Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysing Complex Oral Protein Samples: Complete Workflow and Case Analysis of Salivary Pellicles

Studies on small quantity, highly complex protein samples, such as salivary pellicle, have been enabled by recent major technological and analytical breakthroughs. Advances in mass spectrometry-based computational proteomics such as Multidimensional Protein Identification Technology have allowed precise identification and quantification of complex protein samples on a proteome-wide scale, which has enabled the determination of corresponding genes and cellular functions at the protein level. The latter was achieved via protein-protein interaction mapping with Gene Ontology annotation. In recent years, the application of these technologies has broken various barriers in small-quantity-complex-protein research such as salivary pellicle. This review provides a concise summary of contemporary proteomic techniques contributing to (1) increased complex protein (up to hundreds) identification using minute sample sizes (µg level), (2) precise protein quantification by advanced stable isotope labelling or label-free approaches and (3) the emerging concepts and techniques regarding computational integration, such as the Gene Ontology Consortium and protein-protein interaction mapping. The latter integrates the structural, genomic, and biological context of proteins and genes to predict protein interactions and functional connections in a given biological context. The same technological breakthroughs and computational integration concepts can also be applied to other low-volume oral protein complexes such as gingival crevicular or peri-implant sulcular fluids.
Search for Non-Protein Protease Inhibitors Constituted with an Indole and Acetylene Core

A possible inhibitor of proteases, which contains an indole core and an aromatic polar acetylene, was designed and synthesized. This indole derivative has a molecular architecture kindred to biologically relevant species and was obtained through five synthetic steps with an overall yield of 37% from the 2,2′-(phenylazanediyl)di(ethan-1-ol). The indole derivative was evaluated through docking assays using the main protease (SARS-CoV-2-Mpro) as a molecular target, which plays a key role in the replication process of this virus. Additionally, the indole derivative was evaluated as an inhibitor of the enzyme kallikrein 5 (KLK5), which is a serine protease that can be considered as an anticancer drug target.
Music Stimulation for People with Disorders of Consciousness: A Scoping Review

Music stimulation is considered to be a valuable form of intervention for people with severe brain injuries and prolonged disorders of consciousness (i.e., unresponsive wakefulness/vegetative state or minimally conscious state). This review was intended to provide an overall picture of work conducted during the last decade to assess the impact of music on behavioral and non-behavioral responses of people with disorders of consciousness. Following the PRISMA-ScR checklist, a scoping review was carried out to identify and provide a synthesis of eligible studies published in English during the 2010–2021 period. Three databases (i.e., PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) were employed for the literature search. Thirty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Those studies were grouped into three categories based on whether they assessed the effects of: (i) recorded music, (ii) interactive music, or (iii) response-contingent music. A narrative synthesis of the studies of each of the three categories was eventually provided. While the studies of all three categories reported fairly positive/encouraging results, several methodological questions make it difficult to draw conclusions about those results and their implications for intervention programs in daily contexts.
Investigations on Melt Flow Rate and Tensile Behaviour of Single, Double and Triple-Sized Copper Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites

Thermoplastic composite materials are emerging rapidly due to the flexibility of attaining customized mechanical and melt flow properties. Due to high ductility, toughness, recyclability, and thermal and electrical conductivity, there is ample scope of using copper particles in thermoplastics for 3d printing applications. In the present study, an attempt was made to investigate the Melt Flow Index (MFI), tensile strength, and electrical and thermal conductivity of nylon 6 and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) thermoplastics reinforced with copper particles. Thus, the experiments were conducted by adding different-sized copper particles (100 mesh, 200 mesh, and 400 mesh) in variable compositions (0% to 10%) to ABS and nylon 6 matrix. The impact of single, double, and triple particle-sized copper particles on MFI was experimentally investigated followed by FTIR and SEM analysis. Also, the tensile, electrical, and thermal conductivity testing were done on filament made by different compositions. In general, higher fluidity and mechanical strength were obtained while using smaller particles even with higher concentrations (up to 8%) due to improved bonding strength and adhesion between the molecular chains. Moreover, thermal and electrical conductivity was improved with an increase in concentration of copper particles.
Impact of sampling and storage stress on the recovery of airborne SARS-CoV-2 virus surrogate captured by filtration

Abstract Environmental air sampling of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in occupational and community settings is pertinent to reduce and monitor the spread of the COVID pandemic. However, there is a general lack of standardized procedures for airborne virus sampling and limited knowledge of how sampling and storage stress impact the recovery of captured airborne viruses. Since filtration is one of the commonly used methods to capture airborne viruses, this study analyzed the effect of sampling and storage stress on SARS-CoV-2 surrogate virus (human coronavirus OC43, or HCoV-OC43) captured by filters. HCoV-OC43, a simulant of the SARS-CoV-2, was aerosolized and captured by PTFE-laminated filters. The impact of sampling stress was evaluated by comparing the RNA yields recovered when sampled at 3 L/min and 10 L/min and for 10 min and 60 min; in one set of experiments, additional stress was added by passing clean air through filters with the virus for 1, 5, and 15 hr. The impact of storage stress was designed to examine RNA recovery from filters at room temperature (25 °C) and refrigerated conditions (4 °C) for up to 1 week of storage. To our knowledge, this is the first report on using HCoV-OC43 aerosol in air sampling experiments, and the mode diameter of the virus aerosolized from the growth medium was 40–60 nm as determined by SMPS + CPC system (TSI Inc.) and MiniWRAS (Grimm Inc.) measurements. No significant difference was found in virus recovery between the two sampling flow rates and different sampling times (p > 0.05). However, storage at room temperature (25 °C) yielded ∼2x less RNA than immediate processing and storage at refrigerated conditions (4 °C). Therefore, it is recommended to store filter samples with viruses at 4 °C up to 1 week if the immediate analysis is not feasible. Although the laminated PTFE filter used in this work purposefully does not include a non-PTFE backing, the general recommendations for handling and storing filter samples with viral particles are likely to apply to other filter types.
Diabetic Retinal Grading Using Attention-Based Bilinear Convolutional Neural Network and Complement Cross Entropy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), and it is necessary to diagnose DR in the early stages of treatment. With the rapid development of convolutional neural networks in the field of image processing, deep learning methods have achieved great success in the field of medical image processing. Various medical lesion detection systems have been proposed to detect fundus lesions. At present, in the image classification process of diabetic retinopathy, the fine-grained properties of the diseased image are ignored and most of the retinopathy image data sets have serious uneven distribution problems, which limits the ability of the network to predict the classification of lesions to a large extent. We propose a new non-homologous bilinear pooling convolutional neural network model and combine it with the attention mechanism to further improve the network’s ability to extract specific features of the image. The experimental results show that, compared with the most popular fundus image classification models, the network model we proposed can greatly improve the prediction accuracy of the network while maintaining computational efficiency.
Transcription-Based Amplified Colorimetric Thrombin Sensor Using Non-Crosslinking Aggregation of DNA-Modified Gold Nanoparticles

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been employed as colorimetric biosensors due to the color difference between their dispersed (red) and aggregated (blue) states. Although signal amplification reactions triggered by structural changes of the ligands on AuNPs have been widely used to improve measurement sensitivity, the use of ligands is limited. In this study, we designed a AuNP-based signal-amplifying sandwich biosensor, which does not require a conformational change in the ligands. Thrombin was used as a model target, which is recognized by two different probes. In the presence of the target, an extension reaction occurs as a result of hybridization of the two probes. Then RNA synthesis is started by RNA polymerase activation due to RNA promoter duplex formation. The amplified RNA drives aggregation or dispersion of the AuNPs, and a difference of the color if the AuNP solution is observed. As this detection system does not require a conformational change in the ligand, it can be generically applied to a wide range ligands.
Current Strategies for Tracheal Replacement: A Review

Airway cancers have been increasing in recent years. Tracheal resection is commonly performed during surgery and is burdened from post-operative complications severely affecting quality of life. Tracheal resection is usually carried out in primary tracheal tumors or other neoplasms of the neck region. Regenerative medicine for tracheal replacement using bio-prosthesis is under current research. In recent years, attempts were made to replace and transplant human cadaver trachea. An effective vascular supply is fundamental for a successful tracheal transplantation. The use of biological scaffolds derived from decellularized tissues has the advantage of a three-dimensional structure based on the native extracellular matrix promoting the perfusion, vascularization, and differentiation of the seeded cell typologies. By appropriately modulating some experimental parameters, it is possible to change the characteristics of the surface. The obtained membranes could theoretically be affixed to a decellularized tissue, but, in practice, it needs to ensure adhesion to the biological substrate and/or glue adhesion with biocompatible glues. It is also known that many of the biocompatible glues can be toxic or poorly tolerated and induce inflammatory phenomena or rejection. In tissue and organ transplants, decellularized tissues must not produce adverse immunological reactions and lead to rejection phenomena; at the same time, the transplant tissue must retain the mechanical properties of the original tissue. This review describes the attempts so far developed and the current lines of research in the field of tracheal replacement.
Habitability, Resilience, and Satisfaction in Mexican Homes to COVID-19 Pandemic

Following the 2020 confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, housing has become the only safe place and this has exposed inequity in habitability. This research on the reality of confined households and the perception of their homes in the Mexican republic is based on a mixed participatory study, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The online questionnaire consisted of 58 questions in the quantitative approximation. The qualitative part required the provision of an image of the workspace, with testimonies and personal reflections. During the lockdown, all participants saw an increase in overall energy consumption; more than half reported not being in thermal comfort; and a third declared deficiencies in noise insulation. Regarding the perception of the telework/tele-study space, we found the following categories: bedrooms, living/dining rooms, studies and others. In addition, respondents had often adapted the workspace for both individual and shared use. In general, the households were satisfied with the size of their houses but would like landscaped spaces or better views outside. Confinement made housing the protective element against the pandemic. The consequences will have an effect globally, so new architectural design paradigms need to be rethought.
Analysis of the Relationship between Obesity Factors and Health-Related Physical Fitness Factors among People with Intellectual Disabilities in South Korea

Little is known about the relationship between health-related physical fitness factors and obesity-related factors in individuals with intellectual disabilities. We investigated the prevalence of obesity and the relationship between obesity-related factors and health-related physical fitness factors among people with intellectual disabilities in South Korea to identify the physical fitness factors that influence the degree of obesity. For obesity-related factors, we measured body composition (height, weight, body mass index—BMI, and body fat percentage) of 108 subjects with intellectual disabilities (mean ± standard deviation; age = 24.4 ± 8.45 years). For health-related physical fitness factors, we measured muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility. There was a significant negative correlation between muscular endurance and obesity factors (BMI, r = −0.306, p < 0.01; body fat percentage, r = −0.402, p < 0.01). Further, the prevalence of obesity (34.3%) and being overweight (17.6%) among people with intellectual disabilities was high in South Korea. In addition, muscular endurance was found to have a significant effect on the obesity level (β = −0.239, p < 0.000). This suggests that a program that considers muscular endurance should be prioritized when implementing an exercise intervention strategy for the treatment of overweight and obesity among people with intellectual disabilities.
Depth-Image Segmentation Based on Evolving Principles for 3D Sensing of Structured Indoor Environments

This paper presents an approach of depth image segmentation based on the Evolving Principal Component Clustering (EPCC) method, which exploits data locality in an ordered data stream. The parameters of linear prototypes, which are used to describe different clusters, are estimated in a recursive manner. The main contribution of this work is the extension and application of the EPCC to 3D space for recursive and real-time detection of flat connected surfaces based on linear segments, which are all detected in an evolving way. To obtain optimal results when processing homogeneous surfaces, we introduced two-step filtering for outlier detection within a clustering framework and considered the noise model, which allowed for the compensation of characteristic uncertainties that are introduced into the measurements of depth sensors. The developed algorithm was compared with well-known methods for point cloud segmentation. The proposed approach achieves better segmentation results over longer distances for which the signal-to-noise ratio is low, without prior filtering of the data. On the given database, an average rate higher than 90% was obtained for successfully detected flat surfaces, which indicates high performance when processing huge point clouds in a non-iterative manner.
Romantic (versus other) events and momentary affect: Immediate and lagged within-person associations among college students.

Given that affect is highly responsive to experiences representing current goals and values, and young adulthood reflects a period in which romantic relationships become increasingly important, this study explored the links between everyday romantic relationship events and momentary affect among young adult college students. Romantic events were then directly compared to academic and family events-two other salient life domains for these students-as predictors of current and subsequent momentary affect. Drawn from an ecological momentary sampling study designed to assess substance use, participants in dating relationships (N = 130) completed four reports per day for 28 days (totaling 10,318 reports). Multilevel models tested within-person associations between positive and negative romantic events (broadly defined) as predictors of positive (e.g., happy, excited) and negative (e.g., sad, lonely) affect in the moment and beyond. Analyses included both event occurrence and event intensity models, facilitating event comparison. Models accounted for day-level effects and several relevant individual and relationship controls. Results indicated that positive romantic events were associated with immediate and lasting increases in positive affect and immediate (but not always lasting) decreases in negative affect, whereas negative romantic events were associated with immediate and lasting changes in both positive and negative affect. When significant, direct comparisons indicated that romantic events were associated with larger changes in concurrent and subsequent affect than academic or family events. Findings highlight the powerful role that young adults' romantic relationships play in their emotional well-being, particularly in comparison to other developmentally and environmentally salient life domains. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
A novel mechanosensitive channel controls osmoregulation, differentiation, and infectivity in Trypanosoma cruzi

The causative agent of Chagas disease undergoes drastic morphological and biochemical modifications as it passes between hosts and transitions from extracellular to intracellular stages. The osmotic and mechanical aspects of these cellular transformations are not understood. Here we identify and characterize a novel mechanosensitive channel in Trypanosoma cruzi (TcMscS) belonging to the superfamily of small-conductance mechanosensitive channels (MscS). TcMscS is activated by membrane tension and forms a large pore permeable to anions, cations, and small osmolytes. The channel changes its location from the contractile vacuole complex in epimastigotes to the plasma membrane as the parasites develop into intracellular amastigotes. TcMscS knockout parasites show significant fitness defects, including increased cell volume, calcium dysregulation, impaired differentiation, and a dramatic decrease in infectivity. Our work provides mechanistic insights into components supporting pathogen adaptation inside the host, thus opening the exploration of mechanosensation as a prerequisite for protozoan infectivity.
API Content and Blend Uniformity Using Quantum Cascade Laser Spectroscopy Coupled with Multivariate Analysis

The process analytical technology (PAT) initiative proposed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests innovative methods to better understand pharmaceutical processes. The development of analytical methods that quantify active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in powders and tablets is fundamental to monitoring and controlling a drug product’s quality. Analytical methods based on vibrational spectroscopy do not require sample preparation and can be implemented during in-line manufacturing to maintain quality at each stage of operations. In this study, a mid-infrared (MIR) quantum cascade laser (QCL) spectroscopy-based protocol was performed to quantify ibuprofen in formulations of powder blends and tablets. Fourteen blends were prepared with varying concentrations from 0.0% to 21.0% (w/w) API. MIR laser spectra were collected in the spectral range of 990 to 1600 cm−1. Partial least squares (PLS) models were developed to correlate the intensities of vibrational signals with API concentrations in powder blends and tablets. PLS models were evaluated based on the following figures of merit: correlation coefficient (R2), root mean square error of calibration, root mean square error of prediction, root mean square error of cross-validation, and relative standard error of prediction. QCL assisted by multivariate analysis was demonstrated to be accurate and robust for analysis of the content and blend uniformity of pharmaceutical compounds.
Bioaccessibility and Cellular Uptake of Carotenoids Extracted from Bactris gasipaes Fruit: Differences between Conventional and Ionic Liquid-Mediated Extraction

Currently, on an industrial scale, synthetic colorants are used in many fields, as well as those extracted with conventional organic solvents (COSs), leading to several environmental issues. Therefore, we developed a sustainable extraction and purification method mediated by ionic liquids (IL), which is considered an alternative high-performance replacement for COSs. Carotenoids are natural pigments with low bioaccessibility (BCT) and bioavailability (BV) but with huge importance to health. To investigate if the BCT and cellular uptake of the carotenoids are modified by the extraction method, we conducted a comparison assay between both extraction procedures (IL vs. COS). For this, we used the Amazonian fruit Bactris gasipaes, a rich source of pro-vitamin A carotenoids, to obtain the extract, which was emulsified and subjected to an in vitro digestion model followed by the Caco-2 cell absorption assay. The bioaccessibility of carotenoids using IL was better than those using COS (33.25%, and 26.84%, respectively). The cellular uptake of the carotenoids extracted with IL was 1.4-fold higher than those extracted using COS. Thus, IL may be a feasible alternative as extraction solvent in the food industry, replacing COS, since, in this study, no IL was present in the final extract.
Influence of CYP2C9 Genetic Polymorphisms on the Pharmacokinetics of Losartan and Its Active Metabolite E-3174: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This study aimed to investigate the influence of CYP2C9 genetic polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics of losartan and its active metabolite, E-3174, through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eight studies published before March 2021 were included in this study. We used PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science, based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The data analysis was conducted through Review Manager (RevMan), version 5.3, and R software. We found that healthy volunteers with CYP2C9*2 or *3 carriers had higher area under the curve (AUC0-∞) of losartan (mean difference (MD) 0.17 μg·h/mL; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.04, 0.29) and lower AUC0-∞ of E-3174 (MD −0.35 μg·h/mL; 95% CI: −0.62, −0.08) than those with CYP2C9*1/*1. Subjects with CYP2C9*2 or *3 carriers showed lower maximum concentration (Cmax) of E-3174 than those with CYP2C9*1/*1 (MD −0.13 μg/mL; 95% CI: −0.17, −0.09). For half-life, subjects with CYP2C9*2 or *3 carriers had longer half-lives of losartan and E-3174 than those with CYP2C9*1/*1 (MD 0.47 h; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.61 and MD 0.68 h; 95% CI: 0.44, 0.92, respectively). This meta-analysis suggests that the pharmacokinetics of losartan and E-3174 are associated with the CYP2C9 polymorphisms
Entropy-Based Greedy Algorithm for Decision Trees Using Hypotheses

In this paper, we consider decision trees that use both conventional queries based on one attribute each and queries based on hypotheses of values of all attributes. Such decision trees are similar to those studied in exact learning, where membership and equivalence queries are allowed. We present greedy algorithm based on entropy for the construction of the above decision trees and discuss the results of computer experiments on various data sets and randomly generated Boolean functions.