Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of the anodal transcranial direct current electrical stimulation on cognition of medical residents with acute sleep deprivation

BACKGROUND Medical residents must sustain acute sleep deprivation, which can lead to nonfatal and fatal consequences in hospitals due to cognitive decline. Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) is a safe noninvasive neuromodulation technique that can induce depolarization of neurons. Previous studies in pilots have shown benefits against fatigue increasing wakefulness and cognitive performance. However, the effects of a-tDCS on cognition in acute sleep deprived healthcare workers remains unknown. Purpose To evaluate cognitive changes in sleep deprived medical residents after one session of a-tDCS. Methods Open clinical test-re-test study including 13 medical residents with acute sleep deprivation. Subjects received 1 session of bifrontal a-tDCS (2mAx20min), anodal over the left dorsolateral prefrontal region. Pre-and-post treatment subjects were tested with Beck anxiety inventory, Beck depression and HVLT tests, Rey´s and Taylor´s figures, Trail Making A/B, Stroop, Aleatory Digit retention test (WAIS), Digits and symbols and MoCA tests. Post-intervention was added the Executive functions and Frontal Lobes Neuropsychological Battery (BANFE2) test and changing the Taylor figure for Reyfigure. Results Twelve medical residents were analyzed; 8 men and 4 women, 29.5 (+/-2.2) years mean age. All had a mean of 21.6 (+/-1.3) hours of sleep deprivation. There were no serious adverse events. We found statistically significant difference in Rey´s/Taylor´s figures (p=0.002), Trail Making Test (p=0.005), WAIS IV symbols (p=0.003), Word Stroop (p=0.021). BANFE-2 showed that the main affected area was the orbito-medial prefrontal region. Conclusion a-tDCS appears safe and improves working memory, attention, response time and distractors elimination in acute sleep deprived medical residents.
ZnO Nanoparticles of Rubia cordifolia Extract Formulation Developed and Optimized with QbD Application, Considering Ex Vivo Skin Permeation, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties

The objective of the current research is to develop ZnO-Manjistha extract (ZnO-MJE) nanoparticles (NPs) and to investigate their transdermal delivery as well as antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. The optimized formulation was further evaluated based on different parameters. The ZnO-MJE-NPs were prepared by mixing 10 mM ZnSO4·7H2O and 0.8% w/v NaOH in distilled water. To the above, a solution of 10 mL MJE (10 mg) in 50 mL of zinc sulfate was added. Box–Behnken design (Design-Expert software 12.0.1.0) was used for the optimization of ZnO-MJE-NP formulations. The ZnO-MJE-NPs were evaluated for their physicochemical characterization, in vitro release activity, ex vivo permeation across rat skin, antimicrobial activity using sterilized agar media, and antioxidant activity by the DPPH free radical method. The optimized ZnO-MJE-NP formulation (F13) showed a particle size of 257.1 ± 0.76 nm, PDI value of 0.289 ± 0.003, and entrapment efficiency of 79 ± 0.33%. Drug release kinetic models showed that the formulation followed the Korsmeyer–Peppas model with a drug release of 34.50 ± 2.56 at pH 7.4 in 24 h. In ex vivo studies ZnO-MJE-NPs-opt permeation was 63.26%. The antibacterial activity was found to be enhanced in ZnO-MJE-NPs-opt and antioxidant activity was found to be highest (93.14 ± 4.05%) at 100 µg/mL concentrations. The ZnO-MJE-NPs-opt formulation showed prolonged release of the MJE and intensified permeation. Moreover, the formulation was found to show significantly (p < 0.05) better antimicrobial and antioxidant activity as compared to conventional suspension formulations.
Structural and functional determinants inferred from deep mutational scans

Mutations that affect protein binding to a cognate partner primarily occur either at buried residues or at exposed residues directly involved in partner binding. Distinguishing between these two categories based solely on mutational phenotypes is challenging. The bacterial toxin CcdB kills cells by binding to DNA Gyrase. Cell death is prevented by binding to its cognate antitoxin CcdA, at an extended interface that partially overlaps with the GyrA binding site. Using the CcdAB toxin-antitoxin (TA) system as a model, a comprehensive site-saturation mutagenesis library of CcdB was generated in its native operonic context. The mutational sensitivity of each mutant was estimated by evaluating the relative abundance of each mutant in two strains, one resistant and the other sensitive to the toxic activity of the CcdB toxin, through deep sequencing. The ability to bind CcdA was inferred through a RelE reporter gene assay, since the CcdAB complex binds to its own promoter, repressing transcription. By analysing mutant phenotypes in the CcdB sensitive, CcdB resistant and RelE reporter strains, it was possible to assign residues to buried, CcdA interacting or GyrA interacting sites. A few mutants were individually constructed, expressed, and biophysically characterised to validate molecular mechanisms responsible for the observed phenotypes. Residues inferred to be important for antitoxin binding, are also likely to be important for rejuvenating CcdB from the CcdB-Gyrase complex. Therefore, even in the absence of structural information, when coupled to appropriate genetic screens, such high-throughput strategies can be deployed for predicting structural and functional determinants of proteins. Broader Impact Statement Partial loss-of-function mutations predominantly occur either at buried-site or exposed, active-site residues. We report a facile method to identify multiple binding sites for different interacting partners for a protein, and distinguish them from buried site and exposed non active-site residues, solely from mutational data.
Cadmium-induced endocytosis of the broad spectrum root metal transporter of Arabidopsis

Iron is an essential micronutrient for plant growth and development. Under low iron conditions, Arabidopsis plants take up soil iron using the root iron transporter IRT1. In addition to iron, IRT1 also transports others divalent metals including cadmium that consequently accumulates into plant tissues and enters the food chain. IRT1 expression was shown to be regulated at the transcriptional and post-translational levels by its essential metal substrates to maximize iron uptake while limiting the accumulation of zinc, manganese or cobalt. Here, we characterized the regulation of IRT1 by cadmium and uncovered a cadmium-mediated downregulation of IRT1 protein by endocytosis. A short term exposure to cadmium indeed decreased the celle surface levels of IRT1 through endocytosis and degradation. This is mediated through the direct binding of cadmium to histidine residues within the regulatory loop of IRT1. Moreover, we demonstrated that cadmium-induced IRT1 degradation uses ubiquitin-mediated endocytosis driven by the IDF1 E3 ligase. Altogether, this work sheds light on the mechanisms of cadmium-mediated downregulation of IRT1 and offers a unique opportunity to boost plant cadmium uptake in phytoremediation/phytoextraction strategies.
On Timescales and Reversibility of the Ocean's Response to Enhanced Greenland Ice Sheet Melting in Comprehensive Climate Models

Warming of the North Atlantic region in climate history often was associated with massive melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet. To identify the meltwater's impacts and isolate these from internal variability and other global warming factors, we run single‐forcing simulations including small ensembles using three complex climate models differing only in their ocean components. In 200‐year‐long preindustrial climate simulations, we identify robust consequences of abruptly increasing Greenland runoff by 0.05 Sv: sea level rise of 44 ± 10 cm, subpolar North Atlantic surface cooling of 0.7°C, and a moderate AMOC decline of 1.1–2.0 Sv. The latter two emerge in under three decades—and reverse on the same timescale after the perturbation ends in year 100. The ocean translates the step‐change perturbation into a multidecadal‐to‐centennial signature in the deep overturning circulation. In all simulations, internal variability creates notable uncertainty in estimating trends, time of emergence, and duration of the response.
The Current State of 8 Communities in the Region North Bacska in the Light of Economic Development and Population Retention Scenario for 2009

We had in 2010 a report to HSSV (Hungarian Scientific Society of Vojvodina) on development scenarios and employment forecast. The report and the conclusions are still valid. The development problems today are also current for Hungarian minorities who lives in Vojvodina. We recognized that number of model has limitations to treat region as complex system and to characterize the future behavior. Therefore, we used a combination of a direct questionnaires and an expert scenarioassessment method. We accepted that the most likely to achieve an economic development, which is strongly reflected in the role of the agricultural sector a certain level of small and medium-sized enterprises and remains a particular operation and stagnation. This indicates that this region of the endogenous levels of forces is not sufficient to form the engine of development. The economic development analyzes had indicated that the projections about the number of employees can be very important. The number of employees we could provide 22-year data series, which allowed the use of prognostic models. For making the forecast we used the SPSS ARIMA models. The forecasted results are based well by the R2 indicator. The employment forecasts and possible scenarios of economic development are also point in the same direction, the region's communities, but also Vojvodina and Serbia, has to take urgent measures to make further progress, to prevent the region's falling behind.
Regional Institutions at the Doorstep of post 2020 Cohesion Policy - Status Report from Hungary

‘My Region, My Europe, Our Future’ (EC, 2017). This is the main message of the Seventh Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion. In the post 2020 period, the European Commission continues to focus on the compliance with challenges of the knowledge-based economy, and in parallel, stands for a strong territorial approach and increased synergy and coordination of the connected sectoral financial means and measures. The question is if Member States are ready to face the challenges that are specified in the report, such as digital revolution, globalisation, demographic change and social cohesion, economic convergence and climate change. In connection to this basic question, our paper aims to provide an overview about the evolution – rise and fall of the Hungarian regional level (NUTS2) institutions with a strong emphasis on the state-of-the art, especially regarding administrative capacities. Desk research focused on the era between 1990-2015, while empirical research – in the form of a questionnaire – was conducted in 2017 and 2018 amongst former employees of the former regional development agencies. As there are no institutionalized actors at regional level in Hungary responsible for the implementation of Cohesion Policy any more – with the exception of Central Hungary, that is currently under re-formulation – we hypothesize that former(? ) regional development professionals as individuals could play an important role in the preparations for the post-2020 financial period. In case they are involved.
Fast method of group delay measurement

Group delay is one of the most important items to be measured in RF component test.A novel method is proposed in this paper for measurement of group delay.It not only improves the inconsistency between resolution and accuracy,but also is easy for fast implementation.The measurement results obtained with the proposed method could be used in calibration of RF components to eliminate the amplitude and phase distortion of signals passing through RF components and therefore to suppress the performance degradation of communication and/or signal processing systems caused by RF components.Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Anticancer and Cytotoxicity Activity of Native and Modified Black Rice Flour on Colon Cancer Cell Lines

This study is intended to evaluate the cytotoxicity of native and dual-modified black rice flour against the colon cancer cell line (HCT116) and mouse embryo cell line (3T3-L1) by using the MTT assay. The modification techniques applied to prepare rice flour samples were enzymatic modification and heat moisture treatment. In this study, the IC50 of native black rice flour and modified black rice flour was 255.78 µg/mL and 340.85 µg/mL, respectively. The result confirms that the native black rice flour has significant cytotoxic and anticancer potential against human colon cancer cells. In addition, the IC50 of native black rice flour and modified black rice flour on the 3T3-L1 cell line was found to be 345.96 µg/mL and 1106.94 µg/mL, respectively. The results showed that the native black rice flour had weak cytotoxicity, and modified black rice flour was nontoxic in both the cell lines. The active component of phytochemicals present in black rice flour has a potential role in preventing colon cancer.
VRCHIVE: experiences conducting an online workshop teaching intergenerational participants to create virtual reality films about their lives during the COVID pandemic

ABSTRACT The VRCHIVE workshop was a first-of-its-kind exploratory pilot initiative to examine the feasibility of running a remote, intergenerational Virtual Reality (VR) storytelling workshop through the Toronto Public Library. The workshop took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has highlighted a need to develop solutions to address the digital divide and consequent increased social isolation in older adults. The overall program goals were threefold: (1) to create a ‘VRCHIVE’ of 360° VR films that documented participants’ lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) to explore the challenges and successes of the program in order to evaluate its effectiveness, and (3) to understand, broadly, the program’s impact on technology literacy, feelings of isolation, and familial relationship strengthening. Five pairs of grandparents and grandchildren (n = 10) engaged in four, one-hour long online sessions each week in November 2020. Feedback was collected through facilitator observations and weekly debriefing sessions (n = 4), as well as online participant surveys (n = 3) and phone interviews (n = 2) conducted upon program completion. All intergenerational pairs successfully completed a VR film. Post-workshop, participants reported feeling less isolated, more connected with other people, and more confident in learning to use innovative technology. A detailed description of the workshop is provided, along with a discussion on recommendations for future iterations of the program that may serve as a model for other locations that wish to implement similar programming. Overall, participants reported positive experiences, and there is an appetite to sustain and scale the program in the future.
Correlation between Fatigue and Ability to Perform Activities of Daily Living in Myasthenia Gravis Patients

BACKGROUND: Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular junction that has autoantibodies that can be found in most cases. Fatigue and skeletal muscle weakness are the pathognomonic symptoms of MG and can be severely disabling, interfering with a patient’s ability to pursue activities of daily living, limiting their work, family, and social lives. AIM: This study aimed to analyze the correlation between fatigue and the ability to perform activity of daily living (ADL) among patients with MG. METHOD: Fatigue severity scale (FSS) was used to measure the fatigue and MG-ADL scale was used to evaluate the patient’s ability to perform ADL. Rank-Spearman test was used to assess the correlation between fatigue and patient’s ability to perform daily activities. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients (nine males and 22 females) with MG were included and classified into three subgroups of fatigue: Non-fatigue (FSS <4), borderline (4 < FSS < 5), and fatigue (FSS >5). There was a significant correlation between fatigue and the patient’s ability to perform ADL (p = 0.005; p = 0.488) with CI 95%. CONCLUSION: Fatigue in patients with MG correlates with the ability to perform ADL.
Establishing a Reference Interval for an Estimate of Peripheral Insulin Resistance in a Group of Iraqi People

Background and aims: Insulin resistance (IR) is the cornerstone in pathophysiology of T2DM. Identifying people with IR can slow the progress to diabetes. Triglyceride and glucose index (TyG index) is a simple tool to assess IR without insulin measurement. This study aims at establishing the reference interval for TyG index in apparently healthy Iraqis. Material and method: This study involved (77) apparently healthy adults (41 men and 36 women) in Mosul, Iraq. Fasting Serum lipids, glucose and insulin were measured and BMI was calculated. The modified TyG index was calculated and compared to other surrogate measures of IR and its reference interval was calculated. Results: TyG index values were normally distributed and significantly correlated with HOMA-IR, Mc-Auley index, QUICKI, and triglycerides/ HDL-c index (r= 0.322, p= 0.004; r=-0.68, p<0001; r= -0.29, p=0.01; r=0.84, p<0.0001respectively). ANOVA and PostHoc Duncan’s analyses revealed significant differences in mean TyG between (lean people) and (overweight and obese subjects), (p=0.02). BMI- based TyG reference intervals were calculated as (4.11- 4.91) and (4.25- 5.05) respectively. This is the first study in Iraq to set a reference interval for TyG index. Values should be interpreted according to BMI.
Natural Polysaccharide β-Glucan Protects against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity by Suppressing Oxidative Stress

Doxorubicin (DOXO) can be used to treat a variety of human tumors, but its clinical application is limited due to severe cardiotoxic side effect. Here, we explore the role of β-glucan in DOXO-induced cardiotoxicity in mice and study its underlying mechanism. When co-administered with DOXO, β-glucan was observed to prevent left ventricular dilation and fibrosis. In fact, DOXO reduces the activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex and enhances oxidative stress, which in turn impairs heart function. DOXO decreases the ATP production capacity of the heart and increases the ROS content, while β-glucan can restore the heart capacity and reduce oxidative stress. β-glucan also increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes GSH-PX and SOD, and reduces the level of MDA in the serum. In addition, the mRNAs of cardiac dysfunction marker genes ANP, BNP and Myh7 were significantly increased after DOXO induction, however, they did not increase when combined with β-glucan administration. In conclusion, our results indicate that β-glucan can improve the antioxidant capacity of the heart, thereby serving as a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent DOXO-induced cardiotoxicity.
A systematic review of the role of culture in the mental health service utilisation among ethnic minority groups in the United Kingdom

Abstract Although mental health (MH) services and psychological support are tailored to fit the MH needs of those requiring these services in the UK, underutilisation persists. Current evidence suggests that ethnic minorities underutilise MH services with culture implicated in this trend. However, there is limited evidence from systematic reviews integrating the findings of primary studies on the role of culture in MH service utilisation among ethnic minorities. This review aims to synthesise and summarise evidence on the role of culture in MH service utilisation among ethnic minorities in the UK. Two reviewers searched CINAHL, APA PsycINFO and Medline databases using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Two other reviewers screened the abstracts and full text, while three conducted data extraction and assessed study quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for qualitative studies. One's culture was repeatedly identified to play a role in MH service utilisation among the ethnic minorities in the UK. The impact of cultural factors on service utilisation was through its effects on structure/institution, beliefs, stigma and perception of service. In addition, discrimination and other racism-related negative experiences during service use were found to inform perception and use of MH services. These findings suggest that MH services should be tailored to cultural differences to optimise service utilisation.
Celebrity endorsement and purchase intention: The case of Toyota Vios in Vietnam

This study investigates how celebrity characteristics (including credibility, attractiveness, product-image match), personal characteristics (including self - satisfaction and expression power), and social characteristics (including peer influence) influence consumer purchasing behavior via imitation behavior in the case Toyota Vios brand. A questionnaire-based survey of 306 respondents across Vietnam was conducted using convenience and snowball sampling methods. Online and face-to-face interviews were conducted. A structural equation modelling approach was used to analyze the data. The results show that the three celebrity characteristics, personal characteristics, and social characteristics have a significant impact on the consumer’s intention to purchase through imitation behavior. Practical implications were provided to assist companies in improving their performance.
Affecting factors analysis and parameter correction of direct shear test

An analysis is made on the existing problems and major affecting factors of direct shear test.The parameter correction methods are also discussed.It is put forward that specific testing program shall be designed according to various engineering conditions while sufficient cooperation between lab assistant and field technician is required for test design,which is beneficial for parameter testing and rational value adopting,as well as the engineering safety.
Impact of combining vitamin C with radiation therapy in human breast cancer: does it matter?

Vitamin C may impact the efficiency of radiation therapy (RT) in breast cancer. The effects of RT alone or in combination with vitamin C in SKBR3, MDA-MB-231, and MCF7 cells were compared using clonogenic assay, proliferation assay (MTT), cell cycle analysis, and Western blot. Vitamin C use was assessed in 1803 breast cancer patients 2002–2017 in relation to clinicopathological features and recurrences after RT. Vitamin C combined with RT resulted in non-significant increases in colony formation and minor differences in cell cycle arrest and expression of studied proteins, compared to RT alone. Lower vitamin C doses alone or in combination with RT, resulted in higher proliferation with MTT than higher vitamin C doses in a cell line-dependent manner. Vitamin C use was associated with lower histological grade and BMI but not recurrence risk in RT-treated patients (LogRank P = 0.54). Vitamin C impacted RT efficiency differently depending on breast cancer subtype and vitamin C concentration. Lower doses of vitamin C, achievable with oral administration, might increase breast cancer cell proliferation and decrease radiosensitivity. Despite vitamin C users having less aggressive tumors than non-users, the recurrence risk in RT-treated patients was similar in vitamin C users and non-users.