Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Frames and Marginalisation of Counter-hegemonic Voices: Media Representation of the Land Debate in South Africa

ABSTRACT The South African commercial press marginalises alternative and counter-hegemonic voices partly due to its location in the capitalist power structures. Notwithstanding its transformation post-apartheid, the ethos of this media remains rooted in apartheid-like economic and ideological rationalities. This media still functions within Western news values and a neoliberal paradigm; hence, the reporting of ideological discourses delegitimises the concerns of the dispossessed. This paper uses the critical political economy of the media in conversation with decolonial theories to analyse the media’s representation of the land debate by assessing economic and political interrelations that shape its structures and practice. Stories in the South African English-language print media in 2018 are analysed using thematic and framing approaches. It emerges that the land debate is framed negatively. The media employed a narrow neoliberal frame in the stories and thus failed to support a legitimate discourse. Instead, the media gave voice to individuals located in capitalist production structures who defended the status quo.
Efficacy of reciprocating instruments and final irrigant activation protocols on retreatment of mesiobuccal roots of maxillary molars: a micro-CT analysis

Objectives This study evaluated the efficacy of 3 reciprocating systems and the effects of 2 instruments for irrigant activation on filling material removal. Materials and Methods Forty mesiobuccal roots of maxillary molars were prepared up to size 25.06 and obturated. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) examination #1 was performed. Teeth were then divided into 4 groups (n = 10), according to the retreatment protocol: (1) manual, (2) Reciproc Blue, (3) WaveOne Gold, and (4) X1 Blue. Micro-CT examinations #2 and #3 were performed after filling removal and repreparation, respectively. Next, all teeth were divided into 2 new groups (n = 20) according to the irrigant activation protocol: XP Clean (XP Clean size 25.02) and Flatsonic (Flatsonic ultrasonic tip). Micro-CT examination #4 was performed after irrigant activation. Statistical analysis was performed with a significance level set at 5%. Results WaveOne Gold removed a significantly greater amount of filling material than the manual group (p < 0.05). The time to reach the WL was similar for all reciprocating systems (p > 0.05). X1 Blue was faster than the manual group (p < 0.05). Only manual group improved the filling material removal after the repreparation stage (p < 0.05). Both activation protocols significantly improved the filling material removal (p < 0.05), without differences between them (p > 0.05). Conclusions None of the tested instruments completely removed the filling material. X1 Blue size 25.06 reached the working length in the shortest time. XP Clean and Flatsonic improved the filling material removal.
Myocardin Reverses Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Mediated Phenotypic Modulation of Corpus Cavernosum Smooth Muscle Cells in Hypoxia Induced by Cobalt Chloride

Purpose We aimed to investigate the mechanism of phenotypic transformation of corporal cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) under hypoxic conditions in vitro. Materials and Methods In this study, a hypoxia model was established using cobalt chloride (CoCl2). CCSMCs were treated with different concentrations of CoCl2 for varying time periods, and cell viability was assessed. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), myocardin (Myocd) and phenotypic markers were detected in the CCSMCs. We also transfected the CCSMCs with si-HIF-1α and Ad-Myocd and evaluated the effects on phenotypic modulation of CCSMCs and the relationship between HIF-1α and Myocd was evaluated. Results CoCl2 inhibited the viability of CCSMCs in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and treatment with 300 µM CoCl2 for 48 hours were the optimal conditions for establishing the hypoxia model. The results showed increased expression levels of HIF-1α and osteopontin and decreased Myocd, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and calponin levels in CCSMCs under hypoxia. HIF-1α knockdown reversed hypoxia-induced phenotypic transformation with elevated Myocd expression. Overexpression of Myocd also reversed the effect of hypoxia on the phenotypic switch, but did not affect HIF-1α expression. Conclusions Our findings showed that HIF-1α was involved in the effect of hypoxia induced by CoCl2 on CCSMC phenotypic modulation, and Myocd overexpression could inhibit this process. Thus, Myocd might be a potential therapeutic target for erectile dysfunction under hypoxia or HIF-1α activation.
Impact of free Fall Impact versus Treadmill Physical Exercise Programs: Which is Most Osteogenic?

Exercise plays a key role for bone remodeling throughout our lives. Within bone cells, osteocytes have the ability to translate mechanical stimuli to bone anabolic cellular signaling. A variety of protocols have been used to apply both direct and indirect stimuli to bone. Herein, we compared running and free fall impact exercise protocols and their effects on markers of osteogenesis and bone strength. Methods: 50 female Wistar rats (6 weeks-old) were randomly assigned to either a sedentary group (S) or one of 4 exercise groups: treadmill training (T) and 3 Free-fall (F) groups (F30, F45, F60 respectively fall of 30, 45 and 60cm; 5 days/week, 8 weeks). We evaluated BMD and BMC (by DXA), bone microarchitecture of the left femur and tibia (by μCT), mechanical strength of the left femur (three-point bending test), and bone marker levels (by ELISA). Arch Clin Med Case Rep 2022; 6 (1): 91-104 DOI: 10.26502/acmcr.96550455 Archives of Clinical and Medical Case Reports 92 Results: After 8 weeks of physical exercise (EXE), whole body BMD and BMC were both significantly higher from baseline in all EXE groups, with no difference between the 4 EXE groups. Left femur and tibia BMC and BMD significantly increased in the F45 and F60 groups compared to the S and T groups. BV/TV, Tb.Th and Tb.N were significantly higher in F45 and F60 compared to all other groups. Tb.N was significantly higher in F60 compared to F45. Yield point stress and Young modulus were significantly higher for F45 compared to S and T groups. Bone alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin levels were significantly higher in the F45 group compared to the remaining groups. NTX level was significantly decreased in the F45 compared to the S and T groups. Conclusion: Both treadmill and impact training protocols produced a benefit on BMD and BMC. Interestingly, impact mechanical stress was a better stimulus for bone trabecular structure than treadmill running. Biochemical and biomechanical bone parameters were more sensitive to moderate impact exercise (F45) while high impact exercise (F60) promotes further trabecular number.
Towards an acceptance of the ideology of English as a lingua franca in Hong Kong?

English as a lingua franca (ELF) is now the most extensive sociolinguistic use of English around the world (Jenkins, 2015). As a widespread language phenomenon, ELF serves as ‘a “contact language” between persons who share neither a common native tongue nor a common (national) culture and for whom English is the chosen foreign language of communication’ (Firth, 1996: 240). More specifically, ELF refers to communication in English between speakers from different first language (L1) backgrounds (Mauranen, 2012; Seidlhofer, 2011). Instead of being a single variety of English, ELF is also conceptualized as a set of practices involving translingual uses of English (Jenkins, 2015; Seidlhofer, 2017).
Prevalence and risk factors associated with mental health symptoms among anesthetists in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract The involvement of anesthetists in high-risk interventions exposes them to a serious risk of acquiring an infection and therefore exacerbates their psychological pressure during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate mental health problems among anesthetists in Saudi Arabia by quantifying the severity of distress, anxiety, and depression symptoms. The study is a cross-sectional, hospital-based online survey. Distress symptoms were assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised Questionnaires (IES-R), and depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). Multivariate logistic regression was used. A total of 296 respondents completed the survey. Overall, distress, anxiety, and depression symptoms were identified in 25.3%, 29.4%, and 30.7% of respondents, respectively. Anesthetists who were Saudi, single, under 50 years old, had a relative or friend with COVID-19, were dissatisfied with safety measures, felt stigmatized, smoked during the pandemic, and worked in secondary hospitals had higher degrees of severity on two or more measures of mental health symptoms than other respondents. Our findings highlight the mental health vulnerabilities of anesthetists in Saudi Arabia. Lack of confidence in infection control measures, as well as stigmatization, were found to be risk factors for distress, anxiety, and depression symptoms during the pandemic.
Rumen Volatile Fatty Acids and Morphology of the Rumen Mucosa of Swamp Buffalo Raised under Semi-Intensive and Extensive System in Tropical Environment

Swamp buffaloes are mostly raised under an extensive system because they can adapt to the harsh environment. However, exploring the rumen mucosa (RM) morphology and volatile fatty acids (VFA) of swamp buffalo associated with different production systems is still lacking. This study evaluated the rumen VFA and morphology of RM between two groups of buffalo raised under semi-intensive (SI) and an extensive system (EX). VFA was analysed using gas chromatography. The morphology of rumen mucosa was evaluated macro and microscopically for papillae length and width, surface area, density, and muscle thickness, and the microscopic evaluation for stratified squamous epithelium (SSE) and keratin thickness. SI has a greater VFA concentration than the EX. The SSE layer on the dorsal region of the rumen was thicker in the EX group than in the SI group (p≤0.05). Within the group, the SSE of the dorsal region of rumen was thicker than the ventral region (p≤0.05) in the EX group. However, the ventral region of the rumen was thicker than the dorsal region in the SI group. The thickness of the keratin layer in the EX group was significantly thicker than the SI group (p≤0.05) only on the dorsal region. In conclusion, swamp buffalo from the SI production system has a greater concentration of volatile fatty acid than the EX-group contributed by feeding management under a semi-intensive system. Nevertheless, the advantage in VFA concentration alone is not sufficient to conclude semi-intensive production system exerts a favourable effect on the morphology of the rumen mucosa.
Impact of tropical Atlantic SST anomaly on ENSO in the NUIST‐CFS1.0 Hindcasts

Using both observations and ensemble hindcasts of Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology Climate Forecast System (NUIST‐CFS1.0) for the period of 1983–2020, the leading modes of sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) over the tropical Atlantic in boreal spring and summer (March–April–May–June–July–August, MAM‐JJA) and their connections with El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are investigated with Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF), partial‐correlation, and composite analyses. In both observations and hindcasts, the first EOF mode is characterized by a basin‐wide SSTA pattern, and the second mode features a meridional dipole pattern. The meridional dipole mode cannot trigger ENSO, while the basin‐wide SST warming mode contributes to a subsequent La Niña via both north‐tropical and equatorial pathways. The north‐tropical pathway involves a low‐level anomalous anticyclone over North Pacific as a Matsuno‐Gill‐type response to the basin‐wide SST warming, related to a North Pacific Meridional Mode characterized with a cold SSTA and north‐easterly wind coupling over the northeast tropical Pacific, and finally triggers La Niña via the seasonal footprinting mechanism. This pathway is less important in the hindcasts than in observations. The equatorial pathway is tightly linked to the Kelvin wave, characteristic of an eastward propagation of the coupled pattern of SST and low‐level winds and a wedge‐like 500‐hPa air temperature anomaly over the tropical Indian and western equatorial Pacific Oceans, which is more significant in the hindcasts than in observations. Further composite analyses confirm that, even without the effect of the preceding ENSO, a basin‐wide tropical Atlantic SST warming favours the development of La Niña.
MicroRNA-199b Deregulation Shows Oncogenic Properties and Promising Clinical Value as Circulating Marker in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Patients

The identification of robust prognostic markers still represents a need in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). MicroRNAs (miRs) have progressively emerged as promising circulating markers, overcoming some limitations that traditional biopsy comprises. Tissue miR-199b deregulation has been reported to predict outcome and response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in LARC, and was also found to be associated with disease progression in colorectal cancer. However, its biological and clinical relevance remains to be fully clarified. Thus, we observed here that miR-199b regulates cell migration, aggressiveness, and cell growth, and inhibits colonosphere formation and induces caspase-dependent apoptosis. Moreover, miR-199b expression was quantified by real-time PCR in plasma samples from LARC patients and its downregulation was observed in 22.7% of cases. This alteration was found to be associated with higher tumor size (p = 0.002) and pathological stage (p = 0.020) after nCRT. Notably, we observed substantially lower global miR-199b expression associated with patient downstaging (p = 0.009), as well as in non-responders compared to those cases who responded to nCRT in both pre- (p = 0.003) and post-treatment samples (p = 0.038). In concordance, we found that miR-199b served as a predictor marker of response to neoadjuvant therapy in our cohort (p = 0.011). Altogether, our findings here demonstrate the functional relevance of miR-199b in this disease and its potential value as a novel circulating marker in LARC.
Inferring “missing girls” from child sex ratios in historical census data

Abstract The topic of “missing girls” in historical Europe has not only been mostly neglected, but previous research addressing this issue usually took the available information too lightly, either rejecting or accepting the claims that there was discrimination against female children, without assessing the possibility that the observed child sex ratios could be attributable to chance, mortality differentials, or registration quality. This article contributes to this discussion by (1) using a novel dataset of historical child sex ratios that covers a large part of the European geography between 1700 and 1926; and (2) explicitly considering the effects of random variability, demographic variation, and faulty enumeration in the analysis. Our results provide evidence that some of these European populations had child sex ratios well above the levels usually considered “natural”. Although part of this variation is indeed shown to be due to random noise and structural features related to infant mortality differentials and census quality, some of the observed sex ratios are too high to be attributed solely to these proximate factors. Thus, these findings suggest that there are behavioural explanations for some of the unbalanced sex ratios observed in our data.
Different Characteristics of Social Networks for COVID-19 in Europe

This study sheds new light on the different characteristics of social networks for COVID-19 in European regions. This study explores six countries (the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, and Sweden) by employing social network analysis for Twitter. First, this study finds that European countries show different characteristics for social networks with regard to COVID-19. For example, the UK has only national key players, France shows a majority of national key players, and other countries have all global key players. Donald Trump played an important role in the social networks of Italy, Germany and Sweden while he was the US president. Second, European countries demonstrate different social networks for groups. For example, the UK shows the most active communications across groups, whereas Germany shows the least communication networks across groups. Lastly, European countries reveal highly different interests regarding COVID-19. For example, the UK is more interested in the epidemic and vaccines, Germany focuses on schools and studies, and Sweden cares more about herd immunity and lockdown.
Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation in a joint venture with immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Successive current trials using immune response checkpoint blockade, the systemic therapy for progressive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has shifted dramatically towards targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME). Locoregional therapies (LRTs) like radiofrequency ablation (RFA)/rhizotomy, trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and surgical resection in the initial stages are critical. LRTs perform the crucial task of modulating the immune system surrounding the tumor, which is of great importance in the prevailing era of developing immuno-oncology treatments and their direct effect on tumor cells. Significant efforts are needed in exploring the mechanisms of latest combinational approach to boost clinical advantage with tolerable side effects. The present review highlights the tumor microenvironment of HCC followed by current immunotherapeutic approaches for HCC. Next, we discussed the concealed mechanisms of LRTs given in combination with immunotherapy and their utilization in clinical practice.
Early Renal Ultrasound in Patients with Congenital Solitary Kidney Can Guide Follow-Up Strategy Reducing Costs While Keeping Long-Term Prognostic Information

We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of renal length (RL) > 2 standard deviation scores (SDS) measured by renal ultrasound (RUS), across infancy, childhood and adolescence, in identifying which patients with congenital solitary functioning kidney (CSFK) are at lower risk of developing kidney injury (KI). We also estimated the cost saving of integrating the current follow-up protocols with an early RUS algorithm (ERUSA). Fifty-six CSFK adult patients who were 1–3 months old at first observation of undergoing RUS were enrolled. KI was defined by hypertension and/or proteinuria and/or declined renal function. ERUSA was assessed by early (at 1–3 months of life) RUS and was retrospectively tested in our patients. ERUSA establishes that patients with RL > 2SDS at early RUS do not undergo further follow-ups. The others undergo another RUS at 1 year of age along with follow-ups according with current protocols, with the exception of RUS which could be no longer performed. Direct and indirect costs were calculated for each analysed protocol and the cost saving of applying ERUSA was calculated. None of the patients with early RL > 2SDS presented KI in adulthood. A RL > 2SDS was predictive of absence of KI only at 1–3 months (OR = infinity) and 1 year of age (OR = 0.13; 95%CI: 0.03–0.66; p = 0.01). ERUSA provided a total cost-sparing ranging from 38.6% to 55.3% among the analysed follow-up protocols. With ERUSA, no patients developing KI in adulthood were missed. In conclusion, only a RL > 2SDS at 1–3 months and 1 year of age predicted good prognosis in young adulthood. ERUSA can guide a cost-sparing follow-up strategy in CSFK patients while maintaining important long-term information.
Shadow Economy and Economic Growth

This work provides an opportunity to analyze the relationship between the informal economy and economic growth, the methodology used is inspired by the work of Friedrich schneider (2018). To this end, we empirically address this point using an econometric model over the period 1996-2015. From the model prediction, we find the existence of a negative causal effect of the Shadow economy on economic growth. Our results state that the simultaneous effect of the Shadow economy and the rule of law variables and regulatory quality are negative. The size of the informal sector depends positively on tax law indicators and government policies and regulations, and an increase in the size of the informal sector is detrimental to growth.
18F-THK5351 PET Positivity and Longitudinal Changes in Cognitive Function in β-Amyloid-Negative Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment

Purpose Neuroinflammation is considered an important pathway associated with several diseases that result in cognitive decline. 18F-THK5351 positron emission tomography (PET) signals might indicate the presence of neuroinflammation, as well as Alzheimer’s disease-type tau aggregates. β-amyloid (Aβ)-negative (Aβ–) amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) may be associated with non-Alzheimer’s disease pathophysiology. Accordingly, we investigated associations between 18F-THK5351 PET positivity and cognitive decline among Aβ– aMCI patients. Materials and Methods The present study included 25 amyloid PET negative aMCI patients who underwent a minimum of two follow-up neuropsychological evaluations, including clinical dementia rating-sum of boxes (CDR-SOB). The patients were classified into two groups: 18F-THK5351-positive and -negative groups. The present study used a linear mixed effects model to estimate the effects of 18F-THK5351 PET positivity on cognitive prognosis among Aβ– aMCI patients. Results Among the 25 Aβ– aMCI patients, 10 (40.0%) were 18F-THK5351 positive. The patients in the 18F-THK5351-positive group were older than those in the 18F-THK5351-negative group (77.4±2.2 years vs. 70.0±5.5 years; p<0.001). There was no difference between the two groups with regard to the proportion of apolipoprotein E ε4 carriers. Interestingly, however, the CDR-SOB scores of the 18F-THK5351-positive group deteriorated at a faster rate than those of the 18F-THK5351-negative group (B=0.003, p=0.033). Conclusion The results of the present study suggest that increased 18F-THK5351 uptake might be a useful predictor of poor prognosis among Aβ– aMCI patients, which might be associated with increased neuroinflammation (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02656498).
Grief Responses during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Differences in Attachment and Emotion Regulation

Abstract This study assessed grief reactions amongst individuals who lost a loved one to COVID-19. Differences in attachment-related anxiety, avoidance, and emotion dysregulation were compared between absence, delayed, prolonged, and resolved grief reactions. 146 participants completed self-report measures after they experienced the loss of a parent, sibling, child, or spouse. A series of one-way analyses of variance indicated that there were significant differences in emotion dysregulation and attachment-related anxiety between grief reactions. Additionally, the resolved grief group had the lowest levels of emotion dysregulation. The findings highlight the importance of examining relational and emotional factors in the context of bereavement.