Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among 1,959 Patients in Shiraz, Southern Iran, Between 1991 and 2016

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important public health hazard, with approximately 71 million chronically HCV-infected individuals around the world. Objectives: ThisstudywasdesignedtoprovideepidemiologicinformationonHCV,evaluatethepossiblerouteof transmissionand its associated risk factors, and characterize the prevalence and distribution of HCV genotypes among HCV-infected patients in Fars Province, Southern Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was performed with the medical records of patients with HCV infection who had referred to the Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Shiraz, Iran. The extracted data had been gathered from 1991 to 2016. The data included the time of diagnosis, demographic information, information on the course of the disease (including symptoms at disease onset), history of exposure to possible routes of transmission, risk factors, HCV genotype (if available), and familyhistoryof HCVinfection. Therelationshipbetweentwocategoricalvariableswasdeterminedusingthechi-squareorFisher’s exact tests. The relationship between categorical and quantitative variables was tested by one-way ANOVA. The Kendall-tau test was used to show the changing trends of risk factors regarding age and year groups. Univariate analysis was done and odds ratios were calculated to determine the relationship between genotypes and possible routes of HCV transmission. Results: From the total of 1,959 patients, 1,748 (88.20%) were males. An analysis of the trend of possible risk factors showed that the prevalenceof cupping, intravenousdrug use (IVDU),non-intravenous drug use(non-IVDU), penetrating trauma, tattooing, and high-risk sexual behaviors signiﬁcantly increased over the study period. A signiﬁcant reduction was observed in the rate of major thalassemia. The most prevalent HCV genotype was genotype 1 (49.3%), followed by genotype 3 (39.6%). Multivariate analysis of the possible routes of transmission revealed that cupping was associated with the increased risk of HCV genotype 1 infection. Conclusions: Thisstudyreportsnon-IVDUasthemostcommonassociatedriskfactorandgenotype1asthemostprevalentgenotype in patients infected with HCV. Knowing risk factors can lead to making better policies and implement more eﬀective interventions to prevent the spread of HCV infection.
Role of SHIP2 in cell repulsion regulated by Eph receptor and ephrin signaling

Previous studies have found that activation of EphB2 and ephrinB1 that drives cell segregation leads to phosphorylation of the phosphoinositide phosphatase SHIP2 downstream of forward (EphB2) but not reverse (ephrinB1) signaling. We have analysed whether SHIP2 interacts with EphB2 and contributes to cell responses to EphB2-ephrinB1 signaling. We confirm that EphB2 activation leads to SHIP2 phosphorylation on Y1135 and find that they interact through the SH2 domain of SHIP2. There is thus a distinct mode of interaction from EphA2, which binds SHIP2 via its SAM domain. Knockdown of SHIP2 in EphB2 cells leads to decreased segregation from ephrinB1 cells, and a decrease in the repulsion response of EphB2 cells. SHIP2 knockdown in ephrinB1 cells also decreases their repulsion response, but does not disrupt segregation which is largely driven by forward signaling. These findings show that activation of EphB2 leads to recruitment and phosphorylation of SHIP2, and that SHIP2 contributes to cell repulsion responses that underlie cell segregation.
Grid-Voltage Sensorless Model Predictive Control of Three-Phase PWM Rectifier Under Unbalanced and Distorted Grid Voltages

The sensors in a three-phase pulse width modulation (PWM) rectifier control system are the basis of high-performance methods. Line voltage sensors are utilized to obtain information about the grid voltage amplitude and phase. To eliminate the grid voltage sensors and to decrease the cost of PWM rectifier control systems, various grid-voltage sensorless methods have been developed. In this article, a virtual-flux-based grid voltage estimation method is utilized in the model predictive control (MPC) of a PWM rectifier. The extended reactive power is introduced in the proposed MPC method; the MPC is then able to realize the control targets of eliminating input-side power oscillations and ensuring sinusoidal currents under unbalanced network conditions without any power compensation terms. The cascaded delayed signal cancellation (CDSC) method is applied to obtain the fundamental rectifier voltages in the virtual flux-based grid-voltage sensorless method. The proposed method can operate under unbalanced and distorted network conditions. Moreover, a startup current suppression method is applied in this method to avoid over-currents during the startup process. Experimental tests are performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Evaluation of Meropenem Use Among Septic Patients at Hua Hin Hospital, Thailand

Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are an important medical concern. This problem might be resulted from an inappropriate use of antibiotics. The review of antibiotic drug use could help understanding the cause of drug resistance and eventually resolve the problem. Our retrospective cohort study aimed to review meropenem use at Hua-hin hospital, Prachuap Khiri Khan, including therapeutic indications, dosage regimens and duration of sepsis treatment. Data were gathered from patients admitted in the hospital during January to December 2013. The sources of data included patient medical records, patient database from computer program and in-house form of meropenem evaluation. A total of thirty-six cases were evaluated, 17 cases (47.2%) were male, and the average age was 58.3 (±19.9) years. There were 22 cases (61.1%) and 14 cases (38.9%) receiving meropenem as empirical and definitive therapy, respectively. According to meropenem use evaluation, there were 29 (80.6%), 33 (91.7%) and 24 (85.7%) cases that met the criteria for indication, dosage regimen, and treatment duration, respectively. Only 17 cases (60.7%; n=28) met all three criteria for appropriate meropenem use. Thus, with our finding, the role of healthcare professionals in reducing the inappropriate use of antibiotics for the entire course of treatment should be encouraged.
Research Article FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF ORALLY DISINTEGRATING TABLETS OF ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUG NAFTOPIDIL

In the present work, orally disintegrating tablets of naftopidil were designed with a view to enhance patient compliance. A combination of superdisintegrants i.e sodium starch glycolate and crospovidone XL were used along with directly compressible mannitol to enhance mouth feel. The prepared batches of tablets were evaluated for hardness, weight variation test, friability, wetting time, disintegration time and In-vitro drug release studies. The prepared tablets were characterized by DSC studies. Different formulations showed disintegration time in the range of 20 to 37 sec. Among all the formulation, F7 showed 97.98% drug release within 60 minutes and considered best among the other formulations. No chemical interaction between the drug and excipients was confirmed by DSC studies. The stability study was conducted as per ICH guidelines and the formulation (F7) was found to be stable, with insignificant change in disintegration time, wetting time and in-vitro drug release pattern. The results revealed that orally disintegrating tablets of the poorly soluble drug naftopidil showed enhanced dissolution and, hence, better patient compliance.
Depth data and fusion of feature descriptors for static gesture recognition

In this study, the authors propose a novel methodology for static gesture recognition in a complex background using only depth map from Microsoft's Kinect camera. Four different types of features are extracted and analysed on two public static gesture datasets. The features extracted from the segmented hand are geometrical, local binary patterns, number of fingers (Num) raised in a gesture and distance of hand palm centre from the fingertips and the valley between the fingers. The hand region is first segmented from the image using depth data followed by the forearm removal. Four multi-class support vector machine (SVM) kernels are also compared and used for recognition of gestures with extracted feature vector as an input. The experimental results achieved recognition accuracy of 99 and 95.7 % on two public complex static gesture datasets using Gaussian SVM kernel function as a classifier. The proposed approach is found to be comparable and even outperforms some of the state-of-the-art techniques in terms of high recognition accuracies, even after using a single cue for hand segmentation and extraction of features in the complex background which results in non-dependency on too many cues and much hardware.
Wheel-Spinning Models in a Novice Programming Context

Wheel-spinning refers to the failure to master a skill in a timely manner or after a considerable number of practice opportunities. Several past studies have developed wheel-spinning models in the areas of Mathematics and Physics. However, no models have been made for the context of novice programming. The purpose of this study was to develop wheel-spinning models in the context of novice programming and to identify the indicators of wheel-spinning. In this study, we developed five wheel-spinning models that had acceptable performance with data from 114 Filipino students using a meaningful gamification system. Following intuition, the number of problems correctly solved was negatively correlated with wheel-spinning, while overall number of problems attempted and consecutive mistakes were indicative of wheel-spinning.
Genomic rearrangements generate hypervariable mini-chromosomes in host-specific lineages of the blast fungus

Supernumerary mini-chromosomes–a unique type of genomic structural variation–have been implicated in the emergence of virulence traits in plant pathogenic fungi. However, the mechanisms that facilitate the emergence and maintenance of mini-chromosomes across fungi remain poorly understood. In the blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, mini-chromosomes have been first described in the early 1990s but, until very recently, have been overlooked in genomic studies. Here we investigated structural variation in four isolates of the blast fungus M. oryzae from different grass hosts and analyzed the sequences of mini-chromosomes in the rice, foxtail millet and goosegrass isolates. The mini-chromosomes of these isolates turned out to be highly diverse with distinct sequence composition. They are enriched in repetitive elements and have lower gene density than core-chromosomes. We identified several virulence-related genes in the mini-chromosome of the rice isolate, including the polyketide synthase Ace1 and the effector gene AVR-Pik. Macrosynteny analyses around these loci revealed structural rearrangements, including inter-chromosomal translocations between core- and mini-chromosomes. Our findings provide evidence that mini-chromosomes independently emerge from structural rearrangements of core-chromosomes and might contribute to adaptive evolution of the blast fungus. Author summary The genomes of plant pathogens often exhibit an architecture that facilitates high rates of dynamic rearrangements and genetic diversification in virulence associated regions. These regions, which tend to be gene sparse and repeat rich, are thought to serve as a cradle for adaptive evolution. Supernumerary chromosomes, i.e. chromosomes that are only present in some but not all individuals of a species, are a special type of structural variation that have been observed in plants, animals, and fungi. Here we identified and studied supernumerary mini-chromosomes in the blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, a pathogen that causes some of the most destructive plant diseases. We found that rice, foxtail millet and goosegrass isolates of this pathogen contain mini-chromosomes with distinct sequence composition. All mini-chromosomes are rich in repetitive genetic elements and have lower gene densities than core-chromosomes. Further, we identified virulence-related genes on the mini-chromosome of the rice isolate. We observed large-scale genomic rearrangements around these loci, indicative of a role of mini-chromosomes in facilitating genome dynamics. Taken together, our results indicate that mini-chromosomes facilitate genome rearrangements and possibly adaptive evolution of the blast fungus.
On the Role of Turbulent Mixing Produced by Vertical Shear Between the Brazil Current and the Intermediate Western Boundary Current

An intensification of the vertical shear is observed below the surface mixed layer at 21◦S due to the mutually opposing flows of the Brazil Current and the Intermediate Western Boundary Current. The propensity to develop turbulence and mixing due to vertical shear over intense stabilizing density gradients is an important characteristic of such environments. For the first time, microscale measurements were made in the Brazil Current-Intermediate Western Boundary Current system, providing direct quantitative values of the turbulent fluctuations. Peaks of relative strong dissipation rates of turbulent kinetic energy (O(10−8) W/kg) were observed close to the base of the surface mixed layer. On the other hand, prominent peaks of turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rates of up to 2 orders of magnitude higher than the background were observed at deeper levels, where stratification begins to lose intensity. Analyzing such peaks, caused by intense vertical shear or weak stratification—and sometimes both—, allows a characterization of the local mixing processes and the role played by vertical exchanges of biogeochemical properties. Based on the estimated nitrate gradient and the vertical diffusivity, we show that turbulent mixing driven by vertical shear plays an important role in the supply of nitrate to the upper layer. Plain Language Summary Turbulent mixing across the density surfaces can bring nutrient-rich waters from the subsurface to the upper sunlit layer of the ocean, therefore, modulating the primary productivity in an oligotrophic ocean. Based on measurements of small-scale shear variance, we found that the interaction between the poleward-flowing Brazil Current and the Intermediate Western Boundary Current flowing underneath in the opposite direction enhances the upper-ocean mixing through shear instabilities. The destabilizing influence of the velocity shear overcomes the stabilizing effect of the stratification. The mixing on the interface between these two western boundary currents may provide an important route for local nutrient exchanges.
Treatment of lateral epicondylitis with platelet-rich plasma, glucocorticoid, or saline. A comparative study

Background Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is the most common overuse syndrome and related to excessive wrist extension, known as tendonitis of the extensor muscles of the forearm, and refers to pain and tenderness over the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. Local corticosteroid injection has short-term benefits in pain reduction, global improvement, and grip strength compared with placebo (saline or lidocaine) and other conservative treatments. Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection has gained popularity within the sports medicine literature because of its presumed safety and ease of use as a potential treatment for any musculoskeletal problems by inducing cell proliferation and promoting the healing process. This thesis was carried out to assess the effectiveness of different types of injections (PRP, glucocorticoid, and saline) in improving pain and function in patients with LE. Patients and methods This study included 45 patients with LE (more than 3 months) between 31 and 58 years of age. All patients were subjected to assessment of history, clinical examination by the visual analogue scale (VAS), functional assessment by patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE), laboratory investigations, and ultrasonography assessment of the elbow. All the patients were divided randomly into three groups: group I received a saline injection, group II received a PRP injection, and group III received a corticosteroid injection. Patients were reassessed clinically and by ultrasound after 3 months. Results The present study showed that VAS and PRTEE scores were highly significantly reduced after injection in group II than group I and group III. Moreover, the reductions in VAS and PRTEE were highly significantly different in group III in comparison with group I. In terms of ultrasonographic changes and reduction in tenderness, there was a highly significant improvement in group II than group I and group III. Moreover, the reduction was highly significantly different in group III than group I. Conclusion PRP injection may offer several therapeutic advantages over corticosteroid injection.
Students’ use of digital learning resources: diversity, motivations and challenges

Purpose With the advent of ICTs, a large percentage of university students are shifting their interest and focus on digital learning resources from print ones. This study aims to examine the diversity, motivations and challenges students face in using these learning resources at Teofilo Kisanji University (TEKU) in Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach The researchers used elements of both quantitative and qualitative research approaches in a complementary fashion. The study draws upon cross-section survey data collected from students (n = 90) alongside follow-up key informants semi-structured interviews with library and academic staff (n = 10). Findings The study’s findings signify that internet resources are significantly deployed by students than other resources such as CD-ROM, e-books, journals, slides and audio clips. The findings further inform that the wide range of these resources and 24/7 convenient access are important motivating factors for their usage. On the other hand, the cost of internet services, limited searching competencies and limited subscribed databases inhibit effective and efficient usage of these by students at TEKU. Originality/value The present study clearly discloses students’ motivations for accessing and using digital learning resources.
Morbidade hospitalar de motociclistas acidentados: fatores associados ao tempo de internação

Objective Identify factors of injured motorcyclists associated with hospital length of stay. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study of motorcyclists with acute traumatic injury admitted to three reference trauma hospitals in Sao Paulo. Medical records of patients and necropsy reports were analyzed to extract variables that could be associated with length of stay, followed by an analysis by multiple linear regression to verify associated factors. Results One analysis of 91 motorcyclists showed that the following were associated with long length of stay (p<0.05): increased severity of trauma and infectious complications, pressure ulcers, rhabdomyolysis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Pressure ulcers and surgical site infections were predictors of long length of stay and death was a predictor of reduced length of stay. Conclusion The factors associated with length of stay resulted from both traumatic injury and the care provided to injured motorcyclists.
Synthesis of nano-polycrystalline diamond from glassy carbon at pressures up to 25 GPa

ABSTRACT Nano-polycrystalline diamond (NPD) with various grain sizes has been synthesized from glassy carbon at pressures 15–25 GPa and temperatures 1700–2300°C using multianvil apparatus. The minimum temperature for the synthesis of pure NPD, below which a small amount of compressed graphite was formed, significantly increased with pressure from ∼1700°C at 15 GPa to ∼1900°C at 25 GPa. The NPD having grain sizes less than ∼50 nm was synthesized at temperatures below ∼2000°C at 15 GPa and ∼2300°C at 25 GPa, above which significant grain growth was observed. The grain size of NPD decreases with increasing pressure and decreasing temperature, and the pure NPD with grain sizes less than 10 nm is obtained in a limited temperature range around 1800–2000°C, depending on pressure. The pure NPD from glassy carbon is highly transparent and exhibits a granular nano-texture, whose grain size is tunable by selecting adequate pressure and temperature conditions.
Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of C. Jejuni Isolated from Broilers and their Environment Using flaA-RFLP Typing and MLST Analysis

Abstract Campylobacter is highly diverse genetically and also undergoes frequent intraspecific recombination. A major source of campylobacteriosis, which is transmitted to humans is found in poultry. The assessment of the genetic diversity among Campylobacter population is critical to our understanding of the epidemiology. The genetic diversity of Campylobacter jejuni isolates in broilers and their environment were investigated by flaA-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The study revealed that 92.3% of the examined broiler flocks were contaminated with Campylobacter spp. A total number of 35 different flaA types defined by flaA-RFLP were found in 448 C. jejuni isolates originated from broilers, litter, puddles, zones, anteroom and wild birds. The most dominant flaA type was XXV. MLST defined 20 sequence types (STs) belonging to 10 clonal complexes (CCs). Among all the STs 9 isolates (15%) were consigned to 2 different STs (ST-7413 and ST-4800), which could not be assigned. The most common CCs were ST-21 and ST-179. The ST-21 CC was common in broilers and environment (puddle water and concentric zones) and the ST-179 CC was specific to wild birds, but also was found in puddle water and concentric zones.
Knowledge and Attitude of Oral Hygiene Practice among Dental Students

Aim: the aim of the present study is to evaluate oral self-care practices and knowledge among dental students. Objective: brushing methods, oral hygiene aids and use of dental floss by students will be evaluated.background: it is essential to practice good oral hygiene practices in order to maintain optimum oral health. Materials and methods:the cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate students. A self-administered questionnaire that elicits information on demography, frequency of tooth brushing, type of tooth brush, use of dental floss and previous visit to the dentist was issued to the students and collected. A descriptive statistics was performed to evaluate the oral hygiene practice. Conclusion: this study will help us to assess the oral hygiene practice . if essential oral health education and promotive programmed need to be conducted to improve oral hygiene practices and health among young adults.