Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plasma hPG80 (Circulating Progastrin) as a Novel Prognostic Biomarker for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Simple Summary Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer world-wide and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer, accounts for 90% of the cases. The diagnosis of HCC is usually based on non-invasive criteria using detection of a liver nodule in abdominal ultrasonography or high serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. However, as it is only elevated in 60% of patients with HCC, AFP has limited accuracy, especially in early stages, as both a diagnostic and prognostic test. We investigated hPG80 (circulating progastrin), which is associated with liver cancer biology, and found that hPG80 levels is both an independent prognostic marker in HCC and used in combination with AFP, it improves the stratification of the patients in good and poor prognosis, especially for those patients at early-stage. This will help stratify HCC patients more accurately in the future and improve the management of these patients. Abstract Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the most widely used biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognosis. However, AFP is not useful in establishing a prognosis for patients with a tumor in the early stages. hPG80 (circulating progastrin) is a tumor promoting peptide present in the blood of patients with various cancers, including HCC. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic value of plasma hPG80 in patients with HCC, alone or in combination with AFP. A total of 168 HCC patients were tested prospectively for hPG80 and analyzed retrospectively. The prognostic impact of hPG80 and AFP levels on patient survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests. hPG80 was detected in 84% of HCC patients. There was no correlation between hPG80 and AFP levels in the training and validation cohorts. Both cohorts showed higher sensitivity of hPG80 compared to AFP, especially at early stages. Patients with high hPG80 (hPG80+) levels (optimal cutoff value 4.5 pM) had significantly lower median overall survival (OS) compared to patients with low hPG80 (hPG80−) levels (12.4 months versus not reached respectively, p < 0.0001). Further stratification by combining hPG80 and AFP levels (cutoff 100 ng/mL) improved prognosis in particular for those patients with low AFP level (hPG80−/AFP+ and hPG80−/AFP−, 13.4 months versus not reached respectively, p < 0.0001 and hPG80+/AFP+ and hPG80+/AFP−, 5.7 versus 26 months respectively, p < 0.0001). This was corroborated when analyses were performed using the BCLC staging especially at early stages. Our findings show that hPG80 could serve as a new prognostic biomarker in HCC. Used in combination with AFP, it improves the stratification of the patients in good and poor prognosis, especially for those patients with negative AFP and early-stage HCC.
Evaluating seasonal and regional distribution of snowfall in regional climate model simulations in the Arctic

Abstract. In this study, we investigate how the regional climate model HIRHAM5 reproduces the spatial and temporal distribution of Arctic snowfall when compared to CloudSat satellite observations during the examined period of 2007–2010. For this purpose, both approaches, i.e. the assessment of surface snowfall rate (observation-to-model) and the radar reflectivity factor profiles (model-to-observation), are carried out considering spatial and temporal sampling differences. The HIRHAM5 model, which is constrained in its synoptic representation by nudging to ERA-Interim, represents the snowfall in the Arctic region well in comparison to CloudSat products. The spatial distribution of the snowfall patterns is similar in both identifying the southeastern coast of Greenland and the North Atlantic corridor as regions gaining more than twice as much snowfall as the Arctic average, defined here for latitudes between 66° N and 81° N. An excellent agreement (difference less than 1 %) in Arctic averaged annual snowfall rate between HIRHAM5 and CloudSat is found whereas ERA-Interim reanalysis shows an underestimation of 45 % and significant deficits in the representation of the snowfall frequency distribution. From the spatial analysis it can be seen that the largest differences in the mean annual snowfall rates are an overestimation near the coastlines of Greenland and other regions with large orographical variations, as well as an underestimation in the northern North Atlantic ocean. To a large extent, the differences can be explained by clutter contamination, blind zone or higher resolution of CloudSat measurements, but clearly HIRHAM5 overestimates the orographic-driven precipitation. The underestimation of HIRHAM5 within the North Atlantic corridor south of Svalbard is likely connected to a poor description of the marine cold air outbreaks which could be identified by separating snowfall into different circulation weather type regimes. By simulating the radar reflectivity factor profiles from HIRHAM5 utilizing the PAMTRA forward-modeling operator, the contribution of individual hydrometeor types can be assessed. Looking at a latitude band at 72–73° N, snow can be identified as the hydrometeor type dominating radar reflectivity factor values across all seasons. The largest differences between the observed and simulated reflectivity factor values are related to the contribution of cloud ice particles, which is underestimated in the model most likely due to the small size of the particles. The model-to-observation approach offers a promising diagnostic when improving cloud schemes as illustrated by comparison of different schemes available for HIRHAM5.
Significance of Follow-Up Ultrasonography 24 Hours Post-Reduction in Detecting Intussusception Recurrence

Purpose The objective of this study was to identify the significance of 24-hour post-reduction ultrasonography (US) in pediatric patients with intussusception. Methods A total of 229 patients with intussusception who were treated with saline reduction at Severance Children’s Hospital between January 2014 and September 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The 229 patients with successful saline reduction were divided into two groups: a recurrence at 24 hours group (R, n=41) and a non-recurrence group (NR, n=188). The full patient sample was divided into two groups: follow-up US (FU) or no follow-up US (NFU); the recurrence group was divided into follow-up (R-FU) and non-follow-up (R-NFU) subgroups, and stratified analyses were performed. Results There were no significant differences in age, sex, laboratory findings, symptoms, and sonographic findings between the NR and R groups. In the R group, 24 patients underwent follow-up US, and 17 patients did not. Specific sonographic findings were statistically significant in the R-FU group compared to the R-NFU group (p=0.002). The R-FU group had fewer admissions (p=0.012) and longer mean hospitalization times (p<0.001) than the R-NFU group. The NFU group had a 12.2% recurrence rate, while the R-FU group recurrence rate was 25.8% (p=0.0099), suggesting that the omission of some recurrent events and follow-up US was a significant variable in the recurrence of intussusception. The median time to recurrence was 21 hours which supports the 24-hour follow-up protocol. Conclusion Twenty-four-hour follow-up US was shown to be valuable for detecting early recurrence of intussusception.
OTP970 Is Required for RNA Editing of Chloroplast ndhB Transcripts in Arabidopsis thaliana

RNA editing is essential for compensating for defects or mutations in haploid organelle genomes and is regulated by numerous trans-factors. Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins are the prime factors that are involved in RNA editing; however, many have not yet been identified. Here, we screened the plastid-targeted PLS-DYW subfamily of PPR proteins belonging to Arabidopsis thaliana and identified ORGANELLE TRANSCRIPT PROCESSING 970 (OTP970) as a key player in RNA editing in plastids. A loss-of-function otp970 mutant was impaired in RNA editing of ndhB transcripts at site 149 (ndhB-C149). RNA-immunoprecipitation analysis indicated that OTP970 was associated with the ndhB-C149 site. The complementation of the otp970 mutant with OTP970 lacking the DYW domain (OTP970∆DYW) failed to restore the RNA editing of ndhB-C149. ndhB gene encodes the B subunit of the NADH dehydrogenase-like (NDH) complex; however, neither NDH activity and stability nor NDH-PSI supercomplex formation were affected in otp970 mutant compared to the wild type, indicating that alteration in amino acid sequence is not necessary for NdhB function. Together, these results suggest that OTP970 is involved in the RNA editing of ndhB-C149 and that the DYW domain is essential for its function.
S ilencing of SCD and SREBP1 Genes by Short Hairpin RNAs in Chicken Hepatic Cells in Vitro

RNA interference by short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) is a widely used post transcriptional silencing mechanism for suppressing expression of the target gene. In the current study, five shRNA molecules each against SCD and SREBP1 genes involved in denovo lipid biosynthesis were designed upon considering parameters such as secondary structures of shRNAs, mRNA target regions, GC content and thermodynamic properties (ΔG overall, ΔG duplex and ΔG break-target), synthesized and cloned in pENTR/U6 entry vector to knockdown the expression of SCD and SREBP1 genes. After transfection of these shRNA constructs into the chicken embryonic hepatocytes, expressions of the target genes were monitored by real time PCR. Significant reduction (P<0.05) in the expression of SCD and SREBP1 genes was observed in hepatocytes. The shRNAs against SCD gene showed the knock down efficiency ranged from 20.4% (shRNA5) to 74.2% (shRNA2). In case of SREBP1 gene, the shRNAs showed knock-down efficiency ranging from 26.8% (shRNA4) to 95.85% (shRNA1). The shRNAs against both the genes introduced in chicken hepatocyte cells did not show any significant impact on expression of immune response genes (IFNA and IFNB) in those cells. These results clearly demonstrated the successful down regulation of the expression of SCD and SREBP1 genes by the shRNA molecules against both the target genes under in vitro condition. It is concluded that the shRNA molecules against SCD and SREBP1 genes showed great potential to silence the expression of these genes under in vitro chicken embryonic hepatocyte cells.
A Grouped Dynamic EEG Channel Selection Method for Emotion Recognition

EEG signals directly reflect the active state of the brain, so they are widely used for emotion recognition. At present, many researchers have achieved noteworthy results by using multi-channel EEG signals. However, too many EEG channels will cause slow transmission, high experimental costs, and low efficiency. This paper proposed a grouped dynamic EEG channel selection method based on ReliefF and random forest (RF), termed GDCSBR. We divided all channels into four groups, which provided more choices and flexibility to subsequent dynamic channel selection. GDCSBR selected channels iteratively. With the iteration increased, the number of alternative channels decreased. At each iteration, we adopted the strategy with a minor loss of recognition accuracy. Finally, the results on subject-independent data were taken as the final choice, since there were relatively large differences between subjects. Experiments were carried out on the DEAP dataset. The recognition accuracy for valence reaches 81.27% while 10 channels are selected. As for arousal scale, 11 channels can obtain 82.36% of classification accuracy. In addition, we found that high-frequency bands play a crucial part in emotion recognition, and the selected channels were mostly located in the frontal and parietal lobes. These findings are coincident with previous work. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Subcellular Remodeling in Filamin C Deficient Mouse Hearts Impairs Myocyte Tension Development during Progression of Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a life-threatening form of heart disease that is typically characterized by progressive thinning of the ventricular walls, chamber dilation, and systolic dysfunction. Multiple mutations in the gene encoding filamin C (FLNC), an actin-binding cytoskeletal protein in cardiomyocytes, have been found in patients with DCM. However, the mechanisms that lead to contractile impairment and DCM in patients with FLNC variants are poorly understood. To determine how FLNC regulates systolic force transmission and DCM remodeling, we used an inducible, cardiac-specific FLNC-knockout (icKO) model to produce a rapid onset of DCM in adult mice. Loss of FLNC reduced systolic force development in single cardiomyocytes and isolated papillary muscles but did not affect twitch kinetics or calcium transients. Electron and immunofluorescence microscopy showed significant defects in Z-disk alignment in icKO mice and altered myofilament lattice geometry. Moreover, a loss of FLNC induces a softening myocyte cortex and structural adaptations at the subcellular level that contribute to disrupted longitudinal force production during contraction. Spatially explicit computational models showed that these structural defects could be explained by a loss of inter-myofibril elastic coupling at the Z-disk. Our work identifies FLNC as a key regulator of the multiscale ultrastructure of cardiomyocytes and therefore plays an important role in maintaining systolic mechanotransmission pathways, the dysfunction of which may be key in driving progressive DCM.
Prevalence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression Among Internally Displaced Persons in Mogadishu-Somalia

Background Nearly 2.6 million people have been forced into displacement camps in Somalia as a result of frequent conflicts exacerbated by climate change disasters. Although the psychological impact of war and natural disasters is well documented elsewhere, little is known about the unseen scars of psychological trauma among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Somalia. This study was carried out between January and February 2021 and sought to determine the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among IDPs and examine the association between displacement and these psychiatric conditions. Methodology A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 401 IDPs in Mogadishu. The Harvard Trauma Questionnaire was used to determine the levels of trauma exposure and PTSD, and Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 was used to estimate the prevalence of depression. Multivariate and bivariate analyses were performed to analyze the association between demographic and displacement variables and the outcomes of PTSD and depression. Results More than half (59%) of participants met the symptom criteria of depression, and nearly a third (32%) of respondents met the symptom criteria for PTSD. The most prevalent traumatic event was a lack of food or water (80.2%). Important predictive factors for the development of psychiatric morbidity were unemployment, cumulative traumatic exposure, and frequency and duration of displacement. Conclusion The study revealed high levels of depressive disorder and PTSD among IDPs in Mogadishu. Furthermore, this study provided evidence of IDPs’ susceptibility to trauma exposure and lack of essential services and goods. The study highlighted the importance of the provision of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services in IDP camps.
Analysis of Capabilities of Organizations in the Areas of Responsibility for U.S. Commands of the United States Navy to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief

Abstract : The United States Navy (USN) provides substantial humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) to rest of the world due to its unique capabilities. Coupling these capabilities with those of Non-Government Organizations (NGO) would enhance the capacity of both the US military and the NGOs during disaster relief efforts. Such coordination between the two sectors in several significant areas would add to the efficacy and efficiency of the overall HADR operation by saving money for the USN. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations are one of the core capabilities for US Navy (USN) as described in A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower. In this research, we plan to identify the NGOs in the area of responsibility (AOR) of three US Commands that respond to disasters and organize the data of their capabilities and limitations. We provide financial analysis in terms of financial efficiency defined as percent expenses related to services out of total expenses. The capabilities analysis is based on Sphere Project criteria to inform the USN about the capabilities of the players in HADR.
Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and its associated risk factors related to Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Ilam province of Iran

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) surveys precede an awareness or intervention program, it addresses a felt need in a population in which that need exists. In an endemic region of cutaneous leishmaniasis disease occurrence, public enlightenment on its preventive and control measures is highly important. Ilam province of Iran is a provincial border town transited annually by pilgrims was reported to have the most cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis ranking highest since 2010 yet no report on KAP survey has been previously conducted.
Computational studies on physico-chemical properties in the quality analysis of corn and peanut oil

Oils are commonly used in cooking as a frying medium which has been constantly subjected to different levels of heating. In this work, we have considered the most commonly used oils namely peanut oil and corn oil. Quality analyses of corn and peanut oils were made by relating macroscopic properties (ultrasonic velocity, viscosity, and density) to microscopic parameters (intermolecular free length, adiabatic compressibility etc.,) by subjecting them to six cycles of heating (190 ˚C). Variation in the mentioned property indexes, the degree of degradation and reusability for the next heating cycle that could be used in the food industry and processing were monitored. Using Newton-Laplace and Wood’s equation, the adiabatic compressibility, acoustic impedance, and intermolecular free length of the oil were estimated from the experimental data. Ultrasonic velocity was observed linearly as related to viscosity with the dependency factor (R2 = 0.932). With the aid of experiential data, the physical thermodynamic parameters, particularly particle size, packing factor, chemical potential, and L-J potential were computed. A high correlation factor was observed by fitting ultrasonic velocity, viscosity, and density to Parthasarathy and Bakshi, and Rodenbush equations. In the study, ultrasonic velocity, a macroscopic parameter, could be decoded to determine the microscopic variations in oil subjected to different temperatures in an industrial application.
Forage Availability and Quality, and Feeding Behaviour of Indigenous Goats Grazing in a Mediterranean Silvopastoral System

The aim of this study was to study the feeding behaviour of indigenous goats and the selection drivers of different plant species in a Mediterranean forest rangeland. To achieve this goal, the seasonal variations in terms of forage availability and quality of ingested plant species were studied during three grazing seasons. In the same period, eight indigenous goats of Beni Arouss breed were selected to explore the seasonal changes in their browsing behaviour. Forage quality was determined by the hand-plucking technique. The results showed a wide seasonal variation in forage availability and quality, and feeding behaviour. Woody species were more selected independently of the season (p < 0.001). The crude protein content varied from 53.3 g/kg of dry mater (DM) for Erica arborea in summer to 197 g/kg DM for Calicotome villosa in autumn (p < 0.001). Despite the high condensed tannins content in selected shrubs, they were highly consumed. In vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and metabolizable energy (ME) had recorded the highest contents in herbaceous during spring. Shrubs and trees contain the lowest levels of IVOMD (<500 g/kg) and ME (<7.2 MJ/kg) during autumn and summer. It is concluded that seasonal changes in forage availability and quality did not necessarily affect the indigenous goats’ preference. These findings could help goat herders to develop feeding and grazing systems while increasing the performance of goats in the Mediterranean silvopastoral system.
Distribution of Bombus haemorrhoidalis Smith and its Interrelationship with Host Plants in Chitwan Annapurna Landscape of Central Nepal

Occurrence and variety of flowering host plant of native Bombus pollinators are viewed as basicalternatives than the imported species. The use of native bumblebee species for pollination wasconsidered more significant than imported bumblebees to reduce environmental impact and pestproblems. B. haemorrhoidalis is the most dominant species of Chitwan Annapurna Landscape inagricultural and wild flora during April to September 2019. We followed assessable walking trailsand used insect net for sample collection. The effect of different environmental variables on the floralhost plant resources of this native bumblebee was examined. With eight locations ranging from 1407to 2506 meters above sea level, twenty-seven species of seventeen plant families were identified aspollen and nectar foraging host plants. B haemorrhidalis distribution frequency is correlated withrelative humidity (0.07438968) and altitude (0.495657857). The most visited plant family wasBalsaminaceae and plant was Imatian scrabida. This study gives the knowledge of abundance of hostplants, ecological and biological relationship of the B. haemorrhoidalis in Nepal
Age-Related Mitochondrial Impairment and Renal Injury Is Ameliorated by Sulforaphane via Activation of Transcription Factor NRF2

Age is one of the major risk factors for the development of chronic pathologies, including kidney diseases. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction play a pathogenic role in aging kidney disease. Transcription factor NRF2, a master regulator of redox homeostasis, is altered during aging, but the exact implications of altered NRF2 signaling on age-related renal mitochondrial impairment are not yet clear. Herein, we investigated the role of sulforaphane, a well-known NRF2 activator, on age-related mitochondrial and kidney dysfunction. Young (2–4 month) and aged (20–24 month) male Fischer 344 rats were treated with sulforaphane (15 mg/kg body wt/day) in drinking water for four weeks. We observed significant impairment in renal cortical mitochondrial function along with perturbed redox homeostasis, decreased kidney function and marked impairment in NRF2 signaling in aged Fischer 344 rats. Sulforaphane significantly improved mitochondrial function and ameliorated kidney injury by increasing cortical NRF2 expression and activity and decreasing protein expression of KEAP1, an NRF2 repressor. Sulforaphane treatment did not affect the renal NRF2 expression or activity and mitochondrial function in young rats. Taken together, our results provide novel insights into the protective role of the NRF2 pathway in kidneys during aging and highlight the therapeutic potential of sulforaphane in mitigating kidney dysfunction in elders.