Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhanced In Vitro Magnetic Cell Targeting of Doxorubicin-Loaded Magnetic Liposomes for Localized Cancer Therapy

The lack of efficient targeting strategies poses significant limitations on the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic treatments. This issue also affects drug-loaded nanocarriers, reducing nanoparticles cancer cell uptake. We report on the fabrication and in vitro characterization of doxorubicin-loaded magnetic liposomes for localized treatment of liver malignancies. Colloidal stability, superparamagnetic behavior and efficient drug loading of our formulation were demonstrated. The application of an external magnetic field guaranteed enhanced nanocarriers cell uptake under cell medium flow in correspondence of a specific area, as we reported through in vitro investigation. A numerical model was used to validate experimental data of magnetic targeting, proving the possibility of accurately describing the targeting strategy and predict liposomes accumulation under different environmental conditions. Finally, in vitro studies on HepG2 cancer cells confirmed the cytotoxicity of drug-loaded magnetic liposomes, with cell viability reduction of about 50% and 80% after 24 h and 72 h of incubation, respectively. Conversely, plain nanocarriers showed no anti-proliferative effects, confirming the formulation safety. Overall, these results demonstrated significant targeting efficiency and anticancer activity of our nanocarriers and superparamagnetic nanoparticles entrapment could envision the theranostic potential of the formulation. The proposed magnetic targeting study could represent a valid tool for pre-clinical investigation regarding the effectiveness of magnetic drug targeting.
Efficacy of Aqueous Crude Fruit Extract of Desert Date (Balanites aegyptiaca) in Anaesthetization of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Fingerlings

Chemicals have been used to anaesthetize fish but due to their hazardous effects on the environment, fish and humans environmentally friendly plant anaesthetics are being sought. Fruit of Desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca) is nontoxic to humans but has been reported to have anaesthetic potentials on fish. This study investigates anaesthetic effect of aqueous crude fruit extract of B. aegyptiaca on African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings. Phytochemical and proximate compositions of the fruit were screened. Exactly 120 C. gariepinus fingerlings (mean weight 32.13±2.43g and mean total length 23.88±2.11cm) were used for the experiment. A total of 10 fingerlings were exposed to each of 2.00, 2.50, 3.00, 3.50 and 4.00g/L concentrations of aqueous crude fruit extract of B. aegyptiaca and a control in 6 plastic tanks (45x28x25cm) filled with 10L of tap water. Setup was arranged in randomized block design and replicated. Temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, free carbon dioxide and total alkalinity were monitored. Results revealed long mean induction (25.05±3.35 min) and recovery (108.35±2.45 min) times with resultant mortalities (40%) of C. gariepinus fingerlings. significant correlation (P<0.01) exists between concentration of the fruit extract and induction time as well as between fruit extract concentrations and survival of fingerlings. Aqueous crude fruit extract of B. aegyptiaca is, therefore, not effective for anaesthetization of C. gariepinus fingerlings hence should be avoided.
Exploring the caregiver's experience in an innovative homebound hematopoietic stem cell transplantation program

Abstract Objective Home care for hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCTs), an alternative to traditional inpatient or outpatient recovery programs, is safe and feasible but may place greater demand on full-time caregivers. The goal of this study was to characterize the experiences of caregivers in a newly piloted homebound HSCT program as a means of identifying unmet needs and ensuring adequate support. Method A qualitative approach was utilized. Participants created self-recorded video diaries guided by open-ended prompts at designated time points throughout recovery and participated in a single follow-up interview within four weeks post-discharge. Diaries and interviews were transcribed, analyzed, and coded to identify recurrent ideas and themes. Results Data were collected from 12 caregivers of homebound HSCT patients. Thematic content analysis yielded four themes: facilitators (external support, sense of normalcy, and patient wellness), challenges (difficulties with transplant care instructions, managing the patient's physical and emotional health, and caregiver psychological distress), roles in recovery (caregiving responsibilities), and analysis of homebound experience (positive outcomes and suggestions for improvement). Significance of results Caregivers perceived the homebound program as offering high-quality medical care in a setting that provided a sense of normalcy, privacy, and greater level of oversight. Unmet needs included lacking preparedness in completing nursing responsibilities and handling caregiver and patient distress. While the homebound program was preferred to routine hospital care, psychotherapeutic support and programming to improve caregiver preparedness in a homebound HSCT recovery program is indicated.
Exponential increase of plastic burial in mangrove sediments as a major plastic sink

Exponentially increasing burial rates of microplastics since the 1950s confirm mangrove sediments as long-term sinks. Sequestration of plastics in sediments is considered the ultimate sink of marine plastic pollution that would justify unexpectedly low loads found in surface waters. Here, we demonstrate that mangroves, generally supporting high sediment accretion rates, efficiently sequester plastics in their sediments. To this end, we extracted microplastics from dated sediment cores of the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf mangrove (Avicennia marina) forests along the Saudi Arabian coast. We found that microplastics <0.5 mm dominated in mangrove sediments, helping explain their scarcity, in surface waters. We estimate that 50 ± 30 and 110 ± 80 metric tons of plastic may have been buried since the 1930s in mangrove sediments across the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, respectively. We observed an exponential increase in the plastic burial rate (8.5 ± 1.2% year−1) since the 1950s in line with the global plastic production increase, confirming mangrove sediments as long-term sinks for plastics.
Genome integrity and neurogenesis of postnatal hippocampal neural stem/progenitor cells require a unique regulator Filia

Filia regulates genome integrity and neurogenesis of postnatal hippocampal neural stem/progenitor cells. Endogenous DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) formation and repair in neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) play fundamental roles in neurogenesis and neurodevelopmental disorders. NSPCs exhibit heterogeneity in terms of lineage fates and neurogenesis activity. Whether NSPCs also have heterogeneous regulations on DSB formation and repair to accommodate region-specific neurogenesis has not been explored. Here, we identified a regional regulator Filia, which is predominantly expressed in mouse hippocampal NSPCs after birth and regulates DNA DSB formation and repair. On one hand, Filia protects stalling replication forks and prevents the replication stress-associated DNA DSB formation. On the other hand, Filia facilitates the homologous recombination–mediated DNA DSB repair. Consequently, Filia−/− mice had impaired hippocampal NSPC proliferation and neurogenesis and were deficient in learning, memory, and mood regulations. Thus, our study provided the first proof of concept demonstrating the region-specific regulations of DSB formation and repair in subtypes of NSPCs.
Beneficial Effect of Dietary Diversity on the Risk of Disability in Activities of Daily Living in Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study

Disability in activities of daily living (ADL) is common in elderly people. Dietary diversity is associated with several age-related diseases. The evidence on dietary diversity score (DDS) and ADL disability is limited. This study was based on the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Prospective data of 5004 participants were analyzed. ADL disability was defined as the inability to perform at least one of the five self-care tasks. Cox proportional regression models were conducted to estimate the association of cumulative average DDS with the risk of ADL disability. Logistic regression models were performed to estimate the odds ratios for the average DDS, the baseline DDS, and the recent DDS prior to the end of the survey in relation to ADL disability, respectively. The results indicate that higher average DDS was associated with a decreased risk of ADL disability (T3 vs. T1: hazard ratio 0.50; 95% confidence interval 0.39–0.66). The association was stronger among participants who did not had comorbidity at baseline than those who did (P-interaction 0.035). The average DDS is the most pronounced in estimating the association of DDS with ADL disability of the three approaches. In summary, higher DDS has beneficial effects on ADL disability, and long-term dietary exposure is more preferable in the investigation of DDS and ADL.
Population genomics reveals the expansion of highly inbred Plasmodium vivax lineages in the main malaria hotspot of Brazil

Background Plasmodium vivax is a neglected human malaria parasite that causes significant morbidity in the Americas, the Middle East, Asia, and the Western Pacific. Population genomic approaches remain little explored to map local and regional transmission pathways of P. vivax across the main endemic sites in the Americas, where great progress has been made towards malaria elimination over the past decades. Methodology/Principal findings We analyze 38 patient-derived P. vivax genome sequences from Mâncio Lima (ML)–the Amazonian malaria hotspot next to the Brazil-Peru border—and 24 sequences from two other sites in Acre State, Brazil, a country that contributes 23% of malaria cases in the Americas. We show that the P. vivax population of ML is genetically diverse (π = 4.7 × 10−4), with a high polymorphism particularly in genes encoding proteins putatively involved in red blood cell invasion. Paradoxically, however, parasites display strong genome-wide linkage disequilibrium, being fragmented into discrete lineages that are remarkably stable across time and space, with only occasional recombination between them. Using identity-by-descent approaches, we identified a large cluster of closely related sequences that comprises 16 of 38 genomes sampled in ML over 26 months. Importantly, we found significant ancestry sharing between parasites at a large geographic distance, consistent with substantial gene flow between regional P. vivax populations. Conclusions/Significance We have characterized the sustained expansion of highly inbred P. vivax lineages in a malaria hotspot that can seed regional transmission. Potential source populations in hotspots represent a priority target for malaria elimination in the Amazon.
Association between Iron Status and Incident Type 2 Diabetes: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Type 2 diabetes poses a major public health challenge. Here, we conducted a cohort study with a large sample size to determine the association of baseline serum ferritin (SF), a marker of iron status, with incident type 2 diabetes in primary healthcare patients in Catalonia, a western Mediterranean region. A total of 206,115 patients aged 35–75 years without diabetes and with available baseline SF measurements were eligible. The variables analyzed included sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometry, lifestyle, morbidity and iron status (SF, serum iron and hemoglobin). Incident type 2 diabetes during follow-up (2006–2016) was ascertained using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition. Cox proportional-hazards models adjusted for multiple baseline confounders/mediators were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs). Over a median follow-up of 8.4 years, 12,371 new cases of type 2 diabetes were diagnosed, representing an incidence rate of 7.5 cases/1000 persons/year. Since at baseline, the median SF concentration was higher in subjects who developed type 2 diabetes (107.0 µg/L vs. 60.3 µg/L; p < 0.001), SF was considered an independent risk predictor for type 2 diabetes; the multivariable-adjusted HRs for incident type 2 diabetes across SF quartiles 1–4 were 1.00 (reference), 0.95 (95% CI = 0.85–1.06), 1.18 (95% CI = 1.65–1.31) and 1.51 (95% CI = 1.36–1.65), respectively. Our study suggested that higher baseline SF was significantly associated with an increased risk of new-onset type 2 diabetes in Catalan primary healthcare users, supporting the relevance of monitoring iron stores in order to improve the diagnosis and management of diabetes in clinical practice.
The Relationship between Insulin Resistance and Liver Damage in non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Patients

Objectives: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely associated with diseases, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, which are characterized by insulin resistance. NAFLD is thought to be a manifestation of metabolic syndrome in the liver. Liver fibrosis has a high prognostic significance in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In this study, the relationship between insulin resistance and the histopathological changes in the liver was investigated in biopsy-proven NAFLD patients. Methods: In this study, 85 biopsy-proven NAFLD patients (64 NASH, 21 non-NASH) and 40 healthy control subjects were enrolled. Insulin resistance was calculated using the “homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance” (HOMA-IR). Results: C reactive protein, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, body mass index (BMI), HOMA-IR levels were significantly higher in the NAFLD group compared to the control group. In the NASH group, the HOMA-IR level was significantly higher than the non-NASH group (p=0.026). When NAFLD patients with advanced fibrosis (stage 3-4, n=27) and without fibrosis (stage 0-2, n=58) are compared, in advanced fibrosis group BMI (35.2±4.6 kg/m2 and 32.7±4.1 kg/m2, respectively; p=0.031) and HOMA-IR (6.3 [5.8-6.8] and 3.4 [2.6-4.8], respectively, p=0.001) levels were higher significantly. In the covariance analysis, when confounding factors, such as BMI, age and gender, were corrected, it was observed that the elevation of HOMA-IR level in the advanced fibrosis group continued statistically significantly. Conclusion: HOMA-IR levels were high in NAFLD patients with advanced fibrosis. HOMA-IR, which can be easily measured in daily practice, is an independent predictor for fibrosis.
Bonding of Gold Nanoclusters on Graphene with and without Point Defects

Hybrid nanostructures of size-selected nanoparticles (NPs) and 2D materials exhibit striking physical and chemical properties and are attractive for many technology applications. A major issue for the performance of these applications is device stability. In this work, we investigate the bonding of cuboctahedral, decahedral and icosahedral Au NPs comprising 561 atoms on graphene sheets via 103-atom scale ab initio spin-polarized calculations. Two distinct cases we considered: (i) the Au NPs sit with their (111) facets on graphene and (ii) the NPs are oriented with a vertex on graphene. In both cases, we compare the binding energies with and without a graphene vacancy under the NP. We find that in all cases, the presence of the graphene vacancy enhances the bonding of the NPs. Significantly, in the vertex-on-graphene case, the binding energy is considerably increased by several eVs and becomes similar to the (111) facet-on-graphene case. The strain in the NPs is found to be minimal and the displacement of the carbon atoms in the immediate neighborhood of the vacancy is on the 0.1 Å scale. The work suggests the creation of stable NP-graphene systems for a variety of electronic, chemical and photonic applications.
Role of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma

Simple Summary The role of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the management of peripheral T-cell lymphomas is not clearly defined and therapeutic decisions vary widely across different institutions. This review examines the current body of evidence to best delineate the role and timing of transplantation in an era where diagnostic techniques and targeted therapies are rapidly evolving. Abstract Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are distinct pathological entities with clinical advancements lagging behind their B-cell lymphoma counterpart. Frequently aggressive in their clinical behaviour, clinicians are constantly challenged with low complete remission rates, early relapses and failure to achieve long-term responses despite aggressive first-line chemotherapy, resulting in poor overall survival in the majority of patients. There is currently no consensus regarding the optimal therapy for PTCL and treatment approaches are mainly derived from prospective phase II studies, registry data and retrospective studies. Despite its biological heterogeneity, a less than satisfactory “one-size-fits-all” approach has been adopted to date. Although its role remains controversial, for many years, haematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been adopted by clinicians with the aim of overcoming poor outcomes by consolidating responses. In this review, we aim to define the role of both autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation in PTCL in both frontline and salvage settings, especially in the context of recent advancements in this field.
Analysis of acoustic emission signals during fatigue testing of a M36 bolt using the Hilbert-Huang spectrum

One of the most important aspects in structural health monitoring is the detection of fatigue damage. Structural components such as heavy-duty bolts work under high dynamic loads, and thus are prone to accumulate fatigue damage and cracks may originate. Those heavy-duty bolts are used, for example, in wind power generation and mining equipment. Therefore, the investigation of new and more effective monitoring technologies attracts a great interest. In this study the acoustic emission (AE) technology was employed to detect incipient damage during fatigue testing of a M36 bolt. Initial results showed that the AE signals have a high level of background noise due to how the load is applied by the fatigue testing machine. Thus, an advanced signal processing method in the time-frequency domain, the Hilbert-Huang Spectrum (HHS), was applied to reveal AE components buried in background noise in form of high-frequency peaks that can be associated with damage progression. Accordingly, the main contribution of the present study is providing insights regarding the detection of incipient damage during fatigue testing using AE signals and providing recommendations for further research.
Seasonal influence on the population density of S tylophoronychus vannus (Rimando, 1968) (Acari: Tetranychidae) infesting bamboos in Kerala

Stylophoronychus vannus (Rimando, 1968), is a tetranychid mite dwelling mainly on bamboo plants. The impact of climatic factors on the population density of this mite on a selected species of bamboo, (Bambusa vulgaris var. striata) growing in the Nilambur region of the Malappuram district was studied during the period of November, 2012 to October, 2013. Results of the study indicated a general preference of the mite to inhabit on the adaxial surface of bamboo leaves and its feeding activity induced visible symptoms like the development of chlorotic spots and patches on the leaf surface. As observed during the study, temperature was found to exert an increase in the population density, with an average of 30 mites per leaf, when the temperature was maximum. The mite population showed a decreasing trend with the onset of monsoon season, and then showed a slow recovery afterwards. The paper also discusses the effect of relative humidity and rainfall on the population density of S. vannus. Statistical analysis of the data enabled to record a significant positive correlation between temperature and mite population (r = 0.748) whereas relative humidity and rainfall showed a negative correlation (r = -0.09 and r = -0.39 respectively).
Independent Impact of Diabetes on the Severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in 5,307 Patients in South Korea: A Nationwide Cohort Study

Background Inconsistent results have been observed regarding the independent effect of diabetes on the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study to evaluate the relationship between diabetes and COVID-19 severity in South Korea. Methods Patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 aged ≥30 years were enrolled and medical claims data were obtained from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. Hospitalization, oxygen treatment, ventilator application, and mortality were assessed as severity outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed after adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities. Results Of 5,307 COVID-19 patients, the mean age was 56.0±14.4 years, 2,043 (38.5%) were male, and 770 (14.5%) had diabetes. The number of patients who were hospitalized, who received oxygen, who required ventilator support, and who died was 4,986 (94.0%), 884 (16.7%), 121 (2.3%), and 211 (4.0%), respectively. The proportion of patients with diabetes in the abovementioned outcome groups was 14.7%, 28.1%, 41.3%, 44.6%, showing an increasing trend according to outcome severity. In multivariate analyses, diabetes was associated with worse outcomes, with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.349 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.099 to 1.656; P=0.004) for oxygen treatment, an aOR of 1.930 (95% CI, 1.276 to 2.915; P<0.001) for ventilator use, and an aOR of 2.659 (95% CI, 1.896 to 3.729; P<0.001) for mortality. Conclusion Diabetes was associated with worse clinical outcomes in Korean patients with COVID-19, independent of other comorbidities. Therefore, patients with diabetes and COVID-19 should be treated with caution.
Increased Skeletal Muscle Fiber Cross-Sectional Area, Muscle Phenotype Shift, and Altered Insulin Signaling in Rat Hindlimb Muscles in a Prenatally Androgenized Rat Model for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are reported to have greater lean mass and insulin resistance. To examine muscular changes in a prenatally androgenized (PNA) rat model for PCOS, Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed to 5 mg testosterone or vehicle daily on gestational days 16–19. At 15 weeks of age, endurance on a rota-rod treadmill was measured. At 16 weeks of age, fasting blood glucose and insulin, hindlimb skeletal muscle mass, muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) and composition, and intra- and peri-muscular lipid droplets were examined. Expression of mitochondrial marker ATP synthase and insulin signaling proteins were also investigated. Compared with controls, PNA female rats demonstrated greater total body and hindlimb muscle weights, greater muscle fiber CSA, and trending reduced time on the rota-rod. An increase in fibers co-expressing the slow and fast isoforms of myosin (90 vs. 86%, p < 0.05) and greater expression of ATP synthase (6-fold, p < 0.005) were observed in the gastrocnemius (GN) muscle. More lipid content was observed in GN and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles. PNA rats had elevated fasting serum insulin (1.9 vs. 1.2 ng/mL, p < 0.005) but comparable fasting glucose. Expression of total and Ser636/9-phosphorylated IRS1 were altered in PNA rat hindlimb muscles. Together, skeletal muscle alterations in hindlimb muscles of a PNA rat model for PCOS may represent consequences of, or adaptations to, insulin resistance in this model.