Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic Targets and Pathways Linked to SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Pathology

The scale at which the SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic has spread remains enormous. Provided the genetic makeup of the virus and humans is readily available, the quest for knowing the mechanism and epidemiology continues to prevail across the entire scientific community. Several aspects, including immunology, molecular biology, and host-pathogen interaction, are continuously being dug into for preparing the human race for future pandemics. The exact reasons for vast differences in symptoms, pathophysiological implications of COVID-infections, and mortality differences remain elusive. Hence, researchers are also looking beyond traditional genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics approach, especially entrusting the environmental regulation of the genetic landscape of COVID–human interactions. In line with these questions lies a critical process called epigenetics. The epigenetic perturbations in both host and parasites are a matter of great interest to unravel the disparities in COVID-19 mortalities and pathology. This review provides a deeper insight into current research on the epigenetic landscape of SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans and potential targets for augmenting the ongoing investigation. It also explores the potential targets, pathways, and networks associated with the epigenetic regulation of processes involved in SARS-CoV-2 pathology.
New Load Modulation Combiner Having a Capability of Back-Off Control for Doherty Power Amplifiers

A new load modulation combiner (LMC) having the capability of back-off control is proposed for a Doherty power amplifier (DPA). The proposed LMC consists of two transmission lines tied at the combining node, and a shunt element across the other ends of the transmission lines. The shunt element of the LMC becomes virtually open-circuited at the peak power level and allows the carrier amplifier to have an arbitrary load impedance at the low power level. The operating principle and circuit structure of the DPA based on the proposed LMC are presented in detail. The proposed DPA was implemented using GaN-HEMT for the 3.5 - 4.0 GHz band. Using a 5G NR signal with a peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of 7.9 dB and signal bandwidth of 100 MHz, the implemented DPA showed drain efficiency (DE) of 49.6 - 54.4% and power gain of 11.1 - 13.0 dB at an average output power of 34.5 dBm. An adjacent channel leakage power ratio (ACLR) was obtained as −50.4 - −45.0 dBc at the average power level with a digital pre-distortion (DPD) technique.
Comparison between Sickle Cell Disease Patients and Healthy Donors: Untargeted Lipidomic Study of Erythrocytes

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common severe monogenic disorders in the world caused by a mutation on HBB gene and characterized by hemoglobin polymerization, erythrocyte rigidity, vaso-occlusion, chronic anemia, hemolysis, and vasculopathy. Recently, the scientific community has focused on the multiple genetic and clinical profiles of SCD. However, the lipid composition of sickle cells has received little attention in the literature. According to recent studies, changes in the lipid profile are strongly linked to several disorders. Therefore, the aim of this study is to dig deeper into lipidomic analysis of erythrocytes in order to highlight any variations between healthy and patient subjects. 241 lipid molecular species divided into 17 classes have been annotated and quantified. Lipidomic profiling of SCD patients showed that over 24% of total lipids were altered most of which are phospholipids. In-depth study of significant changes in lipid metabolism can give an indication of the enzymes and genes involved. In a systems biology scenario, these variations can be useful to improve the understanding of the biochemical basis of SCD and to try to make a score system that could be predictive for the severity of clinical manifestations.
Effect of CpG-Oligonucleotide in Enhancing Recombinant Herpes Virus of Turkey-Laryngotracheitis Vaccine-Induced Immune Responses in One-Day-Old Broiler Chickens

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is an economically important disease of chickens. While the recombinant vaccines can reduce clinical disease severity, the associated drawbacks are poor immunogenicity and delayed onset of immunity. Here, we used CpG-oligonucleotides (ODN) as an in ovo adjuvant in boosting recombinant herpesvirus of turkey-laryngotracheitis (rHVT-LT) vaccine-induced responses in one-day-old broiler chickens. Two CpG-ODN doses (5 and 10 μg/egg) with no adverse effect on the vaccine-virus replication or chick hatchability were selected for immune-response evaluation. Results showed that while CpG-ODN adjuvantation induced an increased transcription of splenic IFNγ and IL-1β, and lung IFNγ genes, the IL-1β gene expression in the lung was significantly downregulated compared to the control. Additionally, the transcription of toll-like receptor (TLR)21 in the spleen and lung and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the spleen of all vaccinated groups was significantly reduced. Furthermore, splenic cellular immunophenotyping showed that the CpG-ODN-10μg adjuvanted vaccination induced a significantly higher number of macrophages, TCRγδ+, and CD4+ T cells as well as a higher frequency of activated T cells (CD4+CD44+) when compared to the control. Collectively, the findings suggested that CpG-ODN can boost rHVT-LT-induced immune responses in day-old chicks, which may help in anti-ILT defense during their later stages of life.
Magnetic-Field-Based Indoor Positioning Using Temporal Convolutional Networks

Traditional magnetic-field positioning methods collect magnetic-field information from each spatial point to construct a magnetic-field fingerprint database. During the positioning phase, real-time magnetic-field measurements are matched to a magnetic-field map to predict the user’s location. However, this approach requires a significant amount of time to traverse the entire magnetic-field fingerprint database and does not effectively leverage the magnetic-field sequence’s unique patterns to improve the accuracy and robustness of the positioning system. In recent years, the application of deep learning for the indoor positioning of magnetic fields has grown rapidly, especially by using the magnetic-field sequence as a time series and a trained long short-term memory (LSTM) model to predict the position, directly avoiding the time-consuming matching process. However, the training of LSTM is time-consuming, and the degradation problem occurs as the stack of layers increases. This article proposes a temporal convolutional network (TCN)-based magnetic-field positioning system that extracts magnetic-field sequence features by preprocessing them with coordinate transformation, smoothing filtering, and first-order differencing. The proposed method is seamlessly applicable to heterogeneous smartphones. The trained TCN models are compared with the LSTM and gated recurrent unit (GRU) models, showing the high accuracy and robustness of the proposed algorithm.
Autonomic Function Recovery and Physical Activity Levels in Post-COVID-19 Young Adults after Immunization: An Observational Follow-Up Case-Control Study

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has detrimental multi-system consequences. Symptoms may appear during the acute phase of infection, but the literature on long-term recovery of young adults after mild to moderate infection is lacking. Heart rate variability (HRV) allows for the observation of autonomic nervous system (ANS) modulation post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. Since physical activity (PA) can help improve ANS modulation, investigating factors that can influence HRV outcomes after COVID-19 is essential to advancements in care and intervention strategies. Clinicians may use this research to aid in the development of non-medication interventions. At baseline, 18 control (CT) and 20 post-COVID-19 (PCOV) participants were observed where general anamnesis was performed, followed by HRV and PA assessment. Thus, 10 CT and 7 PCOV subjects returned for follow-up (FU) evaluation 6 weeks after complete immunization (two doses) and assessments were repeated. Over the follow-up period, a decrease in sympathetic (SNS) activity (mean heart rate: p = 0.0024, CI = −24.67–−3.26; SNS index: p = 0.0068, CI = −2.50–−0.32) and increase in parasympathetic (PNS) activity (mean RR: p = 0.0097, CI = 33.72–225.51; PNS index: p = 0.0091, CI = −0.20–1.47) were observed. At follow-up, HRV was not different between groups (p > 0.05). Additionally, no differences were observed in PA between moments and groups. This study provides evidence of ANS recovery after SARS-CoV-2 insult in young adults over a follow-up period, independent of changes in PA.
On the Sorbent Ability and Reusability of Graphene-Oxide–Chitosan Aerogels for the Removal of Dyes from Wastewater

One of the most persistent issues affecting people worldwide is water contamination due to the indiscriminate disposal of pollutants, causing severe environmental problems. Dyes are among the most harmful contaminants because of their high chemical stability and consequently difficult degradation. To remove contaminants from water, adsorption is the most widely used and effective method. In this work, we recall the results already published about the synthesis, the characterization and the use of porous graphene-oxide–chitosan aerogels as a sorbent material. Those systems, prepared by mixing GO sheets and CS chains, using APS as a cross-linking agent, and by further lyophilization, were further characterized using nano-computed tomography, supplying more understanding about their micro and nano-structure. Their sorbent ability has been investigated also by the study of their isotherm of adsorption of two different anionic dyes: Indigo Carmine and Cibacron Brilliant Yellow. Those analyses confirmed the potentialities of the aerogels and their affinity for those anionic dyes. Moreover, the possibility of regenerating and reusing the material was evaluated as a key aspect for applications of this kind. The treatment with NaOH, to promote the desorption of adsorbed dyes, and subsequent washing with HCl, to re-protonate the system, ensured the regeneration of the gels and their use in multiple cycles of adsorption with the selected water contaminants.
Simulation of the imaging quality of ground-based telescopes affected by atmospheric disturbances

Ground-based telescope imaging model is developed in this paper, the relationship between the atmospheric disturbances and the ground-based telescope image quality is studied. Simulation of the wave-front distortions caused by atmospheric turbulences has long been an important method in the study of the propagation of light through the atmosphere. The phase of the starlight wave-front is changed over time, but in an appropriate short exposure time, the atmospheric disturbances can be considered as “frozen”. In accordance with Kolmogorov turbulence theory, simulating atmospheric disturbances of image model based on the phase screen distorted by atmospheric turbulences is achieved by the fast Fourier transform (FFT). Geiger mode avalanche photodiode array (APD arrays) model is used for atmospheric wave-front detection, the image is achieved by inversion method of photon counting after the target starlight goes through phase screens and ground-based telescopes. Ground-based telescope imaging model is established in this paper can accurately achieve the relationship between the quality of telescope imaging and monolayer or multilayer atmosphere disturbances, and it is great significance for the wave-front detection and optical correction in a Multi-conjugate Adaptive Optics system (MCAO).
Direct-Acting Antivirals and Host-Targeting Approaches against Enterovirus B Infections: Recent Advances

Enterovirus B (EV-B)-related diseases, which can be life threatening in high-risk populations, have been recognized as a serious health problem, but their clinical treatment is largely supportive, and no selective antivirals are available on the market. As their clinical relevance has become more serious, efforts in the field of anti-EV-B inhibitors have greatly increased and many potential antivirals with very high selectivity indexes and promising in vitro activities have been discovered. The scope of this review encompasses recent advances in the discovery of new compounds with anti-viral activity against EV-B, as well as further progress in repurposing drugs to treat these infections. Current progress and future perspectives in drug discovery against EV-Bs are briefly discussed and existing gaps are spotlighted.
Thiotepa, Busulfan, Cyclophosphamide: Effective but Toxic Conditioning Regimen Prior to Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Central Nervous System Lymphoma

In primary central nervous system lymphoma, two-year progression-free survival rates of up to 63 percent have been reported for first-line autologous stem cell transplantation after conditioning with the thiotepa busulfan cyclophosphamide regimen. However, 11 percent of the patients died due to toxicity. Besides conventional survival, progression-free survival and treatment related mortality analyses, a competing-risk analysis was applied to our cohort of twenty-four consecutive patients with primary or secondary central nervous system lymphoma who underwent autologous stem cell transplantation after thiotepa busulfan cyclophosphamide conditioning. The two-year overall survival and progression-free survival rates were 78 percent and 65 percent, respectively. The treatment-related mortality rate was 21 percent. The competing risks analysis demonstrate that age 60 or over and the infusion of less than 4.6 × 106/kg CD34+ stem cells were significant adverse prognostic factors for overall survival. Autologous stem cell transplantation with thiotepa busulfan cyclophosphamide conditioning was associated with sustained remission and survival. Nevertheless, the intensive thiotepa busulfan cyclophosphamide conditioning regimen was highly toxic, especially in older patients. Thus, our results suggest that future studies should aim at identifying the subgroup of patients who will really benefit of the procedure and/or to reduce the toxicity of future conditioning regimen.
Insurance Inclusion in Uganda: Impact of Perceived Value, Insurance Literacy and Perceived Trust

The study examined the impact of perceived value, insurance literacy and perceived trust on insurance inclusion in Uganda. The study employed a cross-sectional design to solicit responses from 400 individuals that voluntarily enrolled on an insurance programme. The study hypotheses were tested using Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modelling. The results showed that perceived value, insurance literacy and perceived trust have a significant and positive prediction of insurance inclusion in Uganda. However, perceived trust explained more of the variations in insurance inclusion than perceived value and insurance literacy. Overall, the predictor variables explained 63.2% of the variance in insurance inclusion. This study contributes to the limited nascent literature on insurance inclusion. The implication of this study is that insurance providers need to focus on trust and delivering value to customers in order to promote insurance inclusion. Further, the study proffers advice to policymakers to include insurance literacy in the national financial inclusion strategies to foster insurance inclusion.
Fully-Actuated System Approach in Attitude Tracking Control for Spacecraft

In this paper, the rigid spacecraft attitude tracking control problem is investigated. Firstly, the spacecraft attitude dynamics model is converted into a fully-actuated (FA) system model. Then, a direct parametric approach for spacecraft attitude tracking control is proposed in the sense of FA system. At the same time, the validity of the proposed control algorithm is verified by numerical simulation example, and physical experiments are designed to illustrate the practicability of the algorithm.
To Be a Pregnant Surgeon—Is There Anything to Be Afraid of?

Background: Women who decide to become a surgeon are afraid of motherhood. The aim of this study was to establish the opinions of patients and doctors on the professional activity of pregnant surgeons (PS). Methods: The study was conducted on a group of respondents consisting of doctors and patients. The study was carried out using a questionnaire of 12 questions. Results: 1074 doctors and 657 patients responded to the survey. Doctors, especially non-surgeons, significantly more often believed that PS should stop working in the operating theatre immediately after pregnancy confirmation. Most patients thought that operations performed by PS are normal, whereas the doctors more often considered it heroic or irresponsible. Doctors more often mentioned fear of financial stability and fear of losing their reputation as reasons for working by PS. Most respondents claimed that it made no difference whether they were operated on by PS or not. However, patients significantly more often declared their willingness to be operated on by PS. Conclusions: The study showed that female surgeons may have slight concerns about how they will be perceived by colleagues and patients. However, most respondents, patients significantly more often, believed that working during pregnancy is the natural course of things.
An exploratory study of the clinical technology undergraduate program in South Africa: Preparedness of students for clinical practice

BACKGROUND: This study sought to understand whether the theoretical components of the curriculum prepared students for clinical practice training in the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) in Clinical Technology program at the Durban University of Technology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two samples were recruited, namely, academics and students using non-probability sampling methods. The first sample comprised 13 students, and the second sample included four academics, involved in teaching and supervising the placement of students at healthcare institutions. At least one student from each of the 13 units where clinical practice training was undertaken was invited to participate. Data was gathered using in-depth, semi-structured interviews on an adapted version of Gibbs' cycle of reflection. RESULTS: Three broad themes emerged, namely, curriculum structure, factors that enabled graduate attribute development in the clinical environment, and the transition to online teaching. CONCLUSION: While it appears that the curriculum had in many ways prepared students for clinical practice, the study highlights key issues that may guide curriculum developers when seeking to improve preparedness of students for clinical practice. Furthermore, it underscores the need for continuous review of current curricula so that these are responsive to student and societal needs.
High-Risk Lipoprotein(a) Levels in Saudi Women and Its Relationship to Menopause and Adiposity

Lipoprotein(a) is an inherent CVD risk biomarker that varies by race, and the levels of Lp(a) in Saudi women are relatively unexplored. We aimed to examine the effect of age and menopause on Lp(a) and explore the correlation between adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors with Lp(a) in Saudi women. The third aim was to determine the predictors of elevated Lp(a) in this population. In this cross-sectional study of 229 women, we compared Lp(a) serum levels, adiposity indices, and lipid and glycemic profiles between menopausal groups. We used immunoturbidimetry to measure serum Lp(a) and BIA to assess body composition. We evaluated the relationship between Lp(a) and our parameters using ANOVA and Spearman’s correlations. Regression was used to determine the predictors of high-risk Lp(a) levels. The mean of Lp(a) was 28.37 mg/dL, and the concentration increased significantly in postmenopausal (premenopausal 20.98 ± 12.30; perimenopausal 29.92 ± 9.53; postmenopausal 32.49 ± 9.83 mg/dL; p < 0.001. High-risk levels were 57.1% in postmenopausal and 19.1% in premenopausal. The magnitude of Lp(a) increased significantly after age 50. Lp(a) was significantly associated with age and cholesterol and negatively associated with % FFM. Lp(a) increased by 0.41 units for every year of age, indicating the strongest correlation.
Radiative and turbulent heating rates in the clear‐air boundary layer

The diurnal evolution of a clear‐sky midlatitude summertime boundary layer (BL) was studied using a column model over smooth and homogeneous land, subject to weak, moderate, and strong winds. The high‐resolution BL model (lowest point at 30 cm) was equipped with an adequate turbulence scheme and a narrow‐band long‐wave (LW) radiation scheme, the latter validated using data from the International Comparison of Radiation Codes in Climate Models (ICRCCM).
A Fault Diagnosis Method Based on Canonical Correlation Analysis and Transfer Learning in Wastewater Treatment Plant

Methods of multivariate statistics have gained remarkable popularity in the last few decades. However, the lack of data in the target domain often limits the performance of fault diagnosis in industrial processes. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a fault diagnosis approach based on canonical correlation analysis and transfer learning. Different from the standard method, this method has the following characteristics. Firstly, based on the canonical correlation analysis method, the diagnosis model of source domain can be obtained using a large amount of source domain data. Secondly, the transfer learning method based on the local retention canonical correlation analysis of K nearest neighbors transfers the fault diagnosis model of the source domain to the target domain, which alleviates the problem of insufficient data in the target domain through migration. Thirdly, a process monitoring statistic based on the Riemannian distance is proposed. Finally, the data from the wastewater treatment plant are analyzed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Monogeneans from Catfishes in Lake Tanganyika. II: New Infection Site, New Record, and Additional Details on the Morphology of the Male Copulatory Organ of Gyrodactylus transvaalensis Prudhoe and Hussey, 1977

The ichthyofauna of Lake Tanganyika consists of 12 families of fish of which five belong to Siluriformes (catfishes). Studies on Siluriformes and their parasites in this lake are very fragmentary. The present study was carried out to help fill the knowledge gap on the monogeneans infesting the siluriform fishes of Lake Tanganyika in general and, more particularly, Clarias gariepinus. Samples of gills of Clarias gariepinus (Clariidae) were examined for ectoparasites. We identified the monogenean Gyrodactylus transvaalensis (Gyrodactylidae). This is the first time this parasite was found infecting gills. We are the first to observe a large spine in the male copulatory organ of this species and to provide measurements of its genital spines; this completes the description of the male copulatory organ, which is important in standard monogenean identification. This is the first monogenean species reported in C. gariepinus at Lake Tanganyika and the third known species on a representative of Siluriformes of this lake. It brings the total number of species of Gyrodactylus recorded in Lake Tanganyika to four. Knowing that other locations where this species has been reported are geographically remote from Lake Tanganyika, we propose a “failure to diverge” phenomenon for G. transvaalensis.