Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Suppressive Therapeutic-Drug-Monitoring-Guided Dalbavancin Therapy for Cardiovascular Prosthetic Infections

Dalbavancin represents a promising treatment for cardiovascular prosthetic infections due to its prolonged half-life, bactericidal activity, large spectrum of activity, and excellent biofilm penetration. However, the use of dalbavancin in this setting is limited, and only a few cases have performed therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) analysis to optimize dosage in suppressive treatments longer than 4 weeks. Our retrospective case series reports the use of dalbavancin in a small cohort of patients with cardiovascular prosthetic infections (cardiac implantable electronic device infections (CEDIs), prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE), prosthetic vascular graft infections (PVGIs)) treated with dalbavancin as sequential therapy. From May 2019 to May 2023, 14 patients were included: eight cases of PVE (57.1%), seven cases of PVGI (50%), three cases of CEDI (21.4%), and four cases with overlap of infection sites (28.6%). The main pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus (35.7%). Prosthesis replacement was obtained in four patients (28.6%). The median time between symptom onset and the end of treatment was 15 weeks (IQR 7–53), with a median duration of dalbavancin therapy of 8 weeks (IQR 1 to 45 weeks) and 3.5 doses per patient. Among patients managed with TDM-guided strategy, dalbavancin infusion intervals ranged from 4 to 9 weeks. The median length of follow-up was 65 weeks (IQR 23 to 144 weeks). Clinical success was achieved in 10 cases (76.9%); all clinical failures occurred in patients with the implant retained. Among patients monitored by TDM, clinical success was 87.5% vs. 60% in patients treated without TDM. Because of pharmacokinetic individual variability, dalbavancin TDM-guided administration could improve clinical outcomes by individualizing dosing and selecting dosing intervals. This case series seems to suggest a promising role of long-term suppressive dalbavancin treatment for difficult-to-treat cardiovascular prosthesis infection, also with limited surgical indications.
Psychosocial Occupational Health—A Priority for Middle-Income Countries?

In response to new developments of work and employment in high-income countries (HICs), psychosocial aspects of work and health have received increased attention. In contrast, middle-income countries (MICs) are mainly concerned with severe challenges of noxious- and dangerous-material work environments, poor employment conditions, and deficient social policies, which leaves the psychosocial aspects with a marginal role, at best, in occupational health. More recently, differences between these two worlds were even aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, with economic globalisation and the growing worldwide interconnectivity, the world of work in MICs is being rapidly transformed, starting to share several concerns with the modern Western societies. In this process, psychosocial occupational health will become an increasingly pressing issue. This contribution explores the extent to which psychosocial aspects of work and health are already addressed in research originating from MICs. Using a narrative review approach, a selective focus on recent findings from two regions, Asia Pacific and Latin America, revealed an increasing interest in work stress-related problems, but a restricted impact of the respective research findings. It is hoped that future scientific developments in MICs will enrich the international state of the art in this field.
Prevalence and pattern of refractive errors among school-going children in district Baramulla, Kashmir: A cross sectional study

Purpose: Uncorrected refractive error is one of the most important causes of visual impairment worldwide. Addressing childhood vision impairment (VI) is one of the main goals of the World Health Organization (WHO) to combat blindness strategies. Objective: To ascertain the prevalence and pattern of refractive errors among children aged 10 to 16 years in Baramulla district, Kashmir. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 680 school children during an eye camp under the school health program of the national program for control of blindness. The screening was conducted in four schools in Baramulla district, Kashmir. The schools were selected using the non-probability convenient sampling technique. Results: A total of 680 school children from classes sixth to tenth aged 10–16 years participated in the study. Out of 680 students, 545 (80%) had normal vision, 97 (14%) had impaired visual acuity ranging between 6/9 and 6/24, and 38 (6%) had severe VI ranging from 6/36 to 6/60. Among the various types of refractive errors, myopia was the most prevalent affecting 54 children. Age distribution of refractive errors showed myopia to be more prevalent in the age group 13–14 years (16, 14 cases), hypermetropia was more prevalent in the age group 14–15 years (10, 8 cases), and astigmatism 5 cases in the age group 14–15 years. Conclusion: The study provides useful and baseline data about the refractive error amongst the school children of the Baramulla district. A larger study needs to be conducted in all schools of the state to get a clear picture of RE and other eye-related problems to detect vision problems earlier.
Ethnobotanical Study of Traditional Medicinal Plants in and Around Fiche District, Central Ethiopia

An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants was conducted in and around Fiche District, North Shewa Zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia from September 2011 to January 2012. Ten kebeles were selected from North to South and East to West directions of Fiche District and its surroundings by purposive sampling method. Six informants including one key informant were selected from each kebele for data collection by using printed data collection sheets containing, semi-structured interview questions, group discussion and guided field walk. The plant specimens were identified by using taxonomic keys in the Floras of Ethiopia and Eritrea. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics; informant consensus factor and fidelity level using MS-Excel 2010. Totally, 155 medicinal plants belonging to 128 genera and 65 families were recorded. Most medicinal plants (72.9%) were used for human healthcare in which Lamiaceae was dominant (11%) in which Ocimum lamiifolium, Otostegia integrifolia and Leonotis ocymifolia were the most common species. Herbs were dominant (43.87%) flora followed by shrubs (35.48%). The most frequently used plant parts for remedial preparation were leaves (38.1%) followed by roots (14.8%) and others. Fresh plant parts were used mostly (47.7%) followed by dried (13.5%) and the remaining (38.7%) either in fresh or dried. Among the preparations, crushing was the dominant (21.3%) form followed by squeezing (16.1%). The remedial administration was mostly oral (38.7%) followed by dermal (29%). The highest (88%) ICF was associated with intestinal parasites followed by emergency diseases (82%). The FL of Actiniopteris semiflabellata, Plantago lanceolata, Capparis tomentosa and Clerodendrum myricoides was calculated 100% irrespective of diseases. In conclusion, rich diversity of floras were mostly practiced in crude form and to prevent extinction of medicinal plants due to unsustainable anthropogenic activities, local communities need to give attention for in-situ and ex-situ conservation, which is harmonized with adoption of sustainable utilization patterns and preservation of their valuable biocultural knowledge. This documentation was first hand information and need to confirm through scientific investigation for the welfare of future generation.
Time and taphonomy: quantitative estimates of time-averaging and stratigraphic disorder in a shallow marine habitat

We examined the radiocarbon age, taphonomic condition and stratigraphic position of shells of the venerid bivalve Chione spp. from the tidal flats of Bahia la Choya, Sonora, Mexico. Shells in Bahia la Choya are time-averaged. Thirty shells yielded radiocarbon dates from modern (A.D. 1950 or younger) to 3569 years before present. The median calendar age of inner flat shells is 483 years; the median age of tidal channel shells is 427 years. We interpret such long shell survival to be the result of frequent shallow burial. Such burial retards bioerosion of shells. The taphonomic condition of shells varied with environment. Shells from the surface of the inner flats were better preserved than shells from the tidal channel. Shells are more likely to be physically worn and biologically degraded in the waters of the channel than on the quieter and more frequently exposed inner tidal flat. Taphonomic condition is an unreliable indicator of a shell's time-since-death. Poorly-preserved shells on the inner flats tended to be old, but in general shell condition was much more variable than shell age. A shell's condition is more likely the result of its total residence time on the surface than its time-since-death (surface time plus burial time). Two composite short (44 cm and 50 cm) cores revealed varying degrees of stratigraphic disorder (the departure from perfect correlation between relative stratigraphic position and relative age). One of eight shells in the inner flats core was disordered; four of nine shells in the tidal channel were disordered. The actual age range of surface shells approximates the age range of shells in cores. Stratigraphic disorder is a consequence of both time-averaging and physical and biogenic mixing. Time-averaging controls the degree of precision possible in paleoecological studies. Environmental changes and ecological phenomena occurring within a span of 3500 years would not be recognized in deposits like those of Bahia la Choya. Time-averaging and stratigraphic disorder also constrain the temporal resolution possible in microstratigraphic studies of evolution. The extent of time-averaging and stratigraphic disorder will dictate an appropriate sample interval. In order to prevent temporal overlap between successive samples in deposits like Bahia la Choya, sample spacing should not be less than approximately 0.5 m.
Crustal anisotropy in the forearc of the Northern Cascadia Subduction Zone, British Columbia

SUMMARY This paper aims to identify sources and variations of crustal anisotropy from shear-wave splitting measurements in the forearc of the Northern Cascadia Subduction Zone of southwest British Columbia. Over 20 permanent stations and 15 temporary stations were available for shear-wave splitting analysis on ∼4500 event-station pairs for local crustal earthquakes. Results from 1100 useable shear-wave splitting measurements show spatial variations in fast directions, with margin-parallel fast directions at most stations and margin-perpendicular fast directions at stations in the northeast of the region. Crustal anisotropy is often attributed to stress and has been interpreted as the fast direction being related to the orientation of the maximum horizontal compressive stress. However, studies have also shown anisotropy can be complicated by crustal structure. Southwest British Columbia is a complex region of crustal deformation and some of the stations are located near large ancient faults. To use seismic anisotropy as a stress indicator requires identifying which stations are influenced by stress and which by structure. We determine the source of anisotropy at each station by comparing fast directions from shear-wave splitting results to the maximum horizontal compressive stress orientation determined from earthquake focal mechanism inversion. Most stations show agreement between the fast direction and the maximum horizontal compressive stress. This suggests that anisotropy is related to stress-aligned fluid-filled microcracks based on extensive dilatancy anisotropy. These stations are further analysed for temporal variations to lay groundwork for monitoring temporal changes in the stress over extended time periods. Determining the sources of variability in anisotropy can lead to a better understanding of the crustal structure and stress, and in the future may be used as a monitoring and mapping tool.
A promethean legacy: late quaternary vegetation history of Southern Georgia, Caucasus

This dissertation presents new data on the vegetation history of the Caucasus, a region of high biodiversity and ancient human occupation. The aim of the study is to determine the causes of vegetation changes in Southern Georgia over the past 14,000 years by comparing well-dated pollen and charcoal records to evidence of past climatic change and human activity in the region. Pollen data from semi-arid and mountainous environments are often very difficult to interpret, a consideration which has hampered previous research in Southern Georgia. In this thesis I present a novel method to overcome this problem to allow the reconstruction of past trends in rainfall, temperature, forest cover and land-use. Reconstructed climatic parameters show that the study area’s climate was extremely arid and seasonally variable between 14,000 and 11,500 years ago. Precipitation increased slowly during the early Holocene, such that a rainfall pattern of more or less modern character was established in Georgia between 9000 and 8000 years ago. Conditions then became wetter and warmer during the mid Holocene, reverting to a cooler and drier climates during the late Holocene. Often the vegetation of Southern Georgia did not respond to these climatic changes in an expected fashion. After the aridity of the last glacial period waned between 11,500 and 9,000 years ago, forest cover expanded throughout Georgia. Yet the vegetation of Southern Georgia remained without forest even though rainfall was increasing. It was not until much later, 5000 years ago, that trees began to expand in the highlands of Southern Georgia during what seems to have been a dry period. Charcoal records from the study sites indicate that fire was very common in Southern Georgian landscapes prior to 5000 years ago. In the absence of any evidence for climatically driven fires, I argue that the delayed expansion of forest in Southern Georgia was caused by human activity, namely burning and grazing by Neolithic and Chalcolithic pastoralists. The expansion of forests 5000 years ago corresponds more to the adoption of Bronze Age metallurgy than any climatic event, and subsequent vegetation changes in Southern Georgia, although affected by climatic variations and the general aridity of the climate, were strongly influenced by human activity. Thus, humans have preserved the open landscapes of Southern Georgia since the early Holocene.
Diagnosis of risk and approaches to iron toxicity management in lowland rice farming

Iron toxicity is one the major edaphic constraints of lowlands in West Africa. All types of lowlands, with or without water control, can be affected by this constraint that occurs when significant quantities of iron are present. The reductive conditions commonly found in clogged lowland soils are signs of iron toxicity through the solubilization in the soil of virtually all the iron content in its ferrous form (Fe2+). This large amount of ferric ion solution causes imbalance in the elements resulting in nutritional disorders affecting crop growth, especially in rice. Work conducted by WARDA aimed on the one hand to develop improved, tolerant and productive lowland rice lines and, on the other hand, to design cropping systems to mitigate the effects of the constraint. The eco-regional dimension can be approached through integrated interdisciplinary research on this theme conducted at WARDA. It is therefore possible to develop the first diagnostic tool for iron toxicity risk in the lowlands by employing a dichotomous key based on pedology, hydrology, agronomy, and eco-physiology. (Resume d'auteur)
Education and Training for Improving Pharmacist’s Telepharmacy Competencies: A Scoping Review

Antihypertensive and antidiabetic drugs in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing hemodialyThe high demand for telepharmacy services led to the urge for proper training and education to enhance its quality. This review aimed to assess the implementation and outcomes of telepharmacy training and education programmes. This scoping review was conducted on ScienceDirect, Sage Journal, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar databases using keywords “training” OR “education” AND “telepharmacy,” “training” OR “education” AND “digital competency” AND “pharmacy. ” Only English-written articles published between 2000 – 2023, original research and brief report were included in this review. Eight of 171 articles met the criteria and the study’s objectives. Those studies discussed telepharmacy learning programmes for pharmacy students in the USA (5 articles), UAE (2 articles), and Malaysia (1 article). The learning methods included didactic learning, case-based study, simulation/roleplay, and clerkship employing technological tools. Rubrics, quizzes, questionnaires, and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) were used as assessment methods. All studies reported improved students’ knowledge, perceptions, and telepharmacy competencies. In conclusion, the telepharmacy learning programmes have effectively upgraded students’ knowledge and skills by various methods at every level. However, there remains a considerable need for evidence on suitable training for pharmacists to improve their telepharmacy competencies and service quality.
Novel Immunotherapies and Combinations: The Future Landscape of Multiple Myeloma Treatment

In multiple myeloma impressive outcomes have improved with the introduction of new therapeutic approaches, mainly those including naked monoclonal antibodies such as daratumumab and isatuximab. However, moving to earlier lines of therapy with effective anti-myeloma drugs led to an increase in the number of patients who developed multi-refractoriness to them early on. Currently, triple- or multi-refractory MM represents an unmet medical need, and their management remains a complicated challenge. The recent approval of new immunotherapeutic approaches such as conjugated monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, and CAR T cells could be a turning point for these heavily pretreated patients. Nevertheless, several issues regarding their use are unsolved, such as how to select patients for each strategy or how to sequence these therapies within the MM therapeutic landscape. Here we provide an overview of the most recent data about approved conjugated monoclonal antibody belantamab, mafodotin, bispecific antibody teclistamab, and other promising compounds under development, mainly focusing on the ongoing clinical trials with monoclonal antibody combination approaches in advanced and earlier phases of MM treatment.
The Association of Prenatal Vitamin D Status With Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcomes

Abstract Context Vitamin D inadequacy is globally prevalent among pregnant women; however, its impact on pregnancy remains inconclusive. Objective This study aims to explore the associations of maternal and umbilical cord serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels with pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Method We used archived serum samples from the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) Study participants in the Hong Kong center and assayed maternal 25(OH)D levels at midgestation and umbilical cord 25(OH)D at birth using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectroscopy. Data regarding pregnancy and perinatal outcomes were extracted from the HAPO study dataset and the hospital computerized medical system. Results Only 247 (16.4%) mothers and 66 (5.0%) neonates met the criteria for vitamin D sufficiency (ie, 25(OH)D ≥ 75 nmol/L). The ratio of umbilical cord to maternal vitamin D levels was positively associated with maternal age and ambient solar radiation at the month of delivery, while negatively associated with maternal serum total 25(OH)D at midgestation (all P < .001). Umbilical cord serum 25(OH)D was independently associated with a lower primary cesarean section rate (OR 0.990, 95% CI 0.982-0.999; P = .032). There were no associations of maternal and umbilical cord 25(OH)D levels with other adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Conclusion Placental vitamin D transfer was found to be higher with a lower maternal vitamin D level, older maternal age, and higher ambient solar radiation at the time of the delivery. The protective effect of sufficient vitamin D in a cesarean section will require further studies.
Diversity and Conservation Significance of Angiosperm Climbers in Bhadrak District of Odisha, India

The present study seeks to investigate the distribution patterns of angiosperm climbers within the Bhadrak district of Odisha, India, along with an assessment of the ecosystem services they provide. The ongoing inquiry into climbing plant species within the Bhadrak district reflects the diversity of 103 species distributed across 71 genera and 33 families. The three most diverse families are Convolvulaceae (22), Cucurbitaceae (15), and Fabaceae (14). Out of 103 climbing plant species, 72 species are herbaceous vines and 31 species are woody vines representing 69.9%, and 30.1%, respectively. The most common climbing method in the studied sites is stem twining, accounting for 70 species or 68% of the total, the second most common is tendril climbing (22 species, 21.4%), and the least, root climber (2 species, 1.9%). Local communities use these climbers for various purposes. It has been observed that out of 103 species, 61 species have medicinal properties (59.2%), 16 species have ornamental value (15.5%), 17 species are edible (16.5%), and the remaining 8 species have other uses (8.8%). These results indicate the importance of climber communities to plant diversity of Bhadrak district, enhancing the regional diversity and the conservation value of these forest remnants. Habitat degradation because of rapid development activities with limitation of the supporting tree species is found to be a serious threat to climbing plants. Employing a multifaceted strategy such as securing their habitats through protection, restoration, managing invasive species and promoting collaboration among local stakeholders and organizations, ensures the preservation of these vital plants, sustaining biodiversity and ecosystem health for the future.