Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of Female Rat Fertility via Ethanolic Extract from Nigella sativa L. (Black Cumin) Seeds Assessed via HPLC-ESI-MS/MS and Molecular Docking

The characteristic chemical composition of Nigella seeds is directly linked to their beneficial properties. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition of Nigella sativa seeds using a 100% ethanolic extract using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Additionally, it explored the potential biological effects of the extract on female rat reproduction. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Estrogen (E2), and Progesterone (P4) hormone levels were also assessed, along with the morphological and histological effects of the extract on ovarian, oviductal, and uterine tissues. Molecular docking was performed to understand the extract’s activity and its role in regulating female reproduction by assessing its binding affinity to hormonal receptors. Twenty metabolites, including alkaloids, saponins, terpenes, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and fatty acids, were found in the ethanolic extract of N. sativa seeds through the HPLC-ESI-MS/MS study. The N. sativa seed extract exhibited strong estrogenic and LH-like activities (p < 0.05) with weak FSH-like activity. Furthermore, it increased the serum levels of LH (p < 0.05), P4 hormones (p < 0.001), and E2 (p < 0.0001). Molecular docking results displayed a strong interaction with Erβ, LH, GnRH, and P4 receptors, respectively. Based on these findings, N. sativa seeds demonstrated hormone-like activities, suggesting their potential as a treatment for improving female fertility.
Kinematics-Informed Neural Networks: Enhancing Generalization Performance of Soft Robot Model Identification

A hybrid system combining rigid and soft robots (e.g., soft fingers attached to a rigid arm) ensures safe and dexterous interaction with humans. Nevertheless, modeling complex movements involving both soft and rigid robots presents a challenge. Additionally, the difficulty of obtaining large datasets for soft robots, due to the risk of damage by repetitive and extreme actuations, hiders the utilization of data-driven approaches. In this study, we present a Kinematics-Informed Neural Network (KINN), which incorporates rigid body kinematics as an inductive bias to enhance sample efficiency and provide holistic control for the hybrid system. The model identification performance of the proposed method is extensively evaluated in simulated and real-world environments using pneumatic and tendon-driven soft robots. The evaluation result shows employing a kinematic prior leads to an 80.84% decrease in positional error measured in the L1-norm for extrapolation tasks in real-world tendon-driven soft robots. We also demonstrate the dexterous and holistic control of the rigid arm with soft fingers by opening bottles and painting letters.
Conditioned Medium of Intervertebral Disc Cells Inhibits Osteo-Genesis on Autologous Bone-Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Osteoblasts

Low back pain (LBP) is associated with the degeneration of human intervertebral discs (IVDs). Despite progress in the treatment of LBP through spinal fusion, some cases still end in non-fusion after the removal of the affected IVD tissue. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that the remaining IVD cells secrete BMP inhibitors that are sufficient to inhibit osteogenesis in autologous osteoblasts (OBs) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). A conditioned medium (CM) from primary human IVD cells in 3D alginate culture was co-cultured with seven donor-matched OB and MSCs. After ten days, osteogenesis was quantified at the transcript level using qPCR to measure the expression of bone-related genes and BMP antagonists, and at the protein level by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Additionally, cells were evaluated histologically using alizarin red (ALZR) staining on Day 21. For judging ALP activity and osteogenesis, the Noggin expression in samples was investigated to uncover the potential causes. The results after culture with the CM showed significantly decreased ALP activity and the inhibition of the calcium deposit formation in alizarin red staining. Interestingly, no significant changes were found among most bone-related genes and BMP antagonists in OBs and MSCs. Noteworthy, Noggin was relatively expressed higher in human IVD cells than in autologous OBs or MSCs (relative to autologous OB, the average fold change was in 6.9, 10.0, and 6.3 in AFC, CEPC, and NPC, respectively; and relative to autologous MSC, the average fold change was 2.3, 3.4, and 3.2, in AFC, CEPC, and NPC, respectively). The upregulation of Noggin in residual human IVDs could potentially inhibit the osteogenesis of autologous OB and MSC, thus inhibiting the postoperative spinal fusion after discectomy surgery.
Unusual Saharan dust events in the Carpathian Basin (Central Europe) in 2013 and early 2014

conditions became unfavourable, running into subsiding air on the eastern side of high pressure over China. Nonetheless, six people died on Hainan Island (China) and several more in northern Vietnam, although some of these died while making prepara-tions for the storm’s landfall.Although an extreme storm by any stand-ards, comparable storms took a similar track across the Philippines on 15 October 1912 (Coronas, 1912) and 12 October 1897 (Luces, 2013), causing great loss of life and property, so it is by no means unprecedented. Indeed, an earlier typhoon in the Philippines, in September 1881, cost about 20 000 lives.
Optimal scheduling to minimize noise exposure in an oil and gas field

Noise analysis with different scenarios has been conducted for an oil and gas field to determine whether workers during sandblasting operations were fully protected from high noise to prevent ear injuries and downtime. The main purpose is to minimize noise doses affecting workers through an optimal scheduling algorithm. Data collected from a noise meter was fully evaluated and analyzed in terms of LAeq—A-weighted average energy equivalent sound pressure levels—and Lpk energy peak, in the audible range from 12.5 Hz to 20 kHz based on the one-third octave band frequencies. All noise results were found above the maximum permissible exposure limit 85 dB(A). Another important feature is the sharp rise observed in all weighted levels up to a mean value of 67 dB at low frequency of 80 Hz. A sharp decrease in the high frequency noise levels beyond 8 kHz is also observed. Comparisons between different scenarios are also presented. Additional noise sources such as compressors and air coolers add up an important fraction of the workers’ noise exposure dose and highly contribute to the hearing loss. Finally, a fair scheduling algorithm to optimize noise exposure time by minimizing the noise dose is proposed.
Piezo channels in the intestinal tract

The intestine is the largest mechanosensitive organ in the human body whose epithelial cells, smooth muscle cells, neurons and enteroendocrine cells must sense and respond to various mechanical stimuli such as motility, distension, stretch and shear to regulate physiological processes including digestion, absorption, secretion, motility and immunity. Piezo channels are a newly discovered class of mechanosensitive ion channels consisting of two subtypes, Piezo1 and Piezo2. Piezo channels are widely expressed in the intestine and are involved in physiological and pathological processes. The present review summarizes the current research progress on the expression, function and regulation of Piezo channels in the intestine, with the aim of providing a reference for the future development of therapeutic strategies targeting Piezo channels.
Nanocarrier systems loaded with IR780, iron oxide nanoparticles and chlorambucil for cancer theragnostics

Theragnostics has become a popular term nowadays, since it enables both diagnosis and therapy at the same time while only using one carrier platform. Therefore, formulating a nanocarrier system that could serve as theragnostic agent by using simple techniques would be an advantage during production. In this project, we aimed to develop a nanocarrier that can be loaded with the chemotherapeutic medication chlorambucil and magnetic resonance imaging agents (e.g., iron oxide nanoparticles and near-infrared fluorophore IR780) for theragnostics. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) was combined with the aforementioned ingredients to generate poly(vinyl alcohol)-based nanoparticles (NPs) using the single emulsion technique. Then the NPs were coated with F127 and F127-folate by simple incubation for five days. The nanoparticles have the hydrodynamic size of approx. 250 nm with negative charge. Similar to chlorambucil and IR780, iron oxide loadings were observed for all three kinds of NPs. The release of chlorambucil was quicker at pH 5.4 than at pH 7.4 at 37 °C. The F127@NPs and F127-folate@NPs demonstrated much greater cell uptake and toxicity up to 72 h after incubation. Our in vitro results of F127@NPs and F127-folate@NPs have demonstrated the ability of these systems to serve as medication and imaging agent carriers for cancer treatment and diagnostics, respectively.
Modelling of spray-wall impingement

When a drop collides with an interposed surface, three phases are usually involved: liquid (the drop), solid (the substrate) and gas (the surrounding environment). Such an event involves a number of parameters associated with the physical characteristics of the incident particles, the properties of the target surface, and the natural features of the air flow. Each occurrence leads to a singular outcome, since each particle experiences a different reality throughout the injection cycle. Therefore, the development of appropriate modelling strategies of this complex multi-phase flow requires a thorough understanding of the mechanisms underlying the spray impingement process. Several computational models have been reported in the open literature, although not always successfully. From these, only a few have attempted to replicate the more intricate scenarios that include the formation and development of a liquid film over the surface due to the deposition of previously injected particles, the presence of a high velocity cross-flowing gas, and the thermal effects promoted by the existence of hot walls. Even though these elements are some of the more influential parameters affecting the final outcome of spray-wall impacts, most of the simulations still neglect some of them in their formulation. Therefore, in order to capture the majority of the physical phenomena observed in experimental studies, CFD codes must be equipped with superior mathematical formulations. During the present doctoral research, three independent computational extensions have been devised and integrated into the model used by our research group to simulate spray-wall interactions. The upgrades — that have been proposed over the course of the study — have been denominated as the liquid film, evaporation and breakup sub-models. They are intended to complement the basic mathematical formulation adopted in the original simulation procedure. This approach has contributed to enhance the prediction capabilities of the model, since it is now capable of capturing some phenomena that were not considered previously. On the other hand, it has also extended the range of applicability of the CFD code to a new set of impact conditions (i.e., in hot environments and with a high velocity crossflow). Furthermore, the present work provides a detailed analysis of the results obtained, with major emphasis given to the disintegration mechanisms and secondary droplet characteristics. Both quantitative and qualitative comparisons between computational and experimental results are presented. When pertinent, the impact of a particular sub-model onto the outcome predicted is also evaluated by comparing the versions of the model with and without the corresponding computational extension. Moreover, a systematic approach is adopted at each section to infer the influence of different parameters on the final outcome. This methodology has been decisive to better understand the factors affecting the phenomena occurring during impact.
Effect of Organic Amendments on Heavy Metal Distribution and Uptake in Vegetable Gardens in Senegal

In Senegal, urban agriculture plays an increasingly important role in food security for its high supply of vegetables. However, production is still low because soils are very infertile and low in organic matter. Consequently, farmers apply organic amendments, such as animal manure from feedlots, wastewater and composted slaughterhouse waste to improve their production. Even though their benefits on improving soil fertility are recognized, many of these organic amendments are thought to contain elevated levels of heavy metals. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of organic amendments on the distribution of the heavy metals Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn in local soils and vegetables from Senegal. Composted wastes and soil samples were collected from four sites (Pikine, Rufisque, Rao and Essyl) and vegetables from two sites (Pikine and Rufisque) in Eastern and southern Senegal. The physicochemical analyses showed that all sites were sandy in nature, low to medium in total carbon (0.83 3.66 %) with pH ranging from 5 to 7.9. A sequential extraction procedure (SEP) conducted on the soil samples revealed that the metals were mostly associated with the amorphous Fe-Mn oxide, organic and residual fractions which represent the more stable phases. The highest total metal concentrations for Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were 0.4, 1.9, 20.9, 23.7, 166.5, 7.3, 10.3 and 107.2 mg kg in the organic wastes, 0.8, 6.23, 57, 20.2, 202.8, 21.5, 16.2 and 65.3 mg kg in the soil and 4.02, 0.4, 2.1, 21, 80, 8.1, 13, and 115 mg kg in the vegetables. These metal concentrations were within the prescribed safety limits proposed by WHO except for Cd, Pb and Zn in vegetables.
Comparative Evaluation of Effect of Silver Diamine Fluoride and Glass Ionomer Cement on Microhardness of Artificial Caries Lesion in Primary Teeth: An In Vitro Study

Abstract Aim To evaluate the remineralizing potential of glass ionomer cement (GIC) and silver diamine fluoride (SDF) on artificially induced enamel caries lesions in primary teeth. Materials and methods The initial baseline surface microhardness (SMH) of 40 primary teeth was tested using Vickers hardness tester, followed by the creation of artificial caries lesions by immersion in the demineralizing solution. Microhardness assessments of demineralized samples were done, and samples were randomly divided into two groups of 20 specimens: in group I, GIC was applied on demineralized enamel, and in group II, SDF was applied on demineralized enamel. Samples were subjected to pH cycling. For group I, GIC from the enamel samples was carefully removed using a surgical blade, and changes in the SMH from both groups were analyzed using Vickers microhardness test. Result Surface microhardness (SMH) value after pH cycling of GIC (45 ± 10.23) and SDF (47.76 ± 6.69) is statistically highly significant (<0.001) compared to the baseline SMH of both test groups. Comparison of SMH between the two groups showed statistically nonsignificant results. Conclusion The remineralization potential of SDF is comparable to GIC. So, SDF can be used as a remineralizing agent for incipient enamel caries. Clinical significance Owing to the remineralizing ability of GIC underneath the restorations, it can be used as a therapeutic sealant for incipient enamel caries lesions, where SDF staining is not always acceptable. A 38% SDF also can be used as a remineralizing agent for incipient enamel caries lesions in situations like noncompliant patients, inaccessibility to dental care, or conditions in which esthetics is not of concern. How to cite this article Sunny S, Sargod SS, Bhat SS, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Effect of Silver Diamine Fluoride and Glass Ionomer Cement on Microhardness of Artificial Caries Lesion in Primary Teeth: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(6):858–863.
Criticality Controlling Mechanisms in Nematic Liquid Crystals

We theoretically study the generic mechanisms that could establish critical behavior in nematic liquid crystals (NLCs). The corresponding free energy density terms should exhibit linear coupling with the nematic order parameter and, via this coupling, enhance the nematic order. We consider both temperature- and pressure-driven, order–disorder phase transitions. We derive a scaled effective free energy expression that describes how qualitatively different mechanisms enforce critical behavior. Our main focus is on the impact of nanoparticles (NPs) in homogeneous NP-NLC mixtures. We illustrate that in the case of pressure-driven phase changes, lower concentrations are needed to impose critical point conditions in comparison with pure temperature variations.
Real-World Data on Institutional Implementation of Screening for Mismatch Repair Deficiency and Lynch Syndrome in Endometrial Cancer Patients

Simple Summary Lynch syndrome is one of the most common tumor syndromes and the leading cause of hereditary endometrial cancer. International guidelines recommend universal screening for Lynch syndrome in women with endometrial cancer as they may benefit from personalized cancer treatment, targeted cancer surveillance, and risk-reducing prevention strategies. However, testing for Lynch syndrome is not yet well established in clinical practice, compromising optimal medical care for affected women and their at-risk relatives. In this study, we examine the implementation of Lynch syndrome screening using real-world data. We further analyze intermediate steps of testing for common sources of error and investigate patient risk factors leading to non-adherence to testing. To promote precision healthcare and ensure future quality of care for Lynch syndrome patients, we discuss strategies to optimize the Lynch syndrome screening algorithm in clinical practice. Abstract Lynch syndrome is an inherited tumor syndrome caused by a pathogenic germline variant in DNA mismatch repair genes. As the leading cause of hereditary endometrial cancer, international guidelines recommend universal screening in women with endometrial cancer. However, testing for Lynch syndrome is not yet well established in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate adherence to our Lynch syndrome screening algorithm. A retrospective, single-center cohort study was conducted of all endometrial cancer patients undergoing surgical treatment at the Bern University Hospital, Switzerland, between 2017 and 2022. Adherence to immunohistochemical analysis of mismatch repair status, and, if indicated, to MLH1 promoter hypermethylation and to genetic counseling and testing was assessed. Of all 331 endometrial cancer patients, 102 (30.8%) were mismatch repair-deficient and 3 (0.9%) patients were diagnosed with Lynch syndrome. Overall screening adherence was 78.2%, with a notable improvement over the six years from 61.4% to 90.6%. A major reason for non-adherence was lack of provider recommendation for testing, with advanced patient age as a potential patient risk factor. Simplification of the algorithm through standardized reflex screening was recommended to provide optimal medical care for those affected and to allow for cascading testing of at-risk relatives.
ESR-DMNet: Enhanced Super-Resolution-Based Dual-Path Metric Change Detection Network for Remote Sensing Images With Different Resolutions

Remote sensing change detection (RSCD) has always been one of the research hot issues in remote sensing. Current research focuses on studying deep learning (DL) change detection (CD) methods for remote sensing images with the same resolution. With the prevalence of multiresolution remote sensing images, how to effectively utilize remote sensing images with different resolutions for CD is a key issue. To solve this problem, this article proposes an enhanced super-resolution-based dual-path metric CD network (ESR-DMNet) to realize high-accuracy and high-efficiency end-to-end CD of remote sensing images with different resolutions. ESR-DMNet provides a new enhanced super-resolution (SR) module for the CD of remote sensing images with different resolutions, which can perceptively reconstruct low-resolution (LR) images into more realistic high-resolution (HR) images. ESR-DMNet proposes an effective and efficient dual-path metric CD network, which processes shallow spatial details information and deep semantic information separately to achieve high-accuracy and high-efficiency CD. Compared with nine state-of-the-art methods, our method shows good performance at three resolutions on three datasets, Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSU), season-varying CD dataset (CDD), and cropland CD dataset (CLCD), confirming its potential for CD tasks in remote sensing images with different resolutions.
El uso de transectos para el estudio de comunidades de palmas Using transects to study palm communities

In the project Palm Harvest Impacts on Tropical Forests, palm communities, especially their species richness, abundance of species, distribution between growth categories (seedlings, juveniles, subadults, adults) are studied in 5 x 500 m transects. In addition to quantitative data about the palms, the methodology includes sampling of both biotic (forest type and gaps) and abiotic (soil, light, soil humidity, soils, trails) environmental data. This paper provides the protocol used in the sampling of data for this project.
Redéfinition des systèmes visuels dorsal et ventral et de leurs interactions

sant le traitement des données spatiales nécessaires à l’action dirigée, et un système ventral inféro-temporal, impliqué dans la perception et l’identification des objets (1), imprègne la plupart des recherches en neurosciences et en sciences cognitives portant sur l’action et la perception ainsi que des nouvelles méthodes de rééducation neurologique. Même si la ségrégation anatomique entre deux voies visuelles est globalement observée, une revue détaillée des connexions identifiées chez le singe entre l’aire visuelle primaire (V1) et l’aire motrice primaire (M1) révèle des interconnexions et des zones de convergence (en particulier le sillon temporal supérieur, au carrefour occipito-pariéto-temporal). En outre, non seulement la voie dorsale mais aussi la voie ventrale projettent vers les aires frontales motrices, rendant possible une contribution des deux systèmes dans l’action (2-4). Une revue neuropsychologique des conséquences de lésions pariétales permet aussi de noter certaines limites et contradictions avec cette théorie. Par exemple, l’héminégligence qui affecte la perception de la partie gauche de l’espace et des objets apparaît souvent suite à une lésion pariétale droite épargnant la voie ventrale bilatéralement. Par ailleurs, l’ataxie optique, considérée par cette théorie comme un déficit de l’action dirigée après lésion pariétale postérieure, se traduit en effet par des erreurs de précision lors de mouvements d’atteinte et de préhension, mais ces déficits se limitent aux mouvements rapides et dirigés vers des objets en vision périphérique. Dans nos récentes recherches, nous avons donc posé deux questions en miroir à propos du rôle : – de la voie ventrale dans l’action dirigée ; – du système dorsal dans la perception visuelle.