Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Current status and new developments in the production of plasma derivatives

Plasma fractionation is a unique biotechnology and bioengineering industry characterized by its capacity to extract a diverse range of protein therapeutics that are often the only options for treating life‐threatening pathological conditions of patients suffering from bleeding, immunological disorders, infections or trauma. Current plasma products include several coagulation factors, polyvalent and hyperimmune immunoglobulins (Igs), albumin, protease inhibitors and anticoagulants. In many pathological situations, these products are used for long‐term replacement therapy to compensate for a congenital or acquired protein deficiency. Most products are obtained by plasma fractionation technologies that derive from the cold ethanol fractionation process developed in the mid‐/late 1940s by Cohn and collaborators. Still, in the last 20 years, this core technology has undergone substantial evolutions illustrated by the integration of several viral reduction steps for all products and by the introduction of chromatographic purification steps to extract labile proteins from cryoprecipitate‐poor plasma. The most recent technological changes, intended mostly to improve recoveries and remove trace protein contaminants, concern the production process of intravenous Igs through implementing chromatographic steps and caprylic acid treatment in early stages of the ethanol fractionation process. A number of new fractionation technologies are currently under development and have not been licensed at least for the time being by major regulatory authorities. One target of these technologies is to improve the recovery of the most important plasma protein products, under conditions facilitating large‐scale implementation in emerging countries.
Throughput and Delay Tradeoff Over 3D UAV Communication Network

Due to its high mobility, flexible deployment, and low cost, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have attracted wide attention in wireless communication in recent years. However, the delay requirements (e.g., video streaming, online game, etc.) may limit the UAV's mobility. In this paper, we consider a three-dimensional (3D) UAV communication network, where a UAV is employed to fly flexibly in 3D space to serve ground users with delay requirements. To characterize the fundamental tradeoff between throughput and delay, we introduce the minimum required rate for users and aim to maximize the minimum weighted sum of throughput and required rate for each user, via joint optimization of the 3D UAV trajectory as well as communication time and rate allocation. The formulated problem is a non-convex optimization problem, which is generally intractable. By decomposing the formulated problem into two subproblems, we propose an iterative algorithm by block coordinate descent and difference of two convex (D.C.) optimization as well as successive convex approximation (SCA) techniques. Finally, extensive simulation results show that our proposed solution outperforms baseline schemes and unveils the interesting insights and tradeoff between throughput and delay over 3D UAV communication networks.
Mucocutaneous Manifestations following Chemotherapy in Pediatric Malignancies

ABSTRACT Objective: Chemotherapy causes destruction of neoplastic cells and rapidly proliferative normal cells leading to significant mucocutaneous changes. The aim of the present study was to determine the postchemotherapeutic mucocutaneous manifestations in pediatric malignancies. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 63 children with malignancy undergoing chemotherapy over 2½ years were examined carefully and followed up for 6 months. A comprehensive clinical history was taken. Detailed systemic and dermatological examination was carried out in the subjects at the time of enrollment. Dermatological examination was performed subsequently at 3-6 months and whenever child presented with any symptoms to the outpatient department. The chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) and pigmentary changes of skin and nails were graded using OSLEN CIA, National Cancer Institute pigment changes and nail changes’ grading scales. Results: Males (41 [65%]) outnumbered females (1.8:1). Acute lymphoblastic and myelogenous leukemia were noticed in 38 (60.3%) and 8 (12.6%) patients, respectively. Alopecia (43 [68.3%]) was common with predominant grade 3 (22 [34.92%]). Hair regrowth was noticed in 53 (83.7%) patients within 6 months. Cutaneous linear pigmentary lines, ichthyosis, acral pigmentation, skin peeling, and mucositis were observed in 13 (21%), 10 (16%), 10 (16%), 7 (11%), and 9 (14.28%) patients, respectively. Among total 56 cutaneous infectious manifestations, viral infections include 4 cases of Herpes Zoster, single case of extensive molluscum contagiosum and Varicella. Tinea faciei was recurrent and poorly responsive to treatment. The common nail changes noted were Muehrcke’s lines and melanonychia (26 [41.26%]). Conclusion: Alopecia in 43 (68.3%) patients though distressing was reversible in 53 (83.7%) patients. Infections were extensive, recurrent, and required aggressive treatment. Keywords: Chemotherapy, Pediatric malignancies, Cancer.
THE ROLE OF NEED ANALYSIS IN TEACHING ESP FOR NURSING

this paper emphasizes the significant role of need analysis in teaching ESP for nursing. Teaching ESP for nursing cannot be separated from the analysis of the learners’ needs to join the course, because they have their own purpose in studying English. The expectation is really different from general course learners. Dealing with the appropriate purpose is really crucial. It has impact in creating syllabus and lesson plan for the course. The need analysis explores the subjects mainly concerns. Indeed, this paper explores more in target needs and learning needs as basic foundation of the course. Questionnaires, interviews, and informal consultations with learners are used to gather information of this study. The research finds out majority of the students are willing to get improvement in speaking skill especially for practical communication and vocabulary mastery of nursing/ medical terminologies. Here, the model of need analysis for creating ESP syllabus and lesson plan for nursing is shown. At last, the benefit of this paper is to get clear description of maximizing the role of need analysis for creating effective course design for nursing.
Expression profiling analysis reveals key microRNA–mRNA interactions in patients with transposition of the great arteries and systemic left and right ventricles

Background Patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) have different connected systemic chambers and this determines the long-term morbidities and survival. Limited findings have been reported to systematically identify miRNA and mRNA expression levels in such cohorts of patients. In this study, we aimed to characterize miRNAs, mRNAs, and miRNA–mRNA interaction networks in patients with TGA, with a systemic left (LV) and right ventricle (RV). Materials and methods Large panel of human miRNA and mRNA microarrays were conducted to determine the genome-wide expression profiles in the blood of 16 TGA-RV patients, 16 TGA-LV patients, and 16 age and gender-matched controls. Using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), the differential expression level of a single miRNA was validated. Enrichment analyses of altered miRNA and mRNA expression levels were identified using bioinformatics tools. Results Altered miRNA and mRNA expression levels were observed between TGA-RV and TGA-LV patients, together or separated, compared to controls. Among the deregulated miRNAs and mRNAs, 39 and 101 miRNAs were identified as significantly differentially expressed in patients with TGA (both TGA-RV and TGA-LV) and TGA-RV, when compared to matched controls. Furthermore, 51 miRNAs were identified as significantly differentially expressed in patients with TGA-RV when compared to patients with TGA-LV. RT-qPCR relative expression level was highly consistent with microarray analysis results. Similarly, 36 and 164 mRNAs were identified as significantly differentially expressed in patients with TGA (both TGA-RV and TGA-LV) and TGA-RV, when compared to matched controls. Additionally, miR-140-3p showed a higher expression level in patients with overt heart failure (FC = 1.54; P = 0.001) and miR-502-3p showed a higher expression level in patients died due to cardiac death (FC = 1.41; P = 0.011). Integrative analysis resulted in 21 and 23 target genes with higher and lower expression levels, respectively (r ≥ 0.50 and P < 0.05). These target genes (i.e., 21 and 23 target genes) showed an inverse direction of regulation with miRNA and exhibited a miRNA binding site position within the 3′UTR of the target gene. Conclusion Our findings provide new insights into a potential molecular biomarker(s) for patients with TGA that may guide better risk stratification and the development of novel targeting therapies. Future studies are needed to investigate the potential significance of miRNAs and mRNAs in TGA-related cardiovascular diseases.
An Assessment of Faecal Occult Blood Test and H. pylori infection in Patients with Uninvestigated Dyspepsia in Primary Health Cares in Abakaliki, Nigeria

Test for faecal occult blood (FOB) is commonly used to evaluate patients with intestinal disorders. An assessment of FOBT and infection with H. pylori using standard techniques was conducted among dyspeptic patients attending primary health cares in Abakaliki, Nigeria. Of the 262 patients screened, 163(62%) were FOB+ of which 64 [39.3% ((95% CI: 29.2-48.8%) were H. pylori seropositive. FOB+ patients were more likely than were FOBpatients to be seropositive for H. pylori (39.3% vs. 5.1%, OR = 12.2). Although no relationship was found between FOBT result and presence of intestinal parasites (X2 = 9.4, p > 0.05), yeast cells were found more in stool samples of FOB+ than in FOBdyspeptic patients [68 vs. 30 (95% CI: 0.051-0.329)]. FOBT remains a vital tool for assessing intestinal disorders and may be used for the initial evaluation and early management decisions when patients first present at the first visit to their GPs.
Daily Physical Activity early after Total Hip Arthroplasty

3 Relevance . 3 Abbreviations . 4 1 Background . 6 1.1 Introduction . 6 1.2 Theoretical Background . 9 2 Material and Methods . 17 2.1 Study Design . 17 2.2 Participants and Recruitment . 18 2.3 Procedure . 18 2.4 Outcome Measures . 21 2.5 Sample Size . 25 2.6 Statistical Analyses . 25 2.7 Ethical Aspects . 26 2.8 Recourses and Author's Role . 26 2.9 Time Schedule . 26 3 Results . 27 3.1 Preoperative Characteristics and Participant Flow . 27 3.2 Outcome Measures of Daily Physical Activity . 30 3.3 Gender Differences . 30 3.4. Preferred Walking Speed . 30 3.5 Pain . 30 3.6 Adverse Events . 31 4 Discussion . 34 4.4 Methodological Considerations . 38 4.5 Implications for Clinical Work . 42 5. Conclusions . 42 References . 44 Appendices . 48
Vibration white finger disease among tree fellers in British columbia.

: On the basis of symptomatology, 51% of 146 fellers from seven coastal lumber camps in British Columbia were found to be suffering from vibration white finger disease (VWFD). Symptoms were present in 70% of the men who had been engaged in felling for 11 to 15 years and in 75% of the men who had been employed in this occupation for more than 20 years. Prevalence rates were not changed by the exclusion of 57 fellers with a history of vibration exposure other than the chain saw, or with a history of other possible secondary causes. The prevalence of symptoms in an age-corrected control group was 2%. There was objective evidence of disease (delayed finger rewarming after cooling) in 31 of the 43 fellers with symptoms (72%) and in 13 of the 74 controls (18%) without symptoms. The median latency period for fellers with symptomatic VWFD was 7.3 years. There was no evidence that the condition was related to cigarette smoking.
Cell-type-specific synaptic modulation of mAChR on SST and PV interneurons

The muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) antagonist, scopolamine, has been shown to have a rapid antidepressant effect. And it is believed that GABAergic interneurons play a crucial role in this action. Therefore, characterizing the modulation effects of mAChR on GABAergic interneurons is crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying scopolamine’s antidepressant effects. In this study, we examined the effect of mAChR activation on the excitatory synaptic transmissions in two major subtypes of GABAergic interneurons, somatostatin (SST)- and parvalbumin (PV)-expressing interneurons, in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). We found that muscarine, a mAChR agonist, non-specifically facilitated the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) in both SST and PV interneurons. Scopolamine completely blocked the effects of muscarine, as demonstrated by recovery of sESPCs and mEPSCs in these two types of interneurons. Additionally, individual application of scopolamine did not affect the EPSCs of these interneurons. In inhibitory transmission, we further observed that muscarine suppressed the frequency of both spontaneous and miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs and mIPSCs) in SST interneurons, but not PV interneurons. Interestingly, scopolamine directly enhanced the frequency of both sIPSCs and mIPSCs mainly in SST interneurons, but not PV interneurons. Overall, our results indicate that mAChR modulates excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission to SST and PV interneurons within the ACC in a cell-type-specific manner, which may contribute to its role in the antidepressant effects of scopolamine.
IL-1 and senescence: Friends and foe of EGFR neutralization and immunotherapy

Historically, senescence has been considered a safe program in response to multiple stresses in which cells undergo irreversible growth arrest. This process is characterized by morphological and metabolic changes, heterochromatin formation, and secretion of inflammatory components, known as senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). However, recent reports demonstrated that anti-cancer therapy itself can stimulate a senescence response in tumor cells, the so-called therapy-induced senescence (TIS), which may represent a temporary bypass pathway that promotes drug resistance. In this context, several studies have shown that EGFR blockage, by TKIs or moAbs, promotes TIS by increasing IL-1 cytokine production, thus pushing cells into a “pseudo-senescent” state. Today, senotherapeutic agents are emerging as a potential strategy in cancer treatment thanks to their dual role in annihilating senescent cells and simultaneously preventing their awakening into a resistant and aggressive form. Here, we summarize classic and recent findings about the cellular processes driving senescence and SASP, and we provide a state-of-the-art of the anti-cancer strategies available so far that exploits the activation and/or blockade of senescence-based mechanisms.
Intention to consume news via personal social media network and political trust among young people: The evidence from Hong Kong

Introduction Assessing the effect of different media sources on political trust provides an overall picture of the role of the current media landscape in influencing the legitimacy of political institutions. Methods A cross-lagged model was developed and tested by applying it to a three-wave dataset obtained by surveying young people in Hong Kong in order to evaluate the unique impact of intention to consume news via personal social media network on political trust. Results After controlling for the impact of other news channels and respondents’ prior political interest, we found their political trust was most significantly affected by information intentionally obtained from friends and family through their personal social media network. Discussion Media exhibits a relatively weak effect on political trust, which is primarily influenced by selection, indicating that policymakers do not have to be concerned with online exchange of information that is critical of the government. Moreover, this evidence from Hong Kong suggests that, when it comes to developing political trust throughout the society, conflicts resulting from opposing views are better than ignorance.
The distribution and behaviour of Fe, Al, Si, Mn, Cu and Ni in ombrotrophic tropical peat draining blackwater estuaries on Borneo Island

Tropical peat swamps are essential ecosystems, which provide numerous services, and also serve as a rich source of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), hydrogen ions and trace elements to peat draining rivers. However, not much is known about trace element export from tropical peat swamps. We investigated trace element dynamics in rivers and estuaries draining tropical peat swamps on Borneo, and examined the influence of estuarine processes as well as dissolved organic carbon (DOC) on the distribution and concentration of trace elements. Our results indicate acidic conditions (pH = 3.3) and high DOC concentration (3500 µmol L−1) at salinities<1. We observed an initial release of trace elements at low salinity (0.05<S< 0.5), followed by scavenging to particles at intermediate salinities (0.5<S<10) due to an increasing ionic strength and pH. Peak concentrations (µmol kg −1) of Al (24.9), Si (96.2), Mn (4.9), Cu (0.035) and Ni (0.047) were observed during the dry season (July), and Fe concentrations (43.2) were highest during the wet season (December). We used the NICA-Donnan model to investigate the combined impact of DOC and pH on the formation of solid iron hydroxide (Fe(OH)3(s)). The Maludam river was predicted to be supersaturated for Fe hydroxides and the results affirmed our model prediction. The output showed Fe and Cu had a strong affinity for DOC and to a lesser extent Al and Ni in the conditions prevailing at the study sites. Statistical analyses also indicated strong correlation between Cu and Ni (r2 = 0.97, 0.94 and 0.82) in Maludam, Sebuyau and Belait rivers and estuaries, respectively. The results obtained in this study are comparable to values published for southeast Asia and other continents for pristine peat draining rivers. Graphical Abstract
Biogeography and potential ecological functions of prokaryotes in the hydrothermal and non-hydrothermal field sediments of the Indian Ocean Ridges

A consensus is emerging on marine microbial biogeography. However, knowledge of the biodiversity and biogeographic patterns of deep-sea microbes and the drivers is far from adequate. In this study, we investigated the diversity and biogeography of prokaryotes at the Indian Ocean Ridges (IOR) using 16S rRNA gene and dsrB sequencing combined with bioinformatics analyses. A total of 39 hydrothermal field sediment (HFS) and non-hydrothermal field sediment (NHFS) samples were collected from the Carlsberg Ridge (CR) and Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR). Seventy-four prokaryotic phyla were detected in the samples, of which 13 phyla were distributed across all samples. The composition of prokaryotic communities diverged between HFSs and NHFSs, but not between the CR and SWIR. Sixteen phyla were differentially enriched between HFSs and NHFSs. The community structure was significantly correlated to calcium, sulfur, total phosphorus, and total nitrogen, the first three of which were the main distinguishing factors of HFSs and NHFSs. Moreover, a weak distance–decay pattern was observed among the NHFS communities. PICRUSt predictions revealed functional discrepancies in carbon and nitrogen metabolism between the HFS and NHFS communities, and dsrB sequencing analysis indicated higher diversity of sulfate reduction genes and taxa in HFSs than in NHFSs. The diversity and relative abundance of corresponding functional taxa and genes suggested that the nitrogen cycle might be centralized in an energy-generating manner to support the microbial community in NHFSs while the sulfur cycle is more important for the HFS community. These findings provide new insights into microbial biogeography and metabolic differentiation along the IOR that are influenced by hydrothermal activity.
Walk on the wild side: SIV infection in African non-human primate hosts—from the field to the laboratory

HIV emerged following cross-species transmissions of simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs) that naturally infect non-human primates (NHPs) from Africa. While HIV replication and CD4+ T-cell depletion lead to increased gut permeability, microbial translocation, chronic immune activation, and systemic inflammation, the natural hosts of SIVs generally avoid these deleterious consequences when infected with their species-specific SIVs and do not progress to AIDS despite persistent lifelong high viremia due to long-term coevolution with their SIV pathogens. The benign course of natural SIV infection in the natural hosts is in stark contrast to the experimental SIV infection of Asian macaques, which progresses to simian AIDS. The mechanisms of non-pathogenic SIV infections are studied mainly in African green monkeys, sooty mangabeys, and mandrills, while progressing SIV infection is experimentally modeled in macaques: rhesus macaques, pigtailed macaques, and cynomolgus macaques. Here, we focus on the distinctive features of SIV infection in natural hosts, particularly (1): the superior healing properties of the intestinal mucosa, which enable them to maintain the integrity of the gut barrier and prevent microbial translocation, thus avoiding excessive/pathologic immune activation and inflammation usually perpetrated by the leaking of the microbial products into the circulation; (2) the gut microbiome, the disruption of which is an important factor in some inflammatory diseases, yet not completely understood in the course of lentiviral infection; (3) cell population shifts resulting in target cell restriction (downregulation of CD4 or CCR5 surface molecules that bind to SIV), control of viral replication in the lymph nodes (expansion of natural killer cells), and anti-inflammatory effects in the gut (NKG2a/c+ CD8+ T cells); and (4) the genes and biological pathways that can shape genetic adaptations to viral pathogens and are associated with the non-pathogenic outcome of the natural SIV infection. Deciphering the protective mechanisms against SIV disease progression to immunodeficiency, which have been established through long-term coevolution between the natural hosts and their species-specific SIVs, may prompt the development of novel therapeutic interventions, such as drugs that can control gut inflammation, enhance gut healing capacities, or modulate the gut microbiome. These developments can go beyond HIV infection and open up large avenues for correcting gut damage, which is common in many diseases.