Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Minocycline synergizes with corticosteroids in reducing colitis severity in mice via the modulation of pro-inflammatory molecules

Background: A few studies have highlighted the anti-inflammatory properties of minocycline in reducing colitis severity in mice, but its molecular mechanism is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to determine the anti-inflammatory properties of minocycline and the expression/activity profiles of molecules involved in pro-inflammatory signaling cascades, cytokines, and molecules involved in the apoptotic machinery. The synergistic effect between minocycline and corticosteroids was also evaluated. Methods: The effects of various treatment approaches were determined in mice using the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis model at gross and microscopic levels. The expression/activity profiles of various pro- or anti-inflammatory molecules were determined using Western blotting and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Minocycline treatment significantly reduced colitis severity using prophylactic and treatment approaches and produced a synergistic effect with budesonide and methylprednisolone in reducing the active state of colitis. This was mediated in part through reduced colonic expression/activity of pro-inflammatory molecules, cytokines, proteins involved in the apoptotic machinery, and increased expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Conclusion: Minocycline synergizes with corticosteroids to reduce colitis severity, which could reduce their dose-dependent side effects and treatment cost. The reduction in colitis severity was achieved by modulating the expression/activity profiles of various pro- and anti-inflammatory signaling molecules, cytokines, and molecules involved in the apoptotic machinery.
Rapid assessment of water availability and appropriate technologies for small-scale farming: guidelines for practitioners

156 Working Papers The publications in this series record the work and thinking of IWMI researchers, and knowledge that the Institute's scientific management feels is worthy of documenting. This series will ensure that scientific data and other information gathered or prepared as a part of the research work of the Institute are recorded and referenced. Working Papers could include project reports, case studies, conference or workshop proceedings, discussion papers or reports on progress of research, country-specific research reports, monographs, etc. Working Papers may be copublished, by IWMI and partner organizations. Although most of the reports are published by IWMI staff and their collaborators, we welcome contributions from others. Each report is reviewed internally by IWMI staff. The reports are published and distributed both in hard copy and electronically (www.iwmi.org) and where possible all data and analyses will be available as separate downloadable files. Reports may be copied freely and cited with due acknowledgment. About IWMI IWMI's mission is to improve the management of land and water resources for food, livelihoods and the environment. In serving this mission, IWMI concentrates on the integration of policies, technologies and management systems to achieve workable solutions to real problems—practical, relevant results in the field of irrigation and land and water resources. Rapid assessment of water availability and appropriate technologies for small-scale farming: guidelines for practitioners. Acknowledgements The authors would like to thank all the people whose work contributed to the content of this report. the staff of iDE Ghana; and the many people who generously shared their time, insights and ideas with us in Ghana. We thank the project team of the AgWater Solutions Project, including Meredith Giordano (Co-Project Manager) and Charlotte de Fraiture (UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, formerly IWMI) for their guidance and contributions. This report is based on research funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The findings and conclusions contained within are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect positions or policies of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Project The AgWater Solutions Project was implemented in several countries in Africa and Asia between 2009 and 2012. The objective of the project was to identify investment options and opportunities in agricultural water management with the greatest potential to improve incomes and food security for poor farmers, and to develop tools and recommendations for stakeholders in the sector including policymakers, investors, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and smallholder farmers.
Phosphorus and Zinc Interaction Influence Leaf Area Index in Fine vs. Coarse Rice (Oryza sativa L) Genotypes in Northwest Pakistan

Leaf area index (LAI) is a measure of leafiness per unit ground area and denotes the extent of photosynthetic machinery is an important growth and yield-determining factor because it is a major determinant of light interception and transpiration. Phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) and rate are the most important factors affecting leaf area index (LAI) of rice( Oryza sativa L.). A field experiment was conducted to assess the impact of phosphorus (0, 40, 80, 120 kg P ha -1 ) and zinc levels (0, 5, 10, 15 kg Zn ha -1 ) on LAI of rice ( Oryza sativa L.) genotypes [fine (Basmati-385) and coarse (Fakhr-e-Malakand & Pukhraj)]. The experiment was conducted on farmer field at Batkhela, Malakadnd in Northwest Pakistan during summer 2011 and 2012. When combined over the two years, the data revealed that the highest LAI at three different growth stages (tillering, heading and physiological maturity) was obtained with application of the highest P level (120 kg ha -1 ) being at par with 80 kg P ha -1 , while the lowest LAI was recorded when P was not applied. Similarly, the highest LAI was obtained with application of the two higher Zn levels (10 and 15 kg Zn ha -1 ), while the lowest LAI was recorded when Zn was not applied. In case of rice genotypes, the highest LAI was obtained from Pukhraj than other two genotypes at all growth stages. The other two rice genotypes (Fakher-e-Malakand and Basmati-385) produced statistically similar LAI at different growth stages. The higher LAI of Pukhraj was attributed to its long and wider leaves that resulted in higher mean single leaf area, leaf area per tiller, per hill and per square meter. The LAI was highest at heading stages than at early (tillering) and later (physiological maturity) growth stages. The increase in LAI was attributed to the increase in tillers number and leaf area hill -1 . The increase in LAI showed positive impact on crop growth rate, dry matter accumulationand yield. Application of 120 kg P + 10 kg Zn ha -1 to rice genotype Pukhraj was more beneficial in terms of higher LAI and productivity in the study area.
Determinants of Consumers’ Willingness to Purchase Generic Medicines

In Malaysia healthcare costs have posed challenges to the sustainability of the country's dual healthcare system, it is crucial to learn about the factors influencing consumer preferences for generic medicines. The public healthcare system predominantly uses generic drugs, private healthcare providers often prescribe originator brands to their patients. This practice places financial burdens on patients who must fund their medication independently or through private medical insurance. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to investigate the determinants affecting consumers' willingness to purchase generic medicine in Malaysia. Using convenience sampling, a total of 436 responses was obtained. Descriptive statistics and bivariate logistic regression analysis were employed to examine the influence of sociodemographic factors and individual knowledge on the willingness to purchase generic medicine. The results indicate that age, ethnicity, marital status, education level, household size and income significantly influence the consumers' willingness to purchase generic medicine. Notably, higher education levels and greater income were associated with a higher willingness to opt for generic medicine. Unexpectedly, variables measured by the Theory of Planned Behavior did not contribute substantially to the findings of this study. Nonetheless, individual knowledge was revealed as a significant determinant. To increase the uptake of generic medicines, this study recommends educational programs for both healthcare providers and patients, emphasizing the benefits and safety of generic medicine. This research contributes to the broader discussion on cost-effective healthcare solutions and informs policymakers and healthcare stakeholders in Malaysia.
TYPE JSZ-2 INTERMITTENT/CONTINUOUS DIGITAL AND AUTOMATIC RADON MEASURING INSTRUMENT

An automatic radon measuring instrument type JSZ-2 for observing the continuous change of radon concentration of underground water in the search of earthquake precursors is described in this paper. It consists of four essential portions, namely, (1) continuous degassing device made of glass; (2) automatic programming controller of timing; (3) scintillation impulse counter; (4) digital repeated recorder.The set can be used to record intermittently or continuously for radon content of underground water, maximum 1,000 Emans, with errors ±10%. The quantity of water flow Qwater=2.0 liters/minute and of gas flow Qgas=200-450 milli-liters/minute. Sensitivity is about 800 impulses/minute/Eman. , response, less than 5 minutes, efficiency of degasification about 50%. Under various conditions, this instrument has been subjected to tests for its actual performance. It can be said that in comparison with instruments of similar nature, made both in China and abroad, this instrument has the characters of better direct viewing, higher sensitivity and reliability, ease of operation, etc. Particularly, the glass degassing device has the advantage of anti-corrosion, ease of cleaning and low cost. The instrument can essentially meet the requirements of Radon observation in earthquake areas.
«Digesting Crohn’s Disease»: The Journey of Young Adults since Diagnosis

Crohn’s disease affects 2.5 million people in Europe (more than 100,000 people in France) and often occurs between the ages of 15 and 30, a period marked by self-construction. However, few studies have focused on the experience of the diagnosis during this sensitive developmental stage. This study aimed to qualitatively explore the experience of Crohn’s disease in young adults since their diagnosis. Fifteen young adults (18–35 years) diagnosed with Crohn’s disease participated in a semi-directive interview. Narrative data were subjected to a thematic analysis, and thirty percent of the interviews were double-coded. The results revealed an evolution of four main themes since diagnosis: (1) course of care, (2) illness perceptions, (3) disease management and (4) self-perception. For most participants, the onset of the disease was difficult, marked by severe symptoms requiring hospitalization, numerous medical examinations and sometimes several consultations before diagnosis. This journey was more difficult when it was associated with negative relations with the medical staff, who were sometimes perceived as unsupportive. Thus, some people described this diagnostic period as an “ordeal”, while others experienced it as a “relief” from their suffering. The announcement of the diagnosis was often a “shock”, an “upheaval” or a “downfall”, followed by phases of denial associated with a desire to maintain a “normal life” and not to be defined by the disease. Despite a difficult start, most participants grew from their experience with CD, with a sense of a personal development that was made possible by self-regulation processes that enabled them to draw on their own experience and resources to adjust to their illness. By highlighting positive possibilities for evolution, this study suggests the importance of supporting the psychological resources of young adults by proposing, at an early stage, psychological support or therapies focused on acceptance and engagement.
Influence of the fine-scale heterogeneity patterns on large-scale behaviour of miscible transport in porous media

An extensive series of numerical simulations on two-dimensional flow and miscible transport are carried out. The purpose of performing these simulations is to study the influence of fine-scale heterogeneity patterns (i.e. horizontal laminations, cross-bedding at 45 and 135) with short range and long range correlation structure on large-scale behaviour of miscible transport in porous media. Synthetic heterogeneous structures have been generated using newly developed stochastic techniques (e.g. the coupled Markov chain method) to model the subsurface formations in various configurations, using realistic characteristics, and the tree-indexed Markov chain method to merge these heterogeneities at various scales. The results of the simulation are compared with simulations on a reference model of heterogeneity where there is no fine-scale heterogeneity. The simulations show that the variation in the fine-scale heterogeneity inside the large-scale lithological units has considerable impact on concentration distribution and the spreading of miscible plumes. The combination of the two stochastic techniques (the coupled Markov chain model and the tree-indexed Markov chain) is a useful tool to study multi-scale transport behaviour in heterogeneous media. The fine-scale heterogeneity enhances the mixing process, but the definition of an asymptotic giga-scopic dispersion at field scale is still questionable.
Molecular Diversity of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Four Dairy Goat Herds from Thuringia (Germany)

Simple Summary Paratuberculosis (Johne’s disease) is a chronic granulomatous enteritis that affects domestic and wild ruminants worldwide, mainly dairy and beef cattle, but also small ruminants such as goats and sheep. To gain a better understanding of the disease epidemiology and to develop effective control strategies, it is useful to determine the strain diversity of the causative agent, Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). The aim of this study was to determine the diversity of MAP isolated from four goat herds affected by paratuberculosis in Thuringia (Germany), as well as the detailed distribution of genotypes among the animals and their environment in one herd (herd 1). A combination of three methods was used to genotype isolates from fecal samples of infected animals, from various intestinal and other tissues of clinically affected animals, and from environmental samples. The six MAP-C genotypes identified could be assigned to five different phylogenetic subgroups. The results suggest individual infection strains within each herd. In herd 1, one predominant strain was found, and two strains occurred sporadically. The genotypes detected were not goat specific. Introduction of MAP into the herd through uncontrolled animal trade or environmental exposure to MAP in barns that were previously used by cattle with unknown paratuberculosis status are suspected as possible sources of infection. Abstract This study investigated the intra- and inter-herd diversity of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) isolates from four goat herds in Thuringia (Germany) that were affected by paratuberculosis for several years. The main focus was on the characterization and distribution of genotypes among animals and the environment of goat herd 1. This study included 196 isolates from the feces of 121 infected goats, various tissues from 13 clinically diseased goats, 29 environmental samples from herd 1, and additionally, 22 isolates of different origin from herds 2 to 4. The isolates, sampled between 2018 and 2022, were genotyped using short-sequence-repeat (SSR) analysis, mycobacterial-interspersed repetitive units–variable-number tandem repeat (MIRU–VNTR) analysis, and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based assay for phylogenetic grouping. All the isolates belonged to the MAP-C group. In herd 1, one predominant genotype was determined, while two other genotypes were identified very rarely and only in fecal and environmental samples. One of three further genotypes was found in each of herds 2 to 4. The assignment of genotypes to different phylogenetic clades suggested six different infection strains. The results indicated no epidemiological links between the examined herds. Based on the current MAP genotyping data from Germany, possible sources of infection are MAP-contaminated barns previously used by infected cattle and the purchase of sub-clinically infected goats.
An Evaluation of the Impact of Illegal Dumping of Solid Waste on Public Health in Nigeria: A Case Study of Lagos State

The illegal dumping of solid waste is a prevalent issue in Nigeria, affecting all states. Lagos State, in particular, faces waste disposal problems that stem from urbanization, negative public perception towards waste management, insufficient waste disposal education, poor waste disposal practices, and the disposal of waste at illegal and unauthorized sites. This situation is further exacerbated by inadequate municipal solid waste (MSW) collection rates, making it challenging to combat illegal dumping effectively. To align with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 of Sustainable Cities, which seeks to minimize negative environmental effects associated with managing MSW by 2030, this study aims to assess the environmental and health impact of illegal dumping of solid waste in Lagos State. The objectives of this study include assessing people’s attitudes towards illegal dumping, evaluating the extent of environmental degradation resulting from illegal solid waste dumping in Lagos, and assessing the health risks associated with exposure to illegally dumped solid waste in Lagos State, as well as determining if illegal dumping contributes to the diseases prevalent in Lagos State. This study will use a quantitative approach to collect data from study participants on demographics, educational background, waste management, and environmental and health issues using computer-assisted self-administered questionnaires (Google Forms). This study will also use observations and photographs of illegally dumped waste in communities and major illegal dumpsites in the study area to provide valuable information to complement the questionnaire responses. By combining both approaches, the study will be able to capture both numerical data and people’s behaviors and attitudes associated with illegal dumping. This study will use a mixed sampling method consisting of cluster sampling and convenience sampling, focusing on communities impacted by illegal dumping in Lagos State. The sample size for this study will be 100. The questionnaire for this study will be administered via a Google Forms link that will be shared through various online platforms, enabling participants to access and complete the questionnaire from any location with internet access. To ensure representative participation, as part of the informed consent form on the initial page of the online questionnaire, a screening question that requires participants to indicate if they live or work in the study areas or have been exposed to the impact of illegal dumping will be included. Only those who meet these criteria will be able to proceed with the study. The primary data obtained will be carefully analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28. The study’s results will highlight the importance of the linkage between illegal dumping, environmental degradation, and diseases prevalent in Lagos State, which could inform policymakers and relevant departments in developing effective strategies to improve public health.
The Evolution of Affordable Technologies in Liquid Biopsy Diagnostics: The Key to Clinical Implementation

Simple Summary This review aims to highlight the usage of circulating tumour DNA and circulating tumour cells in various manners for the care of cancer patients. The different technologies that are currently employed using these biomarkers are mentioned and contrasted with another whilst also discussing their limitations such as affordability and scalability. The review also aims to bring light to newer emerging technologies in the space of liquid biopsy that have yet to be approved by a regulatory board but have been developed with the notion of affordability and scalability in mind. These factors of technology are found to be important in order to provide cutting edge diagnostic and monitoring regimes as they can lead to personalised treatments and patient stratification for all. Abstract Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, despite many advances in diagnosis and treatment. Precision medicine has been a key area of focus, with research providing insights and progress in helping to lower cancer mortality through better patient stratification for therapies and more precise diagnostic techniques. However, unequal access to cancer care is still a global concern, with many patients having limited access to diagnostic tests and treatment regimens. Noninvasive liquid biopsy (LB) technology can determine tumour-specific molecular alterations in peripheral samples. This allows clinicians to infer knowledge at a DNA or cellular level, which can be used to screen individuals with high cancer risk, personalize treatments, monitor treatment response, and detect metastasis early. As scientific understanding of cancer pathology increases, LB technologies that utilize circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumour cells (CTCs) have evolved over the course of research. These technologies incorporate tumour-specific markers into molecular testing platforms. For clinical translation and maximum patient benefit at a wider scale, the accuracy, accessibility, and affordability of LB tests need to be prioritized and compared with gold standard methodologies in current use. In this review, we highlight the range of technologies in LB diagnostics and discuss the future prospects of LB through the anticipated evolution of current technologies and the integration of emerging and novel ones. This could potentially allow a more cost-effective model of cancer care to be widely adopted.
Semantics-Empowered Communications: A Tutorial-Cum-Survey

Along with the springing up of the semantics-empowered communication (SemCom) research, it is now witnessing an unprecedentedly growing interest towards a wide range of aspects (e.g., theories, applications, metrics and implementations) in both academia and industry. In this work, we primarily aim to provide a comprehensive survey on both the background and research taxonomy, as well as a detailed technical tutorial. Specifically, we start by reviewing the literature and answering the “what” and “why” questions in semantic transmissions. Afterwards, we present the ecosystems of SemCom, including history, theories, metrics, datasets and toolkits, on top of which the taxonomy for research directions is presented. Furthermore, we propose to categorize the critical enabling techniques by explicit and implicit reasoning-based methods, and elaborate on how they evolve and contribute to modern content & channel semantics-empowered communications. Besides reviewing and summarizing the latest efforts in SemCom, we discuss the relations with other communication levels (e.g., conventional communications) from a holistic and unified viewpoint. Subsequently, in order to facilitate future developments and industrial applications, we also highlight advanced practical techniques for boosting semantic accuracy, robustness, and large-scale scalability, just to mention a few. Finally, we discuss the technical challenges that shed light on future research opportunities.