Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of gut microbiota on immune reactions relevant to lung pathologies

Bacterial microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract is known to prevent the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms and regulate intestinal permeability, digestion, metabolism, and immune response. It affects function, homeostasis, and disease outcomes in the gastrointestinal tract and extra-intestinal sites such as the lungs. This review summarizes the currently available knowledge regarding the gut-lung axis. The association of bacterial composition and/or dysbiosis in the gut with asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, cystic fibrosis, recurrent respiratory tract infections, and lung cancer in humans is highlighted, as well as data obtained from animal models of pulmonary inflammation, which indicated that modulation of immune system activity lies at the base of this interaction. Additionally, the potential use of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics in the treatment of lung inflammation is presented.
Idiopathic Hypertrophic Spinal Pachymeningitis

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP) is a rare presentation with duramater thickening and fibrosis which can result in cranial or spinal compressive disease. Most cases of spinal HP require surgical management. We present an uncommon case of idiopathic hypertrophic spinal pachymeningitis (IHSP) in a 40-year-old male who showed complete improvement to steroids without any further relapses. The patient presented with bilateral upper limb weakness with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) spine showing diffuse dural thickening of the entire spine with cervical cord compression. He had an extensive workup for underlying etiology and worsening symptoms until he was diagnosed with IHSP. Later, he was started on high-dose steroids with good response and no relapse after 2 years. A descriptive analysis of IHSP cases since 2009 including ours showed that it usually occurs after 50s with female preponderance. Weakness and sensory loss are the most common complaints with 50% patients showing clinical signs of myelopathy like hyperreflexia, clonus, Babinski sign and sensory level. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and inflammatory markers like erythrocytic sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) can be used to assess disease progression and prognosis. Surgical removal of HP followed by steroids is the best line of management while steroids alone can be tried in cases where clinical signs of myelopathy are absent.
Frailty and Increased Levels of Symptom Burden Can Predict the Presence of Each Other in HNSCC Patients

Frailty is an important risk factor for adverse events (AEs), especially in elderly patients. Therefore, assessing frailty before therapy is recommended. In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients, frailty is prognostic for severe postoperative complications and declining quality of life (QoL) after HNSCC treatment. Thus, assessment of frailty may help to identify individuals at risk for AE caused by oncologic therapy. We investigated the relationship between frailty and symptom burden to better understand their interaction and impact on HNSCC patients. In this prospectively designed cross-sectional study, the presence of frailty and symptom burden was assessed by using the Geriatric 8 (G8) and Minimal Documentation System (MIDOS2) questionnaires. A total of 59 consecutively accrued patients with a first diagnosis of HNSCC before therapy were evaluated. Patients were considered frail at a total G8 score ≤ 14. The MIDOS2 symptom burden score was considered pathological with a total score ≥ 4 or any severe symptom (=3). Statistical correlations were analyzed using Spearman and Pearson correlation. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyze the potential of predicting frailty and MIDOS2. p-values < 0.05 were considered significant. A total of 41 patients (69.5%) were considered frail, and 27 patients (45.8%) had increased symptom burden. “Tiredness” was the most common (overall rate 57.8%) and “Pain” was the most often stated “severe” symptom (5 patients, 8.5%). G8 and MIDOS2 correlated significantly (ρ = −0.487, p < 0.001; r = −0.423, p < 0.001). Frailty can be predicted by MIDOS2 symptom score (AUC = 0.808, 95% CI 0.698–0.917, p < 0.001). Vice versa, the G8 score can predict pathological symptom burden according to MIDOS2 (AUC = 0.750, 95% CI 0.622–0.878, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The strong link between frailty and increased symptom burden assessed by G8 or MIDOS2 indicates a coherence of both risk factors in HNSCC patients. Considering at least one of both scores might improve the identification of individuals at risk and achieve higher QoL and reduced complication rates by decision making for appropriate therapy regimens.
Application of Embodied Learning in Middle School Mathematics Education

This paper explores the application of embodied learning as a pedagogical approach in mathematics education for middle school students. The main body of the paper is organized into three essential sections. Firstly, practical strategies for implementing embodied learning are discussed. These strategies encompass teaching through body movements, employing hands-on materials, and integrating technology such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and interactive manipulatives. Secondly, the challenges and limitations faced in the context of embodied learning are examined. These include the resistance of teachers lacking professional training, the scarcity of effective teaching resources, and limitations pertaining to interactivity and student participation. Lastly, the paper emphasizes the implementation of embodied learning in the middle school mathematics curriculum. Specifically, it highlights the integration of embodied learning into lesson plans and activities, considerations for effective classroom management and instruction, and the significance of providing professional development and support for teachers. Overall, this paper provides valuable insights into the potential benefits and considerations associated with the incorporation of embodied learning in middle school mathematics education. By presenting practical strategies, addressing challenges, and emphasizing the importance of proper implementation, the paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge on this innovative pedagogy.
Aberrant brain functional hubs and causal effective connectivity in menstrually-related and non-menstrually-related migraine without aura

Background Menstrual migraine without aura (MRM) is common in female migraineurs and is closely related to cerebral functional abnormalities. However, whether the whole brain networks and directional functional connectivity of MRM patients are altered remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to detect the alterations of resting-state functional networks and directional functional connectivity between MRM and non-menstrual migraine without aura (NMM) patients using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with degree centrality (DC) and Granger causality analysis (GCA) methods. Methods In this retrospective and cross-sectional study, 45 MRM and 40 NMM patients (matched in age, gender, and years of education) were recruited in the study between May 2018 and June 2022. All participants had undergone resting-state fMRI scanning at the Neurology and Pain Outpatient Department of Nanjing First Hospital. Their brain functions were analyzed in terms of DC and GCA, with the significant threshold at voxel level P<0.01 and cluster level P<0.05, Gaussian random field corrected. Correlation analysis was adopted to assess the relationships between the fMRI results and clinical features (P<0.05, Bonferroni corrected). Results Compared with those in the NMM group, MRM patients showed decreased DC in the right insula (T=−4.253). Using the right insula as the seed region, patients with MRM demonstrated enhanced effective connectivity from the right insula to the ipsilateral middle temporal gyrus (T=4.138) and contralateral superior temporal gyrus (T=3.523). Furthermore, the MRM group also showed decreased effective connectivity from several brain regions to the right insula, which included the right inferior occipital gyrus (T=−4.498), left middle frontal gyrus (T=−4.879), right precuneus (T=−4.644), and left inferior parietal gyrus (T=−4.113). The average Self-rating Anxiety Scale score of the MRM group was significantly higher than that of the NMM group [P=0.032, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.363–7.761]. In the MRM group, disease duration was negatively correlated with the mean value of DC in right insula (r=−0.428, P=0.01). Conclusions The present research demonstrated that patients with MRM have disruption in insula resting-state functional networks. Disrupted networks contained regions associated with cognitive processes, emotional perception, and migraine attack in MRM patients. These results may improve our comprehension of the neuromechanism of menstrually-related migraine.
Implementation of Mozart Classical Music Therapy for Pain in Post-Op Tibia Fracture Patients "Literature Review"

Tibial fracture is a condition where the continuity of the bone is broken due to direct or indirect trauma. Tibial fractures are one of the most common types of lower extremity fractures throughout the world. Therefore, appropriate management strategies are needed to reduce the incidence of tibia fractures and the impacts they can cause. To determine the effect of implementing Mozart classical music therapy on pain in post-op patients with tibia fractures. Descriptive analytical literature review design. Data was obtained through article search results using two electronic databases, namely Google Scholar and Garuda Portal, 167 articles were identified with a total sample size of 79 respondents. Analysis uses a map of extracted data in a grid synthesis table including author, year of publication, country, aim, sample, design, duration, results and research conclusions. This research shows that Mozart classical music therapy has been proven to have a significant effect on reducing pain in post-op patients with tibia fractures. Based on this literature review, it can be concluded that Mozart classical music therapy has proven effective in reducing pain in post-op patients with tibia fractures.
VARIAÇÃO ESPAÇO-TEMPORAL DO BANCO DE SEMENTES EM UMA ÁREA DE FLORESTA TROPICAL SECA (CAATINGA) – PERNAMBUCO

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a variacao espaco-temporal do banco de sementes em uma area de caatinga. O estudo foi realizado na estacao do IPA, Caruaru-PE. O solo foi coletado nos finais das estacoes chuvosa de 2006 (setembro) e seca de 2007 (marco), em 105 parcelas (35 no microhabitat plano, 35 no rochoso e 35 no ciliar) de 20x20cm e nas profundidades serrapilheira e solo de 0 a 5 cm. A densidade das sementes foi determinada pelo metodo de emergencia de plântulas. Na estacao chuvosa foram registradas 33 especies (27 herbaceas e seis lenhosas) e na seca 23 (15 herbaceas e oito lenhosas). O numero total de sementes na estacao chuvosa (1220: 139 na serrapilheira e 1081 na profundidade 0-5 cm) foi significativamente maior do que na seca (918: 239 na serrapilheira e 679 na profundidade 0-5 cm). Na estacao chuvosa, o numero de sementes no ciliar (568) foi significativamente maior do que no plano (296) e no rochoso (356). Na seca, nao houve diferenca no numero de semente entre o plano (177), rochoso (426) e ciliar (315). Este estudo aponta que a sazonalidade climatica exerce influencia na riqueza de especies e no numero de sementes presentes no solo da area de caatinga estudada. Alem disso, a influencia de microhabitats na densidade do banco de sementes varia no tempo. Este estudo descreve a influencia interativa da sazonalidade e microhabitats na densidade do banco de sementes em apenas um ano, sendo necessarios estudos a posteriori para verificar se este resultado se repete entre anos.
Business Environmental Forces and Competitive Advantage: An Empirical Study of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions Facilities in Kenya

Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector is one of the main contributors of competitiveness across cities and countries. Geographically, Kenya’s vantage position places it as the gateway to East and Central Africa and this has been strengthened by its thriving economy. The MICE sector is considered an economic pillar that boosts the targets envisioned in the Kenya Vision 2030 blueprint. The promotion of the sector through regional markets and appointment of promotional agents for MICE products and services, establishment of a website for promoting services offered in classified MICE facilities, taking part in domestic and international trade fairs, developing marketing resources and monitoring projections on tourist visitations have been undertaken by Kenya Tourism Board. Also, in an effort to expand the sector, 68 international branded hotels were launched in 2019 with an additional 27 expected to penetrate the market by 2024. Despite these initiatives, in the year 2019 MICE sector recorded an insignificant 0.2% increase in revenue, while leisure industry accrued 63.15% in revenue generation. Still in the year 2020, leisure industry accrued revenue of up to 71.56% compared to 0.33% in MICE sector. The gap in proactive marketing of the sector, coupled with bidding and inaccessibility of basic information on the availability of facilities continue to pose a challenge to the expansion of the sector. This research sought to examine the influence that business environmental forces have on competitive advantage of MICE facilities in Kenya, from the lens of Porters Five Forces model of competitive position. The research used explanatory research design anchored on positivist philosophical paradigm. Purposive sampling method was employed and a sample size of 107 drawn from a target population of 496 MICE facilities. Closed-ended questionnaires were utilized during data collection, with key respondents being marketing managers. Data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. From the analysis, it was established that business environmental forces have a significant direct effect on competitive advantage (β=0.443, p-value <0.05) an indication that MICE facilities are influenced by business environmental forces.
Research of the economic positioning of the Western Balkan countries using the LOPCOW and EDAS methods

The issue of analyzing the factors of the dynamics of the economic performance of each economy, which means also the countries of Western Balkan (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia), is continuously very current, challenging, significant and complex. Adequate control of the analyzed economic indicators can have a significant impact on the achievement of the target economic performance of each economy, including the countries of the Western Balkans. The application of multi-criteria decision-making methods enables adequate control of the key factors of the economic performances of the economies of the Western Balkan countries. In this paper, starting from that, the economic performances of the economies of the Western Balkan countries are comparatively analyzed based on the LOPCOW-EDAS method. According to the results of the given research, Serbia is the leading country in the Western Balkans in terms of economic performance. Followed by: Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Recently, the economic performance of the Serbian economy has significantly improved. Adequate control of relevant influential factors can greatly influence the achievement of the target economic performance of the Serbian economy. The digitization of the company's entire operations certainly plays a significant role in this.
A Novel Rabbit Model of Retained Hemothorax with Pleural Organization

Retained hemothorax (RH) is a commonly encountered and potentially severe complication of intrapleural bleeding that can organize with lung restriction. Early surgical intervention and intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy have been advocated. However, the lack of a reliable, cost-effective model amenable to interventional testing has hampered our understanding of the role of pharmacological interventions in RH management. Here, we report the development of a new RH model in rabbits. RH was induced by sequential administration of up to three doses of recalcified citrated homologous rabbit donor blood plus thrombin via a chest tube. RH at 4, 7, and 10 days post-induction (RH4, RH7, and RH10, respectively) was characterized by clot retention, intrapleural organization, and increased pleural rind, similar to that of clinical RH. Clinical imaging techniques such as ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) revealed the dynamic formation and resorption of intrapleural clots over time and the resulting lung restriction. RH7 and RH10 were evaluated in young (3 mo) animals of both sexes. The RH7 recapitulated the most clinically relevant RH attributes; therefore, we used this model further to evaluate the effect of age on RH development. Sanguineous pleural fluids (PFs) in the model were generally small and variably detected among different models. The rabbit model PFs exhibited a proinflammatory response reminiscent of human hemothorax PFs. Overall, RH7 results in the consistent formation of durable intrapleural clots, pleural adhesions, pleural thickening, and lung restriction. Protracted chest tube placement over 7 d was achieved, enabling direct intrapleural access for sampling and treatment. The model, particularly RH7, is amenable to testing new intrapleural pharmacologic interventions, including iterations of currently used empirically dosed agents or new candidates designed to safely and more effectively clear RH.
Translational gut microbiome research for strategies to improve beef cattle production sustainability and meat quality

Advanced and innovative breeding and management of meat-producing animals are needed to address the global food security and sustainability challenges. Beef production is an important industry for securing animal protein resources in the world and meat quality significantly contributes to the economic values and human needs. Improvement of cattle feed efficiency has become an urgent task as it can lower the environmental burden of methane gas emissions and the reduce the consumption of human edible cereal grains. Cattle depend on their symbiotic microbiome and its activity in the rumen and gut to maintain growth and health. Recent developments in high-throughput omics analysis (metagenome, metatranscriptome, metabolome, metaproteome and so on) have made it possible to comprehensively analyze microbiome, hosts and their interactions and to define their roles in affecting cattle biology. In this review, we focus on the relationships among gut microbiome and beef meat quality, feed efficiency, methane emission as well as host genetics in beef cattle, aiming to determine the current knowledge gaps for the development of the strategies to improve the sustainability of beef production.
Preserving Texture Boundaries for SAR Sea Ice Segmentation

Texture analysis has been used extensively in the computer–assisted interpretation of SAR sea ice imagery. Provision of maps which distinguish relevant ice types is significant for monitoring global warming and ship navigation. Due to the abundance of SAR imagery available, there exists a need to develop an automated approach for SAR sea ice interpretation. Grey level co-occurrence probability (GLCP) texture features are very popular for SAR sea ice classification. Although these features are used extensively in the literature, they have a tendency to erode and misclassify texture boundaries. Proposed is an advancement to the GLCP method which will preserve texture boundaries during image segmentation. This method exploits the relationship a pixel has with its closest neighbors and weights the texture measurement accordingly. These texture features are referred to as WGLCP (weighted GLCP) texture features. In this research, the WGLCP and GLCP feature sets are compared in terms of boundary preservation, unsupervised segmentation ability, robustness to increasing boundary density and computation time. The WGLCP method outperforms the GLCP method in all aspects except for computation time, where it suffers. From the comparative analysis, an inconsistency with the GLCP correlation statistic was observed, which motivated an investigative study into using this statistic for image segmentation. As the overall goal of the thesis is to improve SAR sea ice segmentation accuracy, the concepts developed from the study are applied to the image segmentation problem. The results indicate that for images with high contrast boundaries, the GLCP correlation statistical feature decreases segmentation accuracy. When comparing WGLCP and GLCP features for segmentation, the WGLCP features provide higher segmentation accuracy.
Understanding the Effects of Aerosols on Electrification and Lightning Polarity in an Idealized Supercell Thunderstorm via Model Emulation

Aerosol effects on the lightning intensity and polarity of a continental supercell storm were investigated using a three‐dimensional lightning scheme within the Weather Research and Forecasting model. We find that both intra‐cloud (IC) and cloud‐to‐ground (CG) flashes are enhanced by the increasing number of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), especially the percentage of positive CG (+CG) strokes peaking at 42%. Electrical characteristics of the storm varied in different aerosol scenarios through microphysical processes. Added aerosols increase the number of cloud droplets and ice‐phase hydrometeors. The greater ice‐crystal concentration and larger graupel size ensure sufficient charge separation, leading to higher charge density and more lightning discharges. In addition, an inverted polarity charge structure with a strong positive‐charge region in the mid‐levels was formed mainly due to the positively charged graupel in the presence of higher supercooled cloud water content. Positive lightning channels originating from this positive‐charge region propagated to the ground, producing more +CG strokes. When the aerosol concentration was low, the charge density in the upper positive‐charge region was much lower due to smaller ice‐particle content. Consequently, there were barely any +CG strokes. Most of the negative CG flashes deposited positive charge in the lower negative‐charge region.