Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of Propolis Extract (Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester) Addition on the Candida albicans Adhesion and Surface Properties of Autopolymerized Acrylic Resin

Background Denture stomatitis has been linked to the adhesion and proliferation of Candida albicans (C. albicans) on denture bases, which is a common and recurrent problem in denture wearers. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of incorporating caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) into autopolymerized polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) acrylic resin on C. albicans adhesion, surface roughness, and hardness as well as the correlation between tested properties. Methods Autopolymerized acrylic resin discs (N = 100, 50/C. albicans adhesion; 50/C. albicans surface roughness and hardness test) were fabricated in dimensions 15 × 2.5 mm, samples were categorized into 5 groups (n = 10) based on CAPE concentrations; unmodified (control), 2.5, 5, 10 and 15% wt of acrylic powder. Specimens were stored in distilled water for 48 h at 37°C. C. albicans adhesion was evaluated via direct culture method. Profilometer and Vickers hardness tester were used for surface roughness and hardness measurement. Post hoc Tukey's HSD with ANOVA test was performed to compare the difference of means amongst groups. P values were statistically significant at ≤0.05. Results The addition of 2.5% of CAPE to PMMA has significantly reduced C. albicans counts in comparison to higher CAPE concentrations (p < 0.001). As for surface roughness, it was noticed that it increased with increased CAPE concentrations (p < 0.0001). While surface hardness decreased as CAPE concentrations increased (p < 0.0001). All tested properties showed a significant difference amongst groups for C. albicans colony count and surface parameters. Conclusion The addition of 2.5% of CAPE to PMMA acrylic resin significantly decreased C. albicans count compared to higher CAPE concentrations. CAPE can be used as an adjunct in the prevention of DS by incorporating in the PMMA acrylic resin.
Analyzing the Impacts of a Successful Diffusion of Shared E-Scooters and Other Micromobility Devices and Efficient Management Strategies for Successful Operations in Illinois

Active transportation can play an important role in promoting more physically active and positive public health outcomes. While walking and biking provide significant physical health benefits, their modal share remains low. As a new form of micromobility service, shared e-scooters can enhance the suite of options available in cities to promote active transportation and fill in the gaps when walking or biking are not preferred. Although e-scooters show potential as a mode of transportation, it is unclear whether people will adopt the technology for everyday use. Furthermore, shared micromobility (e.g., electric scooters) is gaining attention as a complementary mode to public transit and is expected to offer a solution to access/egress for public transit. However, few studies have analyzed integrated usage of shared e-scooters and public transit systems while using panel data to measure spatial and temporal characteristics. This study aims to examine the adoption and frequency of shared e-scooter usage and provide policy implementation. To do so, the researchers launched a survey in the Chicago region in late 2020 and collected a rich data set that includes residents’ sociodemographic details and frequency of shared e-scooter use. To characterize the frequency, the researchers used an ordered probit structure. The findings show that respondents who are male, low income, Millennials and Generation Z, or do not have a vehicle are associated with a higher frequency of shared e-scooter use. Furthermore, this study utilizes shared e-scooter trips for a 35-day measurement period from 10 shared e-scooter operators in Chicago, where the researchers used a random-parameter negative binomial modeling approach to analyze panel effects. The findings highlight the critical role of spatial and temporal characteristics in the integration of shared e-scooters with transit.
Stretchable, Multi-Layered Stack Antenna for Smart/Wearable Electronic Applications

The development of microelectronics has been achieved by improving its performance through miniaturization. This was possible through the development of silicon-based semiconductor process technology, but recently, the demand for wearable or flexible devices has increased. These devices are made using various functional elements based on materials that are difficult to utilize with semiconductor devices that contain existing hard silicon-based materials and are bent or flexibly stretched. In this study, wireless antennas suitable for wearable devices were implemented in a stretchable form. It was possible to stably receive a wireless signal, even with a strain of 20% or more, and power light-emitting diodes (LEDs), microheaters, etc. By devising a multi-layered stack antenna without the existing semiconductor process, it was possible to improve the antenna’s reception performance. It is expected that this can be applied in various ways to smart wireless sensors and wearable biomedical devices using the near-field communication (NFC) of smartphones.
Referrals are A Double-Edged Sword: A Relative Theory of Referral Effects

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the internal mechanism by which comprehensive positive referrals in B to B marketing generate multiple effects. Methodology/Approach Author conducted 2 preliminary explorations. Practitioner note 1 analyzed the influence of ERV and IB on referral effect. Practitioner note 2 analyzed the influence of the interaction between them on referral effect. The data came from a questionnaire survey of 112 purchasing staffers from 40 fresh food supermarket chains operating in China. Findings Referrals whose effective referral value (ERV) is lower than a certain level are more likely to produce negative effect, and vice versa. The boundary condition depends on the initial belief (IB) of potential customers on the comprehensive performance level of the referred suppliers. The author calls this mechanism the relative theory of referral effect. Research Implications First, this practitioner note makes a theoretical contribution to the research literature related to WOM and referral effect. This is the first literature to introduce IB into the referral multiple effects analysis framework, and the first to reveal the mechanism of multiple effects from the perspective of the relative level of ERV and IB. Second, this paper contributes to the research on WOM. Rocklage and Fazio (2020) analyzed the mechanism of negative effects of positive emotions in positive WOM (PWOM) due to product categories, but it should be noted that the independent variable was positive emotions rather than the positive information content itself. In this sense, this practitioner note is the first to analyze the negative effects of positive information, which enriches the literature related to WOM. Practical Implications the preliminary findings of this practitioner note have guiding significance for marketing practice. That it is unlikely that the referrer will have a positive impact on high-reputation suppliers. For suppliers with low and medium reputation levels, the referrer is a double-edged sword. Therefore, it is not recommended that high-reputation suppliers implement supplier-selected-referral programs, and low and medium-reputation suppliers should be cautious in selecting referrers, for the referrer may have negative effects. Originality/Value/Contribution The author makes up for this deficiency in the existing research by building a multiple effect analysis framework including ERV and IB, thus promoting the development of research theory related to WOM and referral effects.
comparative study of depression in elderly men and women following major fractures

Background: Depression accounts for approximately 8.2% of people living with disability worldwide. Depression and fractures are a common occurrence especially elderly who are predisposed to fractures due to low bone mineral density. Clinical Depression is linked to high cortisol levels and low mineral density. As most studies correlating fractures in the elderly and its association with depression have been done in the western countries, we felt the need to pursue a study to compare fractures in elderly men and women and its association with depression in the Indian population. Methods: This was a prospective study done over two years with continuous sampling method. The study included 90 inpatients (51males and 39females) with fractures of long bone and hip needing prolonged rehabilitation. Patients above 65 years of age admitted with fractures of long bones and hip were examined using Beck’s depression inventory. The data was tabulated and compared between males and females. Results: We found 58.96% of females suffered from some form of depression as opposed to 39.21% of males. We found statistically significant association between depression and female suffering from major fractures.
Investigation of Chemical Compositions and Biological Activities of Mentha suaveolens L. from Saudi Arabia

Mentha is an aromatic plant used since antiquity for its pharmaceutical virtues. The climate of Saudi Arabia favors the growth of aromatic plants including Mentha suaveolens L. The aim of this study is to analyze the volatile oils of different parts of fresh and dried Mentha suaveolens L. grown in Saudi Arabia (Aljouf area) using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) and Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detector (GC/FID) techniques, to recognize the effect of drying on chemical composition, then to evaluate the antioxidant and antifungal activities of different extracts. In total, 118 compounds were identified via GC/MS and GC/FID, in which carvone is the main volatile constituent (stems, leaves, whole plant 45–64%). This investigation deduces that Mentha belonged to the carvone chemotype. Then, the analysis of non-volatile constituents of fresh and dried Mentha was performed by HPLC. The main phenolic compound of fresh and dried Mentha for different parts was rosmarinic acid (ranging from 28,002.5 to 6558 µg/g). The ethanolic extract of fresh stem showed the highest antifungal activity (53% inhibition) compared with miconazole (60% inhibition) but the ethanoic extract of dry stem showed no activity. Additionally, all ethanolic extracts, whether for fresh or dry Mentha, have antioxidant activity more than 90% while the antioxidant activity of whole plant volatile oil is equal to 53.33%. This research shows that M. suaveolens L. could be applied to manufacture natural antioxidants, antifungal, and flavoring agents.
Effect Of Innovative Nutrient Management Practices On Performance Of Maize And Wheat Under Different Tillage Methods In Rice-Based Cropping System

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of tillage and nutrient management practices on the performance of subsequent wheat and maize in the rice-based cropping system at Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal during November 2018-May 2019. The experiment was executed in a split-plot for evaluating two establishment methods viz. (i) zero tillage followed after (fa) conventionally tilled dry direct seeded rice ( ZT fa CT-DDSR) (ii) conventional tillage followed after puddled transplanted rice (CT fa Pu-TPR) and four nutrient management practices, i.e. (i) recommended dose (100% RDF; 80:60:40 and 180:90:60 N:P2O5:K2O kg/ha for wheat and maize respectively), (ii) Residue retention of rice crop @ 5 t/ha + 75% RDF (RR +75% RDF), (iii) Nutrient expert (NE) dose (140:60:45; 150:50:90 N:P2O5:K2O kg/ha for wheat and maize respectively), (iv) Rice residue @ 3.5 t/ha +75% RDF of each crop followed after brown/green manuring of Sesbania in rice (R+75% RDF fa BM/GM) and the treatments were replicated thrice. The data on yield (rice equivalent yield), yield attributes, and economics were recorded and analyzed by R studio. The study revealed that none of the yield attributes and rice equivalent yield of wheat were significantly influenced by the tillage methods but maize had significantly higher number of grains per cob under CT fa Pu-TPR and significantly higher (8.9%) yield under ZT fa CT-DDSR. NE assisted nutrient management practice produced significantly a greater number of spike (281.9 per m2 ) and grains per spike (44.5 and higher straw yield (5.9 t/ha) for wheat crop and also showed better performance for maize as well. Maize had yield advantage of 21% and 14% when planted after BM/GM practices in rice and residue mulched condition respectively. The rice equivalent yield of wheat was 21% and 16% more under NE dose and R+75% RDF fa BM/GM respectively compared to 100% RDF. NE dose was the most profitable in terms of B:C ratio for both the wheat (1.9) and maize (3.0). Hence, tillage methods were indifferent for wheat but ZT fa CT-DDSR was significantly productive for maize and NE dose was the best nutrient management practice for better productivity and profitability for the wheat and maize in the rice-based cropping system in inner Terai of Nepal.
Characteristics of Frailty in Haemodialysis Patients

Background: Both frailty and cachexia increase mortality in haemodialysis (HD) patients. The clinical frailty score (CFS) is a seven-point scale and less complex than other cachexia and frailty assessments. We wished to determine the characteristics of frail HD patients using the CFS. Methods: Single centre cross-sectional study of HD patients completing physical activity questionnaires with bioimpedance measurements of body composition and hand grip strength (HGS). Results: We studied 172 HD patients. The CFS classified 54 (31.4%) as frail, who were older (70.4±12.2 vs 56.2 ± 16.1 years, p < 0.001), greater modified Charlson co-morbidity (3 (2–3) versus 1.5 (0–3), p < 0.001), and body fat (33 (25.4–40.2) versus 26.2 (15.8–34) %, p < 0.01), but lower total energy expenditure (1720 (1574–1818) versus 1870 (1670–2194) kcal/day, p < 0.01), lean muscle mass index (9.1 (7.7–10.1) versus 9.9 (8.9–10.8) kg/m2), and HGS (15.3 (10.3–21.9) versus 23.6 (16.7–34.4) kg), both p < 0.001. On multivariable logistic analysis, frailty was independently associated with lower active energy expenditure (odds ratio (OR) 0.98, 95% confidence limits (CL) 0.98–0.99, p = 0.001), diabetes (OR 5.09, CL 1.06–16.66) and HGS (OR 0.92, CL 0.86–0.98). Discussion: Frail HD patients reported less active energy expenditure, associated with reduced muscle mass and strength. Frail patients were more likely to have greater co-morbidity, particularly diabetes. Whether physical activity programmes can improve frailty remains to be determined.
Efficacy of SPECT Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI) in Combination with Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score for the Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Bangladesh. The coronary artery calcium (CAC) score is a readily and widely available tool for noninvasive diagnosis of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD). Aims: To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of combined CAC score with Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI) for the diagnosis of CAD. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the National Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (NINMAS) during July 2017 to June 2018. A total of 33 participants with known or suspected cases of CAD were included in this study who underwent SPECT MPI and CAC imaging. Statistical analyses of the results were obtained by using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS-22). Results: Nearly half (48.5 %) of the participants belonged to age 51-60 years. Was male predominant in this study, 93.9% and 6.1% ware female. Regarding MPI 69.7% participants had severely abnormal perfusion and 21.2% had normal perfusion. According to CAC score 33.3% participants had moderate calcification in coronary artery. Significant CAD was found in 81.82% participants in Coronary Angiogram (CAG) study. Combined SPECT MPI and CAC score diagnosed significant CAD in 90.9% patents. The performance test of CAC score showed 96.3% sensitivity, 33.3% specificity, 84.8%accuracy, 86.7% positive predictive value (PPV) and 66.7% negative predictive value (NPV) for diagnosis of significant CAD. The performance test of SPECT MPI has sensitivity of 85.2%, specificity 50%, accuracy 78.8% and PPV 88.5% and NPV 42.8%. The performance test of combined SPECT MPI and CAC score, has 96.3% sensitivity, 50% specificity, 87.8% accuracy, 89.6% PPV and NPV 75%. CAC score with a cut off value of 12.5 had best combination of sensitivity 93.9% and specificity 50% for identifying the CAD missed by SPECT MPI. Conclusion: The CAC score may offer incremental diagnostic information over SPECT MPI for identifying patients with significant CAD and negative MPI results. Bangladesh J. Nuclear Med. 23(1&2): 21-28, 2020
EGFR-Mutant Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer at Surgical Stages: What Is the Place for Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors?

Simple Summary Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are drugs targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor. In lung cancer, they are used to treat advanced EGFR-mutant diseases, and more recently, one has been approved for adjuvant therapy. Even though publications on the topic are numerous, conclusions are difficult to interpret and are sometimes contradictory. We therefore reviewed the literature in order to present an overview of up-to-date data regarding the adjuvant and neoadjuvant use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, with particular attention given to their benefits, proven or expected, as well as what challenges could be faced when entering them as protocols in standard care. Abstract The ADAURA trial has been significant for the perception of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as a tool for early stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It produced such great insight that the main TKI, Osimertinib, was rapidly integrated into international guidelines for adjuvant use. However, EGFR-mutant NSCLC is a complex entity and has various targeting drugs, and the benefits for patients might not be as clear as they seem. We reviewed trials and meta-analyses considering TKI adjuvant and neoadjuvant use. We also explored the influence of mutation variability and financial evaluations. We found that TKIs often show disease-free survival (DFS) benefits, yet studies have struggled to improve the overall survival (OS); however, the results from the literature might be confusing because of variability in the stages and mutations. The safety profiles and adverse events are acceptable, but costs remain high and accessibility might not be optimal. TKIs are promising drugs that could allow for tailored treatment designs.
Visfatin Polymorphisms, Lifestyle Risk Factors and Risk of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Cohort of Taiwanese Males

Oral cancer is the eighth greatest generally diagnosed cancer amongst males worldwide and the fourth most generally malignancy amongst Taiwanese males. The pro-inflammatory adipocytokine visfatin promotes tumor growth. Elevated plasma visfatin levels have been identified in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), although the biological mechanisms underlying the involvement of visfatin in the pathogenesis of OSCC are not well understood. Moreover, no information is available regarding associations between visfatin polymorphisms and carcinogenic lifestyle factors with OSCC. This study, therefore, investigated the effects of four visfatin gene polymorphisms (rs11977021, rs61330082, rs2110385, and rs4730153) and carcinogenic lifestyle factors (betel nut chewing, alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking) on the risk of developing OSCC in 1,275 Taiwanese males with OSCC, and 1,195 healthy males (controls). We also examined the associations between these visfatin genotypes and OSCC histopathological prognostic factors (pathological stage, tumor status, lymph node status, and metastasis). We found that compared with subjects with the CC genotype of SNP rs11977021, those with the CT+TT genotype were less likely to progress OSCC. In addition, an association was found between the rs4730153 variant and lymph node metastasis in the OSCC cohort.
Techno-economic evaluation of forced convection solar photovoltaic dryer for drying date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruit

The drying experiment for dehydrating date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruits was carried out in this dryer (developed by CAZRI, Jodhpur) in the month of June, 2020. During the testing, the maximum average stagnation temperature in the drying chamber was found as 70°C and when loaded with 20 kg date palm it reduced to 64°C, when outside ambient temperature was observed as 39.5°C on a clear day (from 08:00 hr to 18:00 hr). During the drying trial, moisture content of date palm fruits got reduced from 65% (wet basis) to about 26% in 6 days by dryer, whereas in the open sun drying it is taken 8 days. The temperature gradient of the drying chamber got reduced from 6-8°C to 2-3°C in the system provided with pre-heater, which resulted in uniform drying. The effective moisture diffusivity was 4.34  10-9 m2.s-1, and the efficiency of the dryer was 16.1 per cent. The developed hybrid forced convection drying system produced better quality products in shorter time by the efficient use of solar energy. The economic evaluation of the hybrid forced convection solar dryer indicated high value of IRR (57.4 percent) and low value of payback period (2.10 years), suggesting the dryer to be cost efficient. The winnower was used for winnowing the 200-300 kg grains from threshed material in a day in the absence of natural wind. The winnower was also used for separating grains from straw to enhance the utility throughout the year.
Sex-biased autophagy as a potential mechanism mediating sex differences in ischemic stroke outcome

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and a major cause of disability worldwide, and biological sex is an important determining factor in stroke incidence and pathology. From childhood through adulthood, men have a higher incidence of stroke compared with women. Abundant research has confirmed the beneficial effects of estrogen in experimental ischemic stroke but genetic factors such as the X-chromosome complement can also play an important role in determining sex differences in stroke. Autophagy is a self-degrading cellular process orchestrated by multiple core proteins, which leads to the engulfment of cytoplasmic material and degradation of cargo after autophagy vesicles fuse with lysosomes or endosomes. The levels and the activity of components of these signaling pathways and of autophagy-related proteins can be altered during ischemic insults. Ischemic stroke activates autophagy, however, whether inhibiting autophagy after stroke is beneficial in the brain is still under a debate. Autophagy is a potential mechanism that may contribute to differences in stroke progression between the sexes. Furthermore, the effects of manipulating autophagy may also differ between the sexes. Mechanisms that regulate autophagy in a sex-dependent manner in ischemic stroke remain unexplored. In this review, we summarize clinical and pre-clinical evidence for sex differences in stroke. We briefly introduce the autophagy process and summarize the effects of gonadal hormones in autophagy in the brain and discuss X-linked genes that could potentially regulate brain autophagy. Finally, we review pre-clinical studies that address the mechanisms that could mediate sex differences in brain autophagy after stroke.