Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of fishing gear types and their influence on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) in the upper Benue river Basin, Nigeria

This study investigated the relationship between catch per unit effort (CPUE) and fishing gear type in River Taraba, Nigeria. The study was carried out for a 6 months period running from July to December 2022. The fish specimens used for the study was obtained through catch statistics at the three major landing sites of the study area. The sites were sampled twice monthly for fish species. Sampling was by: Direct observation of the Fish species and gears at the landing sites. Fish identifications as well as measurement of weight and number of fishermen were taken. The results showed that Gill net (Taru), Cast net (Birgi), Lift net (Akauji), Longline (Rincha) and Malian trap (Gura/Malia) are the most preferred fishing gears used by fishermen in Upper Benue River Basin at Mayo Ranewo; the results further revealed number of fishers in the 6 months study period ranged between 13 to 22 while the efforts (fishing hours) ranged from between 17 to 29 hrs/day. The average weight of fish caught per fisher per day ranged between 16 to 26 kg. September and October have the highest Catch Per Unit effort range of between 19.36 and 20.30 kg/hr while the lowest catch per unit effort is recorded in August with range of between 11.28 to 12.78 kg/hr. These findings have important implications for the management of River Taraba fishery, and can be used to inform policies and regulations to ensure the sustainability of the fishery. Therefore, this study recommends that fishers are encouraged to adopt more sustainable fishing practices, such as avoiding sensitive areas or using less harmful gear.
Establishing the intracellular niche of obligate intracellular vacuolar pathogens

Obligate intracellular pathogens occupy one of two niches – free in the host cell cytoplasm or confined in a membrane-bound vacuole. Pathogens occupying membrane-bound vacuoles are sequestered from the innate immune system and have an extra layer of protection from antimicrobial drugs. However, this lifestyle presents several challenges. First, the bacteria must obtain membrane or membrane components to support vacuole expansion and provide space for the increasing bacteria numbers during the log phase of replication. Second, the vacuole microenvironment must be suitable for the unique metabolic needs of the pathogen. Third, as most obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens have undergone genomic reduction and are not capable of full metabolic independence, the bacteria must have mechanisms to obtain essential nutrients and resources from the host cell. Finally, because they are separated from the host cell by the vacuole membrane, the bacteria must possess mechanisms to manipulate the host cell, typically through a specialized secretion system which crosses the vacuole membrane. While there are common themes, each bacterial pathogen utilizes unique approach to establishing and maintaining their intracellular niches. In this review, we focus on the vacuole-bound intracellular niches of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Coxiella burnetii.
Knowledge and Performance of Senior Dental Students of Zanjan University of Medical Sciences (Iran) Regarding the Principles of Oral Biopsy and Cytology

Background: The present study was designed to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of the sixth-year dental students of Zanjan University of Medical Sciences regarding the principles of oral biopsy and cytology. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was concocted on 70 of the final year dental students of Zanjan University of Medical Sciences in 2021. The data was collected in the census method. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire, the first part of which included demographic information (n=3) and the second part related to students' knowledge (n=10) and performance (n=4) of the principles of biopsy and oral cytology. Before distributing the questionnaire, its validity and reliability were confirmed. The data was entered into SPSS24 software and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and Independent sample t-test were used to analyze the data. Results: The mean and (±SD) of the age of the students was 24.84 ± 1.72 years and 31 (44.3%) were men. The mean (±SD) scores of students' knowledge and performance of biopsy were 4.41 (±1.12) and 0.68 (±0.60), respectively. Also, students' knowledge and performance regarding oral cytology were 0.51 (±0.63) and 0.47 (±0.58), respectively. There was no statistically significant relationship between gender and age variables with knowledge and performance levels in the biopsy and cytology sections (P-Value> 0.05). Conclusion: Our study showed students' knowledge and performance of oral biopsy was moderate, while their knowledge and performance of oral cytology was very poor, therefore, it seems necessary to provide solutions to increase students' knowledge and performance.
Lingual and Facial Myoclonus Associated with Early Corticobasal Syndrome

The early clinical features of corticobasal syndrome (CBS) may include limb myoclonus, occurring in approximately 15%. 1 Isolated lingual dystonia was recently reported as a new clinical feature her-alding early CBS, 2 and lingual dyskinesia is also a recognized phenomenon in CBS. 3 Here, we add a case with isolated lingual and facial myoclonus that we hypothesize as a potential sole initial manifestation of CBS for more than 3 years before other features emerged
Evaluation of Pharmacy-Led Post-Discharge Follow-Up on Transitional Care Management in a Tertiary Academic Hospital: An Observational Study

Introduction: The administration of multiple medications and complex drug regimens has increased medication-related problems (MRPs) and associated factors. MRPs can occur at any stage of the medication process and are common after hospital discharge. Understanding and managing these problems are crucial for promoting safe and effective medication use. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of MRPs among post-discharge patients with high medication risk in the academic tertiary care hospital of King Abdulaziz University (KAUH) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted, and data were collected through phone calls to discharged patients using validated questions. MRPs were identified based on the classification of the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE), and data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. Results: Out of 287 screened participants, 201 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of MRPs among high-medication-risk patients after hospital discharge was substantial, with 519 MRPs identified. The most common types of MRPs were the need for medication information, untreated symptoms or indications, and nonadherence. Conclusion: The most prevalent MRPs among patients in our hospital were the need for education and untreated symptoms or indications. Future studies should investigate MRPs in larger samples and explore interventions by pharmacists.
Multimodal Assessment of Bulbar Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Using a Novel Remote Speech Assessment App

Speech is a valuable marker of disease onset and progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Acoustic and kinematic data have characterized speech impairments in ALS previously, and there is growing interest in combining these modalities in novel analytical platforms. We explored the use of a multimodal (audio/video) speech assessment pipeline in ALS patients with varying severities. Participants performed a passage reading task, and clinical outcomes of e.g., speech function were collected. Speech data were analyzed using a custom automated acoustic and kinematic pipeline. Sparse canonical correlation analysis (SCCA) was then used. Both acoustic and kinematic features loaded strongly with clinical data (loadings ≥ |0.50|), indicating that multimodal features captured complementary speech function information. This reinforces the value of multimodal assessment techniques and points the way towards future remote assessment development steps.
Nebulised fentanyl, dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulphate for attenuation of haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation: A double-blinded, randomised comparative study

Background and Aims: Direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation cause an increase in heart rate (HR) and blood pressure, called as pressor response. This study aimed to compare nebulised forms of fentanyl, dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulphate to attenuate the haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. Methods: This double-blinded, randomised study was conducted on 90 patients undergoing elective surgery requiring endotracheal intubation. Nebulisation was done with fentanyl 1 μg/kg (Group A), dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg (Group B) and magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) (40 mg/kg) (Group C). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and HR were recorded before nebulisation (T0), post-nebulisation (T1) and at 2, 5 and 10 min after intubation (T2, T3, T4). The statistical analysis for comparing continuous variables between the groups was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and a P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Compared to T0, an increase in HR at T2 and T3 was seen in Group A only, which reached baseline values at T4 (P values <0.0001 and 0.037, respectively). No HR value was higher than the baseline readings in groups B and C. The decreasing trend of SBP, DBP and MAP was seen in all three groups. Groups B and C had a statistically significant decrease in all the values from baseline (P values <0.0001). Conclusion: Nebulised form of dexmedetomidine (1 μg/kg) and magnesium (40 mg/kg) seems to be superior to fentanyl (1 μg/kg) in blunting the stress response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.
Epidemiology, Diagnostic Strategies, and Therapeutic Advances in Diffuse Midline Glioma

Object: Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is a highly aggressive and lethal brain tumor predominantly affecting children and young adults. Previously known as diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) or grade IV brain stem glioma, DMG has recently been reclassified as “diffuse midline glioma” according to the WHO CNS5 nomenclature, expanding the DMG demographic. Limited therapeutic options result in a poor prognosis, despite advances in diagnosis and treatment. Radiotherapy has historically been the primary treatment modality to improve patient survival. Methods: This systematic literature review aims to comprehensively compile information on the diagnosis and treatment of DMG from 1 January 2012 to 31 July 2023. The review followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement and utilized databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and SciELO. Results: Currently, molecular classification of DMG plays an increasingly vital role in determining prognosis and treatment options. Emerging therapeutic avenues, including immunomodulatory agents, anti-GD2 CAR T-cell and anti-GD2 CAR-NK therapies, techniques to increase blood–brain barrier permeability, isocitrate dehydrogenase inhibitors, oncolytic and peptide vaccines, are being explored based on the tumor’s molecular composition. However, more clinical trials are required to establish solid guidelines for toxicity, dosage, and efficacy. Conclusions: The identification of the H3K27 genetic mutation has led to the reclassification of certain midline tumors, expanding the DMG demographic. The field of DMG research continues to evolve, with encouraging findings that underscore the importance of highly specific and tailored therapeutic strategies to achieve therapeutic success.
Molecular Changes in the Brain of the Wintering Calidris pusilla in the Mangroves of the Amazon River Estuary

Migrant birds prepare differently to fly north for breeding in the spring and for the flight to lower latitudes during autumn, avoiding the cold and food shortages of the Northern Hemisphere’s harsh winter. The molecular events associated with these fundamental stages in the life history of migrants include the differential gene expression in different tissues. Semipalmated sandpipers (Calidris pusilla) are Arctic-breeding shorebirds that migrate to the coast of South America during the non-breeding season. In a previous study, we demonstrated that between the beginning and the end of the wintering period, substantial glial changes and neurogenesis occur in the brain of C. pusilla. These changes follow the epic journey of the autumn migration when a 5-day non-stop transatlantic flight towards the coast of South America and the subsequent preparation for the long-distance flight of the spring migration takes place. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the differential gene expressions observed in the brains of individuals captured in the autumn and spring windows are consistent with the previously described cellular changes. We searched for differential gene expressions in the brain of the semipalmated sandpiper, of recently arrived birds (RA) from the autumnal migration, and that of individuals in the premigratory period (PM) in the spring. All individuals were collected in the tropical coastal of northern Brazil in the mangrove region of the Amazon River estuary. We generated a de novo neurotranscriptome for C. pusilla individuals and compared the gene expressions across libraries. To that end, we mapped an RNA-Seq that reads to the C. pusilla neurotranscriptome in four brain samples of each group and found that the differential gene expressions in newly arrived and premigratory birds were related with neurogenesis, metabolic pathways (ketone body biosynthetic and the catabolic and lipid biosynthetic processes), and glial changes (astrocyte-dopaminergic neuron signaling, astrocyte differentiation, astrocyte cell migration, and astrocyte activation involved in immune response), as well as genes related to the immune response to virus infections (Type I Interferons), inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF, and NF-κB), NLRP3 inflammasome, anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10), and cell death pathways (pyroptosis- and caspase-related changes).
Computer habits and digital literacy in geriatric patients: A survey

Objective Among hospitalised geriatric patients, only half are computer users. However, many of them refrain from using telehealth solutions. This study aimed to investigate geriatric patients’ computer and Internet habits and digital literacy and their associations with stress levels and frequency of Internet use. Methods Inpatients and outpatients aged 65 years or older, all computer users, were consecutively surveyed. Besides information about computer and Internet habits, computer support, and computer stress, the survey also collected information about digital literacy using the electronic Health Literacy Assessment toolkit. Results A total of 124 computer users with a mean age of 80.6 ± 7.4 years participated in the study from 1 October to 1 December 2019. Most patients received computer support from their children and grandchildren, whereas 6% did not seek support. They found themselves ‘most familiar with using a keyboard’ (79%), 59% ‘were unfamiliar with the Copy Paste function’, and only one-third ‘were open to new ways of using computers’. Digital literacy was associated with the frequency of Internet use (P = 0.001), and higher digital literacy was associated with less computer stress (P = 0.01). Conclusions Geriatric computer users are challenged by their basic computer skills, which may influence their choice of participation in telehealth solutions. If telehealth solutions are to succeed among geriatric patients, individualised computer support based on their basic computer skills and user-friendly computer devices are a prerequisite. For ongoing support, it is also necessary to introduce people close to the patient to telehealth solutions.
Assessing Intelligibility in Non-native Speech: Comparing Measures Obtained at Different Levels

Speech intelligibility (SI) is essential in communication and second language learning. In this study, non-native SI was measured through Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores and Orthographic Transcriptions (OTs) of read aloud sentences. Seven measures automatically derived from the OTs at word and subword levels were studied. The reliability of the intelligibility measures and the correlations between VAS scores and OT-based measures were also explored. Despite the different speaker language backgrounds, the recruited raters exhibited high scoring reliability. The correlations between VAS scores and OT-based measures were weak, corroborating previous assumptions that they refer to two related but distinct notions, comprehensibility (VAS) and intelligibility (OT). OT-based measures are reliable and valid indicators of SI. The results are discussed in relation to previous studies and avenues for future research are proposed.
Gypenoside-14 Reduces Depression via Downregulation of the Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-kB) Signaling Pathway on the Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Induced Depression Model

Neuroinflammation is a common pathogenetic sign of depression and is closely linked to the development of depression. Many clinical anti-inflammatory drugs act as antidepressants by reducing the neuroinflammatory response. Previous research found that gypenosides and their bioactive compound gypenoside-14 (GP-14) had neuroprotective effects against hypoxia-induced injury and reduced neuroinflammation-related high-altitude cerebral edema. Here we investigated the effects of GP-14 on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression-like behavior model. LPS (0.5 mg/kg) was injected into mice intraperitoneally for 7 consecutive days to induce depression-like behavior, which is considered a model for the exacerbation of depression. GP-14 in the amount of 100 mg/kg was simultaneously administered by gavage for 7 days. In the LPS-induced depression model, GP-14 not only attenuated depression-like behavior but also improved the anxiety-like behavior of the mice. Additionally, GP-14 treatment mitigated learning and cognitive decline in depressed mice. ELISA and immunofluorescence staining results revealed that GP-14 inhibited the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and suppressed the activation of astrocytes induced with LPS, indicating its potent anti-inflammatory effect. GP-14 pretreatment in C8 cells and primary astrocytes can inhibit the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and downregulate the levels of pro-inflammatory factors. In summary, our findings showed that GP-14 had significant anti-inflammation and anti-depression properties; thus, GP-14 could be a promising lead compound for treating depression.
Multi-Scale Temporal Transformer For Speech Emotion Recognition

Speech emotion recognition plays a crucial role in human-machine interaction systems. Recently various optimized Transformers have been successfully applied to speech emotion recognition. However, the existing Transformer architectures focus more on global information and require large computation. On the other hand, abundant speech emotional representations exist locally on different parts of the input speech. To tackle these problems, we propose a M ulti-S cale TR ansfomer (MSTR) for speech emotion recognition. It comprises of three main components: (1) a multi-scale temporal feature operator, (2) a fractal self-attention module, and (3) a scale mixer module. These three components can effectively enhance the transformer’s ability to learn multi-scale local emotion representations. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed MSTR model significantly outperforms a vanilla Transformer and other state-of-the-art methods across three speech emotion datasets: IEMOCAP, MELD and, CREMA-D. In addition, it can greatly reduce the computational cost.
CNVVE: Dataset and Benchmark for Classifying Non-verbal Voice

Non-verbal voice expressions (NVVEs) have been adopted as a means of human-computer interaction in research studies. However, exploring non-verbal voice-based interactions has been constrained by the limited availability of suitable training data and computational methods for classifying such expressions, leading to a focus on simple binary inputs. We address this issue with a new dataset containing 950 audio samples comprising 6 classes of voice expressions. The data were collected from 42 speakers who donated voice recordings. The classifier was trained on the data using features derived from mel-spectrograms. Furthermore, we studied the effectiveness of data augmentation and improved over the baseline model accuracy significantly with a test accuracy of 96.6% in a 5-fold cross-validation. We have made CNVVE publicly accessible in the hope that it will serve as a benchmark for future research.
LSTC-rPPG: Long Short-Term Convolutional Network for Remote Photoplethysmography

Remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) is a non-contact technique for measuring blood pulse signals associated with cardiac activity. Although rPPG is considered an alternative to traditional contact-based photoplethysmography (PPG) because of its non-contact nature, obtaining reliable measurements remains a challenge owing to the sensitiveness of rPPG. In recent years, deep learning-based methods have improved the reliability of rPPG, but they suffer from certain limitations in utilizing long-term features such as periodic tendencies over long durations. In this paper, we propose a deep learning-based method that models long short-term spatio-temporal features and optimizes the long short-term features, ensuring reliable rPPG. The proposed method is composed of three key components: i) a deep learning architecture, denoted by LSTC-rPPG, which models long short-term spatio-temporal features and combines the features for reliable rPPG, ii) a temporal attention refinement module that mitigates temporal mismatches between the long-term and short-term features, and iii) a frequency scale invariant hybrid loss to guide long-short term features. In experiments on the UBFC-rPPG database, the proposed method demonstrated a mean absolute error of 0.7, root mean square error of 1.0, and Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.99 for heart rate estimation accuracy, outperforming contemporary state-of-the-art methods.
Leucism in Callithrix jacchus (Primates: Callitrichidae) and Sciurus aestuans (Rodentia: Sciuridae) in the northeast of Brazil

Phenotypic variation is common in vertebrates, especially if we consider geographic variations, however, mutations such as leucism, melanism, and albinism are not so common. Here, we report two cases of leucism, in common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) and Brazilian squirrel (Guerlinguetus aestuans), recorded in Atlantic Forest fragments in northeastern Brazil. These reports allow us to better understand this phenomenon, as well as ecological and physiological implications for animals, which have a significant influence on their survival.