Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Myeloid Piezo1 Deletion Protects Renal Fibrosis by Restraining Macrophage Infiltration and Activation

Background: Macrophages play important roles in renal fibrosis, partially by sensing mechanical forces, including shear stress and increased stiffness. The mechanically activated cationic channel Piezo1 drives vascular formation and blood pressure regulation to inflammatory responses, or cancer, but its role in macrophages in fibrotic kidney is elusive. Here, we hypothesized that Piezo1 in macrophages may have functions in renal fibrosis. Methods: We established a genetically engineered mouse model with Piezo1 specific knockout in myeloid cells and challenged with unilateral ureteric obstruction operation and folic acid treatment to induce the renal fibrosis, aiming to investigate the function of the mechanical-sensitive protein Piezo1 in macrophages in renal fibrosis and its underlying mechanisms. Results: Myeloid Piezo1 was indispensable for renal fibrosis generation. Piezo1 gene deletion in the myeloid lineage was protective in mice with renal fibrosis. Further analyses revealed that macrophage accumulation in the injured kidney depended on the Piezo1-regulated C-C motif chemokine ligand 2, C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 pathway, and Notch signaling cascade. Moreover, Piezo1 deletion restrained macrophage inflammation and consequently suppressed kidney fibrosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In vitro assays showed that Piezo1 deficiency blocked lipopolysaccharide and Piezo1 activation-induced inflammatory responses in bone marrow–derived macrophages. Mechanistically, Piezo1 regulated inflammation through the Ca2+-dependent intracellular cysteine protease, as the pharmacological inhibition of calpain blocked the proinflammatory role of Piezo1. Conclusions: This study characterized the important function of Piezo1 in renal fibrosis. Targeting the Piezo1 channels by genetic or pharmacological manipulations may be a promising strategy for the treatment of renal fibrosis.
Perception and Readiness to Undertake Maggot Debridement Therapy with the Use of Lucilia sericata Larvae in the Group of Nurses

The sight and smell of larvae in the wound may cause negative visual and olfactory impressions in sensitive individuals because of decaying body parts, carrion, and suffering. However, Maggot Debridement Therapy (MDT) is highly effective, safe, and cheap in wound healing and tissue revitalization for both the patient and health systems. The aim of the study was to assess the readiness to undertake MDT in a group of qualified nurses who perform therapeutic procedures in patients treated for chronic wounds. A diagnostic survey was used. The research tool was a scientific research protocol consisting of three questionnaires (sociodemographics, MDT perception questionnaire, pictures of wounds for visual assessment). The study included 290 nurses; the mean age was over 42.6 ± 9.9 years, and the median was 44 years. The perception and readiness to implement the method in the tested sample is at the average (standard) level. The image of maggots in the wound causes negative emotions among medical personnel. The higher the knowledge of the MDT method, the greater the motivation to implement it in practice.
Biomarkers Associated with Cardiovascular Disease in COVID-19

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) emerged late December 2019 in the city of Wuhan, China and has since spread rapidly all over the world causing a global pandemic. While the respiratory system is the primary target of disease manifestation, COVID-19 has been shown to also affect several other organs, making it a rather complex, multi-system disease. As such, cardiovascular involvement has been a topic of discussion since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily due to early reports of excessive myocardial injury in these patients. Treating physicians are faced with multiple challenges in the management and early triage of patients with COVID-19, as disease severity is highly variable ranging from an asymptomatic infection to critical cases rapidly deteriorating to intensive care treatment or even fatality. Laboratory biomarkers provide important prognostic information which can guide decision making in the emergency department, especially in patients with atypical presentations. Several cardiac biomarkers, most notably high-sensitive cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), have emerged as valuable predictors of prognosis in patients with COVID-19. The purpose of this review was to offer a concise summary on prognostic cardiac biomarkers in COVID-19 and discuss whether routine measurements of these biomarkers are warranted upon hospital admission.
Media Komik Elektronik Terintegrasi Augmented Reality dalam Pembelajaran Sistem Peredaran Darah Manusia di Sekolah Dasar

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menghasilkan komik elektronik sistem peredaran darah manusia yang terintegrasi augmented reality dalam meningkatkan minat belajar siswa sekolah dasar. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian research and development yang menghasilkan media pembelajaran menarik minat belajar. Kemudian produk diuji coba dengan menggunakan metode eksperimen semu (quasi experiment) dalam bentuk nonequivalent pretest-posttest control group design. Validasi produk melibatkan ahli materi, bahasa, media serta validasi kelayakan produk. Uji keterbacaan peserta didik melalui uji coba perorangan, uji coba kelompok kecil dan uji coba lapangan. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah wawancara, observasi, dan angket. Subyek penelitian yaitu kelas V SDN Manggarai 09 Jakarta Selatan yang terbagi dalam dua sampel, yaitu kelas eksperimen dan kelas kontrol. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa media komik elektronik sistem peredaran darah terintegrasi augmented reality dapat meningkatkan minat belajar siswa. Implikasi studi ini untuk praktik pembelajaran sistem peredaran darah manusia dengan pemanfaatan media komik elektronik yang terintegrasi augmented reality untuk meningkatkan minat belajar siswa kelas V sekolah dasar.
Short Versions of the Arabic Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire for Yemeni Adolescents: Cross-Sectional Derivation and Validation

Objectives: To shorten the 24-item Arabic Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ(A)) for adolescents in Yemen. Material and methods: Two shortening methods derived six-item and nine-item versions: the item impact method selected items with the highest impact scores as rated by 30 participants in each subscale; and the regression method was applied using data of 385 participants from the PIDAQ(A) validity study, with the total PIDAQ(A) score as the dependent variable, and its individual items as the independent variables. The four derived versions were assessed for validity and reliability. Results: The means of the six-item and nine-item short versions of both methods were close. Cronbach’s alpha values extended from 0.90 to 0.92 (intra-class correlations = 0.85–0.88). In criterion validity, strong significant correlations were detected between scores of all short versions and the 24-item PIDAQ(A) score (0.96–0.98; p < 0.001). Construct validity displayed significant associations among all short versions and self-perceived dental appearance rank and self-perceived need for orthodontic braces rank (p < 0.05). Mean scores of all short versions were significantly different between adolescents with severe malocclusion and those with slight malocclusion in discriminant validity tests. In conclusion, all PIDAQ(A) short versions are valid and reliable.
Therapeutic Approaches Targeting Proteins in Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Their Applications in Cancers

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) promote tumor proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, stemness, therapeutic resistance, and immune tolerance in a protein-dependent manner. Therefore, the traditional target paradigms are often insufficient to exterminate tumor cells. These pro-tumoral functions are mediated by the subsets of macrophages that exhibit canonical protein markers, while simultaneously having unique transcriptional features, which makes the proteins expressed on TAMs promising targets during anti-tumor therapy. Herein, TAM-associated protein-dependent target strategies were developed with the aim of either reducing the numbers of TAMs or inhibiting the pro-tumoral functions of TAMs. Furthermore, the recent advances in TAMs associated with tumor metabolism and immunity were extensively exploited to repolarize these TAMs to become anti-tumor elements and reverse the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In this review, we systematically summarize these current studies to fully illustrate the TAM-associated protein targets and their inhibitors, and we highlight the potential clinical applications of targeting the crosstalk among TAMs, tumor cells, and immune cells in anti-tumor therapy.
Construction of Optimal Portfolio Using Efficient Portfolio and Zero Opportunity Cost

In this manuscript, we introduce asset allocation and portfolio selection techniques based on efficiency condition, Sharpe ratio error condition and order three zero opportunity condition. Investors expect the same level of risk and return from alternative investment options unless they want the advantage of diversification for risk. There are two fundamental investment portfolios. The first one is risk free fundamental portfolio, and the second one is risky fundamental portfolio. Investors use zero opportunity cost to select portfolio objective. In this research, mathematical derivation of portfolio construction approach is described in advance. Historical data of this research show that there is a positive linear relationship between natural logarithm of standard deviation of securities’ return and square of co-variance between securities and market return. Furthermore, it shows that there is a positive linear relationship between Treynor ratio of securities’ return and Sharpe ratio of securities’ return. We use global search optimization tool in MatLab and R software to solve empirical portfolio selection and asset allocation problem. Moreover, we apply direct and indirect mathematical proof methods to prove mathematical facts of this study.
Needs Analysis of Literacy Assessment Using Blended Learning for Beginner EFL Learners

Needs analysis is vital in assessment instrument development because assessment is of paramount importance in teaching and learning. The phenomena of technology developments influence how assessment instruments must be developed to achieve the learning objectives and outcomes. The present study aimed at conducting a needs analysis of literacy assessment using blended learning for beginner EFL learners in Bali, Indonesia. The survey-style research was carried out involving 17 English teachers from 12 public junior high schools. A questionnaire, in-depth interviews, and a focused group discussion were used to collect the data. The data were descriptively analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The study results revealed that the needs identified in assessment developments consist of the target needs that cover the necessities of assessments, including the assessment of learning, as learning, assessment for learning, wants and lacks. In addition, the learner needs in the form of authentic materials, technology-based materials, skills-based, and language inputs are all needed in developing instrument assessments. The activities and procedures for conducting assessments in the form of pedagogical and real-life tasks and procedures are required, in addition to the roles of the students as knowledge seekers, problem solvers, collaborators, critical thinkers, and creators. The identified needs were then used as the basis for the framework design. The needs analysis results conducted in this study are expected to inspire teachers in developing research-based assessment instruments in EFL instructions.
Frequency of Water Change on Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization and Liver Histology of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, Linnaeus, 1758)

The study was conducted to investigate the frequency of water change on the growth performance, nutrient utilization and body indices of Oreochromis niloticus juveniles. O. niloticus of average body weight of 15 g were stocked and fed with 42% crude protein diet twice daily. The experiment had three treatments with 50% changing of water, every 2days, every 4days and every 7days. The water quality parameters were not significantly different among the treatments except for pH. Weight gain, percentage weight gain and specific growth rate were slightly higher in the 4days interval of changing water with values; 57.65±8.95 g, 33.93±5.16 % and 0.52±0.07 % day-1 respectively. Higher but not significant yield in relation to the volume of water used was obtained in 7days interval (0.46±0.09 Kg m-3). Slightly higher values of condition factor, viscerosomatic index and hepatosomatic index were recorded in the 4days water changing interval. Higher glycogen content was observed in water changes every 4days. All the livers were healthy with the mildest vacuolations in the treatment with water changes once in a week. The results showed that O. niloticus juveniles can be reared with water changes every 7days with no negative consequences. Water changes every 4days tended towards the best.
Visual Emotion sensing using Convolutional Neural Network

The objective of this article is to present a CNN architecture relevant to the Interactive Emotional Dyadic Motion Capture (IEMOCAP). Since the database showed some issues during the training phase, we are using frames as inputs instead of video recorder to minimize the error and increase the accuracy. We apply the methodology of transfer learning by adjust the number of layers and the weight of the database. The results of the female and male genders are 91% and 89% respectively . Streszczenie. Celem tego artykułu jest przedstawienie architektury CNN odpowiedniej do interaktywnego emocjonalnego przechwytywania ruchu (IEMOCAP). Ponieważ baza danych wykazała pewne problemy w fazie uczenia, używamy klatek jako danych wejściowych zamiast rejestratora wideo, aby zminimalizować błąd i zwiększyć dokładność. Stosujemy metodologię transferu uczenia się dostosowując liczbę warstw i wagę bazy danych. Wyniki dla płci żeńskiej i męskiej wynoszą odpowiednio 91% i 89%. (Wizualne wykrywanie emocji za pomocą splotowej sieci neuronowej)
Concrete Paving Slabs for Comfort of Movement of Mobility-Impaired Pedestrians—A Survey

People with locomotion difficulties encounter many barriers in a pedestrian environment. Pavement quality has been shown to substantially affect pedestrian satisfaction in general, and its optimal design may contribute to reducing the stigma put on people with impairments. Our research involved a survey assessing perception and attitudes towards pavement quality and characteristics for pedestrian comfort. The classic correlation of the variables based on contingency tables was used to analyse data and to test whether respondents’ perceptions depended on certain profile features. The completion of the statistical inference was the use of advanced algorithms of the correspondence analysis method. The relationships between the variables were assessed optionally using the chi2 test. The study results revealed desirable parameters and features of paving surfaces. People who use manual wheelchairs and declare limb loss prefer medium- and large-format concrete pavers with smooth finishing and no bevelling. People with skeletal abnormalities or peripheral neuropathy prefer concrete slabs and surfaces made of small- or medium-sized panels arranged in a regular pattern, made of smooth non-slip concrete with narrow joints. Further laboratory tests are necessary to investigate whether increased water permeability of pavements constructed on eco-friendly base layers can curb damage to the pavement surface and provide long-term durability.
In vitro and in vivo nematicidal activity of prodigiosin against the plant-parasitic nematode Nacobbus celatus

ABSTRACT Among the natural antagonistic microorganisms of plant-parasitic nematodes are rhizobacteria of the genus Serratia. Some species can produce a red pigment known as prodigiosin, which has shown to be antagonistic to different organisms. We analysed the nematicidal potential of this metabolite obtained from a Serratia marcescens strain on the nematode, Nacobbus celatus. In the first experiment, mortality of second-stage juveniles (J2) from two Argentine populations (Río Cuarto and Santa María from Córdoba and Catamarca provinces, respectively) was estimated at different concentrations of the metabolite at 24 and 48 h in vitro. Based on the percentages obtained, lethal doses 50 (LD50) and 90 (LD90) were determined. LD50 for Río Cuarto and Santa María was 12.4 and 13.2 μg/mL, respectively, whereas LD90 was 24.9 μg/mL for both populations. In the second experiment, both LDs were applied in the soil and at 12 days after inoculation, J2 that had penetrated tomato roots were counted. The application of prodigiosin to the soil reduced nematode root invasion by 59% (LD50) and 83% (LD90) with respect to control. Our in vivo results also evidence the efficacy of the compound in the soil at very low concentrations. The pigment reveals, for the first time, to be an alternative method for biological control of N. celatus.
Dietary Composition and Functional Properties of Selected Watermelon Seeds Available in Bangladesh

This study was carried out to investigate the nutritional composition and functional properties of two varieties of watermelon seeds and compare these properties between these seeds for harnessing them for consumption as food. The dried seeds of the two types of watermelon were evaluated by using a standard method for different characteristics such as nutritional, phytochemical and functional properties to perceive the potential benefits of that seed. The result of nutritional composition and phytochemical compound analysis obtained for the two varieties (Crimson red and Charleston gray) of watermelon seed indicated that both varieties of watermelon seed were rich in energy (469.60±0.01Kcal/100g, 408.85±0.01Kcal/100g), crude fat (36.61±0.01%, 30.65±0.01%), crude protein (27.21±0.01%, 22.51±0.01%), fiber (21.55±0.01, 29.85±0.01%) and phytochemical compound such as crude alkaloid (14.05±0.006%, 10.56±0.006%) respectively. The study result showed that, the crude fat, crude protein, energy and crude alkaloid were found to be high in the amount in the Crimson red seed than Charleston gray seed. Whereas the crude fiber was the high amount in the Charleston gray seed compared to the Crimson red seed. Functional properties may impact the behavior of food protein during processing, formulation and storage. The functional properties such as water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, emulsion activity, emulsion stability, foam activity, and foam stability were analysed of two varieties of watermelon seeds. The present research study revealed that both the two varieties of watermelon seed are characterized with good functional properties which indicate that the watermelon seeds can be incorporated in the formulation of food for consumption and use for industrial purposes. SAARC J. Agric. , 19(2): 233-243 (2021)
Clinical Approaches to Late-Onset Psychosis

Psychosis can include schizophrenia, mood disorders with psychotic features, delusional disorder, active delirium, and neurodegenerative disorders accompanied by various psychotic symptoms. Late-onset psychosis requires careful intervention due to the greater associated risks of secondary psychosis; higher morbidity and mortality rates than early-onset psychosis; and complicated treatment considerations due to the higher incidence of adverse effects, even with the black box warning against antipsychotics. Pharmacological treatment, including antipsychotics, should be carefully initiated with the lowest dosage for short-term efficacy and monitoring of adverse side effects. Further research involving larger samples, more trials with different countries working in consortia, and unified operational definitions for diagnosis will help elaborate the clinical characteristics of late-onset psychosis and lead to the development of treatment approaches.
Determination of Toxic Elements Concentration and Radioactivity Levels in Fruit Juice in Jeddah,Saudi Arabia@@@إيجاد تركيز العناصر السامة والنشاط الإشعاعي في عصير الفواكه بمدينة جدة بالمملكة العربية السعودية

Fruit juices have become a significant component of the diet of many households in Saudi Arabia. Essential minerals and trace minerals present in fruit juices play an important role in human growth and well being. A number of other chemical elements occur in fruit juices, e.g., aluminum, cadmium, lead, tin, mercury and many of them are toxic. In this study, three types of fruit juice (orange, apple, mango) of 15 different brands available in the market in and around Jeddah were analyzed for their contents of the toxic elements, aluminum (Al), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) using a Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The mean (±SD) elemental concentration values in ppb of Al, Pb and Cd in apple juice are: (144.00±12.51); (2.64±0.97) and (1.07±0.44) respectively. The mean (±SD) concentration values in ppb of Al, Pb and Cd in orange juice are: (122.20±11.36); (2.00±0.93) and (1.13±0.48) respectively. Finally, the mean (±SD) concentration values in ppb of Al, Pb and Cd in mango juice are: (115.28±10.84); (2.50±0.95) and (1.57±0.60) respectively. These values are compared with tolerable daily intake values and also with the corresponding values of different countries available in the literature. Knowledge of radioactivity levels in human diet is of particular concern for the estimation of possible radiological hazards to human health. A total of 86 fruit juice samples were analyzed for radioactivity measurements. The mean radioactivity concentration values in (Bq/l) in apple, orange and mango juice are : (17.66±2.95), (19.85±3.15), (11.93±3.04) respectively. The reported values of activity concentrations of different countries compare reasonably well with the corresponding values obtained in the present study. The M.A. Enani and S.M. Farid 154 levels of trace elements and radioactivity are acceptably low and pose no threat to the health of the population. The sources of these contaminants are unclear and merit further investigation.
High Expression of HERV-K (HML-2) Might Stimulate Interferon in COVID-19 Patients

Background. Interferon is a marker of host antiviral immunity, which is disordered in COVID-19 patients. ERV can affect the secretion of interferon through the cGAS-STING pathway. In this study, we explored whether IFN-I and HERV-K (HML-2) were activated in COVID-19 patients and whether there was an interaction between them. Methods. We collected blood samples from COVID-19 patients and healthy controls. We first detected the expression of HERV-K (HML-2) gag, env, and pol genes and IFN-I-related genes between patients and healthy people by qPCR, synchronously detected VERO cells infected with SARS-CoV-2. Then, the chromosome distributions of highly expressed HERV-K (HML-2) gag, env, and pol genes were mapped by the next-generation sequencing results, and GO analysis was performed on the related genes. Results. We found that the HERV-K (HML-2) gag, env, and pol genes were highly expressed in COVID-19 patients and VERO cells infected with SARS-CoV-2. The interferon-related genes IFNB1, ISG15, and IFIT1 were also activated in COVID-19 patients, and GO analysis showed that HERV-K (HML-2) can regulate the secretion of interferon. Conclusions. The high expression of HERV-K (HML-2) might activate the increase of interferon in COVID-19 patients, proving that HERV-K does not only play a negative role in the human body.