Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
'Psoriasis 1' reduces T-lymphocyte-mediated inflammation in patients with psoriasis by inhibiting vitamin D receptor-mediated STAT4 inactivation

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated dermatosis characterized by T-lymphocyte-mediated epidermal hyperplasia, for which there are currently no effective clinical treatments. 'Psoriasis 1' is a Chinese herbal medicine formulation that has been recently used extensively in China for treating patients with psoriasis. However, the molecular mechanism of action of this potent formulation has not yet been fully elucidated. In the present study, the effects of 'Psoriasis 1' on T ymphocytes in patients with psoriasis were investigated and the underlying molecular mechanism was discussed. Blood samples were collected from 40 patients with psoriasis. ELISA was employed to assess the levels of tumour necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, transforming growth factor-β, IL-4, IL-12, IL-23 and vitamin D (VD). Western blot and quantitative PCR analyses were used to investigate the expression levels of VD receptor (VDR) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)4 in T lymphocytes. 'Psoriasis 1' was observed to significantly increase CD4+ T cells. It also notably upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of VDR, and downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of STAT4. Moreover, the suppression of VDR was found to aggravate the inflammatory response, which was reversed by 'Psoriasis 1. ' Thus, this formulation reportedly decreased the inflammation mediated by T lymphocytes in patients with psoriasis through inhibiting VDR-mediated STAT4 inactivation.
Long non-coding RNA MCM3AP-AS1 drives ovarian cancer progression via the microRNA-143-3p/TAK1 axis

The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) MCM3AP antisense 1 (MCM3AP-AS1) has previously been shown to be a key regulator of multiple types of cancer; however whether it is important in the context of ovarian cancer (OC) is uncertain. The present study determined that MCM3AP-AS1 expression in samples from patients with OC was significantly increased, and was associated with tumor stage, presence of lymph node metastases and poorer overall survival. The role of this lncRNA was investigated in vitro, and it was observed that knockdown of MCM3AP-AS1 impaired OC cell proliferation, migration and colony formation. Similarly, it disrupted tumor growth in vivo. The present study further determined that MCM3AP-AS1 was able to directly interact with microRNA (miRNA or miR)-143-3p as a competing endogenous (ce)RNA for this miRNA, thereby regulating the expression of transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), a known target of miR-143-3p in OC. Consistent with this, inhibition of miR-143-3p was sufficient to partially reverse the effects of MCM3AP-AS1-knockdown, which inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of OC cells. Together, these results indicate that MCM3AP-AS1 serves as an oncogenic lncRNA in OC by binding to miR-143-3p and thereby promoting TAK1 expression, and suggest that this lncRNA may be a possible target for therapy in OC.
Impact of biomethanated distillery spentwash application on soil and water quality: A field appraisal

In Namakkal district, the boimethanated distillery spentwash from the Salem Co-operative Sugar Mills Ltd, Mohanur, has been applied in farmers' field, particularly in dryland, as a source of plant nutrients and irrigation water. The impact of spentwash application on soil and groundwater quality was assessed in areas previously applied with the distillery spentwash. The ground waters samples were collected from open wells near the spentwash applied fields in Namakkal district contained large amount of salts, particularly K+ and cr suggesting that the water contamination is mainly due to the application of distillery spentwash. More than 50% of the samples were found unsuitable for irrigation purpose as they have shown greater potential for salinity hazards. Though no marked evidence was observed on the soil characteristics, the nutrients (N, P and K) and salt (Na, Ca, Mg, Cl and SO4) contents were relatively higher in these soils previously amended with the spentwash.
Choroidal Thickness in Different Types of Inherited Retinal Dystrophies

Abstract Purpose To compare the choroidal thickness among eyes with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), Stargardt disease, Usher syndrome, cone-rod dystrophy, and healthy eyes of sex- and age-matched individuals. Methods In this comparative study, 503 eyes with RP (n = 264), cone-rod dystrophy (n = 109), Stargardt disease (n = 76), and Usher syndrome (n = 54) were included. To validate the data, 109 healthy eyes of 56 sex- and age-matched individuals were studied as controls. Choroidal imaging was performed using enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography. Choroidal thickness was measured manually using MATLAB software at 13 points in nasal and temporal directions from the foveal center with the interval of 500 µm and the choroidal area encompassing the measured points was calculated automatically. Results The mean age was 36.33 ± 13.07 years (range, 5 to 72 years). The mean choroidal thickness at 13 points of the control eyes was statistically significantly higher than that in eyes with RP (P < 0.001) and Usher syndrome (P < 0.05), but not significantly different from that in eyes with Stargardt disease and cone-rod dystrophy. Among different inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs), the choroidal thickness was the lowest in eyes with RP (P < 0.001). Choroidal thickness in the subfoveal area correlated negatively with best-corrected visual acuity (r = -0.264, P < 0.001) and the duration of ocular symptoms (r = -0.341, P < 0.001) in all studied IRDs. No significant correlation was observed between the subfoveal choroidal thickness and central macular thickness (r = -0.24, P = 0.576). Conclusion Choroidal thinning in four different types of IRDs does not follow a similar pattern and depends on the type of IRD and the duration of ocular symptoms. A larger cohort is required to verify these findings
Effect of irrigation scheduling on the growth and yield of wheat genotypes

An investigation was carried out on the effect of irrigation schedules and genotypes on the growth and yield components of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad (Karnataka) in the year 2001-02. The design of the experiment was split plot with three replications. Irrigation schedules(I7) at crown root initiation + tillering + jointing + flowering + milky + dough stages recorded maximum effective tillers at harvest (94.66), total dry matter production (217.58 g m-1 row length), leaf area (49.31 dm2 m-1 row length), leaf area index (2.18), the mean ear length (6.89 cm), number of grains per ear (34.58), 1000 grain weight (39.83 g). Due to increased growth parameters, I7 irrigation schedule resulted in maximum grain yield (2669 kg ha-1) over I1 (1626 kg ha-1), I4 (2128 kg ha-1), I2 (2150 kg ha-1) and I3 (2240 kg ha-1) but was on par with I5 (2463 kg ha-1) and I6 (2580 kg ha-1). Significantly higher (2128 kg ha-1) grain yield was observed in I4 irrigation schedule over I1 (1626 kg ha-1) but was on par with I2 (2150 kg ha-1) and I3 (2240 kg ha-1) irrigation schedule. Significantly lowest (1626 kg ha-1) grain yield was recorded in irrigation schedule at crown root initiation and tillering stage. Among the wheat genotypes, DWR-1006 (durum wheat) recorded higher effective tillers at harvest (84.28), total dry matter production (206.06 g m-1 row length), leaf area (46.45 dm2 m-1 row length), leaf area index (2.06), number of grains per ear (33.46), 1000 grain weight (40.83 g), harvest index (0.379) and grain yield (2390 kg ha-1). The grain yield was affected due to wheat genotypes. Significantly higher (2390 kg ha-1) grain yield was recorded in wheat genotype DWR-1006 over DWR-162 (2140 kg ha-1).
Primary Gastric Adenosquamous Carcinoma: A Case Report

Gastric adenosquamous carcinoma (GASC) is a rare variant of gastric cancer; the limited data available suggest that these tumors are more aggressive and have a worse outcome in comparison to gastric adenocarcinoma. Currently, the management of GASC is similar to adenocarcinoma. We report a case of GASC that progressed rapidly despite treatment.
Plant Chromosome Book of Iran

Since the initiation of cytotaxonomy and the study of chromosome numbers of plants by Guignard (1882) and Strasburger (1882), many problematic matters such as cryptic species, ploidy-related syndromes and lineage divergences have been mitigated by this relatively simple and inexpensive method. The exclusivity of the chromosome number for each species led to extensive use of chromosome counting by various branches of biology, especially evolutionary studies and plant systematics (Love and Kjellquvist 1972).
Functional Coatings for Orthodontic Archwires—A Review

In this literature review, the current state-of-art of coatings for orthodontic archwires’ increasing antimicrobial and relevant mechanical properties, such as surface topography, friction or corrosion resistance, has been presented. There is a growing request for orthodontic appliances, therefore, most researchers focus on innovative functional coatings to cover orthodontic archwires and brackets. Orthodontic appliances are exposed to the unfavorable oral cavity environment, consisting of saliva flow, food, temperature and appliance force. As a consequence, friction or biocorrosion processes may occur. This can affect the functionality of the orthodontic elements, causing changes in their microstructure, surface topography and mechanical properties. Furthermore, the material which the orthodontic archwire is made from is of particular importance in terms of the possible corrosion resistance. This is especially important for patients who are hypersensitive to metals, for example, nickel, which causes allergic reactions. In the literature, there are some studies, carried out in vitro and in vivo, mostly examining the antibacterial, antiadherent, mechanical and roughness properties of functional coatings. They are clinically acceptable but still some properties have to be studied and be developed for better results. In this paper the influence of additives such as nanoparticles of silver and nitrogen-doped TiO2 applied on orthodontic brackets by different methods on the antimicrobial properties was analyzed. Future improvement of coating techniques as well as modification of the archwire composition can reduce the release of nickel ions and eliminate friction and bacterial adhesion problems, thus accelerating treatment time.
A Strategic Leadership Competency Model for the South African Public Service

Government leaders thus play a major role in bringing together the resources to produce products and to deliver services. Research on the strategic competency requirements of leaders within the public service remains scant. This research presents an integrated leadership competency model based on surveys (N=168) and focus group (N=155) discussions of designated leaders in public service organisations. Keywords— Leadership, Competencies, Public Service, Strategies
Overview, Status and Outline of the New CIGRE Working Group C4.49 on Converter Stability in Power Systems

This paper presents the overview, current status and outline of the new CIGRE working group C4.49 entitled “Multi-frequency stability of converter-based modern power systems”. It provides concise definitions, a literature review covering state-of-the-art contributions, and aspects of modelling and analysis methods are discussed and aided by examples based on a proposed benchmark system. The working group’s objective is to describe the phenomena, harmonize definitions and explain available methods for analyses with their advantages and disadvantages as well as providing a common understanding on modelling, analysis, evaluation and mitigation techniques. Furthermore, guidelines on the general approach to such studies and the availability as well as choice of tools will be provided by the working group. Keywords—CIGRE working group, converter-based power systems, impedance-based stability analysis, modal analysis, small-signal stability
Impact of the Training (Analysis, Design, and Development) on Employee Performance (Execution Skill, Knowledge, and Adapt to Work)

With the dramatic increase in competition between firms, organizations use employee training to improve their employee’s performance and therefore the life of organization. Performance of employees is crucial in this aspect for the well-being of the organization. The main of objective of the current study is to find the significance of training to improve the employee performance. The study population is composed of the personnel in three companies in Libya (Africa Engineering and Projects Company, Libya Investment Embracement Company and Africa Trade & Investment Company). The size of the study population reaches 1016 individuals. 287 responses were usable. PLS (Partial Least Squares) SEM-VB (Structural Equation Modelling-Variance Based) was employed to assess the research model by utilizing the software SmartPLS 3.0. results show that training (analysis, design, development) has a significant impact on the employee performance (execution skills, knowledge, adapt to work). The results shed some light on the importance of the training to improve the employee performance in the public sector in Libya.
Recent Development on Electric Vehicle

This paper provides an overview of the recent work of electric vehicle in the region. The paper describes the development and the comparison of different part of components. The major components in battery technology, charger design, motor, steering and braking are examined. The paper finally shows some electric vehicle prototype as a conclusion of the papers.
Recovery of photosynthesis parameters from in situ profiles of phytoplankton production

We examine a model of the rate of phytoplankton production in the ocean and its dependence on depth. The model is analysed as a function of photosynthesis parameters and it is shown that: (i) production profiles with depth are determined uniquely by the parameter values ; (ii) daily water column production is not uniquely determined by the parameter values ; (iii) a unique combination of parameters exists for which the model best fits a measured production profile. An inverse procedure is developed to recover photosynthesis parameters from measured profiles of primary production, and its performance tested by application to profiles of primary production collected at the Hawaii Ocean Time Series. For each profile tested, the method is successful in recovery of the photosynthesis parameters. The method can be applied to the estimation of photosynthesis parameters from data on in situ production profiles, which have been collected globally for more than half a century, thereby augmenting the world archive of these parameters for application in ecosystem modelling and estimation of primary production from remotely sensed data.
LINC00355:8 promotes cell proliferation and migration with invasion via the MiR-6777-3p/Wnt10b axis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background: Recent studies have reported that various long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) promote hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression, and our previous study indicated that lncRNA LINC00355:8 is overexpressed in HCC. However, the role of LINC00355:8 in HCC is unclear. The primary aim of this study was to explore the biological role of LINC00355:8 in HCC. Methods: Microarray analysis was performed to explore the aberrantly expressed lncRNAs in HCC compared with precancerous tissues. Real-time PCR and in situ hybridization were used to investigate the expression of LINC00355:8 in HCC tissues. CCK8, EdU, colony formation, wound healing and transwell assays were performed to analyse cell proliferation, migration and invasion. A xenograft tumour model was established to analyse the effect of LINC00355:8 on tumour growth in vivo. Luciferase assays were utilized to explore the binding sites between miR-6777-3p and other genes, such as LINC00355:8 and Wnt10b. After cell transfection, the protein expression levels of Wnt10b, β-catenin, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, c-Myc and Snail were determined by Western blotting. Results: The present study revealed that LINC00355:8 was significantly upregulated in HCC, promoted HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and enhanced tumour growth in vivo. LINC00355:8 regulated miR-6777-3p expression by acting as a ceRNA, and the expression of Wnt10b was negatively modulated by miR-6777-3p. Moreover, LINC00355:8 could activate the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway and promote EMT progression by inhibiting the miR-6777-3p/Wnt10b interaction in HCC. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that LINC00355:8 activates Wnt10b and promotes HCC progression via the suppression of miR-6777-3p, which may provide novel therapeutic targets for HCC.
Research in Computer Science and Software Engineering

: Social engineering is a hot spot in the field of information security. It is an Art of Manipulation to extract confidential information by using psychological triggers to stimulate emotions such as fear, greed, excitement or guilt that will lead the people to respond quickly without going in detail. The main difficulty in most of social engineering attacks is inability of victim to identify such attacks. No security will work if the person behind the system provides the security key to the hacker either intentionally or unintentionally. This paper consists of study of social engineering attacks. Subsequently injection, detection and prevention techniques are outlined as a proof of concept and countermeasures. In today’s internet world being attacked by viruses and hackers is very common but people are still not aware of dangerous effects of such activities. A tool using python has been designed to show hazardous effects of various attacks. It was observed that these attacks can exploit user’s security information.
Decision Support System for Smart Agriculture using IoT

: Smart farming based on IoT technologies will enable growers and farmers to reduce waste and enhance productivity with the help of various sensors ranging from the quantity of fertilizer utilized to the soil quality of the farm. In this paper, the proposed projects aim for the motivation of the farmers working in the farm lands and are only dependent on the rainfall and bore wells for irrigation of their land. Currently, the farmers are dependent on the traditional methods of water management and farming. The farmers are suffering from various changes in the atmosphere due to various environmental factors. Proper data analysis and availability of timely solutions may improve the productivity of the crop by optimizing the requirement of the resources will help farmers to improve their financial condition and ultimately will improve our National Economy. In this paper, a Smart IoT based Agriculture System assisting farmers in getting real time data such as temperature, soil, humidity etc. for efficient environment monitoring which will enable them to do smart farming and increase their productivity. The proposed project is integrated with IoT Technology with various sensors and real time data can be obtained through smart phones.
Molecular pathogenesis of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium-induced inflammatory responses

Molecular Pathogenesis of Salmonella enterica Serotype Typhimurium-Induced Inflammatory Responses. (May 2007) Josely Ferreira Figueiredo, D.V.M., Universidade Federal de Uberlândia; M.Sc., Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. L. Garry Adams We demonstrated that infection of HeLa cells, which are non-responsive to flagellin, with wild type Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium (S. typhimurium) activated chemokine expression at higher level than S. typhimurium lacking sipAsopABDE2, indicating that the corresponding effector proteins (SipA, SopA, SopB, SopD and SopE2) are required to induce chemokines independent of flagellin. The S. typhimurium sipAsopABDE2 mutant complemented with sipA activated IL-8 expression at significantly higher level than a S. typhimurium sipAsopABDE2 mutant. However, extracellular addition of recombinant SipA failed to induce IL-8. Phosphorylation analyses demonstrated that S. typhimurium carrying a chromosomal copy of sipA (sopABDE2 mutant) induced phosphorylation of CREB1, JUN and p38MAPK, which are proteins involved in IL-8 expression. The contribution of effector proteins to S. typhimuriuminduced intracellular Ca mobilization and its role in IL-8 expression and bacterial
Measuring the impact of HIV and STIs in a community in a coal mining town, Mpumalanga, South Africa

South Africa has experienced one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics in the world. Data from antenatal clinics have shown an increase in the prevalence of HIV from 0.7% in 1990 to 27.9% in 2003, with some evidence of levelling off1. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNAIDS estimate that more than 5 million South Africans are infected with the HI virus and about 1 000 people die every day from AIDS-related complications2. The mining industry in South Africa, which has been heavily dependent on a migrant labour system for the last century or so3, has been the subject of large biomedical and behavioural interventions, targeting the disease burden associated with the living and working conditions of mine employees3. Diseases such as silicosis can be attributed directly to working conditions, while others, such as HIV infection, require much more complex interventions. In addition to silicosis and HIV infection, these migrant communities suffer from high levels of sexually transmitted infections3: in a study in Carltonville, a random sample of 228 mine workers indicated rates for syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea were 4.6%, 6.7% and 8.1% respectively4. Sexually transmitted infections predispose individuals to infection with HIV and increase morbidity among infected individuals; they also contribute to the spread of the HIV epidemic on the mines3. The Powerbelt AIDS project, initiated in December 2000, is a partnership between the coalmining industry and associated industries, the municipalities of eMalahleni and Govan Mbeki, and the Provincial Department of Health in Mpumalanga. The Powerbelt Committee commissioned a study to measure HIV seroprevalence and the burden of STIs in two communities in which coalminers employed in the province’s coalfield reside. The project is ongoing and is aimed at implementing social and behavioural prevention measures to curb the spread of HIV and STIs, at caring and supporting the infected and affected, and at socially uplifting the communities. Measuring the impact of HIV and STIs in a community in a coal mining town, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Dynamic SEIZ in Online Social Networks: Epidemiological Modeling of Untrue Information

The epidemic propagation of untrue information in online social networks leads to potential damage to society. This phenomenon has attracted attention to researchers on a faster spread of false information. Epidemic models such as SI, SIS, SIR, developed to study the infection spread on social media. This paper uses SEIZ, an enhanced epidemic model classifies the overall population in four classes (i.e. Susceptible, Exposed, Infected, Skeptic). It uses probabilities of transition from one state to another state to characterize misinformation from actual information. It suffers from two limitations i.e. the rate of change of population and state transition probabilities considered constant for the entire period of observation. In this paper, a dynamic SEIZ computes the rate of change of population at fixed intervals and the predictions based on the new rates periodically. Research findings on Twitter data have indicated that this model gives more accuracy by early indications of being untrue information.