Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of 5′-O-methacryloylcytidine Using the Immobilized Lipase Novozym 435

Nucleobase building blocks have been demonstrated to be strong candidates when it comes to DNA/RNA-like materials by benefiting from hydrogen bond interactions as physical properties. Modifying at the 5′ position is the simplest way to develop nucleobase-based structures by transesterification using the lipase Novozym 435. Herein, we describe the optimization of the lipase-catalyzed synthesis of the monomer 5′-O-methacryloylcytidine with the assistance of microwave irradiation. Variable reaction parameters, such as enzyme concentration, molar ratio of the substrate, reaction temperature and reaction time, were investigated to find the optimum reaction condition in terms of obtaining the highest yield.
The Combination of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol Suppresses Mitochondrial Respiration of Human Glioblastoma Cells via Downregulation of Specific Respiratory Chain Proteins

Simple Summary Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid from Cannabis sativa L. that exhibits no psychoactivity and, like the psychoactive cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), shows anticancer effects in preclinical cell and animal models. Previous studies have indicated a stronger cancer-targeting effect when THC and CBD are combined. Here, we investigated how the combination of THC and CBD in a 1:1 ratio affects glioblastoma cell survival. The compounds were found to synergistically enhance cell death, which was attributed to mitochondrial damage and disruption of energy metabolism. A detailed look at the mitochondrial electron transfer chain showed that THC/CBD selectively decreased certain subunits of complexes I and IV. These data highlight the fundamental changes in cellular energy metabolism when cancer cells are exposed to a mixture of cannabinoids and underscore the potential of combining cannabinoids in cancer treatment. Abstract Phytocannabinoids represent a promising approach in glioblastoma therapy. Previous work has shown that a combined treatment of glioblastoma cells with submaximal effective concentrations of psychoactive Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) greatly increases cell death. In the present work, the glioblastoma cell lines U251MG and U138MG were used to investigate whether the combination of THC and CBD in a 1:1 ratio is associated with a disruption of cellular energy metabolism, and whether this is caused by affecting mitochondrial respiration. Here, the combined administration of THC and CBD (2.5 µM each) led to an inhibition of oxygen consumption rate and energy metabolism. These effects were accompanied by morphological changes to the mitochondria, a release of mitochondrial cytochrome c into the cytosol and a marked reduction in subunits of electron transport chain complexes I (NDUFA9, NDUFB8) and IV (COX2, COX4). Experiments with receptor antagonists and inhibitors showed that the degradation of NDUFA9 occurred independently of the activation of the cannabinoid receptors CB1, CB2 and TRPV1 and of usual degradation processes mediated via autophagy or the proteasomal system. In summary, the results describe a previously unknown mitochondria-targeting mechanism behind the toxic effect of THC and CBD on glioblastoma cells that should be considered in future cancer therapy, especially in combination strategies with other chemotherapeutics.
Vegetation Height as the Primary Driver of Functional Changes in Orthopteran Assemblages in a Roadside Habitat

Simple Summary This paper reports the results of a field research that investigates functional changes in grasshopper and cricket (Orthoptera) assemblages with distance from a major road (at 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500 m). Expanding on a previous study that adopted a species-based approach to the same subject, in order to gain a different perspective on road-associated dynamics of orthopteran assemblages with potential implications for ecosystem functioning, we aimed for the following: (1) to test how motorway proximity affects functional diversity of orthopteran assemblages and functional traits related to mobility, feeding guild, lifestyle and moisture preference; and (2) to assess the relationships between trait composition and road-influenced environmental factors. We recorded a significant increase in functional diversity and the occurrence of omnivorous and shrub-dwelling orthopterans, and a decrease in larger ground-dwelling orthopterans at sites close to the motorway. Road-induced changes in vegetation height were identified as the primary driver of these changes. Our findings contribute to a more thorough understanding of the links between road-associated changes in vegetation cover and insect community assembly in grassland habitats. Abstract Exhibiting manifold ecological impacts on terrestrial biota, roads have become a major driver of environmental change nowadays. However, many insect groups with high indication potential, such as grasshoppers and crickets (Orthoptera), have been largely neglected in road ecology research from a functional perspective. Using two complementary sampling methods, we have investigated the spatial dynamics of functional diversity and six functional traits in orthopteran assemblages, with respect to motorway proximity and the associated environmental factors, in a grassland habitat in the Lika region, Croatia. This research shows, for the first time, that road proximity can facilitate an increase in the functional diversity of orthopteran assemblages, with shifts in functional traits related to mobility, feeding habits and lifestyle being primarily driven by changes in vegetation height. Our findings also suggest that our ability to detect road-related patterns depends on the choice of a diversity measure and sampling method, since different components of orthopteran assemblages (plant-dwelling vs. ground-dwelling) exhibit different functional responses to road proximity.
Lack of changes in motor function of the brain in healthy older adults after participation in a cognitive walking program

A walking-based exercise program, called the cognitive walking program (CWP), has been shown to be beneficial for improving cognitive function in healthy older adults. It remains unknown whether it is beneficial for improving motor function of the brain. We investigated the effects of CWP on motor function of the brain by examining changes in interlimb transfer of visuomotor adaptation in older adults. Subjects were divided based on their physical activity level (active vs. sedentary) and participated in CWP. A control group performed normal walking. Fifty-two healthy older adults, 67–78 years old, were studied. All subjects participated in CWP or normal walking for 6 months. To assess brain motor function, all subjects adapted to a rotated visual display during reaching movements with the right arm first, then with the left arm. Interlimb transfer of visuomotor adaptation was assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months after training onset. It was hypothesized that if CWP had beneficial effects, the extent of transfer would change over time. The subject’s physical fitness was also assessed. Significant transfer from the right to the left arm occurred in all subject groups. Improvements in physical fitness were also observed. However, the extent of transfer did not change even after 6 months, with no group difference. Findings suggest that though beneficial for improving cognitive function in older adults, participating in CWP for 6 months is not long enough to improve brain motor function when the motor function is reflected as changes in interlimb transfer of visuomotor adaptation.
Point-of-Care Tests for HIV Drug Resistance Monitoring: Advances and Potentials

HIV/AIDS is a global public health crisis that is yet to be contained. Effective management of HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) supported by close resistance monitoring is essential in achieving the WHO 95-95-95 targets, aiming to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. Point-of-care tests (POCT) enable decentralized HIVDR testing with a short turnaround time and minimal instrumental requirement, allowing timely initiation of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) and regimen adjustment as needed. HIVDR POCT is of particular significance in an era when ART access is scaling up at a global level and enhanced HIVDR monitoring is urgently needed, especially for low-to-middle-income countries. This article provides an overview of the currently available technologies that have been applied or potentially used in HIVDR POCT. It may also benefit the continued research and development efforts toward more innovative HIVDR diagnostics.
Forced Oscillation Measurements in Patients with Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonia Subjected to Pulmonary Rehabilitation

(1) Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) plays a significant therapeutic role for patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP). The study assessed the impact of physical activity on lung function measured by forced oscillation technique (FOT). (2) Methods: The study involved 48 patients with IIP subjected to a 3-week inpatient PR. The control group included IIP patients (n = 44) on a 3-week interval without PR. All patients were assessed at baseline and after 3 weeks of PR by FOT, spirometry, plethysmography, grip strength measurement and the 6-minute walk test. (3) Results: There were no significant changes in FOT measurements in the PR group, except for reduced reactance at 11 Hz, observed in both groups (p < 0.05). Patients who completed PR significantly improved their 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and forced vital capacity (FVC). The change in 6MWD was better in patients with higher baseline reactance (p = 0.045). (4) Conclusions: Patients with IIP benefit from PR by an increased FVC and 6MWD; however, no improvement in FOT values was noticed. Slow disease progression was observed in the study and control groups, as measured by reduced reactance at 11 Hz. Patients with lower baseline reactance limitations achieve better 6MWD improvement.
Climate Change, Drought and Rural Suicide in New South Wales, Australia: Future Impact Scenario Projections to 2099

Mental health problems are associated with droughts, and suicide is one of the most tragic outcomes. We estimated the numbers of suicides attributable to drought under possible climate change scenarios for the future years until 2099, based on the historical baseline period 1970–2007. Drought and rural suicide data from the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) were analyzed for the baseline data period. Three global climate models and two representative concentration pathways were used to assess the range of potential future outcomes. Drought-related suicides increased among rural men aged 10–29 and 30–49 yrs in all modelled climate change scenarios. Rural males aged over 50 yrs and young rural females (10–29) showed no increased suicide risk, whereas decreased suicide rates were predicted for rural women of 30–49 and 50-plus years of age, suggesting resilience (according to the baseline historical relationship in those population sub-groups). No association between suicide and drought was identified in urban populations in the baseline data. Australian droughts are expected to increase in duration and intensity as climate change progresses. Hence, estimates of impacts, such as increased rural suicide rates, can inform mitigation and adaptation strategies that will help prepare communities for the effects of climate change.
Mechanical Strength and Chloride Ions’ Penetration of Alkali-Activated Concretes (AAC) with Blended Precursor

The purpose of this study was to investigate the properties of hardened alkali-activated concrete, which is considered an eco-friendly alternative to Portland cement concrete. In this paper, the precursors for alkali-activated concrete preparations are blends of fly ash and ground-granulated blast-furnace slag in three slag proportions: 5%, 20%, and 35%, expressed as a percentage of fly ash mass. Thus, three concretes were designed and cast, denominated as AAC5, AAC20, and AAC35. Their physical and mechanical characteristics were investigated at 28 and 180 days, as well as their properties of chloride ion transport. The modified NT BUILD 492 migration test was applied to determine the chloride ions’ penetration of the alkali-activated concretes. Improvement of mechanical strength and resistance to chloride aggression was observed with ground-granulated blast-furnace slag content increase in the compositions of the tested concretes. Mercury intrusion porosimetry tests provided insight into the open pore structures of concretes. A significant decrease in the total pore volume of the concrete and a change in the nature of the pore diameter distribution due to the addition of ground granulated blast furnace slag were demonstrated.
Impact of External Environmental Factors on Construction Firms' Performance, Mediated By Institutional Pressures

While the mainstream of construction management research has paid attention to the causes of poor performance in construction projects, there is a dearth of empirical research that considers the influence of external environment and institutional pressures in the debate. The objective of this research was to examine the impact of external environmental factors and institutional pressures on the performance outcomes of construction firms. The role of institutional pressures as a mediator in that relationship was also evaluated. Using a self-administered questionnaire, primary data was collected from 250 executives working in construction firms. This was then analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. The results demonstrated that both external environmental factors and institutional pressures have an impact on the performance of construction firms. In light of the institutional theory, the findings addressed a genuine research gap, as institutional pressures were discovered to mediate the relationship between external environmental factors and construction firm performance outcomes. This study contributes to the current debate about the causes of poor performance in construction firms by assisting managers in recognizing the impact of the aforementioned factors on a firm's performance. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2022-08-05-09 Full Text: PDF
Deformation Texture of Bulk Cementite Investigated by Neutron Diffraction

Understanding the deformation mechanism of cementite such as on a slip plane is important with regard to revealing and improving the mechanical property of steels. However, the deformation behavior of cementite has not been well investigated because of the difficulty of sample preparation given the single phase structure of cementite. In this study, by fabricating bulk single phase cementite samples using the method developed by the authors, the deformation texture formed by uniaxial compression was investigated using both electron back scatter diffraction and neutron diffraction. The fabricated sample had a random texture before the compression. After applying a compressive strain of 0.5 at 833 K, (010) fiber texture was formed along the compressive axis. It has been suggested from this trend that the primary slip plane of cementite is (010).
Pedestrian time-to-arrival judgment of vehicles in naturalistic traffic scenes

Pedestrians' time-to-arrival (TTA) judgement is their estimation of the time taken by a vehicle to reach their position, which is an important and fallible process while making road-crossing decisions. Unlike most studies that were conducted in simulated settings, this study evaluated the accuracy of pedestrian's TTA judgement and how it is affected by vehicle size in real traffic scenarios with the classic prediction motion task. An analysis with linear mixed models showed a significant underestimation of pedestrians' TTA judgement, with slightly higher TTA estimation for larger vehicles. However, the vehicle size effect is scarcely significant (if it existed at all). These findings have implications on the safety intervention of pedestrians and mechanism of TTA judgment, and point to the need to ensure ecological validity in future research.
Clinical Significance of MPO-ANCA in Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis: Experience From a Longitudinal Chinese Cohort

Objectives The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical significance of myeloperoxidase (MPO)–antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) on eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) from a longitudinal Chinese cohort. Methods A total of 120 patients with EGPA were consecutively enrolled and followed up. Two patients with PR3 ANCA was excluded and our analysis focused on the 118 patients with EGPA. On the basis of MPO-ANCA status, baseline clinical manifestations, treatment, and outcomes were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the independently associated factors for renal involvement. Results ANCA positivity was observed in 24.2% of patients with EGPA. Patients with MPO-ANCA accounted for 20.8%. Patients with positive MPO-ANCA had higher levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein, Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS), higher ratios of fever, myalgia, renal involvement, and biopsy-proven vasculitis. Heart manifestations and asthma were more common in patients with negative ANCA. Baseline MPO-ANCA titers positively correlated with ESR, eosinophil count, and BVAS and were higher in patients with methylprednisolone pulse. Among patients with renal involvement, patients with positive MPO-ANCA had higher proportions of female, fever, biopsy-proven vasculitis, and faster ESR; patients with negative ANCA developed more skin and cardiac involvement. MPO-ANCA positivity, male, and ear involvement were the independent factors associated with renal involvement. Intravenous cyclophosphamide and immunoglobulins were prescribed more frequently in patients with positive MPO-ANCA. Conclusion In this cohort, patients with positive MPO-ANCA and negative ANCA displayed distinct clinical features, suggesting that MPO-ANCA might be a valuable biomarker for EGPA stratification. Baseline MPO-ANCA level correlated positively with disease activity of EGPA. MPO-ANCA was a significant independent factor associated with renal involvement.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF SOIL SEED BANKS AND PLANT LITTER IN AL WADI AL AKHDAR (THE GREEN VALLEY) OF TABUK REGION – SAUDI ARABIA

We explored the species composition, diversity, and spatial distribution of soil seed banks and plant litter at two sites within Al Wadi Al Akhdar 'the green valley' area of Tabuk region, KSA, the main valley, and an adjoining shallow stream which are in essence different in elevation, slope and amount of overflow. The objectives were to evaluate and detect the species diversity and spatial variability in soil seed banks and plant litter. We used the systematic sampling procedure to collect soil samples, and the flotation method to extract seeds and plant litter. We employed Paleontological Statistics (PAST) version 4.03 to achieve summary statistics, diversity indices, and graphs and drive appropriate statistical tests that are crucial to answering research questions. Seed banks and plant litter exhibited abnormal spatial distributions. Differences in the mean number of seeds and plant litter contents between sampling points and between the two sites were not significant ( p ≤0.05). The shallow stream was more diverse in seed species with a high evenness of distribution between species compared to the valley. The valley possessed a higher number of seeds with a higher dominance _ D value. Species within the shallow site varied significantly ( p ≤0.05) in their mean number of seeds, but the difference between the valley species was not significant. Senecio sp. seeds dominated the seed bank of the valley, while Brassica sp . seeds dominated the shallow stream seed bank. The seed banks of both sites were made of herbaceous species. The parent plants of seed banks do not belong to the standing vegetation. We concluded that elevation and slope influenced soil seed banks' spatial distribution, diversity, and plant litter.
Prospective Comparison of Longer Needle Lengths to Assess the Risk of OnabotulinumtoxinA-Associated Neck Pain in Patients with Chronic Migraine

Background: We aimed to prospectively assess the role of needle length in improving the tolerability/safety profile of OnabotulinumtoxinA (BoNTA) for chronic migraine (CM) prophylaxis, with a specific focus on neck pain, based on patients’ body habitus and other variables. Methods: BoNTA was administered quarterly for two consecutive cycles, using the standard 0.5-inch 27 G needle at all pre-defined PREEMPT injection sites, except the left-hand side trapezius and paraspinal muscles, which were injected using longer needles of 1-inch 23 G at first and 1-inch 27 G at second infusion. Participants were interviewed at day 14 following each session for evidence of neck pain. The predictive significance of Body Mass Index (BMI) and other variables with neck pain was also examined. Results: A total of 100 consecutive CM patients were evaluated, and each patient served as her/his self-control. The incidence, duration and intensity of neck pain did not significantly differ using either 1-inch needle compared with standard 0.5-inch 27 G needle, although the incidence and characteristics of neck pain with the use of longer needles appeared slightly higher and more intense. The BMI index and other tested variables remained unrelated to neck pain. Conclusions: We were not able to identify significant differences or correlations in the incidence, characteristics and location of neck pain with the use of different needle length to inject BoNTA, although the use of the longer 1-inch needles likely increased the risk of this adverse event.
Accurate Identification of ADHD among Adults Using Real-Time Activity Data

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopment disorder that affects millions of children and typically persists into adulthood. It must be diagnosed efficiently and consistently to receive adequate treatment, otherwise, it can have a detrimental impact on the patient’s professional performance, mental health, and relationships. In this work, motor activity data of adults suffering from ADHD and clinical controls has been preprocessed to obtain 788 activity-related statistical features. Afterwards, principal component analysis has been carried out to obtain significant features for accurate classification. These features are then fed into six different machine learning algorithms for classification, which include C4.5, kNN, Random Forest, LogitBoost, SVM, and Naive Bayes. The detailed evaluation of the results through 10-fold cross-validation reveals that SVM outperforms other classifiers with an accuracy of 98.43%, F-measure of 98.42%, sensitivity of 98.33%, specificity of 98.56% and AUC of 0.983. Thus, a PCA-based SVM approach appears to be an effective choice for accurate identification of ADHD patients among other clinical controls using real-time analysis of activity data.
Quantized stabilization of event‐triggered systems under independent and identical distributed packet dropouts

This article studies the quantized control problem of a scalar continuous‐time linear system over a digital network. The network is subject to bounded transmission delay and independent and identically distributed packet dropouts. Event‐triggered sampling is implemented in the system. We first derive a lower bound on the necessary bit rate for any event‐triggered strategy by analyzing the evolution of the uncertainty set of the system state. Then we propose a control strategy which combines both event‐triggering and time‐triggering to stabilize the system. Note that our control strategy implements a dynamic encoding policy, under which the number of quantization bits is dependent on dropouts. Although the average bit rate occupied by our control strategy is higher than the obtained lower stabilizing bit rate bound, their gap can arbitrarily approach zero by relaxing the integer requirement of the number of quantization bits. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the derived results.