Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Current Management Strategies of Chronic Kidney Disease in Resource-Limited Countries

Abstract The incidence and prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney failure continues to increase worldwide, especially in resource-limited countries. Many countries in this category already have a massive burden of communicable diseases, as well as socio-economic and socio-demographic challenges. The rising CKD burden and exorbitant economic cost associated with treatment are mainly responsible for the alarming mortality rate associated with kidney disease in these regions. There is often poor risk factor (diabetes and hypertension) and CKD awareness in these countries and limited availability and affordability of treatment options. Given these observations, early disease detection and preventive measures remain the best options for disease management in resource-limited settings. Primary, secondary and tertiary preventive strategies need to be enhanced and should particularly include measures to increase awareness, regular assessment to detect hypertension, diabetes and albuminuria, options for early referral of identified patients to a nephrologist and options for conservative kidney management where kidney replacement therapies may not be available or indicated. Much is still needed to be done by governments in these regions, especially regarding healthcare funding, improving the primary healthcare systems and enhancing non-communicable disease detection and treatment programs as these will have effects on kidney care in these regions.
COI Barcoding of the Shorebirds: Rates of Evolution and the Identification of Species

This study assembles COI barcodes from 1814 specimens from the shorebird order, Charadriiformes and examines variation relative to time, rate of evolution and taxonomic level. In the suborder Scolopaci, 95% of sampled species were identified correctly. COI barcode variation within monotypic species was low (0-1% maximum distance) but showed a wide range within polytypic species (0-5%). Preliminary Charadrii results suggest similar trends but success is reduced in the third suborder, Lari. Rates of COI evolution are found to be lowest in the Lari and this leads to reduced species identification in recently radiated families: just 49% of the Laridae and 57% of the Stercoraridae are identified but 100% of the older Alcidae. In the faster Scolopaci, subspecies are at the limit of resolution with some well differentiated subspecies not distinguished by barcodes. The interplay of evolutionary rates, divergence dates and gene flow appears to determine COI barcode differentiation between taxa.
The response of growing pigs to amino acids as influenced by environmental temperature: tryptophan

An experiment was performed to measure the response of young pigs to dietary tryptophan (TRP) concentrations and environmental temperatures. Seventy-two entire male Large White ✕ Landrace pigs were assigned to one of six dietary treatments (2·90 (T1), 2·46 (T2), 2·01 (T3), 1·57 (T4), 1·12 (T5) g/kg and T5 + supplemented TRP (T6)) and one of three temperature treatments (20, 25 and 30°C) at a mean starting live weight of 14·38 (s.e. 0·201)kg. Animals were given ad libitum access to food until a final weight of 26·42 (s.e. 0·479) kg. There were no significant interactions between temperature and dietary TRP on any production variable. There was a significant (P
WDR5 Promotes Proliferation and Correlates with Poor Prognosis in Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background The WD40 protein family member WD repeat domain 5 (WDR5) plays significant roles in the tumorigenesis and development of multiple organ tumours. However, the correlation between WDR5 expression and oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has not been elucidated. Methods WDR5 mRNA expression data were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and the expression and prognostic potential of WDR5 were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation assay and cell cycle evaluation were performed to verify the WDR5 function in vitro. The xenograft model was used to verify WDR5 function in vivo. Results The mRNA and protein expression levels of WDR5 were significantly upregulated in ESCC tissues compared with expression in adjacent normal tissues. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that high WDR5 expression in ESCC patients was associated with poor overall survival (P=0.004). Multivariate analysis revealed that WDR5 overexpression emerged as an independent predictor of poor overall survival (P=0.013) in ESCC. The in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that downregulation of WDR5 expression blocked cell proliferation of ESCC. Mechanistically, we found that WDR5 may influence ESCC proliferation by targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. Conclusion Our data demonstrate that overexpression of WDR5 was associated with poor prognosis in patients with ESCC and that WDR5 may act as a potential novel prognostic biomarker for ESCC.
Validity of Acute Cardiovascular Outcome Diagnoses Recorded in European Electronic Health Records: A Systematic Review

Background: Electronic health records are widely used in cardiovascular disease research. We appraised the validity of stroke, acute coronary syndrome and heart failure diagnoses in studies conducted using European electronic health records. Methods: Using a prespecified strategy, we systematically searched seven databases from dates of inception to April 2019. Two reviewers independently completed study selection, followed by partial parallel data extraction and risk of bias assessment. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value estimates were narratively synthesized and heterogeneity between sensitivity and PPV estimates were assessed using I 2 . Results: We identified 81 studies, of which 20 validated heart failure diagnoses, 31 validated acute coronary syndrome diagnoses with 29 specifically recording estimates for myocardial infarction, and 41 validated stroke diagnoses. Few studies reported specificity or negative predictive value estimates. Sensitivity was ≤66% in all but one heart failure study, ≥80% for 91% of myocardial infarction studies, and ≥70% for 73% of stroke studies. PPV was ≥80% in 74% of heart failure, 88% of myocardial infarction, and 70% of stroke studies. PPV by stroke subtype was variable, at ≥80% for 80% of ischaemic stroke but only 44% of haemorrhagic stroke. There was considerable heterogeneity (I 2 >75%) between sensitivity and PPV estimates for all diagnoses. Conclusion: Overall, European electronic health record stroke, acute coronary syndrome and heart failure diagnoses are accurate for use in research, although validity estimates for heart failure and individual stroke subtypes were lower. Where possible, researchers should validate data before use or carefully interpret the results of previous validation studies for their own study purposes.
Bifunctional Therapeutic Application of Low-Frequency Ultrasound Associated with Zinc Phthalocyanine-Loaded Micelles

Purpose Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is a new therapeutic modality for the noninvasive cancer treatment based on the association of ultrasound and sonosensitizer drugs. Topical SDT requires the development of delivery systems to properly transport the sonosensitizer, such as zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc), to the skin. In addition, the delivery system itself can participate in sonodynamic events and influence the therapeutic response. This study aimed to develop ZnPc-loaded micelle to evaluate its potential as a topical delivery system and as a cavitational agent for low-frequency ultrasound (LFU) application with the dual purpose of promoting ZnPc skin penetration and generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) for SDT. Methods ZnPc-loaded micelles were developed by the thin-film hydration method and optimized using the Quality by Design approach. Micelles’ influence on LFU-induced cavitation activity was measured by potassium iodide dosimeter and aluminum foil pits experiments. In vitro skin penetration of ZnPc was assessed after pretreatment of the skin with LFU and simultaneous LFU treatment using ZnPc-loaded micelles as coupling media followed by 6 h of passive permeation of ZnPc-loaded micelles. The singlet oxygen generation by LFU irradiation of the micelles was evaluated using two different hydrophilic probes. The lipid peroxidation of the skin was estimated using the malondialdehyde assay after skin treatment with simultaneous LFU using ZnPc-loaded micelles. The viability of the B16F10 melanoma cell line was evaluated using resazurin after treatment with different concentrations of ZnPc-loaded micelles irradiated or not with LFU. Results The micelles increased the solubility of ZnPc and augmented the LFU-induced cavitation activity in two times compared to water. After 6 h ZnPc-loaded micelles skin permeation, simultaneous LFU treatment increased the amount of ZnPc in the dermis by more than 40 times, when compared to non-LFU-mediated treatment, and by almost 5 times, when compared to LFU pretreatment protocol. The LFU irradiation of micelles induced the generation of singlet oxygen, and the lipoperoxidation of the skin treated with the simultaneous LFU was enhanced in three times in comparison to the non-LFU-treated skin. A significant reduction in cell viability following treatment with ZnPc-loaded micelles and LFU was observed compared to blank micelles and non-LFU-treated control groups. Conclusion LFU-irradiated mice can be a potential approach to skin cancer treatment by combining the functions of increasing drug penetration and ROS generation required for SDT.
Comparison of Visual Performance and Patient Satisfaction Outcomes with Two Trifocal IOLs with Similar Optical Design but Different Materials

Purpose To compare clinical outcomes in a prospective trial of cataract surgery patients bilaterally implanted with two different trifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) with very similar optical designs but consisting of different IOL materials (hydrophobic and hydrophilic). Patients and Methods Fifty-one patients (102 eyes) were randomized to receive trifocal IOLs bilaterally – FineVision POD F (hydrophilic) or FineVision POD F GF (hydrophobic) (both PhysIOL, Liége, Belgium). The follow-up period was 3 months. Outcome measurements included uncorrected distance (UDVA), corrected distance (CDVA), distance-corrected intermediate (DCIVA), and distance-corrected near visual acuity (DCNVA), refraction, negative dysphotopsia, optical quality of vision, contrast sensitivity under photopic and mesopic conditions, halometry (discrimination index), and patient-reported outcomes. Results At the final study visit, mean (SD) values for binocular UDVA, CDVA, DCIVA (80 cm), and DCNVA (40 cm) were −0.01 (0.06), −0.04 (0.04), 0.09 (0.10), and 0.10 (0.09) logMAR, respectively, for POD F, and 0.01 (0.08), −0.03 (0.03), 0.08 (0.1), and 0.13 (0.11) respectively, for POD F GF. Defocus assessments showed a continuous curve with a functional range of visual acuity (≤0.15 logMAR) from ~30 cm to infinity in both groups. The discrimination index was >0.85 for all patients, and both groups showed similar contrast sensitivity under photopic and mesopic conditions. At 3 months, no patient reported negative dysphotopsia, and high satisfaction rates were observed. Conclusion Clinical outcomes showed no significant difference between each lens when measured at 1 month and 3 months after implantation. This equally good clinical performance of hydrophilic and hydrophobic trifocal lenses allows the surgeon to choose the IOL material based on personal preferences or patients’ needs.
The Clinical Utility of Salivary Biomarkers in the Identification of Type 2 Diabetes Risk and Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract Type 2 diabetes is traditionally diagnosed by the use of an oral glucose tolerance test and/or HbA1c, both of which require serum collection. Various biomarkers, which are measurable biological substances that provide clinical insight on disease state, have also been effective in the early identification and risk prediction of inflammatory diseases. Measuring biomarker concentrations has traditionally been obtained through serum collection as well. However, numerous biomarkers are detectable in saliva. Salivary analysis has more recently been introduced into research as a potential non-invasive, cost-effective diagnostic for the early identification of type 2 diabetes risk in adults and youth. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to compare 6 established inflammatory biomarkers of type 2 diabetes, in serum and saliva, and determine if similar diagnostic effectiveness is seen in saliva. A lack of standardized salivary analysis, processing, and collection accounts for errors and inconsistencies in conclusive data amongst studies. Proposing a national standardization in salivary analysis, coupled with increased data and research on the utility of saliva as a diagnostic, poses the potential for salivary analysis to be used in diagnostic settings.
Correlation Between Psoriasis Severity and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Degree Measured Using Controlled Attenuation Parameter

Background A growing body of evidence links psoriasis to several metabolic disorders, but the causal relationship between psoriasis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains understudied. Purpose To measure the correlation between the severity of psoriasis and the degree of NAFLD. Patients and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on adult patients with psoriasis in the Dermatovenereology Outpatient Clinic of Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital from December 2017 through February 2018. Psoriasis severity (psoriasis area and severity index [PASI] and body surface area [BSA]) was recorded and compared with NAFLD degree measured by controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). Results A total of 36 subjects were enrolled with an average age of 49.08 years (±15.52 years). The proportions of mild, moderate, and severe psoriasis were 50%, 27.8%, and 22.2%, respectively. Median of PASI was 6.1 (2–38.4) and BSA was 7.5 (2–93). The proportion of NAFLD was 77.8%. The mean of the CAP score was 250.03±45.64. There was no statistically significant correlation between psoriasis severity based on PASI and CAP score (r = 0.258; p = 0.128). However, if the degree of psoriasis was based on BSA, a significant correlation was found (r = 0.382; p = 0.021). The body mass index (BMI) and abdominal circumference were significantly correlated with CAP score (r = 0.448, p = 0.006 and r = 0.485, p = 0.003, respectively). Conclusion Psoriasis extension correlates with NAFLD severity; further studies should assess in detail the effect of therapies on this pathophysiological link.
The Associations of Serum Vitamin D and Bone Turnover Markers with the Type and Severity of Hip Fractures in Older Women

Purpose Vitamin D (25[OH]D) status and bone turnover markers (BTMs) are considered important determinants of bone quality, which is associated with the risk of hip fractures, including both femoral neck and intertrochanteric fractures, in older adults; however, the exact relationship of 25(OH)D and BTMs with the type and severity of hip fractures remains unclear and the present study aimed to identify any specific associations. Patients and Methods According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 441 older female patients with hip fractures from 2015 to 2020 and 215 women without hip fractures were included in this cross-sectional study. According to Garden and AO/OTA classifications for femoral neck and intertrochanteric fractures, patients were divided into less severe (Garden I and Garden II; 31A1) and more severe (Garden III and Garden IV; 31A2 and 31A3) fracture groups. Levels of the serum osteoblast indicator, N-terminal/mid region (N-MID); the osteoclast indicator, beta-carboxy terminal telopeptide (β-CTX); and 25(OH)D were analyzed. Results For patients with less severe fractures, mean 25(OH)D levels were significantly higher than those with more severe fractures (17.67 vs 15.30 ng/mL, p = 0.006). Higher 25(OH)D levels were also observed in patients with less severe intertrochanteric fractures (p = 0.01). After adjustments for confounders, 25(OH)D remained a risk factor for patients with more severe fractures (p = 0.01), particularly those with intertrochanteric fractures (p = 0.011). No significant differences in BTMS were found between patients with less severe and more severe fractures. Conclusion Levels of 25(OH)D were significantly associated with the severity of intertrochanteric, but not femoral neck, fractures. Neither 25(OH)D nor BTMs were associated with the type of hip fracture in older women. Separate consideration of intertrochanteric and femoral neck fractures may be appropriate when investigating the clinical association between 25(OH)D and the severity of hip fractures in older women.
Ocular Surface Changes After Switching from Other Prostaglandins to Tafluprost and Preservative-Free Tafluprost in Glaucoma Patients

Purpose To study ocular surface disease (OSD) changes after switching from preserved prostaglandin analogues monotherapy to preserved tafluprost and preservative-free (PF) tafluprost in primary open-angle glaucoma patients. Methods Glaucoma patients treated with preserved prostaglandins (except tafluprost) monotherapy for at least 6 months, intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤22 mmHg, and diagnosed of OSD [≥1 criterion; tear break-up time (TBUT) ≤10 seconds, corneal fluorescein staining ≥grade 1] in both eyes were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, single-blinded study. All eligible patients were switched from preserved prostaglandin analogues monotherapy (latanoprost, bimatoprost, travoprost) to preserved tafluprost in one eye (group I) and PF-tafluprost in the other eye (group II) of the same patient by randomization. The symptoms of OSD were evaluated using the visual analogue scale, and lid inflammation, conjunctival hyperemia, TBUT, corneal fluorescein staining, and Schirmer I test were applied to assess the clinical signs. All parameters were evaluated before and then 6, 12, 24 weeks after switching the medications. Results Thirty patients (80% women; mean age: 61.2 ±11.5 years) were included. Baseline parameters were not different between the treatment groups. After switching therapies, TBUT was significantly increased in both groups (p = 0.002, p = 0.004, respectively); however, group II had better tear quality. Other symptoms and clinical signs of OSD were improved and IOP was controlled in both groups. Conclusion Treatment with PF-tafluprost improves TBUT better than preserved tafluprost, suggesting that PF-tafluprost should be especially beneficial for patients with pre-existing OSD. Less or no preservative anti-glaucoma eye drops can restore and enhance the ocular surface in glaucoma patients.
Nucleotides Cytidine and Uridine Associated with Vitamin B12 vs B-Complex Vitamins in the Treatment of Low Back Pain: The NUBES Study

Purpose We report the results of low back pain treatment using a combination of nucleotides, uridine (UTP), cytidine (CMP) and vitamin B12, vs a combination of vitamins B1, B6, and B12. Patients and Methods Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, of a 60-day oral treatment: Group A (n=317) receiving nucleotides+B12 and Group B (n=317) receiving B vitamins. The primary endpoint was the percentage of subjects in each group presenting adverse events (AEs). Secondary endpoints were visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores at Visit 2 (day 30) and Visit 3 (day 60) in relation to pretreatment values, Roland–Morris Questionnaire (RMQ) scores and finger-to-floor distance (FFD) (percentage of subjects per group presenting improvement ≥5 points and ≥3cm, respectively). Results Seventy-five (24%) and 105 (33%) subjects (P=0.21) presented 133 and 241 AEs, with 3159% of subjects presenting ≥2 AEs (P=0.0019) in Group A and Group B, respectively. Twenty-four subjects in Group B were discontinued due to AEs, while no AE-related discontinuations occurred in Group A (P<0.0001). VAS score reduction after 30 and 60 days of treatment was statistically significant (P<0.0001) in both groups, with Group A showing greater reduction at Visit 2 (P<0.0001). RMQ score improvement ≥5 points occurred in 99% of subjects from each group, and FFD improvement ≥3 cm occurred in all subjects. Conclusion Treatment with nucleotides+B12 was associated with a lower number of total AEs, fewer AEs per subject, and no AE-related treatment discontinuation. Pain intensity (VAS) reduction was superior at 30 days of treatment in the nucleotides+B12 group and equivalent between groups at 60 days of treatment. Improvements in efficacy measures RMQ and FFD were observed in both groups at treatment days 30 and 60.
Hypoglycemic, Anti-Hyperglycemic and Anti-Hyperlipidemic Effects of Bersama abyssinica Fresen (Melianthaceae) Leaves’ Solvent Fractions in Normoglycemic and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice

Background The leaves of Bersama abyssinica are used by traditional healers and the community for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Thus, the current study intended to evaluate the hypoglycemic, anti-diabetic, and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of Bersama abyssinica. Methods The solvent fractions of Bersama abyssinica leaves were prepared. A total of 132 healthy, male Swiss albino mice weighing 20–28 grams (age of 6–10 weeks) were used. The antidiabetic activity of all the doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) of Bersama abyssinica solvent fractions was evaluated by animal models: normoglycemic mice, oral glucose loaded mice, and diabetic mice. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (150mg/kg body weight). The effect of the plant extract on body weight and serum lipid levels were measured in diabetic mice. Statistical analysis was performed by using statistical package for social sciences version 24. The analyses were carried out using one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison tests. The result was considered significant when p <0.05. Results The solvent fractions of B. abyssinica at all tested doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) exhibited significant (P<0.05–0.001) BGL reduction in all animal models. In hypoglycemic activity, the percentage reduction of baseline BGL was 25.90%, 26.36%, 38.43%, 30.96% and 49.42% for EAF200mg/kg, AQF200mg/kg, EAF400mg/kg, AQF400mg/kg, and GLC 5mg/kg, respectively. B. abyssinica at the dose of AQF 200 mg/kg (p<0.05), AQF 400mg/kg (p<0.001), EAF 200mg/kg (p<0.01), and GLC 5mg/kg (p<0.001) significantly reduced the BGL following 1-hour post-treatment as compared to the negative control. Likewise, the higher doses of the solvent fractions (400mg/kg) significantly (p<0.001) reduced the BGL following 2- and 3-hours post-treatment as compared to the negative control. Daily administration of aqueous fraction of B. abyssinica caused a maximum reduction in fasting BGL at the fourteenth day of administration by 33.29%, 38.59%, 52.71%, and 59.66%, respectively, for AQF100, AQF200, AQF400, and GLC 5mg/kg. The aqueous fraction of B. abyssinica and the glibenclamide significantly (p<0.05) prevent loss of body weight and showed improvement in serum lipid levels. Conclusion The solvent fractions of Bersama abyssinica exhibit noticeable antidiabetic activity in all animal models (normoglycemic mice, oral glucose loaded mice, and diabetic mice) and showed improvement in body weight and serum lipid profile levels, which rationalizes the claimed use of the B. abyssinica in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.