Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rifaximin Improves Liver Functional Reserve by Regulating Systemic Inflammation

Rifaximin, a non-absorbable antibiotic, has been demonstrated to be effective against hepatic encephalopathy (HE); however, its efficacy on liver functional reserve remains unknown. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of rifaximin on the liver functional reserve and serological inflammation-based markers in patients with cirrhosis. A retrospective study was conducted on patients who received rifaximin for more than three months at our hospital between November 2016 and October 2021. The recurrence and grade of HE, serological ammonia levels, Child–Pugh score (CPS), and serological inflammation-based markers such as the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte–monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and CRP to albumin ratio (CAR) were evaluated. The correlations between serological inflammation-based markers and liver functional reserve were evaluated. HE grades, serum ammonia levels, and inflammation-based markers significantly improved at three months compared with those at baseline. Patients with improved albumin levels showed significantly higher CRP improvement rates at both 3 and 12 months. Patients with an improvement in CAR at 3 months demonstrated a significant improvement in CPS at 12 months. Rifaximin improved the liver functional reserve in patients with cirrhosis. Improvements in inflammation-based markers, particularly CRP and albumin, may be involved in this process.
Male Involvement in Family Planning Decisions in Malawi and Tanzania: What Are the Determinants?

The participation of males in joint spousal decisions is urgently needed in achieving the fundamental indicators of reproductive health. The low involvement of males in family planning (FP) decision-making is a major determining factor in low FP usage in Malawi and Tanzania. Despite this, there are inconsistent findings regarding the extent of male involvement and the determinants that aid male participation in FP decisions in these two countries. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of male involvement in FP decisions and its associated determinants within the household context in Malawi and Tanzania. We used data from the 2015–2016 Malawi and Tanzania Demographic and Health Surveys (DHSs) to examine the prevalence and the determinants inhibiting male involvement in FP decisions. The total sample size of 7478 from Malawi and 3514 males from Tanzania aged 15–54 years was employed in the analysis by STATA version 17. Descriptive (graphs, tables and means), bi-variate (chi-square) and logistic regression analyses (unadjusted (U) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR)) were performed to identify the determinants associated with male involvement in FP decisions. The mean age of respondents in Malawi was 32 years (±8 SD) and in Tanzania, 36 years (±6 SD), with the prevalence of male involvement in FP decisions being 53.0% in Malawi and 26.6% in Tanzania. Being aged 35–44 years [AOR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.59–2.05] and 45–54 years [AOR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.22–1.67], educated (secondary/higher) [AOR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.31–1.99], having access to media information [AOR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.21–1.51] and having a female head of household [AOR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.70–1.90] were determinant factors of male involvement in FP decisions in Malawi. Primary education [AOR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.39–2.72], having a middle wealth index ranking [AOR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.17–1.81], being married [AOR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.38–1.90] and working [AOR = 2.86; 95% CI: 2.10–3.88] were higher predictors of male involvement in FP decisions in Tanzania. Increasing the role of males in FP decisions and involvement in FP utilization may improve uptake and continuity of FP usage. Therefore, the findings from this cross-sectional study will support redesigning the ineffective strategic FP programs that accommodate socio-demographic determinants that may increase the likelihood of male involvement in FP decisions, especially in the grassroots settings in Malawi and Tanzania.
A critical examination of factors influencing international students’ choice to study in Ghanaian higher educational institutions

Abstract Recently, many Ghanaian universities have made considerable efforts to reposition themselves in the global space to attract international students. Although there have been some gains, the universities continue to attract a relatively lower number of students. We argue the need to critically examine the factors which motivate international students’ choice of study destinations to enhance the relevant approach and experience for them. Utilising a postcolonial approach and drawing on data from two Ghanaian institutions, this paper critically examines international students’ motivation to study in Ghana. The findings indicate that colonial legacies continue to characterise international students’ motivations. There is a need for institutions to create their niche and also provide relevant socio-cultural space to enhance students’ experiences. Global universities should cast off their negative perceptions of African universities and should provide greater and broader opportunities for their students to engage with these universities in their study-abroad programmes.
Relationship Dysfunction in Couples When One Partner Is Diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder: Findings from a Pilot Study

Relationship dysfunction—marked by frequent conflicts—is one of the hallmark features of borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, the BPD couple as a dyad and partner-related features have rarely been taken into account. The aim of the present study was to investigate hormonal, personality, and relationship relevant factors, such as relationship satisfaction, attachment, and trauma in both partners within a dyad where one partner is diagnosed with BPD. The total sample consisted of 26 heterosexual couples. All studies were conducted at 2 p.m. Primary outcomes: Neo-Five-Factor-Inventory, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Experiences in Close Relationships Scale. Secondary outcomes: Problem List, Partnership Questionnaire, Questionnaire for Assessing Dyadic Coping. Upon questionnaire completion, one saliva sample was taken via passive drool to assess baseline cortisol and testosterone levels. Results showed that females with BPD have higher scores on childhood maltreatment, dysfunctional attachment styles, and neuroticism than mentally healthy females. Furthermore, they have more relationship-related problems and are less satisfied in their romantic relationship. Male partners of women with BPD showed lower testosterone levels, higher levels of childhood maltreatment, dysfunctional attachment styles, neuroticism, and openness compared with the healthy control partners. Furthermore, childhood trauma, neuroticism as well as dysfunctional attachment styles displayed a significant positive correlation with relationship-related problems. Traumatic childhood experiences, insecure attachment styles as well as neurotic personality characteristics contribute to increased relationship disruptions in couples. Relevant hormonal and psychosocial parameters in BPD partners should be taken into account when treating females with BPD.
Infrared and Raman Study of the Charge-Ordered State in the Vicinity of the Superconducting State in the Organic Conductor β-(meso-DMBEDT-TTF)2PF6

We present spectroscopic evidence for charge ordering in β-( meso -DMBEDT-TTF) 2 PF 6 below ∼70 K. Its infrared and Raman spectra change abruptly at ∼70 K. The amplitude of the charge order was estimated to be 0.5 from the splitting of the infrared-active C=C stretching mode. The coexistence of both high-temperature and low-temperature signals was observed in a narrow temperature range (∼4 K) near the phase transition temperature. The pressure and temperature phase diagram was obtained in the vicinity of the superconducting phase. The checkerboard-type charge-order phase is not directly adjacent to the superconducting phase, but the superconducting phase is adjacent to the insulating phase where the short-range ordered domain of charge order is growing. The coexistent region expands significantly when hydrostatic pressure is applied. In the coexistent region, the crystal is inhomogeneous not just on a macroscopic scale, but also on a mesoscopic scale.
Thermal response to sequential tropical cyclone passages: Statistic analysis and idealized experiments

The cold wake caused by a tropical cyclone (TC) extends for hundreds of kilometers and persists for several weeks, thus influencing the surface response for any subsequent TCs that might pass over it. It is commonly accepted that sea-surface temperature (SST) cooling, as produced by a single TC, occurs primarily through vertical mixing. However, when there are sequential TCs, the earlier TC can dramatically change the thermal structure of the upper ocean, which may influence the subsequent development of a latter-occurring TC (LTC). Therefore, the contribution of horizontal advection and vertical mixing to SST-cooling during the passage of LTCs is of great interest. Using a 19-year-long observational dataset and the heat budget analysis of an idealized numerical simulation, the SST change during the passage of sequential TCs is investigated. The results demonstrate that, on average, the SST cooling caused by the LTC shows an overall decreasing trend with enhanced lingering wakes. Budget analysis of the model simulations suggests that an earlier TC can suppress the vertical mixing induced by an LTC mainly through an alteration of dynamics within the deepened mixed layer and that the contribution of vertical mixing to the SST cooling is weaker due to the intensification of the earlier TC. The weakened vertical mixing dominates the decreased SST cooling induced by an LTC. In contrast, the cold wake generated by an earlier TC can produce more cold water on the right side of the TC’s track, which contributes to stronger horizontal advection upon the arrival of the LTC. In general, the effects of the earlier TC can suppress the sea-surface thermal response to an LTC. If the contribution of the horizontal advection to SST cooling is neglected, the SST cooling induced by an LTC could be reduced by about 40%. As for the response of the sub-surface water to the passage of an LTC, the weakened warm anomaly induced by vertical mixing and the enhanced cooling anomaly caused by the vertical advection explain the reduced tendency for the mixed layer to deepen. As a result, the tendency for the mixed layer depth (MLD) to increase is suppressed during the passage of an LTC. These results highlight the importance of optimally depicting cold wakes in numerical simulations to improve the prediction of the upper ocean’s response to sequential TCs.
The climate at maximum entropy production by Meridional atmospheric and oceanic heat fluxes

In a zonally-average energy balance climate model (principal features as with Paltridge 1975) with the four unknowns - surface temperature T, cloud amount N, total meridional heat fluxes within the ocean and the atmosphere Om+Am, and total vertical heat flux LE+CH, the maximum entropy production by meridional heat fluxes is used as a constraint to solve the system for the four unknowns in all 10 boxes of the model. Since the solution at maximum entropy production by meridional heat fluxes agrees quite well with present mean conditions, this maximum principle is used as a working hypothesis for climate sensitivity studies avoiding the use of fixed cloud amount and meridional heat fluxes. the resulting sensitivities partly agree and disagree with those of similar energy balance climate models. Disagreement is particularly high if an ice-albedo feed-back is included. the feed-back is strongly reduced because of opposing effects of cloud amount in high latitudes.
Two‐dimensional inversion of airborne radiometric data for source concentrations: Application to Cu–Au targeting at Mara Rosa Magmatic Arc, Brazil

Airborne radiometrics (radiometric surveying) has been used in many applications, such as geological mapping, environmental studies, mineral exploration and lithology mapping. The standard processing of gamma‐ray spectrometry data provides good results when the acquisition conditions such as the flight and sensor orientation are constant. In practice, abrupt changes in flight height when flying in mountainous terrain are common, and standard processing neglecting this factor can lead to erroneous interpretation. The primary cause is the fact that the successive corrections applied to radiometric data in standard processing do not consider the effective sampled area of a survey (i.e. the field of view), which can have significant and variable overlaps between adjacent samples due to changing observation height. For this reason, standard height and sensitivity corrections may lead to incorrect estimates of the concentrations of the radioelements on the ground. To ameliorate this problem, we have developed a two‐dimensional inversion‐based processing method that incorporates the aircraft height, replaces the sensitivity correction and accounts for a positivity condition using a logarithmic barrier. Some minerals associated with potassium, uranium and thorium allow the mapping of hydrothermal alteration, especially potassium which is an important constituent of hydrothermal fluids. We demonstrate the new methods by comparing the standard processing results with the inversion‐based processing of airborne gamma‐ray spectrometry data in the gold deposit‐rich area of Mara Rosa Magmatic Arc, Brazil. The inversion‐based processing results enhance the anomalies and suppress the interpolation artefacts as well as increase the signal‐to‐noise ratio. The application of airborne radiometric transformed maps also improved the footprint knowledge around Cu–Au mineralization and highlighted potential areas for further studies.
Differential susceptibility of Red Sea Pocilloporidae corals to UVB highlights photoacclimation potential

Despite being exposed to extreme water temperatures and solar irradiances, Red Sea corals are relatively resistant to bleaching. While their thermal tolerance is well described, little is known about their resistance to ultraviolet-B radiation (UVB). Here, we performed a short-term (2 days) UVB-removal incubation with Stylophora pistillata, and in situ measurements with Pocillopora verrucosa complemented by a long-term (46 days) transplantation and UVB-removal experiment. Using a suite of physiological parameters (effective quantum yield (F v’/F m’), oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation, LPO), and primary production), we assessed the impacts of UVB on the physiology and acclimation capacity of Red Sea corals. Shielding S. pistillata from UVB did not change the gross primary production or F v’/F m’, and respiration and LPO in the host remained unaffected. In situ, P. verrucosa exhibited less varying and significantly higher F v’/F m’ in 8 m depth (0.61 ± 0.04) than in 4 m (0.52 ± 0.06), 2 m (0.51 ± 0.09), and 0.5 m (0.50 ± 0.11), where water temperatures ranged from 30.5–33.4, 30.6–34.0, 30.8–34.5, 30.6–37.3°C and daily UVB exposures averaged 0.9, 2.9, 11.8 and 21.4 kJ m-2, respectively. F v’/F m’ correlated the strongest with UVB (-0.57), followed by PAR (-0.54) and temperature (-0.40), suggesting that UVB is a key determinant of photosynthetic efficiency. F v’/F m’ of upward transplanted specimens (T 1m) was initially decreased but gradually increased and reached the same values as shallow corals (1 m) after 44 days. UVB removal significantly increased the F v’/F m’ of transplanted corals in the first 20 days. Oxidative stress was initially highest in T 1m samples under full sunlight but equalized with 1 m specimens by day 46, whereas oxidative stress was significantly reduced by day 4 in T 1m corals sheltered from UVB. Overall, UVB-removal generally had little impact on the physiology of shallow-water S. pistillata and P. verrucosa but considerably accelerated the acclimation of upward transplanted corals. Our study highlights that UVB is a crucial stressor governing the photoacclimation capacity of these Red Sea coral species.
Exposure to Healthy Weight Information on Short-Form Video Applications to Acquire Healthy Weight-Control Behaviors: A Serial Mediation Model

This study explored the effects of Chinese college students’ (20–34 years old) exposure to healthy weight information on short-form video applications on their intention to acquire healthy weight-control behaviors (reducing high-fat diet intake, accessing physical activity to control body weight, etc.). Specifically, this study investigated the direct and mediated effect on such a relationship via healthy weight awareness, the first-person effect, and perceived herd. The data were collected using a web-based survey and thoroughly tested questionnaire with a sample of 380 Chinese college students. Hierarchical regression, parallel mediation, and serial mediation analysis were applied to test the hypotheses. The results indicated that healthy weight awareness, first-person effect, and perceived herd all played mediator roles that induced the relationship between Chinese college students’ exposure to healthy weight information and their intention to acquire healthy weight-control behaviors. In addition, healthy weight awareness and the first-person effect sequentially mediated this relationship.
Tumor immune microenvironment changes are associated with response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and long-term survival benefits in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: A pilot study

Little is known about the association between efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT)/survival and the dynamic change of tumor immune environment (TIME) during treatment in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). This study investigated the TIME landscape of treatment-naive EOC tumors using multiplex immunofluorescence and associated the TIME before and after platinum-based NACT with treatment efficacy and prognosis in 33 patients with advanced EOC. NACT significantly increased the density of CD8+ T cells (P = 0.033), CD20+ B cells (P = 0.023), CD56 NK cells (P = 0.041), PD-1+ cells (P = 0.042), and PD-L1+CD68+ macrophages (P = 0.005) in the tissue specimens. Response to NACT was evaluated using CA125 response and chemotherapy response score (CRS). Compared with the non-responders, the responders displayed a larger proportion of tumors showing increase in the infiltration of CD20+ cells (P = 0.046) and in the M1/M2 ratio (P = 0.038) as well as fewer tumors showing increase in the infiltration of CD56bright cells (P = 0.041). No association was found between pre-NACT TIME and response to NACT. Density of pre-NACT CD8+ cells was positively associated with longer progression-free survival (PFS) (P = 0.011) and overall survival (OS) (P = 0.048). Post-NACT CD20+ and CD163+ macrophages (M2) infiltrates were associated with prolonged (P = 0.005) and shortened PFS (P = 0.021), respectively. Increase in the density of CD4+ T cells was predictive for longer PFS (P = 0.022) and OS (P = 0.023). In the multivariate analysis, high density of CD8+ cells pre-NACT (P = 0.042) were independently associated with improved OS.
Internal And External Analysis (IE) In Determining The Business Development Strategy Of Sweet Corn Seeds At UD. Agro Nusantara Prima, Bantul District, Yogyakarta Special Region

This study aims to analyze the best strategy that can be implemented and recommend it to UD Agro Nusantara Prima. This type of research uses a quantitative research approach; the research methods use descriptive methods; the implementation uses case studies; and the type of data used is primary data obtained through interviews and questionnaires with UD managers. Agro Nusantara Prima and secondary data obtained from literature, data, and reports owned by UD. Agro Nusantara Prima, analysis of factors using the internal factor evaluation (IFE) and external factor evaluation (EFE) matrices, position analysis using the IE matrix, as a solution for the sweet corn seed business development strategy at UD. Agro Nusantara Prima, Bantul Regency, and DI Yogyakarta. The results of the study show that: the business position of UD. Agro Nusantara Prima in the internal-external matrix is maintained in cell 5 (maintain and maintain), with a choice of business development strategies recommended to UD. Agro Nusantara Prima being product development through the development of seed products to meet the potential needs of certified sweet corn seeds.
The impacts of COVID-19 on the relationship between perceived economic inequality and political action among socioeconomic classes

Economic inequality qualifies as a structural characteristic leading to political action, albeit this relationship manifests differently across socioeconomic classes. COVID-19 pandemic has amplified existing economic inequalities in ways that increased social tensions and political unrest around the world. This research investigates the effect of COVID-19 personal impacts on the relationship between perceived economic inequality and individuals' political participation. An online survey was administered to an Italian representative sample of 1,446 people (51% women, mean age of 42.42 years, SD = 12.87). The questionnaire assessed the perceived economic inequality, the personal impacts of COVID-19 (i.e., on finance, mental health, and ability to procure resources), and individuals' involvement in political participation. Moderation analyses were conducted separately for different socioeconomic classes (i.e., lower, middle, and upper classes). Results showed that individuals who perceive greater economic inequality, while controlling for perceived wage gap, are more likely to take action, but only if they belong to the higher class. For lower-class individuals, perceiving greater inequality erodes political action. Interaction effects occurred mainly in the middle class and with COVID-19 impacts on resources procurement, which inhibits political action.
Impact of Sarcopenia on Survival in Patients Treated with FOLFIRINOX in a First-Line Setting for Metastatic Pancreatic Carcinoma

Sarcopenia, defined as decreased muscle mass and strength, can be evaluated by a computed tomography (CT) examination and might be associated with reduced survival in patients with carcinoma. The prognosis of patients with metastatic pancreatic carcinoma is poor. The FOLFIRINOX (a combination of 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin) chemotherapy regimen is a validated first-line treatment option. We investigated the impact of sarcopenia on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with metastatic pancreatic carcinoma. Clinical data and CT examinations of patients treated with FOLFIRINOX were retrospectively reviewed. Sarcopenia was estimated using baseline CT examinations. Seventy-five patients were included. Forty-three (57.3%) were classified as sarcopenic. The median OS of non-sarcopenic and sarcopenic patients were 15.6 and 14.1 months, respectively (p = 0.36). The median PFS was 10.3 in non-sarcopenic patients and 9.3 in sarcopenic patients (p = 0.83). No differences in toxicity of FOLFIRINOX were observed. There was a trend towards a higher probability of short-term death (within 4 months of diagnosis) in sarcopenic patients. In this study, the detection of sarcopenia failed to predict a longer OS or PFS in selected patients deemed eligible by a physician for triplet chemotherapy and receiving the FOLFIRINOX regimen in a first-line setting, confirming the major importance of a comprehensive patient assessment by physicians in selecting the best treatment option.