Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pathomorphology of porcine polycystic kidney: A case report

A rare form of bilateral autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) was observed incidentally in a six month old hybrid Tamworth and Desi crossbred pig during necropsy examination in the Department of Pathology, Ranchi Veterinary College, Ranchi. Grossly, both kidneys showed cystic lesion of varying size all over the renal surface. Dorsal section of kidney showed presence of watery or mucoid content in the cystic cavities with scanty normal renal parenchyma in between cystic lesions. Microscopically, cystic lesions were lined by flattened epithelium indicating their tubular origin along with fibrosis in the interstitium. The end stage renal failure appears to be the cause of death in the present case. The case was diagnosed as a rare porcine polycystic kidney disease(PKD).
The stall in mortality decline in Ghana: further analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys data.

The second half of the twentieth century bore witness to significant declines in mortality among children in the developing world. Ghana was no exception experiencing declines in mortality from the 1950s onward. A series of Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in Ghana documented substantial improvements in infant and childhood mortality rates between 1988 and 1998. The results of the 2003 survey however indicated that these rates had plateaued (stagnated) at high levels. There was some concern that mortality might even be on the rise. The purpose of this analysis is to determine whether the stagnation in the decline in childhood mortality in Ghana is real to describe and evaluate trends in mortality and to examine the key factors likely to influence mortality levels. This analysis suggests that the apparent uptick in mortality seen in the 2003 GDHS is largely a function of the underestimation of mortality in the previous survey. Thus while there is no evidence to conclude that child mortality in Ghana is increasing the past three Ghana DHS surveys provide substantial evidence that the decline in mortality in Ghana has stagnated at high levels. The trend data reviewed here suggest that there may be a continuing problem with children receiving adequate nourishment. There is also room for improvement in maternal and child health care indicators. Policies and programs designed to improve these indicators may help to facilitate the resumption of the downward trend in childhood mortality rates in Ghana. (excerpt)
Oral manifestations of lamellar ichthyosis: A rare case report

The ichthyoses are a heterogeneous group of disorders with both inherited and acquired forms. Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) is a heterogeneous group of disorders that present at birth with the generalized involvement of skin without other systemic manifestations. Lamellar itchthyosis (LI) is a nonsyndromic itchthyosis, which comes under the umbrella of ARCI. Little is only known about the oral manifestations of this disorder. We report a case of LI with oral manifestations.
Microalbuminuria as a Marker of sepsis-A Prospective Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: There are various ICU scoring systems like APACHE and SAPS II to predict mortality which are done at 24 hours of admission during which precious time is lost in administering therapy. In various studies microalbuminuria has shown promise not only as a predictor of organ failure and vasopressor requirement but also of mortality. Aim: To evaluate the relation between microalbuminuria (urine micro albumin creatinine ratio) and SAPS II score in patients with sepsis and whether it could predict mortality in critically ill patients and the risk of developing multiorgan failure. Methods: In was a prospective, non-interventional study conducted on 64 patients admitted to ICU. Spot urine samples were collected at 6 and 24 hours of admission and were tested for urine microalbumin by immunoturbidometric method and for urine creatinine by Jaffe method and urine microalbumin: creatinine (Urine ACR) ratio was calculated. The urine ACR was co-related with SAPS II score and mortality of the patients. Results: SAPS II score ranged from 13 to 87. Median SAPS II score among survivors were 42.0 and among non survivors were 63.5. Non survivors had a higher SAPS II score compared to survivors (P value=0.0001). Urine ACR 1(urine micro albumin creatinine ratio at 6 hour) was 66.4 μg/mg among survivors and 166.5 μg/mg among non survivors and ACR 2 (urine micro albumin creatinine ratio at 24 hour) was 34.6 among survivors and 151.4 among non survivors (p value = 0.0001). Urine ACR 1 and Urine ACR 2 were correlated with SAPS II score and found statistically significance. Conclusion: The degree of microalbuminuria was more among patients with organ dysfunction than among patients with no organ dysfunction. Significant microalbuminuria is also predictive of organ dysfunction.
The formulation of competitive actions in practice

3 Acknowledgements . 6 Table of contents . 8 Linking document . 14 Background and rationale . 16 Summary of research projects and methods . 18 Project 1: Systematic literature review . 22 Methods and objectives . 23 Findings and contributions to knowledge . 24 P1 propositions . 25 Project 2: Competitive actions in practice . 25 Methods and objectives . 25 Findings and contributions to knowledge . 27 P1 propositions . 27 Emergent phenomena . 30 Project 3: Formulating competitive actions . 32 Methods and objectives . 33 Findings and contributions to knowledge . 34 Limitations of study and areas for further research . 36 Project 1: Systematic literature review . 38 Introduction . 40 Relevant appendices . 42 Methodology . 42 The systematic literature review process . 43 The review panel . 43 Search strategy . 43
Bank Branch Proximity, Financial Flexibility and Corporate Liquidity Management

Firms hold less cash (i.e. internal-liquidity) when their local bank branching network is dense. The effect is stronger for opaque and financially constrained firms. Further, it weakens with distance and strengthens with urban vibrancy. Finally, firms located in dense local branch networks enjoy better access to bank credit lines with looser covenants (i.e. external-liquidity) and are able to mitigate investment contractions during economic downturns. Using large bank mergers as a source of plausibly exogenous variation in local branch density, we confirm the causality of our results. Taken together, these findings suggest an economic link between financial agglomeration, financial flexibility and the real economy.
Expanding Simulation Models of Emotional Understanding: The Case for Different Modalities, Body-State Simulation Prominence, and Developmental Trajectories

Recent models of emotion recognition suggest that when people perceive an emotional expression, they partially activate the respective emotion in themselves, providing a basis for the recognition of that emotion. Much of the focus of these models and of their evidential basis has been on sensorimotor simulation as a basis for facial expression recognition – the idea, in short, that coming to know what another feels involves simulating in your brain the motor plans and associated sensory representations engaged by the other person’s brain in producing the facial expression that you see. In this review article, we argue that simulation accounts of emotion recognition would benefit from three key extensions. First, that fuller consideration be given to simulation of bodily and vocal expressions, given that the body and voice are also important expressive channels for providing cues to another’s emotional state. Second, that simulation of other aspects of the perceived emotional state, such as changes in the autonomic nervous system and viscera, might have a more prominent role in underpinning emotion recognition than is typically proposed. Sensorimotor simulation models tend to relegate such body-state simulation to a subsidiary role, despite the plausibility of body-state simulation being able to underpin emotion recognition in the absence of typical sensorimotor simulation. Third, that simulation models of emotion recognition be extended to address how embodied processes and emotion recognition abilities develop through the lifespan. It is not currently clear how this system of sensorimotor and body-state simulation develops and in particular how this affects the development of emotion recognition ability. We review recent findings from the emotional body recognition literature and integrate recent evidence regarding the development of mimicry and interoception to significantly expand simulation models of emotion recognition.
Fast computation of Hahn moments on gray images using block representation

Abstract. The moments constitute a well-known tool for image analysis and recognition tasks. The family of moments that has the most advantages is the discrete orthogonal moments. A set of these moments is the Hahn moments, as they have a great number of advantages in comparison with other sets of moments. The main disadvantage of moments, including Hahn moments, is the high computational cost, which is increased as higher order moments are involved in the computations, so the real-time analysis is hard to be done. We propose an effective approach for the computation of Hahn moments. The gray image is decomposed in a set of binary images that are named as bitplanes. The most significant bitplanes are represented using image block representation and their moments are computed fast using block techniques. The least significant binary images are substituted by a constant ideal image called “half-intensity” image, which has known Hahn moment values. The proposed method has low computational error, low computational complexity, and under certain conditions is able to achieve real-time processing rates.
New Insights in Candida albicans Innate Immunity at the Mucosa: Toxins, Epithelium, Metabolism, and Beyond

The mucosal surfaces of the human body are challenged by millions of microbes on a daily basis. Co-evolution with these microbes has led to the development of plastic mechanisms in both host and microorganisms that regulate the balance between preserving beneficial microbes and clearing pathogens. Candida albicans is a fungal pathobiont present in most healthy individuals that, under certain circumstances, can become pathogenic and cause everything from mild mucosal infections to life-threatening systemic diseases. As an essential part of the innate immunity in mucosae, epithelial cells elaborate complex immune responses that discriminate between commensal and pathogenic microbes, including C. albicans. Recently, several significant advances have been made identifying new pieces in the puzzle of host-microbe interactions. This review will summarize these advances in the context of our current knowledge of anti-Candida mucosal immunity, and their impact on epithelial immune responses to this fungal pathogen.
Chemokine Receptor 5, a Double-Edged Sword in Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Disease

The key characteristic of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is endothelial dysfunction, which is likely the consequence of inflammation. It is well demonstrated that chemokines and their receptors play a crucial role in regulating inflammatory responses, and recently, much attention has been paid to chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) and its ligands. For example, CCR5 aggravates the inflammatory response in adipose tissue by regulating macrophage recruitment and M1/M2 phenotype switch, thus causing insulin resistance and obesity. Inhibition of CCR5 expression reduces the aggregation of pro-atherogenic cytokines to the site of arterial injury. However, targeting CCR5 is not always effective, and emerging evidence has shown that CCR5 facilitates progenitor cell recruitment and promotes vascular endothelial cell repair. In this paper, we provide recent insights into the role of CCR5 and its ligands in metabolic syndrome as related to cardiovascular disease and the opportunities and roadblocks in targeting CCR5 and its ligands.
CCL3/Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1α Is Dually Involved in Parasite Persistence and Induction of a TNF- and IFNγ-Enriched Inflammatory Milieu in Trypanosoma cruzi-Induced Chronic Cardiomyopathy

CCL3, a member of the CC-chemokine family, has been associated with macrophage recruitment to heart tissue and parasite control in the acute infection of mouse with Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. Here, we approached the participation of CCL3 in chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC), the main clinical form of Chagas disease. We induced CCC in C57BL/6 (ccl3+/+) and CCL3-deficient (ccl3−/−) mice by infection with the Colombian Type I strain. In ccl3+/+ mice, high levels of CCL3 mRNA and protein were detected in the heart tissue during the acute and chronic infection. Survival was not affected by CCL3 deficiency. In comparison with ccl3+/+, chronically infected ccl3−/− mice presented reduced cardiac parasitism and inflammation due to CD8+ cells and macrophages. Leukocytosis was decreased in infected ccl3−/− mice, paralleling the accumulation of CD8+ T cells devoid of activated CCR5+ LFA-1+ cells in the spleen. Further, T. cruzi-infected ccl3−/−mice presented reduced frequency of interferon-gamma (IFNγ)+ cells and numbers of parasite-specific IFNγ-producing cells, while the T. cruzi antigen-specific cytotoxic activity was increased. Stimulation of CCL3-deficient macrophages with IFNγ improved parasite control, in a milieu with reduced nitric oxide (NOx) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), but similar interleukin-10 (IL-10), concentrations. In comparison with chronically T. cruzi-infected ccl3+/+ counterparts, ccl3−/− mice did not show enlarged heart, loss of left ventricular ejection fraction, QTc prolongation and elevated CK-MB activity. Compared with ccl3+/+, infected ccl3−/− mice showed reduced concentrations of TNF, while IL-10 levels were not affected, in the heart milieu. In spleen of ccl3+/+ NI controls, most of the CD8+ T-cells expressing the CCL3 receptors CCR1 or CCR5 were IL-10+, while in infected mice these cells were mainly TNF+. Lastly, selective blockage of CCR1/CCR5 (Met-RANTES therapy) in chronically infected ccl3+/+ mice reversed pivotal electrical abnormalities (bradycardia, prolonged PR, and QTc interval), in correlation with reduced TNF and, mainly, CCL3 levels in the heart tissue. Therefore, in the chronic T. cruzi infection CCL3 takes part in parasite persistence and contributes to form a CD8+ T-cell and macrophage-enriched cardiac inflammation. Further, increased levels of CCL3 create a scenario with abundant IFNγ and TNF, associated with cardiomyocyte injury, heart dysfunction and QTc prolongation, biomarkers of severity of Chagas' heart disease.
A multi-parameter physical fluid sensor system for industrial and automotive applications

Abstract An online condition monitoring system based on the measurement of viscosity and density of liquids is presented and applied to three different measuring tasks relevant for industrial and automotive applications. One topic is oil characterization in hydraulic systems. It is shown that by measuring over varying temperature and pressure, additional physical properties can be made available for online condition monitoring, which are difficult to measure otherwise. These include, for example, the coefficient of thermal expansion and the bulk modulus, which is also related to the proportion of dissolved air. In the second application we investigate the efficiency of a passive oil defoamer and estimate the percentage of free air. Finally, the suitability of the measurement system for the determination of the diesel fraction in the engine oil as caused by the regeneration cycles of the diesel particulate filter is demonstrated.
Lessons Learned from an ACT-Based Physician-Delivered Weight Loss Intervention: A Pilot RCT Demonstrates Limits to Feasibility

Abstract Background: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) interventions have shown to be effective in facilitating weight loss for emotional eaters, however, the lack of accessibility of these interventions limits their impact. The present study aimed to increase the accessibility of an ACT intervention for emotional eaters through delivery by physicians. Methods: This two-arm pilot randomized controlled trial tested the effectiveness and feasibility of a brief ACT intervention for emotional eaters compared with standard care at a weight loss clinic in Toronto, Canada. Primary outcomes were changes in weight and emotional eating. Treatment satisfaction was also assessed. Results: Participants in neither condition lost weight. Both conditions displayed decreases in emotional eating, but no condition interaction was found. Both patients and physicians reported high treatment satisfaction with the ACT intervention. However, there were high attrition rates and variability in intervention completion times. Conclusion: The ACT intervention led to reductions in emotional eating and was well received by patients and physicians alike. However, the present study identified high attrition as a limitation to the feasibility of this mode of intervention delivery. Future interventions may be more effectively delivered in primary care settings by encouraging further brevity and exploring delivery by other health professionals. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03611829. Registered 26 July 2018. Retrospectively registered.
Patient Satisfaction and Their Willingness to Pay for a Pharmacist Counseling Session in Hospital and Community Pharmacies in Saudi Healthcare Settings

Objective Patient satisfaction is an indicator for quality of healthcare service and is sometimes linked to patients’ willingness to pay. Willingness to pay is an economic method for estimating patient’s inclination for a service in monetary terms. This study assessed satisfaction of patients from pharmacist counseling service and estimated their willing to pay for the same. Methods A month-long survey was conducted in community and hospital pharmacies located in Khobar, Dammam, and Qatif cities of Saudi Arabia, using Arabic version of Patient Satisfaction Feedback (PSF) questionnaire that measured satisfaction with counseling as well as willingness-to-pay. Convenient sampling method was used, and sample size was calculated based on power analysis. Data was analyzed through SPSS version 23. Chi-square (χ2) test and logistic regression analyses were conducted to report associations between variables and, determinants of satisfaction as well as willingness to pay respectively. The study was approved by concerned ethical committee (IRB-2019-05-020). Results Patients (n = 531) with previous counseling experience were more likely to be satisfied [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 5.2, p < 0.05]. Patients were more willing to pay if, they had an income above SAR 10,000 i.e., USD 2666.5 (AOR 1.78, p < 0.05), were satisfied with counseling time duration (AOR 4.5) and, were able to get counseling without difficulty (AOR 2.1, p < 0.05). Patients were more likely to be satisfied and were willing to pay if, they received required knowledge/information completely (AOR 2.5, 3.7, and p < 0.05) and found pharmacist helpful (AOR 1, 4.5, and p < 0.05). Most patients (43.9%) were satisfied with pharmacist counseling and average satisfaction rating was 7.87 ± 1.99/10. Conclusion Patients considered counseling as an important service and were satisfied from it. Less than a third of patients were willing to pay for the service. Knowledge and helpfulness of pharmacist were identified as two major determinants that could not only satisfy and but also promote willingness to pay for the service. A pharmacist with skills in pharmaceutical care and counseling could be useful in promoting the service and making it profitable for pharmacy business.
In vitro Antifungal Activity of Olive (Olea europaea) Leaf Extracts Loaded in Chitosan Nanoparticles

Olive leaf extract is characterized by a high content of phenols and flavonoids (oleuropein, luteolin, and their derivatives). These compounds are defined as secondary metabolites and exert such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. We investigated the in vitro antifungal activity of two olive leaf extracts (named EF1 and EF2) against a Fusarium proliferatum (AACC0215) strain that causes diseases to many economically important plants and synthesizing diverse mycotoxins. In this work, we aimed to identify the most appropriate concentration between the tested two olive leaf extracts to develop a safe, stable and efficient drug delivery system. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the two olive leaf extracts by (HPLC) were performed. Furthermore, we also evaluated the antifungal effects of the two leaf extracts when encapsulated in chitosan-tripolyphosphate nanoparticles. The major compound in both EF1 and EF2 was oleuropein, with 336 and 603 mg/g, respectively, however, high concentrations of flavonoid were also present. EF1 and EF2 showed a concentration depended effect on F. proliferatum (AACC0215) viability. Our results showed a great efficacy of EF1/nanoparticles at the higher concentration tested (12X) against the target species. In this case, we observed an inhibition rate to both germination and growth of 87.96 and 58.13%, respectively. We suggest that EF1 olive leaf extracts, as free or encapsulated in chitosan-tripolyphosphate nanoparticles, could be used as fungicides to control plant diseases. Finally, future application of these findings may allow to reduce the dosage of fungicides potentially harmful to human health.
Micropropagation, Callus Induction and Regeneration of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.)

Abstract The present study describes a protocol for micro-propagation, callus induction, and shoot regeneration of ginger (Zingiber officinale). The rhizomes were surface-sterilized with ethanol (70%) for 45 s, sodium hypochlorite (2.5%) for 10 min, and mercuric chloride (0.1%) for 10 min. Multiple shoots were induced from sprouting bud explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 6-benzyladenine (BA) combined with kinetin (Kin). The maximum shoot number was obtained from MS medium containing 10 mg/l BA with a mean of 20.6 shoots per explant. The leaf explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D), Dicamba, or BA for callus culture. Green-red compact calli were induced using 2,4-D, Dicamba or BA. Also, BA successfully induced plant regeneration. The multiplied shoots that were transferred to the rooting medium (½MS supplemented with 0, 1 and 2 mg/l IAA, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or NAA) showed development of roots (100%). The rooted plantlets were transferred to pots containing a 1:1 mixture of cocopeat and perlite, and acclimatization was successful, resulting in 85% survival of the plantlets in the greenhouse.