Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Liposomes functionalized to overcome the blood–brain barrier and to target amyloid-β peptide: the chemical design affects the permeability across an in vitro model

Purpose We investigated the ability of amyloid-β-targeting liposomes, decorated with an anti-transferrin receptor antibody, to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB), comparing two antibody ligation techniques. Methods Fluorescent or radiolabeled liposomes composed of sphingomyelin/cholesterol and containing phosphatidic acid, known to bind amyloid-β, were further functionalized with the anti-transferrin receptor antibody RI7217. Two different techniques were used to attach RI7217 to the liposomes surface: biotin/streptavidin linkage or thiol–maleimide covalent ligation. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and immunoblotting were employed to assess the nanoparticles’ binding performances. Confocal microscopy and radiochemical techniques were used for uptake and permeability studies on an in vitro BBB model made of human brain capillary endothelial cells hCMEC/D3. Results Immunoblotting experiments showed that RI7217-functionalized liposomes bind to transferrin receptor independently of the procedure employed to ligate their surface with the antibody, while SPR experiments showed a slightly higher affinity for covalently functionalized nanoliposomes. The functionalization with RI7217 did not affect the liposomes’ affinity for amyloid-β. The functionalization of liposomes with RI7217, independently of the ligation procedure, gave higher values of uptake and permeability across the barrier model in comparison to the nondecorated ones, without cell monolayer alterations. Of note, the best performing particles were those covalently coupled with the antibody. The ratios of the two radiolabeled lipids (3H-sphingomyelin and 14C-phosphatidic acid) present in the liposome bilayer were found to be similar in the apical and in the basolateral compartments of the barrier model, suggesting that liposomes were transported intact across the cell monolayer. Confocal experiments showed no co-localization of RI7217-liposomes with early/late endosomes or early lysosomes. Conclusion Our results suggest that RI7217 promotes the in vitro barrier crossing of liposomes containing phosphatidic acid, targeting the Alzheimer’s disease amyloid-β peptide. Moreover, for the first time, we prove herein the superior efficiency of covalent coupling of RI7217 versus biotin/streptavidin ligation to facilitate liposomes in overcoming the BBB in vitro.
Surface Charge Storage Properties of Selected Graphene Samples in pH-neutral Aqueous Solutions of Alkali Metal Chlorides - Particularities and Universalities

1 Department of chemistry, Faculty of Science, Zmaja od Bosne 33-35, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Hercegovina 2 University of Belgrade Faculty of Physical Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia 3 Laboratory for Micro and Nanotechnology, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland. 4 Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Knez Mihajlova 35, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia * E-mail: slavko@ffh.bg. ac.rs
Presentations for Subgroups of Monoids

The main result of this paper gives a presentation for an arbitrary subgroup of a monoid defined by a presentation. It is a modification of the well known Reidemeister–Schreier theorem for groups. Some consequences of this result are explored. It is proved that a regular monoid with finitely many left and right ideals is finitely presented if and only if all its maximal subgroups are finitely presented. An inverse monoid with finitely many left and right ideals is finitely presented as an inverse monoid if and only if it is finitely presented as a monoid. An example of a finitely presented monoid with a finitely generated but not finitely presented group of units is exhibited. © 1999 Academic Press
Smac mimetic LCL161 supports neuroblastoma chemotherapy in a drug class-dependent manner and synergistically interacts with ALK inhibitor TAE684 in cells with ALK mutation F1174L

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor during infancy and childhood. Outcome of high-risk and late-stage disease remains poor despite intensive treatment regimens. Suppressing inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) using Smac mimetics (SM) significantly sensitizes neuroblastoma (NB) cells for chemotherapy, however strongly dependent on the cytotoxic drug combined with SM. Therefore, a systematic analysis of the impact of SM in combination with different classes of chemotherapeutics was of crucial importance. Treatment of NB cell lines with SM LCL161 and vinca alkaloids revealed a strong synergistic inhibition of proliferation and significant induction of apoptosis in virtually all established and de novo NB cell lines (n=8). In contrast, combination of anthracyclines or topoisomerase inhibitors with LCL161 showed a synergism for single drugs and/or cell lines only. Furthermore, we could show that insensibility to LCL161-mediated sensitization for chemotherapeutics is associated with aberrant activation of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) by common mutation F1174L. Inhibition of ALK using TAE684 is able to overcome this resistance in a synergistic fashion, a finding that could be highly relevant for improvement of neuroblastoma therapy.
Decision Support for Diabetes in Scotland: Implementation and Evaluation of a Clinical Decision Support System

Background: Automated clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are associated with improvements in health care delivery to those with long-term conditions, including diabetes. A CDSS was introduced to two Scottish regions (combined diabetes population ~30 000) via a national diabetes electronic health record. This study aims to describe users’ reactions to the CDSS and to quantify impact on clinical processes and outcomes over two improvement cycles: December 2013 to February 2014 and August 2014 to November 2014. Methods: Feedback was sought via patient questionnaires, health care professional (HCP) focus groups, and questionnaires. Multivariable regression was used to analyze HCP SCI-Diabetes usage (with respect to CDSS message presence/absence) and case-control comparison of clinical processes/outcomes. Cases were patients whose HCP received a CDSS messages during the study period. Closely matched controls were selected from regions outside the study, following similar clinical practice (without CDSS). Clinical process measures were screening rates for diabetes-related complications. Clinical outcomes included HbA1c at 1 year. Results: The CDSS had no adverse impact on consultations. HCPs were generally positive toward CDSS and used it within normal clinical workflow. CDSS messages were generated for 5692 cases, matched to 10 667 controls. Following clinic, the probability of patients being appropriately screened for complications more than doubled for most measures. Mean HbA1c improved in cases and controls but more so in cases (–2.3 mmol/mol [–0.2%] versus –1.1 [–0.1%], P = .003). Discussion and Conclusions: The CDSS was well received; associated with improved efficiencies in working practices; and large improvements in guideline adherence. These evidence-based, early interventions can significantly reduce costly and devastating complications.
Not "just" an intravenous line: Consumer perspectives on peripheral intravenous cannulation (PIVC). An international cross-sectional survey of 25 countries

Peripheral intravascular cannula/catheter (PIVC) insertion is a common invasive procedure, but PIVC failure before the end of therapy is unacceptably high. As PIVC failure disrupts treatment and reinsertion can be distressing for the patient, prevention of PIVC failure is an important patient outcome. Consumer participation in PIVC care to prevent failure is an untapped resource. This study aimed to understand consumers’ PIVC experience; establish aspects of PIVC insertion and care relevant to them; and to compare experiences of adult consumers to adult carers of a child. An international, web-based, cross-sectional survey was distributed via social media inviting adult consumers and adult carers of a child under 18 years who had experienced having a PIVC in the last five years (one survey each for adults and adult carers) to complete a 10-item survey. As such, sampling bias is a limitation and results should be carefully considered in light of this. There were 712 respondents from 25 countries, mainly female (87.1%) and adults (80%). A little over 50% of adults described insertion as moderately painful or worse, with level of insertion difficulty (0–10 scale) identified as moderate (median 4, IQR 1, 7). Adult carers reported significantly more pain during insertion and insertion difficulty (both p < 0.001). Rates of first insertion attempt failure were higher in children compared with adults (89/139 [64%] vs 221/554 [40%]; p < 0.001), and 23% of children required ≥ 4 attempts, compared with 9% of adults (p < 0.0001). Three themes from open-ended question emerged: Significance of safe and consistent PIVC care; Importance of staff training and competence; and Value of communication. The PIVC experience can be painful, stressful and frustrating for consumers. Priorities for clinicians and policy makers should include use of pain relief as standard practice to reduce the pain associated with PIVC insertion and developing strategies to increase first PIVC insertion attempt success particularly for children and older consumers.
The Immunostimulatory Effect of Lactic Acid Bacteria in a Rat Model.

BACKGROUND Probiotics are "live", beneficial microbes that provide important health benefits in their hosts. There is significant interest in the modulation and regulation of the immune function by probiotics. OBJECTIVE To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of a probiotic mixture, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, by detecting serum cytokine and immunoglobulin levels. METHODS The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. The first group was "Control group" and other 3 groups were probiotic application groups who received different doses of probiotics. The probiotic mixture included 12 probiotic bacteria, mostly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. Probiotic mixture was administered to rats for 12 consecutive days. TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-1-β, IL-6, and IL-10 levels as well as serum IgG and IgA concentrations were detected in the sera after 12 days. RESULTS Probiotics led to a decrease in the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and TGF-β; however, they led to increase in the serum levels of IL-10, IgG and IgA. There were significant differences between control group and probiotic application groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION These data suggest that the commensal microbiota are important for stimulating both proinflammatory and regulatory responses in order to rapidly clear infections and minimize inflammation-associated tissue damage.
Power Distance in Information Systems Offshoring Projects - A Control Theory Perspective

Controlling IS offshoring projects is a great challenge because of the inherent uncertainty of such projects. In such settings, informal controls are assumed to become increasingly effective. However, still little is known about the factors that influence the effectiveness of informal controls. We argue that the vendor manager’s power distance orientation—a key cultural construct that reflects beliefs about status, authority, and power in organizations—represents a missing antecedent of informal control effectiveness. Analyzing data from 57 client-vendor matched pairs, we found that high power distance on the part of the vendor manager negatively impacts project performance but at the same time positively moderates the relationship between selfcontrol and performance.
Response of Okra ( Abelmoschus esculentus ( L . ) to Different Levels of Hoaglands Solution

This study was carried out to evaluate the performance of Hoaglands solution on the growth of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.). The experiment comprised of different solution levels: CK (control), 40, 60, 80, and 100 ml/L and set up in Randomized Complete Block Design with five replications. Fresh and dry weight at high levels of Hoaglands solution was highly than with non treated. On the other hand, chlorophyll and carbohydrate content increased in treated plants compared to the control. The highest level of nutrients uptake was found in treatment four and five. Nutrient solution supply significantly decreased soil pH both in rhizopher and non-rhizopher soil. The decrease in soil pH, especially in the rhizopher may increase uptake of nutrient by plants. Results of this study indicated that Hoaglands solution especially at 80 ml/L levels has a profound impact on okra growth of plants. [Safwan Shiyab, Bassam Al-Qarallah, Mohanad Akash, Mohammed Statieh, Jamal Ayad, Khaldon Al Sane. Response of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) to Different Levels of Hoaglands Solution. Life Sci J 2014;11(10):1080-1086]. (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com. 163
Growth and Yield of Potato Cultivars

Concentration of CO in the atmosphere is likely to increase up to 550 µmol mol by the middle of 2 1 21 century. Such an increase in the atmospheric CO may effect plant growth and productivity of crop plants. st 2 A field experiment was conducted with two potato cultivars namely Kufri Surya and Kufri Chipsona-3 grown inside Open Top Chambers (OTCs) at ambient (385±30 µmol mol ) and elevated CO (570±50 µmol mol ), 11 2 during rabi season of the year 2009-2010. The experiment was planned in a randomized complete block design under factorial arrangement with three replications. The photosynthetic rate significantly increased in both the cultivars under high CO and enhancement was greater in K. Chipsona-3 than K. Surya. There was increased 2 accumulation of reducing, non-reducing and total sugars in the leaves of both the cultivars due to CO2 enrichment. Crop growth rate (CGR) and tuber growth rate (TGR) in both cultivars was higher in plants grown under elevated CO compared with ambient. High CO increased more partitioning of dry matter towards the 22 tubers at all harvesting stages. Potato plants grown under elevated CO exhibited increased tuber yield due to 2 enhanced number of tubers per plant. At the final harvest, total tuber fresh weight was 36% greater under high CO treatments compared to ambient. Among the two cultivars the response of K. Chipsona-3 was better to 2 increased CO concentration compared with K. Surya. The study concludes that rising atmospheric CO in future 22 climate change scenario may be beneficial for tuber crops like potato to enhance growth as well as tuber yield.
Significance of recurrence of minimal residual disease detected by multi‐parameter flow cytometry in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in morphological remission

We sought to determine the significance of minimal residual disease (MRD) relapse in patients with ALL after achieving MRD negative status following induction and consolidation therapy. Between January 2003 and September 2014, 647 newly diagnosed patients were treated [HyperCVAD‐based (n = 531); Augmented BFM (n = 116)]. Six hundred and one (93%) achieved complete remission (CR), and 546 (91%) became MRD negative. Fifty‐five patients [HyperCVAD‐based (n = 49); Augmented BFM (n = 6)] developed recurrence of MRD while still in morphological CR and are the subjects of this study. MRD was assessed by 6‐color (4‐color prior to 2009) multi‐parameter flow cytometry (MFC) at CR and multiple time points thereafter. Their median age was 44 years (range, 18–72 years), median WBC at initial presentation was 7.3 K/µL−1 (range, 0.6–303.8 K/µL−1) and median bone marrow blast percentage 88% (range, 26–98%). The median time to MRD relapse was 14 months (range 3–58 months). Forty‐four (80%) patients subsequently developed morphological relapse after median of 3 months (range, <1–33 months) from detection of MRD recurrence. Treatments received after MRD positivity and prior to morphological relapse: 16 continued maintenance chemotherapy; 15 received late intensification; 9 allogeneic stem cell transplant, 9 changed chemotherapy, 6 no further therapy. Only six remain alive and in CR1 and nine are alive after morphological relapse. MRD relapse detected by MFC at any time after achieving CR is associated with a high risk for morphological relapse. SCT can result in long‐term remission in some patients. Prospective studies of long‐term MRD assessments, together with less toxic treatment strategies to eradicate MRD, are warranted.
Phase I Dose‐Escalation Study of Ramucirumab in Chinese Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors

Abstract Lessons Learned. Ramucirumab was well tolerated in Chinese patients with advanced solid tumors, and adverse events were manageable in this study. Pharmacokinetics characteristics in Chinese patients were similar to those in other populations. Immunogenicity was not detected. No efficacy conclusion could be drawn, and further randomized studies are warranted. Background. This single‐arm, nonrandomized, open‐label, dose‐escalation, phase I study was designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of ramucirumab in Chinese patients with advanced solid tumors that were resistant to standard therapy or no standard therapy was available. Methods. Dose escalation was a 3 + 3 design, with expansion in Cohorts 2 and 3 for PK. Ramucirumab was given intravenously at three different dosages: 6 mg/kg every 2 weeks, 10 mg/kg every 3 weeks, and 8 mg/kg every 2 weeks. Safety analyses included all patients. PK, immunogenicity, and antitumor activity were also assessed. Results. Among 28 patients treated, 2 experienced dose‐limiting toxicity, possibly related to ramucirumab. No maximum tolerated dose was determined. All patients experienced at least one treatment‐emergent adverse event. Grade ≥3 adverse event was reported for 53.6% (n = 15) of patients. PK analyses indicated that ramucirumab had low clearance, small volume of distribution, and long half‐life in Chinese patients, as in other populations. Immunogenicity was not detected. No patient had complete/partial response, and 64.3% (n = 18) had stable disease with a median duration of 5.55 months (95% confidence interval: 3.38−7.13 months). Conclusion. Ramucirumab appeared to be well tolerated in Chinese patients with advanced solid tumors. PK characteristics in Chinese patients were similar to those in other populations.
Evaluation of new reactive FRP reinforcement assemblies for reinforced concrete transportation structures

This report evaluates two new glass-fiber reinforced polymer concrete reinforcement systems, which have been designed to serve as a non-corrosive alternative to steel reinforcement in reinforced concrete bridge girders. Due to the nature of the reinforcement geometry, these systems react in a way to introduce compressive confinement into the concrete in the inner regions of the system units. The introduction of this compressive confinement zone will increase particle interaction effects, which results in increased shear and tensile force resistance contributed by the affected concrete. The system is also well integrated into the surrounding concrete matrix, therefore eliminating the potential for debonding failures. A proof of concept is conducted in order to evaluate a set of alternative reinforcement system prototypes. Before the reinforcement systems are evaluated, technical literature pertaining to alternative reinforcements is reviewed. Select specimens provided evidence of mechanically constrictive behavior and enhancements in flexural capacity. Indications of good bond strength and shear strength contribution from the flexural reinforcement systems were also found. The overall finding is that these reinforcement geometries do show potential and should be the subject of further study in a more extensive project.
Exploring Iranian Women's Perceptions Regarding Control and Prevention of Breast Cancer

The purpose of this study was to explore Iranian women’s perceptions, behaviors, and beliefs related to breast cancer screening, breast cancer, and follow up care. A qualitative descriptive inquiry with both individual and focus group interviews was conducted in Tehran with 31 Farsispeaking women, age 35 to 65 years of age. A constant comparison method of analysis assisted the researchers in gaining an understanding of factors that influence Iranian women’s perceptions regarding the control and prevention of breast cancer. Findings suggest that insufficient knowledge regarding breast cancer and breast cancer screening is a significant factor among this population. Breast cancer programs are needed in Iran that address women’s religious beliefs and spiritual needs.
Parasitism and the burrowing depth of the beach hopper Talorchestia quoyana (Amphipoda: Talitridae)

Talitrid amphipods spend their days burrowed in sand to avoid predators as well as desiccation and heat stress, although other factors may influence burrowing depth. We investigated the potential role of mermithid nematode parasites in determining burrowing depth in the amphipod Talorchestia quoyana. Mermithids grow as parasites inside amphipods until they reach adulthood, when they must emerge from their host into moist sand to complete their life cycle and reproduce. When allowed to burrow to a depth of their choice in experimental situations, large amphipods burrowed deeper than small ones. In addition, deep-burrowing amphipods were more likely to be infected by mermithid nematodes, and harboured longer worms, on average, than amphipods that burrowed close to the sand surface. This last result is not an artefact of the larger size of deep-burrowing amphipods: the increase in worm length with increasing depth was found after statistical correction for host size. In other words, amphipods that burrowed deeper harboured longer worms than expected based on their body size, whereas those that stayed near the surface of the sand column harboured worms shorter than one would expect based on host size. This implies that the greater burrowing depth of infected amphipods is a consequence, and not a cause, of infection. These results emphasize the importance of parasitism as a determinant of the small-scale spatial distribution of their hosts.
The Role of Discourse Units in Near-Extractive Summarization

Although human-written summaries of documents tend to involve signiﬁcant edits to the source text, most automated summa-rizers are extractive and select sentences verbatim. In this work we examine how elementary discourse units (EDUs) from Rhetorical Structure Theory can be used to extend extractive summarizers to produce a wider range of human-like summaries. Our analysis demonstrates that EDU segmentation is effective in preserving human-labeled summarization concepts within sentences and also aligns with near-extractive summaries constructed by news editors. Finally, we show that us-ing EDUs as units of content selection instead of sentences leads to stronger summarization performance in near-extractive scenarios, especially under tight budgets.