Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Potential Anti-Rheumatoid Arthritis Activities and Mechanisms of Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharides

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, autoimmune dysfunction, and cartilage and bone destruction. In this review, we summarized the available reports on the protective effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLP) on RA in terms of anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-angiogenic and osteoprotective effects. Firstly, GLP inhibits RA synovial fibroblast (RASF) proliferation and migration, modulates pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and reduces synovial inflammation. Secondly, GLP regulates the proliferation and differentiation of antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells, inhibits phagocytosis by mononuclear macrophages and nature killer (NK) cells and regulates the ratio of M1, M2 and related inflammatory cytokines. In addition, GLP produced activities in balancing humoral and cellular immunity, such as regulating immunoglobulin production, modulating T and B lymphocyte proliferative responses and cytokine release, exhibiting immunomodulatory effects. Thirdly, GLP inhibits angiogenesis through the direct inhibition of vascular endothelial cell proliferation and induction of cell death and the indirect inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production in the cells. Finally, GLP can inhibit the production of matrix metalloproteinases and promote osteoblast formation, exerting protective effects on bone and articular cartilage. It is suggested that GLP may be a promising agent for the treatment of RA.
Stationary concentrated vortex with three velocity components above the water surface

The characteristics of stationary, concentrated vortices of a special type are studying. The new solution for the problem of a concentrated vortex with three components of the velocity vector was constructed using a cylindrical coordinate system. Vortices of this type can be initiated by intense evaporation of moisture in a limited area of the water surface.
Knowledge and awareness of chronic hepatitis C and liver fibrosis among health care personnel and other domains in Iraq

As a significant public health disease, the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects more than 185 million worldwide. Chronic infections are led by 170 million illnesses, resulting in 350,000 because of liver and cirrhosis cancer. Injuring of chronic liver from several insults leads to occur fibrosis. For example, metabolic disease (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease), infections (hepatitis B [HBV] and C viruses [HCV]), and toxins (alcohol). This study evaluates the knowledge and awareness about Of Chronic Hepatitis C and Liver Fibrosis among Health Care Workers and other domains of workers in Iraq. This study was carried out as cross-sectional research in Diyala, Iraq, from February / 2021 to January / 2022. In this work, 350 persons participated; the age range was (18-62) years, with a mean age of (25.9 + 9.79). The participants consisted of 100 males and 250 females. Also, they were divided into two groups: groups I and II. I (health care workers group) consists of 200 students studying in the medical department of Baquba technical institute and workers in Diyala hospitals ). Group II (other domains Workers) includes (100) participants who work in several domains. Similar to previous studies, a questionnaire was adopted to collect this research data. The outcomes demonstrate higher knowledge about HCV, Liver fibrosis, transmission, and a vaccine was noticed with a statistically significant difference among females compared to males. Regarding residency, the ability of HCV and liver fibrosis in Q1, Q2, and Q5 only among Health Care Workers compared to other domains Workers with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Keywords: Chronic Hepatitis C, Liver Fibrosis, Health Care Workers and other domains Workers
Spectral properties and role of aluminium-related bismuth active centre (BAC-Al) in bismuth and erbium co-doped fibres

Bismuth and erbium co-doped silicate fibres (BEDFs) and their potential for ultra-broadband applications are closely associated with the characteristics of defect sites ascribed to bismuth active centres (BACs). This work focusses on the absorption, emission, excited state absorption (ESA) and up-conversion characteristics of an aluminium (Al) related bismuth active centre (labelled as BAC-Al) in the BEDFs. The absorption and emission bands of BAC-Al are measured centred at ~1050 nm and ~1100 nm respectively, consistent with those previously ascribed in BDFs. We observed broad ESA over (920–1320) nm or (920−1500) nm in BEDFs under 830 nm pumping and found these to be linked to BAC-Al. The observed ESA consists of several individual ESA bands with the strongest ESA band centred at 1030 nm. The 1030 nm ESA band originates from the energy level emitting at 1100 nm of the BAC-Al and affects the 1100 nm emission significantly. The 1100 nm emission energy level of BAC-Al was found to be directly associated with ESA at 830 nm that leads to an up-conversion at 532 nm. With these findings we assess the role of Al or BAC-Al in BEDFs and discuss the improved design and operation of BEDFs for broadband applications.
Global structure of the Kerr family of gravitational fields

The Kerr family of solutions of the Einstein and Einstein-Maxwell equations is the most general class of solutions known at present which could represent the field of a rotating neutral or electrically charged body in asymptotically flat space. When the charge and specific angular momentum are small compared with the mass, the part of the manifold which is stationary in the strict sense is incomplete at a Killing horizon. Analytically extended manifolds are constructed in order to remove this incompleteness. Some general methods for the analysis of causal behavior are described and applied. It is shown that in all except the spherically symmetric cases there is nontrivial causality violation, i.e., there are closed timelike lines which are not removable by taking a covering space; moreover, when the charge or angular momentum is so large that there are no Killing horizons, this causality violation is of the most flagrant possible kind in that it is possible to connect any event to any other by a future-directed timelike line. Although the symmetries provide only three constants of the motion, a fourth one turns out to be obtainable from the unexpected separability of the Hamilton-Jacobi equation, with the result that the equations, not only of geodesics but also of charged-particle orbits, can be integrated completely in terms of explicit quadratures. This makes it possible to prove that in the extended manifolds all geodesics which do not reach the central ring singularities are complete, and also that those timelike or null geodesics which do reach the singularities are entirely confined to the equator, with the further restriction, in the charged case, that they be null with a certain uniquely determined direction. The physical significance of these results is briefly discussed.
Modeling, design, and characterization of multisegment cantilevers for resonant mass detection

The work presents the analytic modeling, design, and the experimental and numerical characterization of multisegment cantilevers’ bending and torsion resonant responses with the aim of evaluating the amount and position of matter which deposits on these elastic structures. The cantilevers may comprise any number of geometrically different segments that are serially connected, and actual results are presented for the two-segment, circularly notched configuration. The generic analytical model, which formulates the bending and torsion resonant frequencies of both the original cantilever and the one with the attached mass, is derived by means of Rayleigh’s quotient approach. Relationships are formulated between nondimensional parameters characterizing the geometry, resonant frequencies, and deposited mass amount and position for both bending and torsion. The sensitivity of the frequency shift to the landing parameters and mass amount are also studied. Analytical model, finite element, and experimental testing.
Solar-powered five-leg inverter-driven quasi-dynamic charging for a slow-moving vehicle

Road transport is becoming increasingly electric as it becomes more environmentally friendly. A green transportation system includes solar arrays along the roadside, encouraging the eco-friendly EV charging system. This paper proposes a road-side photovoltaic system to charge the batteries of slow-moving electric vehicles using a five-leg inverter. The five-legged inverter, which utilizes a stand-alone PV system to drive the charging pads, enhances the probability of achieving the sustainability goal. The limitations of the conventional H-bridge inverter, such as its more prominent design and higher number of switches or straightforward design and restricted power level, are addressed by this converter. The proposed 3.3 kW, 85 kHz inverter energizes the four transmitter pads while a receiver pad moves over the transmitter pads and inductively extracts the power. The d.c.-d.c. converter is used to feed the power to the proposed inverter. The P and O-based MPPT algorithm with a tuned PI controller is used to generate the driving pulses of the d.c.-d.c. converter. The signals are generated based on the voltage and current output of the solar panel output. This control algorithm ensures the stability of the system output response. Additionally, the tuned d.c.-d.c. converter achieves maximum efficiency independent of the load resistance. The system maintains constant power transfer profile concerning load resistance variations. The 520*520 mm Double D-pad transmits the power, while the series-series compensation network assists the charging pads in achieving resonance. The developed systems’ nominal charging voltage and current are 144 V, 20 A, with an equivalent battery resistance of 7.2 Ω.
Numerical Simulation of Bubble Growth and Heat Transfer During Flow Boiling in a Surface-Modified Microchannel

Flow boiling in a microchannel without or with surface modifications, such as fins, grooves, and cavities, has received significant attention as an effective cooling method for high-power microelectronic devices. However, a general predictive approach for the boiling process has not yet been developed because of its complexity involving the bubble dynamics coupled with boiling heat transfer in a microscale channel. In this study, direct numerical simulations for flow boiling in a surface-modified microchannel are performed by solving the conservation equations of mass, momentum, and energy in the liquid and vapor phases. The bubble surfaces are determined by a sharp-interface level-set method, which is modified to include the effect of phase change at the liquid–vapor interface and to treat the no-slip and contact-angle conditions on immersed solid surface of microstructures. This computation demonstrates that the surface-modified microchannel enhances boiling heat transfer significantly compared to a plain microchannel. The effects of various surface modifications on the bubble growth and heat transfer are investigated to find better conditions for boiling enhancement.
Effects of the Incorporation of Bioactive Particles on Physical Properties, Bioactivity and Penetration of Resin Enamel Infiltrant

Purpose The resinous infiltrant lacks remineralizing activity. This research aimed to develop and evaluate bioactivity, physico-mechanical properties and penetration of resin infiltrants containing Biosilicate or nanohydroxyapatite. Methods Experimental resin infiltrant (ERI; 75/25 wt.% TEGDMA/BisEMA) was divided among the groups Pure Experimental (PE); ERI + Biosilicate 5 or 10% (Bio5; Bio10), ERI + 10% nanohydroxyapatite (Hap10), and Icon (DMG, Germany). Bioactivity was analyzed by SEM, EDS and FT-IR/ATR after soaking in SBF. Degree of conversion (DC), sorption and solubility (SO; SOL), flexural strength, modulus of elasticity (FS; E-modulus), contact angle (CA) and penetration were characterized. Extent of penetration was analyzed by treating white spot lesions (WSL) in human dental enamel samples with the infiltrants and subsequently analyzing specimens by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Data from each test were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey’s tests (p < 0.01). Results SEM, EDS and FT-IR showed the formation of precipitates and increase in the rates of Ca and P in the groups with bioactive particles, after storage in SBF. Hap10 showed higher DC and CA values than all the other groups. Groups Bio5 and Bio10 showed CA values similar to those of Icon, higher SO and SOL values, and reduction in other properties. All infiltrants were capable of penetrating into the WSLs. Conclusion The incorporation of Biosilicate (5 or 10%) or nanohydroxyapatite (10%) into ERI induced mineral deposition on the surface and did not compromise infiltration and penetration into WSLs, however, compromising their physico-mechanical properties.
CHEK2 Alterations in Pediatric Malignancy: A Single-Institution Experience

Simple Summary Pediatric malignancies rarely occur, with 12,000–15,000 cases per year in the United States. Approximately 10% of pediatric cancers are thought to be secondary to germline alterations in cancer-predisposing genes based on numerous germline genomic analyses. CHEK2 germline loss-of-function variants have been reported in certain pediatric cancer patient cohorts, including neuroblastomas, non-Hodgkin lymphomas, thyroid cancer, melanomas, sarcomas, and brain tumors. However, a paucity of data exists surrounding clinical phenotypes and outcomes. In this study, we present our single-institution experience regarding six children and adolescents with CHEK2 germline alterations and cancer or cancer-predisposing conditions, including their clinical presentations and outcomes. We also review the current body of data regarding CHEK2 germline alterations in the pediatric cancer population and future challenges with studies on these alterations. Abstract Background: Approximately 10% of pediatric malignancies are secondary to germline alterations in cancer-predisposing genes. Checkpoint kinase 2 (CHEK2) germline loss-of-function variants have been reported in pediatric cancer patients, but clinical phenotypes and outcomes are poorly described. We present our single-institution experience of pediatric oncology patients with CHEK2 germline alterations, including clinical presentations and outcomes. Methods: Pediatric oncology patients with CHEK2 germline alterations were identified among those assessed by clinical or translational research at the Institute for Genomic Medicine at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. A chart review of disease course was conducted on identified patients. Results: We identified 6 patients with germline CHEK2 variants from a cohort of 300 individuals, including 1 patient with concurrent presentation of Burkitt lymphoma and neuroblastoma, 3 patients with brain tumors, 1 patient with Ewing sarcoma, and 1 patient with myelodysplastic syndrome. Three patients had a family history of malignancies. Four patients were in remission; one was undergoing treatment; one patient had developed treatment-related meningiomas. We review prior data regarding CHEK2 variants in this population, challenges associated with variant interpretation, and genetic counseling for individuals with CHEK2 variants. Conclusions: CHEK2 germline loss-of-function alterations occur in patients with a variety of pediatric tumors. Larger multicenter studies will improve our understanding of the incidence, phenotype, and molecular biology of CHEK2 germline variants in pediatric cancers.
Management of Locally Advanced Laryngeal Cancer—From Risk Factors to Treatment, the Experience of a Tertiary Hospital from Eastern Europe

Laryngeal cancer is an important oncological entity in which prognosis depends on the establishment of appropriate preventive and diagnostic measures, especially in high-risk populations. We present a retrospective two-year study (January 2021 to December 2022) with 152 patients diagnosed with laryngeal cancer from a tertiary hospital in Romania. The average age of the patients was 62 years old for both sexes, with a range from 44 to 83 years. The most frequent symptom was dysphonia with or without dyspnea in 142 cases (93.42%), followed by dyspnea alone in nine patients (5.92%) and dysphagia in one case (0.66%). Surgical treatment in this study consisted of partial laryngectomy (CO2 laser transoral tumor ablation, supraglottic horizontal laryngectomy or hemilaryngectomy), or total laryngectomy. The main treatment was total laryngectomy (63%). For the eight patients with initial organ preservation treatment, the average time of recurrence was about two-and-a-half years. For the four patients who underwent a total circular pharyngo-laryngectomy, the upper digestive tract needed to be rebuilt with a salivary bypass tube or with a tubed myocutaneous flap from the major pectoralis muscle. One strong point is characteristic of the study group in gathering patients with advanced stages of laryngeal carcinoma candidates for salvage surgery and extended reconstruction methods. The development of new prevention protocols is mandatory in Eastern European countries.
Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 inhibits biofilm formation and mitigates virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

In the quest for mitigators of bacterial virulence, cell-free supernatants (CFS) from 25 human commensal and associated bacteria were tested for activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Among these, Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 CFS significantly inhibited biofilm formation and dispersed extant pseudomonas biofilms without inhibiting planktonic bacterial growth. eDNA was reduced in biofilms following exposure to E. coli Nissle CFS, as visualized by confocal microscopy. E. coli Nissle CFS also showed a significant protective effect in a Galleria mellonella-based larval virulence assay when administrated 24 h before challenge with the P. aeruginosa. No inhibitory effects against P. aeruginosa were observed for other tested E. coli strains. According to proteomic analysis, E. coli Nissle CFS downregulated the expression of several P. aeruginosa proteins involved in motility (Flagellar secretion chaperone FliSB, B-type flagellin fliC, Type IV pilus assembly ATPase PilB), and quorum sensing (acyl-homoserine lactone synthase lasI and HTH-type quorum-sensing regulator rhlR), which are associated with biofilm formation. Physicochemical characterization of the putative antibiofilm compound(s) indicates the involvement of heat-labile proteinaceous factors of greater than 30 kDa molecular size.
Meta-learning-based few-shot identification for novel loads

In recent years, load identification technology has received great attention as the value of real-time load-side electricity information has gradually emerged. There are several ways to precisely identify the different types of loads. However, practical situations with novel load types and little labeled data are seldom considered. For this reason, this paper proposes a few-shot identification method for novel loads based on the Model-Agnostic Meta-Learning (MAML). It uses the Adaptive Weighted Recurrence Graphs (AWRG) model as the base learner, which has the best performance in load identification, and pre-trains the model with existing data. The proposed method uses meta-training to get initial parameters that are generalized across multiple load types to improve the learning ability of the model on few-shot tasks with novel loads. Compared with transfer learning methods commonly used for generalized load identification, the results on the WHITED dataset show that the proposed method can improve the scalability of the load identification for practical applications.
Assessment of muscle fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients in electromyographic examinations

BACKGROUND Although surface electromyography (sEMG) is the method used to assess muscle fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), no pattern of signal change has been established. The differences shown in the parameters of other neurophysiological tests between PwMS and control groups (CG) suggest the differentiation of the sEMG signal. AIM The purpose of the study was to verify potential differences in the fatigue sEMG signal in PwMS compared to CG. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Chair and Department of Functional Diagnostics and Physical Medicine. POPULATION A randomised group of patients diagnosed with MS (30, 20-41 years). A random sample of young, healthy adults (median 28, 20-39 years). METHODS Measurement of sEMG was performed from extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and FCR (flexor carpi radialis) during 60-80% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of extension and then flexion for 60sec, accordance with the fatigue protocol in Research XP Master Edition software (v. 1.08.27). RESULTS Root mean square amplitude (ARMS) were lower for muscle in the PwMS compared to the CG (ECR P=0.0001, FCU P<0.0001). In the CG, the ARMS value increases during fatigue contraction (ECR P=0.0003, FCU P<0.0001), while in the PwMS) the ARMS value decreases (ECR: P<0.0001, FCU P<0.0001. CONCLUSIONS The PwMS show an opposite pattern of preservation of the absolute value of ARMS during prolonged contraction to fatigue, compared with healthy subjects. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT The results are important for clinical trials using sEMG to assess fatigue in PwMS. Knowledge of the differences in the time domain changes in sEMG signal between healthy subjects and PwMS is crucial for correctly interpreting the results.
Remote Blood Pressure Estimation via the Spatiotemporal Mapping of Facial Videos

Blood pressure (BP) monitoring is vital in daily healthcare, especially for cardiovascular diseases. However, BP values are mainly acquired through a contact-sensing method, which is inconvenient and unfriendly for BP monitoring. This paper proposes an efficient end-to-end network for estimating BP values from a facial video to achieve remote BP estimation in daily life. The network first derives a spatiotemporal map of a facial video. Then, it regresses the BP ranges with a designed blood pressure classifier and simultaneously calculates the specific value with a blood pressure calculator in each BP range based on the spatiotemporal map. In addition, an innovative oversampling training strategy was developed to handle the problem of unbalanced data distribution. Finally, we trained the proposed blood pressure estimation network on a private dataset, MPM-BP, and tested it on a popular public dataset, MMSE-HR. As a result, the proposed network achieved a mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) of 12.35 mmHg and 16.55 mmHg on systolic BP estimations, and those for diastolic BP were 9.54 mmHg and 12.22 mmHg, which were better than the values obtained in recent works. It can be concluded that the proposed method has excellent potential for camera-based BP monitoring in the indoor scenarios in the real world.
Comparison of procedures for estimation of error rates in discriminant analysis under nonnormal population

The parametric and nonparametric methods for estimating the error rates in linear discriminant analysis are examined both in normal and in nonnormal situations. A Monte Carlo experiment was carried out under the assumption that two population distributions were characterized by a mixture of two multivariate normal distributions. The bootstrap bias-corrected apparent error rate compares favourably to other available estimators for nonnormal populations with small Mahalanobis distance. The methods for error estimation are also applied to a practical problem in medical diagnosis