Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial Melatonin: Beneficial Effects in Protecting against Heart Failure

Cardiovascular disease is the cause of physical infirmity and thousands of deaths annually. Typically, during heart failure, cardiomyocyte mitochondria falter in terms of energy production and metabolic processing. Additionally, inflammation and the accumulation of non-contractile fibrous tissue contribute to cardiac malfunction. Melatonin, an endogenously produced molecule, experimentally reduces the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic lesions, which are often the basis of coronary artery disease. The current review critically analyzes published data related to the experimental use of melatonin to forestall coronary artery pathologies. Collectively, these studies document melatonin’s anti-atherosclerotic actions in reducing LDL oxidation and triglyceride levels, lowering endothelial malfunction, limiting adhesion molecule formation, preventing macrophage polarization to the M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype, changing cellular metabolism, scavenging destructive reactive oxygen species, preventing the proliferation and invasion of arterial smooth muscle cells into the lesioned area, restricting the ingrowth of blood vessels from the vasa vasorum, and solidifying the plaque cap to reduce the chance of its rupture. Diabetic hyperglycemia, which aggravates atherosclerotic plaque formation, is also inhibited by melatonin supplementation in experimental animals. The potential value of non-toxic melatonin as a possible inhibitor of cardiac pathology in humans should be seriously considered by performing clinical trials using this multifunctional molecule.
Long-term Neutralizing Antibody Levels Against Measles and Rubella Viruses Among Adults With 3 Doses of Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine

Abstract Background A third dose of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR) may be administered for various reasons, but data on long-term immunity are limited. We assessed neutralizing antibody levels against measles and rubella among adults up to 11 years after receipt of a third MMR dose. Methods In this longitudinal study, healthy adults who received a third MMR dose as young adults (ages 18–28 years) were recalled around 5 years and 9–11 years after the third dose. Measles and rubella antibody levels were assessed by plaque-reduction and immunocolorimetric neutralization assays, respectively. Antibody concentrations <120 mIU/mL and <10 U/mL were considered potentially susceptible to measles and rubella, respectively. Geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) over time were estimated from generalized estimating equation models. Results Approximately 5 and 9–11 years after receipt of the third dose, 405 and 304 adults were assessed, respectively. Measles GMC was 428 mIU/mL (95% CI, 392–468 mIU/mL) 5 years postvaccination, declining to 381 mIU/mL (95% CI, 339–428 mIU/mL) 11 years postvaccination. At the last follow-up visit (9–11 years postvaccination), 10% of participants were potentially susceptible to measles infection. Rubella GMCs were stable throughout the follow-up period (63 U/mL to 65 U/mL); none of the participants was susceptible to rubella at the last follow-up visit. Conclusions Eleven years after receiving a third MMR dose, measles and rubella neutralizing antibody levels remained high in adults. However, on the basis of waning antibody levels, some adults may become susceptible to measles infection over time despite receipt of 3 vaccine doses.
Digital Dermatoglyphic Patterns Of Annang Ethnic Group In Akwa Ibom State Of Nigeria

Digital dermatoglyphics has been found useful in forensic medicine and identification purposes. It is useful in medical diagnosis of genetically inherited diseases and in detection of crimes. Anthropometric studies of the digit, palm and feet provides data that reveal the relative distribution of dermal ridges among people in different geographical zones. Cross-sectional study was carried out using 200 males and 200 females healthy volunteers of Annang ethnic group in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria to establish their digital dermatoglyphic traits. This was done by counting and classifying their ridge pattern configurations of arches, loops and whorls. Ulnar loops were the most predominant digital pattern in females (50.1 percent) than in males (39.6 percent), followed by whorls (42.9 percent) in males, then arches (31.1 percent) in females and radial loop (2.1 percent) in males. The sex differences between these patterns were statistically significant (chi2 equal to 154.569; d.f
Development of Fed-Batch Strategy to Produce Bacteria Cellulose

Bacteria Cellulose (BC) is a type of biopolymer widely used in areas such as biomedicine and paper manufacturing industries. The batch fermentation mode of BC is less cost-effective as the yield is low. This study aims to determine the best fed-batch cultivation strategy to produce BC of high yield and quality. First, batch fermentation mode was carried out to determine the glucose consumption profile of Gluconacetobacter xylinus using Yeast Extract Glucose Chloramphenicol Medium (YGC). By using the information, the fed-batch strategies with feeding frequencies of 1 time and 3 times per 14-day total fermentation period and varied feed composition (YGC medium and pure glucose solution) were set up. The yield, water holding capacity, morphology, and strength of BC were monitored. It is found that BC produced from fed-batch modes has a higher yield (3.75 g/L for low feed frequency and 4.79 g/L for high feed frequency) compared to batch mode (2.24 g/L). The BC produced with pure glucose solution has the highest water holding capacity (87.34 g water/g sample) among the different modes. The FE-SEM micrographs showed that BC produced in the high feeding frequency with YGC medium fed-batch mode has the highest microfibril density and, thus, the best mechanical strength from this mode. To conclude, the fed-batch mode with higher feeding frequency(3 days intervals for a total of 14 days) using YGC medium has the best BC yield and quality.
PREVALENCE OF PREGNANT WOMEN WITH OLIGOHYDRAMNIOS AND ITS EFFECT ON MATERNAL AND FETAL OUTCOME

Oligohydramnios is a pregnancy condition characterized by low volume of amniotic fluid. Based on ultrasound measurement, it is defined as an amniotic fluid index (AFI) ≤ 5cm and associated with adverse fetal and maternal outcomes. To study the prevalence of oligohydramnios and its effect on maternal and fetal outcome in third trimester (≥ 28 weeks) of pregnant women admitted at AL-Sadaqa Teaching Hospital in the period of study from 1st January to 31st December 2020. This study is a prospective descriptive study was performed at AL-Sadaqa Teaching Hospital, Gynecology and Obstetrics Department among 100 pregnant women in third trimester diagnosed as oligohydramnios by ultrasound (AFI≤ 5cm). The results were analyzed by using the statistical package social software (SPSS), version 25. The study showed the prevalence of oligohydramnios during study period was (1.5%), and the mean age of the affected women was 27.72 ± 6.8 years. The half of the cases were in age group between 20-29 years (50%) and the gestational age were between 37-40 weeks (50%), and slightly more than half of the women were nulliparous (58%). The rate of caesarean section was (56%), and the most indication for cesarean section was fetal distress (42.9%). The fetal complications showed in this study were low birth weight (40%), preterm birth (27%) and meconium aspiration (11%). The Apgar score <7 in 5th minutes was (17%) of the newborns and the rate of perinatal mortality was (7%). The prevalence of oligohydramnios in this study was (1.5%) which is within the normal limit worldwide. The study showed that the oligohydramnios in a pregnant woman has many complications for the fetus as well as the mother, but it more dangerous for the fetus. For mother there is increase intervention in the form of induction of labor and cesarean delivery. An early detection of oligohydramnios, identification of the risk factors and its management may help in reduction of these complications.
The Early Care (0–3 Years) In Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Meeting Report

Objective: This report summarizes the key discussions from the “Early Care (0–3 years) in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy” meeting, which aimed to address the challenges and opportunities in the diagnosis and care of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and female carriers within the 0–3-year age group. Methods: The meeting brought together experts and healthcare providers who shared insights, discussed advancements in DMD care, and identified research needs. Presentations covered diagnostic challenges, approved therapies, clinical trials, identification of young female carriers, and the importance of clinical care and support for families. Results: The meeting highlighted the importance of timely diagnosis and the lack of evidence-based guidelines for the care of children with DMD aged 0–3 years. Diagnostic challenges were discussed, including delays in receiving a DMD diagnosis and disparities based on ethnicity. The potential benefits and process of newborn screening were addressed. Approved therapeutic interventions, such as corticosteroids and exon-skipping drugs, were explored, with studies indicating the potential benefits of early initiation of corticosteroid therapy and the safety of exon-skipping drugs in DMD. Clinical trials involving infants and young boys were discussed, focusing on drugs like ataluren, vamorolone, and gene therapies. The meeting emphasized the importance of clinical care and support for families, including comprehensive information provision, early intervention services, and individualized support. The identification and care of young female carriers were also addressed. Conclusion: The meeting provided a platform for experts and healthcare providers to discuss and identify key aspects of early care for children with DMD aged 0–3 years. The meeting emphasized the need for early diagnosis, evidence-based guidelines, and comprehensive care and support for affected children and their families. Further research, collaboration, and the development of consensus guidelines are needed to improve early diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes in this population.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of the 755 nm Picosecond Laser in Eliminating Pigmented Skin Lesions after a Single Treatment Based on Photographic Analysis with Polarised Light

Introduction: Pigmentary changes can be bothersome and affect one’s well-being. Laser therapy has been shown to effectively treat such skin discolouration. We aimed to assess the utility of a 755 nm alexandrite laser in pigmented lesions removal. Materials and methods: A total of 109 patients aged 44.17 ± 8.2 years were enrolled and underwent laser treatment of facial skin hyperpigmentation. The efficacy was analysed on the basis of photographic diagnosis using the VISIA Complexion Analysis System. The following measures were assessed: (1) score; (2) feature count; (3) comparison figure. Results: A single laser treatment significantly improved the size and area of the lesion and decreased the number of lesion features. Parallelly, the overall skin condition significantly improved (p < 0.05). We found a statistical tendency of a higher feature count baseline, thus its change in men (p = 0.05 and 0.07, respectively), but failed to find any statistically significant associations (p > 0.05) between tested measures and skin phototypes and hyperpigmentation types. Age was also not correlated with the laser efficacy (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The use of the 755 nm laser is effective in reducing pigmented lesions.
ENSO Complexity Induced by State Dependence of Westerly Wind Events

AbstractCoupled dynamics between westerly wind events (WWEs) and the El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is examined using an atmosphere–ocean coupled model with intermediate complexity. The model incorporates state-dependent stochastic noise that mimics observed WWEs, which occur at the edge of the Pacific warm pool when the Nino-4 sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly increases positively. The model parameter that controls the efficiency of the thermocline feedback, γ, is perturbed to elaborate the sensitivity of the results to the system’s stability. Without the noise (experiment NO), the model produces an ENSO-like regular oscillation with a 6-yr period, the variance of which increases with γ. When additive noise is introduced over the western Pacific (experiment AD), the oscillations become irregular with a dominant period of 4–6 years and the increase in the variance relative to the NO experiment depends on γ. When state-dependent noise is included (experiment SD), the oscillatory solution is also i.
Modeling the Mechanical Properties of Primary Recycled Type II Dental Plaster Blend Using Desirability Optimization Methodology

Dentistry promotes the use of different materials for various dental treatments. This leads to the generation of wastes that result in environmental pollution which are inimical to human health. Incineration and landfill techniques have proven to be ineffective in dealing with this problem. This paper proposes a pragmatic approach where wastes can be recycled and reused. The methodology involved modeling the mechanical properties of primary recycled Type II dental plaster blend, as a basis for recyclability programme using desirability optimization methodology. Three test standards (ASTM D695, ASTM D6272 and ASTM E384) were utilized in determining compressive, flexural strength and vicker hardness properties respectively of recycled dental plaster and the results compared favourably with that of virgin dental plaster. The implication is that dental practitioners can leverage this technology to reduce the harmful effects of wastes on the environment thereby sustaining dental practice and controlling pollution.
Performance Evaluation of Epidemic Content Retrieval in DTNs With Restricted Mobility

In some applicable scenarios, such as community patrolling, mobile nodes are restricted to move only in their own communities. Exploiting the meetings of the nodes within the same community and the nodes within the neighboring communities, a delay tolerant network (DTN) can provide communication between any two nodes. In this paper, two analytical models based on stochastic reward nets (SRNs) are proposed to evaluate the performance of the epidemic content retrieval in such multi-community DTNs. Performance measures computed by the proposed models are the average retrieval delay and the average number of transmissions. The monolithic SRN model proposed in the first step is not scalable, in terms of the number of communities and nodes, due to the state space explosion in the underlying Markov chain. In order to solve the scalability problem of the monolithic model, an approximate model based on the folding technique is presented which allows us to evaluate the performance of large-scale DTNs. In order to cross-validate the results obtained from the proposed models, we extend the ONE simulator to support our network model. The analytic-numeric results indicate that both models have good accuracy, and the folded model reduces the state space highly, achieving good scalability without any significant loss of accuracy.
Boosting LiMn2O4 Diffusion Coefficients and Stability via Fe/Mg Doping and MWCNT Synergistically Modulating Microstructure

The dissolution of manganese and its deposition on the anode surface cause poor cycling stability in lithium-ion batteries. To alleviate these issues, this study probes the electrochemical activity of highly crystalline and cation-adjusted lithium manganese oxide (LMO) carbon spinel composite obtained via a modified sol-gel synthesis procedure. The pristine LMO cathode was functionalized with a Fe and Mg alloy and fused with purified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to form a catalytically stabilized LiMn1.98Fe0. 01Mg0.01O4/MWCNT (LMO-FeMg/MWCNT) framework. High-resolution SEM analysis showed well-dispersed particles in the nanometer size range. The electrochemical characteristics of the novel composite materials yielded favourable electrochemical results with diffusion coefficients of 1.91 × 10−9 cm2·s−1 and 5.83 × 10−10 cm2·s−1 for LMO-FeMg and LMO-FeMg/MWCNT, respectively. This improvement was supported by impedance studies which showed a considerable Rct reduction of 0.27 Ω and 0.71 Ω. The cation stabilized system outperformed the pristine LMO material with specific capacities around 145 mAh·g−1, due to an enhancement in electrochemical activity and structural stability.
How Does Mixue's Guerilla Marketing Influence Purchasing Decisions? Mediation Analysis Of Brand Awareness In Higher Education Students

The number of Mixue outlets has rapidly spread in Indonesia since 2020, creating a stigma in the community that Mixue is a "Malaikat Pencatat Ruko Kosong". The availability of many Mixue outlets located in almost every region in the city/regency of Indonesia affects the decision-making process of consumers to be interested in buying Mixue products. This study aims to determine the influence of guerilla marketing on purchasing decisions through brand awareness. The quantitative research method with the student population of the Management Study Program of Buana Perjuangan University Karawang amounted to 3,017 students, while the sample used was 76 students. The analysis used uses SEM. The analysis results prove that guerilla marketing affects brand awareness but does not affect purchasing decisions directly. Brand awareness influences purchasing decisions. Brand awareness is proven to mediate the influence of guerilla marketing on Mixue's product purchase decisions.
The Impact of Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation Prior to Thyroidectomy on Mitigating Postoperative Hypocalcemia

Background Hypocalcemia remains the most frequent complication after thyroidectomy. It can either be transient or permanent, and patients often find it unpleasant due to its association with prolonged hospitalization. The objective of this study was to determine the role of preoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation in preventing hypocalcemia after subtotal/total thyroidectomy. Material and methods This quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Department of General Surgery, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, Pakistan, from January 2023 to July 2023. We utilized non-probability purposive sampling. Patients undergoing total thyroidectomy were recruited and followed until discharge to ascertain outcomes. They were divided into two groups: Group A received vitamin D (200,000 IU) one week preoperatively as single intramuscular dose and calcium (1 gm) orally two times daily for one week preoperatively, while Group B served as the control. Venous blood samples were taken post-surgery, on the second and seventh day and at day 30 to assess hypocalcemia. Chi-square test was employed, comparing hypocalcemia in both groups with a p-value ≤0.05 considered significant. Results One hundred thirty-two patients underwent subtotal/total thyroidectomy, with 46.2% (n = 61) being male and 53.8% (n = 71) female. The mean age of these patients was 37.12 ± 6.22 years, ranging from 20 to 50 years, and 57.6% (n = 76) were aged over 35 years. More than half (55.3%, n = 73) hailed from rural areas, while 4.7% (n = 59) resided in urban locales. Among the patients, 15.9% (n = 21) had a history of diabetes, and 24.2% (n = 32) were hypertensive. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 23.32 ± 2.41 kg/m2, with 7.6% (n = 10) classified as obese. The mean preoperative serum calcium level was 9.87 ± 1.07 mg/dL. Postoperatively, the mean serum calcium level was 8.74 ± 0.83 mg/dL. Both Group A (preoperative vitamin D and calcium supplementation) and Group B (control) demonstrated comparable baseline characteristics before undergoing thyroidectomy. The incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia was notably lower in Group A, with only 4.5% (n = 3) experiencing this complication. By contrast, 24.2% (n = 16) of patients in Group B, the control group, developed hypocalcemia (P = 0.001). Conclusion Our study supports the use of preoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation in patients undergoing thyroidectomy to combat hypocalcemia. The treated group showed significantly lower hypocalcemia compared to the untreated group B. We recommend preoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation for all thyroidectomy patients to reduce related morbidities and hospitalization duration.
Lung Imaging and Artificial Intelligence in ARDS

Artificial intelligence (AI) can make intelligent decisions in a manner akin to that of the human mind. AI has the potential to improve clinical workflow, diagnosis, and prognosis, especially in radiology. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a very diverse illness that is characterized by interstitial opacities, mostly in the dependent areas, decreased lung aeration with alveolar collapse, and inflammatory lung edema resulting in elevated lung weight. As a result, lung imaging is a crucial tool for evaluating the mechanical and morphological traits of ARDS patients. Compared to traditional chest radiography, sensitivity and specificity of lung computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound are higher. The state of the art in the application of AI is summarized in this narrative review which focuses on CT and ultrasound techniques in patients with ARDS. A total of eighteen items were retrieved. The primary goals of using AI for lung imaging were to evaluate the risk of developing ARDS, the measurement of alveolar recruitment, potential alternative diagnoses, and outcome. While the physician must still be present to guarantee a high standard of examination, AI could help the clinical team provide the best care possible.
A vesicular stomatitis virus-based African swine fever vaccine prototype effectively induced robust immune responses in mice following a single-dose immunization

Introduction African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever disease in pigs caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV). It is very difficult to control and prevent ASF outbreaks due to the absence of safe and effective vaccines. Methods In order to develop a safe and effective ASF vaccine for the control and prevention of ASF, two ASFV recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) live vector vaccine prototypes, containing the gene of p72, and a chimera of p30 and p54, were developed based on the replication-competent VSV, and named VSV-p72 and VSV-p35. The immune potency of VSV-p72 or VSV-p35 alone and in combination was evaluated in BALB/c mice via intramuscular and intranasal vaccination. Results The results indicated that whether administered alone or in combination, the two vaccine prototypes showed acceptable safety in mice and, more importantly, induced high-level specific antibodies against p72, p30, and p54 of ASFV and a strong cellular immune response 28 days after vaccination. The sera from mice vaccinated with the vaccine prototypes significantly inhibited ASFV from infecting porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) in vitro. Most notably, the immunized sera from a mixture of VSV-p35 and VSV-p72 inhibited ASFV from infecting PAMs, with an inhibition rate of up to 78.58%. Conclusion Overall, our findings suggest that ASFV recombinant VSV live vector vaccine prototypes may become a promising candidate vaccine for the control and prevention of ASF.