Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Efficacy of Memantine for the Treatment of Migraine: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies

Introduction The efficacy of memantine for migraine remains controversial. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of memantine versus placebo on treatment in migraine patients. Methods We search PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through February 2020 for randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of memantine versus placebo on treatment efficacy in migraine patients. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model. Results Three randomized controlled trials are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group in migraine patients, memantine treatment is associated with substantially reduced monthly attack frequency (mean difference [MD], −2.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], −2.83 to −1.46; P < 0.00001), number of migraine days (MD, −4.17; 95% CI, −6.40 to −1.93; P = 0.0003) and Migraine Disability Assessment (MD, −5.63; 95% CI, −6.46 to −4.79; P < 0.00001), but demonstrates no obvious influence on acute pain medications (MD, −1.23; 95% CI, −4.63 to 2.17; P = 0.48). Conclusions Memantine treatment may benefit to the control of migraine.
Implementing ‘universal’ access to antiretroviral treatment in South Africa: a scoping review on research priorities

Abstract ‘Universal’ access to antiretroviral treatment (ART) has become the global standard for treating people living with HIV and achieving epidemic control; yet, findings from numerous ‘test and treat’ trials and implementation studies in sub-Saharan Africa suggest that bringing ‘universal' access to ART to scale is more complex than anticipated. Using South Africa as a case example, we describe the research priorities and foci in the literature on expanded ART access. To do so, we adapted Arksey and O’Malley’s six-stage scoping review framework to describe the peer-reviewed literature and opinion pieces on expanding access to ART in South Africa between 2000 and 2017. Data collection included systematic searches of two databases and hand-searching of a sub-sample of reference lists. We used an adapted socio-ecological thematic framework to categorize data according to where it located the challenges and opportunities of expanded ART eligibility: individual/client, health worker–client relationship, clinic/community context, health systems infrastructure and/or policy context. We included 194 research articles and 23 opinion pieces, of 1512 identified, addressing expanded ART access in South Africa. The peer-reviewed literature focused on the individual and health systems infrastructure; opinion pieces focused on changing roles of individuals, communities and health services implementers. We contextualized our findings through a consultative process with a group of researchers, HIV clinicians and programme managers to consider critical knowledge gaps. Unlike the published literature, the consultative process offered particular insights into the importance of researching and intervening in the relational aspects of HIV service delivery as South Africa’s HIV programme expands. An overwhelming focus on individual and health systems infrastructure factors in the published literature on expanded ART access in South Africa may skew understanding of HIV programme shortfalls away from the relational aspects of HIV services delivery and delay progress with finding ways to leverage non-medical modalities for achieving HIV epidemic control.
Characterization of anisotropic T2W signals from human knee femoral cartilage: The magic angle effect on a spherical surface

The aim of the current study was to propose a generalized magic angle effect (gMAE) function for characterizing anisotropic T2W signals of human knee femoral cartilage with a spherical surface in clinical studies. A gMAE model function f(α, ε) was formulated for an orientation‐dependent (ε) transverse T2 (i.e., 1/R2) relaxation in cartilage assuming an axially symmetric distribution (α) of collagen fibers. T2W sagittal images were acquired on an adult volunteer's healthy knee at 3 T, and ROI‐based average signals S(ε) were extracted from angularly and radially segmented femoral cartilage. Compared with the standard MAE (sMAE) functions in the deep (DZ, α = 0°) and in the superficial (SZ, α = 90°) zones, a general form of R2 orientation‐dependent function f(α, ε) was fitted to S(ε), including an isotropic R2 contribution (internal reference [REF]). Goodness of fit was evaluated by root‐mean‐square deviations (RMSDs). An F‐test and a paired t‐test were respectively used to assess significant differences between the observed variances and means, with statistical significance set to p less than . 05. As a symmetric orientation‐dependence function with a varying dynamic range, the proposed gMAE model outperformed the previous sMAE functions manifested by significantly reduced RMSDs in the DZ (0.239 ± 0.122 vs. 0.267 ± 0.097, p = .014) and in the SZ (0.183 ± 0.081 vs. 0.254 ± 0.085, p < .001). The fitted average angle α (38.5 ± 34.6° vs. 45.1 ± 30.1°, p < .43) and REF (5.092 ± 0.369 vs. 5.305 ± 0.440, p < .001) were smaller in the DZ than those in SZ, in good agreement with the reported collagen fibril microstructural configurations and the nonbound water contribution to R2 in articular cartilage. In conclusion, a general form of the magic angle effect function was proposed and demonstrated for better characterizing anisotropic T2W signals from human knee femoral cartilage at 3 T in clinical studies.
Genome-wide DNA methylation and RNA-seq analyses identify genes and pathways associated with doxorubicin resistance in a canine diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cell line

Doxorubicin resistance is a major challenge in the successful treatment of canine diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (cDLBCL). In the present study, MethylCap-seq and RNA-seq were performed to characterize the genome-wide DNA methylation and differential gene expression patterns respectively in CLBL-1 8.0, a doxorubicin-resistant cDLBCL cell line, and in CLBL-1 as control, to investigate the underlying mechanisms of doxorubicin resistance in cDLBCL. A total of 20289 hypermethylated differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were detected. Among these, 1339 hypermethylated DMRs were in promoter regions, of which 24 genes showed an inverse correlation between methylation and gene expression. These 24 genes were involved in cell migration, according to gene ontology (GO) analysis. Also, 12855 hypermethylated DMRs were in gene-body regions. Among these, 353 genes showed a positive correlation between methylation and gene expression. Functional analysis of these 353 genes highlighted that TGF-β and lysosome-mediated signal pathways are significantly associated with the drug resistance of CLBL-1. The tumorigenic role of TGF-β signaling pathway in CLBL-1 8.0 was further validated by treating the cells with a TGF-β inhibitor(s) to show the increased chemo-sensitivity and intracellular doxorubicin accumulation, as well as decreased p-glycoprotein expression. In summary, the present study performed an integrative analysis of DNA methylation and gene expression in CLBL-1 8.0 and CLBL-1. The candidate genes and pathways identified in this study hold potential promise for overcoming doxorubicin resistance in cDLBCL.
Race-specific changes in endothelial inflammation and microRNA in response to an acute inflammatory stimulus.

Both aberrant vascular reactivity to acute cardiovascular stress and epigenetic mechanisms such as microRNA (miR) may underlie the increased propensity for African Americans (AA) to develop cardiovascular disease. This study assessed racial differences in acute induced endothelial inflammation and related miRs. Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) derived from AA and Caucasian Americans (CA) were exposed to the influenza vaccine to determine changes in inflammatory markers, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and miR expression/release. Endothelial function (flow-mediated dilation [FMD]), circulating IL-6, and circulating miR were also measured in young, healthy AA and CA individuals before and after receiving the influenza vaccine. There were no significant racial differences in any parameters at baseline. The vaccine induced increases in IL-6 release (24%, P=0.02) and ICAM-1 mRNA (40%, P=0.03), as well as reduced eNOS mRNA (24%, P=0.04) in AA HUVECs, but not in CA HUVECs (all P>0.05). Intracellular levels of anti-inflammatory miR-221-3p and miR-222-3p increased specifically in CA HUVECs (72% and 53%, p=0.04 and p=0.06), while others did not change in either race. HUVEC secretion of several miRs decreased in both races, while the release of anti-inflammatory miR-150-5p was decreased only by AA cells (-30%, P=0.03). In individuals of both races, circulating IL-6 increased ~two-fold 24 hours after vaccination (both P<0.01) and returned to baseline levels by 48 hours, while FMD remained unchanged. Although macrovascular function was unaffected by acute inflammation in AA and CA individuals, AA endothelial cells exhibited increased susceptibility to acute inflammation and unique changes in related miR.
NMR Internal Standard Signal Shifts Due To Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes.

Nuclear magnetic resonance-based screening of materials is a powerful tool for quality control, authenticity testing, and purity testing of compounds. However, reliance on 3-(trimethylsilyl)-propane-1-sulfonate (DSS) and 3-(trimethylsilyl)propanoic acid (TMSP) for referencing the spectra of aqueous samples is not without hazard, particularly with automated analyses. The assumption that these reference signals always represent 0 ppm is ubiquitous in NMR spectroscopy and is routinely used for spectral alignment. However, it has been found that cyclodextrins readily generate inclusion complexes with DSS and TMSP with the effect of rendering this assumption incorrect. These inclusion complexes alter the electronic shielding of the trimethylsilane functional groups on DSS and TMSP yielding a small, but significant, shift to a higher frequency in the signal relied upon for spectral referencing. As a result, samples containing traces of these compounds may be incorrectly declared fraudulent, inconsistent with standards, or adulterated. In order to maintain the viability of this screening method, vigilance and or improved referencing of spectra is needed.
Förster Resonance Energy Transfer Nanoplatform Based on Recognition-Induced Fusion/Fission of DNA Mixed Micelles for Nucleic Acid Sensing

The dynamic nature of micellar nanostructures is employed to form a self-assembled Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) nanoplatform for enhanced sensing of DNA. The platform consists of lipid oligonucleotide FRET probes incorporated into micellar scaffolds, where single recognition events result in fusion and fission of DNA mixed micelles, triggering the fluorescence response of multiple rather than a single FRET pair. In comparison to conventional FRET substrates where a single donor interacts with a single acceptor, the micellar multiplex FRET system showed ∼20- and ∼3-fold enhancements in the limit of detection and FRET efficiency, respectively. This supramolecular signal amplification approach could potentially be used to improve FRET-based diagnostic assays of nucleic acid and non-DNA based targets.
Label3DMaize: toolkit for 3D point cloud data annotation of maize shoots

Abstract Background The 3D point cloud is the most direct and effective data form for studying plant structure and morphology. In point cloud studies, the point cloud segmentation of individual plants to organs directly determines the accuracy of organ-level phenotype estimation and the reliability of the 3D plant reconstruction. However, highly accurate, automatic, and robust point cloud segmentation approaches for plants are unavailable. Thus, the high-throughput segmentation of many shoots is challenging. Although deep learning can feasibly solve this issue, software tools for 3D point cloud annotation to construct the training dataset are lacking. Results We propose a top-to-down point cloud segmentation algorithm using optimal transportation distance for maize shoots. We apply our point cloud annotation toolkit for maize shoots, Label3DMaize, to achieve semi-automatic point cloud segmentation and annotation of maize shoots at different growth stages, through a series of operations, including stem segmentation, coarse segmentation, fine segmentation, and sample-based segmentation. The toolkit takes ∼4–10 minutes to segment a maize shoot and consumes 10–20% of the total time if only coarse segmentation is required. Fine segmentation is more detailed than coarse segmentation, especially at the organ connection regions. The accuracy of coarse segmentation can reach 97.2% that of fine segmentation. Conclusion Label3DMaize integrates point cloud segmentation algorithms and manual interactive operations, realizing semi-automatic point cloud segmentation of maize shoots at different growth stages. The toolkit provides a practical data annotation tool for further online segmentation research based on deep learning and is expected to promote automatic point cloud processing of various plants.
Seasonal variation of decompensated heart failure admissions and mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa, Cameroon.

BACKGROUND Epidemiological data of heart failure (HF) decompensation from the northern hemisphere suggests higher rates during winter. OBJECTIVES We aimed to explore the seasonal variation in decompensated HF admission and mortality rates in a country with equatorial climate. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study by chart review of the admission, discharge registries and patient files from 2016 to 2018 in the cardiology unit of the Yaoundé Central Hospital, Cameroon. Data was collected on HF morbidity and mortality from the registers and patients' files. Corresponding seasonal climatic data was obtained from the meteorology office of the Cameroonian ministry of transports. Analysis of variance and Chi-square test were respectively used to compare the continuous and categorical data between across seasons. Correlation between continuous data was assess with the Spearman correlation. RESULTS Decompensated HF accounted for 636 (36.2%) out 1755 cardiology unit admission and an 18% lethality rate. Decompensated HF admission, mortality and lethality rates were respectively 38.2%, 6.7% and 17.9% higher during the long rainy season (all P values>0.05). We observed a borderline-to-significant inverse linear continuous correlation between monthly temperatures and admission rate (r=-0.301; P=0.070), lethality rate (r=-0.361; P=0.030) and mortality rate (r=-0.385; P=0.020). There was no significant difference of the distribution of precipitating factors between seasons. CONCLUSION Although statistically insignificant, decompensated HF admissions and mortality increase in rainy season where the temperature is lower in an equatorial climate.
An RNAi Screening of Clinically Relevant Transcription Factors Regulating Human Adipogenesis and Adipocyte Metabolism

Abstract Context Healthy hyperplasic (many but smaller fat cells) white adipose tissue (WAT) expansion is mediated by recruitment, proliferation and/or differentiation of new fat cells. This process (adipogenesis) is controlled by transcriptional programs that have been mostly identified in rodents. Objective A systemic investigation of adipogenic human transcription factors (TFs) that are relevant for metabolic conditions has not been revealed previously. Methods TFs regulated in WAT by obesity, adipose morphology, cancer cachexia, and insulin resistance were selected from microarrays. Their role in differentiation of human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hASC) was investigated by RNA interference (RNAi) screen. Lipid accumulation, cell number, and lipolysis were measured for all screened factors (148 TFs). RNA (RNAseq), protein (Western blot) expression, insulin, and catecholamine responsiveness were examined in hASC following siRNA treatment of selected target TFs. Results Analysis of TFs regulated by metabolic conditions in human WAT revealed that many of them belong to adipogenesis-regulating pathways. The RNAi screen identified 39 genes that affected fat cell differentiation in vitro, where 11 genes were novel. Of the latter JARID2 stood out as being necessary for formation of healthy fat cell metabolic phenotype by regulating expression of multiple fat cell phenotype-specific genes. Conclusion This comprehensive RNAi screening in hASC suggests that a large proportion of WAT TFs that are impacted by metabolic conditions might be important for hyperplastic adipose tissue expansion. The screen also identified JARID2 as a novel TF essential for the development of functional adipocytes.
Insights into the skin microbiome of sickle cell disease leg ulcers

Leg ulcers are estimated to occur in 1%–10% of North American patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Their pathophysiology remains poorly defined, but as with other chronic wounds, it is hypothesised that the microbial milieu, or microbiome, contributes to their healing and clinical outcomes. This study utilises 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing to describe, for the first time, the microbiome of the SCD leg ulcer and its association with clinical factors. In a cross‐sectional analysis of 42 ulcers, we recovered microbial profiles similar to other chronic wounds in the predominance of anaerobic bacteria and opportunistic pathogens including Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, and Finegoldia. Ulcers separated into two clusters: one defined by predominance of Staphylococcus and smaller surface area, and the other displaying a greater diversity of taxa and larger surface area. We also find that the relative abundance of Porphyromonas is negatively associated with haemoglobin levels, a key clinical severity indicator for SCD, and that Finegoldia relative abundance is negatively associated with CD19+ B cell count. Finally, ratios of Corynebacterium:Lactobacillus and Staphylococcus:Lactobacillus are elevated in the intact skin of individuals with a history of SCD leg ulcers, while the ratio of Lactobacillus:Bacillus is elevated in that of individuals without a history of ulcers. Investigations of the skin microbiome in relation to SCD ulcer pathophysiology can inform clinical guidelines for this poorly understood chronic wound, as well as enhance broader understanding about the role of the skin microbiome in delayed wound healing.
Antioxidant Constituents from the Bark of Aglaia eximia (Meliaceae)

The genus Aglaia is a a rich source of different compounds with interesting biological activities. A part of our continuing search for novel biologically active compounds from Indonesia Aglaia plants, the ethyl acetate extract of bark of Aglaia eximia showed significant antioxidant activity. Four antioxidant compounds, kaempferol ( 1 ), kaempferol-3- O- α-L-rhamnoside (2), kaempferol-3- O- β-D-glucoside (3) and kaempferol-3- O -β-D-glucosyl-(1→4)-α-L-rhamnoside (4) were isolated from the bark of Aglaia eximia (Meliaceae). The chemical structures of compounds 1 - 4 were identified on the basis of spectroscopic datas including UV, IR, NMR and MS along with by comparison with those spectra datas previously reported. All compounds showed DPPH radical-scavenging activity with IC 50 values of 1.18, 6.34, 8.17, 10.63 m g/mL, respectively.
Occurrence of Steroid Sex Hormone Progesterone in influent and effluent of Oxidation Pond and the river outlet of waste water treatment case study

Background and Objective: This studied about the occurrence of Endocrine Disrupting Compound (EDC) in interest of steroid sex hormone progesterone excretion in the environment, that focusing on water resource in terms of effluent and influent of the waste water treatment into the outlet river and environment. Materials and Methods: A method called dispersive liquid-liquid micro extraction with solidification of floating organic drop followed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used for determination of progesterone. The water sample was obtained through grab sample from the influent and effluent of waste water treatment-oxidation pond and the outlet river (Kalansanan river) where the effluent was discharged. Results: Based on the result obtained it is found that there were few detections and occurrences of steroid sex hormone progesterone in the study with detection range from lowest concentration of 4.278±7.411 ng mL–1 and the highest concentration recorded at 16.687±6.233 ng mL–1 and the average concentration of progesterone is at 6.356±3.112 ng mL–1. The highest detection of the progesterone was recorded in the effluent site sampling that indicates that the conventional treatment plant was not able to remove steroid sex hormone progesterone effectively and efficiently. Conclusion: From that point of the study, monitoring on the progesterone presence and status should be done due to the presence of progesterone even in nanogram per milliliter in environment bring and posed a life threat towards the living organism in the environment.
Bioscrubbing, an effective and economic solution to odour control at wastewater treatment plants

Based on odour nuisances from the Damhusaaen Wastewater Treatment Plant in Copenhagen, it was decided that the critical sections of the inlet structure to the treatment plant should be covered and enclosed. The ventilation air, 6000m3/h, is cleaned in a bioscrubber process. These installations have reduced the odour in the surroundings of the treatment plant to the extent that it is no longer noticeable. A cleaning efficiency for hydrogen sulphide of >99% and low residual emissions, <0.1 mg/m3 of organic sulphur compounds, are obtained in the bioscrubber. The consumption of the sodium hydroxide for neutralising the sulphuric acid formed is stoichiometric in relation to the amount of sulphur compounds removed. This results in relatively low operating costs corresponding to half to one fourth of the operating costs of a chemical scrubber at normal influent concentrations. In addition, the bioscrubber has proven reliable with only little maintenance and low space requirements. Abioscrubber can thus be considered an environment-friendly and competitive alternative to chemical scrubbers and biofilters.
Exceptional Cocatalyst‐Free Photo‐Enhanced Piezocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution of Carbon Nitride Nanosheets from Strong In‐Plane Polarization

Utilizing mechanical energy to produce hydrogen is emerging as a promising way to generate renewable energy, but is challenged by low efficiency and scanty cognition. In this work, graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) with an atomically thin sheet‐like structure is applied for prominent piezocatalytic and photo‐enhanced piezocatalytic H2 production. It is revealed that the anomalous piezoelectricity in g‐C3N4 originates from the strong in‐plane polarization along the a‐axis, contributed by the superimposed polar tri‐s‐triazine units and flexoelectric effect derived from the structured triangular cavities, which provides powerful electrochemical driving force for the water reduction reaction. Furthermore, the photo‐enhanced charge transfer enables g‐C3N4 nanosheets to reserve more energized polarization charges to fully participate in the reaction at the surface reactive sites enriched by strain‐induced carbon vacancies. Without any cocatalysts, an exceptional photo‐piezocatalytic H2 evolution rate of 12.16 mmol g−1 h−1 is delivered by the g‐C3N4 nanosheets, far exceeding that of previously reported piezocatalysts and g‐C3N4 photocatalysts. Further, high pure‐water‐splitting performance with production of the value‐added oxidation product H2O2 via photo‐piezocatalysis is also disclosed. This work not only exposes the potential of g‐C3N4 as a piezo‐semiconductor for catalytic H2 evolution, but also breaks a new ground for the conversion of solar and mechanical energy by photomediated piezocatalytic reaction.