Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SIRT1/Nrf2/NF-κB Signaling Mediates Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Apoptotic Activities of Oleanolic Acid in a Mouse Model of Acute Hepatorenal Damage

Background and objectives: Oleanolic acid (OA) is a penta-cyclic triterpene with diverse bioactivities such as anticarcinogenic, antiviral, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, anti-atherosclerotic, hypolipidemic, and gastroprotective. However, its effects on hepatorenal damage remain unclear. The protective activity of OA, separated from Viscum schimperi (Loranthaceae), against TAA (thioacetamide)-produced acute hepatic and renal damage was explored. Materials and Methods: Mice were treated with OA for 7 days before TAA (200 mg/kg, i.p.). Serum indices of hepatorenal injury, pathological lesions, molecular biological indexes, and inflammatory/apoptotic genes were estimated. Results: The tissues of both organs were greatly affected by the TAA injection. That was evident through increased serum markers of hepato-renal injury as well as remarkable histopathological lesions. TAA-induced injury was associated with oxidative and inflammatory responses in both organs as there was an elevation of oxidative stress parameters (4-HNE (4-hydroxy-nonenal), MDA (malondialdehyde), NOx (nitric oxide)), decline of antioxidants (reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)), and an increase in the gene expression/level of inflammatory mediators (interleukins (1β&6)). The inflammatory response was linked to a significant activation of NF-κB (nuclear-factor kappa-B)/TNF-α (tumor-necrosis factor-alpha) signaling. The inflammatory response in both organs was accompanied by apoptotic changes, including a rise in the gene expression and level of apoptotic parameters (caspase-3 and Bax) along with a decline in Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic parameter) gene expression and level. These pathogenic events were found to be closely related to the suppression of the antioxidant signaling pathway, Nrf2 (nuclear-factor erythroid 2–related factor-2)/SIRT1 (sirtuin-1)/HO-1 (heme-oxygenase 1). On the other hand, OA significantly ameliorated TAA-induced injury in both organs. On the other hand, OA counterpoised the inflammatory response as it ameliorated NF-κB/TNF-α signaling and cytokine release. OA enhanced Nrf2/SIRT1/HO-1 signaling and counteracted apoptotic damage. Conclusions: OA showed anti-inflammation and antiapoptotic capacities that effectively suppressed TAA-induced acute hepatorenal damage.
The Adsorption Characteristics of Heavy Metals in Acid Mine Drainage from Abandoned Tin Mines on Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA)

Abandoned tin mines produce acid mine drainage in their water basin. If not treated well, it will damage environmental ecosystem by entering rivers or other water bodies. This acid mine drainage is attempted to be remediated by adsorption technique. The adsorbent used in this study is Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA) because its base material is natural clay. LECA is commonly used for hydroponics and constructions. LECA is made from natural clay that being heated at temperature over 1100°C. This study aims to determine how significant LECA in adsorbing metals in acid tin mine drainage. This research used two materials namely LECA and tin acid mine drainage. Both materials were contacted for two days in shaker bath. The results of this study were the adsorbing Fe(II) and Cu(II) on LECA could be approached by the Langmuir-Freundlich (LF) combined model where the Cµ,max are 0.406 and 0.020 mg/g of adsorbent, respectively. Unlike the other two metals, Sn(II) was more likely to experience precipitation instead of adsorption because of increasing of pH value. The conclusion, heavy metals in tin acid mine drainage could be remediated well by using LECA.
Utilizing ChatGPT in clinical research related to anesthesiology: a comprehensive review of opportunities and limitations

Chat generative pre-trained transformer (ChatGPT) is a chatbot developed by OpenAI that answers questions in a human-like manner. ChatGPT is a GPT language model that understands and responds to natural language created using a transformer, which is a new artificial neural network algorithm first introduced by Google in 2017. ChatGPT can be used to identify research topics and proofread English writing and R scripts to improve work efficiency and optimize time. Attempts to actively utilize generative artificial intelligence (AI) are expected to continue in clinical settings. However, ChatGPT still has many limitations for widespread use in clinical research, owing to AI hallucination symptoms and its training data constraints. Researchers recommend avoiding scientific writing using ChatGPT in many traditional journals because of the current lack of originality guidelines and plagiarism of content generated by ChatGPT. Further regulations and discussions on these topics are expected in the future.
Quantification of the Effects of Soil Uncertainties on Nonlinear Site Response Analysis: Brute Force Monte Carlo Approach

Site response analysis plays an important role in the design of seismic resistant structures. This is traditionally performed by assigning average soil properties to the site without considering the effects of uncertain spatial variability of soils and other sources of soil uncertainties e.g., measurement uncertainty and transformation relation uncertainty. With increased focus on safety and reliability of infrastructures, there is a need to capture the effects of uncertainties in soil properties in our designs and/or simulations. This thesis uses Monte Carlo technique together with deterministic finite element method to quantify the effects of uncertainties in soil properties on nonlinear site response analysis at a site in northern California. The soil deposit at the site is mostly comprised of stiff clay and is modeled as a stack of eight-noded brick elements using open source finite element code, OpenSees. Probabilistic elasticperfectly plastic von Mises model, which works reasonably well for clay and whose parameters are easy to obtain from in-situ tests, is used to describe the constitutive behavior of the soil. The uncertainties in soil properties are captured by modeling the soil properties as random fields. The parameters of the random fields are estimated by analyzing cone penetration test (CPT) soundings available through the United iii States Geological Survey (USGS). The 1989 Loma Prieta motion recorded at station Bran by the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) is applied to the base of the finite element model and the probabilistic propagation of the waves is simulated using Monte Carlo technique. The surface displacement (displacement response at the top node) is presented in terms of its mean and standard deviation. Constitutive response of the soil is also presented in terms of mean and standard deviation of stress-strain hysteresis loop.
Rendering of gender when reading fiction aloud

The height of the fundamental frequency (F0) is frequently cited as the major acoustic feature that distinguishes the female voice from the male voice. Women tend to have a signi ﬁ cantly higher mean F0 than men. Some studies have indicated that the variability of the fundamental frequency also differs between the two genders and women’s voices may involve higher prosodic explicitness than men’s voices. This study investigates the way in which these features are utilised in rendering the voice of male and female characters in the reading aloud of ﬁ ction. To achieve this aim, a representative sample of dialogues selected from audiobooks was analysed acous-tically. The results reveal that the reader’s F0 tends to slightly increase in fragments with female characters, but other predictions have not been con ﬁ rmed. There is no decrease of F0 in dialogues with male characters and, in general, the reader’s variability of F0 seems not to be in ﬂ uenced by the character’s gender.
Deep Levels and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Parameters of Substitutional Nitrogen in Silicon from First Principles

Nitrogen is commonly implanted in silicon to suppress the diffusion of self-interstitials and the formation of voids through the creation of nitrogen–vacancy complexes and nitrogen–nitrogen pairs. Yet, identifying a specific N-related defect via spectroscopic means has proven to be non-trivial. Activation energies obtained from deep-level transient spectroscopy are often assigned to a subset of possible defects that include non-equivalent atomic structures, such as the substitutional nitrogen and the nitrogen–vacancy complex. Paramagnetic N-related defects were the object of several electron paramagnetic spectroscopy investigations which assigned the so-called SL5 signal to the presence of substitutional nitrogen (NSi). Nevertheless, its behaviour at finite temperatures has been imprecisely linked to the metastability of the NSi center. In this work, we build upon the robust identification of the SL5 signature and we establish a theoretical picture of the substitutional nitrogen. Through an understanding of its symmetry-breaking mechanism, we provide a model of its fundamental physical properties (e.g., its energy landscape) based on ab initio calculations. Moreover by including more refined density functional theory-based approaches, we calculate EPR parameters (↔g and ↔A tensors), elucidating the debate on the metastability of NSi. Finally, by computing thermodynamic charge transition levels within the GW method, we present reference values for the donor and acceptor levels of NSi.
The Potential Effects of Quercetin-Loaded Nanoliposomes on Amoxicillin/Clavulanate-Induced Hepatic Damage: Targeting the SIRT1/Nrf2/NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Microbiota Modulation

Amoxicillin/clavulanate (Co-Amox), a commonly used antibiotic for the treatment of bacterial infections, has been associated with drug-induced liver damage. Quercetin (QR), a naturally occurring flavonoid with pleiotropic biological activities, has poor water solubility and low bioavailability. The objective of this work was to produce a more bioavailable formulation of QR (liposomes) and to determine the effect of its intraperitoneal pretreatment on the amelioration of Co-Amox-induced liver damage in male rats. Four groups of rats were defined: control, QR liposomes (QR-lipo), Co-Amox, and Co-Amox and QR-lipo. Liver injury severity in rats was evaluated for all groups through measurement of serum liver enzymes, liver antioxidant status, proinflammatory mediators, and microbiota modulation. The results revealed that QR-lipo reduced the severity of Co-Amox-induced hepatic damage in rats, as indicated by a reduction in serum liver enzymes and total liver antioxidant capacity. In addition, QR-lipo upregulated antioxidant transcription factors SIRT1 and Nrf2 and downregulated liver proinflammatory signatures, including IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, NF-κB, and iNOS, with upregulation in the anti-inflammatory one, IL10. QR-lipo also prevented Co-Amox-induced gut dysbiosis by favoring the colonization of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacteroides over Clostridium and Enterobacteriaceae. These results suggested that QR-lipo ameliorates Co-Amox-induced liver damage by targeting SIRT1/Nrf2/NF-κB and modulating the microbiota.
Anabolic androgenic steroids and cardiomyopathy: an update

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) include endogenously produced androgens like testosterone and their synthetic derivatives. Their influence on multiple metabolic pathways across organ systems results in an extensive side effect profile. From creating an atherogenic and prothrombotic milieu to direct myocardial injury, the effects of AAS on the heart may culminate with patients requiring thorough cardiac evaluation and multi-disciplinary medical management related to cardiomyopathy and heart failure (HF). Supraphysiological doses of AAS have been shown to induce cardiomyopathy via biventricular dysfunction. Advancement in imaging including cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and additional diagnostic testing have facilitated the identification of AAS-induced left ventricular dysfunction, but data regarding the impact on right ventricular function remains limited. Emerging studies showed conflicting data regarding the reversibility of AAS-induced cardiomyopathy. There is an unmet need for a systematic long-term outcomes study to empirically evaluate the clinical course of cardiomyopathy and to assess potential targeted therapy as appropriate. In this review, we provide an overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology and management considerations related to AAS and cardiomyopathy.
Contributions toward Understanding the Acquisition of Eight Aspects of Vocabulary Knowledge

With the intent of adding to the literature leading toward a more complete theory of second language vocabulary acquisition, this study elicited accuracy data from 110 ESL learners ranging from novice high to advanced low on 64 words randomly selected in the 2K–3K range of Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA) (32 verbs, 24 nouns, 8 adjectives) covering eight aspects of word knowledge. These included spelling based on hearing the spoken form, selecting collocations based on the written form, pronunciation based on the written form, selecting inflections based on the written context, selecting the definition based on hearing the spoken form, selecting the written definition based on the written form, selecting appropriate derivations based on the written form, and selecting the written form based on the written definition. ANOVA results show accuracy levels varied across word knowledge aspects and that implicational scaling was possible with some but not all aspects of word knowledge examined simultaneously. In aggregation with other current and future studies, this has important implication for developing L2 vocabulary acquisition theory.
Enhancing Therapeutic Efficacy of Curcumin: Advances in Delivery Systems and Clinical Applications

Curcumin, a potent active compound found in turmeric and Curcuma xanthorrhiza oil, possesses a wide range of therapeutic properties, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound healing activities. However, its clinical effectiveness is hindered by its low bioavailability and rapid elimination from the body. To overcome these limitations, researchers have explored innovative delivery systems for curcumin. Some promising approaches include solid lipid nanoparticles, nanomicelle gels, and transdermal formulations for topical drug delivery. In the field of dentistry, curcumin gels have shown effectiveness against oral disorders and periodontal diseases. Moreover, Pickering emulsions and floating in situ gelling systems have been developed to target gastrointestinal health. Furthermore, curcumin-based systems have demonstrated potential in wound healing and ocular medicine. In addition to its therapeutic applications, curcumin also finds use as a food dye, contraception aid, corrosion-resistant coating, and environmentally friendly stain. This paper primarily focuses on the development of gel compositions of curcumin to address the challenges associated with its clinical use.
Checkpoint kinase interaction with DNA polymerase alpha regulates replication progression during stress

Background: In eukaryotes, replication stress activates a checkpoint response, which facilitates genome duplication by stabilising the replisome. How the checkpoint kinases regulate the replisome remains poorly understood. The aim of this study is to identify new targets of checkpoint kinases within the replisome during replication stress. Methods: Here we use an unbiased biotin proximity-ligation approach in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to identify new interactors and substrates of the checkpoint kinase Rad53 in vivo. Results: From this screen, we identified the replication initiation factor Sld7 as a Rad53 substrate, and Pol1, the catalytic subunit of polymerase a, as a Rad53-interactor. We showed that CDK phosphorylation of Pol1 mediates its interaction with Rad53. Combined with other interactions between Rad53 and the replisome, this Rad53-Pol1 interaction is important for viability and replisome progression during replication stress. Conclusions: Together, we explain how the interactions of Rad53 with the replisome are controlled by both replication stress and the cell cycle, and why these interactions might be important for coordinating the stabilisation of both the leading and lagging strand machineries.
Automated Vehicle Monitoring Framework based on Machine Learning Architecture for People with Cardiovascular Diseases

This research develops an Automated Vehicle Monitoring system with the use of an Integrated Machine Learning architecture so that it can cater to the requirements of people who have Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD). For the purpose of this research, the participants’ heart rates and pulses were monitored by a machine learning system as they drove an automobile. A simulation has been developed in order to evaluate the performance of the machine learning classifier when applied to data taken from the actual world, such as the heart rate of a patient. The findings of the simulation indicate that the suggested technique is more accurate than the approaches that have been used in the past.
First Report of Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus with TR46/Y121F/T289A Mutations in Kuwait and an Update on Their Occurrence in the Middle East

Pulmonary aspergillosis is a common fungal infection with several clinical manifestations including invasive, allergic and chronic chest diseases. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a leading cause of death in immunocompromised patients, particularly those receiving chemotherapy and among bone marrow transplant recipients. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most prevalent causative agent and voriconazole is the first-line therapy for IPA. In this study, we report the first isolation of voriconazole-resistant A. fumigatus carrying TR46/Y121F/T289A mutations from an immunocompromised pregnant lady in Kuwait. The patient was successfully treated for a probable respiratory infection with caspofungin and voriconazole. The literature review from PubMed has identified itraconazole-resistant clinical and environmental A. fumigatus isolates with TR34/L98H mutations in the cyp51A from several Middle Eastern countries including Kuwait. However, clinical A. fumigatus isolates with cyp51A TR46/Y121F/T289A mutations have not been reported previously from any country in the region while environmental isolates have been reported only from Iran. The source of voriconazole-resistant A. fumigatus CYP51A TR46/Y121F/T289A mutant in our patient remained unknown. Surveillance for azole resistance among clinical and environmental isolates of A. fumigatus is warranted in Kuwait.
Construction of a prognostic signature associated with liver metastases for prognosis and immune response prediction in colorectal cancer

Background As the most common gastrointestinal malignancy worldwide, liver metastases occur in half colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Early detection can help treat them early and reduce mortality in patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM). Finding useful biomarkers for CRLM is thus essential. Methods The TCGA and GEO databases were used to download the expression profiles and clinical data of the patients. Differential analysis screened for genes associated with CRLM, and univariate Cox regression analysis identified genes associated with prognosis. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method further preferred genes to construct a prognostic signature. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to show patients’ overall survival (OS). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed the accuracy of the model. Risk scores and clinical characteristics of patients were included in multivariate Cox regression analysis to identify independent risk factors, and a nomogram was constructed. The proportion of immune cells and infiltration were assessed using the ‘CIBERSORT’ package and the ‘ESTIMATE’ package. Results We constructed a signature consisting of seven CRLM-associated genes, and signature-based risk scores have great potential in estimating the prognosis of CRC patients. Moreover, the poor response to immunotherapy in high-risk patients might contribute to the poor prognosis of individuals. Furthermore, we found that overexpression of Hepcidin antimicrobial peptide (HAMP), the only gene highly expressed in CRC and liver metastatic tissues, promoted CRC development and that it was associated with tumor mutation burden (TMB), DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes, and microsatellite instability (MSI) in various tumors. Finally, we found that in CRC patients, low expression of HAMP also represented a better immunotherapeutic outcome, reflecting the critical role of HAMP in guiding immunotherapy. Conclusion We identified a prognostic signature containing 7 CRLM-associated genes, and the signature was specified as an independent predictor and a nomogram containing the risk score was built accordingly. In addition, the derived gene HAMP could help guide the exploration of profitable immunotherapeutic strategies.
State of On-Farm Maize Mechanization in the Philippines

Abstract: This study addressed the lack of updated information on mechanization as basis of formulating relevant and sustainable programs that could immediately respond to the mechanization needs of the maize farmers. Employing one shot cross-section survey design, interviews of 1,235 maize farmers were carried out in 13 major maize-producing provinces of the Philippines covering crop year, 2012-2013. The status of mechanization was expressed in terms of the percentage of farmers using mechanical power and the total maize area or total harvest using mechanical power for specific major operations, percentage of farmers owning specific machines used in maize, and the total utilization of power from planting to shelling maize. Given the agro-ecological conditions where maize is predominantly grown in the Philippines, the percentage of maize farmers adopting engine-powered machines for land preparation and shelling is 44 and 66 percent of the total number of maize farmers, respectively. About one-fourth of them (26%) owned draft animals and 14 percent had pumps for irrigation. Few of them owned four-wheel tractors (6%) and maize sheller (5%) which were also used for custom servicing. In terms of the total production area prepared or volume of maize produced using engine-powered machines, shelling and land preparation were already considered moderately to highly mechanized with 70 percent of the total volume of harvest passing through mechanical shellers and 49 percent of the maize area prepared by engine-powered machines. Other production activities such as planting, crop care and drying were still done predominantly using manual power with the use of draft animals and/or farm tools. Utilizing combined sources of farm power, namely: human, draft animals and engine-powered machines, the average total power utilized from land preparation to threshing in sample provinces were 172.12 hp-hr ha -1 . Sixty-seven percent of this total power has been utilized for land preparation while 20 percent has been utilized in threshing. The remaining power was utilized for harvesting (6%), and the combined power for planting and crop management (7%). Constraints to mechanization were identified and recommendations corresponding recommendations were forwarded.