Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum aldosterone as a predictor of heart rhythm disorders in acute myocardial infarction

Introduction: In addition to the fastest reperfusion procedure of coronary arteries blood flow, identification of patients with increased risk of early and late complications is of the utmost importance in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: We included total of 207 patients in the acute phase of myocardial infarction, which were divided into two groups, 127 patients without clinical symptoms of heart failure (HF) and 60 patients with HF symptoms. For all patients serum aldosterone levels were determined 24 hours after acute MI. Results: In the group of decompensated patients, changes in aldosterone level did not show a statistically significant effect on paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) occurrence (p > 0.05), while in the group of compensated patients there is statistically significant effect on PSVT occurrence (p =0.004). Changes in aldosterone level in the group of decompensated (p=0,030) and compensated patients (p=0,024), showed statistically significant influence on the ventricular tachycardia (VT) occurrence. In the group of compensated patients, changes in aldosterone level showed a statistically significant effect on ventricular fibrillation (VF) occurrence (p = 0.024). Conclusion: Plasma aldosterone level in patients with acute myocardial infarction has a significant influence on the occurrence of cardiac rhythm disorders irrespective of the existence of cardiac decompensation. Keywords: aldosterone, myocardial infarction, prediction.
Enhanced Immunomodulatory Effects of Thymosin-Alpha-1 in Combination with Polyanionic Carbosilane Dendrimers against HCMV Infection

Resistance and toxicity associated with current treatments for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection highlight the need for alternatives and immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy. This study examined the in vitro immunological effects of co-administration of Thymosin-alpha-1 (Tα1) and polyanionic carbosilane dendrimers (PCDs) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) during HCMV infection. The biocompatibility of PCDs was assessed via MTT and LDH assays. PBMCs were pre-treated with the co-administered compounds and then exposed to HCMV for 48 h. Morphological alterations in PBMCs were observed using optical microscopy and total dendritic cells (tDCs), myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs), and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), along with CD4+/CD8+ T cells and regulatory T cells (Treg), and were characterized using multiparametric flow cytometry. The findings revealed that Tα1 + PCDs treatments increased DC activation and maturation. Furthermore, increased co-receptor expression, intracellular IFNγ production in T cells and elevated Treg functionality and reduced senescence were evident with Tα1 + G2-S24P treatment. Conversely, reduced co-receptor expression, intracellular cytokine production in T cells, lower functionality and higher senescence in Treg were observed with Tα1 + G2S16 treatment. In summary, Tα1 + PCDs treatments demonstrate synergistic effects during early HCMV infection, suggesting their use as an alternative therapeutic for preventing virus infection.
Handbook of Pineapple Technology: Production, Postharvest Science, Processing and Nutrition

This book provides an in depth and contemporary coverage of knowledge and practices in the value chain of this popular fruit, from production through to consumption. The chapters explore all the most recent developments in areas such as breeding, novel processing technologies, postharvest physiology and storage, packaging, nutritional quality and safety aspects. An outstanding team of authors from across the globe have contributed to make this the definitive pineapple handbook.
INFLUÊNCIA DE BIOESTIMULANTES E NUTRIENTES NA EMERGÊNCIA E NO CRESCIMENTO INICIAL DE FEIJÃO, SOJA E MILHO

RESUMO - Novas tecnicas vem sendo desenvolvidas com o intuito de otimizar o crescimento das plantas. Dentre elas, o tratamento de sementes com bioestimulantes, nutrientes e aminoacidos visa a aumentar o crescimento inicial de plantas no campo e a torna-las menos suscetiveis aos estresses na emergencia. Com isso, objetivou-se ava liar o efeito do tratamento de sementes com bioestimulantes e nutrientes na emergencia e no crescimento inicial de milho, soja e feijao. Os experimentos foram conduzidos na Universidade Federal de Vicosa – campus Rio Paranaiba, em Rio Paranaiba, MG, a campo (teste de emergencia) e em casa de vegetacao (crescimento), ambos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Os tratamentos consistiram de produtos utilizados como promotores de enraizamento no tratamento de sementes e de dois controles: molibdato de amonio; e sem tratamento. As doses foram as indicadas pelos fabricantes. Nao houve diferenca significativa para emergencia, indice de velocidade de emergencia, velocidade de emergencia, materia seca de parte aerea e raiz para feijao, milho e soja. Houve aumento ou reducao do volume de raizes de acordo com o tratamento para o milho e para a soja. Os produtos testados como bioestimulantes e nutrientes nao influenciaram a emergencia e o crescimento inicial das plantas de milho, soja e feijao. Palavras-chave: promotores de enraizamento; Phaseolus vulgaris; Zea mays; Glycine max. EFFECT OF BIOSTIMULANTS AND NUTRIENTS ON SEED GERMINATION AND GROWTH OF BEANS, CORN AND SOYBEAN ABSTRACT - New technologies have been developed in order to optimize plant growth. Among them, the seed treatment with stimulating, amino acids and micronutrients aims to increase the early growth of the plants in the field and make them less susceptible to stress in emergence. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of seed treatment with stimulating and nutrients on emergence and early growth of corn, soy and beans. The experiments were conducted at the Federal University of Vicosa - Campus Rio Paranaiba, in Rio Paranaiba – Minas Gerais, at field (germination test) and greenhouse (growth), using a completely randomized design. Treatments consisted of seed treatment with products used as rooting promoters and two controls, ammonium molybdate and untreated. Dosages of products followed the manufacturer’s recommendation. No significant difference was observed for emergence, emergence speed index, speed of emergence, dry matter of shoot and root for beans, corn and soybeans. An increase or decrease in the volume of roots was observed depending on the treatment for corn and soybeans. The products used as stimulating and nutrients did not affect the emergence and early growth of plants of corn, soybeans and beans. Key words: root development; Phaseolus vulgaris; Zea mays; Glycine max.
The Impact of Math and Science Remedial Education on Engineering Major Choice, Degree Attainment, and Time to Degree

Despite limited and mixed evidence regarding its efficacy, the use of postsecondary remedial education is widespread. Remedial education is often provided as an intervention that could potentially promote the success of students with lower academic preparation. In this study, we examine the impact of remedial education on students’ engineering pathways and influence on graduation probability. In particular, engineering programs may offer remedial courses to students who may not have had opportunities to take more advanced mathematics and science courses during high school. Our data come from a selective engineering program at a top Midwestern university that requires first-year engineering to complete remedial classes in chemistry, math, and physics if their high school background did not provide them with the preparation to begin the traditional engineering course sequence. Although this is a single-institution study, this setting allows us to examine the impact of remedial courses on students at a four-year institution. This focus extends the literature on remedial education, which tends to focus on two-year colleges and less-selective four-year settings. Using regression analyses on a sample of 33,369 students who matriculated between 2001 and 2016, we found that students taking remedial mathematics, chemistry, or physics college courses had a significantly lower probability of declaring an engineering major on time (typically in the second semester of college). Among those who declare engineering, remedial education is also associated with a lower graduation probability. Students who take remedial coursework who do graduate are less likely to do so in an engineering major, and they take roughly one third of an additional year in order to complete their degree. Remediation appears to have less of a negative impact on women and racially minoritized students compared to their counterpart students. findings and
Leaves, Infusion, and Grounds—A Three–Stage Assessment of Element Content in Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) Based on the Dynamic Extraction and Mineralization of Residues

The more yerba mate infusions that are consumed, the larger the amount of grounds generated. What is more, both the infusion and the residues after brewing remain rich elements. Therefore, a strategy for the three-stage assessment of the element content was presented. A new brewing method was based on dynamic extraction, ensuring both the ease of preparing the infusion and recovering the grounds. In turn, microwave-assisted acid mineralization was used to decompose the leaves and twigs of yerba mate before and after brewing. In total, 30 products were analyzed by ICP OES in three fractions each, i.e., dry yerba mate, infusion, and grounds, to determine up to 25 elements. The elemental composition was considered in terms of the country of origin, type, or composition of yerba mate. The extraction percentages obtained with dynamic extraction were comparable to previously used ultrasound-assisted extraction, as well as data from the literature. The three-stage strategy is a novel approach in yerba mate studies, and it may be a model procedure for the laboratory preparation of yerba mate grounds (waste that can be re-used, e.g., a natural fertilizer).
ASSESSING GLOBAL CLIMATE VARIABILITY UNDER COLDEST AND WARMEST PERIODS AT DIFFERENT LATITUDINAL REGIONS

Effect of climate change on water balance will play a key role in the biosphere system. To study the global climate change impact on water balance during 95-year period (1901-1995), long-term grid climatic data including global mean monthly temperature and precipitation at 0.5 x 0.5 degree resolution were analysed. The trend and variation of climate change, the time series of monthly air temperature and precipitation data were aggregated into annual arithmetic means for two extreme periods (1901-1920 and 1990-1995). The potential evapotranspiration (Eo) was calculated using Thornthwaite method. The changes in mean annual value were obtained by subtracting the maximum period data from 1990 to 1995 (Max) with the minimum period data from 1901 to 1920 (Min). The results revealed that over 95-year period, mean global air temperature increased by 0.57oC. The temperature increase varied greatly in Asia, with more than 3.0oC, especially at 45-70oN, as well over the northern part of America (60-65oN) and Europe (55- 75oN). In low latitude across Asia, Africa, and South America, the variation was less than 1.5oC. In 80-85oN region, the variation was relatively small and at higher latitudes it increased significantly. Precipitation varied temporally and spatially. In the 40-45oN and 40-45oS regions, increasing precipitation of more than 100 mm occurred during the June-August and September-November, especially in the northern hemisphere. The Eo increase of 2000 mm during 95 years occurred in the tropical northern America, middle Africa, and South-East Asia. A grid in Central Java of Indonesia showed that the Eo increase of 2500 mm during 95 years resulted in the decrease of growing period by 100 days. In coping with climate change, adjustment of cropping calendar is imperative.
Propulsive Force Modulation Drives Split-Belt Treadmill Adaptation in People with Multiple Sclerosis

Most people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) experience significant gait asymmetries between their legs during walking, leading to an increased risk of falls. Split-belt treadmill training, where the speed of each limb is controlled independently, alters each leg’s stepping pattern and can improve gait symmetry in PwMS. However, the biomechanical mechanisms of this adaptation in PwMS remain poorly understood. In this study, 32 PwMS underwent a 10 min split-belt treadmill adaptation paradigm with the more affected (MA) leg moving twice as fast as the less affected (LA) leg. The most noteworthy biomechanical adaptation observed was increased peak propulsion asymmetry between the limbs. A kinematic analysis revealed that peak dorsiflexion asymmetry and the onset of plantarflexion in the MA limb were the primary contributors to the observed increases in peak propulsion. In contrast, the joints in the LA limb underwent only immediate reactive adjustments without subsequent adaptation. These findings demonstrate that modulation during gait adaptation in PwMS occurs primarily via propulsive forces and joint motions that contribute to propulsive forces. Understanding these distinct biomechanical changes during adaptation enhances our grasp of the rehabilitative impact of split-belt treadmill training, providing insights for refining therapeutic interventions aimed at improving gait symmetry.
The Trave section (Monte dei Corvi, Ancona, Central Italy): an integrated paleontological study of the Messinian deposits

The paleontologic data (calcareous nannofossils, foraminifers, ostracods, molluscs and pollen) of the Trave section (south of Ancona, central Italy) are presented in order to describe the fossil content of the pre-evaporitic and post-evaporitc units and evaluate the paleoenvironmental evolution of the sedimentary deposits from the Tortonian/Messinian boundary to the top of the Messinian. Several calcareous plankton bio-horizons astronomically calibrated, temporally constrain the pre-evaporitic sequence between 7.44 Ma (FO of Amaurolithus primus) and 6.35 Ma (sinistral to dextral coiling change in Neogloboquadrina acostaensis). Resedimented evaporites mark the base of the post-evaporitic sub-unit p-ev1 (5.6 Ma) which is overlain by the cyclic stacking pattern of p-ev2 sub-unit. The MPl 3 zone of the Zanclean seals the section. The paleontological record of the post-evaporitic interval allows to verify that the p-ev1/p-ev2 boundary defined in terms of facies is well recognizable also in terms of bioevents; in fact, a Lago Mare low diversity assemblage first occurs a few meters below the boundary, while the first occurrence of Loxocorniculina djafarovi, continuously present all along the p-ev2, is observed above it. A second change in the overall assemblage is recorded a few meters above the physical boundary, where the ostracod assemblage diversifies and Parathetyan dinocysts appear. The open marine conditions during the late Tortonian gradually turned into the poor oxygenated water masses of the early Messinian (deposition of organic-rich layers) under a prevalent humid and warm climate. The presence, in the p-ev1 sub-unit, of small-sized foraminifers, reworked calcareous plankton, and the absence of ostracods and normal marine foraminifer assemblages suggest a diluted marine environment due to strong runoff responsible for the deposition of a great amount of clastic sediments. Towards the top of the p-ev1 and within the p-ev2 the environment changes. The pollen record shows well evident wetter/drier fluctuations and the benthic foraminifers, ostracods, molluscs and dinocysts testify a decreasing water depth and alternating oligo-to mesohaline waters before the Pliocene deluge.
Mating Season Influences Placental Characteristics, Plasma IGF Concentration, and mRNA Expression without Affecting Lamb Birth Weight in Akkaraman Ewes

Seasonal variations significantly impact lambs’ birth weight and post-natal growth of lambs, yet the underlying physiological mechanisms remain insufficiently explored. Therefore, this study examined the effects of mating season on lamb birth weight, placental characteristics, maternal concentrations of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) in plasma, and placental mRNA expression levels of IGFs in Akkaraman ewes reared under extensive conditions. Ewes were mated in the breeding season (September; n = 35) and out-of-breeding season (April; n = 27). Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein of all ewes using a vacutainer in sterile heparin tubes every month from mating to parturition. Post-lambing, both dam and lamb weights were recorded, and placental characteristics were documented within 12 hours of parturition in both seasons. The number and weight of cotyledons were higher (P<0.05) in ewes mated during the breeding season than those mated during the out-of-breeding season. Also, ewes mated during the breeding season demonstrated thicker large cotyledons (P<0.05). Although placental and cotyledonal efficiencies were similar in both mating seasons, volumetric cotyledon efficiency was higher (P<0.05) in ewes mated during the out-of-breeding season than in those bred during the breeding season. Additionally, ewes mated in the breeding season exhibited higher plasma concentration of IGF-I at three months of gestation than ewes mated in the out-of-breeding season (123.8 ± 9.8 vs. 99.3 ± 11.4 ng/ml, respectively; P<0.05). Although the mating season did not affect the IGF-I gene’s placental mRNA expression levels, the IGF-II gene’s expression level was notably higher (P<0.05; fold change: 2.84) in ewes mated during the breeding season. The results suggest that mating season influences placental characteristics, maternal plasma IGF-I concentrations, and IGF-II gene expression levels of cotyledons due to alterations in cotyledon numbers and size on the surface of the placenta.
MicroRNAs Associated with Androgen Receptor and Metastasis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Simple Summary Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is notoriously aggressive and challenging to treat. Via their intracellular androgen receptor (AR), androgens play important roles in the biology of TNBC. MicroRNA (miRNA) molecules have been shown to mediate the biological actions of androgens. They also represent promising biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of TNBC. PCR arrays were utilized to profile the expression of 84 mRNA in human TNBC tissue samples classified according to AR expression and their metastasis status. Results revealed the association of only one miRNA, namely hsa-miR-205-5p, with metastasis. The levels of specific miRNAs such as hsa-miR-328-3p and hsa-miR-489-3p were higher in AR-positive than AR-negative TNBCs. Whereas the former was specifically higher in the metastatic AR-positive TNBC, hsa-miR-489-3p was more expressed in the non-metastatic subtype. These miRNAs may explain some of the biological effects of androgens on TNBC. Their use in the clinical setting needs further study. Abstract It is crucial to identify novel molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The androgen receptor (AR) is a regulator of TNBC, acting partially via microRNA molecules (miRNAs). In this study, we used PCR arrays to profile the expression of 84 miRNAs in 24 TNBC tissue samples, which were equally classified according to AR expression and/or metastasis. Several bioinformatics tools were then utilized to determine the potentially affected protein targets and signaling pathways. Seven miRNAs were found to be significantly more highly expressed in association with AR expression, including miR-328-3p and miR-489-3p. Increased expression of miR-205-3p was found to be significantly associated with metastasis. Certain miRNAs were specifically found to be differentially expressed in either metastatic or non-metastatic AR-positive tumors. A gene ontology (GO) analysis indicated biological roles in the regulation of transcription, cellular response to DNA damage, and the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling pathway. The GO analysis also showed enrichment in kinase and transcription factor activities. The TGF-beta and a number of kinase-dependent pathways were also retrieved using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. This study offers an understanding of the role of AR in TNBC and further implicates miRNAs in mediating the effects of AR on TNBC.
Effects of storage duration and bulb sizes on physiological losses of Agrifound light red onion bulbs (Allium cepa L.)

Abstract. The effect of storage duration and bulb sizes on physiological losses of the Agrifound light red onion bulbs stored in an Improved Naturally Ventilated Storage Structure-INVSS (constructed using locally available materials like; sand, cement, wood, corn stalks, wire mesh and grasses) under room condition was studied in 2012. Dry and wet bulb thermometers were installed to measure ambient temperature and relative humidity. Wind velocity was measurement by hand held Anemometer. The onion bulb samples were sorted and graded into three standard size categories (small: <50mm; medium: 50-70mm and jumbo: >70mm in diameter) and kept in the INVSS at the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering Research Farm of Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH), Yola. The samples were monitored and data taken on a daily basis for a period of twenty (20) weeks. The data were analyzed with ANOVA in CRD and the means were separated using LSD at p<0.05. The results indicated that storage duration had significant effects (p≤0.05) on weight, rot and sprout losses. Jumbo size onion bulbs had the highest Storage Weight Loss (SWL) by a mean of 5.1%, followed by medium and small size onion bulbs with means of 4.8% and 4.2%, respectively. Storage Sprout Losses (SSL) studied in the three of onion bulb sizes showed higher SSL among the small size Agrifound light red variety than the medium size onion bulbs with respective mean values of 5.0% and 3.8%, while the least value of SSL (2.6%) was observed in Jumbo size onion bulbs. Similar comparison was also made in terms of Storage Rot Losses (SRL) and it showed that relatively higher SRL among the Jumbo size onions (3.3%), followed by medium sizes (3.1%) while the least was observed from the small sizes (2.3%). The findings recommend that the INVSS should be used to store Jumbo and small size onion bulbs for at least 5 months to achieve minimum storage losses. Though, it is not cost effective to store medium size onion bulbs in the INVSS for more than 4 months.