Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glycemic Abnormalities Assessment on Children and Adolescents with Beta-Thalassemia Major

Background Iron overloading in beta-thalassemia major individuals can cause organ damage. Iron excess can cause endocrine problems, including diabetes. Diabetes mellitus in patients with beta-thalassemia major represents a major concern, especially in children and adolescents. Aim To assess glycemic abnormalities in children and adolescents with beta-thalassemia major. Methods This cross-sectional study included beta-thalassemia major subjects with no previous diabetes mellitus history and routinely obtained blood transfusion. Laboratory investigations on the fasting insulin and blood glucose levels, 2 h postprandial plasma glucose, fasting insulin, and serum ferritin levels were conducted. Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated for assessing insulin resistance. Statistically, a significant correlation was obtained if the p-value was <0.05. Results This research consisted of 56 beta-thalassemia major children. The mean age of the subjects was 9.46 (2-18) years old. At diagnosis, the mean age was 40 (3-180) months old. We found a significant correlation between serum ferritin and ages, body weight, height, diagnosis age, and blood volume per transfusion of the included subjects. Nevertheless, there was no significant correlation between serum ferritin with glycemic parameters, including fasting blood glucose, 2 h postprandial plasma glucose, fasting insulin levels, and HOMA-IR found with a p-value >0.05. Conclusions A significant correlation was identified between age at diagnosis and volume of blood per transfusion with serum ferritin levels. However, there was no significant correlation between serum ferritin levels with glycemic status.
Exploring the Feasibility of Utilizing Limited Gene Panel Circulating Tumor DNA Clearance as a Biomarker in Patients With Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Introduction Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing may identify patients at high risk for recurrence following chemoradiation (CRT) for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC). We evaluated the feasibility of ctDNA testing on a readily available commercial fixed-gene panel to predict outcomes in patients with LA-NSCLC. Methods Plasma of 43 patients was collected at CRT initiation (pre-CRT), completion (post-CRT1), quarterly follow up for 12 months (post-CRT2, 3, 4, 5 respectively) after CRT, and at disease progression. ctDNA analysis was performed using InVisionFirst®-Lung to detect mutations in 36 cancer-related genes. ctDNA clearance was defined as absence of pre-CRT variants at post-CRT1. Patients without detectable pre-CRT variants or no post-CRT1 samples were excluded. Results Twenty eight of 43 patients (65%) had detectable variants pre-CRT. Nineteen of 43 patients (44%) had detectable pre-CRT variants and post-CRT1 samples and were included in analysis. Median age at diagnosis was 65 years (43-82), and most patients had stage IIIB disease (10/19, 53%). Two patients died from non-cancer related causes before post-CRT2 and were excluded from further analysis. All three patients who did not clear ctDNA had tumor relapse with a median time to relapse of 74 days (30-238), while 50% (7/14) of those who cleared ctDNA have remained disease free. Progression free survival was longer in patients who cleared ctDNA compared to those who did not (median 567 vs 74 d, p = 0.01). Conclusions Although it is feasible to use ctDNA testing on a limited gene panel to identify patients with LA-NSCLC who are at high risk for disease recurrence following CRT, further studies will be necessary to optimize these assays before they can be used to inform clinical care in patients with lung cancer.
WT1 Gene Mutations, rs16754 Variant, and WT1 Overexpression as Prognostic Factors in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients

(1) Background: The aim of our study was the complex assessment of WT1 variants and their expression in relation to chromosomal changes and molecular prognostic markers in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It is the first multidimensional study in Polish AML patients; (2) Methods: Bone marrow aspirates of 90 AML patients were used for cell cultures (banding techniques and fluorescence in situ hybridization), and to isolate DNA (WT1 genotyping, array comparative genomic hybridization), and RNA (WT1 expression). Peripheral blood samples from 100 healthy blood donors were used to analyze WT1 rs16754; (3) Results: Allele frequency and distribution of WT1 variant rs16754 (A;G) did not differ significantly among AML patients and controls. Higher expression of WT1 gene was observed in AA genotype (of rs16754) in comparison with GA or GG genotypes—10,556.7 vs. 25,836.5 copies (p = 0.01), respectively. WT1 mutations were more frequent in AML patients under 65 years of age (p < 0.0001) and affected relapse-free survival (RFS). The presence of NPM1 or CEBPA mutations decreased the risk of WT1 mutation presence, odds ratio (OR) = 0.11, 95% CI 0.02–0.46, p = 0.002 or OR = 0.05, 95% CI 0.006–0.46, p = 0.002, respectively. We observed significantly higher WT1 expression in AML CD34+ vs. CD34−, −20,985 vs. 8304 (p = 0.039), respectively. The difference in WT1 expression between patients with normal and abnormal karyotype was statistically insignificant; (4) Conclusions: WT1 gene expression and its rs16754 variant at diagnosis did not affect AML outcome. WT1 mutation may affect RFS in AML.
Fabrication of Magnesium-Carbonate Apatite by Conventional Sintering and Spark Plasma Sintering for Orthopedic Implant Applications

Magnesium-Carbonate Apatite (Mg-xCA) is one of the potential magnesium composites to be developed as an alternative biodegradable implant material. Several attempts were made to optimize its characteristics. In this study, Mg-xCA (x = 0, 5, 10, and 15% wt) was prepared by powder metallurgy through warm compaction (WC) and further densified by 2 sintering process methods, namely conventional sintering (CS) and spark plasma sintering (SPS). The characterization included density test, XRD test, microstructure test (OM and SEM-EDS-Mapping), microhardness test, and electrochemical test. The SPS process improves the characteristics of Mg-xCA better than the CS process. The SPS process can increase the relative density by about 0.7-2.4%, increase the hardness by about 2-13%, and reduce the corrosion rate by about 32-49% compared to the initial condition before sintering (WC). The SPS structure has a lower oxygen elemental content than the CS structure. The sintered process with SPS is considered effective for the fabrication of Mg-xCA powder-based composites compared to the CS process.
MD Simulations Revealing Special Activation Mechanism of Cannabinoid Receptor 1

Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that is gaining much interest for its regulating role in the central nervous system and its value as a drug target. Structures of CB1 in inactive and active states have revealed conformational change details that are not common in other GPCRs. Here, we performed molecular dynamics simulations of CB1 in different ligand binding states and with mutations to reveal its activation mechanism. The conformational change of the “twin toggle switch” residues F2003.36 and W3566.48 that correlates with ligand efficacy is identified as a key barrier step in CB1 activation. Similar conformational change of residues 3.36/6.48 is also observed in melanocortin receptor 4, showing this “twin toggle switch” residue pair is crucial for the activation of multiple GPCR members.
Determining Objective Characteristics of MCDM Methods under Uncertainty: An Exploration Study with Financial Data

A major difficulty in comparing and even choosing MCDM methods is the uncertainty of information about the consistent and unique characteristics of the results produced. The objective information content of the final scores produced by MCDM methods and their relevance to real life can give us an important idea about them. In this study, first of all, seven MCDM methods with different methodologies were applied to evaluate companies’ financial performance. Then, the obtained MCDM scores were compared using two different objective verification mechanisms. The first validation criterion is the relationship of a MCDM method to real-life rankings (share price). The second criterion is the standard deviation (SD) technique used to discover the objective information content of MCDM final scores. According to the results of this study, PROMETHEE and FUCA definitely outperform other methods in terms of both SD values and strength of correlation with reference real-life rankings. Also, FUCA is methodologically simpler than other methods. However, it produced nearly identical results as the sophisticated PROMETHEE method.
Elevated Serum Cystatin C and Decreased Cathepsin S/Cystatin C Ratio Are Associated with Severe Peripheral Arterial Disease and Polyvascular Involvement

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is frequently associated with atherosclerotic manifestations of the carotids and coronaries. Polyvascular involvement and low ankle–brachial index predict major cardiovascular events and high mortality. Cathepsin S (Cat S) promotes the inflammatory pathways of the arterial wall, while Cystatin C (Cys C) functions as its inhibitor; therefore, Cys C was proposed to be a biomarker of progression in PAD. In a single-center observational study, we investigated the correlations of serum Cys C and Cat S/Cys C ratio in a group of 90 PAD patients, predominantly with polyvascular involvement. Cys C and Cat S/Cys C were associated with ankle–brachial index (ABI) scores <0.4 in univariate and multiple regression models. Furthermore, both markers correlated positively with the plasma Von Willebrand Factor Antigen (VWF: Ag) and Von Willebrand Factor collagen-binding activity (VWF: CB). In addition, Cat S/Cys C was significantly decreased, whereas Cys C increased in subjects with three-bed atherosclerotic involvement. According to our results, high serum Cys C and low Cat S/Cys C ratios may indicate severe peripheral arterial disease and polyvascular atherosclerotic involvement.
Use of Lithium in Hyperthyroidism Secondary to Graves’ Disease: A Case Report

Patient: Male, 26-year-old Final Diagnosis: Graves’ disease • hyperthyroidism Symptoms: Fatigue • heat intolerance • palpitation • weight loss Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Endocrinology and Metabolic Objective: Unusual clinical course Background: The therapeutic approach to Graves’ disease (GD) comprises thionamides, radioiodine ablation, or surgery as first-line therapy, and cholestyramine and oral iodine as second-line therapies. The role of lithium (Li) in GD as a primary or adjunctive therapy remains contentious. We present a case of GD managed by Li therapy with oral iodine solution. Case Report: A 26-year-old man, admitted with acute blast crisis secondary to chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), reported palpitations, 40-lb weight loss, heat intolerance, and fatigue. An examination revealed sinus tachycardia, elevated body temperature, and thyromegaly. Laboratory evaluation confirmed hyperthyroidism (TSH <0.005 mcIU/l, FT4 5.57 ng/dl, TT3 629 ng/dl) secondary to GD (TRAb >40 IU/l, TSIg 178%). Thionamides and surgery were contraindicated due to pancytopenia from a blast crisis. Inability to maintain post-radiation precautions precluded use of RAI. Cholestyramine was attempted and discontinued due to nausea. We introduced oral Li carbonate with oral iodine, which the patient tolerated. Thyroid functions improved with therapy (TSH 0.007 mcIU/l, FT4 0.82 ng/dl, TT3 122 ng/dl) with stable Li level (0.5–0.8 mmol/l). Conclusions: Li inhibits iodine uptake through interference with sodium-iodide symporter and tyrosine iodination, thyroglobulin structure changes, peripheral deiodinase blockage, and preventing TSH and TSIg stimulation. Our case shows that a low therapeutic level of Li, in combination with oral iodine, can suppress thyroid overactivity without adverse effects. We suggest that low-dose Li carbonate is a safe and effective adjunctive antithyroid medication to be considered if primary therapies for hyperthyroidism are unavailable.
Effects of Biochar, Lime, and Compost Applications on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Yield of Pomelo (Citrus grandis Osbeck) in Alluvial Soil of the Mekong Delta

Soil acidity is an important factor affecting crop productivity in the tropics. The soil of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta has high acidity, deficient levels of exchangeable bases, and low fertility. This study aimed to evaluate soil amendments’ role in improving soil fertility, soil acidity, and pomelo yield cultivated in raised beds. The field trial was carried out in Hau Giang Province consecutively over 3 years from 2018 to 2020. Four treatments were used, namely control, biochar (5 ton·ha−1·year−1), lime (2 ton·ha−1·year−1), and compost (5 ton·ha−1·year−1). All treatments applied the same amount of NPK fertilizers at rates of 400 kg·N, 300 kg·P2O5, and 400 kg·K2O·ha−1·year−1. Physicochemical properties of the topsoil (0–20 cm) and subsoil (20–40 cm) and fruit yield were investigated. The results showed that biochar or compost application increased soil pH, soil organic matter (SOM), and exchangeable cations and decreased soil bulk density (BD), improving soil fertility and fruit yield in the raised beds. Applications of biochar or compost resulted in about 1.5-fold higher fruit yield than that of chemical fertilizer alone. The average profit increased to USD 1,672 ha−1 after applying biochar and compost in the three-year experiments. Biochar and compost amendments have a positive effect on reducing soil acidity and soil BD, elevating SOM, supplying available Ca2+ and Mg2+, improving soil fertility, enhancing fruit yield, and increasing profit.
Is Responsiveness to Student Voice Related to Academic Outcomes? Strengthening the Rationale for Student Voice in School Reform

Purpose: Drawing on relevant literature, we conceptualize three pathways through which responsiveness to student voice may promote academic goals. Then, we analyze panel data of students in the Chicago Public Schools to examine this relationship. We focus on the “responsiveness” of teachers and administrators to student voice, because prior work has highlighted that opportunities for student voice are often symbolic. Our central goal is to examine whether responsiveness to student voice is related to academic outcomes. Research Methods/Approach: We draw upon student records collected in Chicago Public Schools from the 2017–18 and 2018–19 school years, as well as students’ responses to questions administered in the district’s 2019 5Essentials Survey. We estimate models of the effect of responsiveness to student voice on students’ ninth-grade academic outcomes, controlling for students’ eighth-grade attendance and grade point average. Findings: In schools that students regard as responsive to their expressed critiques, students have better grades and attendance and reduced rates of chronic absenteeism. This is the first large-scale study employing panel data to examine the relationships between responsiveness to student voice and academic performance. Implications: Proponents of student voice have long emphasized its benefits in terms of democratic values and respect for the full humanity of young people. Scholars argue these benefits may be particularly important for students from marginalized communities. This study indicates that there are academic benefits as well. However, future studies are warranted to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms through which responsiveness to student voice yields valued benefits.
The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Anaphalis margaritacea var. yedoensis (Asteraceae) and phylogenetic relationships within Gnaphalieae

Abstract Anaphalis margaritacea var. yedoensis is a perennial herb adapted to the severe environment of pebbled river banks, where it is frequently found. In this study, we determined the complete chloroplast genome of A. margaritacea var. yedoensis and uncovered its phylogenetic relationships with other members of Gnaphalieae. The total chloroplast genome size of A. margaritaceae var. yedoensis is 153,231 bp, with a large single-copy region (LSC) of 84,981 bp, a small single-copy region (SSC) of 18,481 bp and a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 24,885 bp. A total of 136 genes were annotated, including 39 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 89 protein-coding genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that A. margaritacea var. yedoensis and another Anaphalis species, A. sinica, do not form a monophyletic group, supporting previous phylogenetic studies using some specific regions of cpDNA that showed the genus Anaphalis is non-monophyletic.
ESD Stress Analysis and Suppression in a Single-Junction Thermal Converter

This article presents an outline of Electric Transient Disturbances (ETDs), represented by the ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD) in accordance with the Human-Body Model (HBM), on the AC-DC transfer measurement standard, represented by the Single-Junction Thermal Converter (SJTC) Thermal Element (TE). Mitigation technique against the power dissipation build-up, higher than the operational margins recommended by a manufacturer, on the TE were proposed and modelled using Laplace Transform (LT) analysis. A mathematical model and an optimization algorithm were developed to determine the equivalent circuit model parameters of a Transient Overload Protection Module (TOPM) that would offer adequate protection against destructive power dissipation levels build-up on the TE. The mathematical model was developed using an 8 kV ESD, which was expected to deliver short-circuit current with a peak value of approx-imately 5 . 33 A through a load impedance of approxi-mately 1 m Ω . The ESD stress signal was injected into the TOPM connected in parallel with the TE. The active power dissipated by the SJTC TE per period of transient response was calculated from the current and voltage obtained from the mathematical analysis, and the results indicate a power dissipation of 10 mW by the TE. From the algorithm, the model parameter that noticeably influences the power dissipation capabilities of the TOPM is the inductance and it must be smaller than 1 . 2 nH. A CAD based simulation model was developed and analysed. The simulation results agreed with the mathematical model.
The Impact of Quality of Public Administration on Local Economic Growth in Vietnam

This study examines how the quality of public administration influenced local economic growth in Vietnam from 2011 to 2019. Based on previous studies, we evaluate this impact through the Cobb–Douglas function includes government capital, thereby examining both the individual and interactive effects of local government expenditures and quality of public administration on local economic growth in Vietnam. The system GMM method (SGMM) was used to estimate the model with data collected from 61 provinces and cities in Vietnam in the period 2011–2019. The findings suggest that local government expenditures and quality of public administration positively influence local economic growth in Vietnam. Thereby, the authors propose policy implications to improve the efficiency of local government expenditures on local economic growth in Vietnam in terms of public administration.
Availability and Utilization of Web-Based Tools for Effective Delivery of Instruction In Nigerian Universities in South-South Zone

The study examined the extent of availability and utilization of web-based tools in Nigerian Universities. A descriptive cross section survey research design was used for the study. Nine research questions were posed and six hypotheses formulated to guide the study. The population of the study consists of 35,680 lecturers and students in federal, state, and private universities in the study area. The sample is 395 lecturers and students, a proportionate stratified sampling technique was used to group the respondents into departments after which simple random sampling was used to draw the sample from the strata. The instruments for data collection were a checklist and questionnaires which were validated and internal consistency reliability coefficients determined using cronbach alpha technique; Data were analyzed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 2.0. Percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while ANOVA was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. It was found that Web-based tools are more available for effective delivery of instruction in State and Private Universities than Federal Universities in Nigerian; resources such as internet services, web-based learning software, personal laptops, scanners, smart boards, on-line library are available to a high extent. There was a significant difference in the mean ratings of lecturers and students in federal, state, and private universities on the extent of availability of resources that aid web-based tools for effective delivery of instruction. There is a high extent of utilization of web-based tools for effective delivery of instruction by lecturers and students in State and Private Universities in Nigerian. Female lecturers utilize web-based tools more than their counterparts in Nigerian Universities, both male and students utilize web-based tools to a less extent in content accessibility. Major implications of the findings are; there is a less extent in the use of web-based tools in e-assessment of students by lecturers in Nigerian Universities, that there is a less extent to which students utilize web-based tools in content accessibility. Based on these findings and implications, it was recommended that universities should include web-based learning in their teaching programmes and source grants to promote the use of web instruction at all levels, all university lecturers must as a matter of compulsion be made to acquire ICT skills, Courses on application of web-based tools for teaching and learning should be mounted in all faculties and departments to produce specialists that will man the units established for providing web-based support services in our universities.
Motion-compensated targeting in pulmonary interventions using cone-beam CT and locally rigid / globally deformable 3D-2D registration

Purpose. Mobile C-arms capable of 2D fluoroscopy and 3D cone-beam CT (CBCT) are finding application in guidance of transbronchial lung biopsy, but unresolved deformable motion presents challenges to accurate target localization and guidance. We report the initial implementation of a method to resolve deformations via locally rigid / globally deformable 3D-2D registration for motion-compensated overlay of planning data in fluoroscopically-guided pulmonary interventions. Methods. The algorithm proceeds in 3 steps: (1) initialization by 3D-2D rigid registration of CBCT to fluoroscopy (driven by bone gradients); (2) local rigid 3D-2D registration of lung-thresholded CBCT to fluoroscopy within a region of interest (ROI) about each target location; and (3) aggregation of local rigid registrations to estimate global deformation. Several objective functions and optimizers were evaluated for soft-tissue target registration. Phantom studies were performed to determine operating parameters and assess performance with simulated lung deformation. Results. Soft-tissue thresholding and contrast enhancement improved target registration error (TRE) from 10.3 mm for conventional 3D-2D registration (driven primarily by rib gradients) to 3.8 mm using locally rigid 3D-2D registration in regions of interest about each target. The soft-tissue gradient orientation (GO) objective function was found to be superior to alternative similarity measures by de-emphasizing gradient magnitude (in favor of gradient orientation), permitting the algorithm to be better driven by soft-tissue edges. Conclusions. Registration driven by soft-tissue targets is achievable via a novel processing framework to de-emphasize non-target gradients. The proposed method could improve the accuracy of guidance in pulmonary interventions by updating target overlay in fluoroscopy.