Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using Embedding-based Metrics to Expedite Patients Recruitment Process for Clinical Trials

—Despite the unprecedented volumes of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) generated daily across healthcare facilities, the ability to leverage these data for patient participation in clinical trial remains overwhelmingly unfulﬁlled. The reason behind this is that matching patient information to the eligibility criteria for clinical trials is a manual, effort-consuming process. Therefore, automating this process is an essential step in improving the number of patients participating in clinical research. To address this issue, we propose a novel framework for automated patients to clinical trials matching. The matching process is based on measuring the similarity score between phrases extracted from patient medical records and the eligibility criterion for a trial. Our solution is based on a combination of NLP techniques and modern deep learning-based NLP models. In this context, we follow pre-training and transfer learning approaches to help the model learn task-speciﬁc reasoning skills. Additionally, we perform supervised ﬁne-tuning on large Medical Natural Language Inference (MedNLI) and Semantic Textual Similarity (STS-B) datasets. The matching process was performed at semantic phrases level by converting patient information and trial criteria into vector representations. We then used a scoring function that combined cosine similarity and scaling normalization to identify potential patient-trial matches. The experimental results have shown that our framework is highly effective in sorting out patients by their similarity scores.
Taurine effects on Bisphenol A-induced oxidative stress in the mouse testicular mitochondria and sperm motility

Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the protective effects of taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, TAU) on oxidative stress in the isolated mouse testicular mitochondria, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), viability and motility of the exposed sperms to the BPA. Methods: We treated epididymal spermatozoa obtained from mice and isolated mouse testicular mitochondria with BPA (0.8 mmol/mL) and various doses of TAU (5, 10, 30 and 50 µmol/L). We used the MTT assay and Rhodamine 123 uptake to assess sperm viability and MMP. We assessed the oxidative stress through measuring ROS (reactive oxygen species), MDA (malondialdehyde), GSH (glutathione), and SOD (super-oxide dismutase) levels in the testicular mitochondrial tissue. Results: BPA significantly elevated ROS, MDA and MMP levels, and markedly reduced SOD and GSH levels in the isolated mitochondria. BPA also considerably impaired spermatozoa viability and motility. Pretreatment with 30 and 50 µmol/L of TAU could considerably suppressed mitochondrial oxidative stress, enhanced MMP, and improved sperm motility and viability. Conclusion: TAU may attenuate the BPA-induced mitochondrial toxicity and impaired sperm motility via decreasing oxidative stress.
Functional Properties of Hydrolysates from Proteolysis of Heat‐denatured Whey Protein Isolate

Heat-denatured whey protein isolate was hydrolyzed with trypsin, α-chymotrypsin, Alcalase or Neutrase to 2.8, 4.3, 6.0 or 8.0% degree of hydrolysis. Hydrolysates were fractionated by ultrafiltration and freeze-dried. Protein content of retentates showed little variation but permeates differed with enzyme. Surface hydrophobicity increased with hydrolysis but was not linear except for α-chymotrypsin. Ultrafiltration increased solubility and the permeates and retentates had better solubility than hydrolysates. Retentates had higher emulsifying activity index than hydrolysates while permeates did not form stable emulsions. Permeates formed stable foams but hydrolysates and retentates showed poor foaming characteristics. Specificity of the enzyme, and degree of hydrolysis influenced the functional properties of the peptides. Fractions generated by trypsin, at all levels of hydrolysis generally had higher solubility, emulsifying properties and foaming properties. Permeates from Alcalase hydrolysis had the best foam capacity but low foam stability.
Micromechanics of Stress-Softening and Hysteresis of Filler Reinforced Elastomers with Applications to Thermo-Oxidative Aging

A micromechanical concept of filler-induced stress-softening and hysteresis is established that describes the complex quasi-static deformation behavior of filler reinforced rubbers upon repeated stretching with increasing amplitude. It is based on a non-affine tube model of rubber elasticity and a distinct deformation and fracture mechanics of filler clusters in the stress field of the rubber matrix. For the description of the clusters we refer to a three-dimensional generalization of the Kantor–Webman model of flexible chain aggregates with distinct bending–twisting and tension deformation of bonds. The bending–twisting deformation dominates the elasticity of filler clusters in elastomers while the tension deformation is assumed to be mainly responsible for fracture. The cluster mechanics is described in detail in the theoretical section, whereby two different fracture criteria of filler–filler bonds are considered, denoted “monodisperse” and “hierarchical” bond fracture mechanism. Both concepts are compared in the experimental section, where stress–strain cycles of a series of ethylene–propylene–diene rubber (EPDM) composites with various thermo-oxidative aging histories are evaluated. It is found that the “hierarchical” bond fracture mechanism delivers better fits and more stable fitting parameters, though the evolution of fitting parameters with aging time is similar for both models. From the adaptations it is concluded that the crosslinking density remains almost constant, indicating that the sulfur bridges in EPDM networks are mono-sulfidic, and hence, quite stable—even at 130 °C aging temperature. The hardening of the composites with increasing aging time is mainly attributed to the relaxation of filler–filler bonds, which results in an increased stiffness and strength of the bonds. Finally, a frame-independent simplified version of the stress-softening model is proposed that allows for an easy implementation into numerical codes for fast FEM simulations
Risk Factors Associated with Low Back Pain among A Group of 1510 Pregnant Women

Background: Low Back Pain (LBP) is a frequent, very common, and costly health problem. LBP, which occurs during pregnancy, may become a lifelong problem. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with LBP in pregnant women. Methods: The study included 1510 pregnant women. A questionnaire assessing demography, lifestyle, prevalence, and characteristics was designed and used in the study. Pain intensity was assessed with the VAS (Visual Analogue Scale). The RMDQ (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire) was used to assess the effect that low back pain had on the functional capacity of a pregnant woman. Middle (thoracic) and low back pain disability was measured with the help of the ODI (Oswestry Disability Index) questionnaire. Results: The study confirmed that lying/sleeping (49.6%) and sitting positions (38.7%) as well as walking (37.2%) are the most significant factors causing LBP. It was also found that women who had not engaged in physical activity were more likely to experience LBP. Conclusions: Predisposing factors for LBP in pregnancy are LBP in previous pregnancies, back pain during menstruation, a younger age and a lack of physical activity. Most women in pregnancy with LBP experienced minimal and mild disability.
Longitudinal Association of Built Environment Pattern with Physical Activity in a Community-Based Cohort of Elderly Hong Kong Chinese: A Latent Profile Analysis

A large number of studies have focused on the associations between single built environment (BE) characteristics and physical activity (PA). Combinations of BE characteristics offer a more comprehensive approach to identify the BE–PA associations. We aimed to examine the BE–PA associations in a cohort of elderly Hong Kong Chinese. Between 2001 and 2003, 3944 participants (65–98 years of age) were recruited and followed for a mean of 7.8 years. BE characteristics were assessed via geographic information system. PA levels were obtained using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly questionnaire at baseline and three follow-ups. Latent profile analysis was first conducted to classify the BE characteristics, and linear mixed-effects models were then used to explore the longitudinal associations between the BE classes and changes in the PA levels. Three classes of BE were identified. Class 3 (characterized by greater green space and sky view factor) demonstrated a significant decline in household PA (β = −1.26, 95% confidence interval: −2.20, −0.33) during the study period, and a slower decline in walking PA (1.19 (0.42, 1.95)) compared with Class 2 (characterized by a greater proportion of residential land use). Our results indicate that BE patterns characterized by high green space and a sky view factor may help promote the walking PA level.
LDPC-Coded CAP with Spatial Diversity for UVLC Systems over Generalized-Gamma Fading Channel

In this paper, low-density parity-check (LDPC)-coded carrierless amplitude and phase (CAP) modulation with spatial diversity is proposed to mitigate turbulence-induced fading in an underwater visible-light communication (UVLC) channel. Generalized-gamma (GG) distribution was used to model the fading, as this model is valid for weak- and strong-turbulence regimes. On the basis of the characteristic function (CHF) of GG random variables, we derived an approximated bit-error rate (BER) for the CAP modulation scheme with spatial diversity and equal-gain combining (EGC). Furthermore, we simulated the performance of the CAP system with diversity and LDPC for various turbulence conditions and validated the analysis. Obtained results showed that the combination of LDPC and spatial diversity is effective in mitigating turbulence-induced fading, especially when turbulence strength is strong.
Public health risk of O157 and Non-O157 Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli strains in a semi-urban environment in Nigeria

Vehicles of shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections can be quite broad and under reported especially in the rural and semi-urban communities in the developing countries, suggestive of silent and high prevalence which is a public health risk. This may not be unconnected with acute renal failure cases in children and adolescents in the developing countries as STEC related infections have been associated with the few investigated among many un-investigated cases. In this study, multiplex PCR molecular profiling showed high prevalence (27.9%) of STEC strains in the environment studied, majority of which were the non-O157: H serotypes. Sixty-two (86%) of the E. coli16SrRNA gene positive isolates were positive for stx1, stx2 or both. Two O157: H serotypes were identified, twenty-five (40%) as non-O157: H+ (motile) and 34 (54%) classified as non-O157: H- (non-motile) serotypes. There was a marked heterogeneity in the STEC strains identified in this study, suggesting that the ecology of STEC seems more complex in the environment studied than elsewhere likely enhanced by commercial, social and cultural practices. The results of this study revealed an alarming prevalence of non-O157 serotypes and a few O157 serotypes in the environment studied which is a public health risk and could serve as a point of outbreak or sporadic cases globally as the world today is a global village. Key words: Multiplex polymerase chian reaction (PCR), Escherichia coli.
Subcellular distribution and compartmentalization of arsenic in Pteris vittata L.

The subcellular distribution of arsenic (As) in Pteris vittata L. , an As-hyperaccumulator, was studied to determine As compartmentalization and to explore the mechanisms that confer As tolerance. When the plant was grown in a nutrient solution without additional As, most of the accumulated As was isolated to the cell wall. However, in plants growing in a nutrient solution containing 0.1 or 0.2 mmol/L As, approximately 78% of the total As accumulated within the pinna. The proportions of As accumulation in the cytoplasmic supernatant fraction were 78% of that in the pinna and 61% of that in the plant. In either treatment group (0.1 or 0.2 mmol/L As), the fraction containing the lowest level of As was the organelle fraction. These results suggest that As accumulates in the pinna where it is primarily distributed in the cytoplasmic supernatant fraction. The role of As compartmentalization may be intricately linked with As detoxification in P. vittata L.
Hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic and aqueous extract of Terminalia belerica in rats

Summary Hepatoprotective activity of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Terminalia belerica Roxb. of the family Combretaceae was studied in Wistar rats using the ethanol-induced liver hepatotoxicty. Ethanol administration resulted in significant elevation of physical parameters (Viz. rat liver weight and liver volume), biochemical parameters like (Viz. serum aspirate transaminase (AST); alanine transminase (ALT); alkaline phasphatase (ALP); direct bilirubin and total bilirubin levels, while albumin and total protein were found to be decreased compared to normal group). Pretreatment with silymarin, ethanolic extract of Terminalia belerica (ALTB) and aqueous extract of Terminalia belerica (AQTB) significantly prevented the physical and biochemical changes induced by these hepatotoxins. Histopathology of liver confirmed our finding as the treatment with the extracts resulted in minor liver cell damage compared to toxic control group. The hepatoprotective effect offered by ALTB (400 mg/kg, p.o.) was found to be significantly greater than AQTB (400 mg/kg, p.o.) and standard (silymarin 50 mg/kg, p.o.) group.
Prevalence and associated factors of skipping breakfast among university students from 28 countries: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Skipping breakfast can negatively affect one's health. Objective The study aimed to assess the prevalence and correlates of skipping breakfast among university students in 28 countries. Methods Using a cross-sectional study design, 21,958 university students with a median age of 20 years from 28 mainly low – and middle-income countries, replied to self-reported measures of breakfast consumption, health risk behaviours, mental health measures and protective factors. Results Indicates that 48.0% of students skipped breakfast (never, rarely or sometimes had breakfast). In adjusted multinomial logistic regression, living away from home, perceived overweight, inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, physical inactivity, short sleep, long sleep, depression and in a physical fight were associated with infrequent and/or frequent skipping breakfast. Conclusion Almost two in five students skipped breakfast, and several factors were identified that can be targeted in intervention programmes.
Genetic study on economic traits of first lactation in Murrah buffaloes

First lactation 300 days milk yield was found to be significantly influenced by farm, period and age-group. Similarly, first lactation period and first dry Period were influenced by all the nongenetic factors except age-group which only had significant effect on number of services per conception. The effects due to farm and season of calving were found to be significant for first service period and first calving interval. The heritability estimates of 300 d FLY, FLP, WFC, FDP, FSP, NS/C and FCI were 0.18±0.07, 0.15±0.07, 0.28±0.08, 0.24±0.08, 0.11±0.06, 0.11±0.06, and 0.27±0.08 respectively. Based on genetic correlations among the traits it could be concluded that buffaloes with longer FLP, higher WFC, shorter FDP, less NS/C and shorter FCI exhibit better performance for first lactation milk yield.
Differential effects of warming and nutrient loading on the timing and size of the spring zooplankton peak: an experimental approach with hypertrophic freshwater mesocosms.

In shallow lakes, environmental warming and nutrient loading are important influences on the likelihood of a shift between clear and turbid ecosystem states. With temperatures and nutrient runoff predicted to increase within the next decades, climate change poses a threat to lake communities. However, current predictions on the effect of these environmental factors on the abundance and timing of peak zooplankton numbers are based on correlations rather than on experimental isolation of thermal from other confounding effects. We present results of warming (4°C above ambient) and increased nutrient loading on plankton communities in 48 outdoor mesocosms, simulating fishless and hypertrophic ponds. The timing of the chlorophyll a peak and crustacean zooplankton peak abundance, dominated by Daphnia pulex, responded strongly to temperature and nutrient addition. Daphnia numbers reached peaks 22–24 days earlier in heated than in unheated mesocosms. The chlorophyll a peak abundance advanced by 15–19 days with heating. Phytoplankton, total zooplankton and D. pulex reached peak abundance 12–19 days later when doses of nitrogen and phosphorus were added; this finding contradicts predicted earlier phytoplankton and zooplankton spring peak abundances with nutrient enrichment. Peak zooplankton and D. pulex abundances did not differ with temperature treatment, contrary to our expectations, but peak abundances occurred at similar actual temperatures. Nutrient additions had no effect on the peak zooplankton and D. pulex abundances in our mesocosms. Overall, climate warming is likely to advance plankton phenology in fishless ponds; however, this advance could be dampened in systems with high nutrient concentration. We found very high zooplankton abundances with warming and high nutrient loadings inducing a clear water state in all our tanks owing to heavy zooplankton grazing despite high nutrient concentrations
Reappraisal of hermit crab species (Crustacea: Anomura: Paguridea) reported by Camill Heller in 1861, 1862 and 1865

Redescriptions based on the type material are presented for 11 species of hermit crabs described as new by Camill Heller (HELLER 1861a, c, 1862, 1865): Coenobita violascens HELLER, 1862, Diogenes avarus HELLER, 1865 - for which a lectotype is designated, Diogenes senex HELLER, 1865, Pagurus varipes HELLER, 1861 [= Dardanus tinctor (FORSKAL, 1775)], Pagurus depressus HELLER, 1861 [= Dardanus lagopodos (FORSKAL, 1775)], Calcinus rosaceus HELLER, 1861, Calcinus nitidus HELLER, 1865, Clibanarius carnifex HELLER, 1861, Clibanarius signatus HELLER, 1861, Paguristes barbatus (HELLER, 1862) and Paguristes ciliatus HELLER, 1862. For 7 of those, detailed figures are provided. In addition, the material from the Red Sea along with the hermit crabs obtained during the circumnavigation of the earth by the frigate 'Novara' and identified by him have been reevaluated and necessary corrections made.
Mineral metabolism of pregnant goats under feed restriction

We examined the effects of feed restriction on calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and potassium metabolism in Oberhasli and Saanen goats during gestation. The 63 goats were distributed into groups that were divided into three levels of feed restriction (0%, 20% and 40% restriction) and slaughtered at different pregnancy stages (80, 110 and 140 days of gestation), in a randomised block design with a 2 × 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. The mineral balance was determined at ~80, 110 and 140 days of gestation. The serum levels of minerals and alkaline phosphatase activity were determined during pregnancy. Mineral retention in the maternal body, femur, empty uterus, mammary gland, fetus and fetal fluid was also determined during gestation. Bone mineral density was measured in the femur. Mixed models with days of gestation, levels of feed restriction, breed and their interactions as fixed effects and blocks as random effect were used for data analysis. In response to the reduction in feed intake, the maternal body uses its mineral reserves to maintain gestation. Physiological adjustments of the goats subjected to 20% feed restriction avoided a decrease in fetal mineral deposition. More severe feed restriction, however, compromised concentrations of phosphorus, sodium and potassium in the fetus, which were the main minerals used by the maternal body, whereas calcium and magnesium deposition in fetuses remained unaffected. At 40% feed restriction, the retention of all minerals in the body decreased, and the fetal dry mass was on average also less than those fetuses from goats without feed restriction. The fetal deposition of phosphorus, sodium and potassium was also lower during 40% restriction.
Antisera to y-Aminobutyric Acid.

An antiserum to y-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was tested for the localization of GABAergic neurons in the central nervous system using the unlabeled antibody enzyme method under pre- and postembedding conditions. GABA immunostaining was compared with glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) immunoreactivity in the cerebellar cortex and in normal and colchicine-injected neocortex and hippocampus of cat. The types, distribution, and proportion of neurons and nerve terminals stained with either sera showed good agreement in all areas. Colchicine treatment had littie effect on the density of GABA-immunoreactive cells but increased the number ofGAD-positive cells to the level of GABA-positive neurons in normal tissue. GABA immunoreactivity was abolished by solid phase adsorption to
The Influence of Cyclosporin Immunosuppression on the Efficacy of Famciclovir or Valaciclovir Chemotherapy Studied in a Murine Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection Model

Mice with or without immunosuppression by cyclosporin (Cy) were inoculated with herpes simplex virus type 1 in the ear pinna. Without immunosuppression, 20% of the mice died; clinical signs resolved in survivors and infectious virus was cleared by 7 to 10 days post-inoculation (p.i.). With Cy, mortality was 50%, clinical signs increased and infectious virus persisted. Mice were treated with either valaciclovir (VACV) or famciclovir (FCV) from days 1–5 or 5–10 p.i. and both compounds moderated the disease, but only FCV led to rapid restoration of body weight and complete protection from mortality. Resolution of clinical signs was more marked with immunosuppression. On cessation of VACV therapy, infectious virus recurred on individual days. Without immunosuppression, recurrence was detected in neural tissues only, but with Cy, infectious virus also recurred in skin. No recurrences of infectious virus were observed in any FCV-treated mice.