Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design and Characterization of Glyceryl Monooleate-Nanostructures Containing Doxorubicin Hydrochloride

Glyceryl monooleate (GMO) is one of the most popular amphiphilic lipids, which, in the presence of different amounts of water and a proper amount of stabilizer, can promote the development of well defined, thermodynamically stable nanostructures, called lyotropic liquid crystal dispersions. The aim of this study is based on the design, characterization, and evaluation of the cytotoxicity of lyotropic liquid crystal nanostructures containing a model anticancer drug such as doxorubicin hydrochloride. The drug is efficiently retained by the GMO nanosystems by a remote loading approach. The nanostructures prepared with different non-ionic surfactants (poloxamers and polysorbates) are characterized by different physico-chemical features as a function of several parameters, i.e., serum stability, temperature, and different pH values, as well as the amount of cryoprotectants used to obtain suitable freeze-dried systems. The nanostructures prepared with poloxamer 407 used as a stabilizer show an increased toxicity of the entrapped drug on breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) due to their ability to sensitize multidrug-resistant (MDR) tumor cells through the inhibition of specific drug efflux transporters. Moreover, the interaction between the nanostructures and the cells occurs after just a few hours, evidencing a huge cellular uptake of the nanosystems.
Predição de valores de moedas virtuais através da análise de sentimento de notícias e tweets

Resumo As moedas virtuais (ou criptomoedas) estão se tornando cada vez mais competitivas no mercado mundial, o que atrai investidores para obter lucros sobre as oscilações deste mercado. Esses investimentos são orientados por um princípio simples: comprar as moedas quando seu valor de mercado estiver prestes a subir, e vendê-las quando estiverem prestes a perder o valor. Várias são as informações que podem auxiliar o investidor na tentativa de prever esse movimento oscilatório – entre elas, notícias e comentários da própria comunidade sobre o desempenho da moeda. Entretanto, lidar com esse volume de informações e julgar qual informação é relevante pode ser um desa o. O objetivo deste trabalho é desenvolver um modelo de predição do movimento de preços de criptomoedas que utilize como base a percepção pública da população em relação à essas moedas. Foram realizadas predições tanto utilizando análise de sentimento de notícias quanto de tweets. Foram gerados modelos de previsão individuais para cada fonte de dados e um modelo que combina ambas as fontes. Os resultados obtidos alcançaram MDA de até 75% utilizando XGBoost a partir do modelo combinado de informações de notícias e tweets, sendo capaz de prever os resultados também em períodos de grandes oscilações. Palavras-Chave: Bitcoin;Criptomoedas;Notícias;Predição;Twitter.
Phylogeny, biogeography and island effect drive differential evolutionary signals in mainland and island lizard assemblages

The means by which assemblages of closely related species form and persist have become a primary focus in evolution and ecology. Comparative studies of island and mainland assemblages may provide novel insight into assemblage evolution. The isolation and relative simplicity of islands may foster distinct evolutionary rates and endpoints relative to mainland areas. Adaptive radiations on islands are expected to result in assemblages that include close phylogenetic relatives but are phenotypically diverse, whereas predatorand competitor-rich mainland environments may produce phenotypically uniform assemblages. Here we use a nearly complete phylogeny and morphological data for 336 species of Anolis lizards to test for differences in phenotypic and phylogenetic structure in 91 mainland versus 76 island assemblages. We present three main conclusions: (1) both mainland and island assemblages comprise close relatives that are phenotypically similar; (2) mainland assemblages tend to be more clustered than island assemblages according to both phylogenetic and phenotypic measures; and (3) differences in degree of phenotypic clustering between mainland and island assemblages are not explained by differences in phylogenetic clustering alone. We interpret these results in terms of biogeography and differences between mainland and island environments.
A Rat Study to Evaluate the Protein Quality of Three Green Microalgal Species and the Impact of Mechanical Cell Wall Disruption

The present study was conducted to evaluate the protein quality of microalgae species Chlorella vulgaris (CV), Chlorella sorokiniana (CS), and Acutodesmus obliquus (AO) and assess the impact of mechanical cell wall disruption. Male Sprague–Dawley rats, around 156 g after adaptation, were placed in metabolic cages and fed experimental diets that were either protein-free or contained 10% protein solely from one of the undisrupted or disrupted CV, CS, and AO. After 3 days, feces were collected for a period of 5 days and analyzed together with diet samples for crude protein contents. Apparent protein digestibility, true protein digestibility, amino acid score, and protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score were calculated. In vitro protein digestibility was measured using the pepsin–pancreatin method and the in vitro protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score was calculated. The crude protein contents of CV, CS, and AO were 53.5, 50.2, and 40.3%, respectively. The amino acid score of the first limiting amino acid was 1.10, 1.27, and 0.86, true protein digestibility was 64.7, 59.3, and 37.9% and protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score was 0.63, 0.64, and 0.29, respectively, for CV, CS, and AO. Mechanical cell disruption significantly improved protein digestibility without a substantial impact on the amino acid profile and score, resulting in the increase of protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score to 0.77, 0.81, and 0.46, respectively, for disrupted CV, CS, and AO. There was a strong correlation between in vitro protein digestibility and apparent protein digestibility (r = 0.986), and also between in vitro protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score and in vivo protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (r = 0.994). The results suggest that the CV and CS are acceptable sources of protein for humans and animals and quality can be markedly improved by mechanical cell wall disruption. Additionally, in vitro protein digestibility measured using the pepsin–pancreatin method may be used to screen protein product candidates, save animals, reduce cost, and accelerate product development.
Blood indicators of dry cows before and after administration of a drug STEMB

Objective: To determine the effect of a drug STEMB, which is a biostimulating tissue preparation based on chicken embryos, on the morpho-biochemical blood values of dry cows. Methods: The study was conducted on 60 Holstein cows, which were divided into three groups (group 1, group 2, and group 3), with 20 cows in each group. During the experiment, all animals in each group were subjected to the same condition of feeding and maintenance. The experimental animals were administered with the STEMB drug three times subcutaneously at an interval of 7 d within 30 d before calving. Group 1 were given 0.050 mL/kg body weight; group 2 were given 0.075 mL/kg body weight; group 3 were given 0.100 mL/kg body weight. Results: STEMB at 0.075 mL/kg body weight improved the blood cell composition, increasing the erythrocytes, hemoglobin, leukocytes, hemoglobin content, the total protein, albumins, alpha globulins, and gamma globulins. It reduced the beta-globulin index and provided a threshold level for the enzymes alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and A, M, G immunoglobulins. Conclusions: Use of the STEMB drug with a dose of 0.075 mL/kg body weight given subcutaneously three times at an interval of 7 d within 30 d before delivery is optimal for the prevention of complications during calving and postpartum periods, thereby providing an improvement in the blood cell composition.
Host sensing and signal transduction during Toxoplasma stage conversion

The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii infects nucleated cells in virtually all warm‐blooded vertebrates, including one‐third of the human population. While immunocompetent hosts do not typically show symptoms of acute infection, parasites are retained in latent tissue cysts that can be reactivated upon immune suppression, potentially damaging key organ systems. Toxoplasma has a multistage life cycle that is intimately linked to environmental stresses and host signals. As this protozoan pathogen is transmitted between multiple hosts and tissues, it evaluates these external signals to appropriately differentiate into distinct life cycle stages, such as the transition from its replicative stage (tachyzoite) to the latent stage (bradyzoite) that persists as tissue cysts. Additionally, in the gut of its definitive host, felines, Toxoplasma converts into gametocytes that produce infectious oocysts (sporozoites) that are expelled into the environment. In this review, we highlight recent advances that have illuminated the interfaces between Toxoplasma and host and how these interactions control parasite stage conversion. Mechanisms underlying these stage transitions are important targets for therapeutic intervention aimed at thwarting parasite transmission and pathogenesis.
Safety Evaluation of TiO2 Nanoparticle-Based Sunscreen UV Filters on the Development and the Immunological State of the Sea Urchin Paracentrotus lividus

Sunscreens are emulsions of water and oil that contain filters capable of protecting against the detrimental effects of ultraviolet radiation (UV). The widespread use of cosmetic products based on nanoparticulate UV filters has increased concerns regarding their safety and compatibility with both the environment and human health. In the present work, we evaluated the effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticle (TiO2 NP)-based UV filters with three different surface coatings on the development and immunity of the sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus. A wide range of NP concentrations was analyzed, corresponding to different levels of dilution starting from the original cosmetic dispersion. Variations in surface coating, concentration, particle shape, and pre-dispersant medium (i.e., water or oil) influenced the embryonic development without producing a relevant developmental impairment. The most common embryonic abnormalities were related to the skeletal growth and the presence of a few cells, which were presumably involved in the particle uptake. Adult P. lividus immune cells exposed to silica-coated TiO2 NP-based filters showed a broad metabolic plasticity based on the biosynthesis of metabolites that mediate inflammation, phagocytosis, and antioxidant response. The results presented here highlight the biosafety of the TiO2 NP-based UV filters toward sea urchin, and the importance of developing safer-by-design sunscreens.
Radiostereometric Analysis Allows Assessment of the Stability and Inducible Displacement of Pelvic Ring Disruptions during Healing: A Case Series

There is currently no accurate data on fracture displacement during the rehabilitation of pelvic ring injuries. This study investigated the use of radiostereometric analysis (RSA) in assessing the stability of C1 pelvic ring injuries stabilised with a posterior plate and an anterior external fixator. Six patients, instructed to weight-bear as tolerated after surgery, were reviewed at 2, 4, 6, 12, 26, 52 and 104 weeks. The external fixators were removed at 6 weeks. Outcomes, including the Iowa Pelvic Score (IPS), and complications were recorded. Fracture stability was assessed using measurements on plain radiographs and RSA. All patients progressed to full weight-bearing without support within 6 weeks. At 104 weeks, the IPS was excellent in four patients, good in one patient and fair in one patient. Plain radiographs showed that all fractures were well reduced, and no loss of reduction occurred over time. By contrast, RSA measurements identified displacement in all cases. The maximum three-dimensional (3D) displacement at any time point in each patient ranged from 2 to 10 mm. Two patients with the largest displacement over time had the lowest IPS. RSA also demonstrated displacements above the currently defined normal threshold through the ‘un-injured’ sacroiliac joint in the same two patients, suggesting a subtle C2 injury, missed at initial assessment. This study demonstrates the limitations of plain radiographs in assessing pelvic fracture stability and displacement during healing, and the potential of RSA to monitor more accurately the effects of stabilisation and weight-bearing on fracture stability.
Basal Cell Carcinoma: From Pathophysiology to Novel Therapeutic Approaches

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common human cancer worldwide, and is a subtype of nonmelanoma skin cancer, characterized by a constantly increasing incidence due to an aging population and widespread sun exposure. Although the mortality from BCC is negligible, this tumor can be associated with significant morbidity and cost. This review presents a literature overview of BCC from pathophysiology to novel therapeutic approaches. Several histopathological BCC subtypes with different prognostic values have been described. Dermoscopy and, more recently, reflectance confocal microscopy have largely improved BCC diagnosis. Although surgery is the first-line treatment for localized BCC, other nonsurgical local treatment options are available. BCC pathogenesis depends on the interaction between environmental and genetic characteristics of the patient. Specifically, an aberrant activation of Hedgehog signaling pathway is implicated in its pathogenesis. Notably, Hedgehog signaling inhibitors, such as vismodegib and sonidegib, are successfully used as targeted treatment for advanced or metastatic BCC. Furthermore, the implementation of prevention measures has demonstrated to be useful in the patient management.
Modification of Hydroxypropyltrimethyl Ammonium Chitosan with Organic Acid: Synthesis, Characterization, and Antioxidant Activity

A novel and green method for the preparation of chitosan derivatives bearing organic acids was reported in this paper. In order to improve the antioxidant activity of chitosan, eight different hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chitosan derivatives were successfully designed and synthesized via introducing of organic acids onto chitosan by mild and non-toxic ion exchange. The data of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), 1H NMR, and elemental analysis for chitosan derivatives indicated the successful conjugation of organic acid salt with hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC). Meanwhile, the antioxidant activity of the chitosan derivatives was evaluated in vitro. The results indicated that the chitosan derivatives possessed dramatic enhancements in DPPH-radical scavenging activity, superoxide-radical scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging ability, and reducing power. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the synthesized compounds was investigated in vitro on L929 cells and showed low cytotoxicity. Thus, the enhanced antioxidant property of all novel chitosan products might be a great advantage, while applied in a wide range of applications in the form of antioxidant in biomedical, food, and cosmetic industry.
Using a limited sampling strategy to investigate the interindividual pharmacokinetic variability in metformin: A large prospective trial

Recently a limited sampling strategy (LSS) for determination of metformin' pharmacokinetics was developed. The LSS utilizes the plasma concentration of metformin 3 and 10 hours after oral intake of a single dose to estimate the area under the concentration–time curve up to 24 hours (AUC0–24h). The main purpose of this study was to support the feasibility of this strategy in a large prospective trial.
The N and P genes facilitate pathogenicity of the rabies virus G gene

To explore the effects of different gene combinations on the pathogenicity of the rabies virus (RABV), six chimeric RABV mutants, rRC-HL(G), rRC-HL(NG), rRC-HL(PG), rRC-HL(NP), rRC-HL(NM) and rRC-HL(NPG), were constructed using a reverse genetic technique based on an avirulent parental rRC-HL strain and a virulent parental GX074 isolate. These mutants were intracerebrally inoculated into adult mice. The results indicated that 102 ffu and 106 ffu of rRC-HL(G), rRC-HL(NG), rRC-HL(PG) and rRC-HL(NPG) were 100% lethal. In the case of intramuscular viral infection, none of the mice inoculated with 102 ffu of any of the RABV mutants, including GX074, died; at 106 ffu, rRC-HL(G) was lethal in 2/5 cases, rRC-HL(NG) was lethal in 1/5 cases and rRC-HL(PG) was lethal for 2/5 mice. The rRC-HL(NPG) mutant was fatal for 3/5 mice, as was the parental GX074. Furthermore, the LD50 values of the chimeric RABV mutants were measured, with the results showing that the LD50 values of both rRC-HL(NG) and rRC-HL(PG) were lower than that of rRC-HL(G), but higher than that of rRC-HL(NPG). Thus, the action of N + G, or P + G, or N + P + G gene combinations may be more pronounced than that of the G gene alone. Body weight changes and the clinical symptoms of the tested mice were consistent with pathogenicity. These data indicate that the N and P genes are involved in and facilitate the pathogenicity of the RABV G gene. These experiments provide further evidence that multi-gene cooperation is responsible for the virulence of RABV.
Agricultural Science Teachers Proficiency in Entrepreneurship Development

This study was carried out to determine Agricultural Science Teachers’ proficiency in entrepreneurship development of Senior Secondary School Students in Gombe State, Nigeria. Survey research design was adopted for the study. The target population of this study was made up 700 urban Agricultural Science teachers and 500 rural Agricultural Science teachers all from Senior Secondary Schools in Gombe State, Nigeria, making a population size of 1200 urban and rural Agricultural Science teachers. Purposive stratified random sampling techniques was used to obtained 1000 respondents made up of 500 rural Agricultural Science teachers and 500 urban Agricultural Science teachers as well. The instrument for collecting data was structured questionnaire which was developed by the researchers for the study. The questionnaire was made up of 32 items which were arranged in accordance with the research questions. The instrument was subjected to content and face validity by three experts. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation for research questions 1-6, decision rule of 2.50 was used. The findings revealed that Agricultural Science teachers are not proficient in developing innovation, entrepreneurial creativity, new venture creation as well as identification of investment opportunity in agriculture, but they are proficient in determination of capital requirement in Agriculture and also aware of agribusiness ownership in Agriculture.
Efficacy and safety of iguratimod on patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of iguratimod for the treatment of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) and explore its possible mechanism of action. Method: We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in 66 pSS patients. Patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive oral iguratimod for 24 weeks or matching placebo. The primary endpoint was the EULAR Sjögren’s Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI). Secondary endpoints included mental discomfort visual analogue scale (VAS) score, patient global assessment (PGA), EULAR Sjögren’s Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI), Schirmer’s test values, unstimulated whole salivary flow, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and immunoglobulin G (IgG). The proportions of B cells in peripheral blood and levels of serum B-cell activating factor (BAFF) were measured at baseline and week 24 in the iguratimod group. All adverse events were recorded during the trial period. Results:ESSPRI improved more in the iguratimod than in the placebo group (p = 0.016). Mental discomfort VAS score, PGA, Schirmer’s test, ESR, and IgG also improved more in the iguratimod than in the placebo group (all p < 0.05). Adverse events were reported 13.6% of the iguratimod group. Levels of BAFF and proportions of plasma cells in patients decreased significantly after iguratimod treatment. The proportions of peripheral plasma cells had positive correlations with both serum IgG and BAFF. Conclusion: Iguratimod improved some dryness symptoms and disease activity in pSS patients, and reduced the level of BAFF and percentage of plasma cells over 24 weeks. Iguratimod seems to be an effective and safe treatment for pSS.
Robust neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 infection persist for months

SARS-CoV-2 antibodies persist As the number of daily COVID-19 cases continues to mount worldwide, the nature of the humoral immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains uncertain. Wajnberg et al. used a cohort of more than 30,000 infected individuals with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms to determine the robustness and longevity of the anti–SARS-CoV-2 antibody response. They found that neutralizing antibody titers against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein persisted for at least 5 months after infection. Although continued monitoring of this cohort will be needed to confirm the longevity and potency of this response, these preliminary results suggest that the chance of reinfection may be lower than is currently feared. Science, this issue p. 1227 Antibodies generated after mild to moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection are neutralizing and relatively stable for at least 5 months. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic with millions infected and more than 1 million fatalities. Questions regarding the robustness, functionality, and longevity of the antibody response to the virus remain unanswered. Here, on the basis of a dataset of 30,082 individuals screened at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, we report that the vast majority of infected individuals with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 experience robust immunoglobulin G antibody responses against the viral spike protein. We also show that titers are relatively stable for at least a period of about 5 months and that anti-spike binding titers significantly correlate with neutralization of authentic SARS-CoV-2. Our data suggest that more than 90% of seroconverters make detectable neutralizing antibody responses. These titers remain relatively stable for several months after infection.