Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Formula-Driven, Size-Tunable Synthesis of PMMA Nanoparticles by Varying Surfactant Concentration

In this communication, we present a streamlined, reproducible synthetic method for the production of size-tunable poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles (PMMANPs) and amine-functionalized block-copolymer PMMANPs (H2N-PMMANPs) by varying subcritical concentrations (i.e., below the concentration required to form micelles at 1 atm and 20 °C) of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). We plotted the Z-average size data against SDS concentration, which revealed a second-order exponential decay function, expressed as A1e−xt1+A2e−xt2+y0. The surfactant concentration (wt./wt.%) has been selected as independent variable x. This function is valid at least for the size range of 20 nm to 97 nm (PMMANPs) and 20 nm to 133 nm (H2N-PMMANPs).
Checkpoint Kinase 1 (CHK1) Inhibition Enhances the Sensitivity of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells to Proton Irradiation via Rad51 Downregulation

Due to a superior dose conformity to the target, proton beam therapy (PBT) continues to rise in popularity. Recently, considerable efforts have been directed toward discovering treatment options for use in combination with PBT. This study aimed to investigate the targeting of checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1), a critical player regulating the G2/M checkpoint, as a promising strategy to potentiate PBT in human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. Protons induced cell-cycle arrest at the G2/M checkpoint more readily in response to increased CHK1 activation than X-rays. A clonogenic survival assay revealed that CHK1 inhibition using PF-477736 or small interfering RNA (siRNA) enhanced the sensitivity toward protons to a greater extent than toward X-rays. Western blotting demonstrated that PF-477736 treatment in the background of proton irradiation increased the pro-apoptotic signaling, which was further supported by flow cytometry using annexin V. Immunofluorescence revealed that proton-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) were further enhanced by PF-477736, which was linked to the downregulation of Rad51, essential for the homologous recombination repair of DSBs. Direct inactivation of Rad51 resulted in enhanced proton sensitization. Collectively, these data suggest that targeting CHK1 may be a promising approach for improving PBT efficacy in the treatment of TNBC.
A Circulating MicroRNA Profile in a Laser-Induced Mouse Model of Choroidal Neovascularization

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a pathological process in which aberrant blood vessels invade the subretinal space of the mammalian eye. It is a characteristic feature of the prevalent neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Circulating microRNAs (cmiRNAs) are regarded as potentially valuable biomarkers for various age-related diseases, including nAMD. Here, we investigated cmiRNA expression in an established laser-induced CNV mouse model. Upon CNV induction in C57Bl/6 mice, blood-derived cmiRNAs were initially determined globally by RNA next generation sequencing, and the most strongly dysregulated cmiRNAs were independently replicated by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) in blood, retinal, and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroidal tissue. Our findings suggest that two miRNAs, mmu-mir-486a-5p and mmur-mir-92a-3p, are consistently dysregulated during CNV formation. Furthermore, in functional in vitro assays, a significant impact of mmu-mir-486a-5p and mmu-mir-92a-3p on murine microglial cell viability was observed, while mmu-mir-92a-3p also showed an impact on microglial mobility. Taken together, we report a robust dysregulation of two miRNAs in blood and RPE/choroid after laser-induced initiation of CNV lesions in mice, highlighting their potential role in pathology and eventual therapy of CNV-associated complications.
Neuropsychological outcome of cognitive training in mild to moderate dementia: A randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Effectiveness of a 12-week cognitive training (CT) programme for community-dwelling patients with dementia was evaluated on various cognitive functions (attention, memory, executive functions and reasoning) and psychological well-being (PWB). A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in adult day care centres in Helsinki, Finland. Participants (N = 147) were older individuals with mild to moderate dementia living at home and attending day care (mean age 83 years, 72% female, 63% at mild stage of dementia). The intervention group (n = 76) received systematic CT for 45 min twice a week while the control group (n = 71) attended day care as usual. The cognitive and psychological outcomes were measured at baseline, and followed up at 3 and 9 months. No differences between the two groups in changes of any of the cognitive functions, or PWB over time were found. We observed a positive trend at 3 months in the change for PWB favouring the intervention group, but no significant interaction effect was found (p = .079; d = −0.31). Thus, systematic CT appears to have no effect on neuropsychological outcomes of cognitive functioning and PWB in older adults who already have dementia.
Prevalence of Antibiotic-Resistant Pathogens in Culture-Proven Sepsis and Outcomes Associated With Inadequate and Broad-Spectrum Empiric Antibiotic Use

Key Points Question What is the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in community-onset sepsis, and is there risk associated with the receipt of empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics? Findings In this cohort study of 17 430 adults with culture-positive sepsis admitted to 104 US hospitals, 67.0% received empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics, but resistant gram-positive organisms were isolated in only 13.6% of patients and resistant gram-negative organisms in 13.2%. Both undertreatment (failure to cover organisms) and overtreatment (resistant organisms targeted but not isolated) were associated with higher mortality after detailed risk adjustment. Meaning In this study, broad-spectrum antibiotics were frequently administered to patients with community-onset sepsis without resistant organisms, and these therapies were associated with worse outcomes.
Negative Roles of Strigolactone-Related SMXL6, 7 and 8 Proteins in Drought Resistance in Arabidopsis

Previous investigations have shown that the SUPPRESSORS OF MAX2 1-LIKE6, 7 and 8 (SMXL6, 7 and 8) proteins redundantly repress strigolactone (SL) signaling in plant growth and development. Recently, a growing body of evidence indicated that SLs positively regulate plant drought resistance through functional analyses of genes involved in SL biosynthesis and positive regulation of SL signaling. However, the functions of the SL-signaling negative regulators SMXL6, 7 and 8 in drought resistance and the associated mechanisms remain elusive. To reveal the functions of these SMXL proteins, we analyzed the drought-resistant phenotype of the triple smxl6,7,8 mutant plants and studied several drought resistance-related traits. Our results showed that the smxl6,7,8 mutant plants were more resistant to drought than wild-type plants. Physiological investigations indicated that the smxl6,7,8 mutant plants exhibited higher leaf surface temperature, reduced cuticle permeability, as well as decreases in drought-induced water loss and cell membrane damage in comparison with wild-type plants. Additionally, smxl6,7,8 mutant plants displayed an increase in anthocyanin biosynthesis during drought, enhanced detoxification capacity and increased sensitivity to abscisic acid in cotyledon opening and growth inhibition assays. A good correlation between the expression levels of some relevant genes and the examined physiological and biochemical traits was observed. Our findings together indicate that the SMXL6, 7 and 8 act as negative regulators of drought resistance, and that disruption of these SMXL genes in crops may provide a novel way to improve their drought resistance.
Periodontal regeneration by leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin with autogenous bone graft versus enamel matrix derivative with autogenous bone graft in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects. a randomized non-inferiority trial.

BACKGROUND Aim of the present study was to ascertain if a combination of leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) + autogenous bone graft (ABG) may be a clinically "non-inferior" treatment modality as compared with the association of Enamel Matrix Derivative (EMD) with ABG in the management of intrabony defects (IBDs). METHODS Forty-four patients, exhibiting at least one unfavourable intraosseous defect, were treated by L-PRF associated with ABG (22 patients; test group) or EMD+ABG (control group) in each defect. At baseline and 12 months, a complete clinical and radiographic examination was done. Pre- and post-therapy clinical (probing pocket depth [PPD], clinical attachment level [CAL], gingival recession [GR]) and radiographic (defect Bone level [(DBL)] parameters for the different treatments were compared. To guarantee the test treatment's efficacy 1mm was chosen as non-inferiority margin; for clinical relevance, a second non-inferiority margin = 0.5mm was set. RESULTS Clinical and radiographic parameters significantly improved 12 months after surgery in both test and control sites, without inter-groups differences for each measurement. The control group - test group differences for the parameters CAL gain -0.248mm (-0.618 to 0.122), PPD Reduction -0.397mm (-0.810 to 0.015), GR Change 0.059mm (-0.300 to 0.418), DBL Gain -0.250mm (-0.746 to 0.246) were all within the non-inferiority margin of 0.5 mm. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the L-PRF+ABG combined treatment of non-contained intrabony defects produces non-inferior results in terms of CAL gain, PPD reduction, GR increase and DBL gain in comparison with the EMD+ABG combination. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Hepatokine Selenoprotein P-Mediated Reductive Stress Causes Resistance to Intracellular Signal Transduction

Significance: Selenoprotein P functions as a redox protein through its intrinsic thioredoxin domain and by distributing selenium to intracellular glutathione peroxidases, that is, glutathione peroxidase 1 and 4. Recent Advances: Selenoprotein P was rediscovered as a hepatokine that causes the pathology of type 2 diabetes and aging-related diseases, including exercise resistance in the skeletal muscle, insulin secretory failure in pancreatic β cells, angiogenesis resistance in vascular endothelial cells, and myocardial ischemic–reperfusion injury. It was unexpected for the antioxidant selenoprotein P to cause insulin resistance, because oxidative stress associated with obesity and fatty liver is a causal factor for hepatic insulin resistance. Critical Issues: Oxidative stress induced by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has a causal role in the development of insulin resistance, whereas ROS themselves function as intracellular second messengers that promote insulin signal transduction. ROS act both positively and negatively in insulin signaling depending on their concentrations. It might be possible that selenoprotein P causes “reductive stress” by eliminating a physiological ROS burst that is required for insulin signal transduction, thereby causing insulin resistance. In a large-scale intervention study, selenium supplementation that upregulates selenoprotein P was paradoxically associated with an increased risk for diabetes in humans. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms underlying the selenoprotein P-mediated resistance to angiogenesis and to exercise. Future Directions: Selenoprotein P may be the first identified intrinsic factor that induces reductive stress, causing resistance to intracellular signal transduction, which may be the therapeutic target against sedentary-lifestyle-associated diseases, such as diabetes and obesity.
Phenolic compounds in red-berry skins of Uva di troia and Bombino nero grapes (Vitis vinifera L.)

The amounts of anthocyanins, flavonol glycosides and hydroxycinnamoyl tartaric acids in the skins of two red grape varieties (Vitis vinifera L.) from southern Italy, Bombino nero and Uva di Troia, were determined. Arbor and trellis training systems in the different growing areas were also compared. Skin extracts were analyzed by a direct HPLC-DAD method for the simultaneous detection of the selected flavonoids and phenolic acids. Although the phenolic profiles were similar in the two varieties, the absolute content of acylated forms of malvidin and peonidin-3-(6-O-p-coumaroyl-glucoside) was higher in Uva di Troia. This particular acylated anthocyanin content could be useful to promote the varietal character of the respective rose and young red wines. Hydroxycinnamoyl tartaric acids were significantly affected by the area of production and training system.
Effect of Dietary Fiber Sources on In-Vitro Fermentation and Microbiota in Monogastrics

Simple Summary The recent findings on the role played by fiber constituents during digestion remain controversial, while the impact of high fiber feeds on digestion depends on the type, form, and the level of inclusion of fiber in the diet. This study aims to determine the effect of different fiber forms in pig diets on intestinal nutrient digestibility, hindgut fermentation, and microbial community composition. We formulated four experimental groups (group A = alfalfa, group B = corn stalk, group C = rice straw, and group D = controls) to evaluate the effect of dietary fiber sources on in-vitro fermentation and microbiota. Cornstalk showed a high digestibility when compared to alfalfa and rice straw. Greater digestibility of corn stalk than rice straw and alfalfa in these results may be due to the lower crude fiber content in corn stalk when compared to alfalfa and rice straw. In conclusion, corn stalk dietary fiber improved dry matter digestibility in simulated in vitro digestion experiments, whereas rice straw fiber improved volatile fatty acid content in simulated in vitro digestion and fermentation efficiency. Furthermore, alfalfa fiber improved the thickness of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus supernatant in simulated in vitro digestion treatments. Abstract Feed fiber composition is usually considered as one of the factors that have an impact on digestive tract microbiota composition. The investigations on the level of fermentation and in-vitro digestibility of different fibers are not well understood. The aim of the current study is to determine the effect of different fiber sources on intestinal nutrient digestibility, hindgut fermentation, and microbial community composition under in vitro conditions using pigs’ hindgut as a model. The experimental treatment diets contained alfalfa hay, cornstalk, and rice straw. Cornstalk treatment displayed higher digestibility compared to alfalfa hay and rice straw; similar results were observed with in-vitro digestibility using intestinal digesta. Firmicutes were the most abundant phyla (Firmicutes = 89.2%), and Lactobacillus were the prominent genera (75.2%) in response to alfalfa compared to rice straw and cornstalk treatments. In simulated in-vitro digestion, corn stalk fiber improved dry matter digestibility; rice straw fiber improved volatile fatty acid content and fermentation efficiency. Alfalfa fiber improved the thickness of deposited Firmicutes and Lactobacillus.
Association of Pulmonary Function Tests and Serum Vitamin D Levels in Asthmatics With Vitamin D Deficiency

Introduction Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disease that is characterized by the inflammation of the airways, leading to bronchial hyper-responsiveness and airflow obstruction (1). Recent evidence has suggested that 25-di-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) plays an important role in preventing inflammation (2). Recent research has shown the relationship between 25(OH)D and cancer, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and higher risks of infection (3). Some studies show vitamin 1,25(OH)D receptor (VDRs) variants are a risk factor for asthma (4). Moreover, the potential immunomodulatory properties of vitamin D in regulating airway smooth muscle function and airway inflammation in bronchial asthma have been studied (5). Burns et al showed the relationship between the serum levels of 25(OH)D and lung function in adolescents (6). Studies that had been conducted in this regard did not share the same results; some confirmed the positive relationship between asthma and vitamin D deficiency (7,8), while others failed to show any association between the risk factors (9,10). This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and pulmonary function tests in asthmatic and non-asthmatic people with vitamin D deficiency.
Analysis of Natural Dyes from Historical Objects by High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Electromigration Techniques

Abstract Based on material published between 1989 and 2018 in this paper high performance liquid chromatography and electromigration techniques used in studies of natural dyes that can be found in historical objects are rewieved. Different aspects of analysis have been discussed: the stationary and mobile phase, the choice of sample solvent, methods of extraction and detection, including sensitivity parameters, such as LOD and/or LOQ. The discussed dyes have been divided into three categories (a) red antraquinone dyes along with dyes extracted from bark and tree juices, (b) yellow flavonoid dyes and saffron and (c) blue indigoid dyes. The main markers (chromophores or auxochromes) typical for each dye source were presented which allows to identify specific species of source plants and animals. The first part of the study involved the analysis of most critical findings when it comes to HPLC or represented an significant analytical approach. The second part of the study is focused on different aspects of electromigration techniques application in analysis of natural dyes with special attention paid on such parameters as the running buffer/mobile phase composition and sample solvent. Detection methods along with LOD and LOQ comparison in HPLC and electromigration techniques were also discussed. Methods of sample preparation, such as hydrolysis and extraction, used in HPLC and electromigration techniques were also briefly discussed.
Effects of Bioactive Marine-Derived Liposomes on Two Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer among women. Higher consumption of dietary marine n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are two n-3 LC-PUFAs found in fish and exert anticancer effects. In this study, natural marine-derived lecithin that is rich in various polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was extracted from salmon heads and transformed into nanoliposomes. These nanoliposomes were characterized and cultured with two breast cancer lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). The nanoliposomes decreased the proliferation and the stiffness of both cancer cell types. These results suggest that marine-derived lecithin possesses anticancer properties, which may have an impact on developing new liposomal delivery strategies for breast cancer treatment.
Treatment with compound Lactobacillus acidophilus followed by a tetracycline- and furazolidone-containing quadruple regimen as a rescue therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection

Background/Aim: Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections has become more difficult because of increasing antibiotic resistance. We assessed the efficacy and safety of treatment with probiotics followed by a tetracycline- and furazolidone-containing quadruple regimen as rescue treatment for H. pylori infection. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study examined patients with at least two H. pylori eradication failures. Patients were given a two-week compound Lactobacillus acidophilus (1 g t.i.d.), followed by a quadruple antibiotic regimen (esomeprazole [20 mg b.i.d.] + bismuth potassium citrate [220 mg b.i.d.] + tetracycline [750 mg b.i.d.] + furazolidone [100 mg b.i.d.]) for 10 days as rescue therapy. Eradication was evaluated using the[13]C-urea breath test at 4 weeks after the end of therapy, and side effects were recorded. Results: The records of 50 patients were examined. Four cases experienced treatment failure, and one case received replacement with metronidazole because of allergy to furazolidone. The eradication rate was 92.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): 84.0–98.0%) in intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis and 91.8% (95% CI: 83.7–98.0%) in per protocol (PP) analysis. Side effects (mainly dizziness, dry mouth, and skin rash) occurred in 10 patients, all of which resolved after cessation of antibiotics. Conclusions: Patients who failed multiple attempts at H. pylori eradication may benefit from a treatment with probiotics followed by a tetracycline- and furazolidone-containing quadruple regimen.
Male-Dominated Occupations and Substance Use Disorders in Young Adulthood

This article examined associations between male-dominated occupations and substance use disorders in young adulthood, accounting for adolescent experiences of work intensity (more than 15 hr a week at 16 to 17 years of age) and substance use (i.e., smoking, heavy drinking, cannabis, and illicit drug use). The moderating effects of biological sex and coming from a family with a low socioeconomic status (SES) were also assessed. Data were from a 10-year prospective study of community-based youth aged 12–18 in 2003 (T1; N = 662; 48% male; Mage = 15.5, SD = 1.9). Their occupations at ages 22–29 were categorized so that higher scores indicated more male-dominated occupations. Young adults in male-dominated occupations (more than 75% males) had lower education, worked in less prestigious occupations, and earned higher hourly wages than those in the other gendered-occupation groups. Work intensity in high school was associated with substance use at ages 18–25 and substance use was also associated with alcohol- and cannabis-use disorder symptoms and illicit drug use in young adulthood (ages 22–29). Adding to these effects, employment in a male-dominated occupation was associated with more cannabis-use disorder symptoms for the low, but not the high SES group. Public health messages need greater focus on preventing substance use disorders among individuals employed in male-dominated jobs in young adulthood. Efforts to promote self-assessment of problematic substance use and motivation to change may be particularly important for young workers.