Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protective Effect of Melatonin Against Malathion Induced Alterations in Antioxidant Defense System and Morphology of Erythrocytes in Wistar Rats

Malathion intoxication has been shown to produce oxidative stress due to the generation of free radicals and alter the antioxidant defense system in erythrocytes. Previous studies have shown the ameliorative role melatonin against oxidative stress induced by generation of free radicals. Present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of melatonin against malathion induced oxidative stress. For this purpose, male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control; Melatonin (10mg/Kg body weight) group; Malathion (250mg/Kg body weight) treated group; Malathion + Melatonin treated group. Animals were administered an acute dose of malathion orally. The result of this study shows that in vivo administration of malathion caused inhibition in AChE activity in erythrocytes. Malathion intoxication also significantly increased the oxidative damage as evidenced by increased level of LPO and GSH content. The Inhibition of GSH level and increased lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes was relieved in malathion + melatonin group. Enhanced activities of SOD, CAT, GR and GPx were observed in erythrocytes of malathion treated rats as compared to control group. Moreover, melatonin supplementation in malathion treated rats maintain normal level of antioxidant enzymes as compared to malathion treated rats which indicates that melatonin provide protection against malathion- induced oxidative stress in erythrocytes. No significant change in the membrane bound enzymes such as Na + /K + - ATPase, Mg 2+ -ATPase and Ca 2+ -ATPase was observed in malathion intoxicated rats. Findings of scanning electron micrographs of erythrocytes revealed that both the malathion treated and malathion+melatonin treated groups exhibited morphological changes in erythrocytes. However, concomitant melatonin supplementation normalized the morphological alterations in erythrocytes induced by malathion toxicity. In conclusion, melatonin supplementation may ameliorate malathion-induced oxidative imbalance by enhancing the glutathione level, reducing lipid peroxidation and normalizing antioxidant enzyme activities in erythrocytes.
Monitoring children and adolescents with severe obesity: BMI, BMI z‐score or %IOTF‐25?

Aim: Body mass index (BMI)-metrics are widely used as a proxy for adiposity in children with severe obesity. The BMI expressed as the percentage of a cutoff percentile for overweight or obesity has been proposed as a better alternative than BMI z-scores when monitoring children and adolescents with severe obesity. Methods: Annual changes in BMI, BMI z-score and the percentage above the International Obesity Task Force overweight cutoff (%IOTF-25) were compared with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) derived body fat (%BF-DXA) in 59 children and adolescents with severe obesity. Results: The change in %BF-DXA was correlated with the change in %IOTF-25 (r=0.68) and BMI (r=0.70), and somewhat less with the BMI z-score (r=0.57). The Cohen’s Kappa statistic to detect an increase or decrease in %BF-DXA was fair for %IOTF-25 (Κ=0.25; p=0.04) and BMI (Κ=0.33; p=0.01), but not for the BMI z-score (Κ=0.08; p=0.5). The change in BMI was positively biased due to a natural increase with age. Conclusion: Changes in the BMI-metrics included in the study are associated differently with changes in %BF-DXA. The BMI z-score is widely used to monitor changes in adiposity in children and adolescents with severe obesity, but the %IOTF-25 might be a better alternative.
The Role of Self Determination in Changing Physical Activity Behaviour in People Diagnosed With Bowel Polyps: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND This non-blinded randomised controlled trial investigated the efficacy of a physical activity (PA) intervention underpinned by Self-Determination Theory (SDT). METHODS Participants (n=31, mean age 69y [SD= 4.9]) diagnosed with bowel polyps were randomised to active lifestyle programme (ALP; N= 17) or standard care (SC, N=14). ALP received supervised exercise and counselling for 6 months. Both groups were followed-up at 12 months. Outcomes were change in PA and behavioural regulation. Data were analysed with intention-to treat. RESULTS At 6 months differences were observed for behavioural regulation in favour of ALP (P<0.05). PA differences were significant for leisure, walking, and vigorous in favour of ALP (P<0.05). CONCLUSION SDT can be an effective strategy for promoting PA behaviour change in this population but a larger trial is needed to further explore utility of SDT in this context.
On the Perception of Tone

Richard Plotkin Department of Music University of Chicago Chicago, IL 60637 rplotkin@uchicago.edu Developments in music theory, musical acoustics, and psychoacoustics over the last 15 to 20 years have resulted in a single structural basis that provides common ground for analysis of musical systems that include non-standardlnon-octavesystems, microtonal systems, and systems that use unusual tunings common in non-western music. These developments make it likely that a confluence of understanding in musical acoustics, psychoacoustics, and music synthesis is about to take place. This common structural basis will lead to generalized rules of composition, unheard of since the classic work Treatise On Harmony by Rameau (1722), based on generalizations of the well-known properties of our familiar 12tone scales. Indeed, some of these generalizations have already been articulated. As participants in various aspects of this work for the past 14 years [1-7], we are in a unique position to collect, assess, and distill the important contributions to this, truly, multidisciplinary field. It is our purpose, in this paper, to articulate a 21st century approach to music composition using the latest results from mathematical music theory and musical acoustics. In our presentation we will produce audio and visual examples applying these techniques.
Does Early Life Health Predict Schooling within Twin Pairs?

A large number of studies in labor economics estimate the returns to schooling using data on monozygotic twins, under the assumption that educational attainment is random within twin pairs. This exogeneity assumption has been commonly questioned, however, but there is to date little evidence on the topic. Using a large dataset of twins, including comprehensive information on their health status at the age of 18 and later educational attainment, we investigate whether educational attainment is related to early health status within monozygotic twin pairs. In general, we obtain no indication of this being so. As a result, we find little evidence that early health differences between twins would bias the estimates of the returns to schooling available in the literature.
Nonconsensual Sharing of Private Sexually Explicit Media Among University Students

This research was the first in the United Kingdom to examine the prevalence and nature of nonconsensual sharing of sexually explicit messages, pictures, and videos and to examine whether this varies according to gender and by role (i.e., perpetrator, victim, or as dual role of perpetrator/victim). In a sample of 391 young adults (aged 18-25 years), questionnaire data on subjective norms, consensual and nonconsensual sharing, and their motivations for these behaviors were collected. Perpetration of and victimization through nonconsensual sharing was experienced by a substantial number of individuals. There was an association between reporting perpetration of nonconsensual sharing and experiencing victimization. An association was also found between reporting being pressured (i.e., coerced) to send sexually explicit material and experiencing victimization of nonconsensual sharing, which suggests that these behaviors may form part of a continuum of violence and abuse, potentially within intimate relationships. No association was found between gender and (a) perpetration or (b) victimization. However, from a gendered perspective, females perceived there was greater social pressure to post messages, pictures, and videos, compared with males. Motivations for nonconsensual sharing were commonly explained as for fun/a joke, and generally not thought of as problematic, although some victims perceived motivations to be more negative and/or related to revenge/causing distress. Given that this research examined nonconsensual sharing across messages, pictures, and videos for both victimization and perpetration and found it was both perpetrated and experienced by females and males, this does not support the common perception that this is a male perpetrated behavior against women. This has implications for education, policy, intervention, and prevention, with approaches needing to be inclusive of both males and females when addressing perpetration and victimization.
Strategies to handle heterogeneity prevalent within an IOT based network

One of the most important features of an IOT network is heterogeneity among the devices, subnets, communication systems, data storage and retrieval. IOT can be conceived to be in existence in hierarchal structure having situated in many layers. In each of the layer there is an element of heterogeneity. The heterogeneity is more severe in the layer which deals with real connect and communication. In this paper different strategies are explored for handling heterogeneity among communication protocols that are used for effecting communication among devices, cluster of devices and the alike
Pathogenic variants of DYNC2H1, KIAA0556, and PTPN11 associated with hypothalamic hamartoma

Objective Intensive genetic analysis was performed to reveal comprehensive molecular insights into hypothalamic hamartoma (HH). Methods Thirty-eight individuals with HH were investigated by whole exome sequencing, target capture-based deep sequencing, or single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array using DNA extracted from blood leukocytes or HH samples. Results We identified a germline variant of KIAA0556, which encodes a ciliary protein, and 2 somatic variants of PTPN11, which forms part of the RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, as well as variants in known genes associated with HH. An SNP array identified (among 3 patients) one germline copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity (cnLOH) at 6p22.3–p21.31 and 2 somatic cnLOH; one at 11q12.2–q25 that included DYNC2H1, which encodes a ciliary motor protein, and the other at 17p13.3–p11.2. A germline heterozygous variant and an identical somatic variant of DYNC2H1 arising from cnLOH at 11q12.2–q25 were confirmed in one patient (whose HH tissue, therefore, contains biallelic variants of DYNC2H1). Furthermore, a combination of a germline and a somatic DYNC2H1 variant was detected in another patient. Conclusions Overall, our cohort identified germline/somatic alterations in 34% (13/38) of patients with HH. Disruption of the Shh signaling pathway associated with cilia or the RAS/MAPK pathway may lead to the development of HH.
Identification of Serine-875 as an Inhibitory Phosphorylation Site in the Calcium-Sensing Receptor

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaS) is the principal controller of extracellular calcium (Ca2+o) homeostasis and is inhibited in vitro and in vivo by protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated phosphorylation at CaST888. However, PKC inhibition enhances signaling even in CaSs lacking Thr-888, suggesting that an additional inhibitory site exists. An apparently equivalent PKC regulatory site in metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (Ser-839) aligns not with CaST888 but instead with CaSS875, which was not previously considered to be a PKC site. CaSS875A (nonphosphorylatable) exhibited significantly enhanced Ca2+o sensitivity of both intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 activation, whereas the phosphomimetic CaSS875D mutant exhibited a loss of function. The CaSS875A/T888A double mutant exhibited even greater Ca2+o sensitivity than CaST888A alone, a response no longer enhanced by PKC inhibition. Finally, when expressed in CaS lacking its extracellular domain, the CaSS875A/T888A double mutation elicited maximal activation even under control conditions, but remained sensitive to negative allosteric modulation [N-(2-hydroxy-3-(2-cyano-3-chlorophenoxy)propyl)-1,1-dimethyl-2-(2-nephthyl)ethylamine] or Ca2+o removal. Therefore, we have now identified CaSS875 as the missing PKC phosphorylation site that, together with CaST888, shapes the CaS signaling that underpins Ca2+o homeostasis. Together with the inactive form of the CaS extracellular domain, these sites attenuate Ca2+o sensitivity to attain appropriate physiologic Ca2+o sensing. Significance Statement Serine-875 represents the missing inhibitory PKC phosphorlyation site in CaS that in tandem with Thr-888 controls receptor activity.
Efficacy of risk stratification protocols and clinical, physical, and biochemical parameters to previse signals and symptoms during cardiovascular rehabilitation programs

Abstract Introduction Despite the benefits, cardiovascular rehabilitation programs (CRPs) have been related to the appearance of signals and symptoms. Risk stratification protocols are commonly used to identify risks during the physical exercise; however, studies that investigate their efficacy to previse signals and symptoms are inconclusive. Furthermore, clinical, physical, and biochemical parameters have been used as risk markers for the appearance of adverse events, and to investigate their efficacy to previse signals and symptoms during the CRP sessions that could better guide the strategies adopted on these programs. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlations between risk stratification protocols and clinical, physical, and biochemical parameters with the appearance of signals/symptoms during CRP, as well as to evaluate if modifications on clinical, physical, and biochemical parameters could influence in the appearance of signals/symptoms during CRP. Materials and methods The study was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03446742). Forty-four patient participants of a CRP will be evaluated. First, their risk stratification is going to be performed by 2 evaluators and their clinical, physical, and biochemical parameters are going to be measured. Then, the patients are going to be followed during 24 sessions during their CRP routines in order to identify appearance of their signals/symptoms. So, the patients are going to perform their cardiovascular rehabilitation routines for 6 months and then, their clinical, physical, and biochemical parameters are going to be measured again and they are going to be followed during 24 sessions during their CRP routines in order to identify the appearance of their signals/symptoms.
International Portfolio Choice, Liquidity Constraints and the Home Equity Bias Puzzle

This Paper solves for optimal international portfolio choice in the presence of liquidity constraints and undiversifiable labour income risk. Optimal portfolios are internationally diversified while positive correlation between domestic stock market returns and permanent labour income shocks can worsen the home equity bias puzzle. Nevertheless, either small costs associated with investing abroad or a slightly positive domestic to foreign equity premium differential are sufficient to either deter households from participating in a foreign market or generate a substantial bias for home equities. The benefits of international diversification are limited because consumption fluctuations can be smoothed with a small amount of buffer stock saving, while exchange rate risk makes foreign investments less appealing to risk averse investors.
Molecular characterization of haemagglutinin-neuraminidase gene among virulent Newcastle disease viruses isolated in Iran.

Background Virulent Newcastle disease virus (vNDV) causes great economic losses to the poultry industry throughout the world. Despite the endemicity of Newcastle disease (ND) and occurrence of recurrent outbreaks, the nature and genetic features of circulating NDV strains in Iran are largely unknown. Aims: This study was conducted to characterize 13 NDV isolates obtained from different outbreaks in various regions of Iran during 1999-2000 by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of complete coding sequences of haemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) gene. Methods All isolates were analyzed based on the previously determined in vivo pathogenicity indices and amino acid (aa) sequences of fusion (F) protein cleavage site (FPCS). Results Phylogenetic analysis based on the HN gene coding region revealed a very close relationship of these viruses with the recently defined genotype XIII, and more specifically, subgenotype XIIIa viruses. Analysis of HN gene nucleotide (nt) sequences revealed that all studied isolates encode for a protein length of 571 aa and there is no C-terminal extension on HN aa sequences. Sequence analysis revealed multiple aa residue substitutions at antigenic sites or neutralizing epitopes on the HN glycoprotein of studied viruses compared with commonly used vaccinal strains. Conclusion In this study, molecular characterization of vNDV isolates, obtained from commercial poultry farms in Iran, were conducted through complete sequencing and analysis of HN gene. Isolation and molecular characterization of further NDV isolates from other parts of Iran and from neighboring countries in the region will be helpful to identify the nature and origin of indigenous viruses.
Automated Facial Expression Based On Human Emotion

The Concern treatment of individuals during interviews and interrogation have stimulated efforts to develop "non-intrusive" technologies for rapidly assessing the credibility of statements by individuals in a variety of observant environments. Methods or processes that have the potential to precisely focus analytical resources will advance operational excellence and improve analytical capabilities. Facial expressions have the capability to commune emotion and regulate interpersonal behavior. Over the past 30 years, scientists have developed human-observer based methods that can be used to classify and correlate facial expressions with human emotion. However, these methods have proven to be labor intensive, qualitative, and difficult to standardize. The Facial Action Coding System (FACS) is the most widely used and validated method for measuring and relating facial behaviors. The Automated Facial Expression Recognition System (AFERS) automates the manual practice of FACS, leveraging the research and technology behind the CMU Automated Facial Image Analysis System (AFA) system. This handy, near real-time system will detect the seven universal expressions of emotion (figure 1), providing investigators with indicators of the presence of deception during the interview process. In addition, the system will include features such as full video maintain, snapshot generation, and case management utilities, enabling users to re-evaluate interviews in detail at a later date .
BG-4 from Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia) Differentially Affects Inflammation In Vitro and In Vivo

BG-4 isolated from bitter gourd has been reported for anti-cancer properties. The objective was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of BG-4 in vitro and in vivo. Comparative study of the anti-inflammatory properties of BG-4 in vitro and in vivo was conducted on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated mouse macrophages, and on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. BG-4 reduced the production of pro-inflammatory markers in LPS-activated macrophages. On the other hand, intraperitoneal administration of BG-4 in DSS-induced colitis led to colon shortening, elevated neutrophils infiltration and myeloperoxidase activity, presence of blood in the stool, and loss of body weight, with differential systemic and local effects on pro-inflammatory cytokines in vivo. The results demonstrated that BG-4 differentially affected inflammation in vitro and in vivo.
Whole-Genome Shotgun Sequence of Drug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strain SA9, Isolated from a Slaughterhouse Chicken Carcass in South Africa

Here, we describe the genomic sequence of a drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus sequence type 239 (ST239) strain, SA9, isolated from a slaughterhouse chicken carcass in South Africa, including information about its antibiotic resistome, virulome, efflux genes, clonal lineage, and mobilome. This genomic information offers vital insights for the control of drug-resistant S. aureus. ABSTRACT Here, we describe the genomic sequence of a drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus sequence type 239 (ST239) strain, SA9, isolated from a slaughterhouse chicken carcass in South Africa, including information about its antibiotic resistome, virulome, efflux genes, clonal lineage, and mobilome. This genomic information offers vital insights for the control of drug-resistant S. aureus.
Polymer-Ceramic Bionanocomposites for Dental Application

Multiphasic bionanocomposites have been highlighted in the biotechnology field since they have offered mechanical flexibility during operation. This interest has been increased mainly through polymer/ceramic/metal manipulation techniques and modifications in formulation. Recently, a number of studies on bionanocomposites have been examined due to their favorable mechanical properties and cellular activities when compared to the neat polymers or polymer blends. This paper critically reviews recent applications of bionanocomposites for regeneration of pulp-dentin complex, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone, and substitute of enamel in dentistry.
WORK-RELATED STRESS AND COPING AMONG MIDWIVES IN SLOVAKIA

Aim: The purpose of the study was to identify the most common workplace stressors and most frequently used coping strategies among Slovak midwives, as well as the relationships between work place stressors, coping strategies, and demographic characteristics. Design: Quantitative cross-sectional study. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with the research sample, which consisted of 100 midwives (females, age 37.91 ± 11.03). The Brief COPE questionnaire and Expanded Nursing Stress Scale were used. Descriptive statistic, Kruskal-Wallis Test, Student’s t-test, and Pearson’s Correlation Analysis were employed. Results: Death and dying, conflicts with doctors, and workload were the most cited stressors. Active coping, acceptance, and using instrumental support were the most frequently used coping strategies. Midwives used both problem-focused and emotion-focused strategies when dealing with work-related stressors. Conclusion: Since emotion-focused strategies are considered maladaptive in the long term, intervention strategies and education programs helping midwives in the use of positive forms of adaptive problem-focused coping would be beneficial. Keywords: coping strategies, midwives, working environment, work-related stressors.
Teaching stable two-mirror resonators through the fractional Fourier transform

We analyse two-mirror resonators in terms of their fractional Fourier transform (FRFT) properties. We use the basic ABCD ray transfer matrix method to show how the resonator can be regarded as the cascade of two propagation–lens–propagation FRFT systems. Then, we present a connection between the geometric properties of the resonator (the g parameters) and those of the equivalent FRFT systems (the FRFT order and scaling parameters). Expressions connecting Gaussian beam q-transformation with FRFT parameters are derived. In particular, we show that the beam waist of the resonator's mode is located at the plane leading to two FRFT subsystems with equal scaling parameter which, moreover, coincides with the mode Rayleigh range. Finally we analyse the resonator's stability diagram in terms of the fractional orders of each FRFT subsystem, and the round trip propagation. The presented analysis represents an interesting link between two topics (optical resonators and Fourier optics) usually covered in optics and photonics courses at university level, which can be useful to teach and connect the principles of these subjects.