Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Carcinoma Stomach: An Analysis of the Short-Term Outcomes

Introduction: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in carcinoma stomach was introduced in an effort to eliminate micro-metastasis and to improve resectablity before surgery which improves R0 resection rates. We aimed to study the short term outcomes of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on the Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) stage and the operative outcomes including R0 resection rate in locally advanced gastric cancer. Methods: We prospectively included patients with locally advanced adenocarcinoma stomach staged by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) in our study. Patients in Group I were started on neoadjuvant chemotherapy (epirubicin, oxaliplatin, and capecitabine). Surgery was done following response assessment CECT. Patients in Group II underwent upfront surgery. We assessed R0 resection rate, number of harvested and metastatic lymph nodes, lymph node ratio, duration of surgery, blood loss, hospital stay and complications between two groups. Response to NACT was assessed in Group I. Results: Out of 47 patients who received NACT, two patients had complete response (4.2%), 13 had partial response (27.7%), 10 had stable disease (21.3%) and 22 patients had progressive disease (46.8%). We found no significant difference in the rate of R0 resection between the two groups (88.2% in NACT group vs 85.1% in surgery group, P=0.55). Conclusions: The rate of R0 resection does not significantly improve with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In view of high progression rates, patient selection is required when NACT is planned in carcinoma stomach which are surgically resectable at presentation. We await survival analysis to further validate the role of NACT.
Anti-nuclear Matrix Protein 2 Antibody-positive Dermatomyositis Associated with Cervical Cancer Recurrence after 6 Years of Stable Disease

A 79-year-old woman was evaluated for weakness, dysphagia, and elevated levels of creatinine kinase. Her medical history included stage IIIB cervical cancer eight years previously, which improved after undergoing radiotherapy. Two years later, cancer recurred in the right hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes, and the patient was successfully treated with chemotherapy. Physical examinations showed Gottron's sign, the V sign, the Holster sign, and nailfold erythema. Computed tomography revealed left supraclavicular lymphadenopathy, compatible with cancer recurrence. Anti-nuclear matrix protein 2 (NXP2) antibody was found in her sera and a diagnosis of cancer-associated dermatomyositis was thus made. This case suggests that cancer progression over a period of years may have triggered the onset of autoimmunity against NXP2.
Steady-State Levels of Miro1 Linked to Phosphorylation at Serine 156 and Mitochondrial Respiration in Dopaminergic Neurons

Miro1 has emerged as an interesting target to study Parkinson’s disease-relevant pathways since it is a target of PINK1 and Parkin. Miro1 is a mitochondrial GTPase with the primary function of facilitating mitochondrial movement, and its knockout in mice is postnatally lethal. Here, we investigated the effect of the artificial RHOT1/Miro1 S156A mutation since it is a putative PINK1 phosphorylation site shown to be involved in Miro1 degradation and mitochondrial arrest during mitophagy. We gene-edited a homozygous phospho-null Miro1 S156A mutation in induced pluripotent stem cells to study the mutation in human dopaminergic neurons. This mutation causes a significant depletion of Miro1 steady-state protein levels and impairs further Miro1 degradation upon CCCP-induced mitophagy. However, mitochondrial mass measured by Tom20 protein levels, as well as mitochondrial area, are not affected in Miro1 S156A neurons. The mitochondria are slightly lengthened, which is in line with their increased turnover. Under basal conditions, we found no discernable effect of the mutation on mitochondrial movement in neurites. Interestingly, the S156A mutation leads to a significant reduction of mitochondrial oxygen consumption, which is accompanied by a depletion of OXPHOS complexes III and V. These effects are not mirrored by Miro1 knockdown in neuroblastoma cells, but they are observed upon differentiation. Undifferentiated Miro1 S156A neural precursor cells do not have decreased Miro1 levels nor OXPHOS complexes, suggesting that the effect of the mutation is tied to development. In mature dopaminergic neurons, the inhibition of Miro1 Ser156 phosphorylation elicits a mild loss of mitochondrial quality involving reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, which is sufficient to induce compensatory events involving OXPHOS. We suggest that the mechanism governing Miro1 steady-state levels depends on differentiation state and metabolic demand, thus underscoring the importance of this pathway in the pathobiology of Parkinson’s disease.
A palynological systematic nomenclature

The present article deaIs with a new artificial palynological nomenclature. The genera and generic names of pollengrains are based on the pollen-types of IVERSEN & TROELS-SMITH (1950) and the subgenera and sub-generic names on the sculpture-types of the same authors. The main part of the theoretically possible genera and some of the sub-genera are described with their type species. For spores a similar system is proposed, but the genera are n0t described here with their type-species, as many spore-genera are established already from the Paleozoic.
Zero-Day Malware Detection and Effective Malware Analysis Using Shapley Ensemble Boosting and Bagging Approach

Software products from all vendors have vulnerabilities that can cause a security concern. Malware is used as a prime exploitation tool to exploit these vulnerabilities. Machine learning (ML) methods are efficient in detecting malware and are state-of-art. The effectiveness of ML models can be augmented by reducing false negatives and false positives. In this paper, the performance of bagging and boosting machine learning models is enhanced by reducing misclassification. Shapley values of features are a true representation of the amount of contribution of features and help detect top features for any prediction by the ML model. Shapley values are transformed to probability scale to correlate with a prediction value of ML model and to detect top features for any prediction by a trained ML model. The trend of top features derived from false negative and false positive predictions by a trained ML model can be used for making inductive rules. In this work, the best performing ML model in bagging and boosting is determined by the accuracy and confusion matrix on three malware datasets from three different periods. The best performing ML model is used to make effective inductive rules using waterfall plots based on the probability scale of features. This work helps improve cyber security scenarios by effective detection of false-negative zero-day malware.
The Paradoxical Power of Continuous Assessment Learning Activity Nexus Industrial Development in the Context of Zimbabwean Education System 5.0

The present study aimed at exploring the power of Continuous Assessment Learning Activity in connection with industrial development in Zimbabwean education system version 5.0. The education system in Zimbabwe has undergone a transformation in a proposition to industrialise the economy through education as nodded in National Development Strategy for vision 2030 middle income class economy. Thus, the objective of this research was hinged on establishing the industrial skills imposed in learners by CALA a version of curriculum innovation. The study also set an objective of finding evidence of industrial development from CALA and establishing teacher’s attitude towards implementation of CALA. The study adopted phenomenological qualitative research study in which systematic sampling was used to select 14 respondents for interviewing over WhatsApp. The study revealed that CALA impose and sharpen research, practical, problems solving and creative skills in learners. As well learners are involved in producing products for sale and developed their entrepreneurship skills. Teacher’s attitude showed a negative attitude towards implementation of CALA in schools due to lack of support, poor remuneration and lack of training. The research recommends measure to boost teacher’s attitude towards CALA for industrial development.
Block and blend: a mixed method investigation into the impact of a pilot block teaching and blended learning approach upon student outcomes and experience

ABSTRACT The transition to online teaching as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic led many universities to think strategically about the delivery of learning, teaching and assessment and the subsequent implications for student engagement and attainment. This piece of research builds upon literature around ‘immersive scheduling’, referred to as ‘block delivery’ alongside ‘blended learning’ by presenting findings from a mixed method study of a pilot block and blend delivery approach at one UK University. Qualitative data was collected from 94 students studying on 22 modules selected for the pilot. Secondary data analysis of outcome data and deferral requests for modules delivered in a traditional format in the academic year 2019/20 were compared to outcome data for modules delivered in a block and blend format in 2020/21. The findings suggest that a block and blend approach has positive implications for attainment, the frequency of deferral applications and leads to self-reported student engagement via a sense of accomplishment, focus and enhanced flexibility. The study highlights the potential of a combined block delivery and blended learning approach in enhancing student experience and attainment.
Less Virulent Leptosphaeria biglobosa Immunizes the Canola Plant to Resist Highly Virulent L. maculans, the Blackleg Pathogen

Leptosphaeria biglobosa is a less virulent Leptosphaeria spp. that causes blackleg disease in canola. Previous studies from our lab have shown that inoculation with the less virulent L. biglobosa can boost the resistance of canola plants against the highly virulent L. maculans. The objective of this study was to confirm the effectiveness of L. biglobosa as a biocontrol agent against L. maculans utilizing morphology, fluorescence microscopy, gene quantification, and transcriptomic analysis. The in planta development of two Leptosphaeria species inoculated at different time points was assessed using fluorescent protein-tagged isolates which are GFP-tagged L. maculans and DsRed-tagged L. biglobosa. The growth inhibition of L. maculans by pre-and co-inoculated L. biglobosa was supported by no lesion development on cotyledons and no or weak fluorescence protein-tagged mycelia under the confocal microscope. The host defense-related genes, WRKY33, PR1, APX6, and CHI, were upregulated in L. biglobosa inoculated Westar cotyledons compared to L. maculans inoculated cotyledons. The quantification of each pathogen through qPCR assay and gene expressions analysis on host defense-related genes by RT-qPCR confirmed the potential of L. biglobosa “brassicae’ in the management of the blackleg disease pathogen, L. maculans ‘brassicae’, in canola.
Effect of Supplementing Grass Silage-Based Diets with Concentrate Carbohydrate Sources with Different Fermentation Profiles on N Metabolism of Beef Heifers Fed to Maintenance

The synchronous supply of energy and nitrogen (N) substrates to the rumen microbes on grass silage (GS)-based diets can potentially lead to reduced levels of N excreted in the urine. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing GS-based diet with carbohydrate sources differing in rumen fermentation profile on N metabolism of beef heifers. Six Belgian Blue × Holstein Friesian cross beef heifers (487 ± 29 kg BW) were used in a 3 × 3 Latin Square design (n = 6). Dietary treatments were: (RB) GS supplemented with rolled barley; (MM) GS supplemented with maize meal and; (SH) GS supplemented with soya hulls offered at 40:60 forage to concentrate ratio on a dry matter (DM) basis, at maintenance feeding (40 g DM/kg BW0.75). Carbohydrate source had no effect on DM, organic matter, or N intake or total N excretion and the amount of N excreted in the urine (p > 0.05). Animals offered MM excreted a higher percentage of N in the faeces and a lower percentage of N in the urine compared to animals offered RB (p < 0.05). There was a time by interaction for ruminal ammonia (NH3) concentrations (p < 0.01). Ruminal NH3 concentrations peaked at 2 h post-feeding for all treatments. At 3 h post-feeding, ruminal NH3 concentrations for the RB treatment remained higher compared to MM and SH treatments. Molar proportions and total ruminal volatile fatty acids were similar among dietary treatments (p > 0.05). Supplementing GS-based diets with different carbohydrate sources had no impact on the total level of N excreted or the amount of N excreted in the urine. However, there was a higher percentage of N excreted in the faeces and a lower percentage of N excreted in the urine when animals were offered MM compared to those offered RB (p < 0.05).
Assessment of bunch thinning as a management technique for Semillon and Shiraz in a hot Australian climate

Bunch thinning is a widespread management practice in vineyards and it has been reported to improve grape and wine quality depending on the timing and intensity of its application. This study assessed whether bunch thinning could affect vine performance, grape and wine chemistry and sensory attributes for Shiraz and Semillon in a hot Australian climate.Own rooted Semillon and Shiraz vines planted in 1990 at the Waite Campus of the University of Adelaide were evaluated. For both varieties, bunch thinning was carried out by removing 50 % of bunches at veraison (EL35) for four and two seasons for Semillon and Shiraz, respectively. Vine performance, berry and wine chemistry and berry and wine sensory characteristics were assessed. Results showed a dramatic effect on yield but only minor effects on the other yield components. Berry and wine chemistry were also mostly unaffected by the treatment. Semillon wines from un-thinned vines were preferred, while for Shiraz, bunch thinning improved the wine acceptance by the sensory panel.To support the decision on whether to bunch thin and justify its cost, a significant increase in fruit and wine quality should be expected; however, in this study, only mild effects were found. This study provides the wine industry with a better understanding of the effects of bunch thinning in a hot climate.
Development of Bioclimatic Passive Designs for Office Building in Burkina Faso

This article focuses on adopting effective and affordable bioclimatic building design strategies in Ouagadougou, in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Burkina Faso. A model representing a standard office building and relevant parameters were input in EnergyPlus, and scenarios were analyzed to evaluate the effect of natural ventilation, window shading, dehumidification with night ventilation, and evaporative cooling with night ventilation on thermal comfort and energy consumption. First, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 55 adaptive comfort model was used to compare discomfort hours and interior temperatures between a conventional office design and improved models using passive approaches. The simulations further tested the reduction in energy cooling demand and energy consumption. The results demonstrated that natural ventilation was the most effective passive cooling technique, helping to reduce the annual discomfort hours by 40% and the annual energy consumption by 30%. Combining passive strategies is the best scenario, with a year of office occupancy resulting in just 617 h of discomfort, a 42% reduction in the annual energy cooling demand, and a 43% reduction in the annual energy consumption. The simulations demonstrated the effectiveness of affordable passive design solutions applicable even in existing office buildings and their significance for the sustainable development of fast-urbanizing Sub-Saharan countries.
Chest pain and coronary endothelial dysfunction after recovery from COVID‐19: A case series

Endothelial cell damage related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has been described in multiple vascular beds, and many survivors of COVID‐19 report chest pain. This case series describes two previously healthy middle‐aged individuals who survived COVID‐19 and were subsequently found to have symptomatic coronary endothelial dysfunction months after initial infection.
Enhanced ASGR2 by microplastic exposure leads to resistance to therapy in gastric cancer

Background: Microplastics (MPs) are a new global environmental threat. Previously, we showed the biodistribution of MPs using [64Cu] polystyrene (PS) and PET in mice. Here, we aimed to identify whether PS exposure has malignant effects on the stomach and induces resistance to therapy. Methods: BALB/c nude mice were fed 1.72 × 104 particles/mL of MP. We investigated PS accumulation in the stomach using radioisotope-labeled and fluorescent-conjugated PS. Further, we evaluated whether PS exposure induced cancer stemness and multidrug resistance, and whether it affected tumor development, tumor growth, and survival rate in vivo using a 4-week PS-exposed NCI-N87 mouse model. Using RNA-Seq analysis, we analyzed whether PS exposure induced gene expression changes in gastric tissues of mice. Results: PET imaging results showed that a single dose of [64Cu]-PS remained for 24 h in the mice stomach. The 4-week daily repetitive dose of fluorescent conjugated PS was deposited in the gastric tissues of mice. When PS was exposed, a 2.9-fold increase in migration rate was observed for NCI-N87 cells. Immunocytochemistry results showed decreased E-cadherin and increased N-cadherin expression, and flow cytometry, qPCR, and western blot analysis indicated a 1.9-fold increase in N-cadherin expression after PS exposure. Further, PS-induced multidrug resistance to bortezomib, paclitaxel, gefitinib, lapatinib, and trastuzumab was observed in the NCI-N87 mouse model due to upregulated CD44 expression. RNA-seq results identified increased asialoglycoprotein receptor 2 (ASGR2) expression after PS exposure, and ASGR2 knockdown decreased cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and drug resistance. Conclusion: We demonstrated that ASGR2 enhanced cancer hallmarks on PS exposure and induced resistance to chemo- and monoclonal antibody-therapy. Our preclinical findings may provide an incentive for further epidemiological studies on the role of MP exposure and its association with gastric cancer.
Association between Gout and Dyslipidemia: A Nested Case–Control Study Using a National Health Screening Cohort

The association between lipid levels and uric acid disorders remains controversial. We evaluated the association between dyslipidemia and gout in a large cohort from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort. Among the 514,866 participants aged ≥40 years, 16,679 gout participants were selected and matched with 66,716 control participants for income, region of residence, sex, and age. We used the ICD-10 codes to define dyslipidemia (E78) and gout (M10) and diagnosis was confirmed when each was reported ≥2 times. The odds ratios (ORs) of dyslipidemia history were calculated using conditional logistic regression in crude, partial, and fully adjusted models. The days of statin use, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose level, total cholesterol, obesity, Charlson comorbidity index, alcohol consumption, and smoking were used as covariates. Patients with gout had a significantly higher dyslipidemia history than those without gout (33.1% vs. 24.0%, p < 0.001). The association was significant after adjustment (OR in partial adjusted model = 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.44–1.57; OR in fully adjusted model = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.37–1.49). These findings were consistent with the subgroup analysis. Our findings suggest that dyslipidemia history is more likely in patients with gout aged ≥40 years than in healthy controls among Korean population.
Reliability of International Fitness Scale (IFIS) in Chinese Children and Adolescents

Background and Objectives: It has previously been shown that the International Fitness Scale (IFIS) is a reliable and valid instrument when used in numerous regions and subgroups, but it remains to be determined whether the IFIS is a reliable instrument for use with Chinese children and adolescents. If the reliability of the IFIS can be verified, populational surveillance and monitoring of physical fitness (PF) can easily be conducted. This study aimed to test the reliability of the IFIS when used with Chinese children and adolescents. Methods: The convenience sampling method was used to recruit study participants. In total, 974 school-aged children and adolescents between 11 and 17 years of age were recruited from three cities in Southeast China: Shanghai, Nanjing and Wuxi. The study participants self-reported demographic data, including age (in years) and sex (boy or girl). The participants completed the questionnaire twice within a two-week interval. Results: A response rate of 95.9% resulted in a sample of 934 participants (13.7 ± 1.5 years, 47.4% girls) with valid data. On average, the participants were 13.7 ± 1.5 years of age. The test–retest weighted kappa coefficients for overall fitness, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle fitness, speed and agility and flexibility were 0.52 (Std. errs. = 0.02), 0.51 (Std. errs. = 0.02), 0.60 (Std. errs. = 0.02), 0.55 (Std. errs. = 0.02) and 0.55 (Std. errs. = 0.02), respectively. Conclusions: The International Fitness Scale was found to have moderate reliability in the assessment of (self-reported) physical fitness in Chinese children and adolescents. In the future, the validity of the IFIS should be urgently tested in Chinese subgroup populations.
Stock market prediction using weighted inter-transaction class association rule mining and evolutionary algorithm

Abstract Evolutionary computation and data mining are two fascinating fields that have attracted many researchers. This paper proposes a new rule mining method, named genetic network programming (GNP), to solve the prediction problem using the evolutionary algorithm. Compared with the conventional association rule methods that do not consider the weight factor, the proposed algorithm provides many advantages in financial prediction, since it can discover relationships among the attributes of different transactions. Experimental results on data from the New York Exchange Market show that the new method outperforms other conventional models in terms of both accuracy and profitability, and the proposed method can establish more important and accurate rules than the conventional methods. The results confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed data mining method in financial prediction.