Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Boron fertilizers borax and colemanite application on rice and their residual effect on the following crop cycle

Boron (B) is one of the essential micronutrients and its deficiencies occur over a range of soils and crops. The effectiveness of borax and colemanite as B sources for two seasons of rice crop under flooded acidic soil were evaluated in a field study. We studied the direct and residual effects of borax, powder colemanite (PC) and granular colemanite (GC) fertilizers which were applied to rice crop at the rates of 0, 1, 2, and 3 kg B ha−1. One application of B significantly increased the growth and yield of crop for two seasons. Results of the first season field experiment showed that application of borax and PC at 3 kg B ha−1 improved all plant growth parameters, B concentration in spikelet and rice yield over the control and other B rates. Residual B from borax and PC significantly increased the plant height, number of tillers and panicles per plant, number of grains per panicle and weight of 1000 grains compared to the control. However, the residual GC showed no significant effect on plant growth parameters. Residual borax and PC at 3 kg B ha−1 produced higher yield than the levels of 1 and 2 kg B ha−1. Yield difference between residual borax and PC was not significant at 3 kg B ha−1, although at 2 kg B ha−1, PC produced significantly higher yield than the borax. Both of these B sources were found to be equally effective in supplying B to rice crop for two seasons. The PC was more efficient than GC in supplying B to rice due to its finer particle size making it more water soluble.
Molecular Docking Study on Several Benzoic Acid Derivatives against SARS-CoV-2

Several derivatives of benzoic acid and semisynthetic alkyl gallates were investigated by an in silico approach to evaluate their potential antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Molecular docking studies were used to predict their binding affinity and interactions with amino acids residues from the active binding site of SARS-CoV-2 main protease, compared to boceprevir. Deep structural insights and quantum chemical reactivity analysis according to Koopmans’ theorem, as a result of density functional theory (DFT) computations, are reported. Additionally, drug-likeness assessment in terms of Lipinski’s and Weber’s rules for pharmaceutical candidates, is provided. The outcomes of docking and key molecular descriptors and properties were forward analyzed by the statistical approach of principal component analysis (PCA) to identify the degree of their correlation. The obtained results suggest two promising candidates for future drug development to fight against the coronavirus infection.
Natural history of COVID-19: Risk factors for hospitalizations and deaths among >26 million U.S. Medicare beneficiaries

Abstract Background Evaluate risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes among Medicare beneficiaries during the pandemic’s early phase. Methods Retrospective cohort study covering Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) beneficiaries. We separated out elderly residents in nursing homes (NH) and those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) from the primary study population of individuals ages ≥65. Outcomes included COVID-19 hospital encounters and COVID-19-associated deaths. We estimated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) using logistic regression. Results We analyzed 25,333,329 elderly non-NH non-ESRD beneficiaries, 653,966 elderly NH residents, and 292,302 ESRD patients. COVID-related death rates (per 10,000) were much higher among elderly NH residents (275.7) and ESRD patients (60.8) than the primary study population (5.0). Regression-adjusted clinical predictors of death among the primary population included immunocompromised status (OR: 1.43), frailty index conditions such as cognitive impairment (3.16) as well as other comorbidities including congestive heart failure (1.30). Demographics-related risk factors included male sex (1.77), older age (OR: 3.09 for 80-year-old vs. 65-year-old), Medicaid dual-eligibility status (2.17) and racial/ethnic minority. Compared to Whites, ORs were higher for Blacks (2.47), Hispanics (3.11), and Native Americans (5.82). Results for COVID-19 hospital encounters were consistent. Conclusions Frailty, comorbidities, and race/ethnicity were strong risk factors of COVID-19 hospitalization and death among the U.S. elderly.
In Situ Formation of Proangiogenic Mesenchymal Stem Cell Spheroids in Hyaluronic Acid/Alginate Core/Shell Microcapsules

Mesenchymal stem-cell (MSC)-based therapies have been recognized as promising strategies for the treatment of various injuries or diseases because of their unique characteristics, such as self-renewal, differentiation potential, and secretion of various bioactive molecules. However, MSC transplantation often results in low efficacy, including a cell viability loss and a low therapeutic activity. Alternatively, MSC spheroids have been studied to improve the viability and therapeutic activity of MSCs. Also, microencapsulation of cells can protect and retain the cells from harsh environments after transplantation. Here, MSC spheroids were formed in hyaluronic acid/alginate (HA@Alg) core-shell microcapsules and employed for neovascularization. A well-defined core-shell structure of HA@Alg microcapsules was produced by optimizing various electrospraying conditions. MSC spheroids could be spontaneously formed in the HA core of the microcapsules after 1 day of incubation. Enhanced secretion of various growth factors was found from MSC spheroids in HA@Alg. In vivo plug assay revealed the significant promotion of angiogenesis by MSC spheroids in HA@Alg compared to that by the controls (i.e., MSCs and MSC spheroids), which is likely because of the better retention of MSC spheroid forms in the microcapsules. Thus, the HA@Alg microcapsules embedding MSC spheroids will be greatly beneficial for various stem cell-based therapies.
Oriented nickel nanonetworks and its submicron fibres as a basis for a transparent electrically conductive coating.

The paper demonstrates a technique for applying an oriented nickel network to a glass surface. The method is based on the chemical reduction of nickel salt. The shaping and orientation of the resulting system are carried out using a micellar template of a surfactant and a magnetic field. Submicron nickel fibres are used to impart unity to the plurality of individual-oriented nickel nanonetworks. The result is a single conductive coating on the surface of the glass, which has a transparency in the optical range. Investigations of the structure, chemical composition, morphology and electrical conductivity of the coating were performed.
Multi-Variant TLS and SfM Photogrammetric Measurements Affected by Different Factors for Determining the Surface Shape of a Thin-Walled Dome

The paper presents a combined analysis of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and structure from motion (SfM) photogrammetric measurement to determine an accurate model of the surface shape of a thin-walled dome. The analysis takes into account several factors that may affect the accuracy of measurement. In TLS measurements, these are related to scattering of the beam and its penetration into the structure of objects. Penetration of the beam into a synthetic structure changes the measured length. Shell moisture, caused by rainfall or dew effect, similarly affects the measured length, but the changes are dispersed. In the first case, it will change the size of the object, and in the second one, it generates measurement noise. SfM photogrammetric problems, such as object gloss and ambient reflection, lack of detail, and different results from software creating point clouds were also analyzed. An interesting observation was the significant influence of atmospheric pollution, sedimented on the lower half of the glossy dome, on increasing the accuracy of photogrammetric measurement. The analyses contain a number of cases that take into account the complex problems of obtaining and processing data of such facilities: periodic measurement, TLS and SfM photogrammetric measurement, measurement outside and inside the object, determination of the wall thickness, comparison with the project and free-sphere fitting, and use of dome rotation during TLS.
Quality of life: Guidelines for the care of people with spina bifida

Quality of Life (QOL) and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) are important concepts across the life span for those with spina bifida (SB). This article discusses the SB Quality of Life Healthcare Guidelines from the 2018 Spina Bifida Association’s Fourth Edition of the Guidelines for the Care of People with Spina Bifida. The focus of these QOL Guidelines was to summarize the evidence and expert opinions on how to mitigate factors that negatively impact QOL/HRQOL or enhance the factors positively related to QOL/HRQOL, the measurement of QOL/HRQOL and the gaps that need to be addressed in future research.
Vocally disruptive behaviour in nursing home residents in Ireland: a descriptive study

Background: Vocally disruptive behaviour (VDB) is relatively common in nursing home residents but difficult to treat. There is limited study on prevalence and treatment of VDB. We hypothesise that VDB is a result of complex interaction between patient factors and environmental contributors. Methods: Residents of nursing homes in south Dublin were the target population for this study. Inclusion criteria were that the residents were 65 years or over and exhibited VDB significant enough for consideration in the resident’s care plan. Information on typology and frequency of VDB, Interventions employed and their efficacy, diagnoses, Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory scores, Mini-Mental State Examination scores, and Barthel Index scores were obtained. Results: Eight percent of nursing home residents were reported to display VDB, most commonly screaming (in 39.4% of vocally disruptive residents). VDB was associated with physical agitation and dementia; together, these two factors accounted for almost two-thirds of the variation in VDB between residents. One-to-one attention, engaging in conversation, redirecting behaviour, and use of psychotropic medication were reported by nurses as the most useful interventions. Analgesics were the medications most commonly used (65.7%) followed by quetiapine (62.9%), and these were reportedly effective in 82.6% and 77.2% of residents respectively. Conclusions: VDB is common, challenging, and difficult to manage. The study of VDB is limited by a variety of factors that both contribute to this behaviour and make its treatment challenging. Issues relating to capacity and ethics make it difficult to conduct randomised controlled trials of treatments for VDB in the population affected.
Cellular and Molecular Response of Macrophages THP-1 during Co-Culture with Inactive Trichophyton rubrum Conidia

Trichophyton rubrum is causing an increasing number of invasive infections, especially in immunocompromised and diabetic patients. The fungal invasive infectious process is complex and has not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms during the interaction of macrophages and T. rubrum. For this purpose, we used a co-culture of previously germinated and heat-inactivated T. rubrum conidia placed in contact with human macrophages cell line THP-1 for 24 h. This interaction led to a higher level of release of interleukins IL-6, IL-2, nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) and an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, demonstrating the cellular defense by macrophages against dead fungal elements. Cell viability assays showed that 70% of macrophages remained viable during co-culture. Human microRNA expression is involved in fungal infection and may modulate the immune response. Thus, the macrophage expression profile of microRNAs during co-culture revealed the modulation of 83 microRNAs, with repression of 33 microRNAs and induction of 50 microRNAs. These data were analyzed using bioinformatics analysis programs and the modulation of the expression of some microRNAs was validated by qRT-PCR. In silico analysis showed that the target genes of these microRNAs are related to the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, apoptosis, drug resistance, and cell proliferation.
Deposition of Electrically Conductive, Microwave Shielding, and IR-Detecting Inorganic Coatings on Polymer Films

A simple, inexpensive and pollution free electroless chemical deposition technique was used to deposit thin coatings of inorganic electrically conductive materials (CuxS, x∼2, CuS and Cu2Se), microwave shielding materials (CuS and Cu2Se) and IR-detecting materials (PbS and PbSe) on transparent polyester films. The technique is based on hydrolytic decomposition of thiosulfate and selenosulfate complexes of the corresponding metals in aqueous media.
The COVID-19 Misinfodemic: Moving Beyond Fact-Checking

Online misinformation regarding COVID-19 has undermined public health efforts to control the novel coronavirus. To date, public health organizations’ efforts to counter COVID-19 misinformation have focused on identifying and correcting false information on social media platforms. Citing extant literature in health communication and psychology, we argue that these fact-checking efforts are a necessary, but insufficient, response to health misinformation. First, research suggests that fact-checking has several important limitations and is rarely successful in fully undoing the effects of misinformation exposure. Second, there are many factors driving misinformation sharing and acceptance in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic—such as emotions, distrust, cognitive biases, racism, and xenophobia—and these factors both make individuals more vulnerable to certain types of misinformation and also make them impervious to future correction attempts. We conclude by outlining several additional measures, beyond fact-checking, that may help further mitigate the effects of misinformation in the current pandemic.
The map of cognitive processes in boredom: multiple mediation models

Abstract Background: Trait boredom is associated with several internalizing and externalizing problems. Addressing existing research gaps in the field, the present study investigated the map of cognitive processes for boredom, based on the rational emotive behaviour therapy model (REBT). Aims: The general aim of the study was to investigate the organization of irrational and rational evaluative cognitions related to boredom, and the association between boredom and depression symptoms and state/trait anxiety. Methods: The 233 participants (84% women) completed online scales of evaluative cognitions, trait boredom, trait/state anxiety and depression. Multiple mediation models via the SPSS extension PROCESS were employed. Results: The REBT psychopathology and psychological health models were partially confirmed, as the evaluative primary cognitions predicted positively and significantly the secondary ones in both cases. Low frustration tolerance (LFT) and global evaluations (GE), and frustration tolerance (FT), respectively, had significant effects. We found a positive significant association between boredom proneness and the negative dysfunctional emotions investigated. Conclusions: Both results offer further support for the hierarchy of cognitions and the distinction between the level of irrationality and rationality in REBT. This is the first attempt to assess a cognitive map of boredom, underlining the importance of (L)FT in relation to boredom. The significance of GE in boredom suggests that people might see themselves responsible, or even blame themselves, others or life itself while bored. The associations of boredom with anxiety and depression are relevant, as its role in those contexts is not yet fully understood.
Single Quantum Dots in Silica Spheres by Microemulsion Synthesis

A new method for the preparation of single quantum dots (QDs) in silica spheres has been developed. The work involves an oil-in-water microemulsion system with cyclohexane as the “oil” phase and Synperonic NP-5 as the surfactant. Reaction parameters such as reactant concentrations, time, and temperature were studied. The method resulted in smooth silica nanoparticles of good monodispersity and high luminescence with single QDs in the center. Elucidating the coating mechanism was attempted. Possible mechanisms include a phase transfer by ligand exchange and a surfactant-supported mechanism. In contrast to sol−gel based methods, this is a straightforward, simple “one-pot” synthesis for such particles. The resulting nanoparticles could be used for further silica growth and assembly of photonic structures, for biolabeling, or for other applications.
Balloon-assisted maturation of autogenous arteriovenous fistulae: A randomized controlled prospective study

Background Current guidelines recommend referral of patient with renal failure for access creation 6 months before planned dialysis. There is a growing cohort of patients that require long-term hemodialysis without adequate preparation. Temporary dialysis catheters and rapid access arteriovenous grafts (AVG) are far from being an ideal solution in this scenario. In an effort to expedite maturation of autogenous arteriovenous fistulae (AVF), balloon-assisted maturation (BAM) was advised by some authors. This technique still lacks the support of high-level evidence studies. We investigated the ability of intra-operative BAM to induce early functional maturation of AVFs. Methods This is a prospective randomized controlled study conducted in a tertiary referral center, with a catchment area of more than 15 million population. Cases were divided into two groups; Group (A), where BAM technique was performed, while in the control group (B), the standard technique was used (NO BAM) for creation of AVFs. Results Between June 2017 and May 2019, 300 cases were recruited from a total of 648 primary AVF creation instances. Patients’ age ranged from 19 to 89 (mean 51.17 ±SD 15.5) years. Group A (BAM) included 52.3% (n = 157) AVFs, while Group B included 47.7% (n = 143) AVFs. The average maturation time was 3.7 weeks (SD ± 1.3, 95% CI 3.55–3.95) and 5.91 weeks (SD ± 2.2, 95% CI 5.55–6.26) for both groups, respectively (p = 0.0001). 78.3% of the AVFs that underwent BAM showed early maturation within 2–4 weeks vs 32.2% only in the NO BAM group (p = 0.002). Successful functional maturation was higher among cases of the BAM group (93%), compared to the NO BAM group (77%) (p = 0.001). Complication rates were 9.6% and 4.9% in the two groups, respectively (p = 0.042). Conclusion BAM can play a pivotal role in helping the dialysis society meet the goals of the Fistula First Initiative, keeping in mind that this comes with an increased risk of complications. BAM should be considered only when unplanned early access to long-term dialysis is required.
Ideal cardiovascular health in urban Jamaica: prevalence estimates and relationship to community property value, household assets and educational attainment: a cross-sectional study

Objective Ideal cardiovascular health (ICH) is associated with greater longevity and reduced morbidity, but no research on ICH has been conducted in Jamaica. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of ICH in urban Jamaica and to evaluate associations between ICH and community, household, and individual socioeconomic status (SES). Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Urban communities in Jamaica. Participants 360 men and 665 women who were urban residents aged ≥20 years from a national survey, the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey 2016–2017. Exposures Community SES, using median land values (MLV); household SES, using number of household assets; and individual SES, using education level. Primary outcome The main outcome variable was ICH, defined as having five or more of seven ICH characteristics (ICH-5): current non-smoking, healthy diet, moderate physical activity, normal body mass index, normal blood pressure, normal glucose and normal cholesterol. Prevalence was estimated using weighted survey design and logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations. Results The prevalence of overall ICH (seven characteristics) was 0.51%, while the prevalence of ICH-5 was 22.9% (male 24.5%, female 21.5%, p=0.447). In sex-specific multivariable models adjusted for age, education, and household assets, men in the lower tertiles of community MLV had lower odds of ICH-5 compared with men in the upper tertile (lowest tertile: OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.91, p=0.032; middle tertile: OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.20 to 1.04, p=0.062). Women from communities in the lower and middle tertiles of MLV also had lower odds of ICH-5, but the association was not statistically significant. Educational attainment was inversely associated with ICH-5 among men and positively associated among women. Conclusion Living in poorer communities was associated with lower odds of ICH-5 among men in Jamaica. The association between education level and ICH-5 differed in men and women.
Cheating emergences in the arbuscular mycorrhizal mutualism: a network and phylogenetic analysis

While mutualisms are widespread and essential in ecosystem functioning, the emergence of uncooperative cheaters threatens their stability, unless there are functional or evolutionary mechanisms limiting cheaters interactions.Here, we evaluated the constraints upon mycoheterotrophic (MH) cheating plants in the mutualistic interaction network of autotrophic (AT) plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. For this purpose, we assembled a world-scale network of >25,000 interactions in order to investigate(i)the specialization and(ii)the phylogenetic distribution of MH or AT plants and their respective fungal partners.We show that MH cheating repeatedly evolved in the vascular flora, suggesting low phylogenetic constraint for plants. However, MH cheaters are significantly more specialized than AT plants, and their fungi also appear more specialized and more closely related than fungi of AT plants, which suggest that cheaters are specifically isolated into modules by functional constraintsThis unprecedented comparison of MH vs. AT plants thus reveals that MH cheating is most likely constrained by the specialization of phylogenetically conserved cheating-susceptible fungi, which suggests mechanisms for avoidance of these fungi. Beyond the mycorrhizal symbiosis, our approach highlights an empirical multiple-partners mutualistic system illustrating that the overall persistence of mutualism can be linked to functional constraints upon cheating emergences.