Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metformin Decreases the Expression of VEGF-A and CTGF-1 and Improves Histological, Ultrastructural and Hormonal Changes in Adult Rat Polycystic Ovary

In this study we explored the possible beneficial role of metformin (MT) treatment on the hormonal, histological and ultrastructural changes in testosterone propionate induced polycystic ovary (PCO) in rats. A total of 45 female adult rats were divided into control, PCO and MT-PCO groups. After 28 days of treatment, blood samples were taken for estimation of glucose, insulin, sex hormones as well as insulin resistance (IR) and insulin sensitivity (IS) indices (HOMA-IR & QUICKI-IS). Ovarian tissues were processed for light and electron microscopic studies. Also, immunohistochemical stains were done for detection of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and connective tissue growth factor-1 (CTGF-1). The PCO group showed a decrease in follicle number with a predominance of cystic follicles, absence of corpora lutea, decrease in the thickness of granulosa cells and increased thickness of theca interna cells layers, hypercellularity of interstitial stroma, as well as increased expression of VEGF-A and CTGF-1. Ultrastructurally, signs of granulosa cell degeneration and luteinization of theca interna cells were noted. Additionally, an increase in the serum concentration of estrogen, testosterone, insulin, IR and a decrease in progesterone and IS were also observed. MT treated PCO group showed improvement of the above-mentioned changes. These data provide new insight about the promising effect of MT in treatment for PCOS associated infertility.
Molecular diagnosis and genetic relationship of foot and mouth disease virus serotype Asia1/Basne/Sul/2015

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is the most economically important viral-induced livestock disease worldwide. From April to May of 2015, tongue epithelial tissue samples were collected from 36 cattle in six villages, which share the border with Iran. Samples were screened using RT-PCR to amplify a conserved region in the VP1 gene, and phylogenetic tree analysis was performed based on the VP1 nucleotide sequence results. Furthermore, the nucleotide sequence was converted to an amino acid sequence in order to detect similarities between the studied samples and those previously published in GenBank (NCBI). Epidemically, based on the amino acid residues, genetic similarity, and amino acid substitutions, the VP1 nucleotide sequences were determined to be close to a novel group, group VII, with 94% identity. The VP1 amino acid sequence analysis revealed a close relationship to the Asia/BAL/PAK/iso-2/2011 isolate (Accession no. JX435109), with 95.7% identity. Analysis of the studied samples revealed that the FMDV serotype Asia1 causing the outbreak in the Basne district belonged to group VII, which was introduced from the Balochistan province of Pakistan through illegal movement of animals from this region.
Heavy metal concentration of groundwater deposits in odeda region, Ogun state, Nigeria

Groundwater constitutes one of major source of water supply especially in most rural communities in Nigeria, in addition to rainwater and surface water bodies. For this reason, there has been a consistent demand for groundwater through the construction of borehole and hand dug wells. In spite of this experience, however, there has been an increased concern as to the safety of groundwater for human consumption, following reported cases of the occurrence of heavy metals and several bacteria in groundwater which by nature are injurious to human health. This paper in response to this, examined the occurrence of heavy metals in groundwater samples taken from thirty locations in Odeda in Abeokuta region of Ogun State. A total of sixty samples were obtained from boreholes and hand dugged wells drawn from some location in the town and taken to the laboratory for analysis. Heavy metals such as nickel, copper, zinc, lead, iron and arsenic were analyzed Instruments such as water spectrophotometer, turbidity meter, incubator, pH Meter, arsenic kits, were used for the analysis and detection of heavy metals. Result showed that there were heavy occurrences of zinc, lead, nickel in all the sample taking from hand dug wells. There were also traces of arsenic in most of the handdugged wells whereas there were no traces in the borehole samples. The levels of heavy metals found in the well samples were outside the limits specified by World Health Organization (WHO). The implications of the result for the management and use of groundwater in the study area were identified and discussed and recommendations preferred so as to how water obtain from hand dug wells and boreholes can be better treated for human use.
Shortcut Learning Explanations for Deep Natural Language Processing: A Survey on Dataset Biases

The introduction of pre-trained large language models (LLMs) has transformed NLP by fine-tuning task-specific datasets, enabling notable advancements in news classification, language translation, and sentiment analysis. This has revolutionized the field, driving remarkable breakthroughs and progress. However, the growing recognition of bias in textual data has emerged as a critical focus in the NLP community, revealing the inherent limitations of models trained on specific datasets. LLMs exploit these dataset biases and artifacts as expedient shortcuts for prediction. The reliance of LLMs on dataset bias and artifacts as shortcuts for prediction has hindered their generalizability and adversarial robustness. Addressing this issue is crucial to enhance the reliability and resilience of LLMs in various contexts. This survey provides a comprehensive overview of the rapidly growing body of research on shortcut learning in language models, classifying the research into four main areas: the factors of shortcut learning, the origin of bias, the detection methods of dataset biases, and understanding mitigation strategies to address data biases. The goal of this study is to offer a contextualized, in-depth look at the state of learning models, highlighting the major areas of attention and suggesting possible directions for further research.
SLOW FAULT PROPAGATION IN SERPENTINITE UNDER CONDITIONS OF HIGH PORE FLUID PRESSURE

Abstract The rupture, localization, and slip of faults in serpentinite were studied under varying pore fluid pressure conditions to understand deformation mechanisms potentially responsible for slow slip in fault zones. Experiments were conducted at a constant effective confining pressure of 10 MPa and under pore fluid pressures from 0 to 120 MPa and at temperatures from 23 to 110 °C. With no fluid pressure, faulting occurs rapidly and audibly, and the duration of failure increases monotonically with increasing fluid pressure and temperature. Although non-dilatant during initial strain hardening, the serpentinite dilates during strain weakening concomitant with fault rupture and slip. Non-dilatant strain hardening occurs by microcracking along serpentine basal planes and grain boundaries and rarely in mode I orientations, consistent with previous studies. Dilatant fault rupture produces a network of transgranular shear fractures in conjugate orientations, generally with one dominant fracture. Structural observations show that as fluid pressure increases, the number of transgranular fractures increases. We propose that when faulting occurs over a distributed zone rather than a pre-existing principal slip surface, dilatant hardening causes deformation to migrate. This process causes an increase in slip weakening distance and fracture energy at elevated fluid pressures that can lead to more stable failure. Further, thermally-activated processes caused deformation at propagating crack tips, which also increases the slip weakening distance and the effective fracture energy with increasing temperature. Given the geologic settings for slow slip, our results indicate that high fluid pressure, distributed deformation, and thermally-activated processes may all contribute to slow fault rupture and slip.
Adoption Of E-Commerce In Small And Medium-Sized Enterprises In Bogor District

In recent years, e-commerce has emerged as one of the most rapidly expanding commercial trends. This trend is propelled by the growing prevalence of internet access and the widespread adoption of smartphones in society. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role in the Indonesian economy. The transformation of SMEs must continue to be strengthened through optimizing the use of digital technology so that it can attract benefits for marketing activities and product sales. digital marketing is the most chosen area to start. The challenge is that as many as 30.9% of SMEs still experience difficulties in digital adoption. The objective of this study is to examine the determinants that impact the implementation of electronic commerce by small and medium-sized enterprises in Bogor Regency. This study used an online survey methodology, with a sample size of 170 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located in Bogor Regency. Data processing was conducted utilizing spreadsheet apps and SmartPLS. The findings indicated that perceived utility, external influences, and attitude towards adopting e-commerce are influential and statistically significant factors in promoting e-commerce adoption. Regarding the perceived ease of use, the attitude towards adopting e-commerce is not influenced by technical readiness and organizational readiness. This research has several implications for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), government entities, and e-commerce administrators. This research demonstrates the imperative for SMEs to enhance their knowledge and skills in utilizing e-commerce, while also enhancing their organizational governance and receptiveness to change, particularly at the top management level. The government requires consistency in offering support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in their use of e-commerce, including training, financial aid, and innovation.
Microbial Profile, Antimicrobial Susceptibility, and Prevalence of MDR/XDR Pathogens Causing Medical Device Associated Infections: A Single Center Study

Abstract Background There is a scarcity of studies evaluating the microbial profile, antimicrobial susceptibility, and prevalence of MDR/XDR pathogens causing medical device-associated infections (MDAIs). The present study was sought in this regard. Materials and methods An ambispective-observational, site-specific, surveillance-based study was performed for a period of 2 years in the intensive care unit (ICU) and high dependency unit (HDU) (medicine/surgery) of a Tertiary-care University Hospital. Three commonly encountered MDAIs including central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), were targeted. Results and conclusion Of the total 90 patients, 46 (51.1%) were admitted to the ICU (medicine/surgery), and the remaining 44 (48.8%) were admitted to the HDU (medicine/surgery). The median (P25–P75) age of the total patients was 55 (43.1–62.3) years. Male 61 (67.8%) preponderance was observed. Sixty-two of 90 (68.9%) were immunocompromised. A total of 104 pathogens causing MDAIs were isolated. Staphylococcus epidermidis (CoNS), and Staphylococcus capitis were commonly isolated multi-drug resistant (MDR) gram-positive pathogens causing MDAIs. Similarly, carba-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and carba-resistant Acinetobacter baumanni were commonly isolated MDR gram-negative pathogens causing MDAIs. Five of 9 (55.5%) K. pneumoniae and three of 9 (33.3%) S. maltophilia isolates were found to be extensively drug resistant. Among Candida, C. parapsilosis was the most prevalent fungal pathogen causing CLABSI and CAUTI in patients admitted to ICU/HDU. How to cite this article Suryawanshi VR, Pawar A, Purandare B, Vijayvargiya N, Sancheti S, Philip S, et al. Microbial Profile, Antimicrobial Susceptibility, and Prevalence of MDR/XDR Pathogens Causing Medical Device Associated Infections: A Single Center Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(2):152–164.
In the Rat Hippocampus, Pilocarpine-Induced Status Epilepticus Is Associated with Reactive Glia and Concomitant Increased Expression of CD31, PDGFRβ, and Collagen IV in Endothelial Cells and Pericytes of the Blood–Brain Barrier

In humans and animal models, temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is associated with reorganization of hippocampal neuronal networks, gliosis, neuroinflammation, and loss of integrity of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). More than 30% of epilepsies remain intractable, and characterization of the molecular mechanisms involved in BBB dysfunction is essential to the identification of new therapeutic strategies. In this work, we induced status epilepticus in rats through injection of the proconvulsant drug pilocarpine, which leads to TLE. Using RT-qPCR, double immunohistochemistry, and confocal imaging, we studied the regulation of reactive glia and vascular markers at different time points of epileptogenesis (latent phase—3, 7, and 14 days; chronic phase—1 and 3 months). In the hippocampus, increased expression of mRNA encoding the glial proteins GFAP and Iba1 confirmed neuroinflammatory status. We report for the first time the concomitant induction of the specific proteins CD31, PDGFRβ, and ColIV—which peak at the same time points as inflammation—in the endothelial cells, pericytes, and basement membrane of the BBB. The altered expression of these proteins occurs early in TLE, during the latent phase, suggesting that they could be associated with the early rupture and pathogenicity of the BBB that will contribute to the chronic phase of epilepsy.
Child-Sized Gaps in the System: Case Studies of Child Suicidality and Support Within the Australian Healthcare System

While children both understand the concept of, and have died by, suicide, little research has been conducted on children's experiences of healthcare systems during and after a suicidal crisis. This article focuses on three case studies of mothers with suicidal daughters and aims to describe the health service experiences of parents whose children have attempted suicide. The case studies were selected as exemplars of three different healthcare experiences of mothers with suicidal daughters younger than 16 years of age. Interviews were conducted with the mothers, focusing on their experiences when trying to find care for their daughters after a suicide attempt. A ‘dirty text’ analysis was undertaken on the transcripts, which aimed to find potential redemption within stories of trauma. Narratives were analysed to see how their stories were told, but also how experiences could be shared or be dissimilar. Significant gaps currently exist in the care and support provided to suicidal children, particularly in the critical post-discharge phase. Adults were not always able to recognise when a child was suicidal, or sometimes take that suicidality seriously. Support must often be proactively sought, and even organisations that are meant to target children and adolescents may not always provide appropriate care.
Colostrum composition and performance of Damascus goats raised under Sudan conditions

The present study was conducted to evaluate colostrum composition and performance of Damascus goats raised under climate of Sudan. Thirteen Damascus goats at their first parity were selected from a flock owned by the Mamlakat El-Nahal farm in Jabal Awlia, Khartoum state. The traits recorded for the study were age and body weight of dams at first mating and kidding, birth weight and body weight of kids at 2nd and 3rd months of age. The average age of the does at first mating and kidding were 10 and 16.5 months, respectively. Meanwhile the average body weight of the does at first kidding was 56 kg. The average birth weights (kg) of male and female kids were 3.63± 0.03 and 3.47±0.024, respectively. Colostrum was collected daily and the composition was analyzed. The colostral constituents viz. protein, protein fractions, total solids and ash were significantly (P< 0.05) higher in the first day and then decreased sharply in the second day, whereas fat content was found to be stable. The βlactoglobulin content of colostrum was significantly (P<0.05) higher on the day of kidding (2.01±0.02 mg/ kg) and decreased sharply on the second day (0.45±0.02 mg/ kg). However, all the constituents were significantly (P<0.05) higher in colostrum as compared to milk. Further the concentration of milk constituents were found to decrease as lactation progressed. Moreover all chemical constituents showed significantly (P<0.05) higher levels in the colostrum compared to milk samples and they reduced with the progress of lactation. The present study concluded that Damascus goats can thrive with suitable milk production efficiency in Sudan. Further research is required with respect to the effect of different parity, nutrition and general heath of milking goat under the harsh climate of Sudan.
Tertiary Trauma Survey on Emergency Department Observational Units: A Systematic Literature Review

In today's competitive world with a fast-paced lifestyle, trauma is on the rise and is globally recognized as the leading cause of mortality, morbidity, and disability. Despite the development of major trauma centers and the introduction of advanced trauma training courses and management guidelines, there remains a substantial risk of missed or delayed diagnosis of injuries with potentially life-changing physical, emotional, and financial implications. The proportion of such incidents is potentially higher in busy emergency departments and developing countries with fewer dedicated major trauma centers or where focused emergency and trauma training and skills development is still in its infancy. In the last decade, tertiary trauma surveys have been recognized as an important re-assessment protocol in reducing such missed injuries or delayed diagnoses in patients involved in major trauma. This naturally leads to the presumption that tertiary trauma surveys could also play an important role in observational medicine. This also brings into question whether a standardized tertiary trauma survey of major trauma patients on emergency observation units could reduce missed injuries, especially in low-income countries with fewer resources and trauma expertise. Thus, the purpose of this systematic literature review is to explore the potential role of tertiary trauma survey as a tool to reducing missed or delayed diagnosis in the emergency observation units and its applicability and feasibility in less-developed healthcare systems and in low- and middle-income countries. A broad-based systematic literature review was conducted to include electronic databases, grey literature, reference lists, and bibliographies using the keywords: tertiary trauma survey, major trauma, observational medicine, emergency observation units, clinical decision unit, adult, missed injuries, and delayed diagnosis. Over 19,000 citations were identified on initial search. Following a review of abstracts, application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, and review of the full article, 19 publications were finally selected for the purpose of this systematic literature review. Current evidence shows a general trend that tertiary trauma surveys performed 24 hours after admission play an important role in identifying injuries missed at the time of initial primary and secondary survey, and its implementation in observational medicine could prove beneficial, especially in resource-depleted healthcare systems.
Factors Related to Bacillus thuringiensis and Gut Physiology. Comment on Rajan, V. An Alkaline Foregut Protects Herbivores from Latex in Forage, but Increases Their Susceptibility to Bt Endotoxin. Life 2023, 13, 2195

A recent article has proposed that alkaline guts may lead to a general susceptibility to the biological control agent Bacillus thuringiensis and the pesticidal proteins derived from it. An analysis of the literature presented here clarifies our knowledge on the activity and safety of these agents, indicating that alkaline guts are not determinant of sensitivity and that the generalized conclusions proposed in the previous article cannot be substantiated.
A Retrospective Stated Preference Approach to Assessment of Coastal Infrastructure Investments: An Application to Barbados

Ex-post economic impact evaluations are standard requirements for loans and grants from multilateral international development institutions. In many cases, however, lack of sufficient baseline or historical data, or the very nature of the investment itself renders orthodox economic impact evaluation approaches unviable. Nonetheless, evaluations are required to provide an indication of the benefits generated by the investment and insights for future program design. Addressing this challenge, this paper develops an ecosystem service, retrospective stated preferences approach to assess the benefits of a coastal infrastructure investment in Barbados. Results show that the investment generated cultural and aesthetic ecosystem service benefits for tourists and residents, and that local businesses derived value and avoided some damage costs from the enhancement of regulatory ecosystem services. The approach is versatile facing data constraints and generates policy-relevant information to support decisions to scale up interventions, catalyze additional investment, and provide data on user preferences that can be incorporated in the design of future interventions.
Significance of age and gender diversity in auditors and clients decisions: Case study of Serbia

Purpose: This paper highlights that the age and gender of the client board matters when deciding about the type of auditing company to do the audit and the type of opinion they get from the auditor. Design/Methodology: We took secondary data from audit reports issued to private and public corporations containing qualified, disclaimer, and adverse opinions and derived certain conclusions about the possible age and gender board member influence on those decisions. The research methodology was based on descriptive statistics and data correlation analysis. The sample consists of 62 companies' audit reports with qualified opinions. Findings: Board members in their golden age and women as board members are better negotiators than other age and gender groups in this context. Originality: When the board is dominated or has an older female, it will rather engage in contracts with the local audit companies. On the other hand, a board dominated by younger male members engaging with local audit companies, when a qualifying opinion is given. The results do not confirm the research questions because the age and gender of the board members have mixed effects when choosing the audit company and the decision to be made.
Llandovery (early Silurian) crinoids from Hiiumaa Island, western Estonia

Abstract. Rhuddanian crinoid faunas are poorly known globally, making this new fauna from the Hilliste Formation of western Estonian especially significant. The Hilliste fauna is the oldest Silurian fauna known from the Baltica paleocontinent, thus this is the first example of the crinoid recovery fauna after the Late Ordovician mass extinction. Hiiumaacrinus vinni n. gen. n. sp. , Protaxocrinus estoniensis n. sp. , Eomyelodactylus sp. , calceocrinids, and five holdfast types are reported here. Although the fauna has relatively few taxa, it is among the most diverse Rhuddanian faunas known. Similar to other Rhuddanian crinoid faunas elsewhere, the Hilliste crinoid fauna contains crinoids belonging the Dimerocrinitidae, Taxocrinidae, Calceocrinidae, and Myelodactylidae; most elements of the new fauna are quite small, perhaps indicative of the Lilliput Effect.