Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Examining the Use of Vocabulary Learning Strategies among EFL Learners in Baghlan University of Afghanistan

Vocabulary learning is one of the problems in language learning skills. Tackling such problems is to provide useful and effective strategies for enhancing students’ VLSs. Therefore, this study aims to survey vocabulary learning strategies (VLSs) utilized among English as a Foreign Language learners (EFL) in Baghlan University of Afghanistan, and to study the high and least frequently used VLSs that contributes to the learners’ vocabulary knowledge. This study utilizes a descriptive quantitative research method with 67 EFL learners who participated in the survey questionnaire adopted from Oxford (1990) taxonomy of VLS from different faculties of Baghlan University. The findings indicated that EFL learners preferably utilize VLSs at a medium level, and the highly used vocabulary learning strategies are the social strategies through which they ask the native speakers, teachers, and classmates for the meanings of new words in English language conversation. Determination, cognitive, and memory strategies are respectively followed by the learners. Whereas, metacognitive strategies are the least used strategies among EFL learners, the reason is that they only focus on the materials related to examination; explore anything about the new words for learning, and rarely think of their improvement in vocabulary learning.
Effect of aerobic exercise on parasympathetic system

Introduction: Aerobic exercise is a physical exercise that is performed at moderate level of intensity over a relatively longer period of time. It depends primarily on aerobic energy generating process. There is a direct correlation between physical inactivity and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In this study, we show effect of aerobic exercise on parasympathetic function in healthy young adult. Aim of this study is to quantify parasympathetic function in study and control group before and after 3 months of aerobic exercise. Material and method: The present study was carried out at autonomic function test laboratory in the department of physiology, K. G. M. U. , Lucknow, after ethical clearance. 60 apparently healthy untrained male subjects with normal physical activity and BMI18.5-24.5 kg/m2, aged 1835 years were enrolled in this interventional study and divided into 2 equal groups, exercise and control group. 30 subjects of exercise group performed aerobic exercise by running on treadmill (20 minuts, alternate day) for 12 weeks and 30 subjects of controlled group continued sedentary life style. To quantify parasympathetic function, following parameters were measured: [1) Heart rate response to standing from supine position (30:15 ratio). 2) Heart rate response to slow deep breathing (E:I ratio). 3) Heart rate response to Valsalva maneuver] of all the subjects were recorded at day 1 and after 3 months, with the help of PC based cardiac autonomic neuropathy analysis system. Result: Parasympathetic functions (30:15 ratio, E:I ratio, and Valsalva ratio) are found to be significantly higher in exercise group as compared to control group. Significant differences were found in the above mentioned parameters among the exercise group but no significant change was observed among control group. Conclusion: The study suggests that parasympathetic function shows favorable changes with aerobic exercise.
Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions

© 2021 The Authors. Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions is published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License, which permits use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided that the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes. ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Fullerenes, Nanotubes and Carbon Nanostructures

Study of Fullerene Aqueous Dispersion Prepared by Novel Dialysis Method: Simple Way to Fullerene Aqueous Solution Sergey Andreev, Daria Purgina, Elena Bashkatova, Alexey Garshev, Artem Maerle, Igor Andreev, Nadezhda Osipova, Nadezhda Shershakova & Musa Khaitov a NRC Institute of Immunology, FMBA, Moscow, Russian Federation b Department of Materials Science, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation c Timiryazev Institute of Plant Physiology, RAS, Moscow, Russian Federation d Nanosystem Ltd, Moscow, Russian Federation Accepted author version posted online: 09 Jan 2015.
Anti-Arrhythmic Effect of Chronic Acetaminophen Treatment in the Aging F344XBN Rat Involves Diminished Myocardial Fibrosis and Altered Micrornas Regulation

There is a growing need for pharmacological agents to manage cardiovascular disease in the rapidly increasing elderly population. Acetaminophen has been shown to have cardioprotective effect against ischemia-reperfusion injury by acting as an antioxidant. Recently, we reported that chronic acetaminophen ingestion significantly attenuates age associated increases in cardiac ROS and apoptosis. Here, we examined the effect of chronic acetaminophen treatment on incidents of arrhythmias, Cx43 expression, myocardial fibrosis and miRNA expression in the aging Fischer344XBrown Norway (F344XBN) rat hearts. Aging male F344XBN rats (27-mo; n=8) were treated with acetaminophen (30mg/kg/day p.o.) for six months. Serial electrocardiography was performed during the study. There was an increase in incidence of premature atrial and ventricular arrhythmias with age, which were attenuated by acetaminophen treatment. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis revealed increased myocardial fibrosis and altered localization of gap junction protein Cx43 respectively, while 6-months acetaminophen ingestion is able to inhibit such alterations to certain extent. Aging in F344XBN rats was associated with decreased expression of Cx43 however acetaminophen treated hearts levels were slightly higher than age-matched control animals. The expression of mir-1, mir-133, mir-214, mir-30a and mir30d was 66-, 64-, 54-, 73and 74-% lower, respectively in 33-month control animals compared to that of 6-month animals (p<0.05). Acetaminophen treatment significantly increased the expression of mir-1 and mir-214, while the other miRNA remain unchanged. These results indicate that acetaminophen may prevent the incidence of age-associated arrhythmias and that this alteration is associated with diminished fibrosis and changes in cardiac miRNA expression. WC=271
Cytoplasmic fusion and the nature of sexes

Binary mating types are proposed to arise in a three-stage process through selection of nuclear genes to minimize cytoplasmic gene conflict at the time of gamete fusion. In support of this view we argue that: (i) in systems with fusion of gametes, the mating type genes are typically binary and regulate cytoplasmic inheritance; (ii) binary sexes have evolved several times independently associated with fusion, although at least twice binary types have been lost, associated with a loss of fusion; further, in accordance with the theory are findings for isogamous species that (iii) close inbreeding may correlate with less than two sexes and biparental inheritance of cytoplasmic genes; and (iv) species with more than two sexes may have uniparental inheritance of cytoplasmic genes, be rare and be afflicted by deleterious cytoplasmic genes which attempt to pervert normal cytoplasmic genetics. Such facts and their rationale support a new and unified definition of sexes based on the control of the inheritance of cytoplasmic genes. For the common cases, the male sex is that which resigns attempts to contribute cytoplasmic genes to the next generation. We differentiate between sexes and the incompatibility types of ciliates, basidiomycetes, some angiosperms and a few other organisms which are independent of organelle contribution.
Taxonomic revision of Microstegium s.str. (Andropogoneae, Poaceae)

Microstegium excl. Leptatherum (Andropogoneae, Poaceae) is revised. There are at least 16 species and one variety. By lack of type materials eight names could not be placed, while, moreover, another three were invalidly published. An identification key is provided, synonymy, descriptions, and notes are given. A new combination is proposed.
Efficacy of Convalescent Plasma and Short Course of Corticosteroids in Patients with COVID-19

ULJRI | https://doi.org/10.18297/jri/vol4/iss1/8 1 Abstract This study reported the efficacy of short course corticosteroids and convalescent plasma (CP) transfusion in treating five patients with severe COVID-19 disease. Five adults (mean age: 70 ± 9 years) with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and severe hypoxemia (PaO2/FiO2 [P/F] <100) requiring invasive mechanical ventilation received 5-days methylprednisolone (40 mg intravenously every 12 hours) and subsequent CP transfusion (250-400 ml). Compared with the baseline, P/F ratios increased by 46% and by 28% after short course corticosteroids and CP transfusion. Four patients survived. Short course corticosteroids and CP transfusion may improve hypoxemia in patients with severe COVID-19 disease.
Transmission analysis of candidate genes for nonsyndromic oral clefts in Brazilian parent-child triads with recurrence

Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) is a major congenital defect with complex etiology, including multiple genetic and environmental factors. Approximately two thirds of the cases are not accompanied by other anomalies and are called nonsyndromic (NS). In the present study, we performed transmission distortion analysis of the MSX1-CA, TGFB3-CA and MTHFR-C677T polymorphisms in 60 parent-child triads, in which the NS-CL/P affected child had at least one affected parent. No association with genes MSX1 or TGFB3 was found, but the results were suggestive of an association of the MTHFR-C677T polymorphism with NS-CL/P.
Allometry of the leg muscles of birds

The musculoskeletal components of the hindlimbs of 20 species of birds, considered non-runners, were examined. Allometry was used to compare these data with previously published information on the limbs of running birds. In non-runners the digital flexor muscle and tendon areas scaled approximately isometrically, in contrast to running birds where tendon areas had a lower exponent. Non-running birds had muscle fibre areas approximately half that of runners of equal mass. In both groups, the muscle:tendon area ratio for m. gastrocnemius increased as M(0.13), suggesting factors other than elastic energy storage are important. Runners exhibited relatively longer tibiotarsi and tarsometatarsi and shorter toes. With very few exceptions, the linear dimensions of bones, tendon cross-sectional areas, and muscle masses and fibre areas in the legs of the non-running birds scaled closely according to the requirements for geometric similarity, but the confidence limits are often wide. Deviations from geometric similarity in birds reflect differences in locomotor behaviours and abilities.
Effect of Human Resource Alignment on Competitive Advantage of Catholic Mission Hospitals in Nyeri County, Kenya

In the recent years, the health sector has experienced escalating health care costs which have made the health care service providers seek for ways of continuously staying competitive to provide quality services to its customers. Traditionally, this is a sector that requires high level of professionalism, sophisticated equipments and advanced technology in order to stay ahead of others. Catholic mission hospitals have not been an exception to this experience. Despite the efforts, several draw backs have been noticed in the hospitals. It’s against this background that this study specifically aimed to establish the effect of investigate whether establishing whether human resource alignment had any effect on competitiveness of Catholic Mission Hospitals in Nyeri County. The target population for the study was 226 staff and a sample size of 68 was selected. The researcher used descriptive survey research design. Data was collected using questionnaires. The data collected was both qualitative and quantitative in nature. The qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis and presented in form of narratives, while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings of the study were: lack of changes in HR alignment, (β=.313, t=4.363, p<0.004), had a significant negative influence on competitive advantage in catholic mission hospitals in Nyeri County. The study therefore recommends: the Catholic Mission Hospitals management should employ integration organizational structure where staff are involved in decision making as this will harness the staff expert capabilities and improve performance.
Cemented Hemiarthroplasties Are Associated with a Higher Mortality Rate after Femoral Neck Fractures in Elderly Patients

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The postoperative outcomes of total hip replacement and hemiarthroplasty after femoral neck fractures in elderly patients were analysed to determine general and local complications as well as morbidity and mortality rates in order to detect risk profiles and assess the best individual treatment option. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred sixty-one femoral neck fractures among patients aged ≥ 65 years treated with cemented hemiarthroplasty (HA) or uncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) between January 2005 and October 2013 were evaluated. In the presence of articular pathologies as well as a fracture type Garden III or IV, the indication for joint replacement was given. Criteria for performing hemiarthroplasty were previously limited mobility. Freely and fully mobilised patients and patients with manifested osteoarthritis received a cementless THA. A comparison of the observed complications was made, differentiating between general and surgery-specific hip-related complications. Furthermore, the mortality rates were analysed in relation to the respective surgical treatment. RESULTS Seventy cemented HA and ninety-one uncemented THA were performed. There was a high complication rate of approximately 19% in both surgical intervention groups. The patients were more likely to develop general complications (HA 12.8%; THA 10.8%) even though cardiopulmonary complications occurred more frequently in the cemented HA group. Four patients died after cemented hemiarthroplasty due to thromboembolic events (5.7% mortality rate), whereas no deaths occurred after total hip replacement. Surgery-specific complications rates were 7.8% in THA and 5.7% in HA patients. CONCLUSIONS THA in eldery patients with femoral neck fractures is associated with a higher complication rate, mostly of general medical entity. After cemented HA, our study reveals a high mortality rate due to thromboembolic events. For patients with multimorbidity in particular, these findings therefore suggest that uncemented THA should be considered to prevent lethal complications.
POLYMORPHISMS OF GSTM1 AND GSTT1 GENES CONTRIBUTE TO THE RISK OF ADVERSE REPRODUCTIVE OUTCOME IN STEEL INDUSTRY WORKERS

Context: The root causes of many adverse pregnancy outcomes are not well understood, but there is growing evidence that both the environmental and genetic factors play an important role. The present study aims to investigate the association of polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes with adverse reproductive outcome in steel industry workers. Methods: The study populations consisted of 150 male steel industry workers in the age group of 18-55 years and 146 males in the same age group and socio economic status and not occupationally exposed to any chemical agents were studied for the reproductive outcome in their spouses. The information on reproductive outcome including the number of pregnancies, fertility, infertility, live births, spontaneous abortions, premature births, neonatal deaths, still births etc. was collected. Blood samples were collected, DNA extraction and genotyping was done for GSTM1 and GSTT1 using multiplex PCR.The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of the Centre and written informed consent was obtained from all the participants of the study. The results were analyzed statistically using the appropriate chi square test and logistic regression analysis to find the significance of the association of GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms with reproductive outcome in steel industry workers and control subjects. Results: The results showed an increase in the frequency of abortions, still births, premature births and neonatal deaths in the workers with homozygous deletions of GSTM1 and GSTT1 but the increase was not statistically significant compared to that of active GSTM1 and GSTT1 variants. Conclusion: The results did not provide any evidence for the influence of polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes on the reproductive outcome. Neither GSTM1 nor GSTT1 null variants were associated with adverse reproductive outcome.
Antioxidant Phlorotannin from Brown Algae Sargassum dupplicatum: Enzyme-assissted Extraction and Purification

The study focused on the enzyme-assisted extraction and the purification of antioxidant phlorotannin content from brown algae Sargassum dupplicatum commonly grown in Vietnam. Antioxidant activities were evaluated, consisting of total antioxidant activity and reducing power activity for the enzyme-assisted extraction. Antioxidant purified phlorotannin was analyzed total antioxidant activity, reducing power activity, DPPH free radical scavenging activity, and lipoxygenase inhibition activity. The treating condition of brown algae by enzyme consisting of enzyme kinds (termamyl enzyme, cellulose enzyme, viscozyme enzyme), the enzyme concentration (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5, and 15.0% (v/v)), and the treating time of algae (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 hours). Brown algae were then soaked in 96% ethanol with the ethanol-to-brown algae ratio of 30/1 (v/w) for 24 hours at the room temperature for antioxidant phlorotannin extraction that purified by using the liquid-to-liquid method and the gel chromatography of Sephadex LH 20. Antioxidant phlorotannin purification was determined to base on DEPT and 1H NMR spectrum. The results showed that 7.5% cellulase enzyme destroyed brown algae cell for 3 hours leading the best efficiency of antioxidant phlorotannin extraction from brown algae for 24 hours by 96% ethanol with the ethanol-to-brown algae ratio of 30/1 (v/w) at the room temperature. Phlorotannin content, total antioxidant activity, and reducing power activity corresponded to 4.45±0.11 mg phloroglucinol equivalent/g DW, 11.17±0.28 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g DW, and 11.09±0.24 mg FeSO4 equivalent/g DW, respectively. Two fractions of antioxidant phlorotannin (17 to 28 and 36 to 45) were collected after purification, possessed 4.1 to 177.3 and 8.3 to 112.2 mg phloroglucinol equivalent per 1087.56 mg glue, respectively. Total antioxidant activity, reducing power, and DPPH free radical scavenging corresponded to 12.48 to 585.52 and 28.08 to 371.28 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/1087.56 mg glue, 15.6 to 765.44 and 33.28 to 486.72 mg FeSO4 equivalent/1087.56 mg glue, and 72.23 to 100% and 76.02 – 100%, respectively. Lipoxygenase enzyme inhibition activity got 62.83 to 87.4 µM and 66.19 to 87.09 µM linoleic acid equivalent/ 100µl extract, respectively. DEPT and 1H NMR spectrum showed phloroglucinol exist in two over fractions.
Cellular and Biochemical Mechanisms of the Retroviral Restriction Factor SAMHD1

Replication ofHIV-1 and other retroviruses is dependent on numerous host proteins in the cells. Some of the host proteins, however, function as restriction factors to block retroviral infection of target cells. The host protein SAMHD1 has been identified as the first mammalian deoxynucleoside triphosphate triphosphohydrolase (dNTPase), which blocks the infection of HIV-1 and other retroviruses in non-cycling immune cells. SAMHD1 protein is highly expressed in human myeloid-lineage cells and CD4 Tlymphocytes, but its retroviral restriction function is only observed in noncycling cells. Recent studies have revealed biochemical mechanisms of SAMHD1-mediated retroviral restriction. In this review, the latest progress on SAMHD1 research is summarized and the mechanisms by which SAMHD1 mediates retroviral restriction are analyzed. Although the physiological function of SAMHD1 is largely unknown, this review provides perspectives about the role of endogenous SAMHD1 protein inmaintaining normal cellular function, such as nucleic acid metabolism and the proliferation of cells.
Variability in survival and mortality of Acacia drepanolobium Sjøstedt following prescribed burning at Olpejeta Conservancy, Kenya

Mortalities toAcaciadrepanolobium, a main item in the diet of the eastern black rhino (Diceros bicornis Michaeli) in Olpejeta conservancy, Kenya, are caused by three main factors: drought, browsers and fire. The effect of controlled fires on A. drepanolobium was examined by monitoring survival and growth in experimental plots before and after fire episodes between 2003 and 2007. Density, survival and growth in A. drepanolobium trees were compared eighteen months before and after burning. Tall trees were more likely to die from fire compared to short trees (R 2 = 0.575; df = 6; P = 0.048), while seedling densities increased after fire (v 2 = 36.57; df = 1; P = 0.001). Even with increased seedling densities, burned areas attracted large numbers of seedling predators, lowering the possibility of seedling recruitment into adult, as mean seedling heights reduced significantly (ANOVA, F = 204.42; df = 1; P = 0.036). Fires also significantly lowered flowering (F = 346; df = 1; P < 0.05) in A. drepanolobium, thereby affecting fruit production. Although fires caused mortalities to adult A. drepanolobium, the most significant effect was tree reversals into seedling height class as trees resprouted. Although fire may increase browse biomass of A. drepanolobium available for black rhino, it is not an appropriate black rhino habitat management tool because burnt areas attract many seedling predators that lower seedling recruitment into adult trees.