Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inorganic nanocarriers for siRNA delivery for cancer treatments

RNA interference is one of the emerging methodologies utilized in the treatment of a wide variety of diseases including cancer. This method specifically uses therapeutic RNAs (TpRNAs) like small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to regulate/silence the cancer-linked genes, thereby minimizing the distinct activities of the cancer cells while aiding in their apoptosis. But, many complications arise during the transport/delivery of these TpRNAs that include poor systemic circulation, instability/degradation inside the body environment, no targeting capacity and also low cellular internalization. These difficulties can be overcome by using nanocarriers to deliver the TpRNAs inside the cancer cells. The following are the various categories of nanocarriers—viral vectors (e.g. lentivirus and adenovirus) and non-viral nanocarriers (self-assembling nanocarriers and inorganic nanocarriers). Viral vectors suffer from disadvantages like high immunogenicity compared to the non-viral nanocarriers. Among non-viral nanocarriers, inorganic nanocarriers gained significant attention as their inherent properties (like magnetic properties) can aid in the effective cellular delivery of the TpRNAs. Most of the prior reports have discussed about the delivery of TpRNAs through self-assembling nanocarriers; however very few have reviewed about their delivery using the inorganic nanoparticles. Therefore, in this review, we have mainly focussed on the delivery of TpRNAs—i.e. siRNA, especially programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), survivin, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), vascular endothelial growth factor and other siRNAs using the inorganic nanoparticles—mainly magnetic, metal and silica nanoparticles. Moreover, we have also discussed about the combined delivery of these TpRNAs along with chemotherapeutic drugs (mainly doxorubicin) and in vitro and in vivo therapeutic effectiveness.
Italian Ragweed Pollen Inventory

This study provides the first spatially detailed and complete inventory of Ambrosia pollen sources in Italy – the third largest centre of ragweed in Europe. The inventory relies on a well tested top-down approach that combines local knowledge, detailed land cover, pollen observations and a digital elevation model that assumes permanent ragweed populations mainly grow below 745m. The pollen data were obtained from 92 volumetric pollen traps located throughout Italy during 2004-2013. Land cover is derived from Corine Land cover information with 100m resolution. The digital elevation model is based on the NASA shuttle radar mission with 90m resolution. The inventory is produced using a combination of ArcGIS and Python for automation and validated using cross-correlation and has a final resolution of 5km x 5km. The method includes a harmonization of the inventory with other European inventories for the Pannonian Plain, France and Austria in order to provide a coherent picture of all major ragweed sources. The results show that the mean annual pollen index varies from 0 in South Italy to 6779 in the Po Valley. The results also show that very large pollen indexes are observed in the Milan region, but this region has smaller amounts of ragweed habitats compared to other parts of the Po Valley and known ragweed areas in France and the Pannonian Plain. A significant decrease in Ambrosia pollen concentrations was recorded in 2013 by pollen monitoring stations located in the Po Valley, particularly in the Northwest of Milan. This was the same year as the appearance of the Ophraella communa leaf beetle in Northern Italy. These results suggest that ragweed habitats near to the Milan region have very high densities of Ambrosia plants compared to other known ragweed habitats in Europe. The Milan region therefore appears to contain habitats with the largest ragweed infestation in Europe, but a smaller amount of habitats is a likely cause the pollen index to be lower compared to central parts of the Pannonian Plain. A low number of densely packed habitats may have increased the impact of the Ophraella beetle and might account for the documented decrease in airborne Ambrosia pollen levels, an event that cannot be explained by meteorology alone. Further investigations that model atmospheric pollen before and after the appearance of the beetle in this part of Northern Italy are needed to assess the influence of the beetle on airborne Ambrosia pollen concentrations. Future work will focus on short distance transport episodes for stations located in the Po Valley, and long distance transport events for stations in Central Italy that exhibit peaks in daily airborne Ambrosia pollen levels.
eHealth as the Next-Generation Perinatal Care: An Overview of the Literature

Background Unrestricted by time and place, electronic health (eHealth) provides solutions for patient empowerment and value-based health care. Women in the reproductive age are particularly frequent users of internet, social media, and smartphone apps. Therefore, the pregnant patient seems to be a prime candidate for eHealth-supported health care with telemedicine for fetal and maternal conditions. Objective This study aims to review the current literature on eHealth developments in pregnancy to assess this new generation of perinatal care. Methods We conducted a systematic literature search of studies on eHealth technology in perinatal care in PubMed and EMBASE in June 2017. Studies reporting the use of eHealth during prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal care were included. Given the heterogeneity in study methods, used technologies, and outcome measurements, results were analyzed and presented in a narrative overview of the literature. Results The literature search provided 71 studies of interest. These studies were categorized in 6 domains: information and eHealth use, lifestyle (gestational weight gain, exercise, and smoking cessation), gestational diabetes, mental health, low- and middle-income countries, and telemonitoring and teleconsulting. Most studies in gestational diabetes and mental health show that eHealth applications are good alternatives to standard practice. Examples are interactive blood glucose management with remote care using smartphones, telephone screening for postnatal depression, and Web-based cognitive behavioral therapy. Apps and exercise programs show a direction toward less gestational weight gain, increase in step count, and increase in smoking abstinence. Multiple studies describe novel systems to enable home fetal monitoring with cardiotocography and uterine activity. However, only few studies assess outcomes in terms of fetal monitoring safety and efficacy in high-risk pregnancy. Patients and clinicians report good overall satisfaction with new strategies that enable the shift from hospital-centered to patient-centered care. Conclusions This review showed that eHealth interventions have a very broad, multilevel field of application focused on perinatal care in all its aspects. Most of the reviewed 71 articles were published after 2013, suggesting this novel type of care is an important topic of clinical and scientific relevance. Despite the promising preliminary results as presented, we accentuate the need for evidence for health outcomes, patient satisfaction, and the impact on costs of the possibilities of eHealth interventions in perinatal care. In general, the combination of increased patient empowerment and home pregnancy care could lead to more satisfaction and efficiency. Despite the challenges of privacy, liability, and costs, eHealth is very likely to disperse globally in the next decade, and it has the potential to deliver a revolution in perinatal care.
Analysis of Sediment Erosion and Deposition Across High Marsh and Tide Channel Sites in Wellfleet, Massachusetts.

Bare spots associated with vegetation die-off along a tidal channel and adjacent marsh platform in the "Gut" in Wellfleet, MA area are a direct result of winter storms and increased crab herbivory. Sediment transport from bare spots and channel banks over a two-year time period are captured with the aid of repeat high-definition surveys using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) techniques. Cross-sectional and morphometric analysis of the tidal channel reveal a statistically significant change in channel size and shape with reference to the amount of elevation change from erosion and deposition. Greater than sixty percent of the topographic changes in the marsh channel are the result of erosional processes. Cellular statistics across the marsh platform revealed less change than the channel. Depositional hotspots occur in areas of sudden wetland dieback, while erosion occurs in small depressions adjacent to the tidal channel. More than fifty percent of the marsh platform displays no change over the two-year measurement period.
A mutation in the low-complexity domain of splicing factor hnRNPA1 linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disrupts distinct neuronal RNA splicing networks

In this study, Lee and Rio describe how a single amino acid mutation in the C-terminal domain of splicing factor hnRNPA1 alters the cellular milieu of differentially spliced transcripts and increases intron retention. Upon altering neuronal RNA-dependent protein interactions, the mutant hnRNPA1 impacts cell growth and aggregation with implications for the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases like ALS.
Factors that impact on the quality of life of intestinal failure patients treated with home parenteral nutrition: protocol for a multicentre, longitudinal observational study

Background Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) refers to the intravenous administration of macronutrients, micronutrients and fluid. The aims of treatment are to increase survival and improve quality of life (QoL). However, patients struggle with physiological symptoms, time-consuming invasive therapy and an increased occurrence of depression and social isolation. Our aim is to understand how HPN impacts the QoL of patients, and the contribution played by the complications of treatment, for example, liver disease. Methods and analysis A multicentre, longitudinal, observational study will be conducted using routinely collected clinical data. Participants will also be asked to complete three QoL questionnaires (EuroQol-5 Dimensions, Short Form 36 and HPN-QoL) at baseline and 12 months. The primary outcome is mean change in QoL scores over 12 months. Secondary outcomes include how factors including liver function, gut microbiota, number of infusions of PN per week, nutritional composition of PN and nutritional status impact on QoL scores. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval was obtained from HRA and Health and Care Research Wales Research Ethics Committee (21/SC/0316). The study was eligible for portfolio adoption, Central Portfolio Management System ID 50506. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at national and international meetings.
Opportunities and challenges in public–private partnerships to reduce social inequality in health in upper-middle-income and high-income countries: a systematic review and meta-synthesis

Objectives There is a need for novel approaches to address the complexity of social inequality in health. Public–private partnerships (PPPs) have been proposed as a promising approach; however, knowledge on lessons learnt from such partnerships remain unclear. This study synthesises evidence on opportunities and challenges of PPPs focusing on social inequality in health in upper-middle-income and high-income countries. Design A systematic literature review and meta-synthesis was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool for quality appraisal. Data sources PubMed, PsychInfo, Embase, Sociological Abstracts and SocIndex were searched for studies published between January 2013 and January 2023. Eligibility criteria Studies were eligible if they applied a quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods design and reported on lessons learnt from PPPs focusing on social inequality in health in upper-middle-income and high-income countries. Studies had to be published in either English, Danish, German, Norwegian or Swedish. Data extraction and synthesis Two independent reviewers extracted data and appraised the quality of the included studies. A meta-synthesis with a descriptive intent was conducted and data were grouped into opportunities and challenges. Results A total of 16 studies of varying methodological quality were included. Opportunities covered three themes: (1) creating synergies, (2) clear communication and coordination, and (3) trust to sustain partnerships. Challenges were identified as reflected in the following three themes: (1) scarce resources, (2) inadequate communication and coordination, and (3) concerns on distrust and conflicting interest. Conclusions Partnerships across public, private and academic institutions hold the potential to address social inequality in health. Nevertheless, a variety of important lessons learnt are identified in the scientific literature. For future PPPs to be successful, partners should be aware of the availability of resources, provide clear communication and coordination, and address concerns on distrust and conflicting interests among partners. PROSPERO registration number CRD42023384608.
Methods and measures to evaluate the impact of participatory model building on public policymakers: a scoping review protocol

Introduction Public policymakers are increasingly engaged in participatory model building processes, such as group model building. Understanding the impacts of policymaker participation in these processes on policymakers is important given that their decisions often have significant influence on the dynamics of complex systems that affect health. Little is known about the extent to which the impacts of participatory model building on public policymakers have been evaluated or the methods and measures used to evaluate these impacts. Methods and analysis A scoping review protocol was developed with the objectives of: (1) scoping studies that have evaluated the impacts of facilitated participatory model building processes on public policymakers who participated in these processes; and (2) describing methods and measures used to evaluate impacts and the main findings of these evaluations. The Joanna Briggs Institute’s Population, Concept, Context framework was used to formulate the article identification process. Seven electronic databases—MEDLINE (Ovid), ProQuest Health and Medical, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase (Ovid), CINAHL Complete and PsycInfo—will be searched. Identified articles will be screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist for scoping reviews will be used and reported. A data extraction tool will collect information across three domains: study characteristics, methods and measures, and findings. The review will be conducted using Covidence, a systematic review data management platform. Ethics and dissemination The scoping review produced will generate an overview of how public policymaker engagement in participatory model building processes has been evaluated. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and to communities of practice that convene policymakers in participatory model building processes. This review will not require ethics approval because it is not human subject research.
Exploring Acceptance Factors of a Technology for Textual Production among Deaf Users: A UTAUT2-Based Study

For deaf individuals, sign language is their primary language, while written language is often considered a secondary language. Although progress has been made in developing technologies that facilitate communication between deaf and hearing individuals, such as sign language interpretation and translation to spoken language, the daily reality for many deaf people still involves relying on existing textual communication technologies. In these situations, deaf individuals often encounter significant challenges in expressing themselves in written language and frequently experience frustration when they are not understood. This paper focuses on studying the experience of deaf individuals with a digital technology currently under development for textual production. It proposes a model for examining the factors that influence the acceptance of this technology, building upon the UTAUT2 (Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology) framework developed by Venkatesh, Thong, and Xu. The constructs of the UTAUT2 model have been reinterpreted to align with the cultural characteristics and expectations of the deaf population. Additionally, a new set of influencing factors has been proposed based on preliminary studies of population characteristics. Furthermore, this paper outlines the design of a research instrument for collecting qualitative and quantitative data, with a specific focus on ensuring accessibility. A multidisciplinary team has been involved in crafting each question in sign language and simplified written Portuguese. This approach aims to enhance inclusivity and enable deaf individuals to fully participate in the research process.
Exploring Interaction in a Virtual Music Studio through Gesture Recognition on Smartwatches and HMD Devices

This work proposes the development of an innovative virtual environment that simulates a music studio, exploring interaction through gesture recognition on smartwatches and mobile virtual reality devices (mVR). By utilizing Multiple Dimensional Dynamic Time Warping (MDDTW) for gesture recognition, users will be able to interact intuitively and immersively with virtual musical instruments. The smartwatch acts as an input device, capturing user gestures and transmitting them to the virtual environment. Moreover, the interaction also allows for the modification of musical samples and the visualization of instrument details. The combination of smartwatches and mVR devices offers a unique experience, expanding possibilities for expression and control for users. It is expected that this approach will drive human-computer interaction in various domains, showcasing new paths for the integrated use of established technologies in the market. The study aims to provide an engaging and immersive experience in the musical context, catering to both music enthusiasts and professionals, while contributing to the ongoing evolution of technological interaction.
Privacy and Integrity Protection for IoT Multimodal Data using Machine Learning and Blockchain

With the wide application of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, large volumes of multimodal data are collected and analyzed for various diagnoses, analyses, and predictions to help decision-making and management. However, the research on protecting data integrity and privacy is quite limited, while the lack of proper protection for sensitive data may have significant impacts on the benefits and gains of data owners. In this research, we propose a protection solution for data integrity and privacy. Specifically, our system protects data integrity through distributed systems and blockchain technology. Meanwhile, our system guarantees data privacy using differential privacy and Machine Learning (ML) techniques. Our system aims to maintain the usability of the data for further data analytical tasks of data users, while encrypting the data according to the requirements of data owners. We implement our solution with smart contracts, distributed file systems, and ML models. The experimental results show that our proposed solution can effectively encrypt source IoT data according to the requirements of data users while data integrity can be protected under the blockchain.
Early Life Influences on Later Life : Innovations and Exploration Life Course Socioeconomic Status , Daily Stressors , and Daily Well-Being : Examining Chain of Risk Models

Objectives: This article models the chain of risk that links life course socioeconomic status (SES), daily stressor exposure and severity, and daily well-being. Method: Data from the main survey and the daily diary project of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Refresher study were combined, resulting in 782 participants (55.6% female; age 25–74, Mage = 47.9) who reported on 5,849 days of information on daily stressors and daily well-being. Data were measured at both person and day levels. Between-person predictor variables include childhood SES, education, and adult SES. Within-person daily variables assessed exposure to daily stressors, severity of daily stressors, positive affect, negative affect, and daily physical symptoms. We contrasted hypothesized models, the chain of risk trigger effect model versus the additive model within a multilevel structural equation modeling framework. Results: The influences of life course SES and daily stressor exposure and severity on daily well-being were better described by the chain of risk additive model than the chain of risk trigger effect model. Childhood SES was directly and indirectly (through education, adult SES, and daily stressor exposure and severity) associated with daily well-being (in betweenperson level), especially daily physical symptoms and daily negative affect. Discussion: Childhood may be a sensitive period that has salient implications for day-to-day well-being later in life.
Is visceral manipulation bene ﬁ cial for patients with low back pain? A systematic review of the literature

A B S T R A C T Objectives: Visceral dysfunction (e.g., mobility or motility restriction) may be an underlying cause or contributing factor for some non-speci ﬁ c LBP and can be treated by osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). The aim of this registered systematic review (CRD42018100633) is to determine the e ﬀ ectiveness of visceral mobilization for non-speci ﬁ c LBP and explore associations between changes in range of motion of the viscera and LBP symptoms. Data sources: In November 2018 peer-reviewed studies published in English or German where retrieved from the following databases from inception: Medline, Cochrane library, Science Direct, PEDro, OSTMED.RD and Osteo web res. Study selection: Articles identi ﬁ ed during searching were screened using the eligibility criteria based on title and abstract. Studies were included following independent review of full-text versions. Data extraction: Study quality appraisal (risk of bias tool and the PEDro score) and data extraction (means and standard deviations for patient-reported outcome measures and impairments - pain, function and ultrasound measurements of change in visceral mobility) were completed/extracted by two independent authors. Data synthesis: Cohen's e ﬀ ect sizes were calculated. Meta-analysis was not performed due to heterogeneity in study populations and methods. A total of four RCT's where included with a moderate to good methodological quality. Two studies reported a signi ﬁ cant short-term (<3 days) improvement in pain and visceral range of motion, although the clinical signi ﬁ cance of these di ﬀ erences were unclear. Only one study reported signi ﬁ cant di ﬀ erences in the long term (52 weeks) for pain and one for the medium term (6 weeks) for quality of life. Adverse events were poorly reported.