Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical Implications of Helicobacter pylori Antibiotic Resistance in Italy: A Review of the Literature

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) resistance to antibiotics has increased worldwide in recent decades, especially to clarithromycin. As a result, the World Health Organization (WHO) identified clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori as a “high priority” pathogen in 2017. As international guidelines recommend empirical therapy as first-line treatment, it is crucial to know local resistance rates and history of antibiotic use to determine the most appropriate first-line antibiotic treatment. Italy is one of the European countries with the highest prevalence of H. pylori infection and the highest percentage of antibiotic-resistant H. pylori. The aim of this review is to summarize all data on H. pylori antibiotic resistance in Italy in order to quantify the current rate and determine the most effective therapeutic approach. The study confirms an elevated level of resistance to clarithromycin, metronidazole, and levofloxacin in Italy. In addition, our results show a satisfactory eradication rate for a bismuth-based regimen when used as first- or second-line treatment. Naive patients are also successfully treated with clarithromycin-based quadruple therapies. Considering the good results of bismuth-based therapy as recovery therapy, this argues for the potential use of clarithromycin quadruple therapy as a first-line treatment.
Additional bounds on the pre-big-bang-nucleosynthesis expansion by means of γ-rays from the galactic centre

The possibility to use γ-ray data from the galactic centre (GC) to constrain the cosmological evolution of the Universe in a phase prior to primordial nucleosynthesis, namely around the time of cold dark matter (CDM) decoupling, is analysed. The basic idea is that in a modified cosmological scenario, where the Hubble expansion rate is enhanced with respect to the standard case, the CDM decoupling occurred earlier and the relic abundance of a given dark matter (DM) candidate enhanced. This implies that the present amount of CDM in the Universe may be explained by a weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) which possesses an annihilation cross section that is (much) larger than that in standard cosmology. This enhanced annihilation implies larger fluxes of indirect detection signals of CDM. We show that the HESS measurements can set bounds for WIMPs heavier than a few hundred GeV, depending on the actual DM halo profile. These results are complementary to those obtained in a previous analysis based on cosmic antiprotons. For a Moore DM profile, γ-ray data limit the maximal Hubble rate enhancement to be below a factor of 100. Moreover, for the same profile, a WIMP in the 1–10 TeV mass range is not compatible with a cosmological scenario with an enhanced expansion rate prior to big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN). Less steep DM profiles provide less stringent bounds, depending on the cosmological scenario.
Electron-Muon Ranger: hardware characterization

The Electron-Muon Ranger (EMR) is a fully-active tracking-calorimeter in charge of the electron background rejection downstream of the cooling channel at the international Muon Ionization Cooling Experiment. It consists of 2832 plastic scintillator bars segmented in 48 planes in an X–Y arrangement and uses particle range as its main variable to tag muons and discriminate electrons. An array of analyses were conducted to characterize the hardware of the EMR and determine whether the detector performs to specifications. The clear fibres coming from the bars were shown to transmit the desired amount of light, and only four dead channels were identified in the electronics. Two channels had indubitably been mismatched during assembly and the DAQ channel map was subsequently corrected. The level of crosstalk is within acceptable values for the type of multi-anode photomultiplier used with an average of 0.20± 0.03 % probability of occurrence in adjacent channels and a mean amplitude equivalent to 4.5±0.1 % of the primary signal intensity. The efficiency of the signal acquisition, defined as the probability of recording a signal in a plane when a particle goes through it in beam conditions, reached 99.73± 0.02 %.
IL3 Has a Detrimental Effect on Hematopoietic Stem Cell Self-Renewal in Transplantation Settings

The ex vivo expansion and maintenance of long-term hematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSC) is crucial for stem cell-based gene therapy. A combination of stem cell factor (SCF), thrombopoietin (TPO), FLT3 ligand (FLT3) and interleukin 3 (IL3) cytokines has been commonly used in clinical settings for the expansion of CD34+ from different sources, prior to transplantation. To assess the effect of IL3 on repopulating capacity of cultured CD34+ cells, we employed the commonly used combination of STF, TPO and FILT3 with or without IL3. Expanded cells were transplanted into NSG mice, followed by secondary transplantation. Overall, this study shows that IL3 leads to lower human cell engraftment and repopulating capacity in NSG mice, suggesting a negative effect of IL3 on HSC self-renewal. We, therefore, recommend omitting IL3 from HSC-based gene therapy protocols.
Emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technologies Used in the Development of Solid Dosage Forms

Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based formulation development is a promising approach for facilitating the drug product development process. AI is a versatile tool that contains multiple algorithms that can be applied in various circumstances. Solid dosage forms, represented by tablets, capsules, powder, granules, etc., are among the most widely used administration methods. During the product development process, multiple factors including critical material attributes (CMAs) and processing parameters can affect product properties, such as dissolution rates, physical and chemical stabilities, particle size distribution, and the aerosol performance of the dry powder. However, the conventional trial-and-error approach for product development is inefficient, laborious, and time-consuming. AI has been recently recognized as an emerging and cutting-edge tool for pharmaceutical formulation development which has gained much attention. This review provides the following insights: (1) a general introduction of AI in the pharmaceutical sciences and principal guidance from the regulatory agencies, (2) approaches to generating a database for solid dosage formulations, (3) insight on data preparation and processing, (4) a brief introduction to and comparisons of AI algorithms, and (5) information on applications and case studies of AI as applied to solid dosage forms. In addition, the powerful technique known as deep learning-based image analytics will be discussed along with its pharmaceutical applications. By applying emerging AI technology, scientists and researchers can better understand and predict the properties of drug formulations to facilitate more efficient drug product development processes.
Astro2020 Science White Paper: Insights Into the Epoch of Reionization with the Highly-Redshifted 21-cm Line

The epoch of reionization, when photons from early galaxies ionized the intergalactic medium about a billion years after the Big Bang, is the last major phase transition in the Universe's history. Measuring the characteristics of the transition is important for understanding early galaxies and the cosmic web and for modeling dwarf galaxies in the later Universe. But such measurements require probes of the intergalactic medium itself. Here we describe how the 21-cm line of neutral hydrogen provides a powerful probe of the reionization process and therefore important constraints on both the galaxies and intergalactic absorbers at that time. While existing experiments will make precise statistical measurements over the next decade, we argue that improved 21-cm analysis techniques - allowing imaging of the neutral gas itself - as well as improved theoretical models, are crucial for testing our understanding of this important era.
Deriving formulations for numerical computation of binary neutron stars in quasicircular orbits

Two relations, the virial relation ${M}_{\mathrm{ADM}}{=M}_{\mathrm{K}}$ and the first law in the form $\ensuremath{\delta}{M}_{\mathrm{ADM}}=\ensuremath{\Omega}\ensuremath{\delta}J,$ should be satisfied by a solution and a sequence of solutions describing binary compact objects in quasiequilibrium circular orbits. Here, ${M}_{\mathrm{ADM}},$ ${M}_{\mathrm{K}},$ J, and $\ensuremath{\Omega}$ are the Arnowitt-Deser-Misner (ADM) mass, Komar mass, angular momentum, and orbital angular velocity, respectively. $\ensuremath{\delta}$ denotes an Eulerian variation. These two conditions restrict the allowed formulations that we may adopt. First, we derive relations between ${M}_{\mathrm{ADM}}$ and ${M}_{\mathrm{K}}$ and between $\ensuremath{\delta}{M}_{\mathrm{ADM}}$ and $\ensuremath{\Omega}\ensuremath{\delta}J$ for general asymptotically flat spacetimes. Then, to obtain solutions that satisfy the virial relation and sequences of solutions that satisfy the first law at least approximately, we propose a formulation for computation of quasiequilibrium binary neutron stars in general relativity. In contrast to previous approaches in which a part of the Einstein equation is solved, in the new formulation, the full Einstein equation is solved with maximal slicing and in a transverse gauge for the conformal three-metric. Helical symmetry is imposed in the near zone, while in the distant zone, a waveless condition is assumed. We expect the solutions obtained in this formulation to be excellent quasiequilibria as well as initial data for numerical simulations of binary neutron star mergers.
La-site shift as probe for Jahn-Teller effect

We observe two consecutive transitions in La1-xCaxMnO3, x=0.19: ferromagnetic ordering at Tc = 177 K and Jahn-Teller orbital ordering at T_JT = 150 K. The presence of a ferromagnetic insulating state below T_JT shows that the metallic phase is bound by ferromagnetic and Jahn- Teller ordering, and not induced by a critical doping concentration. The A-site shift is found to be a good indicator of Jahn-Teller ordering. Furthermore, the A-site shift does not disapppear above T_JT, indicating a dynamical behaviour of the distorted MnO6 octahedra.
Obtaining and Characterizing the Osmium Nanoparticles/n–Decanol Bulk Membrane Used for the p–Nitrophenol Reduction and Separation System

Liquid membranes based on nanoparticles follow a continuous development, both from obtaining methods and characterization of techniques points of view. Lately, osmium nanoparticles have been deposited either on flat membranes, with the aim of initiating some reaction processes, or on hollow fiber membranes, with the aim of increasing the contact surface with the phases of the membrane system. This paper presents the obtainment and characterization of a liquid membrane based on osmium nanoparticles (Os–NP) dispersed in ndecanol (nDol) for the realization of a membrane system with a large contact surface between the phases, but without using a liquid membrane support. The dispersion of osmium nanoparticles in n-decanol is carried out by the method of reducing osmium tetroxide with 1–undecenoic acid (UDA). The resulting membrane was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy analysis (EDAX), thermoanalysis (TG, DSC), Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS). In order to increase the mass transfer surface, a design for the membrane system was realized with the dispersion of the membrane through the receiving phase and the dispersion of the source phase through the membrane (DBLM-dispersion bulk liquid membrane). The process performance was tested for the reduction of p–nitrophenol (pNP) from the source phase, using sodium tetra-borohydride (NaBH4), to p–aminophenol (pAP), which was transported and collected in the receiving phase. The obtained results show that membranes based on the dispersion of osmium nanoparticles in n–decanol can be used with an efficiency of over 90% for the reduction of p–nitrophenol and the separation of p–aminophenol.
Chemopreventive Effect on Human Colon Adenocarcinoma Cells of Styrylquinolines: Synthesis, Cytotoxicity, Proapoptotic Effect and Molecular Docking Analysis

Seven styrylquinolines were synthesized in this study. Two of these styrylquinolines are new and were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. The chemopreventive potential of these compounds was evaluated against SW480 human colon adenocarcinoma cells, its metastatic derivative SW620, and normal cells (HaCaT). According to the results, compounds 3a and 3d showed antiproliferative activity in SW480 and SW620 cells, but their effect seemed to be caused by different mechanisms of action. Compound 3a induced apoptosis independent of ROS production, as evidenced by increased levels of caspase 3, and had an immunomodulatory effect, positively regulating the production of different immunological markers in malignant cell lines. In contrast, compound 3d generated a pro-oxidant response and inhibited the growth of cancer cells, probably by another type of cell death other than apoptosis. Molecular docking studies indicated that the most active compound, 3a, could efficiently bind to the proapoptotic human caspases-3 protein, a result that could provide valuable information on the biochemical mechanism for the in vitro cytotoxic response of this compound in SW620 colon carcinoma cell lines. The obtained results suggest that these compounds have chemopreventive potential against CRC, but more studies should be carried out to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of action of each of them in depth.
Longitudinally Heterogeneous Tumor Dose Optimizes Proton Broadbeam, Interlaced Minibeam, and FLASH Therapy

Simple Summary The aim of any kind of external radiation therapy is to control a tumor with the highest possible probability of the lowest possible side effects. Here, we study further opportunities of reducing the side effects of proton therapy by applying longitudinally heterogeneous dose distributions in the tumor respecting the delivery of a minimum prescribed dose. In our simulations, the longitudinally heterogeneous dose distributions show a reduced dose in the healthy tissue already in the case of proton broadbeam irradiations, but a much higher (calculated) mean cell survival in the case of proton minibeam irradiation. This demonstrates its potential to substantially reduce side effects at a simultaneously higher tumor control probability, opening new opportunities of easier application when striving for high dose-rate applications of proton beams (>~10 Gy/s), in order to additionally profit from the so-called FLASH effects. Abstract The prerequisite of any radiation therapy modality (X-ray, electron, proton, and heavy ion) is meant to meet at least a minimum prescribed dose at any location in the tumor for the best tumor control. In addition, there is also an upper dose limit within the tumor according to the International Commission on Radiation Units (ICRU) recommendations in order to spare healthy tissue as well as possible. However, healthy tissue may profit from the lower side effects when waving this upper dose limit and allowing a larger heterogeneous dose deposition in the tumor, but maintaining the prescribed minimum dose level, particularly in proton minibeam therapy. Methods: Three different longitudinally heterogeneous proton irradiation modes and a standard spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP) irradiation mode are simulated for their depth-dose curves under the constraint of maintaining a minimum prescribed dose anywhere in the tumor region. Symmetric dose distributions of two opposing directions are overlaid in a 25 cm-thick water phantom containing a 5 cm-thick tumor region. Interlaced planar minibeam dose distributions are compared to those of a broadbeam using the same longitudinal dose profiles. Results and Conclusion: All longitudinally heterogeneous proton irradiation modes show a dose reduction in the healthy tissue compared to the common SOBP mode in the case of broad proton beams. The proton minibeam cases show eventually a much larger mean cell survival and thus a further reduced equivalent uniform dose (EUD) in the healthy tissue than any broadbeam case. In fact, the irradiation mode using only one proton energy from each side shows better sparing capabilities in the healthy tissue than the common spread-out Bragg peak irradiation mode with the option of a better dose fall-off at the tumor edges and an easier technical realization, particularly in view of proton minibeam irradiation at ultra-high dose rates larger than ~10 Gy/s (so-called FLASH irradiation modes).
Anthocyanin Content of Crackers and Bread Made with Purple and Blue Wheat Varieties

Purple and blue wheats contain anthocyanins in the outer layers of the wheat kernel, and therefore purple and blue wholemeals can be a source of anthocyanins when developing processed cereal products. However, cereal processing is anticipated to cause significant anthocyanin losses. In this study, the anthocyanin content of crackers and bread made from one purple and three blue wholemeals was measured during processing and after baking. LC-MS/MS was used to confirm the presence of anthocyanins, and to tentatively identify them. Mixing and baking steps significantly decreased the anthocyanin content, whereas resting and fermentation steps did not. Purple and blue wholemeal samples reacted differently, indicating that the starting anthocyanin content, localization and composition may have some impact on anthocyanin retention. Additionally, dough systems with decreased pH were more protective of anthocyanins during intermediate processing steps, as were high-temperature, short-time baking procedures. This research provides insights into the processing steps that cause significant anthocyanin losses, and proposes some modifications to formulation and processing conditions which can further reduce losses.
Magnetic-Based Human Tissue 3D Cell Culture: A Systematic Review

Cell-based assays, conducted on monolayer (2D) cultured cells, are an unquestionably valuable tool for biomedical research. However, three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models have gained relevance over the last few years due to the advantages of better mimicking the microenvironment and tissue microarchitecture in vivo. Recent magnetic-based 3D (m3D) cell culture systems can be used for this purpose. These systems are based on exposing magnetized cells to magnetic fields by levitation, bioprinting, or ring formation to promote cell aggregation into 3D structures. However, the successful development of these structures is dependent on several methodological characteristics and can be applied to mimic different human tissues. Thus, a systematic review was performed using Medline (via Pubmed), Scopus, and Web of Science (until February 2022) databases to aggregate studies using m3D culture in which human tissues were mimicked. The search generated 3784 records, of which 25 met the inclusion criteria. The usability of these m3D systems for the development of homotypic or heterotypic spheroids with or without scaffolds was explored in these studies. We also explore methodological differences specifically related to the magnetic method. Generally, the development of m3D cultures has been increasing, with bioprinting and levitation systems being the most used to generate homotypic or heterotypic cultures, mainly to mimic the physiology of human tissues, but also to perform therapeutic screening. This systematic review showed that there are areas of research where the application of this method remains barely explored, such as cancer research.
Facile Pressure-Sensitive Capacitive Touch Keypad for a Green Intelligent Human–Machine Interface

There is a great demand for human–machine interfaces (HMIs) in emerging electronics applications. However, commercially available plastic-based HMIs are primarily rigid, application-specific, and hard to recycle and dispose of due to their non-biodegradability. This results in electronic and plastic waste, potentially damaging the environment by ending up in landfills and water resources. This work presents a green, capacitive pressure-sensitive (CPS), touch sensor-based keypad as a disposable, wireless, and intelligent HMI to mitigate these problems. The CPS touch keypads were fabricated through a facile green fabrication process by direct writing of graphite-on-paper, using readily available materials such as paper and pencils, etc. The interdigitated capacitive (IDC) touch sensors were optimized by analyzing the number of electrode fingers, dimensions, and spacing between the electrode fingers. The CPS touch keypad was customized to wirelessly control a robotic arm’s movements based on the touch input. A low-pressure touch allows slow-speed robotic arm movement for precision movements, and a high-pressure touch allows high-speed robotic arm movement to cover the large movements quickly. The green CPS touch keypad, as a disposable wireless HMI, has the potential to enforce a circular economy by mitigating electronic and plastic waste, which supports the vision of a sustainable and green world.
Myeloperoxidase as a Potential Biomarker of Acute-Myocardial-Infarction-Induced Depression and Suppression of the Innate Immune System

While myeloperoxidase (MPO) serves as an indicator of both neutrophil and innate-immune-system function, the potential suppression of the innate immune system in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI)-induced depression might be evidenced by a decrease in MPO serum levels. The aim of this prospective study was to (1) determine whether serum concentrations of MPO vary immediately and 6 months after AMI and (2) to investigate whether MPO concentrations at the time of the AMI are significant predictors of AMI-induced depression and the depression-associated suppression of the innate immune system. A total of 109 AMI patients were assessed with the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17) immediately after admission to the hospital and 6 months later. The MPO status was assessed with serum samples, which were also collected immediately and 6 months after AMI. The depressive patients showed significantly lower MPO blood levels immediately and 6 months after the AMI compared to the patients without depression (ANCOVA: MPO (depression) F = 4.764, df = 1, p = 0.031). The baseline MPO was observed as a significant predictor (p = 0.027) of AMI-induced depression 6 months after AMI. MPO is a potential biomarker for AMI-induced depression, indicating a depression-associated suppression of the innate immune system.