Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A retrospective and prospective view of current and future population ageing in the European Union 28 countries

Abstract Population ageing in the EU28 is an important twenty-first century phenomenon, affecting virtually every aspect of life in these countries. The results of the latest EUROPOP2018 population forecast indicate that the rate of ageing is accelerating. The aim of this paper is to analyse the current level of population ageing in the EU28, identify spatial differences, and point to likely trends by the middle of this century. For these purposes, we have used a combination of conventional chronological indicators of population ageing and a set of new indicators based on prospective age that allows for a more comprehensive and realistic view of population ageing. We use multivariate statistical methods (factor and cluster analysis) to identify groups of countries with similar population ageing characteristics, using both a retrospective and prospective approach. We decompose changes in selected ageing indicators into the separate effects of changes in the population composition (children under 15, working-age population, elderly). We then identify the effect of major demographic factors (migration, mortality, cohort turnover) for the set of EU28 countries
An Intervention to Promote Adherence to Glasses Wearing Among Urban Public Elementary School Students: Associations With Classroom Behavior

Glasses wearing at school remains low even when glasses are provided. This study investigated whether a classroom intervention to promote glasses wearing was associated with increased glasses wearing and improved classroom behavior. A pretest, posttest design was implemented with 44 students in Grades 1–4 at an urban public elementary school. Over 5 weeks, teachers encouraged eyeglass wearing through a classroom tracker, verbal reminders, and incentives. Glasses wearing and student behavior were monitored using the Direct Behavior Rating Scale of academic engagement and behavior for 13 weeks, including 4 weeks before and after the intervention. Glasses wearing increased from 56% to 73% (95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.08, 0.26]) in the first 2 weeks of the intervention, but not after a spring recess. The intervention was associated with significantly improved academic engagement (4.31%, 95% CI [2.17, 6.45]), respect (3.55%, 95% CI [1.77, 5.34]), and disruption (−4.28%, 95% CI [−6.51, −2.06]) compared to baseline. Higher academic engagement and disruption persisted 4 weeks after the intervention ended. A classroom-based glasses tracking and incentive system is associated with improved eyeglass wearing and classroom behavior among elementary students. A longer term randomized trial is needed to confirm these promising results.
Improved Clonal Propagation Technique for Mass Multiplication of Bixa orellana , L.

Clonal propagation is one of the most effective tools for improvement in forestry. The study describes the scope and development of clonal propagation technology for Bixa orellana commonly known as Annatto. Developing rapid and improved clonal study reveals that clonal prorogation is possible through stem cuttings collected from matured trees. The study standardized the effect of cutting size, concentration of IBA and root media on success and survival of stem cuttings in this species. Percentage rooting and primary root number differed significantly between treated and untreated cuttings. Treatment of cuttings with 4000 ppm IBA maximized rooting (83.30%), along with increased survival (78.30%) and primary root number (20.20). Rooting success and root number were better in 15 cm x 20 mm diameter sized cuttings. Cuttings planted in sand: soil (1:1) rooted better with more roots ensuring better survival. Survival and growth of the clonal plants were best when using improved techniques like size of the cuttings with proper concentration of IBA and also combined with suitable rooting media. However, there was significant variation in height growth (shoots sprouts length) of cuttings due to IBA treatments. The results suggested that it could be possible to produce clones of high yielding superior genotypes of Bixa orellana on large scale through stem cutting for popularization and establishment of commercial forestry and agroforestry plantations.
Restrictive eating across a spectrum from healthy to unhealthy: behavioral and neural mechanisms

Abstract Background Restriction of food intake is a central feature of anorexia nervosa (AN) and other eating disorders, yet also occurs in the absence of psychopathology. The neural mechanisms of restrictive eating in health and disease are unclear. Methods This study examined behavioral and neural mechanisms associated with restrictive eating among individuals with and without eating disorders. Dietary restriction was examined in four groups of women (n = 110): healthy controls, dieting healthy controls, patients with subthreshold (non-low weight) AN, and patients with AN. A Food Choice Task was administered during fMRI scanning to examine neural activation associated with food choices, and a laboratory meal was conducted. Results Behavioral findings distinguished between healthy and ill participants. Healthy individuals, both dieting and non-dieting, chose significantly more high-fat foods than patients with AN or subthreshold AN. Among healthy individuals, choice was primarily influenced by tastiness, whereas, among both patient groups, healthiness played a larger role. Dorsal striatal activation associated with choice was most pronounced among individuals with AN and was significantly associated with selecting fewer high-fat choices in the task and lower caloric intake in the meal the following day. Conclusions A continuous spectrum of behavior was suggested by the increasing amount of weight loss across groups. Yet, data from this Food Choice Task with fMRI suggest there is a behavioral distinction between illness and health, and that the neural mechanisms underlying food choice in AN are distinct. These behavioral and neural mechanisms of restrictive eating may be useful targets for treatment development.
Effects of dabigatran and rivaroxaban on stroke severity according to the results of routine coagulation tests

Introduction Prior use of direct oral anticoagulants has been associated with reduced stroke severity in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) on stroke severity in patients who were receiving dabigatran or rivaroxaban at the time of stroke onset. Materials and methods We enrolled 107 patients with NVAF who developed acute ischemic stroke while on dabigatran or rivaroxaban and presented within 24 hours to nine hospitals between January 2014 and December 2018. The results of PT and aPTT assays were obtained within 24 hours of stroke onset in all patients. We analyzed PT and aPTT in relation to stroke severity and ischemic lesion volume using correlation and multivariable regression analyses. Results Of the 107 patients included, 46 (43.0%) were on dabigatran and 61 (57.0%) were on rivaroxaban. In patients with prior dabigatran use, while aPTT was inversely correlated with admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (r = -0.369, p = 0.012) and ischemic lesion volume (r = -0.480, p = 0.005), there was no correlation between PT and either of these variables. Multivariable analysis confirmed the existence of a significant independent inverse relationship between aPTT and NIHSS score at admission (B, -0.201; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.370 to -0.032; p = 0.005) and between aPTT and ischemic lesion volume (B, -0.076; 95% CI, -0.130 to -0.023; p = 0.007). In patients with prior rivaroxaban use, neither PT nor aPTT was associated with admission NIHSS score or ischemic lesion volume in the correlation and multivariable analyses. Conclusions In patients with NVAF who were receiving dabigatran, prolonged aPTT was associated with reduced stroke severity.
A review of recent advances in nanodiamond-mediated drug delivery in cancer

ABSTRACT Introduction Nanodiamond (ND) refers to diamond particles with sizes from few to near 100 nanometers. For its superb physical, chemical and spectroscopic properties, it has been proposed and studied with the aims for bio imaging and drug delivery. Many modalities on conjugating drug molecules on ND to form ND-X for more efficient drug delivery have been demonstrated in the cellular and animal models. Area covered Many novel drug delivery approaches utilizing nanodiamond as a platform have been demonstrated recently. This review summarizes recent developments on the nanodiamond facilitated drug delivery, from the ND-X complexes preparations to tests in the cellular and animal models. The outlook on clinical translation is discussed. Expert opinion Nanodiamond and drug complexes (ND-X) produced from different methods are realized for drug delivery; almost all studies reported ND-X being more efficient compared to pure drug alone. However, ND of particle size less than 10 nm are found more toxic due to size and surface structure, and strongly aggregate. In vivo studies demonstrate ND accumulation in animal organs and no confirmed long-term effect studies on their release from organs are available. Standardized nanodiamond materials and drug delivery approaches are needed to advance the applications to the clinical level.
Reactive oxygen species, glutathione, and vitamin E concentrations in dogs with hemolytic or nonhemolytic anemia

Abstract Background Red blood cells (RBC) are uniquely susceptible to oxidative injury. Oxidative stress is both a cause for, and effect, of anemia in people but this has been minimally documented in dogs. Objective To describe direct and indirect markers of oxidative stress in anemic dogs. Hypothesis Anemic dogs will have oxidative stress when compared to healthy dogs. Animals Forty‐seven dogs with anemia (10 with hemolytic anemia) and 70 healthy control dogs. Methods Prospective, cross‐sectional study. Anemic dogs were identified from the patient population, and medical records were reviewed to classify the anemia as hemolytic or nonhemolytic. Flow cytometry was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) in erythrocyte isolates. Reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations were measured in both plasma and hemolysate samples, and vitamin E was measured in serum. Results Anemic dogs (both hemolytic and nonhemolytic) had significantly lower median RBC hemolysate GSH concentrations (3.1 μM [0.4‐30.8]) when compared to healthy dogs (7.0 μM [0.5‐29.7]; P = .03). Dogs with hemolytic anemia had significantly higher median plasma GSH (7.6 μM [0.4‐17.8]) when compared to dogs with nonhemolytic anemia (1.6 μM [0.01‐7.1]; P = .04) and healthy dogs (2.8 μM [0.1‐29.9]; P < .0001). Reactive oxygen species were detectable in all samples, but there was no difference in ROS or vitamin E between groups. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Oxidative stress is present in anemic dogs. Derangements in biomarkers of oxidative stress are different in dogs with hemolytic anemia and nonhemolytic anemia.
First occurrence of the genus Paraleucilla (Calcarea, Porifera) in the Atlantic Ocean: P. magna sp. nov.

We describe the first species of the genus Paraleucilla Dendy 1892 from the Atlantic Ocean. P. magna sp. nov. is characterized by the presence of triactines composing the atrial skeleton and the absence of giant diactines, which are characteristic of P. cucumis (Haeckel 1872), a species from Australia, the only known Paraleucilla that also presents atrial triactines. P. magna sp. nov. is the most abundant calcareous sponge in Rio de Janeiro State (Brazil), and shows a strong seasonality, disappearing in autumn.
Comparison of blood loss in endoscopic powered adenoidectomy and conventional curettage

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Adenoidectomy is one of the most common surgeries done in children. Over the years many techniques have evolved like powered adenoidectomy, radiofrequency ablation, electro cautery etc. Use of endoscopes has enabled surgeons to perform adenoidectomy under direct vision. The objectives of the study were to compare blood loss of conventional and endoscopic assisted powered adenoidectomy. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> In this a prospective observational study of 30 children attending ENT department in MES Medical College was done. In the conventional technique, adenoidectomy was done using St Claire Thomson adenoid curette. In powered adenoidectomy technique, micro debrider was used under guidance of 0<sup>0</sup> nasal endoscope (2.7 mm). Intra operatively blood loss during surgery were looked for and noted in both groups. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> In the study of 30 children divided in to 2 groups who are comparable statistically. Average blood loss in patients who underwent CA was 38.53 ml and in patients who underwent EAA was 28.27 ml, with standard deviation of 4.704 and 3.863 respectively. The difference in mean blood loss was 10.26 ml. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Endoscopic assisted powered adenoidectomy has lower blood loss as compared to conventional adenoidectomy. </p>
Exosomes mediate an epithelial‐mesenchymal transition cascade in retinal pigment epithelial cells: Implications for proliferative vitreoretinopathy

Exosomes have recently emerged as a pivotal mediator of many physiological and pathological processes. However, the role of exosomes in proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) has not been reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of exosomes in PVR. Transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGFß‐2) was used to induce epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, as an in vitro model of PVR. Exosomes from normal and EMTed RPE cells were extracted and identified. We incubated extracted exosomes with recipient RPE cells, and co‐cultured EMTed RPE cells and recipient RPE cells in the presence of the exosome inhibitor GW4869. Both experiments suggested that there are further EMT‐promoting effects of exosomes from EMTed RPE cells. MicroRNA sequencing was also performed to identify the miRNA profiles in exosomes from both groups. We identified 34 differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs (P <. 05). Importantly, miR‐543 was found in exosomes from EMTed RPE cells, and miR‐543‐enriched exosomes significantly induced the EMT of recipient RPE cells. Our study demonstrates that exosomal miRNA is differentially expressed in RPE cells during EMT and that these exosomal miRNAs may play pivotal roles in EMT induction. Our results highlight the importance of exosomes as cellular communicators within the microenvironment of PVR.
Aerosolisation during tracheal intubation and extubation in an operating theatre setting

Aerosol‐generating procedures such as tracheal intubation and extubation pose a potential risk to healthcare workers because of the possibility of airborne transmission of infection. Detailed characterisation of aerosol quantities, particle size and generating activities has been undertaken in a number of simulations but not in actual clinical practice. The aim of this study was to determine whether the processes of facemask ventilation, tracheal intubation and extubation generate aerosols in clinical practice, and to characterise any aerosols produced. In this observational study, patients scheduled to undergo elective endonasal pituitary surgery without symptoms of COVID‐19 were recruited. Airway management including tracheal intubation and extubation was performed in a standard positive pressure operating room with aerosols detected using laser‐based particle image velocimetry to detect larger particles, and spectrometry with continuous air sampling to detect smaller particles. A total of 482,960 data points were assessed for complete procedures in three patients. Facemask ventilation, tracheal tube insertion and cuff inflation generated small particles 30–300 times above background noise that remained suspended in airflows and spread from the patient’s facial region throughout the confines of the operating theatre. Safe clinical practice of these procedures should reflect these particle profiles. This adds to data that inform decisions regarding the appropriate precautions to take in a real‐world setting.
Biomanagement of Nematodes Infesting Banana by Bacterial Endophytes (Bacillus subtilis)

A pot culture study was conducted to assess the biocontrol potential of endophytic bacterial isolates of Bacilus subtilis (EPB 5, 22, 31 and EPC 16) prepared in talc-base against the nematodes of banana viz., root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita; lesion nematode, Pratylenchus coffeae; burrowing nematode, Radopholus similis and spiral nematode, Helicotylenchus multicinctus on tissue cultured banana cv. Robusta (Musa AAA). Significant increase in shoot height and weight, root length and weight, pseudostem girth and number of leaves coupled with reduction in nematode population was observed in the combined treatment of EPB 5 + 31. The treatment also enhanced the activity of defense enzymes responsible for induction of systemic resistance such as peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase.
Implications of COVID‐19‐induced nationwide lockdown on children's behaviour in Punjab, India

Abstract Background Lockdown is one of the prevalent tools that are used to control the spread of COVID‐19 virus in India. Under the circumstances created during lockdown period, children are deprived from the social interaction and companionship; because of which, they are susceptible to psychiatric disorders. Therefore, in this study, efforts were to understand the impacts of lockdown on the mental status of the children of India and their specific causes. Study Design It is a questionnaire‐based study. Methods A web‐based questionnaire was prepared, and 400 parents from four districts of Punjab, India, namely, Ludhiana, Sahibzada Ajit Singh (SAS) Nagar, Sangrur and Ferozepur, were telephonically interviewed. Further, the information collected from the interviews was statistically analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results Findings from this study revealed that 73.15% and 51.25% of the children were having signs of increased irritation and anger, respectively; 18.7% and 17.6% of the parents also mentioned the symptoms of depression and anxiety, respectively, among their children, which were also augmented by the changes in their diet, sleep, weight and more usage of the electronic equipment. Children (~76.3%) persistently urge to go outdoors and play with their friends; therefore, they could lag in social development. Further, observations from Pearson's correlation revealed that during lockdown, children's mental health is significantly related to the area of their house, number of children in the family, qualification of their mother and socio‐economic status of their family. Conclusions This study made it evident that the mental health of the children residing in Punjab, India, was compromised during the lockdown period induced by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Findings of this study may also trigger the international authorities to frame the guidelines of lockdown in the interest of mental health of their native children.
Reversible regulation of conjugation of Bacillus subtilis plasmid pLS20 by the quorum sensing peptide responsive anti-repressor RappLS20

Abstract Quorum sensing plays crucial roles in bacterial communication including in the process of conjugation, which has large economical and health-related impacts by spreading antibiotic resistance. The conjugative Bacillus subtilis plasmid pLS20 uses quorum sensing to determine when to activate the conjugation genes. The main conjugation promoter, Pc, is by default repressed by a regulator RcopLS20 involving DNA looping. A plasmid-encoded signalling peptide, Phr*pLS20, inactivates the anti-repressor of RcopLS20, named RappLS20, which belongs to the large group of RRNPP family of regulatory proteins. Here we show that DNA looping occurs through interactions between two RcopLS20 tetramers, each bound to an operator site. We determined the relative promoter strengths for all the promoters involved in synthesizing the regulatory proteins of the conjugation genes, and constructed an in vivo system uncoupling these regulatory genes to show that RappLS20 is sufficient for activating conjugation in vivo. We also show that RappLS20 actively detaches RcopLS20 from DNA by preferentially acting on the RcopLS20 molecules involved in DNA looping, resulting in sequestration but not inactivation of RcopLS20. Finally, results presented here in combination with our previous results show that activation of conjugation inhibits competence and competence development inhibits conjugation, indicating that both processes are mutually exclusive.
Balance Deficits due to Cerebellar Ataxia: A Machine Learning and Cloud-Based Approach

Cerebellar ataxia (CA) refers to the disordered movement that occurs when the cerebellum is injured or affected by disease. It manifests as uncoordinated movement of the limbs, speech, and balance. This study is aimed at the formation of a simple, objective framework for the quantitative assessment of CA based on motion data. We adopted the Recurrence Quantification Analysis concept in identifying features of significance for the diagnosis. Eighty-six subjects were observed undertaking three standard neurological tests (Romberg's, Heel-shin and Truncal ataxia) to capture 213 time series inertial measurements each. The feature selection was based on engaging six different common techniques to distinguish feature subset for diagnosis and severity assessment separately. The Gaussian Naive Bayes classifier performed best in diagnosing CA with an average double cross-validation accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 88.24%, 85.89%, and 92.31%, respectively. Regarding severity assessment, the voting regression model exhibited a significant correlation (0.72 Pearson) with the clinical scores in the case of the Romberg's test. The Heel-shin and Truncal tests were considered for diagnosis and assessment of severity concerning subjects who were unable to stand. The underlying approach proposes a reliable, comprehensive framework for the assessment of postural stability due to cerebellar dysfunction using a single inertial measurement unit.
Inflammatory markers and genetic predispositions to Plasmodium falciparum-associated poor pregnancy outcomes

ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS. vi LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS. viii CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO THE DISSERTATION . 1 Malaria is an Important Health Problem.1 Innate and Acquired Immunity during Pregnancy.2 Susceptibility of Pregnant Women to Infectious Diseases . 6 The Placenta.7 Placental Malaria . 9 The Influence of Host Genetics on Susceptibility to Placental Malaria . 12 Diagnosis of Malaria.15 The Working Model and Goals of the Study . 18 CHAPTER 2: GENETIC POLYMORPHISMS OF MANNOSE BINDING LECTIN DO NOT INFLUENCE PLACENTAL MALARIA BUT ARE ASSOCIATED WITH PRETERM DELIVERY.20 CHAPTER 3: TNF-α AND IL-10 PROMOTER POLYMORPHISMS AND INCREASED RISK OF PRETERM DELIVERIES IN PREGNANT WOMEN INFECTED WITH PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM.59 CHAPTER 4: ELEVATED LEVELS OF SOLUBLE TNF RECEPTORS 1 AND 2 CORRELATE WITH PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM PARASITEMIA IN vii PREGNANT WOMEN: POTENTIAL MARKERS FOR PLACENTAL MALARIA-ASSOCIATED INFLAMMATION . 95 CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESULTS IN THE DISSERTATION.146 INTRODUCTION AND DISCUSSION REFERENCES.163 APPENDIX I: RELATED COMPLETED AND ON-GOING STUDIES.185 Detection of Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptors 1 and 2 in the Urine of Pregnant Women with Malaria . 185 Genomic Microarray Analysis of Fetal Placental Tissues in Placental Malaria Positive and Negative Women . 189 APPENDIX II: ADDITIONAL PUBLICATION . 194 Influence of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) on in vitro Growth of Plasmodium falciparum. 2009. Malar J. 14;8:101. 194 APPENDIX III: COPYRIGHT CLEARANCE . 196 American Society for Microbiology Copyright Clearance.197