Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of niobium substituted cobalt-nickel nano-ferrite (Co0.5Ni0.5NbxFe2-xO4 (x ≤ 0.1) by hydrothermal approach show strong anti-colon cancer activities

Abstract The combination of two or more nanoparticles found to be effective strategy to synthesize nanocomposites for better drug delivery and treatment. In the present study, we have combined cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), niobium (Nb), and iron oxide (Fe2O4) and prepared niobium substituted cobalt-nickel nano-ferrite nanocomposites (Co0.5Ni0.5NbxFe2-xO4 (x ≤ 0.1) by using hydrothermal approach. We have characterized the structure and morphology of nanocomposites by using XRD, EDX, TEM and SEM methodologies. We have examined the impact of nanocomposites (Co0.5Ni0.5NbxFe2-xO4 (x ≤ 0.1) on cancerous cells (human colorectal carcinoma cells, HCT-116) by using MTT assay. We have also checked the impact of nanocomposites on normal and non-cancerous cells (human embryonic kidney cells, HEK-293) to confirm the specificity of their actions. Post- 48 h treatment of Co0.5Ni0. 5NbxFe2-xO4 (x ≤ 0.1) led to dose-dependent inhibition of cancer cells growth and proliferation. However, no cytotoxic effect was observed on the normal cells (HEK-293). In addition, DAPI stained nuclear DNA staining analysis demonstrates that the Co0.5Ni0. 5NbxFe2-xO4 (x ≤ 0.1) treatment also caused nuclear DNA disintegration which is the marker for programmed cell death. These results demonstrate that synthesized nanocomposites Co0.5Ni0. 5NbxFe2-xO4 (x ≤ 0.1) selectively target the colon cancer cells and induce cancer cell death. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
How Servant Leadership Leads to Employees’ Customer-Oriented Behavior in the Service Industry? A Dual-Mechanism Model

Although servant leadership has been acknowledged as an important predictor of employees’ behavioral outcomes in the service industry, there is still no cohesive understanding of the positive association between servant leadership and employees’ customer-oriented behavior (COB). This research, drawing on cognitive affective processing system theory (CAPS), empirically investigates the influence of servant leadership on employees’ COB by exploring two mediators (i.e., organizational identification and vitality). We conducted two studies in China, using a cross-sectional design to survey employees in service-oriented technical organizations (Study 1) and a time-lagged design to survey hospitality employees with frontline service jobs in star-level hotels (Study 2). Across both samples, we found that servant leadership enhanced employees’ COB by simultaneously increasing their organizational identification and vitality. We discuss the implications of these results for future research and practice.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors of the PD-1/PD-L1-axis in non-small cell lung cancer: promise, controversies and ambiguities in the novel treatment paradigm

Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have received much attention not least for melanoma since the award of the Nobel prize in 2018. Here, we review the current state of knowledge about the use of these monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These drugs have generally been conditionally approved on limited early data and there are few long-term follow-up data from randomized clinical trials. The effect observed for NSCLC thus far is, on average, moderately better than that obtained with chemotherapy. Severe side-effects are more common than might have been expected. The drugs themselves are expensive and are associated with time-consuming histopathologic testing even though the predictive value of these tests can be discussed. In addition, monitoring for side-effects involves increased workload and budgetary expense for clinical chemistry laboratories. Here, we review and summarize the current knowledge, controversies and ambiguities of ICIs for the treatment of NSCLC.
Structural Superiority of Guanidinium-Rich Four-Armed Copolypeptides: Role of Multiple Peptide-Membrane Interactions in Enhancing Bacterial Membrane Perturbation and Permeability.

The development of novel antimicrobials is a top priority to address the growing epidemic of multidrug-resistant pathogens. Since cationic non-amphiphilic star-shaped antimicrobials are promising molecular scaffolds that provide a high charge density in binding anionic bacterial bilayers, this research aimed to further increase their membrane perturbation capability by introducing guanidinium groups to the antimicrobials via enhancing membrane insertion. In particular, computational simulation and experimental investigations revealed that our designed guanidinium-rich alternating copolypeptide, 4-armed poly(arginine-alt-glycine), can interact with both the headgroups and unsaturated tails of phospholipids in bacterial membranes through multiple interactions, including electrostatic, cation-π and T-shaped π-π interactions, allowing it to penetrate deeper inside the biologically inaccessible high-energy barrier of the hydrophobic lipid bilayer interior to cause membrane permeabilization and precipitation of the bacterial cytoplasm. Furthermore, glycine was observed to have a unique effect in enhancing the performance of arginine-based copolypeptide. 4-armed poly(arginine-alt-glycine) exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, high bactericidal efficiency and negligible hemolysis. The in vivo antibacterial performance of the copolypeptide was superior to that of doxycycline in a mouse model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa skin infection, accompanied by negligible local and systemic toxicity. Our results demonstrate that this guanidinium-rich non-amphiphilic star-shaped structure may promote the development of next-generation of antimicrobials.
Exploring the influence of core-self evaluations, situational factors, and coping on nurse burnout: A cross-sectional survey study

Stress has become an inherent aspect of the nursing profession. Chronically experienced work stress can lead to burnout. Although situational stressors show a significant influence on burnout, their power to predict the complete syndrome is rather limited. After all, stressors only exist “in the eye of the beholder”. This study aimed to explore how individual vulnerability factors such as core-self evaluations and coping, contribute to burnout in relation to situational stressors within a population of hospital nurses. Cross-sectional data was collected in 2014, using five validated self-report instruments: Dutch Core Self Evaluations Scale, Nursing Work Index Revised, Utrecht Coping List, Ruminative Response Scale, and Utrecht Burnout Scale. 219 of the 250 questionnaires were returned. Core-self evaluations, situational factors and coping each contributed significantly to the predictive capacity of the models of the separate burnout dimensions. Core-self evaluations was significantly related to emotional exhaustion. It was suggested that Core-self evaluations might be placed at the initiation of the loss cycle. However, further research is warranted.
Complicated grief knowledge, attitudes, skills, and training among mental health professionals: A qualitative exploration

Abstract The knowledge, attitudes, skills, and training of professionals regarding complicated grief influence their practice. We conducted 30 semi-structured interviews with psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselor/psychotherapists; the preliminary findings were contextualized via interviews with three experts in complicated grief research/practice. Findings suggest that professionals did not substantially rely on research evidence, favoring instead personal and professional knowledge. They expressed concern regarding the possible pathologization of normal grief that might arise from having a diagnosis of complicated grief. Deficits in professional training were evident. A need for an improved culture of collaboration between researchers and practitioners was identified.
Design and Synthesis of 2-(1-Alkylaminoalkyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines as New Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion Protein Inhibitors.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common causes of lower respiratory tract infections and a significant pathogen for both adults and children. Although two drugs have been approved for the treatment of RSV infections, the low therapeutic index of these drugs have led pharmaceutical companies to develop safe and effective small-molecule anti-RSV drugs. The pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine series of compounds containing a piperidine ring at the 2-position of the pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine scaffold are known as candidate RSV fusion (F) protein inhibitor drugs, such as presatovir and P3. The piperidine ring has been revealed to facilitate the formation of an appropriate dihedral angle between the pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine scaffold and the plane of the amide bond for exertion of anti-RSV activity. A molecular-dynamic study on newly designed compounds with an acyclic chain instead of the piperidine ring proposed and demonstrated a new series of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives, such as 9c with a 1-methyaminopropyl moiety, showing similar dihedral angle distributions to those in presatovir. Compound 9c exhibited potent anti-RSV activity with an EC50 value of below 1 nM, which was similar to that of presatovir. A subsequent optimization study on the benzene ring of 9c led to the potent RSV F protein inhibitor 14f with an EC50 value of 0.15 nM. The possibility of improving the biological properties of anti-RSV agents by modification at the 7-position of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine is also discussed.
Effects of inhaled corticosteroids on clinical and pathological outcomes in COPD - Insights from the GLUCOLD study

This thesis focuses on the relationship between smoking and macrophages in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and on treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Macrophages play an important role in COPD, and constitute a heterogeneous population with pro- (Mf1) and anti-inflammatory (Mf2) cells. This thesis evaluated YKL-40 and CD163 as markers for Mf1 and Mf2, respectively. Peripheral airways contained more CD163-positive Mf2 compared to central airways. Smoking cessation skewed the macrophage phenotype towards Mf2 in the peripheral airways, but did not influence YKL-40 levels in sputum. Whereas smoking can induce structural alterations in extracellular matrix (ECM) components in the airways, no differences in ECM components in bronchial biopsies were found between current and ex-smokers with COPD. ICS treatment attenuates lung function decline and decreases airway inflammation in a subgroup of COPD patients. However, long-term ICS treatment did not change YKL-40 levels in sputum and serum. ICS increased deposition of several ECM proteins in the airways, which was correlated with improved lung function, suggesting prevention of airway collapse. Withdrawal of ICS after long-term treatment induced a relapse in lung function decline and increased airway inflammation in bronchial biopsies and sputum, suggesting that benefits of ICS do not persist after discontinuation of ICS.
Mobile applications in surgical patient health education: an integrative review.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the scientific literature produced on health education through mobile applications for surgical patients. METHOD An integrative literature review performed through consultation in the following portals and/or databases: VHL; PubMed; Web of Science; Scopus; LILACS and CINAHL. The search was guided by the question: "What is the evidence on the use of mobile applications in the health education of surgical patients? " conducted from July to September 2017, including articles published from the year 2000 to 2017. RESULTS Five articles published in international journals in English with varied methodological designs were selected. Among the studies found, 60% used an educational intervention through smartphone applications in the pre and postoperative periods, and 40% of the studies had an evidence level of 2B. CONCLUSION The studies showed that the use of smartphone applications in educating and guiding surgical patients was effective. However, there is still a gap in studies which demonstrate surgical patient education through smartphone applications.
Left Prefrontal Connectivity Links Subthalamic Stimulation with Depressive Symptoms

Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN‐DBS) in Parkinson's disease (PD) not only stimulates focal target structures but also affects distributed brain networks. The impact this network modulation has on non‐motor DBS effects is not well‐characterized. By focusing on the affective domain, we systematically investigate the impact of electrode placement and associated structural connectivity on changes in depressive symptoms following STN‐DBS, which have been reported to improve, worsen, or remain unchanged.
Improving Social Inclusion for People with Physical Disabilities: The Roles of Mobile Social Networking Applications (MSNA) by Disability Support Organizations in China

Having friendships and interpersonal social connections is a normal and expected necessity of life that enhances an individual’s well-being. Digital platforms, such as mobile social network applications (MSNA), present a means for people with disabilities to integrate in society. This study combines intrinsic benefits (such as enjoyment experience and information) and extrinsic benefits (such as social networking) to explore the impact of these benefits on online friendships, and the influence of these online friendships on the perceived social connectedness and well-being of people with physical disabilities. The partial least squares methodology was used to conduct statistical analysis on survey data; the outputs were obtained through convergent analysis, discriminant analysis, and bootstrapping. The results showed that enjoyment experience and social network benefits significantly influence online friendships, which influence perceived social connectedness and well-being. In addition, the perceived social exclusion has a significant moderation effect. Our findings are expected to help local disability service organizations develop effective digital disability inclusion strategies to combat widespread social exclusion among people with disabilities.
Variability of the mitochondrial CO1 gene in native and invasive populations of Harmonia axyridis Pall. comparative analysis

Our study is focused on original and publicly accessible data on the intraspecific variability of the barcoding DNA fragment in ladybirds Harmonia axyridis Pall analysis. The complete dataset consists of 39 haplotypes, 16 of which we identified for the first time. The intra-population and geographical variability of the barcoding fragment was studied for seven populations of the western and eastern groups of the native range and in six invasive populations, in which 25 of the 39 haplotypes are found. Population structure inferred on base of molecular variability and haplotype frequencies showed a high level of differences between the eastern and western groups of native populations and confirm the hypothesis of the origin of all invasive populations from native populations of the eastern group. A comparative analysis of molecular variation indices testifies to various evolutionary scenarios of the formation of the western and eastern groups of native populations and confirms the hypothesis of the microevolutionary history of the species, previously suggested in morphological character based studies of the geographical variability of H. axyridis. A significant decrease in the molecular diversity of invasive populations confirms the hypothesis of a random nature of the primary invasion of this species in North America.
The Decline in Alcohol Consumption in Russia from 2006 to 2017: Do Birth Cohorts Matter?

AIM Previous studies on youth drinking showed opposite trends for high-income and low-income countries. In Russia, a recent decline was observed in the prevalence of alcohol use, particularly among younger cohorts. This study aims at disentangling age and birth cohort effects to better understand the dynamics of abstinence and the volume of alcohol consumption. METHODS Data were collected from annual nationally representative panel surveys from 2006 to 2017. Data included 34,514 individuals aged 14-80. We estimated mixed-effects binary-choice models for percentage of abstainers and mixed-effects linear models with Heckman correction for alcohol volume. Integer variables of age and age-squared were used. Period was defined with a dummy variable using 2012 as the dividing line associated with a new Russian alcohol policy. Birth cohorts were defined as 13 groups from 1930-1939 to 2000-2003. Controls were per capita income, education, marital status, composition of households, body weight, ethnicity, residence type, regional per capita income and regional climate. RESULTS In both genders, percentage of abstainers increased and drinking volumes declined. Age for both genders showed u-shaped trend for abstinence and inverse u-shaped trend for alcohol volume. Controlling for age effects, cohorts born after 1990 demonstrated the strongest increase in abstinence for both genders and the strongest decrease in alcohol volume for males. The period of 2012-2017 had the effect of increasing the abstinence and decreasing the alcohol volume. CONCLUSION Downward trend in alcohol consumption in Russia is partially attributable to increased abstinence and reduced alcohol volume among younger cohorts.
A multi‐center evaluation of TECHNOSCREEN® ADAMTS‐13 activity assay as a screening tool for detecting deficiency of ADAMTS‐13

Quantifying A disintegrin‐like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS‐13) activity enhances thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) diagnosis but most assays are time consuming, technically demanding, and mainly available in reference centers.
Fluoro-substituted Methyllithium Chemistry Based on A Novel External Quenching Method Using Flow Microreactors.

External quenching method based on flow microreactors allowed generating and using short-lived fluoro-substituted methyllithiums such as ﬂuoromethyllithium, fluoroiodomethyllithium, and fluoroiodostannylmethyllithium. Highly chemoselective reactions have been developed, opening new opportunities in the synthesis of fluorinated molecules via fluorinated organometallics.
The Renal Resistive Index: A New Biomarker for the Follow-up of Vascular Modifications in Systemic Sclerosis

Objective. The aim of the present retrospective observational study was to evaluate the change of Renal Resistive Index (RRI) over time (ΔRRI) and under treatment in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) as well as to correlate these changes with disease complications. Methods. Two hundred thirty patients [29 male, median age 57 (IQR 48–67) yrs] were enrolled. At baseline and follow-up (3.43, IQR 2.81–4.45 yrs), we collected the following data: disease variables, nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) pattern, forced vital capacity (FVC), diffusing lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP), presence of interstitial lung disease, RRI, evaluation of glomerular filtration rate, and new onset of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Results. RRI value is high in SSc patients with digital ulcers and anticentromere antibodies, active and late NVC patterns, and limited cutaneous SSc. A significant correlation was observed between ΔRRI and ΔsPAP (R = 0.17, P = 0.02), with statistically higher ΔRRI (0.08 ± 0.02 vs 0.03 ± 0.05, P = 0.04) in patients complicated by PAH onset. No other new-onset complication was associated with ΔRRI. The receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis confirmed the predictive role of ΔRRI in development of new PAH (area under the curve 0.84, 95% CI 0.75–0.93, P = 0.02). In patients with SSc never exposed to sildenafil, ΔRRI was higher (0.04 ± 0.05) compared to both patients exposed to sildenafil during the study period (0.01 ± 0.05, P = 0.03) or in those exposed at the time of baseline evaluation (0.00 ± 0.05, P = 0.01). Conclusion. RRI and its variation in time are a reliable marker of SSc-related vasculopathy, both in renal and extrarenal compartments.
Knockout of MD1 contributes to sympathetic hyperactivity and exacerbates ventricular arrhythmias following heart failure with preserved ejection fraction via NLRP3 inflammasome activation

What is the central question of this study? In this study, we investigated whether MD1 interacted with the sympathetic nerves in ventricular arrhythmia (VA) during heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). What is the main finding and its importance? Mice with HFpEF showed increased susceptibility to VA, adverse electrical remodelling, impaired heart rate variability, enhanced sympathetic hyperactivity, activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and increased interleukin‐1β release. These changes induced by HFpEF were exacerbated by MD1 deficiency.
Expression of a NGATHA1 Gene from Medicago truncatula Delays Flowering Time and Enhances Stress Tolerance

Shoot branching is one of the most variable determinants of crop yield, and the signaling pathways of plant branches have become a hot research topic. As an important transcription factor in the B3 family, NGATHA1 (NGA1), plays an important role in regulating plant lateral organ development and hormone synthesis and transport, but few studies of the role of this gene in the regulation of plant growth and stress tolerance have been reported. In this study, the NGA1 gene was isolated from Medicago truncatula (Mt) and its function was characterized. The cis-acting elements upstream of the 5′ end of MtNGA1 and the expression pattern of MtNGA1 were analyzed, and the results indicated that the gene may act as a regulator of stress resistance. A plant expression vector was constructed and transgenic Arabidopsis plants were obtained. Transgenic Arabidopsis showed delayed flowering time and reduced branching phenotypes. Genes involved in the regulation of branching and flowering were differentially expressed in transgenic plants compared with wild-type plants. Furthermore, transgenic plants demonstrated strong tolerances to salt- and mannitol-induced stresses, which may be due to the upregulated expression of NCED3 (NINE-CIS-EPOXYCAROTENOID DIOXYGENASE 3) by the MtNGA1 gene. These results provide useful information for the exploration and genetic modification use of MtNGA1 in the future.
Phosphorylation-Dependent SERS Readout for Activity Assay of Protein Kinase A in Cell Extracts

Protein kinases are key regulators of cell function, the abnormal activity of which may induce several human diseases, including cancers. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop a sensitive and reliable method for assaying protein kinase activities in real biological samples. Here, we report the phosphorylation-dependent surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) readout of spermine-functionalized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for protein kinase A (PKA) activity assay in cell extracts. In this assay, the presence of PKA would phosphorylate and alter the net charge states of Raman dye-labeled substrate peptides, and the resulting anionic products could absorb onto the AgNPs with cationic surface charge through electrostatic attraction. Meanwhile, the Raman signals of dyes labeled on peptides were strongly enhanced by the aggregated AgNPs with interparticle hot spots formed in assay buffer. The SERS readout was directly proportional to the PKA activity in a wide range of 0.0001–0.5 U·μL−1 with a detection limit as low as 0.00003 U·μL−1. Moreover, the proposed SERS-based assay for the PKA activity was successfully applied to monitoring the activity and inhibition of PKA in real biological samples, particularly in cell extracts, which would be beneficial for kinase-related disease diagnostics and inhibitor screening.