Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Elevated Levels of Plasmin-α2 Antiplasmin Complexes in Unstable Angina

Summary The evidence of elevated levels of several biochemical markers of prothrombotic state in patients with unstable angina suggests that thrombus formation and lysis play a pivotal role in acute coronary syndromes. The clinical syndrome of unstable angina encompasses a variety of clinical presentations of transient episodes of myocardial ischemia. This study was designed to assess plasmin generation in different settings of unstable angina. Evidence of plasmin generation in patients with unstable angina was measured by circulating plasmin-α2 antiplas-min complexes (PAP). A second objective was to identify whether PAP levels had a prognostic value to predict outcome. Eighty-five patients admitted to the coronary care unit for unstable angina were classified into three groups. Group A included 26 patients with postinfarction angina; group B comprised 26 patients with new onset angina; and group C included 33 patients with crescendo angina. Mean PAP levels were higher in the three groups compared to healthy controls. A significant correlation was found between levels of PAP and D-dimer, particularly in postinfarction angina (r = 0.6; p <0.0005). This trial adds new insights into the pathophysiology of unstable angina. It demonstrates that plasmin is generated in the different settings of unstable angina but particularly in postinfarction angina patients where a fibrin-rich thrombus is responsible of the symptoms. However, in this series PAP levels do not predict an uneventful outcome neither in the acute phase nor at long term (6 months). Abbreviations and acronyms: CABG: coronary artery bypass graft; CCU: coronary care unit; ECG: electrocardiogram; IABP: intraaortic balloon pump; MI: myocardial infarction; PAP: plasmin-α2 antiplasmin complexes; PTCA: percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
Hafnium Oxide as a Nanoradiosensitizer under X-ray Irradiation of Aqueous Organic Systems: A Model Study Using the Spin-Trapping Technique and Monte Carlo Simulations

The development of the physicochemical basis for applications of nanoradiosensitizers for targeted treatment of tumors is one of the crucial issues of modern radiotherapy. Ceramic nanoparticles (NPs) composed of heavy metal oxides are considered as prospective sensitizers, particularly for X-ray treatment. This study reports a novel approach for experimental simulations of the radiosensitizing effect of NPs in biomimetic systems based on the quantification of radicals produced from organic components in concentrated aqueous organic solutions using the spin-trapping technique with electron paramagnetic resonance detection. This approach was first applied to X-ray irradiation (45 kVp) of aqueous methanol solutions systems containing different concentrations of hafnium oxide nanoparticles with an average diameter of ca. 84 nm (up to 1.8 wp). It was found that the amount of radicals produced from methanol at the same exposition time increased linearly with the increasing content of HfO2 NPs. The effect can be.
Development of an evaluation matrix for a community-based interdisciplinary health-promotion course

Background . In order to conduct a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of a curriculum, there must be a framework to guide the process that is needed to evaluate various aspects of the education programme. The Concept-Indicator-Method was chosen and modified as the conceptual framework that steered the evaluation process of a community-based interdisciplinary health-promotion course. Objective . This article draws attention to the development of an appropriate evaluation matrix based on the Concept-Indicator-Method, which served as the organising framework for the evaluation. The focus of the evaluation was on assessing the perceived effectiveness and impact on the stakeholders of the course so as to direct the teaching and learning of health promotion at higher education institutions. Methods . The mixed-methods approach was selected as the most appropriate research design for data collection and analysis. The use of multiple data collection instruments and sources provided a broader perspective and deeper understanding of the core concepts of the evaluation from the perspective of multiple sources. Results . Three core concepts were identified in the evaluation of this community-based undergraduate programme: (i) curriculum; (ii) community-based learning; and (iii) university-school collaboration. Furthermore, associated key indicators for each core concept were developed. Conclusion . The evaluation matrix may be of particular interest to those who are seeking an evaluation tool for evaluating a community-based course.
Ultrathin Two‐Dimensional Semiconductors for Photocatalysis in Energy and Environment Applications

The search for highly active photocatalysts remains one of the most challenging tasks for realizing efficient solar energy utilization. Inspired by their unique and excellent physicochemical properties, ultrathin two‐dimensional (2D) semiconductors present great advantages in photocatalytic researches. In this review, we summarize the state‐of‐art progress on the ultrathin 2D semiconductors with a particular emphasis on their recent advances in energy and environment applications. First, we introduce the historical developments of 2D nanomaterials, and outline their advantages in terms of photocatalysis. Second, the classifications of ultrathin 2D semiconductors are summarized based on their structure and compositions. Further, various energy and environment applications including water splitting, CO2 reduction, N2 fixation, organic syntheses, NOx removal, water treatment, and sterilization in recent years (mainly in the recent 3 years) are highlighted in detail. Finally, the personal perspectives on future challenges and outlooks in the field of energy and environment applications are featured.
Size-specific PAHs and Associated Health Risks over a Tropical Urban Metropolis: Role of Long-range Transport and Meteorology

ABSTRACT The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are considered as an important class of organic pollutants in the urban atmosphere to pose serious health hazards. A comprehensive study was conducted during the dry seasons of 2017–2018 to understand the impacts of local sources, meteorology, boundary layer dynamics, and long-range transport, on the size-specific particulate PAHs (Coarse: 10–2.1 µm; Superfine: 2.1–1.1 µm; Accumulation: 1.1–0.4 µm and Ultrafine: < 0.4 µm). Samples were collected over Kolkata (22.33°N and 88.20°E), a megacity of the lower Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP). Wintertime distributions of all PAHs were exclusively unimodal with their maximum abundance in accumulation mode, whereas the 4,5 and 6-ring PAHs showed additional coarse mode peaks during post-monsoon and pre-monsoon. The Concentration Weighted Trajectory model has identified the middle IGP and the Eastern Ghats as the potent PAH source regions for the receptor site. Meteorology significantly influenced, in minimizing the contributions of transported PAHs from biomass burning regions of Eastern Ghats during pre-monsoon. On the contrary, meteorology favored the PAHs accumulation from local emissions and long-range transport during winter and post-monsoon. Source apportionment by positive matrix factorization model identified unburned petroleum, incineration, fossil fuel and coal burning as possible major sources of size-specific PAHs. Additionally, based on benzo(a)pyrene equivalent concentrations, the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) values were estimated for four human age groups. In general, ILCR values were influenced by the accumulation mode, and they were highest for all size ranges during winter. The estimated upper limit of ILCR (9.26 × 10–6) exceeding the carcinogenic benchmark level (1 × 10–6), draws attention towards the adverse impacts of wintertime ultrafine PAHs on human health in Kolkata, where poor air quality is already a major concern.
Z‐Scheme Heterojunction Functionalized Pyrite Nanosheets for Modulating Tumor Microenvironment and Strengthening Photo/Chemodynamic Therapeutic Effects

A Z‐scheme heterojunction with high electron–hole pairs separation efficacy and enhanced redox potentials exhibits tremendous potential in photonic theranostics, but still remains unexplored and challenging. Herein, novel 2D thermally oxidized pyrite nanosheets (TOPY NSs) with FeS2 core and Fe2O3 shell are fabricated combining ball grinding and two‐step probe sonication assisted liquid exfoliation under different solution and air environments. The Fe2O3 shell and Fe3+/Fe2+ inside TOPY NSs can both damage the tumor microenvironment through glutathione consumption and O2 production, and produce ·OH by Fenton reaction. More interestingly, a direct Z‐scheme heterojunction based on FeS2 core and Fe2O3 shell is constructed, in which the electrons in the conduction band (CB) of Fe2O3 are recombined with the holes in the valence band (VB) of FeS2, leaving stronger reduction/oxidation potentials in the CB of FeS2 and the VB of Fe2O3. Under irradiation of a 650 nm laser, the generation of ·O2− from O2 and ·OH from OH− on the CB of FeS2 and VB of Fe2O3, respectively, is largely enhanced. Furthermore, the NSs can be triggered by an 808 nm laser to generate local hyperthermia for photothermal therapy. Moreover, the fluorescent, photoacoustic, and photothermal imaging capabilities of the NSs allow multimodal imaging‐guided cancer treatment.
Investigation of the Use of Ceramic Membranes in Recovering Liquid Enzymes for Castor Oil Transesterification

The reuse of the liquid enzymes Eversa Transform and Resinase HT for castor oil transesterification was investigated. For each enzyme, the reactions were carried out at 35 °C with 6:1 methanol-to-oil molar ratio, 5 wt% enzyme and 5 wt% water by weight of oil, for 8 hours. After completion, the reaction mixture was centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 30 min and the enzyme phase was collected. The reuse of the enzyme solutions were tested using three different separation techniques. In the first, enzymes were reused after the centrifugation step without further separation. In the second, enzymes were reused after centrifugation followed by water diafiltration using an ultrafiltration membrane in order to remove glycerol and methanol from the recycle solution. In the third, the enzyme solution obtained after diafiltration was concentrated in the membrane set-up prior to its reuse. Tubular ceramic ultrafiltration membranes with MWCO of 15 and 25 kDa were used.The experiments showed that ultrafiltration removed glycerol and methanol from the enzyme solution, increasing the enzyme activity during the transesterification. Furthermore, concentration of the enzyme solutions after the diafiltration had a positive effect on the FAME production when recycled enzyme solutions are used. For Eversa Transform, the biodiesel content increased from 67 % with reuse after centrifugation to 83 % when a concentrated and diafiltrated enzyme solution was used as catalyst. For Resinase HT, the biodiesel concentration improved from 69 to up to 79 %.
A clinical phase I, pharmacokinetic (PK), and pharmacodynamic study of twice daily BIBF 1120 in advanced cancer patients

3031 Background: BIBF 1120 is a potent, orally available triple angiokinase inhibitor (VEGFRs, PDGFRs, FGFRs) that suppresses tumor growth by angiogenesis inhibition. After an initial study with once daily dosing in advanced cancer patients, twice daily (bid) dosing was performed in order to increase drug exposure without increasing toxicity. Methods: Treatment cycles consisted of 28 days continuous administration of BIBF 1120 bid followed by 7 days off. The dose was escalated until dose limiting toxicity (DLT) was observed. Further treatment cycles were allowed in the absence of progressive disease and persistent toxicity. PK profiles were obtained at the beginning and at end of the 1st cycle. Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DCE-MRI) was performed at baseline, day 3, day 30, and after each further cycle. Results: 36 patients (5 female, 31 male) were included, 33 completed treatment cycle 1, and 3 patients were excluded due to unrelated adverse events (AE) or DLT. The dose was escala.
Nanostructure Empowers Active Tumor Targeting in Ligand‐Based Molecular Delivery

Cell‐selective targeting is expected to enhance effectiveness and minimize side effects of cytotoxic agents. Functionalization of drugs or drug nanoconjugates with specific cell ligands allows receptor‐mediated selective cell delivery. However, it is unclear whether the incorporation of an efficient ligand into a drug vehicle is sufficient to ensure proper biodistribution upon systemic administration, and also at which extent biophysical properties of the vehicle may contribute to the accumulation in target tissues during active targeting. To approach this issue, structural robustness of self‐assembling, protein‐only nanoparticles targeted to the tumoral marker CXCR4 is compromised by reducing the number of histidine residues (from six to five) in a histidine‐based architectonic tag. Thus, the structure of the resulting nanoparticles, but not of building blocks, is weakened. Upon intravenous injection in animal models of human CXCR4+ colorectal cancer, the administered material loses the ability to accumulate in tumor tissue, where it is only transiently found. It instead deposits in kidney and liver. Therefore, precise cell‐targeted delivery requires not only the incorporation of a proper ligand that promotes receptor‐mediated internalization, but also, unexpectedly, its maintenance of a stable multimeric nanostructure that ensures high ligand exposure and long residence time in tumor tissue.
Suicide prevention in older adults

Suicide among older adults is a multifactorial problem with several interrelated factors involved that vary with age, gender and culture. The number of suicides is highest in those aged 70 years or older in almost all regions of the world. With the increase in life expectancy, and the decrease in mortality due to other causes of death, we could expect the absolute number of older adults' suicide continue increasing.
ANTIDIABETIC POTENTIAL OF PERSIMMON PULP POWDER ON ALLOXAN INDUCED DIABETIC RABBITS

Diabetes, a condition when blood glucose level goes beyond the normal range. Natural treatments particularly through bioactive components from fruit and vegetable sources are becoming popular worldwide and are broadly accepted because of no side effects and cost effectiveness. The present study was planned to investigate the antidiabetic potential of persimmon pulp powder by using alloxan induced diabetic rabbits as an animal model. For this purpose, fifteen rabbits were induced Diabetes mellitus by alloxan and divided into three groups. Persimmon pulp powder supplemented diets (0%, 10% and 20%) were given to the diabetic rabbits for the duration of 21 days. The blood samples of rabbits were examined for glucose, serum creatinine and urea levels on weekly basis. The results indicated that there was a significant decline in glucose as well as creatinine and urea levels in blood of diabetic rabbits. The reduction of blood glucose level was ranged from 357.66 mg/dL to 256.45 mg/dL on administration of 20% persimmon peel powder in the feed of rabbits. Similarly, serum creatinine and urea levels were also significantly reduced 1.42 mg/dl and 1.22 mg/dl and 47.50 mg/dl and 24.22 mg/dl, respectively because of supplementation of 20% persimmon pulp powder. It is concluded from the results that persimmon pulp powder might be a potential natural antidiabetic treatment of diabetic complications.
Rheological, melting, microstructural, and oil droplets-interfacial properties of model processed cheese made with calcium caseinate and trisodium citrate or sodium pyrophosphate

i Emulsifying salts play an important role in processed cheese manufacture, contributing to create a smooth and stable product. The aim of this thesis was to develop a fundamental understanding of the relationship between milk protein ingredients, specifically calcium caseinates, the different types of emulsifying salts, oil droplets and their interfacial properties, in a simplified model processed cheese. In this model processed cheese, which were manufactured on a lab scale using trisodium citrate (TSC) or tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP), shear, protein and oil concentrations, emulsion stabilisers were varied. Rheology, particle size, melting measurements and microscopic observations were used to probe these systems. This study showed that increasing shear rates, up to a critical value, during processed cheese processing decreased the size of the oil droplets up to ~0.2 μm and promoted oil droplet emulsification. Other than that, processed cheese made with 20% of protein (w/w) and 20% oil (w/w) using TSC presented optimal results for particle size (~0.4 μm), rheology (G*= ~14 kPa) and melting properties (78%). Increasing oil concentration up to 30%, increased the firmness (G*= ~13.5 kPa) and oil droplet particle size (~0.6 μm) but decreased the meltability (69%) of processed cheese samples made with TSC due to stronger oil-protein and protein-water interactions. The results of the model processed cheese made with TSPP demonstrated similar trends with the results of processed cheese made with TSC in terms of rheology, particle size, microstructure and melting properties as a function of protein and oil concentrations. Comparison between model processed cheeses made with TSC and TSPP shows that optimal processed cheese are obtained when 20% protein and 20% oil are used. The type of interactions that occurs between the oil droplets and the protein matrix depends on the nature of the surface active material stabilising the oil droplets. Model processed cheese containing oil droplets stabilised by calcium caseinate or whey protein isolate (WPI) emulsified either by TSC or TSPP demonstrated the higher G* values, smaller oil droplets, a more compact structure and lower melting properties. This is due to the fact that both WPI and calcium caseinate are active fillers, interacting positively with the casein network matrix producing more elastic processed cheeses. Model processed cheese containing oil droplets stabilised by lecithin either emulsified by TSC or TSPP exhibited the lowest G* values,
Novel Gear-like predictor–corrector integration methods for molecular dynamics

A new class of predictor–corrector integration methods intended for molecular dynamics simulation is presented. The methods are derived from the original Gear methods by analysing the numerical solution of the harmonic oscillator. The corrector coefficients are chosen to improve the time-reversibility while keeping maximum stability. Tests performed on systems with forces not dependent on velocities (classical two-body problem and three simple atomistic systems) show good energy conservation and reduced deviations of measured quantities in comparison with the Verlet method. As regards the systems with velocity-dependent right-hand sides, a moderate improvement is found for the Nosé–Hoover thermostat but no improvement for fixed bonds constrained by the general constraint dynamics based on Lagrange multipliers. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
The Role of the Nutrient Sensor CodY in Regulating Nuclease Production and Extracellular DNA Metabolism in Staphylococcus Aureus

As an opportunistic pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections. The success of S. aureus as a pathogen stems from its ability to produce a plethora of virulence factors that aid in nutrient acquisition and host immune evasion as well as adhesion and biofilm formation. Previous studies have shown that the global transcriptional regulator CodY integrates nutrient availability with the regulation of nearly all virulence genes in S. aureus, including those required for immune evasion and biofilm development. Furthermore, a growing body of literature suggests that extracellular DNA (eDNA) is a critical factor in biofilm development as eDNA both acts as a scaffold for biofilms and can be degraded to aid in the evasion of the host immune response during infection. The primary focus of my dissertation research has been to understand how the CodY protein integrates the nutritional status of the cell into eDNA utilization. My thesis provides two lines of evidence that CodY governs eDNA utilization as I discovered: (i) a novel regulatory pathway by which CodY regulates the production of secreted nuclease via the S. aureus exo-protein secretion system (Sae TCS) and (ii) that CodY mutants produce an eDNA dependent biofilm by using the secreted polysaccharide PIA as a molecular sponge. My dissertation work reveals a complex regulatory network where both intracellular and environmental signals are integrated through CodY to control pathogenesis in the human pathogen S. aureus.
Chlorogenic acid potentiates antitumor effect of doxorubicin through upregulation of death receptors in solid Ehrlich carcinoma model in mice

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the antitumor effect of chlorogenic acid (CGA) alone and in combination with doxorubicin (DOX) in solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC) model in mice. In addition, we investigated the possible cardioprotective effect of CGA against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. CGA, DOX and their combination were given for 21 days in mice bearing SEC. Tumor volume and weight were measured, and serum CRP was determined by latex immunoassay. Moreover, mRNA expressions of TRAIL, TRAILR2, FasL, Fas, caspase-3 and Bcl-2 were measured using RT-PCR. Histopathological examination of tumor and cardiac tissues was carried out using hematoxylin and eosin. Active caspase-3 was detected by immunohistochemistry. CGA and/or DOX treatment showed a remarkable decrease in solid tumor volume and weight. CGA and/or DOX groups revealed upregulation in gene expressions of TRAIL/TRAILR2, FasL/Fas and caspase-3 genes and downregulation of Bcl-2 gene expression, as well as a marked increase in active caspase-3 expression. Moreover, CGA and DOX combination significantly decreased MDA and increased GSH levels in tumor tissues and also reduced the level of serum CRP, CK-MB and LDH as compared to DOX group. In conclusion, CGA has the ability not only to enhance the anti-tumor activity of DOX but also protects against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.