Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen-Doped Graphene: The Influence of Doping Level on the Charge-Transfer Resistance and Apparent Heterogeneous Electron Transfer Rate

Three nitrogen-doped graphene samples were synthesized by the hydrothermal method using urea as doping/reducing agent for graphene oxide (GO), previously dispersed in water. The mixture was poured into an autoclave and placed in the oven at 160 °C for 3, 8 and 12 h. The samples were correspondingly denoted NGr-1, NGr-2 and NGr-3. The effect of the reaction time on the morphology, structure and electrochemical properties of the resulting materials was thoroughly investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) Raman spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), elemental analysis, Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). For NGr-1 and NGr-2, the nitrogen concentration obtained from elemental analysis was around 6.36 wt%. In the case of NGr-3, a slightly higher concentration of 6.85 wt% was obtained. The electrochemical studies performed with NGr modified electrodes proved that the charge-transfer resistance (Rct) and the apparent heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (Kapp) depend not only on the nitrogen doping level but also on the type of nitrogen atoms found at the surface (pyrrolic-N, pyridinic-N or graphitic-N). In our case, the NGr-1 sample which has the lowest doping level and the highest concentration of pyrrolic-N among all nitrogen-doped samples exhibits the best electrochemical parameters: a very small Rct (38.3 Ω), a large Kapp (13.9 × 10−2 cm/s) and the best electrochemical response towards 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine detection (8-OHdG).
Expression Profiles of Genes Encoding Cornified Envelope Proteins in Atopic Dermatitis and Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas

The skin barrier defect in cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) was recently confirmed to be similar to the one observed in atopic dermatitis (AD). We have examined the expression level of cornified envelope (CE) proteins in CTCL, AD and healthy skin, to search for the differences and their relation to the courses of both diseases. The levels of FLG, FLG2, RPTN, HRNR, SPRR1A, SPRR1B, SPRR3 and LELP-1 mRNA were determined by qRT-PCR, while protein levels were examined using the ELISA method in skin samples. We have found that mRNA levels of FLG, FLG2, LOR, CRNN and SPRR3v1 were decreased (p ≤ 0.04), whereas mRNA levels of RPTN, HRNR and SPRR1Av1 were increased in lesional and nonlesional AD skin compared to the healthy control group (p ≤ 0.04). The levels of FLG, FLG2, CRNN, SPRR3v1 mRNA increased (p ≤ 0.02) and RPTN, HRNR and SPRR1Av1 mRNA decreased (p ≤ 0.005) in CTCL skin compared to the lesional AD skin. There was a strong correlation between the stage of CTCL and increased SPRR1Av1 gene expression at both mRNA (R = 0.89; p ≤ 0.05) and protein levels (R = 0.94; p ≤ 0.05). FLG, FLG2, RPTN, HRNR and SPRR1A seem to play a key role in skin barrier dysfunction in CTCL and could be considered a biomarker for differential diagnosis of AD and CTCL. SPRR1Av1 transcript levels seem to be a possible marker of CTCL stage, however, further studies on a larger study group are needed to confirm our findings.
Radiopharmaceuticals for Breast Cancer and Neuroendocrine Tumors: Two Examples of How Tissue Characterization May Influence the Choice of Therapy

Molecular medicine has gained clinical relevance for the detection and staging of oncological diseases, to guide therapy decision making and for therapy follow-up due to the availability of new highly sensitive hybrid imaging camera systems and the development of new tailored radiopharmaceuticals that target specific molecules. The knowledge of the expression of different receptors on the primary tumor and on metastases is important for both therapeutic and prognostic purposes and several approaches are available aiming to achieve personalized medicine in different oncological diseases. In this review, we describe the use of specific radiopharmaceuticals to image and predict therapy response in breast cancer and neuroendocrine tumors since they represent a paradigmatic example of the importance of tumoral characterization of hormonal receptors in order to plan a tailored treatment. The most attractive radiopharmaceuticals for breast cancer are 16α-[18F]-fluoro-17β-estradiol for PET assessment of the estrogen expression, radiolabeled monoclonal antibody trastuzumab to image the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, but also the imaging of androgen receptors with [18F]-fluorodihydrotestosterone.
COVID‐19 and the Otolaryngologist: Preliminary Evidence‐Based Review

The SARS‐CoV‐2 virus, which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), has rapidly swept across the world since its identification in December 2019. Otolaryngologists are at unique risk due to the close contact with mucus membranes of the upper respiratory tract and have been among the most affected healthcare workers in Wuhan, China. We present information on COVID‐19 management relevant to otolaryngologists on the frontlines of this pandemic and provide preliminary guidance based on practices implemented in China and other countries and practical strategies deployed at Stanford University. Laryngoscope, 130:2537–2543, 2020
Acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) for Experimental Sepsis: A Systematic Review

Background Sepsis is a global major health problem with high mortality rates. More effective therapy is needed for treating sepsis. Acupuncture has been used for various diseases, including severe infection, in China for more than 2,000 years. Previous studies reported that acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) might be effective in treating sepsis, but the efficacy and the quality of evidence remain unclear since there is no systematic review on acupuncture at ST36 for sepsis. Methods Seven databases were searched from the inception of each database up to May 2019. Ultimately, 54 studies using acupuncture at ST36 for the treatment of experimental sepsis were identified in both English and Chinese literature with systematic review procedures. Results Acupuncture might be useful in reducing injuries induced by sepsis in cardiac, lung, kidney, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and immune system. Its potential mechanisms for antisepsis might include reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, improving microcirculatory disturbance, and maintaining the immune balance mediated by dopamine. However, the positive findings should be interpreted with caution due to poor methodological quality and publication bias. Conclusion Acupuncture at ST36 might be a promising complementary strategy for controlling sepsis inflammation, yet further studies are needed.
PrPSc with Seeding Activity Extensively Overlaps with Proteinase-Resistant PrPSc Rather than Infectious PrPSc

The disease-associated prion protein (PrPSc) has the ability to seed the conformational conversion of normal prion proteins into the amyloid fibril form. This prion seeding activity can be measured using an in vitro amplification assay termed real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC). There is a strong correlation between RT-QuIC positivity and prion infection; however, the relationship between seeding activity and infectivity remains elusive. In this study, we used endpoint dilution RT-QuIC on the brain homogenates from wild-type mice with mouse-adopted bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mBSE) at defined intervals during the incubation period and evaluated the temporal relationship among prion seeding dose, levels of proteinase-resistant PrPSc (PrPres), and infectious titer. We found that the infectious titer reached a plateau by 100 days postinfection, whereas seeding dose and PrPres levels were continuously elevated. Our calculation showed that the doubling time (dt) for seeding dose from 40 to 100 days postinoculation was closer to the dt for PrPres levels than to the dt for prion titer. Although an uncoupling of seeding doses and PrPres levels was observed at end-stage disease in this model, our findings suggest that there is substantial but not complete overlap between PrPSc with seeding activity and PrPres rather than infectious PrPSc.
MiR-154-5p Suppresses Cell Invasion and Migration Through Inhibiting KIF14 in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Background Mounting evidence has reported that microRNA-154-5p (miR-154-5p) is involved in the development of multiple cancers, but its function in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains not well investigated. Methods Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect miR-154-5p expression in NPC tissues and cells. CCK8, colony formation, wound healing and transwell assays were performed to assess cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Dual-luciferase reporter assays and Western blots were performed to confirm the target gene of miR-154-5p. Rescue experiments were conducted to explore the influence of target gene KIF14 on the functions of miR-154-5p. Xenograft tumor model was conducted to detect the effect of miR-154-5p in vivo. Results qRT-PCR results revealed that the expression of miR-154-5p was down-regulated in NPC tissues and cell lines compared to normal nasopharyngeal tissues and cell line. Overexpression of miR-154-5p inhibited cell migration and invasion. However, miR-154-5p had no influence on the proliferation of NPC cells. MiR-154-5p overexpression suppressed xenograft tumor metastasis in vivo. Dual-luciferase reporter analysis identified KIF14 as a target gene of miR-154-5p. Rescue experiments showed that knockdown of KIF14 reversed the effect of inhibiting miR-154-5p expression on NPC cell migration and invasion. Conclusion Taken together, miR-154-5p suppresses tumor migration and invasion by targeting KIF14 in NPC. The newly identified miR-154-5p/KIF14 interaction offers further insights into the progression of NPC, which may represent a novel target for NPC diagnosis and treatment.
Policy congruence and advocacy strategies in the discourse networks of minimum unit pricing for alcohol and the soft drinks industry levy

Background and Aim Public health policy development is subject to a range of stakeholders presenting their arguments to influence opinion on the best options for policy action. This paper compares stakeholders’ positions in the discourse networks of two pricing policy debates in the United Kingdom: minimum unit pricing for alcohol (MUP) and the soft drinks industry levy (SDIL). Design Discourse analysis was combined with network visualization to create representations of stakeholders’ positions across the two policy debates as they were represented in 11 national UK newspapers. Setting United Kingdom. Observations For the MUP debate 1924 statements by 152 people from 87 organizations were coded from 348 articles. For the SDIL debate 3883 statements by 214 people from 175 organizations were coded from 511 articles. Measurements Network analysis techniques were used to identify robust argumentative similarities and maximize the identification of network structures. Network measures of size, connectedness and cohesion were used to compare discourse networks. Findings The networks for both pricing debates involve a similar range of stakeholder types and form clusters representing policy discourse coalitions. The SDIL network is larger than the MUP network, particularly the proponents’ cluster, with more than three times as many stakeholders. Both networks have tight clusters of manufacturers, think-tanks and commercial analysts in the opponents’ coalition. Public health stakeholders appear in both networks, but no health charity or advocacy group is common to both. Conclusion A comparison of the discourse in the UK press during the policy development processes for minimum unit pricing for alcohol and the soft drinks industry levy suggests greater cross-sector collaboration among policy opponents than proponents.
Discovery of Potent and Selective Non-Nucleotide Small Molecule Inhibitors of CD73.

CD73 is an extracellular mediator of purinergic signaling. When upregulated in the tumor microenvironment, CD73 has been implicated in the inhibition of immune function through overproduction of adenosine. Traditional efforts to inhibit CD73 have involved antibody therapy or the development of small molecules, the most potent of which mimic the acidic and ionizable structure of the enzyme's natural substrate, adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP). Here, we report the systematic discovery of a novel class of non-nucleotide CD73 inhibitors which are more potent than all other non-phosphonate inhibitor classes reported to date. These efforts have culminated in the discovery of 4-({5-[4-fluoro-1-(2H-indazol-6-yl)-1H-1,2,3-benzotriazol-6-yl]-1H-pyrazol-1-yl}methyl)benzonitrile (73, IC50 = 12 nM) and 4-({5-[4-chloro-1-(2H-indazol-6-yl)-1H-1,2,3-benzotriazol-6-yl]-1H-pyrazol-1-yl}methyl)benzonitrile (74, IC50 = 19 nM). Co-crystallization of 74 with human CD73 demonstrates a competitive binding mode. These compounds show promise for the improvement of drug-like character via the attenuation of the acidity and low membrane permeability inherent to known nucleoside inhibitors of CD73.
Borderline Mucinous Tumors of the Ovary: Updates in Diagnosis

AbstractMucinous borderline tumors (MBTs) account for approximately 10% of all primary ovarian mucinous neoplasms. These tumors are characteristically heterogeneous in their composition and frequently show a variable admixture of benign and borderline morphologies, and even in some instances, areas of intraepithelial carcinoma and/or small invasive foci. This review discusses the salient clinical and pathological features of MBTs including (1) terminology used to describe tumors with noninvasive carcinoma and stromal microinvasion and the current definitions of these terms, (2) association with mural nodules, (3) immunohistochemical and molecular profile, (4) limitations of frozen section diagnosis, (5) morphological mimics, and (6) recent updates in their treatment and prognosis. Some of the controversial aspects regarding the terminology and diagnosis of these neoplasms will also be explored in this review.
Microfollicular Hair Transplantation May Be a Simple Solution to Camouflage Self-Inflicted Wound Scars on Dorsal Forearm

To the Editor: Anumber of brow-lift techniques have been described in the literature such as sutures, bone screws, kirschner wires, and tissue adhesives. The principal problem, common to all, is that the procedure inevitably needs to be repeated as the brow has a tendency to return to its original position with time. Iatrogenic injury to the frontal branch of the facial nerve (eg, after resection of cutaneous malignancy) is one of the commonest causes of a unilateral brow ptosis. These patients are often elderly and unfit for lengthy procedures under general anesthesia. We present a method of brow-lift that may be particularly applicable to this cohort of patients as it is quick, reliable, and simple to revise. A further advantage of the procedure is that it can be carried out under local anesthesia. The patient is prepared and consented for surgery. The area of the brow is infiltrated with local anesthetic (2% Xylocaine and 1:80,000 epinephrine). A single skin incision is made just above the supraorbital ridge. Blunt dissection is carried out down to the level of the outer table of the supraorbital ridge in 3 areas. The bone is drilled to accommodate a single, self-tapping, 1.5 mm AO screw (maximum length 6 mm). A short length of the screw (1–2 mm) is allowed to project from the bone. A total of 3 screws are inserted to provide 3 vectors of lift to the brow. A nonabsorbable suture (we prefer 4/0 Ticron) is passed into the dermis of the brow and hitched around each screw. The desired amount of lift can then be adjusted precisely, before tying a knot. The incisions are closed with absorbable sutures. The patients are discharged home the same day (Fig. 1). We have been using this technique in our unit for several years with satisfactory results and believe that it has several advantages over existing techniques. First, the procedure avoids a general anesthetic. Second, revision is uncomplicated as the screws provide a reusable anchorage point for resuspension of the soft tissues. Third, the amount of elevation can be controlled precisely. Fourth, the technique is minimally invasive, but can also be employed as part of other head and neck procedures that may result in subsequent problems with brow ptosis. The major disadvantages of this method relate to the need to use implants which are easily palpable through the skin together with the ever-present potential for infection. However, we have not yet encountered this latter complication in our series of 4 patients. We believe that this brow-lift technique is a useful addition to those already described and is particularly appropriate in patients for whom cosmesis is of secondary concern.
Old and New Drugs Used in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Historical Perspective

After a 20-year hiatus, drug development for rheumatoid arthritis resumed in the early 1980s with cyclosporine, continuing in the 1990s with minocycline, leflunomide, and the tumor necrosis factoralpha antagonists, infliximab and etanercept. Unlike the older disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (apart from the cytotoxics), the newer drugs were designed with strict reference to proven pathophysiology in rheumatoid arthritis and, apart from minocycline, the intended action of these agents is highly likely the explanation for the observed efficacy. The evidence for the evolution of more rational drug development in rheumatoid arthritis has not altered the fact that efficacy versus toxicity still remains the major determinant in the practical use of these agents, as well as in the use of other, experimental agents briefly discussed. Action, efficacy, and toxicity also determine the rational chronologic use of these drugs alone and, in particular, in combination.
Outcomes of Intensive Pediatric Eating Disorder Treatment Programs Using a Clinician-Rated Measure

 As such, these measures are not easily integrated into th e general functioning of clinical practices  Cannot track patients on a frequent (i.e. weekly) basis  Cannot be applied to clinical decision making during the course of treatment  Th ese methods do not allow for clinician judgment, a potentially invaluable factor in the tracking of pa tients and clinical decision-making that has not yet been considered in ED research Eating Disorder Symptom Severity Scale (EDS)
Drug-Dependent Homeless African-American Women's Perspectives of Life on the Streets

Abstract Results of this exploratory and phenomenological investigation provide an understanding of the meanings of “living on the streets” for drug-dependent African-American women in a shelter for the homeless in the southeastern United States. Thirty-six interviews were conducted with drifting and impoverished chemically dependent women seeking help for their addictions. The women's narratives were subjected to qualitative analysis and revealed ways of life that began for them in childhood and continued into adulthood. Victimization, first suffered and later inflicted, was mediated by their chemical dependence and is explained by the Maltreatment-Dependence Mediated Relationship Model (MDMR). Physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, as well as prostitution, robbery, and child abuse and neglect were commonly experienced or imposed on others. Addiction counselors are instructed in ways to help women such as the participants in this study. Building a network of internal and external sources of strength is likely to be a helpful strategy for women to use in such circumstances to develop more successful ways of living.
Surviving Sepsis Campaign: Guidelines on the Management of Critically Ill Adults with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of a rapidly spreading illness, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), affecting thousands of people around the world. Urgent guidance for clinicians caring for the sickest of these patients is needed. Methods: We formed a panel of 36 experts from 12 countries. All panel members completed the World Health Organization conflict of interest disclosure form. The panel proposed 53 questions that are relevant to the management of COVID-19 in the ICU. We searched the literature for direct and indirect evidence on the management of COVID-19 in critically ill patients in the ICU. We identified relevant and recent systematic reviews on most questions relating to supportive care. We assessed the certainty in the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, then generated recommendations based on the balance between benefit and harm, resource and cost implications, equity, and feasibility. Recommendations were either strong or weak, or in the form of best practice recommendations. Results: The Surviving Sepsis Campaign COVID-19 panel issued 54 statements, of which four are best practice statements, nine are strong recommendations, and 35 are weak recommendations. No recommendation was provided for six questions. The topics were: 1) infection control, 2) laboratory diagnosis and specimens, 3) hemodynamic support, 4) ventilatory support, and 5) COVID-19 therapy. Conclusion: The Surviving Sepsis Campaign COVID-19 panel issued several recommendations to help support healthcare workers caring for critically ill ICU patients with COVID-19. When available, we will provide new evidence in further releases of these guidelines.
ASSESSMENT OF INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE BY APPLANATION AND REBOUND TONOMETRY IN GUINEA PIGS OF DIFFERENT AGES

Abstract Fifty‐two guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) with normal ophthalmic examinations were included in this study to determine whether there are differences in the intraocular pressure (IOP) according to age, while assessing the clinical usefulness of 2 different tonometry methods for this species. The animals were divided into 2 groups according to age: young (4 weeks old, 29 animals) and adult (3 to 36 months, 23 animals). Tonometry was performed oculus utro (OU) in the central cornea according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Only measurements with low standard deviation (SD < 5%) were included. Rebound tonometry was performed first OU; following topical anesthesia, applanation tonometry was then performed OU. The time required to obtain an IOP value was recorded for each eye. Descriptive statistics were calculated and Lin Concordance Coefficient (LCC) was performed to describe concordance between methods. Mean TonoVet IOP readings were 8.53 ± 1.28 mmHg and 13.20 ± 1.28 mmHg for young and adult animals, respectively (p < 0.05). Tono‐Pen VET readings could not be obtained in young animals, but yielded a mean of 10.93 ± 3.61 mmHg in adults. No differences were found between the left and right eyes (p > 0.05) nor between sexes (p > 0.05). TonoVet readings were obtained faster than Tono‐Pen VET readings (less than 1 min vs 3.38 ± 1.27 min, respectively [p < 0.05]). Lin Concordance Coefficient between methods was 0.37 (95% CI: 0.19 to 0.53), documenting a poor concordance between the 2 methods. This study found that normal IOP values are lower in young animals compared with adult animals. Moreover, the results obtained from this investigation demonstrated that TonoVet tonometry is a rapid and well‐tolerated procedure when performed on guinea pigs of any age, whereas Tono‐Pen VET tonometry is a more time‐consuming technique that can only be used on guinea pigs older than 3 months.