Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Random Walk for modelling Multi Core Fiber cross-talk and step distribution characterisation.

A novel random walk based model for inter-core cross-talk (IC-XT) characterization of multi-core fibres capable of accurately representing both time-domain distribution and frequency-domain representation of experimental IC-XT has been proposed. It was demonstrated that this model is a generalization of the most widely used model in literature to which it will converge when the number of samples and measurement time-window tend to infinity. In addition, this model is consistent with statistical analysis such as short term average crosstalk (STAXT), keeping the same convergence properties and it showed to be almost independent to time-window. To validate this model, a new type of characterization of the IC-XT in the dB domain (based on a pseudo random walk) has been proposed and the statistical properties of its step distribution have been evaluated. The performed analysis showed that this characterization is capable of fitting every type of signal source with an accuracy above 99.3%. It also proved to be very robust to time-window length, temperature and other signal properties such as symbol rate and pseudo-random bit stream (PRBS) length. The obtained results suggest that the model was able to communicate most of the relevant information using a short observation time, making it suitable for IC-XT characterization and core-pair source signal classification. Using machine-learning (ML) techniques for source-signal classification, we empirically demonstrated that this technique carries more information regarding IC-XT than traditional statistical methods.
Role of the Platelets and Nitric Oxide Biotransformation in Ischemic Stroke: A Translative Review from Bench to Bedside

Ischemic stroke remains the fifth cause of death, as reported worldwide annually. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) manifesting with lower nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability leads to increased vascular tone, inflammation, and platelet activation and remains among the major contributors to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Moreover, temporal fluctuations in the NO bioavailability during ischemic stroke point to its key role in the cerebral blood flow (CBF) regulation, and some data suggest that they may be responsible for the maintenance of CBF within the ischemic penumbra in order to reduce infarct size. Several years ago, the inhibitory role of the platelet NO production on a thrombus formation has been discovered, which initiated the era of extensive studies on the platelet-derived nitric oxide (PDNO) as a platelet negative feedback regulator. Very recently, Radziwon-Balicka et al. discovered two subpopulations of human platelets, based on the expression of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS-positive or eNOS-negative platelets, respectively). The e-NOS-negative ones fail to produce NO, which attenuates their cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling pathway and—as result—promotes adhesion and aggregation while the e-NOS-positive ones limit thrombus formation. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), a competitive NOS inhibitor, is an independent cardiovascular risk factor, and its expression alongside with the enzymes responsible for its synthesis and degradation was recently shown also in platelets. Overproduction of ADMA in this compartment may increase platelet activation and cause endothelial damage, additionally to that induced by its plasma pool. All the recent discoveries of diverse eNOS expression in platelets and its role in regulation of thrombus formation together with studies on the NOS inhibitors have opened a new chapter in translational medicine investigating the onset of acute cardiovascular events of ischemic origin. This translative review briefly summarizes the role of platelets and NO biotransformation in the pathogenesis and clinical course of ischemic stroke.
Microfracture Versus Drilling of Articular Cartilage Defects: A Systematic Review of the Basic Science Evidence

Background: Microfracture (MFx) is one of the most common techniques used for the treatment of articular cartilage defects, although recently there has been a trend toward the use of drilling rather than MFx for the treatment of these defects. Purpose: To perform a systematic review of basic science studies to determine the effect of microfracture versus drilling for articular cartilage repair. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE to identify basic science studies comparing outcomes of MFx versus drilling. The search phrase used was microfracture AND (drilling OR microdrilling). Inclusion criteria were basic science studies that directly compared the effect of MFx versus drilling on subchondral bone, bone marrow stimulation, and cartilage regeneration. Results: A total of 7 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. Of these, 4 studies were performed in rabbits, 1 study in sheep, and 2 studies in humans. All of the included studies investigated cartilage repair in the knee. In the animal studies, microfracture produced fractured and compacted bone and led to increased osteocyte necrosis compared with drilling. Deep drilling (6 mm) was superior to both shallow drilling (2 mm) and MFx in terms of increased subchondral hematoma with greater access to marrow stroma, improved cartilage repair, and increased mineralized bone. However, the overall quality of cartilage repair tissue was poor regardless of marrow stimulation technique. In 2 studies that investigated repair tissue after MFx and/or drilling in human patients with osteoarthritis and cartilage defects, the investigators found that cartilage repair tissue did not achieve the quality of normal hyaline articular cartilage. Conclusion: In the limited basic science studies that are available, deep drilling of cartilage defects in the knee resulted in improved biological features compared with MFx, including less damage to the subchondral bone and greater access to marrow stroma. Regardless of marrow stimulation technique, the overall quality of cartilage regeneration was poor and did not achieve the characteristics of native hyaline cartilage. Overall, there is a general lack of basic science literature comparing microfracture versus drilling for focal chondral defects.
Differences in educational attainment between obese and non-obese Kuwaiti female university students

Individuals with obesity tend to perform less well than their non-obese peers in tertiary education, but there is little evidence from non-Western countries and recent studies. The present study aimed to test whether academic attainment differed between female undergraduates with obesity (defined by body mass index (BMI)), and those who were non-obese in Kuwait, a country with very high obesity prevalence. In 400 female Kuwaiti first- and second-year Social Science students (mean age 18⋅0, sd 0⋅6 years), educational attainment was defined as the Grade Point Average (GPA) across all subjects (from 1⋅00 to 4⋅00). The mean GPA (2⋅51, sd 0⋅53) among students defined as obese by the BMI (n 163) was significantly lower than among the students defined as non-obese by the BMI (n 237; 2⋅80, sd 0⋅63; P < 0⋅001), and those defined as obese were more likely to be in the lowest quartile for the GPA (OR 3⋅03; 95% CI 1⋅90, 4⋅85), independent of socio-economic status. Similar differences were observed between students defined as having high versus normal body fatness. Female undergraduates in Kuwait with obesity have lower academic attainment than their non-obese peers, and universities should consider measures to mitigate reduced attainment among their female undergraduates.
A Novel Oral Astaxanthin Nanoemulsion from Haematococcus pluvialis Induces Apoptosis in Lung Metastatic Melanoma

Astaxanthin (AST) is a naturally occurring xanthophyll carotenoid having the potential to be used as an anticancer agent; however, the human body has a low bioavailability of AST due to its poor solubility in the water phase. Therefore, we applied D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) as an emulsifier and natural edible peanut oil to form a steady oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsion loaded with AST (denoted as TAP-nanoemulsion). TAP-nanoemulsions were stable without the droplet coalescence against thermal treatments (30-90°C), pH value changes (over a range of 2.0-8.0), and ionic strength adjustments (at NaCl concentrations of 100-500 mM) measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS). AST within TAP-nanoemulsion was released up to 80% in a simulated intestinal enzymatic fluid in vitro, and the overall recovery rate was fairly consistent in the Caco-2 cellular model. In order to further evaluate in vivo melanoma inhibitory experiments, we injected the fluorescent-stained B16F10 cells into female C57BL/6 mouse tail veins and treated TAP-nanoemulsion in an oral gavage. qRT-PCR and Western blot demonstrated that TAP-nanoemulsion triggered effectively the apoptosis pathway, including enhancements of cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9, ataxia-telangiectasia mutated kinase (ATM), and p21WAF1/CIP1 (p21) and decreases of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2); cyclins D, D1, and E; mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK); extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK); nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB); and matrix metallopeptidase-1 and metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-1 and MMP-9) in both gene and protein expressions. In conclusion, this study suggests that TAP-nanoemulsion with the oral treatment has a positive chemotherapy effect in melanoma with lung metastases in vivo. As far as we know, this is the first time to demonstrate that an antioxidant in nanoparticle administration cures lung metastatic melanoma.
Leaf growth and photosynthetic response to nitrogen and phosphorus in seedling trees of Gmelina arborea

Plants were grown in sand cultures under controlled conditions using nutrient solutions which were adjusted with respect to either nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) concentrations (two separate experiments) with other elements non-limiting. Leaf expansion at successive nodes was measured non-destructively and analysed according to the Richard's function, revised to provide geometrically meaningful parameters that could be linked with the dynamics of leaf growth. The reparameterised form describes sigmoidal increase in area (W) over time (t) as follows: W(t)= Wx(1+der(1+d)(to-t))-(1/d) where W, (cm2) is the asymptotic value of W for large t, to (days) is the time at which W(t) undergoes its point of inflexion, r (days-1) is the relative rate of lamina expansion of W(t) at to, and d determines the shape of the curve W versus t, so that the inflexion point occurs further up the curve with larger d. A comparison between N and P effects on leaf expansion parameters in plants showing similar net reduction in leaf mass and stem volume showed that Wx was more influenced by low N, whereas r was more sensitive to low P. A given reduction in canopy area due to nutrient deficiency was thus mainly attributable to smaller leaves on low N, but to fewer leaves on low P. Leaf photosynthesis (light-saturated in air) showed a curvilinear increase with tissue N and P, saturating above c. 2.5 mmol N (g dm)-1 and 100 μmol P (g dm)-1 in N and P experiments respectively. Leaf growth parameters Wx and r showed a similar dose response and highlight a potential use of those indices for analysis of growth response to N and P nutrition.
Genomic and Pathogenic Characteristics of Virulent Newcastle Disease Virus Isolated from Chicken in Live Bird Markets and Backyard Flocks in Kenya

Newcastle disease (ND) causes significant economic losses in the poultry industry in developing countries. In Kenya, despite rampant annual ND outbreaks, implementation of control strategies is hampered by a lack of adequate knowledge on the circulating and outbreak causing-NDV strains. This study reports the first complete genome sequences of NDV from backyard chicken in Kenya. The results showed that all three isolates are virulent, as assessed by the mean death time (MDT) and intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI) in specific antibody negative (SAN) embryonated eggs and 10-day-old chickens, respectively. Also, the polybasic amino acid sequence at the fusion-protein cleavage site had the motif 112RRQKRFV118. Histopathological findings in four-week-old SPF chicken challenged with the NDV isolates KE001, KE0811, and KE0698 showed multiple organ involvement at five days after infection with severe effects seen in lymphoid tissues and blood vessels. Analysis of genome sequences obtained from the three isolates showed that they were 15192 base pair (bp) in length and had genomic features consistent with other NDV strains, the functional sites within the coding sequence being highly conserved in the sequence of the three isolates. Amino acid residues and substitutions in the structural proteins of the three isolates were similar to the newly isolated Tanzanian NDV strain (Mbeya/MT15). A similarity matrix showed a high similarity of the isolates to NDV strains of class II genotype V (89–90%) and subgenotype Vd (95–97%). Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the three isolates are closely related to NDV genotype V strains but form a distinct cluster together with NDV strains from the East African countries of Uganda and Tanzania to form the newly characterized subgenotype Vd. Our study provides the first description of the genomic and pathological characteristics of NDV of subgenotype Vd and lays a baseline in understanding the evolutionary dynamics of NDV and, in particular, Genotype V. This information will be useful in the development of specific markers for detection of viruses of genotype V and generation of genotype matched vaccines.
Oral hygiene and habits of children with autism spectrum disorders and their families

Background Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) frequently receive poorer health care then the general population. Frequently the speech-language pathologist is the only health professional that follows the child’s everyday life and therefore is the only resource for guidance regarding basic health habits. Poor oral health may result in severe discomfort and other health problems that can be prevented by simple routine habits and adequate professional follow-up. The aim of the present study was to gather information about oral hygiene and dental care habits of children with ASD and their families. The hypothesis was that these children have poorer oral care habits than their families. Material and Methods Participants were parents of 120 children with autism, aged 4 to 12 years in two different cities of the state of Sao Paulo. They answered to a simple questionnaire about oral hygiene and health care habits. Results Indicated that there is a significant difference (p< 0.001) between the children and their families regarding basic oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing, as well as routine visits to the dentist. Conclusions This information clearly indicates the need for education programs aiming to encourage the inclusion children with ASD in the basic habits of oral care carried-out by the families. Key words:Autism disorder, oral hygiene habits, oral health.
Inhibited CSF1R Alleviates Ischemia Injury via Inhibition of Microglia M1 Polarization and NLRP3 Pathway

Ischemia cerebral stroke is one of the common neurological diseases with severe inflammatory response and neuron death. The inhibition of colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) which especially expressed in microglia/macrophage exerted neuroprotection in stroke. However, the underlying neuroinflammatory regulation effects of CSF1R in ischemia stroke are not clear. In this study, cerebral ischemia stroke mice model was established. The C57/B6J mice were administered with Ki20227, a CSF1R inhibitor, by gavage for 7 consecutive days (0.002 mg/kg/day) before modeling. The Rota-Rod test and neurobehavioral score test were investigated to assess neurobehavioral functions. The area of infarction was assessed by 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. The mRNA expressions of M1/M2 microglia markers were evaluated by real-time PCR. Immunofluorescence and Western blot were utilized to detect the changes of Iba1 and NLRP3 pathway proteins. Results showed that neurobehavioral function improvement was demonstrated by an increased stay time on the Rota-Rod test and a decreased neurobehavioral score in the Ki20227 treatment group. The area of infarction reduced in Ki20227 group when compared to the stroke group. Moreover, the mRNA expression of M1 microglia markers (TNF-α and iNOS) decreased while M2 microglia markers (IL-10 and Arg-1) increased. Meanwhile, compared to the stroke and stroke+PBS group, Ki20227 administration downregulated the expression of NLRP3, active caspase 1, and NF-κB protein in the ischemia penumbra of Ki20227 treatment group mice. In short, the CSF1R inhibitor, Ki20227, played vital neuroprotective roles in ischemia cerebral stroke mice, and the mechanisms may be via inhibiting microglia M1 polarization and NLRP3 inflammasome pathway activation. Our study provides a potential new target for the treatment of ischemic stroke injury.
Comparison of ground reaction force during gait between the nonparetic side in hemiparetic patients and the dominant side in healthy subjects

Considering the occurrence of gait impairment following stroke, walk-ing recovery is an important goal of rehabilitation. Ground reaction force (GRF) is used for gait assessment of rehabilitation progress during exercise in stroke patients. The aim of this study was to compare the GRF during gait of the nonparetic side in hemiparetic patients and the dominant side in healthy subjects. Twenty hemiparetic patients and 20 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Force plate was used to evaluate GRF during gait. Additionally, with the patients and subjects in supine position, we measured their range of motion (ROM) in ankle dor-siflexion using a digital goniometer. The force values of stance phase on the nonparetic side of hemiparetic patients were significantly less than on the dominant side of healthy subjects (P<0.05). The impulse values of stance phase on the paretic side and the nonparetic side of hemiparetic patients were significantly greater than on the dominant side of healthy subjects (P<0.05). The ankle ROM result was signifi-cantly correlated with the GRF values (P<0.05). It is important to assess and understand the nonparetic side as well as paretic side. These re-sults suggest that the analysis of GRF for exercise rehabilitation will be a valuable clinical evaluation in hemiparetic patients after a stroke.
EGCG Attenuates Renal Damage via Reversing Klotho Hypermethylation in Diabetic db/db Mice and HK-2 Cells

To explore whether epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) improves renal damage in diabetic db/db mice and high-glucose- (HG-) induced injury in HK-2 cells by regulating the level of Klotho gene promoter methylation. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), DNMT3a, DNMT3b, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and Klotho. The methylation level of the Klotho gene promoter was detected by pyrosequencing. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to detect the binding of the Klotho gene promoter to DNMT1 and DNMT3a. The expression of oxidative stress markers (reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)) and inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)) in kidney homogenates was also measured using ELISA. Klotho and DNMT3b protein expression was upregulated, while DNMT1, DNMT3a, TGF-β1, and α-SMA protein expression was downregulated after EGCG treatment. EGCG treatment also reduced the methylation level of the Klotho gene promoter as well as the binding of DNMT3a to the Klotho gene promoter. In addition, EGCG treatment significantly decreased the levels of ROS, MDA, 8-OHdG, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and increased the levels of CAT and SOD. Under HG conditions, EGCG regulated Klotho gene promoter methylation via DNMT3a and decreased the methylation level of the Klotho gene promoter, thereby upregulating the expression of the Klotho protein to exert its protective effect.
Prevalence of Hypertension and Associated Factors among the Outpatient Department in Akaki Kality Subcity Health Centers, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background Fatalities from hypertension in East Africa are increasing, even though they decreased in western industrial regions. Older age, being female, illiterate, smoking, physical inactivity, and high waist circumferences are major risk factors for the development of hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension among Federal Ministry Civil servants in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, has found to be high; which is an indication for institution-based hypertension-screening programs. Objective Prevalence of hypertension and associated factors among the outpatient department in Akaki Kality Subcity Health Centers, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methodology. Facility-based cross-sectional study was carried out on systematically sampled 401 out-department patients whose age was greater than or equal to 18 years in four government health centers in Addis Ababa. Data collection took place from March 10, 2018, to April 06 2018. Binary logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify predictors of hypertension. Results Patients had a mean age of 41.17 years (95% CI: 39.77–42.57). The prevalence of hypertension was 14% (95% CI: 13.653–14.347), and 30 (53.57%) were males. Alcohol drinkers were 11.844 times more likely to be hypertensive as compared to non-alcohol drinkers (AOR = 11.844, 95% CI: 3.596–39.014). Cigarette smokers were 16.511 times more likely to be hypertensive as compared to non-cigarette smokers (AOR = 16.511, 95% CI: 4.775–57.084). Khat chewers were 6.964 times more likely to be hypertensive as compared to non-khat chewers (AOR = 6.964, 95% CI: 1.773–26.889). Conclusion The prevalence of patients with hypertension was 14%. Alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking, khat chewing, body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, and age ≥44 years old are major determinants identified by this study. Hence, appropriate management of patients focusing on the relevant associated factors would be of great benefit in controlling hypertension.
Catatonic features in children and adolescents with N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antibody encephalitis

Catatonia is a psychomotor dysregulation syndrome of diverse aetiology, increasingly recognised as a prominent feature of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antibody encephalitis (NMDARE) in adults. No study to date has systematically assessed the prevalence and symptomatology of catatonia in children with NMDARE. We analysed 57 paediatric patients with NMDARE from the literature using the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale. Catatonia was common (occurring in 86% of patients), manifesting as complex clusters of positive and negative features within individual patients. It was both underrecognised and undertreated. Immunotherapy was the only effective intervention, highlighting the importance of prompt recognition and treatment of the underlying cause of catatonia.