Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, attitudes and practices about rabies prevention and control: A community survey in five health districts of Burkina Faso

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects humans and animals. It is transmitted by rabid animals, through bite, scratch or licking. Almost 99% of human cases are caused by dogs. In Burkina Faso, nearly 5,000 bites cases are recorded annually. This cross-sectional investigation was conducted with the objective of assessing the knowledge, attitudes and practices of people regarding rabies and preventive measures in five health districts, Burkina Faso. Using a structured questionnaire, the survey was conducted in households to capture data on participants’ knowledge, attitudes and practices of rabies control. Through a house-to-house approach, the questionnaire was administrated to 320 household members. The results indicated that 36.9% of the participants had high level knowledge of rabies, 80% perceived it as a fatal disease, 76.4% of participant’s reported attitudes were negative and 58.9% of them reported uncorrect practices. The knowledge level of rabies was significantly associated with health district, area of household location, participant’s age, their level of education, previous history with rabies and information channels used by household (p<0.05). However, the health district, the area of household location, the level of education and the knowledge level had significant association with attitudes of participants with regard to rabies (p<0.05). Concerning health behaviours, health district of respondents and their previous history with rabies showed significant association with practices regarding bite cases management (p<0.05). In addition, people health seeking behaviors were significantly associated with their levels of knowledge regarding rabies, their perceptions and attitudes towards the disease (p<0.05). National rabies control stakeholders should address the knowledge gaps through mass awareness campaigns providing key information regarding the risks of contamination and the recommended practices to prevent avoidable deaths.
Deciphering the Complex Molecular Pathogenesis of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 through Omics Studies

Omics studies are crucial to improve our understanding of myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), the most common muscular dystrophy in adults. Employing tissue samples and cell lines derived from patients and animal models, omics approaches have revealed the myriad alterations in gene and microRNA expression, alternative splicing, 3′ polyadenylation, CpG methylation, and proteins levels, among others, that contribute to this complex multisystem disease. In addition, omics characterization of drug candidate treatment experiments provides crucial insight into the degree of therapeutic rescue and off-target effects that can be achieved. Finally, several innovative technologies such as single-cell sequencing and artificial intelligence will have a significant impact on future DM1 research.
Gene Ontology Groups and Signaling Pathways Regulating the Process of Avian Satellite Cell Differentiation

Modern science is becoming increasingly committed to environmentally friendly solutions, mitigating the impact of the developing human civilisation on the environment. One of the leading fields aimed at sustainable agriculture is in vitro meat production. Cellular agriculture aims to provide a source of animal-free meat products, which would decrease worldwide nutritional dependency on animal husbandry, thereby reducing the significant impact of this industry on Earth’s climate. However, while some studies successfully produced lab-based meat on a small scale, scalability of this approach requires significant optimisation of the methodology in order to ensure its viability on an industrial scale. One of the methodological promises of in vitro meat production is the application of cell suspension-based bioreactors. Hence, this study focused on a complex transcriptomic comparison of adherent undifferentiated, differentiated and suspension-cultured myosatellite cells, aiming to determine the effects of different culture methods on their transcriptome. Modern next-generation sequencing (RNAseq) was used to determine the levels of transcripts in the cultures’ cell samples. Then, differential expression and pathway analyses were performed using bionformatical methods. The significantly regulated pathways included: EIF2, mTOR, GP6, integrin and HIFα signalling. Differential regulation of gene expression, as well as significant enrichment and modulation of pathway activity, suggest that suspension culture potentially promotes the ex vivo-associated loss of physiological characteristics and gain of plasticity. Therefore, it seems that suspension cultures, often considered the desired method for in vitro meat production, require further investigation to fully elucidate their effect on myosatellite cells and, therefore, possibly enable their easier scalability to ensure suitability for industrial application.
A statistical physics approach for disease module detection

Extensive evidence indicates that the pathobiological processes of a complex disease are associated with perturbation within specific disease neighborhoods of the human protein-protein interaction (PPI) network (a.k.a. the interactome), often referred to as the disease module. Many computational methods have been developed to integrate the interactome and omics profiles to extract context-dependent disease modules. Yet, existing methods all have fundamental limitations in terms of rigor and/or efficiency. Here, we developed a statistical physics approach based on the random-field Ising model (RFIM) for disease module detection, which is both mathematically rigorous and computationally efficient. We applied our RFIM approach with genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of six complex diseases to examine its performance for disease module detection. We found that our RFIM approach outperforms existing methods in terms of computational efficiency, connectivity of disease modules, and robustness to the interactome incompleteness.
Geodetic and seismological analysis of the CROPOS ZAGR station kinematics during the Zagreb 2020 ML 5.5 earthquake

The CROPOS’s ZAGR stations, one of 33 stations of the Croatian permanent GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) network CROPOS (Croatian Positioning System), is located in Zagreb’s city centre. For the first time, motion of one of the CROPOS stations (the ZAGR station) during an earthquake shake (the Zagreb 2020 ML5.5) was analysed by the PPK (Post-Processed Kinematic) method using all available GNSS signals (GPS – Global Positioning System, GLONASS – GLObalnaya NAvigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistem, Galileo, Bei-Dou) and seismologically interpreted. The ZAGR station is situated about 9 km to the south-southeast of the earthquake’s epicentre. The analysis showed that the station’s movements, i.e. combined surface and building motion, during the shake was far above the noise level and enabled the assessment of the station’s kinematics: movements in the range of approx. 13 cm in direction north–south (N–S) and approx. 6 cm in direction east–west (E–W). However, movements in the vertical direction were slightly above the noise level. Even though the ZAGR station kinematic behaviour was pronounced, no permanent displacement was identified. The seismological analysis showed that the ZAGR station recorded the onset of the SV-waves on the N–S component, surface waves on the N–S (predominantly Rayleigh waves) and E–W (mainly Love waves) components. The resolution of 1 s of the results of the PPK method have enabled a thorough analysis of the ZAGR station kinematics and pointed out the usefulness of the method in earthquake observations.
Identifying systematic variation at the single-cell level by leveraging low-resolution population-level data

A major limitation in single-cell genomics is a lack of ability to conduct cost-effective population-level studies. As a result, much of the current research in single-cell genomics focuses on biological processes that are broadly conserved across individuals, such as cellular organization and tissue development. This limitation prevents us from studying the etiology of experimental or clinical conditions that may be inconsistent across individuals owing to molecular variation and a wide range of effects in the population. In order to address this gap, we developed “kernel of integrated single cells” (Keris), a novel model-based framework to inform the analysis of single-cell gene expression data with population-level effects of a condition of interest. By inferring cell-type-specific moments and their variation across conditions using large tissue-level bulk data representing a population, Keris allows us to generate testable hypotheses at the single-cell level that would otherwise require collecting single-cell data from a large number of donors. Within the Keris framework, we show how the combination of low-resolution, large bulk data with small but high-resolution single-cell data enables the identification of changes in cell-subtype compositions and the characterization of subpopulations of cells that are affected by a condition of interest. Using Keris we estimate linear and non-linear age-associated changes in cell-type expression in large bulk peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) data. Combining with three independent single-cell PBMC datasets, we demonstrate that Keris can identify changes in cell-subtype composition with age and capture cell-type-specific subpopulations of senescent cells. This demonstrates the promise of enhancing single-cell data with population-level information to study compositional changes and to profile condition-affected subpopulations of cells, and provides a potential resource of targets for future clinical interventions.
Parental warmth may not always be beneficial: High parental warmth impairs victimized adolescents’ academic achievement via elevated school burnout

Although research has documented the adverse effect of peer victimization on academic achievement, little is known about the underlying mechanism. This three-wave longitudinal study attempts to examine whether school burnout would explain the influence of peer victimization on academic achievement and whether this undesirable effect would be conditional on parental warmth using a sample of 706 Chinese adolescents (54.77% boys; Mage = 12.72 years, SD = 0.40 at baseline). Both self-reported and peer-nominated victimization, school burnout, and parental warmth were assessed at baseline, and school burnout was measured 1 year later. Their academic achievement was collected from school records at baseline and 2 years later. The results revealed that self-reported (rather than peer-nominated) victimization at baseline impaired students’ academic achievement 2 years later through increasing their school burnout. Interestingly, higher parental warmth aggravated, rather than alleviated this indirect effect. These findings support the Reverse Stress-Buffering Model and the Ecological Systems Theory highlighting the importance of considering multiple interpersonal relationships simultaneously to heighten adolescent academic performance.
Bio-inspired artificial printed bioelectronic cardio-3D-cellular constructs

Bioelectronics is a growing field where novel smart materials are required to interface biology with electronic components. Conductive hydrogels have recently emerged as a promising material for biosensing/actuating applications as they can provide a wet, nanostructured and electrically conductive environment, minimising the mismatch between biological and electronic systems. In this work, we propose a strategy to develop conductive bioinks compatible with the freeform reversible embedding of suspended hydrogels (FRESH) extrusion bioprinting method. These bioinks are based on decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM), extracted from three different tissues (small intestine submucosa, liver and bone) and were characterised. 3D structures were manufactured containing human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs), exhibiting cell viabilities >80%. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were selected as an additional component of the bioinks. The addition of the MWCNTs enhanced the conductive features of the hydrogels and the morphology of the dECM fibres. Electrical stimulation (ES) through alternating currents was applied to hPSC-CMs encapsulated in 3D structures manufactured with the previous material and our results indicated two main findings: (1) in the absence of external ES, the conductive properties of the materials can improve the contractile behaviour of the hPSC-CMs and (2) this effect is significantly enhanced under the application of external ES. Genetic markers analysed showed a trend towards a more mature state of the cells evaluated by the TNNI3/TNNI1 ratio, with upregulated SERCA2 and RYR2 calcium handling proteins when compared to controls and downregulation of calcium channels involved in the generation of pacemaking currents (CACNA1H). These results demonstrate the potential of our strategy to manufacture conductive hydrogels in complex geometries for bioactuating purposes. However, further development of the 3D bioprinting techniques is required to achieve higher control over the nano- and microarchitectures of the structures to improve their biomimicry.
Conserve immatures and rebound the potential: stock status and reproduction of whiting (Merlangius merlangus [Linnaeus, 1758]) in the Western Black Sea

ABSTRACT The stock structure and productivity components (growth, maturity and mortality) of the Black Sea whiting Merlangius merlangus were studied in the western Black Sea for a year. The results aim to improve fisheries management of whiting in the Black Sea. Fresh samples were collected from commercial bottom trawlers between October 2017 and September 2018. Using monthly length-frequency data set for the growth trajectories, a bootstrapped procedure was employed to improve parameter optimization. Duration and timing of the spawning season and size at sexual maturity were modelled using generalized additive models (GAMs). The presence of clear differences in oocyte size groups indicates that oocyte development of Black Sea whiting is a ‘group synchronous’ ovarian developmental process characterized by continuous reproduction. From the gonadosomatic index values, their spawning activity intensifies especially between October and April, captured also in the time component in the GAM modelling. The length at first maturity was 13.9 cm for females and 12.5 cm for males. The mortality rates, yield per recruit analyses, and length-based indicators suggest that whiting is heavily exploited with alarming signs of overexploitation. Undoubtedly, setting catch limits and re-establishing management plans will be the first two steps to ensure reproductive success and prevent overfishing (F > Fmsy).
Disruption of Crystal Packing in Thieno[2,3-b]pyridines Improves Anti-Proliferative Activity

3-Amino-2-arylcarboxamido-thieno[2,3-b]pyridines have been shown to have anti-proliferative activity, but are also known to have poor solubility. This has been previously proposed to be due to their extensive planarity, which allows for intermolecular stacking and crystal packing. We herein report the synthesis of fifteen novel thieno[2,3-b]pyridines that have incorporated bulky, but easily cleavable, ester and carbonate functional groups in an effort to decrease crystal packing. The addition of these ‘prodrug-like’ moieties into the thieno[2,3-b]pyridine resulted in compounds with increased activity against HCT-116 colon cancer cells and the triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231.
Experimental and numerical study on attenuation of thermal radiation from large-scale pool fires by water mist curtain

Full-scale experiments and numerical simulations were conducted to study the thermal radiation attenuation from large fires by water mist curtain with low and intermediate pressures. Fire dynamics simulator (version 6) was used for numerical simulations. A novel multi-injector nozzle was designed to generate a homogeneous water mist curtain with low water consumption. Water mist characteristics of one of the injectors were measured by Shadowgraphy technology. A 1 × 1 m diesel pool fire was considered as the fire source. The experimental results show that the water mist curtain has high thermal radiation attenuation efficiency, for example, about 82.7% radiant heat flux could be attenuated by the water mist curtain with 2 MPa working pressure and flow rate of 13.3 L/min. Comparisons with the experimental results show that the calculated radiant heat flux and temperature are slightly underestimated.
The Wombat Hole Prospect, Benambra, Victoria, Australia: a Cu–Bi–(Te) exoskarn with unusual supergene mineralogy

Abstract The Wombat Hole Prospect is a small copper–bismuth–(tellurium) exoskarn cropping out in the Morass Creek gorge, near Benambra, in eastern Victoria, Australia. Its main primary sulfide constituent is bornite in a grossular‒vesuvianite matrix. The skarn formed in a megaclast of Lower Silurian limestone from metal-bearing fluids accompanying the high-level emplacement of the Late Silurian–Lower Devonian Silver Flat Porphyry. Though the primary bornite mineralisation has been nearly obliterated by weathering, there are small relict patches containing exsolved grains of wittichenite (Cu3BiS3) and chalcopyrite, as well as inclusions of bismuth tellurides in the tetradymite group, namely sulphotsumoite (Bi3Te2S) and hedleyite (Bi7Te3). Joséite-A (Bi4TeS2), a mineral with a formula Bi3(Te,S)4, several unnamed Cu–Bi‒Te phases and minute grains of native bismuth have also been detected. Pervasive veining by chrysocolla throughout the garnet‒vesuvianite host contains a range of unusual secondary bismuth minerals that have crystallised at various times. These include mrázekite, namibite, pucherite, schumacherite and eulytine. Other secondary minerals present include wulfenite, bismutite, azurite, malachite and a poorly-crystalline bismuth oxide containing several weight percent tellurium. Rare grains of gold (electrum) containing up to 23 wt. % Ag are also present. The assemblage of grossular–vesuvianite with minor diopside is indicative of formation in a low-${\rm X}_{{\rm C}{\rm O}_ 2}$ environment under fluid-buffered conditions. A temperature range between ~650°C and as low as ~150°C can be estimated from the exsolution of wittichenite and chalcopyrite from the bornite. The tetradymite-group inclusions formed first under low values of $f_{{\rm S}_ 2}$ /$f_{{\rm T}{\rm e}_ 2}$, with bornite crystallising as values increased. The primary Cu‒Bi‒Te mineralogy and the unusual secondary mineral assemblage makes the Wombat Hole skarn unique in southeastern Australia. The deposit provides scope for studying the mobility of elements such as Bi and Te over short distances during weathering of hypogene ore minerals.
Practices And Challenges of Cultural Heritage Conservation In Historical And Religious Heritage Sites: Evidence From North Shewa Zone, Amhara Region

Cultural heritage are precious resources that showed the past human legacy, depicts present and future way of life as well as cultural values of a society, and it enhances solidarity and social integration of communities. However, due to natural catastrophes and anthropogenic factors, the sustainability of cultural heritage is questionable and requires scientific investigations to uncover the major problems affecting the continual of heritage attractions so that the panacea for this can be devised. Therefore, this study is designed to investigate the practices and challenges of cultural heritage conservations in North Shoa Zone, Central Ethiopia. Methodologically, the research employed a mixed research approach and cross-sectional descriptive and explanatory research design. While systematic random sampling technique is applied to select samples from local communities, purposive sampling was designed to choose interviewees. The target population of the study encompasses local communities, government authorities, and culture and tourism office experts of North Shoa Zone and respective districts. The actual and valid sample size of the study is 208. The findings of the study revealed that the cultural heritages are not safeguarded from damaging activities indicating a poor status of conservation. The major conclusion sketched from the study is the principal factors affecting heritage conservation are lack of proper management, monitoring and evaluation, lack of funds and stakeholder involvement, urbanization, settlement programs and agricultural practice, poor government concern and professional commitment, poor attitude towards cultural heritage and lack of community concern, vandalism and illicit trafficking, low promotions of cultural heritage, and natural catastrophes like invasive intervention, climate change (humidity and frost, excessive rainfall and flood, heat from the sun). The study implied that the sustainability of cultural heritage is endanger unless conservation practice is supported by conservation guidelines, heritage site management plans and research outputs, stakeholders’ integration, and community involvement. Most importantly, the study recommends the integration of heritage conservation and sustainable development, and the promotion of conservation is a way of achieving economic and social sustainability.
Effects of Indwelling Pleural Catheter on Severe Acute Pancreatitis: A Retrospective Study

Background Pleural effusion (PE) is an important predictor for severity and prognosis of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). However, there are few studies focused on the effects and timing of indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) on SAP. Considering this, we designed a retrospective study to verify the relationship between PE and severity of SAP and observe the effects and timing of IPC in SAP. Methods A total of 309 SAP patients were enrolled. Based on the presence or absence of PE and IPC and IPC time, the enrolled patients were divided into 6 groups. Then, baseline parameters, disease severity, critical complications, ventilator supporting time (VST), length of stay (LOS), and 60-day mortality were compared between each two groups. Results PE was a risk factor for death of SAP, but not an independent risk factor. SAP patients with PE rather without PE had higher critical complication rates (p < 0.001), along with longer VST (p < 0.001) and LOS (p < 0.001). And the critical complication rates were lower in group 1 (IPC within 1 week of onset) than group 2 (IPC after 1 week of onset). Further, patients in group 1 also had shorter LOS (p = 0.042) and VST (p = 0.001) than those in group 2. In addition, the survival analysis showed the risk of death in the PE group was higher than the non-PE group (HR 6.6, 95% CI, 3.67–11.86, and p < 0.001). And the risk of death in group 1 was lower than group 2 (HR 0.26, 95% CI, 0.08–0.84, and p = 0.025). Conclusions PE is a risk factor for death of SAP, but not an independent risk factor. IPC, especially IPC within 1 week of onset, has clinical practical value in SAP.