Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hsp90-associated DNA replication checkpoint protein and proteasome-subunit components are involved in the age-related macular degeneration

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Abstract Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss worldwide. However, the mechanisms involved in the development and progression of AMD are poorly delineated. We aimed to explore the critical genes involved in the progression of AMD. Methods: The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in AMD retinal pigment epithelial (RPE)/choroid tissues were identified using the microarray datasets GSE99248 and GSE125564, which were downloaded from the gene expression omnibus database. The overlapping DEGs from the two datasets were screened to identify DEG-related biological pathways using gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses. The hub genes were identified from these DEGs through protein-protein interaction network analyses. The expression levels of hub genes were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction following the induction of senescence in ARPE-19 with FK866. Following the identification of AMD-related key genes, the potential small molecule compounds targeting the key genes were predicted by PharmacoDB. Finally, a microRNA-gene interaction network was constructed. Results: Microarray analyses identified 174 DEGs in the AMD RPE compared to the healthy RPE samples. These DEGs were primarily enriched in the pathways involved in the regulation of DNA replication, cell cycle, and proteasome-mediated protein polyubiquitination. Among the top ten hub genes, HSP90AA1, CHEK1, PSMA4, PSMD4, and PSMD8 were upregulated in the senescent ARPE-19 cells. Additionally, the drugs targeting HSP90AA1, CHEK1, and PSMA4 were identified. We hypothesize that Hsa-miR-16-5p might target four out of the five key DEGs in the AMD RPE. Conclusions: Based on our findings, HSP90AA1 is likely to be a central gene controlling the DNA replication and proteasome-mediated polyubiquitination during the RPE senescence observed in the progression of AMD. Targeting HSP90AA1, CHEK1, PSMA4, PSMD4, and/or PSMD8 genes through specific miRNAs or small molecules might potentially alleviate the progression of AMD through attenuating RPE senescence.
Curiosity Helps: Growth In Need for Cognition Bidirectionally Predicts Future Reduction In Anxiety and Depression Symptoms Across 10 Years.

INTRODUCTION Decreased motivational tendency to seek out, engage in, and enjoy investing in complex cognitive processes in a sustained manner (need for cognition; NFC) may be a predictor and consequence of heightened anxiety and depression symptoms (ADS). However, the majority of investigations on this topic have been cross-sectional, which hinders causal inferences. METHODS The current study thus determined the within-person relations between NFC and ADS by using random intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM) and bivariate dual latent change score (BLCS) approaches to separate between- and within-person effects. RI-CLPM and BLCS also present with advantages of adjusting for regression to the mean, baseline scores, autoregressive and lagged effects, and minimizing measurement error. Community-dwelling adults (n = 6750) completed the Mental Health Inventory-5 and trait-level NFC scales approximately every one year across 10 years. RESULTS RI-CLPM showed that within persons, lower level of NFC predicted higher future level of ADS, and vice versa (d = -0.852 to -0.498). Likewise, BLCS demonstrated that within persons, smaller change in NFC forecasted larger subsequent increase in ADS, and conversely (d = -0.631 to -0.519). Findings remained after adjusting for socio-demographic covariates. CONCLUSION Consistent with theories, findings suggested that the within-person level-to-future level and change-to-future change relations among NFC and ADS were bi-directional and negative, with moderate-to-large effect sizes. Targeting NFC may treat or prevent the emergence of depression and anxiety disorders. Such efforts may include augmenting or personalizing evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapeutic strategies for individuals with or at-risk for heightened ADS.
Improving Balance in Adults With Intellectual Developmental Disorder via Virtual Environments

Balance problems have been found among 57% of adults with Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD). Moreover, these adults have only partially participated in conventional activity programs. There is a clear need for new interventions that will enhance these individuals’ interest and motivation toward improving their balance skills. Virtual gaming training experiences are a promising prospect in that regard. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of virtual reality games on improving balance for adults with IDD. We recruited 31 individuals with mild-moderate IDD who had fallen at least twice in the year prior to initiating this intervention, and we evaluated these participants using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. The participants were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups, and only the latter group took part in a series of twelve 30-minute bi-weekly virtual game sessions, designed to improve balance using the SeeMe virtual game system. We found significant (p < .001) pre-post improvements in balance abilities in the experimental group and no significant pre-post change in the control group (p < .77). These data suggest that virtual game technology is a viable tool for improving balance among adults with IDD.
Monolayers of Carbohydrate-Containing Lipids at the Water- Air Interface

Glycolipids are important members of the glycoconjugate family that are distributed on cell surfaces and are important in aspects of cellular behavior including signal transduction, protein trafficking, cell surface recognition and cell adhesion. Errors in the synthesis or mutations of these glycoconjugates are often linked with various human pathological conditions. The complex nature of their molecular structures coupled with the complexity of cellular structure make their study a challenging process, which can be simplified by fabrication of model membrane systems. Liposomes and monolayers of lipids at the air- water interface are two of the most frequently used model membrane systems. Techniques for fabrication of monolayer models and methods used for their studies are discussed with a focus on glycolipids.
Identifying typologies of quality of life in patients with moderate to severe hand trauma based on patient-reported outcomes.

BACKGROUND This study sought to classify the level of quality of life in patients with moderate to severe hand trauma, and explore differences in their potential profile characteristics based on the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). METHODS This was a survey research. A convenience sampling method was used to investigate 296 patients with moderate to severe hand trauma. A general information questionnaire (which was used to gather general demographic data and disease-related data) and PROMIS-57 were administered form November 2020 to May 2021. A latent profile analysis and Chi square test were conducted to analyze the data. RESULTS Based on quality of life, patients with moderate to severe hand trauma were divided into the following 3 groups: (I) Group C1: the psychosocial-pain low-impact group (38.9%); (II) Group C2: the psychosocial-moderate-impact severe-pain group (43.9%); and (III) Group C3: the psychosocial-pain high-impact group (17.2%). There were significant differences in the distribution of age, educational level, marital status, occupation, monthly income, medical insurance type, family role, subsequent financial resources, cause of the injury, satisfaction with the appearance of the hand, degree of the injury, and impact of the injury on daily life among patients in the different groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The quality of life in patients with moderate to severe hand trauma can be identified to provide precise care.
Anti-Diuretic Impact of Aerva Lanata Extracts and their Active Compounds in Furosemide Administered Diuretic Rats

Bioactive compounds of aromatic and medicinal plants showed remarkable activity against bacteria and fungi. Medicinal plants were used to inhibit the pathogens and cure most of the diseases like diuretics, diabetics etc., Hence, in the present study the antidiuretic activity of the Aerva lanata was analysed and discussed. In this study, total urine output in normal animals was 1.32 ± 0.22 ml/kg of animal per day, but diuretic animal had 1.76 ± 0.26 ml/kg/day. It was increased to 44% and stimulated the action of diuretic 1.5 fold in this study. Furosemide (Standard diuretic drug) induced percentage secretion of saline was 8.52 ± 0.56 and urine excretion was 7.38 ± 0.53. The active compound of Aerva lanata was showed to reduce the remarkable and reach the control value and showed antidiuretic efficiency. Total urine output in diuretic induced animal treated with 2-Decyl -1-tetra decanol was 1.30 ± 0.27 ml/kg of animal per day compared to control (1.32 ± 0.22 ml/kg of animal per day) it was decreased 2% and stimulated the action of diuretic 1 fold. The active compound of A. lanata, 2-Decyl -1-tetra decanol induced percentage of secretion of saline was 8.76 ± 0.52 and urine excretion was 7.49 ± 0.48. The standard antidiuretic hormone also showed similar value of active compounds of Aerva lanata. From the investigations the Aerva lanata is to be used effective cheap plant based drug for diuretic diseases.
Baffle shape effects on mass transfer and power loss of proton exchange membrane fuel cells with different baffled flow channels

In proton exchange membrane fuel cells, baffled flow channels can enhance the reactant transfer and improve the cell performance. Many different baffled flow channels have been numerically studied in previous published papers. However, what kind of baffled flow channels can improve the cell performance most is still unknown. In this simulation work, a two‐dimensional, two‐phase, nonisothermal, and steady‐state model of proton exchange membrane fuel cells is developed. The mass transfer and cell performance of PEMFCs with different baffled flow channels have been numerically compared. Simulation results show that the rectangular baffle can enhance the reactant transfer most and improve the cell performance most; however, the power loss in rectangular baffled flow channel is also the highest. To inherit the advantages and overcome the shortages of the rectangular baffled flow channel, an optimized baffled flow channel is developed. In this newly developed baffled flow channel, the windward side is designed as the streamline shape and the leeward side is designed as the sloped shape. Results of the simulation also show that the optimized baffled flow channel can reduce the power loss accounted by the pumping power in reactant delivering process and the cell performance can be further improved.
Viral adventitious agent detection using laser force cytology: Intrinsic cell property changes with infection and comparison to in vitro testing

Adventitious agent testing in biomanufacturing requires assays of broad detection capability to screen for as many infectious agents as possible. The current gold standard for general infectious adventitious virus screening is the in vitro assay in which test articles are cultured onto a panel of different cell lines and observed for cytopathic effect (CPE). However, this assay is inherently subjective due to the nature of visual observation of cell morphology and labor and time intensive, requiring highly trained personnel to identify CPE. Laser force cytology (LFC) is an alternative, automated analytical method that uses a combination of optical and fluidic forces along with imaging to objectively and quantitatively assess CPE in cell culture. Importantly, because LFC uses no labels or antibodies, the assay is appropriate for general adventitious agent testing. Using LFC, changes in cellular features associated with virally infected cells were identified using principal component analysis. Using these features of infected cells, the sensitivity and earliness of detection with LFC was directly compared with the in vitro assay for a diverse panel of viruses incubated with chinese hamster ovary (CHO), Vero, and Medical Research Council cell strain 5 (MRC‐5) cells. LFC detected viral infection with a sensitivity equal to the in vitro assay on average, but in certain virus and cell combinations including mouse minute virus (MMV) and reovirus 3 in CHO cells, detection was 4 days earlier and for MMV, the limit of detection was 10‐fold lower. Overall, these results demonstrate the ability of LFC to serve as a biopharmaceutical adventitious agent testing methodology with sensitivity equivalent to the in vitro assay, but in an objective and automated manner.
Identification and characterization of rostral ventromedial medulla neurons synaptically connected to the urinary bladder afferents in female rats with or without neonatal cystitis

The neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) play a major role in pain modulation. We have previously shown that early‐life noxious bladder stimuli in rats resulted in an overall spinal GABAergic disinhibition and a long‐lasting bladder/colon sensitization when tested in adulthood. However, the neuromolecular alterations within RVM neurons in the pathophysiology of early life bladder inflammation have not been elucidated. In this study, we have identified and characterized RVM neurons that are synaptically linked to the bladder and colon and examined the effect of neonatal bladder inflammation on molecular expressions of these neurons. A transient bladder inflammation was induced by intravesicular instillation of protamine sulfate and zymosan during postnatal days 14 through 16 (P14–16) followed by pseudorabies virus PRV‐152 and PRV‐614 injections into the bladder and colon, respectively, on postnatal day P60. Tissues were examined 96 h postinoculation for serotonergic, GABAergic, and enkephalinergic expressions using in situ hybridization and/or immunohistochemistry techniques. The results revealed that > 50% of RVM neurons that are synaptically connected to the bladder (i.e., PRV‐152+) were GABAergic, 40% enkephalinergic, and about 14% expressing serotonergic marker tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TpH2). Neonatal cystitis resulted in a significant increase in converging neurons in RVM receiving dual synaptic inputs from the bladder and colon. In addition, neonatal cystitis significantly downregulated vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT) with a concomitant increase in TpH2 expression in bladder‐linked RVM neurons, suggesting an alteration in supraspinal signaling. These alterations of synaptic connectivity and GABAergic/serotonergic expressions in RVM neurons may contribute to bladder pain modulation and cross‐organ visceral sensitivity.
Improving the predictive capability of Framingham Risk Score for the risk of myocardial infarction based on coronary artery calcium score in healthy Singaporeans

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease was the top cause of deaths and disability in Singapore in 2018, contributing extensively to the local healthcare burden. Primary prevention identifies at-risk individuals for the swift implementation of preventive measures. This has been traditionally done using the Singapore-adapted Framingham Risk Score (SG FRS). However, its most recent recalibration was more than a decade ago. Recent changes in patient demographics and risk factors have undermined the accuracy of SG FRS, and the rising popularity of wearable health metrics has led to new data types with the potential to improve risk prediction. Methods: In healthy Singaporeans enrolled in SingHEART study (absence of any clinical outcomes), we investigated improvements in SG FRS to predict myocardial infarction risk based on high/low classification of the Agatston score (surrogate outcome). Logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic and net reclassification index (NRI) analyses were conducted. Results: We demonstrated a significant improvement in the area under curve (AUC) of SG FRS (AUC = 0.641) after recalibration and incorporation of additional variables (fasting blood glucose and wearable-derived activity levels) (AUC = 0.774) (P < 0.001). SG FRS++ significantly increases accuracy in risk prediction (NRI = 0.219, P = 0.00254). Conclusion: Existing Singapore cardiovascular disease risk prediction guidelines should be updated to improve risk prediction accuracy. Recalibrating existing risk functions and utilising wearable metrics that provide a large pool of objective health data can improve existing risk prediction tools. Lastly, activity levels and prediabetic state are important factors for coronary heart disease risk stratification, especially in low-risk individuals.
Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: Treatment and Management

Background Recurrent aphthous stomatitis consists of the presence of abrasions or ulcerations located on mucosae (oral or genital). Objectives The aim of this article is to review the current literature providing the main causes related to recurrent aphthous stomatitis and insights into treatment and management of this clinical condition Methods Articles matching terms that correlated with “recurrent aphthous stomatitis” were searched on PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library and selected according to their pertinence. Results Several forms of aphthous stomatitis have been described, based on the extent (minor, major), morphology (herpetiform) and associations to other signs (Behçet syndrome or more complex inflammatory syndromes). Topical as well as systemic treatments have been described to obtain a faster remission of the aphthosis or to reduce associated symptoms such as pain. Conclusions Recurrent aphthous stomatitis can have a mild-to-severe clinical appearance, being mainly localized on the oral mucosa or at the level of the genital area. Different strategies have been described so far for its management and treatment.
Self-Reported Effects of Cannabis on ADHD Symptoms, ADHD Medication Side Effects, and ADHD-Related Executive Dysfunction

Objective: People with ADHD are more likely to use cannabis but little is known about the effects of cannabis on ADHD symptoms, ADHD medication side effects, or ADHD-related executive dysfunction. Method: Students (n = 1,738) completed an online survey containing measures of ADHD symptoms, cannabis use, perceived effects of cannabis on ADHD symptoms and medication side effects, as well as executive dysfunction. Results: Participants with ADHD who have used cannabis reported that cannabis has acute beneficial effects on many symptoms of ADHD (e.g., hyperactivity, impulsivity). Further, they perceived cannabis to improve most of their medication side effects (e.g., irritability, anxiety). Finally, cannabis use frequency was a significant moderator of the associations between symptom severity and executive dysfunction. Conclusion: Results suggest people with ADHD may be using cannabis to self-medicate for many of their symptoms and medication side effects and that more frequent use may mitigate ADHD-related executive dysfunction.
Experiences of Older Adults During the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States: An Initial Exploration of Nationally Representative Data at the Intersection of Gender and Race

Little is known about the overall experiences and feelings of diverse older populations during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. To provide the baseline information for future research and policy, this study analyzed the 2020 Health and Retirement Study COVID-19 project data (n = 1782). More than 70% of older adults reported the following activities: watching TV (98%), reading (90%), using a computer and the internet (83%), gardening (82%), walking (75%), baking and cooking (73%), and praying (73%). Volunteering and attending community groups, which are known to benefit well-being, were unpopular (less than 8%). During the pandemic, older adults were generally satisfied with their lives, but more than half of them were concerned about their own health, family’s health, and future prospects. Our study also showed the differences in the experiences and feelings by gender and race as well as the intersection of gender and race in the United States.
Development of Zinc Tin Nitride for Application as an Earth Abundant Photovoltaic Absorber

In recent years, many new potential absorber materials based on earth-abundant and nontoxic elements have been predicted. These materials, often made in thin film form and known to absorb light 10–1000 times more efficiently than crystalline silicon, could lower module cost and enable broader solar deployment. One such material is zinc tin nitride (ZnSnN2), a II-IV-nitride analog of the III-nitride materials, which was identified as a suitable solar absorber due to its direct bandgap, large absorption coefficient, and disorder-driven bandgap tunability. Despite these desirable properties, initial attempts at synthesis resulted in degenerate n-type carrier density. Computational work on the point defect formation energies for this material revealed three donor defects were likely the cause; specifically SnZn antisites, VN sites, and ON substitutions. Given this framework, a defect-driven hypothesis was proposed as a starting point for the present work: if each donor defect could be addressed by tuning deposition parameters, n-type degeneracy may be defeated. By using combinatorial cosputtering to grow compositionally-graded thin film samples, n-type carrier density was reduced by two orders of magnitude compared to state-of-the-art. This reduction in carrier density was observed for zinc-rich samples, which supported the defect-driven hypothesis initially proposed. These results and their implications are the topic of Chapter 2. Further carrier density control in zinc-rich ZTN was achieved via hydrogen incorporation and post-growth annealing. This strategy was hypothesized to operate by passivating acceptor defects to avoid self-compensation, which were then activated by hydrogen driveout upon annealing. Carrier density was reduced another order of magnitude using this technique, which is presented in Chapter 3. After defeating n-type degeneracy, a deeper understanding of the electronic structure was pursued. Photoluminescence (PL) was used to study electronic structure and recombination pathways in zinc-rich ZTN, and excitonic