Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of Progranulin Gene Expression from Dyspeptic Patients with Virulent Helicobacter pylori Strains; In Vivo Model

(1) Background: Gastric cancer, the fourth most common cause of death from tumors in the world, is closely associated with Helicobacter pylori. Timely diagnosis, therefore, is essential to achieve a higher survival rate. In Chile, deaths from gastric cancer are high, mainly due to late diagnosis. Progranulin has reflected the evolution of some cancers, but has been poorly studied in gastric lesions. Aiming to understand the role of progranulin in H. pylori infection and its evolution in development of gastric lesions, we evaluated the genic expression of progranulin in gastric tissue from infected and non-infected patients, comparing it according to the epithelial status and virulence of H. pylori strains. (2) Methods: The genic expression of progranulin by q-PCR was quantified in gastric biopsies from Chilean dyspeptic patients (n = 75) and individuals who were uninfected (n = 75) by H. pylori, after receiving prior informed consent. Bacteria were grown on a medium Columbia agar with equine-blood 7%, antibiotics (Dent 2%, OxoidTM), in a microaerophilic environment, and genetically characterized for the ureC, vacA, cagA, and iceA genes by PCR. The status of the tissue was determined by endoscopic observation. (3) Results: Minor progranulin expression was detected in atrophic tissue, with a sharp drop in the tissue colonized by H. pylori that carried greater virulence, VacAs1m1+CagA+IceA1+. (4) Conclusions: Progranulin shows a differential behavior according to the lesions and virulence of H. pylori, affecting the response of progranulin against gastric inflammation.
Fibromyalgia and Depression: A Literature Review of Their Shared Aspects

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by widespread, persistent pain that lasts more than three months without an evident organic lesion. FM has been considered controversial throughout history due to its validity as a diagnosis being constantly in question. Most patients diagnosed with FM are females. FM has been associated with multiple conditions, including irritable bowel and psychiatric disorders. Among all associated conditions, depression has been frequently found in patients with FM. Studies suggest that depression negatively affects the outcome of patients with FM. Moreover, a bidirectional relation between FM and depression has been depicted: depression increases the risk of FM being diagnosed later in life, as well as FM increases the risk of developing depression. In this article, we discussed aspects that FM and depression share and that might link both diseases, such as certain elements they seem to share in their pathophysiology: predisposing and triggering factors, central sensitization and kindling, areas of the brain implicated in both pain modulation and mood regulation, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) alterations. In addition, we highlighted the prevalence of depression in patients with FM, overlapping symptoms between FM and depression and how to assess them, and treatment strategies that have shown effective management of both conditions when concomitant. Due to the improvement of many aspects of FM when depression is appropriately targeted, screening for depression in patients with FM, despite its difficulty, has been encouraged.
Dividing-flow manifold calculations with a spreadsheet

Dividing-flow manifolds are widely used in water and waste-water treatment plants. Although many mathematical models for calculating the appropriate flows are available, the calculations are generally so laborious that often rule-of-thumb methods are used in design. Calculating problems can be greatly overcome by making use of the built-in functions of most modern spreadsheet programs. The use of a spreadsheet program to calculate the hydraulics of a dividing-flow manifold is demonstrated.
Artemether Alleviates Diabetic Kidney Disease by Modulating Amino Acid Metabolism

Diabetes is a worldwide metabolic disease with rapid growing incidence, characterized by hyperglycemia. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), has a high morbidity according to the constantly increasing diabetic patients and always develops irreversible deterioration of renal function. Though different in pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and therapies, both type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can evolve into DKD. Since amino acids are both biomarkers and causal agents, rarely report has been made about its metabolism which lies in T1DM- and T2DM-related kidney disease. This study was designed to investigate artemether in adjusting renal amino acid metabolism in T1DM and T2DM mice. Artemether was applied as treatment in streptozotocin (STZ) induced T1DM mice and db/db T2DM mice, respectively. Artemether-treated mice showed lower FBG and HbA1c and reduced urinary albumin excretion, as well as urinary NAG. Both types of diabetic mice showed enlarged kidneys, as confirmed by increased kidney weight and the ratio of kidney weight to body weight. Artemether normalized kidney size and thus attenuated renal hypertrophy. Kidney tissue UPLC-MS analysis showed that branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and citrulline were upregulated in diabetic mice without treatment and downregulated after being treated with artemether. Expressions of glutamine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, ornithine, glycine, histidine, phenylalanine and threonine were decreased in both types of diabetic mice whereas they increased after artemether treatment. The study demonstrates the initial evidence that artemether exerted renal protection in DKD by modulating amino acid metabolism.
A Novel Risk Score (P-score) Based on a Three-Gene Signature, for Estimating the Risk of Prostate Cancer-Specific Mortality

Purpose To develop and validate a risk score (P-score) algorithm which includes previously described three-gene signature and clinicopathological parameters to predict the risk of death from prostate cancer (PCa) in a retrospective cohort. Patients and Methods A total of 591 PCa patients diagnosed between 2003 and 2008 in Stockholm, Sweden, with a median clinical follow-up time of 7.6 years (1–11 years) were included in this study. Expression of a three-gene signature (IGFBP3, F3, VGLL3) was measured in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded material from diagnostic core needle biopsies (CNB) of these patients. A point-based scoring system based on a Fine-Gray competing risk model was used to establish the P-score based on the three-gene signature combined with PSA value, Gleason score and tumor stage at diagnosis. The endpoint was PCa-specific mortality, while other causes of death were treated as a competing risk. Out of the 591 patients, 315 patients (estimation cohort) were selected to develop the P-score. The P-score was subsequently validated in an independent validation cohort of 276 patients. Results The P-score was established ranging from the integers 0 to 15. Each one-unit increase was associated with a hazard ratio of 1.39 (95% confidence interval: 1.27–1.51, p < 0.001). The P-score was validated and performed better in predicting PCa-specific mortality than both D’Amico (0.76 vs 0.70) and NCCN (0.76 vs 0.71) by using the concordance index for competing risk. Similar improvement patterns are shown by time-dependent area under the curve. As demonstrated by cumulative incidence function, both P-score and gene signature stratified PCa patients into significantly different risk groups. Conclusion We developed the P-score, a risk stratification system for newly diagnosed PCa patients by integrating a three-gene signature measured in CNB tissue. The P-score could provide valuable decision support to distinguish PCa patients with favorable and unfavorable outcomes and hence improve treatment decisions.
Pressure Loading Induces DNA Damage in Human Hepatocyte Line L02 Cells via the ERK1/2–Dicer Signaling Pathway

Alteration of liver tissue mechanical microenvironment is proven to be a key factor for causing hepatocyte injury and even triggering the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma; however, the underlying mechanisms involved are not fully understood. In this study, using a customized, pressure-loading device, we assess the effect of pressure loading on DNA damage in human hepatocytes. We show that pressure loading leads to DNA damage and S-phase arresting in the cell cycle, and activates the DNA damage response in hepatocytes. Meanwhile, pressure loading upregulates Dicer expression, and its silencing exacerbates pressure-induced DNA damage. Moreover, pressure loading also activates ERK1/2 signaling molecules. Blockage of ERK1/2 signaling inhibits pressure-upregulated Dicer expression and exacerbates DNA damage by suppressing DNA damage response in hepatocytes. Our findings demonstrate that compressive stress loading induces hepatocyte DNA damage through the ERK1/2–Dicer signaling pathway, which provides evidence for a better understanding of the link between the altered mechanical environment and liver diseases.
Preliminary Assessment on Durability of High Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete with CSA Cement

Concrete industry produces a great environmental impact. The total, or partial, substitution of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with Calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement could be a possible solution, due to its lower production temperature and thus lower CO2 emission. Therefore, there is an essential need to assess the durability properties of concrete produced with CSA cement. In this work a preliminary study on durability of high performance fiber reinforced concretes produced with CSA cement in total or partial substitution of OPC, also with ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), was performed. Compressive strength and electrical resistivity of the different concrete mixes and electrochemical tests to evaluate corrosion condition of the embedded steel fibers, were assessed. The results show that substitution of OPC with CSA cement improves the mechanical properties of concrete but promotes corrosion of the steel fibers, affecting the durability of this material.
The Supportive Care Needs of Breast Cancer Patients and Its Related Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Planning cancer supportive care programs require assessing patients’ supportive needs. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate breast cancer patients’ supportive care needs and their related factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted this Zahedan, Iran, in 2020. Patients with breast cancer, who referred to the clinical oncology departments of Khatam-Al-Anbia hospital and Ali ibn Abi Talib hospital were selected by the census method. Standard questionnaires were distributed among the participants to obtain information and analyze data in SPSS software version 19.0. Results: This study examined 120 breast cancer patients with a mean age of 47.35 (SD 10.67) years. The patients’ highest and lowest need for help were related to health system/information (63.23 ± 20.80) and sexual needs (6.73 ± 19.66). Spearman’s correlation coefficient analysis indicated that social support and illness adjustment negatively correlated with many supportive care domains. Conclusions: Supportive care services, especially in the information and psychology domain, are needed for breast cancer patients in Zahedan, Iran. Patients can benefit from social support and positive coping strategies to help them cope with their disease.
Involvement and Communicative Competence of Grade 12 Recognized Student Organization Officers

The study aimed to describe the senior high school student officers’ level of involvement in their respective organizations and further investigate its existing relationship with their communicative competence by employing a descriptive correlational design. Using frequency count, percentage, mean, and Pearson r for statistical analysis of data, results revealed that most of the student leaders were actively involved with one recognized student organizations, devoted more than an hour in a week in their respective organizational activities regardless of its nature and occupied higher positions in the organization. Student leaders have communicative competence terms of verbal skills, non-verbal skills, organization, and subject knowledge and an existing significant relationship between their position in the organization and their communicative competence were found. In conclusion, student leaders who actively participate and occupy higher positions with different recognized student organization have bigger opportunity to attain communicative competence as they are exposed to different tasks and assignments that requires reading, writing, speaking, and understanding of the subject matter. Hence, it is recommended that parents, administrators, faculty members, organization moderators, and other stakeholders to support the active participation of learners in different student organization and design organizational activities that focus on the development of communication skills and competence. Moreover, future research employing a qualitative study design focusing on involvement and communicative competence may also be considered.
Metabolism Dysregulation in Retinal Diseases and Related Therapies

The human retina, which is part of the central nervous system, has exceptionally high energy demands that requires an efficient metabolism of glucose, lipids, and amino acids. Dysregulation of retinal metabolism disrupts local energy supply and redox balance, contributing to the pathogenesis of diverse retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, inherited retinal degenerations, and Macular Telangiectasia. A better understanding of the contribution of dysregulated metabolism to retinal diseases may provide better therapeutic targets than we currently have.
Microwave Soil Heating Promotes Strawberry Runner Production and Progeny Performance

Strawberry runners (transplants) in many regions of the world are produced in soils treated with chemical fumigants to control pathogens and weeds and meet phytosanitary requirements. Many fumigants, however, are under threat of withdrawal because of concerns over their impact on the environment (e.g., methyl bromide). The current study considered the use of microwaves for heat disinfestation of soil for field-grown runners for the first time. Results from two field experiments showed that microwave treatment reduced the survival of buried inoculum of the strawberry pathogens Fusarium oxysporum (by up to 93%) and Sclerotium rolfsii (by up to 100%) compared with untreated soil. Furthermore, the treatment reduced the subsequent growth of these pathogens in the laboratory by up to 82% and 100%, respectively. Microwave treatment also reduced the natural DNA concentration of Pythium spp. (clades I & F) in soil by up to 94% compared with untreated soil. The effect of microwave against soilborne pathogens reduced as soil depth increased. Microwave treatment reduced the emergence of weeds in field soils by up to 65% and increased runner yields by 10–37%. The effect of microwave treatment on runner yield was greater when all soil was treated, rather than when strips of soil around the mother plants were treated. Results from complimentary pot experiments showed that early strawberry growth in the glasshouse was equivalent in soils treated with microwave or the fumigant methyl bromide/chloropicrin. Furthermore, the early performance of runners sourced from field soils treated with microwave or methyl bromide/chloropicrin was equivalent. Results from the pot experiments also showed that steam treatment required 10 times more energy per mass of soil to disinfest than microwave. The limitations of microwave in the current experiments are discussed, but the capacity for the technology to disinfest field soils in an energy-efficient manner demonstrates its potential for further development as an alternative to soil disinfestation with chemical fumigants.
Rapid Sampling Protocol of Isoprene Emission Rate of Palm (Arecaceae) Species Using Excised Leaves

The high isoprene emission capacity of palm species can decrease regional air quality and enhance the greenhouse effect when land is converted to palm plantations. Propagation of low-emitting individuals can be a strategy for reducing isoprene emission from palms. However, the identification of low-emitting individuals requires large-scale sampling. Thus, we aimed to develop a rapid method in which the isoprene emission rate of leaf segments is observed. We examined the temperature response and effect of incubation length on the isoprene emission rate of palm leaf and found that leaf temperatures at 25 to 30 °C and an incubation length of 40 min are suitable parameters. To further examine the validity of the method, we applied both the enclosure method and this method to the same sections of leaves. High coefficient of determinations (0.993 and 0.982) between the results of the two methods were detected regardless of seasonal temperature. This result proves that the method is capable of measuring the isoprene emission rate under any growth conditions if the incubation temperature is controlled. By using a water bath tank and a tested light source, we can simply implement a unified environmental control of multiple samples at once, which achieves a higher time efficiency than conventional enclosure measurements.
Remote Versus In-person Outpatient Clinic Visits and Antibiotic Use Among Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The proportion of remote clinic visits was expected to increase among children during the COVID-19 pandemic which might result in antibiotic overuse. Methods: In southern Israel, 2 ethnic groups, Jewish and Bedouin, live side-by-side. Computerized data on visits for children <18 years were examined from clinics with ≥50 insured children, active both pre-COVID-19 and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visits were divided into in-person and remote. Monthly infectious diagnoses and dispensed antibiotic prescription rates were calculated by age (<5, 5–17 years) and ethnic groups. Mean monthly rates of 2 parallel seasons (pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods) were compared. Results: Overall 2,120,253 outpatient clinic visits were recorded. Remote clinic visit rates (per 1000 children) increased from 97.04 and 33.86 in the pre-COVID-19 to 179.75 and 50.05 in the COVID-19 period in Jewish and Bedouin children, respectively (P < 0.01) along with a reduction of in-person visit rates in both populations. Comparing pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods, the rates of overall infectious diagnoses in remote visits increased. Nevertheless, dispensed antibiotic prescription rates in remote visits (per 1000 visits) remained unchanged (9.84 vs. 8.67, P = 0.70, in the Jewish population and 14.32 vs. 14.17, P = 1.00, in the Bedouin population in the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods, respectively) with a similar distribution of antibiotic categories. Conclusions: COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an expansion of remote visits of children <18 years with an increase in infectious diagnoses. However, remote dispensed antibiotic prescription rates remained unchanged. These dynamics were more accentuated in Jewish children, characterized by higher socio-economic conditions, compared to Bedouin children.
Graphene Biosensors—A Molecular Approach

Graphene is the material elected to study molecules and monolayers at the molecular scale due to its chemical stability and electrical properties. The invention of scanning tunneling microscopy has deepened our knowledge on molecular systems through imaging at an atomic resolution, and new possibilities have been investigated at this scale. Interest on studies on biomolecules has been demonstrated due to the possibility of mimicking biological systems, providing several applications in nanomedicine: drug delivery systems, biosensors, nanostructured scaffolds, and biodevices. A breakthrough came with the synthesis of molecular systems by stepwise methods with control at the atomic/molecular level. This article presents a review on self-assembled monolayers of biomolecules on top of graphite with applications in biodevices. Special attention is given to porphyrin systems adsorbed on top of graphite that are able to anchor other biomolecules.
“One hand does not bring up a child:” Child fostering among single mothers in Nairobi slums

BACKGROUND Childrearing in sub-Saharan Africa is often viewed as collaborative, where children benefit from support from kin. For single mothers living in informal settlements, kin networks may be highly dispersed and offer little day-to-day childrearing support, but may provide opportunities for child fostering. OBJECTIVE Our study uses a linked lives approach, where single mothers’ connections with kin and romantic partners may influence whether – and what type of – kin are relied on to support child fostering. We leverage an innovative survey on the kin networks of 404 single mothers and 741 children, collected in 2016, and 41 in-depth interviews conducted in 2011 and 2013, to explore fostering among single mothers in Korogocho and Viwandani, two slums in Nairobi, Kenya. Quantitative findings show 6.2% of single mothers’ children are fostered, with provision of emotional support associated with lower likelihood of fostering. Both quantitative and qualitative results reflect strong reliance on maternal kin. Maternal kin play a key role in fostering to protect children, to fulfill traditional lineage obligations, and due to their willingness to foster when others will not. This study contributes to a growing body of research on the role of kin in contemporary fostering arrangements in sub-Saharan Africa. In particular, we highlight fostering among a potentially highly vulnerable group: the children of single mothers in slum settlements. Sending children to live with kin may be an important coping strategy for single mothers, both to reduce the burden of raising children alone and to provide children with opportunities to grow up outside the slums.