Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sol‐Gel Synthesis of Amorphous Calcium Phosphate and Sintering into Microporous Hydroxyapatite Bioceramics

A new route for preparing hydroxyapatite (Ca 10 (PO 4 ) 6 (OH) 2 ) bioceramic has been described. An amorphous, nanosized, and carbonate-containing calcium phosphate powder that had a Ca:P ratio of 1.67 was synthesized from calcium diethoxide and phosphoric acid in ethanol via a sol-gel method. The powder was pressed at 98 MPa into green specimens and then heated to a temperature range of 500°-1300°C. At 600°C, the powder crystallized to a carbonated hydroxyapatite and a trace of β-tricalcium phosphate before converting to hydroxyapatite at 900°C. The thermal crystallization was associated with grain growth, shrinkage, and active surface diffusion. The activation energy of grain growth was 37 ± 2 kJ/mol. After sintering at 1100°C, the decomposition of carbonated hydroxyapatite generated a microporous ceramic with an average pore size of 0.2 μm and an open porosity of 15.5%. This microporous bioceramic can be used as a bone filler.
Astrophysical reaction rates from statistical model calculations

Theoretical reaction rates in the temperature range 0.01 x 10(9) less than or equal to T(K) less than or equal to 10.0 x 10(9) are calculated in the statistical model (Hauser-Feshbach formalism) for targets with 10 less than or equal to Z less than or equal to 83 (Ne to Bi) and for a mass range reaching the neutron and proton driplines. Reactions considered are (n, gamma), (n, p), (n, alpha), (p, gamma), (p, alpha), (alpha, gamma), and their inverse reactions. Reaction rates as a function of temperature for thermally populated targets are given by seven analytical parameter fits. To facilitate comparison with experimental rates, the stellar enhancement factors are also tabulated. Two complete sets of rates have been calculated, one of which includes a phenomenological treatment of shell quenching for neutron-rich nuclei. These extensive datasets are provided on-line as electronic files, while a selected subset from one calculation is given as printed tables. A summary of the theoretical inputs and advice on the use of the provided tabulations is included. (C) 2000 Academic Press.
Fumarate hydratase-deficient renal cell carcinoma presenting as pelvicalyceal filling defect: an unusual presentation of a rare disease

A 75-year-old man was referred to our urology service with painless haematuria. The delayed phase on a subsequent computed tomography (CT) abdomen and pelvis showed a filling defect in the left renal pelvicalyceal system, suspicious for a transitional cell carcinoma. The patient underwent ureteroscopic biopsy suggestive of a papillary neoplasia, before progressing to a laparoscopic radical left nephrouretectomy. Final histology revealed a fumarate hydratase-deficient renal cell carcinoma with clear margins. The patient was subsequently referred for genetic counselling.
SOX9 modulates cancer biomarker and cilia genes in pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive form of cancer with high mortality. The cellular origins of PDAC are largely unknown, however, ductal cells, especially centroacinar cells (CACs), have several characteristics in common with PDAC, such as expression of SOX9 and components of the Notch-signaling pathway. Mutations in KRAS and alterations to Notch signaling are common in PDAC; and, both these pathways regulate the transcription factor SOX9. To identify genes regulated by SOX9, we performed siRNA knockdown of SOX9 followed by RNA-seq in PANC-1 cells, a human PDAC cell line. We report 93 differentially expressed (DE) genes, with convergence on alterations to Notch-signaling pathways and ciliogenesis. These results point to SOX9 and Notch activity being in a positive feedback loop; and, SOX9 regulating cilia production in PDAC. We additionally performed ChIP-seq in PANC-1 cells to identify direct targets of SOX9 binding and integrated these results with our DE gene list. Nine of the top ten downregulated genes have evidence of direct SOX9 binding at their promoter regions. One of these targets was the cancer stem cell marker EpCAM. Using whole-mount in situ hybridization to detect epcam transcript in zebrafish larvae, we demonstrated that epcam is a CAC marker and that Sox9 regulation of epcam expression is conserved in zebrafish. Additionally, we generated an epcam null mutant and observed pronounced defects in ciliogenesis during development. Our results provide a link between SOX9, EpCAM, and ciliary repression that can be exploited in improving our understanding of the cellular origins and mechanisms of PDAC.
Traveling waves reveal a dynamic seizure source in human focal epilepsy.

Treatment of patients with drug resistant focal epilepsy relies upon accurate seizure localization. Ictal activity captured in intracranial EEG (iEEG) has traditionally been interpreted to suggest that the underlying cortex is actively involved in seizures. Here, we hypothesize that such activity instead reflects propagated activity from a relatively focal seizure source, even during later time points when ictal activity is more widespread. We use the time differences observed between ictal discharges in adjacent electrodes to estimate the location of the hypothesized focal source. We demonstrate that the seizure source, localized in this manner, closely matches the clinically- and neurophysiologically-determined brain region giving rise to seizures. Moreover, this focal source is a dynamic entity that moves and evolves over the time course of a seizure. Our results offer an interpretation of ictal activity observed in iEEG that challenges the traditional conceptualization of the seizure source.
Graphene oxide-based fluorescence molecularly imprinted composite for recognition and separation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol

In this work, multifunctional molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) based on CdTe quantum dots (QDs) and graphene oxide (GO) were prepared for selective recognition and separation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP). GO was used to improve the adsorption capacity and sensing rate of MIPs. CdTe QDs offered a readout signal to monitor the amount of 2,4,6-TCP bound to the imprinted matrix. The molecularly imprinted shell provided analyte selectivity. The prepared composite was evaluated and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermo gravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction analysis. MIPs were successfully applied to direct fluorescence quantification of 2,4,6-TCP. The linear relationship was from 0.2 to 40 μmol L−1, with a detection limit of 0.18 μmol L−1 which provided a simple and selective sensing system for recognition of 2,4,6-TCP. Moreover, a molecularly imprinted solid phase extraction (MISPE) method followed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for detection of 2,4,6-TCP was also established. The linear relationship was from 0.02 to 2.5 μmol L−1 with a detection limit of 0.25 ng mL−1, which was more suitable to determine trace 2,4,6-TCP.
Multiplex indexing approach for the detection of DNase I hypersensitive sites in single cells

Abstract Single cell chromatin accessibility assays reveal epigenomic variability at cis-regulatory elements among individual cells. We previously developed a single-cell DNase-seq assay (scDNase-seq) to profile accessible chromatin in a limited number of single cells. Here, we report a novel indexing strategy to resolve single-cell DNase hypersensitivity profiles based on bulk cell analysis. This new technique, termed indexing single-cell DNase sequencing (iscDNase-seq), employs the activities of terminal DNA transferase (TdT) and T4 DNA ligase to add unique cell barcodes to DNase-digested chromatin ends. By a three-layer indexing strategy, it allows profiling genome-wide DHSs for >15 000 single-cells in a single experiment. Application of iscDNase-seq to human white blood cells accurately revealed specific cell types and inferred regulatory transcription factors (TF) specific to each cell type. We found that iscDNase-seq detected DHSs with specific properties related to gene expression and conservation missed by scATAC-seq for the same cell type. Also, we found that the cell-to-cell variation in accessibility computed using iscDNase-seq data is significantly correlated with the cell-to-cell variation in gene expression. Importantly, this correlation is significantly higher than that between scATAC-seq and scRNA-seq, suggesting that iscDNase-seq data can better predict the cellular heterogeneity in gene expression compared to scATAC-seq. Thus, iscDNase-seq is an attractive alternative method for single-cell epigenomics studies.
Immunoinformatic analysis of structural and epitope variations in the spike and Orf8 proteins of SARS‐CoV‐2/B.1.1.7

A newly emerged strain of SARS‐CoV‐2 of B.1. 1.7 lineage has caused a significant surge in the SARS‐CoV‐2 infections in the UK. In this study, changes in the epitopes of spike and orf8 proteins in SARS‐CoV‐2 of B.1. 1.7 lineage were investigated. Genomic alignment of the SARS‐CoV‐2/B.1. 1.7 with SARS‐CoV‐2/Wuhan showed the presence of several mutations in orf1a/b, spike, orf8, and N proteins of SARS‐CoV‐2/B.1. 1.7. Molecular models of spike and orf8 proteins were constructed by homology modeling. Superimposition between the spike proteins of SARS‐CoV‐2/Wuhan and SARS‐CoV‐2/B.1. 1.7 showed noticeable variations in the spatial orientation in Val70‐Asn74 and Thr250‐Ser255 regions. This may have also resulted in the extension of the epitopic region at Ser244‐Gly249 in the SARS‐CoV‐2/B.1. 1.7 spike protein. Superimposition of the SARS‐CoV‐2/B.1. 1.7 spike protein over Fab‐spike protein complexes of SARS‐CoV‐2/Wuhan also showed subtle variations in the antibody binding affinity targeting the N‐terminal domain of the spike protein. Epitopic variations were also observed between the corresponding orf8 regions of SARS‐CoV‐2/Wuhan and SARS‐CoV‐2/B.1. 1.7. Moreover, the presence of a stop codon at position 27 in orf8 connotes the emergence of two frames (orf8a and orf8b) in SARS‐CoV‐2, which further hampers its extracellular secretion, and in turn, immunogenicity. The findings of the present study could further be used to develop targeted immunotherapeutics.
Effects of moxibustion on gastrointestinal function recovery in preventing early postoperative small-bowel obstruction: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND Moxibustion is widely used in the recovery of gastrointestinal function in East Asian countries, especially in China. This systematic review aims to evaluate the recovery effects of moxibustion on gastrointestinal function in preventing early postoperative small-bowel obstruction (EPSBO). METHODS The Medline, Embase, PubMed, and the other seven databases were searched independently by two authors. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected using the PICOS method. The methodological quality was appraised with the Cochrane's risk of bias tool, and the reporting quality of included studies was evaluated by Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Moxibustion (STRICTOM), respectively. Revman 5.2. 0 was used for statistical analysis, and the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was performed for effect estimation. Random effects model (REM) and fixed effects model (FEM) were used for pooling data. RESULTS A total of 8 RCTs with 693 participants were included. Meta-analysis showed that moxibustion combined with usual care had favorable effects on the time to first flatus (MD -15.15 h, 95% CI: -19.14 to -11.15, 8 studies, I2 =85%, P<0.00001, REM), the time to bowel sound recovery (MD -10.35 h, 95% CI: -11.65 to -9.06, 7 studies, I2 =0%, P=0.91, FEM), the time to first defecation (MD -18.94 h, 95% CI: -24.53 to -13.36, 3 studies, I2 =45%, P=0.16, FEM), and the duration time to abdominal distention (MD -11.7 h, 95% CI: -15.32 to -8.09, 3 studies, I2 =0%, P=0.70, FEM) when compared to the controls. No adverse events were reported in the included studies. CONCLUSIONS Moxibustion may have a beneficial effect on the recovery of gastrointestinal function in preventing EPSBO. However, positive findings should be treated carefully. And rigorous studies with high quality and large samples are warranted.
Chemical constituents of Aglaia elaeagnoidea and Aglaia odorata and their cytotoxicity

Abstract Two new rocaglamides, 8b-O-5-oxohexylrocaglaol (1) and elaeagnin (2), together with twelve known compounds, were isolated from the bark of Aglaia elaeagnoidea and the whole tree of A. odorata. Their structures were determined using spectroscopic methods, mainly 1D and 2D NMR. Cytotoxic activity against HepG2 human liver cancer cells of the isolated compounds was evaluated in vitro using the SRB assay. Three rocaglamide derivatives, dehydroaglaiastatin (13), 8b-O-5-oxohexylrocaglaol (1) and rocaglaol (5), exhibited significant effects with IC50 values of 0.69, 4.77 and 7.37 µM, respectively. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Estimation of the Extraction Yield of Coals by a Simple Analysis

“HyperCoal” (HPC) is the ashless coal produced by thermal solvent extraction; the extraction yield is a key factor in HPC production. The extraction yield varies depending upon the properties of the coals and the solvent used. For a wide range of coals, the extraction yields at 360 °C have been successfully estimated by a multiple regression analysis, using the values of ultimate and proximate analyses. The equation consists of volatile matter/O% (or O%), C/H, and a function of S%; a correlation coefficient of r = 0.790 was obtained for the extraction yield with 1-methyl-naphthalene (1-MN) for 76 coals. When the polarity of the extraction solvent was increased, the effects of O% decreased, while that of C/H did not change. With regard to coals with an O% less than 8.2, the extraction yield of 1-MN correlated only with the C/H value. These results suggest that the C/H value is the main factor for a high extraction yield.
Equivalent servings of free-range reindeer promote greater net protein balance compared to commercial beef

ABSTRACT Wild game consumption has been associated with health benefits but the acute influence on human protein metabolism remains unknown. We compared feeding-induced responses of equivalent amounts of free-range reindeer (FR) and commercial beef (CB) on protein kinetics using stable isotope methodology. Seven participants (age: 40 ± 14 years; body mass index: 24 ± 3 kg/m2) completed two randomised studies, ingesting 2 oz of FR or CB. L-[ring 2H5]phenylalanine & L-[ring 2H2]tyrosine were delivered via primed, continuous intravenous infusion. Blood samples were collected during the basal period and following consumption of FR or CB. Feeding-induced changes in whole-body protein synthesis (PS), protein breakdown (PB), and net protein balance (NB) were determined via plasma sample isotope enrichment analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; plasma essential amino acid (EAA) concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry. Plasma post-prandial EAA concentrations were higher with FR compared to CB (P < 0.05). The acute feeding-induced PS response was not different, but PB was reduced and contributed to a superior level of NB (P < 0.00001) in FR compared to CB. Our results demonstrate that FR may influence more favourable protein metabolism than CB. These data support potential health benefits of wild game onf whole-body protein. Abbreviations: BMI: body mass index; DIAAS: digestible indispensable amino acid score; CB: commercial beef; EAA: essential amino acids; FR: free-range reindeer; Ra: rate of appearance; UAF: University of Alaska Fairbanks; USDA: USA Department of Agriculture
How patients interpret early signs of foot problems and reasons for delays in care: Findings from interviews with patients who have undergone toe amputations

Aims To describe how patients respond to early signs of foot problems and the factors that result in delays in care. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a large sample of Veterans from across the United States with diabetes mellitus who had undergone a toe amputation. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Results We interviewed 61 male patients. Mean age was 66 years, 41% were married, and 37% had a high school education or less. The patient-level factors related to delayed care included: 1) not knowing something was wrong, 2) misinterpreting symptoms, 3) “sudden” and “unexpected” illness progression, and 4) competing priorities getting in the way of care-seeking. The system-level factors included: 5) asking patients to watch it, 6) difficulty getting the right type of care when needed, and 7) distance to care and other transportation barriers. Conclusion A confluence of patient factors (e.g., not examining their feet regularly or thoroughly and/or not acting quickly when they noticed something was wrong) and system factors (e.g., absence of a mechanism to support patient’s appraisal of symptoms, lack of access to timely and convenient-located appointments) delayed care. Identifying patient- and system-level interventions that can shorten or eliminate care delays could help reduce rates of limb loss.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nitrogen-Doped Graphene

Abstract : Self standing nitrogen doped graphene sheets were produced by reduction-expansion method, which utilizes graphite oxide (GO) and urea as precursor materials. For comparison, an Atmospheric Microwave Plasma Torch system (ATP) was used to produce graphene samples under argon and nitrogen atmospheres from GO. Graphene samples were characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM, BET and Raman Spectroscopy. The GO and urea mixtures decomposition-reduction process, as well as nitrogen doped graphene stability at high temperatures, were studied by TGA/DSC analysis. Results indicate that the amount of nitrogen introduced into the graphene structure can be controlled by varying the initial amount of urea in precursor mixtures. Reduction-expansion method provides a pathway to generate nitrogen doped graphene by a process that is rapid, inexpensive and easy to scale up. Plasma produced graphene samples show higher surface areas than reduction-expansion produced samples, although no evidence was found of nitrogen doping by the use of nitrogen atmospheres under the plasma experimental conditions used. Resulting nitrogen doped self standing graphene sheets from reduction-expansion protocols are potential candidates to be used as ultracapacitor and battery electrodes.
One year prognostic value of B‐lines in dyspnoeic patients

Studies have demonstrated the reliability of B‐lines evaluated by lung ultrasonography to identify pulmonary congestion, but information is lacking about its utility as a prognostic marker of heart failure (HF). We sought to assess the prognostic midterm value of B‐lines in ambulatory patients presenting with dyspnoea, as an additive tool for patient management and to avoid acute HF exacerbations.
COMPARTMENTALIZED MULTI-STEP MICROSCALE BIOCHEMICAL REACTION IN SUSPENSION OF AGAROSE MICROBEADS

This paper reports compartmentalized reaction system applicable to parallelized multi-step biochemical reaction using suspension of the agarose gel microbeads that are chemically modified with multiple affinity ligands. The multistep reaction proceeds through supplying the reaction catalysts and substrates by diffusion into the microbeads and capturing the reaction product in the microbeads by the affinity ligands. We have successfully applied the compartmentalized reaction system to the PCR and cell-free protein synthesis using the agarose gel microbeads modified with primer DNA and nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni-NTA).
How work and family caregiving responsibilities interplay and affect registered dietitian nutritionists and their work: A national survey

Healthcare professionals provide paid care at work and potentially have caregiving responsibilities outside of work; work responsibilities in addition to child and/or elder care is considered double- or triple-duty care. Employees may experience conflict and/or enrichment as their work and family responsibilities interface. This study’s purpose is to explore the work and family interface of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), determine the prevalence of work-family conflict and enrichment, and identify characteristics associated with higher work-family conflict and enrichment scores. A survey instrument assessing caregiving responsibilities and work-family conflict and enrichment was distributed electronically to 4,900 RDNs throughout the United States. Frequencies, means, correlative relationships, and ANCOVA were calculated using SAS software 9.04. Of 1,233 usable responses, nearly two-thirds of RDNs (65.5%) reported providing either double-duty or triple-duty care. About half of RDNs (47.2%) reported work-family conflict and fewer (14.8%) reported family-work conflict. Additionally, most RDNs (79.4%) reported work-family enrichment and even more (85.2%) reported family-work enrichment. Higher work-family conflict scores had correlative relationships with higher levels of burnout, lower life satisfaction, and higher intent to quit. Higher work-family enrichment scores had correlative relationships with lower burnout, higher job satisfaction, higher career satisfaction, higher life satisfaction, and lower intent to quit. Understanding the unpaid caregiving responsibilities of RDNs and the interface of work/family responsibilities may provide insight into career planning for RDNs and guide managers of RDNs in efforts to amplify the contribution of RDNs.
aniFOUND: analysing the associated proteome and genomic landscape of the repaired nascent non-replicative chromatin

Abstract Specific capture of chromatin fractions with distinct and well-defined features has emerged as both challenging and a key strategy towards a comprehensive understanding of genome biology. In this context, we developed aniFOUND (accelerated native isolation of factors on unscheduled nascent DNA), an antibody-free method, which can label, capture, map and characterise nascent chromatin fragments that are synthesized in response to specific cues outside S-phase. We used the ‘unscheduled’ DNA synthesis (UDS) that takes place during the repair of UV-induced DNA lesions and coupled the captured chromatin to high-throughput analytical technologies. By mass-spectrometry we identified several factors with no previously known role in UVC-DNA damage response (DDR) as well as known DDR proteins. We experimentally validated the repair-dependent recruitment of the chromatin remodeller RSF1 and the cohesin-loader NIPBL at sites of UVC-induced photolesions. Developing aniFOUND-seq, a protocol for mapping UDS activity with high resolution, allowed us to monitor the landscape of UVC repair-synthesis events genome wide. We further resolved repair efficacy of the rather unexplored repeated genome, in particular rDNA and telomeres. In summary, aniFOUND delineates the proteome composition and genomic landscape of chromatin loci with specific features by integrating state-of-the-art ‘omics’ technologies to promote a comprehensive view of their function.