Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Autonomic Nervous System Maturation and Emotional Coordination in Interactions of Preterm and Full-Term Infants With Their Parents: Protocol for a Multimethod Study

Background There is limited knowledge on the physiological and behavioral pathways that may affect the developmental outcomes of preterm infants and particularly on the link between autonomic nervous system maturation and early social human behavior. Thus, this study attempts to investigate the way heart rate variability (HRV) parameters are related to emotional coordination in interactions of preterm and full-term infants with their parents in the first year of life and the possible correlation with the developmental outcomes of infants at 18 months. Objective The first objective is to investigate the relationship between emotional coordination and HRV in dyadic full-term infant–parent (group 1) and preterm infant–parent (group 2) interactions during the first postpartum year. The second objective is to examine the relationship of emotional coordination and HRV in groups 1 and 2 in the first postpartum year with the developmental outcomes of infants at 18 months. The third objective is to investigate the effect of maternal and paternal postnatal depression on the relation between emotional coordination and HRV in the two groups and on developmental outcomes at 18 months. The fourth objective is to examine the effect of family cohesion and coping on the relation between emotional coordination and HRV in the two groups and on developmental outcomes at 18 months. Methods This is an observational, naturalistic, and longitudinal study applying a mixed method design that includes the following: (1) video recordings of mother-infant and father-infant interactions at the hospital, in the neonatal period, and at home at 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months of the infants’ life; (2) self-report questionnaires of parents on depressive symptoms, family cohesion, and dyadic coping of stress; (3) infants’ HRV parameters in the neonatal period and at each of the above age points during and after infant-parent video recordings; and (4) assessment of toddlers’ social and cognitive development at 18 months through an observational instrument. Results The study protocol has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the University of Crete (number/date: 170/September 18, 2020). This work is supported by the Special Account for Research Funds of the University of Crete (grant number: 10792-668/08.02.2021). All mothers (with their partners) of full-term and preterm infants who give birth between March 2021 and January 2022 at the General University Hospital of Crete (northern Crete, Greece) will be invited to participate. The researcher will invite the parents of infants to participate in the study 1 to 2 days after birth. Data collection is expected to be completed by March 2023, and the first results will be published by the end of 2023. Conclusions Investigating the regulatory role of HRV and social reciprocity in preterm infants may have implications for both medicine and psychology. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/28089
Lignin degradation using lignolytic enzymes

Lignin is the only plant biomass that contains aromatic groups in its structure and can provide a wide range of low molecular weight aromatic chemicals if its depolymerisation can be achieved successfully. Currently, lignin is mainly produced as a waste by-product by the paper and pulp industry and biorefineries. Therefore, the transformation of the phenolic-rich lignin into value added aromatic platform chemicals can be regarded of primary concern to improve the economic profitability of biorefining. Moreover, being a renewable resource, the consumption of fossil fuels will be reduced if lignin can be utilised efficiently. Between chemical degradation and enzymatic degradation, the latter could be a more sustainable method to break down lignin due to its enhanced substrate specificity and ability to preserve the aromatic ring structure compared with chemical processing. Therefore, laccase from Trametes versicolor (LTV), lignin peroxidase (LiP) and manganese peroxidase (MnP) were studied to determine the scope to depolymerise both water-soluble and insoluble lignins nder mild reaction conditions. The enzymatic activity and stability of all three enzymes was investigated and optimum assay conditions were achieved. LTV was found to be the most stable enzyme as it maintained 55 % of its activity at least for the first 6 h at 30 °C whereas LiP was deactivated after 2 h at 25 °C, and MnP was deactivated after 1 h at 28 °C. However, LTV stability decreased at higher temperatures during the oxidation of 2,2’-azino-bis (3- ethylbenthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS). One of the non-phenolic lignin model compounds, veratryl alcohol, was oxidised by LTV in the presence of ABTS, thus confirming the published data. The enzymatic degradation of Organosolv lignin (OSL) by LTV resulted in the formation of 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DBQ). The OSL degradation by LTV was not improved by ethanol addition as a co-solvent although ethanol could stabilise LTV at 40 % (v/v). LTV catalysed the degradation of Kraft lignin although it indicated little effect on lignosulphonates. Lastly, the effect of varying the concentrations of 92 ionic liquids (ILs) and their equivalent metal salts on LTV activity was investigated to find a suitable co-solvent to improve the poor mass transfer in OSL degradation. The study showed that 62 ILs were laccase compatible at an IL concentration of 6 % (w/v) and more than 50 % laccase activity was retained in 18 ionic liquids up to 10 % (w/v), and 80 % (v/v) of dioctyl sulfosuccinate quaternary ammonium salt, [N4,4,4,4][AOT]. However, there was a progressive loss of activity when the concentrations of the ILs increased. Further study on the enzymatic degradation of ILs-pre-treated OSL is currently ongoing in our research group so that the decomposition of water-insoluble lignin will be understood more comprehensively.
Feasibility of a second-generation colon capsule in visualization of the upper gastrointestinal tract

Background Capsule endoscopy for visualization of the entire gastrointestinal tract is a challenge. A second-generation colon capsule endoscopy system (CCE-2) performed well in the colon and small intestine, but its utility in the upper gastrointestinal duct is not clear. We evaluated the use of the CCE-2 in the visualization of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Methods We performed a retrospective study and further evaluated CCE-2 images using the typical landmarks of esophagus and stomach. The two imagers located at each end of the CCE-2 system were defined as imager1 (green) and imager2 (yellow). Two endoscopists read the images, and they were blinded to the other reader’s results. All of the images from the two imagers were separately reviewed. Results Images from 127 subjects were analyzed. This study demonstrated the comprehensive visualization of 71.7% of esophageal landmarks and 89.8% of gastric landmarks using the CCE-2. The two CCE-2 imagers were not identical, and the lighter imager (imager2, yellow) was superior to the heavier imager (imager1, green) (78% vs. 33.1%) in the stomach. Compared with the use of one imager, the use of two imagers was superior (two-imager vs. imager1, 89.8% vs. 33.1%; two-imager vs. imager2, 89.8% vs. 78%) in the stomach. Two-imager combination analysis detected a total of 160 positive findings. In contrast, single-imager analysis with imager1 and imager2 detected 133 and 137 findings, respectively. Two-imager combination analysis provided 20.3% and 16.8% more findings than imager1 and imager2, respectively. The two imagers complemented each other to detect more lesions. Conclusions The CCE-2 system is feasible for use in the upper gastrointestinal tract and may be considered an optional tool for upper gastrointestinal imaging. This system may represent a good choice for complete gastrointestinal duct screening. Compared with the use of one imager, the two-imager combination provided improved upper gastrointestinal tract mucosal visualization.
Death and Dying in Prison: An Integrative Review of the Literature

ABSTRACT Objective The purpose of this integrative review was to synthesize and explore the qualitative research literature that describes the experience of being terminally ill while incarcerated, in order to inform future inquiry when it comes to the end-of-life (EOL) needs of incarcerated persons. Background Mass incarceration has been a major issue in the United States, with rates sharply increasing since the 1970s. In the past two decades, the number of older incarcerated persons has grown by 500%, highlighting the importance of EOL care and decisions among this demographic. Methods The search terms included prison OR incarceration AND “death and dying” OR “end of life. ” Primary research articles were considered in the search parameters. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for qualitative research was coupled with ConQual to score the quality of the selected qualitative studies. Results Searches yielded 233 articles published after 2000. Following screening, 29 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 7 qualitative studies met criteria and were included in the review. The ConQual scores of the synthesized findings were determined to be either “low” or “moderate. ” Discussion Five main categories were observed across the themes elicited by the studies: EOL services in prison, social contact and human interactions, thoughts of death and fear of dying, wishes and decision-making, and guilt and coping. Many of these themes may be considered by correctional nurses who provide supportive “good death” care for incarcerated persons who are dying.
Molecular tracking devices quantify antigen distribution and archiving in the murine lymph node

The detection of foreign antigens in vivo has relied on fluorescent conjugation or indirect read-outs such as antigen presentation. In our studies, we found that these widely used techniques had several technical limitations that have precluded a complete picture of antigen trafficking or retention across lymph node cell types. To address these limitations, we developed a ‘molecular tracking device’ to follow the distribution, acquisition, and retention of antigen in the lymph node. Utilizing an antigen conjugated to a nuclease-resistant DNA tag, acting as a combined antigen-adjuvant conjugate, and single-cell mRNA sequencing, we quantified antigen abundance in the lymph node. Variable antigen levels enabled the identification of caveolar endocytosis as a mechanism of antigen acquisition or retention in lymphatic endothelial cells. Thus, these molecular tracking devices enable new approaches to study dynamic tissue dissemination of antigen-adjuvant conjugates and identify new mechanisms of antigen acquisition and retention at cellular resolution in vivo.
Bidirectional and dynamic relationships between social isolation and physical functioning among older adults: A cross-lagged panel model of US national survey data.

BACKGROUND Previous studies examining unidirectional relationships between social isolation and physical functioning amongst older adults may be biased due to reverse causality. This study leveraged data from a US national sample of older adults and a novel estimation method to identify bidirectional associations between these two phenomena and their associated temporal dynamics. METHODS The analyses were based on nine waves of panel data from a sample of adults aged 65+ years from the US National Health and Aging Trends Study (n=12,427 individuals) and a cross-lagged panel model. Social isolation was measured using the Social Isolation Index (SII) and physical functioning through the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). RESULTS One SD increase in the SPPB was associated with a -0.013 SD decrease (95% CI: -0.023, -0.004) in the SII a year later, whereas one SD increase in the SII was associated with a larger -0.058 SD decrease (95% CI: -0.069, -0.046) in the SPPB a year later. The SII→SPPB effect lasted for ~5 years, whereas the SPPB→SII lasted for ~3 years. CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed the existence of statistically significant bidirectional associations between social isolation and physical functioning amongst older adults in the US, net of reverse causation. Since the effect of social isolation dominates, the findings indicate that public-health strategies to promote successful aging should prioritise interventions that enrich older adults' social networks. Further, the effect time horizons yielded by the model point to the optimal timing for the re-delivery of interventions.
Mortality after surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism: results from a nationwide cohort

Abstract Background Contemporary patients with primary hyperparathyroidism are often diagnosed with mildly raised serum calcium levels. Previous studies have reported increased mortality in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. This retrospective cohort study aimed to examine whether contemporary patients operated for primary hyperparathyroidism have higher mortality than the general population, and whether mortality in these patients is associated with serum calcium concentration, adenoma weight or multiglandular disease. Methods Patients from a Swedish national cohort consisting of patients registered in the Scandinavian Quality Register for Thyroid, Parathyroid, and Adrenal Surgery 2003–2013, were matched with population controls. The National Patient Register, the Swedish Cause of Death Register, and socioeconomic data were cross-linked. End of follow-up was 10 years after surgery, 31 December 2015, or emigration. Mortality was analysed by standardized mortality ratio, Kaplan–Meier survival estimates, and univariable and multivariable Cox regression. Multiple imputation by chained equations was performed on missing data. Results After exclusions, there were 5009 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and 14 983 controls. Multivariable Cox regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, Charlson Co-morbidity Index, marital status, level of education, disposable income, and period of surgery showed lower mortality in patients than controls (hazard ratio (HR) 0.83, 95 per cent c.i. 0.75 to 0.92). In univariable Cox regression of mortality in patients, serum calcium concentration (mmoles per litre) was associated with mortality (HR 2.20, 1.53 to 3.16). This association remained in multivariable Cox regression after multiple imputation (HR 1.79, 1.19 to 2.70). Conclusion Mortality was not increased in patients operated for primary hyperparathyroidism compared with controls in a contemporary setting. Preoperative serum calcium concentration might, however, influence survival.
Optimal spinneret layout in Von Koch curves of fractal theory based needleless electrospinning process

Needleless electrospinning technology is considered as a better avenue to produce nanofibrous materials at large scale, and electric field intensity and its distribution play an important role in controlling nanofiber diameter and quality of the nanofibrous web during electrospinning. In the current study, a novel needleless electrospinning method was proposed based on Von Koch curves of Fractal configuration, simulation and analysis on electric field intensity and distribution in the new electrospinning process were performed with Finite element analysis software, Comsol Multiphysics 4.4, based on linear and nonlinear Von Koch fractal curves (hereafter called fractal models). The result of simulation and analysis indicated that Second level fractal structure is the optimal linear electrospinning spinneret in terms of field intensity and uniformity. Further simulation and analysis showed that the circular type of Fractal spinneret has better field intensity and distribution compared to spiral type of Fractal spinneret in the nonlinear Fractal electrospinning technology. The electrospinning apparatus with the optimal Von Koch fractal spinneret was set up to verify the theoretical analysis results from Comsol simulation, achieving more uniform electric field distribution and lower energy cost, compared to the current needle and needleless electrospinning technologies.
Facile Synthesis of α-Fe2O3/ZnS Core/Shell Nanostructures for Photocatalysis

Among various transition metal oxides, α-Fe2O3 is a widely studied material which is extensively used as photocatalysts, sensors, fine ceramics, data storage materials and pigments. ZnS is a II- VI group semiconductor which can be used for optical devices and catalysis. α-Fe2O3 and ZnS can be coupled together to improve their stability and efficiency as photocatalysts. In this paper, a simple, low temperature ultrasonication assisted precipitation method is employed to obtain α-Fe2O3/ZnS core/shell nanostructures. Their structural, compositional, morphological and optical properties are studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy respectively. XRD proves the formation of rhombohedral phase of α-Fe2O3 and hexagonal phase of ZnS nanoparticles. EDS reveals the presence of Fe, Zn, O and S elements. α-Fe2O3/ZnS core/shell nanostructures exhibit spherical shape with core (α-Fe2O3) size of ~ 50 nm and ZnS shell of size ~ 30 nm as observed from the HRTEM image. The PL intensity of α-Fe2O3/ZnS core/shell nanostructures decrease rapidly when compared to pure α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles demonstrating the efficient charge separation of the composites. Therefore the electrons and holes could migrate more effectively to the surfaces of α-Fe2O3 and ZnS and hence α-Fe2O3/ZnS core/shell nanostructures can be used as good photocatalysts for the degradation of the contaminant dyes.
Protective effects and molecular mechanisms of Achyranthes bidentata polypeptide k on Schwann cells

Background Achyranthes bidentata polypeptide k (ABPPk) is an active ingredient used in traditional Chinese medicine separated from Achyranthes bidentata polypeptides. So far, the role of ABPPk in peripheral nerve protection has not been comprehensively studied. Methods In this study, primary Schwann cells exposed to serum deprivation were treated with ABPPk or nerve growth factor (NGF) in vitro. Cell viability, cell apoptosis, apoptosis-related protein expression, and antioxidant enzyme activity were analyzed. To further explore the underlying molecular mechanisms and key regulatory molecules involved in the effects of ABPPk, integrative and dynamic bioinformatics analysis at different time points was carried out following RNA-seq of Schwann cells subjected to serum deprivation. Results We found that ABPPk could effectively reduce Schwann cell apoptosis caused by serum deprivation, which was comparable to NGF’s anti-apoptotic effects. ABPPk had the largest number of upregulated and downregulated differential expression genes at the earliest 0.5 h time, while NGF had fewer differential expression genes at this early stage. The significant difference at this time point between the two groups was also displayed in heatmaps. The molecular regulation of diseases and functions and canonical pathways revealed that ABPPk had more participation and advantages in the vasculature and immune system areas, especially angiogenesis regulation. Also, ABPPk demonstrated an earlier start in these molecular regulations than NGF. Furthermore, the analysis of transcription factors also illustrated that ABPPk not only had more key initial regulatory factors participating in vascular-related processes, but these also remained for a longer period. There was no significant difference in neural-related molecular regulation between the two groups. Conclusions Using high-throughput sequencing technology, our work unveiled the protective effects of ABPPk on Schwann cells after serum deprivation in a more comprehensive manner. These results further enrich the positive functions and molecular mechanisms of ABPPk and traditional Chinese medicine and benefit the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for peripheral nerve regeneration.
Characterization of HIV‐1 virus‐like particles and determination of Gag stoichiometry for different production platforms

The importance of developing new vaccine technologies towards versatile platforms that can cope with global virus outbreaks has been evidenced with the most recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic. Virus‐like particles (VLPs) are a highly immunogenic, safe, and robust approach that can be used to base several vaccine candidates on. Particularly, HIV‐1 Gag VLPs is a flexible system comprising a Gag core surrounded by a lipid bilayer that can be modified to present diverse types of membrane proteins or antigens against several diseases, like influenza, dengue, West Nile virus, or human papillomavirus, where it has been proven successful. The size distribution and structural characteristics of produced VLPs vary depending on the cell line used to produce them. In this study, we established an analytical method of characterization for the Gag protein core and clarified the current variability of Gag stoichiometry in HIV‐1 VLPs depending on the cell‐based production platform, directly determining the number of Gag molecules per VLP in each case. Three Gag peptides have been validated to quantify the number of monomers using parallel reaction monitoring, an accurate and fast, mass‐spectrometry‐based method that can be used to assess the quality of the produced Gag VLPs regardless of the cell line used. An average of 3617 ± 17 monomers per VLP was obtained for HEK293, substantially varying between platforms, including mammalian and insect cells. This offers a key advantage in quantification and quality control methods to characterize VLP production at a large scale to accelerate new recombinant vaccine production technologies.
Computed tomography-based visual assessment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: comparison with pulmonary function test and quantitative computed tomography

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has variable subtypes involving mixture of large airway inflammation, small airway disease, and emphysema. This study evaluated the relationship between visually assessed computed tomography (CT) subtypes and clinical/imaging characteristics. Methods In total, 452 participants were enrolled in this study between 2012 and 2017. Seven subtypes were defined by visual evaluation of CT images using Fleischner Society classification: normal, paraseptal emphysema (PSE), bronchial disease, and centrilobular emphysema (trace, mild, moderate and confluent/advanced destructive). The differences in several variables, including clinical, laboratory, spirometric, and quantitative CT features among CT-based visual subtypes, were compared using the chi-square tests and one-way analysis of variance. Results Subjects who had PSE had better forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (P=0.03) percentage and higher lung density (P<0.05) than those with moderate to confluent/advanced destructive centrilobular emphysema. As the visual grade of centrilobular emphysema worsened, pulmonary function declined and modified Medical Research Council, COPD assessment test (CAT) score, and quantitative assessment (emphysema index and air trapping) increased. The bronchial subtype was associated with higher body mass index (BMI), better lung function and higher lung density. Participants with trace emphysema showed a rapid increase in functional small airway disease Conclusions Classifying subtypes using visual CT imaging features can reflect heterogeneity and pathological processes of COPD.