Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Management and Outcome Analysis of Conus and Filum ependymoma: A Tertiary Center Study

Background: Spinal ependymomas constitute approximately 2%–8% of primary adult central nervous system tumors. Authors analyzed demographic, clinical, radiological, surgical, and histopathological factors which correlated with the postoperative neurological outcome of patients who underwent surgery for conus and filum ependymoma (CFE). Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 31 patients regarding clinical feature, imaging study, surgical management, and McCormick grading system for assessing functional neurological status was carried out, who underwent surgical management for CFE between January 2009 and April 2014. Final neurological outcome at follow-up period was correlated with various factors in search to find out probable prognostic factors affecting final neurological outcome following surgical management. Results: The myxopapillary ependymoma was observed in 55% of cases (n = 17), while 39% cases (n = 12) had Grade II ependymoma and rest 6% (n = 2) cases had anaplastic ependymomas. The mean age was 30 years (range 7–60 years) with male to female ratio of 1:0.82. Patients predominantly presented with pain (80.65%); mean duration of symptoms was 28.61 months. Only, the preoperative McCormick grade was found to be the statistically significant prognostic factor (P = 0.045), affecting neurological outcome however, the age, sex, duration of symptoms, location of the tumor, extent of the tumor, extradural spread, degree of surgical excision, vascularity of tumor, and histopathological World Health Organization grades were not found to be significant prognostic factors in the current study. Conclusion: The preoperative McCormick score was found to be the only statistically significant factor predicting the functional and neurological outcome after surgery, so surgical treatment should be offered early in the course of the disease to provide chance of preservation and good neurological recovery.
Clinical Assessment and Thickness Changes of the Oblique and Multifidus Muscles Using a Novel Screening Tool and Exercise Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

CONTEXT Training and assessment of the abdominal and trunk muscles are widely used in the clinical setting. However, it is unknown what types of exercises are most effective in activation of both the global and local stabilizers in these regions. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to establish the reliability of a novel clinical screening tool (sling screen) to assess the muscles of the abdomen and trunk. The second aim was to use the clinical screening tool and musculoskeletal ultrasound to compare the effects of a rotary-based exercise program that targets both the global and local muscles to the effects of a traditional exercise program on the activation of the abdominal and trunk muscles. DESIGN Double-blind, randomized controlled trial. SETTING Sports medicine facility. PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS Thirty-one healthy participants were randomly allocated to receive a single-session rotary-based or traditional "core" exercise program. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The participants were assessed at the baseline and immediately postintervention. The primary outcome measures were muscle thickness examined by musculoskeletal ultrasound and clinical examination of muscle activation using a screening tool. The data were collected by blind assessors. Reliability and validity of a clinical screening tool (sling screen) were also assessed. RESULTS The analysis of the covariance tests showed a significant increase in oblique thickness for the rotary exercise group. All participants displayed a significant increase in multifidus thickness. The Wilcoxon signed-rank tests revealed a significant increase in clinical assessment scores in the rotary exercise group but not the traditional exercise group. Reliability of the sling screen ranged from moderate to good. CONCLUSION This clinical trial provides evidence that a rotary-based exercise program may be more effective in producing increases in oblique muscle thickness than traditional "core" exercises in young, healthy adults. The sling screen tool was able to identify these muscle thickness changes. Future studies should investigate how these results correlate to injury risk, other populations, and also how to implement the sling screen into clinical practice.
Software Product Line Test List Generation based on Harmony Search Algorithm with Constraints Support

In software product line (SPL), selecting product's features to be tested is an essential issue to enable the manufactories to release new products earlier than others. Practically, it is impossible to test all the products’ features (i.e. exhaustive testing). Evidence has shown that several SPL strategies have been proposed to generate the test list for testing purpose. Nevertheless, all the existing strategies failed to produce an optimum test list for all cases. Thus, the current study is aimed to develop a new SPL test list generation strategy based on Harmony Search (HS) algorithm, namely SPL-HS. SPL-HS generates a minimum number of test cases that cover all of the features that are required to be tested based on the required interaction degree (t). The results demonstrate that the performance of SPL-HS is able to compete with the existing SPL strategies for generating test list size.
Nuclear Import of Smad: A Dissertation

Signal transduction by transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) cytokines is mediated by an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that depends on the Smad proteins to transduce an extracellular stimulus into the nucleus. In the unstimulated state, Smads spontaneously shuttle across the nuclear envelope and distribute throughout the cell. Upon TGF-β or bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) stimulation, the receptor-activated Smads are phosphorylated, assemble into complexes with Smad4, and become mostly localized in the nucleus. Such signal-induced nuclear translocation of activated Smads is essential for TGF-β–dependent gene regulation that is critical for embryonic development and homeostasis. The molecular machinery responsible for this process, especially how the activated Smads are imported as complexes, is not entirely clear. Thus, I became interested in investigating the molecular requirements for nuclear targeting of Smads upon stimulation. Recently, whole-genome RNAi screening offers a complementary cell-based approach to functionally identify molecules that mediate nuclear accumulation of Smads in response to TGF-β. In the first part of this dissertation, I performed a genome-wide RNAi screen that uncovered the importin moleskin (Msk) required in nuclear import of Dpp-activated MAD. Both genetic and biochemical studies further confirmed this finding. I also investigated Smad interactions with the Msk mammalian orthologues, Importin7 and 8 and validated that Smads are bona fide cargos of Imp7/8. Besides the importin Msk, the screen also uncovered a subset of nucleoporins as required factors in signal-induced nuclear accumulation of MAD. Thus in the second part of this thesis, I focused on how the NPC mediates this Msk-dependent nuclear import of activated MAD. Most of these nucleoporins, including Sec13, Nup75, Nup93 and Nup205, were thought to be structural nucleoporins without known cargo-specific functions. We, however, demonstrated that this subset of nucleoporins was specifically used in the Msk-dependent nuclear import of activated MAD but not the constitutive import of cargos containing a classic nuclear localization signal (cNLS). I also uncovered novel pathway-specific functions of Sec13 and Nup93. Regulation of TGF-β signaling can be achieved not only by modulating Smad nuclear translocation but also by modifying Smad phosphorylation status. Previously we identified a kinase, Misshapen (Msn), that caused the linker phosphorylation of MAD, resulting in negative regulation of Dpp signaling ( Drosophila BMP). In the third part of this thesis, I investigated the biological relevance of Msn kinase to Dpp signaling in Drosophila wings. Both over-expression and RNAi studies suggest that Msn is a negative regulator of the Dpp/MAD pathway in vivo . As a whole, my findings delineated two critical requirements for MAD nuclear import: the importin Msk and a unique subset of nucleoporins. For the first time, structural Nups are implicated in the direct involvement of…
An Observational Study of Vaping Knowledge and Perceptions in a Sample of U.S. Adults

Background Vaping is the use of e-cigarettes that contain inhalants such as nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol, and cannabidiol. Vaping is associated with e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury (EVALI) and is a recognized public health crisis. Despite rising numbers of hospitalizations due to EVALI, public knowledge and perceptions of the dangers of vaping require further investigation. Objectives This exploratory study assessed knowledge and perceptions of vaping in U.S. adults. Methods This study was approved by an ethical board, and informed consent was obtained from all participants. A cohort of U.S. adults was recruited by shared links on social media. Participants completed an anonymous online survey that contained vaping knowledge and perceptions items. An a priori power analysis was conducted at 95% power and alpha = 0.05. Statistics were calculated using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results A sample of 413 (N = 413) U.S. adults participated in the survey. The majority of participants (79.18%) were females, and 65.62% were between 18 and 24 years of age. Over half (62.71%) of participants were never asked about vaping use by a clinician at any visit, and 56.51% agreed that vaping can reduce stress. Of all participants, 70.91% agreed that drinking alcohol makes someone more inclined to vape. Significant positive Spearman’s rho correlations were found between vaping and the use of cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, hallucinogens, and inhalants (p < 0.05). Conclusions We found a significant correlation between vaping and drug use. We also found that if the dangers of vaping are discussed by their health care providers, participants are more inclined to quit vaping. Unfortunately, many physicians report that they avoid discussing vaping with their patients due to lack of vaping knowledge. Our results illuminate the communication gap between patients and physicians. All clinicians need to counsel patients on the dangers of vaping, which might help prevent EVALI and related conditions.
Evaluating the Implementation of Injury Prevention Strategies in Rugby Union and League: A Systematic Review using the RE-AIM Framework

Abstract Rugby (union and league) has come under intense scrutiny due to its injury risk. Various interventions have been introduced to protect players from injury, with many deemed efficacious and advocated for use across various worldwide contexts. However, their implementation is less clear. The objective of this systematic review was to determine whether injury prevention interventions in rugby have evaluated their ‘reach’, ‘effectiveness’, ‘adoption’, ‘implementation’ and ‘maintenance’ as per the RE-AIM Multi-Dimension Item Checklist. Six electronic databases were searched in November 2019. Inclusion criteria included: English language, peer-reviewed journal article, original research, field-based rugby code, prospective intervention. Of the 4253 studies identified, 74 met the full inclusion criteria. Protective equipment, predominately mouthguards, was the intervention of interest in 44 studies. Other interventions included multimodal national injury prevention programmes, law changes and neuromuscular training programmes. ‘Effectiveness’ was the highest scoring RE-AIM dimension (55%), followed by ‘reach’ (26%). All other RE-AIM dimensions scored below 20%. Research currently focuses on determining intervention ‘effectiveness’. For injury prevention strategies to have their desired impact, there must be a shift to address all determinants associated with implementation. Consideration should be given to how this can be achieved by adopting specific reporting checklists, research frameworks and study designs.
Mediterranean Dryland Farming: Effect of Tillage Practices on Selected Soil Properties

It is widely accepted that conservation tillage management affords benefits to soil properties and reduces production costs; therefore these practices could be attractive to farmers from semiarid regions. The objective of this study was to assess the long-term effects of different tillage practices under semiarid conditions on macroaggregate stability (water stable aggregates, WSA), soil organic carbon (SOC), and particulate organic carbon (C-POM) content of an Alfisol from Spain. The experimental design involved a split plot and four randomized blocks in which tillage was the main factor and crop rotation (fallow―wheat―pea―barley) the secondary factor. Three tillage systems were compared: no tillage (NT), minimum tillage (MT), and conventional tillage (CT). Soil samples were collected on November 2006 and October 2007. In November 2006 no significant differences in WSA were found among the tillage treatments. In October 2007, however, the mean WSA in the upper soil layer for the NT was significantly higher, 24%, that in the CT. No significant differences were seen for the subsurface layer. Under NT, the SOC and C-POM values for the surface soil layer were significantly higher than those for the other treatments on both sampling dates. At the subsurface depth, no significant differences were seen in either of these variables. The SOC and C-POM values were more homogeneous throughout the soil profile in the plowed soil than in the NT for which the corresponding values were more stratified. The results show that NT will help improve soil structure and soil fertility, which is particularly relevant to semiarid conditions like the area studied.
Effects of submerged liquid fermentation of Bacillus subtilis WX‐17 using okara as sole nutrient source on the composition of a potential probiotic beverage

Abstract This work aims to produce a functional probiotic beverage using okara as the sole nutrient source. Hence, okara was fermented with Bacillus subtilis WX‐17 in submerged liquid fermentation and the supernatant was tested. Metabolomic analysis showed that the nutritional profile of the beverage was enhanced after fermentation. Essential amino acids as well as short‐chain fatty acids were significantly (p < .05) upregulated. Total phenolic content and antioxidant content (in terms of DPPH radical scavenging activity) increased by 6.32 and 1.55 times, respectively. After 6 weeks, probiotic viability remains unchanged when stored at 4°C and the cell count is above the minimum dosage to confer health benefits. Antimicrobial activity was also detected against gram‐positive bacteria. The findings of this work showed the potential of submerged liquid fermentation of Bacillus subtilis WX‐17 using okara as sole substrate to produce a functional and low‐cost probiotic beverage.
Real-Life Incident Atrial Fibrillation in Outpatients with Coronary Artery Disease

Background: The risk, correlates, and consequences of incident atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with chronic coronary artery disease (CAD) are largely unknown. Methods and results: We analyzed incident AF during a 3-year follow-up in 5031 CAD outpatients included in the prospective multicenter CARDIONOR registry and with no history of AF at baseline. Incident AF occurred in 266 patients (3-year cumulative incidence: 4.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.1 to 5.3)). Incident AF was diagnosed during cardiology outpatient visits in 177 (66.5%) patients, 87 of whom were asymptomatic. Of note, 46 (17.3%) patients were diagnosed at time of hospitalization for heart failure, and a few patients (n = 5) at the time of ischemic stroke. Five variables were independently associated with incident AF: older age (p < 0.0001), heart failure (p = 0.003), lower left ventricle ejection fraction (p = 0.008), history of hypertension (p = 0.010), and diabetes mellitus (p = 0.033). Anticoagulant therapy was used in 245 (92%) patients and was associated with an antiplatelet drug in half (n = 122). Incident AF was a powerful predictor of all-cause (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.47 to 2.83; p < 0.0001) and cardiovascular mortality (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.88; 95% CI: 1.88 to 4.43; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: In CAD outpatients, real-life incident AF occurs at a stable rate of 1.6% annually and is frequently diagnosed in asymptomatic patients during cardiology outpatient visits. Anticoagulation is used in most cases, often combined with antiplatelet therapy. Incident AF is associated with increased mortality.
MicroRNAs in Rectal Cancer: Functional Significance and Promising Therapeutic Value

It is well-known that microRNAs (miRNAs) are critical mediators of initiation and disease progression in many human cancers. Rectal cancer is a highly prevalent tumor, accounting for around one third of newly diagnosed colorectal cancers. The usefulness of miRNAs as clinical biomarkers predictive of the outcome and response to chemoradiotherapy has been well-reported for rectal cancer. However, the existing literature on their functional and therapeutic impact needs to be put in context to clarify their role in disease pathogenesis. Therfore, this review is focused on the functional relevance of miRNAs as key regulators of signaling pathways in rectal cancer and their potential therapeutic value as novel molecular targets in this disease.
EVALUATING THE PERFORMANCE OF ATP BIOLUMINESCENCE METHOD BY COMPARISON WITH CLASSICAL CULTURAL METHOD

Verification of the performance of the sanitation procedure is as important as the actual application. The methods that are going to be used for such verification needs to be user friendly and rapid resulting to apply the corrective actions promptly. Additionally, these methods should also be reliable besides their fast resulting. ATP bioluminescence method is recommended to be a solution for such procedures for many years. In this present study, our aim was to evaluate the performance of ATP bioluminescence method by comparison with golden standard classical cultural method. For this we performed parallel testing on surfaces which were experimentally contaminated with different types of microorganisms. The results showed that ATP bioluminescence gives more reliable results in surfaces which do not have any physical dirt and are contaminated with high level of microorganisms. The most reliable results were obtained from Salmonella contaminated surfaces.
Tuning the Surface Structure of Polyamide Membranes Using Porous Carbon Nitride Nanoparticles for High-Performance Seawater Desalination

Enhancing the water flux while maintaining the high salt rejection of existing reverse osmosis membranes remains a considerable challenge. Herein, we report the use of a porous carbon nitride (C3N4) nanoparticle to potentially improve both the water flux and salt rejection of the state-of-the-art polyamide (PA) thin film composite (TFC) membranes. The organic–organic covalent bonds endowed C3N4 with great compatibility with the PA layer, which positively influenced the customization of interfacial polymerization (IP). Benefitting from the positive effects of C3N4, a more hydrophilic, more crumpled thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membrane with a larger surface area, and an increased cross-linking degree of PA layer was achieved. Moreover, the uniform porous structure of the C3N4 embedded in the ”ridge” sections of the PA layer potentially provided additional water channels. All these factors combined provided unprecedented performance for seawater desalination among all the PA-TFC membranes reported thus far. The water permeance of the optimized TFN membrane is 2.1-folds higher than that of the pristine PA-TFC membrane, while the NaCl rejection increased to 99.5% from 98.0%. Our method provided a promising way to improve the performance of the state-of-art PA-TFC membranes in seawater desalination.
Evaluation of the Rheologic and Physicochemical Properties of a Novel Hyaluronic Acid Filler Range with eXcellent Three-Dimensional Reticulation (XTR™) Technology

Soft-tissue fillers made of hyaluronic acid and combined with lidocaine have recently become a popular tool in aesthetic medicine. Several manufacturers have developed their own proprietary formulae with varying manufacturing tools, concentrations, crosslinked three-dimensional network structures, pore size distributions of the fibrous networks, as well as cohesivity levels and rheological properties, lending fillers and filler ranges their unique properties and degradability profiles. One such range of hyaluronic acid fillers manufactured using the novel eXcellent three-dimensional reticulation (XTR™) technology was evaluated in comparison with other HA fillers and filler ranges by an independent research laboratory. Fillers manufactured with the XTR™ technology were shown to have characteristic rheological, crosslinking and biophysical factors that support the suitability of this filler range for certain patient profiles.
Competitive evaluation in male elite junior soccer players: entire match, replaced, and substitute players

The purpose of this study was to analyze the mood states, recovery, displacement patterns, and rating of perceived exertion of elite junior soccer players during a national competition, considering substitutions in the matches. Before the games, the mood states and total quality recovery (TQR) were evaluated. During the games, the total distance (TD), low-speed distance (LSD), and high-speed distance were monitored. At the end of the matches, the rating of perceived exertion scale was used. The average and standard deviation were used to compare the match stages, soccer positions and influence of the substitutions. The significance level adopted was 5%. In relation to the mood states, fatigue presented higher values (P<0.05) for entire match and substitute players, and in the TQR, substitute players presented better recovery (P<0.05) than entire match and replaced players. In the TD, shorter distances covered were observed (P<0.05) in the first half, and the average of the midfielders was longer (P<0.05) than that of the defenders. In the LSD, the midfielders covered longer distances (P<0.05) than the strikers and defenders. It is possible to conclude that the substitutions have an impact on the player positions, match stages and maintenance of the intensity of the players.