Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Free Open-Source Bayesian Vancomycin Dosing App for Adults: Design and Evaluation Study

Background It has been suggested that Bayesian dosing apps can assist in the therapeutic drug monitoring of patients receiving vancomycin. Unfortunately, Bayesian dosing tools are often unaffordable to resource-limited hospitals. Our aim was to improve vancomycin dosing in adults. We created a free and open-source dose adjustment app, VancoCalc, which uses Bayesian inference to aid clinicians in dosing and monitoring of vancomycin. Objective The aim of this paper is to describe the design, development, usability, and evaluation of a free open-source Bayesian vancomycin dosing app, VancoCalc. Methods The app build and model fitting process were described. Previously published pharmacokinetic models were used as priors. The ability of the app to predict vancomycin concentrations was performed using a small data set comprising of 52 patients, aged 18 years and over, who received at least 1 dose of intravenous vancomycin and had at least 2 vancomycin concentrations drawn between July 2018 and January 2021 at Lakeridge Health Corporation Ontario, Canada. With these estimated and actual concentrations, median prediction error (bias), median absolute error (accuracy), and root mean square error (precision) were calculated to evaluate the accuracy of the Bayesian estimated pharmacokinetic parameters. Results A total of 52 unique patients’ initial vancomycin concentrations were used to predict subsequent concentration; 104 total vancomycin concentrations were assessed. The median prediction error was –0.600 ug/mL (IQR –3.06, 2.95), the median absolute error was 3.05 ug/mL (IQR 1.44, 4.50), and the root mean square error was 5.34. Conclusions We described a free, open-source Bayesian vancomycin dosing calculator based on revisions of currently available calculators. Based on this small retrospective preliminary sample of patients, the app offers reasonable accuracy and bias, which may be used in everyday practice. By offering this free, open-source app, further prospective validation could be implemented in the near future.
Functional mechanism of hsa-miR-128-3p in epithelial-mesenchymal transition of pancreatic cancer cells via ZEB1 regulation

Pancreatic cancer (PC) often correlates with high mortality due to late diagnosis, rapid metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy. miR-128-3p has been validated as a tumor suppressor in PC. This study explored the functional mechanism of miR-128-3p in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of PC cells. Four PC cancer cell lines with different degrees of malignancy and normal pancreatic cells were selected to detect expressions of hsa-miR-128-3p and ZEB1 by RT-qPCR and Western blot. miR-128-3p mimic or si-ZEB1 was delivered into PANC-1 cells and miR-128-3p inhibitor or oe-ZEB1 was delivered into AsPC-1 cells. Expressions of epithelial and mesenchymal markers were analyzed by Western blot and cell fluorescence staining. The binding relationship between miR-128-3p and ZEB1 was examined by bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase assay, and verified by RT-qPCR and Western blot. PC cell invasion and migration were assessed by Transwell assays. Generally, hsa-miR-128-3p was poorly-expressed in PC cells. However, it was relatively more expressed in AsPC-1 cells with epithelial phenotypes relative to PANC-1 cells with mesenchymal phenotype, whereas ZEB1 expression showed opposite tendencies. PANC-1 cells transfected with miR-128-3p mimic or si-ZEB1 showed upregulated E-cadherin and downregulated N-cadherin, and transformed from mesenchymal phenotypes to epithelial phenotypes, with decreased invasion and migration, while opposite results occurred in AsPC-1 cells transfected with miR-128-3p inhibitor or oe-ZEB1. miR-128-3p targeted ZEB1. oe-ZEB1 antagonized the inhibition of miR-128-3p mimic on PANC-1 cell EMT, invasion, and migration, while si-ZEB1 reversed the facilitation of miR-128-3p inhibitor in AsPC-1 cells. In conclusion, miR-128-3p inhibited PC cell EMT, invasion, and migration by targeting ZEB1.
Re-visiting the Armey Curve Hypothesis: An Empirical Evidence from India

The present study aims to examine the relationship between government size and economic growth in India for the period from 1961 to 2018. Additionally, as a novel contribution, the current study also attempts to examine the existence of Armey curve and estimate the threshold level of government size in India. The empirical estimation uses time series analysis and employs quadratic ordinary least squares (OLS) function and autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bound testing approach to co-integration to examine the association between the variables. The result of the study confirms a long-run significant positive impact of government size on economic growth. The present study also finds the existence of Armey curve and supports the Armey curve hypothesis in India. There exists a positive impact of government size till the threshold level, and beyond the threshold level, the coefficient of economic growth tends to decrease. The estimated optimal government size is 11.89% for India; this shows that, currently, the government spends less than the optimum amount. It implies that India operates somewhere on the positive slope of the Armey curve, and there is a scope for the government to expand its size further. However, the findings of the study also suggest that a large size of the government can be harmful for the efficiency of economic growth; thus, adjusting the government at its optimum is crucial to the economy. JEL Classifications: B23, C01, C87, H11, H50, O47
Effects of Long-Term Service on Microstructure and Impact Toughness of the Weld Metal and Heat-Affected Zone in CrMoV Steel Joints

The microstructure and impact toughness of weld metals (WMs) and heat-affected zones (HAZs) of a low-alloy CrMoV steel gas turbine rotor which had served for 14 years were investigated. The ex-service joints in the turbine part (serving at 500–540 °C) and the compressor part (serving below 300 °C) of the rotor were selected for comparative research. The microstructure of the WMs and HAZs between the turbine part and the compressor part was similar, indicating that there was no significant deterioration in microstructure of the turbine part during service. However, compared with the compressor part WM, the impact energy of the turbine part WM decreased significantly, and FATT50 increased greatly. The degraded toughness of turbine part WM was related to more serious intergranular cracking caused by higher segregation level of phosphorus (P) at prior austenite grain (PAG) boundaries. Welding and post-weld heat treatment led to obvious segregation of P at PAG boundaries in WMs, and the segregation of P in turbine part WM was further aggravated during serving at 500–540 °C. Additionally, the inhomogeneous microstructure of the WMs also aggravated the segregation of P. The toughness of the HAZs in both turbine part and compressor part was high, which was because of fine grains. Furthermore, due to there being more grain boundaries and low P content, the segregation of P in HAZs was slight and its adverse effect on the toughness could be ignored.
EFFECT OF FERTILIZATIONS AND HERBICIDES ON WEEDS, SOIL MICROORGANISMS AND SOYBEAN PRODUCTION

The present work was conducted to investigate the effect of fertilizers {mineral fertilizers (NPK) and organic fertilizer (FYM) and some herbicides (Pendimethalin at the rate of 1.7 l/fed, Prometryn at the rate of 1.0 l/ fed, Metolachlor at the rate of 1.0 l/ fed, Metribuzin at the rate of 300 g/ fed and untreated) on weeds, bacterial nodulation and soil microorganisms associated soybean crop during 2012 and 2013 summer seasons. The results showed that FYM fertilizer significantly increased the dry weight of grassy and broadleaved weeds (g/ m 2 ) after 30 days from sowing. Also, it increased the number and dry weight of nodules/plant, the number of soil microorganisms, pod number /plant, pod weight /plant (g), seeds weight / plant (g), seed yield (ton/ fed.) and NPK seed contents % compared to no fertilizer. This was true in both seasons. All the studied herbicides significantly decreased the dry weight of grassy, broad-leaved weeds and decreased number and dry weight of nodules / plant, number of soil microorganisms and increased pods number /plant, pods weight /plant (g), seeds weight /plant (g), seed yield (ton/fed.) and NPK seed contents % compared to untreated treatment. It can be concluded from this study that application of Pendimethalin at the rate of 1.7 l/ fed and Metribuzin at the rate of 300 g/ fed. with FYM fertilizer were the best for weed control and gave the highest soybean yield.
Depression, Adherence, and Functionality in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Background Patients undergoing hemodialysis face multiple problems such as difficulties in performing daily activities, low functional capacity, non-adherence to the hemodialysis regimen, and depressive symptoms that lead to poor health outcomes. The present study aimed to assess the levels of depression, adherence, and functionality in patients undergoing hemodialysis, as well as the association between the above variables. Materials and methods In this cross-sectional study, 100 patients undergoing hemodialysis from a private hospital in Athens participated. Data were collected via the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, the Barthel Scale/Index, and the Greek Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire-Hemodialysis for the evaluation of patients’ depression, functionality, and adherence to hemodialysis regimen, respectively. In addition, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. The study was conducted during the period of December 2020 to February 2021. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0 (Released 2017. IBM Corp., Armonk, New York) was used for the statistical analysis of the data. The statistical significance level was set up at 0.05. Results Of the patients, 50% scored < 38 (possible range 20-80) in the scale pof depression, and 25% of patients scored < 34. Regarding adherence, the median value was 7 (IQR: 7-7) while 77% scored 7 (possible range of 0-8). Regarding functionality, mild dependence (score 91-99) was referred by 77% of the participants, moderate dependence (score 61-90) by 17%, and severe dependence (score 21-60) was referred by 6% of the patients. A statistically significant negative association emerged between depression and functionality (r= -0.342, p=0.001) while no significant association arised between depression and adherence (r= 0.021,p=0.836) as well as between adherence and functionality (r = 0.078, p = 0.439). Statistical significantly higher scores of depression were seen in women (β = 3.65, p = 0.001) and elderly >70 years old (β = 3.51, CI=0.09-6.93, p = 0.044). Statistically significantly lower functionality were referred by patients >70 years old (β = -13.58, CI: -21.68-5.49, p = 0.001) and by patients with high depression score (β= -0.62, 95% CI: -1.06-0.20, p = 0.005). Conclusion Patients experienced moderate to low levels of depression and high levels of adherence and functionality. The higher the functionality scores, the lower the depression scores. Demographic characteristics, such as age and gender, seem to be significant predictors of depression and functionality.
The effect of centella asiatica extract in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae as a Chronic Constant Hypoxia (CCH) model

Backgound: Chronic Constan Hypoxia (CCH) are able to occur in cyanotic congenital heart disease and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Centella asiatica has antioxidant and neuroprotective effects in experimental animals.This study aims to observe the effect of Centella asiatica ethanol extract on Zebrafish in chronic hypoxic conditions Method: A laboratory experimental study with a randomized post-test controlled group design was conducted among 20 Zebrafish (Danio rerio) 3-8 day post fertilization (dpf) as samples per tube. The total group treatment was five with inclusion and exclusion criterias. Variables assessed in this study included Average body length, locomotor activity, and the relationship between average body length and locomotor activity. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18 for Windows. Result: There was a moderate significant correlation between Centella asiatica concentration of 1.25 µg/ml, 2.5 µg/ml, 5 µg/ml with an enhancement of body length (r=0.431) and locomotor activity (r=0.262) in zebrafish larvae CCH model (p<0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that chronic constan hypoxia (CCH) inhibit the growth of body length and decrease locomotor activity in Zebrafish larvae. Centella asiatica treatment can avoid the CCH by using various concentration.
Performance and optimization of biological and chemical composite flooding system for enhanced oil recovery

Abstract Biological and chemical compound flooding systems have excellent performance and broad application prospects in enhanced oil recovery. In this study, the most efficient and environmentally friendly type of bio-chemical compound alkaline-surfactant-polymer (ASP) flooding system, namely the ASP-PST85, is constructed with Na2CO3, petroleum sulfonate (NPS), biosurfactant surfactin, polyacrylamide, and Tween-85. The interfacial activity, dilution stability, adsorption stability, aging stability, temperature stability, and emulsification property of the ASP-PST85 system are evaluated. The results show that the range of interfacial tension of 10−4 mN/m between the ASP-PST85 system and crude oil is significantly expanded compared to that of the original ASP system, which is referred to as the ASP-PS system. Simultaneously, the emulsion and adsorption stability are also significantly improved. The microfluidic measurement results show that the ASP-PST85 system reaches the saturated adsorption of surfactant at the oil-water interface faster than the ASP-PS system, probably due to its higher emulsion stability. This study provides a reference for the construction of high-performance and bio-chemical compound flooding systems, providing a theoretical and methodological basis to obtain basic data of rapid adsorption kinetics at the oil-water interface.
A search for the determinants of students’ educational expectations for higher education in four European cities: The role of school SES composition and student engagement

Social inequality in students’ educational expectations, a strong predictor of educational attainment, differs substantially between countries. Although education system characteristics are translated into school composition effects, the school level is often forgotten in comparative research. Moreover, to explain school effects, we introduce the concept of student engagement into sociological research on expectations. Results of multilevel analyses (R) on data from 7566 students in 126 high schools in four cities—Barcelona (Spain), Ghent (Belgium), Bergen (Norway), and Reykjavík (Iceland)—demonstrated positive effects of (1) SES composition, but mainly in systems with substantial school segregation, (2) behavioral and emotional engagement on expectations.
Utilizing Genomic Selection for Wheat Population Development and Improvement

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) breeding programs can take over a decade to release a new variety. However, new methods of selection such as genomic selection (GS) must be integrated to decrease the time it takes to release new varieties to meet the demand of a growing population. The implementation of GS into breeding programs is still being explored, with many studies showing its potential to change wheat breeding through achieving higher genetic gain. In this review, we explore the integration of GS for a wheat breeding program by redesigning the traditional breeding pipeline to implement GS. We propose implementing a two-part breeding strategy by differentiating between population improvement and product development. The implementation of GS in the product development pipeline can be integrated into most stages and can predict within and across breeding cycles. Additionally, we explore optimizing the population improvement strategy through GS recurrent selection schemes to reduce crossing cycle time and significantly increase genetic gain. The recurrent selection schemes can be optimized for parental selection, maintenance of genetic variation, and optimal cross-prediction. Overall, we outline the ability to increase the genetic gain of a breeding program by implementing GS and a two-part breeding strategy.
European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guidelines on mobile stroke units for prehospital stroke management

The safety and efficacy of mobile stroke units (MSUs) in prehospital stroke management has recently been investigated in different clinical studies. MSUs are ambulances equipped with a CT scanner, point-of-care lab, telemedicine and are staffed with a stroke specialised medical team. This European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guideline provides an up-to-date evidence-based recommendation to assist decision-makers in their choice on using MSUs for prehospital management of suspected stroke, which includes patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS), intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) and stroke mimics. The guidelines were developed according to the ESO standard operating procedure and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. The working group identified relevant clinical questions, performed systematic reviews and aggregated data meta-analyses of the literature, assessed the quality of the available evidence and made specific recommendations. Expert consensus statements are provided where sufficient evidence was not available to provide recommendations based on the GRADE approach. We found moderate evidence for suggesting MSU management for patients with suspected stroke. The patient group diagnosed with AIS shows an improvement of functional outcomes at 90 days, reduced onset to treatment times and increased proportion receiving IVT within 60 min from onset. MSU management might be beneficial for patients with ICH as MSU management was associated with a higher proportion of ICH patients being primarily transported to tertiary care stroke centres. No safety concerns (all-cause mortality, proportion of stroke mimics treated with IVT, symptomatic intracranial bleeding and major extracranial bleeding) could be identified for all patients managed with a MSU compared to conventional care. We suggest MSU management to improve prehospital management of suspected stroke patients.
Scleroglucan and guar gum: The synergistic effects of a new polysaccharide system

Scleroglucan (Sclg) and guar gum (GG) are capable of giving gels in the presence of borax. This study focuses on how a mixed system of the two polysaccharides can be affected by the addition of borax. The anisotropic swelling behavior of tablets obtained by compression of the freeze-dried new gel system is also investigated and compared to that of Sclg and GG alone. Rheological characterization evidences a synergistic effect in terms of critical time, mesh size, as well as cross-linking density. Also creep recovery experiments, carried out in the presence of borax, show a synergistic effect: when the polymers are mixed, quite low compliance was estimated in comparison to that of Sclg and GG. On the other side, the flexible chains of GG induce the self-healing properties of the mixed gel system since the rigid, triple helix of Sclg does not show such peculiar characteristics. The deep insight into the physico-chemical properties of the new hydrogel system can play a fundamental role in optimizing its practical application (e.g., in drug delivery, cosmetic products, human tissue repair, wound dressing, and food staff) .
Radio on demand: New habits of consuming radio content

This research is an investigation into changes in the radio listening habits of consumers who use on-demand radio. Findings indicate high daily listening rates to online on-demand radiophonic content as listeners are not dependent on schedules. Listeners proactively use the options offered by on-demand radio to satisfy listeners’ diverse needs, in line with the uses and gratifications theory. The diversity of online radio offerings encourages frequent consumption of more varied content. Findings indicate that radio’s entry into the new medium offers interactivity, demassification and asynchroneity, expands its distribution and helps it maintain its role as a relevant medium of influence.
Teaching Presence in Online EFL Courses: A Study of Community of Inquiry Model in Iranian Context

By the arrival of technology into the world and how it touches learning contexts, it seems of cardinal importance for educational centres to participate in a systematic study of making the optimal learning available for their future students. The present study examines the effect of the Community of Inquiry Model of Online Learning on EFL learners’ perceived learning and sense of community. The purpose was to figure out how teaching presence affected EFL learners’ perceptions of learning and sense of community in online EFL courses. Pertinent data were collected from EFL students and selected teachers. There were significant relationships between the teaching presence elements and students’ sense of community. It was discovered that there was a small but significant relationship between the students’ perceptions of learning and their sense of community. Directed facilitation and satisfaction with course length were both statistically significant in predicting a sense of community. As claimed by EFL learners, there were statistically significant correlations between teaching presence, perceived learning, and sense of community. The instructors demonstrated similar positive relationships with no significant differences when the student and instructor data were compared.
Role of Kapandji Technique in Percutaneous Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures

Background: The most common fracture in adults is distal radius fracture (DRF). The surgical treatment for distal radius fractures is Kapandji's surgical procedure that uses intrafocal pinning and provides unique fixation. Objective: The aim of the work was to evaluate distal radius fracture union and healing after Kapandji's technique of percutaneous fixing. Patients and Methods: We managed a group of twenty patients, aged from 18 years to 50 years of both sexes with distal radius fracture by Kwires using Kapandji technique at Zagazig University Hospitals and Al Farafra Hospital. The results have been studied regarding complications, time of recovery and rehabilitation. Results: Mean Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) -Specific Function was 30.95, the mean PRWE-Pain subscore was 29.25, the mean PRWE-total score was 54.29. Radial inclination, Volar tilt, and radial height were statistically significant higher in the examined group following surgery. Only 40% of the studied group had superficial infection but no cases had tendon or NV injury or Sudek’s atrophy. Conclusion: It could be concluded that for totally displaced fractures, the Kapandji method of K-wiring is an effective means of reducing the fracture and keeping it reduced over time. By employing the Kapandji technique approach, a close reduction can be achieved with minimal effort.