Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and Applications of Sugar Cane Bagasse Ash Waste in Cementitious Materials

Sugar cane bagasse ash (SCBA) is an abundant byproduct of the sugar and ethanol industry. SCBA is generally used as a fertilizer or is disposed of in landfills, which has led to intensified environmental concerns. In recent years, SCBA research has mainly been focused on utilization in construction materials due to the abundance and pozzolanic characteristics of SCBA. In this paper, a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art morphology, physical properties, chemical composition, and mineralogical composition of SCBA is presented. Studies indicate that SCBA is a potentially promising construction material. The applications of SCBA as a pozzolanic material, a new source for preparing alkali-activated binders, aggregates, and fillers in construction materials, are summarized. The impacts of SCBA on fresh and hardened concrete properties are highlighted, including the physical properties, mechanical strength, microstructure, and durability. Key factors that govern pozzolanic activity are discussed in detail, including calcination and recalcination temperatures, and durations, fineness, loss on ignition (LOI), and crystal silicon dioxide. Finally, further research on the optimal and broad utilization of SCBA in construction materials is recommended.
Knowledge, attitudes and factors associated with acceptability of human papillomavirus vaccination among undergraduate medical, dental and nursing students in South India

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate knowledge, attitudes and factors associated with acceptability of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among undergraduate medical, dental, and nursing students in South India. Methods: Using a post-test study design, a convenience sample of 988 students (age 18–26 years) were surveyed. The primary outcome was vaccine acceptability (likely to intend to receive the vaccine). Bivariate analysis using Chi-Square test of independence and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine factors associated with vaccine acceptability. Results: Out of 988 students surveyed, majority had heard about cervical cancer (95%), HPV (89.3) or genital warts(77.5). Only 59.7% had heard of HPV vaccine prior to the survey; 65.2% intended to receive the vaccine and 68.3% were willing to recommend the vaccine to others. Participants aged <22 years were less likely to accept the vaccine (OR:0.85, CI:0.76–0.96) compared with participants aged older than 22 years. Medical students (OR:1.12, CI:1.03–1.23), students who reported alcohol use (OR:1.15, CI:1.03–1.29) and those with moderate knowledge scores were more likely to intend to receive the vaccine (OR:1.14, CI:1.04–1.24), compared to others. On multivariate analysis, only course (OR 1.366, CI 1.016–1.835) and attitude score (OR 4.17; CI 2.12–8.2) were statistically associated with intention to receive the HPV vaccine. Conclusion: Two-thirds of students intended to receive the HPV vaccine. Although the overall awareness of the HPV-related disease and prevention is good, considerable knowledge gaps exists in many areas suggesting that that more education about HPV disease and benefits of vaccination should be included in the undergraduate medical school curriculum.
Edges facilitate water evaporation through nanoporous graphene

Understanding molecular processes of evaporation at the liquid–vapor interfaces is of critical importance for development of phase-change-related applications. The interfacial behaviors are defined by liquid–vapor equilibrium following thermodynamic rules, while the process through nanopores can be modulated by spatial confinement and intermolecular interaction with the pore. Based on molecular dynamics simulations, we explore water evaporation across nanoporous graphene membranes, which have been recently fabricated by, for example, ion or beam irradiation. The simulation results suggest that the molecular outflow can be facilitated by the graphene edges, boosting the overall evaporative flux by more than 100%. Free-energy analysis shows that the affinity of the graphene edge for water molecules provides a ‘hub’-like function in the path of molecular effusion, reducing the free energy barrier for evaporation across the liquid–vapor interface. This prominent edge effect can be further engineered by modifying the atomic charges. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of nanoengineering for the liquid–vapor phase-change processes using nanoporous graphene as a model system, which can find applications in heat transfer and energy conversion with high efficiency.
KDM2B regulates choline kinase expression and neuronal differentiation of neuroblastoma cells

The process of neuronal differentiation is associated with neurite elongation and membrane biogenesis, and phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) is the major membrane phospholipid in mammalian cells. During neuroblast differentiation, the transcription of two genes involved in PtdCho biosynthesis are stimulated: Chka gene for choline kinase (CK) alpha isoform and Pcyt1a gene for CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (CCT) alpha isoform. Here we show that CKα is essential for neuronal differentiation. In addition, we demonstrated that KDM2B regulates CKα expression and, as a consequence, neuronal differentiation. This factor is up-regulated in the course of the neuroblasts proliferative and undifferentiated state and down-regulated during differentiation induced by retinoic acid (RA). During proliferation, KDM2B binds to the Box2 located in the Chka promoter repressing its transcription. Interestingly, KDM2B knockdown enhances the levels of CKα expression in neuroblast cells and induces neuronal differentiation even in the absence of RA. These results suggest that KDM2B is required for the appropriate regulation of CKα during neuronal differentiation and to the maintaining of the undifferentiated stage of neuroblast cells.
ERECT LEAF1 suppresses jasmonic acid response in rice by decreasing OsWRKY4 stability

ABSTRACT ERECT LEAF 1 (ELF1), which was identified as a component of brassinosteroid signaling in rice, is involved in brassinosteroid-mediated suppression of jasmonic acid response. Here, by conducting yeast two‐hybrid assay and in vitro ubiquitination experiments, we demonstrate that ELF1 interacts with the OsWRKY4 transcription factor, a positive regulator of defense responses to rice sheath blight. ELF1 decreased the stability of OsWRKY4, whereas exogenous jasmonic acid treatment suppressed this effect of ELF1, resulting in OsWRKY4 accumulation in rice plants. In wild-type rice, OsWRKY4 expression was up-regulated by jasmonic acid treatment but down-regulated by brassinosteroid treatment, suggesting that jasmonic acid–induced OsWRKY4 accumulation was caused by a combination of increased production and suppressed degradation. The expression levels of the OsWRKY4 target genes, PR1b and PR5, seemed to be correlated with the OsWRKY4 level. These results suggest that ELF1 indirectly controls the expression of PR1b and PR5 genes by regulating the OsWRKY4 protein level, and support a hypothesis that brassinosteroid and jasmonic acid cooperate to maintain the balance between growth and defense responses. We conclude that ELF1 participates in the antagonistic interaction between these two phytohormones by suppressing the jasmonic acid response through the down-regulation of OsWRKY4 protein level in rice.
Processing of unfamiliar accents in monolingual and bilingual children: effects of type and amount of accent experience

Abstract Substantial individual differences exist in regard to type and amount of experience with variable speech resulting from foreign or regional accents. Whereas prior experience helps with processing familiar accents, research on how experience with accented speech affects processing of unfamiliar accents is inconclusive, ranging from perceptual benefits to processing disadvantages. We examined how experience with accented speech modulates mono- and bilingual children's (mean age: 9;10) ease of speech comprehension for two unfamiliar accents in German, one foreign and one regional. More experience with regional accents helped children repeat sentences correctly in the regional condition and in the standard condition. More experience with foreign accents did not help in either accent condition. The results suggest that type and amount of accent experience co-determine processing ease of accented speech.
Does Supplemental Intramedullary Grafting Increase Stability of Plated Proximal Humerus Fractures?

Objectives: To investigate the biomechanical competence of locked plating augmented with supplemental intramedullary graft in comparison to conventional locked plate fixation in proximal humerus fractures (PHF). Methods: Complex four-part PHFs were set in 30 artificial humeri assigned to 3 study groups (n = 10 in each group). Group 1 was characterized by loss of medial support, group 2 by simulated severe cancellous bone damage due to osteoporosis, and group 3 by combination of the 2 features. After locked plating, each specimen underwent nondestructive quasi-static mechanical testing in 25 degrees lateral angulation under axial loading between 150 and 400 N in 50-N increments, accompanied by consecutive anteroposterior x-ray imaging. Subsequently, an additional 3D-printed intramedullary graft was inserted into each specimen and all tests were repeated. Results: Grafting resulted in significantly higher axial stiffness compared with no graft in groups 1 and 3 (P < 0.01) but not in group 2 (P = 0.12). Nongrafted specimens represented significantly higher stiffness in group 2 compared with groups 1 and 3 (P < 0.01), whereas no significant differences were detected among the 3 groups in the grafted state (P > 0.99). Varus deformation decreased significantly in each group after graft insertion (P ⩽ 0.04). Nongrafted specimens in group 2 showed significantly lower varus deformation compared with groups 1 and 3 (P ⩽ 0.04). No significant differences were registered among the 3 groups after grafting (P ≥ 0.65). Conclusions: From a biomechanical perspective, locked plating augmented with intramedullary graft has the potential to increase significantly the stability against varus collapse in unstable PHFs when compared with conventional locked plate fixation.
Parkin overexpression protects from ageing‐related loss of muscle mass and strength

Recent evidence suggests that impaired mitophagy, a process in charge of removing damaged/dysfunctional mitochondria and in part regulated by Parkin, could contribute to the ageing‐related loss of muscle mass and function. In the present study, we show that Parkin overexpression attenuates ageing‐related loss of muscle mass and strength and unexpectedly causes hypertrophy in adult skeletal muscles. We also show that Parkin overexpression leads to increases in mitochondrial content and enzymatic activities. Finally, our results show that Parkin overexpression protects from ageing‐related increases in markers of oxidative stress, fibrosis and apoptosis. Our findings place Parkin as a potential therapeutic target to attenuate sarcopenia and improve skeletal muscle health and performance.
PEEK materials as an alternative to titanium in dental implants: A systematic review

PURPOSE Evaluation of the available research on PEEK materials to find that whether PEEK material has favorable properties and can enhance osseointegration, so that they can be utilize as implants material. MATERIALS AND METHODS An electronic and structured systematic search was undertaken in May 2018, without any restrictions of time in the Medline/Pubmed, Sci-hub, Ebscohost, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases. To identify other related references further hand search was done. Articles related to PEEK and their applications in implants were only included. Articles not available in abstract form and article other than English language were excluded. RESULTS Initially, the search resulted in 153 papers. Independent screenings of the abstracts were done by the reviewers to identify the articles related to the question in focus. Sixty-two studies were selected out of which 10 were further excluded due to not in English language. Two additional papers were obtained after hand searching, and finally 54 articles were included in the review. CONCLUSIONS Surface modification of PEEK seems to enhance the cell adhesion, proliferation, biocompability, and osteogenic properties of PEEK implant materials. PEEK had also influence the biofilm structure and reduces the chances of periimplant inflammations. Further research and more number of controlled clinical trials on PEEK implant is required in near future so that it can replace titanium in future.
The development of new image receptor-holding instruments with appropriate horizontal X-ray beam angulation for periapical radiographs.

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to develop new image receptor-holding instruments with appropriate horizontal X-ray beam angulation, based on the anatomical data of posterior region interproximal surfaces derived from archived CT images. METHODS CT images of 92 patients with sound upper and lower dental arches were collected from our CT database and analyzed to determine the angles between the tangential interproximal contact line and the central groove line of posterior teeth. The average angle for each site was calculated and used to modify instruments using a three-dimensional printer. The utilities of the conventional and the modified instruments for viewing proximal surfaces were compared using two dry skulls. RESULTS The right and left sides of each site, except for the lower second premolar and first molar sites, did not differ significantly. The difference between the sites was 2.0°; hence, we calculated mean values for the two sides at each site. In the maxilla, the angles of the first and second premolar, second premolar and first molar, and first and second molar to the groove line were 83.9° (±5.4°), 84.4° (±3.9°), 81.6° (±5.1°), while those in the mandible were 85.0° (±9.2°), 85.0° (±4.0°), and 90.6° (±4.9°), respectively. The holding instruments modified to 80° demonstrated better proximal viewing ability in the upper molar region than conventional instruments. CONCLUSIONS The mean angles of the interproximal surfaces were determined from CT data. The image receptor holding-instruments were modified according to these angles to allow appropriate X-ray angulation, which facilitated improved observation of the proximal surfaces of teeth in the posterior region in this pilot in vitro study.
Cytotoxic Drugs Activate KSHV Lytic Cycle in Latently Infected PEL Cells by Inducing a Moderate ROS Increase Controlled by HSF1, NRF2 and p62/SQSTM1

Previous studies have indicated that cytotoxic treatments may induce or not activate viral lytic cycle activation in cancer cells latently infected by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). To investigate the molecular mechanisms responsible for such an effect, we compared two cytotoxic treatments able to induce the viral lytic cycle, named 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) (T) in combination with sodium butyrate (B) and bortezomib (BZ), with two cytotoxic treatments that did not activate this process, named metformin (MET) and quercetin (Q). Our results indicated that TB and bortezomib increased levels of oxygen reactive species (ROS) while metformin and quercetin reduced them. The finding that N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a reactive oxigen species (ROS) scavenger, counteracted K-bZIP expression induced by TB or bortezomib, confirmed that an ROS increase played a role in KSHV lytic cycle activation. Moreover, we found that TB and bortezomib up-regulated p62/Sequestosome1(p62/SQSTM1) protein, while metformin and quercetin down-regulated it. p62/SQSTM1 silencing or the inhibition of NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) or Heat Shock Factor 1 (HSF1), that mediate p62/SQSTM1 transcription, also reduced KSHV lytic antigen expression induced by TB or bortezomib. Interestingly, such combination treatments further increased intracellular ROS and cytotoxicity induced by the single TB or bortezomib treatment, suggesting that NRF2, HSF1 and p62/SQSTM1 keep the ROS level under control, allowing primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cells to continue to survive and KSHV to replicate.
Associations between cardiovascular disease, cancer, and very low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the REasons for Geographical and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study

Aims Relatively little is known about the health outcomes associated with very low plasma concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) mainly because of the small numbers of individuals with such extreme values included in clinical trials. We, therefore, investigated the association between low and very low HDL-C concentration at baseline and incident all-cause-mortality, death from malignant disease (i.e. cancer), and with fatal or non-fatal incident coronary heart disease (CHD) in individuals from the Reasons for Geographical And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study. Methods and results Analysis was based on 21 751 participants from the REGARDS study who were free of CHD, other cardiovascular disease, and cancer at baseline and were categorized by baseline HDL-C into <30 mg/dL (very low), 30-<40 mg/dL (low), and ≥40 mg/dL (reference). A series of incremental Cox proportional hazards models were employed to assess the association between the HDL-C categories and outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using both complete case methods and multiple imputations with chained equations. After adjustment for age, race, and sex, the hazard ratios (HRs) comparing the lowest and highest HDL-C categories were 1.48 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28-1.73] for all-cause mortality, 1.35 (95% CI 1.03-1.77) for cancer-specific mortality and 1.39 (95% CI 0.99-1.96) for incident CHD. These associations became non-significant in models adjusting for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, and treatment for dyslipidaemia. We found evidence for an HDL paradox, whereby low HDL (30-<40 mg/dL) was associated with reduced risk of incident CHD in black participants in a fully adjusted complete case model (HR 0.63; 95% CI 0.46-0.88) and after multiple imputation analyses (HR 0.76; 95% CI 0.58-0.98). HDL-C (<30 mg/dL) was significantly associated with poorer outcomes in women for all outcomes, especially with respect to cancer mortality (HR 2.31; 95% CI 1.28-4.16) in a fully adjusted complete case model, replicated using multiple imputation (HR 1.81; 95% CI 1.03-3.20). Conclusion Low HDL-C was associated with reduced risk of incident CHD in black participants suggesting a potential HDL paradox for incident CHD. Very low HDL-C in women was significantly associated with cancer mortality in a fully adjusted complete case model.
Progressive retinal ganglion cell loss in primary open-angle glaucoma is associated with temperature circadian rhythm phase delay and compromised sleep

ABSTRACT Advanced primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is characterized by progressive retinal ganglion cell complex (RGCC) damage that may cause subsequent disruption of the circadian rhythms. Therefore, we evaluated circadian body temperature (BT) rhythm and sleep characteristics of 115 individuals (38 men and 77 women) diagnosed with POAG. GLV (global loss volume; %), a measure of RGCC damage, was estimated by high-definition optical coherence tomography, and RGC functional ability was assessed by pattern electroretinogram amplitude (PERGA). Depending on dynamics of POAG progression criteria, two groups were formed that were distinctively different in GLV: Stable POAG group (S-POAG; GLV = 5.95 ± 1.84, n = 65) and Progressive POAG group (P-POAG; GLV = 24.27 ± 5.09, n = 50). S-POAG and P-POAG groups were not different in mean age (67.61 ± 7.56 versus 69.98 ± 8.15) or body mass index (24.66 ± 3.03 versus 24.77 ± 2.90). All subjects performed 21 around-the-clock BT self-measurements during a 72-h period and kept activity/sleep diaries. Results showed pronounced disruption of circadian physiology in POAG and its progression with increasing severity of the disease. The daily mean of BT was unusually low, compared to age-matched controls. Moreover, our results revealed distinctive features of BT circadian rhythm alterations in POAG development and POAG progression. S-POAG is associated with lowered BT circadian rhythm robustness and inter-daily phase stability compared to controls. In the P-POAG group, the mean phase of the circadian BT rhythm was delayed by about 5 h and phases were highly scattered among individual patients, which led to reduced group mean amplitude. Circadian amplitudes of individuals were not different between the groups. Altogether, these results suggest that the body clock still works in POAG patients, but its entrainment to the 24-h environment is compromised. Probably because of the internal desynchronization, bedtime is delayed, and sleep duration is accordingly shortened by about 55 min in P-POAG compared to S-POAG patients. In the entire POAG cohort (both groups), later sleep phase and shorter mean sleep duration correlate with the delayed BT phase (r = 0.215; p = 0.021 and r = 0.322; p = 0.0004, respectively). An RGCC GLV of 15% apparently constitutes a threshold above which a delay of the circadian BT rhythm and a shortening of sleep duration occur.
Interfascial block at the serratus muscle plane versus conventional analgesia in breast surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Background and objectives In the context of opioid-sparing perioperative management, there is still little evidence from randomized controlled trials regarding the effectiveness of interfascial thoracic blocks. This study hypothesizes that receiving a serratus plane block reduces opioid requirements, pain scores, and rescue medication needs. Methods This double-blind, randomized controlled study was conducted on 60 adult females undergoing oncologic breast surgery. After general anesthesia, patients were randomly allocated to either conventional analgesia (control group, n=30) or single-injection serratus block with L-bupivacaine 0.25% 30mL (study group, n=30). First 24-hour total morphine consumption (primary outcome), pain scores at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours, time-to-first opioid rescue analgesia, and adverse effects were recorded. Results Median 24 hours’ opioid dose was greater in the control group (median difference 9 mg (95% CI 4 to 14.5 mg); p<0.001). Proportional odds model showed that the study group has a lower probability of receiving opioid drugs (OR=0.26 (95% CI 0.10 to 0.68); p<0.001), while mastectomies have a higher probability of receiving them (OR=4.11 (95% CI 1.25 to 13.58); p=0.002). Pain scores in the study group were significantly lower throughout the follow-up period (p<0.001). Control group subjects needed earlier morphine rescue and had a higher risk of rescue dose requirement (p=0.002). Conclusions Interfascial serratus plane block reduces opioid requirements and is associated with better pain scores and lower and later rescue analgesia needs in the first 24 hours, compared with conventional intravenous analgesia, in breast surgery. Trial registration number NCT02905149.