECOLOGICALLY DISTINCT PLANT SPECIES

Summary Seedlings of four ecologically distinct species were grown in solution cultures containing a range of phosphorus concentrations. Evidence for relationships between their relative growth rates and phosphorus absorption was then considered. Descliampsia flexuosa and Scabiosa columbaria, the two species from edaphically extreme habitats, had slow relative growth rates, but differed in their response to phosphorus. Deschampsia flexuosa grew continuously in concentrations as low as 10−7 M and respontled only slightly to concentrations as high as 10−3 M. Scabiosa columbaria whose response was poor at 10−7 m responded more markedly to 10−3 M at which concentration there was a significant increase of phosphorus in the roots. Rumex acetosa and Urtica dioica, the two ruderal species, had high relative growth rates and differed in their response to phosphorus; Rumex acetoso survived over the whole range; Urtica dioica thrived only at 10−5 M or above. These results, particularly the increase of phosphorus in roots of Scabiosa columbaria, were considered to be of ecological importance.
The sda alternatives program: comparison of In Vitro Data with draize test data

AbstractNine in vitro candidate test systems for estimating eye irritancy have been evaluated as potential replacements for the Draize test. They are a chorioallantoic membrane assay and a modification of it, a corneal plasminogen activator assay, the SIRC cytotoxicity assay, a uridine uptake assay, a cell protein accumulation assay, a Neutral Red assay, a chromium release assay and a Tetrahymena motility assay. The eye irritancy potentials of a number of cleaning products and ingredients as estimated from in vivo data were compared to in vitro results. For each test method, comparative data for a minimum of 11 and a maximum of 23 test materials have been obtained in Phases 1 and 2 of this study. The alkalinity of the test materials ranged from 0 to 2 meq HCl/g, encompassing the range for most cleaning products. The future possibility of utilizing alkalinity data and the results of an in vitro test method for classifying the irritancy of materials is suggested. Defining such an algorithm, one that would c.
A Comprehensive Analysis Research on Information, Expectations and Satisfaction of Parents of Children with Cochlear Implant

Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyze information, expectations and satisfaction of parents of the children between 1 and 12 years of age who had hearing loss and cochlear implantation (CI) without any additional disability. Methods: 111 parents (mother and father) having children between 1-12 years who did not have any disability other than hearing loss and had cochlear implants were included in the study. “Family-Child General Information Form” and “Information and Expectation Evaluation Questionnaire for Families Having a Child with Cochlear Implant” were used. Results: As a result of our research, main source of information for the parents who use many information resources about cochlear implant was audiologists (63.1%) and ENT doctors (40.5%). It was observed that the specialist who can guide and help in cochlear implantation procedures was audiologists (51.4%) and ENT doctors (38.7%). Also, at the end of the study, satisfaction level of the parents and children about cochlear implant was found high. Conclusion: Although the parents find the information before cochlear implantation sufficient, training about cochlear implant device and more detailed information about the procedure may affect their expectations after the implantation. We believe that our study would help to detect information and expectation states of the parents about cochlear implantation, to understand needs and expectations of the parents better and develop the services provided to the patients and their family during different stages of cochlear implant process.