Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Systematic Investigation of Insulin Fibrillation on a Chip

A microfluidic protein aggregation device (microPAD) that allows the user to perform a series of protein incubations with various concentrations of two reagents is demonstrated. The microfluidic device consists of 64 incubation chambers to perform individual incubations of the protein at 64 specific conditions. Parallel processes of metering reagents, stepwise concentration gradient generation, and mixing are achieved simultaneously by pneumatic valves. Fibrillation of bovine insulin was selected to test the device. The effect of insulin and sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration on the formation of fibrillar structures was studied by observing the growth rate of partially folded protein, using the fluorescent marker Thioflavin-T. Moreover, dual gradients of different NaCl and hydrochloric acid (HCl) concentrations were formed, to investigate their interactive roles in the formation of insulin fibrils and spherulites. The chip-system provides a bird’s eye view on protein aggregation, including an overview of the factors that affect the process and their interactions. This microfluidic platform is potentially useful for rapid analysis of the fibrillation of proteins associated with many misfolding-based diseases, such as quantitative and qualitative studies on amyloid growth.
The Frequency of Fast Food Consumption in Relation to Wheeze and Asthma Among Adolescents in Gauteng and North West Provinces, South Africa

The prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases have been on the rise, especially in developing countries due to life-style changes. The study aimed to investigate the association between the frequency of fast food consumption with wheeze and asthma among adolescents. A previously validated self-completed questionnaire from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood was used to collect information on demographics, socioeconomic status, house characteristics, adolescent respiratory health and diet. The prevalence of wheeze was 38.2% and of asthma was 16.37% among the adolescents. The results from the adjusted regression analyses indicated that eating fast foods three or more times per week was a statistically significant risk factor for wheeze (OR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.26–2.03) and asthma (OR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.04–1.91). The study found an association between eating fast foods three or more times per week and wheeze and asthma among adolescents in South Africa. Unhealthy diet plays a crucial role in respiratory health among adolescents; healthy eating habits are encouraged to reduce the burden of respiratory symptoms and diseases.
Undiscovered Roles for Transthyretin: From a Transporter Protein to a New Therapeutic Target for Alzheimer’s Disease

Transthyretin (TTR), an homotetrameric protein mainly synthesized by the liver and the choroid plexus, and secreted into the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid, respectively, has been specially acknowledged for its functions as a transporter protein of thyroxine and retinol (the latter through binding to the retinol-binding protein), in these fluids. Still, this protein has managed to stay in the spotlight as it has been assigned new and varied functions. In this review, we cover knowledge on novel TTR functions and the cellular pathways involved, spanning from neuroprotection to vascular events, while emphasizing its involvement in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We describe details of TTR as an amyloid binding protein and discuss its interaction with the amyloid Aβ peptides, and the proposed mechanisms underlying TTR neuroprotection in AD. We also present the importance of translating advances in the knowledge of the TTR neuroprotective role into drug discovery strategies focused on TTR as a new target in AD therapeutics.
Identification of a cell-wall peptidase (NlpC/P60) from Nocardia seriolae which induce apoptosis in fathead minnow cells.

Nocardia seriolae, a Gram-positive bacterium, is the main pathogen of fish nocardiosis. Protein NlpC/P60 is a cell-wall peptidase and a potential virulence factor of N. seriolae. Subcellular localization research revealed that both NlpC/P60-GFP and NlpC/P60Δsig-GFP fusion proteins were evenly distributed in the whole cell of fathead minnow (FHM) cells. Furthermore, typical apoptotic features, such as nuclear pyrosis and apoptotic bodies, were observed in the transfected FHM cells and grouper spleen cells by the overexpression of protein NlpC/P60. Then, quantitative assays of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) value, caspase-3 activity and apoptosis-related gene (Bax, BNIP3, TNF1 and TNF6) mRNA expression were conducted. The results showed that ΔΨm was decreased, caspase-3 was significantly activated, and the mRNA expression of pro-apoptotic genes (Bax and BNIP3) and tumour necrosis factors (TNF1 and TNF6) was up-regulated in NlpC/P60-overexpressed cells. Taken together, the results indicated that the protein NlpC/P60 of N. seriolae might involve in apoptosis regulation. This study may lay the foundation for further study on the function of N. seriolae NlpC/P60 and promote the understanding of the virulence factors and pathogenic mechanism of N. seriolae.
Giardiasis in Ethiopia

Abstract: A countrywide survey of giardiasis, using formal-ether concentration method, among school children and residents showed overall prevalence rates of 8.9% and 3.1 % , respectively. The corresponding rate for non-school children {5-19 years of age), however ,was 4.4% showing that the school children are ore significantly infected than their non-school counterparts {P 0.01 ). However, by age, children are more infected than adults in both populations. Infection rates did not vary with altitude. In this paper, the possible mode of transmission and factors influencing it are discussed. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 1995;9{1 ) :77-80]
A Prospective, Comparative Study of Ventilation–Perfusion Planar Imaging and Ventilation–Perfusion SPECT for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

This study compared the diagnostic performance of ventilation–perfusion (V/Q) planar imaging and V/Q SPECT and determined whether combining perfusion SPECT with low-dose CT (Q-LDCT) may be equally effective in a prospective study of patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). V/Q scanning is recommended for excluding CTEPH during the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, V/Q planar imaging and V/Q SPECT have yet to be compared in patients with CTEPH. Methods: Patients with suspected PH were eligible for the study. PH attributable to left heart disease or lung disease was excluded, and patients whose PH was confirmed by right heart catheterization and who completed V/Q planar imaging, V/Q SPECT, Q-LDCT, and pulmonary angiography were included. V/Q images were interpreted and patients were diagnosed as instructed by the 2009 European Association of Nuclear Medicine guidelines, and pulmonary angiography analyses were used as a reference standard. Results: A total of 208 patients completed the study, including 69 with CTEPH confirmed by pulmonary angiography. V/Q planar imaging, V/Q SPECT, and Q-LDCT were all highly effective for diagnosing CTEPH, with no significant differences in sensitivity or specificity observed among the 3 techniques (respective sensitivity and specificity: 94.20% and 92.81% for V/Q planar imaging, 97.10% and 91.37% for V/Q SPECT, and 95.65% and 90.65% for Q-LCDT). However, V/Q SPECT was significantly more sensitive (V/Q SPECT, 79.21%; V/Q planar imaging, 75.84% [P = 0.012]; Q-LDCT, 74.91% [P < 0.001]), and V/Q planar imaging was significantly more specific (V/Q planar imaging, 54.14%; V/Q SPECT, 46.05% [P < 0.001]; Q-LDCT, 46.05% [P = 0.001]) than the other 2 techniques for identifying perfusion defects in individual lung segments. Conclusion: Both V/Q planar imaging and V/Q SPECT were highly effective for diagnosing CTEPH, and Q-LDCT may be a reliable alternative method for patients who are unsuitable for ventilation imaging.
Psychometric Testing of the Korean Version of the Attitudes toward the Advance Directives in Low-Income Chronically Ill Older Adults

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Advance Directive Attitude Survey in Korean (K-ADAS), a measure of attitudes toward advance directives (ADs). A total of 118 low-income, community-dwelling older adults (mean age, 75.09 years) participated. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to determine the factor structure of the K-ADAS. Validity was further assessed by known associations of the K-ADAS with perceived susceptibility and severity using part of the Advance Care Planning surveys. Its reliability was examined by calculating alpha coefficients. EFA determined a three-factor structure model with good model fit. Validity was further supported with significant correlations between the K-ADAS and susceptibility and severity. Reliability was supported by adequate level of Cronbach’s alpha. The K-ADAS was a valid and reliable measure for assessment of AD attitudes with a sound model fit. Thus, the K-ADAS can be used to assess AD attitudes among community-dwelling elders.
Will COVID‐19 be a litmus test for post‐Ebola sub‐Saharan Africa?

In 2014, the worst outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) emerged in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) causing fear and panic. The outbreak which started in Guinea quickly moved across to Sierra Leone and Liberia. With an average EVD case fatality rate of around 50% (range 25-90%), there were many casualties, and the number of recorded deaths exceeded 11,300 by June 2016.1 This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Burnout level and job satisfaction in Chinese pediatrics residents

Abstract To study the prevalence of burnout and job satisfaction in Chinese pediatrics residents. Prospective participants were invited via a WeChat group to participate from October 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey was used to measure physician burnout, and the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire was used to measure job satisfaction. A total of 380 residents (81.1% response rate) from 35 pediatric residency programs completed the cross-sectional web-based survey. Of the responders, 233 (61.3%) exhibited high levels of career burnout. Residents 24 to 29 years of age were less likely to report burnout than residents ≥30 years of age (50.9% vs74.7%; P < .05). In addition, residents with an annual income less than 80,000 RMB seem to have higher burnout levels (66.2%). Residents who reported that they felt sleep deprived had significantly higher rates of burnout than those who did not (P < .01). Logistic regression showed that age ≥30 years (odds ratio [OR] 3.74 [1.57–7.66], P < .01) and sleep deprivation (OR 4.11 [2.19–7.35], P < .01) were the 2 independent risk factors associated with burnout. Burnout is highly prevalent among Chinese pediatrics residents who also reported poor job satisfaction.
Market reactions of multinationals to the OECD BEPS Action Plan

This paper investigates the equity market reactions to the publication of the OECD BEPS Action Plan. We examine abnormal stock returns for firms incorporated and traded on the stock market in 36 OECD member states for various event dates during the developmental phase of the OECD BEPS Action Plan. Overall, we find a negative market reaction of multinational companies across the relevant events, which suggests that the additional tax costs from limiting tax avoiding behaviour outweigh the benefits such as more transparency, better international tax dispute resolution, etc related to the introduction of the OECD BEPS Action Plan. The conclusion of the Multilateral Instrument (MLI) results in the most negative cumulative reaction. US corporations show a significant negative mean return across all events, but we find less pronounced evidence for market reactions across the European Union (EU). We find that more tax avoiding firms have stronger negative reactions to the events than less tax avoiding firms. Additionally, we show that there are some spill over effects onto the equity markets for purely domestic firms. We provide first evidence as to how investors reacted to the introduction of the OECD BEPS Action Plan and contribute to the literature by further investigating the association between tax avoidance and stock return. <br>
Evaluation échographique de l’infertilité masculine

Le partenaire masculin est a l’origine de 50% des infertilites du couple. La prise en charge d’une infertilite masculine doit faire appel a un examen clinique, a des examens de laboratoire(spermogramme, dosages hormonaux) et a un bilan ultrasonore urogenital. L’infertilite masculine est due a diverses causes incluant des pathologies testiculaires (infertilite d’origine secretoire) et des lesions obstructives de la voie seminale (infertilite de cause excretoire). L’echographie avec une voie abdominale, une voie scrotale et une voie endorectale est devenue l’examen d’imagerie de reference pour analyser l’infertilite masculine et plus particulierement pour mettre en evidence des causes obstructives dues a des lesions inflammatoires, a une agenesie deferentielle ou a un kyste du carrefour urogenital. Le but principal de cet article est d’illustrer par echographie l’anatomie normale de l’appareil genital masculin et de detailler les caracteristiques ultrasonores des lesions responsables d’une infertilite chez l’homme.
POWER SYSTEM STABILIZATION USING SYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR WITH BANG–BANG CONTROL STRATEGY

Virtual synchronous generators (VSGs) present attractive technical advantages and contribute to enhanced system operation and reduced oscillation damping in dynamic systems. Traditional VSGs often lack an interworking during power oscillation. The VSG design of our research incorporates the swing equation of a synchronous machine to express a virtual inertia property. Unlike a real synchronous machine, the parameters of the swing equation of the VSG can be controlled in real time to enhance the fast response of the virtual machine in tracking the steady-state frequency. Based on this concept, the VSG with alternating moment of inertia is elaborated in this project. The damping effect of the alternating inertia scheme is investigated by transient energy analysis. In addition, the performance of the proposed inertia control in stability of nearby machines in power system is addressed. The idea is supported by simulation, which indicates remarkable performance in the fast damping of oscillations.
“Gender Party Quotas in Poland”

Analyses show that the presence of women in decision-making bodies is not directly related to the level of economic or social growth, or to the development of democratic systems in individual countries. Pippa Norris and Ronald Inglehart underline the importance of cultural factors because: (1) they make it easier to choose some careers; they impact on women’s aspirations to become decision-makers; (2) they influence the level of support for women candidates, affecting the electoral behaviour of men and women; (3) they determine which political goals are to be prioritized, such as gender equality, which are considered to be socially important by various groups and organizations; and (4) they shape the beliefs and behaviour of party gatekeepers, that is, those who decide who will be on the lists of candidates, and who will be appointed to political (governmental) and economic positions.
Knowledge and Attitude of Diabetes Mellitus and Adherence to Treatment Regimen among Diabetic Patients Attending Kirehe District Hospital, Rwanda

Background: Chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus require daily self-management and long term therapies. Non-adherence to diabetic treatment has been shown to contribute to poor glycemic control leading to development of complications, repeated hospital admissions, amputations and even death. Despite high readmission rates with complication in Rwanda, there is limited data on the adherence to medication among diabetic patients. Objectives: To determine the knowledge and attitude of diabetes mellitus and adherence to treatment regimen among diabetic patients attending Kirehe District Hospital, Rwanda. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. A systematic sampling method was used to recruit 127 diabetic patients. Data was collected using pretested semi structured questionnaire. Score assessment was used to assess knowledge and attitude level towards treatment and prevention of diabetes mellitus and adherence to treatment regimen. Factors associated with adherence were considered statistically significant at P ≤ 0.05 and multivariate analysis for statistically significant variables in bivariate analysis was performed. Results: The finding revealed that 42.5% of the respondents had good knowledge. Similarly, respondents with good attitude towards diabetes risk factors, treatment and prevention was 44.1%. However, majority of the respondents (64.6%) had adequate adherence towards treatment regimen. The predictors of adequate adherence were older age (AOR=51.98; 95%CI=7.82-345.71, p<0.001), attaining primary school (AOR=12.64; 95%CI=2.00-79.95, p=0.007), attaining secondary or university (AOR=53.54; 95%CI=5.98-479.37, p<0.001) and good knowledge (AOR=10.60; 95%CI=1.55-72.32, p=0.016). Conclusion: The levels of knowledge and attitude towards diabetes mellitus were low. Therefore, the Ministry of Health and other related stakeholders should help increase the awareness and enhance positive attitude among diabetes mellitus patients through education programs. More focus should be given to illiterate and young age group.
Laboratory Utilization and Analytical Validation of Fecal Electrolyte Tests.

BACKGROUND Chronic diarrhea can be categorized as fatty, watery, or inflammatory. Watery diarrhea is further divided into secretory or osmotic types and can be differentiated by measuring fecal electrolytes and osmotic gap. However, with widespread use of endoscopy, it is unclear if these measurements are being used clinically. Furthermore, because stool is not a validated specimen type for Food and Drug Administration-approved electrolyte assays, utilization is a practical concern for laboratories before analytical validation. Here, we determined the clinical utility and validated the performance characteristics of stool electrolytes on the Beckman Coulter AU680. METHODS Historical results and literature review were used to determine the clinically relevant ranges for stool electrolytes (Na+, Cl-, K+, phosphate, and Mg2+). Additionally, medical chart review was performed (n = 44 patients) on results to evaluate their clinical utility in chronic diarrhea work-up. Linearity, precision, and stability studies were performed on the AU680. Accuracy was evaluated by comparing results to the Roche Cobas 6000 c501. RESULTS For all cases, stool electrolytes and osmotic gap proved valuable in chronic diarrhea work-up. The imprecision of the assays ranged from 0% to 5.9%. All assays were found to be linear within the instrument's analytical measurement range with appropriate slopes and intercepts. The bias between the AU680 and the Roche c501 ranged from -0.48 to 2.39 (mmol/L or mg/dL). Na+, Cl-, and K+ were stable refrigerated for 5 days and up to 1 freeze-thaw cycle. Phosphate and Mg2+ were stable refrigerated for 48 h, but unstable to freeze-thaw cycles. CONCLUSIONS Stool osmotic gap is valuable for evaluating chronic diarrhea and can be calculated using electrolyte concentrations measured on the AU680.
Assessment of Effect of Information System Security Threats on Information Resources in Public Institutions: A Case of Kenya School of Government

: Information system security is important in an institution whose routine operations expose its information system to threats. The objectives of the study were to establish the effect of systems security threats on the utilization of information resources and to find out the challenges of information system threats on organizational information resources in Kenya School of Government. The study employed the descriptive survey research design. The study targeted 100 staff drawn from the ICT Department, secretarial and records departments. Census sampling was employed to select the sample size. Data was collected using self administered questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics with the aid of Microsoft Excel. The findings were presented using tables and graphs. From the results, it was evident that there were widespread systems security threats on the utilization of information resources at the Kenya School of Government, with the illegal access to computer system being the highest and computer related acts causing personal harm being the lowest. The findings also indicate that the organizations have not embraced ICT policies and strategies to help secure their systems. However, organizational commitment to curb cybercrime was high which may be attributed to e-government requirements like e-procurement and IFMIS which must be carried out online. The study also established that cost was the highest challenge in adopting and implementing ISS.
Release of granzyme B (GzmB) from peripheral blood leukocytes in patients with hymenoptera venom allergy – effect of rush venom immunotherapy

Wyniki. W godzinę po uzyskaniu klinicznej tolerancji dawki 100μg jadu/ml, w procedurze odczulania metoda ultra-rush, obserwowano ponad o 50% spadek średnich wartości GzmB (nie istotny statystycznie). Nie stwierdzono wpływu stymulacji komórek jadem osy na średnie stężenie GzmB w nadsączach, jednakże u pojedynczych osób obserwowano kilkakrotny wzrost stężenia GzmB po stymulacji alergenem osy w stężeniu 1ug. Stymulacja komórek jadem pszczoły (alergen nieswoisty) istotnie zwiększała średnie stężenie GzmB zarówno przed, jak i w trakcie odczulania.