Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Baseline Electrocardiographic and Echocardiographic Assessment May Help Predict Survival in Lung Cancer Patients—A Prospective Cardio-Oncology Study

Simple Summary Lung cancer is characterized by a high mortality rate. The main prognostic factors are histopathological and molecular diagnosis as well as clinical advancement. Performance status and comorbidities have an additional impact on the outcome. Assuming that lung cancer is often associated with cardiovascular diseases and the localization of the disease in the chest leads to exercise dyspnea, it seems valuable to objectively determine what echocardiographic parameters correlate with significantly reduced (ECOG = 2) performance status. Some echocardiographic parameters (RVSP, ACT, RV GLS, RV free wall strain, fractional area change) were associated with low performance status which can help to objectively confirm exercise intolerance in lung cancer. Moreover, recognition of atrial fibrillation and high heart rate (>90/min) in ECG strengthens the prediction of earlier death. Meanwhile, finding some positive prognostic factors like RVSP < 21 mmHg or RV free wall strain < −30% and even RV GLS < −25.5% in echocardiography allows planning of more aggressive anticancer treatment. Abstract Cardiovascular disease and cancer coexist and lead to exertional dyspnea. The aim of the study was to determine the prognostic significance of cardiac comorbidities, ECG and baseline echocardiography in lung cancer patients with varying degrees of reduced performance status. This prospective study included 104 patients with histopathologically confirmed lung cancer, pre-qualified for systemic treatment due to metastatic or locally advanced malignancy but not eligible for thoracic surgery. The patients underwent a comprehensive cardio-oncological evaluation. Overall survival negative predictors included low ECOG 2 (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) performance status, stage IV (bone or liver/adrenal metastases in particular), pleural effusion, the use of analgesics and among cardiac factors, two ECG parameters: atrial fibrillation (HR = 2.39) and heart rate >90/min (HR = 1.67). Among echocardiographic parameters, RVSP > 39 mmHg was a negative predictor (HR = 2.01), while RVSP < 21 mmHg and RV free wall strain < −30% were positive predictors (HR = 0.36 and HR = 0.56, respectively), whereas RV GLS < −25.5% had a borderline significance (HR = 0.59; p = 0.05). Logistical regression analysis showed ECOG = 2 significantly correlated with the following echocardiographic parameters: increasing RVSP, RV GLS, RV free wall strain and decreasing ACT, FAC (p < 0.05). Selected echocardiographic parameters may be helpful in predicting poor performance in lung cancer patients and, supplemented with ECG evaluation, broaden the possibilities of prognostic evaluation.
Protective Effect of Silymarin and Gallic Acid against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity and Hepatotoxicity

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of gallic acid and silymarin against nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity caused by cisplatin. Materials and Methods In the study, 56 Wistar Albino rats were equally divided into eight groups. Group 1 was the control group; group 2 was the group receiving cisplatin; group 3 was the group receiving cisplatin + gallic acid; group 4 was the group receiving cisplatin + silymarin; group 5 was the group receiving cisplatin + silymarin + gallic acid; group 6 was the group receiving silymarin; group 7 was the group receiving gallic acid; group 8 was the group receiving gallic acid + silymarin. AST, ALT, urea, creatinine, albumin, globulin, and total protein levels were measured at the end of the study. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8OH-dG) levels were measured in kidney and liver tissues. Additionally, histopathological evaluations of the tissues were also performed. Results In kidney and liver tissues, cisplatin significantly increased MDA and 8-OHdG levels compared with treatment groups (p < 0.05). Silymarin-treated group significantly increased the SOD activity and GSH amount in the liver tissue compared with the cisplatin-treated group (p < 0.05). Gallic acid significantly increased CAT activity compared with the cisplatin-treated group (p < 0.05). It was determined that the cisplatin-treated group significantly decreased CAT and SOD activity compared with the control group (p > 0.05). Gallic acid showed a significant increase in CAT and SOD activity in kidney tissue compared with the cisplatin-treated group (p < 0.05). Conclusion As a result, it was observed that gallic acid silymarin had a protective effect on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic effects.
Long-Term Exposure to Essential Oils and Cardiopulmonary Health from a Population-Based Study

It is still unknown whether long-term inhalation of indoor air pollutants from ambient essential oil is associated with increased cardiopulmonary events. We recruited 200 healthy homemakers to conduct a prospective observation study in Northern Taiwan. We measured heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and indoor air pollutants four times per year for each participant between 2008 and 2018. Moreover, a questionnaire related to essential oil usage, home characteristics, and health status was filled out with each participant. The association between essential oil usage and cardiopulmonary health was determined using mixed-effects models. The mixed-effects models showed a significant association between essential oil usage and adverse cardiopulmonary effects including increased HR and BP and decreased % predicted PEFR among participants with heavy use of essential oils. No significant association between essential oils usage and adverse cardiopulmonary effects was observed among participants without essential oils usage or participants with mild use of essential oils (less than one hour per day). We concluded that exposure to indoor air pollution related to essential oils was associated with adverse cardiopulmonary effects among participants with essential oil usage more than one hour per day.
Effects of Extraction Processes on the Oxidative Stability, Bioactive Phytochemicals, and Antioxidant Activity of Crude Rice Bran Oil

This research investigates the effects of different extraction processes on the oil extractability, oxidative stability, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of crude rice bran oil (CRBO). The experimental extraction processes include hexane extraction (HE), cold press extraction (CE), thermally pretreated cold press extraction (CCE), and ultrasound-pretreated cold press extraction (UCE). The results show that thermal cooking and ultrasound pretreatment significantly improve the oil extractability of the cold press extraction process. The oil yields of CE, CCE, and UCE were 14.27, 17.31, and 16.68 g oil/100 g rice bran, respectively. The oxidative stability of CE and CCE oils was higher than HE and UCE oils, as evidenced by the synchrotron-radiation-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) absorption peak. The ρ-anisidine values of HE, CE, CCE, and UCE were 0.30, 0.20, 0.91, and 0.31, respectively. Meanwhile, ultrasound pretreatment significantly reduced the bioactive compounds and chemical antioxidant activity of UCE oil. The CE, CCE, and UCE oils (0.1% oil concentration) exhibited higher inhibitory effects against hydrogen-peroxide-induced cellular oxidative stress, compared to HE oil (0.39% oil concentration). Essentially, CCE is operationally and environmentally suitable for improving the oil yield, oxidative stability, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities of CRBO.
Isolation and characterization of lytic bacteriophages against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from human infections in the north-west of Iran

Background and Objectives: With the emergence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa antibiotic-resistant strains, using the anti-bacterial potential of bacteriophages could be an effective approach to combat bacterial infections. Materials and Methods: In this study, after evaluation of antibiotic sensitivity of 20 clinical bacterial isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, isolation of lytic phages was performed against 15 isolates using double-layer agar overlay technique. Molecular analysis of isolated phages was carried out using EcoRV and HindIII endonucleases. Then, the host range of the phages was evaluated and the phage with the broadest host range (PPaMa1/18) was selected to morphological characteristics by TEM. Also, its one-step growth curve was determined and the stability of the phage to environmental parameters (temperature and pH) was evaluated. Results: All isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were resistant to five antibiotics. In total, 15 phages were successfully isolated from the sewage sources against each of 15 used bacterial isolates. Molecular analysis of the phages showed a high rate of genomic variation. In the morphological analysis of the selected phage (PPaMa1/18) using TEM, an icosahedral head with a size of 90 nm × 75 nm and a long contractile tail (215 nm) were observed which indicated its similarity to the Myoviridae family. The latent period of the PPaMa1/18 was about 20 minutes and its burst size was estimated to be 58 PFU/cell. Also, the PPaMa1/18 phage antibacterial activity was not significantly affected at pH 4-10 and temperature 4–40C°. Conclusion: Findings demonstrated that isolated bacteriophage (PPaMa1/18) with wide host range, strong lytic effect and high stability can be used as a promising candidate for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Disparities in Mental Health and Well-Being between Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objectives: This study examines disparities in older adults’ mental health and well-being during the pandemic by sexual minority status. Methods: This study analyzed data on older adults from the Health and Retirement Study’s COVID-19 Module (N = 3142 for heterosexuals and N = 75 for sexual minorities). Weighted regressions linked concern about COVID-19, depression, pandemic emotional stress, and changes in loneliness, in-person contacts, income, and work to sexual minority status, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Compared to heterosexuals, sexual minority older adults had more concern about the pandemic and emotional stress and showed a decrease in in-person contact during the pandemic—these differences were not explained by sociodemographic characteristics. Sexual minority older adults were also more likely to have changes in income and work during the pandemic, but these differences were explained by sociodemographic characteristics. Discussion: Sexual minority older adults have experienced worse mental health outcomes than heterosexuals during the COVID-19 pandemic, which merits intervention.
Preparation of Graphene Quantum Dots by Visible-Fenton Reaction and Ultrasensitive Label-Free Immunosensor for Detecting Lipovitellin of Paralichthys Olivaceus

The increasing levels of environmental estrogens are causing negative effects on water, soil, wildlife, and human beings; label-free immunosensors with high specificities and sensitivities are being developed to test estrogeneous chemicals in complex environmental conditions. For the first time, highly fluorescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were prepared using a visible-Fenton catalysis reaction with graphene oxide (GO) as a precursor. Different microscopy and spectroscopy techniques were employed to characterize the physical and chemical properties of the GQDs. Based on the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between amino-functionalized GQDs conjugated with anti-lipovitellin monoclonal antibodies (Anti-Lv-mAb) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), an ultrasensitive fluorescent “ON-OFF” label-free immunosensor for the detection of lipovitellin (Lv), a sensitive biomarker derived from Paralichthys olivaceus for environmental estrogen, has been established. The immunosensor has a wide linear test range (0.001–1500 ng/mL), a lower limit of detection (LOD, 0.9 pg/mL), excellent sensitivity (26,407.8 CPS/(ng/mL)), and high selectivity and reproducibility for Lv quantification. The results demonstrated that the visible-Fenton is a simple, mild, green, efficient, and general approach to fabricating GQDs, and the fluorescent “ON-OFF” immunosensor is an easy-to-use, time-saving, ultrasensitive, and accurate detection method for weak estrogenic activity.
NiFe2O4/Ketjen Black Composites as Efficient Membrane Separators to Suppress the Shuttle Effect for Long-Life Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Lithium-sulfur batteries exhibit great potential as one of the most promising energy storage devices due to their high theoretical energy density and specific capacity. However, the shuttle effect of the soluble polysulfide intermediates could lead to a severe self-discharge effect that hinders the development of lithium-sulfur batteries. In this paper, a battery separator has been prepared based on NiFe2O4/Ketjen Black (KB) modification by a simple method to solve the shuttle effect and improve the battery performance. The as-modified separator with the combination of small-size KB and NiFe2O4 nanoparticles can effectively use the physical and chemical double-layer adsorption to prevent polysulfide from the shuttle. Moreover, it can give full play to its catalytic effect to improve the conversion efficiency of polysulfide and activate the dead sulfur. The results show that the NiFe2O4/KB-modified separator battery still maintains a discharge capacity of 406.27 mAh/g after 1000 stable cycles at a high current density of 1 C. Furthermore, the coulombic efficiency remains at 99%, and the average capacity attenuation per cycle is only 0.051%. This simple and effective method can significantly improve the application capacity of lithium-sulfur batteries.
45-nm gate length CMOS technology and beyond using steep halo

45-nm CMOS devices with a steep halo using a high-ramp-rate spike annealing (HRR-SA) are demonstrated with drive currents of 697 and 292 /spl mu/A//spl mu/m for an off current less than 10 nA//spl mu/m at 1.2 V. For an off current less than 300 nA//spl mu/m, 33-nm pMOSFETs have a high drive current of 403 /spl mu/A//spl mu/m at 1.2 V. In order to fabricate a steeper halo than these MOSFETs, a source/drain extension (SDE) activation using the HRR-SA process was performed after a deep source/drain (S/D) formation. By using this sequence defined as a reverse-order S/D formation, 24-nm nMOSFETs are achieved with a high drive current of 796 /spl mu/A//spl mu/m for an off current less than 300 nA//spl mu/m at 1.2 V.
Old but New: Group IIA Phospholipase A2 as a Modulator of Gut Microbiota

Among the phospholipase A2 (PLA2) superfamily, the secreted PLA2 (sPLA2) family contains 11 mammalian isoforms that exhibit unique tissue or cellular distributions and enzymatic properties. Current studies using sPLA2-deficient or -overexpressed mouse strains, along with mass spectrometric lipidomics to determine sPLA2-driven lipid pathways, have revealed the diverse pathophysiological roles of sPLA2s in various biological events. In general, individual sPLA2s exert their specific functions within tissue microenvironments, where they are intrinsically expressed through hydrolysis of extracellular phospholipids. Recent studies have uncovered a new aspect of group IIA sPLA2 (sPLA2-IIA), a prototypic sPLA2 with the oldest research history among the mammalian PLA2s, as a modulator of the gut microbiota. In the intestine, Paneth cell-derived sPLA2-IIA acts as an antimicrobial protein to shape the gut microbiota, thereby secondarily affecting inflammation, allergy, and cancer in proximal and distal tissues. Knockout of intestinal sPLA2-IIA in BALB/c mice leads to alterations in skin cancer, psoriasis, and anaphylaxis, while overexpression of sPLA2-IIA in Pla2g2a-null C57BL/6 mice induces systemic inflammation and exacerbates arthritis. These phenotypes are associated with notable changes in gut microbiota and fecal metabolites, are variable in different animal facilities, and are abrogated after antibiotic treatment, co-housing, or fecal transfer. These studies open a new mechanistic action of this old sPLA2 and add the sPLA2 family to the growing list of endogenous factors capable of affecting the microbe–host interaction and thereby systemic homeostasis and diseases.
Experimental and Computational Nanotoxicology—Complementary Approaches for Nanomaterial Hazard Assessment

The growing development and applications of nanomaterials lead to an increasing release of these materials in the environment. The adverse effects they may elicit on ecosystems or human health are not always fully characterized. Such potential toxicity must be carefully assessed with the underlying mechanisms elucidated. To that purpose, different approaches can be used. First, experimental toxicology consisting of conducting in vitro or in vivo experiments (including clinical studies) can be used to evaluate the nanomaterial hazard. It can rely on variable models (more or less complex), allowing the investigation of different biological endpoints. The respective advantages and limitations of in vitro and in vivo models are discussed as well as some issues associated with experimental nanotoxicology. Perspectives of future developments in the field are also proposed. Second, computational nanotoxicology, i.e., in silico approaches, can be used to predict nanomaterial toxicity. In this context, we describe the general principles, advantages, and limitations especially of quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models and grouping/read-across approaches. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of these different approaches based on examples and highlight their complementarity.
Mitochondrial Perspective on Species Identification and Delimitation for Troglobitic Cicurina (Arachnida: Araneae: Hahniidae) from Central Texas

Central Texas is home to a diverse fauna of endemic species found in the karst areas along the Balcones Fault Line, the Edwards Aquifer region, and associated springs. The fauna occurring in Bexar County experience especially high anthropogenic pressure due to urban sprawl and suburban development in and around San Antonio, one of the largest cities in the United States. Among local fauna are numerous troglobitic spider species of the genus Cicurina Menge (subgenus Cicurella Chamberlin and Ivie, 1940). Many species of this genus are thought to have small distributions and are often represented in museums and datasets by very few specimens. Species taxonomy for this group has been defined primarily by differences in the reproductive anatomy of adult females, which are rare in comparison to the number of immature individuals found in the wild. Prior studies have shown that non-morphologically identifiable immature specimens, in conjunction with adult morphology, aid in illuminating species distributions through incorporation of genetic data. The phylogenetic assessment of the area’s diverse species of Cicurina , which currently includes three federally listed species ( C. madla Gertsch, 1992, C. vespera Gertsch, 1992, and C. baronia Gertsch, 1992), can benefit from a framework upon which to test species boundaries and identify priority areas for further investigations. The species delimitation analyses reported herein provide an updated and expanded understanding of currently recognized species relationships and distributions. Statistical support was obtained for many recognized species, but hypotheses invalidating some species are also proposed. In addition, detections of potentially undescribed species only known from genetics of immature specimens are presented. Finally, significant divergences within federally endangered species were also identified, and priorities for future research are suggested.
Studies on the Oral Disease Improvement Effects of Probiotics : A Review

This study is a review of research articles on the characteristics of probiotics. Probiotics are effective at ameliorating immune disease, alleviating glucose intolerance, and improving constipation and diarrhea. Furthermore, they have anticancer and antitumor effects, preventive effects against cardiovascular disease, antidiabetic effects, antioxidant effects, antibacterial effects, and they produce useful metabolites. It has been demonstrated that oral probiotics are effective in eliminating halitosis and forming a favorable oral ecosystem, by creating an environment that is not readily inhabited by harmful bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, which produces lactic acid and causes tooth decay, or Porphyromonas gingivalis, which causes gum disease.As a result, oral probiotics are being considered not only as therapeutics against diseases, but also as preventive agents for the maintenance of a healthy oral balance. In spite of some limitations, clinical trials are currently underway, and this study can provide evidence to support the use of probiotics to improve oral health conditions, including dental caries, periodontal disease, and Candida colonization.
Guide to Metabolomics Analysis: A Bioinformatics Workflow

Metabolomics is an emerging field that quantifies numerous metabolites systematically. The key purpose of metabolomics is to identify the metabolites corresponding to each biological phenotype, and then provide an analysis of the mechanisms involved. Although metabolomics is important to understand the involved biological phenomena, the approach’s ability to obtain an exhaustive description of the processes is limited. Thus, an analysis-integrated metabolomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and other omics approach is recommended. Such integration of different omics data requires specialized statistical and bioinformatics software. This review focuses on the steps involved in metabolomics research and summarizes several main tools for metabolomics analyses. We also outline the most abnormal metabolic pathways in several cancers and diseases, and discuss the importance of multi-omics integration algorithms. Overall, our goal is to summarize the current metabolomics analysis workflow and its main analysis software to provide useful insights for researchers to establish a preferable pipeline of metabolomics or multi-omics analysis.
Second Language Pronunciation Assessment: A Look at the Present and the Future

Just as the shift in emphasis from language form to language use has placed new demands on language teaching, so too has it placed new demands on language testing. Evaluation within a communicative approach must address, for example, new content areas such as sociolinguistic appropriateness rules, new testing formats to permit and encourage creative, open-ended language use, new test administration procedures to emphasize interpersonal interaction in authentic situations, and new scoring procedures of a manual and judgemental nature. (Canale, 1984: 79)
Electromagnetic full wave modal analysis of frequency-dependent underground cables

In this thesis, a new method has been proposed for calculating the frequencydependent parameters of underground cables. The method uses full wave formulation for calculating the modal electromagnetic fields and corresponding voltages and currents and then extracting frequency-dependent per unit length parameters of underground cables. The proposed method can be used for any cross-sectional shape of cables. Coaxial cables and sector shaped cables are studied in this thesis and the calculated per-unit-length parameters are compared with those obtained from PSCAD/EMTDC and other methods available in the literature. Parametric studies have been done to analyze the effect of different variables of the underground cable and ground. In this method, proximity and skin effect is taken into consideration. Time domain simulations using the parameters calculated by proposed method are also presented and compared with the results from other available tools.