Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phytosterols, Cholesterol Control, and Cardiovascular Disease

The use of phytosterols (or plant sterols) for the control of plasma cholesterol concentrations has recently gained traction because their efficacy is acknowledged by scientific authorities and leading guidelines. Phytosterols, marketed as supplements or functional foods, are formally classified as food in the European Union, are freely available for purchase, and are frequently used without any health professional advice; therefore, they are often self-prescribed, either inappropriately or in situations in which no significant advantage can be obtained. For this reason, a panel of experts with diverse medical and scientific backgrounds was convened by NFI—Nutrition Foundation of Italy—to critically evaluate and summarize the literature available on the topic, with the goal of providing medical doctors and all health professionals useful information to actively govern the use of phytosterols in the context of plasma cholesterol control. Some practical indications to help professionals identify subjects who will most likely benefit from the use of these products, optimizing the therapeutic outcomes, are also provided. The panel concluded that the use of phytosterols as supplements or functional foods to control Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels should be preceded by the assessment of some relevant individual characteristics: cardiovascular risk, lipid profile, correct understanding of how to use these products, and willingness to pay for the treatment.
Influence of TiO2 Nanoparticles on the Resistance of Cementitious Composite Materials to the Action of Fungal Species

The development of mold films on the cement surfaces of buildings is a health and safety problem for the population, aesthetic but also in terms of their durability. The use of specific performance of cementitious composites containing TiO2 nanoparticles, photoactivated by UV radiation, can be a viable solution to mitigate to eliminate these problems. The experimental studies presented aim to analyze the capacity to inhibit the development of mold type Aspergillus and Penicillium on the surface of composite materials with nano-TiO2 content and the identification of the optimal range of nanomaterial addition. The identification and analysis of the inhibition halo (zone with a biological load of maximum 1–10 colonies of microorganisms) confirmed the biocidal capacity of the cementitious composites, but also indicated the possibility that an excess of TiO2 nanoparticles in the mixture could induce a development of cell resistance, which would be unfavorable both in terms of behavior and in terms of cost.
Human Milk Metabolic Hormones: Analytical Methods and Current Understanding

Human milk (HM) contains a wide array of peptide hormones including leptin and adiponectin, which are involved in the regulation of infant growth and development. These essential hormones might play an important role in the regulation of metabolic reprogramming of the new-born infant. However, HM hormone studies are sparse and heterogeneous in regard to the study design, sample collection, preparation and analysis methods. This review discussed the limitations of HM hormone analysis highlighting the gaps in pre-analytical and analytical stages. The methods used to quantify HM metabolic hormones (leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin, insulin, obestatin, resistin and apelin) can be classified as immunoassay, immunosensor and chromatography. Immunoassay methods (ELISA and RIA) have been predominantly used in the measurement of these HM hormones. The relative validity parameters of HM hormones analysis are often overlooked in publications, despite the complexity and differences of HM matrix when compared to that of plasma and urine. Therefore, appropriate reports of validation parameters of methodology and instrumentation are crucial for accurate measurements and therefore better understanding of the HM metabolic hormones and their influences on infant outcomes.
Reducing Peak Energy Demand among Residents Who Are Not Billed for Their Electricity Consumption: Experimental Evaluation of Behaviour Change Interventions in a University Setting

Behaviour change interventions aiming to reduce household energy consumption are regarded as an effective means to address disparities between demand and supply and reduce emissions. Less recognised is their success in shifting consumers’ energy consumption from peak demand periods to off-peak times of the day. This study reports two experiments that test the effect of feedback and reminder notifications on energy consumption in university halls-of-residence. A quasi-experiment and a randomised controlled experiment were conducted with residential students to evaluate behaviour change interventions aimed at reducing daily peak and critical peak demand, respectively. The results of Experiment One (n = 143) demonstrated significant reductions in the energy use of the treatment group relative to the control. On average, the treatment group’s energy use was 12.4 per cent lower than their pre-intervention baseline. In Experiment Two (n = 88), normative elements of the intervention were supplemented with a reminder notification prior to the onset of the simulated critical peak demand period. The results showed that, relative to the control condition, the 8-h notification reduced demand by 20% on average with a 12% decrease for the 24-h notification (with 2-h follow-up). These results indicate that peak energy issues can be alleviated using low-cost and easily implemented behaviour change strategies.
Sex-Dependent Signatures, Time Frames and Longitudinal Fine-Tuning of the Marble Burying Test in Normal and AD-Pathological Aging Mice

The marble burying (MB) test, a classical test based on the natural tendency of rodents to dig in diverse substrates and to bury small objects, is sensitive to some intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Here, under emerging neuroethological quantitative and qualitative analysis, the MB performance of 12-month-old male and female 3xTg-AD mice for Alzheimer’s disease and age-matched counterparts of gold-standard C57BL6 strain with normal aging unveiled sex-dependent signatures. In addition, three temporal analyses, through the (1) time course of the performance, and (2) a repeated test schedule, identified the optimal time frames and schedules to detect sex- and genotype-dependent differences. Besides, a (3) longitudinal design from 12 to 16 months of age monitored the changes in the performance with aging, worsening in AD-mice, and modulation through the repeated test. In summary, the present results allow us to conclude that (1) the marble burying test is responsive to genotype, sex, aging, and its interactions; (2) the male sex was more sensitive to showing the AD-phenotype; (3) longitudinal assessment shows a reduction in females with AD pathology; (4) burying remains stable in repeated testing; (5) the time-course of marbles burying is useful; and (6) burying behavior most likely represents perseverative and/or stereotyped-like behavior rather than anxiety-like behavior in 3xTg-AD mice.
Psychometric Validation of the Arabic Fear of Illness and Virus Evaluation

Global infectious pandemics can affect the psychology and behavior of human beings. Several tools were developed to evaluate the psychological impact of such outbreaks. The present study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Arabic translated version of Fear of Illness and Virus Evaluation scale (FIVE). FIVE is a 35-item tool consisting of four subscales that measure Fears about Contamination and Illness, Fears about Social Distancing, Behaviors Related to Illness and Virus Fears and Impact of Illness and Virus Fears. The tool was translated into Arabic by using a forward–backward translation. The online questionnaire contained the following sections: demographics, FIVE, Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and face validity questions. Non-probability convenient sampling technique was used to recruit participants via a mobile instant messaging application. Reliability, concurrent validity, face validity and factor analysis were examined. The data consisted of 509 adult participants who reside in Saudi Arabia. The internal consistency of the Arabic FIVE subscales was high (0.84–0.91) with strong concurrent validity indicated by positive correlations of FIVE subscales with FCV-19S. Factor analysis suggested slightly different factor structures (Fears of Getting Sick, Fears that Others Get Sick, Fears of the Impact on Social Life and Behaviors Related to Illness and Virus Fears). Our data showed a better fit using the proposed structures. The Arabic version of the FIVE showed robust validity and reliability qualities to assess fear of COVID-19 on Arabic adult population.
An Outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H7N7) in Australia and the Potential for Novel Influenza A Viruses to Emerge

In 2020, several geographically isolated farms in Victoria, Australia, experienced an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus H7N7 and low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses H5N2 and H7N6. Effective containment and control measures ensured the eradication of these viruses but the event culminated in substantial loss of livestock and significant economic impact. The avian HPAI H7N7 virus generally does not infect humans; however, evidence shows the ocular pathway presents a favourable tissue tropism for human infection. Through antigenic drift, mutations in the H7N7 viral genome may increase virulence and pathogenicity in humans. The Victorian outbreak also detected LPAI H7N6 in emus at a commercial farm. Novel influenza A viruses can emerge by mixing different viral strains in a host susceptible to avian and human influenza strains. Studies show that emus are susceptible to infections from a wide range of influenza viral subtypes, including H5N1 and the pandemic H1N1. The emu’s internal organs and tissues express abundant cell surface sialic acid receptors that favour the attachment of avian and human influenza viruses, increasing the potential for internal genetic reassortment and the emergence of novel influenza A viruses. This review summarises the historical context of H7N7 in Australia, considers the potential for increased virulence and pathogenesis through mutations and draws attention to the emu as potentially an unrecognised viral mixing vessel.
Sub-10-nm Air Channel Field Emission Device With Ultra-Low Operating Voltage

In this letter, sub-10-nm air channel devices were fabricated with the aid of photolithography and focused ion beam (FIB) etching. Field emission (FE) properties of the device were measured under ambient conditions. The operation mechanism was discussed by means of current-voltage (I-V) curve fitting and energy band diagram analysis. On account of the extremely shrinking of nano-gap, record-high emission currents of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$355.6~\mu \text{A}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> at 1 V were realized in air with a threshold voltage as low as 0.588 V. A cycle test of 200 times was also performed to verify and analyze the stability of the device. Importantly, the temporal response performance of the device was also measured. It demonstrated a high-speed and repeatable output waveform with a rise/fall time of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\sim 100$ </tex-math></inline-formula> ns. This study demonstrates a practical nano-fabrication technology to fabricate sub-10-nm air channel devices with ultra-low operating voltage, which can be utilized as an electrical element in high-speed and low-power integrated circuits.
Characterization of Martelella soudanensis sp. nov., Isolated from a Mine Sediment

Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-spore-forming, non-motile, and rod-shaped bacterial strains, designated NC18T and NC20, were isolated from the sediment near-vertical borehole effluent originating 714 m below the subsurface located in the Soudan Iron Mine in Minnesota, USA. The 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strains NC18T and NC20 grouped with members of the genus Martelella, including M. mediterranea DSM 17316T and M. limonii YC7034T. The genome sizes and G + C content of both NC18T and NC20 were 6.1 Mb and 61.8 mol%, respectively. Average nucleotide identity (ANI), the average amino acid identity (AAI), and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values were below the species delineation threshold. Pan-genomic analysis showed that NC18T, NC20, M. mediterranea DSM 17316T, M. endophytica YC6887T, and M. lutilitoris GH2-6T had 8470 pan-genome orthologous groups (POGs) in total. Five Martelella strains shared 2258 POG core, which were mainly associated with amino acid transport and metabolism, general function prediction only, carbohydrate transport and metabolism, translation, ribosomal structure and biogenesis, and transcription. The two novel strains had major fatty acids (>5%) including summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c), C19:0 cyclo ω8c, C16:0, C18:1 ω7c 11-methyl, C18:0, and summed feature 2 (C12:0 aldehyde and/or iso-C16:1 I and/or C14:0 3-OH). The sole respiratory quinone was uniquinone-10 (Q-10). On the basis of polyphasic taxonomic analyses, strains NC18T and NC20 represent novel species of the genus Martelella, for which the name Martelella soudanensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NC18T (=KTCT 82174T = NBRC 114661T).
Optimization for the conditions to prepare sewage sludge derived adsorbent and ciprofloxacin adsorption

In the present study, sewage sludge (SS) was used to synthesize activated carbon (AC) which was further utilized as adsorbent for the removal of ciprofloxacin (CPX) from synthetic wastewater. The adsorbent was prepared by chemical activation method using ZnCl2 as activating agent. Design of experiments (DOE) approach was explored to determine the optimum operating conditions for the synthesis of AC and CPX removal from the wastewater. The optimum conditions for AC synthesis (i.e., carbonization temperature = ~500°C, activation time = 30 min, and impregnation ratio = 2.26) were decided based on results for three response parameters, that is, adsorbent yield, methylene blue removal, and iodine number. The synthesized adsorbent showed ~93% CPX removal (initial CPX concentration = 100 mg/L) at the following optimum conditions: adsorbent dose = 1.31 g/L, pH = 7 and reaction time = 12 h. Langmuir isotherm model was best fit to the equilibrium adsorption data (maximum adsorption capacity of SS derived AC = 102 mg/g) whereas pseudo‐second order model showed the best fit to adsorption kinetic data (adsorption capacity = 77.5 mg/g). An effort was also made to reduce fresh water requirement for adsorbent synthesis by recycling the wastewater produced during chemical activation of SS.
Modified-Active Release Therapy in Patients with Scapulocostal Syndrome and Masticatory Myofascial Pain: A Stratified-Randomized Controlled Trial

Modified-active release therapy (mART) was developed to treat patients experiencing upper quarter pain. The objective of the study was to determine the effectiveness of the mART in treating pain, promoting function, and measuring emotions in patients with scapulocostal syndrome (SCS) and masticatory myofascial pain (MMP). A stratified-randomized controlled trial was employed in 38 participants separated into two groups. All participants underwent the same series visual analog scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), mouth opening (MO), maximum mouth opening (MMO), craniovertebral angle (CV-angle), and pain catastrophizing scale Thai version (PCS-Thai-version) at the baseline. The mART group underwent the mART program three times a week for 4 weeks with a hot pack and an educational briefing while the control group received only a hot pack and the educational briefing. After treatment, both groups showed significant improvement (p < 0.05) in all parameters except MO, MMO, and CV-angle. When comparing outcomes between the groups, the mART group showed a statistically significant greater number of improvements than did the control group. In conclusion, the mART program can improve pain experienced by patients with SCS and MMP and it can be used as an adjuvant technique with conservative treatment.
Personality Traits and Annual Income Determine the Willingness to Pay for a Single Tooth Implant

The objective of this study was to evaluate the factors influencing the willingness to pay for a single tooth implant in Malaysia and to assess if an additional evidence-based patient education video increases the willingness to pay. A total of 100 subjects seeking single tooth replacement at the Oral Health Centre, International Medical University (IMU), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were asked to complete questionnaires about personal demographics and personality traits. Subsequently, they were randomly allocated into two groups. Group C received a conventional patient–dentist interaction on treatment options for missing teeth, while Group EV received the same content with an additional evidence-based video on the survival rate and complications for each option from recent meta-analyses. Willingness to pay the median price and the highest price that the subjects were willing to pay were assessed by a structured bidding process. A higher annual income was significantly associated with willingness to pay the median price for a single tooth implant (χ2 = 6.91, p = 0.03). Dominant personality traits of openness (r = −0.25), conscientiousness (r = −0.30) and agreeableness (r = −0.20) were negatively correlated with the highest price that the patients were willing to pay for a single tooth implant (Pearson’s correlation test, p < 0.05). No significant difference in willingness to pay was found between Group C and Group EV (χ2 = 0.05, p > 0.05). In conclusion, patient education strategies for single tooth replacements with dental implants should be customized based on a patient’s personality and income to maximize effectiveness.
Tactile Servoing Based Pressure Distribution Control of a Manipulator Using a Convolutional Neural Network

In this paper, we propose a novel tactile servoing based pressure distribution control scheme of a manipulator using a convolutional neural network (CNN). The CNN significantly improves the performance of the tactile servoing scheme compared to the one based on the tactile Jacobian. LeNet-5, originally proposed for image classification problems, is applied to represent a nonlinear relationship between current and desired pressure distributions and the robot velocity command by using mean squared error as the loss function. In the proposed control scheme, the trained CNN directly generates the velocity command of the manipulator so that the pressure distribution converges to a given desired pressure distribution. Validation experiments are carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed control scheme. Experimental results show that the proposed tactile servoing control scheme has better performance than the Jacobian-based tactile servoing control scheme.
Characterization of Class V DyP-Type Peroxidase SaDyP1 from Streptomyces avermitilis and Evaluation of SaDyPs Expression in Mycelium

DyP-type peroxidases are a family of heme peroxidases named for their ability to degrade persistent anthraquinone dyes. DyP-type peroxidases are subclassified into three classes: classes P, I and V. Based on its genome sequence, Streptomyces avermitilis, eubacteria, has two genes presumed to encode class V DyP-type peroxidases and two class I genes. We have previously shown that ectopically expressed SaDyP2, a member of class V, indeed has the characteristics of a DyP-type peroxidase. In this study, we analyzed SaDyP1, a member of the same class V as SaDyP2. SaDyP1 showed high amino acid sequence identity to SaDyP2, retaining a conserved GXXDG motif and catalytic aspartate. SaDyP1 degraded anthraquinone dyes, which are specific substrates of DyP-type peroxidases but not azo dyes. In addition to such substrate specificity, SaDyP1 showed other features of DyP-type peroxidases, such as low optimal pH. Furthermore, immunoblotting using an anti-SaDyP2 polyclonal antibody revealed that SaDyP1 and/or SaDyP2 is expressed in mycelia of wild-type S. avermitilis.
Insight into the Effect of Ice Addition on the Gel Properties of Nemipterus virgatus Surimi Gel Combined with Water Migration

The effect of the amount of ice added (20–60%) on the gel properties and water migration of Nemipterus virgatus surimi gel obtained with two-stage heat treatment was studied. The gel strength and water-holding capability (WHC) of the surimi gel with 30% ice added were significantly higher than those of other treatment groups (p < 0.05). The addition of 30% ice was conducive to the increase of protein β-sheet proportion during heat treatment, exposing more reactive sulfhydryl groups. These promoted the combination of protein-protein through disulfide bonds and hydrophobic-hydrophobic interactions, forming an ordered three-dimensional gel network structure. Meanwhile, the increase in hydrogen bonds promoted the protein-water interaction. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance analysis showed that more bound water was locked in the gel system, reducing the migration of immobile water to free water and finally showing better gel properties. When the amount of ice added was insufficient (20%), the gel structure lacked the support of immobile water, resulting in deterioration of gel strength. However, excessive addition of ice (>30%) was not conducive to the combination of protein-protein and protein-water, forming a large and rough gel structure, resulting in the migration of immobile water to free water and ultimately exhibited weak gel properties.
Fatigue Performance of Metal–Composite Friction Spot Joints

Friction spot joining is an alternative technique for joining metals with polymers and composites. This study investigated the fatigue performance of aluminum alloy 2024/carbon-fiber-reinforced poly(phenylene sulfide) joints that were produced with friction spot joining. The surface of the aluminum was pre-treated using various surface treatment methods. The joined specimens were tested under dynamic loading using a load ratio of R = 0.1 and a frequency of 5 Hz. The tests were performed at different percentages of the lap shear strength of the joint. Three models—exponential, power law, and wear-out—were used to statistically analyze the fatigue life of the joints and to draw the stress–life (S–N) curves. The joints showed an infinite life of 25–35% of their quasi-static strength at 106 cycles. The joints surpassing 106 cycles were subsequently tested under quasi-static loading, showing no considerable reduction compared to their initial lap shear strength.
UV Fluorescence for Defect Detection in Residential Solar Panel Systems

UV Fluorescence (UVF) is a relatively new "non-contact" method of detecting cracked cells in solar panels with potential high throughput and low cost. We report here on application of a pole-mount UV-flash camera system to the detection of defects on residential rooftops in Boulder Colorado. The majority of tested system exhibited useful UVF images, with most showing cracked cells, and a smaller percentage showing hot spot cells. Junction box heating and sealing problems and possible finger corrosion or encapsulant delamination were also seen. This data suggests that pole-mount UVF system is highly applicable and informative over a wide range of residential panel designs and ages and provides information complementary to that achieved from Electroluminescence imaging.