Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kundmannia sicula (L.) DC: a rich source of germacrene D

Abstract Objective: Kundmannia sicula is an herbaceous plant belonging to the family Apiaceae and is distributed in the Mediterranean coastal areas where it occurs in arid places. In this work, we have analysed the essential oil distilled from the aerial parts of K. sicula from Sicily (Italy) and its biological activity. Methods: GC-MS was used to analyze the chemical composition, whereas its antioxidant capacity and cytotoxicity on three human tumour cells (A375, MDA MB-231 and HCT 116) were evaluated by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and MTT methods, respectively. Result: The essential oil resulted very rich of the sesquiterpene hydrocarbon germacrene D (81.2%). Moreover, the K. sicula oil displayed relevant scavenging activity towards the ABTS radical (IC50 values of 14.5 μg/ml) and noteworthy antiproliferative effects on tumour cell lines (IC50 values in the range 21.59–31.94 μg/ml). Conclusion: Results of this study may support uses of K. sicula as a natural source of germacrene D to be exploited on an industrial level.
Longitudinal Effects of Excessive Weight and Obesity on Academic Performance of Primary School Boys in Different Socio-Economic Statuses: The NW-CHILD Study

Obesity affects millions of children worldwide and can often impact their academic performance. This longitudinal study, conducted over seven years, determines the effects of excessive weight and obesity on the academic performance of primary school boys, taking into account their socio-economic status (SES). The study forms part of a seven-year (2010–2016) longitudinal study, the North-West Child-Health-Integrated-Learning and Development (NW-CHILD) study, which includes a baseline measurement and two follow-up measurements of the 181 participants from varying areas in the North West Province. Two-way frequency tables, repeated measure ANOVA’s and Spearman rank order correlations were used to analyze the data. The Body Mass Index (BMI) of the participants reported an increase from 2010–2016. Nearly all of the school subjects reported small to large correlations between BMI and academic performance (r ≥ 0.1 and r ≥ 0.3), except for Afrikaans in 2013 (r = −0.06). Only two subjects (English and Language as tested with the ANA test) reported medium effects (r ≥ 0.3), whereas the other subjects only reported small effects (r ≥ 0.1). No statistically significant relationships (p ≥ 0.05) were observed between the BMI values and academic subjects, however SES and school subject scores reported several statistically significant relationships, especially regarding Language (English and First Additional Language) and Mathematics (p = 0.02). Overweight and obese primary school boys in the North West Province of South Africa reported a higher academic performance in comparison to boys of a normal weight, even when SES was taken into consideration. Further studies are recommended to verify current findings regarding weight, obesity and academic performance.
Is the Clinical Delivery of Cardiac Rehabilitation in an Australian Setting Associated with Changes in Physical Capacity and Cardiovascular Risk and Are Any Changes Maintained for 12 Months?

Long-term maintenance of changes in cardiovascular risk factors and physical capacity once patients leave the supervised program environment have not previously been reported. This study investigated the changes in physical capacity outcomes and cardiovascular risk factors in an Australian cardiac rehabilitation setting, and the maintenance of changes in these outcomes in the 12 months following cardiac rehabilitation attendance. Improvements in mean (95% CI) cardiorespiratory fitness (16.4% (13.2–19.6%), p < 0.001) and handgrip strength (8.0% (5.4–10.6%), p < 0.001) were observed over the course of the cardiac rehabilitation program, and these improvements were maintained in the 12 months following completion. Waist circumference (p = 0.003) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.001) were the only traditional cardiovascular risk factors to improve during the cardiac rehabilitation program. Vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise was associated with significantly greater improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, Framingham risk score, and waist circumference in comparison to moderate-intensity exercise. An increase in the intensity of the exercise prescribed during cardiac rehabilitation in Australia is recommended to induce larger improvements in physical capacity outcomes and cardiovascular risk. A standardized exercise test at the beginning of the rehabilitation program is recommended to facilitate appropriate prescription of exercise intensity.
Hydrophobically Grafted Pullulan Nanocarriers for Percutaneous Delivery: Preparation and Preliminary In Vitro Characterisation

Polymeric colloidal nanocarriers formulated from hydrophobically grafted carbohydrates have been the subject of intensive research due to their potential to increase the percutaneous penetration of hydrophilic actives. To this goal, a series of hydrophobically grafted pullulan (BMO-PUL) derivatives with varying degree of grafting (5–64%) was prepared through functionalisation with 2-(butoxymethyl)oxirane. The results demonstrated that monodispersed BMO-PUL nanocarriers (size range 125–185 nm) could be easily prepared via nanoprecipitation; they exhibit close-to-spherical morphology and adequate stability at physiologically relevant pH. The critical micellar concentration of BMO-PUL was found to be inversely proportional to their molecular weight (Mw) and degree of grafting (DG), with values of 60 mg/L and 40 mg/L for DG of 12.6% and 33.8%, respectively. The polymeric nanocarriers were loaded with the low Mw hydrophilic active α-arbutin (16% loading), and the release of this active was studied at varying pH values (5 and 7), with a slightly faster release observed in acidic conditions; the release profiles can be best described by a first-order kinetic model. In vitro investigations of BMO-PUL nanocarriers (concentration range 0.1–4 mg/mL) using immortalised skin human keratinocytes cells (HaCaT) evidenced their lack of toxicity, with more than 85% cell viability after 24 h. A four-fold enhance in arbutin permeation through HaCaT monolayers was recorded when the active was encapsulated within the BMO-PUL nanocarriers. Altogether, the results obtained from the in vitro studies highlighted the potential of BMO-PUL nanocarriers for percutaneous delivery applications, which would warrant further investigation in vivo.
Effect of Powder/Water Ratio Variation on Viscosity, Tear Strength and Detail Reproduction of Dental Alginate Impression Material (In Vitro and Clinical Study)

Background: Alginate impression is a common dental polymeric material, presented as powder to be mixed with water. Aim: 1. To analyze the effect of alginate powder/water ratio variation on viscosity, tear strength and detail reproduction by in vitro tests, and 2. To evaluate this variation’s effect on patients’ impressions. Materials and methods: Two commercial alginate products were mixed in different viscosities. Viscosity was measured by a viscometer. For the tear strength test, V-shaped specimens were used. For detail reproduction, a die with three scribed lines was used. Clinical dental impressions were examined by stereomicroscope. Results: The alginate specimens mixed with a higher powder/water ratio showed a higher viscosity and tear strength compared to those with a lower powder/water ratio. Both alginate mixtures reproduced two scribed lines in a detail reproduction test. On the other hand, no clear clinical difference was detected when examining dental impressions mixed with a different powder/water ratio. Conclusion: Although increasing the powder/water ratio of mixed alginate raised the resultant viscosity and tear strength by an in vitro test, clinically, no clear difference in tearing was detected. Detail reproduction was minimally affected by the variation in powder/water ratio.
Characteristics of Porous Aluminium Materials Produced by Pressing Sodium Chloride into Their Melts

The paper deals with research related to the production of metal cellular aluminium systems, in which production is based on the application of sodium chloride particles. In this paper, the properties of porous aluminium materials that were produced by an unconventional method—by pressing salt particles into the melt of aluminium alloy—are described. The new methodology was developed and verified for the production of these materials. The main feature of this methodology is a hydraulic forming press and a simple-shaped foundry mould. For these purposes, four different groups of sodium chloride particle sizes (1 to 3, 3 to 5, 5 to 7 and 8 to 10 mm) were applied. The preferred aluminium foundry alloy (AlSi12) was used to produce the porous aluminium samples. Based upon this developed methodology, samples of porous aluminium materials were produced and analysed. Their weight and volume were monitored, their density and relative density were calculated, and their porosity was determined. In addition, the porosity of samples and continuity of their air cells were monitored as well. An industrial computed tomograph and a scanning electron microscope were applied for these purposes.
The Extent and Diverse Trajectories of Longitudinal Changes in Rheumatoid Arthritis Interstitial Lung Diseases Using Quantitative HRCT Scores

We aimed to validate quantitative high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) imaging analyses of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and to delineate a broad spectrum of annual longitudinal changes of ILD severity in the RA-ILD cohorts. Retrospective cohort 1 (n = 26) had matched PFT results and prospective cohort 2 (n = 34) were followed for over two years with baseline serum specimen. Automated quantitative analysis of HRCT was expressed as the extent of ground-glass opacity, lung fibrosis, honeycombing, and their summation—the total extent of quantitative ILD (QILD). Higher QILD score was associated with lower pulmonary function especially for DLCO% (ρ = −0.433, p = 0.027). Higher serum level of Krebs von den Lungen 6 were significantly associated with high QILD scores (ρ = 0.400, p = 0.026). Regarding QILD score changes in whole lung, even a single point increase was significantly associated with interval progression detected by the radiologist. Four distinct patterns (improvement, worsening, convex-like, and concave-like) during the 24 months were described by QILD scores. Prolonged disease duration of ILD at baseline was significantly associated with worsening of QILD scores. QILD has the potential to reliably evaluate the dynamic severity changes in patients with RA-ILD.
Anharmonic DFT Study of Near-Infrared Spectra of Caffeine: Vibrational Analysis of the Second Overtones and Ternary Combinations

Anharmonic quantum chemical calculations were employed to simulate and interpret a near-infrared (NIR) spectrum of caffeine. First and second overtones, as well as binary and ternary combination bands, were obtained, accurately reproducing the lineshape of the experimental spectrum in the region of 10,000–4000 cm−1 (1000–2500 nm). The calculations enabled performing a detailed analysis of NIR spectra of caffeine, including weak bands due to the second overtones and ternary combinations. A highly convoluted nature of NIR spectrum of caffeine was unveiled, with numerous overlapping bands found beneath the observed spectral lineshape. To properly reflect that intrinsic complexity, the band assignments were provided in the form of heat maps presenting the contributions to the NIR spectrum from various kinds of vibrational transitions. These contributions were also quantitatively assessed in terms of the integral intensities. It was found that the combination bands provide the decisively dominant contributions to the NIR spectrum of caffeine. The first overtones gain significant importance between 6500–5500 cm−1, while the second overtones are meaningful in the higher wavenumber regions, particularly in the 10,000–7000 cm−1 region. The obtained detailed band assignments enabled deep interpretation of the absorption regions of caffeine identified in the literature as meaningful for analytical applications of NIR spectroscopy focused on quantitative analysis of caffeine content in drugs and natural products.
Personalized brain stimulation for effective neurointervention across participants

Accumulating evidence from human-based research has highlighted that the prevalent one-size-fits-all approach for neural and behavioral interventions is inefficient. This approach can benefit one individual, but be ineffective or even detrimental for another. Studying the efficacy of the large range of different parameters for different individuals is costly, time-consuming and requires a large sample size that makes such research impractical and hinders effective interventions. Here an active machine learning technique is presented across participants—personalized Bayesian optimization (pBO)—that searches available parameter combinations to optimize an intervention as a function of an individual’s ability. This novel technique was utilized to identify transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) frequency and current strength combinations most likely to improve arithmetic performance, based on a subject’s baseline arithmetic abilities. The pBO was performed across all subjects tested, building a model of subject performance, capable of recommending parameters for future subjects based on their baseline arithmetic ability. pBO successfully searches, learns, and recommends parameters for an effective neurointervention as supported by behavioral, simulation, and neural data. The application of pBO in human-based research opens up new avenues for personalized and more effective interventions, as well as discoveries of protocols for treatment and translation to other clinical and non-clinical domains.
A meta‐analysis comparing first‐line immunosuppressants in neuromyelitis optica

As phase III trials have shown interest in innovative but expensive drugs in the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), data are needed to clarify strategies in the treatment of neuromyelitis optica (NMO). This meta‐analysis compares the efficacy of first‐line strategies using rituximab (RTX), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), or azathioprine (AZA), which are still widely used.
Snakebites in Rural Areas of Brazil by Race: Indigenous the Most Exposed Group

Animal stings are environmental hazards that threaten millions annually and cause a significant socioeconomic impact. Snakebite envenoming affects 2.7 million people globally every year, mostly the poorest and rural communities, with approximately 27,000 annual cases in Brazil. This study’s objective is to identify the most exposed racial group for snakebites in rural areas of Brazil and analyze possible differences in the outcome of an accident. A retrospective epidemiological study was conducted using a database of rural snakebite cases from Brazil’s Ministry of Health (2017). Descriptive analysis and a regression model were performed to examine the association of bad outcomes after a snakebite with several covariables. While mixed-race individuals presented the highest number of cases (61.79%), indigenous and white populations were the racial groups with the highest and lowest exposure rates (194.3 and 34.1 per 100,000 population, respectively). The fatality rate was 3.5 times higher in the indigenous population compared to the white population. In the multivariable model, the number of hours between the accident and health care received and the case classification suggested an association with a bad outcome. Snakebite is prominent in Brazil, particularly among indigenous groups. Antivenom is available in the Brazilian Health System; however, efforts need to be made for decentralization.
Novel Nitrogen-Based Chalcone Analogs Provoke Substantial Apoptosis in HER2-Positive Human Breast Cancer Cells via JNK and ERK1/ERK2 Signaling Pathways

Natural chalcones possess antitumor properties and play a role as inducers of apoptosis, antioxidants and cytotoxic compounds. We recently reported that novel nitrogen chalcone-based compounds, which were generated in our lab, have specific effects on triple-negative breast cancer cells. However, the outcome of these two new compounds on human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer remains nascent. Thus, we herein investigated the effects of these compounds (DK-13 and DK-14) on two HER2-positive breast cancer cell lines, SKBR3 and ZR75. Our data revealed that these compounds inhibit cell proliferation, deregulate cell-cycle progression and significantly induce cell apoptosis in both cell lines. Furthermore, the two chalcone compounds cause a significant reduction in the cell invasion ability of SKBR3 and ZR75 cancer cells. In parallel, we found that DK-13 and DK-14 inhibit colony formation of both cell lines in comparison to their matched controls. On the other hand, we noticed that these two compounds can inhibit angiogenesis in the chorioallantoic membrane model. The molecular pathway analysis of chalcone compounds exposed cells revealed that these compounds inhibit the expression of both JNK1/2/3 and ERK1/2, the major plausible molecular pathways behind these events. Our findings implicate that DK-13 and DK-14 possess effective chemotherapeutic outcomes against HER2-positive breast cancer via the ERK1/2 and JNK1/2/3 signaling pathways.
Cross-Validation of the Foundation Pain Index with PROMIS-29 in Chronic Pain Patients

Purpose Discovery and validation of pragmatic biomarkers represent significant advancements in the field of pain management. Evaluating relationships between objective biomarkers and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is an effective way to gain mechanistic insight into the potential role of biochemistry in chronic pain. The aim of this study was to validate the Foundation Pain Index (FPI) by evaluating associations between deranged biochemical function and PROMIS-29 domains in individuals living with chronic pain. Patients and Methods PROMIS-29 scores and FPI test results were obtained from 298 patients with chronic pain in this retrospective, observational study. Statistical analysis was performed using clinical test data to evaluate relationships between deranged biochemical function and quality of life measures across 8 universal domains. Results FPI scores significantly associated with multiple PROMIS-29 domains including physical function, impact score, fatigue, pain interference, and depression (P < 0.05). Moreover, specific analytes that comprise the FPI significantly correlated with PROMIS-29 domains, including 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (pain interference, physical function, and pain impact scores), hydroxymethylglutarate (physical function), homocysteine (pain impact scores), kynurenic acid (pain interference and physical function), and quinolinic acid (physical function) (P < 0.05). Conclusion Cross-validation of the FPI with PROMIS-29 domains further supports the role of deranged biochemical function in the etiology of chronic pain. Objective identification of atypical biochemical function and subsequent correction holds tremendous promise for the non-opioid management of pain. Continued research efforts will aim to determine the impact of biochemical optimization in pre-surgical periods and post-surgical outcomes in patients with chronic pain.
Absolute Reliability and Concurrent Validity of Hand-Held Dynamometry in Shoulder Rotator Strength Assessment: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The purpose of this study is to establish the absolute reliability between hand-held dynamometers (HHDs) and concurrent validity between HHDs and isokinetic dynamometers (IDs) in shoulder rotator strength assessment. The Medline, CINAHL, and Central databases were searched for relevant studies up to July 2020. Absolute reliability was determined by test–retest studies presenting standard error of measurement (SEM%) and/or minimal detectable change (MDC%) expressed as percentage of the mean. Studies considering intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) between IDs and HHDs were considered for concurrent validity. The risk of bias and the methodological quality were evaluated according to COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN). Thirteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Shoulder internal rotator strength assessment MDC% was 0.78%, 95% confidence interval (CI) −5.21 to 3.66, while shoulder external rotators MDC% was 3.29%, CI −2.69 to 9.27. ICC between devices was 0.94, CI (0.91 to 0.96) for shoulder internal rotators and 0.92, IC (0.88 to 0.97) for shoulder external rotators. Very high correlation was found for shoulder rotator torque assessment between HHDs and IDs. The COSMIN checklist classified the selected studies as adequate and inadequate.
Quercetin loaded silver nanoparticles in hydrogel matrices for diabetic wound healing

Quercetin (QCT) is an effective antioxidant, antifibrotic and wound healing agent. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are an effective antimicrobial, antifungal and wound healing agent and considered as gold standard for wound treatment especially diabetic and burn wounds. The present study aimed to investigate QCT loaded AgNPs in hydrogel matrices (QCT-AgNPs hydrogel) as synergistic treatment paradigms for diabetic wound. Quality by Design approach was employed for the optimization of hydrogel preparation using carbopol-934 and aloevera. The developed QCT-AgNPs hydrogel was characterized for hydrodynamic diameter, %entrapment efficiency (%EE), surface morphology, texture analysis, in-vitro drug release, skin irritation study, ex-vivo permeation study (confocal study), and antimicrobial efficacy. The optimized formulation showed hydrodynamic diameter of ∼44.1 nm with smooth spherical surface morphology and ∼92.09% of QCT was entrapped in QCT-AgNPs hydrogel matrices. The antimicrobial study revealed superior therapeutic efficacy of QCT-AgNPs hydrogel in comparison to marketed (MRKT) gel on S. aureus and E. coli. Moreover, in-vivo results demonstrated that ﻿QCT-AgNPs hydrogel significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the wound gap and increased % re-epithelialization compared with diabetic control after 18 d of post﻿ treatment in excisional diabetic wound model. In conclusion, this study opens up an avenue for the treatment of diabetic wound.
Thermogravimetric kinetic study of solid recovered fuels pyrolysis

In the Republic of Serbia there are significant quantities of coffee and tire wastes that can be utilized as Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) and used as an additional fuel for co–combustion with coal and biomass in energy production and cement industry sectors. Differences between SRF and base fuel are cause of numerous problems in design of burners. The objective of this study was to determine the kinetic parameters for the thermochemical conversion of selected SRF using Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (STA). Samples of coffee and tire waste were used for the experimental tests. Thermal analysis was carried out in nitrogen atmosphere at three different heating rates 10, 15 and 20 K/min for each sample, while it was heated from room temperature up to 900°C. Two sample sizes x <0.25 mm and 0.25 < x <0.5 mm of each SRF were used in experiments, in order to obtain reliable Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) data for estimation of kinetic parameters for SRF pyrolysis. Experimental results were used for determination of pre-exponential factor and activation energy according to methods presented in the literature. Presented research provide valuable data of coffee and tire waste, that can be used for the burners design.