jimnoneill/paper-to-field-training huggingface dataset:
Antiplasmodial activity of the leaves and stem bark Ofcarapa procera andAlstonia boonei

Field: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics (Life Sciences)

There is an urgent need for the development of effective anti-malarial drugs due to emergence of resistant strains of P. falciparum. Medicinal plants represent a plethora of compounds to achieve this feat. The stem and leaf extracts of Alstonia boonei and Carapa procera are used in various traditional medicines for the treatment of malaria. In the present study, the petroleum ether and hydro-alcoholic extracts of these two plants were tested in vitro on choloroquine sensitive (3D7) strains of Plasmodium falciparum for their anti-malarial activity. Growth inhibition was determined in vitro by counting GIEMSA-stained parasites by light microscopy. The petroleum ether extract of the leaves and stem bark of A. boonei were both inactive (IC50E100 μg/ml). Their soxhlet ethanol extracts were also inactive with IC50 E100 μg/ml. However, the leaf extract, obtained by cold maceration, showed weak activity (IC50 = 71.24 μg/ml) whereas that of the stem was 88.15 μg/ml. The petroleum ether extract of the stem bark of C. procera inhibited the growth of the chloroquine sensitive (3D7) Plasmodium falciparum parasite with IC50 value of 19.52 μg/ml and the soxhlet extracted ethanol extract giving IC50 = 11.41 μg/ml. Column chromatography of the bioactive soxhlet ethanol extract afforded fractions with significant antimalarial activities (IC50E10μg/ml).The present study has revealed that the leaves and stem bark of A. boonei show weak antiplasmodial activity. Extracting the constituents of A. boonei by cold maceration retains considerable antiplasmodial activity. The stem bark of C. procera however, showed significant antiplasmodial activity. Chromatographic fractionation afforded more potent antiplasmodial fractions.
PTU-039 The cost-effectiveness of hepatitis B and C testing in emergency departments in the UK

Field: Health Professions (Health Sciences)

Introduction

The prevalence of blood borne viruses is higher in emergency department (ED) attendees compared to the general population, due to higher attendance of marginalised populations. Studies have found prevalence up to 2% and 3% for hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) in EDs in England. HIV testing in EDs in the UK is recommended in high prevalence areas (≥0.2%), but there is no defined threshold for hepatitis testing.

Methods

A Markov model was developed to analyse the impact of opt-out hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV) testing in EDs in the UK. The model used data from studies of ED testing in the UK to parameterise test costs and intervention effects (contact rates and linkage to care). For HCV we used an antibody test cost of £3.64 and RNA test cost of £68.38, and assumed a direct acting antiviral (DAA) treatment cost of £10,000. For HBV, we used a HBsAg test cost of £3.51. We considered what prevalence of HCV (RNA-positive) and HBV (HBsAg) would be required to make ED testing cost-effective at a threshold of £20,000 willingness to pay (WTP) per quality adjusted life year (QALY) gained.

Results

The prevalence required for ED testing to be cost-effective was 0.3% HCV RNA prevalence, and 0.2% HBsAg prevalence, under the base case parameters (figure 1). The prevalence thresholds were sensitive to the cost of the diagnostic tests and the linkage to care achieved (proportion of patients contacted with diagnosis, attend referral and receive treatment), and DAA treatment costs for HCV.

Conclusions

Early evidence suggests that ED testing and ED based linkage to care for HCV and HBV is likely to be cost-effective in many geographical areas across the UK. Additional studies are required to evaluate ED testing across regions, and this can inform public health guidelines in the UK.
Electrocardiographic Changes in Leptospirosis

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

The finding of electrocardiographic (E.C.G.) abnormalities in patients with leptospirosis who show clinical evidence of cardiac involvement is well recognized. In a review of the subject Sodeman and Killough (1951) reported the unexpected dis covery of abnormalities in three patients without such clinical signs, and expressed the opinion that an active interest in the [cardiovascular] system is necessary to establish involvement. The fact that an apparently normal E.C.G. taken in the first week of the illness might give such evidence if compared with a later record supported their thesis. Moreover, Mackay-Dick and Robinson (1957) subsequently demonstrated transient minor changes in the QRST complex in two out of six consecutive patients with uncomplicated leptospirosis.
Cellular mechanism of gain-of-function mutation I173M in sheep MC4R gene identified in year-round and seasonal estrus breeds through whole-genome resequencing

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (Life Sciences)

Abstract

Investigating the key genes and mutations regulating year-round estrus can enhance the reproductive performance of sheep, thereby boosting sheep industry efficiency. In this study, we employed genomic research methods to analyze whole-genome resequencing data from 392 sheep, including six year-round estrus breeds and ten seasonal estrus breeds. Here we show the Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) gene as a significant player in the regulation of year-round estrus in sheep. Specifically, I173M (g.59480440G > C, P.Ile173Met), demonstrating potential relevance to sheep estrus, was identified in MC4R. The mutation frequency of this variant was higher in year-round estrus breeds than in seasonal estrus breeds, suggesting it could be a crucial functional mutation affecting sheep estrus. Transcriptome sequencing analysis indicated that genes differentially expressed after transfection with the M173 receptor were enriched in pathways related to reproduction such as GnRH signaling pathway and Ovarian steroidogenesis. Subsequent functional exploration revealed that the I173M mutation enhanced cAMP and MAPK/ERK signal transduction activation, increased receptor constitutive activity, and significantly improved receptor function. Consequently, we posit that MC4R is involved in regulating year-round estrus and the I173M mutation in the MC4R gene identified as a pivotal functional mutation influencing year-round estrus in sheep.
Aspirational paternity and the female gaze on Korean reality–variety TV

Field: Arts and Humanities (Social Sciences)

Korean public broadcasters are reconstructing local fatherhood through two popular reality–variety shows Dad! Where Are We Going? (MBC, 2013–2015) and The Return of Superman (KBS, 2013–) wherein celebrity dads look after their children for 2 days without the help of their wives. The shows exemplify Korean ‘telemodernity’, which describes Asia’s aspirational modernity channeled through lifestyle television programs. These examples of Korean telemodernity strive toward a Western exemplary of fatherhood by breaking from the earlier generation’s paternity, described through an internalized orientalist self-perception as emotionally unavailable. The paternal masculinity that these shows idealize is visible through the mise-en-scene that frames scenarios around the female (mother’s) gaze of approval or disapproval. In a nation panicked by low childbirths, these shows are biopolitical in their design to encourage heteronormative coupling and reproduction among women more so than promote household egalitarianism.
Radiotherapy for locally recurrent prostate cancer.

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

The optimal treatment of the patient at high risk for local recurrence of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy is controversial. Similarly, there is much controversy over how to treat patients with a rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA), but without overt metastases, after radical prostatectomy. A recent randomized controlled trial of adjuvant radiotherapy versus observation following radical prostatectomy shows a significantly higher freedom from recurrence for patients receiving adjuvant radiotherapy, which may help to resolve the question of whether or not to wait for a rise in the PSA before offering treatment. For patients with biochemical recurrence after prostatectomy, part of the problem lies in the difficulty in determining whether a rise in the PSA is a sign of local recurrence or a harbinger of distant metastases. Making this distinction is critical, since patients with local disease may be cured with radiation therapy to the prostate bed, whereas those with metastatic disease will require a different treatment approach. In this article, we discuss the factors that must be taken into consideration when making treatment recommendations for these patients. In addition, approaches to the evaluation and management of patients with this difficult clinical problem are presented.
Effects of matrine on cell morphology and related factors of hepatocellular carcinoma cell HepG_2 in vitro

Field: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics (Life Sciences)

Objective To study the effects of matrine on the cell morphology, cell division index and the contents of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell HepG 2 in vitro . Methods: The morphology of the living cells and the cells after Wright or Sudan staining was observed with an inverted and an light microscope respectively. The surface and ultrastructures of the cells were studied with scanning and transmission electron microscope. Index of cell division was obtained with light microscope. The cellular content of AFP and PCNA were measured with immunohistochemical method and image analysis. Results HepG 2 cell without the treatment of matrine showed typical characteristics of cancer cells with an index of cell division of 53.8‰. No transparent granules or vacuoles were found in the cytoplasm. Sudan staining was negative and immunohistochemistry for AFP and PCNA was positive. HepG 2 cells treated with matrine decreased in number and growed in a scattered pattern. They were pleomorphic and their cytoplasm was filled with round and transparent granules. Wright staining revealed vacuoles existed in cytoplasm, the nucleoli were smaller in size, decreased in number and even disappeared and the index of cell division was decreased. Sudan staining showed positive particles in the cytoplasm. It was found with electron microscopy that the microvilli on cell surface became shorter and thicker and even disappeared, heterochromatin was increased in the nuclei, smooth endoplasmic reticulum was expanded and fat vacuoles and autophageosomes were formed, many rough endoplasmic reticula in lamellar arrangement were found in the cytoplasm and both nuclear and cell membranes were intact. The content of AFP and PCNA was independent on the dosage and the duration of matrine administration. Conclusion Matrine can inhibit the growth and proliferation of the HepG 2 cells in vitro and weaken, even eliminate its malignant phenotype. This finding suggests that the malignant degree decreases with the administration of matrine.Consequently, matrine may be a promising agent to treat cancers.
Design of logistics systems as a composition of effective functioning of enterprise

Field: Business, Management and Accounting (Social Sciences)

Given the fact that logistics activity takes place in a very dynamic environment the state of the logistics system should be constantly monitored, analyzed and evaluated. The research is devoted to an important and at the same time complicated issue – the process of designing logistics systems as an important component of the operation of the enterprise. This problem is not fully understood both at the theoretical level and in the field of practical application of design principles. The purpose of scientific research is to determine the essence, tasks and features of the processes of designing logistics systems. The authors use such research methods as descriptive, comparative and systemic. The essence of the concepts of “project” and “design” is considered in the article. The main tasks of designing logistic systems are determined and possible conditions of their implementation are given. The study found the most important factors determining the success of the project on design of logistics systems. A system of branch logistic functions has been proposed. The factors that determine the success of logistics systems implementation are systematized. On the basis of the research, general recommendations for the design of logistics systems at any type of enterprise have been generated. The list of solutions that are accepted in the process of designing logistics systems has been proposed. Stages and steps in the design of logistics systems have been identified according to the tasks of designing logistic systems. Research results have shown that designing logistics systems should take into account the possible risks of implementing a solution and calculate with the help of mathematical models, possible benefits and losses for the enterprise. In addition recommendations to boost the efficiency of designing logistics systems have been distinguished. JEL Classification: D24, L23, L90.
Sesquiterpenes from Inula japonica with Inhibitory Effects on Nitric Oxide Production in Murine Macrophage RAW 264.7 Cells

Field: Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics (Life Sciences)

Eight new sesquiterpenes (1-8), along with seven known sesquiterpenes (9-15), were isolated from a methanol extract of the flowers of Inula japonica. Their structures were elucidated by a combination of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic and HRESIMS data. All of isolates were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, with their IC50 values ranging from 1.9 to 15.4 μM.
Prevalence and determinants of unplanned pregnancy in HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant women in Cape Town, South Africa: a cross-sectional study

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Objectives Prevention of unplanned pregnancy is a crucial aspect of preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission. There are few data investigating how HIV status and use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) may influence pregnancy planning in high HIV burden settings. Our objective was to examine the prevalence and determinants of unplanned pregnancy among HIV-positive and HIV-negative women in Cape Town, South Africa. Design Cross-sectional analysis. Settings Single primary-level antenatal care clinic in Cape Town, South Africa. Participants HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant women, booking for antenatal care from March 2013 to August 2015, were included. Main outcome measures Unplanned pregnancy was measured at the first antenatal care visit using the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy (LMUP). Analyses examined LMUP scores across four groups of participants defined by their HIV status, awareness of their HIV status prior to the current pregnancy and/or whether they were using antiretroviral therapy (ART) prior to the current pregnancy. Results Among 2105 pregnant women (1512 HIV positive; 593 HIV negative), median age was 28 years, 43% were married/cohabiting and 20% were nulliparous. Levels of unplanned pregnancy were significantly higher in HIV-positive versus HIV-negative women (50% vs 33%, p<0.001); and highest in women who were known HIV positive but not on ART (53%). After adjusting for age, parity and marital status, unplanned pregnancy was most common among women newly diagnosed and women who were known HIV positive but not on ART (compared with HIV-negative women, adjusted OR (aOR): 1.43; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.94 and aOR: 1.57; 95% CI 1.13 to 2.15, respectively). Increased parity and younger age (<24 years) were also associated with unplanned pregnancy (aOR: 1.42; 95% CI 1.25 to 1.60 and aOR: 1.83; 95% CI 1.23 to 2.74, respectively). Conclusions We observed high levels of unplanned pregnancy among HIV-positive women, particularly among those not on ART, suggesting ongoing missed opportunities for improved family planning and counselling services for HIV-positive women.
An evaluation of deep-sea benthic megafauna length measurements obtained with laser and stereo camera methods

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences (Physical Sciences)

The 25 year time-series collected at Station M, ~4000 m on the Monterey Deep-sea Fan, has substantially improved understanding of the role of the deep-ocean benthic environment in the global carbon cycle. However, the role of deep-ocean benthic megafauna in carbon bioturbation, remineralization and sequestration is relatively unknown. It is important to gather both accurate and precise measurements of megafaunal community abundance, size distribution and biomass to further define their role in deep-sea carbon cycling and possible sequestration. This study describes initial results from a stereo camera system attached to a remotely operated vehicle and analyzed using the EventMeasure photogrammetric measurement software to estimate the density, length and biomass of 10 species of mobile epibenthic megafauna. Stereo length estimates were compared to those from a single video camera system equipped with sizing lasers and analyzed using the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute’s Video Annotation and Reference System. Both camera systems and software were capable of high measurement accuracy and precision (&lt;±1 mm measurement error and precision). However, the oblique angle of the single video camera caused the spatial scale of the image perspective to change with distance from the camera, resulting in error when measurements were not parallel or vertical to two horizontal-oriented scaling lasers. Analysis showed that the stereo system recorded longer lengths and higher biomass estimates than the single video camera system for the majority of the 10 megafauna species studied. The stereo image analysis process took substantially longer than the video analysis and the value of the EventMeasure software tool would be improved with developments in analysis automation. The stereo system is less influenced by object orientation and height, and is potentially a useful tool to be mounted on an autonomous underwater vehicle and for measuring deep-sea pelagic animals where the use of lasers is not feasible.
An Assessment of Measures Medical Imaging Personnel Use to Avoid the Breakdown of Diagnostic Radiologic Equipment in Some Health Facilities in Northwest and Southwest Regions of Cameroon

Field: Health Professions (Health Sciences)

The proper and correct diagnosis of diseases is the primary necessity before the treatment and so sophisticated equipment are needed for better diagnosis. Frequent breakdown of these equipment faced by personnel during service delivery lead to movement of patients to other health facilities, failure to attend to patients for which in case of emergency will lead to death of patients. This was an investigative cross sectional study aimed at assessing measures to avoid equipment breakdown.This study was carried out in some selected health facilities in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon which lasted for 1 month (from the 22ndJanuary to 21st February 2019). Semi-structured questionnaires were designed and used to collect primary data from 20participants in the sampled hospitals. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS (statistical package for social sciences) version 23.0 by the research analyst. The results obtained showed thatout of the 20 participants, (15)75% were males while(5)25% were females. The most represented age group was the 20-30 years age group, and the least represented age group was in the 42-52. The most common cause of equipment breakdown was electrical faults (75%), 45% of participantsdid not carry out quality control programs and the measures to avoid this breakdown was the use of appropriate parameters (80%).Based on results obtained, it was concluded that the major cause of equipment breakdown was electrical faults.
X Ray Based Laboratory Testing Methodology for Panel Products against Termite Resistance

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences (Life Sciences)

A host of new eco- friendly preservatives and treatments for protection of panel products are being developed. Engineered wood products require extra caution while testing with termites, due to high moisture conditions during field tests, a composite panel may subject to delamination making it difficult for a proper rating and determination of damage due to termite activity. This work focuses on development of a laboratory testing method for plywood and blockboard resistance against termite species Heterotermes indicola and Coptotermes heimi. The termite species preferability test was done in order to find out the most palletable wood species. Pinus sp and Mangifera sp. were found to be the most palletable wood species and were taken as control. Determination of maximum vigorous activity of both the termite species were done by monitoring wood consumption and survival, and it was found that Heterotermes indicola showed highest survival at population density of 0.004 g/ml, whereas Coptotermes heimi showed highest survival at population density of 0.0008 g/ml. A non-destructive and quantitative approach of X-Ray analysis was adopted for result evaluation for more quantifiable result than traditional visual observation. Based upon the results obtained, a termite testing methodology was developed for wood based panel products such as plywood and block board.
Offering Chemotherapy and Hospice Jointly: One Solution to Hospice Underuse

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Purpose . Patients with advanced lung cancer typically receive chemotherapy at the cost of receiving care that may promote quality of life more effectively. The authors examined whether offering chemotherapy and hospice concurrently, a clinically appropriate but often unavailable option, might resolve this problem. Method. Adult smokers (N = 198) completed an Internet-based survey in which they imagined having advanced lung cancer. Participants rated the effectiveness of 4 treatments (supportive care alone, chemotherapy with supportive care, hospice, and chemotherapy with hospice) at achieving 4 goals of treatment (extending survival, controlling symptoms, avoiding side effects, and promoting quality of life at the end of life). Results. Reflecting utilization patterns of lung cancer patients, few respondents preferred supportive care alone (10%) or hospice (19%), and many preferred chemotherapy (29%). The most common choice was concurrent chemotherapy and hospice (42%). Treatments that involved chemotherapy were seen as the most effective at extending survival, whereas treatments that involved hospice were seen as most effective at promoting quality of life. Effectiveness ratings were weakly related to preferences for hospice, moderately related to preferences for chemotherapy with supportive care, and strongly related to preferences for chemotherapy and hospice together. Conclusions. These findings suggest that interest in hospice may be low because, offered without chemotherapy, hospice is perceived as ineffective at controlling symptoms and avoiding side effects. Chemotherapy and hospice together may be a preferred option for treating advanced lung cancer. Furthermore, preferences for chemotherapy and hospice together best reflect the values people placed on the goals of treatment.
Biosynthesis of Parathyroid Hormone

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (Life Sciences)

INVESTIGATORS concerned with the biologic functions of cell-secreted proteins such as hormones, immunoglobulins, enzymes and plasma proteins have become increasingly interested in the details of protein biosynthesis to learn how the control of cellular production of secreted proteins is geared to their functional roles. Studies of the synthesis of secretory proteins over the past few years have uncovered much new information. The synthesis of secretory proteins involves precursor forms, larger than the molecules ultimately secreted, that are processed to the final cellular products by a series of cleavages and translocation steps that take place within specialized . . .