Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distribution Pattern of the Non Polio Enterovirus (NPEV) Rate in Children with Acute Flaccid Paralysis Reported to the Surveillance System in Nigeria 2010-2015

Objective: This study focuses on the reverse cold chain system of stool sample management from cases reported to the AFP surveillance system between 2010 and 2015. Through the distribution of their NPEV isolation rates, we identify lapses in the reverse cold chain management and provide recommendations that should help improve the reverse cold chain system and the AFP surveillance system in general as Nigeria once again matches towards a polio free certification. Methods: A descriptive retrospective study was conducted using AFP surveillance data routinely collected between January 2010 and December 2015 by the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) in Nigeria and the WHO accredited Polio Laboratories. All AFP cases reported to the Disease Surveillance network during this period from all the states were included in the study. EPIINFO—veritable customized software was used to run queries on the access database and obtain the specific data sets required. Results: A total of 52,879 AFP cases were reported from 2010-2015, in which 7288 non-polio enteroviruses were isolated. NPEV isolation rate ranged from 10.8% in the southeast to 20.3% in the northeast with the states in the northern geopolitical zones having higher NPEV rates in comparison to the states in the southern geopolitical zones. The WHO Polio laboratory in Ibadan serves twenty-seven states in the country; the average non-polio AFP rate among states served by this laboratory is 11.7% from a total of 4012 AFP cases recorded. The WHO Polio laboratory in Maiduguri recorded 3276 with an average non-polio AFP rate of 19.2%. Conclusion: Though the country’s NPEV isolation rate remain slightly higher above the 10% recommended by WHO, steps should be taken to enhance the reverse cold-chain system particularly in the southern states. This would increase confidence in the AFP surveillance system in Nigeria as she proceeds once again towards complete polio eradication and meeting certification standards.
B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Predicts Sudden Death in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure

Background— Given the high incidence of sudden death in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and the efficacy of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, an appropriate tool for the prediction of sudden death is desirable. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has prognostic significance in CHF, and the stimuli for its production cause electrophysiological abnormalities. This study tests BNP levels as a predictor of sudden death. Methods and Results— BNP levels, in addition to other neurohormonal, clinical, and hemodynamic variables, were obtained from 452 patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%. For prediction of sudden death, only survivors without heart transplantation (HTx) or a mechanical assist device and patients who died suddenly were analyzed. Up to 3 years, 293 patients survived without HTx or a mechanical assist device, 89 patients died, and 65 patients underwent HTx. Mode of death was sudden in 44 patients (49%), whereas 31 patients (35%) had pump failure and 14 patients.
What Children are Eating and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an insidious, intergenerational disease. Although T2DM presents most often in adults, it is starting to present in childhood. In New Zealand (NZ), the overall prevalence of diagnosed T2DM in the adult population (≥15 years) is 5.8% with double the prevalence in the most deprived quintile of society (8.6% vs 4.4%). Prevalence differs by ethnicity: Māori (7.3%), Pacific (12.5%) and Asian (6.8%) compared with European (4.7%). Patterns of eating as well as rate of childhood growth and body size are three closely connected risk factors for T2DM that may be modifiable across the life course. The key to T2DM prevention is taking into account one’s whole diet and combinations of consumed foods, rather than one food item or nutrient. One in nine NZ children aged 2-14 years are obese (a major risk factor for T2DM). The rate of obesity among children living in the most deprived areas (20%) is higher than children living in the least deprived areas (4%). Diagnosis of diabetes is a common clinical challenge. The measurement of glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in human blood is an indicator of average blood glucose over the previous 2-3 months. This measurement plus elevated serum uric acid (SUA) concentration a risk factor for T2DMcan assist in the identification of the profile for risk for T2DM. The focus of this exploratory PhD was to identify groups of children with distinct eating patterns and investigate the relationships of eating patterns with risk of T2DM, using the blood biomarkers, HbA1c and SUA concentrations. In addition, information concerning conditions at birth (i.e., maternal age, maternal education, birth weight, and gender) and body size (i.e., current weight, height and waist), were examined as possible cofactors and covariates. Four connected investigations were undertaken to collect the information from high-risk children living in Auckland. To this aim, two longitudinal birth cohorts were studied: 1) the Pacific Islands Families (PIF) study at age 14 years, and 2) Metformin in Gestational Diabetes the Follow-up (MiGTOFU) study, at age 9 years. Firstly, a performance and utility investigation of the AfinionTM point of care test (POCT) for HbA1c was conducted with 94 girls and 96 boys aged 15 years in a nested
Re‐evaluation of calcium silicate (E 552), magnesium silicate (E 553a(i)), magnesium trisilicate (E 553a(ii)) and talc (E 553b) as food additives

Abstract The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) provides a scientific opinion re‐evaluating the safety of calcium silicate (E 552), magnesium silicate (E 553a) and talc (E 553b) when used as food additives. In 1991, the Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) established a group acceptable daily intake (ADI) ‘not specified’ for silicon dioxide and silicates. The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) recently provided a scientific opinion re‐evaluating the safety of silicon dioxide (E 551) when used as a food additive. The Panel noted that the absorption of silicates and talc was very low; there was no indication for genotoxicity or developmental toxicity for calcium and magnesium silicate and talc; and no confirmed cases of kidney effects have been found in the EudraVigilance database despite the wide and long‐term use of high doses of magnesium trisilicate up to 4 g/person per day over decades. However, the Panel considered that accumulation of silicon from calcium silicate in the kidney and liver was reported in rats, and reliable data on subchronic and chronic toxicity, carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity of silicates and talc were lacking. Therefore, the Panel concluded that the safety of calcium silicate (E 552), magnesium silicate (E 553a(i)), magnesium trisilicate (E 553a(ii)) and talc (E 553b) when used as food additives cannot be assessed. The Panel considered that there is no mechanistic rationale for a group ADI for silicates and silicon dioxide and the group ADI established by the SCF is obsolete. Based on the food supplement scenario considered as the most representative for risk characterisation, exposure to silicates (E 552–553) for all population groups was below the maximum daily dose of magnesium trisilicate used as an antacid (4 g/person per day). The Panel noted that there were a number of approaches, which could decrease the uncertainties in the current toxicological database. These approaches include – but are not limited to – toxicological studies as recommended for a Tier 1 approach as described in the EFSA Guidance for the submission of food additives and conducted with an adequately characterised material. Some recommendations for the revision of the EU specifications were proposed by the Panel.
Is socio-economic status associated with adverse birth outcomes in Poland?

INTRODUCTION Low birth weight (LBW) is an important indicator of the healthy of the population and reflects the living conditions, health and health behaviours of pregnant women. OBJECTIVE To assess the relationship between Gross Enrollment Rate at the Tertiary Education Level, average salary, Gross Domestic Product per capita, unemployment, housing area, urbanization and low birth weight in Polish sub-regions. MATERIAL AND METHODS An ecological study was undertaken using data on socio-economic and demographic features and LBW in 2005-2014. The units of observation were 66 Polish sub-regions according to the NUTS-3 classification. Two models were used to assess the influence of SES variables on LBW incidence rate in a 10-year study period. The first was the Poisson regression model adjusted for density of population, which was followed by the multivariable model using the GEE method of model parameters estimation. RESULTS In Poland, significant slow changes in the LBW incidence rate were observed in 2005-2014 (AAPC = -0.44%/year). In model 1, the increase in LBW was associated with an increase in unemployment (1.005) and decrease of average salary (0.987), GERTEL (0.990) and housing area (0.991). In model 2, an unfavorable association was detected between the density of population (1.068) and a still existing relationship with unemployment (1.004), average salary (0.990) and GERTEL (0.991). CONCLUSIONS Protective factors for newborns' health were a higher level of education and income. The results indicate the need to take actions to reduce the risk factors of LBW among pregnant women living in densely populated areas.
TLR4 overexpression enhances saturated fatty acid–induced inflammatory cytokine gene expression in sheep

Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) can directly stimulate innate immune responses, thereby exacerbating inflammatory aspects of metabolic syndrome. Dietary SFAs act as ligands of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), triggering associated signaling pathways. In this study, we investigated the role of TLR4 in palm oil SFA-associated inflammatory cytokine gene expression in monocytes/macrophages and adipose tissue using TLR4-overexpressing genetically modified sheep. SFA stimulation resulted in upregulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and interleukin-10 (IL-10), and TLR4 overexpression enhanced such SFA-induced inflammatory cytokine expression. Moreover, SFAs markedly activated MyD88-dependent signaling, including IL-1 receptor–associated kinase 4 (IRAK4), TNF receptor–associated factor 6 (TRAF6), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Taken together, our results indicate that TLR4 overexpression enhances the SFA-induced inflammatory response through MyD88-dependent signaling in monocytes/macrophages and adipose tissue.
A case series on conservative management in pregnancies with abnormal placentation in obstetrics: placenta accrete, increta and percreta

Adherent placenta is one of the important causes of post- partum hemorrhage. Placenta accreta-related pathologies are an increasing contributor to maternal death from hemorrhage. With the rising caesarean delivery rate the incidence of placenta accreta has significantly increased. Morbidly adherent placenta (MAP) occurs when there is a defect in the decidua basalis, resulting in an abnormal invasion of the placenta into the substance of the uterus. A multidisciplinary approach is relevant in managing these patients in order to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with morbidly adherent placenta. A non-surgical conservative method is to leave the placenta in situ to reabsorb and institute treatment with chemotherapeutic agents, such as methotrexate. With improvement in the medical services conservative management for adherent placenta has gained significance.
Role Of Thromboxane (TXA2 ) And Adp In Collagen-Induced Platelet Aggregation

TXA2 and prostaglandins (PGs) released during collagen- induced aggregation of rabbit platelets were bioassayed on rabbit aorta (RA) and rat stomach strip (RSS) respectively in a cascade system. Platelet aggregation was monitored simultaneously. The technique was used to examine modulation of aggregation and release of TXA2 and PGs by inhibitors of TX synthetase (l-(7-carboxyheptyl)imidazole) (CHI) and cyclo-oxygenase (CO) (indomethacin, Indo). At low dose collagen (5-10 μg/ml) Indo and CHI completely inhibited platelet aggregation in a dose-related fashion. In contrast, at high dose collagen (50 μg/ml) these compounds gave only a partial (30-40%) inhibition of aggregation, at a dose which abolished CO and TX synthetase activity. The substrate/enzyme combination of creatine phosphate (CP) 5mM and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) 10 units/ml (which converts ADP to ATP) completely inhibited aggregation induced by low dose collagen but only partially inhibited (20%) that induced by high dose collagen. Neither CP nor CPK alone was effective. A mixture of both CP/CPK and CHI abolished the platelet aggregation induced by a high dose of collagen. These studies support the concept that collagen-induced aggregation is dependent on at least two mechanisms. Firstly, at low collagen concentration, subthreshold levels of released ADP and TXA2 act synergistically in inducing platelet aggregation since either CP/CPK or CHI abolished aggregation. Secondly, at high collagen concentration, sufficient ADP and TXA2 are released to induce aggregation independently of each other, since CP/CPK or CHI produced only partial inhibition of aggregation, whilst in combination aggregation was abolished. Furthermore, the results suggest that endoperoxides play no significant role in collagen-induced platelet aggregation.
Using light to shape chemical gradients for parallel and automated analysis of chemotaxis

Numerous molecular components have been identified that regulate the directed migration of eukaryotic cells toward sources of chemoattractant. However, how the components of this system are wired together to coordinate multiple aspects of the response, such as directionality, speed, and sensitivity to stimulus, remains poorly understood. Here we developed a method to shape chemoattractant gradients optically and analyze cellular chemotaxis responses of hundreds of living cells per well in 96‐well format by measuring speed changes and directional accuracy. We then systematically characterized migration and chemotaxis phenotypes for 285 siRNA perturbations. A key finding was that the G‐protein Giα subunit selectively controls the direction of migration while the receptor and Gβ subunit proportionally control both speed and direction. Furthermore, we demonstrate that neutrophils chemotax persistently in response to gradients of fMLF but only transiently in response to gradients of ATP. The method we introduce is applicable for diverse chemical cues and systematic perturbations, can be used to measure multiple cell migration and signaling parameters, and is compatible with low‐ and high‐resolution fluorescence microscopy.
Effectiveness of Therapeutic Non-operative Management of WoundHealing in Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Systematic Review

Background: Therapeutic non-operative management is an important part in healing the wounds of diabetic foot ulcer but the most effective methode among this remain questionable. This study aims to identify effective intervention to treat diabetic foot ulcer with therapeutic non-operative management by systematic review and followed the PRISMA statetment guidelines. Methods: Scopus, PubMed, and Science Direct database from 2012 – 2018 were search for the relevant keyword. All included studies were access base on (1) random controled trial, (2) case-control studies and (3) cohort studies. Results: 19 out of 1651 papers were including. Two articles suggest that advanced biologic therapy, the bioengineered living cellular construct (BLCC) of human fibroblast-derived dermal subtitution (HFDS) and advanced skin substitution using grafix have a significant. Five articles reported electrophysical therapy has significant. Two articles reported hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) had a significant and one article reported no effect. Five articles state that the NPWT has a significant influence on wound healing. Three studies reported that TCC resulted in a statistically significant to be an effective treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Conclusions: NPWT should as promising therapeutic non-operative management in treating diabetic foot ulcer. Additional further randomized control trial design study needed to strengthen the finding.
Effects of feed enzymes on nutritive value of hybrid triticale x Agrotriticum kernels for broiler chickens

The nutritional value of hybrid triticale x Agrotriticum (Triticum aestivum x Agropyron) kernels (TW) for broiler chickens was evaluated. An experiment was carried out on 40 threeweek-old broiler chickens, kept in individual cages and allocated to 4 groups, 10 birds per group. Four experimental diets were formulated, two basal wheat- and soyabean meal-based diets, unsupplemented (B) or supplemented with a xylanase preparation (BX) and two diets composed of TW mixed in a 1:1 proportion with basal diets B or BX, the latter supplemented with a β-glucanase preparation at a rate of 1 g per kg of TW. Trypsin inhibitor activity in TW seeds was 1.46 TUI/g, the amino acid composition of protein was similar as triticale protein. Ileal digesta viscosity in the group fed the diet with 50% TW seeds reached 5.1 mPas . s and decreased to 3.1 mPas · s after xylanase and β-glucanase supplementation. The apparent protein, fat and NFE digestibility of TW seeds was 88, 71 and 91%, respectively; protein and fat digestibility increased after enzyme supplementation. It may be concluded that TW seeds can be a valuable component of poultry diets after xylanase and β-glucanase supplementation.
Pharmacological and Behavioral Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder

Objective: Opioid use disorder (OUD) in the United States has surged, with an estimated 2.5 million needing treatment. The aim of this article is to provide a clinical overview of the key pharmacological and behavioral treatments for OUD. Methods: A nonsystematic review of the literature was conducted to investigate OUD treatments, including their mechanism of action, efficacy, clinical guidelines in the United States, and consideration of frequently occurring comorbid conditions. Results: Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved pharmacotherapies for OUD include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, each of which has different actions on opioid receptors. Although these medications all show efficacy in some dosages and formulations, barriers to accessibility may be most pronounced for methadone, whereas treatment retention poses greater challenges for naltrexone and, to a lesser extent, buprenorphine. Lofexidine, an α2‐adrenergic agonist, has recently been approved by the FDA for treatment of opioid withdrawal symptoms. OUD is commonly treated with medication‐assisted treatment (MAT), which offers pharmacotherapy in the context of counseling and/or behavioral treatments. Behavioral therapies, rarely offered as stand‐alone treatments for OUD, are generally used in the context of MAT, in structured settings or to prevent relapse after detoxification and stabilization. The aim of behavioral interventions is to improve medication compliance and target problems not addressed with medication alone. Individuals with OUD commonly have other comorbid psychiatric and substance use conditions, which are not exclusionary for initiating MAT but should be carefully evaluated and monitored because they may reduce treatment effectiveness. Conclusions: MAT is the first‐line treatment for patients with OUD and should be provided in combination with behavioral interventions. Treatment retention remains challenging in this population. Future studies should focus on approaches that will serve the complex needs of patients with OUD, including those with comorbid psychiatric and substance use conditions.
New Zealand's Economic Native Plants

The native flora of New Zealand is to be treasured not only as among the most ancient in the world but also as a valuable resource. Dr Cooper and Professor Cambie draw on their knowledge of traditional Maori usage, scientific research, and economic developments in this account of past, present, and possible future uses of many of New Zealand's plants. The authors conduct a critical review of the materials and products which can be obtained from plants, and of the planting of some species for physical effect. Many of the applications they examine are in chemistry (dyestuffs, tannins, resin acids, alkaloids) and horticulture (plants for gardens and conservatories); others concern the extraction or manufacture of medicinal products, food and beverages, fibres, essential oils, and perfumes. Plants may check erosion or slow run-off, and are always of scenic value. Grasses can be used for pasture or turf; microalgae are important oxygenators of sewage ponds. Lichens fix atmospheric nitrogen, vital to the well-being of forests, themselves a source of timber. Informing their account throughout is the authors' belief that the genetic resource of New Zealand's native flora should be tended and maintained, in stark contrast to the traditional European approach of exploitation and replacement with introduced species. Plants are listed with common, scientific, and Maori names, and there is a comprehensive index of chemical terms. The book is illustrated with photographs both of paintings and actual specimens. Broad in its appeal, New Zealand's Economic Native Plants will interest teachers and students of botany, ecology, chemistry, biology, and Maori Studies, at secondary and tertiary level, as well as horticulturalists, historians, environmentalists, chemists, and entrepreneurs.
Effects of Regular Follow-up on Quality of Life and Warfarin Efficiency in Rural Patients

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effects of regular follow-up and education on warfarin efficiency, satisfaction, and the quality of life in patients from rural areas. Methods: A total of 133 patients from rural areas taking warfarin were followed up for the mean of 17.4±0.5 months (mean age 58±13 years, 72.9% female). All patients were educated and followed up by a single cardiologist prospectively. A list and an illustrated booklet presenting foods that interact with warfarin and a follow-up chart were prepared for each patient. An illustrated scheme of pills that were to be taken every day was prepared for illiterate patients. The international normalized ratio (INR) values during and 1 year before the study were recorded from the hospital system, and the time in therapeutic range (TTR) was calculated. The Duke Anticoagulation Satisfaction Scale was conducted at the start and end of the study to determine patients’ satisfaction with warfarin use. Furthermore, the Medical Outcomes Study Form 36 (SF-36) was used for determining the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Results: A total of 45.9% of patients were illiterate, and 33.8% were primary school graduates. The median TTR during the follow-up increased significantly compared with the previous year [40.0 (IQR 36.5) vs. 62.1 (IQR 29.3); p<0.001]. Furthermore, the number of patients with TTR>70% increased significantly (36.8% vs. 21.1%, respectively; p<0.001). Unfortunately, patients’ HRQoL and satisfaction with warfarin use were found to have deteriorated significantly compared to the basal levels. Conclusion: We found that the efficiency of warfarin increased significantly, but interestingly, HRQoL and the satisfaction with warfarin use deteriorated significantly after regular education and follow-up in patients from rural areas.