Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Platelet Extracellular Vesicles Are Taken up by Canine T Lymphocytes but Do Not Play a Role in Their Proliferation, Differentiation and Cytokine Production In Vitro

Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells in physiological and pathological conditions form membrane-bound extracellular vesicles, known as EVs. The ability of these submicron structures to transfer their cargoes (miRNA, DNA, protein, cytokines, receptors, etc.) into recipient cells is described. Recent data revealed that platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (PEVs) crosstalk promotes cancer growth and metastasis formation. Moreover, they exert immunosuppressive activities on phagocytes. This EV subpopulation is the most abundant amongst all types in circulation. According to the authors’ best knowledge, there is no information regarding the impact of PEVs on canine lymphocytes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of PEVs on lymphocyte proliferation, phenotype and cytokine production in vitro. In the study, it was demonstrated (i) that PEVs interact differently with lymphocyte subsets and are preferentially associated with T-lymphocytes PBMC, while (ii) they are rarely detected in association with B-lymphocytes, and there is evidence that (iii) PEV uptake is observed after 7 h of co-culturing with lymphocytes. In addition, obtained data support the notion that PEVs do not influence in vitro lymphocyte proliferation, differentiation and cytokine production in a canine model.
Prospective teachers’ responses to students’ dialogue on fractions: attribute substitution and heuristic approaches

ABSTRACT Knowing how best to respond to students’ mathematical inquiries is an important skill for all teachers to develop. A class of pre-service teachers (PSTs) was presented with a scripting task in which a student conjectured that 1/6.5 was “exactly in between” fractions 1/6 and 1/7. However, instead of addressing the student’s inquiry directly, many of the PST’s responses contained a variety of explanations for more general information about fractions and their various representations. We offer a classification of the responses using the ideas of attribute substitution along with the availability and representativeness heuristics.
Student’s Concept Understanding and Motivation to Learn Through Flipped Classroom Learning Integrated with Nested Model

This research aimed to describe the effectiveness of the flipped classroom integrated with nested model in student’s concept understanding and motivation to learn. The research type is quasi-experiment with one-group pretest-posttest design. The research was given to 20 students in VII-D class of SMPN 21 Surabaya. The effectiveness of the flipped classroom integrated with nested model was obtained from the results of a concept understanding test and a motivation to learn questionnaire. The student's concept understanding test showed that there was an improvement in gain scores between the pretest and posttest scores which is medium category and 90% of students were declared complete. Meanwhile, the gain score on the completeness of the concept understanding indicator was high category. Then the results of the student’s motivation to learn showed that there was an improvement in gain scores between pretest and posttest which is medium category. The data obtained that flipped classroom integrated with nested model was effective as a learning instrument to improve student’s concept understanding and motivation to learn during the Covid-19 pandemic.
A Limited Course of Eculizumab in a Child with the Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome and Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on Maintenance Therapy: Case Report and Literature Review

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is considered a possible risk for the occurrence of thrombotic microangiopathies. We present a girl with pre-B ALL successfully treated according to the BFM ALL IC-2009 protocol on maintenance therapy followed by aHUS occurrence. This is the seventh case of HUS/aHUS on ALL maintenance therapy and the first with clearly documented eculizumab use in the early stage of aHUS/secondary TMA. Standard and additional parameters were used in aHUS monitoring alongside the reticulocyte production index adjusted for age (RPI/A) and the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) as markers of hemolysis and rapid response following treatment. RPI/A and APRI are markers of bone marrow response to anemia serving as red blood cell vs. platelet recovery markers. Together they mark the exact recovery point of thrombotic microangiopathy and serve as a prognostic marker of eculizumab treatment success. During the 8-month treatment and 6-month follow-up, no recurrence of hemolysis, ALL relapse, or renal damage were observed. A systematic review of the literature revealed 14/312 articles; five children had aHUS before the onset of ALL, and two children had both diseases concurrently. At least 3/7 patients are attributed to aHUS, of whom 2/7 have renal damage. Potential undiagnosed/unpublished cases may be assumed.
The Development of Learning Material Using Problem Based Learning to Improve Mathematical Communication Ability of Secondary School Students

The purpose of this study is to determine: (1) increasing mathematical communication skills among students by problem-based learning, and (2) answering process students in solving mathematical communication problems by problem-based learning. The research was conducted in SMP Negeri 23 Medan, with 80 students as subjects. This study was
Profil Kemampuan Numerasi Siswa Kelas III SDN 2 Kuta Tahun Pelajaran 2021/2022

Profil adalah gambaran tentang kemampuan numerasi dasar siswa yang mencakup kemampuan mengenal lambang bilangan dan kemampuan mengoperasikan operasi hitung dasar. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan kemampuan numerasi siswa kelas III SDN 2 Kuta. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan menggunakan metode studi kasus. Subjek penelitian yaitu siswa dan guru kelas yang terdiri dari 11 orang. Metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah tes dan wawancara. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa ada hingga 6 siswa pada level 3 dan sampai dengan 4 pada level 4. Sedangkan untuk kemampuan mengoperasikan operasi hitung dasar siswa rata – rata sudah mampu mengoperasikan operasi hitung pengurangan dan penjumlahan. Untuk operasi hitung perkalian, siswa yang mampu mengerjakan soal perkalian sebanyak 3 orang. Namun untuk operasi hitung dasar pembagian belum ada siswa yang mampu menjawab soal. Upaya yang dilakukan guru dalam mengajar numerasi adalah memeberikan motivasi, menggunakan metode mengajar yang bervariasi, memberikan evaluasi dan penggunaan media pembelajaran.
Electrospun PHB/Chitosan Composite Fibrous Membrane and Its Degradation Behaviours in Different pH Conditions

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a neurological disorder that causes more than 9 million patients to suffer from dysfunction of moving and sensing. Using biodegradable polymers to fabricate an artificial nerve conduit that replicates the environment of the extracellular matrix and guides neuron regeneration through the damaged sites has been researched for decades and has led to promising but primarily pre-clinical outcomes. However, few peripheral nerve conduits (PNCs) have been constructed from controllable biodegradable polymeric materials that can maintain their structural integrity or completely degrade during and after nerve regeneration respectively. In this work, a novel PNC candidate material was developed via the electrospinning of polyhydroxy butyrate/chitosan (PHB/CS) composite polymers. An SEM characterisation revealed the resultant PHB/CS nanofibres with 0, 1 and 2 wt/v% CS had less and smaller beads than the nanofibres at 3 wt/v% CS. The water contact angle (WCA) measurement demonstrated that the wettability of PHB/CS electrospun fibres was significantly improved by additional CS. Furthermore, both the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differentiation scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed that PHB/CS polymers can be blended in a single phase with a trifluoracetic solvent in all compositions. Besides, the reduction in the degradation temperature (from 286.9 to 229.9 °C) and crystallinity (from 81.0% to 52.1%) with increasing contents of CS were further proven. Moreover, we found that the degradability of the PHB/CS nanofibres subjected to different pH values rated in the order of acidic > alkaline > phosphate buffer solution (PBS). Based on these findings, it can be concluded that PHB/CS electrospun fibres with variable blending ratios may be used for designing PNCs with controlled biodegradability.
Service Quality and Students’ Satisfaction in Tanzania’s Higher Education: A Re-examination of SERVQUAL Model

This study assessed the effect of service quality on customer satisfaction in Tanzanian’s higher education by re-examination of SERVQUAL Model through testing its existing five dimensions, namely; tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, empathy and assurance and one new suggested dimension, namely, compliance. The study was carried out in higher learning institutions situated in Dodoma city. The study employed a stratified random sampling technique to select a sample. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design whereas a questionnaire survey was used to collect quantitative data from a sample of 326 students from higher learning institutions. Descriptive statistics were used to compute the quality of services using perceived service quality (P) and expected service quality (E). Inferential statistics involved a binary logistic regression model to estimate the effect of service quality dimensions and compliance on customer satisfaction. The findings show that service quality in higher education was perceived by students to be below their expectations. The findings from logit model revealed that tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, empathy, assurance and compliance were important variables in predicting students’ satisfaction in higher education.
Transformation of Cellulose via Two-Step Carbonization to Conducting Carbonaceous Particles and Their Outstanding Electrorheological Performance

In this study, cellulose was carbonized in two-steps using hydrothermal and thermal carbonization in sequence, leading to a novel carbonaceous material prepared from a renewable source using a sustainable method without any chemicals and, moreover, giving high yields after a treatment at 600 °C in an inert atmosphere. During this treatment, cellulose was transformed to uniform microspheres with increased specific surface area and, more importantly, conductivity increased by about 7 orders of magnitude. The successful transition of cellulose to conducting carbonaceous microspheres was confirmed through SEM, FTIR, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Prepared samples were further used as a dispersed phase in electrorheological fluids, exhibiting outstanding electrorheological effects with yield stress over 100 Pa at an electric field strength 1.5 kV mm−1 and a particle concentration of only 5 wt%, significantly overcoming recent state-of-the-art findings. Impedance spectroscopy analysis showed clear interfacial polarization of this ER fluid with high dielectric relaxation strength and short relaxation time, which corresponded to increased conductivity of the particles when compared to pure cellulose. These novel carbonaceous particles prepared from renewable cellulose have further potential to be utilized in many other applications that demand conducting carbonaceous structures with high specific surface area (adsorption, catalyst, filtration, energy storage).
Cardiorespiratory Adaptation to Short-Term Exposure to Altitude vs. Normobaric Hypoxia in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension

Prediction of adverse health effects at altitude or during air travel is relevant, particularly in pre-existing cardiopulmonary disease such as pulmonary arterial or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (PAH/CTEPH, PH). A total of 21 stable PH-patients (64 ± 15 y, 10 female, 12/9 PAH/CTEPH) were examined by pulse oximetry, arterial blood gas analysis and echocardiography during exposure to normobaric hypoxia (NH) (FiO2 15% ≈ 2500 m simulated altitude, data partly published) at low altitude and, on a separate day, at hypobaric hypoxia (HH, 2500 m) within 20–30 min after arrival. We compared changes in blood oxygenation and estimated pulmonary artery pressure in lowlanders with PH during high altitude simulation testing (HAST, NH) with changes in response to HH. During NH, 4/21 desaturated to SpO2 < 85% corresponding to a positive HAST according to BTS-recommendations and 12 qualified for oxygen at altitude according to low SpO2 < 92% at baseline. At HH, 3/21 received oxygen due to safety criteria (SpO2 < 80% for >30 min), of which two were HAST-negative. During HH vs. NH, patients had a (mean ± SE) significantly lower PaCO2 4.4 ± 0.1 vs. 4.9 ± 0.1 kPa, mean difference (95% CI) −0.5 kPa (−0.7 to −0.3), PaO2 6.7 ± 0.2 vs. 8.1 ± 0.2 kPa, −1.3 kPa (−1.9 to −0.8) and higher tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient 55 ± 4 vs. 45 ± 4 mmHg, 10 mmHg (3 to 17), all p < 0.05. No serious adverse events occurred. In patients with PH, short-term exposure to altitude of 2500 m induced more pronounced hypoxemia, hypocapnia and pulmonary hemodynamic changes compared to NH during HAST despite similar exposure times and PiO2. Therefore, the use of HAST to predict physiological changes at altitude remains questionable. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03592927 and NCT03637153).
Characterization of Tumor Mutation Burden-Based Gene Signature and Molecular Subtypes to Assist Precision Treatment in Gastric Cancer

Objective Tumor mutation burden (TMB) represents a useful biomarker for predicting survival outcomes and immunotherapy response. Here, we aimed to conduct TMB-based gene signature and molecular subtypes in gastric cancer. Methods Based on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between high- and low-TMB groups in TCGA, a LASSO model was developed for predicting overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). The predictive performance was externally verified in the GSE84437 dataset. Molecular subtypes were conducted via consensus clustering approach based on TMB-related DEGs. The immune microenvironment was estimated by ESTIMATE and ssGSEA algorithms. Results High-TMB patients had prolonged survival duration. TMB-related DEGs were distinctly enriched in cancer- (MAPK, P53, PI3K-Akt, and Wnt pathways) and immune-related pathways (T cell selection and differentiation). The TMB-based gene model was developed (including MATN3, UPK1B, GPX3, and RGS2), and high-risk score was predictive of poor prognosis and recurrence. ROC and multivariate analyses revealed the well predictive performance, which was confirmed in the external cohort. Furthermore, we established the nomogram containing the risk score, age, and stage for personalized prediction of OS and DFS. High-risk score was characterized by high stromal score, increased immune checkpoints, immune cell infiltrations, and enhanced sensitivity to gefitinib, vinorelbine, and gemcitabine. Three TMB-based molecular subtypes were conducted, characterized by distinct prognosis, immune microenvironment, and drug sensitivity. Conclusion Collectively, we established a prognostic signature and three distinct molecular subtypes based on TMB features for gastric cancer, which might be beneficial for prognostic prediction and clinical decision-making.
Efficacy of a Biocidal Paint in Controlling Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Improving the Quality of Air and Litter in Poultry Houses

Simple Summary Poultry meat production and consumption continue to grow worldwide; therefore, the safety of poultry products is a priority for consumers, producers, and governing authorities. Thus, it is essential to find an effective solution to maintain proper hygiene in poultry production. One such tool is a water-based slow-release biocidal paint that contains insecticidal and antimicrobial compounds. In this study it was assumed that biocidal paint could be useful in controlling insect pests such as Alphitobius diaperinus and reducing microbiological contamination of air and litter and have a beneficial effect on microclimate in poultry houses. The results suggest that the tested biocidal paint could be an effective alternative to other insecticides and disinfectants. Additionally, the research is of a practical nature and may be very useful for poultry producers in controlling A. diaperinus populations and maintaining proper hygiene in poultry houses. Abstract Effective disinfection and disinsection are the keys to successful operation of modern poultry farms and the safety of poultry products. The cleaning and disinfection of poultry houses are important aspects of farm hygiene management. The correct execution of all steps of cleaning, disinfection, and disinsection procedures and the use of appropriate products are crucial for the prevention and control of zoonotic and animal diseases. In this study it was assumed that a water-based slow-release biocidal paint could be useful in controlling insect pests such as Alphitobius diaperinus and reducing microbiological contamination of air and litter in poultry houses and have a beneficial effect on microclimate in poultry houses. Therefore, the locations of A. diaperinus in the poultry houses, the microbiological contamination of air and litter, as well as the microclimatic conditions in the houses and the physicochemical parameters of the litter were evaluated. The results suggest that the tested biocidal paint could be an effective alternative to other insecticides and disinfectants. Additionally, the research is of a practical nature and may be very useful for poultry producers in controlling A. diaperinus populations and maintaining proper hygiene in poultry houses. Further research is needed.
The Effect of Aqueous-Alcoholic Extract of Toothbrush Tree (Salvadora persica) on the Healing of Second-degree Skin Burns in BALB/c Mice

Background: Researchers have mentioned many beneficial effects for the compounds in the toothbrush tree (Miswak)(Salvadora persica: SP), such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of aqueous-alcoholic extract of toothbrush tree on the wound healing of second-degree skin burns in BALB/c mice. Methods: In this study, 60 mature mice (8 weeks) were used. Mice were divided into 5 groups of twelve. Groups 1 and 2 were treated with concentrations of 5% and 10% of the aqueous-alcoholic extract of the toothbrush, respectively, group3 was treated with silver sulfadiazine ointment (positive control), group4 with cream base (negative control), and group5 (sham) received no treatment. A second-degree circular burn wound with a diameter of 1cm was created on the back of the animal. The first to fourth groups were dressed twice a day. On days 4,7,10 and 14 after anaesthasia, sampling was performed from the wound site and wound healing was evaluated histopathologically. Results: Inflammation and infiltration of neutrophils and lymphocytes were significantly reduced in the group treated with 10%SP extract compared to the negative and sham control groups (P<0.01). On the other hand, the number of fibroblasts, followed by collagen production, epithelialization and the formation of new hair follicles in the wound margins on days10 and14 in the group treated with 10 and 5% SP extracts significantly increased compared to the negative control and sham group (P<0.05). The number of fibroblasts and collagen fiber density in the group treated with 10% SP extract showed a significant increase compared to the 5% extract group and silver sulfadiazine (P<0.05). Conclusion: Our findings showed that using extract of toothbrush accelerates the burn wound healing process. So it can be a suitable, cost-effective substitute for available commercial products.
Novel Giomers Incorporated with Antibacterial Quaternary Ammonium Monomers to Inhibit Secondary Caries

The objective of this study was to develop novel modified giomers by incorporating the antibacterial quaternary ammonium monomers (QAMs), dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate (DMADDM) or dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM) into a commercial giomer. The material performances including mechanical properties, surface characteristics, color data, cytotoxicity and fluoride release of the novel giomers were evaluated. Antibacterial activity against severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) saliva-derived biofilms was assessed by lactic acid production measurement, MTT assay, biofilm staining and 16S rRNA sequencing. A rat model was developed and the anti-caries effect was investigated by micro-CT scanning and modified Keyes’ scoring. The results showed that the material properties of the QAMs groups were comparable to those of the control group. The novel giomers significantly inhibited lactic acid production and biofilm viability of S-ECC saliva-derived biofilms. Furthermore, caries-related genera such as Streptococcus and Lactobacillus reduced in QAMs groups, which showed their potential to change the microbial compositions. In the rat model, lesion depth, mineral loss and scoring of the QAMs groups were significantly reduced, without side effects on oral tissues. In conclusion, the novel giomers incorporated with antibacterial QAMs could inhibit the cariogenic biofilms and help prevent secondary caries, with great potential for future application in restorative treatment.
Antiproliferative Properties of Triterpenoids by ECIS Method—A New Promising Approach in Anticancer Studies?

Electric cell–substrate impedance sensing is an advanced in vitro impedance measuring system which uses alternating current to determine behavior of cells in physiological conditions. In this study, we used the abovementioned method for checking the anticancer activities of betulin and betulinic acid, which are some of the most commonly found triterpenes in nature. In our experiment, the threshold concentrations of betulin required to elicit antiproliferative effects, verified by MTT and LDH release methods, were 7.8 µM for breast cancer (T47D), 9.5 µM for lung carcinoma (A549), and 21.3 µM for normal epithelial cells (Vero). The ECIS results revealed the great potential of betulin and betulinic acid’s antitumor properties and their maintenance of cytotoxic substances to the breast cancer T47D line. Moreover, both substances showed a negligible toxic effect on healthy epithelial cells (Vero). Our investigation showed that the ECIS method is a proper alternative to the currently used assay for testing in vitro anticancer activity of compounds, and that it should thus be introduced in cellular routine research. It is also a valuable tool for live-monitoring changes in the morphology and physiology of cells, which translates into the accurate development of anticancer therapies.