Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the burden of cardiovascular diseases among people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: findings from a modeling study for Uganda

# Background The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is rapidly increasing in low- and middle-income countries, but remains largely unknown among people living with HIV (PLWH) in most sub-Saharan African countries. # Methods We estimated the proportion of PLWH in Uganda with raised blood pressure and high total cholesterol, and used a modified cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction model (Globorisk) to assess the 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease using individual-level data on cardiometabolic risk factors, population-level data on HIV prevalence and ART coverage, and the impact of HIV on blood pressure and cholesterol. # Results Among PLWH aged 30 to 69 years, the prevalence of raised blood pressure was 30% (95% uncertainty range, UR=27-33%) in women and 26% in men (95% UR=23-29%). The predicted mean 10-year CVD risk was 5% for HIV-infected women, and 6% for HIV-infected men. Five percent (n=41,000) of PLWH may experience a CVD event from 2016 to 2025 with an estimated 38% of these events being fatal. Full ART coverage would have little effect on the predicted number of CVD cases. # Conclusions Despite having a high prevalence of raised blood pressure, the burden of atherosclerotic CVD among PLWH in Uganda remains low. ART programs should prioritize routine screening and treatment of raised blood pressure. An approach of using HIV treatment delivery platforms to deliver care for NCDs may miss the larger burden of disease among HIV-uninfected individuals that are not routinely seen at health facilities.
Are Outbreaks of Emerging Pathogens Correlated With Construction of Wetlands? Report 2: Amphibian Breeding and Disease Outbreaks During 2014-2015 And Possible Correlates With Environmental Variables

A study of wetlands near the Intercounty Connector construction site (now a toll facility – MD 200) in Maryland, found that an emerging pathogen known as Ranavirus was having a significant impact on at least two species of amphibians as well as on Box Turtle populations. Of special interest was the finding that Ranavirus outbreaks were found in two wetlands constructed by Montgomery County Parks as part of habitat restoration procedures. This supports the findings of earlier researchers who suggested that Ranavirus outbreaks might be associated with the construction of wetlands. Such newly constructed wetlands sites may be a focal point for infection due to rapid colonization by susceptible species, such as Wood Frogs or Spotted Salamanders. These sites might also be used as foraging sites by species thought to be carriers of Ranavirus, such as Bullfrogs or Green Frogs. In order to understand how Ranavirus is affecting amphibian and reptile populations in the Northeast U.S. and to determine the link, if any, between construction of wetlands and Ranavirus outbreaks, Towson University examined 60 Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (SHA) created wetlands. Ultimately, 16 sites in 2014 and 22 in 2015 were selected for focal monitoring. Six sites (37.5%) had some level of die offs in 2014 compared with eight sites (36.3%) in 2015. These rates were slightly higher than those seen in a study of non-SHA wetlands in Maryland. Due to quality control issues, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing was considered reliable only in 2015. PCR testing in 2015 found the presence of Ranavirus in all die-off sites sampled and 54% of SHA wetlands sampled. Levels of Ranavirus in die off sites were extremely high, on the order of hundreds of millions of copies of the virus. These data suggest a possible link between environmental variables and presence of Ranavirus infection, but a larger sample size of ponds would provide a more robust test of this association.
Silencing of the CSNK2β gene by siRNA inhibits invasiveness and growth of MDA-MB-231 cells

Background Breast cancer is most common cancer and accounts for one-fourth of all cancer diagnoses worldwide. Treatment of triple-negative breast cancer is major challenge and identification of specific drivers is required for targeted therapies. The aim of our present study is to elucidate the therapeutic potential of CSNK2ß silencing in triple negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell. Methods CSNK2ß gene has been knockdown using siRNA and silencing was estimated by both real time and western blot. Cell Titer-Glo (CTG) and colony formation assay and wound healing assay, cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry was performed to assess the role of CSNK2ß in cell proliferation, migration, cell cycle, and oncogenesis. Morphological assessment of nuclear condensation, apoptosis by Hoechst staining and measurement of intracellular ROS production was examined using fluorescence microscopy. Real time PCR and western blot was done to study the expression of genes related to cell proliferation, survival, metastasis, apoptosis, and autophagy. Results Silencing of CSNK2ß in MDA-MB-231 cells resulted in decreased cell viability, colony formation, and migratory potential. Cell cycle analysis showed that growth inhibitory effect was mediated by arresting the cells in G2/M phase. Furthermore, we demonstrated that silencing of CSNK2ß increased the nuclear condensation and intracellular ROS production. CSNK2ß regulates the expression of BAX, Bcl-xL, caspase 3, Beclin-1, LC3-I, p-ERK, p38-α, c-Myc, MAPK, c-Jun, NF-ĸB, β-catenin, E2F1, PCNA. We have also shown the functional relationship between CSNK2ß, PIN1, and PTOV1 by western blotting. We have first time reported that silencing CSNK2ß using siRNA can inhibit invasiveness and proliferation of MDA-MB-213 cells. Conclusion Our results suggested that CSNK2ß silencing may offer future therapeutic target in triple negative breast cancer.
Rapid Detection of Norovirus Using Paper-based Microfluidic Device

Noroviruses (NoV) are the leading cause of outbreak of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. A substantial effort has been made in the development of analytical devices for rapid and sensitive food safety monitoring via the detection of foodborne bacteria, viruses and parasites. Conventional analytical approaches for noroviruses suffer from some critical weaknesses: labor-intensive, time-consuming, and relatively low sensitivity. In this study, we developed a rapid and highly sensitive biosensor towards point-of-care device for noroviruses based on 6-carboxyfluorescein (6-FAM) labeled aptamer and nanomaterials, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene oxide (GO). In an assay, the fluorescence of 6-FAM labeled aptamer was quenched by MWCNTs or GO via fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). In the presence of norovirus, the fluorescence would be recovered due to the release of the 6-FAM labeled aptamer from MWCNTs or GO. An easy-to-make paper-based microfluidic platform made by nitrocellulose membrane was used to conduct the assay. The quantitative detection of norovirus virus-like particles (NoV VLPs) was successfully performed. A linear range of 0-12.9 μg/mL with a detection limit of 40 pM and 30 pM was achieved for the MWCNTs and GO based paper sensors, respectively. The results suggested the developed paper-based microfluidic device is simple, cost-effective and holds the potential of rapid in situ visual determination for noroviruses with remarkable sensitivity and specificity, which provides a new way for early identification of NoV and thereby an early intervention for preventing the spread of an outbreak.
A new genus and species of Pseudolivinae, with a note on the status of Sylvanocochlis Melvill, 1903 (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Olividae)

Naudoliva gen. n. , with type-species N. caitlinae sp. n. , is descriptionbed from off Sandy Point, Transkei, in 87-95 m. Sylvanocochlis Melvill, 1903, is a junior subjective synonym of Pseudoliva Swainson, 1840.
Influence of different posts’s composition and shape on bond strength to radicular dentin

Aim The goal of this in vitro study was to evaluate the bond strength to radicular dentin of a new post in combination with two different luting resin materials and comparing it with a well known translucent post available on the market. Materials and methods A pilot study was conducted on 30 single-rooted extracted teeth, in order to study the link between the dentine-cement interface on the one hand and the post-cement interface on the other hand. Push out bond strength test was perfomed on two types of cement: Kuraray Panavia (Japan) and Gradia Core (GC Tokyo Japan) in combination with two types of fiber posts: Edelweiss post (Edelweiss Dentistry Products GmbH, Wolfurt, Austria) and GC Fiber Post (GC Gradia Core Tokyo Japan). Results According to the results of this study, the GC Post / Gradia Core group recorded push-out forces significantly higher than those of the groups in which the new post was used (p <0.05). Conclusion Within the limits of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that the highest values of adhesive strength in the push-out test were achieved by GC post/Gradia Core GC. Regarding the area of root that can produce the best push out bond strength, it clearly resulted that the coronal third of the root was the best substrate to lute posts.
Considerações sobre o plantio de Eucalyptus dunnii no Estado do Paraná.

A biomassa como fonte de energia contribui com mais de um quarto da matriz energética brasileira. Nessa significativa parcela, destaca-se o uso da lenha e do carvão vegetal na indústria, na agropecuária e no ambiente doméstico. A tendência de elevação dos preços dos combustíveis fósseis e o desenvolvimento consistente de tecnologias para obtenção de combustíveis “verdes” a partir da biomassa, indicam a necessidade da expansão dos plantios florestais voltados para a produção de energia. Nesse particular, o eucalipto, por apresentar altas produtividades, rápido crescimento e ampla adaptação, é uma opção viável para aumento da renda e diversificação de atividades na propriedade rural.
Impact of Precipitation with Different Intensity on PM2.5 over Typical Regions of China

Atmospheric aerosol pollution has significant impacts on human health and economic society. One of the most efficient way to remove the pollutants from the atmosphere is wet deposition. This study selected three typical atmospheric pollution regions in China, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH), the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) and the Pearl River Delta (PRD) regions, as research areas, and used the hourly precipitation and PM2.5 mass concentration data from 2015 to 2017 to investigate the removal impacts of precipitation on PM2.5. The PM2.5 mass concentration difference before and after the hourly precipitation events was used to denote as the impacts of precipitation. Hourly precipitation event was selected so that the time difference between two PM2.5 observations was short enough to limit the PM2.5 change caused by other factors. This study focused on the differences in the removal effect of precipitation on PM2.5 under different precipitation intensities and pollution levels. The results show that both precipitation intensity and aerosol amount affected the removal effect. A negative removal effect existed for both light precipitation and low PM2.5 mass concentration conditions. In contrast, a positive removal effect occurred for both high precipitation and high PM2.5 mass concentration conditions. The removal effect increased with increasing precipitation intensity and PM2.5 mass concentration before precipitation and was consistent with the change trend of wind speed at a height of 100 m. The findings of this study can help understand the mechanism of wet scavenging on air pollution, providing support for air pollution control in future.
Post-translational Regulations of FUSCA3 in Arabidopsis thaliana

The Arabidopsis B3-domain transcription factor FUSCA3 (FUS3) is a master regulator of seed maturation and also a central modulator of hormonal responses during late embryogenesis and germination. Recently, we have identified AKIN10, the Arabidopsis ortholog of Snf1 (Sucrose Non-Fermenting-1)–Related Kinase1 (SnRK1), as a FUS3-interacting protein. We demonstrated that AKIN10 physically interacts with and phosphorylates FUS3 at its N-terminal region, and genetically interacts with FUS3 to regulate developmental phase transition and lateral organ growth. Snf1/AMPK/SnRK1 kinases are important sensors of the cellular energy level, and they are activated in response to starvation and cellular stress. Here we present findings that indicate FUS3 and AKIN10 functionally overlap in ABA signalling, but play different roles in sugar responses during germination. Seeds overexpressing FUS3 and AKIN10 both display ABAhypersensitivity and delayed germination. The latter is partly dependent on de novo ABA synthesis in both genotypes, as delayed germination can be partially rescued by the ABA biosynthesis inhibitor, fluridone. However, seeds and seedlings overexpressing FUS3 and AKIN10 show different sugar responses. AKIN10-overexpressing seeds and seedlings are hypersensitive to glucose, while those overexpressing FUS3 display overall defects in osmotic stress, primarily during seedling growth, as they show increased sensitivity towards sorbitol and glucose. Hypersensitivity to sugar and/or osmotic stress during germination are partly dependent on de novo ABA synthesis for both genotypes, although are likely to act through distinct pathways. This data suggests that AKIN10 and FUS3 both act as positive regulators of seed responses to ABA, and that AKIN10 regulates sugar signalling while FUS3 mediates osmotic stress responses.
Synergizing Lean and Green Management for Sustainable Performance of Higher Education Institutions in Malaysia

Despite the undeniable importance role of public universities in educating the Malaysian citizens, the universities these days are struggling to generate wealth for their own development. Generating wealth is becoming one of the important strategy for public universities as the allocation from the federal government for their operating expenditures has been drastically reduced. In fact, this strategy has been clearly outlined in the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015-2025. Despite this significant reduction of source of income, the universities have to find a way to overcome this challenge by becoming more efficient and effective in their services to the stakeholders by becoming leaner. Lean universities will remove the existing waste or non-value added activities in many aspects in the universities' operations, which would yield higher returns and savings. In addition to lean, universities have also the responsibility to protect the environment. As a matter of fact, lean and green practices, share the same objective - that is to reduce waste. However, studies on lean and green universities is rather scarce. Even though there are evidences that these two concepts can be integrated, the synergy between the two concepts has yet to be discovered. This paper will elaborate on how lean and green can be integrated and the potential benefits towards sustainable higher education institutions performances.
A Biomechatronic Device Actuated by Pneumatic Artificial Muscles for the Automatic Evaluation of Nociceptive Thresholds in Rheumatic Patients

In the current clinical practice, the diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) draws on the qualitative evaluation of pain sensitivity thresholds which is affected by several source of uncertainties, due to an operator-dependent diagnostic protocol. Taking our cue from the diagnostic shortcomings, we have explored the possibility of automating the measurement of mechanical nociceptive thresholds through the adoption of soft pneumatic actuators controlled by an embedded control unit. In this work, we want to show that a purpose-made biomechatronic device actuated by soft and pneumatic actuators is potentially a boon both for rheumatologists and biomedical researchers involved in nociception and physicophysical studies. In the full breadth and scope of the objective diagnosis of RA, the first prototype of a novel biomechatronic device for quantitative and automatic measurement of mechanical nociceptive thresholds has been designed and tested through nociception experiments on 10 subjects. The experimental results show that the designed device can reliably generate the controllable and repeatable nociceptive stimuli needed for the objective diagnosis of RA.
MICROGRID PREDICATION USING DEEP CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORKS

A BSTRACT . These days, economies must outﬁt sustainable power sources and incorporate them into the current network. Customarily, vitality has been produced dependent on gauges of the pinnacle and low requests. The sustainable power source can nor be created on request nor put away proﬁciently. this paper assesses deep neuronal learning methods for regulating energy utilization towards sustainable power source creation. Landﬁll leachate is used and abundant expectation models were utilized to measure energy requests. The outcomes were approved dependent on the equivalent dataset from the reusing business. Light models indicated the most negligible Mean Absolute Percentage Error E map altogether beating a constancy pattern for both, long haul monthly, weekly, and daily gauges. A possible lessening of up to 23% in top vitality request was discovered that could prompt a decrease of 3,091 kg in CO 2 -discharges every year. The proposed system requires low ﬁnancial ventures for energy administration apparatus, manufacture it appropriate for use in Minor and Middle measured Enterprises.
Evaluation of 3 year surveillance of device associated infections in a neonatal intensive care unit

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the rates of healthcare associated infections (HAIs) and device associated healthcare associated infections (DA-HAIs) as well as the rates of invasive device utilization in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU); and to compare findings with national and international reports. Material and Method: A total of 1984 patients who admitted to NICU between January 2016 and December 2018 were enrolled. We retrospectively analysed patient’s characteristics, etiologic pathogens and antibiotic susceptibility, mortality from medical charts and infection control committee surveillance reports. Infections were defined using the standart Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Results: During the 3-year period, total 98 HAI cases 69 of which were DA-HAI were detected. The overall incidence of HAIs was 4.9% and rate was 3.7 per 1000 patient days. The most common HAI was blood stream infection (BSI) (n=64, 65.3%) of those 52 were central line-associated (CLA). The CLA-BSI rate was 8.6 per 1000 central line days with central line utilization ratio of 0.22. Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) rate was 5.1 per 1000 ventilator days with ventilator utilization ratio of 0.12. The most common pathogens were Klebsiella pneumonia. (38.9%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (22.1%) and Candida spp. (11.6%). The overall mortality rate was 3%. The HAI-related mortality rate was 9.2%. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of an surveillance approach in the NICU setting. HAI rates were lower than the rates reported from developing countries. However, with device utilization rates similar to those in developed countries our HAI rates were higher than that of the developed countries. Continous monitoring and implementation of necessary precautions are essential to decrease the rates of HAIs.
Length of hospital stay for TB varies with comorbidity and hospital location.

BACKGROUND: Although most guidelines overwhelmingly recommend outpatient TB treatment, hospitalisations are common. We investigated the proportion of TB patients hospitalised and determined factors associated with length of stay (LOS) in Switzerland.METHODS: Cases with TB as the primary diagnosis were retrieved from a nation-wide hospitalisation database and compared to TB notifications. Month and year of admission, hospital site, type of TB, age, sex, LOS and up to 50 ICD-10 coded comorbidities were compared with controls matched for age, sex and admission date.RESULTS: From 2002 to 2015, the estimated TB hospitalisation rate was 81%. The median LOS of 6,234 TB patients was stable at 14 days (IQR 6-22), but increased in patients with miliary TB, old patients and with hospital location. TB-associated comorbidities included HIV, liver disease, anaemia, malnutrition and genitourinary tract diseases. LOS was associated with three comorbidity clusters: 1) malnutrition, cachexia and anaemia (median LOS 20 days, IQR 13-31); 2) toxic liver disease and hepatitis (median LOS 23 days, IQR 14-37.5); and 3) adverse drug events (median LOS 20 days, IQR 13-30). CONCLUSION: Most TB patients were hospitalised. LOS was related to TB type, comorbidities and hospital location. Promoting outpatient care is a priority to improve TB management in Switzerland.
Sexual dimorphism in obesity related cancer risk

In the past decades disadvantageous changes in lifestyle caused a steady increase in average body weight, especially in the economically developed countries. Excessive adipose tissue deposition, particularly in visceral location may be regarded as a metabolically active endocrine organ inducing dysmetabolism and associated hormonal imbalances. Gender related similarities and differences in overall and site specific obesity related cancer incidence may provide revelation of associations among fatness, sexual hormone imbalance and cancer initiation. Male to female ratio of adiposity related cancer incidence may be highly influenced by the types of included malignancies, the age distribution of cases and controls and the ratio of examined preand postmenopausal women. Obesity and overweight cause deleterious metabolic and hormonal alterations in both male and female patients. In women, obesity associated excessive androgen and defective estrogen synthesis seem to be strong cancer risk factors in both preand postmenopausal cases, especially for the female organs. These organs exhibit active cell proliferation, which requires strict hormonal survaillance against mitotic failures and cancer initiation. In men, obesity associated insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia are high risks for cancer at several sites. At the same time, obesity related diminished estrogen exposure exhibits no conspicuous additive carcinogenic effect on the male organs as their physiologic function requires much lower serum estrogen concentrations as compared with female organs. Recognition of dangerous alterations in the male to female sexual steroid levels in obesity may open new possibilities for the prevention and treatment of obesity by the compensatory restoration of metabolic and hormonal equilibrium.  Corresponding author: Prof. Dr. Zsuzsanna Suba. National Institute of Oncology, Surgical and Molecular Tumor Pathology Centre, Address: 1122 Ráth György str. 7-9, Budapest, Hungary. E-mail: subazdr@gmail.com. No part of this digital document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted commercially in any form or by any means. The publisher has taken reasonable care in the preparation of this digital document, but makes no expressed or implied warranty of any kind and assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions. No liability is assumed for incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising out of information contained herein. This digital document is sold with the clear understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, medical or any other professional services.