Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polyphenol Extracts from Grape Seeds and Apple Can Reactivate Latent HIV-1 Transcription through Promoting P-TEFb Release from 7SK snRNP

The principal barrier for the eradication of HIV/AIDS is the virus latency. One of the effective strategies so called “shock and kill” is to use latency-reversing agents (LRAs) to activate the latent HIV reservoirs and then combine them with the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) to eradicate the virus. However, most of the current LRAs are too toxic; therefore, they have not been used clinically. Our preliminary data indicated that polyphenols from grape seeds can activate HIV in latently infected Jurkat T cells. Owing to a lot of food containing polyphenols and based on a reasoning whether all of these kinds of polyphenols contain the latency-reversing function, in this study, we screened 22 fruits/vegetables to see whether polyphenols from these can reactivate latent HIV-1 transcription. We finally proved that the polyphenols from grape seeds, apple, pomegranate, and bilberry can reactivate latent HIV-1 transcription. The activation of which can be detected on the level of protein and mRNA. The activation of which is in a dose- and time-dependent manner, while the activated polyphenol extracts have the effects to stimulate Tat-independent HIV-1 transcription. The mechanism shows that polyphenol extracts from grape seeds and apple can stimulate P-TEFb's release from 7SK snRNP to induce HIV gene transcription. These results indicate that using a few food of high-content polyphenols as latent activators and combining HARRT may be of great use for the treatment of HIV/AIDS in the future.
Sugar-sweetened beverages, effects on appetite and public health strategies to reduce the consumption among children: a review

Abstract Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) consumption have been of public health concern and a target of interventions due to their high consumption and burden in health-related consequences, particularly in children and adolescents. SSBs provide high energy intake with low nutritional value and are a major contributor for added and free sugars intake of Portuguese in all age-groups, especially adolescents. Despite its recognized effect on weight gain, it might also disrupt appetite regulation. Research on the effect of SSBs on appetitive traits is still scarce and unclear, and the current knowledge of these potential effects will be discussed in this review. This review also aims to describe public health strategies implemented to decrease SSBs consumption among children, particularly in Portugal, such as: (i) implemented taxation measures and its impact in sales and in preventable cases of disease and death, (ii) marketing regulations applied to children and adolescents, and ultimately (iii) the intention of application of a single Front-of-Package labeling system in all countries, aiming to increase consumers’ food literacy.
Rheological Considerations in Processing Self-Reinforced Thermoplastic Polymer Nanocomposites: A Review

The present review relates to the field of nanocomposite materials comprising a thermoplastic nanofibrillar phase dispersed in a matrix that is also thermoplastic. The fact of forming the nanofibrillar phase in situ during melt processing gives it the role of a reinforcing nanofiller for thermoplastic materials. This paper discusses the major factors influencing the formation of self-reinforced nanofibrillar polymer composite (NFC) materials throughout manufacturing steps. More specifically, the rheological considerations allowing the prediction of the in situ nanofibrillation during melt blending and post-processing as well as the methods of production of these polymer nanocomposites are described. The major challenges related to the future development in the field of NFCs are addressed. The concept of self-reinforced nanofibrillar polymer materials shows great potential in lightweight eco-design processes and represents a new approach to polymer nanocomposite recycling for a variety of industrial applications.
Using a long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network to boost river streamflow forecasts over the western United States

Abstract. Accurate river streamflow forecasts are a vital tool in the fields of water security, flood preparation and agriculture, as well as in industry more generally. Over the last century, physics-based models traditionally used to produce streamflow forecasts have become increasingly sophisticated, with forecasts improving accordingly. However, the development of such models is often bound by two soft limits: empiricism – many physical relationships are represented by computationally efficient empirical formulae; and data sparsity – the calibration of these models often requires long time-series of high-resolution observational data at both surface and subsurface levels. Artificial neural networks have previously been shown to be highly effective at simulating nonlinear systems where knowledge of the underlying physical relationships is incomplete. However, they also suffer from issues related to data sparsity. Recently, hybrid forecasting systems, which combine the traditional physics-based approach with statistical forecasting techniques, have been investigated for use in hydrological applications. In this study, we test the efficacy of a type of neural network, the long-short term memory (LSTM), at predicting streamflow at ten river gauge stations across various climatic regions of the western United States. The LSTM is trained on the catchment-mean meteorological and hydrological variables from the ERA5 and GloFAS-ERA5 reanalysis as well as historical streamflow observations. The performance of these hybrid forecasts is evaluated and compared to the performance of both raw and bias-corrected output from the Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS) physics-based Global Flood Awareness System (GloFAS). Two periods are considered, a testing phase (June 2019 to June 2020), during which the models were fed with ERA5 data to investigate how well they simulated streamflow at the ten stations; and an operational phase (September 2020 to October 2021), during which the models were fed forecast variables from ECMWF's Integrated Forecast System (IFS), to investigate how well they could predict streamflow at lead times of up to ten days. All three models performed well in the testing phase, with the LSTM performing the best (skilful at nine stations, of which six were highly skilful). Similarly, the LSTM forecasts beat the raw and bias-corrected GloFAS forecasts during the operational phase, with skilful 5-day forecasts at nine stations, of which five were highly skilful. Implications and potential improvements to this work are discussed. In summary, this is the first time an LSTM has been used in a hybrid system to create a medium-range streamflow forecast, and in beating established physics-based models, shows promise for the future of neural networks in hydrological forecasting.
The Importance of Knowledge Transfer for Firm Behavior / A importância da transferência de conhecimento para o comportamento da empresa

Abstract: Conscious management of the transfer of knowledge in the firm is vital for the firm’s situation and development of competitiveness. In this paper, we examine the knowledge transfer process within a traditional firm, to see how the transfer process depend on contextual factors such as characteristics of senders and receivers. Empirical analysis are based on survey data, containing variables on communication, competence, innovation and culture. The survey data were collected from group leaders responsible for different production function over a five-year period, with respondents answering the same questionnaire repeatedly at approximately 12-month intervals. Survey respondents were organized in two groups based on their position in the firms production, either assembly line functions or support functions. The analysis is based on a total of 266 questionnaires. A t-test for equality of means where done in order to test for any differences in knowledge transfer within the different groups. The results show significant differences in the knowledge transfer process between workers in different functions in the firm. Level of formal education and structural configuration can explain some of the differences.Keywords: Knowledge transfer, communication, competence, innovation, culture Resumo: A gestão consciente da transferência de conhecimento na empresa é vital para o seu desempenho e o desenvolvimento da competitividade. Neste artigo, se examina o processo de transferência de conhecimento dentro de uma empresa tradicional, para analisar como o processo de transferência depende de fatores contextuais, como características de emissores e receptores. A análise empírica foi baseada em dados de pesquisa, contendo variáveis sobre comunicação, competência, inovação e cultura. Os dados foram coletados de líderes de grupo ao longo de um período de cinco anos. Os respondentes da pesquisa foram organizados em dois grupos com base em sua posição na produção da empresa, sejam funções de linha de montagem ou funções de suporte. Os entrevistados responderam ao mesmo questionário repetidamente em intervalos de aproximadamente 12 meses. A análise foi baseada em um total de 266 questionários. Um teste t para igualdade de médias foi feito a fim de testar quaisquer diferenças na transferência de conhecimento dentro dos diferentes grupos. Os resultados mostram diferenças significativas no processo de transferência de conhecimento entre trabalhadores em diferentes funções na firma. O nível de educação formal e a configuração estrutural podem explicar algumas das diferenças. Palavras-chave: Transferência de conhecimento, comunicação, competência, inovação, cultura.
Successful bridge to recovery in a patient with fulminant giant cell myocarditis that developed from multiple autoimmune disorders including myasthenia gravis: a case report

Abstract Background A recently indicated immunotherapy strategy, combined with mechanical circulatory support (MCS), seems to improve outcomes in patients with fulminant giant cell myocarditis (GCM). However, characterizing a definitive clinical outcome of this strategy remains challenging, and the autoimmunity associated with the onset of GCM remains controversial. Case summary A 26-year-old man with poor control of atopic dermatitis and ulcerative colitis presented with cardiogenic shock requiring MCS. He was diagnosed with fulminant GCM; hence, immunotherapy (including steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin) was administered and an extracorporeal left ventricular assist device (LVAD) was needed. As the patient complained of prominent fatigue and double vision before myocarditis onset, and acetylcholine receptor-binding antibody titres were elevated, he was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG). No anti-striational antibodies known to be associated with GCM in patients with MG were found in the patient’s serum. Cyclosporin-based immunosuppression under LVAD therapy led to an almost complete resolution of his muscle weakness, intermittent ptosis, and cardiac dysfunction along with the histopathological remission of GCM resulting in LVAD removal. He remained at home without recurrence of GCM and worsening symptoms of MG over the 6-month period following discharge. Discussion We describe a case of GCM with multiple autoimmune disorders, which recovered by treatment with early cyclosporin-based immunosuppressive therapy under LVAD therapy. The present case suggests the involvement of unknown anti-striational antibodies in the development of GCM in patients with MG and may provide information to guide a novel therapeutic regimen for patients with fulminant GCM requiring mechanical circulatory support.
Prediction of Pediatric Patient Admission/Discharge in the Emergency Department

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of the Irish Paediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS), the Paediatric Observation Priority Score (POPS), and the Irish Children's Triage System (ICTS) to predict patient disposition pathways in an emergency department (ED) setting. Methods Data were prospectively collected on patients aged less than 16 years presenting to an Irish mixed adult/pediatric ED over 3 weeks during December 2018. After calculating a once-off PEWS, POPS, and ICTS, we investigated the ability of the scoring systems to predict admission or discharge from the ED. Primary comparison of the index tests was conducted using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results A total of 550 patients were included in this study. There were 114 admissions (20.7%) and 436 discharges (79.3%). The POPS had an area under the ROC curve of 0.7 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.65–0.75]. The PEWS had an area under the ROC curve of 0.58 (95% CI, 0.53–0.64). The ICTS had an area under the ROC curve of 0.58 (95% CI, 0.53–0.63). Conclusions The POPS has greater accuracy as a predictor of admission from the ED than PEWS and ICTS. Possible future implementation of POPS into pediatric EDs as a cognitive prompt before admission decision seems to be merited. Further multicenter validation in Ireland would be helpful.
Identification Prognostic Value and Correlation with Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells of Tripartite-Motif Family Genes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and mortality types of malignant tumors in the world. The Tripartite-Motif (TRIM) protein family consists of more than 80 proteins with E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. Increasing studies have found that TRIM family proteins play an extremely important role in the occurrence and development of tumors. However, the expression and prognostic values of TRIMs in HCC have not been clarified. Methods We used bioinformatic methods to explore the potential function of TRIM family genes in the HCC. Web servers ONCOMINE, UALCAN, GEPIA, cBioPortal, STRING, DAVID 6.8 and TIMER were used in this research. Results We screened TRIM1-76 and found the expressions of TRIM6, TRIM11, TRIM16, TRIM18(MID1), TRIM24, TRIM28, TRIM31, TRIM37, TRIM45, TRIM52, TRIM59, TRIM66 were significantly changed in HCC. Among them, TRIM24, TRIM28, TRIM37, TRIM45 and TRIM59 had significant effects on pathological stages, overall survival and disease free survival. Functions of these genes are primarily related to transcriptional misregulation in cancer, p53 signaling pathway, alcoholism and viral carcinogenesis, FoxO signal pathway, PI3K-AKT pathway, cell cycle, microRNAs in cancer. Our results showed the significant correlation between TRIMs expression and infiltration of innate immune cells (macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells). Conclusion Our result provides novel insights into the function of TRIM family genes, which may be used as potential references for drug targets and accurate survival predictions in patients with HCC.
Evaluating hydrological components and streamflow characteristics under conventional and adaptive multi‐paddock grazing management

Enhancing ecosystem services and improving water catchment functions are significant components of sustainable rangeland management. Different grazing management practices including the continuous season‐long heavy stocking (HS) and light stocking (LS), and adaptive multi‐paddock stocking (MPS) are adopted on rangelands around the world. Studies evaluating the effects of grazing management practices on streamflow characteristics are lacking. In this study, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool was used to assess the impacts of HS (24 Animal Units [AU] per 100 ha), LS (12 AU/100 ha), and adaptive MPS (24 AU/100 ha) management practices on hydrological conditions and streamflow characteristics in the Lower Prairie Dog Town Fork Red River watershed in north Texas. The model was calibrated based on 36 years of measured daily streamflow data and then used to assess the variation in hydrological components and streamflow characteristics under different grazing management practices, and no grazing (EX). Results indicated that the adaptive MPS decreased surface runoff by 30.6 and 46.0%, streamflow by 15.6 and 23.6%, and Richards–Baker flashiness Index by 24.1 and 35.9%, while increasing Baseflow Index by 19.7 and 31.6% when compared to the continuous LS and HS, respectively. In addition, changing grazing management from HS or LS to MPS showed a general tendency to decrease the magnitude of high flows and increase the magnitude of low flows, thereby decreasing the frequency of occurrence of floods and droughts. Simulated hydrologic conditions under MPS and EX scenarios were similar. Overall, adaptive MPS was found to be an ideal grazing management practice for water conservation, streamflow stability, and reduction of flood and drought risk.
The Value of Piped Water and Sewers: Evidence from 19th Century Chicago

We estimate the impact of piped water and sewers on property values in mid-19th century Chicago. The cost of sewer construction depends sensitively on imperceptible variation in grade, and such variations in grade delay water and sewer service to part of the city. This delay provides quasi-random variation for causal estimates. We extrapolate ATE estimates from our natural experiment to the area treated with water and sewer service during 1874-1880 using a new estimator. Water and sewer access increases property values by more than a factor of two. This exceeds costs by about a factor of 60.
Usefulness of the C2HEST Score in Predicting the Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19 in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Cohorts

Background: Diabetes mellitus is among the most frequent comorbidities worsening COVID-19 outcome. Nevertheless, there are no data regarding the optimal risk stratification of patients with diabetes and COVID-19. Since individual C2HEST components reflect the comorbidities, we assumed that the score could predict COVID-19 outcomes. Material and Methods: A total of 2184 medical records of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 at the medical university center were analyzed, including 473 diabetic patients and 1666 patients without any glucose or metabolic abnormalities. The variables of patients’ baseline characteristics were retrieved to calculate the C2HEST score and subsequently the diabetic and non-diabetic subjects were assigned to the following categories: low-, medium- or high-risk. The measured outcomes included: in-hospital mortality; 3-month and 6-month all-cause mortality; non-fatal end of hospitalization (discharged home/sudden-deterioration/rehabilitation) and adverse in-hospital clinical events. Results: A total of 194 deaths (41%) were reported in the diabetic cohort, including 115 in-hospital deaths (24.3%). The 3-month and 6-month in-hospital mortality was highest in the high-risk C2HEST stratum. The C2HEST score revealed to be more sensitive in non-diabetic-group. The estimated six-month survival probability for high-risk subjects reached 0.4 in both cohorts whereas for the low-risk group, the six-month survival probability was 0.7 in the diabetic vs. 0.85 in the non-diabetic group—levels which were maintained during whole observation period. In both cohorts, receiver operating characteristics revealed that C2HEST predicts the following: cardiogenic shock; acute heart failure; myocardial injury; and in-hospital acute kidney injury. Conclusions: We demonstrated the usefulness and performance of the C2HEST score in predicting the adverse COVID-19 outcomes in hospitalized diabetic subjects.
Are Residential Energy Efficiency Upgrades Effective? An Empirical Analysis in Southern California

We analyze multiple subsidy programs for residential energy efficiency upgrades from 2010 to 2015 using electricity billing records of more than 11 million households in Southern California. We find that adopting these upgrades reduces overall electricity usage by 4%. However, there are significant differences in savings between upgrades. Pool pump and refrigeration upgrades generate the largest savings (13% and 6%, respectively). Lighting and HVAC retrofits generate the smallest savings (less than 1%). Some upgrades lead to concerns of rebound effects, such as dishwasher and clothes washer upgrades, and building envelope upgrades. Program impact varies by time of the year and building type. Furthermore, we find that energy savings are inconsistent with the engineering estimates. These results indicate that policy makers should consider the allocation of program funding not simply based on engineering projections but also based on measured electricity consumption such as those described in this study.
Genome-wide identification and functional characterization of CDPK gene family reveal their involvement in response to drought stress in Gossypium barbadense

Background Calcium dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are a class of important calcium signal sensing response proteins, which play an important regulatory role in response to abiotic stress. However, researchers have not been excavated CDPKs’ role in drought in sea-island cotton(Gossypium barbadense L. ‘H7124’). Results Eighty-four CDPK genes have been identified in G. barbadense. These GbCDPK genes are unevenly distributed on 26 chromosomes, and segmental duplication is the significant way for the extension of CDPK family. Also, members within the same subfamily share a similar gene structure and motif composition. There are a large number of cis-elements involved in plant growth and response to stresses in the promoter regions of GbCDPKs. Additionally, these GbCDPKs show differential expression patterns in cotton tissues. The transcription levels of most genes were markedly altered in cotton under heat, cold, salt and PEG treatments, while the expressions of some GbCDPKs were induced in cotton under drought stress. Among these drought-induced genes, we selected GbCDPK32, GbCDPK68, GbCDPK74, GbCDPK80 and GbCDPK83 for further functional characterization by virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) method. Conclusions In conclusion, the principal findings of this prospective study are that CDPKs were associated with drought. These findings provide a solid foundation for the development of future molecular mechanism in sea-island cotton.
Dietary inclusion of neem leaf powder on growth performance, blood biochemical parameters and profitability of broilers

The experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf powder (NLP) over a period of 35 days on the growth performance, dressing parameters, serum biochemical parameters and profitability of broiler meat. Day old broiler chicks (n = 320) were randomly assigned to five dietary groups, each with four replicates. The dietary treatment groups were; control (basal diet; no additives), antibiotic (basal diet + antibiotic), NLP 0.25% (basal diet + 0.25% NLP), NLP 0.375% (basal diet + 0.375% NLP) and NLP 0.50% (basal diet + 0.50% NLP). Results showed that the body weight, body weight gain, feed intake and FCR were differed significantly (P<0.05) among the treatment groups. Body weight and body weight gain were higher in antibiotic, NLP 0.25% and NLP 0.375% group compare to the NLP 0.50% group. Total feed intake was not different significantly (P>0.05). Better (P<0.05) FCR was observed in NLP 0.25% group as such as antibiotic group compare to the control and NLP 0.50% group. The results also showed that dressing parameters were not significantly (P>0.05) different among the dietary groups. Serum glucose, triglyceride, GOT, GPT and cholesterol level were non-significant (P>0.05) among the dietary groups. However, HDL was significantly (P<0.05) higher in NLP 0.25% group compared to the control group. Higher profitability was found in NLP-0.25% group and antibiotic group when all the birds were sold at market price. It can be concluded that the addition of NLP to broiler diet had a positive effect on growth performances but no negative effect on dressing parameters and serum biochemical parameters. Moreover, NLP at the level of 0.25% increases HDL level and improve profitability. It can be suggested that neem leaf powder up to 0.375% could be potential feed additive in broiler diet. Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2021. 50 (2): 114-122