Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION IN PATIENTS WITH DYSPEPTIC SYMPTOMS HAVING NORMAL ENDOSCOPY

Objective: To find out the frequency of Helicobacter pylori infection in the local population presenting with dyspeptic symptoms but having normal upper gastrointestinal endoscopic findings Study Design: This descriptive study was carried out in gastroenterology department of Military Hospital Rawalpindi. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the department of gastro intestinal of Military Hospital Rawalpindi from November 2004 to September 2005. Patients and Methods: Hundred cases of dyspepsia having normal upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were taken as study population. Although the gold standard for presence or absence of Helicobacter pylori infection is culture but in this study the diagnostic method used was histopathology of gastric antrum. Results: The male and female ratio was 2:1. Majority of the patients were either 40 years of age or less, mean age being 40.52(sd±13.22). The chief symptoms were pain epigastrium (46%) and upper abdominal discomfort (27%). Helicobacter pylori gastritis was found in 51% of cases. Conclusion: We conclude that Helicobacter pylori infection is quite common in dyspeptic patients apparently having normal endoscopic gastric mucosal findings. Eradication therapy should be instituted in positive cases to avoid its long-term complications.
Intruders or protectors – the multifaceted role of B cells in CNS disorders

B lymphocytes are immune cells studied predominantly in the context of peripheral humoral immune responses against pathogens. Evidence has been accumulating in recent years on the diversity of immunomodulatory functions that B cells undertake, with particular relevance for pathologies of the central nervous system (CNS). This review summarizes current knowledge on B cell populations, localization, infiltration mechanisms, and function in the CNS and associated tissues. Acute and chronic neurodegenerative pathologies are examined in order to explore the complex, and sometimes conflicting, effects that B cells can have in each context, with implications for disease progression and treatment outcomes. Additional factors such as aging modulate the proportions and function of B cell subpopulations over time and are also discussed in the context of neuroinflammatory response and disease susceptibility. A better understanding of the multifactorial role of B cell populations in the CNS may ultimately lead to innovative therapeutic strategies for a variety of neurological conditions.
Kinematic artifacts in subsurface offset extended RTM

We provide a kinematic analysis for the RTM image behaviour in the extended subsurface offset domain. When the medium properties are perfectly known, the image is expected to focus at the zero subsurface offset, where the incident and the scattering wavefields interact at a common point. However, kinematic artifacts are often observed in subsurface offset common-image gathers (CIGs) away from the zero offset trace, and artificially impairs the expected focusing. These artifacts emerge in relation with the acquisition geometry truncation at the boundaries of the seismic survey extent. We suggest a formation mechanism for the artifacts emergence by considering seismic migration as a superposition of subsurface offset extended impulse responses, contributed by individual data traces. The accumulation of the image, in a trace-by-trace manner, gives an insight to its fundamental building blocks that better explains the formation of the kinematic artifacts. The suggested mechanism is also followed to describe the artifacts formation while decomposing the image in the angle-domain. We further discuss the construction of the subsurface offset and angle-domain CIGs when erroneous migration velocity is used. In such case, the kinematic artifacts are formed while interfering with the essential defocusing/moveout information about the velocity error.
Synergistic bioconversion of organic waste by black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae and thermophilic cellulose-degrading bacteria

Introduction This study examines the optimum conversion of Wuzhishan pig manure by Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) at various phases of development, as well as the impact of gut microbiota on conversion efficiency. Method and results In terms of conversion efficiency, BSFL outperformed the growing pig stage (GP) group, with significantly higher survival rates (96.75%), fresh weight (0.23 g), and larval conversion rate (19.96%) compared to the other groups. Notably, the GP group showed significant dry matter reductions (43.27%) and improved feed conversion rates (2.17). Nutritional composition varied, with the GP group having a lower organic carbon content. High throughput 16S rRNA sequencing revealed unique profiles, with the GP group exhibiting an excess of Lactobacillus and Clostridium. Promising cellulose-degrading bacteria in pig manure and BSFL intestines, including Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis, showed superior cellulose degradation capabilities. The synergy of these thermophilic bacteria with BSFL greatly increased conversion efficiency. The BSFL1-10 group demonstrated high growth and conversion efficiency under specific conditions, with remarkable larval moisture content (71.11%), residual moisture content (63.20%), and waste reduction rate (42.28%). Discussion This study sheds light on the optimal stages for BSFL conversion of pig manure, gut microbiota dynamics, promising thermophilic cellulose-degrading bacteria, and the significant enhancement of efficiency through synergistic interactions. These findings hold great potential for sustainable waste management and efficient biomass conversion, contributing to environmental preservation and resource recovery.
The Effect of Sulfentrazone and Glyphosate Herbicides to Control Eleusine Indica L. a Resistant weed to Herbicide

Weed Eleusine indica L. was reported to have been difficult to control using glyphosate in Oil palm plantation during the time. Sulfentrazone was used as an alternative herbicide for the management of resistant weeds. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of two active ingredients Glyphosate and Sulfentrazone on weed Eleusine indica L. resistant to herbicide. The study was conducted using Completely Randomly Designed (CRD) with 14 treatments and 3 replications. 14 treatments consisted of single herbicide Glyphosate, which was applied at field rate 2 l/ha, Sulfentrazone was sprayed at the numerous dose of 500, 750, 1000, and 1250 ml/ha, and the mixture of Glyphosate and sulfentrazone at the dose of 500 ml/ha + 2 l/ha and 750 ml/ha + 2 l/ha, respectively. The research was conducted at the Greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, Andalas University, Padang, from August to December, 2021. The results showed that there were significantly effect when used in combination of herbicides Glyphosate and Sulfentrazone, showed 100% of mortality weed after 3 week application. For a single active ingredient, Glyphosate controlled eficiently weed at the 4-leaf stage, Sulfentrazone had same impact on managing weed on the 4 and 6-leaf stage, both caused 100% weed dead. However, weed Eleusine indica L. was treated with Glyphosate still survived on 6 and 8 leaves weeds. Similar to Glyphosate, Sulfentrazone could not completely control resistant weeds at the 8-leaf stage. Classification of resistant weed Eleusine indica L. are herbicide-developing resistance 14%, herbicide-resistant 22%, and herbicide-susceptible 64%.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CHEMILUMINISCENCE IMMUNOASSAY (CLIA) AND IMMUNOCHROMATOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUE (ICT) FOR ?-THALASSEMIA (MAJOR) PATIENTS IN LOCAL POPULATION

The sustainability of beta thalassemia (major) patients is dependent on regular blood transfusion so they are at a greater risk of acquiring transfusion transmitted infections (TTIs). The objective of this research project was to compare the efficiency of two blood screening techniques such as chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) and immunochromatographic technique (ICT) for the detection of transfusion transmitted infections in ? -thalassemia (major) Patients in local population. For this purpose, 250 blood samples were collected and screened through CLIA and ICT. Results showed that 30% of the samples were positive for different infectious diseases like hepatitis B or C virus, Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, and infections with syphilis or malarial agents, while 70% of samples were free from any kind of infections. Among all the infectious diseases the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) was the highest i.e., 23.6% and 26.4% incidence of HCV was recorded through ICT and CLIA respectively. The second highest incidence was of hepatitis B virus followed by the other infectious diseases. The results showed that CLIA was more sensitive as compared to ICT in detecting the infections in blood. All blood banks and transfusion centers need to implement authentic screening of blood to counter the TTIs.
Effect of Liquid Glass-Modified Lignin Waste on the Flammability Properties of Biopolyurethane Foam Composites

Water-blown biopolyurethane (bioPUR) foams are flammable and emit toxic gases during combustion. Herein, a novel approach suggested by the current study is to use different amounts of lignin waste (LigW), which increases the thermal stability and delays the flame spread and sodium silicate (LG), which has foaming ability at high temperatures and acts as a protective layer during a fire. However, there have been no studies carried out to investigate the synergy between these two materials. Therefore, two different ratios, namely 1/1 and 1/2 of LigW/LG, were used to prepare bioPUR foam composites. The obtained bioPUR foam composites with a 1/2 ratio of LigW/LG exhibited inhibition of flame propagation during the ignitability test by 7 s, increased thermal stability at higher temperatures by 40 °C, reduced total smoke production by 17%, reduced carbon monoxide release by 22%, and increased compressive strength by a maximum of 123% and 36% and tensile strength by a maximum of 49% and 30% at 100 °C and 200 °C, respectively, compared to bioPUR foam composites with unmodified LigW. Additionally, thanks to the sufficient compatibility between the polymeric matrix and LigW/LG particles, bioPUR foam composites were characterised by unchanged or even improved physical and mechanical properties, as well as increased glass transition temperature by 16% compared to bioPUR foam composites with unmodified LigW particles, making them suitable for application as a thermal insulating layer in building envelopes.
3D density model of the upper mantle of Asia based on inversion of gravity and seismic tomography data

We construct a new‐generation 3D density model of the upper mantle of Asia and its surrounding areas based on a joint interpretation of several data sets. A recent model of the crust combining nearly all available seismic data is employed to calculate the impact of the crust on the gravity anomalies and observed topography and to estimate the residual mantle anomalies and residual topography. These fields are jointly inverted to calculate the density variations in the lithosphere and upper mantle down to 325 km. As an initial approximation, we estimate density variations using a seismic tomography model. Seismic velocity variations are converted into temperatures and then to density variations based on mineral physics constraints. In the Occam‐type inversion, we fit both the residual mantle gravity anomalies and residual topography by finding deviations to the initial model. The obtained corrections improve the resolution of the initial model and reflect important features of the mantle structure that are not well resolved by the seismic tomography. The most significant negative corrections of the upper mantle density, found in the Siberian and East European cratons, can be associated with depleted mantle material. The most pronounced positive density anomalies are found beneath the Tarim and South Caspian basins, Barents Sea, and Bay of Bengal. We attribute these anomalies to eclogites in the uppermost mantle, which have substantially affected the evolution of the basins. Furthermore, the obtained results provide evidence for the presence of eclogites in the oceanic subducting mantle lithosphere.
Pruritus and protein-bound uremic toxins in patients undergoing hemodialysis: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background Patients undergoing hemodialysis frequently experience pruritus; its severity is associated with poor quality of life and mortality. Recent progress in hemodialysis treatment has improved the removal of small- and middle-molecular-weight molecules; however, the removal of protein-bound uremic toxins (PBUTs) remains difficult. It is possible that pruritus is associated with serum PBUTs in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods We conducted a multicenter cross-sectional study in patients undergoing hemodialysis (n = 135). The severity of pruritus was assessed using the 5D-itch scale and medication use. Serum PBUTs, including indoxyl sulfate, p-cresyl sulfate, indole acetic acid, phenyl sulfate, and hippuric acid, were measured using mass spectrometry; the PBUT score was calculated from these toxins using principal component analysis. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were performed to examine independent predictors of pruritus. Results Pruritus was reported by 62.2%, 21.5%, and 13.3%, 1.5% and 0.7% as 5 (not at all), 6–10, 11–15, 16–20, and 21–25 points, respectively. The PBUT score was higher in patients undergoing dialysis having pruritus than those without pruritus (0.201 [–0.021 to 0.424] vs –0.120 [–0.326 to 0.087]; P = 0.046). The PBUT score was shown to have an association with the presence of pruritus (coefficient 0.498\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{upgreek} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document} $\ \pm \ $\end{document}0.225, odds ratio: 1.65 [1.06–2.56]; P = 0.027). Conclusion Uremic pruritus was frequently found and associated with the PBUT score in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Further studies are required to clarify the impact of PBUTs on uremic pruritus and to explore therapeutic strategies in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
P-wave backazimuth anomalies observed by a small-aperture seismic array at Pinyon Flat, southern California: Implications for structure and source location

Seismograms of earthquakes and explosions recorded at local, regional, and teleseismic distances by a small-aperture, dense seismic array located on Pinyon Flat, in southern California, reveal large (±15°) backazimuth anomalies. We investigate the causes and implications of these anomalies by first comparing the effectiveness of estimating backazimuth with an array using three different techniques: the broadband frequency-wavenumber (BBFK) technique, the polarization technique, and the beamforming technique. While each technique provided nearly the same direction as a most likely estimate, the beamforming estimate was associated with the smallest uncertainties. Backazimuth anomalies were then calculated for the entire data set by comparing the results from beamforming with backazimuths derived from earthquake locations reported by the Anza and Caltech seismic networks and the Preliminary Determination of Epicenters (PDE) Bulletin. These backazimuth anomalies have a simple sinelike dependence on azimuth, with the largest anomalies observed from the southeast and northwest directions. Such a trend may be explained as the effect of one or more interfaces dipping to the northeast beneath the array. A best-fit model of a single interface has a dip and strike of 20° and 315°, respectively, and a velocity contrast of 0.82 km/sec. Application of corrections computed from this simple model to ray directions significantly improves locations at all distances and directions, suggesting that this is an upper crustal feature. We confirm that knowledge of local structure can be very important for earthquake location by an array but also show that corrections computed from simple models may not only be adequate but superior to those determined by raytracing through smoothed laterally varying models.
Metallo-β-Lactamase-Producing Gram-Negative Bacilli: Laboratory-Based Surveillance in Cooperation with 13 Clinical Laboratories in the Kinki Region of Japan

ABSTRACT A total of 19,753 strains of gram-negative rods collected during two 6-month periods (October 2000 to March 2001 and November 2001 to April 2002) from 13 clinical laboratories in the Kinki region of Japan were investigated for the production of metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs). MBLs were detected in 96 (0.5%) of the 19,753 isolates by the broth microdilution method, the 2-mercaptopropionic acid inhibition test, and PCR and DNA sequencing analyses. MBL-positive isolates were detected in 9 of 13 laboratories, with the rate of detection ranging between 0 and 2.6% for each laboratory. Forty-four of 1,429 (3.1%) Serratia marcescens, 22 of 6,198 (0.4%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 21 of 1,108 (1.9%) Acinetobacter spp. , 4 of 544 (0.7%) Citrobacter freundii, 3 of 127 (2.4%) Providencia rettgeri, 1 of 434 (0.2%) Morganella morganii, and 1 of 1,483 (0.1%) Enterobacter cloacae isolates were positive for MBLs. Of these 96 MBL-positive strains, 87 (90.6%), 7 (7.3%), and 2 (2.1%) isolates carried the genes for IMP-1-group MBLs, IMP-2-group MBLs, and VIM-2-group MBLs, respectively. The class 1 integrase gene, intI1, was detected in all MBL-positive strains, and the aac (6′)-Ib gene was detected in 37 (38.5%) isolates. Strains with identical PCR fingerprint profiles in a random amplified polymorphic DNA pattern analysis were isolated successively from five separate hospitals, suggesting the nosocomial spread of the organism in each hospital. In conclusion, many species of MBL-positive gram-negative rods are distributed widely in different hospitals in the Kinki region of Japan. The present findings should be considered during the development of policies and strategies to prevent the emergence and further spread of MBL-producing bacteria.
Crinoids and stelleroids (Echinodermata) from the Broken Rib Member, Dyer Formation (Late Devonian, Famennian) of the White River Plateau, Colorado

A crinoid and stelleroid fauna is described from the Famennian (Late Devonian) Broken Rib Member of the Dyer Formation of the White River Plateau, Colorado. The fauna postdates the Late Devonian extinction event. Six new crinoid species described, including the new genus Tarassocrinus, are: Strimplecrinus dyerensis, Catactocrinus? torus, Hypselocrinus? bisonensis, Gilmocrinus? albus, Eireocrinus? coloradoensis, and Tarassocrinus synchlydus. The cladid-dominated crinoid fauna is transitional between earlier Devonian and later Carboniferous faunas. It contains the first report of Cupressocrinites (a Famennian Lazarus taxon) and Eireocrinus? in North America and extends ranges of several Carboniferous genera into the Late Devonian. A preliminary revision of the Rhenocrinidae is recommended. The family Glossocrinidae is recognized, and the Cupressocrinitidae are transferred to the Gasterocomacea. A new stelleroid genus and species, Pleiadeaster inceptus (Asteroidea; family unknown), and an ophiuroid, Ophiopolytretus aethus (Ophiuroidea; Lapworthuridae? ) are named. In addition, Hudsonaster (Hudsonasteridae; Asteroidea) and two unassigned asteroids are present, and three further stelleroids cannot be assigned to the class level. Pleiadeaster and Hudsonaster are important because they suggest that the Late Devonian might have been a time of transition for asteroids. Ophiopolytretus aethus is an oegophiurid ophiuroid with distinctive respiratory? pores penetrating the disk plates.
The Role of Physiotherapy in Peripheral Artery Disease in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus: A Narrative Review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) comprises a spectrum of metabolic disorders distinguished by the persistent elevation of glucose levels in the bloodstream. It stands as a primary risk factor for peripheral arterial disease (PAD), denoted by atherosclerosis affecting the lower extremities. One clinical manifestation of symptomatic PAD is intermittent claudication alleviated by rest but also capable of presenting as atypical leg pain. Confirmatory diagnostic measures, including the ankle-brachial index (ABI), toe-brachial index (TBI), or Doppler waveform analysis, are imperative in the verification of PAD. For management, the recommendation is to incorporate physiotherapy alongside concurrent medical interventions, such as anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, statins, or, in certain cases, surgical procedures. This narrative review seeks to elucidate the advantages of physiotherapy in diabetic patients with PAD, contributing to the deceleration of disease progression and improving symptoms. Although supervised exercise therapy is strongly supported by empirical evidence as more beneficial, the absence of supervised environments is a common issue. Consequently, the preference lies in the combination of supervised exercise with home-based regimens. The objective is that each patient exercises for more than three days per week, progressively extending their duration weekly. This approach has demonstrated a noteworthy enhancement in walking functionality, exercise tolerance, pain alleviation, and an overall improvement in the quality of life for patients.
Bombs and Babies: Us Navy Bombing Activity and Infant Health in Vieques, Puerto Rico

We study the relationship between in utero exposure to military exercises and children’s early-life health outcomes in a no-war zone. This allows us to document non-economic impacts of military activity on neonatal health outcomes. We combine monthly data on tonnage of ordnance in the context of naval exercises in Vieques, Puerto Rico, with the universe of births in Puerto Rico between 1990 and 2000; studying this setting is useful because these exercises have no negative consequences for local economic activity. We find that a one standard deviation increase in exposure to bombing activity leads to a three per thousand point (70 percent) increase in extremely premature births; a three to seven per thousand point – 34 to 77 percent – increase in the incidence of congenital anomalies; and a five per thousand point increase in low APGAR scores (38 percent). The evidence is generally consistent with the channel of environmental pollution. Given the well-documented relationship between neonatal health and later life outcomes, there is reason to believe that our substantial short-term effects may have longer-term consequences for this population.
Just in Time, Just for You: Growing a Peer Learning Program

Peer learning programs are well established as an effective approach to improving students’ learning and wellbeing. However, they can be difficult to implement and grow in practice. This paper describes the introduction of a “just-in-time, just-for-me” Peer Skills Advisers program and how it has evolved over the last five years. The peer staff found that the role improved their sense of belonging and employability, but observed that it is challenging to set boundaries with students. The program grew steadily over time as students and staff became more aware of the service, although there is still room for growth in online support.