Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Peptic Ulcer Disease: A Systematic Review

Determinants of Peptic Ulcer Disease: A Systematic Review Kainat Sadiq, Bahisht Rizwan, Sana Noreen, Arooj Fatima, Minal Sheraz, Momina Shafqat, Hafiza Mehak Rashid Students at University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, the University of Lahore, Pakistan Senior Lecturer at University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, the University of Lahore, Pakistan
Removal of Synthetic Textile Dyes From Wastewaters: A Critical Review on Present Treatment Technologies

Azo dyes represent the largest class of industrial colorants. These are no longer used only for the coloration of textiles, plastics, paints, inks, and lacquers, but rather serve as key components in high-tech applications such as optical data storage, reprographics, display devices, dye-sensitized solar cells, energy transfer cascades, light-emitting diodes, laser welding processes, or heat management systems. Azo dyes are also of growing importance in the medical and biomedical fields. In most of these applications, the color is largely irrelevant and it is the ability of the colorants to absorb visible electromagnetic radiation with high efficiency, or other functional property, that is exploited. With the growing awareness and environmental concerns, it is imperative that the hierarchy of reduce, reuse, and degrade be adopted and measures be taken to remove color from the industrial discharge. The present review (a) embodies a comparison of the present decolorization/degradation techniques for water-soluble and insoluble dyes, (b) describes their advantages and limitations, (c) discusses various mechanisms, and (d) focuses on the present literature on microbial decolorization of textile dyes specifically by using bacteria, fungus, yeast, and algae. Also, for the first time an attempt has been made to comprehensively compile chemical and biological decolorization/degradation of disperse dyes. The research on the decolorization of textile dyes has mainly been focused on water-soluble dyes, while decolorization of disperse dyes that are water insoluble have received only scant attention and constitutes a topical area of concern as these dyes persist for a longer duration in textile effluents. Given the limitations (vide infra) of the chemical treatment methods, decolorization using biological means is an interesting option.
Real-Time Monitoring of the Surface and Total Composition of Aerosol Particles

ABSTRACT Laser desorption ionization is used to characterize the products of an aerosol reaction in real time. Sodium chloride aerosols are mixed with vapor phase ammonia and nitric acid to produce an ammonium nitrate surface layer. The product aerosols are sampled directly into a mass spectrometer where the surface and total compositions are distinguished by laser desorption ionization. With a low laser irradiance, only material near the particle surface is desorbed and ionized. In this case, the mass spectra are independent of the amount of ammonium nitrate deposited, and simply indicate a nitrate-enriched surface layer. With a higher laser irradiance, both the surface layer and core are ablated. The relative intensities of ions originating from the surface layer and core reflect the total composition. That is, the relative intensities of ions produced from the ammonium nitrate surface layer increase with increasing surface layer thickness. The laser irradiance dependences of the mass spectra allow the .
An Approach and a Tool for Systematic Review Research

— Systematic Reviews and Systematic Mappings are widely used in medicine in an area called evidence-based studies . Recently, these techniques have been adapted and used in secondary studies in the area of Software Engineering and Systems. Sorting and synthesizing information in a particular research area by analysis of their primary studies, both involve both extensive work and researcher dedication. Adapting techniques applied in evidence-based studies in the medical field to software engineering led to an approach, which divides Systematic Review tasks into three main phases, namely, planning, conduct of review itself and reporting the results. Unlike in the area of medicine, in which there are many research groups and methodologies to support these tasks, researchers in the area of software engineering still lack tools and methods that support the implementation of these activities and, in general, they need to use software that was not designed for this purpose. This paper presents an approach based on Biolchini's proccess, using checkpoints techniques, to assist in maintaining of the main objectives of the review process; these tasks were supported by a management software. The software facilitates the execution of repetitive tasks of recording, quantifying and classifying of data in accordance with a predefined research protocol in the planning phase, thereby enabling studies to be better organized and an overview to be obtained in the early stages of the review. We used a Systematic Review theme to validate the approach and supporting tool. This article shows that by visualizing and classifying research data while still at the initial stages of a Systematic Review, problems may be identified in the design of the protocol (planning phase), which otherwise would only be detected in the final stages, when results are being generated.
Clinico-bacteriological Profile of Neonates Born with Risk Factors of Septicemia

Background: Septicaemia is the single most important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in the world, accounting for over half of the cases. Aim: This study was conducted to establish the clinical and bacteriological profile in newborns with risk factors of septicaemia. Subjects and Methods: One hundred and fifty consecutive neonates delivered with risk factors of septicaemia were recruited after obtaining informed consent. Blood culture was done using BACTEC PEDS PLUS/F CULTURE vials as a part of sepsis screen used to diagnose septicaemia. In addition acute phase reactants like total leucocyte count and C-reactive protein measurements were also documented. Statistical analysis: Correlation of all risk factors with laboratory findings was obtained by using Pearson chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. p-value of less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Blood culture positivity was found in 28% neonates born with risk factors of septicaemia out of which 57.1% were gram-positive and 42.9% were gram-negative isolates respectively. Staphylococcus aureus being the most common among the grampositive bacteria, was isolated in 19 (45.2%) of cases. Among the gram-negative bacteria, Acinetobacter baumannii was the most common being present in 13 (30.9%) of cases. Among all the risk factors studied, fever in the mother was significantly correlating with positive sepsis screen. Conclusion: Blood culture positivity increases with increase in number of risk factors in neonatal septicaemia. Hence screening tests for septicaemia must be done routinely in such cases. Clinico-bacteriological Profile of Neonates Born with Risk Factors of Septicemia
Deep Model Compression for Mobile Devices : A Survey

Résumé Ces dernières années, les réseaux de neurones profond sont devenus indispensables pour le développement d’applica-tions intelligentes. Ils ont atteint des performances remar-quables, devenant plus complexes et cumulant des millions de paramètres. Ainsi, faire fonctionner ce type de modèle sur des appareils disposant de ressources limitées comme des téléphones mobiles n’est pas une tâche triviale. Cet article a pour but de présenter des méthodes permettant le portage de ces modèles sur plateformes mobiles. Nous nous focalisons sur des techniques de compression permettant de diminuer la consommation des modèles de manière globale (en taille, en mémoire, ou en temps de calcul par exemple).
Analysis of Mortality in a Small Sample of Older Adults

This paper presents an analysis of mortality in a sample of 441 adults aged 55 to 85 at baseline, who were observed for eight years. Subjects living in London, Ontario, Canada, were recruited in 1987 using an approach designed to include at least 35 individuals in each of the six quinquennial age groups from 55 to 85, with roughly equal numbers of males and females. Considerable information was collected on each subject. Demographic and lifestyle data were obtained using a questionnaire, and a variety of physical measurements were taken in a laboratory. We use the well-known proportional hazards model to assess the impact of these variables on mortality and to quantify mortality rates as a function of age and sex. The variability of the latter results is examined using simulation. Since the sample size is very small by actuarial standards, we are careful about the quantitative conclusions that are made.
Mesoporous Sulfonic Acids as Selective Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Synthesis of Monoglycerides

Abstract Glycerol was esterified with an equimolar amount of lauric acid to monolaurin using zeolites, sulfonic resins, and sulfonic mesoporous materials as catalysts. The latter were obtained by immobilization of 3-mercaptopropyl groups and oxidation with H2O2. In particular, fatty acid conversions, monoglyceride yields, and selectivities obtained with mesoporous (ordered, amorphous) sulfonic catalysts were compared with those of other heterogeneous or homogeneous catalysts. When using silica gel coated with propylsulfonic acids, high reaction rates are coupled to high monoglyceride yields, e.g., 53% mono yield for a 1 : 1 glycerol : lauric acid ratio. Minimizing the autocatalytic contribution of the fatty acid reactant is a critical issue. The influence of a number of reaction parameters is investigated. The mesoporous sulfonic catalysts are also employed in the esterification of propanediols andmeso-erythritol, and for reactions with other fatty acids.
Effect of boost articulation therapy (BArT) on intelligibility in adults with dysarthria

Abstract Background The articulatory accuracy of patients with dysarthria is one of the most affected speech dimensions with a high impact on speech intelligibility. Behavioural treatments of articulation can either involve direct or indirect approaches. The latter have been thoroughly investigated and are generally appreciated for their almost immediate effects on articulation and intelligibility. The number of studies on (short‐term) direct articulation therapy is limited. Aims To investigate the effects of short‐term, boost articulation therapy (BArT) on speech intelligibility in patients with chronic or progressive dysarthria and the effect of severity of dysarthria on the outcome. Methods & Procedures The study consists of a two‐group pre‐/post‐test design to assess speech intelligibility at phoneme and sentence level and during spontaneous speech, automatic speech and reading a phonetically balanced text. A total of 17 subjects with mild to severe dysarthria participated in the study and were randomly assigned to either a patient‐tailored, intensive articulatory drill programme or an intensive minimal pair training. Both training programmes were based on the principles of motor learning. Each training programme consisted of five sessions of 45 min completed within one week. Outcomes & Results Following treatment, a statistically significant increase of mean group intelligibility was shown at phoneme and sentence level, and in automatic sequences. This was supported by an acoustic analysis that revealed a reduction in formant centralization ratio. Within specific groups of severity, large and moderate positive effect sizes with Cohen's d were demonstrated. Conclusions & Implications BArT successfully improves speech intelligibility in patients with chronic or progressive dysarthria at different levels of the impairment. What this paper adds What is already known on the subject Behavioural treatment of articulation in patients with dysarthria mainly involves indirect strategies, which have shown positive effects on speech intelligibility. However, there is limited evidence on the short‐term effects of direct articulation therapy at the segmental level of speech. This study investigates the effectiveness of BArT on speech intelligibility in patients with chronic or progressive dysarthria at all severity levels. What this paper adds to existing knowledge The intensive and direct articulatory therapy programmes developed and applied in this study intend to reduce the impairment instead of compensating it. This approach results in a significant improvement of speech intelligibility at different dysarthria severity levels in a short period of time while contributing to exploit and develop all available residual motor skills in persons with dysarthria. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The improvements in intelligibility demonstrate the effectiveness of a BArT at the segmental level of speech. This makes it to be considered a suitable approach in the treatment of patients with chronic or progressive dysarthria.
Effect of synthetic oxygen-generating system on cell survival under hypoxic condition in vitro

Abstract A significant challenge in the tissue engineering of injured sites is the lack of vascularization in the engineered sites due to insufficient oxygen supply. A scaffolding system is required to support seeded cells as vascularization develops. In this study, we examined the effects of hypoxic conditions and oxygen release on cell survival in a synthetic system. We developed a three-dimensional system using CaO2/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres suspended in a hydrogel. The system material was evaluated using stem cells under hypoxic conditions alongside controls to evaluate its oxygen-generating potential over a period of 21 days. The hydrogel acted as a flexible carrier supporting cell attachment and growth, protecting microspheres, and prolonging oxygen release. The system generated oxygen and supported cell growth, which are together expected to promote stem cell survival and growth in the weeks following implantation.
The Moisture Content/Relative Humidity Equilibrium Relationship Of Wheat - A Review

ABSTRACT Thirty three sources of hygroscopic data for wheat are identified. Gravimetric methods predominate in the literature, followed by hygrometric methods which largely employ a dew Point technique for relative humidity determination. Hysteresis effects vary considerably in magnitude. The greatest difference between adsorption and desorption isotherms occurs in the 20–40% RH region. A table of equilibrium moisture contents interpolated from the data sets is presented for a Fixed set of temperatures and RH to enable comparison. The isotherm equations used to fit the data are also revewed. The Strohman-Yoerger, Modified-Oswin, Modified-Chung-Pfost, Chen-Clayton and Modified-Henderson equations are identified as the most suitable. Further investigation is needed to compare them.
Perceptions, symptoms, and practices of electronic cigarette users: Descriptive analysis and validation of Arabic short form vaping consequences questionnaire

Background E-cigarette (EC) use is increasing worldwide. Understanding the practices and perceptions of e-cigarette users and profiling the symptoms they experience is essential for regulating the use of such products. This study aims to investigate the practices and perceptions of e-cigarette users in Jordan and examine the symptoms (e.g. respiratory) they associate with e-cigarette use. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted to assess EC use and tobacco smoking behaviors and the corresponding health symptoms among EC users in Jordan. EC use expectancies were also assessed using the Short Form Vaping Consequences Questionnaire, which was first translated into Arabic and tested for validity and reliability. Results Out of the 400 EC users surveyed, 95.5% were male, 76.2% used nicotine-containing juice, and 56.8% were concurrent tobacco smokers. Further, the participants had a mean age of 28.9 years (±10.2). Among dual EC/cigarette users, 88.6% reported that they tried to quit cigarette smoking, with e-cigarette use being the most commonly tried method of smoking cessation. The smoking-related symptoms reported by regular cigarette smokers mainly included sputum production (77.5%). The participants reported that using e-cigarettes instead of tobacco cigarettes had led to improvements in their sputum production (60.8%), breathing (59%), and general wellbeing (52%). Pleasant taste, enjoyable taste sensation, and flavor were significantly stronger (P-value < 0.05) among e-cigarette users compared to dual users. Dual EC/cigarette users reported stronger perceptions in the negative consequences scale, particularly with regards to the hazardous effects of smoking on health (P-value < 0.05). Conclusion Dual daily use of e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes is a common practice among EC users. We recommend that further research is conducted on dual EC/cigarette use and the potential health risks this may have (e.g. higher nicotine intake as compared to the single use of either products).
Effect of a passive hip exoskeleton on walking distance in neurological patients

ABSTRACT Severe neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis and acute events like stroke, spinal cord injuries, or other related pathologies have been shown to negatively impact the central and peripheral nervous systems, thus causing severe impairments to mobility. The development and utilization of exoskeletons as rehabilitation devices have shown good potential for improving patients’ gait function. Ten older adults (age: 68.9 ± 9.2 yrs; height: 1.65 ± 0.08 m; mass: 71.6 ± 11.0 kg) affected by neurological diseases impacting their gait function completed a 10-session gait training protocol where they walked for 10 minutes wearing a passive exoskeleton assisting hip flexion, namely, Exoband. Results showed that participants walked a significantly longer distance in the last session of training with respect to the first session (453.1 ± 178.8 m vs 392.4 ± 135.1 m, respectively). This study indicates the potential of Exoband as an effective tool for gait rehabilitation in patients with neurological diseases. Wearable, lightweight, and low-cost devices such as the one involved in this work have the potential to improve walking distance in patients.
Muscle‐derived exosomes encapsulate myomiRs and are involved in local skeletal muscle tissue communication

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that are released from most cell types encapsulating specific molecular cargo. Exosomes serve as mediators of cell‐to‐cell and tissue‐to‐tissue communications under normal and pathological conditions. It has been shown that exosomes carrying muscle‐specific miRNAs, myomiRs, are secreted from skeletal muscle cells in vitro and are elevated in the blood of muscle disease patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the secretion of exosomes encapsulating the four myomiRs from skeletal muscle tissues and to assess their role in inter‐tissue communication between neighboring skeletal muscles in vivo. We demonstrate, for the first time, that isolated, intact skeletal muscle tissues secrete exosomes encapsulating the four myomiRs, miR‐1, miR‐133a, miR‐133b, and miR‐206. Notably, we show that the sorting of the four myomiRs within exosomes varies between skeletal muscles of different muscle fiber‐type composition. miR‐133a and miR‐133b downregulation in TA muscles caused a reduction of their levels in neighboring skeletal muscles and in serum exosomes. In conclusion, our results reveal that skeletal muscle‐derived exosomes encapsulate the four myomiRs, some of which enter the blood, while a portion is used for the local communication between proximal muscle tissues. These findings provide important evidence regarding novel pathways implicated in skeletal muscle function.
Two chloroplastic PLGG1 isoforms function together to transport photorespiratory glycolate and glycerate in rice.

The photorespiratory pathway is highly compartmentalized. As such, metabolite shuttles between organelles are critical to ensure efficient photorespiratory carbon flux. Arabidopsis PLGG1 has been reported as a key chloroplastic glycolate/glycerate transporter. Two homologous genes OsPLGG1a and OsPLGG1b have been identified in the rice genome, although their distinct functions and relationships remain unknown. Herein, our analysis of exogenous expression in oocytes and yeast shows that both OsPLGG1a and OsPLGG1b have the ability to transport glycolate and glycerate. Furthermore, we demonstrate in planta, that the perturbation of OsPLGG1a or OsPLGG1b expression leads to extensive accumulation of photorespiratory metabolites, especially glycolate and glycerate. Under ambient CO2 conditions, loss-of-function osplgg1a or osplgg1b mutant plants exhibited significant decreases in photosynthesis efficiency, starch accumulation, plant height, and crop productivity. These morphological defects were almost entirely recovered when the mutant plants were grown under elevated CO2 conditions instead. In contrast to osplgg1a, osplgg1b mutant alleles produced a mild photorespiratory phenotype and had reduced accumulation of photorespiratory metabolites. Subcellular localization analysis showed that OsPLGG1a and OsPLGG1b are located in the inner and outer membranes of the chloroplast envelope, respectively. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that OsPLGG1a and OsPLGG1b have a direct interaction. Our results indicate that both OsPLGG1a and OsPLGG1b are chloroplastic glycolate/glycerate transporters required for photorespiratory metabolism and plant growth, and that they may function as a singular complex.
The potential of microdialysis to estimate rifampicin concentrations in the lung of guinea pigs

Optimised pre-clinical models are required for TB drug development to better predict the pharmacokinetics of anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) drugs to shorten the time taken for novel drugs and combinations to be approved for clinical trial. Microdialysis can be used to measure unbound drug concentrations in awake freely moving animals in order to describe the pharmacokinetics of drugs in the organs as a continuous sampling technique. The aim of this work was to develop and optimise the microdialysis methodology in guinea pigs to better understand the pharmacokinetics of rifampicin in the lung. In vitro experiments were performed before progressing into in vivo studies because the recovery (concentration of the drug in the tissue fluid related to that in the collected dialysate) of rifampicin was dependent on a variety of experimental conditions. Mass spectrometry of the dialysate was used to determine the impact of flow rate, perfusion fluid and the molecular weight cut-off and membrane length of probes on the recovery of rifampicin at physiologically relevant concentrations. Following determination of probe efficiency and identification of a correlation between rifampicin concentrations in the lung and skeletal muscle, experiments were conducted to measure rifampicin in the sacrospinalis of guinea pigs using microdialysis. Lung concentrations of rifampicin were estimated from the rifampicin concentrations measured in the sacrospinalis. These studies suggest the potential usefulness of the microdialysis methodology to determine drug concentrations of selected anti-TB drugs to support new TB drug development.