Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of NLRP3 in patients infected with Toxoplasma gondii parasite

The study was conducted on 350 aborted women and 30 healthy women who have visited AL-Zahra maternity and paediatrics hospital in AL-Najaf province from November from August to January 2022. This study was designed to determine the effects of T. gondii infection on some parameters such as NLRP3, IL-18, IL-1β and TNF-α , The results showed a significant elevation (P<0.001) in serum concentration of The current study revealed that serum concentration of NLRP3 (ng/ml), IL-18 (pg/ml), IL-1β (pg/ml) and TNF-α (pg/ml) in patients infected with Toxoplasma gondii were significant increase (P (46. 21642 ± 0.524 ng/ml), (474. 12338± 0.906 pg/ml), (15. 41450± 0.218 pg/ml), (25. 4145065284± 0.218232 pg/ml) in compared to the control group (9.701792 ± 0.555 ng/ml), (97.107565 ± 0. 700 pg/ml), (4.129558 ± 0. 190 pg/ml), (6.45839 ± 0. 220 pg/ml). The current study has concluded that the infection with T. gondii affects the body's immunity by NLRP3, IL-18, IL-1β and TNF-α.
CT-Based Simulation of Left Ventricular Hemodynamics: A Pilot Study in Mitral Regurgitation and Left Ventricle Aneurysm Patients

Background Cardiac CT (CCT) is well suited for a detailed analysis of heart structures due to its high spatial resolution, but in contrast to MRI and echocardiography, CCT does not allow an assessment of intracardiac flow. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can complement this shortcoming. It enables the computation of hemodynamics at a high spatio-temporal resolution based on medical images. The aim of this proposed study is to establish a CCT-based CFD methodology for the analysis of left ventricle (LV) hemodynamics and to assess the usability of the computational framework for clinical practice. Materials and Methods The methodology is demonstrated by means of four cases selected from a cohort of 125 multiphase CCT examinations of heart failure patients. These cases represent subcohorts of patients with and without LV aneurysm and with severe and no mitral regurgitation (MR). All selected LVs are dilated and characterized by a reduced ejection fraction (EF). End-diastolic and end-systolic image data was used to reconstruct LV geometries with 2D valves as well as the ventricular movement. The intraventricular hemodynamics were computed with a prescribed-motion CFD approach and evaluated in terms of large-scale flow patterns, energetic behavior, and intraventricular washout. Results In the MR patients, a disrupted E-wave jet, a fragmentary diastolic vortex formation and an increased specific energy dissipation in systole are observed. In all cases, regions with an impaired washout are visible. The results furthermore indicate that considering several cycles might provide a more detailed view of the washout process. The pre-processing times and computational expenses are in reach of clinical feasibility. Conclusion The proposed CCT-based CFD method allows to compute patient-specific intraventricular hemodynamics and thus complements the informative value of CCT. The method can be applied to any CCT data of common quality and represents a fair balance between model accuracy and overall expenses. With further model enhancements, the computational framework has the potential to be embedded in clinical routine workflows, to support clinical decision making and treatment planning.
The Epidermis in Microgravity and Unloading Conditions and Their Effects on Wound Healing

The future objectives of human space flight are changing from low-term permanence in the International Space Station to missions beyond low Earth orbit to explore other planets. This implies that astronauts would remain exposed for long time to a micro-gravity environment with limited medical support available. This has sparkled medical research to investigate how tissues may adapt to such conditions and how wound repair may be influenced. This mini-review is focused on the effects of microgravity and unloading conditions on the epidermis and its keratinocytes. Previous studies, originally aimed at improving the in vitro protocols to generate skin substitutes for plastic surgery purposes, showed that epidermal stem cells cultured in simulated microgravity underwent enhanced proliferation and viability and reduced terminal differentiation than under normal gravity. In the meantime, microgravity also triggered epithelial-mesenchymal transition of keratinocytes, promoting a migratory behavior. The molecular mechanisms, only partially understood, involve mechano-trasduction signals and pathways whereby specific target genes are activated, i.e., those presiding to circadian rhythms, migration, and immune suppression, or inhibited, i.e., those involved in stress responses. However, despite the above in vitro studies suggest that microgravity would accelerate keratinocyte growth rate and migration, in vivo findings on animals in experimental set-ups to simulate low gravity rather suggest that prolonged mechanical unloading contributes to delayed and impaired epidermal repair. This is in keeping with the finding that microgravity interferes at multiple levels with the regulatory signals which coordinate the different cell types involved in the repair process, thereby negatively influencing skin wound healing.
Wilm’s tumor: Presentation and outcome at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to identify the gaps in the management of Wilms’ tumor which resulted in an inferior outcome and to see if there is any improvement since the last study and to come up with recommendations to improve the outcome of Wilms’ tumor. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective hospital based study at Urology Institute of Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre. Patients operated for Wilms’ tumor between January 2006 and December 2013 were identified and the medical records of the 46 patients eligible for the study retrieved. The relevant information was entered into the prepared data collection format. The data was cleaned, summarized and analysed using SPSS version 17. Results: Patients with Wilms’ tumor presented late to KCMC. There was no undue delay in reaching at diagnosis. From the 46 total number of patients in this study 20 (43.5%) of patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy while 26 (56.5%) had an upfront nephrectomy. The one year recurrence free survival was 32.6% with a high rate of lost to follow up (41.3%), perioperative mortality of (10.8%), and recurrence rate of (26.8%). Conclusion: There was no improvement in the outcome of WT at KCMC compared to the last report 8 years back. Patients still present late to health institutions, there is high rate of lost to follow up and the prognosis of Wilm’s tumor in this part of Africa is still dismal.
Dissecting the cellular components of ex vivo γδ T cell expansions to optimize selection of potent cell therapy donors for neuroblastoma immunotherapy trials

ABSTRACT γδ T lymphocytes represent an emerging class of cellular immunotherapy with preclinical promise to treat cancer, notably neuroblastoma. The innate-like immune cell subset demonstrates inherent cytoxicity toward tumor cells independent of MHC recognition, enabling allogeneic administration of healthy donor-derived γδ T cell therapies. A current limitation is the substantial interindividual γδ T cell expansion variation among leukocyte collections. Overcoming this limitation will enable realization of the full potential of allogeneic γδ T-based cellular therapy. Here, we characterize γδ T cell expansions from healthy adult donors and observe that highly potent natural killer (NK) lymphocytes expand with γδ T cells under zoledronate and IL-2 stimulation. The presence of NK cells correlates with both the expansion potential of γδ T cells and the overall potency of the γδ T cell therapy. However, the potency of the cell therapy in combination with an antibody-based immunotherapeutic, dinutuximab, appears to be independent of γδ T/NK cell content both in vitro and in vivo, which minimizes the implication of interindividual expansion differences toward efficacy. Collectively, these studies highlight the utility of maintaining the NK cell population within expanded γδ T cell therapies and suggest a synergistic action of combined innate cell immunotherapy toward neuroblastoma.
Clustering of large‐scale circulation patterns during tropical cyclone preformation period using self‐organizing maps

Based on self‐organizing maps (SOM), clustering analysis is performed on the lower‐level large‐scale flow fields centred at the tropical cyclone (TC) genesis points averaged over the 24‐hr TC preformation period. A total of 461 TCs over the western North Pacific (WNP) from June to November in 2000–2019 are classified into five patterns, that is, convergence (CON) pattern, monsoon trough (MT) pattern, pre‐existing cyclone (PC) pattern, subtropical high (SH) pattern and easterly wave (EW) pattern. The most frequent and southmost pattern, the CON pattern, is characterized by a confluent zone of monsoonal southwesterly flows and easterly flows. The second dominant pattern, the MT pattern, occurs the westmost and has a larger cyclonic vorticity in the strongest monsoon trough among the five patterns. In contrast, cyclogenesis in the SH pattern is featured by both the confluent zone and the cyclonic wind shear largely attributed to the subtropical high. The PC pattern features a pre‐existing cyclone to the northwest. The EW pattern with easterly flows in all four adjacent quadrants has the smallest number of TC formation and relatively northeast genesis location. Statistics also shows that the CON pattern dominates in late season, while the other four mainly appear in summertime. Large‐scale environmental conditions are quantified and comparisons with previous studies are also discussed.
A review on the effects of vitamin D attenuating ischemia reperfusion injuries

ABSTRACT Ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injuries occurred in many pathological and surgical processes (e.g. thrombolytic therapy, organ transplantation, aortic cross-clamping, coronary angioplasty and cardiopulmonary bypass) and harmed multiple organs and tissues. Vitamin D is a well-known sterol hormone and a nutritional ingredient able to promote the deposit of calcium and regulate phosphorus metabolism in the body. In addition, vitamin D has therapeutic effects on some diseases (e.g. cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, neurological diseases, multiple sclerosis and inflammation). Studies showed that vitamin D3 was closely related with I/R injury occurrences in heart, brain, spine, liver, kidney, and ovary. The literature searching was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and SCOPUS from inception to 20 September 2021. Data showed that supplements with vitamin D3 can remarkably attenuate I/R injuries. This paper reviewed recent progresses of vitamin D3 preventing I/R injuries in clinical investigations and animal tests to enlighten future studies.
Interannual Variations of Submesoscale Circulations in the Subtropical Northeastern Pacific

Impacts of oceanic submesoscale circulations on oceanic circulation as well as marine ecosystem and air‐sea heat flux have been reported by recent studies. Therefore, their regionality and variations on various timescales are important to understand their impacts. The submesoscale circulations are active in winter, which is mostly enhanced by mixed layer instability (MLI). However, their variations on timescales longer than interannual are not well understood. This study shows the interannual variations of active submesoscale circulations in winter and their mechanism in the subtropical northeastern Pacific using the output of a submesoscale permitting simulation. The submesoscale kinetic energy varies synchronously with the available potential energy release in a process of MLI. El Niño events appear to modulate the interannual variations. In addition, the similarities and differences between the variations in the eastern and western subtropics are highlighted.
Cancer Metabolism: The Role of Immune Cells Epigenetic Alteration in Tumorigenesis, Progression, and Metastasis of Glioma

Glioma is a type of brain and spinal cord tumor that begins in glial cells that support the nervous system neurons functions. Age, radiation exposure, and family background of glioma constitute are risk factors of glioma initiation. Gliomas are categorized on a scale of four grades according to their growth rate. Grades one and two grow slowly, while grades three and four grow faster. Glioblastoma is a grade four gliomas and the deadliest due to its aggressive nature (accelerated proliferation, invasion, and migration). As such, multiple therapeutic approaches are required to improve treatment outcomes. Recently, studies have implicated the significant roles of immune cells in tumorigenesis and the progression of glioma. The energy demands of gliomas alter their microenvironment quality, thereby inducing heterogeneity and plasticity change of stromal and immune cells via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which ultimately results in epigenetic modifications that facilitates tumor growth. PI3K is utilized by many intracellular signaling pathways ensuring the proper functioning of the cell. The activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR regulates the plasma membrane activities, contributing to the phosphorylation reaction necessary for transcription factors activities and oncogenes hyperactivation. The pleiotropic nature of PI3K/AKT/mTOR makes its activity unpredictable during altered cellular functions. Modification of cancer cell microenvironment affects many cell types, including immune cells that are the frontline cells involved in inflammatory cascades caused by cancer cells via high cytokines synthesis. Typically, the evasion of immunosurveillance by gliomas and their resistance to treatment has been attributed to epigenetic reprogramming of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, which results from cancer metabolism. Hence, it is speculative that impeding cancer metabolism and/or circumventing the epigenetic alteration of immune cell functions in the tumor microenvironment might enhance treatment outcomes. Herein, from an oncological and immunological perspective, this review discusses the underlying pathomechanism of cell-cell interactions enhancing glioma initiation and metabolism activation and tumor microenvironment changes that affect epigenetic modifications in immune cells. Finally, prospects for therapeutic intervention were highlighted.
Impact of Mobile Learning on Academic Motivation: University Students’ Perspective

This cross-sectional study administered a questionnaire on mobile learning experiences and academic motivation to students from three public universities in Pakistan. Descriptive and path analysis was used to explore mobile learning, level of academic motivation, and their inter-relationships. Partial least squares algorithm was used to measure the model. The results highlighted that 78% of smartphone users utilized their device for learning purposes. Furthermore, path analysis revealed that smartphone use for nonacademic purposes negatively affected students’ academic motivation, while educational use of smartphones had a significant positive impact on their academic motivation. This study contributes to the literature of self-directed, technology-based learning among university students.
Tests of a New Solar Flare Model Against D and E Region Ionosphere Data

We present results from a suite of models designed to simulate solar flare effects on the D and E region of the ionosphere. This suite includes models of the solar spectrum, the ionosphere and of HF radiowave propagation. A central component of this system is the development of photoelectron ionization enhancement factors with higher energy resolution in the soft X‐ray spectral region that can be used to supplement existing ionization schemes currently implemented in upper atmospheric general circulation models. We tested this photoelectron model in the NCAR Thermosphere‐Ionosphere‐Mesosphere‐ Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIME‐GCM) and in a photochemical model of the D region. In both cases, we compared predicted flare response using two different input solar flare spectra. One is the Flare Irradiance Spectral Model (FISM) and the other is a physics based model called NRLFLARE. Our predictions for the E region were compared with incoherent scatter radar data and suggest that enhanced flux in the 1–2 nm spectral region, as indicated by NRLFLARE, is important for reproducing the observations. For the D region, we combined our theoretical results for the X1.3 flare of 7 September 2017 with ray tracing calculations that suggest 20–40 db of 6.4 MHz absorption. This agrees with previously published observations and model estimates, all of which suggest greater HF absorption than the operational D region absorption prediction model (swpc.noaa.gov/products/d‐region‐absorption‐predictions‐d‐rap). Finally, our theoretical comparison with previously published empirical models derived from very low frequency data was less clear due, in part, to large differences between the different empirical models.
Dark-Lumen Magnetic Resonance Image Based on Artificial Intelligence Algorithm in Differential Diagnosis of Colon Cancer

This research was aimed o investigate the application value and diagnostic effect of dark-lumen magnetic resonance imaging (dark-lumen MRI) based on artificial intelligence algorithm on colon cancer. A total of 98 patients with ulcerated colon cancer were selected as the study subjects. All patients underwent colonic endoscopy. The patients were divided into algorithm group (artificial intelligence algorithm processing image group) and control group (conventional method processing image group) according to different dark-lumen MRI processing methods. The detection efficiency of colon cancer was compared between the two groups. It showed that the diagnostic effect of dark-lumen MRI based on artificial intelligence algorithm was significant. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in the control group was 0.92 ± 0.14 mm2/s (minimum: 0.74, maximum: 1.30), ADC in the algorithm group was 1.55 ± 0.31 mm2/s (minimum: 1.22, maximum: 2.42). The ADC of patients in algorithm group was significantly higher than that of patients in control group, with statistical difference (t = 7.827, P < 0.001). The correct number of cases was 46 and the diagnostic error number was 3 in algorithm group, with accuracy of 93%. The correct number of cases was 41 and the diagnostic error number was 8 in control group, with accuracy of 83%. In comparison, the correct rate was 10% higher in algorithm group, indicating that the diagnostic effect was better in algorithm group. The mean value of invasion depth was 10.42 in the algorithm group and 5.27 in the control group, indicating that the algorithm group was more accurate in the judgment of invasion depth, had a good prospect of clinical application, and had guiding significance for the diagnosis of colon cancer.
Factors for adoption of e-learning technologies in Ugandan high education institutions

This research identifies the factors that affect adoption e-learning technologies in Ugandan High Education Institutions. Despite the enormous potential that e-learning technologies have in enhancing teaching and learning at Higher Educational institutions, the adoption of such technologies in Ugandan Higher Educational institutions is low. Effective adoption of such technologies requires that a number of issues be taken into account which among these includes technological and individual factors. To attain the objective of this study, a questionnaire was used to collect data from 380 participants (students, lecturers and ICT support) from four Ugandan Higher Education Institutions. Results showed that factors that are affecting adoption of e-learning technologies in Ugandan HEIs were; Patronage, Compatibility, Trialability, Complexity, Relative Advantage, Perceived Usefulness, and Perceived Ease of Use while as Observability factor did not influence behavioral intention to adopt e-learning technologies in Ugandan HEIs. This study concludes that well-designed trainings should be provided for the students, lecturers and ICT support staff to familiarize them with the fundamental knowledge on how to use the e-learning technologies in Ugandan HEIs as well as trial opportunities to build a better understanding in the operational functions.
In vitro antidiabetic, antioxidant activities and chemical composition of Ajuga parviflora Benth. shoot

Introduction: Ajuga parviflora Benth. (Lamiaceae) is an herbaceous plant that possesses ethnomedicinal values and is well known for its folkloric management of diabetes. This study was aimed to provide an experimental justification for its traditional antidiabetic use. Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract of A. parviflora shoot was quantified for its total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total tannin content (TTC). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) spectroscopy were also used for their chemical nature. Additionally, the extract was evaluated for its inhibitory potential against key enzymes linked with hyperglycemia by in vitro means. Subsequently, for estimation of the antioxidant capacities 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical (ABTS), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging activities were determined.Results: GC-MS analysis revealed numerous biologically active phytoconstituents including brassicasterol, phytol, and palmitic acid. The presence of different active functional groups such as alcohol, nitrile, amine, alkyl halide, alkene, and alkane was confirmed by FTIR analysis. The extract showed a significant (P≤ 0.05) dose-dependent inhibition for α-amylase enzyme (132.38±1.18 μg/mL), α-glucosidase enzyme (22.66±0.11 μg/mL), DPPH radical (103.03±1.59 μg/mL), ABTS radical (140.10±3.40 μg/mL) and H2O2 radical (298.26±4.37 μg/mL). TPC, TFC, and TTC were found 64.06±0.35 mg/g of the gallic acid equivalent (GAE), 45.27±0.58 mg/g of the rutin equivalent (RE), and 127.42±1.82 mg/g of the tannic acid equivalent (TAE), respectively. Conclusion: A. parviflora extract showed significant antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials. Thus, this plant might be served as a novel approach for discovering new and effective drug molecules against hyperglycemia.
Reconstructing Income Inequality in Italy: New Evidence and Tax System Implications from Distributional National Accounts

This work reconstructs novel series on income distribution in Italy combining survey data, tax data and National Accounts both at the national and regional levels, and it analyzes the overall progressivity of the tax system. Our new Distributional National Accounts allow to correct for remarkable misreporting of capital income in surveys, to provide more accurate estimates of consumption, and to better account for the role of informal economy. Our fresh estimates show higher income concentration at the top 1% and 0.1% with respect to previous studies in order of 1.5 percentage points. Moreover, the share of national income of the richest top 10%, top 1% and top 0.1% has been steadily increasing after the 2008 crisis. Our results shed further light on the multifaceted nature of inequality in Italy: youngest individuals, women and inhabitants of Southern regions have been increasingly exposed to growing levels of inequality. Finally, the Italian tax system is only slightly progressive up to the 95th percentile of the income distribution, and regressive for the top 5%. Moreover, it is regressive throughout the whole distribution when individuals are ranked with respect to their net wealth.