Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Carcinogenicity of Carbon Nanotubes in the Respiratory System

Simple Summary Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer of the membranes covering the lung and chest cavity (pleura) or the abdomen (peritoneum), mainly linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a proven human carcinogen but its use is far from being universally banned and the forecasts on the incidence of mesothelioma over the next several years are far from optimistic. Carbon nanotubes are a promising type of nano-materials used in the field of nanotechnology for a wide range of applications. However, the similarities between asbestos and CNTs have raised many concerns about their danger and are still the subject of intense research. Keeping in mind that the asbestos tragedy could have been prevented, the aim of this study is to review the recent scientific evidence on CNTs carcinogenicity. Abstract In 2014, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified the first type of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as possibly carcinogenic to humans, while in the case of other CNTs, it was not possible to ascertain their toxicity due to lack of evidence. Moreover, the physicochemical heterogeneity of this group of substances hamper any generalization on their toxicity. Here, we review the recent relevant toxicity studies produced after the IARC meeting in 2014 on an homogeneous group of CNTs, highlighting the molecular alterations that are relevant for the onset of mesothelioma. Methods: The literature was searched on PubMed and Web of Science for the period 2015–2020, using different combinations keywords. Only data on normal cells of the respiratory system after exposure to fully characterized CNTs for their physico-chemical characteristics were included. Recent studies indicate that CNTs induce a sustained inflammatory response, oxidative stress, fibrosis and histological alterations. The development of mesothelial hyperplasia, mesothelioma, and lungs tumors have been also described in vivo. The data support a strong inflammatory potential of CNTs, similar to that of asbestos, and provide evidence that CNTs exposure led to molecular alterations known to have a key role in mesothelioma onset. These evidences call for an urgent improvement of studies on exposed human populations and adequate systems for monitoring the health of workers exposed to this putative carcinogen.
Role of Hybrid Deep Neural Networks (HDNNs), Computed Tomography, and Chest X-rays for the Detection of COVID-19

COVID-19 syndrome has extensively escalated worldwide with the induction of the year 2020 and has resulted in the illness of millions of people. COVID-19 patients bear an elevated risk once the symptoms deteriorate. Hence, early recognition of diseased patients can facilitate early intervention and avoid disease succession. This article intends to develop a hybrid deep neural networks (HDNNs), using computed tomography (CT) and X-ray imaging, to predict the risk of the onset of disease in patients suffering from COVID-19. To be precise, the subjects were classified into 3 categories namely normal, Pneumonia, and COVID-19. Initially, the CT and chest X-ray images, denoted as ‘hybrid images’ (with resolution 1080 × 1080) were collected from different sources, including GitHub, COVID-19 radiography database, Kaggle, COVID-19 image data collection, and Actual Med COVID-19 Chest X-ray Dataset, which are open source and publicly available data repositories. The 80% hybrid images were used to train the hybrid deep neural network model and the remaining 20% were used for the testing purpose. The capability and prediction accuracy of the HDNNs were calculated using the confusion matrix. The hybrid deep neural network showed a 99% classification accuracy on the test set data.
Impact of Annual Albendazole versus Four-Monthly Test-and-Treat Approach of Intestinal Parasites on Children Growth—A Longitudinal Four-Arm Randomized Parallel Trial during Two Years of a Community Follow-Up in Bengo, Angola

Malnutrition and intestinal parasites continue to have serious impacts on growth and cognitive development of children in Angola. A longitudinal four-arm randomized parallel trial was conducted to investigate if deworming with a single annual dose of albendazole (annual-ALB) or a four-monthly test-and-treat (4TT) intestinal parasites approach at individual or household levels improve nutritional outcomes of pre-school children in Bengo province. Children with intestinal parasites (n = 121) were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) to arm A1: annual-ALB*individual level; A2: annual-ALB*household level; A3: 4TT*individual; and A4: 4TT*household level. At baseline, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 months of follow-up, growth was assessed by height, weight, height-for-age, weight-for-height, weight-for-age, and mid-upper arm circumference. Intention-to-treat analysis was done using non-parametric approach, mixed effect models, and generalized estimating equations (GEE). Initially, 57% and 26% of the children were infected by Giardia lamblia and Ascaris lumbricoides, respectively. This study did not show that a 4TT intestinal parasites approach results on better growth outcomes of children (height, weight, HAZ, WAZ, WHZ and MUACZ) when compared with annual ALB, with exception of height and WHZ using GEE model at 5% level. Positive temporal effects on most nutrition outcomes were observed. Implementing a longitudinal study in a poor setting is challenging and larger sample sizes and ‘pure and clean’ data are difficult to obtain. Nevertheless, learned lessons from this intensive study may contribute to future scientific research and to tailor multidisciplinary approaches to minimize malnutrition and infections in resource-poor countries.
Continuous Manufacture and Scale-Up of Theophylline-Nicotinamide Cocrystals

The aim of the study was the manufacturing and scale-up of theophylline-nicotinamide (THL-NIC) pharmaceutical cocrystals processed by hot-melt extrusion (HME). The barrel temperature profile, feed rate and screw speed were found to be the critical processing parameters with a residence time of approximately 47 s for the scaled-up batches. Physicochemical characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction of bulk and extruded materials revealed the formation of high purity cocrystals (98.6%). The quality of THL-NIC remained unchanged under accelerated stability conditions.
iPSC-Cardiomyocyte Models of Brugada Syndrome—Achievements, Challenges and Future Perspectives

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is an inherited cardiac arrhythmia that predisposes to ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death. It originates from oligogenic alterations that affect cardiac ion channels or their accessory proteins. The main hurdle for the study of the functional effects of those variants is the need for a specific model that mimics the complex environment of human cardiomyocytes. Traditionally, animal models or transient heterologous expression systems are applied for electrophysiological investigations, each of these models having their limitations. The ability to create induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs), providing a source of human patient-specific cells, offers new opportunities in the field of cardiac disease modelling. Contemporary iPSC-CMs constitute the best possible in vitro model to study complex cardiac arrhythmia syndromes such as BrS. To date, thirteen reports on iPSC-CM models for BrS have been published and with this review we provide an overview of the current findings, with a focus on the electrophysiological parameters. We also discuss the methods that are used for cell derivation and data acquisition. In the end, we critically evaluate the knowledge gained by the use of these iPSC-CM models and discuss challenges and future perspectives for iPSC-CMs in the study of BrS and other arrhythmias.
Methodological Designs Applied in the Development of Computer-Based Training Programs for the Cognitive Rehabilitation in People with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Mild Dementia. Systematic Review

In recent years, different computer-based cognitive training (CT) programs for people with dementia (PwD) have been developed following a psychosocial approach. Aim: This systematic review aims to identify the methodological designs applied in the development of computer-based training (CCT) programs for the rehabilitation of cognitive functioning in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using the databases PubMed and PsycINFO. The search period was between 2000–2019. The study selection and data extraction processes were carried out by two independent reviewers. The protocol was registered in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under registration number CRD42020159027. Results: Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The most frequently used methodological design in the development of CCT programs for people with MCI or mild dementia was the user-centered design (UCD). This design involves an interactive system characterized by the inclusion of end users from the initial stages of its development, throughout the establishment of functional requirements, and in the evaluation of the program’s usability and user-experience (UX). Conclusion: UCD was the most used methodological design for the development of CCT programs although there was quite some variation in how this design was applied. Recommendations for future studies about the development of CCT programs for people with MCI and mild dementia are given. Central focus should be the inclusion and active participation of end users from the initial stages of development.
Baseflow water chemisty in New Zealand rivers 2. Influence of environmental factors

Abstract Baseflow water chemistry in 96 New Zealand rivers was related to selected environmental variables quantifying lithology, land use, topography, and hydrology. The river sites were clustered using five water quality variables: major ions, phosphorus species, organic and nitrogen species, calcium, and nitrate. Eleven site clusters were identified and the differing water quality regimes discussed. The effect of the environmental factors on water quality was investigated using discriminant analysis. The resultant model assigned 73% of the sites to the correct cluster. The most important environmental variables determining water quality were hydrological variables such as specific yield, and proportional areas in the catchment of soft sedimentary rock, intensive pasture (which was negatively correlated with steep slopes and high altitudes), exotic forest, and volcanically derived rock. Multiple regression equations relating individual water quality determin‐ands to these environmental variables were de.
Silanization of SiO2 Decorated Carbon Nanosheets from Rice Husk Ash and Its Effect on Workability and Hydration of Cement Grouts

Rice husk ash (RHA) having a porous sructure and a high amount of amorphous silica nanoparticles (4 nm) decorated on the surface of carbon nanosheets is a suitable and cheap candidate for the use of a grout additive. In this study, neat RHA and functionalized RHA (f-RHA) with three different loadings were successfully incorporated into the cement-bentonite based grouts by adjusting the water to cement ratio. The workability of the developed grouts having RHA-based additives was analyzed in terms of bleeding, density, flow spread, and Marsh cone time. Additionally, the thermal and prolongation of hydration performances of the cementitious grout were enriched by successful attachment of amino-silane functional groups on the RHA surface. The heat of hydration performances of RHA and functionalized RHA introduced cementitious grout composite were assessed by isothermal calorimetry tests, and especially the kinetics of hydration was increased by the addition of RHA. The presence of amino silane groups in f-RHA intensified the heat adsorption by reacting with cement constituents, and thus resulted in the retardation and reduction in the heat flow. Therefore, using an amino-silane coupling agent increased the induction period and hindered the heat of hydration compared to the reference grout. On the other hand, the incorporation of RHA and f-RHA into the cement matrix did not affect the thermal conductivity of the grouts.
Efficacy of Arabic Coffee and Black Tea in Reducing Halitosis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled, Crossover Clinical Trial

The aim of the study was to objectively evaluate the short-term effect of Arabic coffee and black tea on oral halitosis. This study was a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial on 17 healthy individuals. During the initial visit, pre-treatment breath samples were collected from each subject and analyzed using portable gas chromatography (OralChroma™). Four interventions were evaluated, with Arabic coffee and black tea as the test intervention tools, mouthwash containing a solution (0.05% chlorhexidine, 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride, and 0.14% zinc lactate (CHX-CPC-Zn)) as a positive control, and drinking water as a negative control. Halitosis was induced by rinsing with 10 mL solution of L-cysteine for 30 s. Twenty minutes later, a breath sample was taken to record the baseline volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) levels (T0). Then, the participants were asked to rinse with 10 mL of a randomly-assigned solution for 30 s. Sixty minutes later, another breath sample was recorded (T1). Finally, after 120 min, the final breath sample was recorded (T2). It was found that rinsing with Arabic coffee decreased the level of H2S both in the first hour (T1) and the second hour (T2). The reduction was significantly greater at T1 (p = 0.017). There was a similar result after the volunteers rinsed with black tea. At T2, Arabic coffee showed a substantially greater reduction in H2S (p < 0.001). On the contrary, using CHX-CPC-Zn showed a significant and continuous decrease in H2S values in the breath throughout the experiment (p < 0.001). Water showed no significant impact on the level of VSC (p = 0.71). This study demonstrates that black tea and Arabic coffee had inhibitory effects on halitosis that was greater in the first hour and was not sustained over a long period. Additionally, Arabic coffee had a greater inhibitory effect on halitosis than black tea.
Effect of Tibolone on Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Simple Summary Low bone mineral density (osteoporosis) is associated with vertebral and nonvertebral fractures in postmenopausal women. Tibolone is a low-risk hormone replacement therapy alternative to estrogen therapy, effective in the treatment of menopausal symptoms and prevention of bone loss, but the evidence is controversial. This systematic review with meta-analysis summarizes the clinical trials of the tibolone effect on percentage change of bone mineral density in the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip in postmenopausal women. The results show that tibolone 2.5 mg dose increases the percent change in bone mineral density compared with non-active controls at 24 months in lumbar spine and femoral neck, regardless of the scanner used to evaluate the bone mineral density. No difference was observed when 2.5 mg tibolone dose was compared with estrogen therapy at 24 months, and both treatments have a positive effect on the bone mineral density. In conclusion, tibolone increases bone mineral density compared to non-active controls, and there was no difference when it is compared to estrogenic therapy; thus, tibolone is an alternative treatment for menopausal symptoms and bone protection. Abstract Low bone mineral density (BMD) on postmenopausal women causes bone fragility and fracture risk. Tibolone seems to prevent bone loss. Therefore, this systematic review with meta-analysis synthesizes the tibolone effect on BMD percent change in lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN), and total hip (TH) in postmenopausal women. Controlled trials that provided tibolone evidence on the efficacy of tibolone in preventing loss of BMD were included. Regarding the included studies, a pooled mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) was estimated to determine the BMD percentage change. Eleven studies were identified and eight were included in the quantitative analysis. Tibolone at a dose of 2.5 mg increased BMD compared with non-active controls at 24 months in LS (MD 4.87%, 95%CI: 4.16–5.57, and MD 7.35%, 95%CI: 2.68–12.01); and FN (MD 4.85%, 95%CI: 1.55–8.15, and 4.21%, 95%CI: 2.99–5.42), with Hologic and Lunar scanners, respectively. No difference was observed when tibolone 2.5 mg dose was compared with estrogen therapy (ET) at 24 months, LS (MD −0.58%, 95%CI: −3.77–2.60), FN (MD −0.29%, 95%CI: −1.37–0.79), and TH (MD −0.12%, 95%CI: −2.28–2.53). Therefore, tibolone increases BMD in LS and FN compared to non-active controls, and there was no showed difference with ET.
Clinical Observation of Allergic Conjunctival Diseases with Portable and Recordable Slit-Lamp Device

Background: The incidence of allergic conjunctival diseases (ACDs) is gradually increasing worldwide. Both ophthalmologists and non-ophthalmologists prescribe eye drops to treat ACDs; however, there are many cases which are treated without sufficient examination and diagnosis of the eyes. We have invented a portable, recordable, and smartphone-attachable slit-lamp device—Smart Eye Camera (SEC). The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic abilities of ACDs between the SEC and the conventional, non-portable slit-lamp microscope. Methods: This prospective observational study included 32 eyes of 17 Japanese patients (mean age: 21.5 ± 14.8 years; range: 11–51 years; female: 5). The severity of 10 objective signs in the palpebral conjunctiva, bulbar conjunctiva, limbus, and cornea were scored on a grading scale of 0 to 4 (0 = normal; 1+ = mild; 2+ = moderate; 3+ = severe), respectively. First, the conventional slit-lamp microscope was used to examine the grade of the ACDs. Second, another ophthalmologist filmed the eyes using the SEC and two other ophthalmologists evaluated the grades on another day. The correlation and inter-rater reproducibility in total scores among the two devices were determined. Results: Total scores of clinical signs, evaluated by the two approaches, correlated significantly (both eyes: r = 0.918 (95% CI: 0.839 to 0.959; p < 0.001)), with substantial inter-rater agreement (weighted κ value = 0.631 (95% CI: 0.601 to 0.661; p < 0.001)). Conclusions: The SEC is as reliable as the conventional non-portable slit-lamp microscope for assessing ACDs.
Potential Enhancement of Metformin Hydrochloride in Lipid Vesicles Targeting Therapeutic Efficacy in Diabetic Treatment

The potential enhancement of metformin hydrochloride (MH) loaded in lipid vesicles targeting therapeutic efficacy on alloxan-induced diabetic rats was investigated. This involved lipid vesicles formulated with homogenously distributed nano-sized particles by a novel integrated process of multiple emulsification by membrane and solvent evaporation. The average diameter of the water-in-oil (W1/O), W1/O/W2 emulsion droplets, and lipid vesicles was 192 nm, 52 µm, and 173 nm, respectively. The entrapment yield of metformin hydrochloride (MH) in the prepared lipid vesicles was 40.12%. The metformin hydrochloride-loaded lipid vesicles (MH-LLVs) sustained the release of the entrapped drug over a 12-h period and reduced the plasma glucose level of diabetic rats by 77.4% compared with free MH solution (2-h period and 58.2%, respectively) after one week post-diabetic treatment through oral administration of MH-LLV and the free drug. The remarkable improvement in the biochemical parameters recorded in the MH-LLV-treated animals compared with those that received free MH solutions depicted an enhanced kidney function, liver function, as well as oxidative stress status. Pancreatic histology depicted a pancreas with intralobular ducts (ID) and exocrine secretory acini that characterize an intact pancreas, which suggests the ability of the MH-LLVs to restore pancreatic cells to normal, on a continued treatment. Overall, MH-LLV appears an encouraging extended-release formulation with enhanced bioavailability, sustained release, and improved antihyperglycemic potentials.
Nutrient Element Contents and Cation Exchange Capacity in Fine Fractions of Southeastern Nigerian Soils in Relation to Their Stability

Abstract Soils collected from 15 locations from SE Nigeria at the 0‐ to 20‐cm depth were studied for the nutrient elements of fine fractions and their role in the stability of the soils. The objective was to understand the role of these elements in the stability of the aggregates. The fine fractions were clay and silt, and elements measured in the fine fractions were exchangeable sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), exchangeable acidity (EA), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and available phosphorus (P). The aggregate stability was measured at the microlevel with clay dispersible indices and water‐stable aggregate (WSA) <0.25 mm, and at macrolevel with other WSA indices and mean‐weight diameter (MWD). Soils varied from loamy sand to sandy clay. There were more exchangeable cations, CEC, EA, and available P in clay than in the silt fraction. Whereas EA values ranged from 2.8 to 10.4 cmol kg−1, they were between 1.6 and 9.2 cmol kg−1 in silt. The CEC in the clay fraction was from 7.4 to 70 cmol kg−1 and between 4.0 and 32.8 cmol kg−1 in the silt fraction. The WDC were from 50 to 310 g kg−1 while the average dispersion ratio (DR) was generally higher than the corresponding clay‐dispersion ratio (CDR), and the MWD ranged from 0.45 to 2.68 mm. Soils with WSA skewed mostly to higher WSA (>2–1.00 mm) had a higher MWD. Exchangeable Ca2+ in clay correlated significantly with CDR and WSA sizes 1.0–0.5 mm and 0.5–0.25 mm (r=0.45,* 0.51,* and 0.60*), respectively, but negatively correlated with clay flocculation index (CFI) (r=−0.45*). Also, available P in clay correlated respectively with CDR and CFI (r=0.45*, −0.45*), whereas K+ in silt correlated significantly with WDSi (r=0.64*), CFI (r=0.62*), and CDR (r=−0.65*). Principal component analysis revealed that elemental contents in the silt fraction can play very significant roles in the microaggregate stability.
Diversified Phenomena in Metal- and Transition-Metal-Adsorbed Graphene Nanoribbons

Adatom-adsorbed graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) have gained much attention owing to the tunable electronic and magnetic properties. The metal (Bi, Al)/transition metal (Ti, Fe, Co, Ni) atoms could provide various outermost orbitals for the multi-orbital hybridizations with the out-of-plane π bondings on the carbon honeycomb lattice, which dominate the fundamental properties of chemisorption systems. In this study, the significant similarities and differences among Bi-/Al-/Ti-/Fe-/Co-/Ni-adsorbed GNRs are thoroughly investigated by using the first-principles calculations. The main characterizations include the adsorption sites, bond lengths, stability, band structures, charge density distributions, spin- and orbital-projected density of states, and magnetic configurations. Furthermore, there exists a transformation from finite gap semiconducting to metallic behaviors, accompanied by the nonmagnetism, antiferromagnetism, or ferromagnetism. They arise from the cooperative or competitive relations among the significant chemical bonds, finite-size quantum confinement, edge structure, and spin-dependent many-body effects. The proposed theoretical framework could be further improved and generalized to explore other emergent 1D and 2D materials.