Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Peering through the PSMA PET Lens: The Role of the European Association of Urology Biochemical Recurrence Risk Groups after Radical Prostatectomy

Simple Summary After radical prostatectomy (RP), about a third of patients present with BCR. The European Association of Urology (EAU) biochemical recurrence (BCR) risk grouping relies on data from historical cohorts that used conventional imaging techniques. Given the importance of differentiating the recurrence patterns and their impact on treatment decisions, the indication for PSMA PET/CT has been established in BCR prostate cancer. The main aim of this study was to study the positivity rate of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT across BCR low and high-risk groups and to establish positivity predictors. We found a higher rate of positivity within the BCR high-risk group, whereas more local and oligometastatic recurrences were objectified in BCR low-risk group. This raises the discussion for including PSMA PET/CT within the risk stratification after carefully evaluating positivity predictive factors. Future studies are needed to confirm the above findings for better patient selection and management. Abstract (1) Background: The European Association of Urology (EAU) biochemical recurrence (BCR) risk grouping relies on data from historical cohorts that used conventional imaging techniques. In the era of PSMA PET/CT, we compared the patterns of positivity in the two risk groups and provided insight into positivity predictive factors. (2) Methods: Data from 1185 patients who underwent 68Ga-PSMA-11PET/CT for BCR was analyzed, out of which 435 patients treated initially treated by radical prostatectomy were included in the final analysis. (3) Results: A significantly higher rate of positivity in the BCR high-risk group was observed (59% vs. 36%, p < 0.001). BCR low-risk group demonstrated more local (26% vs. 6%, p < 0.001) and oligometastatic (100% vs. 81%, p < 0.001) recurrences. The BCR risk group and PSA level at the time of PSMA PET/CT were independent predictive factors of positivity. (4) Conclusions: This study confirms that the EAU BCR risk groups have different rates of PSMA PET/CT positivity. Even with a lower rate in the BCR low-risk group, oligometastatic disease was 100% in those with distant metastases. Given the presence of discordant positivity and risk classification, integrating PSMA PET/CT positivity predictors into risk calculators for BCR might improve patient classification for subsequent treatment options. Future prospective studies are still needed to validate the above findings and assumptions.
The Reliability of the Wall Drop Punt Kick and Catch Test

This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of a manipulative eye–segmental (hand and foot) coordination task, namely the Wall Drop Punt Kick and Catch test (WDPK&C), over two weeks. Forty-one children and adolescents (18 boys, 23 girls) with a mean age of 10.2 (SD = 1.62) years old were recruited for assessment. Subjects had 30 s to perform as many ball impacts as possible on a wall two meters away, following a drop punt kick, rebound on the wall, and catch sequence. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC = 0.896) for unique measures, Cronbach Alpha (α = 0.945), and Lin’s Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC = 0.896) provide evidence of reliability considering two consecutive measurements. These results further support the reliability of the WDPK&C test in a sample of Portuguese children and adolescents. Thus, the WDPK&C test can be applied to Portuguese boy and girl children and adolescents. Forthcoming studies should test the reliability of this test across different age groups since it is intended to be a test with a wide lifespan coverage.
SYNTHESIS OF MAGNETIC IRON NANOPARTICLES COATED BY MICRO-NUTRIENTS AND STUDY OF THIER EFFECT ON SALINITY TREATMENT OF IRRIGATION WATER

ynthetized nanoparticles are believed power factors for agri-fertilizers and evolution boosters. Micro-nutrients (Cu/Mn/Fe/Zn) grafted on iron oxide nanocomposite in agricultural systems, particularly world-wide crop production. Nano-micronutrients are strong candidates for immobilization of agricultural contaminants in soils and water. This article aimed to investigate the influence of nano-micronutrients grafted on iron oxide nanoparticles to reduce the harmful effect of water irrigation salinity through neutralizing sodium and chloride ions to plant. Also, increasing growth, photosynthesis, respiration, and leaf mineral content of wheat, rice and corn maize plants. Iron/micronutrients nanocomposite activated proline synthesis, and increased tolerance to salinity stress. The BET/FT-IR/XRD and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) are characterizing the nano products.
Iron Kα lines from X-ray photoionized accretion discs

The properties of the iron Kα line emitted by an accretion disc illuminated by an external X-ray source are calculated for different values of the disc accretion rate m, and for two different source geometries: a point source located on the disc axis and an extended source above the innermost part of the disc. We find that for large values of m the matter can be significantly ionized, and the iron line equivalent width can reach values as high as 250 eV for the point source, and up to about 400 eV for the extended source; the line centroid energy, in the emitting rest frame, is significantly higher than 6.4 keV, the value for neutral iron. A further increase of m leads to a strong decrease of the line intensity, because the iron becomes fully stripped in the inner region of the disc
Using Formative Measures in International Marketing Models: A Cautionary Tale Using Consumer Animosity as an Example

Purpose – Despite the increasing use of formative measurement models in literature, little is known about potential consequences for substantive theory testing. Against this background, the aims of this chapter are (1) to highlight some problems that may arise when formative instead of reflective measures are used to test even simple theoretical models with covarianced-based methodologies, (2) to illustrate some approaches that might help overcome these problems, (3) to pinpoint potential interpretation difficulties of the results involving re-specified measurement models, and (4) to stimulate discussion on the implications for theory development when models are tested with formative measures. Methodology/approach – Potential consequences of formative measurement models for theory testing are highlighted using an empirical study on consumer animosity as an illustrative example and applying covarianced-based structural equations modeling procedures for estimation purposes. Findings – The empirical study shows (a) that some scaling options for the (composite) latent variable result in non-convergence problems, (b) that, assuming convergence, parameter estimates, standard errors, and significance levels vary depending on the scaling method used, and (c) that goodness-of-fit statistics cannot be used as diagnostic measures for the appropriateness of divergent results. Originality/value of paper – The contribution of this chapter is two-fold: First, it shows that to enable estimation, it is often necessary to modify (i.e., expand) the original theoretical model in a conceptually reasonable manner and to do so before data collection. Second, it demonstrates that alternative scaling options for composite latent variables may result in inconsistent substantive conclusions. Consequently, the impact of formative measurement on theory testing is a critical topic and needs to receive further attention in future literature.
Screening of Comprehensive Panel of Cultivated and Wild Vigna Species for Resistance to Pulse Beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis L.

Simple Summary The most harmful storage pest of pulses is known to be the bruchid or pulse beetle, especially in the tropics and subtropics. Chemical insecticides work well to reduce bruchid infestation; however, they have negative effects on the health of food consumers. One of the best mitigating methods among efficient, safe and sustainable strategies to lessen crop losses during storage is the development of pulse-beetle-resistant cultivars. Unfortunately, the majority of pulses lack resistance to the pulse beetle. Consequently, it is necessary to look for pulse beetle resistance in wild and exotic germplasms. Identifying potential donors for pulse beetle resistance and examining their characters in bruchid-susceptible and -resistant genotypes were the goals of the present investigation. Among the tested genotypes, two genotypes, i.e., PRR 2008-2 and PRR 2008-2-sel, were found to be highly resistant, and one accession, TCR-93, was found to be resistant to the pulse beetle. The biochemical basis of resistance modulated by the basal expression of antioxidants in highly resistant genotypes has also been studied. Currently, a quicker option for generating substantial genetic gain for desired trait improvement is molecular breeding. In the present investigation, start codon targets (SCoT) markers were used to analyse the genetic differences. Abstract Pulses are a key source of dietary proteins in human nutrition. Despite several efforts to increase the production, various constraints, such as biotic and abiotic factors, threaten pulse production by various means. Bruchids (Callosobruchus spp.) are the serious issue of concern, particularly in storage conditions. Understanding host–plant resistance at morphological, biochemical and molecular levels is the best way to minimize yield losses. The 117 mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) genotypes, including endemic wild relatives, were screened for resistance against Callosobruchus chinensis; among them, two genotypes, PRR 2008-2 and PRR 2008-2-sel, which belong to V. umbellata (Thumb.), were identified as highly resistant. The expression of antioxidants in susceptible and resistant genotypes revealed that the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) was upregulated in the highly resistant wild Vigna species and lower in the cultivated susceptible genotypes, along with other biomarkers. Further, the SCoT-based genotyping revealed SCoT-30 (200 bp), SCoT-31 (1200 bp) and SCoT-32 (300 bp) as unique amplicons, which might be useful for developing the novel ricebean-based SCAR markers to accelerate the molecular breeding programme.
Assessment of Treatment Plan Quality between Flattening Filter and Flattening Filter Free Photon Beam for Carcinoma of the Esophagus with IMRT Technique

Background: As compared to the flattened photon beam, removing the flattening filter (FF) from the head of a gantry decreases the average energy of the photon beam and increases the dose rate, leading to an impact on the quality of treatment plans. Objective: This study aimed to compare the quality of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment plans for esophageal cancer with and without a flattened filter photon beam. Material and Methods: In this analytical study, 12 patients, who had already been treated with a 6X FF photon beam, were treated based on new IMRT methods using a 6X the flattening filter-free (FFF) photon beam. Both 6X FF IMRT and 6X FFF IMRT plans used identical beam parameters and planning objectives. All plans were evaluated with planning indices and doses for organs at risk (OARs). Results: Insignificant dose variation was for HI, CI, D98%, and V95% between FF and FFF photon beam IMRT plans. FF-based IMRT plan delivered a 15.51 % and 11.27% higher mean dose to both lungs and heart than the FFF plan, respectively. The integral dose (ID) for the heart and lungs was 11.21% and 15.51%, respectively, less in the IMRT plan with an FFF photon beam. Conclusion: In contrast to the FF photon beam, a filtered photon beam-oriented IMRT plan provides significant OAR sparing without losing the quality of the treatment plan. High monitor units (MUs), low ID, and Beam on Time (BOT) are major highlights of the IMRT plan with FFF beam.
Simulation of nonlinear surface waves generated by submarine landslides

In this work, we study about nonlinear surface wave generated by submarine landslides. The landslide is modeled as a rigid block sliding down along a sloping bottom. We implement a numerical scheme based on the staggered finite volume method to simulate surface wave. We enhance the conservative scheme for nonlinear shallow water equation (SWE) to include this bottom motion. Our numerical result show a good agreement with previous results of the nonlinear boundary integral equation model (BIEM) by Lynett and Liu and central-upwind scheme by Kurganov and Petrova.
Mixed Method Evaluation of My Vital Cycles®: A Holistic School-Based Ovulatory Menstrual Health Literacy Program

There is a high prevalence of ovulatory menstrual (OM) dysfunctions among adolescents, and their menstrual health literacy is poor. The OM cycle can be used as a personal health monitor provided that the skills to understand it are correctly taught. My Vital Cycles®, a holistic school-based OM health literacy program, was trialed with a Grade 9 cohort in one single-sex school in Western Australia using the Health Promoting School framework. A validated OM health literacy questionnaire was administered pre- and post-program with 94 participants. Functional OM health literacy improved overall, with 15 out of 20 items showing improvement post-program (p < 0.05). In addition, 19 out of 53 items for interactive OM health literacy, and 18 out of 25 items for critical OM health literacy improved (p < 0.05). The improvement in mood concerns (p = 0.002) was unexpected. Thematic analysis of three focus groups of 18 girls revealed four themes of increasing comfort levels; finding the program informative; inclusion of non-teaching support such as healthcare professionals; and suggestions for future refinements. Overall, this Western Australian PhD project which developed and trialed My Vital Cycles® improved OM health literacy and was positively received. Future research possibilities include understanding the program’s impact on mental health and further trials in co-educational settings; amongst different populations; and with extended post-program testing.
Enhanced asymmetrically-clipped optical OFDM

Asymmetrically clipped optical orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (ACO-OFDM) is a technique that sacrifices spectral efficiency in order to transmit an orthogonally frequency-division multiplexed signal over a unipolar channel, such as a directly modulated direct-detection fiber or free-space channel. Several methods have been proposed to regain this spectral efficiency, including: asymmetrically clipped DC-biased optical OFDM (ADO-OFDM), enhanced U-OFDM (EU-OFDM), spectral and energy efficient OFDM (SEE-OFDM), Hybrid-ACO-OFDM and Layered-ACO-OFDM. This paper presents simulations up to high-order constellation sizes to show that Layered-ACO-OFDM offers the highest receiver sensitivity for a given optical power at spectral efficiencies above 3 bit/s/Hz. For comparison purposes, white Gaussian noise is added at the receiver, component nonlinearities are not considered, and the fiber is considered to be linear and dispersion-less. The simulations show that LACO-OFDM has a 7-dB sensitivity advantage over DC-biased OFDM (DCO-OFDM) for 1024-QAM at 87.5% of DCO-OFDM's spectral efficiency, at the same bit rate and optical power. This is approximately equivalent to a 4.4-dB advantage at the same spectral efficiency of 87.7% if 896-QAM were to be used for DCO-OFDM.
Eudragit® FS Microparticles Containing Bacteriophages, Prepared by Spray-Drying for Oral Administration

Phage therapy is recognized to be a promising alternative to fight antibiotic-resistant infections. In the quest for oral dosage forms containing bacteriophages, the utilization of colonic-release Eudragit® derivatives has shown potential in shielding bacteriophages from the challenges encountered within the gastrointestinal tract, such as fluctuating pH levels and the presence of digestive enzymes. Consequently, this study aimed to develop targeted oral delivery systems for bacteriophages, specifically focusing on colon delivery and employing Eudragit® FS30D as the excipient. The bacteriophage model used was LUZ19. An optimized formulation was established to not only preserve the activity of LUZ19 during the manufacturing process but also ensure its protection from highly acidic conditions. Flowability assessments were conducted for both capsule filling and tableting processes. Furthermore, the viability of the bacteriophages remained unaffected by the tableting process. Additionally, the release of LUZ19 from the developed system was evaluated using the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®) model. Finally, stability studies demonstrated that the powder remained stable for at least 6 months when stored at +5 °C.
Genetic Parameter Estimates of Growth Curve and Feed Efficiency Traits in Japanese Quail

Simple Summary In poultry genetic improvement studies, the selection schedule evaluates many characteristics together. It is important for the geneticist to know the heritability of these characteristics and their genetic relationships. Heritability estimates for growth traits and feed efficiency traits, as well as genetic correlations between these traits, were determined in this study using Japanese quails, which are acknowledged as model animals for poultry species. Heritability estimates were found to be high for body weight traits, moderate to high for the Gompertz growth curve parameters, and moderate for feed efficiency traits. Negative and moderate genetic correlations were estimated between feed conversion efficiency traits and body weight traits, but no high genetic correlations were estimated between feed conversion efficiency traits and the Gompertz growth model’s asymptotic weight parameter. As a result, it was concluded that the β0 parameter of the growth curve might be beneficial in selection studies. Abstract This study aimed to estimate heritabilities for weekly body weight traits, the Gompertz growth curve parameters, and feed efficiency characteristics, as well as genetic correlations among characteristics. A total of 700 Japanese quails with pedigree records were used in this study. Body weight and feed consumption were measured individually on a weekly basis. Using weekly body weight data, the growth model parameters were estimated for each bird using the Gompertz nonlinear regression model. Multi-trait variance-covariance matrices were obtained with Bayesian inference using the Gibbs sampler. While estimates of high heritability (0.59 to 0.61) were found for weekly body weight traits, estimates of moderate heritability (0.23 to 0.37) were determined for feed intake and feed conversion efficiency traits. The estimated heritabilities for the parameters of the Gompertz model and inflection point coordinates were moderate (0.37 to 0.47). While genetic correlations between feed intake and body weight characteristics were positive and moderate (0.28 to 0.49), the genetic correlations between feed conversion efficiency and body weight traits were positive and strong (0.52 to 0.83). It has been concluded that the moderate negative genetic relationship between feed conversion efficiency and body weight may constrain selection studies. Due to the weak genetic correlation between the asymptotic body weight parameter of the Gompertz model and the feed conversion efficiency, it is thought that the total genetic gain will be greater if the mature weight parameter is also used as a selection criterion in genetic improvement studies.
Evaluation of Anti-plaque and Anti-gingivitis Efficacy of Two Commercially Available Herbal and Non-herbal Toothpastes

Background: Plaque-associated oral disease affects a considerable portion of the population and is considered one of the major causes of tooth loss. The presence of plaque may be the reason for dental caries, gingivitis, periodontal problems, and halitosis. Many mechanical aids are used to control plaque, including toothbrushes, dental floss, mouth rinses, and dentifrices, and the most effective method of controlling gingivitis is supragingival plaque control. Aim and objective: To evaluate and compare the anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis efficacy of commercially available herbal toothpaste (Meswak) and non-herbal toothpaste (Pepsodent). Materials and method: 50 subjects aged between 10 and 15 years with a full complement of dentition were included in the study. The two toothpastes were provided to the subjects in plain white tubes by the investigator. Subjects were instructed to brush their teeth twice daily using the given toothpaste for 21 days. Plaque and gingival scores on days 0, 7, and 21 were recorded, and the data were subjected to statistical analysis. Result: At the end of the 21-day study, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups for plaque and gingival scores. Conclusion: The plaque and gingival scores were significantly reduced throughout the study in both groups. In comparison, the herbal dentifrices show more effectiveness in reducing plaque and gingival scores, but no statistically significant difference was seen between the two groups.
Direct Measurement of the Four-Phase Equilibrium Coexistence Vapor–Aqueous Solution–Ice–Gas Hydrate in Water–Carbon Dioxide System

Precise data on the non-variant equilibrium of the four phases (vapor–aqueous solution–ice–gas hydrate) in P–T coordinates are highly desired for developing accurate thermodynamic models and can be used as reference points (similar to the triple point of water). Using the two-component hydrate-forming system CO2–H2O, we have proposed and validated a new express procedure for determining the temperature and pressure of the lower quadruple point Q1. The essence of the method is the direct measurement of these parameters after the successive formation of the gas hydrate and ice phases in the initial two-phase gas–water solution system under intense agitation of the fluids. After relaxation, the system occurs in the same equilibrium state (T = 271.60 K, P = 1.044 MPa), regardless of the initial parameters and the order of crystallization of the CO2 hydrate and ice phases. Considering the combined standard uncertainties (±0.023 K, ±0.021 MPa), the determined P and T values agree with the results of other authors obtained by a more sophisticated indirect method. Validating the developed approach for systems with other hydrate-forming gases is of great interest.
Possible Ameliorating Effect of N-acetyl Cysteine on Type II Diabetic Nephropathy: Clinical Trial.

: Diabetic nephropathy is characterized by progressive rise in proteinuria. GFR decline, hypertension, and an increased risk of cardiovascular significant morbidity and mortality are all hallmarks of the condition. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a powerful antioxidant that efficiently removes a wide range of free radicals generated by oxygen species. NAC can help prevent nephropathy by reducing oxidative cellular damage and enhancing renal vascularization. Several studies have focused on the positive effects of antioxidant medicines such as NAC in decreasing the risk of atherosclerosis and its associated consequences. The object of this study is to see how NAC affects serum lipoprotein a Lp (a) and proteinuria levels in people with type II diabetes-induced nephropathy. This trial is a single-center, randomized, prospective, and placebo-controlled. The effectiveness of 1200 mg/day of NAC for 60 days in conjunction with conventional therapy for an interventional group is compared to no NAC treatment for the control group in this trial. Comparative data was based on the measurement of specific biomarkers including proteinuria, Lap (a), lipid profile, kidney function test, and blood pressure. NAC significantly reduced proteinuria levels in the experimental group after two months of therapy (P<0.05). However, there was no significant improvement in serum Lp (a) compared to the placebo group (P>0.05). The clinical efficacy of NAC in improving proteinuria levels, systolic blood pressure in diabetic nephropathy patients is superior to that of the control group. NAC had no effect on serum Lp (a) and serum creatinine levels.