Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ubisol-Q10, a Nanomicellar and Water-Dispersible Formulation of Coenzyme-Q10 as a Potential Treatment for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease

The world continues a desperate search for therapies that could bring hope and relief to millions suffering from progressive neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s (AD) and Parkinson’s (PD). With oxidative stress thought to be a core stressor, interests have long been focused on applying redox therapies including coenzyme-Q10. Therapeutic use has failed to show efficacy in human clinical trials due to poor bioavailability of this lipophilic compound. A nanomicellar, water-dispersible formulation of coenzyme-Q10, Ubisol-Q10, has been developed by combining coenzyme-Q10 with an amphiphilic, self-emulsifying molecule of polyoxyethanyl α-tocopheryl sebacate (derivatized vitamin E). This discovery made possible, for the first time, a proper assessment of the true therapeutic value of coenzyme-Q10. Micromolar concentrations of Ubisol-Q10 show unprecedented neuroprotection against neurotoxin exposure in in vitro and in vivo models of neurodegeneration and was extremely effective when delivered either prior to, at the time of, and most significantly, post-neurotoxin exposure. These findings indicate a possible way forward for clinical development due to effective doses well within Federal Drug Administration guidelines. Ubisol-Q10 is a potent mobilizer of astroglia, antioxidant, senescence preventer, autophagy activator, anti-inflammatory, and mitochondrial stabilizer. Here we summarize the work with oil-soluble coenzyme-Q10, its limitations, and focus mainly on efficacy of water-soluble coenzyme-Q10 in neurodegeneration.
The Epidemiological Impact of STIs among General and Vulnerable Populations of the Amazon Region of Brazil: 30 years of Surveillance

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a worldwide public health problem and, although many of them are curable, they continue to be neglected, especially in areas with a low human development index, such as in the northern region of Brazil. This review describes the results of 30 years of studies at the Virus Laboratory at the Federal University of Pará, including the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of HIV-1, HTLV-1/2, HPV, HBV, Treponema pallidum and Chlamydia trachomatis among urban and non-urban populations, and also in vulnerable groups in the Brazilian Amazon. Control strategies and challenges in preventing STIs are discussed considering this immense geographic region, where essential health services are unable to reach the entire population, especially the most vulnerable, such as female sex workers, people who use illicit drugs, remnants of quilombolos and indigenous communities.
Characterization of Glutathione Peroxidase 4 in Rat Oocytes, Preimplantation Embryos, and Selected Maternal Tissues during Early Development and Implantation

This study aimed to describe glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) in rat oocytes, preimplantation embryos, and female genital organs. After copulation, Sprague Dawley female rats were euthanized with anesthetic on the first (D1), third (D3), and fifth days of pregnancy (D5). Ovaries, oviducts, and uterine horns were removed, and oocytes and preimplantation embryos were obtained. Immunohistochemical, immunofluorescent, and Western blot methods were employed. Using immunofluorescence, we detected GPx4 in both the oocytes and preimplantation embryos. Whereas in the oocytes, GPx4 was homogeneously diffused, in the blastomeres, granules were formed, and in the blastocysts, even clusters were present mainly around the cell nuclei. Employing immunohistochemistry, we detected GPx4 inside the ovary in the corpus luteum, stroma, follicles, and blood vessels. In the oviduct, the enzyme was present in the epithelium, stroma, blood vessels, and smooth muscles. In the uterus, GPx4 was found in the endometrium, myometrium, blood vessels, and stroma. Moreover, we observed GPx4 positive granules in the uterine gland epithelium on D1 and D3 and cytoplasm of fibroblasts forming in the decidua on D5. Western blot showed the highest GPx4 levels in the uterus and the lowest levels in the ovary. Our results show that the GPx4 is necessary as early as in the preimplantation development of a new individual because we detected it in an unfertilized oocyte in a blastocyst and not only after implantation, as was previously thought.
Dialogic Reading to Empower Executive Functions in Preschoolers

Among the interventions recently developed to enhance Executive Functions (EFs) in preschoolers, Quincey Quokka’s Quest (QQQ) is an illustrated book proposing EF activities embedded within a shared reading framework (Howard et al., 2017). In the present study, the Italian version of QQQ (QQQIT) was tested in 20 typical developing 4–5 year old children. Standardized tests were used to assess EFs pre- and post- intervention. QQQIT was conducted once a week for 8 weeks in small groups. A positive trend was registered in QQQIT performances from the first to the last sessions and a significant improvement, in comparison to the control condition, was obtained in the Color and Form Game test. These results, supporting the feasibility of the QQQIT intervention and its efficacy in increasing shifting abilities, confirm the usefulness of ecological interventions to empower specific EF components in preschool contexts.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins and the Current Global Pandemic of COVID-19: Evidence-Based Efficacy from Literature Review

Abstract The outbreak of pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), later named COVID-19 by the World Health Organization (WHO), was initiated at Wuhan, Hubei, China, and there was a rapid spread of novel SARS-CoV-2 and the disease COVID-19 in late 2019. The entire world is now experiencing the challenge of COVID-19 infection. However, still very few evidence-based treatment options are available for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 disease. The present review aims to summarize the publicly available information to give a comprehensive yet balanced scientific overview of all the fat-soluble vitamins concerning their role in SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. The roles of different fat-soluble vitamins and micronutrients in combating SARS-CoV-2 infection have been recently explored in several studies. There are various hypotheses to suggest their use to minimize the severity of COVID-19 infection. These vitamins are pivotal in the maintenance and modulation of innate and cell-mediated, and antibody-mediated immune responses. The data reported in recent literature demonstrate that deficiency in one or more of these vitamins compromises the patients’ immune response and makes them more vulnerable to viral infections and perhaps worse disease prognosis. Vitamins A, D, E, and K boost the body’s defense mechanism against COVID-19 infection and specifically prevent its complications such as cytokine storm and other inflammatory processes, leading to increased morbidity and mortality overemphasis. However, more detailed randomized double-blind clinical pieces of evidence are required to define the use of these supplements in preventing or reducing the severity of the COVID-19 infection.
Synbiotic Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Mannan Oligosaccharides, and β-Glucan on Innate Immunity, Antioxidant Status, and Disease Resistance of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

Synbiotic (SYN) additives were assessed as an antibiotic alternative on the effects on the nonspecific immune response and disease resistance of O. niloticus to P. aeruginosa. Healthy fish (n = 120, average initial weight 18 ± 2 g) were allotted randomly into four experimental groups (3 replicates for each); 1) a control group with no additives (CON), 2) basal diet complemented with 0.1 g kg–1 diets of norfloxacin, NFLX, 3) basal diet fortified with 1 mL kg–1 diet of SYN, and 4) basal diet complemented with a mixture of NFLX and SYN, which was carried out for eight weeks. Results showed a significant increase (p < 0.01) in the serum immune parameters (total protein, globulin and albumin, nitric oxide (NO), and lysozyme activity) in the SYN group and the NFLX+SYN group compared with the CON and NFLX groups. The serum glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides were higher in NFLX and NFLX+SYN groups than the CON and SYN groups. The catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities were significantly augmented in the NFLX+SYN group, followed by the SYN group compared with CON and NFLX groups. The cumulative mortality rate (CMR) of O. niloticus following the P. aeruginosa challenge was decreased in the SYN group compared to other groups. The results emphasize that synbiotic could be used as a norfloxacin alternative to enhance the related immunological parameters, including antioxidant activity and disease resistance against P. aeruginosa infection of O. niloticus.
Movement Disorders in Children with a Mitochondrial Disease: A Cross-Sectional Survey from the Nationwide Italian Collaborative Network of Mitochondrial Diseases

Movement disorders are increasingly being recognized as a manifestation of childhood-onset mitochondrial diseases (MDs). However, the spectrum and characteristics of these conditions have not been studied in detail in the context of a well-defined cohort of patients. We retrospectively explored a cohort of individuals with childhood-onset MDs querying the Nationwide Italian Collaborative Network of Mitochondrial Diseases database. Using a customized online questionnaire, we attempted to collect data from the subgroup of patients with movement disorders. Complete information was available for 102 patients. Movement disorder was the presenting feature of MD in 45 individuals, with a mean age at onset of 11 years. Ataxia was the most common movement disorder at onset, followed by dystonia, tremor, hypokinetic disorders, chorea, and myoclonus. During the disease course, most patients (67.7%) encountered a worsening of their movement disorder. Basal ganglia involvement, cerebral white matter changes, and cerebellar atrophy were the most commonly associated neuroradiological patterns. Forty-one patients harbored point mutations in the mitochondrial DNA, 10 carried mitochondrial DNA rearrangements, and 41 cases presented mutations in nuclear-DNA-encoded genes, the latter being associated with an earlier onset and a higher impairment in activities of daily living. Among our patients, 32 individuals received pharmacological treatment; clonazepam and oral baclofen were the most commonly used drugs, whereas levodopa and intrathecal baclofen administration were the most effective. A better delineation of the movement disorders phenotypes starting in childhood may improve our diagnostic workup in MDs, fine tuning management, and treatment of affected patients.
Entangling the Enemy: Ecological, Systematic, and Medical Implications of Dermestid Beetle Hastisetae

Simple Summary Larvae of Dermestidae Megatominae possess modified setae, called hastisetae, that serve as the primary defense against predators. These setae, beside a possible usage as discriminant character in larvae identification, are important contaminants of stored products, work and living environments. Exposure to hastisetae causes allergic reactions in humans and the insurgence of skin rashes, asthma, conjunctivitis, and digestive system inflammation. Very little is known about their mechanism of action, because the mechanical trap and their capability to penetrate throughout vertebrate epithelia remain unclear. The primary aim of the present contribution is to increase the general knowledge about hastisetae, exploring their diversity and fine morphology among genera and species. The insertion on integument, the pedicel, the shaft, and the apical head are illustrated in detail, and the first observation of active defensive behavior based on hastisetae is recorded and presented. The internal structure and the apex of the hastisetae are characterized for the first time, offering new interpretations in the action of hastisetae against vertebrates. Furthermore, possible implications to the systematics of skin beetles are proposed based on the results of the study. Abstract Hastisetae are modified setae typical of Dermestidae Megatominae and are a primary defensive tool of both larvae and pupae against invertebrates and possibly vertebrates. Given their unique morphological features, hastisetae have recently been suggested as an additional character useful for larvae identification and possible source of information to clarify the systematics of Megatominae. Hastisetae are also recognized as important contaminants of stored products, work and living environment; in particular, the exposure to hastisetae seems to cause allergic reactions and the insurgence of skin rashes, asthma, conjunctivitis, and digestive system inflammation in humans. Starting from these basic concepts, the present paper provides a detailed description of the hastisetae of some Megatominae. Fine morphology of external and internal microstructures of the hastisetae is shown and compared at the genus level. The insertion on integument, the pedicel, the shaft, and the apical head are illustrated in detail, and the first observations of active defensive behavior based on hastisetae are recorded and presented. Possible implications to the systematics of skin beetles are proposed based on the results of the study.
Evaluation of the Magnetocrystalline Anisotropy of Typical Materials Using MBN Technology

Magnetic Barkhausen noise (MBN) signals in the stage from saturation to remanence of the hysteresis loop are closely correlated with magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy. MBN events in this stage are related to the nucleation and growth of reverse domains, and mainly affected by the crystallographic textures of materials. This paper aims to explore the angle-dependent magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy. Based on the consideration of macroscopic magnetic anisotropy, with the concept of coordinate transformation, a model was firstly established to simulate the magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy (MCE) of a given material. Secondly, the MBN signals in different directions were tested with a constructed experimental system and the characteristic parameters extracted from the corresponding stage were used to evaluate the magnetic anisotropy of the material. Finally, the microstructures of 4 materials were observed with a metallographic microscope. The microtextures of local areas were measured with the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) technique. The MBN experimental results obtained under different detection parameters showed significant differences. The optimal MBN detection parameters suitable for magnetic anisotropy research were determined and the experimental results were consistent with the results of MCE model. The study indicated that MBN technology was applicable to evaluate the MCE of pipeline steel and oriented silicon steel, especially pipeline steel.
Predicting the 14-Day Hospital Readmission of Patients with Pneumonia Using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN)

Unplanned patient readmission (UPRA) is frequent and costly in healthcare settings. No indicators during hospitalization have been suggested to clinicians as useful for identifying patients at high risk of UPRA. This study aimed to create a prediction model for the early detection of 14-day UPRA of patients with pneumonia. We downloaded the data of patients with pneumonia as the primary disease (e.g., ICD-10:J12*-J18*) at three hospitals in Taiwan from 2016 to 2018. A total of 21,892 cases (1208 (6%) for UPRA) were collected. Two models, namely, artificial neural network (ANN) and convolutional neural network (CNN), were compared using the training (n = 15,324; ≅70%) and test (n = 6568; ≅30%) sets to verify the model accuracy. An app was developed for the prediction and classification of UPRA. We observed that (i) the 17 feature variables extracted in this study yielded a high area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.75 using the ANN model and that (ii) the ANN exhibited better AUC (0.73) than the CNN (0.50), and (iii) a ready and available app for predicting UHA was developed. The app could help clinicians predict UPRA of patients with pneumonia at an early stage and enable them to formulate preparedness plans near or after patient discharge from hospitalization.
Assessing Factors Associated with TB Awareness in Nepal: A National and Subnational Study

Tuberculosis (TB) has still remained a serious global health threat in low- and middle-income countries in recent years. As of 2021, Nepal is one of the high TB burden countries, with an increasing prevalence of cases. This study evaluates factors associated with TB awareness in Nepal. This study uses data from the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey, a cross-sectional survey carried out from June 2016 to January 2017. Multilevel logistic regression is performed to examine the association of demographic and socioeconomic factors with TB awareness. Our findings show a high level of TB awareness in all seven provinces of Nepal. Province 5 has the highest level of awareness (98.1%) among all provinces, followed by provinces 3 and 4, while province 6 has the lowest awareness level (93.2%) compared to others. Socioeconomic factors such as wealth, education and owning a mobile phone are significantly associated with TB awareness. Socioeconomic determinants are influential factors associated with TB awareness in Nepal. The wide variation in the proportion of awareness at a regional level emphasizes the importance of formulating tailored strategies to increase TB awareness. For instance, the use of mobile phones could be an effective strategy to promote TB awareness at a regional level. This study provides valuable evidence to support further research on the contribution of information and communication technology (ICT) usage to improving TB awareness in Nepal.
Diabetes Concordant Comorbidities and Associated Factors Among Adult Diabetic Out-Patients at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Harar, Eastern Ethiopia: a Cross-Sectional Study

Background Nowadays diabetic comorbidities constitute a major public health problem in Ethiopian context. However, there is a dearth in epidemiology and risk factors of diabetic comorbidity in Ethiopia, particularly in the study setting. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence and identify factors associated with concordant diabetic comorbidities among diabetic out-patients at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital (HFSUH), EasternEthiopia. Methodology A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing medical record charts of adult diabetic outpatients. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out by using STATA version 16.0. To measure the strength of association an Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was used. Moreover, variables with p-value ≤ 0.05 were considered as statistically significant with the outcome variable. Results In this study, it is found that the overall prevalence of concordant comorbidity among adult diabetic out-patients was 55.8% (95% CI: 50.3–61.3). Moreover, more than two-third of patients, 72.73% were diagnosed for type two diabetic mellitus (T2DM). Among specified comorbidities about 42.3% were hypertension, 21.63% were obesity, and 13% were multi-morbidity. Age ≥ 55 years (AOR: 7.52, 95% CI: 1.24, 45.75), T2DM (AOR: 9.01, 95% CI: 1.50, 54.04), 2–5 years duration of treatments (AOR: 0.23, 95 CI: 0.078, 0.691), and poor glycemic control (AOR: 4.4 1, 95% CI: 2.34, 8.32) were factors significantly associated with concordant diabetic comorbidity. Conclusion From the study conducted, the higher prevalence of concordant comorbidity among diabetic patients was investigated. Furthermore, older in age, T2DM, prolonged duration of treatment, and poor glycemic control were factors associated with diabetic comorbidities. Early detection and appropriate treatment of diabetic comorbidities are very important for better patient’s quality of life and functionality.
Second-Generation Cephalosporins-Associated Drug-Induced Liver Disease: A Study in VigiBase with a Focus on the Elderly

Background: The objective of this study was to characterize individual case safety reports (ICSRs) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) related to second-generation cephalosporins and resulting in hepatobiliary disorders, in VigiBase, WHO global database. Methods: All second-generation cephalosporins hepatobiliary ADRs reported up to July 2019 were included. Characteristic of cephalosporins and ADRs, aside from disproportionality data were evaluated. Results: A total of 1343 ICSRs containing 1585 ADRs were analyzed. Cefuroxime was suspected to have caused hepatobiliary disorders in most cases—in 38% of adults and in 35% of elderly. Abnormal hepatic function was the most frequent ADR, followed by jaundice and hepatitis. For 49% of the ADRs reported in the elderly and 51% in the adult population, the outcome was favorable, with fatal outcome for 2% of the adults and 10% of the elderly. Higher proportional reporting ration (PRR) values were reported in the elderly for cefotetan-associated jaundice, cefuroxime-associated acute hepatitis and hepatitis cholestatic as well as for cefotiam and cefmetazole-associated liver disorder. Conclusion: Hepatobiliary ADRs were reported for 2nd generation cephalosporins, with over 50% of cases in adults, without gender differences. Cholestatic hepatitis was predominately reported in the elderly and this category was more prone to specific hepatic reactions.
Performance of Self-Collected Saliva Testing Compared with Nasopharyngeal Swab Testing for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2

The aim of this study was to determine whether self-collected pure saliva (SCPS) is comparable to nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs in the quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR in asymptomatic, mild patients with confirmed COVID-19. Thirty-one patients aged from 18 to 85 years were included between 9 June and 11 December 2020. A SCPS sample and a NP sample were taken for each patient. Quantitative PCR was performed to detect SARS-CoV-2 viral load. Results of SCPS vs. NP samples testing were compared. Statistical analyses were performed. Viral load was significantly correlated (r = 0.72). The concordance probability was estimated at 73.3%. In symptomatic adults, SCPS performance was similar to that of NP swabs (Percent Agreement = 74.1%; p = 0.11). Thus, the salivary test based on pure oral saliva samples easily obtained by noninvasive techniques has a fair agreement with the nasopharyngeal one in asymptomatic, mild patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19.