Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dickkopf-1 Acts as a Profibrotic Mediator in Progressive Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious public health problem. Due to a high variability in the speed of CKD progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and the critical involvement of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in CKD, we investigated the role of the Wnt antagonist Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) in CKD progression. Our data revealed that patients with CKD stages 4–5 had higher DKK1 levels in their serum and renal tissues than the control subjects. In an 8-year follow-up, the serum DKK1-high group in the enrolled CKD patients showed a faster progression to ESRD than the serum DKK1-low group. Using a rat model of 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx)-induced CKD, we consistently detected elevated serum levels and renal production of DKK1 in 5/6 Nx rats compared to sham-operated rats. Importantly, the knockdown of the DKK1 levels in the 5/6 Nx rats markedly attenuated the CKD-associated phenotypes. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that the treatment of mouse mesangial cells with recombinant DKK1 protein induced not only the production of multiple fibrogenic proteins, but also the expression of endogenous DKK1. Collectively, our findings suggest that DKK1 acts as a profibrotic mediator in CKD, and elevated levels of serum DKK1 may be an independent predictor of faster disease progression to ESRD in patients with advanced CKD.
Analsis Pengaruh Motivasi Kerja, Pelatihan dan Kepuasan Kerja Terhadap Prestasi Kerja Pegawai Pada BPKAD Kabupaten Pegunungan Arfak

AbstrakPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis: Pengaruh motivasi kerja, pelatihan dan kepuasan kerja secara parsial terhadap prestasi kerja karyawan; Pengaruh motivasi kerja, pelatihan dan kepuasan kerja secara simultan terhadap kinerja pegawai; Variabel yang paling dominan berpengaruh terhadap prestasi kerja pegawai pada Badan Pengelola Keuangan dan Aset Daerah Kabupaten Pegunngan Arfak. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif yang didukung dengan pendekatan deskriptif untuk menggambarkan objek penelitian dan deskripsi variabel penelitian. Populasi penelitian ini berjumlah 50 orang, penentuan sampel menggunakan sampel jenuh sehingga jumlah sampel penelitian ini sama dengan populasi yaitu 50 orang. Pengumpulan data menggunakan kuesioner dan dokumen, menggunakan Teknik analisis regresi linier berganda.Hasil penelitian menyimpulkan bahwa: Secara parsial motivasi kerja, pelatihan dan kepuasan kerja berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap prestasi kerja karyawan; Secara simultan motivasi kerja, pelatihan dan kepuasan kerja berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja pegawai; Variabel motivasi kerja berpengaruh paling dominan terhadap kinerja pegawai pada Badan Pengelola Keuangan dan Aset Daerah Kabupaten Pegunungan Arfak Propvinsi Papua Barat. Kata Kunci : Motivasi, pelatihan, kepuasan kerja dan prestasi kerja pegawai.
The Beneficial Effect of Swimming Training Associated with Quercetin Administration on the Endothelial Nitric Oxide-Dependent Relaxation in the Aorta of Rats with Experimentally Induced Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is related to the vascular oxidative and nitrosative stress, the trigger for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications. The effects of moderate swimming training associated with quercetin oral administration were evaluated in aorta of rats with experimentally induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), by analysing the nitric oxide-endothelial dependent relaxation (NO-EDR). T1DM rats received daily quercetin 30 mg/kg and followed the protocol of 5-weeks swimming exercise (30 min/day; 5 days/week). Aorta relaxation to acetylcholine (Ach) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were measured at the end of the experiment. Ach-induced endothelial dependent relaxation was significantly decreased in phenylephrine (PE) pre-contracted aorta of diabetic rats. Swimming exercise with quercetin administration preserved Ach-induced EDR but did not have any impact on SNP-induced endothelium-independent relaxation in the diabetic aorta. These findings suggest that quercetin administration associated with moderate swimming exercise could improve the endothelial NO-dependent relaxation in the aorta of rats with experimentally induced type 1 diabetes mellitus, showing that this therapeutical combination may improve and even prevent the vascular complications that occur in diabetic patients.
Teaching Children Moral Values from the Viewpoints of the Kindergarten Teachers and Parents: The Best Practices

: Given the importance of moral values in building the individual's personality and in the cohesion of society. In addition, importance to instilling moral values at an early stage of life, we conducted our current study. The purpose of this study was to find out teachers’ and parent’s views on the best educational methods for teaching children’s moral values. Moreover, the study explores the challenges that parents, and teachers face when teaching children moral values. A quantitative method was used to collect data through a questionnaire answered by 100 parents with children aged 3 to 6 years and 101 female teachers in Saudi Arabia. The results showed that dialogue was considered to be the best educational method for teaching moral values to children. On the other hand, the least popular method for teaching moral values to children was telling a story. The responses showed that parents and teachers considered the impact of technology and the media to be the biggest challenge faced when teaching children moral values, followed by the influence of the group and kindergarten curricula. The study also demonstrated statistically significant differences in the responses of teachers and parents in their views the study’s sub-scales.
Part One of the Themed Issue on Reimagining Research Methods Coursework for the Preparation of Scholar-Practitioners

Ongoing efforts to distinguish the EdD from the PhD as a professional practice doctorate have important implications for how research methodology courses are designed, sequenced, and taught in CPED-inspired EdD programs. Currently, there is much debate and little consensus as to what the purpose and outcomes of these courses should be and how the courses might differ from traditional doctoral-level methods preparation. In this first installment of the themed issue on redesigning research methods for CPED-inspired EdD programs, EdD faculty and students share their current redesign work and experiences implementing revised methodology courses as part of larger, practitioner-oriented program revisions.
Parental role in intimate relationships: Comparing adults with and without intellectual disabilities

ABSTRACT Background Adults with intellectual disabilities experience higher rates of exploitative intimate relationships. Parents of these adults play important roles in their lives. This study examined the role of parents in the intimate relationship experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities. Method A mixed methods design was utilised. Parents compared experiences between their adult child with intellectual disabilities and typically developing adult child. An online survey was completed by 50 parents in the United States, and follow-up phone/video interviews were completed concurrently with a subset of 20 parents. Results Parents reported increased involvement in relationships of their adults with intellectual disabilities. They discussed different barriers and expectations for these relationships compared to typically developing children. Parents struggled to determine appropriate levels of involvement in the romantic relationships of their children with intellectual disabilities. Conclusion This study highlights the need for coaching and mentoring for parents to help them navigate experiences successfully.
Qualitative Assessment of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Differentiating Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma and Oncocytoma

Background: We aimed to assess whether clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) can be differentiated from renal oncocytoma (RO) on a contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Methods: Between January 2021 and October 2022, we retrospectively queried and analyzed our prospectively maintained dataset. Renal mass features were scrutinized with conventional ultrasound imaging (CUS) and CEUS. All lesions were confirmed by histopathologic diagnoses after nephron-sparing surgery (NSS). A multivariable analysis was performed to identify the potential predictors of ccRCC. The area under the curve (AUC) was depicted in order to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the multivariable model. Results: A total of 126 renal masses, including 103 (81.7%) ccRCC and 23 (18.3%) RO, matched our inclusion criteria. Among these two groups, we found significant differences in terms of enhancement (homogeneous vs. heterogeneous) (p < 0.001), wash-in (fast vs. synchronous/slow) (p = 0.004), wash-out (fast vs. synchronous/slow) (p = 0.001), and rim-like enhancement (p < 0.001). On the multivariate logistic regression, heterogeneous enhancement (OR: 19.37; p = <0.001) and rim-like enhancement (OR: 3.73; p = 0.049) were independent predictors of ccRCC. Finally, these two variables had an AUC of 82.5% and 75.3%, respectively. Conclusions: Diagnostic imaging for presurgical planning is crucial in the choice of either conservative or radical management. CEUS, with its unique features, revealed its usefulness in differentiating ccRCC from RO.
Exercise and Doxorubicin Modify Markers of Iron Overload and Cardiolipin Deficiency in Cardiac Mitochondria

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapeutic agent highly effective at limiting cancer progression. Despite the efficacy of this anticancer drug, the clinical use of DOX is limited due to cardiotoxicity. The cardiac mitochondria are implicated as the primary target of DOX, resulting in inactivation of electron transport system complexes, oxidative stress, and iron overload. However, it is established that the cardiac mitochondrial subpopulations reveal differential responses to DOX exposure, with subsarcolemmal (SS) mitochondria demonstrating redox imbalance and the intermyofibrillar (IMF) mitochondria showing reduced respiration. In this regard, exercise training is an effective intervention to prevent DOX-induced cardiac dysfunction. Although it is clear that exercise confers mitochondrial protection, it is currently unknown if exercise training mitigates DOX cardiac mitochondrial toxicity by promoting beneficial adaptations to both the SS and IMF mitochondria. To test this, SS and IMF mitochondria were isolated from sedentary and exercise-preconditioned female Sprague Dawley rats exposed to acute DOX treatment. Our findings reveal a greater effect of exercise preconditioning on redox balance and iron handling in the SS mitochondria of DOX-treated rats compared to IMF, with rescue of cardiolipin synthase 1 expression in both subpopulations. These results demonstrate that exercise preconditioning improves mitochondrial homeostasis when combined with DOX treatment, and that the SS mitochondria display greater protection compared to the IMF mitochondria. These data provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms that are in part responsible for exercise-induced protection against DOX toxicity.
Geometric Registration of Benthic Imagery for Learning Appearance-Based Place Recognition over Multiple Sessions

This paper present a geometric registration method tailored to benthic imagery under significant appearance change, motivated by the need to create training data for learning-based visual place recognition models. We demonstrated that the method can register imagery from benthic sites over multiple sessions spanning up to four years. The registered imagery is used to automatically create training and test data for a place recognition model based on contrastive learning. Our results show that the performance of the model is significantly improved by training on the registered imagery, and that it can successfully recognize places over multiple years. However, additional work in setting up the learning problem is required to achieve high reliability.
New generalized structural filtering concept for active vibration control synthesis

A new concept of generalized structural filtering and its application to active vibration control synthesis are presented. The concept is a natural extension of the classical notch and phase-lead/-lag filtering, and emphasizes the use of a nonminimum-phase filter, which has zeros in the right-half s plane. Application of this concept to single-input/singleoutput systems with many oscillatory modes results in a robust feedback compensator with much physical insight. The concept also enables the control designer to understand the inherent nature of an "optimal" compensator and to modify the optimal design to be more robust and meaningful. This paper shows that, for certain cases, nonminimumphase structural filtering provides the proper phase lag to increase the closed-loop damping of the flexible modes while maintaining good performance and robustness to parameter variations.
The evolution of arch filament systems and moving magnetic features around a sunspot

Context. Arch filament systems (AFSs) are usually considered as the chromospheric manifestations of the emerging flux regions (EFRs) seen in Hα observations. Moving magnetic features (MMFs) look similar to EFRs in magnetograms, but often appear in the decaying phase of an active region (AR) and behave differently from EFRs. A possible relation between AFS and MMF would be important for revealing a common mechanism for building up basic structures on the Sun. Aims. Based on Hα and magnetic field observations with high spatial resolution, we study the evolution of MMFs around a sunspot, as well as their related AFSs from birth to death. Methods. The multiwavelength observations from the New Vacuum Solar Telescope (NVST) and the Solar Dynamic Observatories (SDO) are co-aligned in the spatial and the temporal sense. MMFs appeared near the northern end of a light bridge (LB). Their related AFSs were carefully identified and traced from their appearance to disappearance based on Hα, EUV data, and magnetograms. Results. In the main sunspot of AR NOAA 11711 during April 1−4, 2013, many slow-speed MMFs with a polarity opposite to that of the sunspot appeared from the close vicinity of the northern end of a LB. Different from other smaller MMFs around the sunspot, these MMFs were always related to arch filaments and eventually formed AFSs with three twisting branches. The total flux involved in the AFSs was estimated to be about 2.7 × 10 21 Mx. The largest MMF “M1” evolved into a small pore that led to an intensity reduction in the continuum intensity images. The appearance and evolution of the AFSs near the sunspot seems to be controlled by MMFs emanating from the penumbra. Owing to continual magnetic cancellation between the MMFs and their surrounding opposite flux, the AFSs gradually disintegrated and finally disappeared. Conclusions. The appearance and evolution of the AFSs near the sunspot seem to be controlled by these MMFs emanating from the penumbra.
Comparison of 1.1 GBq and 2.2 GBq Activities in Patients with Low-Risk Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Requiring Postoperative 131I Administration: A Real Life Study

Simple Summary The aim of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of low (1.1 GBq) versus moderate (2.2 GBq) 131I activities in a large series (n = 299) of low-risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) patients requiring postoperative 131I ablation. At the follow-up, according to the ATA criteria, an excellent response was observed in 96.9% of patients treated with moderate 131I activities versus 85.6% of patients treated with low 131I activities (p = 0.029). Conversely, a biochemically indeterminate or incomplete response was observed in 22.2% of patients treated with low 131I activities versus 1.8% of patients treated with moderate 131I activities (p = 0.001), and an incomplete structural response was observed in three patients treated with low 131I activities versus two patients treated with moderate 131I activities (p = 0.654). In conclusion, we encourage the use of moderate instead of low activities when 131I ablation is indicated in order to reach an excellent response in a significantly larger proportion of patients, including patients with the unexpected persistence of the disease. Abstract Objectives: To compare the efficacy of low and moderate 131I activities in low-risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) patients requiring postoperative thyroid remnant ablation in a real-world clinical setting. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 299 low-risk DTC patients (pT1-T2, Nx(0) Mx) who had undergone (near)-total thyroidectomy followed by 131I therapy, using either low (1.1 GBq) or moderate (2.2 GBq) radioiodine activities. The response to initial treatments was evaluated after 8–12 months, and patient responses were classified according to the 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines. Results: An excellent response was observed in 274/299 (91.6%) patients, specifically, in 119/139 (85.6%) and 155/160 (96.9%) patients treated with low and moderate 131I activities, respectively (p = 0.029). A biochemically indeterminate or incomplete response was observed in seventeen (22.2%) patients treated with low 131I activities and three (1.8%) patients treated with moderate 131I activities (p = 0.001). Finally, five patients showed an incomplete structural response, among which three and two received low and moderate 131I activities, respectively (p = 0.654). Conclusions: When 131I ablation is indicated, we encourage the use of moderate instead of low activities, in order to reach an excellent response in a significantly larger proportion of patients, including patients with the unexpected persistence of the disease.
Decision Feedback Equalizer based Affine Projection and Normalized Least Mean Square Algorithms

In this paper, we address the problem of inter symbol interference (ISI) in digital communication channels by using adaptive equalization technique. The adopted structure is the decision feedback equalizer (DFE), combined with adaptive algorithms to eliminate ISI. In this paper, we combine the DFE based training sequence with the conventional affine projection (AP) algorithm, and compare it with the normalized least mean square algorithm (NLMS). This comparison is evaluated in terms of constellation diagram, and mean square error (MSE) criterion. The AP Algorithm based decision feedback equalizer technique have shown a faster convergence in comparison with DFE based on NLMS for the two types of modulation, 16-PSK and 16-QAM.
Dental Root Injuries Caused by Osteosynthesis Screws in Orthognathic Surgery—Comparison of Conventional Osteosynthesis and Osteosynthesis by CAD/CAM Drill Guides and Patient-Specific Implants

Background/Aim: The primary aim was to evaluate the prevalence and localisation of dental injuries caused by osteosynthesis screws during orthognathic surgery, comparing two different CAD/CAM planning/surgical approaches through retrospective evaluation of post-operative computed tomography. Material and Methods: This study considered all patients who underwent orthognathic surgery from 2010–2019. The examination for dental root injuries between conventional osteosynthesis (Maxilla conventional cohort) and osteosynthesis with patient-specific implant (Maxilla PSI cohort) was performed by evaluating the post-operative CT scans. Results: A total of 126 patients were included in the study. Among the 61 patients of the Maxilla conventional cohort, 10 dental root injuries in 8 patients (13.1%) were detected in the post-operative CT scan, representing 1.5% (n = 10/651) of the osteosynthesis screws inserted in proximity of the alveolar crest. No dental injury occurred following osteosynthesis in the 65 patients of the Maxillary PSI cohort (n = 0/773 screws) (p < 0.001). During a mean follow-up period of 13 months after primary surgery, none of the injured teeth showed evidence of periapical alterations and no endodontic treatments were necessary. Conclusions: Maxillary positioning using CAD/CAM-fabricated drill/osteotomy guide and osteosynthesis with PSI can significantly reduce the risk for dental injury compared to the conventional procedure. However, the clinical significance of the detected dental injuries was rather minor.
Retrospective Case-Control Study Genes Related to Bone Metabolism That Justify the Condition of Periodontal Disease and Failure of Dental Implants in Patients with down Syndrome

Down syndrome patients show success rates in dental implants much lower than those observed in the general population. This retrospective case-control study aimed to identify possible genes that are related to the regulation of inflammatory responses and bone metabolism related to periimplantitis and implant loss, as well as genes related to bone quality. This process involved using the functional analysis of the gene expression software Transcriptome Analysis Console (TAC version 4.0 Applied BiosystemsTM, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) and a search for possible candidate genes involved. The focus was placed on the 93 genes related to periodontitis, periimplantitis, bone loss, implant loss, and genes related to bone quality and regulators underlying the establishment and maintenance of osseointegration. Five genes showed statistically significant results (p < 0.05) in our comparison. Four of them, IL1B (p = 0.023), IL1RN (p = 0.048), BGLAP (p = 0.0372) and PTK2 (p = 0.0075) were down-regulated in the periodontal disease and implant rejection group, and only one was overexpressed: FOXO1A (p = 0.0552). The genes with statistically significant alterations described in this article determine that the group of Down syndrome patients with periodontal disease and implant failure is a group of patients genetically susceptible to suffering from both conditions together.
Cancer Stem Cells and Prostate Cancer: A Narrative Review

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small and elusive subpopulation of self-renewing cancer cells with the remarkable ability to initiate, propagate, and spread malignant disease. In the past years, several authors have focused on the possible role of CSCs in PCa development and progression. PCa CSCs typically originate from a luminal prostate cell. Three main pathways are involved in the CSC development, including the Wnt, Sonic Hedgehog, and Notch signaling pathways. Studies have observed an important role for epithelial mesenchymal transition in this process as well as for some specific miRNA. These studies led to the development of studies targeting these specific pathways to improve the management of PCa development and progression. CSCs in prostate cancer represent an actual and promising field of research.
Dietary supplementation with tomato waste to improve
performance and egg quality of laying hens: a meta-analysis

A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effect of adding tomato waste to the diet of laying hens on their performance, egg quality, and blood parameters. A total of 22 articles were selected from five scientific databases such as Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Directory of Open Access Journals. R software version 4.2. 0, with supporting libraries, including lme4 and lsmeans (least-squares means test), was used for modelling and statistical analysis. The results of meta-analysis showed that the addition of tomato waste to laying hen rations significantly increased feed intake ( P < 0.01) and tended to correlate with a quadratic pattern of hen-day egg production ( P < 0.061) and egg mass ( P < 0.075); however, eggshell strength decreased significantly ( P < 0.01). Our findings also demonstrated a significant effect on egg-yolk colour, as assessed by a quadratic pattern ( P < 0.01). The lycopene content in egg yolk increased significantly ( P < 0.05). Tomato waste supplementation had a significant ( P < 0.05) effect on total triglyceride and cholesterol levels in blood serum, which followed a quadratic pattern. This meta-analysis has confirmed that feeding tomato waste to laying hens exerts positive effects on animal performance and egg quality.