Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Non-coding RNAs: targets for Chinese herbal medicine in treating myocardial fibrosis

Cardiovascular diseases have become the leading cause of death in urban and rural areas. Myocardial fibrosis is a common pathological manifestation at the adaptive and repair stage of cardiovascular diseases, easily predisposing to cardiac death. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), RNA molecules with no coding potential, can regulate gene expression in the occurrence and development of myocardial fibrosis. Recent studies have suggested that Chinese herbal medicine can relieve myocardial fibrosis through targeting various ncRNAs, mainly including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs). Thus, ncRNAs are novel drug targets for Chinese herbal medicine. Herein, we summarized the current understanding of ncRNAs in the pathogenesis of myocardial fibrosis, and highlighted the contribution of ncRNAs to the therapeutic effect of Chinese herbal medicine on myocardial fibrosis. Further, we discussed the future directions regarding the potential applications of ncRNA-based drug screening platform to screen drugs for myocardial fibrosis.
Impact of Environmental Food Intake on the Gut Microbiota of Endangered Père David’s Deer: Primary Evidence for Population Reintroduction

Simple Summary Comprehensive individual health assessments are required following reintroduction to enhance ex situ species conservation. Diet directly affects the health of wildlife, which can be monitored by fecal microbe analysis. In this study, the association between the gut microbiota and the dietary components of a wild Père David’s deer (Elaphurus davidianus) population was evaluated. It was shown through 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing that the gut microbiota was dominated by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, with Psychrobacillus accounting for the largest proportion at the genus level. Microscope observations showed that the relative density of Nymphoides peltata in the fecal matter was significantly positively correlated with the abundance of Firmicutes. This study provides in-depth insight into the relationship between dietary composition and gut microbiota of wild E. davidianus, which offers guidance for the reintroduction of this endangered species to its historical habitat in China. Abstract Reintroduction has been successful in re-establishing several endangered wild animals in their historical habitats, including Père David’s deer (Elaphurus davidianus). Continuous monitoring of reintroduced individuals is essential for improving the sustainability of ex situ conservation efforts. Despite an increased recognition of the significance of the gut microbiome for animal health, the correlation between diet and the gut microbiome in E. davidianus is unclear. In this study, 15 fresh fecal samples of E. davidianus were collected from Tianjin Qilihai Wetland and the association between dietary and gut microbiota composition was evaluated. Microscopic observations showed that Nymphoides peltata [relative density (RD = 0.3514), Phragmites australis (RD = 0.2662), Setaria viridis (RD = 0.1211), and Typha orientalis (RD = 0.1085) were the main dietary plants in the fecal samples. High-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing showed a predominance of the phyla Firmicutes and Proteobacteria and the genus Psychrobacillus (26.53%) in the gut microbiota. The RD of N. peltata was significantly positively correlated with the abundance of Firmicutes (p = 0.005) and the genus UCG-005 (p = 0.024). This study indicates a close association between food digestion and nutrient intake, providing basic monitoring data for the full reintroduction and recovery of wild E. davidianus.
Zimbabwe's social protection system and its harmonized social cash transfer programme

"Zimbabwe is a low-income, land-locked country in Southern Africa with an estimated population of 13,061,239 people, according to the latest census (ZIMSTAT 2012). Two thirds (67 per cent) of Zimbabweans live in rural areas, and 51.9 per cent of the total population are female (ibid.). Between 1996 and 2008, Zimbabwe experienced a systemic crisis with consecutive decreases in gross domestic product (GDP). The crisis generated an extremely high incidence of poverty (people living below the total consumption poverty line) and a deepening of food/extreme poverty (people living below the food poverty line)". (.)
Hepatocellular Carcinoma among Patients with Chronic Liver Disease in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

ABSTRACT Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary liver cancer. Viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, and autoimmune hepatitis are the common causes of hepatocellular carcinoma. Usually patients present at advanced stages where curative treatment is no longer possible. This study aimed to find the prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma among patients with chronic liver disease in a tertiary care centre. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in a single tertiary care centre from March 2020 to August 2022. The study was done among inpatients of the Department of Gastroenterology after ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. Convenience sampling method was used and data were collected using predetermined proformas. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated. Results: Among 1440 patients, hepatocellular carcinoma was seen in 54 (3.75%) (2.77-4.73, 95% Confidence Interval). At the time of diagnosis, 48 (88.89%) were symptomatic. The presenting symptoms were weight loss seen in 35 (64.81%) being the most common. Out of them, 37 (68.52%) consumed alcohol and 40 (74.07%) smoked cigarettes. Conclusions: Hepatocellular carcinoma is a notable concern. Alcohol-related liver cirrhosis is the most frequent condition encountered in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in our setting.
Introducing Finer Grains Into Bedload: The Transition to a New Equilibrium

Simplified experiments on fine grain inputs to a coarse bed in mobile equilibrium were undertaken in a small, steep, narrow flume using spherical glass particles to study the influence upon the channel response of the size ratio between the bed (Dc) and the input fines (Df). Size ratios (Dc/Df) between 7.14 and 1.25 were tested, with a constant flow and coarse sediment feed rate and a variety of fine and total feed rates. Transition to a new, two‐size equilibrium occurs through slope adjustment (aggradation/degradation), accompanying a change in sediment mobility created by the addition of the fine material. Previous work has documented superior mobility following a fine grain input; the present experiments identify limits of this behavior related to the fine grain size, the proportion of fines introduced, and the total sediment supply. The mechanistic reasons for these limits are examined with respect to the grain sorting behavior, leading to the development (or not) of a quasi‐static layer of the fine material at the base of the transport layer. Despite the variation in bed slope response depending upon these factors, the slope transitions consistently follow an exponential profile.
Follicular Dynamics and Pregnancy Rates during Foal Heat in Colombian Paso Fino Mares Bred under Permanent Grazing

Simple Summary A high percentage of mares (92–94%) exhibit foal heat in the first 21 days postpartum, and insemination during this estrus is critical to ensure a higher fertility rate per breeding season. A retrospective descriptive study evaluated follicular dynamics peripartum and at foal heat, uterine edema, and endometrial cytology between mares that did or did not become pregnant when inseminated. Mares became pregnant if inseminated when the foal heat started from the second postpartum week, had a lower growth rate of the larger diameter follicle and had an adequate degree of edema compared to non-pregnant mares. Abstract No studies have evaluated the peripartum follicular dynamics resulting in foal heat under tropical environments. We aimed to assess retrospectively the peripartum follicular dynamics in Colombian Paso Fino mares that were inseminated at the foal heat, becoming pregnant or not. Records including follicular dynamics of pregnant mares prepartum and from foaling until foal heat ovulation were assessed in Colombian Paso Fino mares (CPF, n = 24) bred under permanent grazing in a tropical herd in Colombia. The number of ovarian follicles >10 mm before foaling and the largest follicle (F1) growth rate (mm/day) from foaling until the F1 reached the largest diameter (pre-ovulatory size) at the foal heat were assessed. Mares were inseminated at foal heat with 20 mL of semen (at least 500 million live spermatozoa) with >75% motility and 80% viability from a stallion of proven fertility. Ovulation was confirmed the day after follicles had reached the largest diameter. Quantitative data from follicular growth, the day at ovulation, from mares that became pregnant (PM) or not (NPM) at 16 days post-insemination were compared by one-way ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA (follicle growth rate data) or Chi-square test (edema and cytology scores data). Epidemiological data, gestation length, and the number of follicles on third prepartum days did not significantly differ between PM and NPM (p > 0.05). Seventy-one percent of mares (17/24) got pregnant. Ovulatory follicles grew faster in the NPM group (n = 7), which ovulated between the seventh and ninth postpartum days, compared to PM (n = 17), which ovulated between the 11th and 13th postpartum days. Pre-ovulatory follicle diameter in PM (48.57 ± 0.8 mm) was significantly larger than in NPM (42.99 ± 1.0 mm) (p < 0.05). In addition, the PM edema score (2.93 ± 0.32 mm) on ovulation day was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than NPM (4.47 ± 0.05 mm). First postpartum ovulation occurred at 12.6 ± 0.3 and 8.5 ± 0.4 days (p < 0.05) in PM and NPM, respectively. Colombian Paso Fino mares bred under permanent grazing under tropical rainforest conditions with no foaling or postpartum complications showed a 71% gestation rate when inseminated at foal heat when ovulation occurs between the second and third postpartum week.
Adopting a WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control-Based Tobacco Control Law in Ethiopia: Sustained Transnational Health Advocacy and Multi-Sectoral Institutionalized Support

Objective: The objective of this study was to document how Ethiopia adopted a WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)-based tobacco control law. Methods: We analyzed publicly available documents, including news media articles, advocacy reports, and government documents. We triangulated these findings by interviewing nine key stakeholders. Data were analyzed to construct a historical and thematic narrative and analyzed through a retrospective policy analysis. Results: Local and international health advocacy efforts helped introduce and support WHO FCTC-based legislation by (1) educating policymakers about the WHO FCTC, (2) providing legal assistance in drafting legislation, (3) generating local data to counter industry claims, and (4) producing media advocacy to expose industry activity. Health advocates worked closely with government officials to create a multi-sectoral tobacco committee to institutionalize efforts and insulate tobacco companies from the policymaking process. Japan Tobacco International bought majority shares of the government-owned tobacco company and attempted to participate in the process, using standard industry tactics to undermine legislative efforts. However, with health advocacy assistance, government officials were able to reject these attempts and adopt a WHO FCTC-based law in 2019 that included 100% smoke-free indoor places, a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising, and large pictorial health warning labels, among other provisions. Conclusion: Sustained local health advocacy efforts supported by international technical and financial assistance can help establish WHO FCTC-based tobacco control laws. Applying a standardized multi-sectoral approach can establish coordinating mechanisms to further institutionalize the WHO FCTC as a legal tool to build support with other government sectors and insulate the tobacco industry from the policymaking process.
Monitoring African water bodies from twice-daily MODIS observation

Building on the availability of high revisit frequency Earth Observation satellites at medium spatial resolution (250 m), this study investigates the feasibility of temporal monitoring of water bodies at a continental scale with MODIS. A 2004–2010 time series of twice-daily observations covering the whole African continent was systematically processed using a surface water detection method to derive 10-day indicators describing the location, the intra- and inter-annual variability as well as the temporal characterization of water bodies (i.e. seasonal or permanent water and maximum extent). The multispectral surface reflectance transformation in the HSV color space allows a per-pixel identification of surface water. The water aggregation time indicator provides the water occurrence for each 10-day period built from the seven years of observations. The cartographic products were successfully cross-validated with already existing maps and water products. The validation of the water body maximum extent map estimates the commission error at less than 6% and the seasonality information was also found to be consistent with the Köppen climatic classification.
Economic loss due to live weight shrinkage and mortality during broiler transport in summer and winter season in Chennai city

The aim of the study is to determine the economic impact of live weight losses and mortality due to transport of broilers from farm to wholesale/retail outlets in summer and winter season in Chennai city. Data concerning 24 visits from different farms of integration to wholesale/retail outlet in winter and summer season were collected for the purpose of study. Data were classified into two seasons were winter and summer in that the total number of chickens transported in winter and summer season were 2225.83 ± 82.75, 2246.37 ± 98.88 the live weight shrinkage was 2.36%, 3.01% and mortality percentage were 0.43%, 0.53% and average weight loss per bird (gram) is 55.42 ± 5.65, 70.98 ± 6.01 respectively. The results of the study shows that the average marketing age of transported chickens are 39 days old, average density of the broilers were 2236.25 per truck. The results revealed no significant difference in loss of weight, dead on arrival, types of injuries, tissue shrinkage and duration of transport between summer and winter season. Wetting of birds was practiced and the frequency was higher during summer compared to winter season.
Seasonal monitoring of urban heat island using multi-temporal Landsat and MODIS images in Tehran

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the relationship between seasonal changes in land surface temperature (LST) and various land use/land cover (LULC) classes in Tehran in 2010. For this purpose, urban heat island (UHI) cores were detected. The relationship between spatiotemporal variations of UHIs and the LULC classes was studied. The results showed that UHIs have different causes due to the type of LULC classes in the region. The average temperature of the five LULC classes in different seasons revealed full compliance of the spreading pattern of UHIs in the city with the type of LULC. Daytime and nighttime MODIS LST maps were prepared to verify the results. The daytime LST map also confirmed the compliance of the spatial pattern of UHIs with the types of LULC. The consequences from the nighttime LST map revealed the movement and conduction of main cores of heat islands towards the central and densely populated areas of the city, which could be expected to be due to the high absorption rate of heat during the day by unnatural materials and energy emissions at night.
Correlation between HbA1c Levels and Red Distribution Cell Width in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Background: HbA1c is used as a parameter for diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes mellitus (DM). Apart from that, HbA1c, red blood cells also experience changes which result in changes in erythrocyte structure and hemodynamic characteristics. The parameter that changes in this case is red cell distribution width (RDW). This study aimed to analyze correlation between HbA1c levels and RDW in type 2 DM patients. Subjects and Method: This a cross sectional study conducted at H. Adam Malik General Central Hospital, Medan, North Sumatera, Indonesia, from December 2022-April 2023. Total sample of 75 type 2 DM patients was selected consecutively. The dependent variable was RDW. The independent variable was HbA1c. Data of RDW and HbA1c were collected from complete blood count test. Data were analyzed using the Spearman correlation. Results: HbA1c was negatively associated with RDW, but it was statistically non-significant (r= -0.08; p= 0.508). Conclusion: HbA1c is negatively associated with RDW, but it is statistically non-significant. Keywords: diabetes melitus, HbA1c, red cell distribution width
Interaction of KLAKLAK-NH2 and Analogs with Biomimetic Membrane Models

Background: Specifically designed peptide mimetics offer higher selectivity regarding their toxicity to mammalian cells. In addition to the α-helix conformation, the specific activity is related to the peptide’s ability to penetrate the cell membrane. The alterations in lipid membrane properties were addressed in the presence of the peptide KLAKLAK-NH2 and analogs containing β-alanine, strengthening the antibacterial activity and/or naphtalimide with proven anticancer properties. Methods: The molecular interactions of the peptide mimetics with POPC bilayers were studied using FTIR-ATR spectroscopy. The thermal shape fluctuation analysis of quasispherical unilamellar vesicles was applied to probe the membrane bending elasticity. The impedance characteristics of bilayer lipid membranes were measured using fast Fourier-transform electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Results: A lateral peptide association with the membrane is reported for β-alanine-containing peptides. The most pronounced membrane softening is found for the NphtG-KLβAKLβAK-NH2 analog containing both active groups that corroborate with the indications for 1,8-naphthalimide penetration in the lipid hydrophobic area obtained from the FTIR-ATR spectra analysis. The β-alanine substitution induces strong membrane-rigidifying properties even at very low concentrations of both β-alanine-containing peptides. Conclusions: The reported results are expected to advance the progress in tailoring the pharmacokinetic properties of antimicrobial peptides with strengthened stability towards enzymatic degradation. The investigation of the nonspecific interactions of peptides with model lipid membranes is featured as a useful tool to assess the antitumor and antimicrobial potential of new peptide mimetics.
A comparative study of Tone 4 sandhi in Standard Mandarin and Luoyang Dialect

This thesis provides a comparison of tone sandhi patterns in Standard Mandarin and Luoyang Dialect, focusing on Tone 4 sandhi. Standard Mandarin is an official language promoted in China in the 1930s, which is based on the Beijing Dialect by adopting its syntactic, lexical and phonological systems, and taking some vocabulary from other Northern dialects. Luoyang Dialect is a dialect spoken in Luoyang and its adjacent areas. Both the Beijing Dialect and the Luoyang Dialect belong to the Northern Dialect Group. There are four tones both in Standard Mandarin and Luoyang Dialect, and each tone is oneto- one correlated, which indicates that a word marked as Tone 1 in one dialect will also be Tone 1 in another. Tone 4 in both dialects follows a high falling tendency. As an official language, Standard Mandarin has been extensively studied by linguists. It has been documented that bu (‘no, not’), as a Tone 4 word in Standard Mandarin, will dissimilate when it’s followed by other Tone 4 words. This thesis will re-examine this sandhi rule, and collect acoustic data to investigate whether bu- sandhi exists in Luoyang Dialect and whether other Tone 4 words also go through tone dissimilation as well. In order to conduct this research, data was collected from four speakers, including two Standard Mandarin speakers and two Luoyang Dialect speakers. Praat was used to collect the data and extract pitch lists. In addition, an algorithm proposed by Shi (Shi & Wang, 2006) was used to convert pitch data to Chao digits, allowing the tone value of each word to be further compared. My data confirms the existence of bu- sandhi in Standard Mandarin, and the observation that bu is the only Tone 4 word in Standard Mandarin that goes through tone dissimilation. In comparison with Standard Mandarin, my data shows that bu not only dissimilates in front of Tone 4 words in Luoyang Dialect, but also will be neutralized from a high falling tone into a level tone elsewhere. Additionally, different from Standard Mandarin, other Tone 4 words in Luoyang Dialect will also dissimilate in front of Tone 4 words. This thesis contributes to the phonological study of the Luoyang Dialect, and may have implications for studies of the diachronic evolution of Luoyang Dialect, as well as the historical relationship between Beijing Dialect and Luoyang Dialect. This study is the first to carry out a comparison between Standard Mandarin and Luoyang Dialect from the perspective of tone 4 sandhi. Not only will a tone 4 sandhi rule in Luoyang Dialect be proposed and added to the body of research on Chinese tone sandhi, but the relationship of tone sandhi with stress, duration and the OCP will also be discussed.
Analysis of macronutrient and micronutrient intake with the incidence of stunting and wasting in toddlers 0-59 months of age at public health center Bojong, Bogor regency

Background : Stunting is defined as not achieving optimal height for age. One of the factors of stunting is caused by unbalanced nutrition. This is due to long-term nutrient intake inadequacies that potentially lead to insufficient nutrient requirements from food. Wasting often has symptoms of severe weight loss in the short term. It usually occurs when toddlers do not get a good quality and quantity of food and/or they suffer from recurrent or chronic illnesses. Objective : Assessing the relationship between macro-micronutrient intake with the incidence of stunting and wasting in the Bojong Health Center working area, Bogor Regency July-August 2023 Period. Methods : This research using cross-sectional study was conducted in the working area of Public Health Centre Bojong, Bogor Regency, Indonesia, from July 2023 to August 2023. The number of subjects is 93 subjects. Subjects were recruited using consecutive sampling, toddlers aged 0-59 months and mothers were the respondents who answered questions during interviews, 2x24-hour food recall, SQFFQ. The data in this study was obtained through direct interviews with respondents. Results : Subject macronutrient and micronutrient intake tended to be deficient refer to RDA 2019. There was an association (p=0.000) between the intake of energy, protein, carbohydrates, fat, Fe, Omega 3, Zn, vitamin D, and Ca with the incidence of stunting and wasting. Conclusions : Intakes of energy, protein, carbohydrate, fat, iron, omega-3, zinc, vitamin D, and Ca were significantly lower in children with nutritional problems (stunting and wasting) compared to RDA Indonesian Ministry of Health 2019.