Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Removal of Cr(VI) from Aqueous Solutions Using Biowastes: Tella Residue and Pea (Pisum sativum) Seed Shell

The wide use of chromium (Cr) in different industries led to the release of a considerable amount of Cr(VI) into water bodies. Exposure to Cr(VI) can cause diseases in humans and animals. Therefore, low-cost technology for Cr(VI) removal is required. In this study, the biowastes, “Tella” residue (TR) and Pea (Pisum sativum) seed shell (PSS), were evaluated for their Cr(VI) removal efficiency from aqueous solutions. The physicochemical properties of adsorbents were studied, and the adsorbents were further characterized using FTIR and XRD. Batch adsorption experiments have shown that the Cr(VI) uptake was pH-dependent and found to be effective in a wide range of pH values (pH 1 to 10) for PSS. The kinetics of Cr(VI) removal by the adsorbents was well expressed by the pseudo-second-order model. The experimental equilibrium adsorption data fitted well with Freundlich isotherm indicating multilayers adsorption. The estimated Cr(VI) adsorption capacities of TR and PSS were 15.6 mg/g and 8.5 mg/g, respectively. On top of this, the possibility of reusing adsorbents indicates the potential applicability of TR and PSS for the treatment of Cr(VI) contaminated water. Further study on the evaluation of the efficiency of the adsorbents using real chromium-contaminated wastewater is recommended.
Assays of CFTR Function In Vitro, Ex Vivo and In Vivo

Cystic fibrosis, a multi-organ genetic disease, is characterized by abnormal function of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, a chloride channel at the apical membrane of several epithelia. In recent years, therapeutic strategies have been developed to correct the CFTR defect. To evaluate CFTR function at baseline for diagnosis, or the efficacy of CFTR-restoring therapy, reliable tests are needed to measure CFTR function, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. In vitro techniques either directly or indirectly measure ion fluxes; direct measurement of ion fluxes and quenching of fluorescence in cell-based assays, change in transmembrane voltage or current in patch clamp or Ussing chamber, swelling of CFTR-containing organoids by secondary water influx upon CFTR activation. Several cell or tissue types can be used. Ex vivo and in vivo assays similarly evaluate current (intestinal current measurement) and membrane potential differences (nasal potential difference), on tissues from individual patients. In the sweat test, the most frequently used in vivo evaluation of CFTR function, chloride concentration or stimulated sweat rate can be directly measured. Here, we will describe the currently available bio-assays for quantitative evaluation of CFTR function, their indications, advantages and disadvantages, and correlation with clinical outcome measures.
Treatment-Resistant Wide-Complex Tachycardia in a Three-Year-Old Girl

Wide-complex, monomorphic tachycardias represent a range of tachyarrhythmias. Such patients can present asymptomatically and hemodynamically stable, while others are in shock. The etiology of the rhythm can be difficult to determine in the emergency department, and although electrocardiogram findings may be helpful, a workup after stabilization may be necessary to determine the cause. Treatment is therefore dependent on hemodynamic status and follows a stepwise approach, as initial therapies may be ineffective. We present the case of a three-year-old girl with wide-complex tachycardia which was exceedingly refractory to preliminary treatments and required trials of multiple treatment approaches to achieve conversion to normal sinus rhythm.
Effect of Flavonoids in Hawthorn and Vitamin C Prevents Hypertension in Rats Induced by Heat Exposure

Background: Excessive oxidative stress is associated with hypertension in professional high-temperature working conditions. Polyphenols exhibit a cardioprotective effect. Hawthorn contains high amounts of flavonoids, though its effect on hypertension protection has yet to be studied. This study aims to investigate this effect of extract of hawthorn (EH) or its combination with vitamin C (Vit. C) in rats induced by working under a hot environment. Methods: Forty-two male rats were randomly divided into a control group under normal temperature and six treatment groups exposed at 33 ± 1 °C along with 1 h of daily treadmill running. They were orally provided with water, Vit. C (14mg/kg), EH (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg), and EH500 + Vit. C, once a day for four weeks. Results: Both EH and Vit. C alone reduced the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of rats exposed to the heat environment; however, their joint supplementation completely maintained their blood pressure to the normal level throughout the experimental period. No morphological changes were found on the intima of aorta. Moreover, the co-supplementation of EH and Vit. C prevented the changes of heat exposure in inducing oxidative stress markers, such as glutathione peroxidase, catalase, total antioxidant capacity, and nitric oxide; the synergistic action was more effective than either individual treatment of EH and Vit. C. Furthermore, the administration of EH had more potent effects on increasing superoxide dismutase, IL-2, the 70 kilodalton heat shock proteins and high sensitivity C reactive protein, and decreasing serum malondialdehyde and lipofuscin in vascular tissue than those in Vit. C group. Conclusions: A strong synergistic effect of EH and Vit. C on the prevention of hypertension under heat exposure was established, as they inhibited the oxidative stress state. This study also sets up a novel intervention strategy in animal models for investigation on the early phases of hypertension induced by heat exposure.
The Effect of Cooking on the Goitrogenic (cyanogenic glycosides and glucosinolates) Content of Pumpkin Leaves (Telfairia occidentalis) and Spinach Leaves (Spinacia olairaceae)

Fresh ugwu (Telfairia occidentalis) and spinach (Spinacia olairaceae) leaves play important roles in human nutrition. Leafy vegetables including Telfairia occidentalis and Spinacia olairaceae are considered as agents of transmission of goitrogens which interfere with iodine uptake thus causing goiter. Cyanogenic glycosides are naturally occurring goitrogens found in staple foods in the tropics. Thiocyanate and isothiocyanate have been demonstrated as the goitrogenic principles of cyanogenic plants Thiocyanate ion acts as a goitrogen when present at high concentration especially when the iodine content of the diet is low. Thiocyanate inhibits the uptake of iodine by the iodide pump of the thyroid gland thus acting as a goitrogen which suppresses thyroid function leading to goiter. This study examined the effect of cooking on the goitrogenic potential of Ugwu and Spinach leaves. A total of (10g) of fresh/ andraw ugwu and spinach leaves were randomly collected and cooked. All samples were examined according to standard methods for detection of goitrogens. The cyanogenic glycosides content of rawand fresh ugwu leaves were 1. 6mg /kg - 1. 82mg/ kg while that of cooked leaves were 0. 004mg/ kg - 0. 0 l3mg/ kg. The glucosinolates content for raw and fresh Ugwu leaves were15.7mg/kg-17.28mg/kg, while that of cooked Ugwu leaves were 11.18mg/kg- 12.51mg/kg . For Spinach the cyanogenic glycosides content for raw and fresh were 0.24mg/kg-1.28mg/kg, while that of cooked spinach were 0.013mg/kg- 0.00Smg/kg. The glucosinolates content for raw and fresh spinach were 4.0mg/kg-2.64mg/kg while those of the cooked leaves were 2.52mg/kg-1.82mg/kg. there was a significant diference (P=0.085) in the level of reduction of glucosinolate content between raw and cooked Ugwu leaves and Spinach. There is also a significant difference (p=3.04) in the concentration of glucosinolates between Ugwu leaves and Spinach. Ugwu leaves had a higher concentration of glucosinolates than spinach in both fresh (raw) and cooked conditions respectively. These findings provide evidence that the risk of acquiring goiter from the consumption of ugwu and spinach leaves is reduced when cooked. Keywords: Ugwu leaves, Spinach leaves, Cooking, Goitrogens, Cyanogenic glycosides, Glucosinolates
Leaching of Glyphosate and AMPA from Field Lysimeters

Leaching of glyphosate and AMPA as affected by the time elapsed between the spraying and first leaching event was studied on large-scale lysimeters in a two-year study. The leaching events were induced by irrigation interventions able to deliver 336 L, equivalent to a rainfall of 40 mm. Four groups of three lysimeters were randomly selected between the 12 lysimeters available. They were irrigated on either one day after herbicide treatment (1 DAT), 7 DAT, 14 DAT or 28 DAT. The same group of lysimeters were irrigated a second time 14 days after the first irrigation, corresponding to a period of time of 15 DAT (1 + 14), 21 DAT (7 + 14), 28 DAT (14 + 14) and 42 DAT (28 + 14). In both years, lysimeters were sprayed with glyphosate (360 L ha−1) at a rate of 12 L ha−1, the maximum field rate allowed on the label. Our results pointed out that the leaching of glyphosate and AMPA is effectively event-driven and highlighted the importance of the first rainfall event in moving glyphosate through the soil, increasing the potential risk of water contamination. Overall, both chemicals showed a risk of water contamination. Glyphosate may persist more than usually considered, and its residues were found in leached waters from lysimeters treated 30 days before the leaching event. Other factors may affect the movement of these two compounds through the soil profile after spraying: temperature pattern and soil moisture. Finally, the results of this study refer to a very high application rate of glyphosate. Hence, at lower field rates, observed concentrations can likely be minor.
An Improved Cooperative Particle Swarm Optimization and Its Application to Flow Shop Scheduling Problem

Aiming at the stagnation problem of the cooperative particle swarm optimization, this paper presents an improved cooperative particle swarm optimization.This proposed method adopts the cooperation principle of optimization algorithm, so it not only ensures the convergence rate,but also avoids plunging into local optimum.Moreover,both comprehensive learning and disturbing mechanism are introduced to strengthen the diversity of population and avoid the stagnation and plunging into local optimum.The new algorithm is tested by three typical functions and the flow shop scheduling problems,(respectively.) The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can avoid the stagnation,improve the global convergence ability,and attain better optimization performance.
The Impact of Good Corporate Governance as a Moderation of Company Performance on the Timeliness of Submitting Financial Statements

Timeliness in the submission of financial statements is an important factor in the relevant presentation information. This research is a proof of concept function analytically and experimentally. This study aims to determine the effect of company performance on timeliness submission of financial reports with good corporate governance as a moderating variable. The object of this research is a manufacturing company that has listed its shares on the IDX from 2018 to 2019. The sample of this study was 193 samples using the purposive sampling method. The analytical method used is a statistical analysis model in the form of a logistic test. The results showed that ROA did not have affect the timeliness of financial reporting, while DER affects the timeliness of financial reporting. Moderation between ROA and frequency of board meetings provides a potential type of moderation. Meanwhile, DER with board meeting frequency resulted in pure moderation.
Assessment of the Breeding Potential of a Set of Genotypes Selected from a Natural Population of Akebia trifoliata (Three–Leaf Akebia)

Akebia trifoliata (three-leaf akebia) has long been used as a medicinal herb and has the potential to be used in diverse ways, especially as a fruit crop. However, efforts to domesticate and cultivate new varieties for commercial use are only in their infancy. Here, we evaluated the genetic diversity of 29 genotypes, which were previously selected from a natural population consisting of 1447 genotypes and exhibiting high resistance to fungal diseases and a smooth peel of A. trifoliata using 85 genome-specific single sequence repeat (SSR) markers. We also characterized variation in 19 phenotypic traits and nutritional components. Large variation in phenotypic traits and nutritional components was observed, especially in vitamin C, seed/pulp, and fruit color. Correlation analyses revealed that many phenotypic traits and nutritional components were significantly correlated. A principal component analysis identified five principal components, which explained 83.2% of the total variation in the data. The results of the SSR analysis revealed that 80 of the 85 SSR markers were polymorphic; the total number of alleles amplified was 532. The expected heterozygosity was 0.672, and Shannon’s information index was 1.328. A Ward dendrogram and unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean dendrogram revealed high diversity among the 29 genotypes and suggested that the measured morphological and nutritional traits were genetically independent of disease resistance and texture traits, as well as SSR marker loci. Finally, our results suggest that additional rounds of selection from the selected population, despite its small size, could be effective for the development of new A. trifoliata fruit cultivars.
Hematotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity in Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Radioligand Therapy with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA I&T

Simple Summary Radioligand therapy (RLT) with prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-directed agents has shown remarkable results in patients with advanced prostate cancer. Our objective was to provide data on the side effect profile of PSMA-directed RLT using the therapeutic radiotracer [177Lu]Lu-PSMA I&T. We evaluated patients with castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer treated with at least three cycles of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA I&T. A substantial fraction of the patients already had impaired renal function and/or reduced white blood cell counts at baseline, but the degree of nephrotoxicity or hematotoxicity under RLT was low. No severe toxicities occurred under RLT. Abstract (1) Background: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-directed radioligand therapy (RLT) has shown remarkable results in patients with advanced prostate cancer. We aimed to evaluate the toxicity profile of the PSMA ligand [177Lu]Lu-PSMA I&T. (2) Methods: 49 patients with metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with at least three cycles of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA I&T were evaluated. Prior to and after RLT, we compared leukocytes, hemoglobin, platelet counts, and renal functional parameters (creatinine, eGFR, n = 49; [99mTc]-MAG3-derived tubular extraction rate (TER), n = 42). Adverse events were classified according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0 and KDIGO Society. To identify predictive factors, we used Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. (3) Results: A substantial fraction of the patients already showed impaired renal function and reduced leukocyte counts at baseline. Under RLT, 11/49 (22%) patients presented with nephrotoxicity CTCAE I or II according to creatinine, but 33/49 (67%) according to eGFR. Only 5/42 (13%) showed reduced TER, defined as <70% of the age-adjusted mean normal values. Of all renal functional parameters, absolute changes of only 2% were recorded. CTCAE-based re-categorization was infrequent, with creatinine worsening from I to II in 2/49 (4.1%; GFR, 1/49 (2%)). Similar results were recorded for KDIGO (G2 to G3a, 1/49 (2%); G3a to G3b, 2/49 (4.1%)). After three cycles, follow-up eGFR correlated negatively with age (r = −0.40, p = 0.005) and the eGFR change with Gleason score (r = −0.35, p < 0.05) at baseline. Leukocytopenia CTCAE II occurred only in 1/49 (2%) (CTCAE I, 20/49 (41%)) and CTCAE I thrombocytopenia in 7/49 (14%), with an absolute decrease of 15.2% and 16.6% for leukocyte and platelet counts. Anemia CTCAE II occurred in 10/49 (20%) (CTCAE I, 36/49 (73%)) with a decrease in hemoglobin of 4.7%. (4) Conclusions: After PSMA-targeted therapy using [177Lu]Lu-PSMA I&T, no severe (CTCAE III/IV) toxicities occurred, thereby demonstrating that serious adverse renal or hematological events are unlikely to be a frequent phenomenon with this agent.
Population Dynamics of Shoot and Fruit Borer Earias Vitella on Okra

Field experiment to evaluate the population dynamics of okra shoot and fruit borer Earias vittella F. , was conducted at the Research Farm, Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Muzaffarpur, Bihar during kharif 2018 and 2019. The observations revealed that its shoot infestation initiated from 29th standard week (SW) (3.84%) and reached its peak (10.09%) during 31st SW. The fruit damage was first noticed during 31st SW (4.91%), continued till 41st SW (6.44%) reaching peak (29.30%) at 34th SW. The larval count on fruit was of a maximum (7.13 larva/ 25 fruit) during 31st SW. The maximum and minimum temperature and relative humidity at 7 hr were found positively correlated with fruit damage (r = 0.512, 0.286 and 0.217, respectively). The larval counts exhibited a positive and significant relationship with maximum temperature (r = 0.549) while that of minimum temperature (r = 0.327) and relative humidity at 7 hr (r = 0.211) were positive and nonsignificant. The weather factors collectively infulenced 64.10, 87.10 and 86.90% of shoot and fruit damage and larval counts, respectively.
The Role of Meteorological Variables and Aerosols in the Transmission of COVID‐19 During Harmattan Season

The role of atmospheric parameters and aerosols in the transmission of COVID‐19 within tropical Africa, especially during the harmattan season, has been under‐investigated in published papers. The harmattan season within the West African region is associated with significant dust incursion from the Bodele depression and biomass burning. In this study, the correlation between atmospheric parameters (temperature and humidity) and aerosols with COVID‐19 cases and fatalities within seven locations in tropical Nigeria during the harmattan period was investigated. COVID‐19 infection cases were found to be significantly positively correlated with atmospheric parameters (temperature and humidity) in the southern part of the country while the number of fatalities showed weaker significant correlation with particulate matters only in three locations. The significant correlation values were found to be between 0.22 and 0.48 for particulate matter and −0.19 to −0.32 for atmospheric parameters. Although, temperature and humidity showed negative correlations in some locations, the impact is smaller compared to particulate matter. In December, COVID‐19 cases in all locations showed strong correlation with particulate matter except in Kano State. It is suggested that a reduction in atmospheric particulate matter can be used as a control measure for the spread of COVID‐19.
The exogenous characteristics of traffic delinquents

The exogenous characteristics of traffic participants, such as: alcoholism, fatigue and psychoactive substances, have a significant impact on a safe behaviour in traffic, especially the motor vehicle drivers. In that sense, they represent the factors that can directly influence the unsafe behaviour in traffic. The influence of the exogenous characteristics on a safe behaviour of traffic participants has been analysed on the basis of the statements in documents as well as the results of numerous empirical studies. For the purposes of this paper, there have been selected and analysed the statistical data on the influential factors of traffic accidents for the period from 2010 to 2019 in Republic of Serbia. After reviewing the statistical data, both a qualitative and quantitative content analyses were performed. In addition to the statistical method, there were also used the content analysis methods, empirical method, descriptive method, comparative methods, as well as deduction and induction methods, in order to analyse the trend and presence of these influential factors of traffic accidents in Republic of Serbia. The statistical data being processed in this paper, originated from the database of the Traffic Safety Agency of Republic of Serbia. The results of the research show the extent to which the exogenous characteristics affect a safe behaviour of traffic participants, as well as the severity of the consequences of traffic accidents. Observed individually, the listed characteristics have a different intensity of influence on a safe behaviour in traffic. In this regard, from the external characteristics of traffic delinquents, the most common is the drunk driving as an influential factor, which especially affects the severity of traffic accidents in Republic of Serbia.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Radiomics for the Prediction of Progression-Free Survival in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Simple Summary More than 70% of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) present with a locoregionally advanced state. Although the initial staging of NPC is primarily based on TNM staging, there is currently no well-established prognostic marker for NPC. Recently, radiomics has received considerable research attention as a potential prognostic biomarker for NPC. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to comprehensively evaluate the prognostic value of pretreatment magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based radiomics for NPC. The analyzed radiomic models demonstrated modest prognostic values, with a pooled mean estimated Harrell’s concordance index (C index) of 0.762. The prognostic models developed using more than eight radiomic features had significantly higher C-indices than those developed using fewer features. Our findings provide evidence that MRI-based radiomics may have a modest prognostic role in the treatment of NPC. However, more consistent study protocols are needed to verify the generalizability of radiomics. Abstract Advanced non-metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has variable treatment outcomes. However, there are no prognostic biomarkers for identifying high-risk patients with NPC. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to comprehensively assess the prognostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based radiomics for untreated NPC. The PubMed-Medline and EMBASE databases were searched for relevant articles published up to 12 August 2021. The Transparent Reporting of a Multivariable Prediction Model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) checklist was used to determine the qualities of the selected studies. Random-effects modeling was used to calculate the pooled estimates of Harrell’s concordance index (C-index) for progression-free survival (PFS). Between-study heterogeneity was evaluated using Higgins’ inconsistency index (I2). Among the studies reported in the 57 articles screened, 10 with 3458 patients were eligible for qualitative and quantitative data syntheses. The mean adherence rate to the TRIPOD checklist was 68.6 ± 7.1%. The pooled estimate of the C-index was 0.762 (95% confidence interval, 0.687–0.837). Substantial between-study heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 89.2%). Overall, MRI-based radiomics shows good prognostic performance in predicting the PFS of patients with untreated NPC. However, more consistent and robust study protocols are necessary to validate the prognostic role of radiomics for NPC.