Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increased Protein Encapsulation in Polymersomes with Hydrophobic Membrane Anchoring Peptides in a Scalable Process

Hollow vesicles made from a single or double layer of block-copolymer molecules, called polymersomes, represent an important technological platform for new developments in nano-medicine and nano-biotechnology. A central aspect in creating functional polymersomes is their combination with proteins, especially through encapsulation in the inner cavity of the vesicles. When producing polymersomes by techniques such as film rehydration, significant proportions of the proteins used are trapped in the vesicle lumen, resulting in high encapsulation efficiencies. However, because of the difficulty of scaling up, such methods are limited to laboratory experiments and are not suitable for industrial scale production. Recently, we developed a scalable polymersome production process in stirred-tank reactors, but the statistical encapsulation of proteins resulted in fairly low encapsulation efficiencies of around 0.5%. To increase encapsulation in this process, proteins were genetically fused with hydrophobic membrane anchoring peptides. This resulted in encapsulation efficiencies of up to 25.68%. Since proteins are deposited on the outside and inside of the polymer membrane in this process, two methods for the targeted removal of protein domains by proteolysis with tobacco etch virus protease and intein splicing were evaluated. This study demonstrates the proof-of-principle for production of protein-functionalized polymersomes in a scalable process.
Colorectal Cancer Patients Have Four Specific Bacterial Species in Oral and Gut Microbiota in Common—A Metagenomic Comparison with Healthy Subjects

Simple Summary The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been increasing in recent years, and the gut microbiota is nowadays considered to be involved in the progression of CRC. Recent studies have investigated the involvement of the oral microbiota in CRC development using saliva and stool samples. However, the details regarding how oral bacteria alter the gut microbiota and affect CRC carcinogenesis remain unclear. In the present study, we identified four bacterial species that may affect the carcinogenesis and progression of CRC. These microorganisms may be potential biomarkers in saliva for diagnosing CRC. Abstract Oral microbiota is reportedly associated with gut microbiota and influences colorectal cancer (CRC) progression; however, the details remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the role of oral microbiota in CRC progression. Fifty-two patients with CRC and 51 healthy controls were included. Saliva and stool samples were collected, and microbiota were evaluated using 16S rRNA analysis and next-generation sequencing. Comparative analysis was performed on both groups. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) revealed the presence of indigenous oral bacteria, such as Peptostreptococcus, Streptococcus, and Solobacterium spp. , at a significantly higher relative abundance in saliva and stool samples of CRC patients compared with controls. Next, CRC patients were divided into early stage (Stage I, II; n = 26; 50%) and advanced stage (Stage III, IV; n = 26; 50%) disease. LEfSe revealed that S. moorei was present at a significantly higher relative abundance in the advanced-stage group compared with the early-stage group, again consistent for both saliva and stool samples. Among bacterial species with significantly higher relative abundance in CRC patients, P. stomatis, S. anginosus, S. koreensis, and S. moorei originated from the oral cavity, suggesting indigenous oral bacteria may have promoted initiation of CRC carcinogenesis. Furthermore, S. moorei may influence CRC progression.
Laminar Burning Velocity of Propane/CO2/N2–Air Mixtures at Elevated Temperatures

The laminar burning velocity of pure and diluted high-temperature propane–air mixtures is extracted from the planar flames stabilized in the preheated mesoscale diverging channel. The experiments were carried out for a range of equivalence ratios of 0.7 ≤ Φ ≤ 1.3 and mixture temperatures of 370–650 K. The effect of dilution using CO2 and N2 gases (up to 40%) on C3H8–air burning velocity is also studied. Experiments complimented with computational studies of experimental conditions confirm that the stabilized flames were planar in both transverse and depth directions, and the burning velocity with heat flux in the present case is nearly equal to the adiabatic burning velocity. The detailed uncertainty analysis shows the accuracy of the present measurement within ±5%. Computational predictions of burning velocity and detailed flame structure were performed using PREMIX code. The present experiments are successfully validated against existing experimental and computational results. The peak burning velocity .
The Lived Experience of Implementing Infection Control Measures in Care Homes during two waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic. A mixed-methods study

CONTEXT During COVID-19 care-homes had to implement strict Infection Control Measures (ICMs), impacting on care and staff morale. OBJECTIVES To explore the lived experiences of care-home staff in implementing ICMs. METHODS Mixed-methods study comprising 238 online survey responses and 15 in-depth interviews with care-home staff, November 2020-January 2021 in England. RESULTS Three themes were identified: Integrating COVID-19 ICMs with caring, Conveying knowledge and information, Professional and personal impacts of care-work during the pandemic. Reported adherence to ICMs was high but fatalistic attitudes towards COVID-19 infection were present. Challenges of providing care using personal protective equipment (PPE), especially for residents with dementia, were highlighted. Interviewees reported dilemmas between strictly implementing ICMs and conflicts with providing best care to residents and preserving personal space. Nine months into COVID-19, official guidance was reported as confusing, constantly changing and poorly suited to care-homes. Care-home staff appreciated opportunities to work with other care-homes and experts to interpret and implement guidance. ICM training was undertaken using multiple techniques but with little evaluation of these or how to sustain behaviour change. Limitations Results may not be generalizable to other countries. Implications COVID-19 has had a profound effect on well-being of care-home staff. Despite challenges, participants reported broadly good morale, potentially a consequence of supportive colleagues and management. Nevertheless, clear, concise and care-home focussed ICM guidance is still needed. This should include evidence-based assessments on implementing and sustaining adherence. Groups of care-home staff and ICM experts working together to co-create, interpret and implement guidance were viewed positively.
Advancing our understanding of genetic risk factors and potential personalized strategies in pelvic organ prolapse: largest GWAS to date reveals 19 novel associated loci

Objectives: To identify the genetic determinants of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and assess the predictive ability of polygenic risk scores (PRS) alone or in combination with clinical risk factors. Design: Meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and PRS construction and validation. Setting: GWAS summary statistics from three European datasets and individual-level data from Estonian Biobank, including phenotype questionnaire and measurement panel, together with follow-up data from linkage with national health-related registries. Participants: A total of 28,086 women with POP and 546,321 controls of European ancestry. Genetic risk scores were derived from a dataset of 20,118 cases and 427,426 controls of European ancestry and validated in a target dataset of 7,896 cases and 118,895 controls. Cases were defined using ICD codes and classical risk factors were derived from questionnaire data and ICD10 codes. Results: The identified novel loci reinforce the role of connective tissue abnormalities, urogenital tract development and point towards association with a range of cardiometabolic traits. A novel PRS combining 3,242,959 variants demonstrated that women in the top 5 % have 1.63 (95% CI: 1.37 to 1.93) times the hazard of developing POP compared to the rest of the women. When analyzing PRS in incident disease, it showed similar predictive ability (Harrell C-statistic 0.583, sd=0.007) than five established clinical risk factors (number of children, body mass index (BMI), ever smoked, constipation and asthma) combined (Harrell C-statistic 0.588, sd=0.007) and demonstrated its incremental value in combination with these (Harrell C-statistic 0.630, sd=0.007). Conclusions: The largest GWAS meta-analysis in POP to date identified 26 genetic loci which establish links between POP and connective tissue abnormalities, urogenital development and cardiometabolic health. We present a PRS for POP which provides the first potential tool for preventive strategies and early detection of higher risk susceptibility to POP including genetic risk factors.
‘COVID arm’ – histological features of a delayed‐type hypersensitivity reaction to Moderna mRNA‐1273 SARS‐CoV2 vaccine

To prevent SARS-CoV2 infection, mRNA vaccines have been developed including the mRNA-1273 (Moderna), a lipid-nanoparticle-encapsulated mRNA vaccine (1). In some individuals a cutaneous localized reaction with erythema and swelling on the upper arm at the injection site occurs which is referred as "COVID arm" (2, 3). It is considered as delayed type hypersensitivity reaction (DTHR) and occurs mostly in individuals after vaccination with the Moderna vaccine, but rarely with other mRNA vaccines (2, 3).
Translation and validation of caring behaviors inventory among nurses in Iran

Background and objectives Nurses’ caring behaviors, professional activities, and behaviors for the benefit of patients, influence patients’ perception of care and satisfaction with the quality of care provided. Caring behaviors of nurses are contextual and various factors such as patients’ social structure, lifestyle, culture, and interests, as well as their biographical, social, and physiological characteristics, can influence perceptions of caring behaviors of nurses, as caring behaviors are an interactive and mental process between patients and nurses. This study was conducted to provide a transcultural translation and psychometric analysis of Caring Behaviors Inventory (CBI) among nurses in Iran. Methodology Transcultural translation of the 16-item CBI was performed. Then, face validity (qualitative), content validity (quantitative and qualitative), and construct validity were examined in a cross-sectional study of 509 patients. A demographic questionnaire and the 16-item CBI were sent to enrolled patients via online questionnaires. The reliability of the instrument was assessed by internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha. Then, construct validity of the single factor CBI was assessed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Since one factor CBI was not confirmed, construct validity was examined using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The final number of factors was confirmed using CFA. Results The internal consistency of the instrument was good with Cronbach’s alpha 0.89. Based on EFA, the CBI were loaded on two factors, eigenvalues >1, no item was removed. The emergent factors were named "Communicating respectfully" and "Professional knowledge and skill". These two factors explained 50.197% of the total variance. Then, CFA showed an acceptable fit for the two factors CBI. Conclusion The results showed that the Persian version of the 16-item CBI had adequate validity and reliability. Accordingly, this instrument can be used to study nurses’ caring behaviors.
Full versus partial thickness flap to determine differentiation and over keratinization of non‐keratinized mucosa. A 3‐year split mouth randomized pilot study

It was shown, that Connective Tissue Grafts (CTG) retrieved from the tuberosity tends to determine hyperplastic responses and may induce a beneficial over‐keratinization of non‐keratinized mucosa. Clinically evaluate and compare CTG from tuberosity ability to increase soft tissue thickness and the keratinization potential after recipient area is either prepared using split or full thickness flap in edentulous mandible.
Immunotherapy-Mediated Thyroid Dysfunction: Genetic Risk and Impact on Outcomes with PD-1 Blockade in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose: Genetic differences in immunity may contribute to toxicity and outcomes with immune checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) therapy, but these relationships are poorly understood. We examined the genetics of thyroid immune-related adverse events (irAE). Experimental Design: In patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with CPIs at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) and Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), we evaluated thyroid irAEs. We typed germline DNA using genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays and imputed genotypes. Germline SNP imputation was also performed in an independent Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) cohort. We developed and validated polygenic risk scores (PRS) for hypothyroidism in noncancer patients using the UK and VUMC BioVU biobanks. These PRSs were applied to thyroid irAEs and CPI response in patients with NSCLC at MSK, VUMC, and DFCI. Results: Among 744 patients at MSK and VUMC, thyroid irAEs occurred in 13% and were associated with improved outcomes [progression-free survival adjusted HR (PFS aHR) = 0.68; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.52–0.88]. The PRS for hypothyroidism developed from UK Biobank predicted hypothyroidism in the BioVU dataset in noncancer patients [OR per standard deviation (SD) = 1.33, 95% CI, 1.29–1.37; AUROC = 0.6]. The same PRS also predicted development of thyroid irAEs in both independent cohorts of patients treated with CPIs (HR per SD = 1.34; 95% CI, 1.08–1.66; AUROC = 0.6). The results were similar in the DFCI cohort. However, PRS for hypothyroidism did not predict CPI benefit. Conclusions: Thyroid irAEs were associated with response to anti–PD-1 therapy. Genetic risk for hypothyroidism was associated with risk of developing thyroid irAEs. Additional studies are needed to determine whether other irAEs also have shared genetic risk with known autoimmune disorders and the association with treatment response.
Gradual Glucocorticosteroid Withdrawal Is Safe in Clinically Quiescent Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are usually treated with glucocorticosteroids even during periods of clinically quiescent disease. A recent study showed that abrupt glucocorticoid withdrawal was associated with an increased likelihood of flare in the next 12 months. The aim of the present study was to assess clinical flare rates and damage accrual in patients who tapered glucocorticosteroids gradually.
Investigation of in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial and thrombolytic activity of the exocarp of Spondias pinnata (Anacardiaceae)

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial and thrombolytic potentials of the exocarp of Spondias pinnata fruits. The crude ethanolic extract of the exocarp of S. pinnata fruit was partitioned successively by solvents of different polarity. All fractions were then investigated for qualitative preliminary phytochemical screening by specific standard procedure. The antioxidant potential of all fractions were then evaluated in terms of total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, DPPH free radical scavenging potential, reducing potential and total antioxidant capacity by specific standard procedure. The disc diffusion method was incorporated to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity on nutrient agar medium. The highest total phenolic content was found in aqueous fraction (570.20±0.48 mg GAE/g of dried extract) while the lowest in the n-Hexane fraction (337.51±0.21 mg GAE/g of dried extract). However, ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the highest flavonoid content which amounted to 132.27±0.25 mg quercetin equivalents/g of dried extract. Likewise, ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest antioxidant capacity (21.61±0.11 g of L-ascorbic acid equivalents/g of dried extract) along with the lowest IC50 (1.72±0.39 µg/ml) & EC50 (2.25±0.75 µg/ml) value. However, DPPH free radical scavenging activity and reducing power of all fractions were found to be concentration dependent. Nonetheless, comparatively more polar fractions (ethyl acetate and aqueous fraction) were found to be ineffective against all the microbial strains except S. dysentery and P. aeruginosa while non- polar fractions (n-hexane and dichloromethane fraction) showed variable antimicrobial activity. In addition, all fractions produced statistically significant (P<0.05 for ethyl acetate and aqueous fraction, P<0.001 for others) thrombolytic activity. To conclude, our present study suggested that exocarp of S. pinnata fruit exhibits antimicrobial activity against a wide variety of strains while it produces noteworthy
Factors associated with stress impacting academic success among post-secondary students: A systematic review

Abstract Objective: To synthesize peer-reviewed primary research exploring factors associated with perceived stress impacting post-secondary students’ academic success. Methods: A systematic review identified research conducted in North America, Europe, and Australia in the last ten years across 12 databases. Results: Of the 6,214 references screened, 14 English articles published between 2011 and 2018 were deemed relevant. Subsequent analysis characterized articles by study design, location, population, factors with a statistically significant relationship with both perceived stress and academic success, and future research directions. Findings reveal a complex relationship among overlapping factors associated with perceived stress on academic success at both the intrapersonal (eg, academic, demographic, psychological, attitudinal, and behavioral characteristics) and interpersonal levels (eg, social capital). Conclusions: Further research should measure the association of the identified factors to inform areas where resources could be targeted within post-secondary institutions to prevent stress from unduly impacting students’ educational outcomes.
Histopathological risk factors for lymph node metastases in T1 colorectal cancer: meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND National screening programmes increase the proportion of T1 colorectal cancers. Local excision may be possible, but the risk of lymph node metastases (LNMs) could jeopardize long-term outcomes. The aim of the present study was to review the association between histopathological findings and LNMs in T1 colorectal cancer. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane online databases. Studies investigating the association between one or more histopathological factors and LNMs in patients who underwent resection for T1 colorectal cancer were included. RESULTS Sixteen observational studies were included in the meta-analysis, including a total of 10 181 patients, of whom 1 307 had LNMs. Lymphovascular invasion (odds ratio (OR) 7.42; P < 0.001), tumour budding (OR 4.00; P < 0.001), depth of submucosal invasion, whether measured as at least 1000 µm (OR 3.53; P < 0.001) or Sm2-3 (OR 2.12; P = 0.020), high tumour grade (OR 3.75; P < 0.001), polypoid growth pattern (OR 1.59; P = 0.040), and rectal location of tumour (OR 1.36; P = 0.003) were associated with LNMs. CONCLUSION Distinct histopathological factors associated with nodal metastases in T1 colorectal cancer can aid selection of patients for local excision or major excisional surgery.
The derring effect: Deliberate errors enhance learning.

How can we strategically and systematically learn from our errors? Over their long history, errors have traditionally been prevented entirely or, at best, permitted to occur spontaneously. Across three experiments, we tested and found evidence for a counterintuitive phenomenon that we termed the derring effect-deliberately committing errors even when one already knows the correct answers produces superior learning than avoiding them, particularly when one's errors are corrected. Learners engaged in an educationally relevant task of learning scientific term-definition concepts via open-book study by deliberately generating conceptually incorrect definitions with or without correction, or copying and underlining them (Experiment 1). On a cued recall test, deliberate erring outperformed errorless copying, with error correction yielding an additional benefit. This advantage of deliberate erring persisted over actively generating alternative conceptually correct answers (Experiment 2), which in turn surpassed copying. Even when errorless generation was given a further boost to involve a higher degree of elaboration by prompting learners to generate a specific real-world example that illustrated or applied each concept, deliberately committing and correcting errors still produced better learning (Experiment 3). Altogether, the derring effect is neither fully attributable to a generation nor an elaboration benefit, but stems at least in part from enhanced target processing specific to having first deliberately produced incorrect responses. Notwithstanding deliberate erring's prowess, learners were largely oblivious to its benefits, misjudging the strategy as less effective. Both theoretical and educational implications of positioning errors as active, systematic, and intentional events in learning are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).