Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Saussurea costus as Therapeutic Agents against a Diabetic Rat Model—Approaches to Investigate Pharmacophore Modeling of Human IkB Kinase and Molecular Interaction with Dehydrocostus Lactone of Saussurea costus

Lactic acid bacteria is well-known as a vital strategy to alleviate or prevent diabetes. Similarly, the plant Saussurea costus (Falc) Lipsch is a preventive power against diabetes. Here, we aimed to determine whether lactic acid bacteria or Saussurea costus is more effective in treating a diabetic rat model in a comparative study manner. An in vivo experiment was conducted to test the therapeutic activity of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (MW719476.1) and S. costus plants against an alloxan-induced diabetic rat model. Molecular, biochemical, and histological analyses were investigated to evaluate the therapeutic characteristics of different treatments. The high dose of S. costus revealed the best downregulated expression for the IKBKB, IKBKG, NfkB1, IL-17A, IL-6, IL-17F, IL-1β, TNF-α, TRAF6, and MAPK genes compared to Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and the control groups. The downregulation of IKBKB by S. costus could be attributed to dehydrocostus lactone as an active compound with proposed antidiabetic activity. So, we performed another pharmacophore modeling analysis to test the possible interaction between human IkB kinase beta protein and dehydrocostus lactone as an antidiabetic drug. Molecular docking and MD simulation data confirmed the interaction between human IkB kinase beta protein and dehydrocostus lactone as a possible drug. The target genes are important in regulating type 2 diabetes mellitus signaling, lipid and atherosclerosis signaling, NF-κB signaling, and IL-17 signaling pathways. In conclusion, the S. costus plant could be a promising source of novel therapeutic agents for treating diabetes and its complications. Dehydrocostus lactone caused the ameliorative effect of S. costus by its interaction with human IkB kinase beta protein. Further, future studies could be conducted to find the clinical efficacy of dehydrocostus lactone.
Genetic Predisposition to Primary Lactose Intolerance Does Not Influence Dairy Intake and Health-Related Quality of Life in Romanian Children: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Primary lactose intolerance (PLI) is characterized by the inability to digest lactose. Homozygotes for the lactase gene polymorphisms (CC or GG) are considered to be genetically predisposed to PLI. Still, symptoms may only be present later in life. The evidence supporting a link between PLI, dairy intake, and quality of life (QoL) is limited in children. Aim: This study investigates the link between LCT polymorphisms and suggestive symptoms and the influence of the genetic predisposition to PLI on dairy intake and QoL in Romanian children. Materials and methods: We recruited consecutive children evaluated in our ambulatory clinic. We asked all participants to complete a visual-analog symptoms scale, a dairy intake, and a QoL questionnaire. We used strip genotyping to identify genetic predisposition to PLI. Results: 51.7% of children had a CC genotype, and 34.5% also had a GG genotype. Most children reported no or mild symptoms. Dairy intake and QoL were similar across study groups. Conclusions: Our study shows that genetic predisposition does not necessarily assume the presence of specific symptoms. Genetic predisposition to PLI did not lead to dairy avoidance, nor did it negatively influence our children’s QoL.
Optimization of Cold Brew Coffee Using Central Composite Design and Its Properties Compared with Hot Brew Coffee

The cold brew coffee (CBC) trend is increasing globally; nevertheless, there is limited literature on this popular beverage. Many studies have focused on the health benefits of green coffee beans and coffee brewed by conventional hot water methods. Thus, whether cold brew conveys similar benefits is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the influences of brewing conditions on physicochemical properties using response surface methodology in order to optimize the brewing parameters and compare the resulting CBC with the coffee from the French Press method. Central Composite Design was used to evaluate the effects and optimize the brewing parameters (i.e., water temperature, coffee-to-water ratio (C2WR), coffee mesh size, and extraction time) on total dissolved solids (TDS). Physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, volatile compounds, and organic acids were compared between CBC and its French Press counterpart. Our results showed that water temperature, C2WR, and coffee mesh size significantly influenced the TDS of CBC. The optimized brewing conditions were water temperature (4 °C), C2WR (1:14), coffee mesh size (0.71 mm), and 24-h extraction time. At similar TDS, caffeine content, volatile compounds, and organic acids were higher in CBC, while other properties showed no significant difference. In conclusion, this study showed that at similar TDS, CBC has characteristics generally similar to hot brew coffee, except for the caffeine and sensory-related compound content. The model for the prediction of TDS from this study may benefit food services or industries for the optimization of brewing conditions to obtain different characteristics of CBC.
Supplementation of n-3 PUFAs in Adulthood Attenuated Susceptibility to Pentylenetetrazol Induced Epilepsy in Mice Fed with n-3 PUFAs Deficient Diet in Early Life

The growth and development of the fetus and newborn throughout pregnancy and lactation are directly related to the nutritional status of the mother, which has a significant impact on the health of the offspring. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the susceptibility of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid deficiency in early life to seizures in adulthood. The n-3 PUFAs-deficient mice’s offspring were established and then fed with α-LNA diet, DHA-enriched ethyl ester, and DHA-enriched phospholipid-containing diets for 17 days at the age of eight weeks. During this period, animals received intraperitoneal injections of 35 mg/kg of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) every other day for eight days. The results showed that dietary n-3 PUFA-deficiency in early life could aggravate PTZ-induced epileptic seizures and brain disorders. Notably, nutritional supplementation with n-3 PUFAs in adulthood for 17 days could significantly recover the brain n-3 fatty acid and alleviate the epilepsy susceptibility as well as raise seizure threshold to different levels by mediating the neurotransmitter disturbance and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, demyelination, and neuroinflammation status of the hippocampus. DHA-enriched phospholipid possessed a superior effect on alleviating the seizure compared to α-LNA and DHA-enriched ethyl ester. Dietary n-3 PUFA deficiency in early life increases the susceptibility to PTZ-induced epilepsy in adult offspring, and nutritional supplementation with n-3 PUFAs enhances the tolerance to the epileptic seizure.
Development of Type A Quadrupole Magnet for Siam Photon Source II

A prototype of a type A quadrupole magnet has been designed and manufactured for the 3 GeV storage ring of Siam Photon Source II, the second synchrotron light source in Thailand. The required quadrupole gradient is 51 T/m with the magnet effective length being 162 mm. Magnet modeling and magnetic field calculation were performed using Radia and Opera-3D. The bore radius of the magnet is 16 mm. The magnet will be operated at the excitation of 5544 A-turns. A mechanical analysis of the magnet structure was performed in SOLIDWORKS and ANSYS, where the maximum deformation of 0.003 mm was found at the magnet poles, and the first-mode natural frequency was higher than 100 Hz. The magnet yoke is made of AISI 1006 low-carbon steel with a fabrication tolerance of ±0.020 mm. Magnet coils are water-cooled and made of high-purity copper. The temperature rise of the coils was below 3.0 °C at the maximum excitation of 6664 A-turns, which is 20% above the operating point. Magnetic field measurement was carried out using the Hall probe technique. The measured magnetic field and coil temperature of the prototype show good agreement with the calculations.
Moisture Content of Fresh Scots Pine Wood in Areas near Damage Caused by Harvester Head Feed Rollers

By damaging bark, mechanized harvesting deprives wood of its natural mechanical barrier. This study concerns the effect of this damage on the changes in moisture content that occur near the damaged areas of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). This study was carried out using 45 randomly selected 11 m long logged pine stems. Additionally, the effect of bark thickness on the depth of damage was measured. To determine the influence of the location of the damage and bark thickness on the wood moisture near the damaged region, wood samples were collected from two sections. The first was located one meter above the log’s base, while the second was located one meter from the end of the log. Two increment cores were taken by a Pressler borer in each section: one from the damaged wood zone and the second from the undamaged wood zone. The average bark thickness one meter from the base of the log was 11.2 mm, which decreased to 1.8 mm in the samples taken one meter from the top of the log. The average depths of the damage caused by feed roller spikes in the two sections were 3.9 and 3.8 mm, respectively, indicating that there was no significant effect of bark thickness on the depth of the damage. The wood samples collected near the damaged wood zone (DW) had about 13 percent lower moisture content than those taken from the undamaged zone (UDW). This difference was statistically significant. We observed greater mean moisture content closer to the top of the log for both the samples taken near the damaged zone and the samples taken from the undamaged zone. One meter from the base of the log, the moisture content difference between the DW and UDW was 9.8 percentage points, which was statistically insignificant. By contrast, significantly lower moisture content (−16%) was observed in the DW one meter from the top of the log.
Influence of SARS-CoV-2 Status and Aging on the Nasal and Fecal Immunological Profiles of Elderly Individuals Living in Nursing Homes

In the frame of SARS-CoV-2 infection, studies regarding cytokine profiling of mucosal-related samples are scarce despite being the primary infection sites. The objective of this study was to compare the nasal and fecal inflammatory profiles of elderly individuals living in a nursing home highly affected by COVID-19 (ELD1) with those of elderly individuals living in a nursing home with no cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection (ELD2) and, also, with those of healthy SARS-CoV-2-negative younger adults (YHA). BAFF/TNFSF13B, IL6, IL10 and TNF-α (immunological hallmarks of SARS-CoV-2 infection) were the only immune factors whose concentrations were different in the three groups. Their highest concentrations were achieved in the ELD1 group. Nasal and fecal concentrations of a wide number of pro-inflammatory cytokines were similar in the ELD1 and ELD2 groups but higher than those found in the YHA samples. These results reinforce the hypothesis that immunosenescence and inflammaging rendered the elderly as a highly vulnerable population to a neo-infection, such as COVID-19, which was evidenced during the first pandemic waves.
Evaluation of Antifungal Activity of Languas galangal Rhizome and Development of a Topical Antifungal Cream

Background: The rhizome of Languas galangal is traditionally used in Sri Lanka for the treatment of skin infections caused by fungi. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of L. galangal rhizome and to develop a topical antifungal formulation from it. Methods: The dried, powdered rhizome of L. galangal was successively extracted with hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol using Soxhlet extraction. The agar well diffusion method was used to assess the antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus nger. The antifungal activities of the extracts were compared with clotrimazole as the positive control and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the negative control. The most active hexane extract was used to prepare the cream. The antifungal activity of the formulated cream was tested. Results: The hexane extract of L. galangal rhizome powder was more effective on C. albicans and A. niger. The hexane extract of L. galangal showed the maximum zone of inhibition against C. albicans and A. niger (20.20 mm ± 0.46, 18.20 mm ± 0.46) compared to the other three extracts, while clotrimazole, which was used as a positive control, produced a larger zone of inhibition (36.10 mm ± 0.65) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), the negative control, did not produce inhibitory zones. Stability testing of the formulated cream showed a stable and good appearance. Conclusions: The cream developed using the hexane extract showed in vitro antifungal activity against C. albicans and A. niger. Further evaluations on shelf life, stability and safety are required.
Pembrolizumab monotherapy in heavily treated recurrent cervical cancer patients: case series report

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of pembrolizumab among patients with recurrent cervical cancer. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with recurrent cervical cancer and treated with pembrolizumab. Fixed does of pembrolizumab 200 mg was administered intravenously every three weeks. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate. In total, 14 patients were included in this study. Median number of pembrolizumab cycles was five (range, 1–28). The objective response rate was 28.6%, with one complete response and three partial responses. The treatment was generally well tolerated. None of the patients experienced treatment discontinuation or treatment-related death due to adverse events. Pembrolizumab monotherapy showed modest antitumor activity against recurrent cervical cancer. Pembrolizumab monotherapy is an alternative treatment option for patients with recurrent cervical cancer.
Revisiting the Impact of Corporate Carbon Management Strategies on Corporate Financial Performance: A Systematic Literature Review

The objective of this research is to examine the relationship between carbon management strategies in corporations and their impact on financial performance. We employ a systematic literature review to analyze 223 articles retrieved from reputable journals indexed in Scopus. A total of 22 empirical studies covering various industry sectors and countries were selected and included in our analysis. The result indicates that 59% of the articles demonstrate positive findings. Among these, 50% show a significant positive impact, while 9% exhibit mixed results with both positive and negative outcomes in the short and long-term perspectives. These findings suggest that adopting carbon management strategies predominantly has a positive influence on corporate financial performance. In this study, we also provide a summary of the dependent, independent, and control variables, as well as commonly used indicators in this research topic, to help guide future quantitative research. Lastly, we offer a summary of the motivations, drivers, and barriers that corporations experience when implementing carbon management strategies. These insights will be valuable for business managers and policymakers, aiding them in successfully embarking on the journey to achieve net-zero emissions.
Extended Online DMD and Weighted Modifications for Streaming Data Analysis

We present novel methods for computing the online dynamic mode decomposition (online DMD) for streaming datasets. We propose a framework that allows incremental updates to the DMD operator as data become available. Due to its ability to work on datasets with lower ranks, the proposed method is more advantageous than existing ones. A noteworthy feature of the method is that it is entirely data-driven and does not require knowledge of any underlying governing equations. Additionally, we present a modified version of our proposed approach that utilizes a weighted alternative to online DMD. The suggested techniques are demonstrated using several numerical examples.
Efficacy and Safety of Perampanel in Children with Drug-Resistant Focal-Onset Seizures: A Retrospective Review

Background: Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders. Existing antiseizure medications (ASMs) are still unable to control seizures in one-third of these patients, making the discovery of antiseizure therapies with novel mechanisms of action a necessity. Aim of the Study: This study aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of perampanel (PER) as an adjuvant treatment for children with drug-resistant focal-onset seizures with or without focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures. Patients and methods: This is a single-center retrospective study of 38 epileptic pediatric patients, aged 2 to 14, at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center whose seizures were pharmaco-resistant to more than two antiseizure medications and followed for at least three months after PER adjuvant therapy initiation. Efficacy was assessed by the PER response rate at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up evaluations, and side effects were also reported. Results: Multiple seizure types were reported. Myoclonic seizures were the predominant type of epilepsy in 17 children (44.7%). At 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months of follow-up, approximately 23.4%, 23.4%, and 18.4% of the patients were seizure-free at these time points, respectively. Adverse events were documented in 14 patients (35.7%) and led to the discontinuation of PER in 26.3%, 31.6%, and 36.8% of the studied group at the 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups, respectively. The most common adverse events included dizziness or drowsiness, irritability, gait disturbance, and confusion; however, all were transient, and no serious adverse effects occurred. Conclusion: Our findings confirm the therapeutic efficacy of adjunctive PER in the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy in children. As an adjunctive treatment for epilepsy, perampanel demonstrated sufficient effectiveness and tolerability.
Oral Administration of Animal and Plant Protein Mixture with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum IDCC 3501 Improves Protein Digestibility

A combined usage of animal and plant proteins-mixture could aid to solve environmental and social problems arising from the use of animal protein alone, while also improving the taste and texture of plant protein. Protein mixtures could be a better protein source due to the high availability of amino acids in the body compared with single proteins. Consuming proteins with probiotics can provide more beneficial health effects by helping to hydrolyze protein and absorb amino acids in the body. In this study, coadministration of an animal and plant protein mixture with a high concentration of probiotics was investigated to increase protein digestibility and amino acids absorbability in a mice model. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum IDCC 3501, which has the maximum ability to hydrolyze a protein mixture, composed of soybean protein and milk protein, was selected, and the changes in mice (C57BL/6J, male, six weeks) were investigated after the coadministration of protein mixture and 5 × 108 or 5 × 109 CFU/mL of L. plantarum for eight weeks. Normal diet, high-protein diet (HPD), and HPD supplementing L. plantarum were separately administered to mice. Food and water consumption of the mice did not differ depending on diet type. Measurements of the serum concentrations of amino acids showed that the absorption of aspartate, glutamate, isoleucine, leucine, valine, and lysine increased when high concentrations of protein and probiotics were administered. Thus, high L. plantarum concentrations could be a protein diet supplementation to improve health by promoting the absorption of amino acids.
Effects of Phenyllactic Acid on Fermentation Parameters, Nitrogen Fractions and Bacterial Community of High-Moisture Stylo Silage

To investigate the effect of phenyllactic acid (PLA) on the dynamic changes of high-moisture stylo silage, fresh stylo was ensiled with addition of PLA at the levels of 0, 1% and 2% using lab-level silage bags, where samples were collected on days 3, 7, 14 and 30 of ensiling fermentation to analyze fermentation parameters, nitrogen distribution and bacterial community. The results showed that PLA addition at ensiling led to the increase (p < 0.01) in dry matter content, lactic acid concentration and Flieg’s score of stylo silage as well as the decrease (p < 0.01) in dry matter loss, pH value and coliform bacteria population, with butyric acid only detected in the control group. It also resulted in the increase (p < 0.01) in true protein content and its proportion as well as the decrease (p < 0.01) in ammonia-N content and its proportion, almost with linearly dose effect. Sequencing analysis revealed that PLA addition led to the increase (p < 0.05) in Sobs, Shannon, Chao and Ace of bacterial community in the stylo silage, where the relative abundance of Enterobacter, Clostridium, and Kosakonia was decreased, and that of Lactobacillus, Enterococcus and Pantoea was increased. Furthermore, Kosakonia, Terriglobus, Sphingomonas and Sphingopyxis had an important role in the bacterial interaction network. It is suggested that PLA application at the level of 1–2% could improve silage quality of stylo silage via modifying bacterial community.
Full-Scale Constructed Wetlands Planted with Ornamental Species and PET as a Substitute for Filter Media for Municipal Wastewater Treatment: An Experience in a Mexican Rural Community

Alternative polymer-based filter media and ornamental plants in constructed wetlands (CWs) are a relatively unexplored field. These approaches have the potential to reduce construction costs and enhance the aesthetic appearance of CWs. This study evaluated for the first time the use of ornamental plants as monoculture and polyculture, as well as the incorporation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as a filter medium in a large-scale community HC (divided into 12 cells) for the treatment of municipal wastewater. Duplicate cells were planted with monocultures of Canna hybrids, Spathiphyllum blandum, Anturium spp. , and Thypa spp. , while two units had mixed cultures of these plants and two control units remained without vegetation. Systems with vegetation achieved average removal efficiencies of 86.95, 81.3, 64.6, 85.2, and 52% for COD, BOD5, TSS, TP, and TN, respectively. Meanwhile, in systems without vegetation, the removal efficiencies for these pollutants were 81.33, 72.86, 43.68, 3.93, and 30.70%, respectively, indicating significant differences between vegetated and non-vegetated systems (p < 0.05). The PET-based filter medium showed effective pollutant removal, with values comparable to or surpassing those reported in existing literature. All ornamental species exhibited good development with new offspring and flower production both in monoculture and in polyculture. The use of such a filter medium and ornamental vegetation could make CWs more attractive to rural communities.