jimnoneill/paper-to-field-training huggingface dataset:
P33.14: Cytomegalovirus infection in pregnancy

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Introduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of intrauterine infection, occurring in 0.2–2.2% of all live births. The probability of intrauterine transmission following primary infection during pregnancy is 30–40%, compared with only 1% following secondary infection. 20–25% of infected infants will develop sequelae such as sensorineural hearing loss, delay of psychomotor development, and visual impairment. Case Report: A 24 years-old pregnant, primigravida, was referred to our Hospital at 14 weeks by CMV seroconversion. The amniocentesis at 22weeks revealed positive PCR for this virus in amniotic fluid and cell culture, and XY karyotype. The couple opted to continue the pregnancy. The echographic examinations remained unchanged up to 29 weeks, at which were found suggestive images of periventricular calcification and microcephaly. MRI was performed at 31 weeks and revealed changes consistent with the clinical context. She was submited to serial US. The delivery was eutocic and a boy was born with need of resuscitation and ventilation, 1710 g of weight and Apgar 3/7/9. He was submitted to fontanelle sonography and MRI that confirmed changes consistent with CMV infection. Ophthalmologic examination identified a chorioretinitis. He was discharged on the 17th day and is keeping surveillance at the Cerebral Palsy Center, in follow-up and Ophthalmology consultations. Conclusions: Once primary maternal CMV infection has been diagnosed, fetal infection can be accurately determined by amniocentesis. Prenatal counselling is difficult because of our limited ability to predict outcome. However, termination of pregnancy should be discussed as one of the management options. The ultrasound follow-ups should be performed and fetal MRI may improve the prognostic evaluation. Despite advances in the diagnosis, there is no effective therapy. Until a vaccine is available, recommendations for seronegative pregnant women include practising good personal hygiene.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in the Regulation of T-Helpers Type 17

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a key pregnancy hormone that regulates steroidogenesis and has immunomodulatory activity. We studied the effects of native and recombinant hCG on the differentiation, proliferation, and production of IL-17 and IFN-ɣ by T-helper cells induced into the phenotype of T-helper type 17 (Th17) in vitro . We found that hCG had no significant effects on the level of Th17 cells, as assessed by RORɣτ expression, and the proliferation of these cells (Ki-67 + ). In addition, no effects of hCG on the production of IL-17 and IFN-ɣ by T-helpers induced in the Th17 phenotype were found. At the same time, recombinant hCG (100 IU/mL) increased the number of non-Th17 T-helpers (RORγt - Ki-67 + ). Thus, hCG did not modulate Th17 cells in our experimental model.
Lowest wealth quintiles predispose under-five children to stunting in Ethiopia: Updates of systematic review and meta-analysis

Field: Health Professions (Health Sciences)

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition remains as a major public health problem in the world, particularly in developing countries such as Ethiopia. The prevalence of stunting in Ethiopia has been decreased considerably from 58% in 2000 to 44% in 2011 and 38% in 2016. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the prevalence of stunting and its associations with wealth index among under-five children in Ethiopia. Methodology: The databases screened were PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, HINARI and grey literatures. The studies’ qualities were assessed by two reviewers independently, and any controversy was handled by other reviewers using the JBI critical appraisal checklist. In the statistical analysis, the funnel plot, Egger’s test, and Begg’s test were used to assess publication bias. The I2 statistic, forest plot, and Cochran’s Q test were used to deal with heterogeneity. Results: The pooled prevalence of stunting was 41.5% among under-five children, despite its considerable heterogeneity (I2=97.6%, p<0.001). However, the included studies had no publication bias in calculating the pooled prevalence (Egger’s test p=0.26; Begg’s test p=0.87). Children from households with a medium or low/poor wealth index had higher odds of stunting (AOR 1.33, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.65 or AOR 1.92, 95% CI: 1.46, 2.54, respectively) compared to children from households with a high/rich wealth index. Conclusions: The pooled prevalence of stunting is great. In the subgroup analysis, the Amhara region, followed by the Oromia region and then the Tigray region had the highest prevalence of stunting
Apoptotic Effect of Specific siRNA against HMGA2 on PC3 Prostate Adenocarcinoma Cell Line

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (Life Sciences)

Background & objectives: Prostate cancer is one of the main reasons of death between men. Although there are many methods for treatment of this cancer but most of the patients still are died of the postoperative recurrence and metastasis of disease. Over expression of HMGA2 gene was observed in many human malignancies such as colorectal cancer, thyroid, pancreatic carcinoma and lung cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of HMGA2 specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) on viability and apoptosis in PC3 prostate adenocarcinoma cell line. Methods: siRNA transfection was performed with liposome approach. The cytotoxic effects of siRNA were determined using MTT assay on the PC3 cells and apoptosis was quantified using TUNEL assay. Results: Transfection with siRNA significantly suppressed the expression of HMGA2 gene in dose dependent manner after 48 hours resulting in spontaneous apoptosis. Moreover, siRNA transfection had effects on prostate cancer cells viability. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the HMGA2 specific siRNA effectively decreases prostate cancer cells viability and induces apoptosis in this cell line. Therefore it can be considered as a potent adjuvant in prostate cancer therapy.
iNEMO : “Health enhancement" – B

Field: Health Professions (Health Sciences)

Health Enhancement has been more and more noticed in both the scientific world and Healthcare. As the number of people sustained obesity has been nearly double since 1980 , we - human - have put ourselves on much higher risks of critical diseases and deaths. However, obesity and overweight are totally preventable through regular physical exercises and healthy, nutritious food choices. Our project aims to develop a portable device with real-time algorithms to measure the consumed energy based on some recommended activities and exercises. Besides, the device is able to track user’s progresses and provide recommendation. The activities were chosen to be suitable for large range of users and easy to perform so that everyone could work out at their comfort timing regardless of their locations and conditions. The improvement or ease, convenience and fun would encourage people to exercise more and enhance their health and lifestyle accordingly. Our device was developed based on the iNemo integrated smart sensor platform– the newest technology product of STMicroelectronics. With new methods of approaching energy consumed in combination with traditional human being analysis, we successfully built up the prototype that eliminates the complexity of current health enhancement equipment while still provides sufficiently high accuracy measurement.
Laser chemistry relevant to III-V semiconductor growth

Field: Chemistry (Physical Sciences)

Despite its toxicity, arsine remains a "workhorse" in the field of semiconductor research because it provides a relatively clean (i.e. carbon-free) means of delivering atomic As to a growth surface. However, the feasibility of using alternative arsenic sources is currently being investigated by the semiconductor community. Two liquid metalorganic alternatives, triethylarsenic and monoethylarsine, contain carbon that can appear as a significant impurity in the semiconductor material itself. We present results on the laser-induced photochemistry of the above compounds. Our efforts are focused on using lasers to generate and detect atomic hydrogen, a species that is known to be a good radical scavenger in growth environments. We also present results on the laser ablation of inorganic salts that may be useful as precursors for 111-V thin-film growth. Compounds such as K3Ga3As4 and K2Ga2Sb4 are irradiated with various excimer laser wavelengths, and we report on the prognosis for viable film growth using this approach.
Comparative study of efficacy and adverse effects of different doses of vaginal misoprostol for cervical ripening 10-12 hours before diagnostic hysteroscopy

Field: Medicine (Health Sciences)

Background: Hysteroscopy first described by Panteleoni in 1869 has evolved into a standard procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of intrauterine pathologies such as polyps, fibroids, septae, adhesions, evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding, evaluation and treatment of infertility, removal of an intrauterine device or foreign body. Present study was carried out to compare the efficacy and complications different doses of vaginal misoprostol for cervical ripening10-12 hours before diagnostic hysteroscopy.Methods: It was a prospective and interventional, double-blinded randomized comparative study. Sixty women, fulfilling the inclusion criteria, requiring diagnostic hysteroscopy for evaluation of infertility were enrolled. The study subjects randomly received either 200μg (group 1) or 400μg (group 2) of vaginal misoprostol 10-12 hours before hysteroscopy with equal number of subjects in both the groups. Hysteroscopy was performed with a standard rigid 6 mm and 300 hysteroscope. The largest dilator that could be inserted without resistance was recorded as the baseline cervical dilatation. The ease of dilatation was recorded on a 5 point LIKERT scale. Procedural time was measured as time taken from the beginning of cervical dilatation to the visualisation of the uterine cavity.Results: The mean base line cervical width in group 1 was 6.41±0.29 mm while in group 2 it was 6.43±0.21 mm (p=0.084). In group 1, 26.6% patients had very easy entry, 53.4% had easy entry while in group 2, 30% patients had very easy entry, 43.4% had easy entry. The mean procedural time 35.5±6.9 seconds in group 1 and 33.2±6.8 seconds in group 2 (p=0.212). Adverse effects like abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, shivering and fever were observed more often in group 2 compared to group 1(p=0.038).Conclusions: Two hundred microgram of vaginal misoprostol is safer and equally effective as 400 μg for cervical ripening when used 10-12 hours before diagnostic hysteroscopy.
Jefferson's Freeholders and the Politics of Ownership in the Old Dominion

Field: Social Sciences (Social Sciences)

Jefferson's Freeholders and the Politics of Ownership in the Old Dominion explores the historical processes by which Virginia was transformed from a British colony into a Southern slave state. It focuses on changing conceptualizations of ownership and emphasizes the persistent influence of the English common law on Virginia's postcolonial political culture. The book explains how the traditional characteristics of land tenure became subverted by the dynamic contractual relations of a commercial economy and assesses the political consequences of the law reforms that were necessitated by these developments. Nineteenth-century reforms seeking to reconcile the common law with modern commercial practices embraced new democratic expressions about the economic and political power of labor, and thereby encouraged the idea that slavery was an essential element in sustaining republican government in Virginia. By the 1850s, the ownership of human property had replaced the ownership of land as the distinguishing basis for political power, with tragic consequences for the Old Dominion.
Shape restoration using shape memory materials

Field: Materials Science (Physical Sciences)

This project involved the investigation of NiTi’s shape memory capabilities when applied externally to a cracked beam sample. Since it was not feasible to obtain life-size or actual concrete beams, samples had to be scaled down such that the entire experiment could be carried out in the laboratories. The main objective of this project is to experimentally produce a simulated concrete beam sample which is susceptible to external flexure forces until cracks are formed. Evaluation will then be done on NiTi wire to see its shape restoring abilities.
DEEP LEARNING MODEL FOR DETECTING TERROR FINANCING PATTERNS IN FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS

Field: Computer Science (Physical Sciences)

Terror financing remains a critical threat to global security, with illicit actors continually adapting their methods to evade detection. Traditional financial monitoring systems often struggle to identify the complex and covert patterns associated with terror-related transactions due to their reliance on predefined rules and statistical thresholds. This study introduces advanced deep learning models designed to detect terror financing patterns within vast datasets of financial transactions. We developed and evaluated several neural network architectures, including Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Long Short-Term Memory networks (LSTMs), to capture both spatial and temporal transaction features. The models were trained and tested on a dataset comprising anonymized financial transactions labeled for suspicious activities related to terror financing. Our deep learning models demonstrated superior performance over conventional machine learning approaches, achieving higher accuracy, precision, and recall in identifying suspicious transactions. Notably, the LSTM-based model excelled in detecting sequential transaction patterns indicative of layering and integration stages commonly used in terror financing. The results underscore the potential of deep learning techniques in enhancing the capabilities of financial institutions and regulatory bodies to combat terror financing. Implementing such models can lead to more proactive and effective monitoring systems that adapt to evolving illicit financing strategies.
Preparation and Characterization of a Bioartificial Polymeric System (Scaffold) Made of Chitosan and Polyvinyl Alcohol with Potential in the Viability of Bones Cells

Field: Materials Science (Physical Sciences)

Scaffolds are widely used in tissue engineering because their manufacture is based on natural and synthetic polymers, which allows them to have properties such as biocompatibility and biodegradability, creating an ideal environment for cell growth on their surface. In this context, among the polymers studied in Tissue Engineering are Chitosan (CH) and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA). CH is a versatile polymer obtained from de-acetylation of chitin, which is used for its high biodegradability and biocompatibility, although its mechanical properties must be improved. It has been found that one of the ways to improve the mechanical properties of CH is to mix it with other synthetic polymers such as PVA. PVA is known for its biocompatibility, biodegradability, zero toxicity and ease of preparation due to its solubility in water and excellent mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and ease in the formation of films and barriers. In this study we evaluated the capacity of scaffolds made with CH and PVA in different concentrations (2: 1, 1: 1, 1: 2, respectively) as a possible application in bone regeneration. This was made through different characterization tests such as Infrared Spectroscopy, AFM, Swelling test and Porosity test, where we obtained information about its structural and physicochemical properties. Additionally, a cellular quality control was performed on the material through the MTT assay. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) study showed that there are strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol molecules. The Swelling and Porosity tests showed favorable results, obtaining maximum values ​​of 5519% and 72.17% respectively. MTT tests determined that the prepared materials are not cytotoxic. These findings suggest that scaffolds possess properties suitable for use in Tissue Engineering.
Impact of Inverter Distribution and Redundancy on Reliability of Battery-Integrated-Converter Systems

Field: Engineering (Physical Sciences)

The concept of modularizing battery storage systems by distributing DC-DC or DC-AC converters among battery module in the battery string brings several benefits. This paper compares the reliability of a DC-AC battery-integrated-converter system to a conventional single inverter battery energy storage system. To provide a comparative evaluation, an existing real 100 kWh energy storage system with a single-phase 25 kVA DC-AC inverter has been considered as a case-study for modularisation. The system is modularized by distributing and integrating individual DC-AC inverters into the associated extra low voltage (ELV) battery modules. Two different battery structures are proposed; one based on individual 24 V modules, a second on 48 V battery module pairs. The reliability of the original system and proposed systems are evaluated and further compared for different redundancy levels. The results show that for low failure rates of battery cells and inverters, the redundancy provided by multiple modules ensures a high reliability battery system. Furthermore, when designing the battery system with battery cells and inverters of higher failure rates, other approaches such as scheduled preventive maintenance is suggested as a means to maintain acceptable reliability. However, cost effectiveness of designing such systems should be taken into account as compared to the battery systems with low failure rates of components.
The fate of politically modified crops in Africa

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences (Life Sciences)

Current GM crops may not appeal to Africa because of relevance, proprietary issues, and a negative reaction towards GM foods in Europe. Nonetheless, Bt cotton may hold a promise if fair access to the technology is ensured and biosafety structures are put in place. However, Africans may continue raising the biosafety flag in order to avoid being cornered by unfair trade rules. Africans should not overstretch biosafety and socio-economic concerns to the extent of putting barriers against biotechnology adoption than the circumstances on the ground merit. African countries should build domestic capacity through formation of linkages with advanced research institutes and international organizations to make use of biotechnology. However, constraints to coordinating the existent but fragmented domestic capacity across organizational barriers ought to be overcome. In Africa, presence of vocal scientists that articulate the merits of biotechnology and experience with the private sector are positive signals and a strong political clout of the Ministry of Environment a negative signal for a GM-friendly national policy. A transparent dialogue among stakeholders should result in a shared vision required to balance GM regulation with the need to adopt available technologies and develop technological capability. Biotechnology-proficient countries may need to understand the concerns of the poor and may put the trade magic behind to reassure Africans to see biotechnology through biosafety lenses only.
3D Printed Lab-on-a-Chip Platform for Chemical Stimulation and Parallel Analysis of Ion Channel Function

Field: Chemical Engineering (Physical Sciences)

Functional imaging has been a widely established method for the assessment of ion channel function in vitro. Conventional infrastructure used for in vitro functional analysis of ion channels is typically proprietary, non-customizable, expensive, and requires a high level of skill to use and maintain. 3D desktop printing, which is employed in the rapid prototyping field, allows for quick engineering of alternatives to conventional imaging infrastructure that are customizable, low cost, and user friendly. Here, we describe an ultra-low-cost microfluidic lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device manufactured using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) for in vitro functional imaging of ion channels that can quickly and easily be reconstructed using three-dimensional (3D) desktop printing. The device is light weight (<5 g), small (20 mm × 49 mm), and extremely low cost (<EUR 1). We simulate fluidics within the printed channels and assess the suitability of the engineered chamber to generate homogeneous mixtures during solution exchange. We demonstrate the usability of the 3D printed microfluidic device in a case study using Fluo-4-loaded human embryonal kidney-derived (HEK293) cells, recombinantly expressing the capsaicin receptor, transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor type 1 (TRPV1), as a model system. In the case study, we confirm its applicability to solution exchange for chemical stimulation and parallel functional time-lapse fluorescence microscopy-based calcium imaging. We assess the suitability of ABS for culturing HEK293 cells inside the microfluidic LOC, based on qualitative analysis of microscopic transmission light images of ABS-exposed HEK293 cells and confirm the previously reported biocompatibility of ABS. To highlight the versatility of the 3D printed microfluidic device, we provide an example for multiplication of the shown concept within a 3D printed multichannel microfluidic LOC to be used, for example, in a higher throughput format for parallelized functional analysis of ion channels. While this work focusses on Ca2+ imaging with TRPV1 channels, the device may also be useful for application with other ion channel types and in vitro models.
Application of Baked Pig Manure Reduces Arsenic Concentrations in Plants Growing in Arsenic- Contaminated Soils

Field: Environmental Science (Physical Sciences)

Two experiments were conducted to determine the efficiency of application of baked pig manure (BPM) to reduce the arsenic (As) concentration in Japanese mustard spinach (JMS) (Brassica rapa var. perviridis) and Bangladesh spinach (BS) (Spinacia oleracea) that were grown in arsenic-contaminated Japanese andosol and Bangladesh alluvial soil, respectively. Soil As was artificially raised to 50 mg/kg. BPM was applied to soil at a concentration of 1%, 2%, and 3%; each treatment had four replications. The plants were grown in As-contaminated soil for 30 days. Soil and plant samples were analyzed for As and other elements. Plant As concentrations decreased significantly with BPM application compared to that in control plants in both experiments. The plant As concentrations based on plant dry weight (DW) were reduced by 61% and 49% in Japanese andosol and Bangladesh alluvial soil, respectively, compared with those of control plants. The total As uptake (µg/plant) was higher in JMS and lower in BS than that in controls. Plant DW increased significantly with increasing amounts of BPM, which might function to decrease the As concentration in plants. The phosphorous (P) contents of both JMS and BS increased significantly with BPM application, whereas the calcium content decreased. The decreased plant As concentration might be due to P supplied by BPM, which might competitively suppress As uptake. We conclude that BPM could be a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, non-toxic soil additive for reducing As concentrations in edible plants. This strategy will ultimately safeguard the food supply from As contamination.