Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Aquaporin 3 Polymorphism (rs17553719) Is Associated with Sepsis Survival and Correlated with IL-33 Secretion

Sepsis is a common life-threatening disease caused by dysregulated immune response and metabolic acidosis which lead to organ failure. An abnormal expression of aquaporins plays an important role in organ failure. Additionally, genetic variants in aquaporins impact on the outcome in sepsis. Thus, we investigated the polymorphism (rs17553719) and expression of aquaporin-3 (AQP3) and correlated these measurements with the survival of sepsis patients. Accordingly, we collected blood samples on several days (plus clinical data) from 265 sepsis patients who stayed in different ICUs in Germany. Serum plasma, DNA, and RNA were then separated to detect the promotor genotypes of AQP3 mRNA expression of AQP3 and several cytokines. The results showed that the homozygote CC genotype exhibited a significant decrease in 30-day survival (38.9%) compared to the CT (66.15%) and TT genotypes (76.3%) (p = 0.003). Moreover, AQP3 mRNA expression was significantly higher and nearly doubled in the CC compared to the CT (p = 0.0044) and TT genotypes (p = 0.018) on the day of study inclusion. This was accompanied by an increased IL-33 concentration in the CC genotype (day 0: p = 0.0026 and day 3: p = 0.008). In summary, the C allele of the AQP3 polymorphism (rs17553719) shows an association with increased AQP3 expression and IL-33 concentration accompanied by decreased survival in patients with sepsis.
Survey and Experimental Investigation of Movable Fire Loads in Japanese-Style Wooden Historical Buildings

ABSTRACT This study investigated the movable fire loads and the characteristics of combustible materials in Japanese-style wooden historical buildings via field surveys and cone calorimeter experiments. Twenty-one historical buildings with 102 rooms and a total floor area of 2235.06 m2 were surveyed to determine the movable fire load. Strong correlations among fire load density, compartment floor area, and spatial use are found in this survey. The mean values of the movable fire load density in decreasing order in terms of room use are storeroom (431.38 MJ/m2), study room (298 MJ/m2), bedroom (294.88 MJ/m2), reception room (287.20 MJ/m2), and dining room (217.11 MJ/m2), providing fire engineering design with a reliable fire load setting in various types of rooms in historical buildings.
Assessment Of The Knowledge And Awareness Towards The Aetiology And Diagnosis For Gingival Recession And Attitude Towards Its Management

Aim– The Aim of the study is to assess of the Knowledge and Awareness towards the aetiology and Diagnosis for Gingival Recession and attitude towards its management among interns and post-graduates. Materials and Methods: 250 dental professionals including interns and postgraduates from diverse specialties participated in an online survey. This self-prepared questionnaire-based survey consisting of 14 questions was carried out at Rama dental college Kanpur for a period of 2 months. Statistical analysis used: Descriptive statistics have been used to summarize and describe the distributions of responses for each question. These statistics include measures like counts, percentages, means, and standard deviation. The Chi-square test and ANOVA test were used to analyze and compare the variables. Results:54.8% of interns and postgraduates had good knowledge and attitude towards aetiology and management of gingival recession, 44.4% had intermediate knowledge whereas 0.8% had poor knowledge. Conclusion: The study concluded that the Knowledge and Awareness towards the aetiology and Diagnosis for Gingival Recession and attitude towards its management among interns and postgraduates was good.
The Correlation Between Glycation Gap and Renal Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the correlations between the glycation gap (GG) and renal complications such as urinary albumin–creatinine ratio (UACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 104 individuals (52 males and 52 females), aged 36–93 years old. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, and serum fructosamine were measured simultaneously. GG was calculated as the difference between the measured and fructosamine-based predicted HbA1c levels (FHbA1c). Results There was a moderately positive correlation between HbA1c and fructosamine concentration (r = 0.488; p < 0.001). GG was positively correlated with UACR (r = 0.3275; p = 0.0007), negatively correlated with eGFR (r = −0.3400; p = 0.0004). HbA1c was positively correlated with UACR (r = 0.2437; p = 0.0127) but not correlated with eGFR (r = −0.444; p = 0.6542). Fructosamine has a positive correlation with eGFR (r = 0.2426; p = 0.0131) but not with UACR (r = −0.1021; p = 0.3025). Conclusion GG was positively correlated with UACR and inversely correlated with eGFR in type 2 Diabetes mellitus patients. This suggests that GG is a valuable index for predicting kidney complications due to diabetes.
Feasibility of MHealth Interventions towards Promoting HIV Self-testing Uptake in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review of Literature

Background: HIV self-testing (HIVST) with mobile health technology (mHealth) support is the use of mobile phone-based interventions to complement HIVST in order to improve its efficiency and uptake. Existing reviews leaves a gap in the evidence that summarizes efforts on the feasibility of mHealth to promote HIVST uptake within Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Objective: This study synthesized existing research on the feasibility of mobile health technology (mHealth) aimed at promoting HIV self-testing (HIVST) uptake within SSA using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Result: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and were narratively synthesized, 63% of which were observational studies while 37% were randomized control trials. Mobile applications, SMS or a combination of mHealth strategies were mostly used to promote HIVST uptake. Most studies were carried out in South Africa (54%), and in the general population (54%). Feasibility metrics were inconsistently reported across studies because its definitions varied, nonetheless most studies reported one or more feasibility metrics and HIVST uptake was the most common way (81%) of assessing feasibility. SMS-based interventions significantly increased HIVST uptake among hard-to-reach populations and were effective for reporting testing outcomes. Mobile applications guided participants through testing, result interpretation, and self-reporting HIVST results, and most studies reported high HIVST uptake (89.0%–100%). Compared to HIVST alone, call-based intervention enhanced HIVST uptake and linkage to care or prevention (p = 0.021). Most studies found combined mHealth interventions highly feasible (78.9%–99.2%). Conclusion: Feasibility was variable between the diverse mHealth supports used to promote HIVST uptake. While findings pave the way for greater use of mHealth supported HIVST, future research should consider using rigorous research designs and focus on populations disproportionately affected by HIV within diverse SSA regions to ensure broad applicability. Feasibility measures should also be standardized for uniform reporting across studies.
Real-Time Tracking and Authentication Protocol for Anonymous Operating Vehicles in Vehicle-Infrastructure Collaborative Systems

Vehicle-Infrastructure Cooperative Systems (VICS) are widely used in the safe driving and management of operating vehicles (OV). To preserve privacy and resist harmful attacks, digital certificates and signatures are used during vehicle communication. Nonetheless, the existing secure protocol cannot enable the road control center (RCC) to track the anonymous OV in real-time. To implement this additional functionality, this paper proposes a real-time tracking protocol for anonymous OV based on pseudonym certificates and Optimal Asymmetric Encryption padding (OAEP). In this protocol, pseudonym certificates ensure the security of the OV; the OV’s real identity padding by OAEP is encrypted as a ciphertext, which is transmitted to RCC in communication, and RCC decrypts it to achieve real-time tracking. According to the security reduction proofs under the Elliptic Curve Discrete Logarithm Problem (ECDLP) given in the random oracle model (RO), the protocol can satisfy the security requirements. Additionally, the performance analysis based on MIRACL shows the protocol is slightly weaker than others, and we analyze the cost of real-time tracking for the reason. Finally, the RSU service rate of the protocol is analyzed according to the performance and velocity-density model, which proves the protocol is stable in this system.
Anatomical View of the Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion in Japanese Black Cattle

Simple Summary Japanese black cattle are a well-known Wagyu cattle breed in Japan, with the best-producing carcass. Based on previous studies and the literature, the existence of the internal carotid artery in cattle still needs to be determined. Thus, this research examined the arterial supply in the brains of Japanese black cattle, especially the presence of the internal carotid artery and its closure at different ages. Abstract The internal carotid artery (ICA) is a branch of the common carotid artery (CCA), along with the external carotid artery (ECA), which together provide the blood supply for the brain. The description of the ICA in cattle is vague, including denial of its existence or degeneration at an early stage after birth. This anatomical study investigated the internal carotid artery in Japanese black cattle. Sixty-five heads of Japanese black cattle aged from newborn to 13 years were dissected and injected with colored latex from the CCA after separating the head and body. Diameter measurements of the artery branches from the CCA on its bifurcation were conducted. Furthermore, a histological examination of the ICA wall’s structures, which consist of the tunica intima, tunica media, and tunica externa, was performed. The ICA of Japanese black cattle is closed on the left side after age 3 years, except for a small lumen at 13 years, whereas the right ICA remains open at all ages. The location of occlusion of the left internal carotid artery (LICA) shows thickness of the tunica intima and an increased connective tissue layer area. The diameter of the ICA does not differ between the left and right sides, and there is no correlation with age. Therefore, further studies are needed, especially of ICA occlusion related to Japanese black cattle’s physiology or cerebrospinal disease.
Impact of poor prognostic risk for chronic low back pain on functionality and lumbopelvic stability: a cross-sectional observational study

Internal load to deal with physical exercise demand depends on the psychophysical capacity. As psychosocial aspects affect patients suffering chronic low back pain (CLBP), we hypothesized that the higher the risk of poor prognosis, the lower the psychophysical capacity and, consequently, the worse the performance in functional tasks that involve walking. To verify the impact of the risk of poor prognosis of patients with CLBP on functional performance and physiological intensity (PI), representative of the task internal load, in a walking test and on lumbopelvic region static and dynamic stability. Cross-sectional observational study. Volunteers of both sexes, physically inactive, were divided into four groups according to the Start Back Screening Tool: control (CG) CLBP free, and low (LrG), medium (MrG), high (HrG) poor prognostic risk. The outcomes were static stability, with emphasis on the action of the transverse and multifidus muscles, and dynamic stability of the lumbopelvic region, both measured by a biofeedback pressure unit, as well as functional capacity, and physiological intensity in the 6-minute walk test. The GEE and complementary metrics (minimum detectable change and effect size) were used for statistical analysis. The sample consisted of 70 volunteers. The outcomes were proportionally affected by the risk of poor prognosis (the higher the risk, the worst performance) and the complementary metrics corroborated inferential statistics. The risk of poor prognosis negatively and proportionally impacts both the static and dynamic lumbopelvic stabilization capacity and the performance and the PI in walking of individuals with CLBP.
Analysis of User Acceptance Towards The Implementation of Information Systems in Financial Institutions Using Technology Readiness and Acceptance Model Approach

This research aims to measure the influence of user acceptance and readiness on implementing information systems. Researchers conducted this research using a quantitative approach. Researchers collected samples using a multi-stage purposive sampling strategy. There were one hundred participants in the study's sample. This study used two data collection methods: unstructured interviews were conducted to gather supporting data for the research, and questionnaires were distributed to get primary data. Inferential statistical analysis was performed in this study utilizing the PLS-SEM approach with SmartPLS. At this point, two analyses, the measurement model analysis, and the structural model analysis, must be completed. These findings indicate that sentiments of optimism and inventiveness positively impact opinions about the advantages and usability of information systems. This factor encourages users' interest in accepting or continuing to use the information system so that it will have a good influence on its implementation. On the other hand, user discomfort in using information systems tends to negatively influence assessments of the benefits and ease of use of information systems. User discomfort in using information systems hinders users' interest in using the information system, which impedes implementing the information system. The insecurity factor did not influence the assessment of the benefits and ease of use of information systems. These findings have several differences from previous research.
Education Development Officers as agents for promoting quality education at selected rural schools

Background: The quality of teaching and learning (TL) has been a concern in South Africa and has received attention from global players such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the agenda of the Education for All (EFA) policy. In South Africa, quality teaching and learning (QTL) in secondary schools remains low and compromised despite the implementation of the EFA policy and the use of education development officers (EDOs). Aim: The study sought to investigate the effectiveness of EDOs in promoting QTL at selected schools in the King Williams Town (KWT) district.Setting: The units of analysis are selected schools in the KWT district in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa.Methods: The study employed an interpretivism paradigm with a case study design and a qualitative approach to investigate the role of Education Development Officers (EDOs) in supporting QTL in selected secondary schools in the King Williams Town (KWT) District, while the data was interpreted thematically from the ten participants.Results: Education development officers play a critical role in enabling School Management Teams in South Africa to achieve high-QTL. However, EDOs face a number of challenges such as a lack of human and material resources, teacher resistance, extracurricular activities, student and teacher absenteeism, programme alignment, and work overload.Conclusion: The major conclusion of the study indicates that the challenges faced by EDOs can be overcome by employing four main strategies: stakeholder engagement, leadership, monitoring and evaluation, and training.Contribution: This article has the potential to contribute to theory, concept, policy, and practice regarding the promotion of QTL in schools.
Measured basal water pressure variability of the western Greenland Ice Sheet: Implications for hydraulic potential

The gradient of the hydraulic potential field at the ice‐bedrock interface beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) dictates the routing and energetics of subglacial water, thereby influencing drainage system characteristics and sliding dynamics. In the ablation zone of the GrIS, variable water pressure due to an active subglacial drainage system and basal topography with high relief potentially interact to drive unknown spatial patterns and temporal changes in the hydraulic potential field. Here we present a suite of water pressure measurements collected in 13 boreholes along a 46 km transect on the western GrIS to investigate the role of spatial and temporal basal water pressure adjustments in hydraulic potential gradient dynamics. All borehole sites show pressures with similar seasonality, having relatively steady and high values during winter, variable and irregular behavior during spring and fall, and diurnal cycles that can persist for multiple weeks during the peak melt season. Despite much higher variability during the melt season, the median pressure of the summer period is nearly the same as the median pressure of the winter period. However, time variability of water pressure due to basal drainage processes can force changes in the magnitude and orientation of the hydraulic potential field over diurnal periods. We find that the basal water pressure across the transect generally mimics the ice thickness field but with superimposed large pressure gradients that develop at shorter scales within the basal drainage system. This leads to a complex hydraulic potential field across regions of similar ice thickness.
The complete chloroplast genome of Dendrocalamus liboensis Hsueh & D. Z. Li 1985 and its phylogenetic analysis

Abstract Dendrocalamus liboensis Hsueh & D. Z. Li 1985 is a unique member of the Bambusoideae subfamily found in Guizhou, China. The species has both economic importance and ornamental value. This study represents the first report of the sequencing and assembly of the complete chloroplast genome of D. liboensis. The total length of the genome was 139,483 bp, with a conventional quadripartite framework consisting of a large single-copy (LSC) region (83,001 bp in length), a small single-copy (SSC) region (12,896 bp in length), and two inverted repeats (IR) regions (both 21,793 bp in length). Overall, the D. liboensis chloroplast genome contained 128 functional genes, including 83 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNAs, and 8 rRNAs. Phylogenetic analysis showed that D. liboensis closely resembled D. sapidus, with both found on a strongly supported branch of the phylogenetic tree.
Factors associated with disordered eating behaviors among schizophrenia patients

Recent hypotheses suggest that patients with schizophrenia consume more unhealthy foods, an issue that raises the need for a more meticulous examination of disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) in such patients due to increasing rates of metabolic mortality and morbidity. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate predictors associated with DEBs in schizophrenia. This cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2018 to November 2019. A total of 131 patients with schizophrenia were recruited through convenience sampling among outpatients referring to the Baharan Psychiatric Clinic (Zahedan, Iran). Patients were evaluated using demographic information forms and the eating attitudes test-26 items. In this study, 120 patients (52 males and 68 females) with schizophrenia provided correct answers to the questionnaires. According to regression analysis results, the variables of marital status, employment, classes of medication, and duration of disease could significantly predict DEBs among schizophrenia patients. The results of this study demonstrate the need for a more meticulous examination of DEBs at earlier stages of schizophrenia. Besides, psychosocial interventions and antipsychotic medication switching seem to be associated with a decreased risk of DEBs among schizophrenia patients.
Organosolv Treatment of Red Grape Pomace for Effective Recovery of Antioxidant Polyphenols and Pigments Using a Ternary Glycerol/Ethanol/Water System under Mild Acidic Conditions

The purpose of this investigation was (i) the development of a novel, green tertiary solvent system, composed of water, ethanol and glycerol, and (ii) the implementation of an organosolv treatment of red grape pomace (RGP) for the efficient production of polyphenol-containing extracts with enhanced antioxidant properties. The treatment developed was performed under mild acidic conditions, imparted by the addition of citric acid, and it was first evaluated on the basis of severity, establishing linear models that described the correlation between treatment performance and combined severity factors. To solicit treatment optimization, response surface methodology was implemented, considering solvent acidity and residence time as the treatment variables. The optimized treatment afforded maximum total polyphenol (166 ± 6 mg GAE g−1 DM), total pigment (4.4 ± 0.2 mg MvE g−1 DM) and total flavanol (31.5 mg CtE g−1 DM) yields and extracts with particularly enhanced antioxidant activity. This might be attributed to specific constituents with high antioxidant potency, such as catechin, determined in the extract using high-performance liquid chromatography. Thus, the treatment developed is proposed as a highly efficient process to generate RGP extracts enriched in polyphenolic compounds, with enhanced antioxidant activity. Such extracts might then be valorized as food additives, to provide antioxidant protection and/or pigmentation.
Yield attributes of sugarcane as influenced by intra-row spacings, fertilizer levels and planting materials

An experiment was conducted during 1999-2000 (plant cane) and 2000- 2001 (ratoon cane) with preseasonal planting of sugarcane at Rahuri. The results revealed that the cane girth, number of millable canes per clump and average cane weiht were significantly higher at 90 cm intra-row spacing compared to 30 cm and 60 cm intra-row spacing. However, the millable cane height and the mean number of internodes per plant were not affected significantly by changed spacing. The number of internodes, girth of the cane, millable canesand average cane weight recorded at 125% RDFwere significantly higher over 75% RDF and 100 % RDF. The millable cane height, number of intemodes per cane, girth and per cane weight of sugarcane were significantly higherwith plantation of polybag settlings as compared to tissue-cultured plantlet at harvest, but the reverse trend observed in number of millable canes per clump. The girth of cane increased by the margin of 25.91 per cent and average cane weight by 27.97 per cent by planting of polybag settlings than plantation of tissue culture plantlets.