Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ecotoxicology of Polymetallic Nodule Seabed Mining: The Effects of Cobalt and Nickel on Phytoplankton Growth and Pigment Concentration

In order to improve the understanding of the environmental impacts of polymetallic nodule mining, ecotoxicological studies were conducted on the growth of model phytoplankton species Skeletonema costatum and Prorocentrum donghaiense using cobalt and nickel. This study evaluated various physiological and ecological indicators, such as cell proliferation, chlorophyll a, pigments, total protein, and antioxidant enzyme markers. The results show that the introduction of low amounts of cobalt or nickel increased the growth rate of phytoplankton. The phytoplankton benefited from low concentrations of cobalt and nickel stress. The increased protein levels and decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes considerably impacted physiological responses during the promotion of cell abundance. High concentrations of cobalt or nickel resulted in decreased light-absorbing pigments, increased photoprotective pigments, an inactive chlorophyll content, decreased total proteins, and maximal antioxidant enzyme activity in phytoplankton. Throughout the experiment, both the phytoplankton protein and enzyme activity declined with prolonged stress, and the cells underwent age-induced damage. Thus, seabed mining’s repercussions on phytoplankton could result in both short-term growth promotion and long-term damage. These consequences depend on the impurity concentrations infiltrating the water, their duration, and the organism’s physiological responses.
Artificial Intelligence in Scoliosis Classification: An Investigation of Language-Based Models

Open-source artificial intelligence models are finding free application in various industries, including computer science and medicine. Their clinical potential, especially in assisting diagnosis and therapy, is the subject of increasingly intensive research. Due to the growing interest in AI for diagnostics, we conducted a study evaluating the abilities of AI models, including ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing, and Scholar AI, in classifying single-curve scoliosis based on radiological descriptions. Fifty-six posturographic images depicting single-curve scoliosis were selected and assessed by two independent neurosurgery specialists, who classified them as mild, moderate, or severe based on Cobb angles. Subsequently, descriptions were developed that accurately characterized the degree of spinal deformation, based on the measured values of Cobb angles. These descriptions were then provided to AI language models to assess their proficiency in diagnosing spinal pathologies. The artificial intelligence models conducted classification using the provided data. Our study also focused on identifying specific sources of information and criteria applied in their decision-making algorithms, aiming for a deeper understanding of the determinants influencing AI decision processes in scoliosis classification. The classification quality of the predictions was evaluated using performance evaluation metrics such as sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), accuracy, and balanced accuracy. Our study strongly supported our hypothesis, showing that among four AI models, ChatGPT 4 and Scholar AI Premium excelled in classifying single-curve scoliosis with perfect sensitivity and specificity. These models demonstrated unmatched rater concordance and excellent performance metrics. In comparing real and AI-generated scoliosis classifications, they showed impeccable precision in all posturographic images, indicating total accuracy (1.0, MAE = 0.0) and remarkable inter-rater agreement, with a perfect Fleiss’ Kappa score. This was consistent across scoliosis cases with a Cobb’s angle range of 11–92 degrees. Despite high accuracy in classification, each model used an incorrect angular range for the mild stage of scoliosis. Our findings highlight the immense potential of AI in analyzing medical data sets. However, the diversity in competencies of AI models indicates the need for their further development to more effectively meet specific needs in clinical practice.
Antioxidant Activity and Anticarcinogenic Effect of Extracts from Bouvardia ternifolia (Cav.) Schltdl.

According to the available ethnobotanical data, the Bouvardia ternifolia plant has long been used in Mexican traditional medicine to relieve the symptoms of inflammation. In the present study, the cytotoxic effect of extracts obtained from the flowers, leaves and stems of B. ternifolia using hexane, ethyl acetate (AcOEt) and methanol (MeOH) was evaluated by applying them to the SiHa and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines. An MTT reduction assay was carried out along with = biological activity assessments, and the content of total phenols, tannins, anthocyanins, betalains and saponins was quantified. According to the obtained results, nine extracts exhibited a cytotoxic effect against both the SiHa and MDA lines. The highest cytotoxicity was measured for leaves treated with the AcOEt (ID50 of 75 µg/mL was obtained for MDA and 58.75 µg/mL for SiHa) as well as inhibition on ABTS•+ against DPPH• radical, while MeOH treatment of stems and AcOEt of flowers yielded the most significant antioxidant capacity (90.29% and 90.11% ABTS•+ radical trapping). Moreover, the highest phenolic compound content was measured in the stems (134.971 ± 0.294 mg EAG/g), while tannins were more abundant in the leaves (257.646 mg eq cat/g) and saponins were most prevalent in the flowers (20 ± 0 HU/mg). Screening tests indicated the presence of flavonoids, steroids, terpenes and coumarins, as well as ursolic acid, in all the studied extracts. These results demonstrate the biological potential of B. ternifolia.
Nickel-Ferrite Oxide Decorated on Reduced Graphene Oxide, an Efficient and Selective Electrochemical Sensor for Detection of Furazolidone

Here, in this paper, magnetic nickel–ferrite oxide nanoparticles decorated reduced graphene oxide (NiFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>/rGO) was successfully prepared to employ as an efficient electrocatalyst for the electrochemical detection of furazolidone, an antibiotic and antibacterial drug. The NiFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>/rGO was characterized by different analytical methods, including FT–IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, energy–dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and electrochemical methods. In addition, the morphology of NiFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>/rGO was monitored using microscopic images of TEM and FE–SEM. NiFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>/rGO was used to modify a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The differential pulse voltammetric studies represented that the NiFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>/rGO–GCE was more sensitive compared to rGO–GCE and unmodified GCE towards furazolidone detection. This electrochemical sensor was linearly related to furazolidone concentration in two linear ranges of 0.1–<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$10.0~\mu $ </tex-math></inline-formula>mol <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$L^{-1}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> and 10.0–<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$150.0~\mu $ </tex-math></inline-formula>mol <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$L^{-1}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. However, the performance of this furazolidone sensor was quantitatively limited by the detection limit of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$0.05~\mu $ </tex-math></inline-formula>mol <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$L^{-1}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>. To evaluate its selectivity, some common ions and other relevant species can interfere in the result of furazolidone sensor was investigated. This study, in addition to real sample analysis, represented that the suggested electrochemical sensor was practically selective and sensitive towards furazoldone. The determined value by the suggested sensor was in the related confidence interval accepted for the definite one.
Revealing the expression profile of genes that encode the Subcortical Maternal Complex in human reproductive failures

Abstract The Subcortical Maternal Complex (SCMC) is composed of maternally encoded proteins required for the early stages of embryo development. Here we aimed to investigate the expression profile of the genes that encode the individual members of the SCMC in human reproductive failures. To accomplish that, we selected three datasets in the Gene Expression Omnibus repository for differential gene expression (DGE) analysis, comprising human endometrial and placental tissues of patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). The SCMC genes KHDC3L, NLRP2, NLRP4, NLRP5, OOEP, PADI6, TLE6, and ZBED3 were included in the DGE analysis, as well as CFL1 and CFL2 that connect the SCMC with the actin cytoskeleton. Additionally, differential co-expression analysis and systems biology analysis of gene-gene co-expression were performed for KHDC3L, NLRP5, OOEP, and TLE6, demonstrating gene pairs differentially correlated under the two conditions, and the co-expression with genes involved in immune response, cell cycle, DNA damage repair, embryo development, and male reproduction. Compared to control groups, NLRP5 demonstrated upregulation in the endometrium of RIF patients, and KHDC3L was upregulated in the fetal placental tissue of RPL patients, shedding light on the importance of considering SCMC genes in reproductive failures.
Injection of IK1 through dynamic clamp can make all the difference in patch-clamp studies on hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes

Human-induced stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) are a valuable tool for studying development, pharmacology, and (inherited) arrhythmias. Unfortunately, hiPSC-CMs are depolarized and spontaneously active, even the working cardiomyocyte subtypes such as atrial- and ventricular-like hiPSC-CMs, in contrast to the situation in the atria and ventricles of adult human hearts. Great efforts have been made, using many different strategies, to generate more mature, quiescent hiPSC-CMs with more close-to-physiological resting membrane potentials, but despite promising results, it is still difficult to obtain hiPSC-CMs with such properties. The dynamic clamp technique allows to inject a current with characteristics of the inward rectifier potassium current (IK1), computed in real time according to the actual membrane potential, into patch-clamped hiPSC-CMs during action potential measurements. This results in quiescent hiPSC-CMs with a close-to-physiological resting membrane potential. As a result, action potential measurements can be performed with normal ion channel availability, which is particularly important for the physiological functioning of the cardiac SCN5A-encoded fast sodium current (INa). We performed in vitro and in silico experiments to assess the beneficial effects of the dynamic clamp technique in dissecting the functional consequences of the SCN5A-1795insD+/− mutation. In two separate sets of patch-clamp experiments on control hiPSC-CMs and on hiPSC-CMs with mutations in ACADVL and GNB5, we assessed the value of dynamic clamp in detecting delayed afterdepolarizations and in investigating factors that modulate the resting membrane potential. We conclude that the dynamic clamp technique has highly beneficial effects in all of the aforementioned settings and should be widely used in patch-clamp studies on hiPSC-CMs while waiting for the ultimate fully mature hiPSC-CMs.
Experimental Assessment of the Impact of Biodiesel Blends and Methanol on Emissions and Performance in a Semi-industrial Boiler

Recently, there has been a growing interest in biodiesel due to its utilization of renewable resources, which is particularly significant given the increasing depletion of fossil fuel stocks. The utilization of Cresson weed in biodiesel fuel production is a pioneering application of botanical herbs within the biodiesel industry. This study compares the combustion characteristics of biodiesel fuel B10, B20, B40, B60, and D80B10M10 blends with petroleum diesel. This analysis examined the combustion process across various equivalence ratios in semi-industrial boilers. The study examined the combustion efficiency, flue gas emissions (CO, CO 2 , T exhaust, and HC), as well as flame length. The obtained findings show that adding more biodiesel fuel to diesel fuel increases its combustion efficiency above and beyond what is possible with regular diesel fuel at high energy levels. In addition, blends like B60 and other mixtures like D80B10M10 emit lower levels of pollutants, such as CO, than diesel as well as increase T exhaust and CO 2 , which indicates the completion of combustion.
Neonatal sepsis and its predictors in Ethiopia: umbrella reviews of a systematic review and meta-analysis, 2023

Background: Although neonatal sepsis is acknowledged as the primary cause of newborn death in Ethiopia, data on its impact at the national level are limited. Strong supporting data are required to demonstrate how this affects neonatal health. This umbrella study was conducted to determine the overall prevalence of newborn sepsis and its relationship with maternal and neonatal factors. Methods: This umbrella review included five articles from various databases. The AMSTAR-2 method was used to assess the quality of included systematic review and meta-analysis studies. STATA Version 18 software was used for statistical analysis. A random-effects model was used to estimate the overall effects. Results: In this umbrella review, 9032 neonates with an outcome of interest were included. The overall pooled prevalence of neonatal sepsis was 45% (95% CI: 39–51%; I2=99.34). The overall pooled effect size showed that prematurity was significantly associated with neonatal sepsis [odds ratio=3.11 (95% CI: 2.22–3.99)]. Furthermore, maternal factors are strongly associated with neonatal sepsis. Conclusions: Nearly half of Ethiopian neonates are affected by neonatal sepsis. It is critical to reduce premature birth, low birth weight, and preterm membrane rupture to reduce the incidence of neonatal sepsis. Furthermore, it is preferable to design and strengthen policies and programs aimed at improving maternal nutritional status and treating maternal infections, which all contribute to lowering the burden of neonatal sepsis.
Empirical analysis on the impact of market share and capital adequacy ratio on the bankruptcy rate of community banks in Tanzania: an application of Altman’s Z-Score model

This paper examines the impact of market share and capital adequacy on the bankruptcy rate of community banks in Tanzania, for the period spanned for 16 years from 2006 to 2021. For instance, recently in Tanzania, seven community banks were closed by the Regulator while others were being merged to increase their going concern and operational efficiency. This study has employed a quantitative approach based on secondary data collected from the Bank of Tanzania as a Regulator and some of them were gathered from community banks. The sample size is 11 community banks, with a total of 176 observations. The panel data analysis has been conducted using statistical software, namely, STATA version 17 with the random effect model being used to generate regression results ready for interpretation. The research findings depicted significant positive correlations between bankruptcy rates as computed using Altman’s Z-score model and the independent variables, namely, market share and capital adequacy ratio. In that regard, the study recommends adequate capital levels and market share to reduce the bankruptcy rates of community banks in Tanzania.
Mitigation The Deleterious Effect of Salinity on Faba Bean by Cobalt and Bio-stimulants

HE COUNTRY has a tendency to secure food supply through vertical expansion by increasing productivity per unit area, especially under conditions of stress such as salinity, in addition to horizontal expansion in new lands that may be saline or irrigated with groundwater of high salinity which affects productivity especially for sensitive crops like beans. So, two field trials were conducted to study the effect of four cobalt foliar application rates (0 ppm (as control), 5 ppm, 7.5 ppm and 10 ppm) as the main plots and four bio-stimulant treatments (control, potassium humate, potassium fulvate and seaweed extract) as foliar treatment in the sub main plots on faba bean growth, yield and its components which cultivated under salt affected soil. During the winter seasons of 2021/2022 and 2022/2023, a split plot design was used. The obtained results could be summarized as follow: Foliar application of cobalt at 10 ppm concentration recorded the highest values of the vegetative growth, yield and its components compared to the other cobalt rates. Application of cobalt at 10 ppm concentration increased chl. a+b by 21.20%, proline content by 9.65% and seeds yield by 6.86% comparing with control treatment. At the same time foliar application of seaweed extract had a superior effect on all studied parameters with relative increments as example 41.84%, 45.41% and 13.63% for chl. a+b, proline content and seed yield, respectively compared to the other foliar treatments of bio-stimulants. The interaction among cobalt at 10 ppm concentration and seaweed extract achieved the highest values of vegetative growth criteria, yield and yield components of the tested plant. Economically founded that combination of cobalt at 10ppm and potassium fulvate application a viable alternative to existing
Prospective of Natural Gum Nanoparticulate Against Cardiovascular Disorders

Objective: Various natural gums can be synergistically used in nanoparticulate drug delivery systems to treat cardiovascular diseases. Nanotechnology has been integrated into healthcare in terms of theranostics. In this review, we consider various natural gums that can be used for the preparation of nanoparticles and their role to treat cardiovascular disease. Nanoparticles can carry drugs at nanoscales and deliver them to the targeted sites with the desired pattern of drug release. They have specialized uptake mechanisms (e.g. - absorptive endocytosis) which improve the bioavailability of drugs. By considering cardiovascular diseases at the molecular level, it is possible to modify the materials with nanotechnology and apply nano-formulations efficiently as compared with conventional preparations, due to the fact that the extracellular matrix (ECM) comprises components at the nanoscale range. The interactions of ECM components with cellular components occur at the nanoscale, therefore the nanomaterials have the potential to maintain the nanoscale properties of cells. The synthetic materials used to develop the nanoparticulate drug delivery system may cause toxicity. This problem can be overcome by using natural polymers. Natural gums can be used in nanoparticulate drug delivery systems as reducing and stabilizing agents and in some cases; they may directly or indirectly influence the rate of drug release and absorption from the preparation.
COMPARISON OF ANTIBACTERIAL CHITOSAN OF HARUAN FISH SCALES (Channa striata) WITH Chlorhexidine gluconate AGAINST Lactobacillus acidophilus

Background: Lactobacillus acidophilus plays an important role in the development of caries, especially advanced caries. Mouthwash such as chlorhexidine is the main choice to prevent the colonization of caries-causing bacteria, but in long-term use it causes side effects, so that new, more biocompatible materials are needed, namely chitosan of Haruan fish scales (Channa striata), which contains an amine group (Nh2). Purpose: To analyze and compare the antibacterial effectiveness of chitosan haruan fish scales at concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% with chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% on the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria. Method: True Experimental Laboratory Research with a procedure consisting of making chitosan from Haruan fish scales through the processes of deproteination, demineralization, and deacetylization followed by an antibacterial test with 5 treatment groups on the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria using the diffusion method with inhibition zone parameters on the test material. Result: Haruan fish scale chitosan has the lowest antibacterial effectiveness, namely a concentration of 2.5% with an average inhibition zone value of 8.6 mm, and the highest is a 10% concentration with an inhibition zone average value of 21.3 mm, and a concentration of Haruan fish scale chitosan. 10% had antibacterial effectiveness comparable to 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate against the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria. Conclusion: Haruan fish scale chitosan concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% had antibacterial effectiveness against the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria, and a concentration of 10% was comparable to 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate in inhibiting the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria. Keywords : Caries, chitosan haruan fish scales, Lactobacillus acidophilus.
Production and biochemical characterization of keratinase enzyme from Bacillus subtilis ES5 and its potential application in leather dehairing process: a clean leather tanning process

Abstract The traditional leather industry releases different chemical wastes into the environment, which calls for the use of alternative, nonpolluting processes. The use of biological catalysts in industrial processing has received a great deal of attention in recent years, mainly for environmental reasons. The main objective of this study was to produce and characterize keratinase enzyme from Bacillus subtilis ES5 and evaluate its potential application for leather dehairing. The gene encoding keratinase was validated with a fragment length of approximately 1100 bp. The keratinase exhibited maximum activity at temperature and pH of 45 °C and 8, respectively. Among the tested metal ions, Ca2+ and Mg2+ improved keratinase activity by 132.56 and 111.78%, respectively, at concentrations of 5 mM. β-mercaptoethanol enhanced keratinolytic activity. However, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) significantly inhibited it, indicating that the enzyme is a member of the metalloprotease family. It completely dehaired goat/sheep skins within 14 h, resulting in decreased biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), and overall pollution load by 57.39, 70.53, 93.59, 94.90, and 79.10%, respectively. The results demonstrated the pivotal advantages of this keratinase, addressing environmentally friendly processing and sustainable solid waste management. The improved properties of enzyme-treated dehaired pelts suggest that crude keratinase could be used in ecologically friendly holistic leather manufacturing to avoid the pollution issues associated with the use of chemicals.