Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factores profesionales y conocimiento de la comorbilidad tuberculosis-diabetes en responsables de salud de la Estrategia Sanitaria de Prevención y Control de Tuberculosis

Objetivo: Determinar la asociación entre los factores profesionales y el grado de conocimiento de la comorbilidad tuberculosis-diabetes (TB-DM) en profesionales de salud responsables de la Estrategia Sanitaria de Prevención y Control de Tuberculosis (ES-PCTB) de una red de salud de Lima. Metodología: Estudio cuantitativo observacional de tipo transversal analítico; se trabajó con el universo de centros de salud de la Red de Salud San Juan de Lurigancho. Se aplicó el cuestionario «Factores profesionales y conocimientos sobre la comorbilidad TB-DM en profesionales de la salud responsables de la ES-PCT», constituido por características sociodemográficas (3 preguntas), factores profesionales (3 preguntas), criterios para identificación de TB-DM (9 preguntas), diagnóstico de TB-DM (21 preguntas), y tratamiento TB-DM (20 preguntas); el cual fue validado por un grupo de expertos (p = 0.01) y prueba piloto con coeficiente Kuder-Richardson de 0.89. Resultados: El 50 % de los profesionales de la salud responsables de las ES-PCT son médicos generales, y el 50 % son enfermeros; el 88.2 % no realizaron estudios de postgrado y un 50 % llevaba tiempo trabajando en la ES-PCT, que oscila entre 1 a 5 años. La proporción de profesionales de la salud con conocimiento adecuado fue de 20.6 %. Se halló asociación entre el tipo de profesional de la salud y el conocimiento de la comorbilidad TB-DM (p = 0.001). Conclusiones: Se encontró asociación significativa entre el tipo de profesión de salud y el conocimiento de la comorbilidad TB-DM.
SIW-Fed Patch Array Filtenna With Significant Suppression of Adjacent 5G Spectrum for Radio Altimeters

We propose a $2\times2$ patch array filtenna specifically designed for radio altimeter applications with significant suppression of unwanted adjacent 5G spectrum signals. The patch radiator is carefully selected to meet the radiation requirement of radio altimeters and the substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) feeding network is meticulously designed to provide shielding property and excellent suppression level for adjacent 5G spectrum through the evanescent mode characteristic. In specific, the proposed filtenna harnesses inherent suppression characteristic of low-band RF signals below a cutoff frequency in the SIW feeding network, eliminating the need for additional filtering geometries. The proposed filtenna is fabricated and measured, and experimental results confirm its effective operation in the radio altimeter band (4.2–4.4 GHz), exhibiting successful suppression of 5G spectrum (3.4–4 GHz) by 40.70-dB to 43.26-dB. Comparative analysis reveals that the proposed filtenna demonstrates superior suppression level for adjacent spectrums compared to previous planar array filtennas.
Body mass index affects spirometry indices in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma

Background: Body mass index (BMI) is known to affect the outcomes of spirometry indices. However, its association with spirometry indices in COPD and asthma is less studied. We aimed to explore the impact of BMI on these patients. Methods: Patients with COPD or asthma who completed bronchodilator tests (BDTs) between 2017 and 2021 were reviewed. Spirometry indices were compared among patients with COPD or asthma that were subclassified as underweight (BMI< 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (≥18.5 to < 25), overweight (≥ 25 to < 30), and obesity (≥ 30). Results. Results: Analysis was conducted on 3891 COPD patients (age:66.5 ± 7.8 years) and 1208 asthma patients (age:59.7 ± 7.5 years). COPD patients classified as underweight demonstrated significantly lower values of pre-and post FEV1 (L, %), pre-and post FVC (L, %), and pre- and post-FEV1/FVC (all p < 0.05). In contrast, COPD patients who were overweight or obese exhibited higher values for pre-and post FEV1 (L, %), and pre and post FEV1/FVC (all p < 0.05). Within the cohort of asthma patients, those underweight had lower pre-and post FEV1 (L, %), pre and post FVC (L, %), pre and post FEV1/FVC %. Obese asthma patients displayed higher pre and post FEV1/FVC (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: Significant BMI category differences in spirometry indices can be seen in patients with COPD or asthma. Both underweight and obesity could affect the diagnosis and severity of these diseases. Recognizing these effects is essential to better management and diagnosis of these patients.
New Approach Based on Pix2Pix–YOLOv7 mmWave Radar for Target Detection and Classification

Frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar is increasingly used for various detection and classification applications in different fields, such as autonomous vehicles and mining fields. Our objective is to increase the classification accuracy of objects detected using millimeter-wave radar. We have developed an approach based on millimeter-wave radar. The proposed solution combines the use of an FMCW radar, a YOLOv7 model, and the Pix2Pix architecture. The latter architecture was used to reduce noise in the heatmaps. We create a dataset of 4125 heatmaps annotated with five different object classes. To evaluate the proposed approach, 14 different models were trained using the annotated heatmap dataset. In the initial experiment, we compared the models using metrics such as mean average precision (mAP), precision, and recall. The results showed that the proposed model of YOLOv7 (YOLOv7-PM) was the most efficient in terms of mAP_0. 5, which reached 90.1%, and achieved a mAP_0. 5:0.95 of 49.51%. In the second experiment, we compared the models with a cleaned dataset generated using the Pix2Pix architecture. As a result, we observed improved performances, with the Pix2Pix + YOLOv7-PM model achieving the best mAP_0. 5, reaching 91.82%, and a mAP_0. 5:0.95 of 52.59%.
The distribution and diversity of stygobites in Great Britain: an analysis to inform groundwater management

Abstract The invertebrate ecology of aquifers has received little attention. This paper presents an analysis of stygobite (obligate groundwater) fauna from Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). A review is presented of the ecosystem functions performed by these creatures, their potential vulnerability to anthropogenic stress including water pollution and abstraction, and research priorities that will allow current groundwater management challenges to be addressed. In Great Britain stygobites are largely restricted to England and Wales. The assemblage comprises crustacean invertebrates (nine species) and is very limited in comparison with continental Europe. There is only one known endemic species in Great Britain, Niphargus glenniei (a further two endemic crustaceans are also known from the Republic of Ireland). Additionally, a suite of water mites (18 species) is found in the interstitial habitats of running waters in Great Britain. Niphargus glenniei was recently added to the United Kingdom Biodiversity Action Plan priority species list. Stygobites, which are found only in subterranean environments such as aquifers, springs and the hyporheic zone of rivers, make a unique contribution to biodiversity. Our analysis suggests that both the glacial legacy and the nature of the (hydro)geology are major controls on the distribution of these assemblages. Most records were from locations to the south of the southern limit of the ice sheet during the Devensian glaciation. The majority of stygobites were also found in calcareous strata, although high calcium carbonate concentrations may not be important to all crustacean stygobites. Records were dominated by samples from the Chalk, the Carboniferous and Jurassic Limestone aquifers, and from other strongly fissured strata. Strata with extensive fissuring may provide the greatest availability of habitat for groundwater fauna. Our investigation revealed that there are relatively few sites from which stygobites have been recorded in Great Britain (513 sites at which records of stygobites have been confirmed). Research is needed to improve our understanding of the basic biology and ecology of groundwater-dwelling fauna and the range of ecosystem services that they provide. An understanding of the response of groundwater fauna to stress caused by pollution and abstraction pressures is also needed, together with the development of appropriate monitoring, assessment and protection criteria. The Water Framework Directive requires a more integrated assessment of the chemical, water resources and ecological conditions of water bodies. Stygobites have the potential to act as sentinels in the subterranean environment and help inform us about the condition and ecological health of this little-considered habitat.
Cultural Transmission and the Disease Ecology of Tuberculosis in Indigenous Communities of the Paraguayan Chaco

Introduction This cross-sectional study examines the risk factors for and prevalence of helminthes and protozoan parasites in three rural, indigenous communities of the Paraguayan Chaco, where the current prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasites is unknown. Methods In 2011, 134 stool samples were collected from adults in two remote Nivaclé communities. In 2012, the same Nivaclé communities were re-sampled along with an Angaité community from another part of the Chaco, and a total of 152 stool samples were collected. Stool samples were collected in 10% formalin and refrigerated after arriving at the laboratory. Concentration and flotation methods were used to examine the samples for helminthes and protozoa. Health risk factor surveys at different time points in 2011 and 2012 collected information about household water source, water treatment, hygiene, latrine type and condition, and number and type of domestic animals in the study communities. Results No helminthes were detected in the 2011 Nivaclé samples or 2012 Angaité samples. Fewer than 5% of Nivaclé samples in 2012 had helminthiasis. In 2011, Giardia lamblia was detected in 13.0% and 21.0% of samples in the less and more isolated Nivaclé communities, respectively. In 2012, the prevalence of Giardia lamblia decreased to 4.0% and 15.3% in the less and more isolated Nivaclé communities,
Potentiating TRPA1 by Sea Anemone Peptide Ms 9a-1 Reduces Pain and Inflammation in a Model of Osteoarthritis

Progressive articular surface degradation during arthritis causes ongoing pain and hyperalgesia that lead to the development of functional disability. TRPA1 channel significantly contributes to the activation of sensory neurons that initiate neurogenic inflammation and mediates pain signal transduction to the central nervous system. Peptide Ms 9a-1 from the sea anemone Metridium senile is a positive allosteric modulator of TRPA1 and shows significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity in different models of pain. We used a model of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of Ms 9a-1 in comparison with APHC3 (a polypeptide modulator of TRPV1 channel) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as meloxicam and ibuprofen. Administration of Ms 9a-1 (0.1 mg/kg, subcutaneously) significantly reversed joint swelling, disability, thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity, and grip strength impairment. The effect of Ms 9a-1 was equal to or better than that of reference drugs. Post-treatment histological analysis revealed that long-term administration of Ms9a-1 could reduce inflammatory changes in joints and prevent the progression of cartilage and bone destruction at the same level as meloxicam. Peptide Ms 9a-1 showed significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in the model of MIA-induced OA, and therefore positive allosteric modulators could be considered for the alleviation of OA symptoms.
Flight and foraging patterns of lesser black-backed gulls and Northern gannets in the southern North Sea

The study focuses on the foraging ecology of two common seabird species of the southern North Sea, lesser black-backed gulls and northern gannets. The spatiotemporal patterns were considered in light of offshore wind farms, representing a recent anthropogenic pressure on the birds' foraging and space use. Flight and foraging patterns of both species were recorded by attaching small GPS data loggers on breeding birds at different German North Sea Islands. Their foraging patterns differed among the six studied breeding colonies and between the sexes, and also indicated a large amount of individual specialisation in foraging behaviour. The vertical flight distribution of lesser black-backed gulls showed that birds flew in the critical heights of the rotor swept areas of offshore wind farms to a certain extent, and thus were likely to collide with offshore turbines, expecially during bad weather conditions. Northern gannets, which are rather inflexible flyers with poor flight manoeuvrability compared to the gulls, largely avoided the offshore wind farm areas, and only crossed those areas where turbines were not installed yet.
Clinical application of amplification-based versus amplification-free metagenomic next-generation sequencing test in infectious diseases

Background Recently, metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has been used in the diagnosis of infectious diseases (IDs) as an emerging and powerful tool. However, whether the complicated methodological variation in mNGS detections makes a difference in their clinical performance is still unknown. Here we conducted a method study on the clinical application of mNGS tests in the DNA detection of IDs. Methods We analyzed the effect of several potential factors in the whole process of mNGS for DNA detection on microorganism identification in 98 samples of suspected ID patients by amplification-based mNGS. The amplification-based and amplification-free mNGS tests were successfully performed in 41 samples. Then we compared the clinical application of the two mNGS methods in the DNA detection of IDs. Results We found that a higher concentration of extracted nucleic acid was more conducive to detecting microorganisms. Other potential factors, such as read depth and proportion of human reads, might not be attributed to microorganism identification. The concordance rate of amplification-based and amplification-free mNGS results was 80.5% (33/41) in the patients with suspected IDs. Amplification-based mNGS showed approximately 16.7% higher sensitivity than amplification-free mNGS. However, 4 cases with causative pathogens only detected by amplification-based mNGS were finally proved false-positive. In addition, empirical antibiotic treatments were adjusted in 18 patients following mNGS testing with unexpected pathogens. Conclusions Amplification-based and amplification-free mNGS tests showed their specific advantages and disadvantages in the diagnosis of IDs. The clinical application of mNGS still needs more exploration from a methodological perspective. With advanced technology and standardized procedure, mNGS will play a promising role in the diagnosis of IDs and help guide the use of antibiotics.
A LlWRKY33-LlHSFA4-LlCAT2 module confers resistance to Botrytis cinerea in lily

Abstract Gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea is one of the major threats in lily production. However, limited information is available about the underlying defense mechanism against B. cinerea in lily. Here, we characterized a nuclear-localized class A heat stress transcription factor (HSF)-LlHSFA4 from lily (Lilium longiflorum), which positively regulated the response to B. cinerea infection. LlHSFA4 transcript and its promoter activity were increased by B. cinerea infection in lily, indicating its involvement in the response to B. cinerea. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of LlHSFA4 impaired the resistance of lily to B. cinerea. Consistent with its role in lily, overexpression of LlHSFA4 in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) enhanced the resistance of transgenic Arabidopsis to B. cinerea infection. Further analysis showed that LlWRKY33 directly activated LlHSFA4 expression. We also found that both LlHSFA4 and LlWRKY33 positively regulated plant response to B. cinerea through reducing cell death and H2O2 accumulation and activating the expression of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzyme gene LlCAT2 (Catalase 2) by binding its prompter, which might contribute to reducing H2O2 accumulation in the infected area. Taken together, our data suggested that there may be a LlWRKY33-LlHSFA4-LlCAT2 regulatory module which confers B. cinerea resistance via reducing cell death and the ROS accumulation.
Impact of Respiratory Viruses and SARS-CoV-2 on Febrile Seizures in Saudi Children: Insights into Etiologies, Gender, and Familial Associations

Background Childhood febrile seizures occur between 5 months and 6 years of age in children without a previous history of seizure and are associated with high temperature in the absence of intracranial infection. This retrospective study identified 71 children aged 6 months to 5 years with febrile seizures between 2017 and 2021 at a single center in Saudi Arabia and aimed to identify an association between common respiratory virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Material/Methods Pediatric nasopharyngeal specimens were tested using a multiplex PCR respiratory panel detecting human coronaviruses (NL63, 229E, OC43, HKU1), influenza A/B, human adenovirus, parainfluenza viruses 1–4, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, rhinovirus/enterovirus, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, and, as of September 2021, SARS-CoV-2, confirmed using the Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV2 RT-PCR kit. Results In a cohort of 71 pediatric patients (median age, 19 months; 54.9% female), dominant pathogens included human rhinovirus/enterovirus (23.9%), influenza A/B (26.8%), and SARS-CoV-2 (14.1%). Concurrent infections were noted in 28.2%. Simple seizures occurred in 69%, and complex seizures in 31%. Females exhibited an 8.18-fold increased risk for complex seizures. Each additional fever day reduced complex seizure risk by 36%. Familial seizure history increased risk 8.76-fold. Human rhinovirus/enterovirus or parainfluenza infections inversely affected complex seizure likelihood compared with adenovirus. Conclusions In Saudi children with febrile seizures, distinct viral etiologies, sex, and familial links play pivotal roles. Given regional viral variations, region-tailored diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are paramount. A multicenter prospective cohort study is essential for comprehensive understanding.
A Study on the Architecture of Artificial Neural Network Considering Injection-Molding Process Steps

In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) was established to predict product properties (mass, diameter, height) using six process conditions of the injection-molding process (melt temperature, mold temperature, injection speed, packing pressure, packing time, and cooling time) as input parameters. The injection-molding process consists of continuous sequential stages, including the injection stage, packing stage, and cooling stage. However, the related research tends to have an insufficient incorporation of structural characteristics based on these basic process stages. Therefore, in order to incorporate these process stages and characteristics into the ANN, a process-based multi-task learning technique was applied to the connection between the input parameters and the front-end of the hidden layer. This resulted in the construction of two network structures, and their performance was evaluated by comparing them with the typical network structure. The results showed that a multi-task learning architecture that incorporated process-level specific structures in the connections between the input parameters and the front end of the hidden layer yielded relatively better root mean square errors (RMSEs) values than a conventional neural network architecture, by as much as two orders of magnitude. Based on these results, this study has provided guidance for the construction of artificial neural networks for injection-molding processes that incorporates process-stage specific features and structures in the architecture.
India’s Decision to Deny an Extension of Patent for Bedaquiline: A Public Health Imperative

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global public health concern, which has become worse in low- and middle-income nations due to the rise of drug-resistant strains of the disease. Bedaquiline, a groundbreaking anti-TB drug, shows great promise for addressing multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). However, the recent decision by India to reject the application for a patent extension on bedaquiline raises crucial questions regarding access to essential medicines and public health requirements. This article examines the significance of India's rejection of the patent extension for bedaquiline, outlining the global implications of this decision and its impact on intellectual property rights, access to medicines, and the future of drug development. India's stance serves as a model for other countries to prioritize public health in their patent-related decisions, underlining the need for a balanced approach to intellectual property rights, innovation, and affordability in the pharmaceutical sector. In the context of the ongoing battle against drug-resistant TB, India's decision on bedaquiline signifies the evolving landscape of pharmaceutical patent practices in the service of global public health.
Cancer Vaccines in the Immunotherapy Era: Promise and Potential

Therapeutic vaccines are a promising alternative for active immunotherapy for different types of cancers. Therapeutic cancer vaccines aim to prevent immune system responses that are not targeted at the tumors only, but also boost the anti-tumor immunity and promote regression or eradication of the malignancy without, or with minimal, adverse events. Clinical trial data have pushed the development of cancer vaccines forward, and the US Food and Drug Administration authorized the first therapeutic cancer vaccine. In the present review, we discuss the various types of cancer vaccines and different approaches for the development of therapeutic cancer vaccines, along with the current state of knowledge and future prospects. We also discuss how tumor-induced immune suppression limits the effectiveness of therapeutic vaccinations, and strategies to overcome this barrier to design efficacious, long-lasting anti-tumor immune responses in the generation of vaccines.
Freeze Substitution Accelerated via Agitation: New Prospects for Ultrastructural Studies of Lichen Symbionts and Their Extracellular Matrix

(1) Background: Lichens, as an important part of the terrestrial ecosystem, attract the attention of various research disciplines. To elucidate their ultrastructure, transmission electron microscopy of resin-embedded samples is indispensable. Since most observations of lichen samples are generated via chemical fixation and processing at room temperature, they lack the rapid immobilization of live processes and are prone to preparation artefacts. To improve their preservation, cryoprocessing was tested in the past, but never widely implemented, not least because of an extremely lengthy protocol. (2) Methods: Here, we introduce an accelerated automated freeze substitution protocol with continuous agitation. Using the example of three lichen species, we demonstrate the preservation of the native state of algal photobionts and mycobionts in association with their extracellular matrix. (3) Results: We bring to attention the extent and the structural variability of the hyphae, the extracellular matrix and numerous crystallized metabolites. Our findings will encourage studies on transformation processes related to the compartmentation of lichen thalli. They include cryopreserved aspects of algal photobionts and observations of putative physiological relevance, such as the arrangement of numerous mitochondria within chloroplast pockets. (4) Conclusions: In summary, we present accelerated freeze substitution as a very useful tool for systematic studies of lichen ultrastructures.