Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inherited Retinal Degeneration: PARP-Dependent Activation of Calpain Requires CNG Channel Activity

Inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) are a group of blinding diseases, typically involving a progressive loss of photoreceptors. The IRD pathology is often based on an accumulation of cGMP in photoreceptors and associated with the excessive activation of calpain and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Inhibitors of calpain or PARP have shown promise in preventing photoreceptor cell death, yet the relationship between these enzymes remains unclear. To explore this further, organotypic retinal explant cultures derived from wild-type and IRD-mutant mice were treated with inhibitors specific for calpain, PARP, and voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs). The outcomes were assessed using in situ activity assays for calpain and PARP and immunostaining for activated calpain-2, poly (ADP-ribose), and cGMP, as well as the TUNEL assay for cell death detection. The IRD models included the Pde6b-mutant rd1 mouse and rd1*Cngb1−/− double-mutant mice, which lack the beta subunit of the rod cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel and are partially protected from rd1 degeneration. We confirmed that an inhibition of either calpain or PARP reduces photoreceptor cell death in rd1 retina. However, while the activity of calpain was decreased by the inhibition of PARP, calpain inhibition did not alter the PARP activity. A combination treatment with calpain and PARP inhibitors did not synergistically reduce cell death. In the slow degeneration of rd1*Cngb1−/− double mutant, VGCC inhibition delayed photoreceptor cell death, while PARP inhibition did not. Our results indicate that PARP acts upstream of calpain and that both are part of the same degenerative pathway in Pde6b-dependent photoreceptor degeneration. While PARP activation may be associated with CNG channel activity, calpain activation is linked to VGCC opening. Overall, our data highlights PARP as a target for therapeutic interventions in IRD-type diseases.
Reinforcement Learning Based Relay Selection for Underwater Acoustic Cooperative Networks

In the complex and dynamically varying underwater acoustic (UWA) channel, cooperative communication can improve throughput for UWA sensor networks. In this paper, we design a reasonable relay selection strategy for efficient cooperation with reinforcement learning (RL), considering the characteristics of UWA channel variation and long transmission delay. The proposed scheme establishes effective state and reward expression to better reveal the relationship between RL and UWA environment. Meanwhile, simulated annealing (SA) algorithm is integrated with RL to improve the performance of relay selection, where exploration rate of RL is dynamically adapted by SA optimization through the temperature decline rate. Furthermore, the fast reinforcement learning (FRL) strategy with pre-training process is proposed for practical UWA network implementation. The whole proposed SA-FRL scheme has been evaluated by both simulation and experimental data. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed relay selection scheme can converge more quickly than classical RL and random selection with the increase of the number of iterations. The reward, access delay and data rate of SA-FRL can converge at the highest value and are close to the ideal optimum value. All in all, the proposed SA-FRL relay selection scheme can improve the communication efficiency through the selection of the relay nodes with high link quality and low access delay.
From Ties to Events in the Analysis of Interorganizational Exchange Relations

Relational event models expand the analytical possibilities of existing statistical models for interorganizational networks by: (i) making efficient use of information contained in the sequential ordering of observed events connecting sending and receiving units; (ii) accounting for the intensity of the relation between exchange partners, and (iii) distinguishing between short- and long-term network effects. We introduce a recently developed relational event model (REM) for the analysis of continuously observed interorganizational exchange relations. The combination of efficient sampling algorithms and sender-based stratification makes the models that we present particularly useful for the analysis of very large samples of relational event data generated by interaction among heterogeneous actors. We demonstrate the empirical value of event-oriented network models in two different settings for interorganizational exchange relations—that is, high-frequency overnight transactions among European banks and patient-sharing relations within a community of Italian hospitals. We focus on patterns of direct and generalized reciprocity while accounting for more complex forms of dependence present in the data. Empirical results suggest that distinguishing between degree- and intensity-based network effects, and between short- and long-term effects is crucial to our understanding of the dynamics of interorganizational dependence and exchange relations. We discuss the general implications of these results for the analysis of social interaction data routinely collected in organizational research to examine the evolutionary dynamics of social networks within and between organizations.
Novel Multi-Vehicle Motion-Based Model of Trolleybus Grids towards Smarter Urban Mobility

Trolleybus systems are resurfacing as a steppingstone to carbon-neutral urban transport. With an eye on smart city evolution, the study and simulation of a proper monitoring system for trolleybus infrastructures will be essential. This paper merges the authors’ engineering knowledge and sources available in the literature on designing and modeling catenary-based electric traction networks and performs a critical review of them to lay the foundations for proposing possible optimal alternatives. A novel multi-vehicle motion-based model of the DC catenary system is then devised and simulated in Matlab-Simulink, which could prove useful in predicting possible technical obstacles arising from the next-future introduction of smart electric traction grids, inevitably featuring greater morphological intricacy. The modularity property characterizing the created model allows an accurate, detailed, and flexible simulation of sophisticated catenary systems. By means of graphical and numerical results illustrating the behavior of the main electrical line parameters, the presented approach demonstrates today’s obsolescence of conventional design methods used so far. The trolleybus network of the city of Bologna was chosen as a case study.
MUC21 induces the viability and migration of glioblastoma via the STAT3/AKT pathway

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant tumor with one of the fastest increasing morbidity and mortality rates. As such, more therapeutic targets need to be developed to combat this disease. Mucin 21 (MUC21) is a human counterpart of mouse epiglycanin and mediates multiple cellular functions. However, its possible effects on GBM and its possible mechanism remain unclear. The current study aimed to clarify the role or MUC21 in the progression of GBM by performing a series of in vitro assays, including Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, wound closure, transwell, and in vivo assays. In the present study, the aberrantly high expression of MUC21 in human GBM tissues and cell lines was observed and it was revealed that it was associated with the clinicopathological feature, tumor recurrence, in patients with GBM. MUC21 promoted the viability and motility of GBM cells in vitro and stimulated tumor growth in vivo. It was further confirmed that MUC21 promoted the progression of GBM via the STAT3/AKT pathway and it was considered that MUC21 could serve as a promising target for the treatment of GBM.
PREDATORY EFFECT AND SELECTIVITY OF PREY OF NOTONECTA PERUVIANA (HEMIPTERA: NOTONECTIDAE) ON THE LARVAL CONTROL OF MOSQUITOES (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE)

The larval stage of culicid mosquitoes are the main food resource of notonectides in aquatic systems. Prey alternation and abundance can significantly affect predator-prey interaction and functional response (FR). We evaluated the effect of predation and prey selectivity of Notonecta peruviana in fourth-stage larvae (F1) of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus at different densities and two test systems: one prey and the combination of both (ratio 1: 1). We used the FR protocol to measure predation and the Manly preference index () to evaluate the selectivity of prey, in a CRD experimental design. N. peruviana generated type II RF (“concave model”) of greater impact in larvae of Ae. aegypti (p ≤ 0.01). Predation capacity was similar in both of the prey, 17 ± 4 larvae / day in Cx. quinquefasciatus and 21 ± 4 in Ae. aegypti. The attack coefficient (a), turned out to be similar for both prey species in both test systems and the handling time (Th) was lower for Ae. aegypti than for Culex. Notonecta peruviana demonstrated selectivity for larvae of Ae. aegypti especially at the highest densities (≥ 0.5), attributed to the inefficient anti depredation response, active mobility and smaller size compared to those of Cx. quinquefasciatus. The FR demonstrated the success of N. peruviana in the larval control of culicid mosquitoes, prioritizing the type of prey; thus, promoting the need for its applicability in the field.
Outcomes of Nonagenarians with Acute Myocardial Infarction with or without Coronary Intervention

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the mainstay treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI); however, many clinicians are reluctant to perform PCI in the elderly population. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of PCI versus medical therapy in nonagenarian Korean patients with AMI. We compared the clinical outcomes of nonagenarian patients with AMI with or without PCI. From the pooled data, based on a series of Korean AMI registries during 2005–2020, 467 consecutive patients were selected and categorized into two groups: the PCI and no-PCI groups. The primary endpoint was 1-year major adverse cardiac event (MACE), a composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and any revascularization. Among the 467 participants, 68.5% received PCI. The PCI group had lower proportions of Killip classes III-IV, previous heart failure, and left ventricular ejection fraction <40%, but had higher proportions of all prescribed medications and STEMI diagnosis. The 1-year MACE and all-cause death were higher in the no-PCI group, although partially attenuated post-IPTW. Our study showed that nonagenarian patients with AMI undergoing PCI had better clinical outcomes than those without PCI. Nonetheless, further investigation is needed in the future to elucidate whether PCI is beneficial for this population.
Monetization of the Economies as a Priority of the New Monetary Policy in the Face of Economic Sanctions

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a comparative analysis of monetization as a priority of the new monetary growth of the economies using the example of the Russian economy, identifying new trends in global practices of monetary factor management, as well as the search for ways to stimulate economic growth using the best international experience. Our paper tackles the novel research question of whether changing the priorities of monetary policy from targeting (and curbing) inflation to stimulating economic growth might yield more favorable economic results and what best world practices should be appropriately introduced in Russia to improve the effectiveness of monetary policy. The key results of the paper are focused on a comparative analysis of the economies’ development under the influence of monetary factors in comparison with the most progressive economies, the study of the best practices for increasing the monetization of national economies, and the identification of recommendations for determining the most optimal way to increase economic growth through the monetization of the economy. Monetarist views on the decisive role of fiat money in the development of the real sector of the economy, capital markets, payment and settlement systems, the standard of living of the population, and other important aspects of macro- and microeconomics have become the mainstream of government regulation. It seemed that by finding the right indicators of the relationship between interest rates, GDP, and inflation, all problems of economic growth could be solved. By increasing the amount of money faster than the achieved economic growth, it was believed that it was possible to stimulate GDP growth through monetary investments and credit, i.e., more money was issued than the value produced represented by the goods and services. Accordingly, new money that had no value had to create new value. We argue that monetization can be seen as the main factor in providing such incentives. Our results can be useful for central bankers, policymakers, and stakeholders in the banking and financial sector. The conclusions and recommendations of the authors are based on studies conducted using such research methods as content analysis, logical analysis, and statistical analysis.
Dynamic vs. Static-stretching Warm-up Protocol: The Effect on Physical Performance

This study aimed to compare the effects of dynamic and static stretching warm-ups protocols on physical performance (PP). Twenty healthy recreationally active male participants between 18-22 years of age were recruited for the study. Participants were randomized to 1 of 2 groups: Dynamic stretching warm-up (DWU, n=10) and static stretching warm-up (SWU, n=10) groups. Before the intervention; agility, velocity, and vertical jump tests were conducted to measure participants' baseline PP. Afterward, the participants performed the dynamic or static warm-up protocol according to their groups after 10 minutes of jogging. Each warm-up exercise was done for 30 seconds. A 5-second rest was given after each movement. After completing 1 set of 5 movements, 3 sets in total, a 2-minute rest was given. Then 4-min resting were given and PP testing procedures were repeated. No significant difference was found between the DWU and SWU in the vertical jump (p=0.22), velocity (p=0.99), and agility (p=0.24) performances after the intervention. It was concluded that the study indicates no difference between SWU and DWU effects on PP.
Religious Moderation, Inclusive, and Global Citizenship as New Directions for Islamic Religious Education in Madrasah

This article examines the direction of the development of Islamic religious education in Madrasah. The main subject of the research is the Decree of the Minister of Religion (KMA) number 183 of 2019 concerning the Islamic religious education curriculum and Arabic language in Madrasah. This research is very important in order to be able to explore the direction of the development of Islamic Religious Education in Madrasah and how to determine the basis for that direction. This clarity can ensure the truth or untruth of various issues milling about this, one of which is the issue of the abolition of Islamic religious education lessons. Researchers studied with a descriptive qualitative approach using content analysis techniques. So far, no researcher has studied this subject. The results show that the direction of Islamic religious education was born through in-depth study. Development is based on philosophical, sociological, psycho-pedagogical, and theoretical foundations as well as a rationalization so that it can be said to be a systemic and measurable reinforcement. Moderate and inclusive behavior is one of the goals that is strengthened as the direction of Islamic religious education in Madrasah so students are ready dan play positif as global citizenship.
Effect of Dietary Betaine on Muscle Protein Deposition, Nucleic Acid and Amino Acid Contents, and Proteomes of Broilers

Simple Summary In animal production, growth trials have shown that betaine has a positive effect on growth performance, especially improving meat yield. Proteins are the largest unit comprising muscle cells except moisture. However, how betaine regulates muscle protein anabolism and abundance levels remains unclear. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary betaine on growth performance, muscle protein deposition, and proteome of broilers. The results suggested that betaine could improve growth performance and muscle protein deposition of broilers. Alterations in muscle nucleic acids, amino acids, and protein abundance levels were involved in this process. Proteomic analysis further revealed that 35 proteins in breast muscle were identified as differentially abundant proteins by betaine supplementation, which were mainly related to cell differentiation, small molecule metabolic process, and tissue development. Abstract To investigate the effect of betaine supplementation on growth performance, muscle protein deposition, muscle nucleic acid and amino acid contents, and muscle proteome of broilers, 160 one-day-old male partridge shank broiler chickens were randomly divided into 2 groups with 8 replicates of 10 broilers each. Broilers were fed a basal diet alone, or a basal diet supplemented with 1000 mg/kg betaine. Compared with the control group, the betaine group significantly increased (p < 0.05) the broilers average daily gain, the levels of serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), growth hormone (GH), total protein (TP), the contents of muscle absolute protein deposition, RNA, Ser, Glu, Met, and Phe, and the ratio of RNA/DNA, and decreased (p < 0.05) the feed conversion ratio and serum blood urea nitrogen content. Moreover, proteomic analysis revealed 35 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) in the betaine group compared with the control group, including 27 upregulated proteins and 8 downregulated proteins (p < 0.05). These DAPs were mainly related to cell differentiation, small molecule metabolic process, and tissue development. In conclusion, diets supplemented with 1000 mg/kg betaine improved growth performance and muscle protein deposition of broilers. Increased serum GH, IGF-1, and TP contents, and alterations in muscle nucleic acids, amino acids, and protein abundance levels were involved in this process.
Removal of Heavy Metals using Biocoagulants for Wastewater Treatment: Characterization and Adsorption Studies

Wastewater is of major concern especially in developing country like Nigeria. Wastewater commonly consist of heavy metals such as Zinc, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, and Iron which proves to be highly unwanted due to their toxicity, mutagenic and carcinogenic properties. In this work, the bioadsorbent was prepared from the biocoagulants for the removal of heavy metals in wastewater. The prepared bioadsorbent before adsorption (MOP) and after adsorption (MOP1) were characterized using, Fourier Transform Infra-Red, Energy Dispersive X-ray and Scanning Electron Microscopy to determine the functional group, surface morphology and elemental composition respectively. The resulting adsorbent were tested for the adsorption of Zinc, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, and Iron. Furthermore, characterization showed that the presence of OH-, NH2 and C=O functional groups present before adsorption in MOP enhance the removal of metal. The SEM images showed the presence of micro pores while the presence of high Carbon content in the prepared MOP enhanced the heavy metal uptake. A maximum adsorption capacity of 7.9 mg/g was obtained for Lead while Chromium, Iron, Zinc and Cadmium have adsorption capacities of 7.2 mg/g, 8.0 mg/g, 8.0 mg/g and 7.5 mg/g respectively.
Mother's Characteristics and Socioeconomic Status as Possible Risk Factors for Children's Caries in Jordan

Background Clinical oral health status of children affects their health-related quality of life. A major determinant of oral health is early childhood caries, which possesses a negative effect. Objective The primary objective of the study was to examine the association between socioeconomic status and different mother's characteristics and the risk of dental caries in children using the decay missing filled (DMF) score as an indicator. Methods This was a cross-sectional descriptive study that was in the pediatric dental clinic in Hashem Ibn Al-Hussein medical military hospital in Jordan. Pearson correlation was used to examine associations between two continuous variables. Linear regression was used to detect variables that might predict the decayed missing filled teeth (dmft) score of the child. Results A total of 264 children were enrolled in the study. Average age of children was 4.80 ± 1.99 years, and average mothers' age was 32.74 ± 5.68. Mothers had an average DMFT score of 8.84 ± 5.39, while children had an average dmft score of 6.17 ± 4.82. There was no association between the mother's age and the dmft score of the child (Pearson correlation = 0.08, and P value = 0.215). However, a moderate, statistically significant correlation was found between the mother's and the child's DMFT scores (Pearson correlation = 0.418, and P value = 0.001). Children who belonged to low and middle-income families had a higher dmft score compared to those that belonged to families with high income. Conclusion Socioeconomic status of the family, mother's habits, dental hygiene, and education level are important factors that influence the child's oral health. Strategies that focus on children with these characteristics can help them achieve better oral health.
VEGFA Haplotype and VEGF-A and VEGF-R2 Protein Associations with Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Our study aimed to reveal the associations between VEGFA SNPs (rs1570360, rs699947, rs3025033, and rs2146323), their haplotypes, VEGF-A and VEGF-R2 serum concentrations, and early and exudative AMD. A total of 339 subjects with early AMD and 419 with exudative AMD groups, and 374 healthy subjects, were genotyped for four VEGFA SNPs (rs1570360, rs699947, rs3025033, and rs2146323). VEGF-A and VEGFR-2 serum concentrations were measured in exudative AMD and controls. The results revealed that rs3025033 G allele was significantly associated with lower odds of exudative AMD under the dominant model (OR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.49–0.80; p = 0.0088) and additive (OR = 0.7; 95% CI: 0.54–0.90; p = 0.0058) models after Bonferroni correction. In the female group, rs3025033 AG genotype was associated with exudative AMD under the codominant model (OR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.37–0.87; p = 0.009) and G allele under the dominant (OR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.37–0.82; p = 0.0032) and additive models (OR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.42–0.84; p = 0.0028). Haplotype analysis revealed that individuals carrying rs1570360, rs699947, rs3025033, and rs2146323 haplotype A-A-G-A had decreased risk of exudative AMD (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.23–0.90; p = 0.023). The VEGF-A and VEGF-R2 serum concentrations did not differ between study groups; we found that patients with exudative AMD carrying at least one C allele at rs699947 have statistically significantly higher VEGF-A serum concentrations compared to AA genotype carriers (485.95 (945.93) vs. 194.97 (-), respectively, p = 0.046). In conclusion, we found that VEGFA rs3025033 and haplotype rs1570360A-rs699947A-rs3025033G- rs2146323A play a protective role for exudative AMD in the Caucasian population. Furthermore, rs699947 is associated with elevated VEGF-A serum concentrations in exudative AMD.