Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Elucidation of the mode of action of a furanone based antituberculosis compound

ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The prevalence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been increasing to alarming levels globally. This has been exacerbated by tuberculosis (TB) co-infection with HIV where the epidemic is endemic. South Africa as a developing country is hit hard by TB and efforts to develop TB drugs that are compatible with anti-retroviral medication and also effective against MDR/XDR, could help shorten the treatment duration of the current TB treatment regimens. This thesis presents the identification and characterisation of a novel furanone based compound (F1082) and its derivatives as leads for anti-TB drug development. Furanones are generally known for an array of biological activities ranging from antibacterial, antifungal and antitumor. F1082 has an aromatic benzene structure and was identified from screening synthetic compounds against M. tuberculosis. It is potent against M. tuberculosis at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 8 μg/ml. It is selective for mycobacteria since it did not inhibit the growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at concentrations five times the MIC for M. tuberculosis. F1082 is generally bacteriostatic around MIC concentrations in its effects against M. tuberculosis however; it may be bactericidal at higher concentrations. It is as effective against MDR, XDR and clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis at the same concentration as the M. tuberculosis H37Rv reference strain. This suggests that F1082 may have a different mechanism of action compared to current TB drugs. It has been shown to have no antagonistic effect with the first-line anti-TB drugs and it has been shown to synergize with rifampicin by reducing the MIC of rifampicin. A drawback of F1082 is that it is cytotoxic to human cell lines, but this is presently being addressed through the synthesis of analogues that have shown improved activity and less cytotoxicity. The synthesis of more than 40 analogues has led to identification of 4 compounds that have more than five times higher activity and more than 100 times less cytotoxicity against human cell-lines. Microarray analyses have identified possible metabolic pathway/s in M. tuberculosis that is/are affected by F1082. One subset of genes which showed the most prominent alteration encodes the siderophores, which are involved with iron homeostasis in the M. tuberculosis bacillus. Of these genes, 7 were of interest (mbtB, mbtC, mbtD, mbtE, mbtF, mbtH and bfrB) as they all fall in the same cluster and are involved in iron acquisition. Due to the involvement of iron we also show that F1082 generates oxidative stress that is metal (iron) dependent. From the results we conclude that F1082 is a promising antituberculosis lead compound with unique target properties and also specificity against mycobacteria. %%%%AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die voorkoms van veelvuldige middelweerstandige M.tuberculosis (MDR) en uiters middelweerstandige M.tuberculosis (XDR) is besig om toe te neem teen…
The condom: A turbulent history

Abstract Background and objectives The literature concerning the history of condoms is replete with errors. The paper Youssef published in 1993 is in our opinion the best. We update and expand the information. Methods To mention only established facts, we accessed primary sources, which are identified in the article. Findings The origin of the term ‘condom’ remains an enigma. Plausible hypotheses are that it is derived from either (i) the Latin ‘condĕre’ (to sheathe) or the corresponding noun ‘condus’ (receptacle); or (ii) the Venetian variant ‘gondon’ of the Italian word ‘guantone’ (glove). The earliest identified mention of a similar barrier method is in the legend of Minos and Pasiphae written (in the 2nd century AD) by Antoninus Liberalis. A penile sheath, made from animal gallbladder, was advocated in the 10th century by the Persian physician Al-Akhawayni. The earliest surviving condoms made of animal membranes date back to between 1642 and 1646. Such ‘skin’ condoms became increasingly popular for prevention of venereal disease, but as early as the 18th century their value as contraceptives was appreciated. Rubber condoms were available from 1855; since 1930, they are made of latex. We mention, in parallel, the most striking changes over time in sexual mores and behaviours, and illustrate these by referring to colourful figures such as, among others, Boswell, Mrs Philips, Casanova, Marguerite Gourdan, and Richard Carlile. Conclusion Papers related to this topic often contain errors, which we identify. Condoms over time evolved from animal gut receptacles to reliable contraceptives protecting also against certain sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Chinese Abstract 摘要 背景和目的：关于避孕套历史的相关文献错误百出。 在我们看来Youssef在1993年发表的文章是其中最好的。 在此，我们对相关信息进行更新和扩展。 研究方法：为了本文中所提及内容均为确定的事实，我们查阅了原始文献并在文章中注明。 调查发现：‘condom’一词的词源仍是一个谜。 似合理的假设包括它来源于 (i)拉丁语 ‘conde ? re’ (去遮盖) 或对应的名词‘condus’ (容器)；或 (ii) 意大利语‘guantone’ (手套)的威尼斯变体 ‘gondon’。 最早，Antoninusliberalis在其所著的米诺斯和帕西法厄传说中提及了类似的屏障避孕法（公元前2世纪）。 10世纪时的波斯医生AlAkhawayni提倡使用一种动物胆囊所制的阴茎套。 存世至今最早的避孕套在1642年至1646年由动物膜所制。 出于预防性病的目的，这类“皮肤”质地的避孕套越来越流行，但在18世纪它们避孕的价值才被得知。 在1855年出现了橡胶制避孕套；1930年至今，避孕套由乳胶制成。 同时我们提及了性观念和行为随着时间迁移的最显著变化，并通过描述丰富的人物形象包括Boswell，Mrs Philips，Casanova，Marguerite Gourdan和RrichardCarlile来阐明。 结论：与本主题相关的论文通常含有错误并被我们所鉴定。 随着时间推移，避孕套逐渐由动物消化道容贮演变为可靠的避孕用品，并可抵抗包括HIV在内的数种性传播感染。 关键词 避孕套，避孕，女用避孕套，避孕史，性传播感染
Transvaginal aspiration of ovarian cysts: Our experience over 121 cases

Abstract We performed an evaluation of ultrasound-guided transvaginal aspiration of ovarian cysts as a viable alternative to surgery in 104 reproductive and 17 postmenopausal women. One-hundred and twenty-one patients with a simple >4 cm diameter ovarian cyst, with a benign appearance on ultrasound as well as on clinical and blood examination, underwent transvaginal fine needle aspiration of the cyst under ultrasonographic control. One-hundred and four patients were of reproductive age and 12 were postmenopausal. Sixty women who were of reproductive age and in which OCP treatment was not contraindicated followed a six-month therapy with oral contraceptives after the intervention. In the group of patients of reproductive age under OCP treatment the cyst persisted in nine of the 60 women (recurrence rate 15%). In the other group of patients of reproductive age,under no OCP treatment, the recurrence rate was 47% (21 of the 44 women). In the group of postmenopausal patients, the cyst persisted in ten out of 17 cases (recurrence rate 58,9%). Transvaginal aspiration of ovarian cysts is a reliable alternative to surgery with many advantages such as excellent tolerance, low risk and cost of complications and recurrence. The OCP treatment after aspiration seems to increase the success rate of expectant management.
Endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms: Indications and results

Abstract Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is an attractive alternative to open surgical approach in treating abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). In Nuerenberg in our 14–year experience of 1502 cases (ending December 2007) we used 13 different endografts. The median follow-up was 41 months (1.0–98) and the AAA had a mean diameter of 52.4 mm. Five-hundred and nineteen cases were done using Powerlink grafts. The 30 day mortality was 1.7%. The total reintervention rate was 5.3%, while no distal migration, conversion or post EVAR rupture occurred. At the Army's Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Bucharest, between July 2008 and December 2009, 15 patients underwent EVAR for AAA. We used the following types of endografts: one Anaconda, three Medtronic Talent, seven Endologix Powerlink and four EVITA Jotec. The mean hospitalization time was three days. Follow-up was done by CT-scan at one, three, six, and 12 months. No endoleaks or infection were seen in the short and medium term follow-up. EVAR is an appropriate treatment for selected patients, especially those at high risk for open surgical repair. The future of EVAR as the potential gold standard for aortic aneurysm therapy rests upon the vision and creativity of both surgeons and technology innovators to realize the potential of endovascular interventions.
Managements' perspective on Canadian public health nurses' primary health care practice

An interpretive qualitative study was conducted to examine public health nurses' (PHNs') practice in fostering citizen participation and collaborative practice and the impact of a decade (1992–2002) of health care restructuring. This article presents the perspectives of public health management and a public policy analysis as they relate to PHNs' primary health care practice in Nova Scotia, a province in Eastern Canada. Seven face-to-face interviews were conducted with public health management from across Nova Scotia and 26 relevant public policy documents were analyzed. Three major themes emerged from the coded transcripts and the document analysis: (1) opportunistic shifts in values: constraining structures, operations, and governance; (2) insufficient funding and infrastructure support; (3) opportunities and challenges to PHN capacity and competency. The emergent themes illustrate the unique population health perspective and day-to-day contested realities of public health and PHN practice. The study provides preliminary understanding of PHNs' primary health care practice in Nova Scotia that may resonate with other national and international settings. This knowledge can form a basis for more research to explore the PHNs' practice in the organizational context in which it is embedded. This study was undertaken at a pivotal time in Nova Scotia as the provincial government embarked on primary health care renewal to improve the health of Nova Scotians. The success of this study is in large part attributable to the collaborative effort of university researchers and public health decision makers.
The past, present and future of minimally invasive spine surgery: A review and speculative outlook

Abstract In the last 25 years of spinal surgery, tremendous improvements have been made. The development of smart technologies with the overall aim of reducing surgical trauma has resulted in the concept of minimally invasive surgical techniques. Enhancements in microsurgery, endoscopy and various percutaneous techniques, as well as improvement of implant materials, have proven to be milestones. The advancement of training of spine surgeons and the integration of image guidance with precise intraoperative imaging, computer- and robot-assisted treatment modalities constitute the era of reducing treatment morbidity in spinal surgery. This progress has led to the present era of preserving spinal function. The promise of the continuing evolution of spinal surgery, the era of restoring spinal function, already appears on the horizon. The current state of minimally invasive spine surgery is the result of a long-lasting and consecutive development of smart technologies, along with stringent surgical training practices and the improvement of instruments and techniques. However, much effort in research and development is still mandatory to establish, maintain and evolve minimally invasive spine surgery. The education and training of the next generation of highly specialized spine surgeons is another key point. This paper will give an overview of surgical techniques and methods of the past 25 years, examine what is in place today, and suggest a projection for spine surgery in the coming 25 years by drawing a connection from the past to the future.
Heliclobacter pylori associated chronic gastritis: Endoscopic and pathological findings, comparative study

Helicobacter pylori have been established as a major etiologic factor in the pathogenesis of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and in the development of gastric adenocarcinoma and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. This study was conducted on 100 patients. All underwent upper endoscopy, and antral and corpus, and duodenal biopsies were taken. Findings of endoscopic gastritis were observed in 83 patients (p ˂0.001). Histologically mononuclear inflammatory cellular infiltrates were seen in 95 cases, majority of them showed grade 1 gastritis (64), whereas grade 2 and grade 3 gastritis found in 16 and 15 biopsies. The relationship between endoscopic and histological findings was significant (p ˂0.001). H. pylori colonization was found in the majority of the biopsies (92) (p ˂0.001). This study concluded that accurate endoscopic and histopathological examination of gastritis according to the Sydney grading system is valuable indicator of H. pylori infection. Endoscopical abnormalities suggesting gastritis were significantly correlated with the histopathologic findings. Finally, chronic active gastritis with lymphoid follicles was significantly correlated with H. pylori infection (p ˂0.001). Key words: Chronic gastritis, Helicobacter pylori, endoscopic and histological grading.
Vitamin D in older population: new roles for this ‘classic actor’?

Vitamin D is a group of lipophilic hormones with pleiotropic actions. It has been traditionally related to bone metabolism, although several studies in the last decade have suggested its role in muscle strength and falls, cardiovascular and neurological diseases, insulin-resistance and diabetes, malignancies, autoimmune diseases and infections. Vitamin D appears to be a hormone with several actions and is fundamental for many biological systems including bone, skeletal muscle, brain and heart. The estimated worldwide prevalence of vitamin D deficiency of 50% in elderly subjects underlines the importance of vitamin D deficiency for public health. In this review, we will describe changes in vitamin D levels with age in both sexes, cut off values to define Vitamin D status, the impact of vitamin D deficiency in age-related disease and finally different therapeutic options available to treat Vitamin D deficiency in older populations.
Relationship among lifestyles, aging and psychological wellbeing using the General Health Questionnaire 12-items in Japanese working men

Introduction. The relationship among lifestyle, aging and psychological wellbeing was evaluated in Japanese working men. Methods. Self-administered questionnaire on six lifestyle factors and the General Health Questionnaire 12-item version (GHQ12) were administered to 3306 male workers. Health practice index (HPI) was calculated as a desirable lifestyle score by summing up each binary lifestyle score (0, 1), ranging from 0 to 6. To check validity of the study outcome, the authors repeated twice with 1 year interval. HPI was categorised into three groups by the score of 0–2, 3–4 and 5–6. Results. The number of subjects categorised by HPI was 532, 1967 and 807, respectively. The mean value of GHQ12 significantly decreased as the HPI increased by adjusting age. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to predict GHQ12 by six lifestyle scores, and age, sleep, night snacking and exercise were significantly related to GHQ12. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted and age in 50s, two-shift work, sleep, night snacking and exercise were significantly associated with GHQ12. Conclusion. Although cause–effect relationship cannot make clear, some of desirable health practices and aging were closely related to psychological wellbeing judged by GHQ12.
Significant associations of prostate-specific antigen nadir and time to prostate-specific antigen nadir with survival in prostate cancer patients treated with androgen-deprivation therapy

Objective. The influence of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) kinetics on the outcome of metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) after androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) remains poorly characterised. We evaluated the prognostic significance of PSA nadir and time to PSA nadir as well as their interactive effect on prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) and all-cause mortality (ACM) after ADT. Methods. A total of 650 men with advanced or metastatic PCa treated with ADT were studied. The prognostic significance of PSA nadir and time to PSA nadir on PCSM and ACM were analysed using Kaplan–Meier analysis and the Cox regression model. Results. On multivariate analysis, clinical M1 stage, Gleason Score 8–10, PSA nadir ≥ 0.2 ng/ml and time to PSA nadir < 10 months were independent predictors of PCSM and ACM. The combined analysis showed that patient with higher PSA nadir and shorter time to PSA nadir had significantly higher risk of PCSM and ACM compared to those with lower PSA nadir and longer time to PSA nadir (hazard ratios = 6.30 and 4.79, respectively, all P < 0.001). Conclusions. Our results suggest that higher PSA nadir level and faster time to reach PSA nadir after ADT were associated with shorter survival for PCa.
Evaluation of Immunoglobulin G Responses to Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax in Malian School Children Using Multiplex Bead Assay.

Malaria serology through assaying for IgG against Plasmodium spp. antigens provides evidence into the infection history for an individual. The multiplex bead assay (MBA) allows for detection of IgG against multiple Plasmodium spp. , and can be especially useful in many regions where Plasmodium falciparum is of primary clinical focus, but other species are co-endemic. Dried blood spots were collected from 805 Malian children attending 42 elementary schools in the regions of Mopti, Sikasso, Koulikoro, and Bamako capital district, and IgG assayed by MBA. As southern Mali is known to be holoendemic for P. falciparum, merozoite surface protein 1 19-kDa subunit (MSP-142) and apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA-1) antigens were included for serology against this parasite. Responses to these antigens both provided high estimates for lifetime exposure, with 730 (90%) children with IgG antibodies for MSP-142, 737 (91%) for AMA-1, and 773 (96%) positive for either or both. Also included was the antigen Plasmodium vivax MSP-119, against which 140 (17.4%) children were found to have antibodies. Increases in antibody titers with older age were clearly seen with the P. falciparum antigens, but not with the P. vivax antigen, likely indicating more of a sporadic, rather than sustained transmission for this species. The MBA provides effective opportunities to evaluate malaria transmission through serological analysis for multiple Plasmodium species.
Using hematogram model to predict future metabolic syndrome in elderly: a 4-year longitudinal study

Abstract Objectives: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is proposed to predict future occurrence of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. There are some other “non-traditional” risk factors such as hematogram components that are also related to the same endpoints as MetS. In this four-year longitudinal study, we used hematogram components to build models for predicting future occurrence of MetS in older men and women separately. Methods: Subjects above 65 years without MetS and related diseases were enrolled. All subjects were followed up until they developed MetS or until up to four years from the day of entry, whichever was earlier. Results: Among the 4539 study participants, 1327 developed MetS. Models were built for men and women separately and the areas under the receiver operation curves were significant. The Kaplan–Meier plot showed that the models could predict future MetS. Finally, Cox regression analysis showed that the hematogram model was correlated to future MetS with hazard ratios of 1.567 and 1.738 in men and women, respectively. Conclusion: Our hematogram models could significantly predict future MetS in elderly and might be more practical and convenient for daily clinical practice.
Comparison of questionnaires used for screening and symptom identification in hypogonadal men

Abstract Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) is typically defined as the cluster of symptoms appearing in aging men and accompanied by a decrease in serum testosterone levels. The identification of a simple screening tool with a high level of sensitivity and specificity to predict LOH has remained a challenge. To identify men with LOH, a variety of self-administered questionnaires have been developed including The Saint Louis University Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM) Questionnaire, The Quantitative ADAM (qADAM) Questionnaire, The Aging Male Symptoms (AMS) rating scale, The Massachusetts Male Aging Study (MMAS) questionnaire and The New England Research Institutes (NERI) hypogonadism questionnaire. The applicability of these questionnaires in the clinical setting is debated because some of the symptoms associated with LOH could be attributed to the natural process of aging and comorbidities. The goal of this review is to compare the utility and the validity of the different LOH questionnaires.
Connections between lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic enlargement and metabolic syndrome with its components: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract A significant amount of epidemiological evidences have underlined an emerging link between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic enlargement a (BPE). We aimed to assess the connections between LUTS and MetS with its components. Meta-analysis were conducted to determine the mean differences (MD) and confidence intervals of IPSS total score, IPSS-voiding, IPSS-storage and prostate volume (PV) in patients with or without MetS. Ln(odds-ratio) were calculated to estimate the risk of having moderate-to-severe LUTS (IPSS ≥ 8). Nineteen studies were identified as eligible for this systematic review, with a total of 18,476 participants, including 5554 (30.06%) with and 12 922 (69.94%) without MetS. Pooled analysis did not demonstrate significant MD of IPSS, IPSS-voiding and IPSS-storage in men with or without MetS but PV was significantly different (MD = 2.18; p = 0.03). Presence of MetS was not significantly associated with moderate-to-severe LUTS (odds ratio = 1.13; p = 0.53) and only altered serum triglycerides and diabetes were associated with this risk. The association between MetS and LUTS/BPE remain unclear and further observational studies in a population with metabolic disorders should be conducted in order to address it's potential role in determining LUTS/BPE.
Análisis coste-beneficio del proceso de semiautomatización en la preparación de dosis unitarias por el Servicio de Farmacia

Objetivo: Determinar en t? rminos monetarios los efectos de la implantaci? n de un proceso de semiautomatizaci? n en la preparaci? n de medicamentos por el sistema de distribuci? n mediante Dosis Unitarias. Material y m? todo: Se ha determinado el valor actual neto de los 3 flujos implicados en la valoraci? n de los sistemas semiautom? ticos de preparaci? n de medicamentos para su distribuci? n por dosis unitarias (SSPDU) en un hospital, esto es: inversiones de capital, coste del personal implicado, costes del espacio f? sico utilizado. Resultados: La implantaci? n produce en t? rminos monetarios un ahorro anual de 32.390 U en tiempos de personal y de 5.645 U en gastos estructurales. Globalmente, el movimiento de fondos o flujos de caja es de -96.565 U, estimados para un periodo de amortizaci? n de cinco a? os, siendo el ratio beneficio/coste de 2,19. Conclusi? n: La sustituci? n del proceso tradicional de llenado de carros de dosis unitarias por un proceso semiautom? tico presenta una favorable relaci? n beneficio/coste y su inversi? n es amortizable en 44 meses.