Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synthetic Thioesters of Thiamine: Promising Tools for Slowing Progression of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Thiamine (vitamin B1) is essential for the brain. This is attributed to the coenzyme role of thiamine diphosphate (ThDP) in glucose and energy metabolism. The synthetic thiamine prodrug, the thioester benfotiamine (BFT), has been extensively studied and has beneficial effects both in rodent models of neurodegeneration and in human clinical studies. BFT has no known adverse effects and improves cognitive outcomes in patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease. In cell culture and animal models, BFT has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that seem to be mediated by a mechanism independent of the coenzyme function of ThDP. Recent in vitro studies show that another thiamine thioester, O,S-dibenzoylthiamine (DBT), is even more efficient than BFT, especially with respect to its anti-inflammatory potency, and is effective at lower concentrations. Thiamine thioesters have pleiotropic properties linked to an increase in circulating thiamine concentrations and possibly in hitherto unidentified open thiazole ring derivatives. The identification of the active neuroprotective metabolites and the clarification of their mechanism of action open extremely promising perspectives in the field of neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric conditions. The present review aims to summarize existing data on the neuroprotective effects of thiamine thioesters and give a comprehensive account.
Barriers to Accessing Oncology Services for Effective Cancer Care in the Public Health Institutions in Limpopo Province, South Africa: A Qualitative Study

It is estimated that by 2030, 24 million people worldwide will develop cancer, and 13 million will die annually, with 75% of deaths in low- and middle-income countries. The management and effective control of care have not been fully achieved due to a lack of material and human resources exacerbated by poor governance and co-ordination of the services. The study aimed to explore barriers to accessing oncology services for effective cancer care in the public health institutions in Limpopo province. The study was conducted in the five district hospitals in Limpopo province. A qualitative exploratory descriptive and contextual approach was used to collect data that employed focus group discussions amongst healthcare professionals in different disciplines. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to sample participants from various sections contributing to oncology care. Five focus group discussions were conducted at the selected hospitals. The data were analysed using the eight steps of Tesch’s method. The findings revealed that Limpopo province has a shortage of high-technology medical equipment, poor coordination, and a lack of oncological and allied expertise. Governments should ensure that patients receive the care required as stated in the constitution to navigate cancer care pathways to improve patient health outcomes, particularly in rural areas where care is fragmented and poorly financed. Recommendations to support oncology patients involve psychosocial work and palliative care of the multidisciplinary teams to be put forward. The identified barriers regarding oncology care may contribute to changing the departments’ outlook and effective functioning by including interdisciplinary oncology teams at all levels of care.
Seroepidemiology of Maedi-Visna in Intensively Reared Dairy Sheep: A Two-Year Prospective Study

Simple Summary Maedi-visna is a globally distributed, viral, and incurable chronic disease of small ruminants, challenging the health and welfare of sheep and jeopardizing the sustainability of farms. Currently, the scarcity of representative, updated, and epidemiological data hinders the implementation of successful eradication programs. The objective of our study is to prospectively study the seroepidemiology of maedi-visna in intensively reared dairy sheep. For this reason, a total of 407 purebred Chios and Lacaune ewes from four farms were studied for two successive years, and blood samples were semiannually collected and tested using the ELISA test. Prevalence and incidence rates were found to have increased in all the studied farms, highlighting the importance of horizontal transmission of the virus within the farms. Various serological patterns were observed in the studied animals, namely, constantly seronegative, constantly seropositive, seroconverted, seroreverted, or animals with an intermittent presence of antibodies. The last two categories indicate a special immune response of infected animals which needs to be further investigated and considered for the diagnosis of MV and when designing eradication programs. Abstract The objective of this study is to prospectively evaluate the seroepidemiology of maedi-visna (MV) infections in intensively reared dairy sheep. A total of 407 purebred Chios and Lacaune ewes from four farms were surveyed for two consecutive years and were serologically tested semiannually with an indirect ELISA at pre-mating and pre-lambing. The farms’ structure and management practices were similar and animal traits (age, breed, and production stage) were recorded. Based on the serological status, morbidity frequency measures were estimated, and ewes were categorized as constantly seronegative, constantly seropositive, seroconverted, seroreverted, or as animals with an intermittent presence of antibodies. During the study, period seroprevalence, incidence rate, and cumulative incidence were 84.8%, 33.6 new cases per 100 sheep-semesters, and 64.2%. Point-seroprevalence ranged from 48.5% to 96.0% among the studied farms and sampling occasions, and they increased by age. Increased morbidity frequency measures indicate the significance of horizontal transmission in intensive dairy sheep farms. A remarkable percentage of infected animals seroreverted (8.1%) or presented an intermittent presence of antibodies (10.3%) during the study, confirming the risk of misdiagnosis in cross-sectional studies and in the currently implemented testing and elimination programs. The serological patterns observed in our study need to be considered when studying MV epidemiology and for the designing of efficient MV elimination programs.
Statistical channel model for 6G communication networks in Banda Aceh City

Wireless technology is expected to undergo considerable transformation because of the numerous services offered by 6G communication networks, which virtually entirely encompass every part of everyday life and use a variety of devices. Channel modeling is an essential factor in designing 6G communication networks. To meet the channel requirements of future 6G communication networks, it is crucial to measure the channel to consider path loss, multi-band, fading, blocking effect, multipath clustering, transmitter, and receiver moving speed/direction/time. The goal of this paper is to design and evaluate a 6G communication network in Banda Aceh City using a statistical channel model. The channel model is associated with environmental conditions such as rainfall and humidity. The method is then based on computer simulation using the NYUSIM simulator to complete the channel modeling using an operating frequency of 95 GHz with a bandwidth of 800 MHz. In the simulator, the designed 6G channel model is evaluated in both line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) network environments. In addition, the designated network parameters, such as the coverage area, angle of arrival (AoA), angle of departure (AoD), and power delay profile (PDP), are simulated. The results, at AoA, the value of received power for LOS conditions ranges from -86 dBm to -101 dBm, while the value for NLOS conditions ranges from -91 dBm to -111 dBm. Under LOS conditions, the received power for AoD ranges from -86 dBm to -101 dBm, whereas under NLOS conditions, it ranges from -91 dBm to -111 dBm. In the omnidirectional PDP, the pathloss value for the LOS condition is 99.8 dB and the delay is 17.9 ns, while the pathloss value for the NLOS condition is 104.2 dB with a delay of 28.1 ns. For the directional PDP, the LOS condition yields a path loss of 106.4 dB and a delay of 2.9 ns, while the NLOS condition yields a path loss of 110.5 dB and a delay of 3 ns. Conclusions. The simulation indicated that the AoA, AoD, and PDP in terms of received power, pathloss, and propagation delay are in acceptable conditions for a 6G network in Banda Aceh City in the two observed environments. Therefore, it is conceivable to establish a 6G network in Banda Aceh City in the future.
A characteristic function-based approach to approximate maximum likelihood estimation

ABSTRACT The choice of the summary statistics in approximate maximum likelihood is often a crucial issue. We develop a criterion for choosing the most effective summary statistic and then focus on the empirical characteristic function. In the iid setting, the approximating posterior distribution converges to the approximate distribution of the parameters conditional upon the empirical characteristic function. Simulation experiments suggest that the method is often preferable to numerical maximum likelihood. In a time-series framework, no optimality result can be proved, but the simulations indicate that the method is effective in small samples.
A Multi-step Electromagnetic Topology Method to Compute the Coupling of External Electromagnetic Fields and Inner Wires of a Cavity through Apertures

In this paper, we introduce a multi-step electromagnetic topology (EMT) method to analyze interactions of external EM flelds and inner wires of a cavity through apertures. The method involves three basic steps. The flrst step obtains an interaction sequence diagram to analyze the interaction processes for the electromagnetic coupling. The second step obtains difierent models to compute parameters of each junction in the diagram. For instance, based on the equivalence principle, we will use a semi-analytical approach based on the Modal Green Function and the method of moment (MoM) to compute an equivalent source for the aperture and employe Baum-Liu-Tesche (BLT) equations and Agrawal's or Taylor's formulations to calculate the coupling of fleld-to-wire. The last step calculates all junctions' parameters. We use above models to compute each junction's parameters from one junction to the next according the interaction sequence diagram. By multi-step iteration the coupling computation is flnished. Compared with the traditional EMT theory, the new method has a remarkable change that is not need to compute a scattering supermatrix. Numeric results conflrm the validity of the method.
The Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Sarcopenia: Mechanism of Action and Potential Efficacy

Sarcopenia, a progressive disease characterized by a decline in muscle strength, quality, and mass, affects aging population worldwide, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Besides resistance exercise, various nutritional strategies, including omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation, have been sought to prevent this condition. This narrative review summarizes the current evidence on the effect and mechanism of n-3 PUFA on musculoskeletal health. Despite conflicting evidence, n-3 PUFA is suggested to benefit muscle mass and volume, with more evident effects with higher supplementation dose (>2 g/day). n-3 PUFA supplementation likely improves handgrip and quadriceps strength in the elderly. Improved muscle functions, measured by walking speed and time-up-to-go test, are also observed, especially with longer duration of supplementation (>6 months), although the changes are small and unlikely to be clinically meaningful. Lastly, n-3 PUFA supplementation may positively affect muscle protein synthesis response to anabolic stimuli, alleviating age-related anabolic resistance. Proposed mechanisms by which n-3 PUFA supplementation improves muscle health include 1. anti-inflammatory properties, 2. augmented expression of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway, 3. decreased intracellular protein breakdown, 4. improved mitochondrial biogenesis and function, 5. enhanced amino acid transport, and 6. modulation of neuromuscular junction activity. In conclusion, n-3 PUFAs likely improve musculoskeletal health related to sarcopenia, with suggestive effect on muscle mass, strength, physical performance, and muscle protein synthesis. However, the interpretation of the findings is limited by the small number of participants, heterogeneity of supplementation regimens, and different measuring protocols.
Comparison of Three Chaotic Meta-heuristic Algorithms for the Optimal Design of Truss Structures with Frequency Constraints

The main reasons for the success of using chaos maps in meta-heuristic algorithms are fast optimization of non-linear and non-convex problems. One of these cases is the control of the natural frequencies of structures to prevent the destructive and dangerous phenomenon of resonance. Natural frequencies have useful information about the dynamic behavior of structures, and by applying dynamic constraints, a significant improvement is achieved in the optimal design of structural weight. Applying frequency limits with traditional and gradient-based methods is very difficult and time-consuming, and in most cases, the calculation process stops at local optima. Recent research shows that chaos maps play a major role in escaping from local optima and reaching global optima. By combining these maps with meta- heuristic algorithms, while avoiding premature convergence, the access to global optima is accelerated and improved, and the ideal state of balance between the exploration and exploitation stages is realized. Today, chaotic algorithms are widely accepted by researchers and are considered as a challenging topic. In a recent research, six chaotic meta- heuristic algorithms have been investigated for the formation and improvement of results with the optimal design of truss structures. In this part the chaotic algorithms include Chaotic Water Evaporation Optimization (CWEO), Chaotic Tug-of-War Optimization (CTWO) and Chaotic Thermal Exchange Optimization (CTEO) are examined.
The Power of the Nudge: Technology Driving Persistence

Providing timely nudges to students has been shown to improve engagement and persistence in tertiary education. However, many studies focus on small-scale pilots rather than institution-wide initiatives. This article assesses the impact of a pan-institution Early Alert System at the University of Canterbury that utilises nudging when students are at risk of disengagement. Once flagged, students received an automated text message and email encouraging re-engagement with the learning management system. Students who received the nudge re-engaged at a higher rate and spent more time engaging with online material. These benefits were sustained over two weeks, demonstrating a measurable benefit over time. Unexpectedly, the nudge resulted in persistence and engagement in other enrolled courses where a nudge was not provided, showing the transferability of benefits to other courses. Although no significant differences in GPA were found between test and control groups, future development will enable further research.
Light-emitting and photovoltaic devices based on quantum well-dots hybrid nanostructures

We report on optoelectronic devices based on novel type of active region - quantum well-dots (QWD) hybrid nanostructures. This hybrid type of the active region can be described as a quantum well, which has an ultradense array of narrow-gap In-rich regions with the size of 20-30 nm, which serve as the localization centers of charge carriers. Such QWD structures can be formed spontaneously during the MOVPE (metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy) deposition of InxGa1-xAs (0.3<; x<0.5) on GaAs substrate. Optimal average thickness and composition of InxGa1-xAs to achieve maximal PL intensity and photocurrent in QWD structures are determined. Characteristics of edge-emitting lasers based on 5 QWD layers are described. Advantages of using QWD medium in light-emitting and photovoltaic devices are discussed.
Osteoinductive Electrospun Scaffold Based on PCL-Col as a Regenerative Therapy for Peri-Implantitis

Peri-implantitis is a serious condition affecting dental implants that can lead to implant failure and loss of osteointegration if is not diagnosed and treated promptly. Therefore, the development of new materials and approaches to treat this condition is of great interest. In this study, we aimed to develop an electrospun scaffold composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) microfibers loaded with cholecalciferol (Col), which has been shown to promote bone tissue regeneration. The physical and chemical properties of the scaffold were characterized, and its ability to support the attachment and proliferation of MG-63 osteoblast-like cells was evaluated. Our results showed that the electrospun PCL-Col scaffold had a highly porous structure and good mechanical properties. The resulting scaffolds had an average fiber diameter of 2–9 μm and high elongation at break (near six-fold under dry conditions) and elasticity (Young modulus between 0.9 and 9 MPa under dry conditions). Furthermore, the Col-loaded scaffold was found to decrease cell proliferation when the Col content in the scaffolds increased. However, cytotoxicity analysis proved that the PCL scaffold on its own releases more lactate dehydrogenase into the medium than the scaffold containing Col at lower concentrations (PCL-Col A, PCL-Col B, and PCL-Col C). Additionally, the Col-loaded scaffold was shown to effectively promote the expression of alkaline phosphatase and additionally increase the calcium fixation in MG-63 cells. Our findings suggest that the electrospun membrane loaded with Col can potentially treat peri-implantitis by promoting bone formation. However, further studies are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of this membrane in vivo.
Ethyl Gallate: Promising Cytoprotective against HIV-1-Induced Cytopathy and Antiretroviral-Induced Cytotoxicity

Introduction HIV-1 infection in cell culture is typically characterized by certain cytopathic effects such as vacuolization of cells and development of syncytia, which further lead to cell death. In addition, the majority of drugs during HIV treatment exhibit serious adverse effects in patients, apart from their beneficial role. During the screening of cytoprotective agents to protect the cells from HIV-1-associated cell death and also drug-associated toxicity, antioxidants from a natural source are assumed to be a choice. A well-known antioxidant, ethyl gallate (EG), was selected for cytoprotection studies which have already been proven as an anti-HIV agent. Objective The main objective of the study was to explore the cytoprotective potential of EG against HIV-1-induced cytopathic effect and antiretroviral drug toxicity. Methods DPPH free radical scavenging assay was performed with EG to find the effective concentration for antioxidant activity. HIV-1infection-associated cytopathic effects and further rescue by EG were studied in MT-2 lymphocytes by the microscopic method and XTT cytopathic assays. The cellular toxicity of different antiretroviral drugs in different cell lines and the consequent cytoprotective effectiveness of EG were investigated using an MTT cell viability assay. Results Like ascorbic acid, EG exhibited promising antioxidant activity. HIV-1 infection of MT2 cells induces cell death often referred to as the cytopathic effect. In addition, the usage of antiretroviral drugs also causes severe adverse effects like cytotoxicity. In this context, EG was tested for its cytoprotective properties against HIV-1-induced cytopathic effect and drug-mediated cellular toxicity. EG reclaimed back the MT2 cells from HIV-1-induced cell death. Antiretroviral drugs, such as ritonavir, efavirinz, AZT, and nevirapine, were tested for their toxicity and induced more cell death at higher concentrations in different tissue models such as the liver (THLE-3), lung (AEpiCM), colorectal (HT-29), and brain (U87 MG). Pretreated cells with EG were rescued from the toxic doses of ART. Conclusion EG was found to be exhibited cytoprotection not only from HIV-1-linked cell death but also from the chemotoxicity of antiretroviral drugs. Evidently, EG could be a cytoprotective supplement in the management of AIDS along with its enormous antioxidant benefits.
Effect of Leaf Extract of Tridax procumbence on Superoxide Dismutase and Lactate Dehydrogenase Concentration in Early Chick Embryo

: Cellular injury takes place due to the toxicity caused by the oxygen radicals. The aging various cancers, heart diseases and liver disorders are detected due to free radicles (Harman,1981; Troll et al. , 1990). Superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1·5·1·1) is essential for biological defense against the superoxide anion (Fridovich,1983). Information on SOD in different tissues are least available. It would, therefore important to determine SOD activity in early chick embryo blood vessels during embryonic development. Since, there is evidence that oxygen radicals have a role in tumor formation (Troll et al. , 1990), it would also be essential to determine the SOD status in chick embryo blood vessels (Markland and Markland, 1974). In the present work, the author has collected the information by assaying the activities of marker enzymes Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentration which increased after cellular damage in embryonic blood vessels of early chick embryo since it has been shown that the injury to the cell could be correlated and determined by assaying the level of activities of marker enzyme. The levels of LDH assayed in embryonic tissue to correlate the changes in the tissues (Akanji et al. , 2008; Kim et al. , 2010). In this communication the author has observed that there is significant rise in the level of SOD and LDH after Tridax procumbence (Linn.) leaf extract treatment in vascular tissue. It has been one of the feasible approaches for analyzing medicinal properties of Tridax leaf extract as herbal medicine.
EP_DE II: A significant algorithm to search the optimal solution for global optimization of multi-gravity assist trajectory

The paper deals with the design of the optimal multiple gravity assist trajectories. An improved search algorithm named EP_DE II with search space exploration, principal component analysis, guarantee mechanisms, and processing methods of search space is proposed based on EP_DE. First, a parameter is employed to start retaining the boundary information of the whole population. When the number of generations in evolutionary process reaches to this parameter, distribution range of population will be retained for the later computation. The best solutions in each generation are also recorded until the end of EP_DE II. Then the principal component analysis was conducted to find a cutting dimension for local search space, and selection process of cutting points are directed by the stored information before. Finally, search process is performed in all partitions of the search space. Global search experiments concerned about Benchmark Cassini1 and fly-by sequence EVVEEJS are presented to prove the efficiency of EP_DE II algorithm, comparing with basic differential evolution algorithm and EP_DE algorithm.