Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Complex p.[Leu467Phe;Phe508del] CFTR Allele in the Intestinal Organoids Model: Implications for Therapy

In the cohort of Russian patients with cystic fibrosis, the p.[Leu467Phe;Phe508del] complex allele (legacy name [L467F;F508del]) of the CFTR gene is understudied. In this research, we present the results of frequency evaluation of the [L467F;F508del] complex allele in the Russian Federation among patients with a F508del/F508del genotype, its effect on the clinical course of cystic fibrosis, the intestinal epithelium ionic channel function, and the effectiveness of target therapy. The frequency of the [L467F;F508del] complex allele among patients with homozygous F508del was determined with multiplex ligase-dependent probe amplification followed by polymerase chain reaction and fragment analysis. The function of ionic channels, including the residual CFTR function, and the effectiveness of CFTR modulators was analyzed using intestinal current measurements on rectal biopsy samples and the forskolin-induced swelling assay on organoids. The results showed that the F508del/[L467F;F508del] genotype is present in 8.2% of all Russian patients with F508del in a homozygous state. The clinical course of the disease in patients with the F508del/[L467F;F508del] genotype is severe and does not vary from the course in the cohort with homozygous F508del, although the CFTR channel function is significantly lower. For patients with the F508del/[L467F;F508del] genotype, we can recommend targeted therapy using a combined ivacaftor + tezacaftor + elexacaftor medication.
Treatment of petroleum refinery wastewater by adsorption using activated carbon fixed bed column with batch recirculation mode

Water pollution and the lack of access to clean water are general global problems that result from the expansion of industrial and agricultural activities. Petroleum refinery wastewaters consider as a major challenge to the environment and their treatment is mandatory. The present work concerns with the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) from petroleum refinery wastewater taken from Iraq's Al-Diwaniyah petroleum refinery plant by using an activated carb fixed-bed column operated at a batch recirculation mode. The fixed bed column used in this work was composed of three sections: upper, central, and bottom compartments. The bottom compartment serves as a feeding chamber to the central adsorption chamber while the upper compartment serves as a collecting effluent chamber. By adopting response surface methodology (RSM), in the pacts of various operational parameters such as packing level, pH, and time on the COD removal efficiency were investigated. The optimal conditions were an activated carbon packing level of 80%, pH of 5.7, and adsorption time of 73 min approximately, which resulted in a COD removal efficiency of 96.70%. The results indicated that the packing level of activated carbon had a major effect on COD elimination followed by pH, while time had a minor effect. The model equation's adequacy was demonstrated by its strong R2 value (0.975). The present study demonstrates that the adsorption system by activated carbon is an effective method for removingcondomODom Al-Diwaniyah petroleum refinery wastewaters.
Anti-Cancer Activity of the Combinational Treatment of Noozone Cold Plasma with p-FAK Antibody-Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles in OSCC Xenograft Mice

Oral squamous cell cancer (OSCC) is the most common type of oral cancer (about 80–90% of cases) and various research is being done to cure the disease. This paper aims to verify whether treatment with no-ozone cold plasma (NCP), which is designed for safe usage of the plasma on oral cavities, in combination with gold nanoparticles conjugated with p-FAK antibody (p-FAK/GNP) can trigger the selective and instant killing of SCC-25 cells both in vitro and in vivo. When SCC25 and HaCaT cells are exposed to p-FAK/GNP+NCP, the instant cell death was observed only in SCC25 cells. Such p-FAK/GNP+NCP-mediated cell death was observed only when NCP was directly treated on SCC25 harboring p-FAK/GNP. During NCP treatment, the removal of charged particles from NCP using grounded electric mesh radically decreased the p-FAK/GNP+NCP-mediated cell death. This p-FAK/GNP+NCP-mediated selective cell death of OSCC was also observed in mice xenograft models using SCC25 cells. The mere treatment of p-FAK/GNP and NCP on the xenograft tumor slowly decreased the size of the tumor, and only about 50% of the tumor remained at the end of the experiment. On the other hand, 1 week of p-FAK/GNP+NCP treatment was enough to reduce half of the tumor size, and most of tumor tissue had vanished at the end. An analysis of isolated tissues showed that in the case of individual treatment with p-FAK/GNP or NCP, the cancer cell population was reduced due to apoptotic cell death. However, in the case of p-FAK/GNP+NCP, apoptotic cell death was unobserved, and most tissues were composed of collagen. Thus, this paper suggests the possibility of p-FAK/GNP+NCP as a new method for treating OSCC.
All Trans-Retinoic Acids Facilitate the Remodeling of 2D and 3D Cultured Human Conjunctival Fibroblasts

Vitamin A derivative, all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), is known to be a potent regulator of the growth and differentiation of various types of cells. In the present study, the unidentified effects of ATRA on superficial and vertical spreading conjunctival scarring were examined. The study involved the use of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cultures of human conjunctival fibroblast (HconF) cells in the presence or absence of TGF-β2. The effects of ATRA (1 μM) on superficial or vertical spreading conjunctival scarring were evaluated by the barrier function by trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and FITC dextran permeability measurements and real-time metabolic analysis, as well as the physical properties, namely, the size and stiffness, of 3D spheroids, respectively. In addition, the expressions of several related molecules, including extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules, ECM modulators including a tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and ER stress-related factors, were examined. ATRA significantly induced (1) an increase in TEER values and a decrease in FITC dextran permeability, respectively, in the 2D monolayers, and (2) relatively and substantially increased the size and stiffness, respectively, of the 3D spheroids. These ATRA-induced effects were further enhanced in the TGF-β2-treated cells, whereas the TGF-β2-induced enhancement in glycolytic capacity was canceled by the presence of ATRA. Consistent with these physical and morphological effects, the mRNA expressions of several molecules were significantly but differently induced between 2D and 3D cultures by ATRA, although the presence of TGF-β2 did not substantially affect these gene expression levels. The findings reported in this study indicate that ATRA may exacerbate both superficial and vertical conjunctival fibrosis spreading independently of TGF-β2-induced changes.
Bioethanol production by Enterobacter hormaechei through carbon monoxide‐rich syngas fermentation

Fossil fuel depletion and environmental contamination coupled with food vs fuel conflict motivated sustainable bioethanol production through syngas fermentation utilizing lignocellulosic biomass as feedstock. Herein, Enterobacter sp. RF2 strain was selected for the investigation out of the nine anaerobes that were screened for bioethanol production using the pyridinium chlorochromate assay. Under optimal conditions, Enterobacter sp. RF2 and the reference strain Clostridium ljungdahlii ATCC‐55383 produced 21.8 and 37.7 g/L of bioethanol in an anaerobic culture bottle and 25.3 and 39.6 g/L of bioethanol in a stirred tank reactor via syngas fermentation. Furthermore, infra‐red spectra and proton nuclear magnetic resonance illustrated chemical shift patterns of bioethanol. The high bioethanol producer was identified as Enterobacter hormaechei RF2 by in silico analysis. Here, it was reported for the first time that E. hormaechei RF2 is high ethanol tolerant and genetically stable bioethanol producer that can be exploited for pilot‐scale production to meet the rising demand for fossil fuels and lessen eco‐pollution. Thus, this research will pave the way for the commercialization of green chemicals which is the need of the hour in the current scenario. However, the cost of biomass conversion to bioethanol must be less than the existing price of gasoline to be competitive and get economic acceptance. Although this method is now at the pre‐commercialization stage due to lack because of techno‐economic feasibility, but usage of suitable substrates and concurrent production of different valuable products can make the entire process cost affordable. Therefore, by providing employment to the rural population through the exploitation of lignocellulosic biomass, eco‐friendly fuel to the customer, and lucrative fuel business to industries, it might thus hypothesize an intriguing future for our global economy.
Dermatología en Medicina General

La presente obra de Dermatología en medicina general se hace una revisión sistemática de las enfermedades más frecuentes en el primer grado de atención y su desempeño clínico. Se incluye bibliografía mas actual y presentaciones clínicas con los tratamientos de primer grado para el análisis del médico en formación y personal de salud.
Individual and Institutional Determinants of Trainees’ Enrolment in Public Technical Vocational Education and Training Institutions in Nakuru County, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to investigate the individual and institutional determinants of trainee enrolment in public, technical vocational, education and training (TVET) institutions in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study was informed by the large number of secondary school graduates idling in the community and efforts of government of Kenya to raise enrolment in TVETs for skill training to actualise vision 2030. The study sought to investigate whether trainees’ attitude had influence on enrolment in public TVETs in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study was guided by the Social Learning Theory of Career Decision Making (SLTCDM) by John D. Krumboltz (1976). The theory focuses on developing career readiness through implementation of learning theory in school-to-work programs. This study employed descriptive survey research design. The sample size consisted of 12 TVETs, 30 trainers and 331 trainees drawn from the target population of 24 public TVETs, 150 trainers and 2385 trainees from entire Nakuru County. Data was collected by use of interview schedule for the TVET principals, questionnaires for trainers and trainees and document analysis. Data were processed and analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. Descriptive statistics which included frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations were generated and used in presenting research findings. Statistical tests were done using correlation coefficient and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 95% confidence interval of the difference (ά=0.05) to be sure true mean is used. The findings of the correlation between trainees’ attitudes and enrolment in TVETs showed that, P value was 0.3883 > P=0.05, therefore HO4 was accepted and a conclusion made that there was no significant relationship between trainees’ attitudes and enrolment of trainees. Based on the findings, the study concluded that, trainees’ attitudes do not negatively influence enrolment in TVETs since the trainees willingly chose to enroll in TVETs regardless of the negative publicity towards TVETs. The researcher recommended that, these trainees who have experienced the benefits of enrolling in TVET, to be good ambassadors in their communities so as to change the image of TVETs’ negative publicity so that more prospective trainees enroll which could result to increased enrolment.
Gender equality at work

This paper explores the influence of gender diversity at work through a number of specific illustrations as well as approaches and analysis of gender equality in the world. Using liberal and radical approach which are the most prominent and effective approaches, this paper finds that gender equality has a positive impact on quality improvement practices and performance at work. The reality of maintaining and improving gender diversity positively affects an organisation’s performance. These findings can be useful for both researchers and managers about literature review, especially developing countries such as Vietnam. For further work, this research may be expand to include countries with gender inequalities in the workplace and it may include more humanities.
Star formation and dust extinction properties of local galaxies from the AKARI-GALEX all-sky surveys - First results from the most secure multiband sample from the far-ultraviolet to the far-infrared

Aims. We explore spectral energy distributions (SEDs), star formation (SF), and dust extinction properties of galaxies in the Local Universe. Methods. The AKARI all-sky survey provided the first bright point source catalog detected at 90 mu m. Beginning with this catalog, we selected galaxies by matching the AKARI sources with those in the IRAS point source catalog redshift survey. We measured the total GALEX FUV and NUV flux densities with a photometry software we specifically developed for this purpose. In a further step we matched this sample with the Sloan digital sky survey (SDSS) and 2 micron all sky survey (2MASS) galaxies. With this procedure we obtained a basic sample which consists of 776 galaxies. After removing objects whose photometry was contaminated by foreground sources (mainly in the SDSS), we defined the “secure sample” which contains 607 galaxies. Results. The sample galaxies have redshifts of less than or similar to 0.15, and their 90-mu m luminosities range from 10(6) to 10(12) L-circle dot, with a peak at 10(10) L-circle dot. The SEDs display a large variety, especially more than four orders of magnitude at the mid-far-infrared (M-FIR), but if we sort the sample with respect to 90 mu m, the average SED shows a coherent trend: the more luminous an SED at 90 mu m, the redder the global SED becomes. The M-r-NUV-r color-magnitude relation of our sample does not show bimodality, and the distribution is centered on the green valley. We established formulae to convert the FIR luminosity from the AKARI bands to the total IR (TIR) luminosity L-TIR. The luminosity related to the SF activity (L-SF) is dominated by L-TIR even if we take into account the FIR emission from dust heated by old stars. At a high SF rate (SFR) (\textgreater 20 M-circle dot yr(-1)), the fraction of the directly visible SFR, SFRFUV, decreases. We also estimated the FUV attenuation A(FUV) from the FUV-to-TIR luminosity ratio. We examined the L-TIR/L-FUV-UV slope (FUV-NUV) relation. The majority of the sample has L-TIR/L-FUV ratios five to ten times lower than expected from the local starburst relation, while some luminous IR and all the ultraluminous IR galaxies of this sample have higher L-TIR/L-FUV ratios. We found the attenuation indicator L-TIR/L-FUV correlated to the stellar mass of galaxies, M-*, but not with a specific SFR, SFR/M-*. Conclusions. Together, these results show that the AKARI survey gives a representative sample of the local SF galaxies which will be a comprehensive local standard of their various properties to be compared with, for instance, high-z SF galaxies.
Dynamically color-changing polymer-dispersed liquid crystals containing ionic liquid for smart window applications

ABSTRACT In this work, we report a bifunctional dynamically colour-changing polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) for smart windows by doping a supporting electrolyte ionic liquid into the conventional PDLC system. The transmittance spectra were used to measure the electrically colour-changing properties of the system, while the electro-optical curves were employed to examine the electrically switchable performances. The SEM was used to observe the surface morphology of the polymer microstructure. The result obtained from this work suggested that such device could obtain four independent states under different electric fields. The initial state was opaque and colourless due to the randomly dispersed liquid crystal droplets. The transparent and colourless state was obtained as a result of reorientation of liquid crystal under alternative current (AC) electric field. The opaque and green state was achieved under direct current (DC) electric field owing to the oxidation reaction in the system. Besides, the transparent and green state was realised via applying DC and AC electric field simultaneously or in steps. The convenience and simplification of switching between the four states enable the system to provide some interesting applications for smart windows. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Prevalence, Seroconversion and Incidence of Maternal HIV during Pregnancy

We estimated the prevalence, seroconversion and incidence of HIV infection and risk factors of pregnant women who gave childbirths from January 2018 to December 2019 using a retrospective cohort design. Risk factors for prevalence and incidence of HIV were identified using logistic regression analysis. The prevalence and incidence of HIV were 44.7% (95% CI; 42.4:47.1) and 18.3 per 100 person-years respectively. The seroconversion rates after 12 weeks and at delivery of these pregnant women were 3.1% (95% CI 2.8-3.5%) and 3.2% (95% CI 2.8-3.5%) respectively. Ages < 20 years 87% (OR=0.13, 95% CI;0.03:0.58, p=0.007) and 20-24 years 76% (OR=0.24. 95% CI; 0.06:0.97, p=0.046) were less likely to have HIV. Nil parity 55%, (OR=0.45, 95% CI;0.27:0.73, p=0.001), having antenatal care 84% (OR=0.16, 95% CI;0.05:0.48, p=0.001), higher number of antenatal care visit (4-7) 32% (OR=0.68, 95% CI; 0.50:0.93, p=0.015) and women without syphilis 61% (OR=0.39, 95% CI;0.18:0.87, p=0.022) were less likely to have HIV infection. Strategies must target the risk factors to prevent HIV among pregnant women.
CORRIGENDUM: The propagation of electromagnetic energy through an absorbing dielectric

The energy associated with an electromagnetic wave passing through a dielectric resides partly in the electromagnetic field and partly in the accompanying excitation of the dielectric. The theory of energy propagation through an absorbing classical dielectric having a single resonant frequency is presented in this paper. Simple expressions are derived for the velocity of energy transport associated with an electromagnetic wave, and for the finite energy relaxation time caused by the damping mechanism. The variations of these quantities, and of the absorption coefficient, with the relative values of the damping constant and dipole moment of the classical oscillator are investigated. This information is used to throw light on the basic mechanism of irreversible dissipation of energy by an electromagnetic wave in a dielectric. The similarities between the calculations of the dielectric constant by classical dispersion theory and by quantum mechanics are discussed.
Designing and Testing a Scalable Teacher Incentive Programme in Tanzania

School participation in Tanzania has increased dramatically over the past two decades: primary school enrolment increased from 4.9 million in 2001 to 10.9 million in 2020. While 81 percent of primary-school-age children are currently enrolled, over the last ten years, the primary completion rate has dropped and remains below 70 percent since 2015 (data from UNESCO Institute for Statistics). 1 Despite improvements in enrolment, indicators of foundational learning remain low. According to the 2020 report of the Standard Two National Assessment (STNA), conducted by the National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA), in 2019 five percent of Grade 2 students pass the benchmark for reading proficiency (“Can correctly read exactly 50 words of the passage in one minute and with 80 percent or higher comprehension”). The report finds that 17 percent of students pass the benchmark (80 percent correct) of the addition and subtraction sub-tasks. These outcomes are not the result of students’ lack of academic aspiration: according to the RISE Tanzania baseline survey, 73 percent of Grade 2 and 3 students say they would like to complete secondary school or university. In a recent report, the Global Education Evidence Advisory Panel (World Bank, 2020) asked what programmes and policies are the most cost-effective instruments for addressing the learning crisis and improving learning for all children. The report creates three categories: the “great buys” category includes programmes that provide very low-cost but salient information on the benefits, costs, and quality of education. The “good buys” category includes programmes that provide structured pedagogy, instruction targeted by learning level, merit-based scholarships and pre-school interventions. Finally, the category “promising but low-evidence” includes teacher accountability and incentive reforms. KiuFunza, a teacher performance pay programme in Tanzania, fits this last category. KiuFunza (shorthand for Kiu ya Kujifunza or Thirst to Learn) provides test-score linked cash incentives to teachers in Grades 1, 2, and 3 to increase foundational literacy and numeracy outcomes for students. The programme is managed by Twaweza East Africa, a Civil Society Organization, and was set up to provide evidence on the impact of teacher incentives in a series of experimental evaluations. This note discusses the rationale for teacher incentives in Tanzania, the design elements of KiuFunza and preliminary results for the most recent phase of KiuFunza (this phase was implemented in 2019-2021 and the impact evaluation is part of the RISE Tanzania research agenda).
Reduced Antibody Acquisition with Increasing Age following Vaccination with BNT162b2: Results from Two Longitudinal Cohort Studies in The Netherlands

Vaccine-induced protection against severe COVID-19, hospitalization, and death is of the utmost importance, especially in the elderly. However, limited data are available on humoral immune responses following COVID-19 vaccination in the general population across a broad age range. We performed an integrated analysis of the effect of age, sex, and prior SARS-CoV-2 infection on Spike S1-specific (S1) IgG concentrations up to three months post-BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech; Comirnaty) vaccination. In total, 1735 persons, eligible for COVID-19 vaccination through the national program, were recruited from the general population (12 to 92 years old). Sixty percent were female, and the median vaccination interval was 35 days (interquartile range, IQR: 35–35). All participants had seroconverted to S1 one month after two vaccine doses. S1 IgG was higher in participants with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection (median: 4535 BAU/mL, IQR: 2341–7205) compared to infection-naive persons (1842 BAU/mL, 1019–3116), p < 0.001. In infection-naive persons, linear mixed effects regression showed a strong negative association between age and S1 IgG (p < 0.001) across the entire age range. Females had higher S1 IgG than males (p < 0.001). In persons with an infection history, age nor sex was associated with S1 IgG concentrations. The lower magnitude of S1 antibodies in older persons following COVID-19 vaccination will affect long-term protection.