Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multiple Sclerosis in Central American and Spanish Caribbean Region: Should it be Recognized as a Public Health Problem?

Background: A collaborative effort seeking to provide regional information on the status of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and its recognition as a public health problem. Methods: Certified neurologists from the collaborative group retrospectively provided information on the number of MS cases by country diagnosed until 2016 per the McDonald 2010 criteria to estimate crude prevalence. In addition, some countries provided information related to gender, median time to diagnosis, clinical type, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and treatment. Cases (n = 1092) were collected between May 1 to October 24, 2016. Confidentiality of information was guaranteed. Results: The estimated crude prevalence of MS in this region was 10.1 × 105 inhabitants. Data from this series indicate a female: male ratio of 3:1; median time from onset to diagnosis < 1 year (0–4 years); 90% of cases had a relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) type. EDSS was between 0–3 in 57% of the cases, and 94% of patients with RRMS were receiving treatment. The proportion of neurologists in the region is less than 1 × 105 inhabitants with an adult/child neurologist’s ratio of 5:1 Conclusions: Although under-reporting of cases may be present in this study, we conclude that MS in the region is a health concern that potentially could result in substantial morbidity and permanent disability (EDSS > 6 = 8.47%). We present evidence to generate new health policies in the region.
Stat5 induces androgen receptor (AR) gene transcription in prostate cancer and offers a druggable pathway to target AR signaling

Androgen receptor (AR) drives prostate cancer (PC) growth and progression, and targeting AR signaling is the mainstay of pharmacological therapies for PC. Resistance develops relatively fast as a result of refueled AR activity. A major gap in the field is the lack of understanding of targetable mechanisms that induce persistent AR expression in castrate-resistant PC (CRPC). This study uncovers an unexpected function of active Stat5 signaling, a known promoter of PC growth and clinical progression, as a potent inducer of AR gene transcription. Stat5 suppression inhibited AR gene transcription in preclinical PC models and reduced the levels of wild-type, mutated, and truncated AR proteins. Pharmacological Stat5 inhibition by a specific small-molecule Stat5 inhibitor down-regulated Stat5-inducible genes as well as AR and AR-regulated genes and suppressed PC growth. This work introduces the concept of Stat5 as an inducer of AR gene transcription in PC. Pharmacological Stat5 inhibitors may represent a new strategy for suppressing AR and CRPC growth.
The prevalence of anxiety and related factors among primary and secondary school teachers in Hanoi, Vietnam, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020

The working conditions for teachers in Vietnam were characterized by increased workload and pressure, burdening teachers’ well-being. The study aims to investigate anxiety prevalence and identify some related factors among primary and secondary school teachers in Hanoi after the first COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. This paper analyzed data of 481 teachers working at ten primary and secondary schools in Hanoi city. Anxiety was measured using the anxiety component of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scale 42 items. Multivariable logistics regression was performed to examine anxiety-related factors using SPSS 20.0 at a significant level p less than 0.05. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms was 42.4% and similar between primary and secondary school teachers. More secondary teachers reported moderate to severe anxiety symptoms than primary teachers did (31.6% and 27.7%). Primary school teachers who felt discomfort with their supervisor’s assessment, high responsibility for student safety, and ever thinking of leaving their current job were more likely to report anxiety symptoms (OR (95%CI) = 2.8 (1.2–6.5), 3.6 (1.0–12.8), and 2.6 (1.3–5.4), respectively). Meanwhile, the discomfort of caring for many students or problematic students, repetitive work, and disagreement with coworkers were risk factors of anxiety among secondary school teachers (OR (95%CI) = 2.6 (1.2–5.8), 3.2 (1.1–9.2), 3.4 (1.3–8.8), and 3.7 (1.1–12.6), respectively). In conclusion, the prevalence of teachers with anxiety symptoms is on the rise, caused by the characteristics of the job and professional relationships. Tailored support for teachers in different grades is necessary to improve and prevent teachers’ anxiety.
Effects of alamandine on monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats

Objective(s): Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe and often fatal disease that is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Alamandine, a component of the renin-angiotensin system, known for its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic effects, has been investigated in this study to determine if it has protective effects against PAH induced by monocrotaline (MCT) and if these effects are associated with oxidative stress, inflammatory factors, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Materials and Methods: Rats were administered MCT (40 mg/kg) on day 0 and then received alamandine (50 mg/kg/day) via mini-osmotic pumps for 21 days starting one day later. Hemodynamic parameters, electrocardiograms, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-κB), iNOS, and MrgD receptor expression in lung tissue were evaluated at the end of the 21-day period. The MrgD receptor was quantified through immunofluorescent staining, and the histopathology of lung tissues was evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: The results showed that alamandine treatment significantly improved hemodynamic parameters, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory factors, and electrocardiographic data. Furthermore, treatment with alamandine decreased the levels of iNOS. Additionally, alamandine treatment decreased the expression levels of MrgD receptors in the lung tissue of MCT-induced PAH. Conclusion: In summary, this study indicates that alamandine has protective effects against monocrotaline-induced PAH, and these effects may be attributed to the inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammatory parameters, and iNOS.
The effects of nitrate on the oral microbiome: a systematic review investigating prebiotic potential

ABSTRACT Background Nitrate (NO3−) has been suggested as a prebiotic for oral health. Evidence indicates dietary nitrate and nitrate supplements can increase the proportion of bacterial genera associated with positive oral health whilst reducing bacteria implicated in oral disease(s). In contrast, chlorhexidine-containing mouthwashes, which are commonly used to treat oral infections, promote dysbiosis of the natural microflora and may induce antimicrobial resistance. Methods A systematic review of the literature was undertaken, surrounding the effects of nitrate on the oral microbiota. Results Overall, n = 12 in vivo and in vitro studies found acute and chronic nitrate exposure increased (representatives of) health-associated Neisseria and Rothia (67% and 58% of studies, respectively) whilst reducing periodontal disease-associated Prevotella (33%). Additionally, caries-associated Veillonella and Streptococcus decreased (25% for both genera). Nitrate also altered oral microbiome metabolism, causing an increase in pH levels (n = 5), which is beneficial to limit caries development. Secondary findings highlighted the benefits of nitrate for systemic health (n = 5). Conclusions More clinical trials are required to confirm the impact of nitrate on oral communities. However, these findings support the hypothesis that nitrate could be used as an oral health prebiotic. Future studies should investigate whether chlorhexidine-containing mouthwashes could be replaced or complemented by a nitrate-rich diet or nitrate supplementation.
The effect of moisture content over the fibre saturation points on the impact strength of wood

The article's main aim is to assess the mechanical behaviour of linden under high-rate loadings (impact) and its change due to changes in moisture content (MC) over fibre saturation point. For assessing the mechanical properties of green wood, mainly the data of the dried wood is not applicable since the moisture content can drastically affect the mechanical properties of the wood. By testing both dried and high-moisture-content wood, we can understand a general viewpoint toward the effect of the moisture content on the impact behaviour of the wood. Several test samples were made of linden wood with different moisture content levels of 11%, 60% and 160%. A drop-weight impact machine tested the specimens to measure the reaction force of the hammer during a very short impact period. The results of the tests were parameters such as force–time chart, the maximum force required for crack initiation, the impact bending strength (IBS) and the work needed for crack initiation. The results indicated an increase in MC decreases the maximum force, work required for crack initiation and IBS drastically. However, when MC exceeded the fibre saturation point (FSP), there was no further influence on the force pattern and maximum required force.
Characteristics of MDR E. coli strains isolated from Pet Dogs with clinic diarrhea: A pool of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence-associated genes

The increasing number of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria in companion animals poses a threat to both pet treatment and public health. To investigate the characteristics of MDR Escherichia coli (E. coli) from dogs, we detected the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of 135 E. coli isolates from diarrheal pet dogs by disc diffusion method (K-B method), and screened antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), virulence-associated genes (VAGs), and population structure (phylogenetic groups and MLST) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for 74 MDR strains, then further analyzed the association between AMRs and ARGs or VAGs. Our results showed that 135 isolates exhibited high resistance to AMP (71.11%, 96/135), TET (62.22%, 84/135), and SXT (59.26%, 80/135). Additionally, 54.81% (74/135) of the isolates were identified as MDR E. coli. In 74 MDR strains, a total of 12 ARGs in 6 categories and 14 VAGs in 4 categories were observed, of which tetA (95.95%, 71/74) and fimC (100%, 74/74) were the most prevalent. Further analysis of associations between ARGs and AMRs or VAGs in MDR strains revealed 23 significant positive associated pairs were observed between ARGs and AMRs, while only 5 associated pairs were observed between ARGs and VAGs (3 positive associated pairs and 2 negative associated pairs). Results of population structure analysis showed that B2 and D groups were the prevalent phylogroups (90.54%, 67/74), and 74 MDR strains belonged to 42 STs (6 clonal complexes and 23 singletons), of which ST10 was the dominant lineage. Our findings indicated that MDR E. coli from pet dogs carry a high diversity of ARGs and VAGs, and were mostly belong to B2/D groups and ST10. Measures should be taken to prevent the transmission of MDR E. coli between companion animals and humans, as the fecal shedding of MDR E. coli from pet dogs may pose a threat to humans.
Dynamics of brain-muscle networks reveal effects of age and somatosensory function on gait

Walking is a complex motor activity that requires coordinated interactions between sensory and motor systems. We used mobile EEG and EMG to investigate the brain-muscle networks involved in gait control during overground walking in young, older and individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. Dynamic interactions between the sensorimotor cortices and eight leg muscles within a gait cycle were assessed using multivariate analysis. We identified three distinct brain-muscle networks during a gait cycle. These networks include a bilateral network, a left-lateralised network activated during the left swing phase, and a right-lateralised network active during right swing. The trajectories of these networks are contracted in older adults, indicating a reduction in neuromuscular connectivity with age. Individuals with impaired tactile sensitivity of the foot showed a selective enhancement of the bilateral network, possibly reflecting a compensation strategy to maintain gait stability. These findings provide a parsimonious description of interindividual differences in neuromuscular connectivity during gait. Teaser Dynamic network analysis shows how brain-muscle connectivity during gait varies with age and somatosensory function.
MACAW: A media access protocol for wireless LANs

In recent years(cid:0) a wide variety of mobile computing devices has emerged(cid:0) including portables(cid:0) palmtops(cid:0) and personal digital assistants(cid:1) Providing adequate network connectivity for these devices will require a new generation of wireless LAN technology(cid:1) In this paper we study media access pro(cid:2) tocols for a single channel wireless LAN being developed at Xerox Corporation(cid:3)s Palo Alto Research Center(cid:1) We start with the MACA media access protocol (cid:4)rst proposed by Karn (cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:7) and later re(cid:4)ned by Biba (cid:5)(cid:8)(cid:7) which uses an RTS(cid:2) CTS(cid:2)DATA packet exchange and binary exponential back(cid:2) o(cid:9)(cid:1) Using packet(cid:2)level simulations(cid:0) we examine various per(cid:2) formance and design issues in such protocols(cid:1) Our analysis leads to a new protocol(cid:0) MACAW(cid:0) which uses an RTS(cid:2)CTS(cid:2) DS(cid:2)DATA(cid:2)ACK message exchange and includes a signi(cid:4)(cid:2) cantly di(cid:9)erent backo(cid:9) algorithm(cid:1) (cid:0)
Effects of Cold Storage Environment Change on Antarctic Krill (Euphausia superba) Quality Center

In order to deal with the quality of Antarctic krill during the storage and transportation process caused by the failure of the supply system and the freezing equipment in the process of storage and circulation in the form of frozen products, the project team changed the refrigerated environment to the Antarctic The effect of krill quality was studied. When the ambient temperature increased from -20 °C to -12 °C, -7 °C, -3 °C, -1.5 °C, 0 °C, 1 °C, 2.5 °C, 4 °C, 6 °C , 8 °C, 12.5 °C, 16 °C, the Antarctic krill samples for sensory evaluation, pH value, the meat rate and soup turbidity and other quality indicators of the determination. The results show that when the ambient temperature from -20 °C up to -1.5 °C process, the Antarctic krill soup after cooking is more clear, little change in turbidity, pH quickly increased from 7.60 to 7.85 Antarctic krill muscle elasticity began to change Poor, the sensory quality has begun to change from good to change; when the temperature from -1.5 °C to 4 °C, the pH value slowly increased, there is a certain fluctuation, may be due to differences in the composition of the various components of the decision, Antarctic krill soup after the soup turbidity quickly increased from 0.5 to 0.7Brix maximum, sensory quality is still at a moderate level; when the temperature rose to 16 °C, the pH has risen to 8.05, Antarctic krill Sensory quality from the change into a bad, this time the Antarctic krill has been unable to eat, only as a feed or other use.
Comparison of Soil Organic Matter Transformation Processes in Different Alpine Ecosystems in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau

Soils in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau are young in terms of development and form a thin, skeletal soil layer because the gravel parent materials are glaciofluvial deposit, eluvium, and fluvial sediment, which are extremely sensitive to global climate change. The lack of understanding of soil organic matter (SOM) transformation processes in this region hinders the prediction of SOM stocks under future climate conditions. In this study, SOM transformation processes were investigated by density groupings and pyrolysis‐gas chromatography/tandem‐mass spectrometry (Py‐GC–MS/MS) in five alpine ecosystems: alpine desert, alpine grassland, alpine meadow, alpine wetland, and alpine forest. The roles of microbial community in different density fractions were elucidated. Soil samples were separated into three fractions with NaI solution: labile fraction (FL; ρ ≤ 1.6 g/cm3), moderate fraction (FM; 1.6 < ρ < 2.25 g/cm3), and recalcitrant fraction (FR; ρ ≥ 2.25 g/cm3). The following results were obtained. (1) The ratios of different fractions (FM/FL, FR/FM, and FR/FL) indicated the transformation processes of SOM, and ratios less than 1 represented degradation. The transformation processes were similar in alpine grassland and meadow and were similar in alpine desert, wetland, and forest but differed from each other. (2) Fungi preferred to degrade plant detritus, which mainly affected FL, whereas bacteria chiefly affected FM. (3) Precipitation altered vegetation type and soil pH, thus affecting communities and microorganism activities and resulting in the above differences. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the limited transformation processes of SOM in ecosystems to predict the impact of climate change on SOM preservation.
Reconnaissance Basement Geology and Tectonics of South Zealandia

We report new U‐Pb zircon ages, geochemical and isotopic data for Mesozoic igneous rocks, and new seismic interpretations of mostly submerged South Zealandia (1.5 Mkm2). We use these data, along with existing geological and geophysical data sets, to refine the extent and nature of geological units. Our new 1:25 M geological map of South Zealandia provides a regional framework to investigate the rifting and breakup that formed Zealandia, Earth's most submerged continent. Samples of prerift (pre‐100 Ma) plutonic rocks can be matched with on‐land New Zealand igneous suites and indicate an east‐west strike for the subduction‐related 260 to 105‐Ma Median Batholith across the Campbell Plateau. The plutonic chronology of formerly contiguous plutonic rocks in West Antarctica reveals similar pulses and lulls to the Median Batholith. Contrary to previous interpretations, the Median Batholith does not coincide with the 1,600‐km‐long Campbell Magnetic Anomaly System. Instead we interpret the continental magnetic anomalies to represent a mainly mafic igneous unit, whose shape and extent is controlled by synrift structures related to Gondwana breakup. Correlatives of some of these unsampled igneous rocks may be exposed as circa 85 Ma alkalic volcanic rocks on the Chatham Islands. Extension directions varied by up to 65° from 100 to 80 Ma, and we suggest this allowed this large area to thin considerably before final rupture to form new oceanic crust. Synrift (90–80 Ma) structures cut the oroclinal bend in southern South Island and support a pre‐early Late Cretaceous age of orocline formation.
Genetic Algorithm for Resource Allocation in WiMAX Network

WiMAX offer a very demanding multiuser communication problem. To make resource allocation more practical, in mobile WiMAX subchannelization is used. The Resource Allocation is usually formulated as a constrained optimization problem for either fixed-rate applications such as voice or for variable rate applications such as data. In this paper we address Genetic Algorithm for Resource Allocation in downlink Mobile WiMAX networks. Objective of proposed algorithm is to optimize total throughput. Simulation results show that Genetic Algorithm performs better than methods proposed in [5] in terms of higher capacities.
May the 4C’s be with you: An overview of complexity- inspired frameworks for analyzing resting-state neuroimaging data

Affiliations 1 Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK. 2 Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Science, Imperial College London, London SW7 2DD 3Data Science Institute, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK. 4Centre for Complexity Science, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK. 5Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK. 6Department of Psychology, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK. 7 Division of Anaesthesia, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, UK. 8 Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, UK. 9 Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence, University of Cambridge, UK. 10Alan Turing Institute, London, UK. 11 Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Portugal. 12 Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Impact of different herbicides and their combinations on production economics of winter rice in West Bengal

Rice is the life-blood of the Asia-Pacific Region where 56% of humanity lives, producing and consuming more than 90% of the world rice. Rice contributes 43% of total food grain production and 46% of the cereal production of India. Rice is the staple food of about 3.5 billion people and demand is expected to continue to grow as population increases (GRiSP 2013). Among different states of India, West Bengal is the leading state in rice production. During the year 2007-08, the average productivity of Aus, Aman and Boro was 2009 kg/ha, 2.31 t/ha and 3.26 t/ ha, respectively and the state average of rice productivity was 2.57 t/ha (Samanta and Mallik 2004). Weeds are greatest constraint in rice crop and impose a serious negative effect on crop production and market value. On an average, farmers lose 37% of their rice yield to pests and diseases, and that these losses can range between 24% and 41% depending on the production situation (IRRI 2015). Herbicides are being widely looked as an alternatve of manual labour. Hence, different herbicides were tested to see their effect on economics of rice production.
Partial COVID-19 lockdown effect in atmospheric pollutants and indirect impact in UV radiation in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced a significant decrease in industrial activities and other anthropic interventions on the environment, followed by a reduction of the emission of pollutant gases and aerosols. Monitoring of air quality is commonly performed through automatic stations, which can provide nearly real-time, accurate information. However, stations located in urban areas are subject to maintenance problems and extensive coverage for large areas is not feasible. As an alternative approach, data from orbital sensors can provide useful information for large areas at a low cost. Consequently, this study aimed to analyze the partial COVID-19 lockdown effect in atmospheric pollutants and indirect impact in UV radiation in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Data on concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), total ozone (O3), and ultraviolet index (UVI) acquired by the OMI sensor aboard the Aura satellite were accessed for May, for the entire period 2010 to 2018, 2019, and 2020. Differences between these time series were calculated. Results showed significant reductions in nitrogen dioxide in most of the study area by as much as 33.9%, followed by increases in total ozone of up to 3.5% and the ultraviolet index by up to 4.8%. Although NO2 plays a fundamental role in stratospheric chemistry, our results suggest that its decrease in 2020 was not directly responsible for the increase in total O3; however, NO2 was partially the cause for the increase in UVI, which in turn led to the heating of the stratosphere, generating an increase in ozone.