Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Re-imagining global health through social medicine

ABSTRACT The conceptual and practical work done by social medicine and global health have often overlapped. In this paper, we argue that new efforts to apprehend ‘the social’ in social medicine offer important insights to global health along five lines of critical analysis: (1) reconfigurations of the state and new forms of political activism, (2) philanthrocapitalism and the economisation of life, (3) The economy of attention, (4) anthropogenic climate change, and (5) the geopolitics of North and South.
Relationship between serum alkaline phosphatase level, C-reactive protein and leukocyte counts in adults aged 60 years or older

Abstract Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), a useful marker of hepatobiliary or bone disorders, has been known to be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is increasingly being viewed as an inflammatory disease. C-reactive protein level and leukocyte count have also been highlighted as independent risk markers of CVD. Thus, the mechanism underlying the link between elevated ALP and CVD could be subclinical low-grade inflammation. This study aimed to examine associations of serum ALP level with inflammatory markers. This cross-sectional study included 2403 participants (1324 men and 1079 women) aged ≥60 years who participated in a health examination program. Serum ALP quartiles were categorized as follows: Q1: ≤51, Q2: 52–61, Q3: 62–74 and Q4: ≥75 U/L. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for high CRP and leukocyte count (≥75th percentiles) were calculated after adjusting for confounding variables across serum ALP quartiles using multiple logistic regression analysis. Median CRP level and mean leukocyte count increased in accordance with serum ALP quartiles. Compared to the lowest quartile, the ORs (95% CI) of the highest quartile for high CRP and leukocyte count were 2.03 (1.50–2.76) and 1.54 (1.13–2.10) after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol intake, fasting plasma glucose, log-transformed triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol levels. Serum ALP level was positively and independently associated with inflammatory markers in adults aged 60 years or older.
Relationship of Training Load with High-intensity Running in Professional Soccer Players

Abstract This study determined the training load (TL) and its relationship with high-intensity running performance across the season in professional soccer players. The TL, YoYo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2 (YYIR 2) and repeated sprint ability (RSA) were monitored in 29 players (age 26.2±3.8 years, height 173.6±5.6 cm, body mass 68.5±8.6 kg). In the mid in-season (MS), Lucia TRIMP (TRIMPL) was inversely correlated with YYIR 2 (r=−0.6, p<0.05), with total distance (TD), work-rate (WR), low-intensity distance (LID) and player load (PL) showing correlation with YYIR 2 (r=0.81, 0.77, 0.88, 0.67; p<0.05) in the late in-season (LS). In pre-season (PS), TD, WR and moderate-intensity distance (MID) were correlated with YYIR 2 (r=0.65, 0.80, 0.83, p<0.05), whereas in early in-season (ES), TD, WR, LID were correlated with YYIR 2 performance (r=0.58, 0.67, 0.55, p<0.05). There was no significant relationship (p>0.05) between TL and RSA. The findings showed the volume, intensity and types of TL accrued influences the relationship with physical performance that suggest the significance of phase-specific monitoring of TL for maximizing performance in soccer players.
Orientation and location of the finite helical axis of the equine forelimb joints

To reduce anatomically unrealistic limb postures in a virtual musculoskeletal model of a horse's forelimb, accurate knowledge on forelimb joint constraints is essential. The aim of this cadaver study is to report all orientation and position changes of the finite helical axes (FHA) as a function of joint angle for different equine forelimb joints. Five horse cadaver forelimbs with standardized cuts at the midlevel of each segment were used. Bone pins with reflective marker triads were drilled into the forelimb bones. Unless joint angles were anatomically coupled, each joint was manually moved independently in all three rotational degrees of freedom (flexion–extension, abduction–adduction, internal–external rotation). The 3D coordinates of the marker triads were recorded using a six infra‐red camera system. The FHA and its orientational and positional properties were calculated and expressed against joint angle over the entire range of motion using a finite helical axis method. When coupled, joint angles and FHA were expressed in function of flexion–extension angle. Flexion–extension movement was substantial in all forelimb joints, the shoulder allowed additional considerable motion in all three rotational degrees of freedoms. The position of the FHA was constant in the fetlock and elbow and a constant orientation of the FHA was found in the shoulder. Orientation and position changes of the FHA over the entire range of motion were observed in the carpus and the interphalangeal joints. We report FHA position and orientation changes as a function of flexion–extension angle to allow for inclusion in a musculoskeletal model of a horse to minimize calculation errors caused by incorrect location of the FHA.
Regulation of T‐type Ca2+ channel expression by interleukin‐6 in sensory‐like ND7/23 cells post‐herpes simplex virus (HSV‐1) infection

Herpes simplex virus‐type 1 (HSV‐1) infection of sensory neurons may lead to a significant reduction in the expression of voltage‐activated Na+ and Ca2+ channels, which can disrupt the transmission of pain information. Viral infection also results in the secretion of various pro‐inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)‐6. In this work, we tested whether IL‐6 regulates the expression of Na+ and Ca2+ channels post‐HSV‐1 infection in ND7/23 sensory‐like neurons. Our results demonstrate that HSV‐1 infection causes a significant decrease in the protein expression of the Cav3.2 T‐type Ca2+ channel subunit, despite increasing Cav3.2 mRNA synthesis. Neither Cav3.2 mRNA nor total protein content was affected by IL‐6 treatment post‐HSV‐1 infection. In ND7/23 cells, HSV‐1 infection caused a significant reduction in the expression of Na+ and T‐type Ca2+ channels within 48 h. Exposure of ND7/23 cells to IL‐6 for 24 h post‐infection reverses the effect of HSV‐1, resulting in a significant increase in T‐type Ca2+ current density. However, Na+ currents were not restored by 24‐h treatment with IL‐6 post‐HSV‐1 infection of ND7/23 cells. The ability of IL‐6 to increase the functional expression of T‐type Ca2+ channels on the membrane was blocked by the inhibition of protein trafficking with brefeldin‐A and ERK1/2 activation. These results indicate that IL‐6 release following HSV‐1 infection regulates the expression of T‐type Ca2+ channels, which may alter the transmission of pain information.
Evaluation of Arsenic and Lead Soil Contamination by Wooden Electric and Telephone Poles in Two Urban Cities

This work was carried out in collaboration between all authors. Author LA designed the study, performed the data analysis, and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. Author JA in collaboration with author PU conducted the Owerri study and wrote the experimental section for the study. Author SKN carried out the sample collection and preparation for the New Orleans study. Author PU in collaboration with authors LA and JA carried out the sample collection, preparation, and digestion for the Owerri study as well as literature review. All authors participated in the revision of the manuscript and read and approved the final manuscript. ABSTRACT Arsenic and lead have been reported to have toxic effect on human and animal health. Wooden electric and telephone poles have been known to be treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) in an effort to preserve them from decay, termites, insects, and rot. Thus, those who work or live on or near lead and arsenic-containing soil or ingest products contaminated by these two heavy metals are at risk of serious health dangers. Thus, the project reported here investigates whether wooden telephone and electric poles contribute to arsenic and lead soil contamination in two urban cities:- New Orleans in Louisiana, USA and Owerri in Imo State, Nigeria. Three wards or neighborhoods were selected in each city for the study and three streets were selected from each Original Research Article ward. Three samples were obtained from each street. Soil samples were collected from Owerri Girls Secondary School (OG) in Owerri and at Dillard University in New Orleans where the utility poles were made of concrete rather than wood. The soil samples were dried, sieved, and analyzed for arsenic and lead. The data suggest that the 4.8 mg/Kg mean arsenic level found in New Orleans soil samples is thirteen times higher than the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Region VI RECAP level of 0.36 mg/Kg and ten times higher than Federal Environmental Protection Agency of Nigeria (FEPAN) permissible level (0.5 mg/Kg) in soil while the mean lead level of 156 mg/Kg is below the USEPA RECAP level of 400 mg/Kg but more than 3000 times above FEPAN permissible level of 0.05 mg/Kg. The data for the samples from Owerri, Nigeria had arsenic levels below method detection limit but showed a 2.3 mg/Kg mean lead level which is well below the USEPA 400 mg/Kg recap level but forty six times above FEPAN permissible level of 0.05 mg/Kg.
Prediction of Pulmonary Function in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Correlation with Quantitative CT Parameters

Objective We aimed to evaluate correlations between computed tomography (CT) parameters and pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters according to disease severity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to determine whether CT parameters can be used to predict PFT indices. Materials and Methods A total of 370 patients with COPD were grouped based on disease severity according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) I–IV criteria. Emphysema index (EI), air-trapping index, and airway parameters such as the square root of wall area of a hypothetical airway with an internal perimeter of 10 mm (Pi10) were measured using automatic segmentation software. Clinical characteristics including PFT results and quantitative CT parameters according to GOLD criteria were compared using ANOVA. The correlations between CT parameters and PFT indices, including the ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) and FEV1, were assessed. To evaluate whether CT parameters can be used to predict PFT indices, multiple linear regression analyses were performed for all patients, Group 1 (GOLD I and II), and Group 2 (GOLD III and IV). Results Pulmonary function deteriorated with increase in disease severity according to the GOLD criteria (p < 0.001). Parenchymal attenuation parameters were significantly worse in patients with higher GOLD stages (p < 0.001), and Pi10 was highest for patients with GOLD III (4.41 ± 0.94 mm). Airway parameters were nonlinearly correlated with PFT results, and Pi10 demonstrated mild correlation with FEV1/FVC in patients with GOLD II and III (r = 0.16, p = 0.06 and r = 0.21, p = 0.04, respectively). Parenchymal attenuation parameters, airway parameters, EI, and Pi10 were identified as predictors of FEV1/FVC for the entire study sample and for Group 1 (R2 = 0.38 and 0.22, respectively; p < 0.001). However, only parenchymal attenuation parameter, EI, was identified as a predictor of FEV1/FVC for Group 2 (R2 = 0.37, p < 0.001). Similar results were obtained for FEV1. Conclusion Airway and parenchymal attenuation parameters are independent predictors of pulmonary function in patients with mild COPD, whereas parenchymal attenuation parameters are dominant independent predictors of pulmonary function in patients with severe COPD.
Feasibility, Acceptability, and Initial Efficacy of Delivering Alcohol Use Cognitive Interventions via Crowdsourcing

BACKGROUND Inhibitory control training and working memory training are 2 cognitive interventions that have been considered for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Existing studies have typically relied on small samples that preclude the evaluation of small effects. Crowdsourcing is a sampling method that can address these limitations by effectively and efficiently recruiting large samples with varying health histories. This study tested the feasibility and acceptability of delivering cognitive training interventions via crowdsourcing. METHODS Participants with AUD were recruited from the crowdsourcing website Amazon Mechanical Turk (mTurk) (ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT03438539). Following completion of a baseline survey, participants were randomized to an inhibitory control, working memory, or control training condition. Participants were asked to complete training tasks daily over a 2-week period. Follow-up assessments evaluating acceptability measures and alcohol and soda consumption were completed immediately following and 2 weeks after training. RESULTS Response rates were satisfactory over the 2-week intervention period (65% of training tasks completed), and performance on training tasks was consistent with expected effects. A majority of participants indicated that they were satisfied with the study procedures (94.6%), would participate again (97.4%), and would consider incorporating the training task in their daily life (81.1%). Modest reductions in alcohol consumption were observed (e.g., 0.5 drinking day/wk), primarily in the inhibitory control group, and these effects were selective to alcohol use and did not extend to soda consumption. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of utilizing crowdsourcing methods for interventions development. Such a demonstration helps establish the crowdsourcing setting for future large sample studies testing novel interventions for AUD and other substance use disorders.
FAM3C‐YY1 axis is essential for TGFβ‐promoted proliferation and migration of human breast cancer MDA‐MB‐231 cells via the activation of HSF1

Family with sequence similarity three member C (FAM3C) (interleukin‐like EMT inducer [ILEI]), heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) and Ying‐Yang 1 (YY1) have been independently reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of various cancers. However, whether they are coordinated to trigger the development of cancer remains unknown. This study determined the role and mechanism of YY1 and HSF1 in FAM3C‐induced proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. In human MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cell line, transforming growth factor‐β (TGFβ) up‐regulated FAM3C, HSF1 and YY1 expressions. FAM3C overexpression promoted the proliferation and migration of MDA‐MB‐231 cells with YY1 and HSF1 up‐regulation, whereas FAM3C silencing exerted the opposite effects. FAM3C inhibition repressed TGFβ‐induced HSF1 activation, and proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. YY1 was shown to directly activate HSF1 transcription to promote the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. YY1 silencing blunted FAM3C‐ and TGFβ‐triggered activation of HSF1‐Akt‐Cyclin D1 pathway, and proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. Inhibition of HSF1 blocked TGFβ‐, FAM3C‐ and YY1‐induced proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. YY1 and HSF1 had little effect on FAM3C expression. Similarly, inhibition of HSF1 also blunted FAM3C‐ and TGFβ‐promoted proliferation and migration of human breast cancer BT‐549 cells. In human breast cancer tissues, FAM3C, YY1 and HSF1 protein expressions were increased. In conclusion, FAM3C activated YY1‐HSF1 signalling axis to promote the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, novel FAM3C‐YY1‐HSF1 pathway plays an important role in TGFβ‐triggered proliferation and migration of human breast cancer MDA‐MB‐231 cells.
Development of the multispectral UV polarization reflectance imaging system (MUPRIS) for in situ monitoring of the UV protection efficacy of sunscreen on human skin

Protection of the human skin from ultraviolet (UV) damage is one of the main issues in dermatology and cosmetology. The UV protection efficacy (UVPE) of the sunscreen film is decreased by sweat, sebum, and friction during the day. However, the technical relationship between the UVPE evaluated in a laboratory and the actual protection in daily use has not been clarified, because the UVPE measurement method in real‐life setting has not been established. This study aimed to develop a novel UVPE evaluation system that allows in situ monitoring of the UVPE in real‐life activities.
Peak nasal inspiratory flow measurement and visual analogue scale in a large adult population

Nasal obstruction is the most common symptom in nasal diseases. It can be evaluated objectively, that is by means of peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) measures and/or subjectively by means of validated questionnaires. However, it has been reported that there is a lack of reliable correlation between subjective and objective measurements of nasal obstruction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the correlation between PNIF measurements and the subjective sensation of nasal obstruction measured by means of a visual analogue scale (VAS) in a large population of consecutive rhinologic patients.
Clinical effects of CD33 and MPC-1 on the prognosis of multiple myeloma treated with bortezomib

Abstract In the present study, the effects of immunophenotyping on the prognoses of patients with MM treated with bortezomib as induction therapy were investigated. A total of 118 patients with MM were examined, and the prognostic significance of the immunophenotyping and other factors were investigated. Immature and plasmablastic cell types and high-risk cytogenesis were more frequently observed in patients with CD33+ and MPC-1−. CD33+ and MPC-1− have potential as prognostic factors and correlated with lower progression-free survival and overall survival in a Kaplan–Meier analysis. Moreover, the present results demonstrated that at the relapse of disease, the percentage of CD33 increased (median 48.7%) and MPC-1 decreased (median 14.1%), respectively, therefore, both of these antigens may be associated with the refractory disease status. The present study showed that the expression of CD33 and MPC-1 in neoplastic plasma cells from patients with MM was associated with patient prognosis independent of other prognostic factors.
Volatile Anesthetics versus Total Intravenous Anesthesia for Cardiac Surgery

BACKGROUND Volatile (inhaled) anesthetic agents have cardioprotective effects, which might improve clinical outcomes in patients undergoing coronary‐artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS We conducted a pragmatic, multicenter, single‐blind, controlled trial at 36 centers in 13 countries. Patients scheduled to undergo elective CABG were randomly assigned to an intraoperative anesthetic regimen that included a volatile anesthetic (desflurane, isoflurane, or sevoflurane) or to total intravenous anesthesia. The primary outcome was death from any cause at 1 year. RESULTS A total of 5400 patients were randomly assigned: 2709 to the volatile anesthetics group and 2691 to the total intravenous anesthesia group. On‐pump CABG was performed in 64% of patients, with a mean duration of cardiopulmonary bypass of 79 minutes. The two groups were similar with respect to demographic and clinical characteristics at baseline, the duration of cardiopulmonary bypass, and the number of grafts. At the time of the second interim analysis, the data and safety monitoring board advised that the trial should be stopped for futility. No significant difference between the groups with respect to deaths from any cause was seen at 1 year (2.8% in the volatile anesthetics group and 3.0% in the total intravenous anesthesia group; relative risk, 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69 to 1.29; P=0.71), with data available for 5353 patients (99.1%), or at 30 days (1.4% and 1.3%, respectively; relative risk, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.70 to 1.76), with data available for 5398 patients (99.9%). There were no significant differences between the groups in any of the secondary outcomes or in the incidence of prespecified adverse events, including myocardial infarction. CONCLUSIONS Among patients undergoing elective CABG, anesthesia with a volatile agent did not result in significantly fewer deaths at 1 year than total intravenous anesthesia. (Funded by the Italian Ministry of Health; MYRIAD ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02105610.)
Tamarix Articulata (T. articulata) - an important halophytic medicinal plant with potential pharmacological properties.

BACKGROUND Tamarix Articulata (T. articulata), commonly known as Tamarisk or Athal in Arabic region, belongs to Tamaricaece species. It is an important halophytic medicinal plant and a good source of polyphenolic phytochemical(s). In traditional medicines, T. articulata extract is commonly used, either singly or in combination with other plant extracts against different ailments since immemorial. METHODS Electronic database survey via Pubmed, Google Scholar, Researchgate, Scopus and Science Direct were used to review the scientific inputs until October 2018, by searching appropriate keywords. Literature related to pharmacological activities of T. articulata, Tamarix species, phytochemical analysis of T. articulata, biological activities of T. articulata extracts. Of all these terms used to search the scientific literature associated with T. articulata, the dosage of extract, route of administration, extract type, and in-vitro and in-vivo model. RESULTS Numerous reports revealed that T. articulata contains a wide spectrum of phytochemical(s), which enables it to have a wide window of biological properties . Owing to the presence of high content of phytochemical compounds like polyphenolics and flavonoids, T. articulata is a potential source of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties. In view of these pharmacological properties, T. articulata could be a potential drug candidate to treat various clinical conditions including cancer in near future. CONCLUSION In this review, the spectrum of phytochemical(s) has been summarized for their pharmacological properties and the mechanisms of action, and the possible potential therapeutic applications of this plant against various diseases discussed.
A boreal songbird's 20,000 km migration across North America and the Atlantic Ocean.

The 12- g migratory blackpoll warbler has one of the most spectacular migrations in the world. We used miniaturized devices to track the movements of blackpolls breeding at four northern locations, including as far west as Nome, Alaska, USA. In fall, all birds crossed North America to stop over on the Atlantic coast and then made a 3- day, nonstop flight over the Atlantic Ocean to South America, eventually reaching the Amazon Basin. For some birds, this round trip was over 20,000 km. These critical connections provide important information for understanding the causes of decline in one of North America’s fastest declining songbirds.
Novos Cerambycinae (Cerambycidae) da Região Neotropical

New species described and illustrated from Bolivia (Santa Cruz), in Ectenessini: Ectenessa zamalloae sp. nov. and Bomarion amborense sp. nov.; in Eburiini: Beraba pallida sp. nov.; in Piezocerini: Gorybia quadrispinosa sp. nov. and in Tillomorphini: Epropetes bolivianus sp. nov.; from Costa Rica (Guanacaste): Xalitla lezamai sp. nov.