Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Florfenicol and Florfenicol Amine Quantification in Bull Serum and Seminal Plasma by a Single Validated UHPLC-MS/MS Method

Florfenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic belonging to the amphenicols class that inhibits protein synthesis by binding to bacteria's ribosomal subunits. This drug is commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat bacterial infectious diseases in cattle, swine, poultry, and fish. The proposed method uses a quick protein precipitation with acetonitrile for the extraction of florfenicol and florfenicol amine in serum and seminal plasma, followed by analysis in UHPLC-MS/MS for their simultaneous quantification. A BEH C18 reversed-phase column was chosen for analyte separation, allowing to obtaining sharp and symmetrical peak shapes in a chromatographic run of just 3.5 min under programmed conditions. Two specific transitions were observed for each analyte, and florfenicol-d3 was used as the internal standard. The approach was fully validated in each matrix over ranges suitable for field concentrations of florfenicol and florfenicol amine, showing good linearity during each day of testing (R2 always >0.99). Excellent accuracy and precision were demonstrated, for both analytes, by calculated bias always within ±15% and CV% always below 15% at all QC levels tested. The satisfactory outcomes obtained during recovery, matrix effect, and process efficiency investigations in serum and seminal plasma confirmed the strength of the method for the quantification of target compounds. To our knowledge, this is the first LC-MS/MS-validated approach for the quantification of florfenicol and florfenicol amine in serum and seminal plasma and was successfully applied for the determination of their concentration-time profiles in bulls. This paves the way to understanding the pharmacokinetics of this antibiotic and its active metabolite in bull's seminal plasma, which will enable the design of more appropriate treatment protocols.
Recent Advances and New Frontiers in Riverine and Coastal Flood Modeling

Over the past decades, the scientific community has made significant efforts to simulate flooding conditions using a variety of complex physically based models. Despite all advances, these models still fall short in accuracy and reliability and are often considered computationally intensive to be fully operational. This could be attributed to insufficient comprehension of the causative mechanisms of flood processes, assumptions in model development and inadequate consideration of uncertainties. We suggest adopting an approach that accounts for the influence of human activities, soil saturation, snow processes, topography, river morphology, and land‐use type to enhance our understanding of flood generating mechanisms. We also recommend a transition to the development of innovative earth system modeling frameworks where the interaction among all components of the earth system are simultaneously modeled. Additionally, more nonselective and rigorous studies should be conducted to provide a detailed comparison of physical models and simplified methods for flood inundation mapping. Linking process‐based models with data‐driven/statistical methods offers a variety of opportunities that are yet to be explored and conveyed to researchers and emergency managers. The main contribution of this paper is to notify scientists and practitioners of the latest developments in flood characterization and modeling, identify challenges in understanding flood processes, associated uncertainties and risks in coupled hydrologic and hydrodynamic modeling for forecasting and inundation mapping, and the potential use of state‐of‐the‐art data assimilation and machine learning to tackle the complexities involved in transitioning such developments to operation.
Melatonin in Combination with Albendazole or Albendazole Sulfoxide Produces a Synergistic Cytotoxicity against Malignant Glioma Cells through Autophagy and Apoptosis

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive and lethal brain tumor in adults, presenting diffuse brain infiltration, necrosis, and drug resistance. Although new drugs have been approved for recurrent patients, the median survival rate is two years; therefore, new alternatives to treat these patients are required. Previous studies have reported the anticancer activity of albendazole, its active metabolite albendazole sulfoxide, and melatonin; therefore, the present study was performed to evaluate if the combination of melatonin with albendazole or with albendazole sulfoxide induces an additive or synergistic cytotoxic effect on C6 and RG2 rat glioma cells, as well as on U87 human glioblastoma cells. Drug interaction was determined by the Chou–Talalay method. We evaluated the mechanism of cell death by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and crystal violet staining. The cytotoxicity of the combinations was mainly synergistic. The combined treatments induced significantly more apoptotic and autophagic cell death on the glioma cell lines. Additionally, albendazole and albendazole sulfoxide inhibited proliferation independently of melatonin. Our data justify continuing with the evaluation of this proposal since the combinations could be a potential strategy to aid in the treatment of glioblastoma.
Regression Discontinuity with Categorical Outcomes

We consider the regression discontinuity (RD) design with categorical outcomes, and exploit the possibility of adapting well-developed microeconometric models to the RD setting. The channels through which the forcing variable affects the potential outcome distributions are constrained to be minimal, to preserve the nonparametric feature of the RD design. Focusing on general categorical outcomes (nominal or ordinal), we develop a new RD estimator based on a nonparametric extension of the well-known multinomial logit model. The key issues of selecting the optimal bandwidth and constructing confidence regions robust to bias correction, of which the solutions only exist so far for the local linear estimator and a single treatment effect, are addressed through the general approach of local likelihood. The proposed estimator and associated inference are easy to implement, and the codes in MATLAB and an R package are available as a supplement to the paper. They are demonstrated by two empirical applications and simulation experiments.
Algorithm of Solving Weights for Group Decision Makingby Improving Compatibility

An index of the compatibility of the group decision making was given. By the idea of minimizing the compatibility of the group decision making, a mathematical model of solving the weights of the group decision making was gained. And the we proposed an algorithm to modify a pair of elements of the expertjudge matrixes, by which the compatibility of the group decision making was less than that of the original one. Then the convergence theorem for this algorithm was established and its practicality was showed by examples. The presented model and algorithm are much more precise that common methods. These can be applied to Group DSS widely.
Optimization of wavelet- and curvelet-based denoising algorithms by multivariate SURE and GCV

One of the most crucial challenges in seismic data processing is the reduction of noise in the data or improving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Wavelet- and curvelet-based denoising algorithms have become popular to address random noise attenuation for seismic sections. Wavelet basis, thresholding function, and threshold value are three key factors of such algorithms, having a profound effect on the quality of the denoised section. Therefore, given a signal, it is necessary to optimize the denoising operator over these factors to achieve the best performance. In this paper a general denoising algorithm is developed as a multi-variant (variable) filter which performs in multi-scale transform domains (e.g. wavelet and curvelet). In the wavelet domain this general filter is a function of the type of wavelet, characterized by its smoothness, thresholding rule, and threshold value, while in the curvelet domain it is only a function of thresholding rule and threshold value. Also, two methods, Stein's unbiased risk estimate (SURE) and generalized cross validation (GCV), evaluated using a Monte Carlo technique, are utilized to optimize the algorithm in both wavelet and curvelet domains for a given seismic signal. The best wavelet function is selected from a family of fractional B-spline wavelets. The optimum thresholding rule is selected from general thresholding functions which contain the most well known thresholding functions, and the threshold value is chosen from a set of possible values. The results obtained from numerical tests show high performance of the proposed method in both wavelet and curvelet domains in comparison to conventional methods when denoising seismic data.
Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Studies of Two Brackish Pleuronema Species (Protista, Ciliophora, Scuticociliatia) from Subtropical Coastal Waters of China, with Report of a New Species

The genus Pleuronema Dujardin, 1841, with nearly 40 morphospecies, is one of the largest genera in the well-known subclass Scuticociliatia. In the present study, two Pleuronema species were collected from subtropical coastal waters of the East China Sea. The morphology and molecular phylogeny were investigated using modern standard methods. Pleuronema ningboensis n. sp. is mainly characterized by an elliptical body in outline with the right ventrolateral side straight, 16–22 somatic kineties, 3–5 preoral kineties, and the posterior end of the membranelle 2a hook-like. An improved diagnosis of Pleuronema orientale Pan et al., 2015 was provided: body size in vivo usually 90–135 × 45–85 μm, right ventrolateral side convex, 36–51 somatic kineties, 1–5 preoral kineties, one to three spherical macronuclei, membranelle 2a arranged in a zig-zag pattern in middle portion, posterior region hook-like, both membranelle 1 and membranelle 3 composed of three rows of basal bodies. The small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) of two species is sequenced, and their molecular phylogeny is analyzed. The new species Pleuronema ningboensis n. sp. clusters with P. grolierei KF840519, P. setigerum JX310015, P. paucisaetosum KF206430, and P. cf. setigerum KF848875, basically in accord with the morphological characteristics.
Problems in the Development of the Sleep–Wake Rhythm Influence Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children

Development of the sleep–wake rhythm has a significant effect on the physical and mental development of children. The sleep–wake rhythm is controlled by aminergic neurons in the brainstem’s ascending reticular activating system, which is associated with synaptogenesis and the promotion of brain development. The sleep–wake rhythm develops rapidly within the first year after birth. At 3–4 months of age, the framework of the circadian rhythm is established. The objective of the present review is to assess a hypothesis concerning problems in the development of the sleep–wake rhythm and their effect on neurodevelopmental disorders. Autism spectrum disorder is characterised by a delay in the development of sleep rhythms at 3–4 months of age and also insomnia and night-time awakenings, as supported by several reports. Melatonin may shorten the sleep latency in ASD. Rett syndrome sufferers kept awake during the daytime were analysed by the Sleep–wake Rhythm Investigation Support System (SWRISS) (IAC, Inc., (Tokyo, Japan)), and the cause was found to be the dysfunction of aminergic neurons. Children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder show sleep problems such as resistance to bedtime, difficulty falling asleep, sleep apnoea, and restless legs syndrome. Sleep deprivation syndrome in schoolchildren is deeply influenced by Internet use, games, and smartphones, and this syndrome affects emotion, learning, concentration, and executive functioning. Sleep disorders in adults are strongly considered to affect not only the physiological/autonomic nervous system but also neurocognitive/psychiatric symptoms. Even adults cannot avoid serious problems, much less children, and the impact of sleep problems is considerably greater in adults. Paediatricians and nurses should be aware of the significance, from birth, of sleep development and sleep hygiene education for carers and parents. This research was reviewed and approved by the ethical committee of the Segawa Memorial Neurological Clinic for Children (No. SMNCC23-02).
Concept of a microscale vector magnetic field sensor based on nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond

A three-component magnetic field sensor scheme based on optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) in negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy centers is implemented and investigated experimentally. The central part of the scheme is a 0.01 mm3 diamond crystal, optically pumped and interrogated through an optical fiber; combined RF excitation of hyperfine triplets in the ODMR spectrum is used to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. Methods that allow for efficient identification of ODMR spectral lines while minimizing the number of the sensor “dead” zones are proposed and tested. The scheme’s sensitivity to magnetic field vector components, estimated on the basis of the signal-to-noise-to-linewidth ratio, is found to be 1.5 nT·Hz−1/2. The operational frequency range of the scheme is 0–100 Hz.
Deterioration analysis of historical village house structure in Mersin Kanlıdivane archaeological area by UAV photogrammetry method

The village house located in the Mersin Kanlıdivane archaeological site is one of the oldest settlements in the ruins, built in the second century. The house is mainly built of a yellowish beige limestone. This stone, which is the main material of the building, shows many deterioration patterns today. The aim of the study is to determine the dominant deterioration pattern of the stones in the village house structure in the Mersin Kanlıdivane archaeological site and to investigate the source of the deterioration. In order to investigate the deterioration patterns in the structure, the images obtained by UAV photogrammetry were interpreted and the types of deterioration were mapped. In the study, it is seen that even the types of material problems based on the smallest detail can be determined based on virtual visual inspection, thanks to UAV photogrammetry, without observing the structure in situ with UAV photogrammetry. The findings obtained in the study shows that the color change and surface loss deterioration on the stone surfaces has reached advanced levels as a result of the structure's exposure to the strong climate-induced sun and water effects for centuries. The results of the study show that the main damage observed on the stone surface of the structure is caused by the erosion by the effect of water. Restoration methods should be tried to stabilize the deterioration and replace the most degraded stones. It is recommended to use water-repellent surface coatings to protect the natural stone, especially against the intense water effect in the building.
Comparative Evaluation of the Effect of XP-Endo Finisher, Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation and Sonic Activation on the Push-Out Bond Strength of Bioceramic Sealer to Root Dentin

Complexities of root canal system necessitate the use of irrigation along with their activation to achieve complete cleaning. Common methods include sonic and ultrasonic activation of the irrigants. A newer rotary file system, XP-Endofinisher has the advantage of elliptical movement resulting in efficient cleaning. 24 single canalled maxillary anterior teeth were selected and divided into 3 groups, Group 1- XP (n=12), Group 2- PUI (n=12), Group 3 – Endoactivator (n=12). All samples were prepared with Protaper Universal files and irrigated with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite & 17% EDTA. In Group 1- XP-Endofinisher at 800rpm for 1 min; Group 2- i-SuperTip in EMS scaler for 1 min; Group 3- Endoactivator for 1 min. Specimens were filled with Cerafill and then sectioned horizontally with a water-cooled diamond saw at depths of 4, 7 and 10mm to produce 1mm slices. POBS was performed, bond strength in MPa was obtained after dividing the load at failure by the area of the bonded interface. POBS of Cerafill to root dentin of Group 1 was significantly more than that of Group 2 and 3 (p≤0.05) at all three levels. Group 2 was better than 3 at all levels but difference was not significant. In Group 1, POBS was significantly more at 4mm compared to 7mm and 10mm (p≤0.05). Use of XP- Endo Finisher after biomechanical preparation improves the POBS of bioceramic based sealer to root dentin at 4, 7 and 10mm. POBS of sealer after PUI was marginally better than Endoactivator at all levels.
Preoperative EUS vs. PET-CT Evaluation of Response to Neoadjuvant Therapy for Esophagogastric Cancer and Its Correlation with Survival

Simple Summary Endoscopic ultrasonography is commonly used for the initial staging of esophago-gastric adenocarcinoma. However, the preoperative staging after neoadjuvant therapy remains controversial, with PET-CT and endoscopic ultrasonography suggested but not universally applied. In this study, we examined a large series of gastric and esophago-gastric junction adenocarcinomas, where both procedures were performed as part of the initial staging and after preoperative chemotherapy. Our findings indicate that both EUS and PET-CT have limitations but can determine the stage of cancer and predict survival. Notably, the study showed that the assessment of lymph nodes using endoscopic ultrasonography and the evaluation of response to preoperative chemotherapy were predictive of survival, underscoring the importance of this procedure as an additional tool for staging in this particular setting. Abstract Background: The objective of our study was to investigate whether Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS) and Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET-CT) restaging can predict survival in upper gastrointestinal tract adenocarcinomas and to assess their accuracy when compared to pathology. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on all patients who underwent EUS for staging of gastric or esophago-gastric junction adenocarcinoma between 2010 and 2021. EUS and PET-CT were performed, and preoperative TNM restaging was conducted using both procedures within 21 days prior to surgery. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Results: A total of 185 patients (74.7% male) were included in the study. The accuracy of EUS for distinguishing between T1-T2 and T3-T4 tumors after neoadjuvant therapy was 66.7% (95% CI: 50.3–77.8%), and for N staging, the accuracy was 70.8% (95% CI: 51.8–81.8%). Regarding PET-CT, the accuracy for N positivity was 60.4% (95% CI: 46.3–73%). Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed a significant correlation between positive lymph nodes on restaging EUS and PET-CT with DFS. Multivariate COX regression analysis identified N restaging with EUS and PET-CT, as well as the Charlson comorbidity index, as correlated factors with DFS. Positive lymph nodes on EUS and PET-CT were predictors of OS. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, the independent risk factors for OS were found to be the Charlson comorbidity index, T response by EUS, and male sex. Conclusion: Both EUS and PET-CT are valuable tools for determining the preoperative stage of esophago-gastric cancer. Both techniques can predict survival, with preoperative N staging and response to neoadjuvant therapy assessed by EUS being the main predictors.
Leishmaniosis in Greece: The Veterinary Perspective

Leishmaniosis caused by the protozoon Leishmania infantum that is transmitted through the bites of infected phlebotomine sandflies is of major veterinary concern in Greece. The country is endemic with particularly favourable environmental conditions for the spread of this infection. Moreover, Greece remains a popular touristic destination, and the continuous travel of pets raises concern regarding the possible dissemination of infection from endemic to non-endemic areas. Dogs are the main reservoir host, although other animal species, including humans, may also be infected. Canine leishmaniosis manifests as a visceral disease that can result in death if left untreated. Serological and molecular epizootiological studies have confirmed circulation of the parasite in Greek canine and feline populations as well as in other mammals. As a result, constant surveillance and identification of high-risk localities are necessary to establish chemoprophylactic protocols for travelling animals to safeguard animal and public health.
An active contour framework based on the Hermite transform for shape segmentation of cardiac MR images

Early detection of cardiac affections is fundamental to address a correct treatment that allows preserving the patient’s life. Since heart disease is one of the main causes of death in most countries, analysis of cardiac images is of great value for cardiac assessment. Cardiac MR has become essential for heart evaluation. In this work we present a segmentation framework for shape analysis in cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) images. The method consists of an active contour model which is guided by the spectral coefficients obtained from the Hermite transform (HT) of the data. The HT is used as model to code image features of the analyzed images. Region and boundary based energies are coded using the zero and first order coefficients. An additional shape constraint based on an elliptical function is used for controlling the active contour deformations. The proposed framework is applied to the segmentation of the endocardial and epicardial boundaries of the left ventricle using MR images with short axis view. The segmentation is sequential for both regions: the endocardium is segmented followed by the epicardium. The algorithm is evaluated with several MR images at different phases of the cardiac cycle demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed method. Several metrics are used for performance evaluation.
The Reliability of Variables Measured as the Number of Events in an Interval of Time

In both the social and the natural sciences, many variables are measured as the number of events that occur in an interval of time. Recent sociological examples include the frequency of racial disturbances in American cities (Spilerman, 1970), the frequency of mental hospitalizations (Eaton, 1974), and the frequency of religious revivals in nineteenth-century Ohio counties (Hammond, 1974). Such measures often have several
The Importance of Monitoring Cortisol in the Agri-Food Sector—A Systematic Review

Cortisol monitoring in the agri-food sector is considered a valuable tool due to its direct correlation with growth, reproduction, the immune system, and overall animal welfare. Strategies to monitor this stress hormone and its correlation to food quality and security have been studied in fish farming and the livestock industry. This review discusses studies on monitoring cortisol in the food industry for the first time. The impact of cortisol on animal production, quality, and the security of food products, and the analytical procedures commonly implemented for sample pre-concentration and quantification by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, are reviewed and discussed according to the results published in the period 2012–2022. Aquaculture, or fish farming, is the leading agri-food sector, where cortisol’s impact and usefulness are better known than in livestock. The determination of cortisol in fish not only allows for an increase in the production rate, but also the ability to monitor the water quality, enhancing the sustainable development of this industry. In cattle, further studies are needed since it has mainly been used to detect the administration of illicit substances. Current analytical control and monitoring techniques are expensive and often depend on invasive sampling, not allowing fast or real-time monitoring.