Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SGLT2-inhibitors modulate the Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy and reduce the vaso-vagal syncope recurrence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: the SCAN study

Background: In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) the vaso-vagal syncope (VVS) recurrence could be due to the alteration of autonomic system function, evaluated by heart rate variability (HRV), and by 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-mIBG) myocardial scintigraphy indexes: Heart to Mediastinum ratio (H/Mlate), and Washout rate (WR). The SGLT2-I could modulate/reduce autonomic dysfunction in T2DM patients with VVS. This effect could reduce the VVS recurrence in T2DM patients. Methods: In a prospective multicenter study, we studied a population of 607 T2DM patients affected by VVS, as SGLT2-I-users (n 161) vs. Non-SGLT2-I users (n 446). Thus, in SGLT2-I-users vs. Non-SGLT2-I users, we investigated the HRV and 123I-MIBG modifications and VVS recurrence at 12 months of follow-up. Results: At baseline, and follow-up end Non-SGLT2-I users vs. SGLT2-I-users over-expressed the inflammatory markers and norepinephrine, with worse glucose homeostasis and significant difference of HRV parameters, H/Mlate, and the WR (p<0.05). Non-SGLT2-I users vs. SGLT2-I-users had higher recurrence of all causes VVS, and of vasodepressor, and mixed VVS (p<0.05). The Cox regression analysis showed that the H/Mlate (0.710, CI 95% [0.481-0.985]; p 0.024), and SGLT2-I (0.550, CI 95% [0.324-0.934]; p 0.027) predicted all VVS recurrence. Conclusions: Non-SGLT2-I users vs. SGLT2-I-users had alterations of the autonomic nervous system, with a higher rate of VVS recurrence at 1 year of follow-up. The indexes of cardiac denervation predicted the VVS recurrence, while the SGLT2-I reduced the risk of VVS recurrence. ﻿Clinical trial registration number: NCT03717207.
Augmented Renal Clearance: An Under-Recognized Phenomenon Associated With COVID-19

Augmented renal clearance (ARC) is a phenomenon that has been described mainly in critically ill patients and is characterized by increased creatinine clearance and elimination of renally cleared medications that could place patients at risk of therapeutic failure. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an overwhelming number of ICU admissions with many reports of the impact of COVID-19 on the kidney. This report aims to increase clinician awareness of, and risk factors for ARC in patients with COVID-19, especially in comparison to other critical illnesses.
Carry Momentum

Abstract Assets whose carry is trending up, namely, assets with high carry momentum, tend to have higher returns than those with low carry momentum. Using data from different asset classes, we show that portfolios with high-carry-momentum assets delivered higher returns than portfolios with low-carry-momentum assets. The return differentials cannot be explained by exposure to traditional market risks or by such seemingly related factors as time-series momentum and carry. The results can be motivated by a model in which investors’ demand for an asset depends on the market’s view on the expected returns. An increase in carry raises investors’ belief in the attractiveness of an asset, leading to the possibility for higher demand in the market and in turn to the potential for higher prices and positive returns.
Establishing Trust in E-Commerce Through Website Design Elements: The Moderating Role of Gender

It is expected that website design can lead to online trust, although research that systematically examines such a relationship is little. In addition, far too little attention has been paid to understand the effect of website design on e-trust across gender. In this study, therefore, three elements of website design (visual design, information design, and navigation design) are examined for their effect on consumer trust in e-commerce. Using data collected from 532 online shoppers , the overall model was first tested using structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis. The research model was then tested for each gender group separately. The results of the study indicated that website design is an important factor in establishing trust in e-commerce. Our results further revealed that website information design is more important to males than females in forming e-trust, while website navigation design is more important to females than males in forming e-trust. However, website visual design was found to be a key driver of e-trust for both males and females.
Recent advances in nanoparticles as antibacterial agent

Recently, the rapid increase in antibiotic-resistant pathogens has caused serious health problems. Researchers are searching for alternative antimicrobial substances to control or prevent infections caused by pathogens. Different strategies are used to develop effective antibacterial agents, and in this respect, nanoparticles are undoubtedly promising materials. Nanoparticles act by bypassing drug resistance mechanisms in bacteria and inhibiting biofilm formation or other important processes related to their virulence potential. Nanoparticles can penetrate the cell wall and membrane of bacteria and act by disrupting important molecular mechanisms. In combination with appropriate antibiotics, NPs may show synergy and help prevent the developing global bacterial resistance crisis. Furthermore, due to characteristics such as enhanced biocompatibility and biodegradability, polymer-based nanoparticles enable the development of a wide range of medical products. Antibacterial applications of nanoparticles range from antimicrobial synthetic textiles to biomedical and surgical devices when nanoparticles are embedded/loaded/coated into different materials. In this review, the antibacterial mechanisms of nanoparticles and their potential for use in the medical field are discussed.
Transfemoral Approach in Revision Hip Arthroplasty: A Prospective Analysis of 36 Cases: Radiological and Functional Results at a Minimum 2 Years Follow-up

Background and Objectives: One of the most difficult aspects of hip revision is to remove the stem from the femoral canal with or without cement while maintaining the maximal amount of bone stock to obtain the best possible press-fit of the revision prosthesis. The transfemoral approach ensures direct access to the medullary canal so that the content removal is completed under direct control, while protecting the bone. This type of approach is particularly efficient for special conditions, such as deformation of the proximal femoral region, broken stems, or the presence of cement over a long distance distal to the prosthesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the main advantages of transtrochanteric approach in hip revisions. Materials and Methods: Our series included 36 revisions performed using the transfemoral approach. We have analyzed the following postoperative radiological aspects: the length of the fixation zone distal to the osteotomized bone fragment (OBF), the gap between the OBF and the diaphysis, stem subsidence over time, and OBF consolidation. Results: The results were very good, both in terms of the rate of intraoperative complications and postoperative evolution. The fixation zone length was 4.2 cm on average (range: 2 to 5.8 cm). The distal gap between the OBF and the diaphysis was 1.2 cm on average (range: 0 to 2.3 cm). Stem subsidence was noted in four cases (11.1%). In all cases, stem subsidence occurred between three and six months and was 6 to 8 mm without affecting hip stability. OBF consolidation was radiologically confirmed for all cases at one year follow-up. Clinical assessment based on the Harris Hip Score showed an overall improvement from 43.2 preoperatively to 79.7 at 12 months and 83 at two years, respectively. The most important rate of progress was between 6 months and 12 months. Conclusions: The transtrochanteric approach has been shown to be very efficient for hip revisions. Understanding the hip biomechanics, applying a less aggressive surgical technique, and using efficient fixation methods such as cables significantly improved the results.
PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENT OF ONION (Allium cepa, L.) USING NATURAL FERTILIZERS OF PHOSPHORUS AND POTASSIUM UNDER SOUTH SINAI, CONDITIONS

Two field experiments were carried out at Ras Suder Experimental Station in South Sinai Governorate during 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 seasons to study the effect of natural fertilizers of phosphorus and potassium and the combination between them (rock phosphate 22% P2O5 and feldspar 10% K2O) at the rates of 0, 30, 45 P2O5 units/ fed. and 0, 48, 96 K2O units/ fed. , respectively. Also, NPK mineral fertilizers were used by the recommended dose as 60 N, 30 P2O5 and 48 K2O units/fed. on growth yield and its components as well as chemical compositions of onion. Drip irrigation system and saline water (about 3700 ppm) was used, the soil was saline and highly calcareous (49.5% CaCO3 ). The obtained results revealed that growth characters i.e., plant length, number of leaves/ plant, plant fresh weight of leaves and bulb, also, dry matter of bulb and bulb diameter gave significantly the highest values compared with the control treatment (mineral fertilizers) or natural combination fertilizers treatment ( 48 P2O5 rock phosphate plus 96 K2O feldspar units/ fed.). Also, the total yield, fresh weight of the bulb and bulb diameter were significantly the highest with the same natural treatment compared to other treatments. TSS, N, K and SO4 showed the highest content in onion bulbs with the preveous natural treatment or the control treatment, while the lowest and best figures of Na and Cl content were found with natural fertilizers at rates of 45 P2O5 plus 48 K2O units/ fed.
Exploring Relationships among Test Takers’ Behaviors and Performance Using Response Process Data

Students exhibit many behaviors when responding to items on a computer-based test, but only some of these behaviors are relevant to estimating their proficiencies. In this study, we analyzed data from computer-based math achievement tests administered to elementary school students in grades 3 (ages 8–9) and 4 (ages 9–10). We investigated students’ response process data, including the total amount of time they spent on an item, the amount of time they took to first respond to an item, the number of times they “visited” an item and the number of times they changed their responses to items, in order to explore whether these behaviors were related to overall proficiency and whether they differed across item formats and grades. The results indicated a non-linear relationship between the mean number of actions and proficiency, as well as some notable interactions between correctly answering an item, item format, response time, and response time latency. Implications for test construction and future analyses in this area are discussed.
A Bayesian Approach to the Estimation of Parameters and Their Interdependencies in Environmental Modeling

We present a case study for Bayesian analysis and proper representation of distributions and dependence among parameters when calibrating process-oriented environmental models. A simple water quality model for the Elbe River (Germany) is referred to as an example, but the approach is applicable to a wide range of environmental models with time-series output. Model parameters are estimated by Bayesian inference via Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling. While the best-fit solution matches usual least-squares model calibration (with a penalty term for excessive parameter values), the Bayesian approach has the advantage of yielding a joint probability distribution for parameters. This posterior distribution encompasses all possible parameter combinations that produce a simulation output that fits observed data within measurement and modeling uncertainty. Bayesian inference further permits the introduction of prior knowledge, e.g., positivity of certain parameters. The estimated distribution shows to which extent model parameters are controlled by observations through the process of inference, highlighting issues that cannot be settled unless more information becomes available. An interactive interface enables tracking for how ranges of parameter values that are consistent with observations change during the process of a step-by-step assignment of fixed parameter values. Based on an initial analysis of the posterior via an undirected Gaussian graphical model, a directed Bayesian network (BN) is constructed. The BN transparently conveys information on the interdependence of parameters after calibration. Finally, a strategy to reduce the number of expensive model runs in MCMC sampling for the presented purpose is introduced based on a newly developed variant of delayed acceptance sampling with a Gaussian process surrogate and linear dimensionality reduction to support function-valued outputs.
Relationship between Gerontological Nursing Students' Self Directed Learning Readiness and Learning Styles, Teaching Modes, and Academic Performance

Self directed learning is a process in which students take the scheme to prepare learning goals, discover their learning needs, recognize resources for learning, choose and fulfill learning strategies, and appraise learning outcomes. Objective: Determine the relationship between gerontological nursing students' self directed learning readiness and learning styles, teaching modes, and academic performance. Setting: This study was carried out in the gerontological Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University. Subjects: A total number of 272 fourth year nursing students were enclosed within the study. Tools: Four tools were used for data collection; Nursing students' demographic data and academic performance structured questionnaire, Self-directed learning readiness scale (SDLR), VARK questionnaire, and teaching modes efficiency questionnaire. Results: Total mean score of self directed learning readiness was high among gerontological nursing students and self-control subscale mean score was high compared to other SDLR subscales. Kinesthetic and read –write styles were the most reported learning style by students. There were significant relations between gender, teaching modes efficiency and SDLR. Conclusion: The majority of gerontological nursing students prefer to learn using unimodal of VARK modalities and the dominant learning style was kinesthetic and read write modal. No significant association between the students' marital status, residence, academic performance, learning styles, modal of learning and level of SDLR. Recommendations: Nursing educators should provide assistance and outlets for critical thinking, Problem based learning, brainstorming, selfdirection and various types of creative thinking and move the students from traditional educational approaches to more active and autonomous approaches.
Impact of income and unemployment on happiness: panel data evidence for European countries

ABSTRACT This study examines the short-run and long-run relationships between happiness and two economic variables, namely income and unemployment. Drawing from a sample of eleven European countries over a time period of 36 years spanning 1985–2020, we find that both income and unemployment have a significant impact on happiness levels. In particular, the results show that higher income leads to higher happiness in the long-run, but the short-run impact is rather weak. Moreover, unemployment decreases people’s happiness levels both in the short and in the long-run, emphasizing the need for European policies directed to job creation.
Optimization of Heat Treatment Parameters of AlSi7Mg Alloy

Constantly growing requirements concerning the quality of poured machinery components give rise to the need to find new solutions to improve their mechanical and technological properties, considering economic and ecological aspects resulting from energy consumption of the casting and heat treatment processes. This study presents the investigation of the effect of heat treatment on mechanical properties (tensile strength Rm, elongation A5, hardness HBW) of the AlSi7Mg alloy without modification and modified with strontium. Obtained results allowed us to determine T6 heat treatment parameters associated with the improvement of mechanical properties of the alloy with simultaneous limitation of duration of solutioning and aging treatments. The maximum increase in Rm was 67%, and 55% in the case of HBW, with a slight decrease in elongation (approx. 10%) in relation to an alloy not subjected to heat treatment in the adopted scope of tests for the total time of heat treatment of 4–6 h. The increase in elongation of up to 250% requires aging at a temperature exceeding 300 °C, which also causes a decrease in durability and hardness by 20%. Modification of the alloy using strontium before heat treatment facilitates the process of fragmentation and balling of silicone precipitates.
Case study on the clinical and anatomopathological descriptions of dog with primary uveal lymphoma

Intraocular lymphoma is a malignant neoplasm, which commonly affects the uveal tract of dogs, most of the time, a consequence of the multicentric by the hematogenous spread of neoplastic lymphocytes. The symptoms are varied and the chronicity can cause serious eye problems such as glaucoma and loss of visual acuity. In view of the unusual occurrence of primary ocular lymphoma in dogs, the objective was to discuss the case of a dog with uveal involvement, presenting conjunctival congestion, increased episcleral vessels, hypopyon, hyphema and increased intraocular pressure. After seven days of conservative treatment, symptoms worsened, especially the intraocular pressure. The tutor returned only two months after the consultation with the sonographic report of neoplasia in the uvea. There was an increase in the ocular bulb, vascularization and corneal edema, posterior synechia, discomfort, loss of visual acuity and neoformation in the iris. Was opted for enucleation and the histopathology suggested large cell lymphoma in the uveal tract. Two years after surgery, no metastases were observed. It is concluded that lymphoma can affect the uveal tract primarily in dogs, demonstrating different clinical signs and, in addition, early diagnosis and correctly instituted treatment favor quality of life and survival of the affected.
Characterisation of Endogenous Peptides Present in Virgin Olive Oil

The low molecular weight peptide composition of virgin olive oil (VOO) is mostly unknown. We aimed to investigate the composition of the endogenous peptides present in VOO, the protein sources from which those peptides originate and their biological activities. A water-soluble extract containing peptides was obtained from VOO. The peptides were separated by size-exclusion using fast protein liquid chromatography, and the low molecular weight fraction (1600–700 kDa) was analysed by nanoscale liquid chromatography Orbitrap coupled with tandem mass spectrometry and de novo sequencing. Nineteen new peptides were identified by Peaks database algorithm, using the available Olea europaea (cv. Farga) genome database. Eight new peptides were also identified by Peaks de novo sequencing. The protein sources of the peptides detected in the database by Peaks DB were identified by BLAST-P search. Seed storage proteins were among the most frequent sources of VOO peptides. BIOPEP software was used to predict the biological activities of peptides and to simulate (in silico) the proteolytic activity of digestive enzymes on the detected peptide sequences. A selection of synthetic peptides was obtained for investigation of their bioactivities. Peptides VCGEAFGKA, NALLCSNS, CPANGFY, CCYSVY and DCHYFL possessed strong ACE-inhibitory and antioxidant activities in vitro. Antioxidant peptides could play a role in VOO quality.
Stiffness mapping modeling and simulation for stewart mechanism

Based on the influence coefficient method and the principle of conservation of potential,a stiffness mapping model for Stewart mechanism was established taking the elastic deformation of active,passive joints and the effect of external wrench into account.Compared with the prevalent stiffness mapping model,the proposed model was more general and exact,considering not only the axis stiffness of actuator but also the stiffness of passive joints and the change of Jacobian matrix brought about by tiny change of the mechanism's configuration under external wrench.An example was analyzed by combining the stiffness matrix Reyleigh quotient to compare the stiffness performance differences between the two models.
Low Exposure to Direct Oral Anticoagulants Is Associated with Ischemic Stroke and Its Severity

Background and purpose In acute stroke patients, plasma concentrations of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) at hospital admission only poorly mirror DOAC exposure or the coagulation status at the time of the event. Here, we evaluated whether DOAC exposure and DOAC plasma concentration at the time of transient ischemic attacks (TIA) and ischemic strokes correlate with their likelihood of occurrence. Methods Prospectively, consecutive DOAC patients with acute ischemic stroke or TIA were included. Admission DOAC plasma concentrations were measured by ultraperformance liquid chromatography– tandem mass spectrometry. Individual DOAC exposure (area under the curve) and DOAC concentrations at event onset were derived from population pharmacokinetic analyses. Results DOAC exposure was successfully modeled in 211 patients (ischemic stroke 74.4%, TIA 25.6%). Compared to published values, 63.0% had relatively lower DOAC exposure and they more often received lower DOAC doses than recommended (odds ratio [OR], 2.125; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.039 to 4.560; P=0.044). These patients more likely suffered ischemic strokes than TIA (OR, 2.411; 95% CI, 1.254 to 4.638; P=0.008) and their strokes were more severe (slope, 3.161; 95% CI, 0.741 to 5.58; P=0.011). Low relative DOAC concentrations at event onset were likewise associated with ischemic strokes (OR, 4.123; 95% CI, 1.834 to 9.268; P=0.001), but not to stroke severity (P=0.272). DOAC exposure had a higher explanatory value for stroke severity than concentrations at event. Conclusions Low DOAC exposure is strongly associated to ischemic stroke and its severity. By monitoring DOAC plasma concentrations, patients prone to ischemic stroke might be identified.