Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of pesticide contamination of groundwater in New Zealand: 1. Ranking of regions for potential contamination

Groundwater contamination by pesticides may be affected by the amounts of pesticide used, the mobility and degradation characteristics of the pesticides, and the vulnerability of an area to pollution. An index of potential pollution was developed based on these factors, with the groundwater vulnerability being measured using the DRASTIC ranking method. Seventeen regions were selected from throughout New Zealand where significant pesticides have been applied and there is an underlying groundwater system. They were ranked according to this index of potential pollution. The sensitivity of the ranking to various formulations and weightings of the index was examined. Three regions (Poverty Bay, Te Puke, and Motueka) were generally highly ranked for a wide range of index formulations. Six of the higher‐ranked regions were selected for sampling in the second phase of the study.
Quality of Pistachio Nuts as Affected by Time of Harvest1

Kernel dry weight and crude fat accumulation, as well as shell dehiscence and change in shell color, all indicated that the nut of pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) is physiologically mature at the time the hull separates easily from the shell. Harvesting prior to or after that critical point resulted in undeveloped kernels or in stained and unattractive shells, respectively. The data indicate that nuts of highest quality may be obtained by harvesting within a period of about one week.
Effect of Short-Term High Fat Diet Inducing Obesity on Hematological, Some Biochemical Parameters and Testicular Oxidative Stress in Male Rats

Obesity constitutes a health problem due to its increasing worldwide prevalence. Among the health detriments caused by obesity, reproduction is disrupted. Some studies have shown a relationship between obesity and infertility, but until now it remains controversial. The objective of the current work was to examine the effect of diet-induced obesity on blood parameters, liver and kidney function tests, lipid profile and testicular oxidative stress. For that purpose, Male rats were fed ad libitum with a standard diet (control group; n.= 15) and high fat diet (HFD group; n.= 15) for 6 weeks. Hematological parameters, urea, creatinine, albumin were similar between the two groups. Intergroup testosterone levels were also comparable. The high fat diet induced significant increase in serum triglycerides, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. This diet also increases significantly alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities and decreased total protein level. Furthermore, HFD showed a significant increasing in malondialdehyde contents in testes and decreasing in superoxide dismutase activity, the results of this study concluded that short term high fat diet affect on liver enzymes and causing oxidative stress in testes.
Reconstruction of acromioclavicular joint reconstruction with palmaris longus autograft: Surgical technique

Objective: A common cause of shoulder pain in the young athletic male is Acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations, so reconstruction measures may be designated for efficient enhancement. A multitude of surgical reconstruction techniques exist. Material and method: 15 patients of AC joint dislocation with type IV and V injury were treated by a technique using a Palmaris longus autograft in reduction and fixation of the joint. Result: Postoperatively, pain and deformity was vanished, no superior relocation was noted even after three years of primary surgery, no infection and no restricted range of motion was noted. Conclusion: The anatomic reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligaments with grafts validates promising clinical and biomechanical effects.
Is There a South Syrian Style of Ivory Carving in the Early First Millennium B.C.?

The major assemblages of ivory carving preserved from the first millennium B.C. have generally been divided into two groups, Phoenician and North Syrian, and the classic characteristics of these groups are by now quite well established. However, if one defines Phoenicia as corresponding more or less to the coastal strip west of the Lebanon mountains, from the Carmel to Byblos, with the chief cities in antiquity as Tyre, Sidon, Arka, Arwad, Sarafand and Gebeil, and possibly including the Beka'a Valley and the Anti-Lebanon but certainly not further east; and if one defines North Syria as comprising the city states north of the Orontes Valley and south of the Taurus, from the Habur to the Amanus, including Gozan, Bit-Adini, Carchemish, Kummuh, Maraş, Sam'al, Arpad, Patina/Unqi and possibly Hamath; then it will be noted that the territory occupied by these two regions in no way encompasses the entire Syro-Palestinian Levant. Notably absent is the area of the powerful kingdom of Aram, whose capital was at Damascus, as well as the kingdom of Israel, with its seat at Samaria—both of which geographical and political units figured prominently in the southern coalition of states met by Shalmaneser III of Assyria in 853 B.C. and in subsequent Assyrian campaigns to the West.
Contractile growth of the hypocotyl of Lotononis bainesii seedlings in relation to some environmental factors

Lotononis bainesii seeds were sown in a glasshouse at 0, 10, 20 or 30 mm depth, covered with 0, 70, 140, or 210 g m litter and grown under shades giving 24, 47, 77 and 100% light transmission. Light negatively influenced the extension of the hypocotyl above ground level and positively increased the contractile growth of the hypocotyl to produce a buried crown. Emergence from 10 and 20 mm depth and the absence of litter also favoured development of a buried crown. In the field the extension of the hypocotyl of seedlings was negatively related to the light received by the seedlings, as varied by companion Digitaria decumbens growth. A buried crown did not develop in the absence of grazing. Maintenance of grazing pressure following seedling regeneration favours increased L. bainesii density in mixed pastures. -from Authors
ANXIETY BUFFER DISRUPTION: INTERPLAY BETWEEN NEUROCOGNITIVE FUNCTIONING AND WORLDVIEW DEFENSE IN POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER by MCKENZIE LOCKETT

According to anxiety buffer disruption theory, traumatic experiences can disrupt one’s ability to manage anxiety. There are several studies finding that after reminders of death, individuals high in trauma symptoms respond atypically – that is, whereas most individuals respond to reminders of death with increased self-esteem striving, traumatized individuals do not. Prior research has found that a certain level of cognitive resources are integral to the process of managing death-related thoughts; because traumatized individuals often report cognitive deficits, it may be that atypical responses to reminders of death stem from trauma-related cognitive impairments. Ninety-three participants were recruited via the psychology department at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Participants were administered a working memory task and randomly assigned to one of two conditions: a mortality salience prime, or a neutral prime. Though it was hypothesized that working memory performance and PTSD symptoms would moderate the effect of MS on death-thought accessibility and judgment of moral transgressions, the results did not provide support these hypotheses. Possible explanations and future directions are discussed.
Interactive comment on “Long-term INP measurements from four stations across the globe” by Jann Schrod et al.

This paper is excellent as a large compilation of INP data that has been processed in a consistent manner. The effort is to be commended for that reason alone. It is also a very well written manuscript, and with most of the details one would wish for, and the abstract highlights several key points: well mixed populations that do not vary greatly overall between northern and southern continental and marine sites, shortterm variability dominating at all sites, certain site specific aerosol drivers of INPs, but no universal driving aerosol property driver, and no indication of anthropogenic influences. Nevertheless, as I read the paper as it is currently organized, I struggled in
The Influence of Behavioural Intention to use the ICT Tax System on Tax Compliance Behaviour: The Efficacy of Mediating Effect

The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of behavioural intention to use the ICT tax system (ICTTs) as a mediating factor on the tax compliance behaviuor in Tanzania. The sample size for this study was made up of 109 taxation students from higher learning institutions. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling was used to analyze the data in two stages; firstly, the measurement model and secondly, the structural model. The study findings depict that the use of the ICTTs to influence compliance behaviour is partially mediated by behavioural intention. Moreover, the results indicate that performance expectancy and effort expectancy have both significant direct and indirect effects on tax compliance behaviour (complementary mediation). That means, in introducing technology, the government has to ensure the technology is simple, and enhance performance and productivity. We recommend the government to continue investing in technology awareness campaign which has an impact on improving tax compliance behaviour for both current and future taxpayers.
The revelation of Novel Mutations in Human Luteinizing Hormone Beta Subunit Related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome among Sudanese Women

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (POCS) is a mystery disorder with mysterious multiple players characterized by their mystic effects on disease pathophysiology resulting in various phenotypic pictures among the PCOS population. The Luteinizing hormone beta subunit (LH-B) (protein ID P01229) is a gonadotropin hormone secreted from the anterior pituitary belongs to the glycoprotein family, mapped on (chr19p13.3) and consists of three exons. It has a central role in promoting ovulation via stimulation of ovarian steroidogenesis. Objectives: This is a prospective laboratory-based cross-sectional study to determine genetic mutations associate with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among (30) Sudanese families ((cases n=35 families, 90 females, and (controls n= 11 families, 30 females) in Khartoum State, Sudan. Methods: Quantitative Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA), enzymatic methods, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) used to analyze both the biochemical parameters and polymorphism detection followed by Sanger sequencing for genotyping in addition to bioinformatics software for protein structure and function. Results: All the biochemical parameters levels of (FBG, LH, Testosterone, Insulin, and lipid profile) elevated from the control group were statistically significant except for the serum FSH (cases=5.4{+/-}4.6, controls=5.3{+/-}2.8) and PRL ((cases=12.4{+/-}8.2, controls=8.0{+/-}6.1)) which were statistically insignificant p=0.94 and p=0.06. After Sanger sequencing; (5) single nucleotide polymorphisms ((rs5030775, A18T), rs746167425, R22K), (rs1800447, W28R), (rs35270001, H30R) and (rs34349826, I35T)) located on (exon 2) of the LH beta gene was statistically significant with serum LH, Testosterone, and insulin levels among PCOS families. Conclusion: This is the first molecular identification of a family-based study in Sudan exploring the genetic of the LHB gene and interrelated its serum level with PCOS manifestation. The revelation of these mutations will give a clue to the genetic inheritance mode links and might explain the abnormal poor response of controlled ovarian stimulation tests in some PCOS women.
Innate lymphoid cell composition associates with COVID-19 disease severity

Objectives: The role of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is unknown. Understanding the immune response in COVID-19 could contribute to unravel the pathogenesis and identification of treatment targets. To describe the phenotypic landscape of circulating ILCs in COVID-19 patients and to identify ILC phenotypes correlated to serum biomarkers, clinical markers, and laboratory parameters relevant in COVID-19. Methods: Blood samples collected from moderately (n=11) and severely ill (n=12) COVID-19 patients as well as healthy control donors (n=16), were analyzed with 18-parameter flow cytometry. Using supervised and unsupervised approaches, we examined the ILC activation status and homing profile. Clinical and laboratory parameters were obtained from all COVID-19 patients and serum biomarkers were analyzed with multiplex immunoassays. Results: ILCs were largely depleted from the circulation of COVID-19 patients compared with healthy controls. Remaining circulating ILCs from patients revealed increased frequencies of ILC2 in moderate COVID-19, with a concomitant decrease of ILC precursors (ILCp), as compared with controls. ILC2 and ILCp showed an activated phenotype with increased CD69 expression, whereas expression levels of the chemokine receptors CXCR3 and CCR4 were significantly altered in ILC2 and ILCp, and ILC1, respectively. The activated ILC profile of COVID-19 patients was associated with soluble inflammatory markers, while frequencies of ILC subsets were correlated with laboratory parameters that reflect the disease severity. Conclusion: This study provides insights into the potential role of ILCs in immune responses against SARS-CoV-2, particularly linked to the severity of COVID-19.
Mitochondrial DNA variation in extremely selected traits: longevity and elite athletic performance

Mitochondria contain a maternally inherited 16,568bp genome (mtDNA) that encodes for 13 out of more than 70 subunits of complexes of the respiratory chain that produce ATP by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). As a byproduct of OXPHOS, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are formed, which may play a role in ageing. MtDNA has accumulated numerous polymorphisms during evolution, leading to haplogroups characterized by ancient polymorphisms and defined by letters. MtDNA polymorphisms are thought to be neutral, but some may be slightly deleterious or even advantageous and may influence phenotypes of complex traits. Interestingly, several complex traits such as longevity and maximal aerobic power show maternal inheritance. Associations between mtDNA polymorphisms and longevity have been reported, but no systematic study has been made of the role of mtDNA in longevity. In addition, there are no previous reports on mtDNA haplogroups in elite athletic performance. Associations are demonstrated here between mtDNA haplogroups J, K and U and longevity in Finns. Interestingly, subhaplogroup J2 and haplogroup K, which were found in increased frequency among the 225 very old subjects studied, were not found among the 52 endurance athletes but were present in 11% of the 89 sprint athletes Uncoupling of OXPHOS reduces ATP and ROS production. Thus, a mitochondrial genome with a higher level of uncoupling may promote longevity but may not be favourable in situations that require a high level of ATP production, such as elite endurance performance. A more detailed analysis also showed an association between a combination of three common mtDNA polymorphisms and longevity in both the Finns and the Japanese, providing the first epidemiological support for the assumption that the nature of a mutation is determined by interactions with other mutations in mtDNA. In addition, a systematic approach was applied to study the role of mtDNA in longevity. Association analyses of mtDNA allele combinations in longevity revealed that the mtDNA control region, the tRNA and rRNA genes and the nucleotide repeats in mtDNA may play a role in longevity, since the alleles and allele combinations that showed the strongest associations with longevity, either negative or positive, were among these genes. Differences in overall variation in mtDNA between the very old and their controls were also studied, revealing more differences at synonymous (silent) sites than at non-synonymous (amino acid altering) sites. The findings support previous data suggesting that certain mtDNA haplogroups are associated with longevity. In addition, those haplogroups that increased in frequency among the very old Finns were not found among Finnish endurance athletes. Also, a novel systematic approach was applied to study mtDNA alleles, allele combinations and overall sequence variation in longevity, suggesting that there are interactions between various mtDNA positions and that the tRNA and rRNA genes and short tandem repeats in mtDNA may play a role in longevity.
Persistent symptoms after Covid-19: qualitative study of 114 long Covid patients and draft quality criteria for services

Background Approximately 10% of patients with Covid-19 experience symptoms beyond 3-4 weeks. Patients call this long Covid. We sought to document the lived experience of such patients, their accounts of accessing and receiving healthcare, and their ideas for improving services. Method We held 55 individual interviews and 8 focus groups (n = 59) with people recruited from UK-based long Covid patient support groups, social media and snowballing. We restricted some focus groups to health professionals since they had already self-organised into online communities. Participants were invited to tell their personal stories and comment on other stories. Data were audiotaped, transcribed, anonymised and coded using NVIVO. Analysis incorporated sociological theories of illness, healing, peer support, the clinical relationship, access to care, and service redesign. Results The sample was 70% female, aged 27-73 years, and comprised White British (74%), Asian (11%), White Other (7%), Black (4%), and Mixed (4%). 27 were doctors and 23 other health professionals. Approximately 10% had been hospitalised. Analysis revealed a confusing illness with many, varied and often relapsing-remitting symptoms and uncertain prognosis; a heavy sense of loss and stigma; difficulty accessing and navigating services; difficulty being taken seriously and achieving a diagnosis; disjointed and siloed care (including inability to access specialist services); variation in standards (e.g. inconsistent criteria for seeing, investigating and referring patients); variable quality of the therapeutic relationship (some participants felt well supported while others described feeling fobbed off); and possible critical events (e.g. deterioration after being unable to access services). Emotional touch points in participant experiences informed ideas for improving services. Conclusion Quality principles for a long Covid service should include ensuring access to care, reducing burden of illness, taking clinical responsibility and providing continuity of care, multi-disciplinary rehabilitation, evidence-based investigation and management, and further development of the knowledge base and clinical services.
Frontline healthcare workers’ experiences with personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK: a rapid qualitative appraisal

Objectives To report frontline healthcare workers’ (HCWs) experiences with personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. To understand HCWs’ fears and concerns surrounding PPE, their experiences following its guidance and how these affected their perceived ability to deliver care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design A rapid qualitative appraisal study combining three sources of data: semistructured in-depth telephone interviews with frontline HCWs (n=46), media reports (n=39 newspaper articles and 145 000 social media posts) and government PPE policies (n=25). Participants Interview participants were HCWs purposively sampled from critical care, emergency and respiratory departments as well as redeployed HCWs from primary, secondary and tertiary care centres across the UK. Results A major concern was running out of PPE, putting HCWs and patients at risk of infection. Following national level guidance was often not feasible when there were shortages, leading to reuse and improvisation of PPE. Frequently changing guidelines generated confusion and distrust. PPE was reserved for high-risk secondary care settings and this translated into HCWs outside these settings feeling inadequately protected. Participants were concerned about differential access to adequate PPE, particularly for women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic HCWs. Participants continued delivering care despite the physical discomfort, practical problems and communication barriers associated with PPE use. Conclusion This study found that frontline HCWs persisted in caring for their patients despite multiple challenges including inappropriate provision of PPE, inadequate training and inconsistent guidance. In order to effectively care for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, frontline HCWs need appropriate provision of PPE, training in its use as well as comprehensive and consistent guidance. These needs must be addressed in order to protect the health and well-being of the most valuable healthcare resource in the COVID-19 pandemic: our HCWs.
Analysis of Level of Anxiety and Fear Before and After Endodontic Treatment

Dental anxiety is defined as patient’s specific reaction towards stress related to the dental treatment in which the stimulus is unknown, vague or not present at that moment [1,2]. It is a widespread problem that persists despite the scientific advances that made dentistry less painful [3-5]. Depending on the population and the measurement technique, 2.5-20% people suffer high dental anxiety [6,7]. It has been evaluated that around 80% of the Americans were ranked highly anxious regarding dental treatment and 5-14% of them were ranked severe anxious [8]. Research studies reported that dental anxiety is more common in women [2,8-10]. Recognition of a patient’s dental anxiety helps in provision of the vital information for a dental surgeon in shaping up a patient-dentist relationship [11]. Dental anxiety and fear appears to vary according to type of treatment. Periodontal or endodontic treatments have been shown to cause higher levels of anxiety than restorative or prophylactic treatments [12,13]. Patients’ pretreatment decisions and post treatment satisfaction may be strongly influenced by social, psychological, and behavioral aspects including knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, preferences and behaviors [14]. Patients might be aware about endodontic pathology, but are likely to be highly sensitized to treatment-related fear, anxiety and pain and are more concerned about cost, and whether the treated tooth fulfills their functional and esthetic expectations [15]. There is no doubt that root canal treatment can increase physiological and psychological stress levels [16]. Patients who had undergone root canal treatment experienced fair to very much fear of pain, or 3-4 on a 5-point scale [17]. Pain experienced during root canal treatment is associated with the level of anticipated anxiety level [16,18]. Half of the patients reported no change in fear level after root canal treatment, but 44% reported less fear after root canal treatment, and only 6% reported more fear after root canal treatment [19]. Previous experiences of root canal treatment tends to decrease anxiety; experience may counteract negative Abstract