Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hyperhomocysteinemia dysregulates plasma levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids-derived eicosanoids

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) contributes to the incidence of many cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Our group have previously established crucial roles of eicosanoids and homocysteine in the incidence of vascular injury in diabetic retinopathy and renal injury. Using cystathionine-β-synthase heterozygous mice (cβs+/−) as a model of HHcy, the current study was designed to determine the impact of homocysteine on circulating levels of lipid mediators derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Plasma samples were isolated from wild-type (WT) and cβs+/− mice for the assessment of eicosanoids levels using LC/MS. Plasma 12/15-lipoxygenase (12/15-LOX) activity significantly decreased in cβs+/− vs. WT control mice. LOX-derived metabolites from both omega-3 and omega-6 PUFA were also reduced in cβs+/− mice compared to WT control (P < 0.05). Contrary to LOX metabolites, cytochrome P450 (CYP) metabolites from omega-3 and omega-6 PUFA were significantly elevated in cβs+/− mice compared to WT control. Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are epoxides derived from arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism by CYP with anti-inflammatory properties and are known to limit vascular injury, however their physiological role is limited by their rapid degradation by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) to their corresponding diols (DiHETrEs). In cβs+/− mice, a significant decrease in the plasma EETs bioavailability was obvious as evident by the decrease in EETs/ DiHETrEs ratio relative to WT control mice. Cyclooxygenase (COX) metabolites were also significantly decreased in cβs+/− vs. WT control mice. These data suggest that HHcy impacts eicosanoids metabolism through decreasing LOX and COX metabolic activities while increasing CYP metabolic activity. The increase in AA metabolism by CYP was also associated with increase in sEH activity and decrease in EETs bioavailability. Dysregulation of eicosanoids metabolism could be a contributing factor to the incidence and progression of HHcy-induced CVD.
Effects of Ulinastatin on Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury, Cardiac Function, and Serum TNF-α and IL-10 Levels in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Valve Replacement under Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Background Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is a very common adverse reaction after cardiac valve replacement (CVR) under cardiopulmonary bypass, which seriously affects the rehabilitation and prognosis of patients. Objective The prevention and treatment of MIRI are a hotspot of modern medical research, and this study is aimed at providing reliable reference and guidance for future clinical prevention and treatment of MIRI by analyzing the effects of ulinastatin (UL) on cardiac function and MIRI of patients after CVR. Methods A total of 104 patients undergoing CVR under cardiopulmonary bypass in our hospital were selected as research participants. Among them, 52 patients treated with UL were assigned to the observation group, and the rest 52 patients given the same amount of normal saline were assigned to the control group. The cardiopulmonary bypass status, postoperative status, cardiac function, inflammatory response, oxidative stress response, and hemodynamics were observed and compared between the two groups. In addition, clinical efficacy and safety and patient prognosis were compared. Results Through experimental analysis, we found that UL had no significant effect on the clinical efficacy, safety, and prognosis of patients after surgery (P > 0.05) but had obvious protective effects on cardiopulmonary bypass status, cardiac function, inflammation, oxidative stress, and hemodynamics (P < 0.05). Conclusion UL can effectively prevent the occurrence of MIRI after CVR under cardiopulmonary bypass, which is worthy of clinical application.
Improved Hille Oscillation Criteria for Nonlinear Functional Dynamic Equations of Third-Order

This paper aims to improve Hille oscillation criteria for the third-order functional dynamic equation p2(ξ)ϕγ2p1ξϕγ1yΔ(ξ)ΔΔ+a(ξ)ϕγy(g(ξ))=0, on an above-unbounded time scale T. The obtained results improve related contributions reported in the literature without restrictive conditions on the time scales. To demonstrate the essential results, an example is presented.
Compressed Air as a Clean Energy Source for Vehicles

In today’s civilization the excessive use of hydrocarbon fuels in transport sector is causing serious effect on environmental damage to the extent of 77.8% due to its tail pipe emission which mainly releases: carbon dioxide, carbon mono-oxide, nitrous oxide, and other un-burnt gases contributing to green house gases. The excessive consumption of hydrocarbon fuel has also led to the danger of depletion of hydrocarbon fuel and oil wells are likely to be dried around 2047, leaving much disastrous effect like global warming, tsunami, hurricane and health hazards etc. This paper describes the compressed air as a clean energy source that can be utilized with the help of suitable air driven engine to develop shaft work to run the light transport vehicles along with compressed air storage tank system. A novel rotary air engine has been designed and developed to produce 73–97% of its performance efficiency. Supplementing the hydrocarbon fueled vehicles with the use of compressed air for running vehicles will significantly control the emissions and enhance the energy sustainability.
Hypertriglyceridaemia-Induced Acute Pancreatitis: A Different Disease Phenotype

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is the most common gastrointestinal indication requiring hospitalisation. Severe hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG) is the third most common aetiology of AP (HTGAP), with a complication rate and severity that are higher than those of other aetiologies (non-HTGAP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the supposedly higher complication rate of HTGAP compared to non-HTGAP. The secondary objectives were to find different biomarkers for predicting a severe form. This was a retrospective study that included patients admitted with AP in a tertiary department of gastroenterology and hepatology. The patients were divided into two groups: HTGAP and non-HTGAP. We searched for differences regarding age, gender, the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM), the severity of the disease, the types of complications and predictive biomarkers for severity, hospital stay and mortality. A total of 262 patients were included, and 11% (30/262) of the patients had HTGAP. The mean ages were 44.4 ± 9.2 in the HTGAP group and 58.2 ± 17.1 in the non-HTGAP group, p < 0.0001. Male gender was predominant in both groups, at 76% (23/30) in the HTGAP group vs. 54% (126/232) in non-HTGAP, p = 0.02; 53% (16/30) presented with DM vs. 18% (42/232), p < 0.0001. The patients with HTG presented higher CRP 48 h after admission: 207 mg/dL ± 3 mg/dL vs. non-HTGAP 103 mg/dL ± 107 mg/dL, p < 0.0001. Among the patients with HTGAP, there were 60% (18/30) with moderately severe forms vs. 30% (71/232), p = 0.001, and 16% (5/30) SAP vs. 11% (27/232) in non-HTGAP, p = 0.4 Among the predictive markers, only haematocrit (HT) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) had AUCs > 0.8. According to a multiple regression analysis, only BUN 48 h was independently associated with the development of SAP (p = 0.05). Diabetes mellitus increased the risk of developing severe acute pancreatitis (OR: 1.3; 95% CI: 0.1963–9.7682; p = 0.7). In our cohort, HTGAP more frequently had local complications compared with non-HTGAP. A more severe inflammatory syndrome seemed to be associated with this aetiology; the best predictive markers for complicated forms of HTGAP were BUN 48 h and HT 48 h.
Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry Contributes to Piezo1-Induced Ca2+ Increase in Human Endometrial Stem Cells

Endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (eMSCs) are a specific class of stromal cells which have the capability to migrate, develop and differentiate into different types of cells such as adipocytes, osteocytes or chondrocytes. It is this unique plasticity that makes the eMSCs significant for cellular therapy and regenerative medicine. Stem cells choose their way of development by analyzing the extracellular and intracellular signals generated by a mechanical force from the microenvironment. Mechanosensitive channels are part of the cellular toolkit that feels the mechanical environment and can transduce mechanical stimuli to intracellular signaling pathways. Here, we identify previously recorded, mechanosensitive (MS), stretch-activated channels as Piezo1 proteins in the plasma membrane of eMSCs. Piezo1 activity triggered by the channel agonist Yoda1 elicits influx of Ca2+, a known modulator of cytoskeleton reorganization and cell motility. We found that store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) formed by Ca2+-selective channel ORAI1 and Ca2+ sensors STIM1/STIM2 contributes to Piezo1-induced Ca2+ influx in eMSCs. Particularly, the Yoda1-induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) is partially abolished by 2-APB, a well-known inhibitor of SOCE. Flow cytometry analysis and wound healing assay showed that long-term activation of Piezo1 or SOCE does not have a cytotoxic effect on eMSCs but suppresses their migratory capacity and the rate of cell proliferation. We propose that the Piezo1 and SOCE are both important determinants in [Ca2+]i regulation, which critically affects the migratory activity of eMSCs and, therefore, could influence the regenerative potential of these cells.
Tannic acid modified iron oxide nanoparticles and its application in protein adsorption: isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic study

Iron oxide nanoparticles, such as Fe3O4, are commonly used in various applications, such as drug delivery, magnetic fluid, water purification, and enzyme immobilization. These applications require protein to be adsorbed on the surface of iron oxide nanoparticles. However direct utilization of iron oxide nanoparticles has several drawbacks, thus modification of iron oxide nanoparticles is usually done. In this study, we reported surface modification of Fe3O4 using tannic acid to adsorb bovine serum albumin (BSA). The effect of modification and the BSA adsorption on the Fe3O4 was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Transmission Electron Microscopy. Furthermore the adsorption performance of modified and unmodified Fe3O4 was investigated at various initial pH, BSA concentration, and adsorption temperature. Several kinetic and isotherm adsorption models were used to describe the adsorption in this study. It was found that highest BSA adsorption was obtained at pH 4.8, near BSA’s isoelectric point. The adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo 2nd order model and reached equilibrium after 210 min adsorption. Based on Langmuir monolayer adsorption capacity, it was found that tannic acid modified Fe3O4 had 5 times higher adsorption capacity (222 mg/g), compared to unmodified Fe3O4 (46 mg/g). Furthermore, from the thermodynamic study, it was suggested that the BSA adsorption was endothermic, spontaneous, and random in nature.
Effects of Long-Term Vibration on Cellulose Degradation in an Oil-Impregnated Pressboard under Simultaneous Thermal–Electrical–Mechanical Stress Aging

Due to the complex operation conditions in a power transformer, an oil-impregnated pressboard (OIP) simultaneously suffers from thermal, electrical, and mechanical stress. Since most research studies have paid much attention to thermal or electrical aging of OIPs, this paper analyzes the effects of long-term mechanical vibrations on cellulose degradation in OIPs under simultaneous multi-stress. The aging experiments were firstly conducted at 130 °C, with a DC electric voltage of +6 kV, vibration amplitude of 10–50 μm, and vibration frequency of 100–300 Hz. The finite element analysis (FEA) of the pressboard vibration model was then performed on Abaqus to investigate the time–frequency domain characteristic parameters of compressive stress on the pressboard under varied vibration frequencies and amplitudes. The FEA results reveal that compressive stress on the pressboard in a multi-stress aging experiment coincided with the axial compressive stress on the insulation spacers in an SZ-50000/110 transformer. Moreover, combined with the degree of polymerization (DP) of cellulose, the effects of long-term vibration on cellulose degradation are reflected in two ways: the increase in compressive stress on the pressboard generates more links available for degradation, while more high frequency harmonic components in compressive stress accelerate the reaction rate in cellulose degradation.
Adsorption Equilibrium and Kinetic Studies of Methylene Blue Dye Using Groundnut Shell and Sorghum Husk Biosorbent

The Groundnut Shell (GS) and Sorghum Husk (SH) was used as an adsorbent for adsorption of Methylene Blue (MB) dye. The adsorbent was characterized using FTIR and Proximate analysis, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum showed the presence of absorption bands typical of a plant-based biomaterial. The effects of various experimental parameters, such as initial dye concentration, and contact time on the adsorption extent were investigated. The results showed that the percentage removal of MB dye was increased by increasing the concentrations of dye. The dye concentration was determined by spectrophotometry. Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Harkins and Jura models were used to representing the equilibrium data. The Langmuir model was more adequate to represent the equilibrium data for MB with GS, whereas the Temkin model fitted well to both GS and SH for MB. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 7.052 mg/g and 15.3846 mg/g for GS and SH, respectively with MB dye. Adsorption data were modelled using the pseudo-first and pseudo-second-order kinetic equations, power function and Elovich models. It was seen that the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation could best describe the sorption kinetics for all the adsorption processes. It was concluded that GS and SH adsorbent can be utilized as an efficient low-cost adsorbent for removal of Methylene Blue dye.
Sexually dimorphic ornamentation in modern spinicaudatans and the taxonomic implications for fossil clam shrimps

The phylogenetic studies of clam shrimps (Branchiopoda, Crustacea) demonstrated that the significance of several morphological characters for classification of branchiopod shells should be critically re-evaluated. Such a venture is partic-ularly important for integrating the taxonomy of fossil and extant branchiopods. One of the shell characters widely used in the branchiopod classification is the carapace ornamentation pattern. This character might, however, be significantly influenced by intraspecific variability and in particular the sexual dimorphism. In this study we investigate the pattern of ornamentation in extant branchiopods—including differences resulting from sexual dimorphism—in order to assess its value for branchiopod taxonomy. We examined 184 individuals representing 10 living species belonging to 7 genera, 5 families, and 2 suborders from China, and compared with the results of previous studies. Although some differences in ornamentation were related to reproductive modes, the basic ornamentation patterns or combinations were stable within each extant species. We found out that some taxa indeed display sexually dimorphic ornamentations, but their basic ornamentation patterns or combinations are stable within each species so they do not significantly influence the taxonomic identification. Integration of data on fossil and extant taxa indicates that similar ornamentation patterns can be observed on familial level of fossil spinicaudatan branchiopods and indicates therefore that characteristic ornamentation patterns can help to identify these taxa in the fossil record. In light of the new molecular phylogeny, we re-evaluated the phylogenetic relationship between fossil and extant spinicaudatan taxa. The resulting tree suggests: (i) paraphyly of the traditional Eosestherioidea, (ii) an affinity between Ozestheria and Triglypta , and (iii) an affinity between Cyzicus and Diestheria or Aquilonoglypta .
Study on occurrence of myiasis in different species of animals at Babuganj Upazilla of Barishal district in Bangladesh

Myiasis is a common insect borne surgical problem of animals in Bangladesh. The present study was conducted to find out the occurrence in relation to various epidemiological factors in various species of animals at Upazilla Veterinary Hospital, Babugonj, Barishal, during the period of study from December 2020 to April 2021. Myiatic cases were identified by clinical examination with presence of maggot larvae in the affected regions. Questionnaire was used to collect data on species, sex, season, affected body region, age of animals. A total of 110 cases were recorded myiasis positive among 500 examined animals during the period of study. The overall occurrence of myiasis in different species of animals was 22%. Female animal of cattle, sheep, goat and buffalo were highly affected (63.63%) than male (36.36%). Goats were highly infected with myiasis followed by cattle, sheep and buffalo (45.45%, 22.72%, 18.18% and 13.63%, respectively). Myiasis frequently occurred in March and April (54.54%). The myiasis infestation rate was higher in local (68.18%) breed of cattle (local: 13; cross: 12), goat (local: 27; cross: 23), sheep (local: 20), buffalo (local: 15) than the cross (31.82%)breed. The <6 months (45.45%) aged animals were mostly affected followed by 6 months to 2 years (31.82%), and >2 years (22.73%) groups. The highly affected body region was navel (20%) followed by leg (18.18%), vulva lips (16.36%), hoof (15.45%), skin (12.73%), ear (9.09%) and neck (8.18%), respectively. This study will provide valuable information for future research on myiasis infestation in animals and impart the idea of maggot wound management. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. 2022, 8 (1), 24-29
On Nonlinear Biharmonic Problems on the Heisenberg Group

We investigate the boundary value problem for biharmonic operators on the Heisenberg group. The inherent features of Hn make it an appropriate environment for studying symmetry rules and the interaction of analysis and geometry with manifolds. The goal of this paper is to prove that a weak solution for a biharmonic operator on the Heisenberg group exists. Our key tools are a version of the Mountain Pass Theorem and the classical variational theory. This paper will be of interest to researchers who are working on biharmonic operators on Hn.
Impact of roasting on the phenolic and volatile compounds in coffee beans

Abstract Phenolic compounds present in coffee beans could generate flavor and bring benefits to health. This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of commercial roasting levels (light, medium, and dark) on phenolic content and antioxidant potential of Arabica coffee beans (Coffea arabica) comprehensively via antioxidant assays. The phenolic compounds in roasted samples were characterized via liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS/MS). Furthermore, the coffee volatile compounds were identified and semi‐quantified by headspace/gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS). Generally, for phenolic and antioxidant potential estimation, light roasted samples exhibited the highest TPC (free: 23.97 ± 0.60 mg GAE/g; bound: 19.32 ± 1.29 mg GAE/g), DPPH, and FRAP. The medium roasted beans performed the second high in all assays but the highest ABTS+ radicals scavenging capacity (free: 102.37 ± 8.10 mg TE/g; bound: 69.51 ± 4.20 mg TE/g). Totally, 23 phenolic compounds were tentatively characterized through LC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS/MS, which is mainly adopted by 15 phenolic acid and 5 other polyphenols. The majority of phenolic compounds were detected in the medium roasted samples, followed by the light. Regarding GC‐MS, a total of 20 volatile compounds were identified and semi‐quantified which exhibited the highest in the dark followed by the medium. Overall, this study confirmed that phenolic compounds in coffee beans would be reduced with intensive roasting, whereas their antioxidant capacity could be maintained or improved. Commercial medium roasted coffee beans exhibit relatively better nutritional value and organoleptic properties. Our results could narrow down previous conflicts and be practical evidence for coffee manufacturing in food industries.
A Yoga Exercise App Designed for Patients With Axial Spondylarthritis: Development and User Experience Study

Background Besides anti-inflammatory medication, physical exercise represents a cornerstone of modern treatment for patients with axial spondyloarthritis (AS). Digital health apps (DHAs) such as the yoga app YogiTherapy could remotely empower patients to autonomously and correctly perform exercises. Objective This study aimed to design and develop a smartphone-based app, YogiTherapy, for patients with AS. To gain additional insights into the usability of the graphical user interface (GUI) for further development of the app, this study focused exclusively on evaluating users’ interaction with the GUI. Methods The development of the app and the user experience study took place between October 2020 and March 2021. The DHA was designed by engineering students, rheumatologists, and patients with AS. After the initial development process, a pilot version of the app was evaluated by 5 patients and 5 rheumatologists. The participants had to interact with the app’s GUI and complete 5 navigation tasks within the app. Subsequently, the completion rate and experience questionnaire (attractiveness, perspicuity, efficiency, dependability, stimulation, and novelty) were completed by the patients. Results The results of the posttest questionnaires showed that most patients were already familiar with digital apps (4/5, 80%). The task completion rates of the usability test were 100% (5/5) for the tasks T1 and T2, which included selecting and starting a yoga lesson and navigating to an information page. Rheumatologists indicated that they were even more experienced with digital devices (2/5, 40% experts; 3/5, 60% intermediates). In this case, they scored task completion rates of 100% (5/5) for all 5 usability tasks T1 to T5. The mean results from the User Experience Questionnaire range from −3 (most negative) to +3 (most positive). According to rheumatologists’ evaluations, attractiveness (mean 2.267, SD 0.401) and stimulation (mean 2.250, SD 0.354) achieved the best mean results compared with dependability (mean 2.000, SD 0.395). Patients rated attractiveness at a mean of 2.167 (SD 0.565) and stimulation at a mean of 1.950 (SD 0.873). The lowest mean score was reported for perspicuity (mean 1.250, SD 1.425). Conclusions The newly developed and tested DHA YogiTherapy demonstrated moderate usability among rheumatologists and patients with rheumatic diseases. The app can be used by patients with AS as a complementary treatment. The initial evaluation of the GUI identified significant usability problems that need to be addressed before the start of a clinical evaluation. Prospective trials are also needed in the second step to prove the clinical benefits of the app.
Redesigning a Research Methods Course with Personalized, Interactive OER: A Case Study of Student Perceptions and Performance

This case study examines student learning outcomes derived from the redesign of an undergraduate child development research methods course, replacing a commercial textbook with Open Educational Resources (OER), which were remixed into interactive lessons. Using survey and exam performance data, two areas were evaluated: 1) students' experiences with the OER lessons; and (2) students' exam results from two OER sections compared to two previous commercial textbook sections taught by the same instructor. No significant differences in exam performance between the two groups were observed; however, student perceptions of the OER lessons indicated strong satisfaction. Implications of these findings, such as OER benefits for teaching and learning, are discussed.