Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Nepal

Background and Aims: Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) progresses to liver fibrosis and ultimately cirrhosis and its complications. Grading of liver fibrosis 2D SWE (Shear Wave Elastography) is a noninvasive study of liver fibrosis and stiffness. We compared different fibrosis scores (NAFLD fibrosis score, FIB 4 score, APRI score) and ultra-sonogram identified fatty liver with 2d shear wave elastography score. Methods: A hospital based prospective observational study was conducted from May 2019 for ten months period in the Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, NAMS, Nepal. Seventy patients with known fatty liver and its severity were identified by Ultrasonogram criteria were enrolled, who met the exclusion criteria. All patients underwent 2D shear wave elastography. Patients were evaluated for effects of obesity, diabetes mellitus, thyroid related disease and dyslipidemias on NAFLD. Tests were done to calculate diﬀerent fibrosis scores (NAFLD Fibrosis, FIB4, APRI, AST/ALT ratio) and compared with 2d shear wave score. Results: Baseline Characteristics among 70 patients 39(55.7%) were male and 31(44.3%) were female with mean age of the patients 44.3 years. Most of the patients were overweight with mean BMI of 28.2, kg/m2among them 51(72.9%) patients were more than 25.kg/m2Most of the patients 41.4% had diabetes mellitus, 77.1% had hypertension, 30% had hypothyroidism and were 25.9% had metabolic syndrome. Majority of patients on ultrasound gradings were mild 64.28%, 25.72% were moderate and only 10 % were in severe groups. In comparison ultra-sonogram with 2 d shear wave elastography, mild grade mean fibrosis 7.07 kpa, for moderate grade mean fibrosis 8.22 kpa and for severe grade mean fibrosis was 18.16 kpa. Conclusion: In patients with NAFLD, measurement of liver stiffness by 2d shear wave elastography has positively correlated with FIB-4 score and non-inferior to NAFLD fibrosis score. The mean value of elastography increases significantly with the severity of steatosis on ultrasonography.
Causal Influence of Macroeconomics Factors Shock on Indian Stock Market: Evidence from BSE Index

This research paper has analyzed the spillover of BSE stock returns by the regime of macroeconomic variables. The study selected sample macroeconomic indicators such as FII, IFT, M3, Production Index and WPI from the period of 1-01-2010 to 31.12. 2019 from the RBI website and www.bseindia. com. The study employed statistical tools such as Descriptive statistics, Correlation, Granger causality test and VECM. The research paper found that the selected macroeconomic variables were partial normally distributed and the risk was related high rather than returns during the study period. The VECM revealed that the movement of BSE Sensex variables in a study was connected to the previous period's gap from the output of the long-run equilibrium. This explicit the short-run relationship among the selected series during the study period and also the selected macroeconomic variables were not significantly caused the BSE Sensex returns. This study suggested that the investor’s community of manufacturing sectors should need to consider these macroeconomic variables before building the investment strategy and also the results would support the policymakers.
A Compact and High Gain Dielectric-Loaded 60GHz Multi-Stepped Waveguide Antenna Array

In this paper, a wideband high-gain 2 × 2-element subarray is presented for 60 GHz applications. The antenna is fed with waveguide-fed cavity backed configuration and designed entirely via simple rectangular apertures. To improve radiation pattern characteristics and reduce the antenna size, stepped-radiating apertures loaded with a solid dielectric material. A standard WR-15 rectangular waveguide is designed to excite the antenna at the input port over the operation frequency. The most significant advantage of using this design is its efficient radiation patterns, ability to decrease complexity and cost of fabrication. Simulated results demonstrate a maximum gain of about 19.5 dB, and the sidelobe level (SLL) of the antenna is less than -19 dB in E- and H-planes radiation patterns over the frequency range from 57.5 to 62.5 GHz. In contrast to previous works, the proposed antenna is much more simple to use in antenna array applications. Reduction in the number of radiating apertures and compact feeding networks will lower significantly the size and complexity of a large array with higher gain.
Beyond Fitts’s Law: A Three-Phase Model Predicts Movement Time to Position an Object in an Immersive 3D Virtual Environment

Objective: The study examines the factors determining the movement time (MT) of positioning an object in an immersive 3D virtual environment. Background: Positioning an object into a prescribed area is a fundamental operation in a 3D space. Although Fitts’s law models the pointing task very well, it does not apply to a positioning task in an immersive 3D virtual environment since it does not consider the effect of object size in the positioning task. Method: Participants were asked to position a ball-shaped object into a spherical area in a virtual space using a handheld or head-tracking controller in the ray-casting technique. We varied object size (OS), movement amplitude (A), and target tolerance (TT). MT was recorded and analyzed in three phases: acceleration, deceleration, and correction. Results: In the acceleration phase, MT was inversely related to object size and positively proportional to movement amplitude. In the deceleration phase, MT was primarily determined by movement amplitude. In the correction phase, MT was affected by all three factors. We observed similar results whether participants used a handheld controller or head-tracking controller. We thus propose a three-phase model with different formulae at each phase. This model fit participants’ performance very well. Conclusion: A three-phase model can successfully predict MT in the positioning task in an immersive 3D virtual environment in the acceleration, deceleration, and correction phases, separately. Application: Our model provides a quantitative framework for researchers and designers to design and evaluate 3D interfaces for the positioning task in a virtual space.
Factors associated with help-seeking for emotional or mental health problems in community members at risk of suicide

ABSTRACT Objective: People experiencing mental health problems or suicidal thoughts often do not seek help. This study aims to investigate factors associated with help-seeking behaviours for emotional and mental health problems in individuals at risk for suicide. Method: A community sample was recruited online through Instagram and Facebook advertisements. There were 4277 participants in total, aged 18–84 (72.8% female, 26.8% male and .4% other), of which 1306 were classified as low/medium risk of suicide and 572 as high risk. Regression analyses examined factors associated with past year help-seeking from four categories of help: informal help, general practitioner, mental health professional, and tele/e-health. Predictors included: age, gender, exposure to suicide, psychological distress, suicidal ideation, and knowledge of and attitudes to suicide. Results: Overall, rates of help-seeking increased as risk for suicide increased. Higher levels of suicidal ideation were associated with a greater likelihood of having previously sought help from a GP and mental health professional, but a lower likelihood of having sought help from informal sources. Younger age was associated with past year help-seeking from informal sources and tele/e-health sources. Men had a significantly lower likelihood of having sought help from general practitioners. Different dimensions of attitudes towards suicide were also found to be associated with different types of help-seeking. Discussion: Understanding the characteristics and patterns of different forms of help-seeking can have important implications for the development of effective suicide prevention strategies.
RimJump: Edge-based Shortest Path Planning for a 2D Map

Summary Path planning under 2D map is a key issue in robot applications. However, most related algorithms rely on point-by-point traversal. This causes them usually cannot find the strict shortest path, and their time cost increases dramatically as the map scale increases. So we proposed RimJump to solve the above problem, and it is a new path planning method that generates the strict shortest path for a 2D map. RimJump selects points on the edge of barriers to form the strict shortest path. Simulation and experimentation prove that RimJump meets the expected requirements.
Transplantation of adult‐size kidneys in small pediatric recipients: A single‐center experience

RTx of adult‐size kidneys presents a size mismatch in small pediatric recipients, and there are potential surgical complications. This study reveals the outcomes of intra‐ and extraperitoneal RTx in low‐weight (less than 15 kg) pediatric recipients. We studied 51 pediatric patients weighing less than 15 kg who received a living‐related donor renal transplant between 2009 and 2017. The intraperitoneal (group A, n = 24) and extraperitoneal (group B, n = 27) approaches were compared. In group A, the mean age, Ht, and weight were 3.8 ± 1.6 years, 83.7 ± 6.5 cm, 10.5 ± 1.8 kg; in group B, 5.0 ± 1.9 years, 95.3 ± 7.3 cm, and 13.0 ± 1.4 kg. Single renal artery grafts (21 in group A and 16 in group B) and double renal artery grafts (three in group A and 11 in group B) were performed. Of the patients with double renal artery transplants, one in group A and six in group B underwent ex vivo arterial reconstruction. The eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m2) at 1‐week post‐transplant in group A was significantly higher than that in group B; the eGFRs at 4 weeks post‐transplant did not differ. One graft was lost in group B because of vascular thrombosis. Post‐transplant complications included ileus and transplant ureteral stenosis. There was no significant difference in 5‐year graft survival rate (group A 100%, group B 91.7%). Both transplant approaches are feasible to adapt to a size mismatch between the adult‐size donor kidney and low‐weight pediatric recipients.
Does the transversal screw design increase the risk of mechanical complications in dental implants? A finite elements analysis

The transversal screw was introduced in order to overcome some disadvantages of the transocclusal screw. However, its mechanical risk has not been studied sufficiently. The main purpose of this research was to assess and compare stress distribution in the screws and abutment of a single‐crown implant with transversal and transocclusal screw models. Two 3D models were assembled to analyse a single‐implant–supported prosthesis with transversal and transocclusal screws embedded in the jawbone. The crown was subjected to a static load of value 300 N with different levels of inclination. The transversal screw model, with an axial load of 15°, was the one with lowest stress values in all its components. However, the stress was greater with more inclined loads when compared with the transocclusal model. The prosthetic transversal screw showed much less stress than the rest of the components for any load inclination. The transversal screw design is the option with the lowest risk of mechanical complications, both in the prosthetic screw and in the abutment screw, when applying forces of lower inclination. The more oblique forces favoured a better biomechanical environment in the abutment and its screw in the transocclusal screw model.
Narrow-Band Imaging Colonoscopy to Assess Mucosal Angiogenesis in Ulcerative Colitis

Background and Aim It has been documented that angiogenesis is a largely unstudied component of the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). Under narrow-band imaging (NBI) colonoscopy, the mucosal vascular pattern (MVP) can be visualized without the use of dyes. The aim of this study was to assess the grade of mucosal angiogenesis based on the MVP in UC. Methods A total of 119 colorectal segments taken from 42 patients with UC were observed using NBI colonoscopy. The MVP was classified as follows: clear, obscure, or absent. Quantification of the degree of inflammation was performed using histological colitis scoring. Potent angiogenic activity was assessed by immunohistochemical staining for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Microvascular density was assessed using vessel counts as revealed by CD31 staining. The correlation between the MVP and histological grades of inflammation and angiogenesis was evaluated. Results The MVP correlated well with the histological severity of inflammation. We also demonstrated an increasing level of microvascular density and VEGF staining along with the ordered types of MVPs. In addition, a statistically strong association existed between microvascular density and VEGF staining. Conclusions NBI colonoscopy might be a useful tool for the in vivo assessment of the grade of mucosal angiogenesis in UC.
Tailoring bilberry powder functionality through processing: Effects of drying and fractionation on the stability of total polyphenols and anthocyanins

Abstract Bilberries are a rich natural source of phenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins. The press cake obtained during the processing of bilberry juice is a potential source of phytochemicals. The objective of this study was to evaluate different drying techniques and the fractionation of bilberry press cake powder toward obtaining phenolic‐rich ingredients for incorporation into value‐added food products. The derived powders were dispersed in water and dairy cream, to investigate the effects of drying and fractionation on the dispersibility and solubility of phenolic compounds. The drying techniques, hot air drying and microwave drying, applied on bilberry press cake reduced the content of total phenolics and anthocyanins. The degradation was, however, consistently small and similar for both techniques. The major anthocyanins detected in the samples were stable during drying and fractionation treatments. Fractionation of the press cake powder affected the total apparent phenolic content and composition of the different fractions. The highest phenolic content (55.33 ± 0.06 mg g−1 DW) and highest anthocyanin content (28.15 ± 0.47 mg g−1 DW) were found in the fractions with the smallest particle size (<500 μm), with delphinidin‐3‐O‐galactoside being the most abundant anthocyanin. Dispersibility of all dried powder samples was higher in dairy cream than water, and the highest level of anthocyanins was measured in samples from the powder with the smallest particle size (<500 μm), dispersed in cream. The application of drying, milling and fractionation was found to be a promising approach to transform bilberry press cake into stable and deliverable ingredients that can be used for fortification of food products with high levels of phenolic compounds.
Systematic Comparison of Retinal Organoid Differentiation from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Reveals Stage Specific, Cell Line, and Methodological Differences

A major goal in the stem cell field is to generate tissues that can be utilized as a universal tool for in vitro models of development and disease, drug development, or as a resource for patients suffering from disease or injury. Great efforts are being made to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells in vitro toward retinal tissue, which is akin to native human retina in its cytoarchitecture and function, yet the numerous existing retinal induction protocols remain variable in their efficiency and do not routinely produce morphologically or functionally mature photoreceptors. Herein, we determine the impact that the method of embryoid body (EB) formation and maintenance as well as cell line background has on retinal organoid differentiation from human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells. Our data indicate that cell line‐specific differences dominate the variables that underline the differentiation efficiency in the early stages of differentiation. In contrast, the EB generation method and maintenance conditions determine the later differentiation and maturation of retinal organoids. Of the latter, the mechanical method of EB generation under static conditions, accompanied by media supplementation with Y27632 for the first 48 hours of differentiation, results in the most consistent formation of laminated retinal neuroepithelium containing mature and electrophysiologically responsive photoreceptors. Collectively, our data provide substantive evidence for stage‐specific differences in the ability to give rise to laminated retinae, which is determined by cell line‐specific differences in the early stages of differentiation and EB generation/organoid maintenance methods at later stages.
Intermittent bolus versus continuous infusion techniques for local anesthetic delivery in peripheral and truncal nerve analgesia: the current state of evidence

Manually delivered intermittent bolus (MIB) and programmable intermittent bolus (PIB), alternatives to continuous infusion (CI), involve administering a set volume of solution at a set interval of time. The benefits of intermittent bolus techniques in truncal and peripheral nerve blockade (TPNB) are unclear, and studies have largely demonstrated conflicting results. Using MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library, we conducted an evidenced-based review of published randomized controlled trials comparing intermittent bolus and CI methods in TPNB. In total, 13 randomized controlled trials were identified and evaluated. Outcomes data addressed in these studies included assessments of pain, opioid and local anesthetic consumption, patient satisfaction, adverse events, and physical therapy metrics. The overall quality of current evidence was found to be low given the small sample sizes, heterogeneity of data, and the variations in intermittent bolus techniques between studies. At this time, we found limited supportive data to endorse MIB or PIB over CI in TPNB. While unable to provide data-driven conclusions for local anesthetic delivery methods at this time, we propose that future studies and quantitative analysis between techniques should be on an anatomic, site-specific basis, with greater focus on evaluation of opioid use, adverse events, patient satisfaction, and rehabilitative metrics.
The False Positive Risk: A Proposal Concerning What to Do About p-Values

Abstract It is widely acknowledged that the biomedical literature suffers from a surfeit of false positive results. Part of the reason for this is the persistence of the myth that observation of p < 0.05 is sufficient justification to claim that you have made a discovery. It is hopeless to expect users to change their reliance on p-values unless they are offered an alternative way of judging the reliability of their conclusions. If the alternative method is to have a chance of being adopted widely, it will have to be easy to understand and to calculate. One such proposal is based on calculation of false positive risk(FPR). It is suggested that p-values and confidence intervals should continue to be given, but that they should be supplemented by a single additional number that conveys the strength of the evidence better than the p-value. This number could be the minimum FPR (that calculated on the assumption of a prior probability of 0.5, the largest value that can be assumed in the absence of hard prior data). Alternatively one could specify the prior probability that it would be necessary to believe in order to achieve an FPR of, say, 0.05.
MiR-664-2 impacts pubertal development in a precocious-puberty rat model through targeting the NMDA receptor-1†

Abstract Precocious puberty (PP) commonly results from premature activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis (HPGA). Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is the initial trigger for HPGA activation and plays an important role in puberty onset. N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) can promote pulsatile GnRH secretion and accelerates puberty onset. However, the mechanism of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in PP pathogenesis remains obscure. We found that serum GnRH, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen (E2) levels, hypothalamic NMDAR1, and GnRH mRNA expression peaked at the vaginal opening (VO) day. Next, the hypothalamic NMDAR1 mRNA and protein levels in rats treated with danazol, a chemical commonly effecting on the reproductive system, were significantly increased at the VO day (postnatal day 24) compared to controls, accompanied by enhanced serum GnRH, LH, FSH, and E2 levels. Further, microRNA-664-2 (miR-664-2) was selected after bioinformatics analysis and approved in primary hypothalamic neurons, which binds to the 3′-untranslated regions of NMDAR1. Consistently, the miR-664-2 expression in hypothalamus of the Danazol group was decreased compared to Vehicle. Our results suggested that attenuated miR-664-2 might participate in PP pathogenesis through enhancing the NMDAR1 signaling. Summary Sentence Increased hypothalamic NMDAR1 expression correlates to precocious puberty. MiR-664-2 regulates precocious puberty onset. MiR-664-2 targets NMDAR1 and modulates the HPGA activity.
Substrate integrate waveguide and microstrip antennas at 28 GHz

In this paper, two antennas are designed using substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) and microstrip technology at 28 GHz. Parametric study for both antennas is presented to demonstrate the performance at millimeter wave frequency for wireless communication network (5G application). Roger RT5880 substrates with permittivity 2.2 and loss tangent 0.0009 are used to implement the antennas with two thicknesses of 0.508 mm and 0.127 mm respectively. Both antennas have the same size of substrate 12x12 mm with a full ground plane was used. Structures designs have been done by using computer simulation technology (CST). The simulation results showed that the antenna with SIW and roger RT 5880 substrate thickness 0.508 has better performance in term of return loss and radiation pattern than the microstrip patch antenna at 28 GHz. A return loss more than -10 dB and the gain are 6.4 dB obtained with wide bandwidth range of (27.4-28.7) GHz. This proving to increase the realized gain by implementing SIW at millimeter wave band for 5G application network.
The effect of the antisickling compound GBT1118 on the permeability of red blood cells from patients with sickle cell anemia

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is one of the commonest severe inherited disorders. Nevertheless, effective treatments remain inadequate and novel ones are avidly sought. A promising advance has been the design of novel compounds which react with hemoglobin S (HbS) to increase oxygen (O2) affinity and reduce sickling. One of these, voxelotor (GBT440), is currently in advanced clinical trials. A structural analogue, GBT1118, was investigated in the current work. As RBC dehydration is important in pathogenesis of SCA, the effect of GBT1118 on RBC cation permeability was also studied. Activities of Psickle, the Gardos channel and the KCl cotransporter (KCC) were all reduced. Gardos channel and KCC activities were also inhibited in RBCs treated with Ca2+ ionophore or the thiol reagent N‐ethylmaleimide, indicative of direct effects on these two transport systems. Consistent with its action on RBC membrane transporters, GBT1118 significantly increased RBC hydration. RBC hemolysis was reduced in a nonelectrolyte lysis assay. Further to its direct effects on O2 affinity, GBT1118 was therefore found to reduce RBC shrinkage and fragility. Findings reveal important effects of GBT1118 on protecting sickle cells and suggest that this is approach may represent a useful therapy for amelioration of the clinical complications of SCA.