Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Carbon nanotube survivability in marine environments and method for biofouling removal

Abstract The deep sea survivability and biofouling characteristics of corrosion-resistant bulk carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been studied after deployment in the Atlantic Ocean over the course of 12 months. Quantification of barnacle count, biofouling density, and non-combustible residue shows cyanoacrylate coatings increase durability and reduce the colonization of biofouling compared to as-received CNTs. Scanning electron microscopy was performed on the biofouled CNTs, and the majority of species were identified as diatoms, consisting of an ordered silica cell wall. Both the as-received and cyanoacrylate-treated CNTs were successfully acid purified to remove biogrowth, leading to complete recovery of tensile strength and electrical transport properties. Thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, contact angle, dynamic mechanical analysis, and current carrying capacity measurements validated the refunctionalization results. Thus, the multifunctional property recovery and enhanced durability confirms that CNTs are electrochemically stable in saltwater environments and are resilient to biofouling conditions in real-world environments after extended exposure.
Work compatibility and musculoskeletal disorders in the construction industry

The aim of this study was to measure the work compatibility of the different work‐related variables (physical and psychosocial) using the Demand–Energizer Instrument (DEI) and to determine their association with both musculoskeletal disorders and stress symptoms. In recent years, there has been increasing evidence that psychosocial factors play an important role in the development of musculoskeletal disorders. The study group consisted of 147 active construction workers. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire. The association between the exposure variables (work energizers and work compatibility) and outcome variables was determined using a multivariate logistic regression model with backward elimination of insignificant variables. There was a significantly high correlation between the demand and energizer aspects of the different work‐related variables. Three variables were positively associated with musculoskeletal/stress symptoms (protective effect), seven were negatively associated (hazardous effect), and two demonstrated both effects. When both demands and energizers were combined, the highest work compatibility was achieved in individual growth, economic, and social variables. The results of a factor analysis indicated that four work compatibility variables (work environment, physical task, performance, and job satisfaction) were significantly associated with musculoskeletal/stress symptoms. In the complex web of the human‐at‐work system, the work compatibility model significantly identified those work‐related variables that were associated with musculoskeletal/stress symptoms. Psychosocial factors play a significant role in the construction industry. A possible application of this research can be the use of the new tool in identifying priority areas for future intervention strategies. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluating the geographic distribution of cervical cancer patients presenting to a multidisciplinary gynecologic oncology clinic in Gaborone, Botswana

Objective In Botswana, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for females. With limited resources, Botswana is challenged to ensure equitable access to advanced cancer care. Botswana’s capital city, Gaborone, houses the only gynecologic oncology multi-disciplinary team (MDT) and the one chemoradiation facility in the country. We aimed to identify areas where fewer women were presenting to the MDT clinic for care. Methods This cross-sectional study examined cervical cancer patients presenting to the MDT clinic between January 2015 and March 2020. Patients were geocoded to residential sub-districts to estimate age-standardized presentation rates. Global Moran’s I and Anselin Local Moran’s I tested the null hypothesis that presentation rates occurred randomly in Botswana. Community- and individual-level factors of patients living in sub-districts identified with higher (HH) and lower (LL) clusters of presentation rates were examined using ordinary least squares with a spatial weights matrix and multivariable logistic regression, respectively, with α level 0.05. Results We studied 990 patients aged 22–95 (mean: 50.6). Presentation rates were found to be geographically clustered across the country (p = 0.01). Five sub-districts were identified as clusters, two high (HH) sub-district clusters and three low (LL) sub-district clusters (mean presentation rate: 35.5 and 11.3, respectively). Presentation rates decreased with increased travel distance (p = 0.033). Patients residing in LL sub-districts more often reported abnormal vaginal bleeding (aOR: 5.62, 95% CI: 1.31–24.15) compared to patients not residing in LL sub-districts. Patients in HH sub-districts were less likely to be living with HIV (aOR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.38–0.90) and more likely to present with late-stage cancer (aOR: 1.78; 95%CI: 1.20–2.63) compared to patients not in HH sub-districts. Conclusions This study identified geographic clustering of cervical cancer patients presenting for care in Botswana and highlighted sub-districts with disproportionately lower presentation rates. Identified community- and individual level-factors associated with low presentation rates can inform strategies aimed at improving equitable access to cervical cancer care.
FEASIBILITY AND POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF ROBOT-ASSISTED PASSIVE RANGE OF MOTION TRAINING IN COMBINATION WITH CONVENTIONAL REHABILITATION ON HAND FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC STROKE

Objective To assess the effects of exoskeleton robot-assisted passive range of motion for induction training in combination with conventional hand rehabilitation in patients with chronic stroke. Design Single-cohort feasibility study. Subjects Chronic stroke with severe upper extremity hemiparesis. Methods Thirty sessions of therapy over a period of 10 weeks. Each session started with 30 min robot-assisted passive range of motion for the hand, followed by 30 min conventional hand rehabilitation. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment for upper extremity, arm subscore of Motricity Index, Functional Independence Measure and Fugl-Meyer assessment for sensation (Fugl-Meyer assessment-sensory) were conducted at pre-intervention (pre) and after the 16th (16-post) and 30th (30-post) sessions of interventions. Results Twelve patients with chronic stroke were recruited. The Fugl-Meyer assessment for upper extremity (16-post vs 30-post, p = 0.011), arm subscore of Motricity Index (pre vs 30-post, p = 0.012) and Functional Independence Measure (pre vs 30-post, p = 0.007; 16-post vs 30-post, p = 0.016) improved significantly after the therapy. However, FMA-sensory did not change significantly. Conclusion Exoskeleton robot-assisted passive range of motion of the hand using an exoskeleton can be considered as an induction therapy before starting conventional therapy for hand rehabilitation in patients with chronic stroke. Further randomized control trials are needed to verify the therapeutic benefits. LAY ABSTRACT Motor recovery of hand dexterity is challenging during the chronic phase of stroke. Patients achieve different levels of hand function during the acute or subacute phase of stroke. Those receiving conventional physical therapy during the chronic phase of stroke usually experience difficulty in hand dexterity improvement after achieving motor recovery plateau. This pilot study investigated the effects of robot-assisted passive range of motion training in combination with conventional rehabilitation on hand function in a cohort of patients with chronic stroke who underwent follow-up at an outpatient rehabilitation clinic. The affected upper extremity function, strength and general function improved significantly after the therapy for the 12 patients recruited to this study. Using robot-assisted passive range of motion training as an induction therapy in combination with conventional rehabilitation may be beneficial for patients with chronic stoke who have impairment of hand function.
Vasoactive pharmacological management according to SCAI class in patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock

Background Vasoactive treatment is a cornerstone in treating hypoperfusion in cardiogenic shock following acute myocardial infarction (AMICS). The purpose was to compare the achievement of treatment targets and outcome in relation to vasoactive strategy in AMICS patients stratified according to the Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) shock classification. Methods Retrospective analysis of patients with AMICS admitted to cardiac intensive care unit at two tertiary cardiac centers during 2010–2017 with retrieval of real-time hemodynamic data and dosages of vasoactive drugs from intensive care unit databases. Results Out of 1,249 AMICS patients classified into SCAI class C, D, and E, mortality increased for each shock stage from 34% to 60%, and 82% (p<0.001). Treatment targets of mean arterial blood pressure > 65mmHg and venous oxygen saturation > 55% were reached in the majority of patients; however, more patients in SCAI class D and E had values below treatment targets within 24 hours (p<0.001) despite higher vasoactive load and increased use of epinephrine for each severity stage (p<0.001). In univariate analysis no significant difference in mortality within SCAI class D and E regarding vasoactive strategy was observed, however in SCAI class C, epinephrine was associated with higher mortality and a significantly higher vasoactive load to reach treatment targets. In multivariate analysis there was no statistically association between individually vasoactive choice within each SCAI class and 30-day mortality. Conclusion Hemodynamic treatment targets were achieved in most patients at the expense of increased vasoactive load and more frequent use of epinephrine for each shock severity stage. Mortality was high regardless of vasoactive strategy; only in SCAI class C, epinephrine was associated with a significantly higher mortality, but the signal was not significant in adjusted analysis.
Serum lipidomic determinants of human diabetic neuropathy in type 2 diabetes

The serum lipidomic profile associated with neuropathy in type 2 diabetes is not well understood. Obesity and dyslipidemia are known neuropathy risk factors, suggesting lipid profiles early during type 2 diabetes may identify individuals who develop neuropathy later in the disease course. This retrospective cohort study examined lipidomic profiles 10 years prior to type 2 diabetic neuropathy assessment.
Minimal Clinically Important Differences and Changes in Stroke Disease-Specific Quality of Life in Stroke Survivors: A Prospective Cohort Study

The aims of the present study were to investigate changes in QOL in post-stroke patients during the first 3 months of rehabilitation treatment. We estimate minimal detectable changes (MDCs) and minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) of the eight dimensions of QOL and assess the proportion of patients’ change scores that exceed MDCs and MCIDs in stroke survivors who receive rehabilitation in a hospital ward. This prospective cohort study enrolled 40 stroke survivors (57.5% male; Mage = 58.3 years) who received in-hospital rehabilitation for a total of 3 months. The Stroke Impact Scale 3.0, which has eight subscales—strength, activities of daily living (ADLs)/instrumental ADLs (IADLs), mobility, hand function, communication, memory and thinking, emotion, and social participation—was used for assessment on the third day of rehabilitation (Time 1), 1 month later (Time 2), and 3 months later (Time 3). Our findings indicated that the MDC95 and MCID proportions varied from 7.5% to 30% and 7.5% to 65%, respectively, of individuals who exhibited change based on individual change scores. The findings show compliance with MDC and MCID values in physical function, with the lowest proportion in hand function.
ARID5B influences B-cell development and function in mouse

There is growing evidence for an inherited basis of susceptibility to childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Genome-wide association studies by us and others have identified non-coding acute lymphoblastic leukemia risk variants at the ARID5B gene locus, but the molecular mechanisms linking ARID5B to normal and malignant hematopoiesis remain largely unknown. Using a Vav1-driven transgenic mouse model, we characterized the role of Arid5b in hematopoiesis in vivo. Arid5b overexpression resulted in a dramatic reduction in the proportion of circulating B cells, immature, and mature B-cell fractions in the peripheral blood and the bone marrow, and also a decrease of follicular B cells in the spleen. There were significant defects in B-cell activation upon Arid5b overexpression in vitro with hyperactivation of B-cell receptor signaling at baseline. In addition, increased mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate of naïve or stimulated B cells of Arid5b-overexpressing mice was observed, compared to the rate of wild-type counterparts. Taken together, our results indicate that ARID5B may play an important role in B-cell development and function.
A systematic review of biochar as a soil amendment and bioremediation tool in agricultural management

In arid and semi-arid regions limited water inputs, lower soil organic matter and carbon decreases the soil moisture retention which make soils of these regions difficult to sustain healthy crop. Moreover, intensive agricultural practices are depleting the soil of its organic matter and nutrients which is reducing the soil fertility even further. Pakistan has high rainfall variability during different seasons. The regions which remain dry in all seasons due to low precipitation are greatly vulnerable to drought. Organic farming provides a solution to mitigate this problem to some extent but in this case the yield is less as compared to the conventional agriculture system. Biochar serves as a novel method for increasing soil carbon content due to its enhanced carbon stability. Biochar being highly porous material has large surface area and it causes significant changes in soil physical properties such as water holding capacity, porosity, drainage and bulk density. Adding the biochar in soil have many advantages from reduction of pollutants and heavy metals concentration in soil, increasing soil carbon sequestration as a strategy to mitigate climate change and increased soil microbial diversity due to substrate enhancement. The incorporation of biochar in soil has a great impact on the soil texture, density, particle size distribution, and soil density and can be used as fertilizer to increase the crop yield due to its ability to slow release of the nutrients in soil.
Isolated knee extensor exercise training improves skeletal muscle vasodilation, blood flow, and functional capacity in patients with HFpEF

Patients with HFpEF experience severe exercise intolerance due in part to peripheral vascular and skeletal muscle impairments. Interventions targeting peripheral adaptations to exercise training may reverse vascular dysfunction, increase peripheral oxidative capacity, and improve functional capacity in HFpEF. Determine if 8 weeks of isolated knee extension exercise (KE) training will reverse vascular dysfunction, peripheral oxygen utilization, and exercise capacity in patients with HFpEF. Nine HFpEF patients (66 ± 5 years, 6 females) performed graded IKE exercise (5, 10, and 15 W) and maximal exercise testing (cycle ergometer) before and after IKE training (3x/week, 30 min/leg). Femoral blood flow (ultrasound) and leg vascular conductance (LVC; index of vasodilation) were measured during graded IKE exercise. Peak pulmonary oxygen uptake (V̇O2; Douglas bags) and cardiac output (QC; acetylene rebreathe) were measured during graded maximal cycle exercise. IKE training improved LVC (pre: 810 ± 417, post: 1234 ± 347 ml/min/100 mmHg; p = 0.01) during 15 W IKE exercise and increased functional capacity by 13% (peak V̇O2 during cycle ergometry; pre:12.4 ± 5.2, post: 14.0 ± 6.0 ml/min/kg; p = 0.01). The improvement in peak V̇O2 was independent of changes in Q̇c (pre:12.7 ± 3.5, post: 13.2 ± 3.9 L/min; p = 0.26) and due primarily to increased a‐vO2 difference (pre: 10.3 ± 1.6, post: 11.0 ± 1.7; p = 0.02). IKE training improved vasodilation and functional capacity in patients with HFpEF. Exercise interventions aimed at increasing peripheral oxidative capacity may be effective therapeutic options for HFpEF patients.
Fecal β-glucuronidase activity differs between hematopoietic cell and kidney transplantation and a possible mechanism for disparate dose requirements

ABSTRACT The intestinal microbiota produces β-glucuronidase that plays an essential role in the metabolism of the immunosuppressant mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). This drug is commonly used in organ and hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), with variations in dosing across transplant types. We hypothesized that β-glucuronidase activity differs between transplant types, which may account for differences in dosing requirements. We evaluated fecal β-glucuronidase activity in patients receiving MMF post-allogeneic HCT and post-kidney transplant. Kidney transplant patients had significantly greater β-glucuronidase activity (8.48 ± 6.21 nmol/hr/g) than HCT patients (3.50 ± 3.29 nmol/hr/g; P = .001). Microbially mediated β-glucuronidase activity may be a critical determinant in the amount of mycophenolate entering the systemic circulation and an important factor to consider for precision dosing of MMF.
Fast-Electron Source Characterization and Transport in High-Intensity Laser-Solid Interactions and the Role of Resistive Magnetic Fields.

An electron transport regime is identified in which >1 MA, relativistic currents, generated by high-intensity, laser-target interactions, are collimated (or focused) by self-generated, resistive, magnetic fields within solid-density targets. The strongest magnetic fields appear at the edge of the electric current due to the radial shear in the current density. High-resolution coherent transition radiation (CTR) imaging of the target rear surface diagnoses the electrons that are accelerated from the target front surface by a laser that is focused to an intensity of I ∼ 10 Wcm. CTR is emitted when an electron beam, with longitudinal electron density modulations, crosses a refractive index interface such as the target rear surface. A fast electron temperature of Thot = 1.4 ± 0.1 MeV is inferred from variations in the radiated CTR energy with target thickness. Variation in the CTR emitted energy with laser intensity obeys the power law ECTR ∝ I 5.7 ± . These results are consistent with the predictions of the ponderomotive scaling law. The high resolution images show the presence of bright, micron-scale structures in the CTR emission that indicate that the electron beam filaments. The micron scale structures are superimposed onto larger annular structures that suggest the electron beam hollows as it propagates. The variation in the spatial extent of the CTR emission with increasing target thickness gives an electron beam angular divergence of θ1/2 = 15.7 ± 0.9. Three-dimensional, hybrid-particle-in-cell code simulations of the electron transport indicate a target rear-surface electron density distribution that reproduces the details of the CTR emission seen in the experiments. The variation of the electron density distribution with increasing target thickness resembles an expanding annulus that breaks into filaments due to the resistive filamentation instability. The radially expanding annular pattern results from the partial collimation of an initially divergent fast-electron beam by a self-generated, resistive, azimuthal,
Perceived barriers to Palestinian pregnant women’s acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination using the Health Believe Model: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT This study aims to explore pregnant women’s attitudes to COVID-19 vaccination and determinants of vaccine acceptance. We conducted a cross-sectional study among pregnant women attending PHC clinics and hospitals in the West-bank of Palestine. We used an interviewer-administered questionnaire based on Health Belief Model. The study’s primary outcome was COVID-19 vaccination acceptance. We used the Chi-square test to compare those who accepted the vaccine versus those who refused it and conducted binary logistic regression to explore independent determinants of vaccination acceptance. Among the 728 pregnant women who took part in the study, 20.7 percent showed positive attitudes (acceptance) toward COVID-19 vaccination. Employment (aOR 4.0; 95 percentCI: 2.2–7.3), a history of COVID-19 (aOR 1.9; 95 percentCI: 1.2–3.1), and having a relative who died from COVID-19 (aOR 2.3; 95 percentCI: 1.2–4.7) increased the likelihood of vaccine acceptance, as did vaccine perceived effectiveness (aOR 1.9; 95 percentCI: 1.2–3.2) and perceived protection from severe disease (aOR 2.0; 95 percentCI: 1.2–3.5). On the other hand, perceived limited access (aOR 0.540; 95 percentCI: 0.31–0.87) and perceived harm to the baby (aOR 0.346; 95 percentCI 0.22–0.54) remained the main barriers toward vaccine acceptance. In conclusion, pregnant women’s acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine is unsatisfactory. Concerns about its effect on unborn babies were major barriers to vaccination.
Nebraska Lincoln of Nebraska - Lincoln Lure-size Restrictions in Recreational Fisheries Lure-size Restrictions in Recreational Fisheries

reduced 1992). we provide an experimental evaluation of the potential use of lure-size restrictions to reduce the catch of undersized fish as a means for indirectly implementing, or reinforcing, a minimum-length limit. We use computer simulations to further explore the relationship between largemouth bass population size structure and lure-size effects on the length of fish caught. lure color may affect catch rates 2001) we also present results from an experimental assessment