Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
INVESTIGATION OF CO INJECTION EFFECT ON THE METHANOL PRODUCTION IN A SINGLE TYPE REACTOR IN THE PRESENCE OF CATALYST DEACTIVATION

In this work, the behavior of a single-type industrial methanol reactor while the 5% CO was injected into the 95% of feed was investigated. For the dynamic simulation purposed, a heterogeneous one-dimensional model has been developed in the presence of long term catalyst deactivation. The performance of the reactor with CO injection to the feed entrance was investigated and the product and reactant mole fraction profiles of the aforesaid reactor were compared with that of a conventional single type (CMR) and membrane methanol reactor (MMR). The simulation results represent 14.24% and 22.93% enhancement in the yield of methanol production in comparison with MMR and CMR, respectively, while 5% CO was injected into the 95% of the feed. Also, by CO injection to the feed, water production during methanol synthesis via CO2 hydrogenation which accelerates the catalyst deactivation and reduces methanol production rate, is reduced greatly. Additionally, nowadays CO is an important cause of pollution and a hazardous material in many industrial processes and using it in these processes is one of the ways to solve the pollution problem.
Asymmetry in Cortical and Subcortical Structures of the Brain in Children and Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Background Human cognitive and emotional functions are asymmetrical between the left and right hemispheres. In neuroimaging studies of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients, the absence of aberrant asymmetry might serve as a neuroanatomical marker of ADHD. However, few studies have estimated abnormalities in cortical and subcortical asymmetry in children and adolescents of different ADHD subtypes. Methods Data were from the results collected by the Peking University site in the “ADHD-200 sample” dataset, which comprised 31 eligible ADHD (20 inattentive ADHD (ADHD-I), 11 combined ADHD (ADHD-C)) and 31 matched typically developing (TD) individuals. The Asymmetry Indexes (AIs) in cortical thickness, cortical gray-matter volume and subcortical nucleus (SN) volume were calculated based on an automated surface-based approach. The differences in cortical thickness, cortical gray-matter volume, and SN volume AIs were evaluated among groups. We also analyzed the correlation between AIs and the severity of ADHD symptoms. Results Compared with the TD group, SN asymmetry in ADHD group did not reveal significant differences. Altered cortical asymmetry of different subtypes in ADHD groups was located in the orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate circuits, including the medial orbitofrontal, paracentral, pars triangularis, caudal anterior cingulate, isthmus cingulate, and superior frontal regions. In the comparisons, cortical gray-matter volume AIs were significantly different in the caudal anterior cingulate, isthmus cingulate, and superior frontal regions between ADHD-I and ADHD-C groups. There were significant correlations between the severity of ADHD symptoms and asymmetric measurements in medial orbitofrontal, paracentral and isthmus cingulate regions. Conclusion These findings provide further evidence for the altered cortical morphological asymmetry in children and adolescents with ADHD, and these differences are associated (at least in part) with the severity of ADHD symptoms. Brain asymmetry could be an appropriate precursor of morphological alterations in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Increased precipitation enhances soil respiration in a semi-arid grassland on the Loess Plateau, China

Background Precipitation influences the vulnerability of grassland ecosystems, especially upland grasslands, and soil respiration is critical for carbon cycling in arid grassland ecosystems which typically experience more droughty conditions. Methods We used three precipitation treatments to understand the effect of precipitation on soil respiration of a typical arid steppe in the Loess Plateau in north-western China. Precipitation was captured and relocated to simulate precipitation rates of 50%, 100%, and 150% of ambient precipitation. Results and Discussion Soil moisture was influenced by all precipitation treatments. Shoot biomass was greater, though non-significantly, as precipitation increased. However, both increase and decrease of precipitation significantly reduced root biomass. There was a positive linear relationship between soil moisture and soil respiration in the study area during the summer (July and August), when most precipitation fell. Soil moisture, soil root biomass, pH, and fungal diversity were predictors of soil respiration based on partial least squares regression, and soil moisture was the best of these. Conclusion Our study highlights the importance of increased precipitation on soil respiration in drylands. Precipitation changes can cause significant alterations in soil properties, microbial fungi, and root biomass, and any surplus or transpired moisture is fed back into the climate, thereby affecting the rate of soil respiration in the future.
DISCRIMINATING DRYING METHOD OF TARHANA USING COMPUTER VISION

Tarhana is a traditionally fermented wheat flour product of Turkey which has high nutritional value. A rapid and objective evaluation of tarhana quality by assessing the used drying method is important for producers and packaging companies. A computer vision method was developed to discriminate between drying methods of tarhana. Tarhana samples were prepared with three drying methods: sun dried, oven dried and microwave dried. An image acquisition station was constituted under artificial illumination. Different types of machine learning methods and feature selection methods were tested to find an effective system for the discrimination between drying methods of tarhana using visual texture features with different color components. Experimental results showed that the best accuracy rate (99.5%) was achieved with a K-nearest-neighbors classifier through the feature model based on stepwise discriminant analysis.
ShengMai-San Attenuates Cardiac Remodeling in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting NOX-Mediated Oxidative Stress

Background and Purpose ShengMai-San (SMS) is traditionally used to treat ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Recently, several studies have reported the cardioprotective effects of SMS in diabetic animals. However, the potential mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated whether SMS exerts a beneficial effect in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) by alleviating NADPH oxidase (NOX)-mediated oxidative stress. Methods SD rats were randomly divided into a negative control group (NC), diabetes mellitus group (DM) and SMS-treated group (SMS). The myocardial structure alterations, apoptosis and biomarkers of oxidative stress were observed. Moreover, to explore the protective mechanism of SMS, the activation of AMPKα, expression and translocation of NOX-related proteins were assessed. Results Diabetes led to excessive collagen content, fibrosis, and apoptosis in the myocardium. Oxidative stress in diabetic hearts was indicated by low levels of T-AOC, high levels of 8-iso-PGF2α and 8-OHdG, inactivation of AMPKα, elevated expression of NOX2 and NOX4 and translocation of NOX isoforms p47phox and p67phox. Treatment with SMS for 10 weeks resulted in the alleviation of diabetes-associated myocardial structure abnormalities and apoptosis. Additionally, SMS attenuated the accumulation of oxidative stress markers in myocardial tissue. Further investigation showed that SMS was able to reverse the levels of oxidative stress-associated proteins NOX2 and NOX4 in the DM rats. Moreover, SMS treatment blunted the translocation of NADPH oxidase isoforms p47phox and p67phox as well. Furthermore, SMS promoted the activation of AMPK in the cardiac tissue of diabetic rats. Conclusion These findings indicate that SMS exhibits therapeutic properties against diabetic cardiomyopathy by attenuating myocardial oxidative damage via activation of AMPKα and inhibition of NOX signaling.
Are Community Health Center Patients Interested in Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring (SMBP) – And Can They Do It?

Introduction Self-measured blood pressure monitoring (SMBP) helps diagnose and manage hypertension from outside the clinic, which has implications for patient empowerment and outcomes, continuity of care, and resilience in care communities catering to vulnerable populations. Methods We instituted a protocol for SMBP among hypertensive patients at 9 community health centers in 3 states and administered questionnaires to patients before and after the protocol was instituted to assess knowledge and engagement with disease management, beliefs and attitudes towards, and experience doing SMBP. Questionnaires included 16 items designed to evaluate patient perceptions and beliefs about SMBP. These included a series of questions using a 5-point Likert scale, binary questions related to their perceived ability to comply with specific SMBP guidelines and open-ended questions to obtain descriptions of experiences with SMBP. Results The pre-questionnaire was completed by 478 patients and the post-questionnaire was completed by 372. Seventy-seven percent of respondents knew their ideal blood pressure and their engagement with blood pressure management increased significantly (p=0.0024) after completing the protocol. Additionally, 85% of respondents said that they had a positive experience doing SMBP. Open-ended responses revealed insight regarding why patients chose to do SMBP and factors patients appreciated about SMBP. Discussion When trained properly and supported, community health center patients are capable of and motivated to perform accurate SMBP. Our study provides evidence that health center patients can follow detailed SMBP protocols and monitor their own blood pressure from the safety of their homes, which is critical to their care continuum, particularly in days of a pandemic.
Aerosol optical depth at ALOMAR Observatory (Andøya, Norway) in summer 2002 and 2003

Two intensive campaigns were carried out by the Atmospheric Optics Group of Valladolid University (GOA-UVA) during summer 2002 and 2003 at ALOMAR station (Andøya island, Norway, 69◦16'N, 16◦00'E), allowing an aerosol characterization and classification in this coastal Arctic region during the summer. Aerosol measurements were performed with a Cimel sun photometer at the four nominal aerosol wavelengths 440 nm, 670 nm, 870 nm and 1020 nm. Spectral measurements in the range 300–1100 nm with a field spectroradiometer Licor-1800 were also performed during 2003, allowing a comparison with Cimel data. The agreement between both instruments is inside the current error for field aerosol optical depth retrieval, namely, 0.02. Although aerosol optical depth (AOD) at the nominal wavelength of 440 nm has an average value below 0.12, values range from 0.04 to 0.36. Derived Ångström alpha coefficient gives an average value about 1.6 (STD 0.2), meaning predominance of fine particles. These values do not fit the typical maritime aerosol characteristics. Continental and long-range transport air masses seem to influence this area, giving rise to mixed aerosols. Back trajectory analysis shows the predominance of Atlantic air masses with low AOD, while continental air masses show in general larger aerosol loading.
COVID-19: exploring impacts of the pandemic and lockdown on mental health of Pakistani students

Background As of the present, the twenty-first century is experiencing what may be one of its most devastating events, in respect to infected and dead people by the virus. Now known to the world as COVID-19, the devastating disease of what has become a pandemic started its spread from Wuhan, China and swiftly engulfed the whole world with almost 11 million cases, in a span of around six months. It has not only increased the global burden of disease but has heavily dented many social institutions, including education. Methods This study investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent measures of lockdown, quarantine, and social distancing have affected students. We look specifically into the effects on individuals’ mental health, that is, the stress and anxiety levels of college and university students using the Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). Results Among 494 respondents, 61% were females, and the majority (77.3%) of the students were in the age group of 19–25 years. Among the respondents, 125 (25.3%), 45 (9.1%) and 34 (6.9%) experienced minimal to moderate, severe, and most extreme levels of anxiety, respectively. The variables of gender, age and year of study were significant at the 0.25 level by univariate analyses. Nevertheless, the ordinal regression indicates that only gender was significant. The odds of a female student being more anxious are higher compared to a male student (OR = 1.779, 95% CI [1.202–2.634], P = 0.004). The most prominent stressors attained from the qualitative feedback from the Pakistani students are associated with online teaching, concerns about their academic performance and completion of the current semester, uncertainty related to exam dates, and the status of the following semester. Conclusions This study will add to the existing body of literature on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the social and psychological health of students. The study outcomes will provide basic data for further applied and action research and a framework for universities and policy makers in Pakistan and the neighboring countries in the region with the same cultural contexts. Thus, relevant health interventions can be designed for better mental health and educational attainments of students from higher educational institutions. This pathological pandemic may well lead to another pandemic of mental and behavioral illness. All stakeholders should join force regardless of pre-existing differences and inequalities to ensure the well-being of future generations, specifically students from higher educational institutions. The long-lasting impacts and the aftermath of this pandemic will unquestionably need further and future investigations. Keywords: Anxiety, students, mental health, COVID-19, Pakistan
A Review of Switching Strategies for Patients with Schizophrenia Comorbid with Metabolic Syndrome or Metabolic Abnormalities

Abstract Metabolic syndrome (MetS) in patients with schizophrenia occurs 2–3 times more frequently than in the general population. Antipsychotic medication is a primary risk factor for patients with MetS. In particular, the widely used second-generation antipsychotics can affect glucose and lipid metabolism and can induce insulin resistance and other metabolic abnormalities through various receptors. Notably, the metabolic risks of various antipsychotics may differ because of their different pharmacological affinity to MetS-related receptors. Several previous studies have shown that switching from high to low metabolic risk antipsychotics may improve patients’ metabolic parameters. The current review aims to discuss the strategies for switching antipsychotic medications and the impact on metabolic abnormalities in patients with schizophrenia.
Prevalence of ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders or Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Retrospective Study

Introduction Hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) are both characterized by generalized hypermobility, in combination with pain, affected proprioception, and pronounced fatigue. Clinical observation indicates that behavioral problems, hyperactivity, and autistic traits are overrepresented in children with those conditions. The purpose of this retrospective study was to establish the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children with HSD and hEDS treated in our clinic since 2012. Subjects and Methods Since Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) diagnostic criteria and international classification were changed in 2017, we equate the older diagnosis EDS hypermobility type with the newer hEDS and the older hypermobility syndrome with HSD. A registry search from the computerized medical record system found 201 children (88 boys, 113 girls) aged 6–18 years who were treated at our pediatrics department with the diagnoses HSD or EDS. All medical records (113 with HSD, 88 with EDS) were reviewed, and key symptoms such as fatigue and pain, as well as diagnosis of ADHD/ASD, were recorded. Results All EDS cases could be classified as hEDS. Of the entire study cohort, 16% had a verified ADHD diagnosis and a further 7% were undergoing ADHD diagnostic investigation. Significantly more children with hEDS had ADHD compared to children with HSD (p=0.02). In the age group 15–16 years, 35% of those with hEDS had ADHD and, among those aged 17–18 years, ADHD was present in 46%. Children with coexisting ADHD showed a significantly higher proportion of associated symptoms such as fatigue, sleep-problems, and urinary tract problems. ASD had been verified in 6% of the children. Of those with ASD, 92% had sleep problems. Conclusion This study shows a strong association between HSD or hEDS and ADHD or ASD. Therefore, children with HSD or hEDS may need to be routinely screened for neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Incidence of Co-Trimoxazole-Induced Hyperkalemia in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background Co-trimoxazole is a broad-spectrum antibiotic associated with hyperkalemia. Objective To determine the incidence of hyperkalemia and its risk factors in patients receiving co-trimoxazole. Materials and Methods A retrospective observational study involving all patients who received co-trimoxazole between 1 January 2012 and 1 January 2013 was conducted. Subjects were identified through a list generated from a computerized pharmacy system. The patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics were retrieved from electronic medical records. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results One hundred sixty-one patients fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Of these, 46 (28.6%) experienced hyperkalemia. Around 35 (76%) of the patients who experienced hyperkalemia received co-administered medications that might induce hyperkalemia. The co-administration of co-trimoxazole with other medications that may induce hyperkalemia was found to be associated with higher incidence of hyperkalemia when compared to co-trimoxazole administration alone [adjusted OR 3.2, 95% CI (1.4–7.3), p=0.005]. Additionally, age > 60 years was associated with an increased risk of hyperkalemia when compared to younger age group 18–39 years [adjusted OR 6.5, 95% CI (2.1–19.7); p=0.001]. Conclusion Co-trimoxazole use is associated with high incidence of hyperkalemia, especially among older patients and those receiving it in combination with other medications that might contribute to hyperkalemia development such as calcineurin inhibitors and β-blockers.
Maculopathy Secondary to Pentosan Polysulfate Use: A Single-Center Experience

Aim To investigate the prevalence of retinal pathology in patients with a history of exposure to pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS). Methods Patients exposed to PPS and seen in the ophthalmology clinic at Northwestern University during 1/1/2002 to 1/1/2019 were identified from electronic health records (EHR) by an electronic data warehouse (EDW) search. Visual acuity (VA), reasons for clinic visit, ocular conditions, and duration of exposure to PPS were noted. Chart review was performed for fundus exam findings and ophthalmologic imaging, specifically fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence, and ocular coherence tomography (OCT) images. When OCT or fundus photography was available, studies were evaluated by two independent graders. Results A total of 131 patients who were exposed to PPS and seen at the Northwestern Ophthalmology clinic were identified in the EHR. Forty patients of 131 had imaging. Patients with imaging or fundus examination suspicious for PPS maculopathy were placed into the suspect group. Of the 40 patients that had imaging, 5 (12.5%) had features suspicious for PPS maculopathy. Of the remaining 91, 5 (5.4%) had macular pigmentary changes described on fundus exam. Among the 10 patients in the suspect group, the average duration of PPS use was 4.2 years (range 0.3–11.6 years, interquartile range 5.5 years) and the average cumulative dose was 380g (range 29–1092g, interquartile range 132g). Conclusion A novel drug-induced maculopathy has been associated with PPS use with a distinct clinical constellation that can be accurately identified with multimodal imaging.
Men’s Knowledge of Vasectomy and Its Associated Factors in Debre Tabor Town, Northwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose Even though vasectomy is one of the safest, simplest, and most effective family planning methods available for men, it is one of the least used contraceptive methods in the developing world, including Ethiopia. The goal of this study was to assess the level of knowledge towards vasectomy and its associated factors among married men in Debre Tabor Town. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 5–25, 2019. A total of 413 married men participated and selected by simple random sampling. Data was entered using EpiData version 4.2 and analyzed by SPSS version 23. A bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model was carried out. Finally, variables having a P-value of <0.05 at 95% CI were considered as statistically significant. Results In this study, 38.5% of men had an adequate level of knowledge about vasectomy. Multivariable logistic regression showed that an educational status of secondary education and college and above (AOR=4.70, 95% CI=1.26–17.55; and AOR=8.36, 95% CI=2.41–28.97, respectively), having four or more alive children (AOR=0.51, 95% CI=0.29–0.89), and positive attitude (AOR=2.47, 95% CI=1.58–3.86) were significantly associated with knowledge of vasectomy. Conclusion Knowledge of married men towards vasectomy was relatively low. Educational status, number of children, and attitude were statistically significant with the men’s knowledge about vasectomy. Emphasis should therefore be put on improving the educational status of men and positively changing the male upbringing culture right from their childhood which will also improve their attitude towards vasectomy in the future.
Sodium hydrosulfide alleviates dexamethasone-induced cell senescence and dysfunction through targeting the miR-22/sirt1 pathway in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is characterized by osteoblastic cell and microarchitecture dysfunction, as well as a loss of bone mass. Cell senescence contributes to the pathological process of osteoporosis and sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) regulates the potent protective effects through delaying cell senescence. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether senescence could contribute to dexamethasone (Dex)-induced osteoblast impairment and to examine the effect of NaHS on Dex-induced cell senescence and damage. It was found that the levels of the senescence-associated markers, p53 and p21, were markedly increased in osteoblasts exposed to Dex. A p53 inhibitor reversed Dex-induced osteoblast injury, a process that was mitigated by NaHS administration through alleviating osteoblastic cell senescence. MicroRNA (miR)-22 blocked the impact of NaHS on Dex-induced osteoblast damage and senescence through targeting the regulation of Sirtuin 1 (sirt1) expression, as shown by the decreased cell viability and alkaline phosphatase activity, as well as an increased expression of p53 and p21. It was revealed that the sirt1 gene was the target of miR-22 in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells through combining the results of dual luciferase reporter assays and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, as well as western blot analyses. Silencing of sirt1 abolished the protective effect of NaHS against Dex-associated osteoblast senescence and injury. Taken together, the present study showed that NaHS prevents Dex-induced cell senescence and damage through targeting the miR-22/sirt1 pathway in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells.