Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MWCNT‐7 administered to the lung by intratracheal instillation induces development of pleural mesothelioma in F344 rats

Multi‐walled carbon nanotube‐7 (MWCNT‐7) fibers are biopersistent and have a structure similar to asbestos. MWCNT‐7 has been shown to induce malignant mesothelioma when administered by intrascrotal or intraperitoneal injection in rats and mice, and an inhalation study demonstrated that rats exposed to respirable MWCNT‐7 developed lung tumors. MWCNT‐N, which is similar to MWCNT‐7, was shown to induce both lung tumors and malignant mesothelioma in rats when administered by trans‐tracheal intrapulmonary spraying (TIPS). The present study was performed to investigate the carcinogenicity of MWCNT‐7 when administered by the TIPS method. Ten‐week‐old male F344/Crj rats were divided into 3 groups and administered 0.5 mL vehicle, 0.250 μg/mL MWCNT‐7 or 0.250 μg/mL crocidolite once a week for 12 weeks (total doses of 1.5 mg/rat) and then observed for up to 104 weeks. Rats in the MWCNT‐7 group began to die from pathologies associated with the development of malignant mesothelioma 35 weeks after the final TIPS administration. Overall, the incidence of malignant mesothelioma in the MWCNT‐7 group was significantly higher than in the vehicle or crocidolite groups.
Tumor Microenvironment as A “Game Changer” in Cancer Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy (RT), besides cancer cells, also affects the tumor microenvironment (TME): tumor blood vessels and cells of the immune system. It damages endothelial cells and causes radiation-induced inflammation. Damaged vessels inhibit the infiltration of CD8+ T lymphocytes into tumors, and immunosuppressive pathways are activated. They lead to the accumulation of radioresistant suppressor cells, including tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) with the M2 phenotype, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and regulatory T cells (Tregs). The area of tumor hypoxia increases. Hypoxia reduces oxygen-dependent DNA damage and weakens the anti-cancer RT effect. It activates the formation of new blood vessels and leads to cancer relapse after irradiation. Irradiation may also activate the immune response through immunogenic cell death induction. This leads to the “in situ” vaccination effect. In this article, we review how changes in the TME affect radiation-induced anticancer efficacy. There is a very delicate balance between the activation of the immune system and the immunosuppression induced by RT. The effects of RT doses on immune system reactions and also on tumor vascularization remain unclear. A better understanding of these interactions will contribute to the optimization of RT treatment, which may prevent the recurrence of cancer.
An Asymptomatic Patient with Fatal Infertility Carried a Swedish Strain of Chlamydia trachomatis with Additional Deletion in The Plasmid orf1 that Belonged to A Different MLST Sequence Type

Here, we present the first case of asymptomatic genital Chlamydial infection caused by the new emerging Chlamydia trachomatis (C.t.) ST13 strain genovar E, which has a double deletion of 377 bp and 17 bp in orf1 gene of the cryptic plasmid (ddCT). This case occurred in an infertile patient (case-patient) with a detectable level of Chlamydial antibodies and a spermatozoa deficiency known as azoospermia. Additionally, the ddCT strain showed the presence of a duplication of 44 bp in the plasmid orf3 and SNP in orf4, which were known as the typical characteristics of the Swedish variant of C.t. (nvCT) genovar E. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) determined a significant difference between ddCT and nvCT in four alleles (oppA, hfiX, gitA and enoA). Both ddCT and nvCT were assigned to different genetic lineages and could be allocated to two different non-overlapping clonal complexes. Furthermore, ddCT demonstrated a considerable difference among 4–5 alleles in comparison with other C.t. strains of genovar E of ST4, ST8, ST12, and ST94, including the founder of a single relevant cluster, wtCT E/SW3 (Swedish genetic lineage). In contrast to other genovar E strains, ddCT had identical alleles with seven out of seven loci found in ST13 strains of genovars D and G, including the founder for this clonal group, D/UW-3/CX, and six out of seven loci found in its derivatives, such as ST6, ST10, and ST95 of genovars G and H. Nevertheless, MSTree V2 showed that ddCT and nvCT could have a common early ancestor, which is a parental C.t. G/9301 strain of ST9. A significant difference between ddCT and nvCT of genovar D (nvCT-D) that was recently found in Mexico was also determined as: (i) ddCT belonged to genovar E but not to genovar D; (ii) ddCT had a 44 bp duplication within the orf3 of the plasmid typical for nvCT; (iii) ddCT possessed an additional 17 bp deletion in the orf1. In conclusion, improved case management should include the clinical physician’s awareness of the need to enhance molecular screening of asymptomatic Chlamydia patients. Such molecular diagnostics might be essential to significantly reducing the global burden of Chlamydial infection on international public health.
Risk Riding Behaviors of Urban E-Bikes: A Literature Review

In order to clearly understand the risky riding behaviors of electric bicycles (e-bikes) and analyze the riding characteristics, we review the research results of the e-bike risky riding behavior from three aspects: the characteristics and causes of e-bike accidents, the characteristics of users’ traffic behavior, and the prevention and intervention of traffic accidents. The analysis results show that the existing research methods on risky riding behavior of e-bikes mainly involve questionnaire survey methods, structural equation models, and binary probability models. The illegal occupation of motor vehicle lanes, over-speed cycling, red-light running, and illegal manned and reverse cycling are the main risky riding behaviors seen with e-bikes. Due to the difference in physiological and psychological characteristics such as gender, age, audiovisual ability, responsiveness, patience when waiting for a red light, congregation, etc., there are differences in risky cycling behaviors of different users. Accident prevention measures, such as uniform registration of licenses, the implementation of quasi-drive systems, improvements of the riding environment, enhancements of safety awareness and training, are considered effective measures for preventing e-bike accidents and protecting the traffic safety of users. Finally, in view of the shortcomings of the current research, the authors point out three research directions that can be further explored in the future. The strong association rules between risky riding behavior and traffic accidents should be explored using big data analysis. The relationships between risk awareness, risky cycling, and traffic accidents should be studied using the scales of risk perception, risk attitude, and risk tolerance. In a variety of complex mixed scenes, the risk degree, coupling characteristics, interventions, and the coupling effects of various combination intervention measures of e-bike riding behaviors should be researched using coupling theory in the future.
Efficacy of drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) combined with radiofrequency ablation versus DEB-TACE alone in Chinese hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Abstract To compare the efficacy of drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization combined with radiofrequency ablation (DEB-TACE+RFA) versus DEB-TACE alone in Chinese hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The 28 patients receiving DEB-TACE+RFA and 74 HCC patients receiving DEB-TACE were recruited in this study. Treatment responses, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. One to 3 months after treatments, the proportion of patients achieving complete response (CR) (78.6% vs 33.8%, P <.001) and objective response rate (ORR) (92.9% vs 78.4%, P =.010) were elevated in DEB-TACE+RFA group compared with DEB-TACE group. Multivariate logistic regression displayed that DEB-TACE+RFA was an independently predicting factor for better CR (P = .006). Subgroup analysis of CR achievement illuminated that DEB-TACE+RFA disclosed better CR achievement in patients with history of cirrhosis (P <.001), tumor located in right liver (P = .003), bilobar disease (P = .013), tumor size <3.3 cm (P = .001), no portal vein invasion (P = .001), no hepatic vein invasion (P <.001), Child-pugh stage A (P <.001), Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage 0, A-B (P <.001), abnormal alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (P = .001) and normal AFP (P = .016). The PFSs were similar between 2 groups (P = .112), however, the OS was more prolonged in DEB-TACE+RFA group (P = .025) compared with DEB-TACE group. And subgroup analysis displayed that PFS of patients with largest nodule size >3.3 cm (P = .025) was longer and patients with unilobar disease (P = .009), and patients with no hepatic invasion (P = .019) and Child-pugh stage A (P = .037) had more favorable OS in DEB-TACE+RFA group compared with DEB-TACE group. DEB-TACE+RFA achieved better treatment responses and OS compared with DEB-TACE alone in Chinese HCC patients.
Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Alkali Activated Materials from Two Types of Blast Furnace Slags

This paper investigated the effect of blast furnace slags (BFS) characteristics on the properties achievement after being alkali activated. The physical and chemical characteristics of BFS were determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and laser granulometry. Multi-technical characterizations using calorimetry, XRD, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetry (TG-DTG), scanning electron microscope (SEM), nitrogen sorption and uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) were applied to give an in-depth understanding of the relationship between the reaction products, microstructure and BFS characteristics. The test results show that the microstructure and mechanical properties of alkali activated blast furnace slags (BFS) highly depend on the characteristics of BFS. Although the higher content of basic oxide could accelerate the hydration process and result in higher mechanical properties, a poor thermal stabilization was observed. On the other hand, with a higher content of Fe, the hydration process in alkali activated BFS2 lasts for a longer time, contributing to a delayed compressive strength achievement.
Detection and localisation of primary prostate cancer using 68gallium prostate‐specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography compared with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and radical prostatectomy specimen pathology

To compare the accuracy of 68gallium prostate‐specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography (68Ga‐PSMA PET/CT) with multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) in detecting and localising primary prostate cancer when compared with radical prostatectomy (RP) specimen pathology.
Acute onset neurological symptoms in Wilson disease after traumatic, surgical or emotional events

Abstract Acute onset neurological symptoms evoked by traumatic, surgical, or emotional events in Wilson disease (WD) have never been reported and its clinical characteristics are unclear. We aimed to summarize the clinical characteristics of a special WD whose neurological symptoms acutely developed after traumatic, surgical, or emotional events. Retrospective pilot study. Thirty-one patients who had acute onset neurological symptom as an initial presentation of WD or a new presentation of hepatic WD after mild trauma, surgery, or emotional events were retrospectively studied. All patients were followed for half to 1 year after regular anti-copper treatment. The averaged latency for neurological symptom presentation was 2.79 ± 1.21 hours. The most frequent neurological symptoms were tremor (74%) and basal ganglia (BG) lesions were detected on magnetic resonance imaging in all patients. Lesions in other regions were much less frequently detected. Neurological symptom score and its recovery after treatment were correlated with lesion location: BG area and BG plus other brain areas. Neurological symptoms improved in 21 patients who received timely anti-copper treatment but continued to deteriorate in 6 patients who did not accept regular anti-copper treatment for delayed diagnosis. A diagnosis of WD should be considered when adolescents or adults experience acute presentation of extrapyramidal systems after traumatic, surgical, or emotional stimulation. Timely anti-copper therapy usually gives rise to an excellent prognosis.
Mesoporous Silica-Based Materials for Electronics-Oriented Applications

Electronics, and nanoelectronics in particular, represent one of the most promising branches of technology. The search for novel and more efficient materials seems to be natural here. Thus far, silicon-based devices have been monopolizing this domain. Indeed, it is justified since it allows for significant miniaturization of electronic elements by their densification in integrated circuits. Nevertheless, silicon has some restrictions. Since this material is applied in the bulk form, the miniaturization limit seems to be already reached. Moreover, smaller silicon-based elements (mainly processors) need much more energy and generate significantly more heat than their larger counterparts. In our opinion, the future belongs to nanostructured materials where a proper structure is obtained by means of bottom-up nanotechnology. A great example of a material utilizing nanostructuring is mesoporous silica, which, due to its outstanding properties, can find numerous applications in electronic devices. This focused review is devoted to the application of porous silica-based materials in electronics. We guide the reader through the development and most crucial findings of porous silica from its first synthesis in 1992 to the present. The article describes constant struggle of researchers to find better solutions to supercapacitors, lower the k value or redox-active hybrids while maintaining robust mechanical properties. Finally, the last section refers to ultra-modern applications of silica such as molecular artificial neural networks or super-dense magnetic memory storage.
To Meet, to Matter, and to Have Fun: The Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of an Intervention to Fulfil the Social Needs of Older People

Interventions for older people are often not evaluated and, if evaluated, are not proven successful. Based on a systematic literature review and two qualitative studies about the social needs of older people, an intervention has been developed, implemented, and evaluated. Important social needs that emerged from these studies are connectedness, meaningfulness, and independence. Samsam, the developed intervention, aims to fulfil these needs. Samsam is a place where older (native Dutch speaking) people teach the Dutch language to expats, refugees, and immigrants. Two group interviews and one interview with a total of seven older participants were held to find out what the experiences are with this intervention to fulfil the social needs of older people. After analysis, three themes emerged: (1) The general experience of Samsam, (2) connectedness, and (3) meaningfulness and status. Results indicate that the volunteers are content with the conditions of the intervention, although it is sometimes hard work. The older participants indicated that helping other people and contributing to society is important for them. The intervention also has a strong social and fun element which contributes to their feeling of connectedness. The intervention fulfils various social needs, such as connectedness, meaningfulness, and status. When participating in Samsam, participants feel connected to each other, to the students, and to society. The older participants want to have meaningful lives and use their skills and talents. Samsam offers possibilities for them to do so. We further found that participants have some common characteristics such as an openness to others and to other cultures. An openness towards others and to society helps older people to connect. Most interventions focus on stimulating contact between older people, primarily on their need for affection. We conclude that meaningfulness and status are important social needs. Successful interventions for older people should focus more on fulfilling these needs—for example, by engaging in purposeful activities. It becomes easier to connect when a person feels useful.
Preparation and Characterization of Natural Bleaching Gels Used in Cosmetic Dentistry

The novelty of this study consists of the formulation and characterization of three experimental bleaching gels with hydroxylapatite oxides and fluorine (G28®, G29®, G30®) based on natural fruit extracts compared to the commercial Opalescence 15% (GC, Ultradent, South Jordan, UT, USA). Studies have been conducted on the effect that the experimental bleaching gels have on the color and morphology of different restorative materials (Nanofill®-Schulzer, P.L. Superior Dental Materials GmbH, Hamburg, Germany, and experimental nanocomposites (P11®, P31®, P61®)), immersed in coffee and artificial saliva (for 10 days and 30 days). The study also includes a cytotoxicity test on the gels and nanocomposites after bleaching, with ISO 109993-5 protocols on human dental follicle stem cells. UV-VIS spectroscopy, computerized measurement, and fluorescence spectrometry were used in order to observe the color changes, while the microstructure of the surface was investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). All of the samples immersed in coffee showed the highest color shift in comparison to the baseline. The color difference ΔE values obtained using the two methods (UV-Vis, computerized based on digital images) both after coloring and bleaching, respectively, were different for all four types of nanocomposites stored in the coffee, while no difference was observed in those stored in artificial saliva. The studied experimental gels and nanocomposites had a low cytotoxic effect on cell cultures after bleaching.
Altered Homeostasis of Regulatory T Lymphocytes and Differential Regulation of STAT1/STAT5 in CD4+ T Lymphocytes in Childhood-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective. Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) is usually a more severe and aggressive disease than adult-onset SLE (aSLE), but cellular and subcellular reasons for these differences are not well understood. The present study analyzed Th subsets, STAT1/STAT5 signaling response, and cytokine profiles of cSLE. Methods. FOXP3+ regulatory (Treg) and effector Th subsets, expression and phosphorylation of STAT1/STAT5 in Th, and cytokine profiles were measured in the peripheral blood of patients with cSLE and healthy controls (HC), using flow cytometry and immunoassay on a biochip. Results. Significant correlation between expression of the activation marker HLA-DR and decreased Th counts, an increase in the percentage of FOXP3+ Th, and a decrease in the activated Treg (aTreg) subset among them were found in cSLE. In contrast to our previous findings in aSLE, no significant differences in percentages and a significant decrease in the numbers of the naive-resting Treg (rTreg) subset compared to HC were found. The percentages of CD25− cells, possibly reflecting interleukin 2 depletion, were significantly increased in cSLE aTreg, but not in the rTreg subset. Consistent with the results of our previous studies in aSLE, increased expression of STAT1, along with significant correlation between decreased Th counts and their increased basal phosphorylation of STAT5, were also found in cSLE. Conclusion. Our results suggest that the key difference in Treg homeostasis between cSLE and aSLE is in the rTreg subset. However, perturbed aTreg homeostasis, increased levels of STAT1 protein, and homeostatic STAT5 signaling appear to be intrinsic characteristics of the disease, present in cSLE and aSLE alike.
Long noncoding RNA EMS connects c-Myc to cell cycle control and tumorigenesis

Significance As one of the most important oncogenes, c-Myc is activated in over half of human cancers. The oncogenic function of c-Myc has been largely attributed to its intrinsic nature as a master transcription factor. Dysregulation of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been implicated in a variety of human diseases, including cancer. However, the function of lncRNA in the regulation of c-Myc oncogenic activity is still not well understood. Here, we report that as a transcriptional target of c-Myc, lncRNA E2F1 messenger RNA (mRNA) stabilizing factor regulates c-Myc function via modulating E2F1 mRNA stability. This study provides insights into the mechanisms of how c-Myc promotes tumorigenesis. Deregulated expression of c-Myc is an important molecular hallmark of cancer. The oncogenic function of c-Myc has been largely attributed to its intrinsic nature as a master transcription factor. Here, we report the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) E2F1 messenger RNA (mRNA) stabilizing factor (EMS) as a direct c-Myc transcriptional target. EMS functions as an oncogenic molecule by promoting G1/S cell cycle progression. Mechanistically, EMS cooperates with the RNA binding protein RALY to stabilize E2F1 mRNA, and thereby increases E2F1 expression. Furthermore, EMS is able to connect c-Myc to cell cycle control and tumorigenesis via modulating E2F1 mRNA stability. Together, these findings reveal a previously unappreciated mechanism through which c-Myc induces E2F1 expression and also implicate EMS as an important player in the regulation of c-Myc function.
Probiotics and constipation: mechanisms of action, evidence for effectiveness and utilisation by patients and healthcare professionals

The aim of this narrative review is to assess and present evidence on the mechanisms of action of probiotics in constipation, their effectiveness and their utilisation by patients and healthcare professionals. Chronic constipation is a common bothersome disorder that has a considerable impact on patients' quality of life. Probiotics have been increasingly investigated for their effectiveness in various disorders, including chronic constipation. Probiotics may affect gut motility and constipation through their impact on the gut microbiota and fermentation, the central and enteric nervous system and the immune system. However, evidence for the effectiveness of probiotics in the management of constipation remains varied, with some strains demonstrating improvements, while others show no effect. Despite the uncertainty in evidence and the fact that the majority of healthcare professionals do not recommend probiotics for constipation, an increased prevalence of probiotic use by people with constipation has been shown. Therefore, there is a need for public health strategies to inform the public about where strong evidence of probiotic effectiveness exist, and where evidence is still weak. Education of healthcare professionals on the increased utilisation of probiotics for constipation by the public and on current evidence for the effectiveness of specific strains is also required.