Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanically stable superhydrophobic nanostructured aluminum mesh with reduced water surface friction

Superhydrophobic surfaces demonstrate significant characteristics which make them suitable for a wide variety of applications. In this study, we propose a facile, one-step, and cost-effective anodizing scheme using aluminum nitrate/stearic acid mixture solution to create a superhydrophobic surface on an aluminum mesh. The surface outperforms the surface anodized by the widely used oxalic acid solution in terms of superhydrophobicity and water-surface friction behavior. The proposed surface reduced the friction by 11% on average respective to the surface prepared by oxalic acid. The durability of the introduced superhydrophobic surface has also been investigated. The proposed surface retained its high water contact angle and showed higher hydrophobicity relative to the surface anodized by oxalic acid after ten abrasion cycles. This method and surface may be used for numerous applications due to its ease of fabrication, low cost, and excellent performance in energy-loss reduction.
Diversified Biomineralization Roles of Pteria penguin Pearl Shell Lectins as Matrix Proteins

Previously, we isolated jacalin-related lectins termed PPL2, PPL3 (PPL3A, 3B and 3C) and PPL4 from the mantle secretory fluid of Pteria penguin (Mabe) pearl shell. They showed the sequence homology with the plant lectin family, jacalin-related β-prism fold lectins (JRLs). While PPL3s and PPL4 shared only 35%–50% homology to PPL2A, respectively, they exhibited unique carbohydrate binding properties based on the multiple glycan-binding profiling data sets from frontal affinity chromatography analysis. In this paper, we investigated biomineralization properties of these lectins and compared their biomineral functions. It was found that these lectins showed different effects on CaCO3 crystalization, respectively, although PPL3 and PPL2A showed similar carbohydrate binding specificities. PPL3 suppressed the crystal growth of CaCO3 calcite, while PPL2A increased the number of contact polycrystalline calcite composed of more than one crystal with various orientations. Furthermore, PPL4 alone showed no effect on CaCO3 crystalization; however, PPL4 regulated the size of crystals collaborated with N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and chitin oligomer, which are specific in recognizing carbohydrates for PPL4. These observations highlight the unique functions and molecular evolution of this lectin family involved in the mollusk shell formation.
Most Effective Combination of Nutraceuticals for Improved Memory and Cognitive Performance in the House Cricket, Acheta domesticus

Background: Dietary intake of multivitamins, zinc, polyphenols, omega fatty acids, and probiotics have all shown benefits in learning, spatial memory, and cognitive function. It is important to determine the most effective combination of antioxidants and/or probiotics because regular ingestion of all nutraceuticals may not be practical. This study examined various combinations of nutrients to determine which may best enhance spatial memory and cognitive performance in the house cricket (Acheta domesticus (L.)). Methods: Based on the 31 possible combinations of multivitamins, zinc, polyphenols, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and probiotics, 128 house crickets were divided into one control group and 31 experimental groups with four house crickets in each group. Over eight weeks, crickets were fed their respective nutrients, and an Alternation Test and Recognition Memory Test were conducted every week using a Y-maze to test spatial working memory. Results: The highest-scoring diets shared by both tests were the combination of multivitamins, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids (VitZncPuf; Alternation: slope = 0.07226, Recognition Memory: slope = 0.07001), the combination of probiotics, polyphenols, multivitamins, zinc, and omega-3 PUFAs (ProPolVitZncPuf; Alternation: slope = 0.07182, Recognition Memory: slope = 0.07001), the combination of probiotics, multivitamins, zinc, and omega-3 PUFAs (ProVitZncPuf; Alternation: slope = 0.06999, Recognition Memory: slope = 0.07001), and the combination of polyphenols, multivitamins, zinc, and omega-3 PUFAs (PolVitZncPuf; Alternation: slope = 0.06873, Recognition Memory: slope = 0.06956). Conclusion: All of the nutrient combinations demonstrated a benefit over the control diet, but the most significant improvement compared to the control was found in the VitZncPuf, ProVitZncPuf, PolVitZncPuf, and ProPolVitZncPuf. Since this study found no significant difference between the performance and improvement of subjects within these four groups, the combination of multivitamins, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids (VitZncPuf) was concluded to be the most effective option for improving memory and cognitive performance.
Robust neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 develop and persist in subjects with diabetes and COVID-19 pneumonia.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to characterise the kinetics and durability of neutralizing antibody (Nab) response against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the presence of hyperglycemia. METHODS Using a lentiviral-vector-based SARS-CoV-2 neutralization assay to measure Nabs, we characterised 150 patients randomly selected from a cohort of 509 patients with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia. We analysed Nab response according to the presence of diabetes or hyperglycaemia, at the time of hospitalisation and during the post discharge follow-up, i.e., 1, 3 and 6 months outpatient visits. RESULTS Among 150 randomly selected patients 40 (26.6%) had diabetes. Diabetes (HR 8.9, p < 0.001), glucose levels (HR 1.25 x 1.1 mmol/L, p < 0.001) and glucose variability (HR 1.17 x 0.6 mmol/L, p < 0.001) were independently associated with an increased risk of mortality. The neutralizing activity of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in patients with diabetes was superimposable, as for kinetics and extent, to that of patients without diabetes. It was similar across glucose levels and correlated with the humoral response against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Positivity for Nabs at the time of hospital admission conferred protection on mortality, both in the presence (HR 0.28, p=0.046) or absence of diabetes (HR 0.26, p=0.030). The longevity of the Nab response was not affected by diabetes. CONCLUSIONS Diabetes and hyperglycaemia do not affect the kinetics and durability of the neutralizing antibody response to SARS-CoV-2. These findings provide the rational to include patients with diabetes in the early phase of the vaccination campaign against SARS-CoV-2.
The Chitosan/Agarose/NanoHA Bone Scaffold-Induced M2 Macrophage Polarization and Its Effect on Osteogenic Differentiation In Vitro

Chronic immune response to bone implant may lead to delayed healing and its failure. Thus, newly developed biomaterials should be characterized by high biocompatibility. Moreover, it is well known that macrophages play a crucial role in the controlling of biomaterial-induced inflammatory response. Immune cells synthesize also a great amount of signaling molecules that regulate cell differentiation and tissue remodeling. Non-activated macrophages (M0) may be activated (polarized) into two main types of macrophage phenotype: proinflammatory type 1 macrophages (M1) and anti-inflammatory type 2 macrophages (M2). The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of the newly developed chitosan/agarose/nanohydroxyapatite bone scaffold (Polish Patent) on the macrophage polarization and osteogenic differentiation. Obtained results showed that macrophages cultured on the surface of the biomaterial released an elevated level of anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-4, -10, -13, transforming growth factor-beta), which is typical of the M2 phenotype. Moreover, an evaluation of cell morphology confirmed M2 polarization of the macrophages on the surface of the bone scaffold. Importantly, in this study, it was demonstrated that the co-culture of macrophages-seeded biomaterial with bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMDSCs) or human osteoblasts (hFOB 1.19) enhanced their osteogenic ability, confirming the immunomodulatory effect of the macrophages on the osteogenic differentiation process. Thus, it was proved that the developed biomaterial carries a low risk of inflammatory response and induces macrophage polarization into the M2 phenotype with osteopromotive properties, which makes it a promising bone scaffold for regenerative medicine applications.
Aspergillosis in the ICU: Hidden Enemy or Bogeyman?

1. Alsved M, Matamis A, Bohlin R, Richter M, Bengtsson P-E, Fraenkel C-J, et al. Exhaled respiratory particles during singing and talking. Aerosol Sci Technol 2020;54:1245–1248. 2. Echternach M, Gantner S, Peters G, Westphalen C, Benthaus T, Jakubaß B, et al. Impulse dispersion of aerosols during singing and speaking: a potential COVID-19 transmission pathway. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2020;202:1584–1587. 3. Prather KA, Marr LC, Schooley RT, McDiarmid MA, Wilson ME, Milton DK. Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Science 2020;370: 303–304. 4. Philip KEJ, Lewis A, Buttery SC, McCabe C, Fancourt D, Orton C, et al. The physiological demands of Singing for Lung Health compared to treadmill walking [preprint]. medRxiv;2020 [accessed 2021 Feb 17]. Available from: https://www.medrxiv. org/content/10.1101/2020. 12.08. 20245746v1. 5. Walsh KA, Jordan K, Clyne B, Rohde D, Drummond L, Byrne P, et al. SARS-CoV-2 detection, viral load and infectivity over the course of an infection. J Infect 2020;81:357–371.
Novel Insights on the Role of Nitric Oxide in the Ovary: A Review of the Literature

Nitric oxide (NO) is formed during the oxidation of L-arginine to L-citrulline by the action of multiple isoenzymes of NO synthase (NOS): neuronal NOS (nNOS), endotelial NOS (eNOS), and inducible NOS (iNOS). NO plays a relevant role in the vascular endothelium, in central and peripheral neurons, and in immunity and inflammatory systems. In addition, several authors showed a consistent contribution of NO to different aspects of the reproductive physiology. The aim of the present review is to analyse the published data on the role of NO within the ovary. It has been demonstrated that the multiple isoenzymes of NOS are expressed and localized in the ovary of different species. More to the point, a consistent role was ascribed to NO in the processes of steroidogenesis, folliculogenesis, and oocyte meiotic maturation in in vitro and in vivo studies using animal models. Unfortunately, there are few nitric oxide data for humans; there are preliminary data on the implication of nitric oxide for oocyte/embryo quality and in-vitro fertilization/embryo transfer (IVF/ET) parameters. NO plays a remarkable role in the ovary, but more investigation is needed, in particular in the context of human ovarian physiology.
Smartphone pedometers in adults with asthma: a practical approach to physical activity assessment? A pilot validation study

Abstract Objective: The aim of this pilot validation study was to determine the accuracy of a smartphone (iPhone®) pedometer in adults with and without asthma. Methods: Ten adults with asthma and ten healthy controls underwent clinical assessment prior to completing two separate trials. Phase 1. standardized treadmill and self-paced walking tests. Total steps were recorded via: (i) Yamax Digiwalker™ SW800 pedometer positioned on the waistband, (ii) iPhone® pedometer positioned on the upper body, (iii) iPhone® pedometer positioned on the lower body and evaluated against a video-verified manual step-count. Phase 2. step-count was evaluated over seven-days during habitual free-living conditions via Yamax Digiwalker™ SW800 and iPhone® pedometers. Results: During treadmill walking, the iPhone® positioned on the lower body correlated strongly (r = 0.96) and produced the highest level of agreement (mean bias: −11 steps, LOA: −43 to 21 steps) in comparison to video-verified manual step-count. During self-paced walking, all devices provided an excellent step-count estimate. During free-living conditions, no difference was observed between the Yamax Digiwalker™ SW800 pedometer and iPhone® (P = 0.10) and a strong correlation (r = 0.94) and acceptable agreement (mean bias: −343, LOA: −1963 to 1276 steps) was observed. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that an in-built iPhone® pedometer offers a practical approach to physical activity assessment in adults with and without asthma. Future research is now required to further validate the precision of this approach and evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of smartphone pedometers to monitor and promote physical activity when employed during medical consultation and/or clinical research trials.
Capmatinib in Japanese patients with MET exon 14 skipping–mutated or MET‐amplified advanced NSCLC: GEOMETRY mono‐1 study

MET mutations leading to exon 14 skipping (METΔex14) are strong molecular drivers for non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Capmatinib is a highly potent, selective oral MET inhibitor that showed clinically meaningful efficacy and a manageable safety profile in a global phase II study (GEOMETRY mono‐1, NCT02414139) in patients with advanced METΔex14‐mutated/MET‐amplified NSCLC. We report results of preplanned analyses of 45 Japanese patients according to MET status (METΔex14‐mutated or MET‐amplified) and line of therapy (first‐ [1L] or second‐/third‐line [2/3L]). The starting dose was 400 mg twice daily. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR) assessed by a blinded independent review committee. A key secondary endpoint was duration of response (DOR). Among METΔex14‐mutated patients, in the 1L group, one patient achieved partial response (DOR of 4.24 months) and the other had stable disease. In the 2/3L group, the ORR was 36.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.9%‐69.2%), median DOR was not evaluable, and progression‐free survival was 4.70 months. One patient (2/3L group) showed partial resolution of brain lesions per independent neuroradiologist review. In MET‐amplified patients with a MET gene copy number of ≥10, the ORR was 100% (2/2 patients) in the 1L group and 45.5% (5/11 patients) in the 2/3L group, with DOR of 8.2 and 8.3 months, respectively. Common treatment‐related adverse events among the 45 Japanese patients were blood creatinine increased (53.3%), nausea (35.6%), and oedema peripheral (31.1%); most were grade 1/2 severity. In conclusion, capmatinib was effective and well tolerated by Japanese patients with METΔex14/MET‐amplified NSCLC, consistent with the overall population.
Kinematic Analysis of 2-Point and 3-Point Jump Shot of Elite Young Male and Female Basketball Players

Basketball shooting is one of the most important offensive skills in basketball. Winning or losing a game mostly depends on the shooting effectiveness. The study aims to compare the selected kinematic variables of 2-point (2-pt) and 3-point (3-pt) jump shots (after making a cut and receiving the ball) and ascertain the differences between elite male under 16 and 18 (U16M, U18M) and female under 16 and 18 (U16F, U18F) basketball players. Overall, forty-eight young male and female basketball players participated in the study. 3D motion analysis using an inertial suit with the addition of utilizing a smart ball was performed for assessing the 2-pt and 3-pt shooting techniques. Players in male categories shot for 2-pt with a higher center of mass difference in the vertical direction (U16M 5.7 cm, U18M 3.9 cm vs. U16F 1.4 cm, U18F 0.6 cm), with higher release shoulder angle (U16M 110.9, U18M 113.8 vs. U16F 103, U18F 105), and with a higher entry angle of the ball (U16M 34, U18M 32 vs. U16F 30, U18F 30) when compared to female categories (p < 0.001). In the 3-pt shooting, there were differences between male and female categories in the shoulder angle when releasing the ball (p < 0.001). In the players shooting speed, there were differences between U16M vs. U18F (0.95 ± 0.1 vs. 0.88 ± 0.1; p = 0.03) and U16F vs. U18F (0.96 ± 0.06 vs. 0.88 ± 0.1; p = 0.02) players. Male categories shot 3-pt shots with a smaller center of mass difference in the horizontal direction when compared to 2-pt shots (p < 0.001). The entry angle was higher in successful shooting attempts compared to unsuccessful shooting attempts when shooting for 3-pt (p = 0.02). Player shooting speed was higher in all categories (except U18F) when shooting for 3-pt (p < 0.001). It appears that performers show difference in kinematic variables based on distance from the basket. Basketball coaches and players should work to minimize the kinematic differences between 2-pt and 3-pt shooting and to optimize the shooting technique.
Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Cardiovascular Disease: The Role of Formulation, Dose, and Route of Delivery.

CONTEXT This mini-review provides an overview of menopausal hormone therapy (HT) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, with a focus on the role of hormone formulation, dose, and route of delivery. METHODS This summary is based on authors' knowledge in the field of menopausal HT and supplemented by a PubMed search using the terms "menopause hormone therapy", "transdermal", "estradiol", "conjugated estrogens", "bioidentical", "cardiovascular disease", "lipoproteins", "glucose", "progestogens", "low dose". RESULTS Available evidence indicates that oral unopposed estrogens have a favorable effect on lipoprotein levels, glycemia, insulin and CVD risk, however the addition of progestogens blunts the lipid-related effects. The progestogen with the smallest attenuating effect is micronized progesterone. Transdermal estrogens have less effect on coagulation, inflammation, and lipids than oral estrogens and observational studies suggest they pose a lower risk of VTE and stroke than oral estrogens. Clinical effects of hormones were not consistently dose-dependent. CONCLUSIONS Although HT continues to have an important role in menopause management, it is not recommended for primary or secondary CVD prevention. Different formulations, doses, and routes of delivery of HT have different effects on cardiometabolic markers and risks of clinical CVD events. However, long-term trials evaluating clinical outcomes with transdermal and other alternate HT regimens are limited.
APOL1 Risk Variants Affect Podocyte Lipid Homeostasis and Energy Production in Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis.

Lipotoxicity was recently reported in several forms of kidney disease, including focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Susceptibility to FSGS in African Americans is associated with the presence of genetic variants of the Apolipoprotein L1 gene (APOL1) named G1 and G2. If and how endogenous APOL1 may alter mitochondrial function by modifying cellular lipid metabolism is unknown. Using transgenic mice expressing the APOL1 variants (G0, G1 or G2) under endogenous promoter, we show that APOL1 risk variant expression in transgenic mice does not impair kidney function at baseline. However, APOL1 G1 expression worsens proteinuria and kidney function in mice characterized by the podocyte inducible expression of nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT), which we have found to cause FSGS. APOL1 G1 expression in this FSGS-model also results in increased triglyceride and cholesterol ester contents in kidney cortices, where lipid accumulation correlated with loss of renal function. In vitro, we show that the expression of endogenous APOL1 G1/G2 in human urinary podocytes is associated with increased cellular triglyceride content and is accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction in the presence of compensatory oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes elevation. Our findings indicate that APOL1 risk variant expression increases the susceptibility to lipid-dependent podocyte injury, ultimately leading to mitochondrial dysfunction.
The effect of screening for vaccine hesitancy on the subsequent development of hesitancy: a randomized controlled trial, Houston, TX

ABSTRACT Vaccine hesitancy remains a global health threat. Addressing parental vaccine hesitancy is essential to maintaining high vaccine coverage levels and preventing disease outbreaks; however, it is unknown if administering a vaccine hesitancy screening tool negatively impacts parental vaccine beliefs. We conducted a stratified randomized controlled trial in pediatric primary care practices. English-speaking parents ≥18 years of age seeking routine care for infants <3 months of age were eligible. Participants were randomized to receive 1 of 2 surveys – the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines (PACV) survey or a placebo survey. Six months after initial enrollment, all participants were asked to complete the PACV, regardless of initial randomization group. Our primary outcome was the proportion of hesitant to non-hesitant parents at 6-months between randomization groups. We examined associations between vaccine hesitancy and participant characteristics. We also evaluated the change in the proportion of vaccine-hesitant parents in the PACV group between baseline and 6-month follow up. We enrolled 1705 parents at baseline. At 6-month follow up, 819 parents completed the PACV (50.2% from PACV group vs. 54.1% from placebo group). The proportion of hesitant parents at 6 months did not differ between PACV and placebo groups (6.6% vs. 6.1%; p = .78) and the odds of hesitancy among PACV group participants was not higher than those in the placebo group (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 0.63–1.93; p = .743). Race was the only characteristic significantly associated with vaccine hesitancy at 6-month follow up (p = .003). Overall, administration of the PACV did not trigger vaccine hesitancy in this study population.
Effect of in ovo copper injection on body weight, immune response, blood biochemistry and carcass traits of broiler chicks at 35 days of age

Abstract The current study was conducted to investigate effects of copper (sulfate, acetate and nano) in ovo injection at 10 days of the embryogenesis period on body weight (BW), immunity, biochemical parameters and carcass traits of broiler chicks at 35 days of age. A total number of 462 fertile eggs were used in seven groups, each group containing 66 eggs in three replicates. The experimental design was as follows: the group 1 as a control, while groups 2, 3 and 4 injected with 8 μg/egg of Cu sulfate, Cu acetate and nano Cu, respectively, and groups 5, 6 and 7 injected with 16 μg/egg of Cu sulfate, Cu acetate and nano Cu, respectively. Results stated that BW was increased in Cu-injected groups, except groups of Cu acetate, but plasma constituents, carcass and relative weight of organs did not affect. Cu level (8 μg/egg) had better results than Cu level (16 μg/egg). No differences between among groups in relative weights of spleen and bursa and immune response. In conclusion, it is recommended that in ovo injection of different sources of Cu can augment the BW and did not harmfully affect immunity, carcass traits and biochemical parameters of broiler chicks.