Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Temperature-Dependent Photoluminescence of ZnO Thin Films Grown on Off-Axis SiC Substrates by APMOCVD

The growth of high-quality ZnO layers with optical properties congruent to those of bulk ZnO is still a great challenge. Here, for the first time, we systematically study the morphology and optical properties of ZnO layers grown on SiC substrates with off-cut angles ranging from 0° to 8° by using the atmospheric pressure meta–organic chemical vapor deposition (APMOCVD) technique. Morphology analysis revealed that the formation of the ZnO films on vicinal surfaces with small off-axis angles (1.4°–3.5°) follows the mixed growth mode: from one side, ZnO nucleation still occurs on wide (0001) terraces, but from another side, step-flow growth becomes more apparent with the off-cut angle increasing. We show for the first time that the off-cut angle of 8° provides conditions for step-flow growth of ZnO, resulting in highly improved growth morphology, respectively structural quality. Temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) measurements showed a strong dependence of the excitonic emission on the off-cut angle. The dependences of peak parameters for bound exciton and free exciton emissions on temperature were analyzed. The present results provide a correlation between the structural and optical properties of ZnO on vicinal surfaces and can be utilized for controllable ZnO heteroepitaxy on SiC toward device-quality ZnO epitaxial layers with potential applications in nano-optoelectronics.
Mediterranean Diet and Risk of Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease in the EPIC-Spain Dementia Cohort Study

The Mediterranean diet (MD) has shown to reduce the occurrence of several chronic diseases. To evaluate its potential protective role on dementia incidence we studied 16,160 healthy participants from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Spain Dementia Cohort study recruited between 1992–1996 and followed up for a mean (±SD) of 21.6 (±3.4) years. A total of 459 incident cases of dementia were ascertained through expert revision of medical records. Data on habitual diet was collected through a validated diet history method to assess adherence to the relative Mediterranean Diet (rMED) score. Hazard ratios (HR) of dementia by rMED levels (low, medium and high adherence levels: ≤6, 7–10 and ≥11 points, respectively) were estimated using multivariable Cox models, whereas time-dependent effects were evaluated using flexible parametric Royston-Parmar (RP) models. Results of the fully adjusted model showed that high versus low adherence to the categorical rMED score was associated with a 20% (HR = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.60–1.06) lower risk of dementia overall and HR of dementia was 8% (HR = 0.92, 0.85–0.99, p = 0.021) lower for each 2-point increment of the continuous rMED score. By sub-types, a favorable association was also found in women for non-AD (HR per 2-points = 0.74, 95%CI: 0.62–0.89), while not statistically significant in men for AD (HR per 2-points = 0.88, 0.76–1.01). The association was stronger in participants with lower education. In conclusion, in this large prospective cohort study MD was inversely associated with dementia incidence after accounting for major cardiovascular risk factors. The results differed by dementia sub-type, sex, and education but there was no significant evidence of effect modification.
Development of Antibacterial Protective Coatings Active against MSSA and MRSA on Biodegradable Polymers

In this work the in vitro antimicrobial activity of colloidal solutions of nine different commercially available nanoparticles were investigated against Staphylococcus aureus strains, both methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant (MRSA). Research covered antimicrobial investigation of different metal and metal-oxide nanoparticles, including Ag 10 nm, Ag 40 nm, Al2O3 100 nm, Au 20 nm, Pt 4 nm, TiO2 100 nm, Y2O3 100 nm, ZnO 100 nm and ZrO2 100 nm nanoparticles. Such materials were foreseen to be applied as coatings on 3D-printed biodegradable polymers: i.e., catheters, disposable materials, hospital bedding items, disposable antimicrobial linings and bandages for chronic wounds. Therefore, the antimicrobial activity of the nanoparticles was determined by agar well diffusion assays and serial microdilution broth assays. In addition, the chromatographic characterization of elements present in trace amounts was performed as a method for tracing the nanoparticles. Moreover, the potential of preparing the rough surface of biodegradable polymers for coating with antimicrobial nanoparticles was tested by 3D-printing fused deposition methodology. The in vitro results have shown that particular nanoparticles provided powerful antimicrobial effects against MSSA and MRSA strains, and can be easily applied on different biopolymers.
Important Aspects Influencing Delivery of Serious News in Pediatric Oncology: A Scoping Review

Delivering serious news presents a major challenge for clinical practice in pediatric oncology due to the complexity of the communication process and a number of aspects that influence how the serious news is delivered and received. This study aims to review and explore the aspects influencing the delivery of serious news in pediatric oncology from the perspective of physicians, parents, siblings and patients themselves. The MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, PsycInfo and Medvik databases were systematically searched for relevant articles published from 1990 to 2017. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, 36 original papers were included. Identified aspects of communication were categorized into six thematic groups: initial setting, physician’s approach, information exchange, parental role, illness related aspects and age of the ill child. The importance of the aspects is perceived differently by parents, patients, siblings and physicians. This scoping review highlights that delivering serious news requires an individualized approach towards the patient and the family. Ten key objectives built upon the results of the literature review offer guidance for daily clinical practice in communication with pediatric patients and their families.
Therapeutic Rationale for Endotoxin Removal with Polymyxin B Immobilized Fiber Column (PMX) for Septic Shock

Endotoxin removal therapy with polymyxin B immobilized fiber column (PMX) has been clinically applied for sepsis and septic shock patients since 1994. The effectiveness and usefulness of this therapy have been demonstrated for more than a quarter of a century. However, a documented survival benefit has not yet been demonstrable in a large, multicenter, randomized and controlled trial. Following the findings derived from a large sepsis clinical trial with PMX in North America, a new trial is ongoing to determine if PMX has a long-term survival benefit when administered to septic patients. Another approach to support a survival benefit from intervention with PMX is to utilize a detailed analysis available from a large clinical data base. The endotoxin adsorption capacity of PMX columns in vitro and the effectiveness of PMX columns can be further demonstrable in animal models. The capability of PMX and details of its mechanism of action to intervene in the sepsis cascade and impede organ dysfunction in septic patients is not fully understood. The surface antigen expression in monocytes and neutrophils are improved after PMX therapy. Immunomodulatory effects as a result of endotoxin removal and/or other mechanisms of action have been suggested. These effects and other potential immune effects may explain some of the improved effects upon organ dysfunction of sepsis and septic shock patients. Endotoxemia may be involved in the pathophysiology of other diseases than sepsis. A rapid diagnostic method to detect and target endotoxemia could allow us to practice precision medicine and expand the clinical indications of endotoxin removal therapy.
The Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Effect of a Novel Synthesized S-Triazine Dipeptide Series, and Toxicity Screening in Zebrafish Embryos

Several derivatives containing morpholine/piperidine, anilines, and dipeptides as pending moieties were prepared using s-triazine as a scaffold. These compounds were evaluated for their anticancer activity against two human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231), a colon cancer cell line (HCT-116), and a non-tumorigenic cell line (HEK 293). Tamoxifen was used as a reference. Animal toxicity tests were carried out in zebrafish embryos. Most of these compounds showed a higher activity against breast cancer than colon cancer. Compound 3a—which contains morpholine, aniline, and glycylglycinate methyl ester—showed a high level of cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells with IC50 values of less than 1 µM. This compound showed a much lower level of toxicity against the non-tumorigenic HEK-293 cell line, and in the in vivo studies using zebrafish embryos. Furthermore, it induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, and apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. On the basis of our results, 3a emerges as a potential candidate for further development as a therapeutic drug to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
The Influence of Occupational Categories on Overall and Domain-Specific Physical Activity and the Association with Chronic Diseases. An Analysis Using the Austrian Health Interview Survey

Background: The performance of physical activity (PA) in different domains varies between different occupational groups and they contribute differently to the prevention and management of chronic diseases. This study aimed to give a fuller picture of the potential influence occupational categories have on the different domains of PA among the Austrian population of working age. Methods: A total of 8251 gainfully employed persons in 9 major and 39 sub-major occupational groups from the Austrian Health Interview Survey 2014 were analyzed. PA was measured with the Physical Activity Questionnaire of the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS-PAQ) and the prevalence of 17 chronic diseases was obtained. Results: A total of 48.2% were mostly active when working, 18.4% reported transport-related PA in the upper quintile, 50.4% performed at least 150 min per week of moderate PA or cycling, 32.7% performed muscle-strengthening PA at least twice a week, and 76.3% were either mostly physically active when working or complied with the aerobic PA guidelines. As a general rule, people in physically active occupational groups tended to perform less PA in their leisure time and vice versa. Occupational groups with especially low amount of PA were Information Technology workers, directors, and secretarial staff. People with a chronic disease tended to perform less PA, but there was an interaction between occupation and chronic disease on PA. Conclusions: Domain-specific programs to promote PA should be developed for various occupational categories.
New Spectrophotometric Method for Quantitative Characterization of Density-Driven Convective Instability

CO2 convective dissolution has been regarded as one of the fundamental mechanisms to accelerate the mass transfer of CO2 into brine. We present a new spectrophotometric method to characterize the convective instability and measure the dissolved CO2 mass, which enables the real-time quantitative visualization of CO2/brine transport mechanisms. Successive images were captured to identify the finger development regimes, and the convection morphologies were analyzed by the fingers length and affected area. CO2 solubility was experimentally studied, and the results are in agreement with the theoretical calculations. CO2 mass transfer flux was investigated as the Sherwood number changed. The increase in salinity and temperature has a negative effect on CO2 dissolution; here, numerical simulation and experimental phenomena are qualitatively consistent. In general, these findings confirm the feasibility of the method and improve the understanding of the physical process of CO2 convective dissolution, which can help assess the CO2 solubility trapping mass.
A Narrative Review of the Molecular Epidemiology and Laboratory Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Bacterial Meningitis Agents: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus agalactiae

This narrative review describes the public health importance of four most common bacterial meningitis agents, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and S. agalactiae (group B Streptococcus). Three of them are strict human pathogens that normally colonize the nasopharynx and may invade the blood stream to cause systemic infections and meningitis. S. agalactiae colonizes the genito-gastrointestinal tract and is an important meningitis agent in newborns, but also causes invasive infections in infants or adults. These four bacteria have polysaccharide capsules that protect them against the host complement defense. Currently licensed conjugate vaccines (against S. pneumoniae, H. influenza, and N. meningitidis only but not S. agalactiae) can induce protective serum antibodies in infants as young as two months old offering protection to the most vulnerable groups, and the ability to eliminate carriage of homologous serotype strains in vaccinated subjects lending further protection to those not vaccinated through herd immunity. However, the serotype-specific nature of these vaccines have driven the bacteria to adapt by mechanisms that affect the capsule antigens through either capsule switching or capsule replacement in addition to the possibility of unmasking of strains or serotypes not covered by the vaccines. The post-vaccine molecular epidemiology of vaccine-preventable bacterial meningitis is discussed based on findings obtained with newer genomic laboratory surveillance methods.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) G Protein Vaccines With Central Conserved Domain Mutations Induce CX3C-CX3CR1 Blocking Antibodies

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection can cause bronchiolitis, pneumonia, morbidity, and some mortality, primarily in infants and the elderly, for which no vaccine is available. The RSV attachment (G) protein contains a central conserved domain (CCD) with a CX3C motif implicated in the induction of protective antibodies, thus vaccine candidates containing the G protein are of interest. This study determined if mutations in the G protein CCD would mediate immunogenicity while inducing G protein CX3C-CX3CR1 blocking antibodies. BALB/c mice were vaccinated with structurally-guided, rationally designed G proteins with CCD mutations. The results show that these G protein immunogens induce a substantial anti-G protein antibody response, and using serum IgG from the vaccinated mice, these antibodies are capable of blocking the RSV G protein CX3C-CX3CR1 binding while not interfering with CX3CL1, fractalkine.
Analytic Optimization of Cantilevers for Photoacoustic Gas Sensor with Capacitive Transduction

We propose a new concept of photoacoustic gas sensing based on capacitive transduction which allows full integration while conserving the required characteristics of the sensor. For the sensor’s performance optimization, trial and error method is not feasible due to economic and time constrains. Therefore, we focus on a theoretical optimization of the sensor reinforced by computational methods implemented in a Python programming environment. We present an analytic model to optimize the geometry of a cantilever used as a capacitive transducer in photoacoustic spectroscopy. We describe all the physical parameters which have to be considered for this optimization (photoacoustic force, damping, mechanical susceptibility, capacitive transduction, etc.). These parameters are characterized by opposite trends. They are studied and compared to obtain geometric values for which the signal output and signal-to-noise ratio are maximized.
Graphene and Reproduction: A Love-Hate Relationship

Since its discovery, graphene and its multiple derivatives have been extensively used in many fields and with different applications, even in biomedicine. Numerous efforts have been made to elucidate the potential toxicity derived from their use, giving rise to an adequate number of publications with varied results. On this basis, the study of the reproductive function constitutes a good tool to evaluate not only the toxic effects derived from the use of these materials directly on the individual, but also the potential toxicity passed on to the offspring. By providing a detailed scientometric analysis, the present review provides an updated overview gathering all the research studies focused on the use of graphene and graphene-based materials in the reproductive field, highlighting the consequences and effects reported to date from experiments performed in vivo and in vitro and in different animal species (from Archea to mammals). Special attention is given to the oxidized form of graphene, graphene oxide, which has been recently investigated for its ability to increase the in vitro fertilization outcomes. Thus, the potential use of graphene oxide against infertility is hypothesized here, probably by engineering the spermatozoa and thus manipulating them in a safer and more efficient way.
Natural Vascular Scaffolding Treatment Promotes Outward Remodeling During Arteriovenous Fistula Development in Rats

Following creation, an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) must mature (i.e., enlarge lumen to allow high blood flow) before being used for hemodialysis. AVF maturation failure rates are high, and currently, there are no effective therapy to treat this problem. The maturation process is likely affected by the integrity of the vascular extracellular matrix (ECM). Natural Vascular Scaffolding (NVS) Therapy is a new technology that interlinks collagen and elastin via photoactivation of a locally delivered small molecule (4-amino-1,8-naphtalamide). We hypothesized that NVS Therapy may improve AVF remodeling by preserving ECM integrity. AVFs were created in Wistar male rats by connecting the femoral vein (end) to femoral artery (side) in the same limb. Immediately after blood flow was restored to dilate the femoral vein by arterial pressure, a 10 μl-drop of the NVS compound (2 mg/ml) was placed on the anastomosis perivascularly. Following 5-min incubation, the NVS treated area was exposed to 1-min illumination by 450-nm light. The control group received 10 μl-drop of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and the same light activation. The skin was closed, and rats were euthanized 4 weeks (n = 6–9 per group) post-AVF creation for histology, morphometry, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and multiphoton microscopy for second-harmonic-generation evaluation of collagen fibers. The vascular thickness was similar in both groups. The AVF vein’s open lumen area and % open lumen area in NVS-treated rats were significantly larger than in PBS-treated rats (4.2-fold p = 0.014 and 2-fold p = 0.009, respectively). The inflammatory markers IL-6 and MMP-9 in the AVF walls were significantly decreased in the NVS group than the PBS group. Collagen fibers in the vascular wall trended toward perpendicular alignment to the lumen circumference in the NVS-treated AVFs, with more defined shape but less area than in the PBS-treated AVFs. These results indicate that the NVS Therapy exerted changes in collagen, which may influence AVF maturation. Rats tolerated the NVS treatment well, and the lack of cell death by the treatment was confirmed in cell culture experiments. These results suggest that NVS treatment is safe and may have therapeutic potential by facilitating lumen expansion to enhanced AVF maturation in patients.
Legislation, Market Size, and Access to Gender-affirming Genital Surgery in the United States

Background: The value of gender-affirming genital surgery (GAGS) has been established for certain transgender or gender non-conforming patients. This study aimed to determine the availability of GAGS by state and region in the United States, and to query possible associations of access to care with healthcare legislation and local market size. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study reporting on the distribution of hospitals and private practices offering GAGS in the United States. A list of prospective gender surgeons was compiled from 18 online databases. All surgeons were individually verified and were excluded if they did not perform phalloplasty, metoidioplasty, or vaginoplasty. Pertinent legislative and transgender or gender non-conforming population data were derived from the Movement Advancement Project and the Williams Institute. Results: Seventy-one practices in the United States offered GAGS in 2019. Forty-seven percent of states did not have a practice offering GAGS. A large prospective transgender or gender non-conforming market size increased the odds of GAGS availability in a state more than did local healthcare legislation supporting insurance coverage for gender-affirming care in 2019. Conclusions: Access to gender-affirming genital surgery was highly disparate in 2019. Factors that predicted access to care, including state healthcare legislation and prospective market sizes, may indicate strategies for overcoming disparities.
Use of AbobotulinumtoxinA for Cosmetic Treatments in the Neck, and Middle and Lower Areas of the Face: A Systematic Review

AbobotulinumtoxinA (aboBoNT-A) has been used for various cosmetic purposes, including minimization of moderate to severe lines, or other cosmetic indications, in the face and neck. We carried out a systematic review to identify all relevant evidence on the treatment approaches and outcomes of aboBoNT-A as a cosmetic treatment of the middle and lower areas of the face, and the neck. Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, congress proceedings and review bibliographies were searched for relevant studies. Identified articles were screened against pre-specified eligibility criteria. Of 560 unique articles identified, 10 were included for data extraction (three observational studies, 1 randomized controlled trial [with two articles] and five non-randomized trials). The articles provided data on gummy/asymmetric smile (2), marionette lines (5), masseter muscle volume (2), nasal wrinkles (2), perioral wrinkles (3) and the platysma muscle (4). All articles reporting on efficacy of aboBoNT-A demonstrated positive results, including reduction of wrinkles (5), reduction of masseter muscle (2) and degree of gummy smile (1) compared with before treatment. No serious adverse events were reported and patient satisfaction was high. In conclusion, positive findings support further research of aboBoNT-A for the middle and lower areas of the face, and in the neck, which are largely unapproved indications.
Thermal Cycling of (RE)BCO-Based Superconducting Tapes Joined by Lead-Free Solders

We prepared overlap soldered joints of high-temperature superconducting tapes, using various materials and preparation conditions. In order to select the joints with optimal performance, we correlated their electrical properties (derived from current–voltage curves) with the microstructure of the respective joint cross-section by scanning electron microscopy. With the first group of joints, we focused on the effect of used materials on joint resistivity and critical current, and we found that the dominant role was played by the quality of the internal interfaces of the superconducting tape. Initial joint resistivities ranged in the first group from 41 to 341 nΩ·cm2. The second group of joints underwent a series of thermal cyclings, upon which the initial resistivity range of 35–49 nΩ·cm2 broadened to 25–128 nΩ·cm2. After the total of 135 thermal cycles, three out of four joints showed no signs of significant degradation. Within the limit of 100 thermal cycles, reliable soldered joints can be thus prepared, with normalized resistivity not exceeding 1.4 and with normalized critical current above the value of 0.85.