Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage of malignant stenosis, not treatable with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a single-center, prospective observational study

Abstract Background and study aims The therapeutic role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) evolved in recent decade,s opening a new chapter in the field of endoscopic biliary drainage (BD). EUS-BD has emerged as a new mini-invasive technique for neoplastic jaundice not amenable to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The primary study aims were to assess the clinical efficacy of EUS-BD using an electrocautery-enhanced lumen apposing metal stent (ECE-LAMS) in patients with malignant biliary obstruction with failed\unfeasible ERCP and the adverse event (AE) rate. The secondary aims were to evaluate the technical success and incidence of jaundice recurrence. Patients and methods Data from All patients referred to our tertiary-care Institute with obstructive jaundice due to unresectable malignant distal biliary stricture and unfeasible\failed ERCP, were prospectively recorded from January 2015 to February 2018. The procedures were performed by a single-step ECE-LAMS (AXIOS-EC, Boston Scientific) placement, from the upper gut lumen to the biliary tree, for definitive biliary decompression. Results Twenty-one patients were consecutively enrolled. Mean pre-procedure common bile duct diameter was 16 mm and the bilirubin level was 13.9 mg/dL (range 3.8–29.5). LAMS was positioned from the duodenal bulb (n = 19) to gastric antrum (n = 2). We registered a 100 % of technical and clinical success. No AEs occurred. We observed a single case of delayed AE consisting of a buried LAMS, which was successfully resolved endoscopically. Conclusions Despite the limits of being non-comparative, our study shows outcomes in a homogeneous population in terms of indications and technique. EUS-BD with dedicated ECE-LAMS is associated with extremely good clinical efficacy and safety and can be considered as an alternative in cases of failed/unfeasible ERCP.
In vitro Phenotype Induction of Circulating Monocytes: CD16 and CD163 Analysis

Introduction CD14 (monocyte differentiation antigen, LPS binding protein – endotoxin receptor) and CD16 (FcγRIII, Low-affinity receptor for IgG) define three subpopulations of circulating monocytes with different inflammatory and phagocytic capabilities. Contradictory reports exist regarding both in vivo monocyte phenotype-disease association and response of these circulating monocytes to in vitro stimulation. We analyzed phenotypic changes in circulating monocytes when stimulated with LPS (pro-inflammatory stimulus) and IL-4 (alternative inflammatory stimulus). Methods Mononuclear cells from nine healthy donors were extracted and studied for surface and intracellular markers using flow cytometry. PBMC were extracted using Ficoll technic and immediately analyzed using flow cytometry. Pro-inflammatory interleukin IL-1β and IL-6 were measured by intracellular cytometry. Mononuclear cells were stimulated using LPS and IL-4 as previously described. Changes against non-stimulated populations were statistically analyzed. Results Compared to non-stimulated and IL-4 stimulated monocytes, LPS-stimulated cells display a singular pattern of markers, with higher levels of intracellular IL-1β and IL-6 directly correlating with CD14+CD163- cell frequency and diminishing membrane CD163 fluorescence. CD14+CD16- classical monocytes show greater percentage of CD163- cells upon LPS stimulation. CD86 levels on monocytes’ surface did not change with LPS or IL-4 stimulation. Conclusions and Discussion We showed that CD14+CD16- classical monocytes display higher sensitivity to LPS stimulation, with more IL-1β and IL-6 levels than intermediate and non-classical monocytes. This subset also diminishes its CD163 levels on the membrane after LPS stimulation with a contemporary raise in CD163- cells, suggesting that classical monocytes preferentially acquire CD163- defined M1 characteristics upon in vitro LPS stimulation. Intermediate and non-classical monocytes respond with lower levels of interleukins and display surface proteins in an M2-type profile (CD163+).
Crucial considerations: Sex differences in the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of acute pulmonary embolism in non‐pregnant adult patients

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) affects over 600,000 Americans per year and is a common diagnostic consideration among emergency department patients. Although there are well‐documented differences in the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of cardiovascular conditions, such as ischemic heart disease and stroke, the influence of sex and gender on PE remains poorly understood. The overall age‐adjusted incidence of PE is similar in women and men, but women have higher relative rates of PE during early and mid‐adulthood (ages 20–40 years); whereas, men have higher rates of PE after age 60 years. Women are tested for PE at far higher rates than men, yet women who undergo computed tomography pulmonary angiography are ultimately diagnosed with PE 35%–55% less often than men. Among those diagnosed with PE, women are more likely to have severe clinical features, such as hypotension and signs of right ventricular dysfunction. When controlled for PE severity, women are less likely to receive reperfusion therapies, such as thrombolysis. Finally, women have more bleeding complications for all types of anticoagulation. Further investigation of possible sex‐specific diagnostic and treatment algorithms is necessary in order to more accurately detect and treat acute PE in non‐pregnant adults.
Supply Chain Innovation and Marketing Performance: A Review of Literature

Today organizations are realizing that their level of innovativeness in supply chains is an integral part of strategic success and long-term survival. Supply chain innovation underpins the achievement of sustainable competitive advantage and an ability to respond effectively to rapidly changing markets as organizations strive to be innovative despite intense technological uncertainty. Innovativeness is seen as a complex process that handles environmental and technological uncertainty to seek and adopt new processes, ideas, products and technologies for satisfying customers. This study examines the relationship between supply chain innovation and marketing performance. Mass customization, e-procurement and integration were the dimensions of supply chain innovation discussed. The finding from the review of extant literature reveals that Supply chain innovation significantly influences and predicts marketing performance of organizations. The study recommends that companies should invest in modern technologies by increasing specific efforts and strategies regarding choosing, establishing, comprehending, orientating, enhancing and improving technology. Also, there is need for increased capacity on training and development programmes on supply chain management and provide the employees with resources and facilities to enhance efficiency in supply chain management.
Pt-CO/SiO2 bimetallic planar model catalysts for selective hydrogenation of crotonaldehyde

Surface science models of silica-supported Pt−Co bimetallic catalysts with various Pt/Co ratios have been successfully prepared using the spin-coating technique. Platinum and cobalt loadings on a series of silica-supported model catalysts were quantified by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. Atomic force microscopy images indicate that flattish layerlike structures were obtained in all cases. The electronic state of Co and Pt was investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS). NEXAFS shows that cobalt is mainly forming octahedrally coordinated Co2+ species in the unreduced catalysts. The formation of the active phase has been investigated by XPS and “in situ” soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The NEXAFS measurements performed under 1−2 mbar of H2 reveal that cobalt is fully reduced to Co0 at relatively low temperature in bimetallic catalysts and reveal a decrease of the electron density of Co as the Pt/(Pt + Co) ratio increases.
Occurrence of methylated arsenic species in parts of plants growing in polluted soils

Arsenic compounds were determined in extracts of branches, leaves and roots from plants growing in a mining contaminated area. The selected species were Dryopteris filix-max, Quercus pubescens, Dipsacus fullonum, Alnus glutinosa, Buxus sempervirens and Brachythecium cf. reflexum. Total arsenic content in the subsamples was analysed by ICPMS after acidic digestion. In general, concentrations in the plant parts followed the gradient roots > branches > leaves indicating that they are arsenic-resistant plants. Arsenic species were determined in water/methanol (9 + 1, v/v) extracts by HPLC-ICPMS. Different levels of organoarsenicals were found depending on plant part and plant species. Higher percentages of organoarsenic compounds were recorded in branches and leaves (up to 35% in the boxtree sample), than in roots (0.7–5.2% in the same plant species). The absence of organic arsenic species in the soil where the plants were collected and the low levels of organoarsenicals found in the roots, indicate that the studied plants have the ability to accumulate or synthesise organoarsenic compounds in relatively high percentages, and this information contributes to enlarge the knowledge of arsenic uptake and speciation in plants.
Presence of Mandibular Third Molars as a Risk Factor for Lower Anterior Crowding-A Retrospective Study

Lower anterior crowding is a well established phenomenon, the cause of which had been debatable over the years. The cause of this could be multifunctional such as tooth size, arch form discrepancies with one of the most common causes being the third molar impactions – mesial drifting of the third molars causing lower anteriors crowding. Differential mandibular growth theory. According to this theory, when mandibular growth outpaces maxillary growth, forces from the maxillary arch and labial soft tissues cause uprighting of the mandibular incisors. This uprighting, or lingual movement, results in crowding by forcing the incisors to occupy a smaller arch perimeter. Differential mandibular growth is common in late adolescence and may continue at a slow rate into adulthood. Over the years various studies have been done, a few concluding staging the reason for lower anterior crowding, while others concluding the opposite . This study evaluated the prevalence of lower anterior crowding and its correlation with third molars . Evaluation of 537 patients with lower anterior crowding and the presence of third molars impaction. Excel tabulation was done and SPSS results were generated. The study was able to evaluate and notice that third molars were one of the most important predisposing Factors leading to lower anterior crowding. We were able to conclude from the current study that in 70.39% of the patients had lower anterior crowding due to the presence of third molars and their crowing. There was a statistically significant relationship between age of the patient with lower anterior crowding and the presence of this molar (Pearson Chi Square value4.091 a , P =0.043). Gender of the patient did not influence the association of lower anterior crowding with the presence of third molars Pearson Chi Square value0.393 a , p value0.531 (statistically insignificant).
Periodontal Health Awareness and Oral Hygiene Practice among Pregnant Women at Prince Hashem Bin Abdullah II Hospital

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess periodontal health awareness and oral hygiene practices among pregnant women. Methods: A quantitative and cross-sectional research design was employed. A sample of 200 pregnant women attending Prince Hashem bin Abdullah II Hospital completed the study. Women completed questionnaires regarding their socio-demographic characteristics and the level of periodontal health awareness and oral health care practices. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to analyze the data. Results: Only 26.5% of women believe that gum disease could harm infants. In addition, 75.5% believe that pregnancy is a common cause of teeth loss. About 42.5% believe that it is normal to lose one tooth during pregnancy. Furthermore, only 39.5% visited a dental clinic during pregnancy. Age, number of children, and level of education were associated with some items related to periodontal health knowledge and oral care practices (P<.05). The most commonly reported reasons for not visiting a dentist were the belief that there is no need to visit a dentist (39.5%) and the belief that dental treatment could harm the fetus (30.5%). Conclusions: Unhealthy self-care practices and Knowledge deficit regarding some aspects of periodontal health were evident in the current study. It is important to address these oral health practices by dental and medical health providers when providing follow-up services.
Investigation on the Efficiency of Effective Microorganisms for Polluted Water Treatment

Water pollution, mainly caused by rapid industrialization and population growth, has been one of the major threats to the sustainability of living organisms. The urgency to preserve and restore the freshwater system has never been clearer, as only 1% of the world’s total water supply is suitable for human consumption. Recently, biological treatment using Effective Microorganisms Activated Solution (EMAS) shows potential in reducing pollution in wastewater and river water bodies. Thus, this study aims to assess the water quality of water bodies in Malaysia, namely Kerayong River and Pandan Perdana Lake, and assess the effectiveness and optimum concentration of EMAS on polluted water. The results obtained showed that high levels of NO2 , NO3 and NH3 were found in excess in Kerayong River, indicating pollution occurs whereas none of the tested parameters were detected in excess in Pandan Perdana Lake, hence showing it was not contaminated. The effectiveness of EMAS on synthetic wastewater was assessed through the measurement of few parameters which include Ca, Na, K, NO3 , NH4 , pH and microbe concentration. It was found that in all concentrations of EMAS, ammonium ion concentration was effectively reduced, and microbe concentration was increased (p < 0.05). EMA (1 mL/L) and EMB (0.2 mL/L) samples had significantly lower nitrate concentration compared to the control samples. EMAS were not capable to reduce dissolved water minerals such as Ca, Na and K, but further contributes to the increase of dissolved minerals in the water. Whereas no significant effect of EMAS on pH of water samples was observed as all water samples fall within pH of 4.31 to 4.56 throughout 5 days. EMAS concentration of 1 mL/L was the optimum concentration for reducing ammonium and nitrate concentration.
EFFECT OF CROSSING WITH RUBIA GALLEGA AND LIMOUSINE ON MEAT QUALITY OF FRIESIAN CALVES

Rubia Gallega and Limousine breeds are well-known beef breeds, they are considered of high quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of crossbreeding on the meat quality (pH, chemical composition, color parameters, water holding capacity and textural traits) of Friesian calves. Nineteen animals of two groups (Friesian crossed with Rubia Gallega [F×RG] and with Limousine [F×LI]) slaughtered at ten months were used in this study. The results showed that crossbreeding did not have effect on proximate composition and texture parameters. However, meat from F×RG animals was redder (a* 12.15) and lightest (L* 45.64) than meat from F×LI group. Finally, meat from both crosses could be considered “tender” presenting shear force values below 36.5 N.
The effect of feed transportation and an automatic feeding system on the physical and chemical quality of pelleted feed for broiler chickens

The effects of feed transportation and the use of an automatic feeding system on chemical-physical characteristics of pelleted feed for broiler chickens at the final stage of production were evaluated. Samples were collected in two consecutive days and in two different poultry houses, both equipped with the same type of automatic pan feeding system. The samples were collected at the exit of the pelletizer dryer (PEL), at the exit of the bulk truck (CAM) and at 0 (LIN0), 50 (LIN50) and 100 (LIN100) meters of the feed line, for analysis of water activity, dry matter, mineral matter, crude protein, Embrapa Pelletizing Evaluation Method, Pellet Durability Index, as well as coarse and fine percentages. It was used a complete randomized block design (DBC) with five treatments (collection points) and five replicates each. The results indicate that the physical feed quality was negatively affected by transportation, with increased (P<0.05) water activity, fine particles (P<0.001) and mineral matter at the beginning of the feed line. There was no change in crude protein levels in the dry and natural matter of the diet (P>0.05). Feed truck unloading at the silo is the main factor affecting its physical quality causing greater pellet breakdown and de-mixing.
Encapsulation of Pistachio Green Hull Phenolic Compounds by Spray Drying

Application of antioxidants is a common way for retarding oxidation. Due to adverse effects of synthetic antioxidants on health, the use of natural and safe antioxidants is considered essential. Pistachio green hull is a waste product and low-cost source of phenolic compounds. The use of phenolic compounds in food formulations has some limitations. In this study, the encapsulation of Pistachio Green Hull (PGH) phenolic compounds was carried out by spray-dryer using Maltodextrin (MD) as a wall material. For this purpose, the effective factors including the inlet temperature, dilution factor, wall:core ratio, and rate of feeding were optimized. MD, PGH extract powder, and encapsulated phenolic compounds produced under optimum conditions (ME) were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), FTIR, X-ray Diffractometry (XRD), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Under optimum conditions, the amount of phenolic compounds and the encapsulation efficiency were 32.1 mg GAE g dp and 81%, respectively. DSC results showed that the microencapsulation had improved thermal stability of phenolic compounds. The DPPH test results indicated that the antioxidant activity of the free PGH extract was 10% higher than encapsulated one (ME). Storage stability results indicated that the amount of phenolic compounds of PGH extracts and ME after 60 days storage decreased by more than 29 and 4%, respectively. The microcapsules obtained can be used in the production of functional foods and pharmaceutical products, due to their antioxidant content and presence of phenolic
Tuberculosis/HIV co-infection: sociodemographic and health profi le of users of a specialized center

Results: We notifi ed 745 cases of co-infection, 76.6% were men, 67.8% were aged between 30 to 49 years, and 62.6% had 8 years or more of formal education. In relation to end of treatment of tuberculosis, 46.3% of cases evolved cure and 13.3% were death. The comparison of periods of notifi cation from 2007-2011 and 2012-2016 can be observed by the occurrence of percentage reduction of 43.0% in the number of reported cases, and 76.6% in frequency of evolution of death.
Study of some Crop and Technological Characteristics of Some Wheat Cultivars Under Different Levels of Nitrogen Fertilization and Their Affected By Rust Diseases

For a two -years field experiment field was carried out at El-Gemmeiza Agric. Res. Stat., A.R. C. , ElGharbeia Governorate, Egypt during 2018/19 and 2019/ 20 seasons ,to study the effect of two nitrogen levels (50 and75 kg N/fed.) on yield , yield components and quality traits of thirty eight wheat cultivars ( Triticum aestivum L.). The experimental design was a splitplot design with four replications . The main plot treatments were occupied by the two nitrogen fertilizer, while the wheat cultivars were assigned in the subplots. The results revealed that nitrogen fertilizer level had a significant effect on all studied traits in both seasons. Applied nitrogen level of 75 kg N/fed. increased days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, number of grains/spike, number of spikes/m, 1000-grain weight, grain yield , germination %, relative density and dry matter % , However, EC ( μmhos/g) values were decreased with the same nitrogen rate in both seasons. Misr 2 cultivar recorded the highest days to heading, days to maturity, plant height. Although, Misr 3 cultivar ranked the highest number of spikes per m, grain yields per feddan, germination %, relative density as well as dry matter % in both seasons. This work recommends growing Misr 3 cultivar using 75 kg N/fed.for achieving high yield and its components of wheat with good quality of seed and high resistant against rust diseases under Gemmeiza zone condition.
Measurement of Heavy Metals Concentration in Drinking Water from Source to Consumption Site in Kermanshah - Iran

Nowadays water pollution is one of the most important environmental health concerns. Quality of drinking water is affected by conditions of water supply system and presence of contamination sources. In this study a total number of 165 water samples were collected from water supply resources (128 wells), 25 water reservoirs and water distribution network (tap water) of Kermanshah City (with a population of about one million). Heavy metals concentrations (Aluminum, Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, Chromium, Mercury, Copper, Cobalt, Iron, Manganese, Selenium, Molybdenum, Vanadium, Antimony, Nickel and Zinc) in all samples were measured by the Varian atomic absorption device. Results indicated that concentrations of all measured metals (except the amount of Aluminum, Iron and Manganese in some samples of water resources, distribution network and water reservoirs) were lower than the national standards and guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Continuous monitoring of heavy metals concentrations in urban water systems from source of production to consumption site is recommended to identify the source of pollution.
Characterization of Signalling Pathways That Link Apoptosis and Autophagy to Cell Death Induced by Estrone Analogues Which Reversibly Depolymerize Microtubules

The search for novel anti-cancer compounds which can circumvent chemotherapeutic drug resistance and limit systemic toxicity remains a priority. 2-Ethyl-3-O-sulphamoyl-estra-1,3,5(10)15-tetraene-3-ol-17one (ESE-15-one) and 2-ethyl-3-O-sulphamoyl-estra-1,3,5(10)16-tetraene (ESE-16) are sulphamoylated 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME) analogues designed by our research team. Although their cytotoxicity has been demonstrated in vitro, the temporal and mechanistic responses of the initiated intracellular events are yet to be determined. In order to do so, assays investigating the compounds’ effects on microtubules, cell cycle progression, signalling cascades, autophagy and apoptosis were conducted using HeLa cervical- and MDA-MB-231 metastatic breast cancer cells. Both compounds reversibly disrupted microtubule dynamics as an early event by binding to the microtubule colchicine site, which blocked progression through the cell cycle at the G1/S- and G2/M transitions. This was supported by increased pRB and p27Kip1 phosphorylation. Induction of apoptosis with time-dependent signalling involving the p-JNK, Erk1/2 and Akt/mTOR pathways and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential was demonstrated. Inhibition of autophagy attenuated the apoptotic response. In conclusion, the 2-ME analogues induced a time-dependent cross-talk between cell cycle checkpoints, apoptotic signalling and autophagic processes, with an increased reactive oxygen species formation and perturbated microtubule functioning appearing to connect the processes. Subtle differences in the responses were observed between the two compounds and the different cell lines.