Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of neutrophil extracellular traps on fluid properties, blood flow and complement activation

Introduction The intravascular formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) is a trigger for coagulation and blood vessel occlusion. NETs are released from neutrophils as a response to strong inflammatory signals in the course of different diseases such as COVID-19, cancer or antiphospholipid syndrome. NETs are composed of large, chromosomal DNA fibers decorated with a variety of proteins such as histones. Previous research suggested a close mechanistic crosstalk between NETs and the coagulation system involving the coagulation factor XII (FXII), von Willebrand factor (VWF) and tissue factor. However, the direct impact of NET-related DNA fibers on blood flow and blood aggregation independent of the coagulation cascade has remained elusive. Methods In the present study, we used different microfluidic setups in combination with fluorescence microscopy to investigate the influence of neutrophil-derived extracellular DNA fibers on blood rheology, intravascular occlusion and activation of the complement system. Results We found that extended DNA fiber networks decelerate blood flow and promote intravascular occlusion of blood vessels independent of the plasmatic coagulation. Associated with the DNA dependent occlusion of the flow channel was the strong activation of the complement system characterized by the production of complement component 5a (C5a). Vice versa, we detected that the local activation of the complement system at the vascular wall was a trigger for NET release. Discussion In conclusion, we found that DNA fibers as the principal component of NETs are sufficient to induce blood aggregation even in the absence of the coagulation system. Moreover, we discovered that complement activation at the endothelial surface promoted NET formation. Our data envisions DNA degradation and complement inhibition as potential therapeutic strategies in NET-induced coagulopathies.
Micro-scale deterministic asperity contact FEM simulation

There are numerous stochastic approaches to indirectly couple solid asperity contact with the fluid hydrodynamics in the region of boundary or mixed lubrication. In contrast, deterministic approaches for calculating solid contact pressure curves offer advantages in terms of flexibility and accuracy. This contribution aims at providing a publicly available, automated method to derive solid asperity contact pressure curves for given surfaces, implemented in commercial software based upon Finite Element Method (FEM). Solid asperity pressure curves were calculated and compared to various established stochastic models for artificially generated surfaces and surfaces measured via laser scanning microscopy. Thereby, it was shown that the usage of artificially generated surfaces based on stochastic parameters only allowed an approximate representation of real measured surfaces as well as to lower calculated pressures, so that 3D measurement data is preferred to calculate the contact pressure. Moreover, the values of the FEM model were in a similar region but slightly below the stochastic models over a wide range of gap distances and the asperity pressure graphs were more curved/convex. At very small gap height values, the pressure in the FEM model reached values similar to the stochastic models. This was attributed to the fact that real surface topographies were considered, also allowing for peak-to-valley pairings instead of merely asperity-to-asperity contacts, as well as to the fact that the roughness and mean planes were re-calculated in each simulation step, while most stochastic approaches neglect the elastic deformation of asperities when determining the distances between the rough surfaces.
Blood-brain barrier disruption measured by albumin index correlates with inflammatory fluid biomarkers

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability can be measured by the ratio of albumin in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood and by dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCEMRI). Albumin is a large molecule measured in CSF and blood to form the albumin index (Qalb), which is a global measure of BBB permeability, while the smaller Gadolinium molecule measures regional transfer (Ktrans); few studies have directly compared them in the same patients. We used both methods as part of a study of mechanisms of white matter injury in patients with different forms of dementia. In addition, we also measured biomarkers for inflammation, including proteases, angiogenic growth factors, and cytokines, and correlated them with the BBB results. We found that there was no correlation between Qalb and Ktrans. The Qalb was associated with the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-10), the angiogenic factors (VEGF-C and PlGF), and the cytokines (IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α). On the other hand, Ktrans was associated with the diffusion measures, mean free water and PSMD, which indicate white matter injury. Our results show that the Qalb and Ktrans measure different aspects of BBB permeability, with albumin being a measure of inflammatory BBB opening and Ktrans indicating white matter injury.
A relationship between rain radar reflectivity and height elevation variance of ringwaves due to the impact of rain on the sea surface

Raindrops impacting the rough sea modify its surface and its backscattering coefficient. This roughness change essentially depends on the rain content in very large drops, which is highly variable from one drop size distribution model to another. However, it has been observed that the radar reflectivity of raindrops has a drop size dependence very similar to that of the ringwaves induced by rain on the surface. From a numerical analysis on various drop size distributions, rain rates, and frequencies from 3 to 35 GHz, a relationship between the sea surface elevation variance of ringwaves resulting from drop impact and the rain radar reflectivity Z is established. It is found to be weakly dependent on the raindrop size distribution model. This link is expected to lead to better estimates of the surface roughness, and in turn, via electromagnetic scattering models, it could improve algorithms for near nadir rain radar retrieval.
Large-scale dynamical influence of a gravity wave generated over the Antarctic Peninsula – regional modelling and budget analysis

ABSTRACT The case study of a mountain wave triggered by the Antarctic Peninsula on 6 October 2005, which has already been documented in the literature, is chosen here to quantify the associated gravity wave forcing on the large-scale flow, with a budget analysis of the horizontal wind components and horizontal kinetic energy. In particular, a numerical simulation using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is compared to a control simulation with flat orography to separate the contribution of the mountain wave from that of other synoptic processes of non-orographic origin. The so-called differential budgets of horizontal wind components and horizontal kinetic energy (after subtracting the results from the simulation without orography) are then averaged horizontally and vertically in the inner domain of the simulation to quantify the mountain wave dynamical influence at this scale. This allows for a quantitative analysis of the simulated mountain wave's dynamical influence, including the orographically induced pressure drag, the counterbalancing wave-induced vertical transport of momentum from the flow aloft, the momentum and energy exchanges with the outer flow at the lateral and upper boundaries, the effect of turbulent mixing, the dynamics associated with geostrophic re-adjustment of the inner flow, the deceleration of the inner flow, the secondary generation of an inertia–gravity wave and the so-called baroclinic conversion of energy between potential energy and kinetic energy.
Preferences in sweet cherry fruits among consumers in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina 

The introduction of new varieties in fruit production should consider consumer attitudes regarding the appearance and taste of the fruits. In order to evaluate the consumer attitudes in Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina (B&H), on the most important characteristics of cherry fruits, an online survey was conducted with 402 respondents. Participation in the survey was taken by 53.23% of respondents from Serbia and 46.77% from B&H, most of which were women (54.23%). Consumers expressed their views on the most important external (fruit colour, fruit shape, fruit size, presence of a stalk on the fruit, length of the stalk and the presence of damage to the fruit) and internal (fruit taste, fruit firmness) characteristics of the fruit. According to the results, the attitude toward the fruit size, the presence of a stalk and the stalk length, as well as fruit firmness was dependent upon respondents’ residence. Both male and female respondents had similar attitudes toward the cherry characteristics except for the fruit taste and the most important cherry characteristics. The age of a respondent influenced the attitude toward the fruit size and the presence of a stalk, as well as the fruit firmness.
Nutritional enrichment of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) through Zinc (Zn) and Boron (B) Fertilization

Abstract The influence of micronutrients namely zinc (Zn) and boron (B) with or without farmyard manure (FYM) on growth, yield and quality parameters viz. ascorbic acid and carotene content of tomato was evaluated. A field experiment was conducted with graded doses of Zn (soil and soil + foliar application) and B (soil application) application with or without FYM for the two consecutive years (2012 and 2013). Results revealed that application of Zn and B significantly enhanced fruit yield and different growth parameters as well as plant tissue concentration of Zn and B in tomato. The highest increase in fruit yield over control (27.6%) was observed with the conjoint application of Zn (soil + foliar), B (2.0 kg ha−1) and FYM. Soil application of Zn at higher doses (10 kg ha−1) as well as its application through both soil + foliar method has an edge over control or its application at comparatively lower doses in increasing the fruit yield of tomato. Results further revealed that combined application of Zn and B can significantly increase the important quality parameters viz. carotene and ascorbic acid content in tomato. Such increase in carotene content to the tune of 25 and 35% and ascorbic acid content to the tune of 7 and 30% over control were observed with soil + foliar application of Zn and 2 kg ha−1 B, respectively. Therefore, optimization of Zn and B doses can improve the yield and quality of tomato as well as helps in correcting the micronutrients malnutrition vis-à-vis nutritional disorders in humans by enriching the antioxidants.
Association of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio with outcomes in stroke patients achieving successful recanalization by endovascular thrombectomy

Objective Serum inflammatory biomarkers play crucial roles in the development of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). In this study, we explored the association between inflammatory biomarkers including platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and clinical outcomes in AIS patients who achieved successful recanalization. Methods Patients with AIS who underwent endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) and achieved a modified thrombolysis in the cerebral infarction scale of 2b or 3 were screened from a prospective cohort at our institution between January 2013 and June 2021. Data on blood parameters and other baseline characteristics were collected. The functional outcome was an unfavorable outcome defined by a modified Rankin Scale of 3–6 at the 3-month follow up. Other clinical outcomes included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and 3-month mortality. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of PLR, NLR, and MLR on clinical outcomes. Results A total of 796 patients were enrolled, of which 89 (11.2%) developed sICH, 465 (58.4%) had unfavorable outcomes at 3 months, and 168 (12.1%) died at the 3-month follow up. After adjusting for confounding variables, a higher NLR (OR, 1.076; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.037–1.117; p < 0.001) and PLR (OR, 1.001; 95%CI, 1.000–1.003; p = 0.045) were significantly associated with unfavorable outcomes, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of NLR and PLR was 0.622 and 0.564, respectively. However, NLR, PLR, and MLR were not independently associated with sICH and 3-month mortality (all adjusted p > 0.05). Conclusion Overall, our results indicate that higher PLR and NLR were independently associated with unfavorable functional outcomes in AIS patients with successful recanalization after EVT; however, the underlying mechanisms are yet to be elucidated.
Stellar jets with intrinsically variable sources

Models for high Mach number, isothermal, pressure-matched jets ejected from sources with variable velocities are presented. It is found that the relaxation of the assumption of a time-independent source allows the complex position-velocity diagrams and multiple bow shock structures observed in some stellar jets to be explained in a straightforward way. Analytic and numerical models are presented for jets with variable velocity sources. A comparison with previously published observations of the HH 46/47 jet is performed which shows how the velocity variations observed along a jet can be used to reconstruct the past time variability of the source. This technique is promising for future studies of the mechanism by which stellar jets are produced. 41 refs.
Quantitative assessment of changes occurring in organic matter during early diagenesis

It is perhaps a truism that sedimentary organic geochemical processes can best be quantified if the concentrations of the major organic chemicals are known. While numerous authors have reported the concentrations of one or other compound classes, relatively few studies have accounted for all of the organic carbon in a well-resolved depth sequence of Recent sediments. In the present study, we report a mass balance for organic carbon in 1 cm sections of Recent sediment (0-10 cm) from offshore Peru by measuring the major, operationally defined classes of biochemicals: proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. However, in deeper sediments in the same core (200 cm), the proportion of organic carbon that can be accounted for by present analytical methods is only about 60%, and recalculation of published data shows that this decreases to only a few percent at 100 m depth. We discuss briefly, methods which have proved useful for characterization of the uncharacterized fraction which some workers have termed humin or ‘proto-kerogen’. The smooth and rapid decreases in the proportions of ‘protein’ and ‘carbohydrate ’ carbon and ‘ bound ’ lipids in this core are attributed to diagenetic alteration rather than to variations in input, confirming many previous results. The overall proportions of free lipids, in contrast, did not decrease systematically in the shallowest sediments (0-25 cm). This is not reflected in most previous studies of individual lipids, many of which decrease rapidly with depth in these sediments. We suggest that interactions within the lipids may account for this apparent discrepancy.
Remarks concerning modified Navier-Stokes equations

We discuss some historical background concerning a modified version of the Navier-Stokes equations for the motion of an incompressible fluid. The classical (Newtonian) linear relation between the Cauchy stress tensor and the rate of strain tensor yields the Navier-Stokes equations. Certain nonlinear relations are also consistent with basic physical principals and result in equations with "stronger" dissipation. We describe a class of models that has its genesis in Kolmogorov's similarity hypothesis for 3-dimensional isotropic turbulence and was formulated by Smagorinsky in the meteorological context of rapidly rotating fluids and more generally by Ladyzhenskaya. These models also describe the motion of fluids with shear dependent viscosities and have received considerable attention. We present a dyadic model for such modified Navier-Stokes equations. This model is an example of a hierarchical shell model. Following the treatment of a (non-physically motivated) linear hyper-dissipative model given by Katz-Pavlovic, we prove for the dyadic model a bound for the Hausdorff dimension of the singular set at the first time of blow up. The result interpolates between the results of solvability for sufficiently strong dissipation of Ladyzhenskaya, (later strengthened by Necas et al) and the bound for the dimension of the singular set for the Navier-Stokes equations proved by Caffarelli, Kohn and Nirenberg. We discuss the implications of this dyadic model for the modified Navier-Stokes equation themselves.
Risk factors and outcomes of stroke in a tertiary hospital in Hadhramout Governorate, Yemen

Background: Although stroke is a major problem in Hadhramout Governorate, there is a scarcity of reliable information on risk factors of stroke and in-hospital mortality. The aim of this study was to explore the risk factors and outcomes of stroke patients admitted to Ibn Sina hospital, Hadhramout, Yemen, and to identify the predictors of in-hospital mortality. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Ibn Sina hospital in al-Mukalla district, Hadhramout Governorate, over a 4-month period (1 January 2021-30 April 2021). Results: During the study period, we recruited 100 cases of stroke, of them, 77 (77%) were males and 23 (23%) females. Their mean age was 65.42±12.78 years. The most frequent risk factor was hypertension 81 (81%), and family history was positive for stroke in 31 (31%) patients and a history of a previous stroke was present in 30 (30%) patients. Risk factors were not identified (Cryptogenic) in 5 (5%) cases. Ischemic stroke was identified in 70 (70%) cases, while hemorrhagic stroke was found in 30 (30%) patients. The in-hospital mortality was 29 (29%), and the univariate analysis found male sex, hypertension, and hemorrhagic stroke as probable predictors of in-hospital mortality. Only hemorrhagic stroke (Adjusted OR= 2.053; 95% CI=0.822-1.599; P<0.001), and hypertension (Adjusted OR= 1.677; 95% CI=0.555-1.495; P=0.011), were found to be independent predictors of mortality by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: Stroke is a major problem in Hadhramaut Governorate with ischemic stroke being more than hemorrhagic. Men were more likely to have a stroke than women and the majority of cases were elderly. Hypertension, Diabetes mellitus, smoking, and dyslipidemia were the most commonly identified risk factors that were significantly associated with stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke and the presence of hypertension were found as risk factors for in-hospital mortality, therefore, hypertension should be well-controlled to reduce in-hospital mortality.
The Efficacy of Conservative Management in Uncomplicated Acute Appendicitis - A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Background Acute appendicitis remains the most common cause of lower abdominal pain leading to emergency visits. Even though the standard treatment of acute appendicitis remains appendectomy, in recent times, multiple randomized control trials and meta-analyses have deduced conservative treatment as a successful alternative treatment. During the coronavirus disease (COVID) pandemic, with a shortage of staff and resources, treatment with conservative management of uncomplicated acute appendicitis became very beneficial under certain circumstances and conditions. This study aimed to assess whether it is effective to manage patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis with antibiotic therapy. Methodology This was a single hospital based retrospective, cross-sectional study from Jan 2015 to May 2020. Patients with clinical and radiological features of uncomplicated acute appendicitis with Alvarado's score >6 were included in the study. Patients were kept on antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and analgesia as part of a conservative regime. Those who failed to respond to conservative therapy were managed surgically. The follow-up period was six months. Results One hundred eighty-two cases of uncomplicated acute appendicitis were included and managed conservatively, of which 52.2% were males while 47.8% were females. The median age of the patients was 26 years. Conservative treatment was successful in 26.2% of the patients, with a recurrence of 5.5% in the six-month follow-up period. The mean number of days of hospital stay was three days in patients treated with conservative or surgical treatment. Conclusion Conservative management is gaining popularity, and many centers are inclined towards non-operative management; however, appendectomy remains the gold standard treatment for appendicitis.
Millions of excess cases and thousands of excess deaths of malaria occurred globally in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted malaria-related health care services, leading to an excess burden of malaria. However, there is a lack of research on the indirect global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on malaria. We aimed to assess the excess burden of malaria due to the COVID-19 pandemic in malaria-endemic countries in 2020. Methods Based on data from the World Health Organization Global Observatory, we used estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) from 2000 to 2019 (model A) and from 2015 to 2019 (model B) to predict the malaria burden in 2020. We calculated the ratios between reported and predicted malaria incidence (incidence rate ratio (IRR)) and mortality rates (mortality rate ratio (MRR)). Results In 2020, African countries suffered the most from malaria, with the largest number of malaria cases (64.7 million) and deaths (151 thousand) observed in Nigeria. Most countries showed a decrease in malaria incidence and mortality rates from 2000 to 2019, with the strongest decline in incidence rates in Bhutan (EAPC = -35.7%, 95% CI = -38.7 to -32.5%) and mortality rates Ecuador (EAPC = -40.6%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -46.6 to -33.8%). During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there was a total of 18 million excess malaria cases and 83 291 excess deaths per model A, and 7.4 million excess cases and 33 528 excess deaths per model B globally. Malaria incidence rates increased excessively in over 50% of the malaria-endemic countries, with the greatest increase in Costa Rica (IRR = 35.6) per model A and Bhutan (IRR = 15.6) per model B. Mortality rates had increased excessively in around 70% of the malaria-endemic countries, with the greatest increase in Ecuador in both model A (MRR = 580) and model B (MRR = 58). Conclusions The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic indirectly caused an increase in the prevalence of malaria and thwarted progress in malaria control. Global efforts to control the pandemic’s impact should be balanced with malaria control to ensure that the goal for global malaria elimination is achieved on time.
A case study of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for cryptococcal meningitis combined with cognitive impairment

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a central nervous system disease caused by a novel Cryptococcus infection that leads to subacute or chronic inflammatory changes in the nervous system. In this study, we present the case of a woman aged 72 years with CM and severe cognitive impairment and disabilities. The cognitive assessment indicated that, although her cognitive function was impaired, especially executive function, it largely improved after receiving anti-infectious and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, which can alter the membrane potential of the cortical nerve cells by triggering long-term potentiation and depression, modulating and releasing hormones, reducing the level of neuroinflammatory and peripheral blood cytokines, promoting nerve regeneration and synaptic remodeling, and changing the activity of the neural circuitry of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. We argue that this case provides a novel method of treatment for patients with CM in conjunction with cognitive impairments.