Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Safety and efficacy of pirfenidone and nintedanib in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and carrying a telomere-related gene mutation

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive and deadly interstitial lung disease (ILD). Over the past decade, familial occurrence of IPF led to the identification of genetic susceptibility traits [1]. Germline pathogenic variations in telomere-related genes (TRG) such as TERT, TERC TINF2, DKC1, RTEL1, PARN, NAF1, ZCCHC8, NHP2 and NOP10 have been detected in 20–30% of patients with familial pulmonary fibrosis (FPF) and in 1–5% of sporadic IPF [2–4]. In comparison with IPF patients, carriers of a TRG mutation are significantly younger and show an accelerated decline of forced vital capacity (FVC) [5–7]. Two drugs, pirfenidone and nintedanib, have been shown to reduce the decline of FVC in IPF patients [8, 9]. So far, two studies have reported on the safety and effectiveness of pirfenidone in patients with a TRG mutation [6, 7] whereas no study has investigated nintedanib in this specific population. Thus, the aim of this retrospective study was to assess safety and efficacy of nintedanib and pirfenidone in IPF patients with a TRG mutation. This study suggests that pirfenidone and nintedanib can be used safely in IPF patients with a telomerase related gene mutation and that both drugs reduce FVC decline. These results should be confirmed in a larger prospective study. https://bit.ly/3k7b4Zx
Investigation of phenomena related to D2O electrolysis at a palladium cathode. Technical Report No. 80, 1989-1990

Measurements have been carried out on the phenomena reported by Fleischmann and Pons to occur during the electrolysis of D2O solutions with a palladium cathode. The measurements include: (1) the determination of tritium concentrations in the cells (2) the determination of the D/Pd ratios by coulometry: (3) surface analysis of the Pd cathode; and (4) neutron radiation measurements. Enhancement of tritium in the D2O solution was found in two open-type glass cells as well as well as in four other cells with Ni anodes. The largest enhancement factor found was 50. The source of this enhancement remains unexplained. Surface analysis revealed a number of impurities on the Pd surface including Si, Pt (with Pt anodes) and Li. The latter was found to penetrate 200 rm into the Pd bulk. The neutron measurements were inconclusive.
The impact of pulse oximetry and Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) training on antibiotic prescribing practices in rural Malawi: A mixed-methods study

Background The misdiagnosis of non-malarial fever in sub-Saharan Africa has contributed to the significant burden of pediatric pneumonia and the inappropriate use of antibiotics in this region. This study aims to assess the impact of 1) portable pulse oximeters and 2) Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) continued education training on the diagnosis and treatment of non-malarial fever amongst pediatric patients being treated by the Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance (GAIA) in rural Malawi. Methods This study involved a logbook review to compare treatment patterns between five GAIA mobile clinics in Mulanje, Malawi during April-June 2019. An intervention study design was employed with four study groups: 1) 2016 control, 2) 2019 control, 3) IMCI-only, and 4) IMCI and pulse oximeter. A total of 3,504 patient logbook records were included based on these inclusion criteria: age under five years, febrile, malaria-negative, and treated during the dry season. A qualitative questionnaire was distributed to the participating GAIA providers. Fisher’s Exact Testing and odds ratios were calculated to compare the prescriptive practices between each study group and reported with 95% confidence intervals. Results The pre- and post-exam scores for the providers who participated in the IMCI training showed an increase in content knowledge and understanding (p<0.001). The antibiotic prescription rates in each study group were 75% (2016 control), 85% (2019 control), 84% (IMCI only), and 42% (IMCI + pulse oximeter) (p<0.001). An increase in pneumonia diagnoses was detected for patients who received pulse oximeter evaluation with an oxygen saturation <95% (p<0.001). No significant changes in antibiotic prescribing practices were detected in the IMCI-only group (p>0.001). However, provider responses to the qualitative questionnaires indicated alternative benefits of the training including improved illness classification and increased provider confidence. Conclusion Clinics that implemented both the IMCI course and pulse oximeters exhibited a significant decrease in antibiotic prescription rates, thus highlighting the potential of this tool in combatting antibiotic overconsumption in low-resource settings. Enhanced detection of hypoxia in pediatric patients was regarded by clinicians as helpful for identifying pneumonia cases. GAIA staff appreciated the IMCI continued education training, however it did not appear to significantly impact antibiotic prescription rates and/or pneumonia diagnosis.
Life-course socioeconomic disadvantage and lung function: a multicohort study of 70 496 individuals

Background Lung function is an important predictor of health and a marker of physical functioning at older ages. This study aimed to quantify the years of lung function lost according to disadvantaged socioeconomic conditions across the life-course. Methods This multicohort study used harmonised individual-level data from six European cohorts with information on life-course socioeconomic disadvantage and lung function assessed by forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). 70 496 participants (51% female) aged 18–93 years were included. Socioeconomic disadvantage was measured in early life (low paternal occupational position), early adulthood (low educational level) and adulthood (low occupational position). Risk factors for poor lung function (e.g. smoking, obesity, sedentary behaviour, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases) were included as potential mediators. The years of lung function lost due to socioeconomic disadvantage were computed at each life stage. Results Socioeconomic disadvantage during the life-course was associated with a lower FEV1. By the age of 45 years, individuals experiencing disadvantaged socioeconomic conditions had lost 4–5 years of healthy lung function versus their more advantaged counterparts (low educational level −4.36 (95% CI −7.33–−2.37) for males and −5.14 (−10.32–−2.71) for females; low occupational position −5.62 (−7.98–−4.90) for males and −4.32 (−13.31–−2.27) for females), after accounting for the risk factors for lung function. By the ages of 65 years and 85 years, the years of lung function lost due to socioeconomic disadvantage decreased by 2–4 years, depending on the socioeconomic indicator. Sensitivity analysis using FVC yielded similar results to those using FEV1. Conclusion Life-course socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with lower lung function and predicts a significant number of years of lung function loss in adulthood and at older ages. This multicohort study of 70 496 individuals from four European countries shows that life-course socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with a lower lung function and is an important predictor of years of lung function loss during adulthood and older ages https://bit.ly/3huxpOX
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 from Saliva as Compared to Nasopharyngeal Swabs in Outpatients

Widely available and easily accessible testing for COVID-19 is a cornerstone of pandemic containment strategies. Nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) are the currently accepted standard for sample collection but are limited by their need for collection devices and sampling by trained healthcare professionals. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of saliva to NPS in an outpatient setting. This was a prospective study conducted at three centers, which compared the performance of saliva and NPS samples collected at the time of assessment center visit. Samples were tested by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and sensitivity and overall agreement determined between saliva and NPS. Clinical data was abstracted by chart review for select study participants. Of the 432 paired samples, 46 were positive for SARS-CoV-2, with seven discordant observed between the two sample types (four individuals testing positive only by NPS and three by saliva only). The observed agreement was 98.4% (kappa coefficient 0.91) and a composite reference standard demonstrated sensitivity of 0.91 and 0.93 for saliva and NPS samples, respectively. On average, the Ct values obtained from saliva as compared to NPS were higher by 2.76. This study demonstrates that saliva performs comparably to NPS for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. Saliva was simple to collect, did not require transport media, and could be tested with equipment readily available at most laboratories. The use of saliva as an acceptable alternative to NPS could support the use of widespread surveillance testing for SARS-CoV-2.
DIPPER: a spatiotemporal proteomics atlas of human intervertebral discs for exploring ageing and degeneration dynamics

The spatiotemporal proteome of the intervertebral disc (IVD) underpins its integrity and function. We present DIPPER, a deep and comprehensive IVD proteomic resource comprising 94 genomewide profiles from 17 individuals. To begin with, protein modules defining key directional trends spanning the lateral and anteroposterior axes were derived from high-resolution spatial proteomes of intact young cadaveric lumbar IVDs. They revealed novel region-specific profiles of regulatory activities, and displayed potential paths of deconstruction in the level- and location-matched aged cadaveric discs. Machine learning methods predicted a “hydration matrisome” that connects extracellular matrix with MRI intensity. Importantly, the static proteome used as point-references can be integrated with dynamic proteome (SILAC/degradome) and transcriptome data from multiple clinical samples, enhancing robustness and clinical relevance. The data, findings and methodology, available on a web interface, will be valuable references in the field of IVD biology and proteomic analytics.
Interdependence of CTL and NK cell cytotoxicity against melanoma cells

CTL and NK cells recognize and eliminate cancer cells. However, immune evasion, down regulation of immune function by the tumor microenvironment, or resistance of cancer cells are a major problem. While CTL and NK cells are both important to eliminate cancer, most studies address them individually. In a new experimental human model, we analysed combined primary human CTL and NK cell cytotoxicity against the melanoma cell line SK-Mel-5. At high effector-to-target ratios, MART-1-specific CTL or NK cells eliminated SK-Mel-5 cells within 24 hours indicating that SK-Mel-5 cells are initially not resistant. However, at lower effector-to-target ratios, which resemble conditions of the immune contexture in human cancer, a significant number of SK-Mel-5 cells survived. Whereas CTL pre-exposure induced resistance in surviving SK-Mel-5 cells to subsequent CTL or NK cell cytotoxicity, NK cell pre-exposure induced resistance in surviving SK-Mel-5 cells to NK cells but not to MART-1 specific CTL. In contrast, there was even a slight enhancement of CTL cytotoxicity against SK-Mel-5 cells following NK cell pre-exposure. In all other combinations, resistance to subsequent cytotoxicity was higher, if melanoma cells were pre-exposed to larger numbers of CTL or NK cells. Increases in human leukocyte antigen class I expression correlated with resistance to NK cells, while reduction in MART-1 antigen expression correlated with reduced CTL cytotoxicity. CTL cytotoxicity was rescued beyond control levels by exogenous MART-1 antigen. This study quantifies the interdependence of CTL and NK cell cytotoxicity and may guide strategies for efficient CTL-NK cell anti-melanoma therapies. Key points summary Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and natural killer (NK) cells eliminate cancer cells. CTL and NK work in parallel, but most studies address them individually. In a new human experimental model, antigen-specific CTL and NK cell cytotoxicity interdependence against melanoma is shown. Whereas high numbers of antigen-specific CTL and NK cells eliminate all melanoma cells, lower, more physiological numbers induce resistance, in case secondary CTL or NK cell exposure follow initial CTL cell exposure or if secondary NK cell exposure follows initial NK cell exposure; only if secondary CTL exposure follows initial NK cell exposure no resistance of melanoma but even a slight enhancement of cytotoxicity was observed. Alterations in HLA-I expression correlated with resistance to NK cells, while reduction in antigen expression correlated with reduced CTL cytotoxicity. CTL cytotoxicity was rescued beyond control levels by exogenous antigen. The results should help to better understand and optimize immune therapies against cancer. Graphical abstract
THE OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHERS WITHIN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT IN BALI

The development of tourism in Bali has been widening the job opportunity for the local people. Moreover, those travellers who come to visit Bali are willing to capture their best and precious moment while spending their time during their either personal trip or family vacation. This new trend then causes a rise to a new kind of field to be a photographer. This research discusses the strategy of local photographers in seizing the opportunity of the tourism photography market in the era of very globalized competition in Bali. This study applies a qualitative approach by conducting interviews to 50 professional local photographers in Bali as the selected informants. The variables studied included two main aspects, such as Opportunities and Challenges. The result shows that the photographers found that this photography business is promising to fulfil their economy needs. However, these local photographers must face training to improve the competence of local photographers in order to support the satisfaction of tourists who use the services of local photographers as well as meet the tourist standards.
Sea foams are ephemeral hotspots for distinctive bacterial communities contrasting sea-surface microlayer and underlying surface water

The occurrence of foams at oceans’ surfaces is patchy and generally short-lived but a detailed understanding of bacterial communities inhabiting sea foams is lacking. Here we investigated how marine foams differ from the sea-surface microlayer (SML), a <1 mm thick layer at the air-sea interface and underlying water from 1 m depth. Samples of sea foams, SML and underlying water collected from the North Sea and Timor Sea indicated that foams were often characterized by a high abundance of small eukaryotic phototrophic and prokaryotic cells as well as a high concentration of surface-active substances (SAS). Amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA (gene) revealed a distinctive foam bacterial community compared to SML and underlying water, with high abundance of Gammaproteobacteria. Especially Pseudoalteromonas and Vibrio, typical SML dwellers, were highly abundant, active foam inhabitants and thus might enhance foam formation and stability by producing SAS. Despite a clear difference in the overall bacterial community composition between foam and SML, the presence of SML bacteria in foams supports previous assumptions that foam is strongly influenced by the SML. We conclude that active and abundant bacteria from interfacial habitats potentially contribute to foam formation and stability, carbon cycling and air-sea exchange processes in the ocean. One-sentence summary Floating foams at the oceans’ surface have a unique bacterial community signature in contrast to sea-surface microlayer and underlying water but receive and select for bacterial inhabitants from surface habitats.
COMPOSITION OF COLOSTRUM AND MILK OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF (WAD) DOES FED CASSAVA PEEL BASED-DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH AFRICAN YAMBEAN (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) CONCENTRATE IN THE HUMID ZONE OF NIGERIA

Twelve pregnant West African Dwarf (WAD) does were used to determine the effect of cassava peel meal based diets supplemented with African yambean Meal (AYBM) concentrate on colostrum and milk yield composition. Four concentrate diets were formulated with AYBM at 0, 10, 20 and 30% levels designated as T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. The does were randomly assigned into four groups of three per treatment and assigned to the respective diets in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) experiment. Lactation length for each doe was based on 135 days. Results showed that daily colostrum yield, total solids (TS), crude protein (CP), ash and energy compositions differed significantly (P<0.05) between the treatment groups. The mean colostrum yield per day (15.68 g), TS (18.52 %) and CP (5.41 %) were highest in diet T3 (20% AYBM) than treatment T2 (10% AYBM). Diet T4 (30% AYBM) promoted the highest percent values for Butterfat (BF), solids-non-fat (SNF), ash and energy with values of 3.52%, 14.54%, 0.91% and 4.30MJ/Kg, respectively. Milk yield, TS, BF, CP, SNF, ash and energy composition differed significantly (P<0.05) between treatment groups. Milk yield (3.26 kg), SNF (9.96%) and energy constituent (3.91MJ/kg) values were highest for does fed 10% AYBM diet, while Diet T4 (30% AYBM) promoted the highest TS, BF, CP and ash and the values were 15.03, 5.49, 4.89 and 1.04%, respectively. The study concludes that cassava peel meal based – diets supplemented with African yambean concentrate supported optimum colostrum and milk composition without deleterious effects. The study therefore recommends that 20% inclusion level of African yambean concentrate in cassava peel meal baseddiets is ideal for effective colostrum yield and milk composition in West African Dwarf does.
Creativity and its constraints in engineering education

In this article, the authors discuss different opinions associated with creativity. There are various views as to whether constraints aid or harm creativity, including those who view that even the definition of creativity requires constraints. Using evidence, the authors argue that constraints trigger creativity, and examine the influencers of practical creativity in the context of engineering education. It is the authors’ opinion that teaching and learning should be done creatively, and several practices for creative development are analysed in the context of engineering design courses at the University of Windsor, Windsor, Canada. As a result, not only the student experience is improved, but also the teaching moments become more enjoyable, and will trigger the instructor’s enthusiasm in the process. The authors also examine why is creativity important to engineering and engineering education, how to practice creativity and what is the role of constraints on creativity.
Antioxidative activities of alpha-mangostin in high-fat/high-glucose diet and streptozotocin-induced insulin-resistant rodents

Insulin resistance (IR), of which pathomechanism is mainly mediated by oxidative stress, leads to impaired insulin secretion and multisystem damages. Recent evidence suggests that alpha-mangostin (α-MG) is a potential candidate to ameliorate oxidative stress; hence, this study aims to evaluate the antioxidative properties of α-MG in IR-induced rats. A total of 36 male Wistar rats were divided into six groups, i.e., control, control + α-MG (200 mg/kg), IR, IR + metformin, and IR + various doses of α-MG (100 and 200 mg/kg) which were administered via oral gavage for 8 weeks. IR was induced by administering high-fat/high-glucose diet for 11 weeks followed by a single streptozotocin injection (35 mg/kg, i.p.). Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) activities were assayed to assess the oxidative stress between groups. Welch’s analysis of variance and Kruskal–Wallis test were used to compare the data. This study demonstrated that α-MG remarkably decreased MDA and increased SOD as well as GSH activities in the heart, liver, and kidney tissues of IR model. Furthermore, α-MG also upregulated SOD activity in heart tissues in a dose-dependent manner. Besides its antioxidative effects, the administration of α-MG at 200 mg/kg was also associated with the upregulation of skeletal glucose transporter type 4 expression (2.50 ± 0.43 vs. control, 3.65 ± 0.36 ng/ml; p < 0.05). These findings suggest that α-MG yielded the potent antioxidative properties against IR rats.
Digital Inclusion and Economic Development: A Regional Analysis from Brazil

JUAN JUNG AHCIET – CET.LA Information and communication technologies (ICTs) in general, and broadband in particular, have been studied extensively in the economic literature as a potential source for raising employment and economic growth. However, some gaps in the literature remain unfilled, motivating the present research. Although the bulk of the literature has focused on either country-aggregate or firm-level studies, subnational-regional analyses of the digital divide and the impact of broadband on local productivity are still scarce. An ongoing debate concerns whether or not broadband may enable better opportunities for businesses and individuals in isolated and underdeveloped regions, which are usually affected by regional digital divides. If the economic impact of broadband was found to be bigger in peripheral regions (in contrast to their impact in the center of the country), then a strategy of reducing regional digital divides might help to stimulate economic cohesion across the territories of a country. In contrast, if productivity growth driven by broadband is found to be greater in the center, then it might exacerbate regional disparities. As a result, understanding regional differences in the economic impact of broadband seems key to analyzing the effects of promoting the regional digital inclusion—that is, of extending connectivity to isolated and underdeveloped territories within a country. Despite their recent economic growth, BRIC countries remain well above Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) averages in terms of inequalities.1 Income per capita regional disparities have increased in India and China in recent years. In contrast, to some degree in Russia and especially in Brazil, urban-rural inequalities have recently decreased, but they remain high. Transverse and complementary policies will become crucial for BRIC countries to reduce those internal disparities. The present research constitutes an effort to disentangle the impact of broadband on regional productivity and to analyze the suitability of ICT policies in helping lagging regions overcome their disadvantages. The empirical analysis will focus on Brazil,2 a country in which, despite its recent growth, high levels of inequality persist, and where the income per capita of a leading region is more than three times higher than the national average. The results presented in this chapter provide evidence that broadband seems to be yielding the highest productivity gains for the less-developed regions in Brazil. This evidence highlights the importance of broadband for regional development, from which some policy implications can be derived. Cohesive policies should promote the development of ICTs in lagging