Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of age at menarche with valvular heart disease: An analysis based on electronic health record (CREAT2109)

Background The association between age at menarche and coronary heart disease has been reported, but the association between age at menarche and valvular heart disease (VHD) has not been described. We aimed to examine the association between age at menarche and VHD. Methods By collecting data from four medical centers of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University (QUAH) from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2020, we sampled 105,707 inpatients. The main outcome of this study was newly diagnosed VHD, which was diagnosed based on ICD-10 coding, and the exposure factor was age at menarche, which was accessed through the electronic health records. We used logistic regression model to investigate the association between age at menarche and VHD. Results In this sample (mean age 55.31 ± 13.63 years), the mean age at menarche was 15. Compared with women with age at menarche 14–15 years, the odds ratio of VHD in women with age at menarche ≤13, 16–17, and ≥18 years was 0.68 (95% CI 0.57–0.81), 1.22 (95% CI 1.08–1.38), and 1.31 (95% CI 1.13–1.52), respectively (P for all < 0.001). By restricting cubic splines, we found that later menarche was associated with increased odds of VHD (P < 0.001). Furthermore, in subgroup analysis of different etiologies, the similar trend persisted for non-rheumatic VHD. Conclusions In this large inpatient sample, later menarche was associated with higher risk of VHD.
Regulation of Autophagosome Biogenesis by the Autophagy Specific Class III Phosphatidylinostitol-3 Kinase Complex

Author(s): Wilz, Livia Margaret | Advisor(s): Schekman, Randy W | Abstract: Autophagy is a conserved pathway critical for homeostasis in all eukaryotic cells. Autophagy provides a mechanism for cells to respond to a large variety of cellular stresses through a vesicle-based degradation process. Most of the gene products and other factors required for the execution of autophagy have been elucidated, but the biochemical reactions by which these components work in concert to engulf cargo in a double membrane vesicle, called an autophagosome, is still unclear. In mammalian cells, the class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase complex I (PI3KC3-C1) is essential for early steps in autophagy because it generates a membrane lipid, phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns3P), that is necessary to recruit downstream autophagy factors to cellular membranes. However, it was not known whether the PI3KC3-C1 also contributes to phagophore formation in other ways. The research described in this dissertation focused on one of the subunits of PI3KC3-C1, Atg14L, which is essential for the complex to initiate autophagy. I used an in vitro reconstitution assay where I added back purified PI3KC3-C1 or various mutant derivatives of the complex to extracts derived from a Cas9-generated Atg14L-deficient cell line. As a biochemical readout for examining the functions of Atg14L, I used a cell-free reaction that reproduces a key early step in autophagosome membrane generation, lipidation of a cytoplasmic protein, LC3. In this assay, I found that Atg14L (and the other subunits of PI3KC3-C1) are required for LC3 lipidation, whereas mutants of the complex that abrogate its catalytic activity and membrane curvature-sensing capability did not support LC3 lipidation. In addition, PI3KC3-C1 activity, through Atg14L and its membrane curvature- sensing motif, is required for efficient membrane recruitment of the downstream PtdIns3P-binding effector, WIPI2, but not for recruitment of Atg16L, a key factor required for LC3 lipidation. In an effort to find other cofactors that may also regulate PI3KC3-C1, I found that NRBF2 binds Atg14L and attenuates its autophagy-stimulating function and, hence, serves as a negative regulator of autophagy. Under fed conditions, however, NRBF2 is phosphorylated; phosphorylation null mutants show elevated autophagy under fed conditions. In another study, I uncovered that Atg14L acts as a vesicle tether that supports vesicle fusion when soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) are incorporated into the vesicle. The fusogenic activity of Atg14L requires oligomerization through conserved cysteine repeats near the N-terminus of Atg14L.
Ribonucleases and Immunoribonucleases as Potential Modalities of Anticancer Therapy

A novel approach of antitumor treatment, that involves targeting RNA either using specific antisense oligonucleotides or cytostatic/cytotoxic ribonucleases (RNases), is being promoted. Among recently described cytotoxic RNases, amphibian RNases, including ranpirnase (onconase; ONC) and Amphinase (rAmph), are promising anticancer agents. They manifest strong antitumor effects and act synergistically with several cytostatics. Recently, rapidly developed proteins by engineering of RNases, displayed cytotoxic activity against several types of malignant cells. Most recent data show the role of microRNAs in mediating tumor progression, opening a new field of possible molecular targets for RNases. This review summarizes the current status of those RNases and immunoRNases as promising novel anticancer therapeutics.
SUSCEPTIBILITY AND TOLERANCE TO ROOT-KNOT NEMATODES (MELOIDOGYNE INCOGNITA) OF TELFAIRIA OCCIDENTALIS UNDER ORGANIC CONVERSION

Three cultivars of Telfairia occidentalis were assessed for their resistance or otherwise to root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) infection on the field. Seeds were extracted from the pods of the selected cultivars and planted on moist sawdust in nursery trays to raise seedlings for transplanting. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated thrice. Pre-plant soil samples were taken to estimate initial nematode populations. At seven days after transplanting, eggs of Meloidogyne incognita (Mi) were extracted from 60 day-old Celosia argentea and used for inoculation of the three cultivars of T. occidentalis at approximately 5000 eggs/stand. Plants were, thereafter, observed for vine length, vine girth and number of leaves from two weeks till 8 weeks after transplanting. Final soil nematode population and root gall indices were determined at 60-66 days after inoculation. Reproduction factor was determined and used along with the gall indices to rate the cultivars for resistance or susceptibility to Mi. Results showed that cultivars NHTo-020 and NHTo-030 were susceptible to root-knot nematode which implied that plants allowed nematode reproduction and also suffered yield loss while cultivar NHTo-010 was tolerant to nematode infestation meaning that nematode reproduction took place but the plant does not suffer yield loss. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in the mean vine length and number of leaf irrespective of the inoculum while effect on the vine girth was significantly variable. The inoculated plants gave significantly better vegetative growth than the naturally infested plants which indicated genetic variability in the cultivars.
Modulation Behaviors, Conductivities, and Carrier Dynamics of Single and Multilayer Graphenes

Time domain and time resolved terahertz studies of single- and multi-layer graphene (SLG and MLG) samples and modulator devices will be presented. A high performance up to 100% of modulators were observed with the devices even at very low voltages. High modulation depth over such a broad spectrum and simple device structure brings significant importance toward application of this type of device in THz and related technologies. In addition, conductivities of SLG and MLG devices were also investigated and a change in behavior was observed as the layer thickness increased. The charge carriers dynamics of the samples with pulp fluence and color was also highly interesting.
ROBUST SECOND ORDER SLIDING MODE CONTROL OF DOUBLY-FED INDUCTION GENERATOR FOR WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEM

This paper presents a robust nonlinear control strategy based on second-order continuous sliding mode control called Super-Twisting Sliding Mode Control (ST-SMC) strategy of a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) integrated into a Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS). The Conventional Sliding Mode Control (C-SMC) strategy has a significant drawback, which is the chattering phenomenon, caused by the discontinuous control signal. The proposed ST-SMC technique based on second-order continuous sliding mode control reduces powers, currents, and torque ripples, while maintaining the advantages of the conventional method (C-SMC) such as the robustness against parametric variations of the DFIG. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed ST-SMC strategy in reducing the chattering effect comparatively to the C-SMC one.
Forensic Analysis of Third-party Mobile Application

The expansion of the phone's memory space and processing power comprise some of the primary contributing factors to the evolution of digital crime. Therefore, wide adoption and reliance of third-party applications expose individuals to various digital crimes. In this research both qualitative and quantitative methods are used. The recovered data items from the phone's memory were classified and facilitate the description of the recoverableapp and user information after the deletion of the social networking app like Facebook. The choice of Facebook as the subject app for investigation arises from the fact that it comprises one of the major social network platforms. Some of the recoverable data in both scenarios include but not limited to text messages, login information, friends' information, and user account details, among others. The research seeks to fill an existing gap concerning theestablishment of the location and types of recoverable data after the uninstallation of the Facebook application from a smartphone device.
Investigation into the annual cycle of development in Fragaria vesca

The growth and development of Fragaria vesca, as a model plant system, was investigated to better understand the control of perenniality in plants. Experiments revealed that conditions prior to and during the resumption of vegetative growth in the spring could alter the order of emergence of runners and flowers. Under natural conditions, rapid terminal shoot apical meristem growth occurred during the spring and early summer, followed by a marked decline from June; experimental study suggested this was likely to be a response to runner development. Environment was found to regulate the fate of axillary buds: low temperature (11°C) and short days (10h) promoted branch crown development, whereas at high temperatures (>18°C) runners were initiated regardless of photoperiod. Autumn conditions induced flowering and F. vesca ecotypes varied in their timing of flower initiation (inferred from emergence); a possible relationship to latitude was confounded by response variation between years in one ecotype. There was also ecotypic variation in runnering and typically those that flowered earlier runnered less. Detailed experiments on one ecotype showed that spring flower emergence and vegetative growth had a more complex response to winter chilling than that reported for many tree species, raising the question of the suitability of F. vesca as a model perennial. Greater chill accumulation advanced runner and flower emergence during forcing; the influence of warm periods during chilling was inferred using a range of chill models. Overall, the research highlights the importance of studying plant development in the natural context. An experimental approach is proposed to allow better understanding of plant ecological development, and suggestions provided for the possible implications of predicted climate change.
The effect of ageing on changes in myofibrillar protein in selected muscles in relation to the tenderness of meat obtained from cross‐breed heifers

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the ageing on changes in selected myofibrillar proteins and Warner–Bratzler shear force values in muscles from cross-breed Charolaise × Holstein Friesian heifers. Triceps brachii (TB), infraspinatus (IS), vastus lateralis (VL), semimembranosus (SM), biceps femoris (BF) and semitendinous (ST) muscles after ageing were examined. A significant muscle effect was found in the case of basic chemical composition, Warner–Bratzler shear force values and cooking loss. The vastus lateralis characterised by the lowest intramuscular fat percentage (P ≤ 0.05). The highest connective tissue content was shown for infraspinatus. This muscle had the lowest Warner–Bratzler shear force values in every ageing time, regardless of the cooking method. Throughout the ageing process, selected myofibrillar proteins were altered in all examined muscles, but at varying rates. The SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and Western blotting analysis showed that desmin and troponin-T degradation affected both muscles and ageing effects (P ≤ 0.001).
Trash Dance: Anthropogenic Litter and Organic Matter Co-Accumulate on Urban Beaches

Anthropogenic litter (i.e., trash, AL) on beaches has negative ecological and economic impacts. Beach AL is likely moved together with coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM, algae, leaves), but no previous studies have assessed AL and CPOM co-distribution. We measured AL and CPOM on four urban beaches in Chicago, Illinois, USA, along two transect types (pier-adjacent, non-pier adjacent) in which each has three habitats (upland, beach, strand line). As expected, AL and CPOM density were positively related across all transects. AL and CPOM were significantly higher adjacent to piers, and variable among habitats. Wood, leaves, and smoking-related AL were most abundant in beach and upland zones while glass and algal detritus were abundant at the strandline. Overall, AL and CPOM show ‘patchy’ distribution attributed to wind and wave movement toward accumulation sites. Beach CPOM is a hot spot of biological activity (e.g., microbes, invertebrates, birds). Therefore, mixing of AL and CPOM suggests organisms may be more likely to encounter AL in mixed accumulations. Efforts to reduce the abundance and biological impacts of beach AL will benefit from emphasizing organic matter accumulation sites.
Honor, face, and dignity norm endorsement among diverse North American adolescents: Development of a Social Norms Survey

This article examined the psychometric properties and validity of a new self-report instrument for assessing the social norms that coordinate social relations and define self-worth within three normative systems. A survey that assesses endorsement of honor, face, and dignity norms was evaluated in ethnically diverse adolescent samples in the U.S. (Study 1a) and Canada (Study 2). The internal structure of the survey was consistent with the conceptual framework, but only the honor and face scales were reliable. Honor endorsement was linked to self-reported retaliation, less conciliatory behavior, and high perceived threat. Face endorsement was related to anger suppression, more conciliatory behavior, and, in the U.S., low perceived threat. Study 1b examined identity-relevant emotions and appraisals experienced after retaliation and after calming a victimized peer. Honor norm endorsement predicted pride following revenge, while face endorsement predicted high shame. Adolescents who endorsed honor norms thought that only avenging their peer had been helpful and consistent with the role of good friend, while those who endorsed face norms thought only calming a victimized peer was helpful and indicative of a good friend. Implications for adolescent welfare are discussed.
Genetic variability and heritability studies on double tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) genotypes

Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) is one of the most crucial tropical ornamental bulbous flowering plant, for economic trade used as cut and loose flower due to its charming and lovely fragrance. In the present study, genetic variability among 16 double type tuberose genotypes was studied using morphological traits. As per mean performance Bidhan Rajni-13 attained highest with respect to Plant Height, Spike length, Rachis length, Spikes per Plot and Weight of spike. Bidhan Rajani 19 performed highest in case of number of leaves, Leaf Width and number of Flowers. Bidhan Rajani 14 showed highest number of tillers. Bidhan Rajani 22 showed highest in flower length. Subhasini Double attained highest in flower breadth. The maximum weight of five flowers was shown in both Calcutta double and Bishan Rajani 23. The maximum GCV was observed in case of number of leaves (29.86%). High heritability and high GA had been found for number of leaves, and Rachis Length for double type genotypes.
Biofilm Formation and Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile of Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Clinical Samples in Zaria, Nigeria

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is one of the common pathogens associated with nosocomial as well as community acquired infections due to its ability to form biofilms. Research aim: The aim of this study was to observe the biofilm forming abilities and to study the antibiotic susceptibility profile of clinical isolates of S. aureus. Methodology: A total of 56 isolates from clinical samples were identified using standard techniques and the isolates were further tested for biofilm formation, using microtiter plate assay and antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out using Kirby-Bauer method. Results: The results showed that out of the 56 S. aureus isolated, biofilm formation was observed in 27 (48.2%). Strong biofilm formation was observed in 5.4% (3) of the isolates, moderate biofilm formation in 8.9% (5) of the isolates, weak biofilm formation in 33.9% (19) of the isolates, while 51.8% (29) of the isolates were non-biofilm formers. Prevalence of S. aureus infection was higher in females (67.9%) compared to males (32.1%). The isolates were highly susceptible to Gentamicin (100%), Tigecycline (98.21%), Sulphamethoxazole-Trimethoprim (89.29%), Ciprofloxacin (89.29%) and Linezolide (75%), while the isolates showed low susceptibility to Erythromycin (28.55%), Clindamycin (35.71%) and Vancomycin (41.07%). None of the isolates showed inducible Clindamycin resistance phenotypically. 9 (16.67%) of the isolates showed constitutive phenotype, 3 (5.36%) showed Methicillin-Sensitive (MS) phenotype while 44 (78.57%) showed none of the above phenotypes. Conclusion: Clinical isolates of S. aureus have the potential of producing biofilm and this could influence the rate of resistance.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Determinants of consumer willingness to pay for certified safe vegetables

ABSTRACTVegetable production in urban and peri-urban areas involves use of wastewater for irrigation and agrochemicals, which pose risks to consumers’ health. To some degree, certification assures consumers of food safety. Certification is costly, requiring consumers to, at least partially, bear the cost. Consumer willingness to pay for certified vegetables was examined in Tamale, Ghana, based on a survey of 300 consumers using the contingent valuation method. Young, well-educated, and affluent consumers would pay price premiums for certified vegetables. A differentiated market could target educated and wealthy households when introducing certified vegetables. Consumer trust in local certification institutions need to be enhanced in Tamale. Consumers are willing to pay price premium for certified safe vegetables to avoid health-related risks associated with use of wastewater for irrigation and agrochemicals.
Effects of criterion-based audit on monitoring and management of normal and prolonged labor: An intervention study in Tanzania

The use of cesarean section (CS) and oxytocin for labour augmenttion may contribute to increase morbidity and mortality of mothers and newborns. The objective of the study was to evaluate the Criterian Based Audit (CBA) on CS rates and oxytocin use in labouring women. A prospective intervention study by CBA was performed at hospital in Tanzania. Included were 523 labouring women at a gestational age of at least 28 weeks and birth weight ≥1000 g. All data on actual care were compared to criteria for best practice agreed with the staff. Interventions were discussed with the staff followed by a training session. At follow up, data were achieved from 438 women. Performance and outcomes were compared before and after the intervention. The overall CS rate decreased from 46.1 to 38.4% (RR=0.83; CI: 0.72 to 0.97). The use of oxytocin decreased from 76.2 to 47.3% (RR=0.63; CI: 0.45 to 0.85). The study demonstrates suboptimal care in labour monitoring and management, and that CBA resulted in a reduction in CS and use of oxytocin, and suggests that CBA can be used for quality assurance of women’s health care. Key words: Prolonged labor, low-income country, cesarean section, vacuum extraction, criterion-based audit, oxytocin, partograph.
Smallholder Farmers’ Perspectives on Advisory Extension Services: A Case Study of the Gamo Communities of Southern Ethiopia

This is a case study-based research project investigating the status of Advisory Extension Services in southern Ethiopia. The goal was to determine whether available service provisions meet the requirements of smallholder farmers and enabled them to improve their farming practices and livelihoods. A combination of an exploratory inductive approach and mixed methods was used (e.g., questionnaire survey, focus group discussions, key informant interviews). Participants included members of farming households, and agents, experts, and providers working in the agricultural rural sector. The key findings suggested that limited access to resources and unpredictable environmental conditions were stifling smallholder farmer innovation and livelihoods. Service provisions should be better tailored to local conditions, provide greater resource access, and work more closely with farmers. The development and implementation of service provision should involve a wide range of institutions and farmers throughout the process. Local community- and farmer-based organisations are especially important, and can work alongside innovative and talented farmers to enable more effective dissemination of information. Agricultural rural development and service provision should focus greater attention on the views and perspectives of farmers from a range of areas with differing socio-demographic and agro-ecological characteristics for comparative analysis.
A STUDY OF MORPHOLOGICAL VARIATIONS IN POPULATIONS OF HOPLOBATRACHUS TIGERINUS (DAUDIN, 1803), (ANURA: RANIDAE) DISTRICT JAMSHORO, SINDH

Twenty seven adult specimens of Hoplobatrachus tigerinus (Daudin, 1803) were collected from the three adjoining areas of the District Jamshoro, viz: Village Shora, village Chakar Rajar and village Baigo khan Mir Jat during March, September and October 2011. The specimens were taxonomically examined and identified by using morphological characteristics. Variations in populations were recorded through the deep study of morphology that reveals the difference in the dorsal body colour, body weight and body length. This species is reported for the first time from the studied area.