Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Implications of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Heart Failure with Mildly Reduced Ejection Fraction

Background: Data regarding the characterization and outcomes of diabetics with heart failure with a mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) is scarce. This study investigates the prevalence and prognostic impact of type 2 diabetes in patients with HFmrEF. Methods: Consecutive patients with HFmrEF (i.e., left ventricular ejection fraction 41–49% and signs and/or symptoms of HF) were retrospectively included at one institution from 2016 to 2022. Patients with type 2 diabetes (dia-betics) were compared to patients without (i.e., non-diabetics). The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at 30 months. Statistical analyses included Kaplan–Meier, multivariable Cox regression analyses and propensity score matching. Results: A total of 2169 patients with HFmrEF were included. The overall prevalence of type 2 diabetes was 36%. Diabetics had an increased risk of 30-months all-cause mortality (35.8% vs. 28.6%; HR = 1.273; 95% CI 1.092–1.483; p = 0.002), which was confirmed after multivariable adjustment (HR = 1.234; 95% CI 1.030–1.479; p = 0.022) and propensity score matching (HR = 1.265; 95% CI 1.018–1.572; p = 0.034). Diabetics had a higher risk of HF-related rehospitalization (17.8% vs. 10.7%; HR = 1.714; 95% CI 1.355–2.169; p = 0.001). Finally, the risk of all-cause mortality was increased in diabetics treated with insulin (40.7% vs. 33.1%; log-rank p = 0.029), whereas other anti-diabetic pharmacotherapies had no prognostic impact in HFmrEF. Conclusions: Type 2 diabetes is common and independently associated with adverse long-term prognosis in patients with HFmrEF.
Circulating miR-206, miR-181b, and miR-21 as promising biomarkers in hypothyroidism and their relationship to related hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis

Background: Thyroid hormones (THs) signaling has profound effects on many physiological processes. The regulation of THs signaling in various tissues involves the action of microRNAs (miRNAs) on thyroid deiodinases and receptors. THs regulate the expression of certain miRNAs and their target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in various tissues and cells. The modulation of miRNA levels by THs affects their functions in processes such as liver lipid metabolism, skin physiology, and muscle and heart performance. Aim: This research aimed to investigate miR-181b, miR-206, and miR-21 in the serum of patients with subclinical and overt hypothyroidism to determine their possible role in the diagnosis of the disease and their relationship to clinical disorders related to hypothyroidism. Methods: This study included ninety participants, divided evenly into three groups as follows: patients with overt hypothyroidism diagnosed clinically, radiologically, and by investigation, subclinical hypothyroid patients, and healthy volunteers. The patients had a thorough medical history and underwent a clinical examination. Laboratory tests included plasma cholesterol, LDL, HDL, TGs, liver and renal function tests, CBC, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, HbA1c, TSH, and free T4. The serum levels of miR-21, miR-206, and miR-181b were measured using qRT-PCR. Results: miR-206 and miR-181b levels were higher in the subclinical group, followed by the hypothyroid and control groups. For miR-21, there was a significantly lower mean value in both the hypothyroid and subclinical groups than in the control group, with no difference between the two groups. Both miR-206 and miR-181b showed a significant negative association with albumin and free T4 levels and a significant direct association with GGT, ALT, AST, creatinine, uric acid, TGs, TC, LDL, TSH, thyroid volume, and CAP score. The same correlation pattern was observed for miR-181b, except that it was not significantly correlated with the TGs. For miR-21 levels, there was a significant positive correlation with albumin, free T4 level, and kPa score and a negative correlation with GGT, ALT, AST, creatinine, uric acid, HOMA-IR, HbA1c, TC, LDL, TSH, and CAP score. Cases with F1 kPa score and S2 CAP scores had significantly higher averages for miR-206 and miR-181b, with a p-value of 0.05. Moreover, miR-21 levels were significantly lower in the S2 CAP score group. Conclusion: These miRNAs (miR-206, miR-181b, and miR-21) may be used as diagnostic biomarkers for hypothyroidism. They may be used as therapeutic targets to control dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis during hypothyroid disease.
The mineralogy and geochemistry of the carbonatites, syenites and fenites of North West Frontier Province, Pakistan

Tertiary carbonatites occur along thrust planes at Loe Shilman in Kyber Agency and at Silai Patti in Malakand Agency, NW Pakistan. The Loe Shilman carbonatite sheet complex comprises an amphibole sovite which is intruded by a biotite sovite and an ankeritic dolomite carbonatite. These carbonatites have produced zoned fenites as a result of Na, K and Na+Mg+Fe fenitizing-fluids emanating from the amphibole sovite, biotite sovite and ankeritic dolomite carbonatite respectively. The fenites grading into unfenitized Palaeozoic thinly bedded slates and phyllites. The variation in the whole-rock and mineral chemistries of the fenites correlates with the distances from the carbonatite contact. These gradual variations in chemistry are attributed to the low permeability of the slates and phyllites. A path of fractionation from calcite-rich to dolomite-rich carbonatites can be distinguiished-whibe^tire— -fin^l -s^age^ n^hich return to the calcite-rich carbonate phase are recorded only in the carbonatite veins The Silai Patti carbonatite sheet complex comprises a biotite sovite which is intruded by an amphibole sovite. These sovites have induced Kand Na-fenitizations respectively in granite-gneisses, amphibolites, dolerites and quartzites. The chemical variations in the rocks and minerals of the fenites correspond with the degree of intensity of fenitization. The chemistry of amphiboles, micas and pyroxenes which are in equilibrium with the carbonatitic fenitizing fluids are typically magnesio-arfvedsonite , phlogopite and aegirine-augite respectively. It is proposed that the Na-rich carbonatite magmas are derived from the magma produced by liquid immiscibility from phonolite, but the K-rich magma has evolved from the primitive Na-rich carbonatite magma by crystal fractionation. FRONTISPIECE. General view of the Loe Shilman carbonatite complex looking westward into Afghanistan and Kabul River. In the centre is the outcrop of the brown-coloured carbonatite sheet complex dipping northward (to the right). It extends westward toward the Kabul River. Underlying the carbonatite are ? Precambrian slates and phyllites (dark grey, left half of the photograph) and above the carbonatite are northward dipping ? Palaeozoic limestones and schists THE MINERALOGY AND GEOCHEMISTRY OF THE CARBONATITES, SYENITES AND FENITES OF NORTH WEST FRONTIER PROVINCE PAKISTAN. A thesis submitted to The University of Leicester for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy
GPT and Interpolation-Based Data Augmentation for Multiclass Intrusion Detection in IIoT

The absence of essential security protocols in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) networks introduces cybersecurity vulnerabilities and turns them into potential targets for various attack types. Although machine learning has been used for intrusion detection in the IIoT, datasets with representative data of common attacks of IIoT network traffic are limited and often imbalanced. Data augmentation techniques address these problems by creating artificial data in classes with fewer samples. In this work, we evaluate the use of data augmentation when training intrusion detection models based on IIoT traffic data. We compare Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT) and variations on the Synthetic Minority Over-sampling TEchnique (SMOTE) and evaluate their capability to enhance intrusion detection performance. We examine the performance of five intrusion detection algorithms when trained with augmented datasets to models trained with the original non-augmented dataset. To ensure a fair comparison, we evaluated the algorithms’ performance in the different scenarios using the same test dataset, which does not contain synthetic data. The results show the need for a systematic evaluation before employing data augmentation, as its impact on classification performance depends on the algorithm, data, and used technique. While deep neural networks benefit from data augmentation, the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), which achieved superior performance in intrusion detection between all evaluated classifiers (with F1-Score over 91%), didn’t have any performance improvement when trained with augmented data. The evaluation of data generated by GPT-based methods shows such methods (especially GReaT) generate invalid data for both numerical and categorical features in a way that leads to performance degradation in multiclass classification.
Naturally Occurring Insecticides from the Marine Sponge Xestospongia testudinaria to Control the Whitefly Bemicia tabaci (Genn.) and the Aphid Aphis gossypii (Glover)

The insecticidal potential of the marine sponge Xestospongia testudinaria extracts against the whitefly Bemicia tabaci and the aphid Aphis gossypii under laboratory conditions were examined after 24 and 72 hrs. of treatments. The bioassay-guided isolation afforded nine structurally diverse marine compounds: xestosterol (1), 18-bromooctadeca-(9E,17E)-dien-7,15diynoic acid (2), 18,18-dibromo-(9E)-octadeca-9,17-dien-5,7-diynoic acid (3), 16bromo(7E,11E,l5E)hexadeca-7,11,l5-trien-5,13-diynoic acid (4), methyl 18-bromooctadeca(9E,17E)-dien-7,15-diynoate (5), 2-methylmaleimide-5-oxime (6), maleimide-5-oxime (7), 2'deoxythymidine (8) and 2'-deoxyuridine (9). The chemical structures were determined on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analyses (ESI-MS and H, C-NMR). Maleimide-5-oxime (7) was the most potent one against 3 instar nymphs of B. tabaci under laboratory conditions after 24 and 72 hrs of treatments, with LC50 values of 175.26 and 7.62 ppm, respectively. While against Aphis gossypii, 18-bromooctadeca-(9E,17E)-dien-7,15-diynoic acid (2) recorded the highest LC50 values of 1.54 and 0.001 ppm after 24 and 72 hrs of treatments against Aphis gossypii, respectively. Structure-activity relationship revealed the effectiveness of maleimides and brominated polyacetylenic lipids.
A study on motions of high speed planing boats with controllable flaps in regular waves

Un abattant d'arcane controlable dans des bateaux a coque planante peut reduire la resistance a des vitesses de croisiere dans des eaux calmes, mais peut egalement etre concu pour qu'un bateau se deplace avec une attitude presque optimale dans des environnements varies, qui resulte dans une reduction a la fois dans la resistance et le mouvement vertical dans les vagues. Dans cette etude, en considerant l'abattant controlable comme une force et un moment d'excitation, les equations du mouvement des bateaux a coque planante a vitesse elevee a abattant controlable dans des vagues regulieres ont ete basees sur une theorie des bandes modifiees. Des essais sur modeles ont egalement montre que les abattants controlables peuvent etre utilises non seulement pour minimiser des resistances dans des conditions variees, mais aussi pour reduire les mouvements de tangage et de soulevement
Horizontal and vertical velocities derived from the IDS contribution to ITRF2014, and comparisons with geophysical models

In the context of the 2014 realization of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame, the International DORIS (Doppler Orbitography Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite) Service (IDS) has delivered to the IERS a set of 1140 weekly SINEX files including station coordinates and Earth orientation parameters, covering the time period from 1993.0 to 2015.0. From this set of weekly SINEX files, the IDS combination centre estimated a cumulative DORIS position and velocity solution to obtain mean horizontal and vertical motion of 160 stations at 71 DORIS sites. The main objective of this study is to validate the velocities of the DORIS sites by comparison with external models or time-series. Horizontal velocities are compared with two recent global plate models (GEODVEL 2010 and NNR-MORVEL56). Prior to the comparisons, DORIS horizontal velocities were corrected for Global Isostatic Adjustment from the ICE-6G (VM5a) model. For more than half of the sites, the DORIS horizontal velocities differ from the global plate models by less than 2–3 mm yr −1 . For five of the sites (Arequipa, Dionysos/Gavdos, Manila and Santiago) with horizontal velocity differences with respect to these models larger than 10 mm yr −1 , comparisons with GNSS estimates show the veracity of the DORIS motions. Vertical motions from the DORIS cumulative solution are compared with the vertical velocities derived from the latest GPS cumulative solution over the time span 1995.0–2014.0 from the University of La Rochelle solution at 31 co-located DORIS-GPS sites. These two sets of vertical velocities show a correlation coefficient of 0.83. Vertical differences are larger than 2 mm yr −1 at 23 percent of the sites. At Thule, the disagreement is explained by fine-tuned DORIS discontinuities in line with the mass variations of outlet glaciers. Furthermore, the time evolution of the vertical time-series from the DORIS station in Thule show similar trends to the GRACE equivalent water height.
Curves, Coriolis, and cross-channel circulation in the Hudson River estuary

Despite its relatively small magnitude, cross-channel circulation in estuaries can influence the along-channel momentum balance, dispersion, and transport. We investigate spatial and temporal variation in cross-channel circulation at two contrasting sites in the Hudson River estuary. The two sites differ in the relative strength and direction of Coriolis and curvature forcing. We contrast the patterns and magnitudes of flow at the two sites during varying conditions in stratification driven by tidal amplitude and river discharge. We found well-defined flows during flood tides at both sites, characterized by mainly two-layer structures when the water column was more homogeneous and three- or more-layer structures when the water column was more stratified. Ebb tides had generally weaker and less definite flows, except at one site where curvature and Coriolis reinforced each other during spring tide ebbs. Cross-channel currents had similar patterns, but were oppositely directed at the two sites, demonstrating the importance of curvature even in channels with relatively gradual curves. Coriolis and curvature dominated the measured terms in the cross-channel momentum balance. Their combination was generally consistent with driving the observed patterns and directions of flow, but local acceleration and cross-channel advection made some notable contributions. A large residual in the momentum balance indicates that some combination of vertical stress divergence, baroclinic pressure gradients, and along-channel and vertical advection must play an essential role, but data limitations prevented an accurate estimation of these terms. Cross-channel advection affected the along-channel momentum balance at times, with implications for the exchange flow’s strength.
Identification of Novel/Rare EWSR1 Fusion Partners in Undifferentiated Mesenchymal Neoplasms

Recurrent gene fusions (GFs) in translocated sarcomas are recognized as major oncogenic drivers of the disease, as well as diagnostic markers whose identification is necessary for differential diagnosis. EWSR1 is a ‘promiscuous’ gene that can fuse with many different partner genes, defining different entities among a broad range of mesenchymal neoplasms. Molecular testing of EWSR1 translocation traditionally relies on FISH assays with break-apart probes, which are unable to identify the fusion partner. Therefore, other ancillary molecular diagnostic modalities are being increasingly adopted for accurate classification of these neoplasms. Herein, we report three cases with rare GFs involving EWSR1 in undifferentiated mesenchymal neoplasms with uncertain differential diagnoses, using targeted RNA-seq and confirming with RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. Two GFs involved hormone nuclear receptors as 3′ partners, NR4A2 and RORB, which have not been previously reported. NR4A2 may functionally replace NR4A3, the usual 3′ partner in extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma. The third GF, EWSR1::BEND2, has previously been reported in a subtype of astroblastoma and other rare entities, including a single case of a soft-tissue tumor that we discuss in this work. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the catalogue of mesenchymal neoplasm-bearing EWSR1 fusions continues to grow, underscoring the value of using molecular ancillary techniques with higher diagnostic abilities in the routine clinical setting.
Inventory of Estuarine and Lagoonal Ecosystems Subjected to Sand-Mining Activities in Southern Benin (West Africa)

Sand is a useful resource for the development of any society. As such, the issues related to its extraction are everywhere present in Benin, especially in the southern part of the country. For the purposes of eventually characterizing those issues, the present study is undertaken with a focus on inventorying estuarine and lagoonal ecosystems which are subjected to sand mining in southern Benin. The study area covers both the Eastern Complex and the Western Complex. The Eastern Complex includes the Porto-Novo Lagoon and the Oueme River delta; while the Western Complex includes the Coastal Lagoon, the Aheme Lake along with its channels, and the Mono Basin. The method used in this study is a systematic inventorying of all known and documented sites as kept on record with relevant state offices in charge of the management of those resources. Then, the data were completed by combing the whole area for direct census observations and field interviews with stakeholders. All inventoried sites have been geo-referenced using a GARMIN GPS and their surface areas have been established. To date, 43 sand-mining sites have been identified, of which 29 are located in the Oueme Delta and in the Porto-Novo Lagoon, 8 are in the Coastal Lagoon, and 6 are in the Aheme Lake and its channels as well as in the Mono River basin. The areas are small in the Oueme Delta, where extraction is mostly manual, but get to be more than 89-ha wide in other places such as the Coastal Lagoon where the process is rather mechanized.
Mutation profile in liquid biopsy tested by next generation sequencing in Mexican patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma and its impact on survival

Background Lung cancer represents a significant global health concern, often diagnosed in its advanced stages. The advent of massive DNA sequencing has revolutionized the landscape of cancer treatment by enabling the identification of target mutations and the development of tailored therapeutic approaches. Unfortunately, access to DNA sequencing technology remains limited in many developing countries. In this context, we emphasize the critical importance of integrating this advanced technology into healthcare systems in developing nations to improve treatment outcomes. Methods We conducted an analysis of electronic clinical records of patients with confirmed advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and a verified negative status for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. These patients underwent next-generation sequencing (NGS) for molecular analysis. We performed descriptive statistical analyses for each variable and conducted both univariate and multivariate statistical analyses to assess their impact on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Additionally, we classified genetic mutations as actionable or non-actionable based on the European Society for Medical Oncology Scale of Clinical Actionability of Molecular Targets (ESCAT) guidelines. Results Our study included a total of 127 patients, revealing the presence of twenty-one distinct mutations. The most prevalent mutations were EGFR (18.9%) and Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) (15.7%). Notably, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) [hazard ratio (HR): 0.258, P<0.001], tumor mutation burden (TMB) (HR: 2.073, P=0.042) and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (HR: 0.470, P=0.032) demonstrated statistical significance in both the univariate and multivariate analyses with respect to PFS. In terms of OS, ALK (HR: 0.285, P<0.001) and EGFR (HR: 0.482, P=0.024) exhibited statistical significance in both analyses. Applying the ESCAT classification system, we identified actionable genomic variations (ESCAT level-1), including EGFR, ALK, breast cancer (BRAF) gene, c-ros oncogene 1 (ROS1), and rearranged during transfection (RET) gene, in 32.3% of the patients. Conclusions Our findings from massive DNA sequencing underscore that 32.3% of patients who test negative for the EGFR mutation possess other targetable mutations, enabling them to receive personalized, targeted therapies at an earlier stage of their disease. Implementing massive DNA sequencing in developing countries is crucial to enhance survival rates among NSCLC patients and guide more effective treatment strategies.
Semi-Automatic Analysis of Specific Electroencephalographic Patterns during NREM2 Sleep in a Pediatric Population after SARS-CoV-2 Infection

The post-COVID-19 condition is defined by the World Health Organization as the persistence of symptoms or development of new symptoms three months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, lasting for at least two months without a clear explanation. Neuropsychiatric disorders associated with this condition include asthenia, memory and concentration problems, and sleep disturbances. Our study aims to investigate sleep patterns following SARS-CoV-2 infection using EEG findings and a sleep quality questionnaire completed by parents (Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children—SDSC). Notably, our investigation is based on a convenience sample. The patients in our sample, aged 1 to 14 years, are not currently taking any medications; rather, they are undergoing follow-up assessments at the Child Neuropsychiatry department of the University Hospital of Messina for neurodevelopmental evaluations. Specifically, we are analyzing amplitude and power spectrum data in the first five minutes of NREM2 sleep, calculated from EEG recordings obtained via bipolar leads within three months after the onset of the disease. These results will be compared with controls performed on the same subjects in the six months preceding the infection. The focus of the study was sleep spindles, which are generated by the thalamocortical systems and play a role in sleep modulation, memory, and learning. Preliminary analysis suggests a predominant increase in the slow component of the spindles in the right-frontal lead.