Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Implications of Vitamins in COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment through Immunomodulatory and Anti-Oxidative Mechanisms

Since the appearance of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its announcement as a global pandemic, the search for prophylactic and therapeutic options have become a priority for governments and the scientific community. The approval of several vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 is being crucial to overcome this situation, although the victory will not be achieved while the whole population worldwide is not protected against the virus. This is why alternatives should be studied in order to successfully support the immune system before and during a possible infection. An optimal inflammatory and oxidative stress status depends on an adequate diet. Poor levels of several nutrients could be related to an impaired immune response and, therefore, an increased susceptibility to infection and serious outcomes. Vitamins exert a number of anti-microbial, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, which can be of use to fight against this and several other diseases (especially vitamin D and C). Even though they cannot be considered as a definitive therapeutic option, in part owing to the lack of solid conclusions from well-designed clinical trials, currently available evidence from similar respiratory diseases may indicate that it would be rational to deeply explore the use of vitamins during this global pandemic.
Assessment of electricity generation by wind power in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

SYNOPSIS The wind speeds measured by the Saudi Meteorological Department at 18 stations distributed over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been analyzed. Monthly average power density distributions were determined for each station. A technical and economic assessment has been made of the generation of electricity using small wind-turbine generators for rural applications at the most promising potential wind sites. Another two sites were also considered, one of which has a moderate power density level and the other having the lowest level among the total sites in Saudi Arabia. A levelized unit costing methodology was applied to evaluated the cost per kWh generated. The cost per kWh generated was found to be higher than the unit cost per kWh purchased by the industrial sector from Saudi Electric companies. However, if it is compared with the actual unit cost of generation by the electric companies (without any kind of subsidy), and considering also the additional cost of cable extensions to remote areas, the.
Bile Acid Dysregulation Is Intrinsically Related to Cachexia in Tumor-Bearing Mice

Simple Summary Cancer cachexia is considered a multi-organ syndrome. An improved understanding of how circulating molecules can affect tissues and mediate their crosstalk in the pathogenesis of cancer cachexia is emerging. Considering the various actions of bile acids on host metabolism and immunity, they could represent innovative targets in cancer cachexia. In this study, we investigated how bile acids could contribute to this syndrome by assessing the bile flow, by comparing the impact on bile acid pathways of cachexia-inducing and non-cachexia-inducing cell sublines, and by investigating the effects of ursodeoxycholic acid, a choleretic compound, in cachectic mice. Altogether, our analyses strengthen the importance of bile acids and their receptors as key players in the metabolic disorders associated with cancer, thereby laying the foundation for new therapeutic opportunities. Abstract Bile acids exert diverse actions on host metabolism and immunity through bile acid-activated receptors, including Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5). We have recently evidenced an alteration in bile acids in cancer cachexia, an inflammatory and metabolic syndrome contributing to cancer death. This current study aims to further explore the links emerging between bile acids and cancer cachexia. First, we showed that bile flow is reduced in cachectic mice. Next, comparing mice inoculated with cachexia-inducing and with non-cachexia-inducing C26 colon carcinoma cells, we demonstrated that alterations in the bile acid pathways and profile are directly associated with cachexia. Finally, we performed an interventional study using ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a compound commonly used in hepatobiliary disorders, to induce bile acid secretion and decrease inflammation. We found that UDCA does not improve hepatic inflammation and worsens muscle atrophy in cachectic mice. This exacerbation of the cachectic phenotype upon UDCA was accompanied by a decreased TGR5 activity, suggesting that TGR5 agonists, known to reduce inflammation in several pathological conditions, could potentially counteract cachectic features. This work brings to light major evidence sustaining the emerging links between bile acids and cancer cachexia and reinforces the interest in studying bile acid-activated receptors in this context.
A general model for symmetry and asymmetry of nonmetric traits and congenital anomalies and tumors: reviving the proposals sacrificed to false myths

Although studies of population affinity based on nonmetric traits have achieved remarkable successes, most of these studies seem to present a methodological problem. Since evidence indicates a threshold model for most nonmetric traits, the use of individual counts in studies would seem to have wasted a considerable amount of useful information to produce less reliable results. A review of relevant articles suggests that the use of this baseless methodology has persisted by neglecting an inconvenient truth. To improve the situation, the author proposes a generalized theory based on the assumption of constant within-individual instabilities, which covers both the standard threshold model and the single-genotype model. The proposed theory proves the general validity of Ossenberg’s proposals, i.e. the use of side counts for threshold traits and an examination of etiology by correlating the proportion of asymmetry and the trait frequency. The data of 28 nonmetric traits collected by Ossenberg were examined using the theory. The proportion of asymmetry was negatively correlated with side counts in all the traits with statistical significance. The threshold model exhibited higher goodness of fit than the single-genotype model for 25 traits. The loss of information caused by using individual counts for threshold traits instead of side counts is estimated to be equivalent to a considerable decrease (16–40%) in sample size. The use of both sides improves the reliability of the tetrachoric estimation of inter-trait correlation comparable to a 1.6- to 2.6-fold increase in the sample size by enabling the use of their four combinations. It was also shown that the theory makes it possible to estimate the penetrance rate of congenital anomalies and tumors from the proportion of asymmetry.
Patient-Prosthesis Mismatch and the Predictive Use of Indexed Effective Orifice Area: Is it Relevant?

Patient‐prosthesis mismatch (PPM) is a significant issue in valve replacement today. PPM is present when the effective orifice area (EOA) of the inserted prosthetic valve is too small relative to body surface area. PPM is defined as an EOA indexed for body surface area 20.8‐0.9 cm 2 /m 2 , and is a frequent problem in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (20‐70% prevalence). The main hemodynamic consequence of PPM is to generate high transvalvular gradients through normally functioning prosthetic valves. The purpose of this paper is to present an update on the present knowledge with regard to the impact of PPM on hemodynamic status, morbidity, and mortality. In addition, a simple algorithm for the prevention of this phenomenon is proposed, since it can largely be avoided if certain simple factors are taken into
Fostering Learner Autonomy through Cooperative and Collaborative Learning

Both cooperative and collaborative learning are learner-centered teaching approaches in English Language Teaching (ELT) to support active learning, shared learning, inductive learning, and autonomous learning. However, definitional and conceptual clarity of these two concepts did not receive as much attention as they deserve. As a result, these two terms are often confused, conflated or used interchangeably. This review paper critiqued the two terms by revealing their components, identifying their commonalities as well as variances, and explicating their theoretical bases and exploring their role in fostering learner autonomy. Searching and reviewing published literature were used to achieve the objectives of the study. The study perceived that cooperative learning is the educational technique that uses small groups of students guided by the teacher to benefit their individual and each other’s learning whereas collaborative learning is a philosophy of interaction of a learning group where people take responsibility for their own learning while recognizing their peers’ abilities and contributions. Both the approaches foster autonomous learning behavior where cooperative learning is considered the foundation stage for collaborative learning. This article will benefit current and future ELT practitioners and researchers of this emerging field of pedagogy by providing a clearer analyses of the terms and role in fostering learner autonomy.
Extracellular vesicles derived from tumour cells as a trigger of energy crisis in the skeletal muscle

Cachexia, a syndrome frequently occurring in cancer patients, is characterized by muscle wasting, altered energy and protein metabolism and impaired myogenesis. Tumour‐derived microvesicles (TMVs) containing proteins, messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and non‐coding RNAs could contribute to cancer‐induced muscle wasting.
Toward a Process-Centered Account of Literate Activity in the Classroom

This paper presents an approach to conceptualizing classroom activities that views teachers, students, and classroom objects as participating in continuous, cyclical processes of “reengaging” and “disengaging. ” As an illustration, six episodes in a U.S. preschool classroom of a teacher, nine 4- to 5-year-olds, and a box (which held objects related to a featured letter of the week) were analyzed through a relational-process lens. The box, classroom members, and objects that children brought from home moved through cycles of coming together and moving apart physically and attentionally. Furthermore, these processes metaphorically pulled in other activities across time and space.
Scientific Foundation SPIROSKI, Skopje, Republic of MacedoniaOpen Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences. 2021 Dec 13; 9(A):1240-1244.https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2021.7904eISSN: 1857-9655Category: A-Basic SciencesSection: Genetics

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with an increased production of reactive oxygen species and a reduction in antioxidant defense. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) is group of multifunction antioxidant enzyme can be used as important biomarkers for DM. GSTM1, T1 genes variant polymorphism result in decreased or loss of enzyme activity. AIM: The study aimed to evaluate the role of GST mu 1 (GSTM1) and GST theta 1 (GSTT1) gene polymorphism in the risk of developing T2DM. METHODS: GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms were genotyped in 87 type 2 DM (T2DM) patients and 87 healthy control group to analyze their association with T2DM susceptibility using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR products were electrophoresed using agarose 2%. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value were calculated using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (version 21.0). RESULTS: The genotype distribution of GSTM1 and GSTT1 was not different between T2DM patients and healthy control group (p = 0.542, OR = 0.780, CI 95% = 0.350–1.737 and p = 0.879, OR = 1.047, CI 95% = 0.577–1.903). The genotype distribution of combination of GSTM1 and GSTT1 were also not different between T2DM patients and healthy control group (p = 0.640, OR = 0.640, CI 95% = 0.224–1.83 and p = 0.551, OR = 0.721, CI 95% = 0.245–2.120. CONCLUSION: In summary, this study showed that GSTT1 null, GSTM1 null, the combination of GSTM1 null and GSTT1 null genotype or combination of GSTM1 null and GSTT1 positive (or contrary) did not have any risk of developing T2DM at Universitas Sumatera Utara Hospital, Medan. Edited by: Slavica Hristomanova-Mitkovska Citation: Tala ZZ, Sari MI. Role of Glutathione S-transferase Mu 1 and Glutathione S-transferases Theta 1 Polymorphism in the Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at Universitas Sumatera Utara Hospital, Medan. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2021 Dec 13; 9(A):1240-1244. https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2021. 7904
The genome of the Balearic shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus), a Critically Endangered seabird: a valuable resource for evolutionary and conservation genomics

The Balearic shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus) is the most threatened seabird in Europe. The fossil record suggests that human colonisation of the Balearic Islands resulted in a sharp decrease of the population size. Currently, populations continue to be decimated mainly due to predation by introduced mammals and bycatch in longline fisheries, and some studies predict their extinction by 2070. We present the first high-quality reference genome for the species which was obtained by a combination of short and long-read sequencing. Our hybrid assembly includes 4,169 scaffolds, with a scaffold N50 of 2.1 Mbp, a genome length of 1.2 Gbp, and BUSCO completeness of 96%, which is amongst the highest across sequenced avian species. This reference genome allowed us to study critical aspects relevant to the conservation status of the species, such as an evaluation of overall heterozygosity levels and the reconstruction of its historical demography. Our phylogenetic analysis using whole-genome information resolves current uncertainties in the order Procellariiformes systematics. Comparative genomics analyses uncover a set of candidate genes that may have played an important role into the adaptation to a pelagic lifestyle of Procellariiformes, including those for the enhancement of fishing capabilities, night vision and the development of natriuresis. This reference genome will be the keystone for future developments of genetic tools in conservation efforts for this Critically Endangered species.
Ambiente térmico e desempenho de suínos em dois modelos de maternidade e creche

Thermal environment and swine performance in two models of maternity and nursery External and internal factors (microclimate) of installations exert direct and indirect effects on swine performance in all production phases. Maternity and nursery phases are crucial for pork production. When these phases are negatively affected, they will cause reduction on productivity, with consequent economic damages to all the following phases. The objective of this work was to evaluate the thermal environment and performance of swine in two maternity models commonly used in Brazil: partially closed masonry walls (old model) and other totally opened (current model), associated with two nurseries of different architecture. The work was developed in a commercial operation system located in the swine production region of Zone of Mata, during winter 2005. Data relative to the surrounding thermal comfort (air temperature, air relative humidity and black globe temperature) in the maternities and nurseries were continuously acquired by dataloggers. Animal performance was evaluated by weighing the consumed ration and determining the animal weight gain in the maternity and nursery. Data referred to fertility: days to return to estrus and number of piglets/ birth were also observed. The results were examined by analysis of variance. The type of maternity had no influence on piglet performance. The small nursery had less temperature fluctuation and the animals showed better food conversion.
Crash simulations of aircraft fuselage section in water impact and comparison with solid surface impact

Aircraft water landing emergency provisions 14 CFR 25.801 demand requirement of ditching provision if requested in certification. This requires evaluation of the dynamic behaviour and response of aircraft in water impact to analyse the immediate injury to occupants. A correlated finite element model of a narrow-body Boeing-737 fuselage section and smoothed-particle hydrodynamics model of a body of water are coupled and utilised to investigate the structural response of the aircraft fuselage section when subjected to vertical drop test. The vertical drop of the fuselage section onto a body of water is simulated at an impact speed of 9.14 m/s, and also at higher impact speeds of 10.67 and 12.19 m/s. The vertical drop simulations are modelled using the non-linear explicit code, LS-DYNA, to predict the deformation of the fuselage section and acceleration pulses of the cabin floor, as well as the energy absorbed by the fuselage structure. The acceleration pulses from the cabin floor are then utilised as input for the occupant simulation performed using the mathematical code, MADYMO 7.5. The occupant model consists of a MADYMO FAA Hybrid-III 50th percentile dummy, a 2-point lap belt and a rigid seat. The lumbar loads experienced by the occupants in relation to both types of impacts are also presented. The dynamic simulation results from this study suggest that the fuselage section in water impact may be less severe than solid surface impact.
The future of artificial intelligence in digital pathology - results of a survey across stakeholder groups

Artificial intelligence (AI) provides a powerful tool to extract information from digitized histopathology whole slide images. In the last five years, academic and commercial actors have developed new technical solutions for a diverse set of tasks, including tissue segmentation, cell detection, mutation prediction, prognostication and prediction of treatment response. In the light of limited overall resources, it is presently unclear for researchers, practitioners and policymakers which of these topics are stable enough for clinical use in the near future and which topics are still experimental, but worth investing time and effort into. To identify potentially promising applications of AI in pathology, we performed an anonymous online survey of 75 computational pathology domain experts from academia and industry. Participants enrolled in 2021 were queried about their subjective opinion on promising and appealing sub-fields of computational pathology with a focus on solid tumors. The results of this survey indicate that the prediction of treatment response directly from routine pathology slides is regarded as the most promising future application. This item was ranked highest in the overall analysis and in sub-groups by age and professional background. Furthermore, prediction of genetic alterations, gene expression and survival directly from routine pathology images scored consistently high across subgroups. Together, these data demonstrate a possible direction for the development of computational pathology systems in clinical, academic and industrial research in the near future.
Learning to Hide Residual for Boosting Image Compression

Lossy compression usually leads to severe compression artifacts, such as blocking boundary, mosquito noise, and blur. Reducing compression artifacts is essential for better visual experience and quality when transmitting data under limited bandwidth, where the sender compresses an image and transmits it via a communication channel to the receiver side. To tackle this problem, most existing methods aim to directly recover details from received compressed image, instead of fully exploiting the rich information contained in the uncompressed image. In this paper, we focus on leveraging the residual information, i.e. the difference between a compressed image and its corresponding original/uncompressed one, and propose to hide the residual into the original image by a novel framework. As such, our model that considers this resultant image with the hidden information has a better ability to recover the residual caused by the compression process. Afterwards, the hidden residual could be decoded from the received image and used to boost the quality of image reconstruction on the receiver side. Extensive experiments verify the efﬁcacy of our proposed framework in reducing compression artifacts and showing favorable performance against numerous baselines.
RRU_A_331161 841..852

1Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado, Indonesia; 2Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, R. D. Kandou Hospital, Manado, Indonesia; 3Hyperbaric Centre Siloam Hospital, Manado, Indonesia; 4Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado, Indonesia; 5Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, R. D. Kandou Hospital, Manado, Indonesia; 6Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Sam Ratulangi University, Manado, Indonesia; 7Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, R. D. Kandou Hospital, Manado, Indonesia; 8Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia Introduction: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been applied to urological wound healing because it reduces inflammation, facilitates angiogenesis through endothelial proliferation, stimulates fibroblast, lymphocyte, and macrophage activity, and exerts bactericidal effects. Thus, we present a case series of reconstructive urology wounds treated adjunctively with HBOT. Case Report: Here, we present the cases of eight patients with urology wounds who underwent different forms of surgical reconstruction. Three patients received penile shaft silicone fluid injection with repeated infection, successful excision of a siliconoma mass, and defect closure with a full-thickness skin graft. One patient had hypospadias and multiple post-closure fistulae. Two patients had bilateral keystone flaps (post total penectomy, orchidectomy, perineotomy, and penile tumors) closed with a split-thickness skin graft (STSG). Two patients had Fournier’s gangrene in their genital area, for which the wound was debrided and then closed with a STSG. All patients received HBOT after surgery with satisfying results. Conclusion: HBOT promotes wound healing and improves graft integration in patients undergoing urological reconstructive surgery.
Shear Strength Prediction in Reinforced Concrete Deep Beams Using Nature-Inspired Metaheuristic Support Vector Regression

AbstractThe shear strength of reinforced concrete (RC) deep beams is a dynamic phenomenon that varies with many mechanical and geometrical factors. Accurately estimating shear strength in RC deep beams is a vital issue in engineering design and management. However, prediction accuracy is still poor. This study presents a nature-inspired metaheuristic regression method for accurately predicting shear strength in RC deep beams that combines a novel smart artificial firefly colony algorithm (SFA) and least squares support vector regression (LS-SVR). The SFA integrates the firefly algorithm (FA), chaotic map (CM), adaptive inertia weight (AIW), and Levy flight (LF). First, an adaptive approach and randomization methods (i.e., CM, AIW, and LF) were incorporated in FA to construct an effective metaheuristic algorithm for global optimization. The SFA was then used to optimize the hyperparameters of the LS-SVR model. The proposed model was constructed using a data set for RC deep beams which was derived from the .