Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding factors associated with attending secondary school in Tanzania using household survey data

Background Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 aims to ensure inclusive and equitable access for all by 2030, leaving no one behind. One indicator selected to measure progress towards achievement is the participation rate of youth in education (SDG 4.3.1). Here we aim to understand drivers of school attendance using one country in East Africa as an example. Methods Nationally representative household survey data (2015–16 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey) were used to explore individual, household and contextual factors associated with secondary school attendance in Tanzania. These included, age, head of household’s levels of education, gender, household wealth index and total number of children under five. Contextual factors such as average pupil to qualified teacher ratio and geographic access to school were also tested at cluster level. A two-level random intercept logistic regression model was used in exploring association of these factors with attendance in a multi-level framework. Results Age of household head, educational attainments of either of the head of the household or parent, child characteristics such as gender, were important predictors of secondary school attendance. Being in a richer household and with fewer siblings of lower age (under the age of 5) were associated with increased odds of attendance (OR = 0.91, CI 95%: 0.86; 0.96). Contextual factors were less likely to be associated with secondary school attendance. Conclusions Individual and household level factors are likely to impact secondary school attendance rates more compared to contextual factors, suggesting an increased focus of interventions at these levels is needed. Future studies should explore the impact of interventions targeting these levels. Policies should ideally promote gender equality in accessing secondary school as well as support those families where the dependency ratio is high. Strategies to reduce poverty will also increase the likelihood of attending school.
Equivalent current dipole sources of neurofeedback training-induced alpha activity through temporal/spectral analytic techniques

Much of the work in alpha NFT has focused on evaluating changes in alpha amplitude. However, the generation mechanism of training-induced alpha activity has not yet been clarified. The present study aimed to identify sources of training-induced alpha activity through four temporal/spectral analytic techniques, i.e., the max peak average (MPA), positive average (PA), negative average (NA) and event-related spectral perturbation average (ERSPA) methods. Thirty-five healthy participants were recruited into an alpha group receiving feedback of 8–12-Hz amplitudes, and twenty-eight healthy participants were recruited into a control group receiving feedback of random 4-Hz amplitudes from the range of 7 to 20 Hz. Twelve sessions were performed within 4 weeks (3 sessions per week). The control group had no change in the amplitude spectrum. In contrast, twenty-nine participants in the alpha group showed significant alpha amplitude increases exclusively and were identified as “responders”. A whole-head EEG was recorded for the “responders” after NFT. The epochs of training-induced alpha activity from whole-head EEG were averaged by four different methods for equivalent current dipole source analysis. High agreement and Cohen’s kappa coefficients on dipole source localization between each method were observed, showing that the dipole clusters of training-induced alpha activity were consistently located in the precuneus, posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and middle temporal gyrus. The residual variance (goodness of fit) for dipole estimation of the MPA was significantly smaller than that of the others. Our findings indicate that the precuneus, PCC and middle temporal gyrus play important roles in enhancing training-induced alpha activity. The four averaging methods (especially the MPA method) were suitable for investigating sources of brainwaves. Additionally, three dipoles can be used for dipole source analysis of training-induced alpha activity in future research, especially the training sites are around the central regions.
Genome-wide analysis of sucrose synthase family in soybean and their expression in response to abiotic stress and seed development

The sucrose synthase (SS) is an important enzyme family which play a vital role in sugar metabolism to improve the fruit quality of the plants. In many plant species, the members of SS family have been investigated but the detailed information is not available in legumes particularly and Glycine max specifically. In the present study, we found thirteen SS members (GmSS1-GmSS13) in G. max genome. High conserved regions were present in the GmSS sequences that may due to the selection pressure during evolutionary events. The segmental duplication was the major factor to increase the number of GmSS family members. The identified thirteen GmSS genes were divided into Class I, Class II and Class III with variable numbers of genes in each class. The protein interaction of GmSS gave the co-expression of sucrose synthase with glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase while SLAC and REL test found number of positive sites in the coding sequences of SS family members. All the GmSS family members except GmSS7 and few of class III members, were highly expressed in all the soybean tissues. The expression of the class I members decreased during seed development, whireas, the class II members expression increased during the seed developing, may involve in sugar metabolism during seed development. Solexa sequencing libraries of acidic condition (pH 4.2) stress samples showed that the expression of class I GmSS genes increased 1- to 2-folds in treated samples than control. The differential expression pattern was observed between the members of a paralogous. This study provides detailed genome-wide analysis of GmSS family in soybean that will provide new insights for future evolutionary and soybean breeding to improve the plant growth and development.
Codon Usage for Genetic Diversity, and Evolutionary Dynamics of Novel Porcine Parvoviruses 2 through 7 (PPV2–PPV7)

Porcine parvovirus (PPV) is the main pathogen of reproductive disorders. In recent years, a new type of porcine parvovirus has been discovered and named porcine parvovirus 2 to 7 (PPV2–PPV7), and it is associated with porcine circovirus type 2 in pigs. Codon usage patterns and their effects on the evolution and host adaptation of different PPV sub-types are still largely unknown. Here, we define six main sub-types based on the Bayesian method of structural proteins of each sub-type of PPV, including PPV2, PPV3, PPV4, PPV5, PPV6, and PPV7, which show different degrees of codon usage preferences. The effective number of codons (ENC) indicates that all PPV sub-types have low codon bias. According to the codon adaptation index (CAI), PPV3 and PPV7 have the highest similarity with the host, which is related to the main popular tendency of the host in the field; according to the frequency of optimal codons (FOP), PPV7 has the highest frequency of optimal codons, indicating the most frequently used codons in its genes; and according to the relative codon deoptimization index (RCDI), PPV3 has a higher degree. Therefore, it is determined that mutational stress has a certain impact on the codon usage preference of PPV genes, and natural selection plays a very decisive and dominant role in the codon usage pattern. Our research provides a new perspective on the evolution of porcine parvovirus (PPV) and may help provide a new method for future research on the origin, evolutionary model, and host adaptation of PPV.
Comparison of mean platelet volume (MPV) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) between psoriasis patients and controls: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background The predictive role of hematological indexes of mean platelet volume (MPV) and red cell distribution width (RDW) has been demonstrated in cardiovascular disease concomitant with psoriasis. This meta-analysis is intended to assess whether MPV and RDW can also serve as biomarkers for the early diagnosis and disease severity assessment of psoriasis. Material and methods 13 studies which enrolled 1331 psoriasis patients and 919 healthy volunteers were included after screening the search results from PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library since inception to Mar 14, 2020. MPV of psoriasis participants and their counterparts was assessed in 10 studies, and RDW was evaluated in 4 studies, while the disease severity was measured by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) in 11 studies. Random-effect model analysis was applied to calculate pooled standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results Associations of MPV and RDW with the presence of psoriasis were demonstrated (MPV: SMD = 0.503, 95% CI: 0.242–0.765; RDW: SMD = 0.522, 95% CI: 0.228–0.817), but no statistically significant correlation of MPV and disease severity of psoriasis was found in meta-regression analysis (p = 0.208). Subgroup analysis revealed that the diagnosis value of MPV and RDW was consistent regardless of PASI and study type. Heterogeneity analysis between studies was implemented by chi-squared test and I2 statistics. Begg’s and Egger’s test were utilized for the evaluation of publication bias. The sensitivity analysis revealed no significant alteration no matter which study was excluded. Conclusion MPV and RDW could serve as promising predictive diagnostic biomarkers of psoriasis.
Rhamnolipid Biosurfactants for Oil Recovery: Salt Effects on the Structural Properties Investigated by Mesoscale Simulations

Rhamnolipids (RLs) are biosurfactants produced by Pseudomonas. The biodegradability and the variety of their functionality make them suitable for environmental remediation and oil recovery. We use dissipative particle dynamics simulations to investigate the aggregation behaviors of ionic RL congeners with nonane in various operating conditions. Under zero-salinity conditions, all RL congeners studied here form small ellipsoidal clusters with detectable free surfactants. When salt ions are present, the electrostatic repulsion between the ionized heads is overcome, resulting in the formation of larger aggregates of unique structures. RLs with C10-alkyl tails tend to form elongated wormlike micelles, while RLs with C16-alkyl tails tend to form clusters in spherical symmetry, including vesicles. Di-rhamnolipids (dRLs) require stronger solvation than monorhamnolipids (mRLs) to form clusters, and the resulting size of micelles is decreased. The morphology of the mixed dRL/mRL/oil systems is controlled based on the type of the congeners and the oil contents. In addition, the divalent calcium ions are found to be influential to the structure of the micelles through different mechanisms. For 5 wt % salinity, the ionic RLs can form oil-swollen micelles up to a 1:1 surfactant-to-oil ratio, suggesting that ionic RLs are superb to act as cleaning agents for petroleum hydrocarbons in the marine area. These key findings may guide the design for RL-based washing techniques in enhanced oil recovery.
Age-related sex differences in the outcomes of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Background We aimed to clarify the sex differences in various cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular outcomes, and to investigate whether sex differences in outcomes are affected by age in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Methods A cohort of 835 patients with HCM initially evaluated during 2007–2019 were followed for a median of 6.4 years. Study outcomes were all-cause death, cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular death, sudden cardiac death (SCD)/SCD equivalent events, heart failure (HF) events, and the composite cardiovascular outcome including cardiovascular death, SCD/SCD equivalent events, admission for HF, and heart transplantation. Results Women were 5 years older (women 59.9±13.5 vs. men 54.9±11.4 years), had worse dyspnea, and greater left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction and obstructive physiology at presentation. Women compared to men had higher all-cause mortality and cardiovascular event rates, driven by more cardiovascular deaths and heart failure (HF) events. Conversely, non-cardiovascular mortality was not different between the sexes. Female sex was independently associated with all-cause death (HR 1.88, 95% CI 1.11–3.20) and composite cardiovascular events (HR 3.60, 95% CI 2.00–6.49), independent of age, body mass index, New York Heart Association class, SCD risk score, and LV ejection fraction. When stratified by the age of 60, sex differences were not significant at <60 years; however, at ≥60 years, women had worse LV diastolic function, greater obstructive physiology, as well as worse survival and composite cardiovascular outcomes. Sex differences in outcomes remained consistent after propensity score matching for age and other clinical characteristics. Conclusions Women with HCM have worse cardiovascular prognosis than men, driven by higher cardiovascular mortality and HF events. The negative impact of female sex on cardiac function and cardiovascular outcome became prominent at age ≥60 years, suggesting age-related sex differences in the prognosis of HCM.
Assessing progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 3.8.2 and determinants of catastrophic health expenditures in Malaysia

The Sustainable Development Goal 3.8. 2 is an indicator to track a country’s progress toward universal health coverage on the financial protection against catastrophic health expenditure (CHE). The purpose of this study is to determine the proportion of households with catastrophic health expenditure, and its associated factors among Malaysian households. A secondary data analysis was performed using the Household Expenditure Survey 2015/2016. The inclusion criterion was Malaysian households with some health spending in the past 12 months before the date of the survey. Catastrophic health expenditure was defined as out-of-pocket health expenditures exceeding 10% of the total household consumption. The study included a total of 13015 households. The proportion of households with CHE in the sample was 2.8%. Female-led households (AdjOR 1.6; CI 1.25, 2.03; p-value <0.001), households in rural areas (AdjOR 1.29; 95% CI 1.04, 1.61; p-value = 0.022), small household size (AdjOR 2.4; 95% CI 1.81, 3.18; p-value <0.001) and heads of household under 60 years old (AdjOR2.34; 95% CI 1.81, 3.18; p-value <0.001) were significantly associated with CHE. Although the proportion of Malaysian households affected by CHE is small, it is increasing in comparison to previous findings. This is concerning because it may jeopardise efforts to achieve universal health coverage by 2030. To ensure financial protection and access to care, a health financing policy that includes safety net measures for households at risk of CHE is required.
Is there an increased risk of cesarean section in obese women after induction of labor? A retrospective cohort study

Background Obesity is increasing in Sweden and is also of huge global concern. Obesity increases the risk of complications during pregnancy and the need for the induction of labor. Induction of labor increases the number of complications during delivery, leading to women with more negative birth experience. This study investigated how maternal body mass index (BMI) during antenatal care enrollment affects labor outcomes (proportion of cesarean section at induction of labor). Method This was a retrospective cohort study of 3772 women with mixed parity and induction of labor at Soderhospital, Stockholm, in 2009–2010 and 2012–2013. The inclusion criteria were simplex, ≥34 gestational weeks, cephalic presentation and no previous cesarean section. The women were grouped according to BMI, and statistical analyzes were performed to compare the proportion of cesarean sections after induction of labor. The primary outcome was the proportion of cesarean section after induction of labor divided by group of maternal BMI. The secondary outcomes were postpartum hemorrhage >1000 ml, time of labor, fetal outcome data, and indication for emergency cesarean section. Result The induction of labor in women with a high BMI resulted in a significantly increased risk of cesarean section, with 18.4–24.1% of deliveries, depending on the BMI group. This outcome persisted after adjustment in women with BMI 25–29.9 (aOR 1.4; 95% CI; 1.1–1.7) and BMI 30–34.9 (aOR 1.5; 95% CI; 1.1–2.1). There was also a significantly higher risk for CS among primiparous women (aOR 3.6; 95% CI; 2.9–45) and if the newborn weighted ≥ four kilos (aOR 1.6; 95% CI; 1.3–2.0). Conclusion Our findings show that a higher BMI increased the risk of cesarean section after induction of labor in the groups with BMI 25–34.9. Parity seems to be the strongest risk factor for CS regardless other variables.
Assessment of need for hemostatic evaluation in patients taking valproic acid: A retrospective cross-sectional study

Introduction Valproic acid (VPA) is a frequently prescribed anti-epileptic drug. Since its introduction side effects on hemostasis are reported. However, studies show conflicting results, and the clinical relevance is questioned. We aimed to determine the coagulopathies induced by VPA in patients who undergo high-risk surgery. The study results warrant attention to this issue, which might contribute to reducing bleeding complications in future patients. Methods Between January 2012 and August 2020, 73 consecutive patients using VPA were retrospectively included. Extensive laboratory hemostatic assessment (including platelet function tests) was performed before elective high-risk surgery. Patient characteristics, details of VPA treatment, and laboratory results were extracted from medical records. Results 46.6% of the patients using VPA (n = 73) showed coagulopathy. Mainly, platelet function disorder was found (36.4%). Thrombocytopenia was seen in 9.6% of the patients. Data suggested that the incidence of coagulopathies was almost twice as high in children as compared to adults and hypofibrinogenemia was only demonstrated in children. No association was found between the incidence of coagulopathies and VPA dosage (mg/kg/day). Conclusion A considerable number of patients using VPA were diagnosed with coagulopathy, especially platelet function disorder. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the need for comprehensive laboratory testing before elective high-risk surgery in these patients.
Nutritional value of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae processed by different methods

Nutritional value of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) processed by three different methods of treatment was compared. The resulting products were the spray-dried BSFL (SPR), oven-dried BSFL 1 (OVN1) and oven-dried BSFL 2 (OVN2). Proximate chemical composition, and profiles of amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, heavy metals, vitamins and nucleotides were analysed and compared. The tested BSFL meals were considered to have a good profile of essential amino acids (EAAs), with leucine, lysine, valine, and histidine being the dominant EAAs. Their content of saturated fatty acids exceeded that of the unsaturated fatty acids. Vitamins B1, B2, and C were also present in the samples. Minerals such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese and copper were found to be in adequate amounts in almost all the samples. Heavy metals in the BSFL meals were mostly below 1g kg-1. Nucleotides such as inosine monophosphate and uridine monophosphate occurred in all the BSFL meals. Other nucleotides, including guanosine monophosphate, adenosine monophosphate, xanthosine monophosphate, and cytidine monophosphate were detected in either or both of SPR and OVN2. In general, the nutritional value of the BSFL meals tested in the present study was influenced by the method of processing.
Whole genome sequence analysis showing unique SARS-CoV-2 lineages of B.1.524 and AU.2 in Malaysia

SARS-CoV-2 has spread throughout the world since its discovery in China, and Malaysia is no exception. WGS has been a crucial approach in studying the evolution and genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in the ongoing pandemic. Despite considerable number of SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences have been submitted to GISAID and NCBI databases, there is still scarcity of data from Malaysia. This study aims to report new Malaysian lineages of the virus, responsible for the sustained spikes in COVID-19 cases during the third wave of the pandemic. Patients with nasopharyngeal and/or oropharyngeal swabs confirmed COVID-19 positive by real-time RT-PCR with CT value < 25 were chosen for WGS. The selected SARS-CoV-2 isolates were then sequenced, characterized and analyzed along with 986 sequences of the dominant lineages of D614G variants currently circulating throughout Malaysia. The prevalence of clade GH and G formed strong ground for the presence of two Malaysian lineages of AU.2 and B.1. 524 that has caused sustained spikes of cases in the country. Statistical analysis on the association of gender and age group with Malaysian lineages revealed a significant association (p <0.05). Phylogenetic analysis revealed dispersion of 41 lineages, of these, 22 lineages are still active. Mutational analysis showed presence of unique G1223C missense mutation in transmembrane domain of the spike protein. For better understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 evolution in Malaysia especially with reference to the reported lineages, large scale studies based on WGS are warranted.
A New Rapid Approach for Predicting Death in Coronavirus Patients: The Development and Validation of the COVID-19 Risk-Score in Fars Province (CRSF)

Background: Patients who are identified to be at a higher risk of mortality from COVID-19 should receive better treatment and monitoring. This study aimed to propose a simple yet accurate risk assessment tool to help decision-making in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: From Jul to Nov 2020, 5454 patients from Fars Province, Iran, diagnosed with COVID-19 were enrolled. A multiple logistic regression model was trained on one dataset (training set: n=4183) and its prediction performance was assessed on another dataset (testing set: n=1271). This model was utilized to develop the COVID-19 risk-score in Fars (CRSF). Results: Five final independent risk factors including gender (male: OR=1.37), age (60–80: OR=2.67 and >80: OR=3.91), SpO 2 (≤85%: OR=7.02), underlying diseases (yes: OR=1.25), and pulse rate (<60: OR=2.01 and >120: OR=1.60) were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality. The CRSF formula was obtained using the estimated regression coefficient values of the aforementioned factors. The point values for the risk factors varied from 2 to 19 and the total CRSF varied from 0 to 45. The ROC analysis showed that the CRSF values of ≥15 (high-risk patients) had a specificity of 73.5%, sensitivity of 76.5%, positive predictive value of 23.2%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 96.8% for the prediction of death (AUC=0.824, P<0.0001). Conclusion: This simple CRSF system, which has a high NPV, can be useful for predicting the risk of mortality in COVID-19 patients. It can also be used as a disease severity indicator to determine triage level for hospitalization.