Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Involvement of Mitochondrial Dynamics and Mitophagy in Sevoflurane-Induced Cell Toxicity

General anesthesia is a powerful and indispensable tool to ensure the accomplishment of surgical procedures or clinical examinations. Sevoflurane as an inhalational anesthetic without unpleasant odor is commonly used in clinical practice, especially for pediatric surgery. However, the toxicity caused by sevoflurane has gained growing attention. Mitochondria play a key role in maintaining cellular metabolism and survival. To maintain the stability of mitochondrial homeostasis, they are constantly going through fusion and fission. Also, damaged mitochondria need to be degraded by autophagy, termed as mitophagy. Accumulating evidence proves that sevoflurane exposure in young age could lead to cell toxicity by triggering the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, inducing the abnormalities of mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy. In the present review, we focus on the current understanding of mitochondrial apoptosis, dynamics and mitophagy in cell function, the implications for cell toxicity in response to sevoflurane, and their underlying potential mechanisms.
Detecting molecular changes in Vimy flaxseed protein structure using synchrotron FTIRM and DRIFT spectroscopic techniques: Structural and biochemical characterization

Mid-IR techniques were used to characterize any changes that occurred on a molecular level in flaxseed that had been heated using an autoclave. The objectives were to investigate the effects of autoclave heating on differences in diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) and synchrotron-based Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (SFTIRM) based measurements of the protein α-helix to β-sheet ratio for flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum), cv. Vimy. Hierarchical cluster analysis (CLA) and principal components analysis (PCA) were also conducted to identify molecular differences in the DRIFT spectra. Flaxseed samples were kept raw for the control or autoclaved in batches at 120°C for 20, 40 or 60 min for treatments 1, 2 and 3, respectively. DRIFT analysis of protein secondary structure ratios showed a decrease (P 0.05). CLA and PCA were successfully used to make distinctions between the different treatment spectra and showed enhanced sensitivity upon selection of a smaller spectral window to include only the amide I and II portion of the IR spectrum. Our results indicated that autoclaving had a great enough effect on the mid-IR spectrum of flaxseed to identify the altered α-helix to β-sheet ratio and subsequently differentiated between the treatments using PCA and CLA suggesting greater sensitivity of mid-IR spectral methods in identifying the effect of heat treatment on protein secondary structure. Future study is needed to quantify the relationship between protein secondary structure and protein functionality.
Iron peptide complex does not increase blood iron concentration at the same extent as ferrous sulfate after oral ingestion in healthy adult males

Iron-deficient anemia continues to be one of the major nutritional and public health problems all over the world. Although ferrous sulfate is largely used for the prevention and treatment of this deficiency, the gastrointestinal side effects preclude its use in some cases. This study aimed to compare the effect of iron peptide complex and ferrous sulfate on serum iron and to examine serial serum iron levels. Ten volunteers were submitted to 5 different treatments: Control (C), Ferrous sulfate 60 mg (FS), Iron peptide 60 mg (IP1), Iron peptide 80 mg (IP2) and Iron peptide 60 mg plus diet (IPD). In the first treatment (C), empty capsules were given, whereas in the second (FS), third (IP1), fourth (IP2) and fifth (IPD) treatments, ferrous sulfate 60 mg, iron peptide complex 60 mg, iron peptide complex 80 mg and iron peptide complex 60 mg plus diet were given in a randomized crossover design, with a washout period of 1 week. The products were offered as capsules and blood samples were drawn at the following time points: 0, 30, 60, 120, 240, 480 and 720 minutes after oral intake. FS produced higher serum iron levels than Control, IP1, IP2 and IPD (P AUC C = AUC IP1 = AUC IP2 = AUC IPD . Conclusions: The iron peptide complex did not increase blood iron concentration as compared to control and ferrous sulfate at the respective time points.
Size Distributions of Motor Vehicle Exhaust PM: A Comparison Between ELPI and SMPS Measurements

Particle size measurements using the electrical low pressure impactor (ELPI) and scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) are compared from the perspective of characterizing the particulate matter in motor vehicle exhaust. Both steady state vehicle operation and transient drive cycles are considered, and both gasoline and diesel fueled vehicle emissions are compared. Although the ELPI and SMPS measure different physical properties, respectively, the aerodynamic diameter and mobility diameter, the steady state particle size distributions are in close agreement, except for the 37 nm impactor stage of the ELPI which may overestimate particle number by up to a factor of two relative to the SMPS. This has little effect on the volume, or mass, weighted distribution. These, too, are generally in good agreement, though discrepancies appear at large particle size due to multiple charging effects in the SMPS and to electrometer offsets and the small particle loss correction in the ELPI. Selecting particles based on their electrical mobility with the SMPS, and then measuring their aerodynamic diameter with the ELPI, reveals that diesel particulate matter with well-specified mobility diameter exhibits a wide range in aerodynamic diameter and, therefore, also in effective density. Over transient drive cycles, the ELPI provides second by second particle distributions, whereas the SMPS must be run in a fixed particle size mode and size distributions constructed from repeated tests. The ELPI registers higher instantaneous PM emission rates during transients than the SMPS due to the faster time responses of the ELPI. The time integrated ELPI and SMPS size distributions, however, remain in good agreement. The relative merits of the two instruments for steady state and transient tests are discussed.
B-type natriuretic peptide as a surrogate marker for survival in patients undergoing cardiac surgery

Background B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a biomarker predicting morbidity and mortality in patients with congestive heart failure. However, the usefulness of pre- or postoperative BNP levels in patients undergoing cardiac surgery remains uncertain. We sought to determine the association of pre- or postoperative BNP levels on mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods This study retrospectively evaluated 1,642 patients undergoing cardiac surgery under CPB over 2 years. The primary outcomes were 30-day and overall mortality after cardiac surgery. Results The 30-day mortality rate was 3.0% (n=49), and the overall mortality occurred in 118 patients during the mean follow-up period of 24.9±8.9 months. In multivariable analyses, preoperative BNP level was not significantly associated with 30-day [odds ratio (OR), 1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.99–1.06; P=0.06] or overall [hazard ratio (HR), 1.01; 95% CI, 0.98–1.03; P=0.50] mortalities. However, the postoperative BNP level was significantly associated with 30-day (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02–1.09; P=0.001) and overall (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01–1.04; P=0.01) mortalities. As a sensitivity analysis, postoperative BNP levels were divided into quartiles. The top quartile (≥484 pg/mL) was identified as a strong predictor of overall mortality (HR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.14–4.19; P=0.02). Conclusions Preoperative BNP level was not associated with mortality after cardiac surgery. However, postoperative BNP level was associated with mortality after cardiac surgery, especially in patients with high levels (≥484 pg/mL). Further studies in larger cohorts are necessary to validate these results.
Oxidative stress in genetically triggered thoracic aortic aneurysm: role in pathogenesis and therapeutic opportunities

ABSTRACT Background: The primary objective of this review was to explore the contribution of oxidative stress to the pathogenesis of genetically-triggered thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA). Genetically-triggered TAAs manifest substantial variability in onset, progression, and risk of aortic dissection, posing a significant clinical management challenge. There is a need for non-invasive biomarkers that predict the natural course of TAA and therapeutics that prevent aneurysm progression. Methods: An online systematic search was conducted within PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus and ScienceDirect databases using keywords including: oxidative stress, ROS, nitrosative stress, genetically triggered thoracic aortic aneurysm, aortic dilatation, aortic dissection, Marfan syndrome, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, familial TAAD, Loeys Dietz syndrome, and Ehlers Danlos syndrome. Results: There is extensive evidence of oxidative stress and ROS imbalance in genetically triggered TAA. Sources of ROS imbalance are variable but include dysregulation of redox mediators leading to either insufficient ROS removal or increased ROS production. Therapeutic exploitation of redox mediators is being explored in other cardiovascular conditions, with potential application to TAA warranting further investigation. Conclusion: Oxidative stress occurs in genetically triggered TAA, but the precise contribution of ROS to pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. Further research is required to define causative pathological relationships in order to develop therapeutic options.
Pharmaceuticals as priority water contaminants

Pharmaceuticals and their metabolites can reach water bodies through sewage systems, industrial discharges, effluents from sewage treatment plants (STPs), aquaculture, and livestock farming. Pharmaceuticals include a hundred substances which are very different as regards chemical–physical properties and environmental behavior, although they may have strong biochemical activities. At present, pharmaceuticals can reach water concentrations of ng L−1 to µg L−1 and some are considered ubiquitous. Nevertheless, their presence in the aquatic environment and impact on aquatic biota and on human health have not yet been studied adequately. Experimental evidence indicates that pharmaceuticals may cause harmful effects, such as morphological, metabolic and sex alterations on aquatic species, induction of antibiotic resistance in aquatic pathogenic microorganisms, and disruption of biodegradation activities in STPs. Risk assessment studies and evaluations are in progress. Yet, the available scientific data are consistent with the introduction of some pharmaceutical indicators in extensive water monitoring to better define their actual impact on aquatic organisms and humans. Under these perspectives, the inclusion of emerging pharmaceuticals in the revision of EU List of Priority Substances under the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC should be implemented as well as the definition of respective environmental quality standards.
Prognostic value of estimated glomerular filtration rate and presence of proteinuria in type B aortic intramural hematoma

Background Although aggressive medical treatment is recommended in patients with type B aortic intramural hematoma (IMH), a variety of aortic events can occur during the later period. For early identification of these patients, the present study was aimed at evaluating the prognostic validity of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the presence of proteinuria in type B aortic IMH. Methods Data of 61 patients with type B IMH in Peking University People’s Hospital from January 2008 to December 2018 were retrospectively collected. The serum creatinine level and urine protein levels were measured at admission. And eGFR were calculated by the CKD-EPI equation. Adverse aortic-related events were defined as a composite of satisfaction of criteria for surgical conversion (with or without actual surgical intervention) and death from aortic rupture. Results Initial eGFR was significantly different between patients with adverse aortic-related events and those without (P=0.003). On multivariate analysis, eGFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m2 (OR, 8.726; 95% CI: 1.711–46.144; P=0.009) and ULP (OR, 17.516; 95% CI: 3.322–92.258; P=0.001) were independent predictors of adverse aorta-related events. Furthermore, eGFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m2 and proteinuria (+) (OR, 8.344; P=0.030) had significantly greater rates of aortic-related events. In addition, eGFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m2 and proteinuria (+) had incremental prognostic value (C-statistic, 0.860, P=0.039) compared with ulcer-like projection (C-statistic, 0.815) alone. Conclusions Initial eGFR and presence of proteinuria were able to provide incremental prognostic information in addition to ulcer-like projection in patients with type B aortic IMH.
Copper IUD continuation, unwanted effects and cost consequences at 1 year in users aged under 30 – a secondary analysis of the EURAS-IUD study

Abstract Objective To conduct a secondary analysis of continuation, unwanted effects and cost consequences at 1 year in copper intrauterine device (IUD) users aged under 30 in the European Active Surveillance Study for Intrauterine Devices (EURAS-IUD study) based on IUD type. Methods Descriptive and comparative analyses of copper IUD continuation, unwanted effects and estimated cost consequences at 1 year were performed in users aged under 30 based on IUD copper surface area, shape or design, width and arms’ flexibility. Results 5796 copper IUD users were identified to have been aged under 30 at EURAS-IUD study recruitment and data for 5762 users (99.4%) was analysed. Higher IUD continuation, fewer unwanted effects and lower costs were observed with IUDs of the lowest copper content (<300mm2), horse-shoe frame design, widths 18 mm to <30mm and flexible IUD arms. Discontinuation, unwanted effects and costs were greater with frameless IUDs and framed, ≥30mm width IUDs with 380mm2 of copper and copper bands on their rigid transverse IUD arms. Conclusions Significant differences in continuation, reported unwanted effects and estimated costs at 1 year between IUD types were observed in users aged under 30. Although further research is needed, clinicians should consider these findings when counselling and choosing IUD types for younger women.
New perylene-doped polymeric thin films for efficient and long-lasting lasers

We establish an efficient strategy to optimize the performance of dye-doped host materials consisting of analyzing in a systematic way the dependence of their Amplified Spontaneous Emission (ASE) efficiency and photostability on the composition and structure of the matrices, selected to specifically avoid the thermal and/or chemical (photooxidation) processes, main mechanisms of dye photodegradation. For this study, a number of experimental polyimides have been chosen as a host matrix and their behavior has been compared with that of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). We correlate the optical properties with the oxygen permeation and thermal properties of the different polymeric hosts doped with perylene dyes to deepen the understanding of the photodegradation mechanism predominant in these dyes and to minimize its influence. We demonstrate high efficiency and photostable ASE from waveguides based on polymeric materials doped with Perylene Orange (PO), Perylene Red (PR), and mixtures of both. This enhancement in the optical properties allows reaching high gain and long-lasting distributed feedback (DFB) laser emission based on PO doped polymer matrices, even when operating in an unoptimised resonator.
Prognostic and predictive effect of KRAS gene copy number and mutation status in early stage non-small cell lung cancer patients

Background In the current analysis, we characterize the prognostic significance of KRAS mutations with concomitant copy number aberrations (CNA) in early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and evaluate the ability to predict survival benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. Methods Clinical and genomic data from the LACE (Lung Adjuvant Cisplatin Evaluation)-Bio consortium was utilized. CNAs were categorized as Gain (CN ≥2) or Neutral (Neut)/Loss; KRAS status was defined as wild type (WT) or mutant (MUT). The following groups were compared in all patients and the adenocarcinoma subgroup, and were correlated to survival endpoints using a Cox proportional hazards model: WT + Neut/Loss (reference), WT + Gain, MUT + Gain and MUT + Neut/Loss. A treatment-by-variable interaction was added to evaluate predictive effect. Results Of the 946 (399 adenocarcinoma) NSCLC patients, 41 [30] had MUT + Gain, 145 [99] MUT + Neut/Loss, 125 [16] WT + Gain, and 635 [254] WT + Neut/Loss. A non-significant trend towards worse lung cancer-specific survival (LCSS; HR =1.34; 95% CI, 0.83–2.17, P=0.232), DFS (HR =1.34; 95% CI, 0.86–2.09, P=0.202) and OS (HR =1.59; 95% CI, 0.99–2.54, P=0.055) was seen in KRAS MUT + Gain patients relative to KRAS WT + Neut/Loss patients. A negative prognostic effect of KRAS MUT + Neut/Loss was observed for LCSS (HR =1.32; 95% CI, 1.01–1.71, P=0.038) relative to KRAS WT + Neut/Loss on univariable analysis, but to a lesser extent after adjusting for covariates (HR =1.28; 95% CI, 0.97–1.68, P=0.078). KRAS MUT + Gain was associated with a greater beneficial effect of chemotherapy on DFS compared to KRAS WT + Neut/Loss patients (rHR =0.33; 95% CI, 0.11–0.99, P=0.048), with a non-significant trend also seen for LCSS (rHR =0.41; 95% CI, 0.13–1.33, P=0.138) and OS (rHR =0.40; 95% CI, 0.13–1.26, P=0.116) in the adenocarcinoma subgroup. Conclusions A small prognostic effect of KRAS mutation was identified for LCSS, and a trend towards worse LCSS, DFS and OS was noted for KRAS MUT + Gain. A potential predictive effect of concomitant KRAS mutation and copy number gain was observed for DFS in adenocarcinoma patients. These results could be driven by the small number of patients and require validation.
Effects of sleep deprivation on maternal behaviour in animal models: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Pregnancy is a period of numerous physical and emotional changes in women’s lives, including alterations in sleep patterns and worsening of pre‐existing sleep disturbances, which possibly lead to impaired postpartum maternal behaviour and mother–infant relationship. The effects of sleep deprivation during pregnancy in maternal behaviour have been evaluated in preclinical studies, but have provided inconsistent results. Thus, in the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of sleep deprivation during pregnancy on maternal behaviour of animals through a systematic review and meta‐analyses. After a two‐step selection process, six articles were included, all of them describing rat studies. The most frequently used method of sleep deprivation was rapid eye movement sleep restriction, using the multiple‐platform method. Four meta‐analyses were performed, none of them presenting significant impact of sleep deprivation on maternal behaviour, failing to reproduce the results observed in previous clinical studies. In conclusion, our results show a lack of translational applicability of animal models to evaluate the effects of sleep deprivation during pregnancy on maternal behaviour.
Increased Carotid Intima–Media Thickness and Endothelial Cell-Specific Molecule-1 (Endocan) Levels in Obese Children

Obesity in children appears to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases later in life. Early development of insulin resistance (IR) may lead to endothelial dysfunction and increased carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT) even in childhood. We compared endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (endocan) levels in pediatric obese patients with those in healthy controls to determine whether endocan could be used as a biological marker of complications caused by endothelial damage. In 80 obese pubertal children (44 males [M] and 36 females [F], mean age: 12.8 ± 2.5 years), anthropometric measurements, cIMT, endocan levels, and IR indices (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]) were evaluated and compared with 80 healthy pubertal patients (42M/38F, mean age: 12.3 ± 3.2 years). High-resolution ultrasound was used to measure the cIMT. Obese children had higher levels of endocan compared with the controls (P < .001). Fasting insulin levels and HOMA-IR were also higher in obese children (P < .001 for both). In addition, obese children had an increased cIMT (P < .001). In obese children, there was a significant correlation between cIMT and HOMA-IR (β = −1.314, P = .002) and between cIMT and endocan (β = .483, P = .004). Measuring cIMT and endocan levels (noninvasive investigations) in obese children, together with early preventive measures, could significantly decrease morbidity and mortality in adulthood.
Parameters Affecting the Formation of Bromate Ion During Ozonation

Abstract Batch type ozone experiments conducted on aquatic humic substances solutions spiked with bromide ion were developed to evaluate the importance of various parameters that may affect the formation of bromate ion during ozonation. The nature of the NOM, the alkalinity, the bromide ion content and the presence of ammonia were found to significantly affect the bromate ion production. Temperature and pH can be considered as minor factors. The ozonation of a clarified surface water using a continuous flow ozone contactor have shown that the addition of a low quantity of ammonia (0.05 to 0.1 mg/L NNH4 +) appeared to be an interesting option for controlling the bromate formation. On the contrary, the addition of hydrogen peroxide may enhance or reduce the bromate ion production, depending on the applied hydrogen peroxide/ozone ratio.
Clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors of primary pulmonary lymphoma

Background Primary pulmonary lymphoma (PPL) is a rare extranodal lymphoma originating from the lung, accounting for 0.5–1.0% of primary lung malignant tumors. Previous case reports or cohort studies included a limited sample size; therefore, the understanding of the disease remains inadequate, and clinical data regarding PPL are limited. Methods Patients with PPL diagnosed histologically and radiologically between January 2000 and December 2019 at our center were retrospectively analyzed. Results In total, 90 consecutive cases were included in this research. Forty-seven (52.2%) patients were female, and the median age was 54 years old. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (PPNHL) was the most common type of PPL (71/90, 78.9%), and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma was the most common pathological subtype of PPNHL (56.3%) followed by diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (32.4%). Thirty-nine (43.3%) patients underwent surgical treatment, and the others received chemotherapy alone or combined with radiotherapy. The estimated 5-year overall survival (OS) rates of MALT lymphoma and non-MALT lymphoma were 68.9% and 65.9%, respectively. Univariate analysis of PPL showed that clinicopathological features that significantly correlated with worse OS were age over 60 years (P=0.006<0.05), elevated LDH (P=0.029<0.05) and β2-MG (P=0.048<0.05) levels, clinical stage II2E and greater (P=0.015<0.05), and nonsurgical treatment (P=0.046<0.05). Age (P=0.013<0.05) was an independent prognostic factor for the 5-year OS of patients through multivariate analysis. Conclusions Age over 60 years old, elevated LDH and β2-MG levels, clinical stage II2E disease or higher, and nonsurgical treatment were associated with poor prognosis in patients with PPL. Age can be used as a potential independent prognostic factor for PPL.