Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evidences of an Implemented Training Program in Consensual and Responsible Sexual Relations for People with Intellectual Disabilities

(1) Background: While there is a growing awareness of the rights of individuals with intellectual disabilities, very limited progress has been made in supporting these people to create and maintain intimate and personal relationships. (2) Methods: This paper reports the results from a program aimed at promoting responsible and consensual sexual relations of adults with intellectual disabilities. Of the 44 participants, 31.8% were women and 68.2% were men aged 22 to 67 years. Pre and post measurements regarding the attitudes toward sexual relations were taken, and difficulty and discrimination indexes were calculated. (3) Results: Statistically significant improvements were identified in the overall measurements, as were they for the domains of privacy, safety, and respect. The difficulty index changed from 0.67 to 0.79 in a pre-post assessment, denoting more positive attitudes. This and other results support the relevance and usefulness of the intervention program and encourage further intervention efforts.
Pharmacokinetic / pharmacodynamic relationships of liposomal amphotericin B and miltefosine in experimental visceral leishmaniasis

Background There is a continued need to develop effective and safe treatments for visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Preclinical studies on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anti-infective agents, such as anti-bacterials and anti-fungals, have provided valuable information in the development and dosing of these agents. The aim of this study was to characterise the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the anti-leishmanial drugs AmBisome and miltefosine in a preclinical disease model of VL. Methodology / Principal findings BALB/c mice were infected with L. donovani (MHOM/ET/67/HU3) amastigotes. Groups of mice were treated with miltefosine (orally, multi-dose regimen) or AmBisome (intravenously, single dose regimen) or left untreated as control groups. At set time points groups of mice were killed and plasma, livers and spleens harvested. For pharmacodynamics the hepatic parasite burden was determined microscopically from tissue impression smears. For pharmacokinetics drug concentrations were measured in plasma and whole tissue homogenates by LC-MS. Unbound drug concentrations were determined by rapid equilibrium dialysis. Doses exerting maximum anti-leishmanial effects were 40 mg/kg for AmBisome and 150 mg/kg (cumulatively) for miltefosine. AmBisome displayed a wider therapeutic range than miltefosine. Dose fractionation at a total dose of 2.5 mg/kg pointed towards concentration-dependent anti-leishmanial activity of AmBisome, favouring the administration of large doses infrequently. Protein binding was >99% for miltefosine and amphotericin B in plasma and tissue homogenates. Conclusion / Significance Using a PK/PD approach we propose optimal dosing strategies for AmBisome. Additionally, we describe pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of miltefosine and compare our findings in a preclinical disease model to available knowledge from studies in humans. This approach also presents a strategy for improved use of animal models in the drug development process for VL.
The Impact of Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract on Fat Oxidation, Body Composition and Cardio-Metabolic Health in Overweight, Recreationally Active Individuals

This study investigated the effect of decaffeinated green tea extract (dGTE), with or without antioxidant nutrients, on fat oxidation, body composition and cardio-metabolic health measures in overweight individuals engaged in regular exercise. Twenty-seven participants (20 females, 7 males; body mass: 77.5 ± 10.5 kg; body mass index: 27.4 ± 3.0 kg·m2; peak oxygen uptake (V.O2peak): 30.2 ± 5.8 mL·kg−1·min−1) were randomly assigned, in a double-blinded manner, either: dGTE (400 mg·d−1 (−)-epigallocatechin−3-gallate (EGCG), n = 9); a novel dGTE+ (400 mg·d−1 EGCG, quercetin (50 mg·d−1) and α-lipoic acid (LA, 150 mg·d−1), n = 9); or placebo (PL, n = 9) for 8 weeks, whilst maintaining standardised, aerobic exercise. Fat oxidation (‘FATMAX’ and steady state exercise protocols), body composition, cardio-metabolic and blood measures (serum glucose, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, glycerol, free fatty acids, total cholesterol, high [HDL-c] and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-c], triglycerides, liver enzymes and bilirubin) were assessed at baseline, week 4 and 8. Following 8 weeks of dGTE+, maximal fat oxidation (MFO) significantly improved from 154.4 ± 20.6 to 224.6 ± 23.2 mg·min−1 (p = 0.009), along with a 22.5% increase in the exercise intensity at which fat oxidation was deemed negligible (FATMIN; 67.6 ± 3.6% V.O2peak, p = 0.003). Steady state exercise substrate utilisation also improved for dGTE+ only, with respiratory exchange ratio reducing from 0.94 ± 0.01 at week 4, to 0.89 ± 0.01 at week 8 (p = 0.004). This corresponded with a significant increase in the contribution of fat to energy expenditure for dGTE+ from 21.0 ± 4.1% at week 4, to 34.6 ± 4.7% at week 8 (p = 0.006). LDL-c was also lower (normalised fold change of −0.09 ± 0.06) for dGTE+ by week 8 (p = 0.038). No other significant effects were found in any group. Eight weeks of dGTE+ improved MFO and substrate utilisation during exercise, and lowered LDL-c. However, body composition and cardio-metabolic markers in healthy, overweight individuals who maintained regular physical activity were largely unaffected by dGTE.
Reversal of Multidrug Resistance by Apolipoprotein A1-Modified Doxorubicin Liposome for Breast Cancer Treatment

Multidrug resistance (MDR) remains a major problem in cancer therapy and is characterized by the overexpression of p-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux pump, upregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins or downregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins. In this study, an Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1)-modified cationic liposome containing a synthetic cationic lipid and cholesterol was developed for the delivery of a small-molecule chemotherapeutic drug, doxorubicin (Dox) to treat MDR tumor. The liposome-modified by ApoA1 was found to promote drug uptake and elicit better therapeutic effects than free Dox and liposome in MCF-7/ADR cells. Further, loading Dox into the present ApoA1-liposome systems enabled a burst release at the tumor location, resulting in enhanced anti-tumor effects and reduced off-target effects. More importantly, ApoA1-lip/Dox caused fewer adverse effects on cardiac function and other organs in 4T1 subcutaneous xenograft models. These features indicate that the designed liposomes represent a promising strategy for the reversal of MDR in cancer treatment.
Synthesis of Manganese Oxide Nanofibers by Selfassembling Hydrothermal Process

Manganese oxide nanofibers with layered structure and γ-MnOOH structure have been prepared from a layered manganese oxide by using a self-assembling hydrothermal process. This process includes preparation of manganese oxide nanosheets by exfoliating the layered manganese oxide, self-assembling the nanosheets with a cationic surfactant into a nanocomposite, and transforming the nanocomposite into the nanotibers under hydrothcrmal conditions.
Application of the apparent lattice parameter to determination of the core-shell structure of nanocrystals

In this review work we discuss applicability of Bragg scattering to examination of nanocrystals. We approximate the structure of nanograins by a commonly accepted core-shell model. We show that, for principal reasons, the Bragg equation is not applicable directly to nanocrystals. We use the Bragg relation through application of the apparent lattice parameter (alp) concept which we use to evaluate quantitatively the core-shell model. We also introduce a new parameter of the structure, Equivalent Cubic Lattice Parameter (EClp), which quantifies deviation of the real (trigonal) lattice from its parent fcc structure due to the lattice deformation (e.g. by the stacking faults). We show examples of an analysis of experimental X-ray and neutron diffraction data based on the alp methodology and on the theoretical patterns calculated for various core-shell models.
Tapiaite, Ca5Al2(AsO4)4(OH)4 · 12H2O, a new mineral from the Jote mine, Tierra Amarilla, Chile

Abstract Tapiaite (IMA2014-024), Ca5Al2(AsO4)4(OH)4 · 12H2O, is a new mineral from the Jote mine, Tierra Amarilla, Copiapo Province, Atacama, Chile. The mineral is a late-stage, low-temperature, secondary mineral occurring with conichalcite, joteite, mansfieldite, pharmacoalumite, pharmacosiderite and scorodite in narrow seams and vughs in the oxidized upper portion of a hydrothermal sulfide vein hosted by volcanoclastic rocks. Crystals occur as colourless blades, flattened on {101̅} and elongated and striated along [010], up to ~0.5 mm long, and exhibiting the forms {101̅}, {101} and {111}. The blades are commonly intergrown in subparallel bundles and less commonly in sprays. The mineral is transparent and has a white streak and vitreous lustre. The Mohs hardness is estimated to be between 2 and 3, the tenacity is brittle, and the fracture is splintery. It has two perfect cleavages on {101} and {101̅}. The calculated density based on the empirical formula is 2.681 g cm-3. It is optically biaxial (+) with α = 1.579(1), β = 1.588(1), γ = 1.610(1) (white light), 2Vmeas = 66(2)° and 2Vcalc = 66°. The mineral exhibits no dispersion. The optical orientation is X ≈ [101̅]; Y = b, Z ≈ [101]. The electron-microprobe analyses (average of five) provided: Na2O 0.09, CaO 24.96, CuO 0.73, Al2O3 10.08, Fe2O3 0.19, As2O5 40.98, Sb2O5 0.09, H2O 23.46 (structure), total 100.58 wt. %. In terms of the structure, the empirical formula (based on 32 O a.p.f.u.) is (Ca4.83Cu2+0.10Na0.03)∑4.96(Al2.14Fe3+0.03)∑2.17[(As5+3.87Sb5+0.01)∑3.88O16][(OH)3.76(H2O)0.24]∑4(H2O)10 · 2H2O. The mineral is easily soluble in RT dilute HCl. Tapiaite is monoclinic, P21/n, with unit-cell parameters a = 16.016(1), b = 5.7781(3), c = 16.341(1) Å, β = 116.704(8)°, V = 1350.9(2) Å3 and Z = 2. The eight strongest lines in the powder X-ray diffraction pattern are [dobs Å(I)(hkl)]: 13.91(100)(1̅01), 7.23(17)(200,002), 5.39(22)(110,011), 4.64(33)(1̅12,2̅11,303), 3.952(42)(1̅13,3̅11,2̅13), 3.290(35)(2̅14,4̅12,1̅14,4̅11), 2.823(39)(303,3̅15) and 2.753(15)(5̅13,1̅15,121,5̅11). The structure of tapiaite (R1 = 5.37% for 1733 FO > 4σF) contains Al(AsO4)(OH)2 chains of octahedra and tetrahedra that are topologically identical to the chain in the structure of linarite. CaO8 polyhedra condense to the chains, forming columns, which are decorated with additional peripheral AsO4 tetrahedra. The CaO8 polyhedra in adjacent columns link to one another by comer-sharing to form thick layers parallel to {101̅} and the peripheral AsO4 tetrahedra link to CaO6 octahedra in the interlayer region, resulting in a framework structure.
Integrated Diabetes Self-Management Program Using Smartphone Application: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study identified the effects of an integrated diabetes self-management program using smartphone application (app), based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral skills (IMB) model. A randomized comparison, using a pre-and post-test design, was conducted with 32 participants in the experimental group and 36 in the control group. The integrated diabetes self-management program consisted of face-to-face educational sessions, a diabetes self-management smartphone app, and phone counseling. In the experimental group, diabetes self-management knowledge (Z=-2.70, p=.007), social motivation (Z=-1.97, p=.048), and behavior (t=3.22, p=.002) improved, with their hemoglobin A1c (Z=-4.83, p<.001) decreasing compared to the control group. At the post-test, the experimental group’s fasting blood sugar level (t=2.79, p=.009), total calorie intake (t=3.94, p=.001), carbohydrate intake (t=5.69, p<.001), and fat intake (t=2.54, p=.021) decreased compared to the pre-test. An integrated diabetes self-management program using smartphone app, based on the IMB model, should be utilized as a nursing intervention.
Frame Analysis: An Inclusive Stakeholder Analysis Tool for Companion Animal Management in Remote Aboriginal Communities

Simple Summary The management of dogs and cats in remote communities is challenging due to limited availability of veterinary services and high reproductive rates in companion animal populations. Support for animal management within communities is also weak, and consequently, programs delivered by external providers rarely achieve sustainable outcomes. An alternative approach whereby communities are engaged in analysing and understanding the issues, and designing solutions themselves, may help to achieve sustainable improvements in animal populations and health management. To test this approach, stakeholders involved with animal management in a remote Australian Aboriginal community were interviewed to gain their perspectives on animal management. By applying frame analysis to understand stakeholders’ perceptions, knowledge and power, interviewees fell into four distinct groups: Indigenous Locals, Indigenous Rangers, Non-Indigenous Locals and Animal Managers. The most important issue identified by all groups was the overpopulation of dogs, but there were differences in their framing of the problem and its causes. Frame analysis achieved the important first step of the process, identifying “What is the issue? ”. Abstract Companion animal management in Australian remote Aboriginal communities (rAcs) is a complex problem, with multiple stakeholders involved with differing needs, knowledge, power and resources. We present our CoMM4Unity approach, a participatory systemic action research process designed to address such problems. In the first step, frame analysis is used to analyse stakeholders’ perspectives, knowledge types and power dynamics to determine their relative roles in animal management. Twenty individuals were interviewed from stakeholder groups involved in animal management in the remote, island rAc of Wurrumiyanga, Tiwi Islands. Frame analysis indicated that stakeholders aligned into four groups with distinct identity frames, knowledge types and power frames: Indigenous Locals, Indigenous Rangers, Non-Indigenous Locals and Animal Managers. All four groups shared overlapping perceptions about companion animals in Wurrumiyanga, and agreed that dog overpopulation was the primary issue. However, the groups differed in their strength of opinions about how dogs should be managed. Therefore, the situation is not one of diametrically opposing frames but more a misalignment of goals and values. Our application showed that frame analysis can reveal subtle variations in stakeholder groups’ identities, goals and values, and hence how they prioritise management measures.
A network meta-analysis protocol of efficacy and safety evaluation of different surgery regimens for varicocele patients with infertility

Abstract Background: Surgical treatment of varicocele is still one of the most common important treatments for male infertility. Surgery regimens for varicocele (VC) is various, including high ligation, sub-inguinal, inguinal, retroperitoneal, laparoscopic, and microsurgery. The surgery regimens applied for VC patients are various in clinic, however, the significance, advantages, and disadvantages of different varicocelectomies for male infertility are still in controversial. Therefore, this network meta-analysis is mainly to assess the relative efficacy and safety of different surgery regimens for VC patients with infertility. Methods: To compare the relative efficacy and safety among different varicocelectomies for VC patients, we systematic searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs were in five electronic databases: Pubmed, Web of Science, EMBASE database, Clinical Trials, and Cochrane Library. Using R-3.4. 1 software to process and analyze data. The bias risk of RCTs and non-RCTs will be evaluated through the tool of Cochrane Handbook version 5.1. 0 and non-randomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I), respectively. Results and conclusion: The result of this network meta-analysis aim is to evaluate the relative effectiveness and safety and rank the interventions among all surgery methods for VC patients and provide more evidence-based guidance in clinical practice. Protocol registration number: CRD42020162051.
Clinical Relevance of [18F]Florbetaben and [18F]FDG PET/CT Imaging on the Management of Patients with Dementia

PET of β-Amyloid plaques (Aβ) using [18F]florbetaben ([18F]FBB) and [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) increasingly aid clinicians in early diagnosis of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), frontotemporal disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and vascular dementia. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate clinical relevance of [18F]FBB, [18F]FDG PET and complimentary CSF measurements in patients with suspected dementia. In this study, 40 patients with clinically suspected or history of dementia underwent (1) measurement of Aβ peptides, total tau, and p-tau protein levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compared with healthy controls (HC); (2) clinical and neuropsychological assessment, which included Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease neuropsychological assessment battery (CERAD-NAB); (3) [18F]FBB and [18F]FDG PET imaging within an average of 3 weeks. The subjects were within 15 days stratified using PET, CSF measurements as HC, mild cognitive impaired (MCI) and dementia including Alzheimer´s disease. The predictive dementia-related cognitive decline values were supporting the measurements. PET images were evaluated visually and quantitatively using standard uptake value ratios (SUVR). Twenty-one (52.5%) subjects were amyloid-positive (Aβ+), with a median neocortical SUVR of 1.80 for AD versus 1.20 relative to the respective 19 (47.5 %) amyloid-negative (Aβ-) subjects. Moreover, the [18F]FDG and [18F]FBB confirmed within a sub-group of 10 patients a good complimentary role by correlation between amyloid pathology and brain glucose metabolism in 8 out of 10 subjects. The results suggest the clinical relevance for [18F]FBB combined with [18F]FDG PET retention and CFS measurements serving the management of our patients with dementia. Therefore, [18F]FBB combined with [18F]FDG PET is a helpful tool for differential diagnosis, and supports the patients’ management as well as treatment.
Mechanical Response and Analysis of Cracking Process in Hybrid TRM Composites with Flax Textile and Curauá Fibres

In recent years, the use of plant fibres in Textile-Reinforced Mortar (TRM) composites emerged as a valuable solution to increase their sustainability. Several studies carried out to mechanically characterize the so-called Natural TRMs, although showing promising results, also emphasised some drawbacks due to a severe deformability of the system and to durability issues. This study aims at improving the mechanical behaviour of Natural TRMs including impregnated flax textile (Flax TRMs) by the addition of short curauá fibres within the matrix. Flax TRM specimens were tested in tension to assess the influence of the fibre-reinforced mortar on the composite response. The crack pattern developed during the test was investigated via Digital Image Correlation analysis and by means of an analytical simplified model proposed by the authors. The addition of curauá fibres resulted in a denser crack pattern and in a significant decrease of the mean crack width (around 20%). The overall tensile response of Flax TRMs including curauá fibres resulted closer to the ideal three-linear behaviour of strain-hardening TRM composites with respect to the conventional Flax TRMs by also presenting an increase of dissipated energy of around 45%. This study paves the way for further analysis aimed at enhancing the mechanical performance of Natural TRMs adopting sustainable improvement techniques.
Ionization processes in spark discharge plasmas

The dominant mechanisms of electron generation and loss during different phases of spark discharge are considered. The focus is on spark formation in long non-uniform-field air gaps through leader and streamer processes. The streamer development in dry air and the effects of humidity, temperature and density on the properties of a long positive streamer in air are discussed. The ionization kinetics in the leader channel in long air gaps is described. The ionization mechanisms which lead to the re-breakdown within a post-arc air channel and to the streamer breakdown in undisturbed air and in Ar are presented.
VISIBLE LIGHT-INDUCED PHOTOCATALYSIS OF FORMIC AND OXALIC ACIDS WITH S-DOPED, Fe-LOADED TITANIA

In the present study, visible light‐induced photocatalysis of aqueous solutions of formic and oxalic acid with S‐doped, Fe‐loaded TiO2 (SFT) was investigated. The effect of formic and oxalic acid concentrations (50 and 100 mg/L), initial pH (3 and 7) and catalyst concentrations (5 and 10 g/L) under visible or UV-A light on degradation rate was evaluated. The removal efficiencies of formic acid and oxalic solutions (50 mg/L) under UV light irradiation with SFT were 10% and 67%, respectively. The experimental run conducted with formic acid solutions (50 mg/L), 53 and 40% dissolved organic carbon (DOC) removal efficiencies were achieved at 120 min reaction time under visible light irradiation at pH 3.0 for 5 and 10 g/L catalyst concentrations, respectively. At the same experimental conditions the obtained DOC removal efficiencies for oxalic acid were 41% for 5 g/L and 51 % for 10 g/L catalyst concentration. Photocatalytic oxidation the process under visible light was generally slower at pH 7. Increasing the photocatalyst concentration from 5 to 10 g/L increased oxalic acid degradation, but decreased formic acid degradation for visible light irradiation. Our experimental results have clearly indicated that SFT has a potential as a photocatalyst that can be activated via visible light irradiation for the photocatalytic mineralization of the studied model pollutants formic and oxalic acid under UV/Vis light irradiation.