Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanism and restoration strategy of lysosomal abnormalities induced by urinary protein overload in proximal tubule epithelial cells

Persistent elevated concentrations of urinary protein can destroy proximal tubule epithelial cells (PTECs) by inducing lysosomal abnormalities, thereby aggravating PTEC damage and renal fibrosis. However, the specific mechanisms of these serial biochemical events and methods for treating or preventing PTEC damage upon proteinuria need further investigation.
Calibration and Use of the Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS 3300)

The Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS) has been in use at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for over two years, beginning with a prototype model and more recently with a commercial version (Model 3300). The APS has been tested and used in a variety of laboratory and field situations. It has been a very useful instrument for testing aerodynamic sizing devices and provided a much needed means of rapid aerodynamic sizing of particles. Limits to the accuracy of the APS in determining aerodynamic diameter of particles were investigated. The calibration of the APS was originally carried out by using monodisperse di-octyl phthalate (DOP) oil aerosol in the 3–15 μm range. Using a laser imaging system, the flattening of droplets into oblate spheroids was observed for larger particles (20–100 μm). The APS was recalibrated with solid latex particles and the DOP particles were measured to determine the effect of the droplet flattening. A 15 μm droplet is measured as being 20% smaller by .
Methane steam reforming, methanation and water‐gas shift: I. Intrinsic kinetics

Intrinsic rate equations were derived for the steam reforming of methane, accompanied by water-gas shift on a Ni/MgAl2O4 catalyst. A large number of detailed reaction mechanisms were considered. Thermodynamic analysis helped in reducing the number of possible mechanisms. Twenty one sets of three rate equations were retained and subjected to model discrimination and parameter estimation. The parameter estimates in the best model are statistically significant and thermodynamically consistent.
Optimization of Protein Extraction of Oenological Interest from Grape Seed Meal Using Design of Experiments and Response Surface Methodology

After grape processing, large amounts of seeds are produced as a side product. Grape seeds are rich in proteins that could be extracted and revalorized by the wine industry due to their high techno-functional value for modulating quality features of red wines or as an alternative to the use of other stabilizers, which are also proteins but submitted to legal restrictions. Box–Behnken design and response surface methodology were used to optimize the protein extraction from defatted grape seed meal to maximize the protein purity of the isolate under practical operating conditions of pH, temperature, meal/water ratio and extraction time. The most significant factor was pH, both in the linear and quadratic forms. Additionally, the interaction between pH and temperature exhibited a significant effect on protein content. The removal of phenolic compounds from grapeseed meal, before optimizing protein extraction, led to a significant increase of 7.70% in the protein purity of grape seed protein concentrate. Therefore, grape seeds can be used as a sustainable way for protein production in the oenological sector due to the availability of grape seeds, their low cost as a grape-processing by-product, and the protein purity reached thanks to the described procedure for optimization of protein extraction.
The Role of Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) Shelterbelts in the Stabilization of Carbon Pools and Humic Substances in Chernozem

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the spatial arrangement of carbon pools and humic substances maturity in cultivated chernozem soil adjacent to black locust shelterbelt. A plot on arable land adjacent to midfield shelterbelts in southern Poland (Proszowice Plateau) was chosen. Soil samples were taken at different distances from the shelterbelt from a depth of 0-25 cm. Samples were also collected from under the shelterbelt. The pools of organic carbon were highest in samples taken from the farmland closest to the black locust trees. As distance from trees increased, content of humic substances and fulvic acids was found in cultivated soil to be significantly lower. Based on the van Krevelen diagram, it can be concluded that the most mature and the most stabilized humic acids are those in the soil located directly adjacent to the trees.
Impact of Operating Conditions and Recent Developments in Heterogeneous Photocatalytic Water Purification Process

The heterogeneous photocatalytic water purification process has gained significant attention due to its effectiveness in degrading and mineralizing biorecalcitrant organic compounds. This author reviews and summarizes the recently published works on the photocatalytic oxidation of various organic compounds in wastewater with particular emphasis on the impact of various parameters on the photocatalytic degradation of pesticides, dyes, and phenols in wastewater. Recent developments using modified TiO2 and ZnO photocatalytic system for the enhanced degradation of various organic compounds are also highlighted.
Any heart failure treatments associated with worsening renal function in patients admitted due to acute heart failure?

Abstract Background Worsening renal function (WRF) occurs in approximately 25% of acute heart failure patients, and both baseline characteristics and heart failure treatment may increase the risk of WRF. This study aimed to evaluate additional risk factors for WRF in acute heart failure, particularly those related to heart failure treatment. Methods This was a retrospective, observational, analytical study. The inclusion criteria were age 18 years or over, hospital admission due to acute heart failure, and having undergone at least two serum creatinine tests during admission. The eligible patients were classified into two groups: WRF and non-WRF. Predictors for WRF (including treatment parameters) were determined using logistic regression analysis. Results During the study period, there were 301 eligible patients who met the study criteria. Of those, 82 (27.24%) had WRF. There were two independent factors associated with WRF occurrence: baseline diastolic blood pressure and beta blocker treatment, with adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of 1.060 (1.008, 1.114) and 0.064 (0.006, 0.634), respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow Chi square for the final model was 6.11 (p = .634). Conclusions After examining several heart failure treatments and baseline factors, we found that beta blocker treatment results improvement in kidney function.
Amacrine Cells Forming Gap Junctions With Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells: ipRGC Types, Neuromodulator Contents, and Connexin Isoform

Purpose Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) signal not only centrally to non-image-forming visual centers of the brain but also intraretinally to amacrine interneurons through gap junction electrical coupling, potentially modulating image-forming retinal processing. We aimed to determine (1) which ipRGC types couple with amacrine cells, (2) the neuromodulator contents of ipRGC-coupled amacrine cells, and (3) whether connexin36 (Cx36) contributes to ipRGC-amacrine coupling. Methods Gap junction–permeable Neurobiotin tracer was injected into green fluorescent protein (GFP)–labeled ipRGCs in Opn4Cre/+; Z/EG mice to stain coupled amacrine cells, and immunohistochemistry was performed to reveal the neuromodulator contents of the Neurobiotin-stained amacrine cells. We also created Opn4Cre/+; Cx36flox/flox; Z/EG mice to knock out Cx36 in GFP-labeled ipRGCs and looked for changes in the number of ipRGC-coupled amacrine cells. Results Seventy-three percent of ipRGCs, including all six types (M1–M6), were tracer-coupled with amacrine somas 5.7 to 16.5 µm in diameter but not with ganglion cells. Ninety-two percent of the ipRGC-coupled somas were in the ganglion cell layer and the rest in the inner nuclear layer. Some ipRGC-coupled amacrine cells were found to accumulate serotonin or to contain nitric oxide synthase or neuropeptide Y. Knocking out Cx36 in M2 and M4 dramatically reduced the number of coupled somas. Conclusions Heterologous gap junction coupling with amacrine cells is widespread across mouse ipRGC types. ipRGC-coupled amacrine cells probably comprise multiple morphologic types and use multiple neuromodulators, suggesting that gap junctional ipRGC-to-amacrine signaling likely exerts diverse modulatory effects on retinal physiology. ipRGC-amacrine coupling is mediated partly, but not solely, by Cx36.
Microstructure and tribological behavior via modified F and Si content in duplex (F:Si)‐doped carbon‐based coatings

In this paper, the amorphous carbon‐based coatings containing F and Si (a‐C:F:Si) are successfully fabricated using a plane hollow cathode plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition method. The results show that the mechanical properties of these coatings, such as hardness, elastic modulus, friction and wear, are closely affected by the content of F and Si. We systematically examine the microstructure and composition of these coatings using SEM, XPS, AFM and Raman for understanding of the underlying frictional mechanism. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adsorptive properties of natural water surfactant films. Dead Vistula catchment water studies

The paper contains the results of natural film experiments carried out on inland waters in the Dead Vistula (Martwa Wisla) catchment area during 1999–2002 using the integrated Langmuir trough-Wilhelmy plate system,which ‘cuts out’ an undisturbed film-covered area without any physicochemical sample processing. The static film parameters result from the generalized scaling procedures applied to the surface pressure-area isotherms. They appear to correspond well to observations of the film composition (Alim, MW , Eisoth),film solubility and the miscibility of its components (via R, ∆Sc and y factors),and surface concentration ( πeq, Γeq). A novel approach is presented for the adsorption dynamics on the basis of the mixed kinetic-diffusion model and analyses of the dynamic surface pressure plots,which leads to the determination of the effective relative diffusion coefficient Deff/D and activation energy barrier Ea/RT . There is reason to believe that certain classes of film-forming components or ‘end-members’ may dominate the static and dynamic surface properties. Some of these substances can be used as
Treatment of superficial vein thrombosis with intermediate dose of tinzaparin: A real word cohort study – The SeVEN EXTension study

Background To assess the treatment of superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) with intermediate dose of tinzaparin in a setting of real world practice. Methods Prospective observational study of consecutive patients treated by vascular physicians in the private sector with tinzaparin (131 IU/Kg) once daily. Treatment duration was at the treating physician’s discretion. The outcomes of the study were symptomatic venous thromboembolism, extension of thrombus and bleeding complications. Results 660 patients were included and followed up for at least 3 months. Median duration of treatment was 30 days (14–120). History of prior deep vein thrombosis (HR 2.77; 95% CI= 1.18–6.49; p = 0.018) and current SVT above the knee (HR1.84; 95% CI = 1.33–3.53; p = 0.0002) were associated with prolonged treatment duration. Primary efficacy outcomes occurred in 20 (3%) patients. The median time to the event was 24 (6–92) days and was not related to treatment duration. Conclusions Tinzaparin at intermediate dose is an effective and safe treatment for SVT.
Dual RNAseq analyses at soma and germline levels reveal evolutionary innovations in the elephantiasis-agent Brugia malayi, and adaptation of its Wolbachia endosymbionts

Brugia malayi is a human filarial nematode responsible for elephantiasis, a debilitating condition that is part of a broader spectrum of diseases called filariasis, including lymphatic filariasis and river blindness. Almost all filarial nematode species infecting humans live in mutualism with Wolbachia endosymbionts, present in somatic hypodermal tissues but also in the female germline which ensures their vertical transmission to the nematode progeny. These α-proteobacteria potentially provision their host with essential metabolites and protect the parasite against the vertebrate immune response. In the absence of Wolbachia wBm, B. malayi females become sterile, and the filarial nematode lifespan is greatly reduced. In order to better comprehend this symbiosis, we investigated the adaptation of wBm to the host nematode soma and germline, and we characterized these cellular environments to highlight their specificities. Dual RNAseq experiments were performed at the tissue-specific and ovarian developmental stage levels, reaching the resolution of the germline mitotic proliferation and meiotic differentiation stages. We found that most wBm genes, including putative effectors, are not differentially regulated between infected tissues. However, two wBm genes involved in stress responses are upregulated in the hypodermal chords compared to the germline, indicating that this somatic tissue represents a harsh environment to which wBm have adapted. A comparison of the B. malayi and C. elegans germline transcriptomes reveals a poor conservation of genes involved in the production of oocytes, with the filarial germline proliferative zone relying on a majority of genes absent from C. elegans. The first orthology map of the B. malayi genome presented here, together with tissue-specific expression enrichment analyses, indicate that the early steps of oogenesis are a developmental process involving genes specific to filarial nematodes, that likely result from evolutionary innovations supporting the filarial parasitic lifestyle.
Model for Sediment Oxygen Demand in Lakes

A model for sediment oxygen demand (SOD; g/m2-d) in lakes is hypothesized and developed for aerobic (BSOD) and chemical (CSOD) components. The CSOD uses first order kinetics while BSOD uses Monod kinetics with respect to oxygen concentration. The model is calibrated using laboratory data for sediments from 4 water bodies—one is heavily impacted by eutrophication and wastewater discharges while the other 3 lay on the forested Precambrian shield. The model shows excellent agreement with the laboratory data for all water bodies (generally at the 1% level of significance) for temperatures between 4 °C and 22 °C. The model implies that CSOD is diffusion controlled at one temperature, but strongly influenced by anaerobic biological processes over a range of temperatures. Future research should aim to incorporate overlying water velocity and sediment biodecomposability into kinetic expressions to complete model development.
Brain Activity of Benzoate, a D-Amino Acid Oxidase Inhibitor, in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment in a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract Background Current anti-dementia drugs cannot benefit mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Sodium benzoate (a D-amino acid oxidase [DAO] inhibitor) has been found to improve the cognitive function of patients with early-phase Alzheimer’s disease (mild Alzheimer’s disease or MCI). However, its effect on brain function remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of benzoate on functional magnetic resonance imaging in patients with amnestic MCI. Methods This was a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled 21 patients with amnestic MCI and allocated them randomly to either of 2 treatment groups: (1) benzoate group (250–1500 mg/d), or (2) placebo group. We assessed the patients’ working memory, verbal learning and memory, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and regional homogeneity (ReHo) maps at baseline and endpoint. Results Resting-state ReHo decreased in right orbitofrontal cortex after benzoate treatment but did not change after placebo. Moreover, after benzoate treatment, the change in working memory was positively correlated with the change in ReHo in right precentral gyrus and right middle occipital gyrus; and the change in verbal learning and memory was positively correlated with the change in ReHo in left precuneus. In contrast, after placebo treatment, the change in working memory or in verbal learning and memory was not correlated with the change in ReHo in any brain region. Conclusion The current study is the first to our knowledge to demonstrate that a DAO inhibitor, sodium benzoate herein, can alter brain activity as well as cognitive functions in individuals with MCI. The preliminary finding lends supports for DAO inhibition as a novel approach for early dementing processes.
Divergent detection rates of fecal immunochemical test and questionnaire-based risk assessment for detecting proximal and distal advanced colorectal adenomas

To the Editor: Fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) are immunoassays that are designed to detect human hemoglobin to indicate the occurrence of colonic neoplasia, which have been widely used in global colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs. Previous diagnostic studies demonstrated that strong gradient in site-specific sensitivity existed with typically higher rate for advanced adenoma located in distal colon/rectum than that in the proximal parts, which may be explained by the colonic transition time affecting the degradation of hemoglobin, and the shape of adenoma (pedunculated, flat, and sessile) in different anatomic regions. In addition, questionnairebased risk assessment (QRA) using the established CRCrelated risk factors has been proposed to identify high-risk populations for CRC screening. However, previous studies demonstrated that site-specific differences existed for several risk factors. In a CRC screening setting, whether and to what extent the FIT and QRAwould affect the site-specific detection rate of colorectal neoplasia have not been evaluated. Therefore, we aimed to empirically evaluate the site-specific variations of the detection rates of adenomas for the FITand QRA-based screening based on a population-based CRC screening trial (TARGET-C).
Molecular-dynamics simulation of structural and thermodynamic properties of boron nitride

Structural and thermodynamic properties of cubic boron nitride (c-BN) under pressure and for varying temperature are studied by molecular-dynamics (MD) simulation with the use of a well-tested Tersoff potential. Various physical quantities including the thermal expansion coefficient and heat capacity are predicted. Our simulation is extended to study liquid boron nitride at various densities.
Preliminary Results on Coaxial Jet Spread Angles and the Effects of Variable Phase Transverse Acoustic Fields (Postprint)

Abstract : An experimental study on the jet spreading angle of N2 shear coaxial jets at sub-, near-, and supercritical pressures is presented. The jet spreading angle is an important parameter which characterizes the mixing between two flows forming a shear layer. The present results are compared with previous experimental data, CFD results, and theoretical predictions. The angle measurements are made directly from at least 20 backlit images. The shear coaxial injector used here is similar to those used in cryogenic liquid rockets. The chamber pressure ranges from 1.5 to 5.0 MPa to span subcritical to supercritical pressures. The chamber to outer jet density ratio varies from 0.17-4.8 and the momentum flux ratio between the outer and the inner jet varies from 0.37 to 30. These ratios are mainly varied by changing the temperature and flow rates of the outer jet. For the ranges of conditions studied it is found that the tangent of the jet spreading angle is roughly constant and approximately 0.19 with std. dev. of 0.02. The value is lower than those predicted by different theories for planar mixing layers of variable density for gaseous flows. The second part of the paper focuses on the initial results obtained by combining two piezo-sirens which generate a transverse acoustic field to excite the coaxial jet. The resonant frequency studied is approximately 3kHz and delta P/P varies from 1-1.6%. These two acoustic sources can have an arbitrary phase between them so the position of the jet with respect to the pressure and velocity field can be adjusted. The main parameter investigated is the length of the dark inner jet core. The initial results indicate an effect of the phase angle on the dark core length but the differences are statistically significant only in the extreme cases.
The efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 prophylaxis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

Background Populations such as healthcare workers (HCW) that are unable to practice physical distancing are at high risk of acquiring Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). In these cases pharmacological prophylaxis would be a solution to reduce severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS CoV-2) transmission. Hydroxychloroquine has in vitro antiviral properties against SARS CoV-2. We therefore sought to determine the efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine as prophylaxis for COVID-19. Methods and findings We electronically searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, the Cochrane COVID-19 Register of Controlled Trials, Epistemonikos COVID-19, clinicaltrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform up to September 28th, 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We calculated pooled relative risks (RRs) for dichotomous outcomes with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random-effect model. We identified four RCTs (n = 4921) that met our eligibility criteria. The use of hydroxychloroquine, compared to placebo, did not reduce the risks of developing COVID-19 (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.04, moderate certainty), hospitalization (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.50, moderate certainty), or mortality (RR 3.26, 95% CI 0.13 to 79.74, low certainty), however, hydroxychloroquine use increased the risk of adverse events (RR 2.76, 95% CI 1.38 to 5.55, moderate certainty). Conclusion Although pharmacologic prophylaxis is an attractive preventive strategy against COVID-19, the current body of evidence failed to show clinical benefit for prophylactic hydroxychloroquine and showed a higher risk of adverse events when compared to placebo or no prophylaxis.
Permanent His bundle pacing using a new tridimensional delivery sheath and a standard active fixation pacing lead: The telescopic technique

Permanent His bundle pacing (PHBP) preserves physiological ventricular activation but technical difficulties have limited its widespread use. We report the first experience of PHBP performed with a new specific delivery sheath (Selectra 3D, Biotronik, Berlin, Germany) and an extendable‐retractable active screw, stylet‐driven pacing lead (Solia S 60, Biotronik).