Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Response of Osteoblasts on Amine-Based Nanocoatings Correlates with the Amino Group Density

Increased life expectancy in industrialized countries is causing an increased incidence of osteoporosis and the need for bioactive bone implants. The integration of implants can be improved physically, but mainly by chemical modifications of the material surface. It was recognized that amino-group-containing coatings improved cell attachment and intracellular signaling. The aim of this study was to determine the role of the amino group density in this positive cell behavior by developing controlled amino-rich nanolayers. This work used covalent grafting of polymer-based nanocoatings with different amino group densities. Titanium coated with the positively-charged trimethoxysilylpropyl modified poly(ethyleneimine) (Ti-TMS-PEI), which mostly improved cell area after 30 min, possessed the highest amino group density with an N/C of 32%. Interestingly, changes in adhesion-related genes on Ti-TMS-PEI could be seen after 4 h. The mRNA microarray data showed a premature transition of the MG-63 cells into the beginning differentiation phase after 24 h indicating Ti-TMS-PEI as a supportive factor for osseointegration. This amino-rich nanolayer also induced higher bovine serum albumin protein adsorption and caused the cells to migrate slower on the surface after a more extended period of cell settlement as an indication of a better surface anchorage. In conclusion, the cell spreading on amine-based nanocoatings correlated well with the amino group density (N/C).
Metabolic power responses to different small sided games in football and futsal players

ABSTRACT This study was designed to examine the metabolic power (MP) responses of football and futsal players to different small sided games (SSG). Twelve football and 12 futsal players participated in this study voluntarily. Maximal oxygen consumption(VO2max) and coach scoring (CS) were used for SSG player matching. Football and futsal players participated in two bouts of 2vs2, 3vs3 and 4vs4-SSG in random order. Kinematic and MP variables during SSG were measured by using GPS. To determine the effects of branch and SSG on each dependent variable of total distance (TD), relative TD (TDRel), MPaverage, relative TD in four different MP levels, and negative and positive acceleration numbers, a main effects 2-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc was used. MPaverage was significantly higher in futsal players compared to football players (p = 0.000). TD (p = 0.000) and TDRel(p = 0.013) of futsal players was significantly higher compared to football players. Total deceleration and acceleration numbers during SSG were significantly higher for futsal players than football players (p = 0.026). MP requirements were independent of the game format (p > 0.05), except for 2vs2-SSG (p < 0.05), when the playing area per player was kept constant. The results of this study showed that external load indicators during SSG were higher in futsal players compared to football players.
Successful treatment of fungal central thrombophlebitis by surgical thrombectomy: a case report

Fungal thrombophlebitis of the central vein is a rare, life-threatening disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It requires immediate central venous catheter removal and intravenous antifungal therapy, combined in some cases with either anticoagulation or aggressive surgical debridement. A 70-year-old male patient injured by a falling object weighing 1,000 kg was transferred to our hospital. A contained rupture of the abdominal aorta with retroperitoneal hematoma was treated with primary aortic repair, and a small bowel perforation with mesenteric laceration was treated with resection and anastomosis. After a computed tomography scan, the patient was diagnosed with thrombophlebitis of the left internal jugular vein and brachiocephalic vein. Despite anti-fungal treatment, fever and candidemia persisted. Therefore, emergency debridement and thrombectomy were performed. After the operation, the patient was treated with an oral antifungal agent and direct oral anticoagulants. During a 1-year follow-up, no signs of candidemia relapse were observed. There is no optimal timing of surgical treatment for relapsed fungal central thrombophlebitis. Surgical treatment should be considered for early recovery.
Profiles of School Refusal Among Neurodivergent Youth

Abstract Neurodivergent youth (i.e., autistic, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) are at increased risk for school refusal and subsequent disengagement. Factors associated with school refusal in this population remain unclear. Latent profile analysis was conducted to identify profiles of school and demographic variables associated with parent-reported school refusal for 508 neurodivergent and community youth (ages 6–17 years). Five profiles were identified, including three groups characterized by frequent school refusal, high levels of neurodivergent traits, and frequent peer victimization. Differentiation was noted via educational placement, support needs, mental health, and bullying. Implications concern identification and intervention for subgroups of neurodivergent youth.
Creation of Molecular Gel Materials Using Polyrotaxane-Derived Polymeric Organogelator

Molecular gels, which are soft and flexible materials, are candidates for healthcare, cosmetic base, and electronic applications as new materials. In this study, a new polymeric organogelator bearing a polyrotaxane (PR) structure was developed and could induce the gelation of N′,N″-dimethylformamide (DMF), a known solvent for dissolving polymeric materials and salts. Furthermore, the resulting DMF molecular gels exhibited thixotropic properties, observed by the inversion method using vials, which are essential for gel spreading. The scanning electron microscopy of the xerogels suggested that the gel-forming ability and thixotropic property of gels were imparted by the network of the laminated aggregates of thin layer material similar to those of other gels made of clay materials. This thin layer material would be formed by the aggregation of polymeric organogelators. The dynamic viscoelasticity measurements of the obtained gels revealed the stability and pseudo-thixotropic behaviors of the obtained gels, as well as a specific concentration effect on the mechanical behavior of the gels attributed to the introduction of the PR structure. Additionally, the preparation of the polymer organogelator/polymer composites was investigated to improve the mechanical properties via the filler effect induced by the agglomerates of organogelator. Moreover, the tensile tests confirmed that the introduction of the gelator enhanced the mechanical properties of the composites.
Teaching Efficacy Structures and Influencing Factors in Promoting Success and Retention Among Pre-Service Teachers

This study explored the collective teaching efficacy (CTE) and its influencing factors on the in-service teaching performance of pre-service teachers. The study, through purposive sampling, involved 301 graduating pre-service teachers from a state university in Laguna, Philippines. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine significant predictors of pre-service teachers’ performance. Results showed that pre-service teachers had high levels of CTE and that influencing factors of teaching efficacy were well-manifested. The respondents’ in-service teaching performance was outstanding, and there was a weak to moderate correlation between CTE, influencing factors, and pre-service teachers’ performance. Furthermore, the construct of CTE (vicarious experience) and influencing factors (knowledge, perceived personality factors, and resource provision) were significant predictors of pre-service teachers’ performance. The findings of this study have implications for the design and implementation of pre-service teacher development training programs. By enhancing pre-service teachers’ collective efficacy and addressing the influencing factors of teaching efficacy, such programs can help promote effective teaching practices and better student outcomes. The study suggests that pre-service teacher education programs should provide opportunities for pre-service teachers to observe experienced teachers, acquire knowledge and skills related to teaching, develop their perceived personality factors, and access adequate resources to enhance their teaching efficacy. The study also provides insights into the importance of building a supportive learning environment that fosters a sense of collective efficacy among pre-service teachers.
Climate Change Impacts on African Agriculture

July 12, 2000 Robert Mendelsohn, Yale University Ariel Dinar, World Bank Arne Dalfelt, World Bank The views expressed in this document should not be attributed to the World Bank Figuers 1 and 2 are taken from: Mendelsohn, Schlesinger, and Williams, 2000. We would like to thank Nagaraja Rao Harshadeep for producing figures 3-11.
Ecological Barriers for an Amphibian Pathogen: A Narrow Ecological Niche for Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans in an Asian Chytrid Hotspot

The chytrid fungal pathogens Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) and B. dendrobatidis (Bd) are driving amphibian extinctions and population declines worldwide. As their origins are believed to be in East/Southeast Asia, this region is crucial for understanding their ecology. However, Bsal screening is relatively limited in this region, particularly in hotspots where Bd lineage diversity is high. To address this gap, we conducted an extensive Bsal screening involving 1101 individuals from 36 amphibian species, spanning 17 natural locations and four captive facilities in the biodiversity-rich Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (GAR). Our PCR assays yielded unexpected results, revealing the complete absence of Bsal in all tested samples including 51 individuals with Bd presence. To understand the potential distribution of Bsal, we created niche models, utilizing existing occurrence records from both Asia and Europe. These models estimated potential suitable habitats for Bsal largely in the northern and southwestern parts of the GAR. Although Bsal was absent in our samples, the niche models identified 10 study sites as being potentially suitable for this pathogen. Interestingly, out of these 10 sites, Bd was detected at 8. This suggests that Bsal and Bd could possibly co-exist in these habitats, if Bsal were present. Several factors seem to influence the distribution of Bsal in Asia, including variations in temperature, local caudate species diversity, elevation, and human population density. However, it is climate-related factors that hold the greatest significance, accounting for a notable 60% contribution. The models propose that the specific climatic conditions of arid regions, primarily seen in the GAR, play a major role in the distribution of Bsal. Considering the increased pathogenicity of Bsal at stable and cooler temperatures (10–15 °C), species-dependent variations, and the potential for seasonal Bd-Bsal interactions, we emphasize the importance of periodic monitoring for Bsal within its projected range in the GAR. Our study provides deeper insights into Bsal’s ecological niche and the knowledge generated will facilitate conservation efforts in amphibian populations devastated by chytrid pathogens across other regions of the world.
Testing drought tolerance of wheat by a complex stress diagnostic system installed in greenhouse

Drought is one of the most important abiotic stress factors and depending on the season it can seriously limit wheat production. Breeding for drought tolerance is becoming a more and more important challenge in case of crop plants, notably in wheat. The breeding proc- ess includes the characterization of the basic breeding materials in aspect of performance under well-watered and drought stressed conditions. In our experiments we set up a complex stress diagnostic system in the greenhouse of the Cereal Research Non-profit Company where we could analyze the responses of different winter and spring wheat cultivars to drought. Wheat plants were grown under ideal water regime (watering to 60% of the 100% soil water capacity) and under drought stress conditions (watering to 20% of the 100% soil water capacity). The effect of water withholding on plant growing was tracked by a digital imaging system on the basis of number of plant pixels. After harvesting, plant heights, spike lengths, grain numbers and total grain weights were measured and values of well-watered and stressed plants were compared. Here the measured parameters of two drought tolerant (Sardari, GK 11-05) and two drought sensitive (Kartner Fruh, Jing 411) wheat genotypes are presented to prove the competence of our system in characterizing drought tolerance of wheat plants.
Urinary Bacterial Profile and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern Among Pregnant Women in North West Ethiopia

Background Urinary tract infection in pregnancy is associated with significant morbidity for both the mother and the baby. The aim of this study was to determine the bacterial profile and antibiotic resistance pattern of the urinary pathogens isolated from pregnant women at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital Bahirdar, Ethiopia. Methods A total of 367 pregnant women with and without symptoms of urinary tract infection were enrolled as a study subject from October 2010 to January 2011. Organisms were identified from mid-stream clean catch urine samples and antibiotic susceptibility was performed using bacteriological standard tests. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and were processed and analyzed using SPSS for Windows version 16. Results Out of 367 pregnant women, 37 were symptomatic and the rest 330 asymptomatic. Bacteriological screening of urine samples revealed growth of bacteria in 8.5% (7/37) and 18.9% (28/330) for symptomatic and asymptomatic pregnant women respectively with overall prevalence of 9.5%. The most common isolates detected were E.coli (45.7%) followed by coagulase negative Staphylococcus (17.1%) and S.aureus (8.6%). Gram-negative bacteria showed resistance rates in the range of 56.5% –82.6 % against trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, amoxicillin & ampicillin. Gram positive isolates showed resistant rate ranging from 50–100% against tetracycline, trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole, amoxicillin and penicillin-G. Both Gram positive and gram negative bacteria showed high sensitivity against Nitrofurantoin with a rate of 82.3% and 87%, respectively. All isolated Gram positive bacterial uropathogens were sensitive for Amoxicillin-clauvlanic acid. Conclusions The isolation of bacterial pathogens both from symptomatic and asymptomatic pregnant women that are resistance to the commonly prescribed drug calls for an early screening of all pregnant women to urinary tract infection.
Evaluating potential of municipal sewage sludge for agricultural use

The vegetation experiment investigated the effect of municipal sewage sludge and farmyard manure on the yielding and chemical composition of potatoes of Irga cultivar, as well as selected physico-chemical soil properties. The soil was subject to the determination of pH, organic carbon content, total nitrogen, available P and K
Prognostic implication of PD-L1 in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer: a retrospective single-centre study.

BACKGROUND The prognostic role of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in patients with localised and locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer has not been fully elucidated. This information could help to better interpret recent and upcoming results of phase III adjuvant or neoadjuvant anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy studies. METHODS In a cohort of 146 patients with early or locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with curative intent (by surgery or radiotherapy), we investigated the prognostic value of PD-L1 expression and its correlation with other biological and clinical features. PD-L1 expression was stratified by quartiles. Primary endpoints were overall and disease-free survival. We also analysed the prognostic impact of the presence of actionable mutations, implemented treatment modality and completion of the treatment plan. Neither type of patient received neoadjuvant or adjuvant immunotherapy or target therapy. RESULTS Of the 146 selected patients, 32 (21.9%) presented disease progression and 15 died (10.3%) at a median follow-up of 20 months. In a univariable analysis, PD-L1 expression ≥25% was associated with significantly lower disease-free survival (hazard ratio [HR]) 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-3.9, p = 0.049). PD-L1 expression ≥50% did not lead to disease-free survival or overall survival benefits (HR 1.2 and 1.1, respectively; 95% CI 0.6-2.6 and 0.3-3.4, respectively; pnot significant). In a multivariate analysis, a stage >I (HR 2.7, 95% CI 1.2-6, p = 0.012) and having an inoperable tumour (HR 3.2, 95% CI 1.4-7.4, p = 0.005) were associated with lower disease-free survival. CONCLUSION The population of patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer and PD-L1 expression ≥25% who were treated with curative intent during the pre-immunotherapy era exhibited a worse prognosis. This finding provides justification for the utilisation of adjuvant immunotherapy in this subgroup of patients, based on the current evidence derived from disease-free survival outcomes. However, for patients with PD-L1 expression <25%, opting to wait for the availability of the overall survival results may be a prudent choice.
A characterization of baseline groundwater quality in the New York Southern Tier for Project SWIFT

The acquisition of quality baseline groundwater quality in the Southern Tier of New York State has been of concern due to the contention surrounding groundwater quality in areas where hydraulic fracturing for natural gas production has been developed. Little information on groundwater quality is publicly available for the Southern Tier, where natural gas production through hydraulic fracturing is feasible. This Capstone study, as a part of Project SWIFT at Syracuse University, seeks to determine the concentrations of several ionic compounds and elements in the groundwater of the New York counties which are most apt for hydraulic fracturing. Sample sites were determined by adherence to several criteria based on well construction as well as regularly spaced sample distribution throughout the study area. Streams were also sampled, selected according to drainage area. Results showed that groundwater contained higher concentrations of the majority of the compounds analyzed. Only a small number of samples yielded concentrations greater than the Maximum Contaminant Level set by the Environmental Protection Agency. This data will be used to help develop geochemical fingerprinting tool to detect the presence of hydraulic fracturing fluids and associated formation waters in shallow groundwater wells, as goaled by Project SWIFT.
Testing for pharmacogenomic predictors of ppRNFL thinning in individuals exposed to vigabatrin

Background The anti-seizure medication vigabatrin (VGB) is effective for controlling seizures, especially infantile spasms. However, use is limited by VGB-associated visual field loss (VAVFL). The mechanisms by which VGB causes VAVFL remains unknown. Average peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (ppRNFL) thickness correlates with the degree of visual field loss (measured by mean radial degrees). Duration of VGB exposure, maximum daily VGB dose, and male sex are associated with ppRNFL thinning. Here we test the hypothesis that common genetic variation is a predictor of ppRNFL thinning in VGB exposed individuals. Identifying pharmacogenomic predictors of ppRNFL thinning in VGB exposed individuals could potentially enable safe prescribing of VGB and broader use of a highly effective drug. Methods Optical coherence topography (OCT) and GWAS data were processed from VGB-exposed individuals (n = 71) recruited through the EpiPGX Consortium. We conducted quantitative GWAS analyses for the following OCT measurements: (1) average ppRNFL, (2) inferior quadrant, (3) nasal quadrant, (4) superior quadrant, (5) temporal quadrant, (6) inferior nasal sector, (7) nasal inferior sector, (8) superior nasal sector, and (9) nasal superior sector. Using the summary statistics from the GWAS analyses we conducted gene-based testing using VEGAS2. We conducted nine different PRS analyses using the OCT measurements. To determine if VGB-exposed individuals were predisposed to having a thinner RNFL, we calculated their polygenic burden for retinal thickness. PRS alleles for retinal thickness were calculated using published summary statistics from a large-scale GWAS of inner retinal morphology using the OCT images of UK Biobank participants. Results The GWAS analyses did not identify a significant association after correction for multiple testing. Similarly, the gene-based and PRS analyses did not reveal a significant association that survived multiple testing. Conclusion We set out to identify common genetic predictors for VGB induced ppRNFL thinning. Results suggest that large-effect common genetic predictors are unlikely to exist for ppRNFL thinning (as a marker of VAVFL). Sample size was a limitation of this study. However, further recruitment is a challenge as VGB is rarely used today because of this adverse reaction. Rare variants may be predictors of this adverse drug reaction and were not studied here.
EFFECTS OF BROMACIL, DIURON, GLYPHOSATE, AND SULFOMETURON-METHYL ON PERIPHYTON ASSEMBLAGES AND RAINBOW TROUT

This study documents the testing of several common herbicides used by the Oregon Department of Transportation in vegetation management. The project assessed the short- and long-term effects of Roundup, Krovar and Oust on periphyton and rainbow trout. The active ingredient in Roundup is glyphosate; Krovar uses bromacil and diuron; and Oust uses sulfometuron-methyl. Short-term (96-hour) exposure tests used actual road shoulder runoff collected after herbicide application, using a simulated rain and a natural rain event. Long-term exposure tests assessed effects of a 14-day exposure using lab-mixed solutions of deionized lab water and herbicides, individually and in mixture. The data showed that the short-term exposure had no statistically significant effects on periphyton. The short-term exposure reduced survivorship of rainbow trout, but the effects were observed both in treated and untreated runoff; thus the toxicity was likely due to other factors. The long-term exposure tests showed that herbicides, especially Krovar and the mixture of three chemicals, reduced periphyton algal biomass. The declined trend in biomass was more evident in live cell density than in chlorophyll a concentration, suggesting that algal responses to chemicals may vary among groups (green algae vs. diatoms). The long-term exposure had no statistically significant effects on fish mortality and dry weight. Individual herbicide bioassays showed no significant differences between the changes in wet weight, but significant differences in wet weight were found between treatments in the mixture bioassay. The study showed that periphyton assemblages could be altered by some chemicals. While rainbow trout fish showed no statistical effects for dry weight, the effect on other sublethal endpoints remains a possibility.