Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Effectiveness of Water Hyacinth ( E . crassipes ) in the Biosorption of Heavy Metals from Aluminium Extruding Company Effluents FUBARA

Biosorption technique was used to assess the effectiveness of water hyacinth in the removal of heavy metal from effluents obtained from an Aluminium extruding company. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques were used to characterize the water hyacinth materials before and after adsorption. A batch experiment was set up using water hyacinth (E. crassipes) ash as absorbent. The effects of contact time, absorbent dose, pH and temperature on the heavy metal removal efficiency were determined. The experimental data were analysed by the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin models of adsorption. The FTIR results showed a reduction in the intensity of the adsorption bands for all the metal ions. The optimal percentage removal of the metal occurred at 30 minutes except Cd which had highest percentage removal at 20 minutes while optimal pH was at 6.0 except Pb which had its optimal removal at pH 4.0. Increase in biosorbent dosage increased the percentage removal of the metal ions with Zn (96% at 1.0 g) having the highest percentage removal of the five metal ions studied. The results revealed that Langmuir and Temkin Isotherms were the best model for the metal ions adsorption onto water hyacinth. Langmuir model had a better fit for Fe (R = 0.78), Ni (R = 0.82) and Pb (R = 0.78), while Temkin model fitted best for Cd (R = 0.92) and Zn (R = 0.96). The E. crassipes, therefore, could serve as effective, low-cost and environmentally friendly adsorbents. DOI: https://dx.doi. org/10.4314/jasem.v26i1. 6 Open Access Article: (https://pkp.sfu.ca/ojs/) This an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License (CCL), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Impact factor: http://sjifactor.com/passport.php? id=21082 Google Analytics: https://www.ajol. info/stats/bdf07303d34706088ffffbc8a92c9c1491b12470 Copyright: Copyright © 2022 Fubara et al. Dates: Received: 23 August 2021; Revised: 21 December 2021; Accepted: 06 January 2022
Structural connectivity of autonomic, pain, limbic, and sensory brainstem nuclei in living humans based on 7 Tesla and 3 Tesla MRI

Autonomic, pain, limbic, and sensory processes are mainly governed by the central nervous system, with brainstem nuclei as relay centers for these crucial functions. Yet, the structural connectivity of brainstem nuclei in living humans remains understudied. These tiny structures are difficult to locate using conventional in vivo MRI, and ex vivo brainstem nuclei atlases lack precise and automatic transformability to in vivo images. To fill this gap, we mapped our recently developed probabilistic brainstem nuclei atlas developed in living humans to high‐spatial resolution (1.7 mm isotropic) and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) at 7 Tesla in 20 healthy participants. To demonstrate clinical translatability, we also acquired 3 Tesla DWI with conventional resolution (2.5 mm isotropic) in the same participants. Results showed the structural connectome of 15 autonomic, pain, limbic, and sensory (including vestibular) brainstem nuclei/nuclei complex (superior/inferior colliculi, ventral tegmental area‐parabrachial pigmented, microcellular tegmental–parabigeminal, lateral/medial parabrachial, vestibular, superior olivary, superior/inferior medullary reticular formation, viscerosensory motor, raphe magnus/pallidus/obscurus, parvicellular reticular nucleus‐alpha part), derived from probabilistic tractography computation. Through graph measure analysis, we identified network hubs and demonstrated high intercommunity communication in these nuclei. We found good (r = .5) translational capability of the 7 Tesla connectome to clinical (i.e., 3 Tesla) datasets. Furthermore, we validated the structural connectome by building diagrams of autonomic/pain/limbic connectivity, vestibular connectivity, and their interactions, and by inspecting the presence of specific links based on human and animal literature. These findings offer a baseline for studies of these brainstem nuclei and their functions in health and disease, including autonomic dysfunction, chronic pain, psychiatric, and vestibular disorders.
Guided bone regeneration using titanium mesh to augment 3‐dimensional alveolar defects prior to implant placement. A pilot study

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the outcomes of bone regeneration using a customized titanium mesh scaffold to cover a bone graft for reconstruction of complex defects of the jaws. Materials and Methods 19 large defects were digitally reconstructed using CT scans according to the prosthetic requirements. A titanium mesh scaffold was designed to cover the bone (autologous/bovine bone particulate) graft. At least 6 months after surgery, a new cone‐beam CT was taken. The pre‐ and postoperative CT datasets were then converted into three‐dimensional models and digitally aligned. The actual mesh position was compared to the virtual position to assess the reliability of the digital project. The reconstructed bone volumes (RBVs) were calculated according to the planned bone volumes (PBVs), outlining the areas under the mesh. These values were then correlated with the number of exposures, locations of atrophy, and virtually planned bone volume. Results The mean matching value between the planned position of the mesh and the actual one was 82 ± 13.4%. 52.3% (40% early and 60% late) exposures were observed, with 15.8% exhibiting infection. 26.3% resulted as failures. The amount of reconstructed bone volume (RBV) in respect to PBV was 65 ± 40.5%, including failures, and 88.2 ± 8.32% without considering the failures. The results of the exposure event were statistically significant (p = .006) in conditioning the bone volume regenerated. Conclusions This study obtained up to 88% of bone regeneration in 74% of the cases. The failures encountered (26%) should underline the operator's expertise relevance in conditioning the final result.
Global, regional, and national burden of periodontitis from 1990 to 2019: results from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019.

AIM To evaluate the prevalence and incidence of periodontitis and associated disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2019. METHODS We collected data on periodontitis between 1990-2019 from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 Study. The global prevalence, incidence, and DALYs attributed to periodontitis were analyzed. The age-standardized rate (ASR) and estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were calculated to quantify the burden of the disease and temporal trends. RESULTS The ASR of the prevalence, incidence, and DALYs increased worldwide from 1990 to 2019. In 2019, Western Sub-Saharan Africa carried the heaviest burden of periodontitis, while the nation with the highest periodontitis burden was Gambia. The burden of periodontitis was negatively associated with the level of socioeconomic development. While, the majority of periodontitis burden was observed among those aged 55-59 years, the incidence of periodontitis has shown an increasing trend among younger individuals. CONCLUSION Periodontitis continue to be a global public health problem. Current prevention and control strategies should be enhanced to prevent an increase in periodontitis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Quantification of tear glucose levels and their correlation with blood glucose levels in dogs

Abstract Background No previous studies have quantified tear glucose (TG) levels in dogs or compared changes in TG and blood glucose (BG) concentrations. Objective To quantify TG concentration and evaluate its correlation with BG level in dogs. Methods Twenty repetitive tests were performed in alternate eyes of four dogs, with a minimum washout period of 1 week. Tears and blood were collected at 30‐min intervals with successive glucose injections (1 g/kg) every 30 min. Cross‐correlations of BG and TG levels were assessed. The delay and association between TG and corresponding BG levels were analysed for each dog; samples were collected at 5‐min intervals. The tears were collected using microcapillary tubes. Collected tears and blood were analysed for glucose concentration using a colorimetric assay and commercially available glucometer, respectively. Results The average baseline BG and TG levels were 4.76 ± 0.58 and 0.39 ± 0.04 mmol/L, respectively. Even with highly fluctuating BG levels, a significant cross‐correlation coefficient (r = 0.86, p < 0.05) was observed between changes of BG and TG levels. The delay time between BG and TG levels was 10 min. On average, BG levels were 16.34 times higher than TG levels. There was strong correlation between BG and TG levels (r s = 0.80, p < 0.01). Significant differences in TG concentrations between normoglycaemia, mild hyperglycaemia, and severe hyperglycaemia were found (p < 0.05). Conclusions Canine TG concentrations have not been quantified previously. Our findings suggest preliminary data for future research on TG levels in dogs and show TG measurement could be used to screen for diabetes mellitus in dogs.
Utilization, Patient Characteristics, and Longitudinal Improvements among Patients from a Provincially Funded Transdiagnostic Internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Program: Observational Study of Trends over 6 Years

Objective: There is strong evidence supporting internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (iCBT) and consequently growing demand for iCBT in Canada. Transdiagnostic iCBT that addresses both depression and anxiety is particularly promising as it represents an efficient method of delivering iCBT in routine care. The Online Therapy Unit, funded by the Saskatchewan government, has been offering transdiagnostic iCBT for depression and anxiety since 2013. In this article, to broadly inform implementation efforts, we examined trends in utilization, patient characteristics, and longitudinal improvements for patients receiving transdiagnostic iCBT over 6 years. Methods: Patients who completed telephone screening between November 2013 and December 2019 were included in this observational study. Patients provided demographics and mental health history at screening and completed measures at pre-treatment, post-treatment and at 3- to 4-month follow-up. Treatment engagement and satisfaction were assessed. Results: A total of 5,321 telephone screenings were completed and 4,283 of patients were accepted for treatment over the 6-year period (80.5% acceptance). The most common reason for referral to another service was high suicide risk/severe symptoms (47.1%). Examination of trends showed growing use of transdiagnostic iCBT over time (37% increase per year). There was remarkable stability in patient characteristics across years. Most patients were concurrently using medication (57.3%) with 11.9% reporting using iCBT while on a waiting list for face-to-face treatment highlighting the importance of integrating iCBT with other services. Consistent across years, large improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms were found and maintained at 3- to 4-month follow-up. There was strong patient engagement with iCBT and positive ratings of treatment experiences. Conclusions: As there is growing interest in iCBT in Canada, this large observational study provides valuable information for those implementing iCBT in terms of likely user characteristics, patterns of use, and improvements. This information has potential to assist with resource allocation and planning in Canada and elsewhere.
In vitro evolution of myc-tag antibodies: in-depth specificity and affinity analysis of Myc1-9E10 and Hyper-Myc

Abstract One of the most widely used epitope tags is the myc-tag, recognized by the anti-c-Myc hybridoma antibody Myc1-9E10. Combining error-prone PCR, DNA shuffling and phage display, we generated an anti-c-Myc antibody variant (Hyper-Myc) with monovalent affinity improved to 18 nM and thermal stability increased by 37%. Quantification of capillary immunoblots and by flow cytometry demonstrated improved antigen detection by Hyper-Myc. Further, three different species variants of this antibody were generated to allow the use of either anti-human, anti-mouse or anti-rabbit Fc secondary antibodies for detection. We characterized the specificity of both antibodies in depth: individual amino acid exchange mapping demonstrated that the recognized epitope was not changed by the in vitro evolution process. A laser printed array of 29,127 different epitopes representing all human linear B-cell epitopes of the Immune Epitope Database allowing to chart unwanted reactivities with mimotopes showed these to be very low for both antibodies and not increased for Hyper-Myc despite its improved affinity. The very low background reactivity of Hyper-Myc was confirmed by staining of myc-tag transgenic zebrafish whole mounts. Hyper-Myc retains the very high specificity of Myc1-9E10 while allowing myc-tag detection at lower concentrations and with either anti-mouse, anti-rabbit or anti human secondary antibodies.
Efficient-Grad: Efficient Training Deep Convolutional Neural Networks on Edge Devices with Gradient Optimizations

With the prospering of mobile devices, the distributed learning approach, enabling model training with decentralized data, has attracted great interest from researchers. However, the lack of training capability for edge devices significantly limits the energy efficiency of distributed learning in real life. This article describes Efficient-Grad, an algorithm-hardware co-design approach for training deep convolutional neural networks, which improves both throughput and energy saving during model training, with negligible validation accuracy loss. The key to Efficient-Grad is its exploitation of two observations. Firstly, the sparsity has potential for not only activation and weight, but gradients and the asymmetry residing in the gradients for the conventional back propagation (BP). Secondly, a dedicated hardware architecture for sparsity utilization and efficient data movement can be optimized to support the Efficient-Grad algorithm in a scalable manner. To the best of our knowledge, Efficient-Grad is the first approach that successfully adopts a feedback-alignment (FA)-based gradient optimization scheme for deep convolutional neural network training, which leads to its superiority in terms of energy efficiency. We present case studies to demonstrate that the Efficient-Grad design outperforms the prior arts by 3.72x in terms of energy efficiency.
Metallo-Beta-Lactamase Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Healthcare Setting in Alexandria, Egypt

Abstract Pseudomonas aeruginosa has emerged as a major healthcare associated pathogen that creates a serious public health disaster in both developing and developed countries. In this work we aimed at studying the occurrence of metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) producing P. aeruginosa in a healthcare setting in Alexandria, Egypt. This cross sectional study included 1583 clinical samples that were collected from patients admitted to Alexandria University Students’ Hospital. P. aeruginosa isolates were identified using standard microbiological methods and were tested for their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns using single disc diffusion method according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute recommendations. Thirty P. aeruginosa isolates were randomly selected and tested for their MBL production by both phenotypic and genotypic methods. Diagnostic Epsilometer test was done to detect metallo-beta-lactamase enzyme producers and polymerase chain reaction test was done to detect imipenemase (IMP), Verona integron-encoded (VIM) and Sao Paulo metallo-beta-lactamase (IMP) encoding genes. Of the 1583 clinical samples, 175 (11.3%) P. aeruginosa isolates were identified. All the 30 (100%) selected P. aeruginosa isolates that were tested for MBL production by Epsilometer test were found to be positive; where 19 (63.3%) revealed blaSPM gene and 11 (36.7%) had blaIMP gene. blaVIM gene was not detected in any of the tested isolates. Isolates of MBL producing P. aeruginosa were highly susceptible to polymyxin B 26 (86.7%) and highly resistant to amikacin 26 (86.7%). MBL producers were detected phenotypically by Epsilometer test in both carbapenem susceptible and resistant P. aeruginosa isolates. blaSPM was the most commonly detected MBL gene in P. aeruginosa isolates.
Investigation of the Mechanisms Underlying the Development and Evolution of the Cerebral Cortex Using Gyrencephalic Ferrets

The mammalian cerebral cortex has changed significantly during evolution. As a result of the increase in the number of neurons and glial cells in the cerebral cortex, its size has markedly expanded. Moreover, folds, called gyri and sulci, appeared on its surface, and its neuronal circuits have become much more complicated. Although these changes during evolution are considered to have been crucial for the acquisition of higher brain functions, the mechanisms underlying the development and evolution of the cerebral cortex of mammals are still unclear. This is, at least partially, because it is difficult to investigate these mechanisms using mice only. Therefore, genetic manipulation techniques for the cerebral cortex of gyrencephalic carnivore ferrets were developed recently. Furthermore, gene knockout was achieved in the ferret cerebral cortex using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. These techniques enabled molecular investigations using the ferret cerebral cortex. In this review, we will summarize recent findings regarding the mechanisms underlying the development and evolution of the mammalian cerebral cortex, mainly focusing on research using ferrets.
Plasma PolyQ-ATXN3 Levels Associate With Cerebellar Degeneration and Behavioral Abnormalities in a New AAV-Based SCA3 Mouse Model

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a dominantly inherited cerebellar ataxia caused by the expansion of a polyglutamine (polyQ) repeat in the gene encoding ATXN3. The polyQ expansion induces protein inclusion formation in the neurons of patients and results in neuronal degeneration in the cerebellum and other brain regions. We used adeno-associated virus (AAV) technology to develop a new mouse model of SCA3 that recapitulates several features of the human disease, including locomotor defects, cerebellar-specific neuronal loss, polyQ-expanded ATXN3 inclusions, and TDP-43 pathology. We also found that neurofilament light is elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the SCA3 animals, and the expanded polyQ-ATXN3 protein can be detected in the plasma. Interestingly, the levels of polyQ-ATXN3 in plasma correlated with measures of cerebellar degeneration and locomotor deficits in 6-month-old SCA3 mice, supporting the hypothesis that this factor could act as a biomarker for SCA3.
Establishment of a Dynamic Nomogram for Predicting the Risk of Lymph Node Metastasis in T1 Stage Colorectal Cancer

Background Accurate prediction of the risk of lymph node metastasis in patients with stage T1 colorectal cancer is crucial for the formulation of treatment plans for additional surgery and lymph node dissection after endoscopic resection. The purpose of this study was to establish a predictive model for evaluating the risk of LNM in patients with stage T1 colorectal cancer. Methods The clinicopathological and imaging data of 179 patients with T1 stage colorectal cancer who underwent radical resection of colorectal cancer were collected. LASSO regression and a random forest algorithm were used to screen the important risk factors for LNM, and a multivariate logistic regression equation and dynamic nomogram were constructed. The C index, Calibration curve, and area under the ROC curve were used to evaluate the discriminant and prediction ability of the nomogram. The net reclassification index (NRI), comprehensive discriminant improvement index (IDI), and clinical decision curve (DCA) were compared with traditional ESMO criteria to evaluate the accuracy, net benefit, and clinical practicability of the model. Results The probability of lymph node metastasis in patients with T1 colorectal cancer was 11.17% (20/179). Multivariate analysis showed that the independent risk factors for LNM in T1 colorectal cancer were submucosal invasion depth, histological grade, CEA, lymphovascular invasion, and imaging results. The dynamic nomogram model constructed with independent risk factors has good discrimination and prediction capabilities. The C index was 0.914, the corrected C index was 0.890, the area under the ROC curve was 0.914, and the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 93.3, 80.0, and 91.8%, respectively. The NRI, IDI, and DCA show that this model is superior to the ESMO standard. Conclusion This study establishes a dynamic nomogram that can effectively predict the risk of lymph node metastasis in patients with stage T1 colorectal cancer, which will provide certain help for the formulation of subsequent treatment plans for patients with stage T1 CRC after endoscopic resection.
Roles of the RANKL–RANK Axis in Immunity—Implications for Pathogenesis and Treatment of Bone Metastasis

A substantial amount patients with cancer will develop bone metastases, with 70% of metastatic prostate and breast cancer patients harboring bone metastasis. Despite advancements in systemic therapies for advanced cancer, survival remains poor for those with bone metastases. The interaction between bone cells and the immune system contributes to a better understanding of the role that the immune system plays in the bone metastasis of cancer. The immune and bone systems share various molecules, including transcription factors, signaling molecules, and membrane receptors, which can stimulate the differentiation and activation of bone‐resorbing osteoclasts. The process of cancer metastasis to bone, which deregulates bone turnover and results in bone loss and skeletal-related events (SREs), is also controlled by primary cancer-related factors that modulate the intratumoral microenvironment as well as cellular immune process. The nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) and the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK) are key regulators of osteoclast development, bone metabolism, lymph node development, and T-cell/dendritic cell communication. RANKL is an osteoclastogenic cytokine that links the bone and the immune system. In this review, we highlight the role of RANKL and RANK in the immune microenvironment and bone metastases and review data on the role of the regulatory mechanism of immunity in bone metastases, which could be verified through clinical efficacy of RANKL inhibitors for cancer patients with bone metastases. With the discovery of the specific role of RANK signaling in osteoclastogenesis, the humanized monoclonal antibody against RANKL, such as denosumab, was available to prevent bone loss, SREs, and bone metastases, providing a unique opportunity to target RANKL/RANK as a future strategy to prevent bone metastases.
Timely Monitoring COVID-19 Vaccine Protection, Berlin, Germany, April 15th to December 15th, 2021

State Office for Health and Social Affairs, Berlin, Germany, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany, Postgraduate Training for Applied Epidemiology (PAE), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany, European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden, Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany