Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In silico prediction of ARB resistance: A first step in creating personalized ARB therapy

Angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) blockers (ARBs) are among the most prescribed drugs. However, ARB effectiveness varies widely, and some patients do not respond to ARB therapy. One reason for the variability between patients is non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) within agtr1, the AT1R gene. There are over 100 nsSNPs in the AT1R; therefore, this study embarked on determining which nsSNPs may abrogate the binding of selective ARBs. The crystal structure of olmesartan-bound human AT1R (PDB:4ZUD) served as a template to create an inactive empty AT1R via molecular dynamics simulation (n = 3). All simulations resulted in a smaller ligand-binding pocket than 4ZUD due to the absence of olmesartan in the simulation yet remained inactive with little movement in the receptor core. A single frame representing the average stable AT1R was used as a template to thrice (n = 3) dock each ARB via AutoDock to obtain a predicted affinity from the weighted average of 100 docking simulations. The results were far from known values; thus, an optimization protocol was initiated, resulting in the predicted binding affinities within experimentally determined ranges (n = 6). The empty model AT1R was altered and minimized in Molecular Operating Environment software to represent 103 of the known human AT1R polymorphisms. Each of the eight ARBs was then docked, using the optimized parameters, to each polymorphic AT1R (n = 6). Although each nsSNP has little effect on global AT1R structure, most nsSNPs drastically alter a sub-set of ARBs affinity to the AT1R. Comparisons to previous binding studies suggest that the results have a 60% chance of predicting ARB resistance. Although more biochemical studies and refinement of the model are required to increase the accuracy of the prediction of ARB resistance, personalized ARB therapy based on agtr1 sequence could increase overall ARB effectiveness. Author Summary The term “personalized medicine” was coined at the turn of the century, but most medicines are currently prescribed based on disease categories and occasionally racial demographics, but not personalized attributes. In cardiovascular medicine, the personalization of medication is minimal; however, it is accepted that not all patients respond equally to common cardiovascular medications. Here we chose one prominent cardiovascular drug target, the angiotensin receptor, and, using computer modeling, created preliminary models of over 100 known alterations to the angiotensin receptor to determine if the alterations changed the ability of clinically used drugs to interact with the angiotensin receptor. The strength of interaction was compared to the unaltered angiotensin receptor, generating a map predicting which alteration affected each drug. It is expected that in the future, a patient’s receptors can be sequenced, and maps, such as the one presented here, can be used to select the optimum medication based on the patient’s genetics. Such a process would allow for the personalization of current medication therapy.
Low Cost Soft Robotic Gloves for At-home Rehabilitation and Daily Living Activities

Stroke is one of the major reasons which affect the human hand functionality and lead to disability. Different repetitive exercises are used to regain the hand functionality which involves robotic exoskeleton. Soft pneumatic actuators are one of the good alternatives to rigid and fixed exoskeletons for rehabilitation. This paper presents soft robotic gloves fabricated with two different lowcost silicones which can be used in daily living activities and rehabilitation purpose. Soft robotic gloves are light weight and compact. These robotic gloves utilize the pneumatic pressure to flex and extend the human hand. Soft robotic gloves were tested on a healthy object for grasping and rehabilitation ability. Results showed that robotic glove was able to grasping and do the Kapandji test. This work presents an important step toward low cost efficient soft robotic devices for rehabilitation of stroke patients.
Rendimento de grãos de milho segunda safra sob dois regimes hídricos e diferentes sistemas de cultivo

O grao do milho esta entre os cereais os mais produzidos no Brasil. O consorcio entre as culturas de milho e forrageiras do genero Urochloa visam a producao de graos e forragem com boa qualidade nutricional para a producao de pastagem ou formacao de palha para sistemas de plantio direto (SPD). Este trabalho objetivou avaliar o rendimento de graos de milho segunda safra sob diferentes sistemas de cultivo do solo em sistema irrigado e nao irrigado, no extremo Oeste do Estado de Sao Paulo. Foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema de parcela subdividida com sete repeticoes. Os tratamentos foram compostos por combinacoes de sistemas de cultivo, nas parcelas, com quatro niveis (sistema convencional de preparo de solo; SPD utilizando Urochloa brizantha cv Paiaguas; U. brizantha cv Piata; e U. ruziziensis cv Ruziziensis ), e lâminas de irrigacao nas subparcelas, com dois regimes hidricos (nao irrigado e irrigado). Independente dos sistemas de cultivo avaliado, o uso da irrigacao proporcionou incremento medio de 1045% de rendimento de graos de milho em relacao ao tratamento nao irrigado. Alem disso, foi verificado maiores estande final e massa seca de palha residual total, proporcionando, assim, maior aporte de palha e beneficios ao SPD para as safras seguintes. Dentre as coberturas vegetais empregadas no SPD consorciada com o milho, as coberturas Paiaguas e Piata revelaram ser as melhores opcoes para o consorcio, sob as condicoes em que foi realizado o experimento, na regiao do extremo Oeste do Estado de Sao Paulo.
Activity-oriented approaches in child and youth care interventions

Supervisory Committee Dr. Sibylle Artz, Supervisor (School of Child and Youth Care) Dr. Bruce Tobin, Department Member (School of Child and Youth Care) The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study s hows how child and youth care professionals understand and apply activity-oriente d interventions with children aged 6 to 11. Thirteen child and youth care professionals who emp loy activity-oriented interventions with children participated in semi-structured interviews . Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using an inductive content analysis approach. Eight een emergent themes describe the participants’ perceptions of how activity-oriented interventions engage children, build therapeutic relationships and aid children’s learni ng. The findings in this study show how activity-oriented interventions fit with children’s development and are seen to be helpful in facilitating self-awareness and promoting change. F urther, the findings highlight the lack of activity-oriented core training in Canadian undergr aduate and graduate child and youth care programs. These finding suggest that there is a nee d for increased core curriculum in activityoriented approaches, and also for future research i n the effectiveness of activity-oriented interventions.
Spatial genetic analysis of roe deer from the northern Serbian Province of Vojvodina

Spatial of roe deer from Serbian province of Vojvodina. -Genetika, Ecological and evolutionary processes responsible for genetic variation are affected by geographical distribution of samples, therefore combined analysis of genetic and spatial information can help to a better understanding of these processes. Mitochondrial DNA control region was sequenced in 103 individuals from 11 different localities crossing Northern Serbian Province of Vojvodina. Sixteen haplotypes were detected, with high haplotype diversity values (0.898 ± 0.012), that were clustered in two spatially and genetically differentiated groups named: East and West. The haplotype diversity was higher in East group, while nucleotide diversity and average number of nucleotide differences were higher in West group. Conservation plans and management strategies should always take into consideration genetic data that helps to understand spatial genetic patterns and/or effect of landscape features in dispersal between animal populations.
Protective effects of Celosia argentea Linn. Vitamin E and dexamethasone on radiation-induced damage on the developing rat cerebellum

The potential neuroprotective effect of aqueous extract of Celosia argentea Linn (AECA), Vitamin E (Vit E) and Dexamethasone (Dexa) on radiation-induced damage on the developing rat cerebellum was studied. Forty-two female rats weighing between 147 g and 222 g were randomized into six groups (N=7). Control group – Group I, Irrad group – Group II, AECA group – Group III, AECA + Irrad group – Group IV, Vit E + Irrad group – Group V and Dexa+ Irrad group – Group VI. Rats were mated and pregnant rats were exposed to 2.5 Gy gamma radiation on gestation day 7. The administration of 400 mg/kg of AECA, 500 mg/kg of Vit E and 0.005 ml/rat of Dexa started from gestation day 1 till postnatal day 28. Postpartum, 5 pups from each group were exposed to behavioural and biochemical tests and then sacrificed. Brain tissue fixed in 10% formalin, processed by paraffin wax method was stained with H&E and Cresyl violet stains for histology. Radiation significantly (p<0.05) reduced gross, behavioural, histological and histomorphometric parameters, while eliciting oxidative stress relative to control group on post-natal days 7, 14, 21 and 28. Treatment with AECA, Vit E and Dexa with radiation significantly (p<0.05) reduced most of the alterations induced by radiation in the various parameters. This study confirmed development of oxidative stress in rat pups using single dose 2.5 Gy gamma-irradiation. The antioxidant properties of AECA and Vit E and the anti-inflammatory property of Dexa were able to mitigate the alterations in the developing rat brain parameters.Key words: Gamma-radiation, neuroprotective, plant products, rat brain.
Meta‐analysis on the efficacy and safety of SGLT2 inhibitors and incretin based agents combination therapy vs. SGLT2i alone or add‐on to metformin in type 2 diabetes

We aimed to determine whether sodium‐glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) and incretin‐based agents combination therapy produces more benefits than SGLT2is alone in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SGLT2is plus Dipeptidyl‐Peptidase 4 inhibitors (SGLT2is/DPP4is) or glucagon like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (SGLT2is/GLP‐1RAs) against SGLT2is as monotherapy or add‐on to metformin in T2DMs. A total of 13 studies with 7350 participants were included. Combination with GLP‐1RAs exhibited more HbA1c reduction (WMD: −0.8; 95% CI, −1.14 to −0.45%), weight loss (−1.46; 95% CI, −2.38 to −0.54 kg), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) reduction (−2.88; 95% CI, −4.52 to −1.25 mmHg) versus SGLT2is alone but increased the gastrointestinal disorder risk (RR: 1.68; 95% CI, 1.14‐2.47). Combination with DPP4is exhibited an extra effect on HbA1c reduction (−0.47; 95% CI, −0.58 to −0.37%), a neutral effect on weight (0.19; 95% CI, −0.11 to 0.48 kg) and SBP (−0.01; 95% CI, −0.85 to 0.63 mmHg), and ameliorated the genital infections risk (0.73; 95% CI, 0.54‐0.97) versus SGLT2is. Meta‐regression indicated the hypoglycemic efficacy of SGLT2is/DPP4is is higher in Asians than in other ethnics, and the differences in BMI across ethnic groups may mediate this effect. SGLT2is and incretin‐based agents combination therapy is efficacious and safe versus SGLT2is alone in T2DMs. Particularly, combination with GLP‐1RAs shows additional benefits to glycemic, weight, and SBP control to a larger extent than DPP4is, while combination with DPP4is ameliorates the risk for genital infection seen with SGLT2is. We highlight the need for individualized treatment related to the selection of this novel combination therapy.
Noninvasive assessment and classification of human skin burns using images of Caucasian and African patients

Abstract. Burns are one of the obnoxious injuries subjecting thousands to loss of life and physical defacement each year. Both high income and Third World countries face major evaluation challenges including but not limited to inadequate workforce, poor diagnostic facilities, inefficient diagnosis and high operational cost. As such, there is need to develop an automatic machine learning algorithm to noninvasively identify skin burns. This will operate with little or no human intervention, thereby acting as an affordable substitute to human expertise. We leverage the weights of pretrained deep neural networks for image description and, subsequently, the extracted image features are fed into the support vector machine for classification. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that investigates black African skins. Interestingly, the proposed algorithm achieves state-of-the-art classification accuracy on both Caucasian and African datasets.
Book Review: Basic Hemodynamics and its Role in Disease Processes

Scheuer. Bailliere Tindall, London. 1980, pp 260, £19.50. An increasing awareness of the importance of biopsy in the investigation of liver disease has resulted in a considerable rise in the numbers of such specimens submitted to the histopathology departments of most general hospitals. It is now essential for all pathologists working in these departments to become proficient in their interpretation and to assist them in this difficult task Professor Scheuer's book has been regarded rightly as an invaluable source of information ever since its first appearance in 1968. The continuous growth of knowledge in this as in all branches of diagnostic pathology has necessitated an increase of some 90 pages In this latest edition, but even so the book continues to offer a very concise account of all important aspects of the subject. Indeed a few additional illustrations might have been an advantage especially in the sections devoted to tumours and heredofamilial disorders. A noticeable improvement compared with the previous edition is in the coloured illustrations which although fewer in number are of better quality and more conveniently located. All black and white photomicrographs are of high quality and there is no doubt that the standard set in previous editions has been maintained and even enhanced. It is an essential reference book for all diagnostic histophathology departments. R. S. PATRICK
DIGITAL STRATEGY — INTEGRATED APPROACH AND GENERIC OPTIONS

The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated approach for a digital strategy including generic options. Our research is based on our previous contribution in which we have analysed and compared existing approaches on digital strategy. We expanded this research by conducting 13 semi-structured interviews to gain insights from experts on digital strategy (researchers and consultants). We also analysed 10 case studies collected using semi-structured interviews with company representatives. Our findings show that digital strategy, although still in its infancy, is currently a significant topic across several industries. The paper offers an integrated approach for the development of a digital strategy which consists of six phases: external strategic analysis, strategic forecasting, internal strategic analysis, strategic principle, strategic options and strategy formulation. Within the integrated approach we also deliver four generic digital strategies: product provider, service provider, product platform operator and service platform operator.
Lipidome features in patients with different probability of family hypercholesterolemia

Development of modern methods for metabolome assessment, such as gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, allows one to expand the knowledge about the features of lipid metabolism in various clinical conditions. The study was aimed to investigate lipidome features in patients with different probability of family hypercholesterolemia (FH). The study involved 35 patients: 15 men (42.9%) and 20 women (57.1%) with dislipidemia or early cardiovascular diseases which manifested below 55 in men and 60 in women (average age of patients was 49.8 ± 9.96). The family dislipidemia probability was evaluated using the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network Score. In 10 patients the probability of FH was low (score 1–2), 22 patients had possible FH (score 3–5). Three patients had probable or definite FH (score 6 in 2 patients, score 9 in one patient). Determination of molecular species of sphingomyelins, ceramides and sphingoid bases (sphingosine, sphinganine) as well as galactosylceramide was carried out using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. In patients with definite/probable FH the sphingosine level was significantly higher compared with patients having low probability of FH (144.36 ± 107.863 and 50.14 ± 62.409 ng/ml; р = 0.01). In patients with FH, an increase in the proportion of long chain sphingomyelin SM 18 : 1/22 : 0 as well as a significant increase in the level of long chain ceramides with С 20 : 1 and С 22 : 1 was determined. Positive correlation of low-density lipoproteins and sphingosine level (r = 0.344; p = 0.047) together with negative correlation of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), sphinganine (r = –0.52; p = 0.002), and galactosylceramide level (r = –0.56; p = 0.001) were detected. Thus, in patients with high probability of FH the lipidome changes were observed, which could be considered the cardiovascular risk markers.
Aging Compensation With Dynamic Computation Approximation

This paper presents a novel design methodology to turn the timing violation caused by aging into computation approximation error without the reliability guardband or increasing the supply voltage. It can be realized by accurately monitoring the critical path delay at run-time. We evaluate the proposal at two levels: RTL component level and system level. The experimental results at the RTL component level show a significant improvement in terms of (normalized) mean squared error caused by timing violation, and those at the system level show that the proposed approach successfully transforms the aging-induced timing violation errors into much less harmful computation approximation errors, and thus it recovers image quality up to perceptually acceptable levels. It reduces the dynamic and static power consumptions by 21.45% and 10.78%, respectively, with 0.8% area overhead compared to the conventional approach.
Diet and nutrition among people receiving opioid substitution treatment : a mixed methods study

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS . 3 TABLE OF FIGURES . 13 TABLE OF TABLES . 15 DEDICATION . 18 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . 19 ABBREVIATIONS . 20 PREFACE . 22 CHAPTER
Reliability of a Novel Technique for the Measurement of Neck Strength

Reliable assessment of neck strength is required to fully understand the role of decreased neck strength as a risk factor for concussion. The purpose of this study was to assess the intrarater and interrater reliability of a standardized isometric neck-strength-testing protocol using a custom-designed frame, and a digital force gauge. Assessment of intrarater and interrater reliability of a custom neck-strength-testing frame and protocol yielded intraclass correlation values > . 890 and > . 900 when using maximum peak and average peak values of neck strength, respectively. Our neck-strength-testing frame and protocol provided data of good to excellent reliability, and may be used in future studies to investigate the relationship between neck strength and incidence of injuries.
Assessment of Lecturers’ Acceptance and Adoption of ICT in Teaching and Learning Process in Nigerian Universities

: This study examined lecturers’ acceptance and adoption of ICT in teaching and learning process in some selected Nigerian universities. A descriptive survey design was employed and an adapted questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. The population of the study consists of all the lecturers in the selected universities. An incidental random sampling technique was used to select one thousand (1000) respondents from the population of the study. Three research questions and five hypotheses were formulated for the study. Out of the 1000 questionnaires administered on the sample of the study, only 980 were returned. Data collected were analysed using simple percentage, frequency count, Cronbach’s Alpha and multiple regression analysis at 0.05 level of significant. The results of the study showed that lecturers’ level of adoption of the ICT in teaching and learning process is high (66.0%). The results also showed that all the barriers affect the use of ICT in teaching and learning process, but, Lack of administrative support (88.8%), Lack of reliable educational support software (88.0%), Absence of ICT policy guidelines (85.1%), High cost of ICT installation and maintenance (80.2%) and Poor state of ICT interconnectivity (80.0%) are mostly affecting the use of ICT in teaching and learning process. T he results also indicated that Performance Expectancy (β=.373, p=.000), Effort Expectancy (β=.182, p=.000) and Social Influence (β=.104, p=.000) were t he influential factors for the acceptance and adoption of the use of ICT in teaching and learning process while Performance Expectancy is the most influential factor out of the three and all the moderating variables (i.e. gender, age, year of teaching experience and teaching subject) have significant effects on the performance expectancy, effort expectancy and social influence. Notably, female lecturers, lecturers within the age range of 35 and 44 years, 21 years and above teaching experience and lecturers who were teaching ICT related courses such as Information Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science and Informatics had high efficacy for use of ICT in teaching and learning process. The model explains approximately 37% of the variance in behavioural intention (adjusted R 2 =.370). The study recommends that government should formulate and ensure proper implementation of ICT policies that will enhance the use of ICT for teaching and learning process. Also, government should allocate sufficient funds for the procurement, installation and maintenance of ICT based system. Finally, the university management should provide adequate administrative and technical support for the lecturers on the use of ICT.
Traffic Flow Detection Using Thermopile Array Sensor

The Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) has been developed rapidly in recent years. As a significant part of the ITS, the collection of traffic information relies on the detection of vehicles by using various sensors, in which micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) sensors have been widely investigated. A representative of MEMS sensors is magnetoresistance sensor with stable performance. However, it is hard to detect very low-speed congested traffic. The MEMS thermopile array sensor currently used for human detection can detect stationary infrared objects, including the ignited vehicles. It could be an alternative to detect the vehicles under heavily congested traffic condition. This paper proposes a traffic flow detection method using such a thermopile sensor by the roadside. Traffic flow data are collected and analyzed through a procedure of data preprocessing, background removal, morphology operation, and vehicle detection. A visual background extractor (ViBE) is used in background removal and a finite-state machine (FSM) is designed to reduce the detection error. Different experiments test the detection method in the absence and presence of high temperature interference. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method can successfully detect the traffic flow and it is suitable for occasions where the ambient temperature differs obviously from the vehicle temperature.