Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Protect Against Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Induced Brain Injury by Priming Regulatory T Cells

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an anti-inflammatory effect to protect against ischemic stroke. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) can induce regulatory T cells tolerance in sterile-inflammation conditions. However, whether and how pDCs-mediated Tregs response play a part in the pathology of ischemic stroke remains unclear. In this study, we showed that pDCs were increased in the brain of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice. Depletion of pDCs with 120G8 exacerbated MCAO-induced brain injury, peripheral pro-inflammation response and decreased the systemic Tregs in mice. Furthermore, the data of mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) in vitro demonstrate that splenic pDCs from MCAO mice can significantly promote Tregs proliferation, accompanying with the increased expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) on pDCs. Taken together, the findings here suggested that under the pathologic state of stroke, pDCs protect against MCAO-induced brain injury by priming Tregs, illustrating that pDCs represented as a therapeutic target for the prevention of ischemic brain injury.
Caveolin-1 Impacts on TGF-β Regulation of Metabolic Gene Signatures in Hepatocytes

Caveolin-1 (CAV1) is a membrane protein associated with metabolism in various cell types. The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a pro-fibrogenic cytokine in the liver, but its metabolic gene signatures remain unclear to date. We have previously shown that CAV1 alters TGF-β signaling and blocks its pro-apoptotic function. Here, we defined TGF-β-induced metabolic gene signatures in hepatocytes and assessed whether CAV1 abundance affects TGF-β control of those metabolic genes. Microarray analyses of primary hepatocytes after TGF-β stimulation (48 h) showed differential expression of 4224 genes, of which 721 are metabolic genes (adjusted p < 0.001). Functional annotation analysis revealed that TGF-β mainly suppresses metabolic gene network, including genes involved in glutathione, cholesterol, fatty acid, and amino acid metabolism. TGF-β also upregulated several genes related to glycan metabolism and ion transport. In contrast to TGF-β effects, CAV1 knockdown triggered the upregulation of metabolic genes. Immortalized mouse hepatocytes (AML12 cells) were used to validate the gene changes induced by TGF-β stimulation and CAV1 knockdown. Noteworthy, of the TGF-β metabolic target genes, CAV1 modulated the expression of 228 (27%). In conclusion, we present several novel metabolic gene signatures of TGF-β in hepatocytes and show that CAV1 abundance alters almost a third of these genes. These findings could enable a better understanding of TGF-β function in normal and diseased liver especially where differential CAV1 level is implicated.
One-Year Old Dormant, “Non-culturable” Mycobacterium tuberculosis Preserves Significantly Diverse Protein Profile

For adaptation to stressful conditions, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is prone to transit to a dormant, non-replicative state, which is believed to be the basis of the latent form of tuberculosis infection. Dormant bacteria persist in the host for a long period without multiplication, cannot be detected from biological samples by microbiological methods, however, their “non-culturable” state is reversible. Mechanisms supporting very long capacity of mycobacteria for resuscitation and further multiplication after prolonged survival in a dormant phase remain unclear. Using methods of 2D electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF analysis, in this study we characterized changes in the proteomic profile of Mtb stored for more than a year as dormant, non-replicating cells with a negligible metabolic activity, full resistance to antibiotics, and altered morphology (ovoid forms). Despite some protein degradation, the proteome of 1-year-old dormant mycobacteria retained numerous intact proteins. Their protein profile differed profoundly from that of metabolically active cells, but was similar to the proteome of the 4-month-old dormant bacteria. Such protein stability is likely to be due to the presence of a significant number of enzymes involved in the protection from oxidative stress (katG/Rv1908, sodA/Rv3846, sodC/Rv0432, bpoC/Rv0554), as well as chaperones (dnaJ1/Rv0352, htpG/Rv2299, groEL2/Rv0440, dnaK/Rv0350, groES/Rv3418, groEL1/Rv3417, HtpG/Rv2299c, hspX/Rv2031), and DNA-stabilizing proteins. In addition, dormant cells proteome contains enzymes involved in specific metabolic pathways (glycolytic reactions, shortened TCA cycle, degradative processes) potentially providing a low-level metabolism, or these proteins could be “frozen” for usage in the reactivation process before biosynthetic processes start. The observed stability of proteins in a dormant state could be a basis for the long-term preservation of Mtb cell vitality and hence for latent tuberculosis.
Utility of QuantiFERON®-TB gold In-Tube test compared with tuberculin skin test in diagnosing tuberculosis in Indian children with malnutrition

This prospective cohort study was conducted to compare the accuracy of QuantiFERON®-TB (QFT) Gold In-Tube test and tuberculin skin test (TST) in diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) in predominantly bacille Calmette–Guerin-vaccinated children with a high incidence of malnutrition. The sensitivity of the QFT versus the TST was 69.6% versus 52.9% for WHO-defined TB, with specificity of 86% versus 78.3%, respectively. The concordance of the TST and QFT was 79% overall (κ = 0.430), 62.5% in those with WHO-defined TB and 85.7% in those without TB. Majority of the QFT+/TST − discordance was seen in children with TB, whereas majority of the TST+/QFT − discordance was seen in those without TB. The TST was more likely to be negative in children with moderate-to-severe malnutrition (P = 0.003) compared to the QFT, which was more likely to be positive in younger children. The significantly better performance of the QFT in malnourished children and those at younger ages supports its use for TB diagnosis in these subpopulations.
Clinical evaluation of temporomandibular joint disorders among dental students at the University of science and technology, Sana'a, Yemen

Aim and Objectives: The study was designed to evaluate the temporomandibular joint disorders among dental students at the University of Science and Technology (UST). Subjects and Methods: The sample size included 267 dental students in UST aged between 18 and 27 years. The study was based on Fonseca's anamnestic index and its questionnaire, which was composed of 10 questions and an examination sheet composed of demographic data and clinical examination. Results: Of 267 students, 178 of them were female (66.7%) and 89 of them were male (33.3%). 52.1% of the study participants were with no temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), 37.5% with mild TMDs, 9.7% with moderate TMDs, and 0.7% with severe TMDs. Regarding clinical examination findings, 81.7% of the study participants were with normal mouth opening and 18.3% were with limited mouth opening. The participants with or without tenderness during palpation were 13.1% and 86.9%, respectively. Positive participants with auscultation (clicking) were 45.3% and 54.7% were negative participants. Conclusion: The mild TMDs were most common, then moderate TMDs were less common, and severe TMDs were rarely. The females were more affected. History of the past dental treatment and psychological stress was found in students having TMDs.
Effect of Ramadan fasting on glycaemic parameters & body mass index in type II diabetic patients: A meta-analysis

Background & objectives: There has been an ongoing debate about the impact of Ramadan fasting (RF) on the health of these individuals who fast during Ramadan. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the relationship between RF and glycaemic parameters in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Methods: Search terms were decided and databases such as MEDLINE EBSCO, Google Scholar and EMBASE were searched for eligible studies. Standardized mean differences and 95 per cent confidence intervals (CIs) of post-prandial plasma glucose (PPG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) (%) and fructosamine levels were calculated for different treatment regimens. Results: Of the 40 studies, 19 were found eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Based on pooled results, significant reductions in FPG were found in single oral antidiabetics (OAD) [standardized weighted mean difference (SMD)=0.47, 95% CI=(0.20-0.74)], multi-OAD [SMD=0.36, 95% CI=(0.11-0.61)] and multitreatment subgroups [SMD=0.65, 95% CI=(0.03-1.27)] and overall [SMD=0.48, 95% CI=(0.27-0.70)]. Furthermore, HbA1c(%) [SMD=0.26, 95% CI=(0.03-0.49)] and body mass index (BMI) [SMD=0.18, 95% CI=(0.04-0.31)] were significantly decreased in the multi-OAD group. Interpretation & conclusions: The meta-analysis showed that RF was not associated with any significant negative effects on PPG and fructosamine levels. However, BMI and FPG and HbA1c(%) were positively affected by RF.
To compare the efficacy of preemptive oral pregabalin versus oral pregabalin with intravenous ketamine as premedication on early postoperative pain

Background and Objectives: Using opioid alone for postoperative pain relief is usually inadequate, and higher doses can cause a multitude of complications. A drug, which has anxiolytic property without the adverse effects of traditional analgesics mentioned, may be an attractive choice for postoperative analgesia. This study was done to compare analgesic efficacy of different nonopioid drugs on early postoperative pain and thus opioid-sparing effect. Materials and Methods: It was a randomized controlled trial. Sixty patients scheduled to undergo elective abdominal surgery under general anesthesia were assessed in the study. Primary Objective: The primary objective of this study was to observe the effect of preemptive pregabalin and pregabalin with intravenous (IV) ketamine on Cumulative analgesic requirement postoperatively. Secondary Objective: The secondary objective of this study was to observe the effect of preemptive pregabalin and pregabalin with IV ketamine on (1) analgesia and (2) adverse effects. Patients were randomly divided into two groups each containing 30 patients. Group P received 150 mg of oral pregabalin, 2 h before induction of anesthesia. Group PK received 150 mg of oral pregabalin, 2 h before induction of anesthesia, and injection ketamine 0.15 mg/kg intravenously just before induction of anesthesia. Heart rate and mean blood pressure (MBP) were observed and recorded at different time intervals during surgery. Heart rate, MBP, time to first analgesic demand, visual analog scale (VAS) score, total postoperative analgesic requirement, sedation score, and side effects were recorded in postoperative period. Results: In Group P, the mean total analgesia requirement in postoperative period was 44.47 ± 5.06 mg, whereas in Group PK, it was 41.8 ± 2.34 mg (P = 0.006). VAS score and time to first analgesic demand were insignificantly higher in Group P. No statistically significant difference was found in side effect profile among the two groups. Conclusion: From our study, it could be concluded that a combination of oral pregabalin and IV ketamine when administered preoperatively can decrease opioid consumption while providing good pain control.
The Influence of Packaging and Brand Equity on Over-The-Counter Herbal Medicines in Kumasi, Ghana

In today`s competitive business environment, packaging and brand equity provide a competitive advantage to a firm which may increase and maintain its market share. However, the role of packaging in supporting the brand equity is relatively new in the over-the-counter pharmaceutical market and currently, there is a lack of empirical research to uncover its significance in this product segment. This paper seeks to investigate the impact of packaging on brand equity through the mediating effect of dimensions of brand equity in the over-the-counter drug market in Kumasi metropolis. Based on Aaker`s customer-based brand equity model, eight hypotheses were formulated and tested through structural equation modelling. Using systematic sampling, data was collected through survey questionnaires from a sample of 348 consumers who patronize in herbal medicines from herbal stores in Kumasi Metropolis. The study found that packaging significantly contributes to support brand equity of plant medicines through the mediating effect of brand awareness, brand association and brand loyalty. These results indicate that brand managers in the plant medicine industry need to consider packaging as an important brand-building tool in their marketing strategy to enhance brand equity in the over-the-counter pharmaceutical market. This will enh0ance their competitive distinctiveness in the over-the-counter market.
Evaluation of the Components of Psychological Capital and Organizational Citizenship Behavior among Nigerian Graduate Employees

In consideration of implications of organizational citizenship behavior, it is quite necessary for scholars and human resource management practitioners, to urgently investigate the correlates of psychological capital dimensions and the dimensions of organizational citizenship behavior. The purpose of the study was twofold. Firstly, to examines the relationship between psychological capital and organizational citizenship behavior. Secondly, to investigate the relationships between the dimensions of organizational citizenship behavior and psychological capital. The study is important, because its outcomes would help the corporate world, governments and human resource managers to avert the problem of underperformance among employees by improving psychological capital and organizational citizenship behavior. The study adopted the positivist explanatory cross-sectional (survey) research design to systematically sample opinions of 1,532 male and female graduate employees across the various sectors of the Nigerian economy, using a structured and validated questionnaire, and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results of the statistical analysis of data showed that there was a significant positive relationship between psychological capital and organizational citizenship behavior, r = 0.588, p<0.01. The results also showed that altruism, conscientiousness and civic virtue dimensions of organizational citizenship behavior are significantly positively interrelated to hope, optimism, resilience and self-efficacy dimensions of psychological capital. The study suggested that human resource managers should develop psychological capital in employees in order to increase the level of organizational performance. Recommendations of the study could assist in training and developing effective manpower capacity towards improving the economy of the nation.
Investigating the Cost Management Practices of Indigenous Firms in the Ghanaian Construction Industry

Cost management is key to project implementation and an important tool for maximizing profit nonetheless it has been a major challenge for most indigenous construction firms in Ghana. The study seeks to investigate the important factors influencing cost management practices among indigenous construction firms in Ghana and to ascertain whether there is a significant difference between the responses of the categories of the firm (construction and consultancy firms) in Ghana. A total of 82 questionnaires were retrieved from 100 administered questionnaires to professionals with indigenous construction firms representing 82% response rate. Data gathered were analyzed descriptively using Mean Item Score (MIS) via SPSS version 24 to identify the most important factors. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy and Bartlettâ€™s test of sphericity conducted showed a KMO score of 0.894. Bartlettâ€™s test of sphericity also revealed a significance level of 0.000 (pË‚0.05). The ANOVA suggest that there is no significant difference between the responses between the categories of firms. Indigenous firms are encouraged therefore to consider managing disagreement between project team members by ensuring constant project implementation meetings and to understand ground conditions of projects by visiting proposed sites prior to estimation and tendering. Finally, communication and expenditure control measures should be enhanced and introduced respectively. The implication of this study while contributing to the discourse on cost management practices of indigenous constructions firms in Ghana, also outlines the major (highly ranked) factors influencing indigenous firms in the management of project cost, before, during and after project implementation.
Uncertainty Analysis in Prediction of Settlements for Spatial Prefabricated Vertical Drains Improved Soft Soil Sites

This paper presents the quantification of uncertainties in the prediction of settlements of embankments built on prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) improved soft soil deposits based on data collected from two well-documented projects, located in Karakore, Ethiopia, and Ballina, Australia. For this purpose, settlement prediction biases and settlement distributions were statistically computed based on analyses conducted on two Class A and Class C numerical predictions made using PLAXIS 2D finite element modelling. From the results of prediction bias, Class C predictions agreed well with the field measured settlements at both sites. In Class C predictions, the computed settlements were biased to the measured values. For Class A predictions, the calculated settlement values were in the range of mean and mean minus 3SD (standard deviations) for Karakore clay, and they were within mean and mean minus 2SD limit for the Ballina soil. The contributing factors to the settlement uncertainties of the Karakore site may include variability within the soil profile of the alluvial deposit, particularly the presence of interbedded granular layer within the soft layers, and the high embankment fills, and the limited number of samples available for laboratory testing. At the Ballina test embankment site, the uncertainties may have been associated with the presence of transitional layers at the bottom of estuarine clay and sensitivity of soft soil to sample disturbances and limitations in representing all the site conditions.
Determinants of Climate Change Awareness among Rural Farming Households in South Africa

Climate change and rural livelihood capitals remain the major inextricable dimensions of sustainability in this twenty-first century globally. It is known to be an important challenge facing food security status among African countries. Additionally, it is an indisputable fact that climate change and agriculture are intertwined. In view of this, climate change awareness needs to be strengthened in the rural farming households. The study was carried out in Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, in the North West Province of South Africa to determine awareness of climate change. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select three hundred and forty-six (346) farmers who were interviewed from the study area. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The binary logistic regression model was employed to analyse the factors driving climate change awareness. The study established that majority of the rural farmers in the study area aware of climate change, in which farm size, education, who owns the farm, information received on climate change, source of climate change information, climate change information through extension services, channel of information received on climate change and support received on climate change are statistically significant (p<0.05) determinants of climate change awareness in the study area.
Very superstitious? A preliminary investigation of pigeons’ body position during a matching-to-sample task under differential and common outcome conditions

The delayed matching-to-sample (DMS) task is widely employed to assess memory in a range of non-human animals. On the standard “common outcomes” (CO) DMS task, correct performance following either sample stimulus results in reinforcement. In contrast, on a “differential outcomes” (DO) DMS task, the outcome following either sample stimulus is different. One of the most consistent findings in the comparative literature is that performance under a DO condition is superior to that under a CO condition. The superior performance is attributed to the fact the DO condition enhances memory for the sample stimulus by tagging each sample with a discrete reward. Here, we investigate an alternative possibility, that pigeons use positional mediation during the delay under DO, but not CO, conditions. To test this, we tracked the head position of pigeons performing a DO (n = 4) or CO (n = 4) task. Consistent with the positional mediation account, all subjects in the DO condition displayed evidence of positional mediation. Surprisingly, positional mediation was not unique to subjects in the DO condition, with subjects in the CO condition also displaying evidence of mediation.
Sprouting, phenology, and maturation of the Italian grapevine ‘Fiano’ in Campo Largo, PR, Brazil

Despite the expansion of viticulture in Brazil, the lack of chilling hours is a factor that requires the use of growth inducers to promote sprouting. Erger™ is a product of low toxicity and efficient in the bud induction of apple. However, there is a lack of studies testing such a product on the grapevine. This research was carried out to evaluate the sprouting and phenological cycle of ‘Fiano’ grapevine after Erger™ and calcium nitrate application in comparison to hydrogen cyanamide, as well as characterizing its production in Brazil. The experiment was carried out in Campo Largo, PR, under a trellis system, with plants spaced at 1.25 × 2.7 meters. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with four replications and three plants per plot. Different concentrations of Erger™ and calcium nitrate (3%, 5%, 7%, and control) were tested compared to the standard dose of Dormex™ (4%) to induce sprouting in ‘Fiano’ grapevine, while phenological aspects of this cultivar were evaluated following the BBCH scale. Soluble solids content, titratable acidity, and pH were evaluated weekly after the beginning of berry maturation. The main biometric and qualitative characteristics of bunches were evaluated at harvest. All treatments presented satisfactory sprouting rates in 2014, but a lower cold accumulation was observed in 2015, and Erger™ application significantly increased sprouting when compared to the control. Plants treated with Erger™ had a delay in sprouting in the two years of study, requiring more time to reach a satisfactory percentage of open buds. The anticipation of sprouting was also observed in all treatments in the second agricultural season due to higher temperatures in relation to the previous year when the occurrence of low temperatures led to a longer time to start bud opening, which was related to ecodormancy. The cultivar Fiano is productive and adapted to the conditions of Campo Largo, PR, Brazil.