Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for nonhealing wounds: Treatment results of a single center

The present article evaluates the results of the treatment with adjuvant hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) of patients with nonhealing, chronic wounds. In the period 2013 to 2016, 248 patients were referred from various hospitals because of chronic wounds that were recalcitrant in healing despite standard wound care as described in national and international guidelines. After inclusion, all patients were treated with HBOT and subjected to a weekly standard wound care treatment. During each HBOT session, 100% O2 was administered for 75 minutes under increased pressure of 2.4 ATA. Wounds and quality of life were assessed before and after the total treatment period. A total of 248 patients have been evaluated. Diabetic foot ulcers were present in 134 patients, the remainder (114 patients) showed a variety of wound locations and etiologies. The number of HBOT treatments amounted to an average of 48 (range 20‐68) sessions. Before referral to our clinic, 31% of all wounds had existed for at least 18 months (72 patients). After HBOT, 81% of all wounds were near complete healing or completely healed, in 13% of the cases the wound was stable, and in 2% minor or major amputation had to be carried out. The mean treatment time for wounds pre‐existing fewer than 6 weeks (“early referrals”) was 67 days, and 119 days for wounds pre‐existing more than 18 months (“late referrals”). A majority of the patients in our study referred with nonhealing wounds clinically improved when adjuvant HBOT was added to standard wound care protocols. No differences in success rate were seen between diabetic and nondiabetic wounds. It showed that HBOT is a well‐tolerated treatment.
Computing Integrated Information (Φ) in Discrete Dynamical Systems with Multi-Valued Elements

Integrated information theory (IIT) provides a mathematical framework to characterize the cause-effect structure of a physical system and its amount of integrated information (Φ). An accompanying Python software package (“PyPhi”) was recently introduced to implement this framework for the causal analysis of discrete dynamical systems of binary elements. Here, we present an update to PyPhi that extends its applicability to systems constituted of discrete, but multi-valued elements. This allows us to analyze and compare general causal properties of random networks made up of binary, ternary, quaternary, and mixed nodes. Moreover, we apply the developed tools for causal analysis to a simple non-binary regulatory network model (p53-Mdm2) and discuss commonly used binarization methods in light of their capacity to preserve the causal structure of the original system with multi-valued elements.
The ER Stress/UPR Axis in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Cellular protein homeostasis in the lungs is constantly disrupted by recurrent exposure to various external and internal stressors, which may cause considerable protein secretion pressure on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), resulting in the survival and differentiation of these cell types to meet the increased functional demands. Cells are able to induce a highly conserved adaptive mechanism, known as the unfolded protein response (UPR), to manage such stresses. UPR dysregulation and ER stress are involved in numerous human illnesses, such as metabolic syndrome, fibrotic diseases, and neurodegeneration, and cancer. Therefore, effective and specific compounds targeting the UPR pathway are being considered as potential therapies. This review focuses on the impact of both external and internal stressors on the ER in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and discusses the role of the UPR signaling pathway activation in the control of cellular damage and specifically highlights the potential involvement of non-coding RNAs in COPD. Summaries of pathogenic mechanisms associated with the ER stress/UPR axis contributing to IPF and COPD, and promising pharmacological intervention strategies, are also presented.
The Hydrological-Hydrochemical Factors that Control the Invasion of the Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) in Succession in Areas with Opencast Mines

Studies on opencast mines have indicated that the spontaneous colonization of excavations and sedimentation tanks by vegetation is determined not only by the substratum and the land relief, but also by the hydrological and hydrochemical relations in the exploitation hollow. Sometimes, biological invasions can also disturb the natural revegetation. Robinia pseudoacacia L. black locust is an invasive alien species that frequently colonizes sandy habitats. Thirty study plots were randomly established on four types of sites: (1) sandy sediments, extremely dry places located mainly on heaps of post-washer slime; (2) sandy sediments, dry areas that are periodically flooded and have pulp; (3) clay sediments, damp areas that are periodically submerged, and (4) the control, a forest with R. pseudoacacia in its neighborhood. A total of 94 species of vascular plants and seven species of mosses were found. The vegetation at the sites differs and the role of the black locust increases along the dryness gradient and developmental phase of vegetation. Older phases of succession resemble a forest in the surrounding area. It is a R. pseudoacacia species-poor monodominant stand that has been forming for around 30 years. A lack of trees and dense grasses favor the successful invasion of the black locust on man-made sandy habitats.
Two New Aristolochic Acid Analogues from the Roots of Aristolochia contorta with Significant Cytotoxic Activity

Twelve compounds, including two new aristolochic acid analogues with a formyloxy moiety (9–10) and 10 known aristolochic acid derivates (1–8 and 11–12), were obtained from the roots of Aristolochia contorta. Their structures were elucidated using extensive spectroscopic methods. Their cytotoxic activity in human proximal tubular cells HK-2 was evaluated by the MTT method, which has been widely used to assess cell viability. Among these molecules, compounds 3 and 9 were found to be more cytotoxic. Furthermore, molecular modeling was used to evaluate, for the first time, the interactions of compounds 3 and 9 with the target protein organic anionic transporter 1 (OAT1) that plays a key role in mediating aristolochic acid nephropathy. Structure–activity relationships are briefly discussed.
The Effect of Smoking on the Number and Type of Rectal Aberrant Crypt Foci (ACF)—First Identifiable Precursors of Colorectal Cancer (CRC)

Background: The problem of smoking and its influence on the occurrence of precursors and advanced colorectal cancer is often discussed in the medical literature. Tobacco smoke can provide a non-nutritional source of polycyclic hydrocarbons and other substances which, when combined with an incorrect diet, may play a role in promoting carcinogenesis at the level of the genetic control mechanism. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of smoking on the frequency and type of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in the rectum and polyps in the large intestine in people who smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day for more than 20 years. Methods and Findings: A colonoscopy combined with rectal mucosa staining with 0.25% methylene blue was performed in 131 patients. Each of the study participants gave informed consent to participate in the study. Three bioptates were collected from the foci defined macroscopically as ACF; in cases where there were fewer foci, the number of collected foci was respectively lower. On the colonoscopy day, patients completed the questionnaire regarding epidemiological data used for analysis of factors affecting the occurrence of ACF in the study group. The number of ACF in the colon was divided into three groups: −ACF < 5, 5 < ACF < 10, ACF > 10. In the statistical analysis, numerical data were presented and real numbers, range of arrhythmic means, mean standard deviation, and results of probability distribution. The Student’s test, U test, and chi2 were applied in order to determine the significance of differences of means and frequency of events in both groups. The level of significance was set at α = 0.05. Statistica 7.1 and Excel 2010 were used. Most smokers are in the age groups between 51–70 years. In the youngest (31–40 years), single ACF appear first (ACF <5) ACF in the number of 5–10 appear a little later (around 50 years of age) and dynamically increase, reaching a maximum at the age of 60–65.ACF in the number >10 appear at the latest age (55 years old) and their number gradually increases with age (linear growth). The probability of occurrence of ACF in all groups is greater in smokers, and the difference for the ACF group 5-10 and ACF >10 is statistically significant with a significance level of p < 0.05. Apart from ACF normal, all types of ACF are more likely in this group than in non-smokers and these differences are statistically significant with p < 0.05. Conclusions: Smoking has a significant impact on the number and type of rectal ACF. Smokers have a greater number of ACFs in the rectum than non-smokers, and the most common type is hyperplastic ACF. Smokers are more likely to develop polyps in all sections of the colon compared to non-smokers.
Influence of Selected Factors on Biofilm Formation by Salmonella enterica Strains

Biofilm formed by S. enterica on the surface of gallstones or biomaterials promotes the development and spread of chronic infection. The aim of the study was to assess biofilm formation on the surface of polystyrene depending on nutritional conditions and the effect of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0% glucose and 3.0% bile and sub-inhibitory concentrations of ampicillin on biofilm formation of S. enterica. Sixty-nine clinical strains of S. enterica isolated from feces (92.8%) and blood (7.2%) collected from patients (66.7%) and carriers (33.3%) were used in the study. Assessment of forming 24-h biofilm by these strains was performed on the surface of polystyrene 96-well plates at 37 °C. In this study, it was indicated that 1.0% glucose and 3.0% bovine bile inhibit biofilm formation. Biofilm formation was inhibited in all examined sub-MIC of ampicillin. Biofilm formation is varied in different conditions, depending on the serovar.
The Exocrine Chemistry of the Parasitic Wasp Sphecophaga orientalis and Its Host Vespa orientalis: A Case of Chemical Deception?

Simple Summary The wasp Sphecophaga orientalis is a parasitoid of the Oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis) in its subterranean colonies. We describe this parasitoid’s occurrence in hornet nests in Israel and compare the chemical composition of cuticular washes of both species. The dissimilarity between the two excludes the possibility that the parasite uses either camouflage or chemical mimicry to evade host aggression. Because the parasitoid features large amounts of the necrophoric compound oleic acid, we suggest that, due to this compound, the host considers the parasite as refuse and ignores its presence. The parasitoid head also contains rose oxide, a repellent, possibly used to repel aggressive workers and which, combined with its necrophoric odor, enables it to remain in the nest undisturbed. Abstract The main challenge facing a parasite of social insects lies in deceiving its host’s detection and defense systems in order to enter and survive within the host colony. Sphecophaga orientalis is an ichneumonid wasp that parasitizes the pupae of the Oriental hornet Vespa orientalis. In Israel’s Mediterranean region, this parasitoid infects on average 23.48% (8–56%) of the host pupal cells. Observation of colonies brought to the laboratory revealed that the parasite moves around within the colony without being aggressed by the host workers. To assess how the parasite evades host detection and defense, we compared the cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles of both species. There was little similarity between the parasite and the host workers’ CHC, refuting the hypothesis of chemical mimicry. The parasite’s CHCs were dominated by linear alkanes and alkenes with negligible amounts of branched alkanes, while the host workers’ CHCs were rich in branched alkanes and with little or no alkenes. Moreover, the parasite cuticular wash was markedly rich in oleic acid, previously reported as a cue eliciting necrophoric behavior. Since nests of Oriental hornets are typified by large amounts of prey residues, we suggest that, due to its unfamiliar CHCs and the abundance of oleic acid, the parasite is considered as refuse by the host. We also detected rose oxide in the parasitoid head extracts. Rose oxide is a known insect repellent, and can be used to repel and mitigate aggression in workers. These two factors, in concert, are believed to aid the parasite to evade host aggression.
Injuries and frequent use of emergency department services: a systematic review

Objective To review all studies having examined the association between patients with physical injuries and frequent emergency department (ED) attendance or return visits. Design Systematic review. Data source Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and PsycINFO databases were searched up to and including July 2019. Eligibility criteria English and French language publications reporting on frequent use of ED services (frequent attendance and return visits), evaluating injured patients and using regression analysis. Data extraction and synthesis Two independent reviewers screened the search results, and assessed methodological quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool for prevalence studies. Results were collated and summarised using a narrative synthesis. A sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the repercussions of removing a study that did not meet the quality criteria. Results Of the 2184 studies yielded by this search, 1957 remained after the removal of duplicates. Seventy-eight studies underwent full-text screening leaving nine that met the eligibility criteria and were included in this study: five retrospective cohort studies; two prospective cohort studies; one cross-sectional study; and one case-control study. Different types of injuries were represented, including fractures, trauma and physical injuries related to falls, domestic violence or accidents. Sample sizes ranged from 200 to 1 259 809. Six studies included a geriatric population while three addressed a younger population. Of the four studies evaluating the relationship between injuries and frequent ED use, three reported an association. Additionally, of the five studies in which the dependent variable was return ED visits, three articles identified a positive association with injuries. Conclusions Physical injuries appear to be associated with frequent use of ED services (frequent ED attendance as well as return ED visits). Further research into factors including relevant youth-related covariates such as substance abuse and different types of traumas should be undertaken to bridge the gap in understanding this association.
Comparison of Circulating Tumour DNA and Extracellular Vesicle DNA by Low-Pass Whole-Genome Sequencing Reveals Molecular Drivers of Disease in a Breast Cancer Patient

There is increasing recognition of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) as a non-invasive alternative to tumour tissue for the molecular characterisation and monitoring of disease. Recent evidence suggests that cancer-associated changes can also be detected in the DNA contained within extracellular vesicles (EVs). As yet, there has been limited investigation into the relationship between EV DNA and ctDNA, and no studies have examined the EV DNA of breast cancer patients. The aim of this study was to use low-pass whole-genome sequencing to identify copy number variants (CNVs) in serial samples of both ctDNA and EV DNA from a patient with breast cancer. Of the 52 CNVs identified in tumour DNA, 36 (69%) were detected in at least one ctDNA sample and 13 (25%) in at least one EV DNA sample. The number of detectable variants in ctDNA and EV DNA increased over the natural history of the patient’s disease, which was associated with progression to cerebral metastases. This case study demonstrates that, while CNVs are detectable in patient EV DNA, ctDNA has greater sensitivity than EV DNA for serial monitoring of breast cancer.
Fabrication of Alternating Copolymers Based on Cyclopentadithiophene-Benzothiadiazole Dicarboxylic Imide with Reduced Optical Band Gap: Synthesis, Optical, Electrochemical, Thermal, and Structural Properties

A series of alternating copolymers containing cyclopentadithiophene (CPDT) flanked by thienyl moieties as electron-donor units and benzothiadiazole dicarboxylic imide (BTDI) as electron-acceptor units were designed and synthesized for solar cell applications. Different solubilizing side chains, including 2-ethylhexyl chains and n-octyl chains were attached to CPDT units, whereas 3,7-dimethyloctyl chains and n-octyl chains were anchored to the BTDI moieties. The impact of these substituents on the solubilities, molecular weights, optical and electrochemical properties, and thermal and structural properties of the resulting polymers was investigated. PCPDTDTBTDI-EH, DMO was synthesized via Suzuki polymerization, whereas PCPDTDTBTDI-8, DMO, and PCPDTDTBTDI-EH, 8 were prepared through direct arylation polymerization. PCPDTDTBTDI-8, DMO has the highest number average molecular weight (Mn = 17,400 g mol−1) among all polymers prepared. The PCPDTDTBTDI-8, DMO and PCPDTDTBTDI-8, 8 which have n-octyl substituents on their CPDT units have comparable optical band gaps (Eg ~ 1.3 eV), which are around 0.1 eV lower than PCPDTDTBTDI-EH, DMO analogues that have 2-ethylhexyl substituents on their CPDT units. The polymers have their HOMO levels between −5.10 and −5.22 eV with PCPDTDTBTDI-EH, DMO having the deepest highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level. The lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) levels of the polymers are between −3.4 and −3.5 eV. All polymers exhibit good thermal stability with decomposition temperatures surpassing 350 °C. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies have shown that all polymers have the amorphous nature in solid state.
The Multifaceted Role of Epoxide Hydrolases in Human Health and Disease

Epoxide hydrolases (EHs) are key enzymes involved in the detoxification of xenobiotics and biotransformation of endogenous epoxides. They catalyze the hydrolysis of highly reactive epoxides to less reactive diols. EHs thereby orchestrate crucial signaling pathways for cell homeostasis. The EH family comprises 5 proteins and 2 candidate members, for which the corresponding genes are not yet identified. Although the first EHs were identified more than 30 years ago, the full spectrum of their substrates and associated biological functions remain partly unknown. The two best-known EHs are EPHX1 and EPHX2. Their wide expression pattern and multiple functions led to the development of specific inhibitors. This review summarizes the most important points regarding the current knowledge on this protein family and highlights the particularities of each EH. These different enzymes can be distinguished by their expression pattern, spectrum of associated substrates, sub-cellular localization, and enzymatic characteristics. We also reevaluated the pathogenicity of previously reported variants in genes that encode EHs and are involved in multiple disorders, in light of large datasets that were made available due to the broad development of next generation sequencing. Although association studies underline the pleiotropic and crucial role of EHs, no data on high-effect variants are confirmed to date.
The Impact of Immunological Checkpoint Inhibitors and Targeted Therapy on Chronic Pruritus in Cancer Patients

Although pruritus may sometimes be a consequential situation to neoplasms, it more frequently emerges after commencing chemotherapy. In this review, we present our analysis of the chemotherapy treatments that most often induce skin changes and itching. After discussing conventional chemotherapies capable of inducing pruritus, we present our evaluation of new drugs such as immunological checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies. Although ICIs and targeted therapy are thought to damage tumor cells, these therapies can modify homeostatic events of the epidermis and dermis, causing the occurrence of cutaneous toxicities in treated subjects. In the face of greater efficacy, greater skin toxicity has been reported for most of these drugs. A remarkable aspect of some reports is the presence of a probable correlation between cutaneous toxicity and treatment effectiveness in tumor patients who were treated with novel drugs such as nivolumab or pembrolizumab. Findings from these experiments demonstrate that the occurrence of any grade of skin side effects can be considered as a predictor of a better outcome. In the near future, studies on the relationship between the onset of skin alterations and outcomes could open new perspectives on the treatment of neoplasms through specific target therapy.
Macrocirculatory and Microcirculatory Endpoints in Sepsis Resuscitation

Sepsis is a common disease process encountered by physicians. Sepsis can lead to septic shock, which carries a hospital mortality rate in excess of 40%. Although the Surviving Sepsis Guidelines recommend targeting a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 65 mmHg and normalization of lactate, these endpoints do not necessarily result in tissue perfusion in states of shock. While MAP and lactate are commonly used markers in resuscitation, clinicians may be able to improve their resuscitation by broadening their assessment of the microcirculation, which more adequately reflects tissue perfusion. As such, in order to achieve a successful resuscitation, clinicians must optimize both macrocirculatory (MAP, cardiac output) and microcirculatory (proportion of perfused vessels, lactate, mottling, capillary refill time) endpoints. This review will summarize various macrocirculatory and microcirculatory markers of perfusion that can be used to guide the initial resuscitation of patients with sepsis.
Die Reaktion von OH-Radikalen mit Propen: I. Bestimmung der Primärprodukte bei niedrigen Drücken

Der Mechanismus der Reaktion OH + C3H6 wurde bei niedrigen Drucken in einem Dusenreaktor frei von Wand- und Folgereaktionen untersucht. Der spezifische Nachweis der Produkte C3H6 · OH, Aldehyde, Aceton erfolgte mit dem Massenspektrometer uber hochaufgeloste Massenspektren und Ionisierungskurven. - Die Bildung des Addukts C3H6 · OH erfolgt danach druckabhangig, wobei die Bruchstuckspektren fur das C3H6 · OH die Strukturen fur primare und sekundare Alkoholradikale nahelegen. Fur die Reaktionswege, erklart durch einen Komplexmechanismus, wurde ein Verhaltnis von (3): (4) = 1:4 (± 1,5) und (5):(6) = 1:3,5 (±1,5) gefunden. Der Beitrag der Abstraktionsreaktion an der Gesamtreaktion ist gering (<5%). The primary products formed in the reaction OH + C3H6 are studied at low pressures in the absence of wall and secondary reactions, using a nozzle reactor. The specific detection of products (C3H6 · OH, aldehydes, acetone) is achieved by a mass spectrometer, operated at different ionization energies and at high resolution conditions. High sensitivity is obtained via synchronous ion counting in combination with a chemical modulation technique. - The formation of the adduct C3H6 · OH is found to be pressure dependent: The fragment ions of C3H6 · OH indicate an alcoholic (prim., sec.) structure for the adduct C3H6 · OH. - Addition of OH to C3H6. followed by isomerization and decomposition of the chemically activated C3H6 · OH* explains the reaction routes: The branching ratios are determined as (3): (4) = 1:4 (± 1.5); (5): (6) = 1:3.5 (± 1.5). The abstraction reaction is found to be negligible (< 5%).