Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cervical spondylodiscitis caused by Candida albicans in a non-immunocompromised patient: A case report and review of literature

Background: Fungal cervical spondylodiscitis is rare and accounts for less than 1% of all cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebral osteomyelitis and discitis. Case Description: A 32-year-old non-immunocompromised male presented with persistent neck pain and paresthesias. The magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine demonstrated a contrast-enhancing erosive lesion involving the cervical C6 and C7 vertebral bodies accompanied by epidural phlegmon. Blood culture was negative. The patient underwent a C6 and C7 anterior corpectomy with instrumented fusion (e.g., expandable cage C5 to T1). Intraoperatively, frank pus was noted within the C6-C7 disc space and was accompanied by thick prevertebral and epidural phlegmon extending from C5 to T1. Intraoperative cultures grew Candida albicans. Three days later, a C6-C7 laminectomy with C4-T2 posterior instrumented fusion was performed; the cultures again grew C. albicans. The patient was treated with intravenous micafungin for 14 days followed by 6–12 months of 400 mg oral fluconazole daily. Conclusion: There are few cases in literature where non-immunocompromised patients developed fungal cervical spondylodiscitis. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are critical to effectively treat these patients. Surgical intervention may warrant corpectomy, discectomy, and operative debridement followed by long-term targeted antifungal therapy.
Acute Cannabinoids Produce Robust Anxiety-Like and Locomotor Effects in Mice, but Long-Term Consequences Are Age- and Sex-Dependent

The rise in cannabinoid legalization and decriminalization in the US has been paired with an increase in adolescents that perceive marijuana as a “no risk” drug. However, a comprehensive review of human literature indicates that cannabinoid usage may have both beneficial and detrimental effects, with adolescent exposure being a critical window for harming cognitive development. Although the cannabinoids Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are often used together for recreational and medical purposes, no study has previously observed the acute and long-lasting effects of THC+CBD in a battery of behavioral assays analogous to subjective human reports. The current study observed the acute and long-term effects of THC, CBD, and THC+CBD on object recognition memory, anxiety-like behavior, and activity levels in adolescent and adult mice of both sexes. Acute THC alone and in combination with CBD resulted in robust effects on anxiety-like and locomotor behavior. A history of repeated cannabinoid treatment followed by a period without drug administration resulted in minimal effects in these behavioral assays. Most notably, the strongest effects of repeated cannabinoid treatment were seen in adult females administered THC+CBD, which significantly impaired their object recognition. No effects of repeated cannabinoid history were present on hippocampal protein expression. These studies represent a detailed examination of age- and sex-effects of acute and repeated cannabinoid administration. However, the acute and long-term effects of THC with and without CBD on additional behaviors in adolescents and adults will need to be examined for a more complete picture of these drug effects.
Association of fracture configuration and callus formation with a concentration of proinflammatory cytokines in children with long bone fractures

Background / Aim. Inflammatory response is of utmost importance in bone healing, but the precise role of cells and cytokines remains unclear. In our study we examined the association between IL-1β, TNF-α, MCP-1 and IL-8 concentration, fracture configuration and callus formation. Methods. Serum cytokine concentration was determined in 78 nonobese children with long bone fractures (Group 1), 10 children with finger fractures (Group 2) and 10 healthy controls (Group 3). Blood samples were taken immediately after fracture upon hospital admission for Groups 1 and 2. Differences in cytokine concentration were analyzed between groups and categorized according to fracture configuration and callus formation. Results. IL1-β and TNF-α levels were lower in patients that went on to produce incomplete callus compared with patients that formed complete callus. Surprisingly, average IL1-β concentration was highest in the healthy control group. The only significant correlation between IL1-β and TNF-α was in the group with moderate callus formation. MCP-1 level was slightly increased in all patient groups comparing to controls, with no mutual difference. Average IL-8 level showed clear decrease tendency from group with incompletely toward group with completely formed callus as well as comparing to controls, without significant difference. Children with epiphysiolysis had the lowest concentrations of cytokines compared with all other fractures types including transverse, oblique and spiral. We also found that there was a significantly lower concentration of IL-1β and MCP1 in patients with less fragment displacement comparing with patients with greater fragment displacement. Conclusion. Systemic inflammatory response is important in the physiological bone healing. High early production of IL1-β, TNF-α and MCP-1 is associated with greater callus formation and better healing outcome, while increased IL-8 level is associated with poor callus formation and worse healing outcome. Our results indicate that epiphysiolysis and larger fragment displacement is associated with delayed fracture healing. Abstrakt Uvod / Cilj. Inflamatorni odgovor je od izuzetne važnosti u zarastanju koštanih preloma iako je precizna uloga celija i citokina nejasna. U našoj studiji ispitivali smo povezanost vrednosti IL-1β, TNF-α, MCP-1 and IL-8 sa konfiguracijom preloma i formiranjem kalusa.
Metallicity dependence of black hole main sequence binaries detectable with Gaia

LIGO has detected gravitational waves from massive binary black holes mergers. In order to explain the origin of such massive stellar black holes, extreme metal poor stars including first stars are focused on. However, black holes do not have the information of the metallicity. In order to check the metallicity dependence of the black hole formation, we focus on the black hole-main sequence binary (BH-MS) and the astrometry observatory $Gaia$. Using the binary population synthesis method, we find that $Gaia$ can detect $\sim200$ BH-MSs whose metallicity is $Z_{\odot}$ and $\sim400$ BH-MSs whose metallicity is $0. 1Z_{\odot}$. Using the spectroscopic observation with 4-m class telescopes such as Anglo-Australian Telescope, Mayall telescope, and Kyoto university 3.8m telescope, we can check the metallicity of BH-MSs. The metallicity dependence of the black hole formation might be revealed by the astrometry and spectroscopic observation.
Cajaninstilbene Acid Ameliorates Cognitive Impairment Induced by Intrahippocampal Injection of Amyloid-β1–42 Oligomers

Amyloid-β1–42 (Aβ1–42) oligomers play an important role at the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and have been a vital target in the development of therapeutic drugs for AD. Cajaninstilbene acid (CSA), a major bioactive stilbene isolated from pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) leaves, exerted the neuroprotective property in our previous studies. The present study utilized a validated mouse model of early-stage AD induced by bilateral injection of Aβ1–42 oligomers into hippocampal CA1 regions (100 pmol/mouse) to investigate the cognitive enhancing effects of CSA and the underlying mechanism, by a combination of animal behavioral tests, immunohistochemistry, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis, and Western blot methods. Intragastric administration of CSA (7.5, 15, and 30 mg/kg) attenuated the impairment of learning and memory induced by Aβ1–42 oligomers. CSA stimulated Aβ clearance and prevented microglial activation and astrocyte reactivity in the hippocampus of model mice. It also decreased the high levels of Glu but increased the low levels of GABA. In addition, CSA inhibited excessive expression of GluN2B-containing NMDARs and upregulated the downstream PKA/CREB/BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway. These results suggest that CSA could be a potential therapeutic agent at the early stage of AD.
Transparent password policies: A case study of investigating end-user situational awareness

Transparent password policies are utilized by organizations in an effort to ease the end-user (e.g. customer) from the burden of configuring authentication settings while maintaining a high level of security. However, authentication transparency can challenge security and usability and can impact the awareness of the end-users with regards to the protection level that is realistically achieved. For authentication transparency to be effective, the triptych security – usability – situational awareness should be considered when designing relevant security solutions / products. Although various efforts have been made in the literature, the usability aspects of the password selection process are not well understood or addressed in the context of end-user situational awareness. This research work specifies three security and usability-related strategies that represent the organizations’, the end users’ and the attackers’ objectives with regards to password construction. Understanding each actor’s perspective can greatly assist in increasing situational awareness with regards to the authentication controls usage and effectiveness. Furthermore, a case study is presented to evaluate if, and in what way, transparent password policies, that isolate users’ involvement can affect the perspective of the end-user with regards to the
Mass mortality of fingerlings of Labeo rohita (Hamilton) in a nursery pond

The cause of large scale mortality in fingerlings of Labeo rohita (Hamilton) stocked in a nursery pond was investigated. Examination of gills of healthy looking fingerlings revealed heavy infestations of Dactylogyrus. Bacteriological studies showed presence of Aeromonas hydrophila, A.sobria, Vibrio Spp. and enterobacteriaceae in the internal organs of infected fingerlings. Dip treatment of fingerlings in formalin solution (50 ppm) controlled the mortality. Mortality ceased after one week of treatment . Examination of healthy fish at this stage showed absence of Dactylogyrus on the gills and bacteria in the internal organs. Presence of different types of bacteria in Dactylogyrus infected fish suggests that bacteria might have gained entry into the internal organs through damaged gills.
Recommendations on the Use of Ecosystem Modeling for Informing Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management and Restoration Outcomes in the Gulf of Mexico

AbstractEcosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) and ecosystem restoration are gaining momentum worldwide, including in U.S. waters of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Ecosystem models are valuable tools for informing EBFM and restoration activities. In this paper, we provide guidance and a roadmap for ecosystem modeling in the GOM region, with an emphasis on model development and use of model products to inform EBFM and the increasing investments in restoration. We propose eight “best practices” for ecosystem modeling efforts, including (1) identification of priority management questions, (2) scenarios as simulation experiments, (3) calibration and validation needs, (4) sensitivity and uncertainty analyses, (5) ensuring transparency, (6) improving communication between ecosystem modelers and the various stakeholders, (7) documentation of modeling efforts, and (8) maintaining the ecosystem models and codes. Fisheries management in the USA adheres to a prescriptive set of calculations. Therefore, the use of ec.
B-cell activating factor receptor expression is associated with germinal center B-cell maintenance

B-cell activating factor (BAFF) is a major cytokine that regulates B-cell survival, maturation and differentiation through its binding with its receptors: BAFF receptor (BAFF-R), transmembrane activator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) and B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA). These receptors have been demonstrated to be involved in tertiary lymphoid structure formation; however, their role in germinal centers (GCs) has remained elusive. The aim of the present study was to determine the expression profiles of BAFF and its receptors in secondary lymphoid tissues. Tonsils resected due to chronic tonsillitis were used as lymphoid tissues. To confirm the presence of GCs identified based on their typical structure, CD21 antibody staining was employed. The expression of BAFF, BAFF-R, TACI and BCMA was assessed by immunohistochemistry. BAFF was highly expressed in all regions of the follicle, but the highest BAFF expression was detected in the mantle zone (MZ). A high expression of BAFF-R was observed on lymphocytes in the MZ in comparison with the other regions (~80%; P<0.05), which was co-localizated with BAFF (r=0.646; P<0.001), in the MZ. TACI and BCMA exhibited similar expression among the different zones of the GCs, and co-localization with BAFF was observed inside the follicle, mainly in the dark zone. The present results indicate that BAFF is implicated in the maintenance of GCs. BAFF-R overexpression in the MZ, co-localizated with BAFF, suggests that these proteins constitute the principal pathway for the maintenance of the naïve B-cell population. Furthermore, TACI and BCMA have a role in the GC, where processes of B-cell selection, proliferation and differentiation into immunoglobulin-secreting plasma cells occur.
TWO-SOURCE ENERGY BALANCE MODEL TO CALCULATE E, T, AND ET: COMPARISON OF PRIESTLEY-TAYLOR AND PENMAN-MONTEITH FORMULATIONS AND TWO TIME SCALING METHODS

Abstract. The two-source energy balance (TSEB) model calculates the energy balance of the soil-canopy-atmosphere continuum, where transpiration is initially determined by the Priestley-Taylor equation. The TSEB was revised recently using the Penman-Monteith equation to replace the Priestley-Taylor formulation, thus better accounting for the impact of large and varying vapor pressure deficits (VPD) typical of advective, semiarid climates. This study is a comparison of the Priestley-Taylor and Penman-Monteith versions of the TSEB (termed TSEB-PT and TSEB-PM, respectively). Evaporation (E), transpiration (T), and evapotranspiration (ET) calculated by the TSEB-PT and TSEB-PM versions were compared to measurements obtained with microlysimeters, sap flow gauges, and weighing lysimeters, respectively, for fully irrigated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) at Bushland, Texas. Radiometric surface temperature (T R ) was used to calculate E, T, and ET in both TSEB versions in 15 min intervals and summed to intervals coinciding with times of measurements. In addition, a one-time-of-day T R measurement was used (9:45, 11:15, 12:45, 14:15, or 15:45 CST), and E, T, and ET were calculated for the appropriate measurement interval (i.e., daytime, nighttime, and 24 h) using the time scaling methods based on reference ET (TSC ET ) and reference temperature (TSC TEMP ). Measured average values of E, T, and ET during the study period were 0.94 mm (24 h), 6.9 mm (7:00 to 22:00 CST), and 7.2 mm (24 h), respectively. The TSEB-PT consistently overestimated E and underestimated T, with RMSE/MBE of up to 2.8/1.8 mm and 4.1/-3.9 mm, respectively. In comparison, the TSEB-PM greatly reduced discrepancies between calculations and measurements, with respective RMSE/MBE for E and T of only up to 1.5/0.79 mm and 1.3/±0.76 mm, respectively. For 24 h ET, the TSEB-PT resulted in maximum RMSE/MBE of 3.2/-1.9 mm, and the TSEB-PM had maximum RMSE/MBE of 1.7/0.95 mm. Daytime ET model agreement was very similar for both model versions (RMSE/MBE usually ET or TSC TEMP methods, and results did not greatly differ for TSC ET or TSC TEMP . Both time scaling methods were not very sensitive to the T R measurement time used, although morning (9:45 CST) T R measurement times did not perform as well as the other times.
Positron emission tomography imaging of endogenous mu-opioid mechanisms during pain and migraine

Abstract The enormous advancements in the medical imaging methods witnessed in the past decades have allowed clinical researchers to study the function of the human brain in vivo, both in health and disease. In addition, a better understanding of brain responses to different modalities of stimuli such as pain, reward, or the administration of active or placebo interventions has been achieved through neuroimaging methods. Although magnetic resonance imaging has provided important information regarding structural, hemodynamic, and metabolic changes in the central nervous system related to pain, magnetic resonance imaging does not address modulatory pain systems at the molecular level (eg, endogenous opioid). Such important information has been obtained through positron emission tomography, bringing insights into the neuroplastic changes that occur in the context of the pain experience. Positron emission tomography studies have not only confirmed the brain structures involved in pain processing and modulation but also have helped elucidate the neural mechanisms that underlie healthy and pathological pain regulation. These data have shown some of the biological basis of the interindividual variability in pain perception and regulation. In addition, they provide crucial information to the mechanisms that drive placebo and nocebo effects, as well as represent an important source of variability in clinical trials. Positron emission tomography studies have also permitted exploration of the dynamic interaction between behavior and genetic factors and between different pain modulatory systems. This narrative review will present a summary of the main findings of the positron emission tomography studies that evaluated the functioning of the opioidergic system in the context of pain.
CURRENT STATUS ON BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF ACORUS CALAMUS - A REVIEW Review Article

The review emphasis on the current status of the researches in Acorus calamus highlighting their number of useful biological activities. The Acorus calamus most extensively investigated phytochemically and pharmacologically. Number of bioactive constituents was identified and characterized from the leaves and rhizomes and their essential oils. Major chemical constituents identified are alpha and beta asarones which is responsible for therapeutic and medicinal properties of Acorus species. Several, recently published reports have revealed many newer useful bioactivities of leaves and rhizome extracts, essential oils and isolated chemical constituents such as anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, anti-adipogenic, antimicrobial, fungicidal, insulin sensitizing/antidiabetic, neuroprotective, wound healing, mitogenic, insecticidal, anthelmintic, allelopathic, antiepileptic, antispasmodic activities and inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase. This article highlights the various biological activities studied in A. calamus.
Knowledge Management Adjustment and its Implications for Business Performance

Knowledge management (KM) has been regarded as animportant issue for the professionals and academicians in these years. Human resource management (HRM) plays an important role in performing knowledge management activities. At the same time, the importance of information technology management (ITM) in promoting effective KM practices has also been recognized. Therefore, in the case of KM strategy must align with HRM strategy, ITM must be merged into this relationship to obtainorganizational results. Top managers from 346 organizations completed the research questionnaire. Performance indirect suggestionsof adjustment are examined using profile abnormality analysis. Findings showed that the holistic viewpointof adjustment among KM strategy, ITM strategy and HRM strategy presents a significant impact on business performance.
A PREY-PREDATOR MODEL FOR INVESTING IN STOCKS

An attempt is made to treat company shares in the stock market as a dynamical eco-system using a modified three-dimensional form of the Lotka-Volterra model. Stability analysis is performed and numerical simulations of parameter values are used to investigate the dynamics of the system. This study shows that varying parameter values can affect whether the system remains stable or experiences bifurcations. AMS Subject Classification: 92D25
Characterization of F-actin Flashes on Phagosomes in Macrophages

Macrophages are specialised leukocytes tasked with the engulfment and destruction of foreign particles. We are studying particle uptake by the CR3 receptor in macrophages. Post particle internalization, we have shown that F-actin localizes transiently at phagosome membranes and this event, termed F-actin flashing, often results in red blood cell deformation, lysis and occasionally fission, suggestive of a force-generating property. Putative mechanosensing properties were also proposed based on identification of certain phagosome membrane-localized proteins, as well as distinctions in temporal dynamics based on the internalized particle’s malleability. We have also reported that certain stages of maturation were delayed in phagosomes exhibiting F-actin flashing. Finally, inhibiting myosin IIA activity significantly reduced the frequency at which red blood cell-containing phagosomes became deformed simultaneously with transient F-actin accumulation. Actomyosin-driven contractions could serve to physically distort malleable particles, akin to “chewing”, which may have implications in phagosome maturation, as well as antigen presentation.
A Digital Speed Control Application on the Universal Motor with PIC Microcontroller

It is known that speed control on the universal motor by means of microprocessors is very complex and expensive. However, the speed control application on universal motor by peripheral interface controller (PIC) may be done with more simple hardware and software program. Generally, the microcontrollers are preferred because of their capability to find solutions for all kinds of control problems that couldn't be solved by the microprocessors. Hence, they have been developed rapidly and used in various fields recently. Also due to superior capabilities of the PIC, they are preferred on the universal motor speed control. Usually, two different methods have been used on the universal motor speed controls; one is period measuring and the other is frequency measuring. In this study, both methods were applied on the universal motor speed control. The triggering angles of the triac were changed with feedback received from the tachogenerator that was coupled to the universal motor shaft and the speed of the universal motor was ensured to remain stable under the variable load. The working principle of the program and the written text of the program were presented in this study. In addition to the application results, the suggestions on the advantages and development of with microcontroller system have been made. In conclusion, it was found that this application may be more secure speed control method than the others.