Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cholesterol and oxysterol sulfates: Pathophysiological roles and analytical challenges

Cholesterol and oxysterol sulfates are important regulators of lipid metabolism, inflammation, cell apoptosis, and cell survival. Among the sulfate‐based lipids, cholesterol sulfate (CS) is the most studied lipid both quantitatively and functionally. Despite the importance, very few studies have analysed and linked the actions of oxysterol sulfates to their physiological and pathophysiological roles. Overexpression of sulfotransferases confirmed the formation of a range of oxysterol sulfates and their antagonistic effects on liver X receptors (LXRs) prompting further investigations how are the changes to oxysterol/oxysterol sulfate homeostasis can contribute to LXR activity in the physiological milieu. Here, we aim to bring together for novel roles of oxysterol sulfates, the available techniques and the challenges associated with their analysis. Understanding the oxysterol/oxysterol sulfate levels and their pathophysiological mechanisms could lead to new therapeutic targets for metabolic diseases.
Assessing the Vulnerability of Agriculture Systems to Climate Change in Coastal Areas: A Novel Index

This study proposes a novel index to evaluate agricultural vulnerability to climate change in coastal areas, using the case of Andhra Pradesh, the state with the second longest coastline in India. Field data was collected from more than 1000 farmers (involved in over 50 varieties of crops) in 22 riverine and coastal case study areas. Data was collected through site visits, surveys and five workshops conducted between November 2018 and June 2019. Based on the collected data sets, a new Agricultural Coastal Vulnerability Index (AGCVI) was developed and applied to the 22 sites located in two districts (Krishna and Guntur) of Coastal Andhra Pradesh. The analysis revealed that the areas with three crop seasons (Kharif, Rabi and Zaid) per year are highly vulnerable to climate change. On the other hand, sites with one crop season (Kharif) per annum are the least vulnerable to climate change. Moreover, grains (particularly rice), flowers and fruit crops are more susceptible to climate change and its induced impacts. Rice is no longer a profitable crop in the case study areas partly as a result of unfavourable weather conditions, inadequate insurance provision and lack of government support for farmers. Cumulatively, all these circumstances impact farmers’ incomes and socio-cultural practices: this is leading to a marriage crisis, with a reduction in the desirability of matrimony to farmers. These findings provide valuable information that can support climate and agriculture policies, as well as sustainable cropping patterns among farmers’ communities in coastal areas of India in the future.
The development of colicins as novel antimicrobials against Crohn’s disease associated adherent-invasive Escherichia coli

Crohn’s Disease (CD) is an incurable form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) of complex etiology that is associated with gut dysbiosis that frequently includes colonisation by adherent-invasive E. coli (AIEC). AIEC are adept at forming biofilms and are able to invade host cells and stimulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. A number of antibiotics have been tested in the treatment of CD but at best show limited efficacy. Additionally, broad spectrum antibiotics are themselves strong drivers of dysbiosis and a number of studies have linked the administration of antibiotics with an increased risk of the development of CD. An alternative approach to the eradication of pathogenic bacteria in a complex community is to use species-specific antibiotics such as the colicin-like bacteriocins. Alongside their narrow spectrum killing, colicins also demonstrate extreme potency, are active against bacterial biofilms and can be readily isolated from clinical isolates. The aim of this work was to investigate the efficacy of these E. coli targeted antibiotics against AIEC. To achieve this, colicin activity against ileal CD-mucosa associated AIEC strain LF82, was tested in vitro and also in vivo using a murine model of persistent AIEC colonisation. Colicins showed good efficacy against LF82 associated with intestinal epithelial cells and growing intracellularly within macrophages. In addition, colicins do not show toxicity towards a macrophage cell line or stimulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. To test the efficacy of colicins in an in vivo model of AIEC colonisation, methods were developed to formulate purified protein for delivery to the GI tract. However, this formulation showed only minimal efficacy in a mouse model of AIEC colonisation. In addition to investigating the efficacy of colicins, this thesis also attempts to further elucidate the role of the target pathogen, AIEC in the development of intestinal inflammation. Interestingly, we show here that AIEC associated phenotypes can be detected in commensal E. coli strains, undermining the current definition and classification of the AIEC pathotype.
Effect of nitrogen and zinc on growth characters, herbage yield, nutrient uptake and quality of fodder sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)

A field trial was conducted at the Livestock Research Centre of the Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agricul- ture and Technology, Pantnagar, during the rainy (kharif) season of 2001 and 2002, to study the effect of nitrogen and zinc on growth, herbage yield, nutrient uptake and quality of herbage in fodder sorghum [Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench]. Increase in nitrogen application from 0 to 120 kg /ha increased the green herbage yield (434.9 qha) and dry fodder (157.9 q/ha) of sorghum, being 35.8 and 43.1% higher over the control respectively. The crop re- sponded up to 5 kg zinclha which increased the yield of green herbage 8.6% and dry fodder 11 5% over no zinc. Crude protein and digestible dry-matter yield were significantly higher at 120 kg Nlha than other N levels. Zinc also significantly responded up to 5 kg /ha in respect of quality. Almost similar trend was also observed in N and Zn up- take. The optimum dose for N and Zn were calculated to be 108.3 kg and 1.36 kg /ha and maximum yields were with the application of 126.67 and 5.53 kg/ha respectively.
Field resistance components of potato to late blight and their relative contribution towards disease resistance

Variation, genetic parameters and interrelationships analysis for components of field resistance to Phytophthora infestans in potato were studied using detached leaves from 60 genotypes of diploid wildI semicultivated tuber bearing Solanum species. The resistant genotypes had a longer latent period and lower lesion size and spore production than the susceptible genotypes. Significant inter- genotypic variability was recorded for all the components and Area Under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC). Highest inter- genotypic variability was observed for lesion size and AUDPC and lowest for spore density. Genetic and phenotypic pathcoefficient analysis indicated lesion size to be the most important component of field resistance. The genetic correlation coefficients between the AUDPC and infection efficiency, latent period and spore density arose mainly because of their indirect effects on AUDPC via lesion size. Lesion size and AUDPC had a high. Genetic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance.
Conscious prone positioning during non-invasive ventilation in COVID-19 patients: experience from a single centre

Critically ill patients admitted to hospital following SARS-CoV-2 infection often experience hypoxic respiratory failure and a proportion require invasive mechanical ventilation to maintain adequate oxygenation. The combination of prone positioning and non-invasive ventilation in conscious patients may have a role in improving oxygenation. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of prone positioning in spontaneously ventilating patients receiving non-invasive ventilation admitted to the intensive care. Clinical data of 81 patients admitted with COVID 19 pneumonia and acute hypoxic respiratory failure were retrieved from electronic medical records and examined. Patients who had received prone positioning in combination with non-invasive ventilation were identified. A total of 20 patients received prone positioning in conjunction with non-invasive ventilation. This resulted in improved oxygenation as measured by a change in PaO 2/FiO 2 (P/F) ratio of 28.7 mmHg while prone, without significant change in heart rate or respiratory rate. Patients on average underwent 5 cycles with a median duration of 3 hours. There were no reported deaths, 7 of the 20 patients (35%) failed non-invasive ventilation and subsequently required intubation and mechanical ventilation. In our cohort of 20 COVID-19 patients with moderate acute hypoxic respiratory failure, prone positioning with non-invasive ventilation resulted in improved oxygenation. Prone positioning with non-invasive ventilation may be considered as an early therapeutic intervention in COVID-19 patients with moderate acute hypoxic respiratory failure.
The mother domain: Mediated model of maternal gatekeepers and depressed fathers among newlyweds with children

The Mother Domain: A Mediated Model of Maternal Gatekeepers and Depressed Fathers Among Newlyweds with Children Clare R. Thomas School of Family Life, BYU Master of Science Paternal depression is an understudied topic and research connecting it to maternal gatekeeping is still in its infancy. Research has found that the marriage relationship can be associated with both depression and maternal gatekeeping. This study focuses on how these three areas are related. A subsample of the CREATE project was used including 216 couples, or 432 married parents. Two separate SEM mediational models were tested to examine father depression as a predictor of maternal gatekeeping, with marital instability as the mediator in one model and partner connectedness as the mediator in the other model. Both parent reports were used for maternal gatekeeping, marital instability, and partner connectedness. According to results, no direct association between father depression and maternal gatekeeping was found. Marital instability did not act as an effective mediator between father depression and maternal gatekeeping. However, mother reports of partner connectedness did have significant indirect effects on father depression and maternal gatekeeping. Implications suggest that therapists and researchers should examine father depression from a more wholistic family perspective. Future research should include longitudinal analyses to better understand the nature of the relationship between father depression and maternal gatekeeping.
On snow stability interpretation of extended column test results

Abstract. Snow instability tests provide valuable information regarding the stability of the snowpack. Test results are key data used to prepare public avalanche forecasts. However, to include them into operational procedures, a quantitative interpretation scheme is needed. Whereas the interpretation of the rutschblock test (RB) is well established, a similar detailed classification for the extended column test (ECT) is lacking. Therefore, we develop a four-class stability interpretation scheme. Exploring a large data set of 1719 ECTs observed at 1226 sites, often performed together with a RB in the same snow pit, and corresponding slope stability information, we revisit the existing stability interpretations and suggest a more detailed classification. In addition, we consider the interpretation of cases when two ECTs were performed in the same snow pit. Our findings confirm previous research, namely that the crack propagation propensity is the most relevant ECT result and that the loading step required to initiate a crack is of secondary importance for stability assessment. The comparison with the RB showed that the ECT classifies slope stability less reliably than the RB. In some situations, performing a second ECT may be helpful when the first test did not indicate rather unstable or stable conditions. Finally, the data clearly show that false-unstable predictions of stability tests outnumber the correct-unstable predictions in an environment where overall unstable locations are rare.
Central r-naturally fully ordered groupoids with left identity

In this paper a generalized version (r -naturally fully ordered groupoid) of a naturally fully ordered groupoid with left identity in the sense that only right solvability is permissible is embedded in a concrete groupoid of all non-negative real numbers. First, the introduction of centrality makes the r -naturally fully ordered groupoid with left identity order-isomorphic to the positive cone of a fully ordered central quasigroup. Second, the left Archimedean property enables this ordered groupoid to be embedded in the concrete groupoid.
Fecal Incontinence Frequency, Severity and its Impact on Quality of Life of Elderly Patients

Background: Fecal incontinence is a physically and psychologically stigmized health problem that affects millions of people, especially those over the age of 65 years. It has a deleterious impact on geriatric patients' quality of life. Aim: Assess fecal incontinence frequency, severity and its impact on quality of life of elderly patients.Method: A descriptive design was used. The study was conducted at the outpatient clinics of Mansoura University hospitals affiliated to Mansoura University A purposive sample of 89 fecally incontinent elderly patients in the previously mentioned settings. Data collected over a period of 6 months from first of October 2019 to the end of March 2020.Tools: Four tools were used; Structured Interview Sheet, Katz and Akpom Scale, the Revised Faecal Incontinence Scale, and The Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire Results: The study results revealed that a total of 304 elderly patients were asked from whom 126 are females and 178 are males. 89 elderly patients with fecal incontinence were documented, which represents a frequency of 29.3% of the total studied subjects. The presence of neurologic and endocrine diseases is the independent predictors of fecal incontinence in elderly with AOR=1.8 and 0.5; respectively. A significant correlation between the mean score of the fecal incontinence severity and mean score of quality of life related four domains; lifestyle, coping behavior, depression and embarrassment (p<0.001). Conclusion: Fecal incontinence was more prevalent among females than in males and highly affected the quality of life of fecal incontinent elderly patientsRecommendation: Development of health education program for elderly patients and their caregiver about fecal incontinence, planning of pelvic floor muscle rehabilitations training program for females' elderly patients
Quantitative genetic analysis of responses to larval food limitation in a polyphenic butterfly indicates environment and traitspecific effects

limitation in a polyphenic butterfly indicates environmentand trait-specific effects Marjo Saastamoinen, Jon E. Brommer, Paul M. Brakefield & Bas J. Zwaan Metapopulation Research Group, Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland Section of Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands Butterfly Biodiversity Research Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, U.K. Laboratory of Genetics, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
SCREENING FOR ADHD IN BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER

== Background == A valid screening instrument is needed to detect attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in treatment-seeking borderline personality disorder (BPD) patients. We aimed to test the performance of the widely-used Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale v1.1 screener (ASRS-v1.1). == Methods == 317 BPD subjects were systematically assessed for comorbid ADHD and completed the ASRS-v1.1. 79 BPD patients also completed the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS-25). == Results == The prevalence of adult ADHD was of 32.4%. The overall positive predictive value of the ASRS-v1.1 was of 38.5%, the negative predictive value 77.0%, the sensitivity 72.8%, and the specificity 43.9%. Combining WURS-25 and ASRS-v1.1 improved sensitivity to 81.8% and specificity to 59.6%. == Limitations == Cross-sectional study on treatment-seeking patients. == Conclusions == We found a high prevalence of ADHD using structured interviews. The ASRS-v1.1 was not a sensitive screener for identifying possible ADHD cases in a BPD population, with a high number of false positives. When combined with the WURS-25, it offered improved screening. WEIBEL, Sébastien, et al. Screening for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in borderline personality disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders, 2018, vol. 226, p. 85-91
Analysis of atmospheric ammonia over South and East Asia based on the MOZART-4 model and its comparison with satellite and surface observations

Abstract. Limited availability of atmospheric ammonia (NH3) observations limits our understanding of controls on its spatial and temporal variability and its interactions with the ecosystem. Here we used the Model for Ozone and Related chemical Tracers version 4 (MOZART-4) global chemistry transport model and the Hemispheric Transport of Air Pollution version 2 (HTAP-v2) emission inventory to simulate global NH3 distribution for the year 2010. We presented a first comparison of the model with monthly averaged satellite distributions and limited ground-based observations available across South Asia. The MOZART-4 simulations over South Asia and East Asia were evaluated with the NH3 retrievals obtained from the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) satellite and 69 ground-based monitoring stations for air quality across South Asia and 32 ground-based monitoring stations from the Nationwide Nitrogen Deposition Monitoring Network (NNDMN) of China. We identified the northern region of India (Indo-Gangetic Plain, IGP) as a hotspot for NH3 in Asia, both using the model and satellite observations. In general, a close agreement was found between yearly averaged NH3 total columns simulated by the model and IASI satellite measurements over the IGP, South Asia (r=0.81), and the North China Plain (NCP), East Asia (r=0.90). However, the MOZART-4-simulated NH3 column was substantially higher over South Asia than East Asia, as compared with the IASI retrievals, which show smaller differences. Model-simulated surface NH3 concentrations indicated smaller concentrations in all seasons than surface NH3 measured by the ground-based observations over South and East Asia, although uncertainties remain in the available surface NH3 measurements. Overall, the comparison of East Asia and South Asia using both MOZART-4 model and satellite observations showed smaller NH3 columns in East Asia compared with South Asia for comparable emissions, indicating rapid dissipation of NH3 due to secondary aerosol formation, which can be explained by larger emissions of acidic precursor gases in East Asia.
Batch Tests for Optimisation of Solvent Composition and Process Flexibility of the CHALMEX FS-13 Process

ABSTRACT Studies have been performed with the purpose of determining the optimal solvent composition of a Chalmers grouped actinide extraction (CHALMEX) solvent for the selective co-extraction of transuranic elements in a novel Grouped ActiNide EXtraction (GANEX) process. The solvent is composed of 6,6’-bis(5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-benzo-[1,2,4]-triazin-3-yl)-[2,2’]-bipyridine (CyMe4-BTBP) and tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) in phenyl trifluoromethyl sulfone (FS-13). The performance of the system has been shown to significantly depend on the ratios of the two extracting agents and the diluent to one another. Furthermore, the performance of the determined optimal solvent (10 mM CyMe4-BTBP in 30% v/v TBP and 70% v/v FS-13) on various simulated PUREX raffinate solutions was tested. It was found that the solvent extracts all transuranic elements with high efficiency and good selectivity with regard to most other elements (fission products/activation products) present in the simulated PUREX raffinate solutions. Moreover, the solvent was found to extract a significant amount of acid. Palladium, silver, and cadmium were co-extracted along with the TRU-radionuclides, which has also been observed in other similar CHALMEX systems. The extraction of plutonium and uranium was preserved for all tested simulated PUREX raffinate solutions compared to experiments using trace amounts.
Single Step Microwave Assisted Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Silver, Copper and Silver-Copper Nanoparticles

Copper and silver nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized in two minutes at 175°C in a one-step synthesis using a modified polyol (ethylene glycol) method and a microwave heating process. We successfully synthesized spherical Silver (Ag) and Copper nanoparticles (CuNP) with a crystallite size of less than 10 nm, as well as irregular silver-copper nanoparticles (AgCuNP) with a crystallite size of less than 15 nm, as confirmed by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The successful synthesis of AgCuNP with 1:1 molar ratio and constituted by 51.74% of copper and 48.26% of silver was corroborated using the Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping technique. The AgNP and AgCuNP exhibited more stability in suspension, in comparison to CuNP, as observed by continuously monitoring the absorbance with UV-Vis spectroscopy for 12 days. Furthermore, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of AgNP, CuNP, and AgCuNP were determined, against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and yeast. The obtained MIC and MBC values indicate that AgCu nanoparticles exhibited bactericidal properties greater than its constituents. On the contrary, antifungal activity of AgCuNP against yeast was not observed.
Lectures on random nodal portraits

These are lecture notes for a mini-course given at the St. Petersburg Summer School in Probability and Statistical Physics (June, 2012). Their theme was statistics of the number of connected components of the zero sets of random functions of several real variables. The results presented in these lectures were obtained in joint works with Fedor Nazarov.