Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nanoformulation of Paclitaxel: Exploring the Cyclodextrin / PLGA Nano Delivery Carrier to Slow Down Paclitaxel Release, Enhance Accumulation in Vivo

Background: Improving the aggregation and penetration in tumor sites increases the anti-tumor efficacy of nanomedicine. In the current study, we designed cyclodextrin modified PLGA nanoparticles loaded with paclitaxel to elevate the accumulation and prolong circulation of chemotherapy drugs in vivo. Methods: The PLGA nanoparticles loaded with paclitaxel (PTX PLGA NPs) and cyclodextrin (CD) modified PLGA nanoparticles loaded with paclitaxel (PTX PLGA/CD NPs) were prepared using the emulsification solvent evaporation method. The nanoparticles were characterized by particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, infrared spectroscopy analysis and X-Ray diffraction (XRD). Then, drug release of the nanoparticles was evaluated via reverse dialysis method in vitro. Finally, the in vivo distribution fate and pharmacokinetic characteristics of the nanoparticles were assessed in mice and rats. Results: The average particle size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency of PTX PLGA NPs were (163.57±2.07) nm, - (20.53±2.79) mV and (60.44±6.80)%. The average particle size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency of PTX PLGA/CD NPs were (148.57±1.66) nm, - (11.42±0.84) mV and (85.70±2.06)%. In vitro release studies showed that PTX PLGA/CD NPs were released more slowly compared to PTX PLGA NPs under normal blood pH conditions, while PTX PLGA/CD NPs were released more completely under tumor site pH conditions. The modified PLGA nanocarrier (PLGA/CD NPs) increased drug residence time and accumulation than the plain PLGA nanocarrier (PLGA NPs) in vivo distribution. In addition, the elimination half-life, area under the drug-time curve, and maximum blood concentration of the nanoparticle group were higher than those of Taxol®, especially the PTX PLGA/CD NPs group, which was significantly different from Taxol® and plain nanoparticle groups (p<0.001). Conclusions: The 2-HP-β-CD modified PLGA nanoparticles prolonged circulation time and accumulation of the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel in vivo.
Neuroprotective Effect of Wharton's Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Conditioned Medium (WJMSC-CM) on Diabetes-Associated Cognitive Impairment by Improving Oxidative Stress, Neuroinflammation, and Apoptosis

According to strong evidence, diabetes mellitus increases the risk of cognitive impairment. Mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to be potential therapeutic agents for neurological disorders. In the current study, we aimed to examine the effects of Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium (WJMSC-CM) on learning and memory, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and histological changes in the hippocampus of diabetic rats. Randomly, 35 male Sprague Dawley rats weighing 260–300 g were allocated into five groups: control, diabetes, and three diabetic groups treated with insulin, WJMSC-CM, and DMEM. The injections of insulin (3 U/day, S.C.) and WJMSC-CM (10 mg/week, I.P.) were done for 60 days. The Morris water maze and open field were used to measure cognition and anxiety-like behaviors. Colorimetric assays were used to determine hippocampus glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and antioxidant enzyme activity. The histopathological evaluation of the hippocampus was performed by Nissl staining. The expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, BDNF, and TNF-α were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). According to our findings, WJMSC-CM significantly reduced and increased blood glucose and insulin levels, respectively. Enhanced cognition and improved anxiety-like behavior were also found in WJMSC-CM-treated diabetic rats. In addition, WJMSC-CM treatment reduced oxidative stress by lowering MDA and elevating GSH and antioxidant enzyme activity. Reduced TNF-α and enhanced Bcl-2 gene expression levels and elevated neuronal and nonneuronal (astrocytes and oligodendrocytes) cells were detected in the hippocampus of WJMSC-CM-treated diabetic rats. In conclusion, WJMSC-CM alleviated diabetes-related cognitive impairment by reducing oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis in diabetic rats.
Necrotizing Fasciitis—Severe Complication of Bullous Pemphigoid: A Systematic Review, Risk Factors, and Treatment Challenges

Background and objectives: Bullous pemphigoid (BP), the most common subepidermal autoimmune skin blistering disease (AIBD) has an estimated annual incidence of 2.4 to 42.8 new cases per million in different populations, designating it an orphan disease. Characterized by disruption of the skin barrier combined with therapy-induced immunosuppression, BP could pose a risk for skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI). Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare necrotizing skin and soft tissue infection, with a prevalence of 0.40 cases per 100,000 to 15.5 cases per 100,000 population, often associated with immunosuppression. Low incidences of NF and BP classify them both as rare diseases, possibly contributing to the false inability of making a significant correlation between the two. Here, we present a systematic review of the existing literature related to the ways these two diseases correlate. Materials and methods: This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The literature review was conducted using PubMed (MEDLINE), Google Scholar, and SCOPUS databases. The primary outcome was prevalence of NF in BP patients, while the secondary outcome was prevalence and mortality of SSTI in BP patients. Due to the scarcity of data, case reports were also included. Results: A total of 13 studies were included, six case reports of BP complicated by NF with six retrospective studies and one randomized multicenter trial of SSTIs in BP patients. Conclusions: Loss of skin integrity, immunosuppressive therapy, and comorbidities commonly related to BP patients are risk factors for necrotizing fasciitis. Evidence of their significant correlation is emerging, and further studies are deemed necessary for the development of BP-specific diagnostic and treatment protocols.
Undesirable optimality results in multiple testing?

A number of authors have considered the problem of making multiple comparisons among level-one parameters in multilevel models. This is a setting in which Bayesian procedures have a natural sampling theory interpretation, and where a natural justification for methods that control a directional version of the false discovery rate may be found. However, a basic desirable characteristic of multiple comparison procedures, namely that they should be more conservative than corresponding ‘per-comparison’ procedures, appears to be violated by some optimal procedures that have been developed in a multilevel setting. This concern is illustrated in the context of a very simple multilevel model, namely one-way, random-effects analysis of variance.
Draft Genomes of Halophilic Chromohalobacter and Halomonas Strains Isolated from Brines of The Carpathian Foreland, Poland

Chromohalobacter and Halomonas are genera of bacterial microorganisms belonging to the group of halophiles. They are characterized by high diversity and the ability to produce bioproducts of biotechnological importance, such as ectoine, biosurfactants and carotenoids. Here, we report three draft genomes of Chromohalobacter and two draft genomes of Halomonas isolated from brines. The length of the genomes ranged from 3.6 Mbp to 3.8 Mbp, and GC content was in the 60.11%-66.46% range. None of the analysed genomes has been assigned to any previously known species of the genus Chromohalobacter or Halomonas. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Chromohalobacter 296-RDG and Chromohalobacter 48-RD10 belonged to the same species, and Chromohalobacter 11-W is more distantly related to the other two analysed strains than to Chromohalobacter canadensis. Halomonas strains 11-S5 and 25-S5 were clustered together and located close to Halomonas ventosae. Functional analysis revealed BGCs related to ectoine production in all genomes analysed. This study increases our overall understanding of halophilic bacteria and is also consistent with the notion that members of this group have significant potential as useful natural product producers.
How to Promote Skin Repair? In-Depth Look at Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Strategies

Skin repair encompasses epidermal barrier repair and wound healing which involves multiple cellular and molecular stages. Therefore, many skin repair strategies have been proposed. In order to characterize the usage frequency of skin repair ingredients in cosmetics, medicines, and medical devices, commercialized in Portuguese pharmacies and parapharmacies, a comprehensive analysis of the products’ composition was performed. A total of 120 cosmetic products, collected from national pharmacies online platforms, 21 topical medicines, and 46 medical devices, collected from INFARMED database, were included in the study, revealing the top 10 most used skin repair ingredients in these categories. A critical review regarding the effectiveness of the top ingredients was performed and an in-depth analysis focused on the top three skin repair ingredients pursued. Results demonstrated that top three most used cosmetic ingredients were metal salts and oxides (78.3%), vitamin E and its derivatives (54.2%), and Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. extract and actives (35.8%). Regarding medicines, metal salts and oxides were also the most used (47.4%) followed by vitamin B5 and derivatives (23.8%), and vitamin A and derivatives (26.3%). Silicones and derivatives were the most common skin repair ingredients in medical devices (33%), followed by petrolatum and derivatives (22%) and alginate (15%). This work provides an overview of the most used skin repair ingredients, highlighting their different mechanisms of action, aiming to provide an up-to-date tool to support health professionals’ decisions.
Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, Control of Hypertension, and Availability of Hypertension Services for Patients Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is faced with a dual burden of hypertension and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In this review we sought to determine the prevalence, awareness, and control of hypertension among persons living with HIV (PLHIV), and the availability of hypertension services at the HIV care points in SSA. We searched the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane library, Global index Medicus, African Journal online, and WHO Institutional Repository for Information Sharing (IRIS) for studies on the epidemiology of hypertension, and hypertension services for PLHIV in SSA. Twenty-six articles were identified for the review, with 150,886 participants; weighted mean of age 37.5 years and female proportion of 62.6%. The pooled prevalence was 19.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 16.6%, 22.5%); hypertension awareness was 28.4% (95% CI, 15.5%, 41.3%), and hypertension control was 13.4% (95% CI, 4.7%, 22.1%). HIV-related factors like CD4 count, viremia, and antiretroviral therapy regimen were not consistently associated with prevalent hypertension. However, high body mass index (BMI) above 25 kg/m2 [odds ratio: 1.64, 95% CI (1.26, 2.02)] and age above 45 years [odds ratio: 1.44, 95% CI (1.08, 1.79)] were associated with prevalent hypertension. Even when PLHIV on ART were more likely to be screened for hypertension and monitored, there was infrequent screening and treatment of hypertension in most HIV clinics. Most studies recommended integrating of HIV and hypertension services. We report a high prevalence of hypertension in a relatively young population of PLHIV with suboptimal screening, treatment, and control of hypertension. We recommend strategies to integrate HIV and hypertension services.
Evaluation of Brown Micro-Algae Synergies With Low Dose γ-Radiation Against Chronic Hepatitis Induced by D-Galactosamine in Rats

Introduction Hepatic inflammation is considered key driver of hepatic tissue impairment.We aimed to explore the interaction of Halamphora coffeaeformis (Amph.) with low dose ionizing γ radiation (γR) exposure against D-galactosamine (D-GaIN)-induced chronic hepatitis in Albino rats. Methods Chronic hepatitis was induced with single dose of D-GalN (400 mg/kg BW i.p.). Rats received 400 mg Amph/kg BW daily by gastric gavage concomitant with . 25 Gy γ-R. Liver oxidative stress and inflammatory status were assessed. Gene expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and nuclear factor kappa B (NFKB) were estimated by q-PCR. D-Galactosamine injection significantly encouraged hepatic oxidative damage and inflammatory disturbance accompanied with improved intercellular adhesion molecule-1 level (ICAM-1). Results messenger RNA gene expression levels of STAT3 and NF-kB were expressively higher in D-GaIN-treated animals. Histopathological examination supported results. Interestingly, Amph treatment with γ-radiation (γ-R) subjection displayed significant improvement of oxidative and inflammatory status along with controlled signaling molecular factors which was supported by amended histological structure of induced liver hepatitis. Conclusion Results conclude the efficacious control of liver hepatitis progression by dual collaboration of Amph. with low dose γ-R via control of vital growth signaling factors linked with inflammation thru anti-inflammation, antioxidative and anti-proliferative activities.
Dynamic harmonic regression.

This paper describes in detail a flexible approach to nonstationary time series analysis based on a Dynamic Harmonic Regression (DHR) model of the Unobserved Components (UC) type, formulated within a stochastic state space setting. The model is particularly useful for adaptive seasonal adjustment, signal extraction and interpolation over gaps, as well as forecasting or backcasting. The Kalman Filter and Fixed Interval Smoothing algorithms are exploited for estimating the various components, with the Noise Variance Ratio and other hyperparameters in the stochastic state space model estimated by a novel optimization method in the frequency domain. Unlike other approaches of this general type, which normally exploit Maximum Likelihood methods, this optimization procedure is based on a cost function defined in terms of the difference between the logarithmic pseudo-spectrum of the DHR model and the logarithmic autoregressive spectrum of the time series. The cost function not only seems to yield improved convergence characteristics when compared with the alternative ML cost function, but it also has much reduced numerical requirements.
Effect of Roller Levelling on Tensile Properties of Aluminum Sheets

The straightening of sheets, bars and profiles plays an important role in many machining processes. The aim of sheet straightening in the rolling mill is to ensure that the deviation of sheets from flatness is within the tolerances specified in the standards or delivery conditions. There is a wide range of information available on the roller levelling process used to meet these quality requirements. However, little attention has been paid to the effects of levelling, namely the change in properties of the sheets before and after roller levelling. The aim of the present publication is to investigate how the levelling process affects tensile test results. The experiments have shown that levelling increases the yield strength of the sheet by 14–18%, while it decreases its elongation by 1–3% and hardening exponent by 15%. The mechanical model developed allows changes to be predicted, so that a plan can be made regarding roller levelling technology that has the least effect on the properties of the sheet while maintaining the desired dimensional accuracy.
Factors associated with anemia among pregnant women attended antenatal care: a health facility-based cross-sectional study

Introduction: Anemia is characterized by a decline in the number or size of red blood cells and Hb concentration, which results in impairment capacity to transport oxygen. It is a major cause of indirect maternal mortality. Anemia is largely preventable and easily treatable, if detected in time; however, it remains one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to assess factors associated with anemia among pregnant women who attended antenatal care. Methods: A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 February 2020 to 2 March 2020 among 420 pregnant women. The data were collected by systematic random sampling technique, entered into a computer using EpiData 3.5, and analyzed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences 23.0 version. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to estimate the crude and adjusted odds ratio with a CI of 95% and a P-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. Frequency tables, figures, and descriptive summaries were used to describe the study variables. Results: The overall prevalence of anemia was 32.9% (95% CI: 28.6–37.4), and it was higher in rural than urban pregnant women (45 vs. 23%), respectively. In multivariable analysis women who are found in the age group of greater than or equal to 30 years (AOR=3.45, 95% CI=1.22–9.78), rural residency (AOR=3.51, 95% CI=1.92–6.42), low family income (AOR=3.10, 95% CI=1.19–8.08), multiparty (AOR=2.91, 95% CI=1.33–6.38), a short interpregnancy gap (AOR 3.32, 95% CI=1.69–6.53), not taking iron and folate (AOR=4.83, 95% CI=2.62–9.90), third trimester of pregnancy (AOR=3.21, 95% CI=1.25–8.25), poor minimum dietary diversity score (AOR=3.54, 95% CI=1.58–7.95), undernourished (AOR=4.9, 95% CI=2.19–7.64), poor knowledge of anemia (AOR=3.19, 95% CI=1.72–5.93), consumption of coffee always after meal per day (AOR=3.24, 95% CI=1.42–7.42), having a history of irregular menstruation, and antepartum hemorrhage were significantly associated with anemia in pregnant women. Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women in this study area was a moderate public health problem. The author suggest emphasizing the education and counseling of women on the advantage of taking the supplemented iron and folic acid. Health care providers should have to advise women to stay for at least 2 years before the next pregnancy to reduce the risk of adverse maternal and infant outcomes. Awareness creation in the community on the utilization of insecticide-treated bed nets is also needed.
RADIATION FROM A CYLINDRICAL SOURCE OF FINITE LENGTH

This paper presents the results of a theoretical study of radiation from a cylindrical source of finite length, the walls of which are subjected to symmetric lateral and tangential stresses. Three divergent wave systems are generated, P, SV, and SH, and their amplitudes are calculated in terms of the stresses operative on the walls of the "equivalent cavity". The zonal distribution of amplitude in the three wave systems is calculated, and the total amount of energy in each is estimated. It is shown that under the action of a lateral pressure only, an SV wave of amplitude 1.6 times the maximum amplitude of the associated P-wave is beamed from the source in directions making angles of 45 degrees with the axis of the source.
Peer Interactions of School-Aged Girls on the Autism Spectrum: A Scoping Review

Abstract Although research on the experiences of females on the autism spectrum is still developing, it is becoming increasingly apparent that their experiences are not comparable to their male counterparts. This scoping review aimed to collate research related to the peer interaction experiences of school-aged girls on the autism spectrum from their perspective. A database and journal search (2010–2020) found 21 studies. Key findings indicated that although school-aged girls on the autism spectrum generally desired friendship, they faced diverse peer interaction difficulties, including making and maintaining friendships, peer victimisation, and rejection. Given these challenges, appropriate peer interaction supports and further research into the complexities of their peer interaction experience is needed.
Numerical study of fractional topological insulators

Topological insulators are band insulators which are fundamentally different from atomic insulators. Only a non-local quantity called topological invariant can distinguish these two phases. The quantum Hall effect is the first example of a topological insulator, but the same phase can arise in the absence of a magnetic field, and is called a Chern insulator. In the presence of strong interactions, topological insulators may host exotic excitations called anyons. The fractional quantum Hall effect is the only experimentally realized example of such phase. In this manuscript, we study the conditions of emergence of different types of fractional topological insulators, using numerical simulations. We first look at the fractional quantum Hall effect on the torus. We introduce a new projective construction of exotic quantum Hall states that complements the existing construction. We study the low energy excitations on the torus of two of the most emblematic quantum Hall states, the Laughlin and Moore-Read states. We propose and validate model wave functions to describe them. We apply this knowledge to characterize the excitations of the Laughlin state in Chern insulators. We show the stability of other fractional quantum Hall states in Chern insulators, the composite fermion, Halperin and NASS states. We explore the physics of fractional phases with no equivalent in a quantum Hall system, using two different strategies: first by choosing a model with a higher value of the topological invariant, second by adding time-reversal symmetry, which changes the nature of the topological invariant.
Multilineage commitment of Sca-1+ cells in reshaping vein grafts

Vein graft failure remains a significant clinical problem. Similar to other vascular diseases, stenosis of vein grafts is caused by several cell lines; however, the sources of these cells remain unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the cellular sources that reshape vein grafts. By analyzing transcriptomics data and constructing inducible lineage-tracing mouse models, we investigated the cellular components of vein grafts and their fates. The sc-RNAseq data suggested that Sca-1+ cells were vital players in vein grafts and might serve as progenitors for multilineage commitment. By generating a vein graft model in which the venae cavae from C57BL/6J wild-type mice were transplanted adjacent to the carotid arteries of Sca-1(Ly6a)-CreERT2; Rosa26-tdTomato mice, we demonstrated that the recipient Sca-1+ cells dominated reendothelialization and the formation of adventitial microvessels, especially at the perianastomotic regions. In turn, using chimeric mouse models, we confirmed that the Sca-1+ cells that participated in reendothelialization and the formation of adventitial microvessels all had a non-bone-marrow origin, whereas bone-marrow-derived Sca-1+ cells differentiated into inflammatory cells in vein grafts. Furthermore, using a parabiosis mouse model, we confirmed that non-bone-marrow-derived circulatory Sca-1+ cells were vital for the formation of adventitial microvessels, whereas Sca-1+ cells derived from local carotid arteries were the source of endothelium restoration. Using another mouse model in which venae cavae from Sca-1 (Ly6a)-CreERT2; Rosa26-tdTomato mice were transplanted adjacent to the carotid arteries of C57BL/6J wild-type mice, we confirmed that the donor Sca-1+ cells were mainly responsible for smooth muscle cells commitment in the neointima, particularly at the middle bodies of vein grafts. In addition, we provided evidence that knockdown/knockout of Pdgfrα in Sca-1+ cells decreased the cell potential to generate SMCs in vitro and decreased number of intimal SMCs in vein grafts. Our findings provided cell atlases of vein grafts, which demonstrated that recipient carotid arteries, donor veins, non-bone-marrow circulation, and the bone marrow provided diverse Sca-1+ cells/progenitors that participated in the reshaping of vein grafts.