Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Elucidating Cysteine-Assisted Synthesis of Indirubin by a Flavin-Containing Monooxygenase

Indirubin is a biologically active compound found in Danggui Longhui Wan, which is a traditional Chinese medicine for chronic myelocytic leukemia. In the biosynthesis of indirubin, the formation of indigo, which is a stereoisomer of indirubin, is a major side reaction. Recent findings have suggested that cysteine supplementation shifts product selectivity from indigo to indirubin. Here, we disclose how cysteine is involved in enhancing the product selectivity in the synthesis of indirubin using a flavin-containing monooxygenase from Methylophaga aminisulfidivorans (MaFMO). First, cysteine reacts with indoxyl to synthesize 2-cysteinylindoleninone, inhibiting the dimerization of indoxyl. Second, the reducing power of cysteine allows MaFMO to additionally hydroxylate indoxyl toward isatin, overcoming the problem in biased distribution of two different precursors. Third, cysteine activates isatin to react with 2-cysteinylindoleninone to form indirubin. Based on this revealed mechanism, indirubin derivatives w.
Effect of Strong Electrolyte Containing Gelling Aids on the Sol-Gel Transition Temperature of Hypromellose 2910

Hypromellose, or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) - has been widely used for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications due to its advantages, including that it is modifiable in terms of viscosity, and it has the ability to form thermally reversible hydrogels. The thermal gelation temperature (TGel) of a given HPMC solution strongly depends on its characteristic grade and the solution concentration. Applying certain additives can modify the TGel even further; depending on their nature and concentration. With the addition of said additives, a lower or higher TGel can be obtained. For example, the addition of sodium chloride (NaCl) reduces the TGel, whilst sodium iodide (NaI) increases the TGel, for a given HPMC solution. Therefore, for a certain application, the gelation temperature of a solution could be modified by adding a selected additive at an appropriate concentration. The effects of various additives have been described in the literature. However, there has been no in-depth experimental reporting on the effect of sodium fluoride (NaF) on the TGel. Here, we investigate the impact of NaF in comparison to NaCl on the thermal gelation temperature of HPMC 2910 using rheological analyses. The sol-gel transition temperature was evaluated by examining the viscosity, the storage modulus, and the loss modulus of HPMC solutions as a function of concentration. The results indicated that both NaCl and NaF were able to reduce the TGel of HPMC 2910. However, the effect of NaF was found to be significantly greater in reducing the TGel compared to NaCl; the change in TGel as a function of additive composition was approximately 3.6 times higher for NaF compared to that of NaCl. In conclusion, these findings suggest that NaF is a suitable additive to combine with HPMC solutions for in-situ gelation at body temperature. Furthermore, the data indicated that only 1.6% NaF was needed to reduce the gelation temperature of HPMC from 60 ˚C to body temperature (approx. 37 ˚C). HPMC solutions containing NaF can form a viscoelastic solid gel at body temperature; this could potentially be used to prolong the release of fluoride for dental remineralization purposes.
Developing Educational Material To Promote Awareness Of Nicotine Use As A Significant Risk Factor For Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Introduction and Rationale: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) continues to be the leading cause of death in infants 28 days to 12 months old and the third leading cause of infant mortality (CDC, 2014; Task Force on SIDS, 2011a). SIDS has no identifiable cause although many hypotheses have existed and there are many known risk factors. Nicotine use is the second most modifiable risk factor for SIDS and to date there is no national public education campaign. Formal education is needed. Written education materials, such as brochures, are an effective way to increase knowledge and awareness of a health topic. Purpose and Objective: The purpose of this DNP Project was to create an educational brochure about SIDS and nicotine as a significant modifiable risk factor. The brochure is directed towards pregnant women and women with infants less than 12 months of age. The objective was to educate and inform mothers about SIDS, nicotine and its relation to SIDS, and the importance of abstaining from nicotine during and after pregnancy. Methods: The brochure was created using the Health Belief Model (HBM) as a framework. The HBM was used to explain health behavior modifications and was used as a foundation for education interventions. The model has successfully been applied to explain other preventative health behaviors and provide health education in various contexts. Results: The brochure was evaluated by two subject matter experts who have published peer reviewed articles using the HBM. Both subject matter experts found the HBM applied to the brochure appropriately. In their opinion, the content of the brochure should have positive impact for health modification in women who use nicotine and are pregnant or have a child less than 12
Biomass burning aerosol as a modulator of the droplet number in the southeast Atlantic region

Abstract. The southeastern Atlantic (SEA) and its associated cloud deck, off the west coast of central Africa, is an area where aerosol–cloud interactions can have a strong radiative impact. Seasonally, extensive biomass burning (BB) aerosol plumes from southern Africa reach this area. The NASA ObseRvations of Aerosols above CLouds and their intEractionS (ORACLES) study focused on quantitatively understanding these interactions and their importance. Here we present measurements of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentration, aerosol size distribution, and characteristic vertical updraft velocity (w∗) in and around the marine boundary layer (MBL) collected by the NASA P-3B aircraft during the August 2017 ORACLES deployment. BB aerosol levels vary considerably but systematically with time; high aerosol concentrations were observed in the MBL (800–1000 cm−3) early on, decreasing midcampaign to concentrations between 500 and 800 cm−3. By late August and early September, relatively clean MBL conditions were sampled (<500 cm−3). These data then drive a state-of-the-art droplet formation parameterization from which the predicted cloud droplet number and its sensitivity to aerosol and dynamical parameters are derived. Droplet closure was achieved to within 20 %. Droplet formation sensitivity to aerosol concentration, w∗, and the hygroscopicity parameter, κ, vary and contribute to the total droplet response in the MBL clouds. When aerosol concentrations exceed ∼900 cm−3 and maximum supersaturation approaches 0.1 %, droplet formation in the MBL enters a velocity-limited droplet activation regime, where the cloud droplet number responds weakly to CCN concentration increases. Below ∼500 cm−3, in a clean MBL, droplet formation is much more sensitive to changes in aerosol concentration than to changes in vertical updraft. In the competitive regime, where the MBL has intermediate pollution (500–800 cm−3), droplet formation becomes much more sensitive to hygroscopicity (κ) variations than it does in clean and polluted conditions. Higher concentrations increase the sensitivity to vertical velocity by more than 10-fold. We also find that characteristic vertical velocity plays a very important role in driving droplet formation in a more polluted MBL regime, in which even a small shift in w∗ may make a significant difference in droplet concentrations. Identifying regimes where droplet number variability is driven primarily by updraft velocity and not by aerosol concentration is key for interpreting aerosol indirect effects, especially with remote sensing. The droplet number responds proportionally to changes in characteristic velocity, offering the possibility of remote sensing of w∗ under velocity-limited conditions.
Network morphology and electro-optical characterisations of epoxy-based polymer stabilised liquid crystals

ABSTRACT In this paper, by utilising the photoinitiated cationic polymerisation of liquid crystalline epoxide in LC solvents, the epoxy-based polymer stabilised liquid crystals (EPSLCs) were fabricated. The effects of the liquid crystalline epoxide content, UV intensity, polymerisation temperature, and initiator content on the network morphology of liquid crystalline epoxy polymers (LCEPs) and electro-optical characterisations of EPSLC samples were studied. The results suggested that the preparation conditions had a dominant effect on the morphology of the LCEP and the void size in the EPSLC sample. The increase of liquid crystalline epoxide content, UV intensity, and initiator content induced that the density of LCEP network became larger and the void size decreased, which resulted in that the stabilising effect from the LCEP network on the mesogenic solvent molecules was strengthened. Conversely, the increase of polymerisation temperature induced that the stabilising effect from the LCEP network on the LC molecules was weakened. Graphical abstract
A simulation of the neural action potential under the influence of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors modeled in the neuromuscular junction

The rise of terrorism has created an interest in better ways to detect when humans are exposed to neurotoxins, especially nerve gases developed for military use, most of which are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Many current methods of detection are based on mass spectrometry, a method that is cumbersome and not particularly robust when used as an early warning method. The detection of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors would benefit from a combined model of the processes occurring in the neuromuscular junction between the presynaptic action potential and the motor end-plate action potential that includes the kinetics of acetylcholine and acetylcholinesterase in the synaptic cleft. The ability to simulate the impact of different amounts of neurotoxin on the physiological processes needed for the generation of an action potential and subsequent muscle contraction would allow better estimates on the physiological toxicity of a nerve agent and its impact on an organism. The goal of this research was to assist the future development of a unified model and simulation of the chemical kinetics and electrical dynamics occurring in the synaptic cleft during acetylcholinesterase inhibition by neurotoxins. The first objective towards the goal of this research was to develop an accurate and useful model of the kinetics of acetylcholinesterase inhibition that can be simulated and coupled to the voltage and current signals generated by a neuron. A one dimensional diffusion model was used which took advantage of geometric symmetry to focus on the dominant transport effects. iii
TREPROSTINIL FOR PROTECTION OF LIVER GRAFTS AGAINST ISCHEMIA AND REPERFUSION INJURY DURING ORTHOTOPIC LIVER TRANSPLANTATION - A TRANSLATIONAL STUDY

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the only curative therapy for end-stage liver diseases. To overcome organ shortage, organs from extended criteria donors, which would ordinarily be discarded, are used sometimes. These organs provide additional grafts; however, they are more susceptible to ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. I/R injury, an unavoidable process during OLT, is a major cause of liver graft non-function and failure, requiring urgent re-transplantation, which further depletes the scare organ pool. To date, no therapy is available to reduce or prevent I/R injury. Prostaglandins (PG) have well characterized vasodilatory and anti-platelet aggregatory actions. Many PG analogues, including prostacyclin (PGI2), have been evaluated for their ability to reduce hepatic I/R injury after OLT. Poor stability, intolerable side effects, and the inability to show a significant difference in primary endpoint have limited their clinical application so far. Treprostinil, a relatively new FDA-approved PGI2 analogue, has a higher stability, potency, and longer elimination half-life than other PGI2 analogues available. The objectives of this dissertation were to examine the efficacy of treprostinil in protecting the liver graft against I/R injury during OLT. Proof of concept of treprostinil minimizing hepatic I/R injury was demonstrated in a rat OLT model. Further analysis showed that I/R injury significantly down-regulated CYP2E1, CYP2C11, and CYP3A mRNA, protein expression, and activity, as well as the expression of several hepatic transporters in liver graft post-OLT. Treprostinil improved hepatic expression and activity of CYP450 enzymes and transporters. In particular, Bsep mRNA expression was restored to normal and Mrp2 and P-gp protein expression were up-regulated. In vitro studies confirmed that treprostinil does not inhibit or induce the metabolism of immunosuppressive medications. These findings support co-administration of treprostinil with cyclosporine A, tacrolimus, sirolimus, or mycophenolic acid to adult OLT patients without concern for any drug-drug interaction. This is the first study to examine the efficacy of treprostinil for protection of liver grafts against I/R injury during OLT. A clinical study has been initiated to examine the safety and efficacy of perioperative treprostinil administration to adult OLT patients. Collectively, this work makes significant contributions to the field of liver transplantation and, potentially, solid organ transplantation.
Comparison of Molecular Methods for the Detection of Eimeria in Domestic Chickens in Malaysia

Coccidiosis, caused by the Eimeria species, greatly affects the poultry industry. Severity of the disease varies depending on the identity of the infecting parasites, encouraging identification of Eimeria species circulating on a farm as a valuable component of chicken management. Conventional methods of Eimeria species identification are time consuming and can be subjective in nature. Given these limitations, molecular approaches have been developed for specific detection of Eimeria species. In this study, faecal samples were collected from commercial broiler farms and subjected to microscopic examination for Eimeria occurrence. Eimeria species were putatively identified by morphological characterisation and grouped into three categories based on oocyst size. Molecular detection of Eimeria species occurrence in these samples was then performed using two published PCR assays (the individual components of a SCAR-based multiplex PCR, and assays developed for quantitative PCR, termed PCR-SCAR 1 and PCR-SCAR 2 here) and a LAMP assay. Comparison of the results obtained demonstrated that the three molecular methods were capable of detecting all Eimeria species of the reference Houghton strain, but showed varying efficiencies in detecting Malaysian field isolates. PCR-SCAR 2 was found to be the most effective, detecting all seven Eimeria species and indicating the presence of Eimeria parasites in most flocks. Differences in the ability of the molecular methods to detect Eimeria may be a consequence of sequence divergence between isolates from different regions, implying that development of region-specific methods using local Eimeria strains may be required to improve the efficiency of molecular assays for Eimeria detection.
การรับรู้พฤติกรรมเอื้ออาทรของนักศึกษาพยาบาล วิทยาลัยพยาบาลบรมราชชนนี นครพนม Nursing Student’s Perceptions of Caring Behaviors in Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Nakhon Phanom

The purpose of this descriptive research was to study the nursing student’s perceptions of caring behaviors and compare the perceived of caring behaviors score at the graduate level. The sample group consisted of nursing students in Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Nakhon Phanom (n = 100). The conceptual framework based on Jean Watson’s Caring Theory(Watson, 1985). The Nursing Student’s Perceptions of Caring Behaviors Scale was modified from Kuo et al. (2007) which has 40 items. Content validity index equal 0.92. Reliability was tested by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient that equal 0.91. The results showed that: The mean score of the nursing student’s perceptions of caring behaviors in each item, categories and overall were at the high level (x= 4.11, SD = 0.47), no difference of the perceived of caring behaviors score in graduate level (F= 0.68, p = 0.57). The results of this study suggest that should be promoted the caring behaviors in nursing students by integrate of caring concept in theoretical and practical study.
REGULATORY EFFECTS OF ACUTE AND CHRONIC ENDURANCE EXERCISE ON NITRIC OXIDE AND REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES IN HUMAN CIRCULATING ANGIOGENIC CELLS

Title of Document: REGULATORY EFFECTS OF ACUTE AND CHRONIC ENDURANCE EXERCISE ON NITRIC OXIDE AND REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES IN HUMAN CIRCULATING ANGIOGENIC CELLS Nathan T. Jenkins, Ph.D., 2011 Directed By: Professor James M. Hagberg, Department of Kinesiology This dissertation research comprised three studies examining the effects of acute and chronic endurance exercise on circulating angiogenic cells (CACs). Because the balance between nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a critical aspect of the physiological function/dysfunction of CACs, each study determined the effects of exercise on NO-ROS balance within a variety of CAC types. Study #1 demonstrated that regular endurance exercise is associated with greater basal intracellular NO levels in cultured CACs, and that one mechanism underlying this association was increased NADPH oxidase enzyme activity in the sedentary state. Study #2 suggested an association between a sedentary lifestyle and increased nitrooxidative stress in freshly-isolated CD34 progenitor cells. Study #3 demonstrated that prior exercise attenuates high-fat meal induced-increases in mitochondrialderived intracellular ROS in CD31 CACs. Overall, it is concluded that acute and chronic endurance exercise enhance intracellular NO and ROS dynamics in CACs. REGULATORY EFFECTS OF ACUTE AND CHRONIC ENDURANCE EXERCISE ON NITRIC OXIDE AND REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES IN HUMAN CIRCULATING ANGIOGENIC CELLS
Enhancing Cisplatin Delivery and Anti-tumor Efficacy Using Hyperthermia

Enhancing Cisplatin Delivery and Anti-tumor Efficacy Using Hyperthermia by Chelsea Dawn Landon Department of Pathology Duke University Date:_______________________ Approved: ___________________________ Mark W. Dewhirst, Supervisor ___________________________ Soman N. Abraham ___________________________ Laura P. Hale ___________________________ Dennis J. Thiele ___________________________ Zeljko Vujaskovic An abstract of a dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Pathology in the Graduate School of Duke University 2013 Copyright by Chelsea Dawn Landon 2013
Pharmaceutical Applications of Iron-Oxide Magnetic Nanoparticles

Advances of nanotechnology led to the development of nanoparticulate systems with many advantages due to their unique physicochemical properties. The use of iron-oxide magnetic nanoparticles (IOMNPs) in pharmaceutical areas increased in the last few decades. This article reviews the conceptual information about iron oxides, magnetic nanoparticles, methods of IOMNP synthesis, properties useful for pharmaceutical applications, advantages and disadvantages, strategies for nanoparticle assemblies, and uses in the production of drug delivery, hyperthermia, theranostics, photodynamic therapy, and as an antimicrobial. The encapsulation, coating, or dispersion of IOMNPs with biocompatible material(s) can avoid the aggregation, biodegradation, and alterations from the original state and also enable entrapping the bioactive agent on the particle via adsorption or covalent attachment. IOMNPs show great potential for target drug delivery, improving the therapy as a consequence of a higher drug effect using lower concentrations, thus reducing side effects and toxicity. Different methodologies allow IOMNP synthesis, resulting in different structures, sizes, dispersions, and surface modifications. These advantages support their utilization in pharmaceutical applications, and getting suitable drug release control on the target tissues could be beneficial in several clinical situations, such as infections, inflammations, and cancer. However, more toxicological clinical investigations about IOMNPs are necessary.
Development of spin-contrast-variation neutron reflectometry for the structural analysis of multilayer films

The spin-contrast-variation neutron reflectometry technique was developed for the structural analysis of multilayer films. Polarized-neutron reflectivity curves of film samples vary as a function of their proton polarization (P H). The P H-dependent reflectivity curves of a polystyrene monolayer film were precisely reproduced using a common set of structural parameters and the P H-dependent neutron scattering length density of polystyrene. This result ensures that these curves are not deformed by inhomogeneous P H but can be used for structural analysis. Unpolarized reflectivity curves of poly(styrene-block-isoprene) films were reproduced using a flat free-surface model but P H-dependent polarized reflectivity curves were not. The global fit of the P H-dependent multiple reflectivity curves revealed that holes with a depth corresponding to one period of the periodic lamellae of microphase-separated polystyrene and polyisoprene domains were produced on the surface of the films, which agrees with the microscopic results. In this manner, the spin-contrast-variation neutron reflectometry technique determines the structure of multiple surfaces and interfaces in a film sample while excluding the incorrect structure that accidentally accounts for a single unpolarized reflectivity curve only.
Estimation of the crop coefficient (kc) for bell pepper under greenhouse conditions

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the crop coefficient (kc) and respective water consumption of the Magali R. bell pepper hybrid cultivated in a protected environment from May to September 2015. Reference evapotranspiration was estimated using the Modified Penman-Monteith method and data were collected from an automatic weather station installed inside the greenhouse at the Universidade Estadual de Maringá, in the municipality of Maringá, PR, Brazil (23° 25’ 57’’ S, 51° 57’ 8’’ W, and altitude of 542 m). Evapotranspiration was measured using constant water table lysimeters. The total water consumption of the bell pepper crop was 282 mm and the average consumption was 2.35 mm d-1. The maximum evapotranspiration was 5.37 mm d-1. Crop coefficient values for the bell pepper were 0.86, 1.55, and 1.4 for the initial, intermediate, and final stages, respectively, which were higher than those recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization.