Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Safety of Monopolar Transurethral Resection of the Prostate on Bleeding Control in the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Obstruction: Is It Still a Good Option in Developing Countries?

Resection of the Prostate on Bleeding Control in the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Obstruction: Is It Still a Good Option Developing Countries? Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the bleeding control safety along with the need for preoperative blood preparation and postoperative blood transfusion in the transurethral resection of the prostate with monopolar system (M-TURP) for the treatment of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analysed 379 patients with BPO who underwent M-TURP procedure between January 2016 and December 2019 at a single centre. Importantly, we collected the demographic data, use of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor (5-ARI), postoperative haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit levels, platelet counts, and transfusion rates of these patients. Results: The minimum, maximum and the mean ages of the patients were 43, 79 and 67.44±7.74 years, respectively. The minimum, maximum and the mean prostate volumes of the patients measured via transrectal ultrasonography were 30, 95 and 53.42±18.12 mL, respectively. In total, 99 patients (26.1%) had received 5-ARI for at least three months before surgery. The mean decrease of the preoperative Hb in the postoperative 48 th hour was 0.99±0.87 gr/dL. Only 9 patients (2.4%) received the transfusion of blood products (erythrocytes or fresh frozen plasma). The preoperative Hb level was inversely and significantly correlated with the decrease in postoperative Hb and the need for transfusion (p<0.05). The preoperative use of 5-ARI was not associated with postoperative decrease in Hb and the need for transfusion. The preoperative cut-off value of Hb for predicting a substantial decrease in Hb and transfusion need after M-TURP was calculated as 12.45 gr/dL with a sensitivity and specificity of 77.8% and 86.8%, respectively. Conclusion: M-TURP is still a safe and effective option in BPO treatment in developing countries. Importantly, we do not recommend the routine preoperative blood preparation in index patients with Hb level higher than 12.45 gr/dL. Abstract University of Health Turkey, Sultan Abdülhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Urology, İstanbul,
Gender Bias in Agricultural Child Labor: Evidence from Survey Design Experiments

Agricultural labor accounts for the largest share of child labor worldwide. Yet, measurement of farm labor statistics is challenging due to its inherent seasonality, variable and irregular work schedules, and the varying saliencies of individuals’ work activities. The problem is further complicated by the presence of widespread gender stratification of work and social lives. This study reports the findings of three randomized survey design interventions over the agricultural coffee calendar in rural Ethiopia to address whether response by proxy rather than by self-report has effects on the measurement of child labor statistics within and across seasons. While the estimates do not report differences for boys across all seasons, the analysis shows sizable self/proxy discrepancies in child labor statistics for girls. Overall, the results highlight concerns on the use of survey proxy respondents in agricultural labor, particularly for girls. The main findings have important implications for policymakers about data collection in rural areas in developing countries.
The role of lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase-2 (LPCAT-2) in inflammatory responses

Sepsis is the overwhelming inflammatory response to infection, especially bacterial infection and associated bacterial products. It has major healthcare impacts, affecting an estimated 19-30 million persons/year worldwide with a mortality of 30-70%. Despite intense research, no specific therapy has been established for sepsis and in addition to the high mortality, the associated economic costs are very high. For example, recent data shows that the annual cost of patients with sepsis is more than $20 billion in the USA, and £2.5 billion in the UK. Therefore, novel targets and new therapies for sepsis are required which will have an important impact on both mortality and economic benefits. Recent work has demonstrated that the phopsholipid modifying enzyme, LPCAT, has a role in the regulation of inflammatory responses to bacterial infections. However, the mechanism of action in this regard is not well understood. This project aimed to identify the role of LPCAT-2 in inflammatory response to infections. This project has utilized the RAW264.7 murine macrophage cell line as an experimental model and LPS or Pam3CSK4 as infectious stimuli to investigate the role of overexpressing LPCAT-2 as well as silencing the over-expressed LPCAT-2 using siRNA technique. RAW264.7 cells transiently or stably transfected with the LPCAT-2 gene were used to study the role of LPCAT-2 in the inflammatory responses of macrophages. LPCAT-2 was successfully over-expressed in RAW264.7 cells and the overexpression was successfully confirmed with real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting. The overexpression of LPCAT-2 significantly upregulated the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, at both gene expression, and protein level, while the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10, was down regulated in these cells. Moreover, overexpression of LPCAT2 significantly decreased the expression of TLR4, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors –gamma (PPARγ) and CD206 (a marker of M2 macrophages) while it significantly increased CD14, TLR2, COX-2 and iNOS (M1 markers). LPCAT-2 gene expression was also increased when PPARγ was blocked with the selective (PPAR-γ) antagonist T0070907. Importantly, silencing the transiently over-expressed murine LPCAT-2 resulted in a significant reduction in TNF-alpha and a significant increase in IL-10 gene expression. Both the transient and stably transfected RAW264.7 cells have been used to study the role of LPCAT-2 in regulating inflammatory responses in macrophages. The results have significantly added to knowledge of the role of LPCAT-2 in the inflammatory response and will aid in the development of novel therapies for inflammatory conditions such as sepsis.
Modelling Projected Changes in Soil Water Budget in Coastal Kenya under Different Long-Term Climate Change Scenarios

The possible impacts that climate change will have on soil water budget and specifically on deep percolation, runoff and soil water content have been investigated using HYDRUS, a methodology based on numerical modelling simulations of vertical water movement in a homogenous soil column on a flat surface. This study was carried out on four typical soil types occurring on the Kenyan coast and the adjacent hinterlands of up to an elevation of 200 m above sea level (m a.s.l.) covered by five weather stations (two dry and three wet stations). Results show that deep percolation and runoff are expected to be higher in 2100 for both Relative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) 2.6 and 8.5 scenarios than they were for the reference period (1986–2005). The average deep percolation is expected to increase by 14% for RCP 2.6 and 10% for the RCP 8.5, while the average runoff is expected to increase by 188% and 284% for the same scenarios. Soil water content is expected to either increase marginally or reduce depend in the same scenarios. The average soil water content is also expected to increase by 1% in the RCP 2.6 scenario and to decrease by 2% in the RCP 8.5 scenario. Increase in deep percolation through clay soil is expected to be the largest (29% in both scenarios), while sandy and sandy clay soil are expected to be the least influenced with an average increase of only 2%. Climate change is expected to impact runoff mostly in sandy soils, whereas the least affected would be clay loam soils. These results further support the assertion that the change in climate is expected to impact the recharge of aquifers by triggering an increase in infiltration under both scenarios.
Effect of Cultivar, Ethephon, Flooding, and Storage Duration on Sweetpotato Internal Necrosis

The reason for internal necrosis occurrences in sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) storage roots is not well understood. This disorder begins internally in the storage roots as small light brown spots near the proximal end of the root that eventually can become more enlarged as brown/black regions in the cortex. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of ethephon and flooding on the development of internal necrosis in the sweetpotato cultivars Beauregard, Carolina Ruby, and Covington over storage durations from 9 to 150 days after harvest (DAH) when roots had been cured. Soil moisture treatments were no-flooding, and simulated flooding that was created by applying 10 inches of overhead irrigation during 2 weeks before harvest. Ethephon was applied at 0, 0.75, and 0.98 lb/acre 2 weeks before harvest. Overall, ‘Covington’ and ‘Carolina Ruby’ had greater internal necrosis incidence (22% to 65% and 32% to 51%, respectively) followed by ‘Beauregard’ (9% to 22%) during storage duration from 9 to 150 DAH at both soil moistures. No significant change was observed for either internal necrosis incidence or severity for ‘Beauregard’ and ‘Carolina Ruby’ over the storage duration of 9–150 DAH. However, there was an increase of internal necrosis incidence and severity 9–30 DAH in ‘Covington’, with incidence and severity remaining similar 30–150 DAH. Storage roots in treatments sprayed with 0.75 or 0.98 lb/acre ethephon had higher internal necrosis incidence and severity compared with the nontreated, regardless of cultivars at both soil moistures. This research confirms that sweetpotato cultivars differ in their susceptibility to internal necrosis (incidence and severity), ethephon applied to foliage can contribute to internal necrosis development in storage roots, and internal necrosis incidence reaches a maximum by 30 DAH in ‘Covington’ and 9 DAH in ‘Carolina Ruby’ and ‘Beauregard’.
Synergism with Imazamox Co-applications for Red Rice Control

A study was conducted at three locations in Louisiana to evaluate the interactions of imazamox at 44 g ai ha-1 mixed with propanil, thiobencarb, or with a prepackaged mixture of propanil plus thiobencarb. A synergistic response was observed for red rice control for all treatments at 14 days after treatments (DAT); however, at 21 DAT a neutral response was observed for imazamox mixed with propanil or thiobencarb. A synergistic response occurred for red rice control when imazamox was mixed with propanil plus thiobencarb at 3360 g ai ha-1 for all evaluation dates; however, imazamox mixed with propanil plus thiobencarb at 1680 g ha-1 resulted in synergism at the same evaluations except at 35 DAT with neutral response. Synergism was observed for barnyardgrass control with imazamox mixed with propanil plus thiobencarb at 3360 g ha-1 at 35 and 49 DAT. The only antagonism observed for barnyardgrass control was at 42 DAT with imazamox plus propanil at 840 and 1680 g ha-1 or mixed with the prepackage mixture at 1680 g ha-1. Rice treated with imazamox mixed with propanil plus thiobencarb at 3360 g ha-1 yielded 5770 kg ha-1. Nomenclature: Propanil; thiobencarb; barnyardgrass, Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. ; red rice, Oryza sativa L. ; rice, Oryza sativa L.
Three‐dimensionally printed polycaprolactone/beta‐tricalcium phosphate scaffold was more effective as an rhBMP‐2 carrier for new bone formation than polycaprolactone alone

Abstract Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP‐2) has been widely used in bone tissue engineering to enhance bone regeneration because of its osteogenic inductivity. However, clinical outcomes can vary depending on the scaffold materials used to deliver rhBMP‐2. In this study, 3D‐printed scaffolds with a ratio of 1:1 polycaprolactone and beta‐tricalcium phosphate (PCL/T50) were applied as carriers for rhBMP‐2 in mandibular bone defect models in dog models. Before in vivo application, in vitro experiments were conducted. Preosteoblast proliferation was not significantly different between scaffolds made of PCL/T50 and polycaprolactone alone (PCL/T0) regardless of rhBMP‐2 delivery. However, PCL/T50 showed an increased level of the alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization assay when rhBMP‐2 was delivered. In in vivo, the newly formed bone volume of the PCL/T50 group was significantly increased compared with that of the PCL/T0 scaffolds regardless of rhBMP‐2 delivery. Histological examination showed that PCL/T50 with rhBMP‐2 produced significantly greater amounts of newly bone formation than PCL/T0 with rhBMP‐2. The quantities of scaffold remaining were lower in the PCL/T50 group than in the PCL/T0 group, although it was not significantly different. In conclusion, PCL/T50 scaffolds were advantageous for rhBMP‐2 delivery as well as for maintaining space for bone formation in mandibular bone defects.
Identification of a SARS-like bat coronavirus that shares structural features with the spike glycoprotein receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2

SARS- CoV-2 is a recently emerged coronavirus that binds angiotensin- converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) for cell entry via its receptor- binding domain (RBD) on a surface- expressed spike glycoprotein. Studies show that despite its similarities to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus, there are critical differences in key RBD residues when compared to SARS-CoV-2. Here we present a short in silico study, showing that SARS- like bat coronavirus Rs3367 shares a high conservation with SARS- CoV-2 in important RBD residues for ACE2 binding: SARS- CoV-2’s Phe486, Thr500, Asn501 and Tyr505; implicated in receptor- binding strength and host- range determination. These features were not shared with other studied bat coronaviruses belonging to the betacoronavirus genus, including RaTG13, the closest reported bat coronavirus to SARS- CoV-2’s spike protein. Sequence and phylogeny analyses were followed by the computation of a reliable model of the RBD of SARS- like bat coronavirus Rs3367, which allowed structural insight of the conserved residues. Superimposition of this model on the SARS-CoV-2 ACE2- RBD complex revealed critical ACE2 contacts are also maintained. In addition, residue Asn488 Rs3367 interacted with a previously defined pocket on ACE2 composed of Tyr41, Lys353 and Asp355. When compared to available SARS- CoV-2 crystal structure data, Asn501 SARS- CoV-2 showed a different interaction with the ACE2 pocket. Taken together, this study offers molecular insights on RBD- receptor interactions with implications for vaccine design.
Epidemioclinical and Progressive Aspects of the Adult Hemorrhagic Stroke in Bangui

Introduction: Hemorrhagic strokes in the elderly constitute a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency and, by their frequency and severity, determine a public health problem. Goal of the Study: To elucidate knowledge and make our contribution to the study of this pathology (describe the epidemioclinical and evolutionary aspects of hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accidents in adults in Bangui). Methodology: It was a retrospective study with descriptive and analytical aims covering a period of two years (2) from January 2017 to December 2018, conducted in the Neurology department of the Sino-Central African Friendship University Hospital. Results: During the study, 255 patients were hospitalized for stroke, including 20 cases of AVCH, representing a hospital frequency of 7.8%. The average age was 60.05 years with extremes ranging from 50 to 78 years. The most represented age group was that of 50 to 60 years with a sex-ratio (M/F) of 1.2. Civil servants were more represented (35%) followed by housewives (25%). Alcohol was the main risk factor (95%) followed by hypertension (80%) and tobacco (40%). Most of the patients (75%) were admitted to the care facilities before 6 am (75%). Lethality was 35%. There was a significant statistical link between the Glasgow score and death (p = 0.007). In this series, 75% of the cases had sequelae dominated by hemiparesis (75%) and aphasia (25%). Conclusion: First study in the Central African Republic, with a high frequency, shows that the AVCH of the elderly poses a public health problem. Requires great mass awareness in order to reduce its mortality rate.
Developing a geomorphological instantaneous unit hydrograph (GIUH) using equivalent Horton-Strahler ratios for flash flood predictions in arid regions

Abstract The Horton-Strahler ratios are important to describe the stream network and to identify the hydrologic response of a basin using the GIUH concept. These ratios are often sensitive to the selected threshold area for the extraction of the stream network form digital elevation models (DEM). Researches are seeking to find out the appropriate threshold with no success. Self-similarity approach of the properties of the stream network can provide an estimation of equivalent Horton-Strahler ratios using parameters independent of the threshold area. This approach is applied on four arid basins in Saudi Arabia. The equivalent Horton-Strahler ratios are used to derive GIUH based on Nash and Fréchet hydrograph models. The results indicate that the Horton-Strahler ratios and the length of the highest order stream depend strongly on the threshold and consequently, the GIUH characteristics show discrepancies due to the threshold. This study recommends to use threshold area that is equal to 0.02% of the basin area for basins less than 280 km2 and 0.002% of the basin area for basins large than 2700 km2.The comparison between the measured and the equivalent hydrographs of Nash and Fréchet models for each event shows that there are obvious discrepancies in terms of peak discharge, time to peak, time lag, and the runoff volume. The results of Nash model are relatively better to represent the measured hydrographs. The minimum relative error (RE) of some events are: RE of ranges between 12.5% for Nash to 61% for Fréchet, RE of is −53.8% for both Nash and Fréchet, while RE of is 0.0% for both Nash and Fréchet and RE of runoff volume ranges between −37.5% for Nash to −34.5% for Fréchet. The study recommends investigating other GIUH models to improve the RE in arid regions.
Leisure satisfaction and happiness: the moderating role of religion

ABSTRACT This study examines the effect of leisure satisfaction on happiness and explores how religion, as a moderator, influences this effect in the Asian context. The statistical analyses were conducted using the Asia Barometer Survey 2006 and 2007 databases. The regression analysis results indicate that: (a) leisure satisfaction is positively associated with happiness in the investigated Asian countries; (b) all the religions tested are significantly positively associated with happiness except Buddhism (Theravada); and (c) religions negatively moderate the relationship between leisure satisfaction and happiness. The study serves as a new exploration to test the association between leisure satisfaction and happiness in the Asian context, and raises the importance of a more comprehensive examination of contextual differences in related research. Implications of the study are analysed and limitations and future directions are provided.
Judicial Disparity, Deviation, and Departures from Sentencing Guidelines: The Case of Hong Kong

Analyzing sentencing disparity calls for more calibrated measures to capture the nuances of judicial discretion within jurisdictions that adopt strict sentencing guidelines. This article uses an unconventional outcome variable, percent deviation, to investigate guideline digressions in a nested, multilevel model. Percent deviation is calculated based on the difference between the guidelines&#8217; &#8220;arithmetic starting point&#8221; and the actual starting point that a judge adopts. Two equations were used to measure percent deviation from the arithmetic starting point before and after adjustment for guilty plea sentence reductions. Extracting data on drug trafficking cases from an open&#8208;source database from the Hong Kong Judiciary ( =&#8201;356), we illustrate how percent deviation can be employed as a measure of inter&#8208;judge disparity using hierarchical linear models (HLMs). Our findings suggest that approximately 8 to 10 percent of the deviation in sentence length can be attributed to judges&#8217; differential sentencing behaviors. The deviation is affected by case characteristics as well as judicial characteristics. Due to the wide guideline ranges, departures from said guidelines&#8217; ranges are not common. This indicates that the guideline ranges mask the deviation and inter&#8208;judge disparity that exist and recur.
Effects of Seed Pelleting on Seed Quality of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) During Storage

An experiment was conducted during 2015-2016, to study the effects of seed pelleting on seed quality parameters of cowpea variety Himachal Lobia-1 during a storage period of one year. Seeds were checked for quality parameters at a monthly interval. Two formulations of Rhizobium viz-a-vis powder and liquid along with control (unpelleted) were used for experiment. The analysis of variance revealed that there were significant effects of seed pelleting and storage periods on germination, seedling length, seedling dry weight, seed vigour index-I and seed vigour index-II. Seeds pelleted with liquid formulation of Rhizobium gave maximum germination (93.55%) whereas unpelleted seeds gave minimum germination (91.45%) when seeds were germinated using between the paper methods. However, the germination decreased as the storage period increased. It ranged from 94.42% germination at 0 month to 89.52% at 12 months of storage. The interaction effects on germination due to seed pelleting and storage periods were found to be non-significant at 5% level of significance. Seed vigour index I was found to be maximum (2980.48) when fresh seeds were pelleted with liquid Rhizobium and minimum (2315.58) in unpelleted seeds stored for 12 months. Seed vigour index II also followed the same trend. It was found to be maximum (7451.34) in fresh seeds pelleted with liquid Rhizobium and minimum (6310.23) in unpelleted seeds stored for 12 months.
NATO Burden Sharing Research along Three Paradigms

ABSTRACT This paper provides both a quantitative and a qualitative review and interpretation of 153 journal papers on NATO burden sharing behaviour published over the period 1966–2020. Based on our findings, we distinguish three paradigms, reflecting the main questions and views within their particular realm of burden sharing research. Subsequently, these three paradigms study (1) the distribution of defence burdens amongst NATO member states; (2) the determinants of NATO burden sharing behaviour; and (3) how contributions to the public good of individual member states merge to determine the overall level of the good available for consumption. For each paradigm, a qualitative insight in evolving bodies of literature is offered. As it turns out, most burden sharing studies are limited to one paradigm and its ensuing main question. Future research may benefit from cross-fertilization across paradigms, longitudinal approaches and a widening of empirical foci to encompass novel threats.