Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Ciprofloxacin in Prevention of Sepsis among the Patients with Chemotherapy-Induced Neutropenia: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial in a University Hospital in Tehran, Iran

Background: Neutropenia is a common side effect of chemotherapy and one of the most common causes of severe infection and mortality in patients with hematological malignancies. Some studies showed that antimicrobial prophylaxis resulted in lower febrile neutropenia (FN) episodes and mortality rates. Objectives: We aimed to determine the efficacy of prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin in patients with hematological malignancies. Methods: In a randomized double-blinded clinical trial from 1 March to 1 September 2016, we assigned patients with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia into two groups. We used the random permuted blocks method for randomization. The first group received oral ciprofloxacin at a dose of 500 milligrams daily until the neutrophil count reached 1000 cells per microliter or fever occurrence, defined as the primary outcome. The second group received a placebo in the same shape and size. We compared FN episodes and the mortality rate in these two groups by SPSS-22 software, using chi-square, Fischer's exact tests, and student t-test at P-value < 0.05. Results: Seventy-three males (60.8%) and 47 females (39.2%) entered our study. The mean age of the patients was 47 ± 14.6 years. Acute leukemia was the most common underlying malignancy in 81 out of 120 subjects (67.5%). Fever (P = 0.005) was significantly lower in the ciprofloxacin group, but the mortality rate (P = 0.783) did not differ between the two groups. Conclusions: We found that the prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin decreased FN in our patients but did not influence the mortality rate. We believe that antimicrobial prophylaxis may be helpful in neutropenic patients, especially in decreasing FN and its related comorbidity.
Corporate Probability of Default: A Single-Index Hazard Model Approach

Abstract Corporate probability of default (PD) prediction is vitally important for risk management and asset pricing. In search of accurate PD prediction, we propose a flexible yet easy-to-interpret default-prediction single-index hazard model (DSI). By applying it to a comprehensive U.S. corporate bankruptcy database we constructed, we discover an interesting V-shaped relationship, indicating a violation of the common linear hazard specification. Most importantly, the single-index hazard model passes the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit calibration test while neither does a state-of-the-art linear hazard model in finance nor a parametric class of Box-Cox transformation survival models. In an economic value analysis, we find that this may translate to as much as three times of profit compared to the linear hazard model. In model estimation, we adopt a penalized-spline approximation for the unknown function and propose an efficient algorithm. With a diverging number of spline knots, we establish consistency and asymptotic theories for the penalized-spline likelihood estimators. Furthermore, we reexamine the distress risk anomaly, that is, higher financially distressed stocks deliver anomalously lower excess returns. Based on the PDs from the proposed single-index hazard model, we find that the distress risk anomaly has weakened or even disappeared during the extended period.
The Impact of Short-Chain Fatty Acids on Neonatal Regulatory T Cells

Over the first weeks of life, the neonatal gastrointestinal tract is rapidly colonised by a diverse range of microbial species that come to form the ‘gut microbiota’. Microbial colonisation of the neonatal gut is a well-established regulator of several physiological processes that contribute to immunological protection in postnatal life, including the development of the intestinal mucosa and adaptive immunity. However, the specific microbiota-derived signals that mediate these processes have not yet been fully characterised. Accumulating evidence suggests short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), end-products of intestinal bacterial metabolism, as one of the key mediators of immune development in early life. Critical to neonatal health is the development of regulatory T (Treg) cells that promote and maintain immunological tolerance against self and innocuous antigens. Several studies have shown that SCFAs can induce the differentiation and expansion of Tregs but also mediate pathological effects in abnormal amounts. However, the exact mechanisms through which SCFAs regulate Treg development and pathologies in early life remain poorly defined. In this review, we summarise the current knowledge surrounding SCFAs and their potential impact on the neonatal immune system with a particular focus on Tregs, and the possible mechanisms through which SCFAs achieve their immune modulatory effect.
Experiences of Discrimination, Mental Health, and Substance Use among Bisexual Young Adults

Abstract Research suggests that experiences of anti-bisexual discrimination, otherwise known as biphobia, contributes to increased risk for mental health and substance use problems for bisexual individuals. The current study assessed whether experiences of biphobia predicted reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as substance use. Data from 226 bisexual participants (ages 21–35) were collected online from March 2019 until August 2019. Results from two linear regressions indicated that experiences of biphobia significantly correlated with scores on depression and anxiety measures. Five binary logistic regressions were performed to assess whether experiences of biphobia predicted past 3 month alcohol use, nicotine use, cannabis use, and non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) after controlling for demographic variables. Biphobia significantly predicted the use of alcohol, nicotine, and non-medical use of all four classes of prescription drugs. Findings suggest that for young, bisexual adults, experiences of biphobia may substantially influence their mental and physical well-being.
Modeling and Analysis of the Wind-Waves Field Variability in the Indian Ocean During 1998-2009 Years

To calculate the wind-waves in the Indian Ocean (IO), the wind field for the period from 1998 to 2009 was used, obtained from the NCEP/NOAA archive, and numerical model WAM (Cycle-4) was applied, modified by the new source function proposed in Polnikov (2005). Based on buoy data for the Indian Ocean, the fitting of the modified model WAM was done, which provides the win in accuracy of calculations on 35%, in comparison with the original model. All the further calculations of the wave fields in IO were made for these model settings. At the first stage, the analysis of the simulation results involves a) mapping the fields of the significant wave height and the wave energy , calculated with different scales of averaging in time T and space R; b) estimating the fields of seasonal, annual and long-term variability; and c) determining the 12-year trend of the annually averaged fields. The analysis was carried out taking into account the previously introduced zoning the ocean area, provided by the spatial inhomogeneity of the wind field [3]. Further analysis includes a) creation of time series for the averaged (over zones and across the ocean) wave height, , and wave energy, ; b) construction of the frequency spectra of these series; c) finding the extrema of wave field; d) making histograms of wave heights (in the zones and the whole ocean); and e) calculating the first four statistical moments for the waveheight field (in the zones and whole IO). The results obtained allow us to estimate the stored energy of the wave field in the Indian Ocean and the scales of its variability; to establish a positive 12-year trend of the averaged wave height (about 1% per year) and wave energy (2% per year); to determine features of the probability distribution; and to describe the statistical properties of the wave field in the zones of the Indian ocean.
The Nicotinamide/Streptozotocin Rodent Model of Type 2 Diabetes: Renal Pathophysiology and Redox Imbalance Features

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. While there has been a great advance in our understanding of the pathogenesis of DN, no effective managements of this chronic kidney disease are currently available. Therefore, continuing to elucidate the underlying biochemical and molecular mechanisms of DN remains a constant need. In this regard, animal models of diabetes are indispensable tools. This review article highlights a widely used rodent model of non-obese type 2 diabetes induced by nicotinamide (NA) and streptozotocin (STZ). The mechanism underlying diabetes induction by combining the two chemicals involves blunting the toxic effect of STZ by NA so that only a percentage of β cells are destroyed and the remaining viable β cells can still respond to glucose stimulation. This NA-STZ animal model, as a platform for the testing of numerous antidiabetic and renoprotective materials, is also discussed. In comparison with other type 2 diabetic animal models, such as high-fat-diet/STZ models and genetically engineered rodent models, the NA-STZ model is non-obese and is less time-consuming and less expensive to create. Given that this unique model mimics certain pathological features of human DN, this model should continue to find its applications in the field of diabetes research.
The Effect of Fava Bean (Vicia faba L.) Protein Ingestion on Myofibrillar Protein Synthesis at Rest and after Resistance Exercise in Healthy, Young Men and Women: A Randomised Control Trial

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of feeding fava bean (Vicia faba L.) protein (FBP) on resting and post-exercise myofibrillar fractional synthetic rate (myoFSR). In a parallel, double-blind, randomised control trial, sixteen young, healthy recreationally active adults (age = 25 (5) years, body mass = 70 (15) kg, stature = 1.72 (0.11) m, mean (SD)) ingested 0.33 g·kg−1 FBP (n = 8) or a negative control (CON, i.e., EAA-free mixture) (n = 8), immediately after a bout of unilateral knee-extensor resistance exercise. Plasma, saliva, and m. vastus lateralis muscle samples were obtained pre-ingestion and 3 h post-ingestion. MyoFSR was calculated via deuterium labelling of myofibrillar-bound alanine, measured by gas chromatography–pyrolysis–isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-Pyr-IRMS). Resistance exercise increased myoFSR (p = 0.012). However, ingestion of FBP did not evoke an increase in resting (FBP 29 [−5, 63] vs. CON 12 [−25, 49]%, p = 0.409, mean % change [95% CI]) or post-exercise (FBP 78 [33, 123]% vs. CON 58 [9, 107]%, p = 0.732) myoFSR. Ingestion of 0.33 g·kg−1 of FBP does not appear to enhance resting or post-exercise myoFSR in young, healthy, recreationally active adults.
Multiple Orientia clusters and Th1-skewed chemokine profile: A cross-sectional study in scrub typhus patients from Nepal.

BACKGROUND Scrub typhus is an emerging infectious disease in Asia, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi (Ot). From Nepal, only scant data on the genetic epidemiology of this agent is available, and determinants of immunoregulation are poorly understood. METHODS Patients (n=238) referred to the National Public Health Laboratory (Kathmandu, Nepal) from all over Nepal for suspected scrub typhus were enrolled upon positive IgM testing between July and October 2015. From Ot 16S and 47 kD PCR-positive samples, the variable domain I of the 56 kD gene was sequenced and phylogenetically analysed. T helper cell-associated cytokines (n=13) and chemokines (n=12) were quantified by multiplex bead arrays. RESULTS In 93/238 (39.1%) IgM-positive samples, Ot DNA was detected by qPCR. Phylogenetic analysis of 56 kD sequences revealed 7 distinct clusters, 6 of them with high homologies to strains detected in other countries. The Th1-related cytokines IFN-γ and CXCL10 were strongly upregulated and correlated with bacteremia, while levels of Th2-associated chemokines were reduced. Bacteremia also correlated with concentrations of IL-6 and IL-10, but not TNF-α. CONCLUSIONS We identified a considerable genetic heterogeneity of human-pathogenic Ot strains circulating in Nepal. Acute Nepalese scrub typhus patients showed strong Th1 but impaired Th2 responses, especially on the chemokine level.
Prevalence and Long-Term Prognosis of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome after Sepsis: A Single-Center Prospective Observational Study

Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) comprises physical, mental, and cognitive disorders following a severe illness. The impact of PICS on long-term prognosis has not been fully investigated. This study aimed to: (1) clarify the frequency and clinical characteristics of PICS in sepsis patients and (2) explore the relationship between PICS occurrence and 2-year survival. Patients with sepsis admitted to intensive care unit were enrolled. Data on patient background; clinical information since admission; physical, mental, and cognitive impairments at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-sepsis onset; 2-year survival; and cause of death were obtained from electronic medical records and telephonic interviews with patients and their families. At 3 months, comparisons of variables were undertaken in the PICS group and the non-PICS group. Among the 77 participants, the in-hospital mortality rate was 11% and the 2-year mortality rate was 52%. The frequencies of PICS at 3, 6, and 12 months were 70%, 60%, and 35%, respectively. The 2-year survival was lower in the PICS group than in the non-PICS group (54% vs. 94%, p < 0.01). More than half of the survivors had PICS at 3 and 6 months after sepsis. Among survivors with sepsis, those who developed PICS after 3 months had a lower 2-year survival.
A Centralized Ship Localization Strategy for Passive Multistatic Radar Based on Navigation Satellites

This letter focuses on ship target localization using a multistatic passive radar system based on navigation satellites opportunistic illuminators. In such systems, the typical approach to localize the target is taking peripheral decisions at each bistatic channel to detect the target followed by bistatic ranges intersection. In contrast, here we consider a centralized approach in order to jointly detect and localize the ship target of interest. The proposed approach entirely operates in a Cartesian plane representing the surveyed maritime area, and it is able to combine the signals pertaining the different bistatic links despite the variation of the e.m. response of the targets, typically occurring in the framework under consideration as the target is illuminated by multiple (and possibly widely separated) transmitters viewing angles. Moreover, the hypothesis of point-like targets is here replaced with the more realistic case of extended targets (i.e., occupying more than one resolution cell). The ship localization effectiveness of the method is proven via both synthetic and experimental datasets.
Worldwide Prevalence and Risk Factors of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children

Helicobacter pylori is usually acquired during childhood. The reports from the last two decades pointed out a decrease in H. pylori prevalence across geographical areas worldwide compared to previously reported data. Most of the studies performed in America found an overall H. pylori infection prevalence of approximately 50%. The most important risk factors in America include being male, poor adherence or difficult access to treatment, and the lack of in-home water service. Despite the descending trend in prevalence worldwide, the overall prevalence in Africa remains very high (70%). Nevertheless, the prevalence of H. pylori in children without gastrointestinal who underwent screening was reported to be only 14.2%. The main risk factors in Africa are having a traditional pit or no toilet, poverty, birth order, source of drinking water, or being a farmer. Asia seems to have the widest variations in terms of H. pylori prevalence. Several risk factors were reported in Asia to be associated with this infection, such as lower income and educational level, house crowding, rural residence, ethnicity, the use of tanks as water supplies, alcohol drinking, active smoking, eating spicy food or raw uncooked vegetables, poor living conditions and sanitation. The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection in European children is almost 25%. Portugal has the highest prevalence of all European countries at 66.2% in children 13 years of age. The risk factors in European individuals consist of living in rural areas, eating unwashed fruits and vegetables, not washing hands after school, low parental education and unemployment, and short education duration. Further studies are required to identify the precise mechanisms involved in the discrepancies of H. pylori prevalence worldwide.
Influence of Benzothiadiazole on the Amino Acids and Aroma Compositions of ‘Cabernet Gernischt’ Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.)

The application of elicitors enhances grape quality, especially the volatile compounds. There are few studies on the influence of elicitors on the aroma compositions of grapes. Additionally, studies on the amino acids and aroma profiles of ‘Cabernet Gernischt’ grapes are scant. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of benzothiadiazole (BTH) treatments on the amino acids and aroma profiles of ‘Cabernet Gernischt’ grapes during berry development. BTH was sprayed on berries at three different stages during grape development; the fruit set period, swelling, and veraison stages. Physicochemical parameters, amino acids, and aroma compounds of the grapes were evaluated. The results showed increased an weight and color quality of treated grapes, while the content of primary metabolites such as sugar and amino acids in treated grapes declined relative to control grapes. However, total concentrations of the various aroma classes were higher in treated grapes, except for carbonyls and terpenoids, which presented higher levels in control grapes than in BTH-treated grapes. The correlation analysis between amino acids and aroma compounds revealed positive correlations in both samples with few negative correlations in BTH samples. The odor activity values (OAVs) affirmed the floral, fruity, and fresh-green nature of ‘Cabernet Gernischt’ grapes. BTH application to ‘Cabernet Gernischt’ berries significantly influenced the compositional qualities of the grapes.
The implementation of songs in teaching listening for young learners in online learning environment

There are currently a variety of technologically-based techniques for creating an attractive English-learning environment for young learners. Using songs as an engaging technique in audiovisual offers meaningful sources of interesting and relevant listening materials. This study investigates what learning principles young learners observe in songs and how they respond to songs during the online learning experience. Twelve students were included in a case study at a private elementary school in Jakarta. This study revealed that the materials presented in songs and videos align with the learning principles of young learners, such as they have short attention and are easy to distract, they can gain understanding from direct experience through objects and visual aids, they are enthusiastic and positive about learning, and they are being responsive to the instruction. These findings contribute to facilitating a more creative learning environment. Students generally responded positively by intimately watching videos and participating in activities. They enjoyed learning English through songs. Therefore, songs are recommended in EFL classrooms as supplementary activities or at home for self-study.
Correlation and path analysis in rice (Oryza sativa L.) CMS lines

Forty rice genotypes were assessed to determine yield attributing traits. Correlations have found that choosing plants with high hulling percentage, stigma exertion percentage, rice head recovery percentage, milled grain percentage, panicle number per plant, full grain number per panicle, and shorter days to 50% heading results in higher yields. Path coefficient findings indicate that test weight had the strongest positive direct effect on single plant yield, preceded by full grain number per panicle, hulling %, and stigma exertion percentage, demonstrating that selecting for these traits was likely to result in a direct enhancement in single plant yield, Regression analysis found that the days to 50% heading, full grain number per panicle, stigma exertion percentage, hulling percentage, milled grain percentage and rice head recovery percentage had a significant and positive relationship with single plant yield. As a result, accessions with a greater panicle number per plant,higher full grain number per panicle, higher proportion of stigma exertion, early flowering, and rice head recovery would be most suited for a yield advancement strategy.
Properties of 3D Printed Concrete–Geopolymer Hybrids Reinforced with Aramid Roving

Three-dimensional concrete printing (3DCP) is an innovative technology that can lead to breakthrough modifications of production processes in the construction industry. The paper presents for the first time the possibility of 3D printing concrete–geopolymer hybrids reinforced with aramid roving. Reference concrete samples and concrete–geopolymer hybrids composed of 95% concrete and 5% geopolymer based on fly ash or metakaolin were produced. The properties of the samples without reinforcement and samples with 0.5% (wt.) aramid roving were compared. The frost resistance tests, UV radiation resistance, and thermal conductivity were evaluated for samples that were 3D-printed or produced by the conventional casting method. Compressive strength tests were carried out for each sample exposed to freeze–thaw cycles and UV radiation. It was observed that after the frost resistance test, the samples produced by the 3D printing technology had a minor decrease in strength properties compared to the samples made by casting. Moreover, the thermal conductivity coefficient was higher for concrete–geopolymer hybrids than concrete reinforced with aramid roving.