Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A review of the potential impacts of climate change upon Kakadu wetlands

A lack of appropriate scientific research, historical data and robust bioclimatic models for Kakadu National Park has made it difficult to predict the potential ecological impacts of climate change upon Kakadu’s wetlands with any certainty (Bayliss et al., 1997; Bartolo et al., 2008). The most recent climate projections for Kakadu National Park, sourced from CSIRO are derived from the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for the years 2020, 2050 and 2070 (Hennessy et al., 2008). Previous reports on the impacts of climate change upon Kakadu were based on earlier IPCC models, which have created some inconsistencies in the literature (Hennessy et al., 2004; Bayliss et al., 1997; Cobb et al., 2000). These latest projections, although highly variable, indicate Kakadu is likely to experience higher average temperatures and more hot days, with more extreme cyclones and floods. Rainfall is not projected to either increase or decrease, although seasonal shifts could occur. Significant saltwater intrusion of freshwater wetlands is likely to significantly reduce freshwater wetland habitat. Three wetland key species were used as case studies to examine some of the potential ecological impacts of climate change based upon existing literature and knowledge of each species’ life history. The case studies showed how specific impacts interact with each other, making it difficult to predict future changes in the abundance and distribution of each species. However, the projected level of saltwater intrusion due to sea level rise is likely to have a significant impact upon species which depend heavily upon freshwater wetlands, such as wild rice and magpie geese. The case studies also highlighted the importance of conserving species which play a key role in the food chain, such as wild rice. The flow-on impacts of climate change will depend upon ecological relationships and the environmental vulnerability of each particular species. Highly adaptive species with a broad diet such as the saltwater crocodile are likely to be less sensitive to the impacts of climate change than those with more specific requirements. This study highlights the need for information sharing and continued open communication between traditional owners, park managers and user groups. It also reiterates the need for adaptive planning which considers the needs of traditional owners and user groups under the constraints of climate change and potential conflicts that may arise. Finally, the Kakadu wetlands are just one of many habitats threatened by climate change. This thesis emphasises the urgent need for policies and action to immediately reduce our global greenhouse gas emissions if we are to prevent major losses in biodiversity around the world.
Effects of a Very-Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet on the Fecal and Urinary Volatilome in an Obese Patient Cohort: A Preliminary Investigation

Several recent studies deepened the strong connection between gut microbiota and obesity. The effectiveness of the very-low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) has been measured in terms of positive impact on the host homeostasis, but little is known of the modification exerted on the intestinal metabolome. To inspect this complex relationship, we analyzed both fecal and urinary metabolome in terms of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by the GC-MS method in 25 obese patients that were under VLCKD for eight weeks. Partial least square discriminant analysis evidenced specific urinary and fecal metabolites whose profile can be considered a signature of a partial restore toward the host eubiosis. Specifically, among various keystone VOCs, the decreased concentration of four statistically significant fecal esters (i.e., propanoic acid pentyl ester, butanoic acid hexyl ester, butanoic acid pentyl ester, and pentanoic acid butyl ester) supports the positive effect of VLCKD treatment. Our pilot study results suggest a potential positive effect of VLCKD intervention affecting fecal and urinary volatilome profiles from obese patients. Meta-omics techniques including the study of genes and transcripts will help in developing new interventions useful in preventing or treating obesity and its associated health problems.
The Role of Toll-like Receptor-4 in Macrophage Imbalance in Lethal COVID-19 Lung Disease, and Its Correlation with Galectin-3

To the current data, there have been 6,955,141 COVID-19-related deaths worldwide, reported to WHO. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) implicated in bacterial and virus sensing could be a crosstalk between activation of persistent innate-immune inflammation, and macrophage’s sub-population alterations, implicated in cytokine storm, macrophage over-activation syndrome, unresolved Acute Respiratory Disease Syndrome (ARDS), and death. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the association between Toll-like-receptor-4 (TLR-4)-induced inflammation and macrophage imbalance in the lung inflammatory infiltrate of lethal COVID-19 disease. Twenty-five cases of autopsy lung tissues were studied by digital pathology-based immunohistochemistry to evaluate expression levels of TLR-4 (CD 284), pan-macrophage marker CD68 (clone KP1), sub-population marker related to alveolar macrophage Galectin-3 (GAL-3) (clone 9C4), and myeloid derived CD163 (clone MRQ-26), respectively. SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence has been evaluated by in situ hybridation (ISH) method. This study showed TLR-4 up-regulation in a subgroup of patients, increased macrophage infiltration in both Spike-1(+) and Spike-1(−) lungs (p < 0.0001), and a macrophage shift with important down-regulation of GAL-3(+) alveolar macrophages associated with Spike-1 persistence (p < 0.05), in favor of CD163(+) myeloid derived monocyte-macrophages. Data show that TLR-4 expression induces a persistent activation of the inflammation, with inefficient resolution, and pathological macrophage shift, thus explaining one of the mechanisms of lethal COVID-19.
Everolimus Exposure as a Predictor of Toxicity in Renal Cell Cancer Patients in the Adjuvant Setting: Results of a Pharmacokinetic Analysis for a Phase III Study

Background: S0931 is assessing recurrence-free survival in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients randomized to receive everolimus(EVE)versusplaceboforoneyearfollowingnephrectomy.Duetoahigherthanexpecteddropoutrate,weassessedEVEtroughlevelsintheadjuvantsettingtoevaluatetherelationshipbetweenEVEexposureandprobabilityoftoxicity. Methods: Patients received 10 mg daily EVE for nine 6-week cycles. Pre-dose whole blood samples were collected pre-cycle 2 and pre-cycle 3 and analyzed for EVE. Patients with pre-cycle 2 and/or pre-cycle 3 EVE results were used in the analysis. Patients were segregated into quartiles (Q) based on EVE levels and logistic regression was used to model the most common adverse event outcomes using EVE trough as Results: A total of 467 patients were included in this analysis. Quartiles normalized to an EVE dose of 10 mg/day were<9.0, 9.0–12.9, 12.9–22.8, and>22.8 ng/mL, respectively. EVE trough levels increased with increasing age ( p <0.001). Further-more, EVE trough levels were higher in men than women (19.4 versus 15.4 ng/mL, p =0.01). Risk of grade 2+triglycerides was increased in Q2 and Q3 vs Q1 (OR=2.08; p =0.02 and OR=2.63; p =0.002). Risk of grade 2+rash was increased in Q2 and Q4 vs Q1 (OR=2.99; p =0.01 and OR=2.90; p =0.02). There was also an increased risk of any grade 3+tox in Q2 vs Q1 (OR=1.71; p =0.05). Conclusions: We identiﬁed signiﬁcant gender and age-related differences in EVE trough levels in patients receiving adjuvant treatment for RCC. Furthermore, our analysis identiﬁed signiﬁcant associations between EVE exposure and probability of toxicity.
Effect of bioactive glass-containing dentin adhesives on microshear bond strength of composite restorations

ABSTRACT Background: In general, bioactive glasses (BAGs) can react with tissue minerals and promote remineralization. However, the application of BAG in bonding agents and its impact on bond strength remain uncertain due to insufficient information and limited research in this area. Materials and Methods: This study employed a randomized controlled design to assess the effects of composite-bonding agents with varying BAG contents on shear bond strength and fracture pattern in sound and demineralized teeth, with and without thermocycling. Thus, 80 healthy third molars were randomly divided into two groups: sound teeth and demineralized teeth. Five bonding agents were applied to the prepared dentin surfaces, including four experimental composite-bonding agents with varying BAG content (0, 0.2, 0.5, and 2 wt%) and the Adper Single Bond commercial bonding as control. The shear bond strength of all samples was measured using a universal tester. The type of failure of each specimen was determined using a stereomicroscope. Kruskal–Wallis nonparametric test was performed on the obtained shear bond strength data followed by Mann–Whitney post hoc test with Bonferroni correction to determine statistical significance. The level of significance was considered P ≤ 0.05 for all tests and was adjusted by Bonferroni correction. Results: Demineralization significantly decreased shear bond strength in the teeth samples. Adper Single Bond exhibited the highest shear bond strength values. The addition of BAG did not have a significant influence on shear bond strength, regardless of demineralization or thermocycling condition. Adhesive failure was the predominant type of failure in all groups. Conclusion: The incorporation of BAG filler up to 2 wt% did not result in significant changes in shear bond strength. Experimental adhesive bonding agents with 2 wt% BAG content demonstrated shear bond strengths comparable to the commercial bonding agent in sound nontreated, sound thermocycled, demineralized nontreated, and demineralized thermocycled groups.
The Incidence Rate of Liver Cancer in Saudi Arabia: An Observational Descriptive Epidemiological Analysis of Data from the Saudi Cancer Registry (2004–2014)

Objective This study describes the epidemiological pattern of liver cancer in all regions of Saudi Arabia. It explores the frequency of cases diagnosed, the age-specific incidence rate (AIR), the crude incidence rate (CIR), and the age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR) stratified by age group, year of diagnosis, and region. Methods A retrospective descriptive epidemiological analysis of all liver cancer cases documented in the Saudi Cancer Registry (SCR) between 2004 and 2014 was performed. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-test, Kruskal–Wallis, and sex ratio with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0 (SPSS). Results A total of 4723 liver cancer cases were registered in the SCR between January 2004 and December 2014. The highest overall ASIR of liver cancer among Saudi males was observed in the regions of Riyadh, Najran, and Tabuk at 10.4, 7.7, and 7.0 per 100,000 males, respectively. Furthermore, Riyadh, Eastern Region, and Tabuk recorded the highest overall ASIR among Saudi females at 4.9, 2.8, and 2.6 per 100,000 females, respectively. Jazan had the lowest overall ASIR (1.7 per 100,000 males) of liver cancer among male Saudis, while the Northern region and Baha had the lowest overall ASIR (0.6 and 0.9 per 100,000 females, respectively) of liver cancer among female Saudis. However, the overall ASIR of liver cancer was statistically higher in males than females (P-value <0.05), and the overall male-to-female ratio in ASIR of liver cancer in Saudi Arabia was 2.4 per 100,000. Conclusion There was a slight increase in the CIRs and ASIRs of liver cancer in Saudi Arabia between 2004 and 2014. Riyadh, Najran, and Tabuk were the areas most affected by liver cancer among Saudi males, and Riyadh, Eastern Region, and Tabuk among female Saudis. The areas least affected by liver cancer were observed in Jazan among Saudi males, and the Northern region and Baha among Saudi females. The rates of liver cancer in Saudi Arabia were significantly higher among males compared with female Saudis.
Graphene-Based Flexible Strain Sensor Based on PDMS for Strain Detection of Steel Wire Core Conveyor Belt Joints

Because of their superior performance, flexible strain sensors are used in a wide range of applications, including medicine and health, human–computer interaction, and precision manufacturing. Flexible strain sensors outperform conventional silicon-based sensors in high-strain environments. However, most current studies report complex flexible sensor preparation processes, and research focuses on enhancing and improving one parameter or property of the sensors, ignoring the feasibility of flexible strain sensors for applications in various fields. Since the mechanical properties of flexible sensors can be well combined with rubber conveyor belts, in this work polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was used as a flexible substrate by a simple way of multiple drop coating. Graphene-based flexible strain sensor films that can be used for strain detection at the joints of steel cord core conveyor belts were successfully fabricated. The results of the tests show that the sensor has a high sensitivity and can achieve a fast response (response time: 43 ms). Furthermore, the sensor can still capture the conveyor belt strain after withstanding high pressure (1.2–1.4 MPa) and high temperature (150 °C) during the belt vulcanization process. This validates the feasibility of using flexible strain sensors in steel wire core conveyor belts and has some potential for detecting abnormal strains in steel wire core conveyor belt, broadening the application field of flexible sensors.
Association between choline supplementation and Alzheimer’s disease risk: a systematic review protocol

Background and aims There is growing evidence suggesting choline intake might have beneficial effects on cognitive function in the elderly. However, some studies report no relationship between choline intake and cognitive function or improvement in Alzheimer’s disease patients. This protocol is for a systematic review of choline intake and Alzheimer’s disease that aims to assess the comparative clinical effectiveness of choline supplementation on Alzheimer’s disease risk. Methods and analysis literature search will be performed in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane, and the Web of Science electronic databases from inception until October 2023. We will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies will be included if they compared two different time points of choline biomarkers measures in men or women (65+) with Alzheimer’s Disease. The risk of bias in the included studies will be assessed within the Covidence data-management software. Results This review will summarize the clinical trial and quasi-experimental evidence of choline intake on Alzheimer’s disease risk for adults aged 65+. The results from all eligible studies included in the analysis will be presented in tables, text, and figures. A descriptive synthesis will present the characteristics of included studies (e.g., age, sex of participants, type, length of intervention and comparator, and outcome measures), critical appraisal results, and descriptions of the main findings. Discussion This systematic review will summarize the existing evidence on the association between Choline intake and AD and to make recommendations if appropriate. The results of this review will be considered with respect to whether there is enough evidence of benefit to merit a more definitive randomized controlled trial. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals population. Conclusion This protocol outlines the methodology for a systematic review of choline intake and AD. The resulting systematic review from this protocol will form an evidence-based foundation to advance nutrition care for individuals with AD or poor cognitive function. Systematic review registration http://www.crd. york.ac. uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023395004.
An Integrated Method for Tunnel Health Monitoring Data Analysis and Early Warning: Savitzky–Golay Smoothing and Wavelet Transform Denoising Processing

A tunnel health monitoring (THM) system ensures safe operations and effective maintenance. However, how to effectively process and denoise several data collected by THM remains to be addressed, as well as safety early warning problems. Thus, an integrated method for Savitzky–Golay smoothing (SGS) and Wavelet Transform Denoising (WTD) was used to smooth data and filter noise, and the coefficient of the non-uniform variation method was proposed for early warning. The THM data, including four types of sensors, were attempted using the proposed method. Firstly, missing values, outliers, and detrend in the data were processed, and then the data were smoothed by SGS. Furthermore, data denoising was carried out by selecting wavelet basis functions, decomposition scales, and reconstruction. Finally, the coefficient of non-uniform variation was employed to calculate the yellow and red thresholds. In data smoothing, it was found that the Signal Noise Ratio (SNR) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of SGS smoothing were superior to those of the moving average smoothing and five-point cubic smoothing by approximately 10% and 30%, respectively. An interesting phenomenon was discovered: the maximum and minimum values of the denoising effects with different wavelet basis functions after selection differed significantly, with the SNR differing by 14%, the RMSE by 8%, and the r by up to 80%. It was found that the wavelet basis functions vary, while the decomposition scales are consistently set at three layers. SGS and WTD can effectively reduce the complexity of the data while preserving its key characteristics, which has a good denoising effect. The yellow and red warning thresholds are categorized into conventional and critical controls, respectively. This early warning method dramatically improves the efficiency of tunnel safety control.
Microfluidic Synthesis of Magnetite Nanoparticles for the Controlled Release of Antibiotics

Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) have been intensively studied for biomedical applications, especially as drug delivery systems for the treatment of infections. Additionally, they are characterized by intrinsic antimicrobial properties owing to their capacity to disrupt or penetrate the microbial cell wall and induce cell death. However, the current focus has shifted towards increasing the control of the synthesis reaction to ensure more uniform nanoparticle sizes and shapes. In this context, microfluidics has emerged as a potential candidate method for the controlled synthesis of nanoparticles. Thus, the aim of the present study was to obtain a series of antibiotic-loaded MNPs through a microfluidic device. The structural properties of the nanoparticles were investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and, selected area electron diffraction (SAED), the morphology was evaluated through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution TEM (HR-TEM), the antibiotic loading was assessed through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and, and thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) analyses, and. the release profiles of both antibiotics was determined through UV-Vis spectroscopy. The biocompatibility of the nanoparticles was assessed through the MTT assay on a BJ cell line, while the antimicrobial properties were investigated against the S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans strains. Results proved considerable uniformity of the antibiotic-containing nanoparticles, good biocompatibility, and promising antimicrobial activity. Therefore, this study represents a step forward towards the microfluidic development of highly effective nanostructured systems for antimicrobial therapies.
The Role of Host Species in Experimental Ferlavirus Infection: Comparison of a Single Strain in Ball Pythons (Python regius) and Corn Snakes (Pantherophis guttatus)

Simple Summary Paramyxoviruses in the genus Ferlavirus are well-documented pathogens in snakes. Disease severity appears to depend on multiple factors which are not fully understood. In order to further understand the role of host species in ferlaviral infection and disease, a genogroup B ferlavirus that had previously been shown to be highly pathogenic in corn snakes (Pantherophis gutattus) was inoculated into ball pythons (Python regius). The pythons became infected but developed much milder disease than that observed in the corn snakes. The corn snakes also had a higher rate of bacterial involvement in the lungs as well as much weaker humoral immune responses to infection. In both species, the respiratory tract was the primary target of the virus, but systemic spread was also observed. While this study supports previous findings indicating a wide host range among squamate reptiles for ferlaviruses, it also shows that specific host species can react very differently to infection with individual virus strains. Abstract Ferlaviruses are a cause of respiratory disease in snakes. Four genogroups (A, B, C, and tortoise) have been described. Disease development is believed to depend on virus, host, and environment-specific factors. There is evidence of transmission of individual strains between genera and families of reptiles. A genogroup B virus previously used in a transmission study with corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) was applied intratracheally in ball pythons (Python regius) using the same protocol as for the corn snakes. Ball pythons became infected, with initial mild clinical signs noted four days post infection (p.i.), and the virus was detected first in the lungs on day 4 and spread to the intestine, pancreas, kidney and brain. Hematology showed an increase in circulating lymphocytes which peaked on day 28 p.i. Antibodies were detected beginning on day 16 and increased steadily to the end of the study. In comparison to corn snakes, ball pythons exhibited milder clinical signs and pathological changes, faster development of and higher antibody titers, and a hematological reaction dominated by lymphocytosis in contrast to heterophilia in corn snakes. These differences in host reaction to infection are important to understand ferlavirus epidemiology as well as for clinical medicine and diagnostic testing.
A case of post renal transplant PTLD of lung

Post Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD) is a heterogeneous group of Lymphoid proliferative disorders that occur in patients post Hematogenous or Solid organ transplants. They are closely associated with Ebstein-Barr Virus and can range from polyclonal lesions to frank lymphomas. PTLD is usually a rare post-transplant complication, with the incidence being higher post Lung or Heart Transplantation and less commonly seen post-renal transplantation. The incidence post renal transplantation is less than 1%, with most of the cases being limited to the Gastro-Intestinal Tract and Lymph nodes, and incidence in the lungs being extremely rare. Here we present a case report of PTLD of the lung in a post-renal transplant recipient.