Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of House Dust Mite Immunotherapy on Quality of Life and Symptom Scores in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis

Introduction: It was aimed to evaluate the post-treatment clinical findings and quality of life among patients treated with allergen-specific subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT). Materials and Methods: Our study included 39 pediatric patients who underwent SCIT in October 2022 in the department of pediatric allergy and immunology, who were allergic to house dust mites, diagnosed with allergic rhinitis or combined allergic rhinitis and asthma. Socio-demographic characteristics, laboratory and clinical features of the patients were evaluated. Visual analog scale (VAS) and Rhino Conjunctivits Scoring System (RCSS) were used to evaluate the disease symptoms quantitatively after allergen-specific immunotherapy. Disease-related quality of life was evaluated with the Pediatric Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (PRQLQ) questionnaire. Results: Of the 39 pediatric patients evaluated, 33 (84.6%) were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis
A Novel Mutation of MSH2 Gene in a Patient with Lynch Syndrome Presenting with Thirteen Metachronous Malignancies

Lynch syndrome (LS), also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), accounts for 2–3% of all colorectal cancers. This autosomal dominant disorder is associated with a predisposition to endometrial, stomach, small bowel, pancreatic, biliary tract, ovary, urinary tract, brain, and skin tumors. Lynch syndrome is caused by the mutation of the MLH1, MSH2 (EPCAM), MSH6, and PMS2 genes. In this article, a case study of a 70-year-old female patient with Lynch syndrome is presented. Over a span of 30 years, the patient underwent multiple surgical procedures for a total of thirteen different malignancies. She was found to have a deleterious pathogenic gene MSH2 (NM_000251.2) variant (mutation) c. 1774_1775insT in the 12th exon. This variant, c. 1774_1775insT, represents a novel finding, as it has not been previously reported in existing databases or literature. No other case of 13 metachronous tumors in a patient with Lynch syndrome was found in the literature.
The real‐world use and efficacy of pomalidomide for relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma in the era of CD38 antibodies

Pomalidomide‐dexamethasone (Pd) has been a standard care treatment for relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma since 2013. However, the outcomes of Pd after exposure to CD38 antibodies are not known. Here we describe the real‐world use and efficacy of pomalidomide in a Danish, nationwide cohort of daratumumab‐exposed patients. We identified 328 patients that were treated with pomalidomide. Of these, 137 received Pd, 65 daratumumab‐pomalidomide‐dexamethasone (DPd), 43 pomalidomide‐cyclophosphamide‐dexamethasone (PCd), 19 carfilzomib‐pomalidomide‐dexamethasone (KPD), 11 pomalidomide‐bortezomib‐dexamethasone (PVd), and 52 pomalidomide in other combinations. Patients treated with Pd in this cohort had a partial response or better (≥ PR) rate of 35.8% and median time to next treatment (mTNT) of 4.9 months, almost identical to the results of previous prospective clinical trials. Although treatment with the various pomalidomide‐containing triplet regimens resulted in higher ≥ PR rates (PCd: 46.5%, PVd: 63.6%, DPd: 55.4%, KPd: 63.2%), the mTNT achieved was not significantly better than with Pd in most cases (PCD: 5.4, PVD: 5.3, DPD: 4.7 months). The exception to this was KPd (mTNT 7.4 months), but this regimen was mainly used earlier in the course of the disease (median time from diagnosis 2.3 years vs. 3.7–4.3 years). The most important predictor of outcomes was not the choice of index regimen (p = 0.72), but prior exposure (p = 0.0116). Compared to CD38 antibody‐naïve patients, triple‐class‐exposed patients achieved reduced ≥ PR rate (38.0% vs. 47.3%), shorter mTNT (4.0 vs. 5.9 months), and shorter median overall survival (12.4 vs. 24.2 months) with pomalidomide treatment.
Robot-Assisted versus Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Metanalysis of Intra- and Post-Operative Complications

Background: The use of robotic surgery is attracting ever-growing interest for its potential advantages such as small incisions, fine movements, and magnification of the operating field. Only a few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have explored the differences in perioperative outcomes between the two approaches. Methods: We screened the main online databases from inception to May 2023. We included studies in English enrolling adult patients undergoing elective gastrointestinal surgery. We used the following exclusion criteria: surgery with the involvement of thoracic esophagus, and patients affected by severe heart, pulmonary and end-stage renal disease. We compared intra- and post-operative complications, length of hospitalization, and costs between laparoscopic and robotic approaches. Results: A total of 18 RCTs were included. We found no differences in the rate of anastomotic leakage, cardiovascular complications, estimated blood loss, readmission, deep vein thrombosis, length of hospitalization, mortality, and post-operative pain between robotic and laparoscopic surgery; post-operative pneumonia was less frequent in the robotic approach. The conversion to open surgery was less frequent in the robotic approach, which was characterized by shorter time to first flatus but higher operative time and costs. Conclusions: The robotic gastrointestinal surgery has some advantages compared to the laparoscopic technique such as lower conversion rate, faster recovery of bowel movement, but it has higher economic costs.
Mercury study report to Congress. Volume 7. Characterization of human health and wildlife risks from mercury exposure in the United States

This volume characterizes risk for mercury emitted to the environment from anthropogenic sources. The characterization volume describes human and wildlife health effects of mercury exposure with accompanying analysis of uncertainty in quantitative risk estimates. Exposure pathways for selected human and wildlife populations to mercury are considered, again accompanied by a discussion of uncertainty. The size of the fish-eating U.S. populations and quantities of mercury consumed in fish are estimated, as are the number of maternal-fetal pairs for whom maternal fish consumption and the number of children are projected to exceed levels identified to be of concern. Literature reports of mercury concentrations in tissues of fish-eating wildlife species are presented. The sizes of selected wildlife populations identified as potentially exposed to quantities of methylmercury associated with adverse health effects are estimated. An overall characterization of risk of mercury to human subpopulations and selected fish-consuming wildlife species is developed. The volume of the Report presents sources of variability and uncertainty, as well as research needs.
Influence of age and gender on knee and hip isometric strength of recreational physically active young and middle-aged subjects

ABSTRACT Muscle strength is an essential part of the functional assessment of health professionals to select and analyze the effects of clinical interventions. This study aimed to determine the influence of gender and age on isometric strength of hip and knee muscle groups. A total of 127 subjects (50.4% men), aged from 20 to 49 years (stratified into three groups: 20-29 years; 30-39 years; and 40-49 years) participated in this study. A hand-held dynamometer was used to measure isometric normalized torque of the hip abductors, hip external rotators, knee extensors, and knee flexors muscles. Regressions and a two-way analysis of variance were used to identify the influence of age and gender on torque of each muscle group. Age and gender were included in the regression model for all groups. Generally, men aged 20-29 and 30-39 were stronger than age-paired women. For participants aged 40-49, torque was similar for men and women for all muscle groups. There was no difference among age groups for women. Generally, young men were stronger than older men. The association between age and gender in hip and knee strength was proved and liable of subgroup stratification after measurements with a hand-held isometric dynamometer.
Qualitative and Quantitative Means of Production of Biogas from Biodegradable Waste (Cow Dung) for Sustainable Energy

Aims: This study was carried out by analyzing the quantitative and qualitative of the biogas produced from cow dung by degrading mechanism. 32L of bioreactors was used for the study. Methodology: The bioreactors were constructed to imitate the fixed batch prototype. The study lasted for 30 days and it was carried out at the National Centre for Energy Research and Development, University of Nigeria,Nsukka. Slurry was prepared in bioreactors. The substrates in the bioreactors were water and cow dung (intestinal and abdominal waste). The pH, the total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS) and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) characteristics of the substrate before and after digestion were determined using standard method. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of biogas production was by liquid displacement and gas Analyzer methods Results: The results of the TS, VS and VFA were 400 mg/l, 92mg/l and 16.7 mg/l respectively in the predigested samples and 92 mg/l, 17.4mg/l and 28.3mg/l respectively in the post digested samples. The quantity of biogas produced at the first week was 8.5liters, 7.5litre and 6.1liter from the 4th day, 5th day and 8th days. The qualitative analysis showed that the prominent biogas produced was methane. Conclusion: The results of the research concluded that high quantity of biogas can be produced using cow dung. Approaches and technology for more efficient biogas producing consortia are proposed.
Economic Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases Before and After the Iran’s Health Transformation Plan: A Cross-Sectional Study on Referral Hospital in the North-West of Iran CURRENT STATUS: UNDER REVIEW

Different countries have set different policies to control and decrease the costs of Cardiovascular Diseases(CVDs). Iran aiming reducing the economic burden of different disease by a recent reform from named as health transformation plan(HTP). This study aimed to examine economic burden of CVDs before and after of HTP, This cross-sectional study was conducted on 600 patients with CVDs, who were randomly selected from a specialized cardiovascular hospital in the north-west of Iran. Direct and indirect costs of CVDs were calculated using cost of illness and human capital approaches. Data were collected using a researcher-made checklist obtained from several sources including structured interviews, the Statistical Center of Iran, Iran's Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare, central bank of the Iran, and the data of global burden of disease obtained from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation to estimate direct and mortality costs. All costs were calculated in Iranian Rials(IRR).
Development of Electrochemical Sensor Using Iron (III) Phthalocyanine/Gold Nanoparticle/Graphene Hybrid Film for Highly Selective Determination of Nicotine in Human Salivary Samples

Nicotine is the one of the major addictive substances; the overdose of nicotine (NIC) consumption causes increasing heart rate, blood pressure, stroke, lung cancer, and respiratory illnesses. In this study, we have developed a precise and sensitive electrochemical sensor for nicotine detection in saliva samples. It was built on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with graphene (Gr), iron (III) phthalocyanine-4,4′,4″,4′′′-tetrasulfonic acid (Fe(III)Pc), and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs/Fe(III)Pc/Gr/GCE). The AuNPs/Fe(III)Pc/Gr nanocomposite was prepared and characterized by using FE-SEM, EDX, and E-mapping techniques to confirm the composite formation as well as the even distribution of elements. Furthermore, the newly prepared AuNPs/Fe(III)Pc/Gr/GCE-nanocomposite-based sensor was used to detect the nicotine in phosphate-buffered solution (0.1 M PBS, pH 7.4). The AuNPs/Fe(III)Pc/Gr/GCE-based sensor offered a linear response against NIC from 0.5 to 27 µM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 17 nM using the amperometry (i–t curve) technique. This electrochemical sensor demonstrated astounding selectivity and sensitivity during NIC detection in the presence of common interfering molecules in 0.1 M PBS. Moreover, the effect of pH on NIC electro-oxidation was studied, which indicated that PBS with pH 7.4 was the best medium for NIC determination. Finally, the AuNPs/Fe(III)Pc/Gr/GCE sensor was used to accurately determine NIC concentration in human saliva samples, and the recovery percentages were also calculated.
Perforated Concave Earplug (pCEP): A Proof-of-Concept Earplug to Improve Sound Localization without Compromising Noise Attenuation

Combat soldiers are currently faced with using a hearing-protection device (HPD) at the cost of adequately detecting critical signals impacting mission success. The current study tested the performance of the Perforated-Concave-Earplug (pCEP), a proof-of-concept passive HPD consisting of a concave bowl-like rigid structure attached to a commercial roll-down earplug, designed to improve sound localization with minimal compromising of noise attenuation. Primarily intended for combat/military training settings, our aim was an evaluation of localization of relevant sound sources (single/multiple gunfire, continuous noise, spoken word) compared to 3M™-Combat-Arms™4.1 earplugs in open-mode and 3M™-E-A-R™-Classic™ earplugs. Ninety normal-hearing participants, aged 20–35 years, were asked to localize stimuli delivered from monitors evenly distributed around them in no-HPD and with-HPD conditions. The results showed (1) localization abilities worsened using HPDs; (2) the spoken word was localized less accurately than other stimuli; (3) mean root mean square errors (RMSEs) were largest for stimuli emanating from rear monitors; and (4) localization abilities corresponded to HPD attenuation levels (largest attenuation and mean RMSE: 3M™-E-A-R™-Classic™; smallest attenuation and mean RMSE: 3M™-Combat-Arms™4.1; pCEP was mid-range on both). These findings suggest that the pCEP may benefit in military settings by providing improved sound localization relative to 3M™ E-A-R™-Classic™ and higher attenuation relative to 3M™-Combat Arms™-4.1, recommending its use in noisy environments.
Evidence-Based Consensus Recommendations for Skin Care in Healthy, Full-Term Neonates in India

Purpose Neonatal skin care practices guided by personal experience and preferences might be substantially different across different hospital settings. The aim of this consensus recommendation is to provide clinical practice guidance to healthcare practitioners on evidence-based neonatal skin care practices from delivery-to-discharge, in hospital settings. Patients and Methods A Scientific Advisory Board meeting on “Evidence-based Neonatal Skin Care Practices and Protocols” was held in December 2020 with an expert panel comprising neonatologists, pediatricians, obstetricians and gynecologists and pediatric dermatologist. Comprehensive literature search was performed up to 23 March 2021 using PubMed and Google Scholar to retrieve relevant evidence. Results Recommendations were developed on critical aspects of skin care in healthy full-term neonates including cleansing at birth, skin-to-skin care, cord care, diaper area care, initial and routine bathing, cleansers and emollients use, and criteria to choose appropriate skin care products. Recommendations include inclusion of skin assessment in routine neonatal care, first bath timing after cardio-respiratory and thermal stabilization, 6–24 hours after birth; bathing with water alone or adding a mild liquid cleanser could be considered appropriate as it does not impact the developing skin barrier; use of emollients is recommended for neonates with higher risk of development of eczema to maintain and enhance skin barrier function and integrity; and inclusion of skin care advice in neonatal discharge checklist. Importance of rigorous quality control, high-quality clinical trials for assessment of baby products, usage of products that are formulated appropriately for newborns, and full label transparency for baby products were highlighted. The panel identified gaps in literature and discussed the scope for future research. Conclusion These recommendations may help to standardize evidence-based skin care for healthy full-term neonates in Indian hospital settings to improve the quality of care that neonates receive in hospital and facilitate improvement in overall neonatal health outcomes.
Public policy and its impact on innovation, competitiveness, and performance in the tourism sector

Abstract The aim of this research is to analyze the impact of public policy on innovation, competitiveness, and performance of 100 small and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism sector, in the Department of Valle del Cauca, Colombia. For this purpose, a quantitative empirical study was conducted using the equation model, which is considered ideal for research within the services sector. Theoretically, the model proves that a positive relationship exists between the constructs analyzed, which reinforces the empirical evidence that public policies constitute a dynamic axis for the organizational development of the tourism sector, as it favors the dynamics of innovation, competitiveness, and performance.
Design of a compact patch antenna with bandwidth and efficiency improvement for UWB applications

The demand of small, lightweight and high effectiveness antennas has increased significantly with the development of communication technologies. Microstrip patch antennas (MPAs) are one of the most widely used types of antenna that can satisfy these requirements. MPAs have numerous benefits, including tiny size and weight, ease of fabrication, and inexpensive. In addition to these advantages, MPAs also have some drawbacks such as limited bandwidth and low efficiency. In this paper, a compact rectangular patch microstrip antenna employing hybrid technique (HT) is designed to enhance the bandwidth and efficiency and its performance is compared with that of a conventional antenna. The HT is formed by combining a slotted patch with a defected partial ground structure. A low-cost FR-4_epoxy substrate material with a dielectric constant of 4.4, a thickness of 0.8 mm and a loss tangent of 0.02 is used to make both antennas designed. The antennas are designed, analyzed and simulated at the operating frequency of 6.85 GHz for ultra-wideband (UWB) (3.1-10.6GHz) applications using high-frequency structure simulator (HFSS) software. The overall size of the proposed antenna is 30 mm × 20 mm × 0.8 mm. A 50 Ω microstrip feedline is used to excite the patch. The outcomes of the simulation reveal that the suggested and conventional antennas achieved a bandwidth of 19.7 GHz and 2.53 GHz with an efficiency of 95.779% and 92.296% respectively. The recommended antenna has boosted in bandwidth and efficiency by 17.17 GHz (137.24%) and 3.483% respectively as compared to the traditional antenna.
Valorization of tropical fruit‐processing wastes and byproducts for biofuel production

Global energy demand is expanding due to an increasing population and the use of energy‐intensive technologies. Fossil‐based energy and transportation sectors have been blamed for greenhouse gas emissions and price fluctuations. Biofuel production has been suggested as a possible solution to this problem, despite the cost of production and difficulties with the availability of feedstocks, and the food versus energy debate, which is still a challenging issue. For many decades, researchers have been investigating how to valorize low‐cost and non‐edible biomass resources, including fruit‐processing waste and its byproducts, to produce various biofuels using innovative, cost‐effective, and green technologies to overcome these challenges. However, exhaustive studies and comprehensive and structured knowledge related to the biofuel production potential of fruit waste and byproducts are lacking because most of the research that has been done so far was specific to a single fruit, location, and method. As a result, this review paper emphasizes the evaluation of the physicochemical compositions of the wastes and byproducts derived from tropical fruit production and processing to determine their suitability in the production of different biofuels via various valorization techniques. The results of the review showed that fruit waste is a potential alternative raw material for producing different biofuels, like biodiesel, biogas, biohydrogen, and fuel pellets.
Celebrating the life and research of BNA Past-President Colin Blakemore

Professor Sir Colin Blakemore was a remarkable neuroscientist, persuasive communicator, and brave advocate for animal research who, sadly, passed away in June 2022 from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. His work helped establish the concept of neuronal plasticity, which was fundamental to our understanding of the postnatal brain and continues to impact our outlook on neurodegenerative disorders. The BNA2023 Festival of Neuroscience dedicated its last plenary session in his honour, bringing together five prominent neuroscientists whose careers were shaped by Professor Blakemore. Here, we summarise the speakers’ reflections on how Colin’s support, generosity, and foresight influenced their academic paths, inspired their research, and changed their outlook on life.
Quality of Life in a Dynamic Spatial Model

We develop a dynamic spatial model in which heterogeneous workers are imperfectly mobile and forward-looking and yet all structural fundamentals can be inverted without assuming that the economy is in a stationary spatial equilibrium. Exploiting this novel feature of the model, we show that the canonical spatial equilibrium framework understates spatial quality of-life differentials, the urban quality-of-life premium and the value of local non-marketed goods. Unlike the canonical spatial equilibrium framework, the model quantitatively accounts for local welfare effects that motivate many place-based policies seeking to improve quality of life.
Electrical Conductivity and pH Are Two of the Main Factors Influencing the Composition of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Communities in the Vegetation Succession Series of Songnen Saline-Alkali Grassland

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are widely distributed microorganisms in the soil, playing an important role in vegetation succession, plant community diversity, and improving soil physicochemical properties. In this study, morphological identification and high-throughput sequencing technology were used to comprehensively analyze the AMF community composition and diversity at different succession stages of Songnen saline-alkali grassland. To determine the root colonization status of plants collected in the field, a colonization system was established using late-succession plants as host plants to verify the existence of mycorrhizal symbiosis and the matching phenomenon of AMF in Songnen saline-alkali grassland. The results indicated that both morphological methods and high-throughput sequencing technology showed that glomus was the dominant genus of AMF in Songnen saline grassland. Redundancy analysis (RDA) and linear regression analysis showed that electrical conductivity (EC) and pH were the main environmental factors affecting AMF species diversity and community structure in the succession sequence of Songnen saline grassland. In addition, the results of root colonization identification and the colonization system test in the field showed that AMF successfully colonized vegetation at different succession stages and had mycorrhizal symbiosis. The results of this study could help to understand the AMF community of Songnen saline-alkali grassland as well as provide a reference and basis for optimizing the AMF community structure of Songnen saline-alkali grassland through human intervention in the future and using mycorrhizal technology to restore and rebuild the degraded ecosystem of Songnen saline-alkali grassland.