Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Accelerated Reaction Rates within Self-Assembled Polymer Nanoreactors with Tunable Hydrophobic Microenvironments

Performing reactions in the presence of self-assembled hierarchical structures of amphiphilic macromolecules can accelerate reactions while using water as the bulk solvent due to the hydrophobic effect. We leveraged non-covalent interactions to self-assemble filled-polymer micelle nanoreactors (NR) incorporating gold nanoparticle catalysts into various amphiphilic polymer nanostructures with comparable hydrodynamic nanoreactor size and gold concentration in the nanoreactor dispersion. We systematically studied the effect of the hydrophobic co-precipitant on self-assembly and catalytic performance. We observed that co-precipitants that interact with gold are beneficial for improving incorporation efficiency of the gold nanoparticles into the nanocomposite nanoreactor during self-assembly but decrease catalytic performance. Hierarchical assemblies with co-precipitants that leverage noncovalent interactions could enhance catalytic performance. For the co-precipitants that do not interact strongly with gold, the catalytic performance was strongly affected by the hydrophobic microenvironment of the co-precipitant. Specifically, the apparent reaction rate per surface area using castor oil (CO) was over 8-fold greater than polystyrene (750 g/mol, PS 750); the turnover frequency was higher than previously reported self-assembled polymer systems. The increase in apparent catalytic performance could be attributed to differences in reactant solubility rather than differences in mass transfer or intrinsic kinetics; higher reactant solubility enhances apparent reaction rates. Full conversion of 4-nitrophenol was achieved within three minutes for at least 10 sequential reactions demonstrating that the nanoreactors could be used for multiple reactions.
A new tremulane sesquiterpene from Irpex lacteus by solid-state fermentation

Abstract A new tremulane sesquiterpene, lactedine (1), along with seven known tremulane sesquiterpenes (2–8) and one known triterpene (9) were isolated from the fungus Irpex lacteus. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data and DP4+ probability analyses. Graphical Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 Entry Inhibitors: Small Molecules and Peptides Targeting Virus or Host Cells

The pandemic evolution of SARS-CoV-2 infection is forcing the scientific community to unprecedented efforts to explore all possible approaches against COVID-19. In this context, targeting virus entry is a promising antiviral strategy for controlling viral infections. The main strategies pursued to inhibit the viral entry are considering both the virus and the host factors involved in the process. Primarily, direct-acting antivirals rely on inhibition of the interaction between ACE2 and the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the Spike (S) protein or targeting the more conserved heptad repeats (HRs), involved in the membrane fusion process. The inhibition of host TMPRSS2 and cathepsins B/L may represent a complementary strategy to be investigated. In this review, we discuss the development entry inhibitors targeting the S protein, as well as the most promising host targeting strategies involving TMPRSS2 and CatB/L, which have been exploited so far against CoVs and other related viruses.
Removal of Pharmaceuticals from Water by Free and Imobilised Microalgae

Pharmaceuticals and their metabolites are released into the environment by domestic, hospital, and pharmaceutical industry wastewaters. Conventional wastewater treatment technology does not guarantee effluents of high quality, and apparently clean water may be loaded with pollutants. In this study, we assess the performance and efficiency of free and immobilised cells of microalgae Nannochloropsis sp. in removing four pharmaceuticals, chosen for their occurrence or persistence in the environment. These are paracetamol, ibuprofen, olanzapine and simvastatin. The results showed that free microalgae cells remain alive for a longer time than the immobilised ones, suggesting the inhibition of cell proliferation by the polymeric matrix polyvinyl alcohol. Both cells, free and immobilised, respond differently to each pharmaceutical. The removal of paracetamol and ibuprofen by Nannochloropsis sp. , after 24 h of culture, was significantly higher in immobilised cells. Free cells removed a significantly higher concentration of olanzapine than immobilised ones, suggesting a higher affinity to this molecule than to paracetamol and ibuprofen. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of Nannochloropsis sp. free cells for removing olanzapine and Nannochloropsis sp. immobilised cells for removing paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Nutritional Quality and Health Effects of Low Environmental Impact Diets: The “Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra” (SUN) Cohort

Current dietary patterns are negatively affecting both the environment and people’s health. Healthy diets are generally more environmentally friendly. However, few studies have focused on the health consequences of diets with low environmental impact. We analyzed differences in the dietary composition (types of food, macro- and micro-nutrients) of those diets with high and low environmental impact, according to greenhouse gas emission and resources use (water, land and energy) using data from a Spanish cohort (17,387 participants), collected by means of a validated food frequency questionnaire. Cox analyses were used to assess the association of dietary environmental impact with total mortality risk. At a given level of energy intake, diets with lower environmental impact contained higher amounts of plant-based foods and lower levels of animal-derived products. Less polluting diets involved higher amounts of polyunsaturated fats and dietary fiber and lower amounts of saturated fats and sodium. However, diets associated with less environmental damage also contained more added sugars, but lower levels of vitamin B12, zinc and calcium. We did not detect any association between dietary environmental impact and risk of mortality. Diets should not only produce minimal environmental impact, but the maximum overall benefits for all key dimensions encompassed in sustainable diets.
Hydrogel-Based Localized Nonviral Gene Delivery in Regenerative Medicine Approaches—An Overview

Hydrogel-based nonviral gene delivery constitutes a powerful strategy in various regenerative medicine scenarios, as those concerning the treatment of musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, or neural tissues disorders as well as wound healing. By a minimally invasive administration, these systems can provide a spatially and temporarily defined supply of specific gene sequences into the target tissue cells that are overexpressing or silencing the original gene, which can promote natural repairing mechanisms to achieve the desired effect. In the present work, we provide an overview of the most avant-garde approaches using various hydrogels systems for controlled delivery of therapeutic nucleic acid molecules in different regenerative medicine approaches.
Educational Differences in Decline in Maximum Gait Speed in Older Adults over an 11-year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND This study examined educational differences in decline in maximum gait speed over an 11-year follow-up in the general Finnish population aged ≥55 years, and assessed the contribution of lifestyle factors, body mass index, physical workload and chronic conditions on the association. METHODS Data from the nationally representative Health 2000 Survey and it's 11-year follow-up was used. Participants aged 55 years and older with maximum gait speed measured at both time-points were included (n=1128). Information on education, age, sex, lifestyle factors, body mass index, physical workload and chronic conditions was collected at baseline. General linear model was used to examine differences in decline in maximum gait speed between education groups. Mediation analyses using the product method was conducted to partition the total effect of education on decline in maximum gait speed into direct effect and indirect effect acting through mediators. RESULTS Decline in maximum gait speed was greater in low and intermediate education groups in comparison to the high education group [0.24 m/s, 95% confidence interval (0.21, 0.26), 0.24 m/s (0.21, 0.28), 0.10 m/s (0.07, 0.14), respectively]. The most important mediators were higher body mass index and lifetime exposure to physical workload among the less educated, accounting for 10% and 11% of the total effect, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Education-based disparities in objectively measured mobility increase with age as lower education is associated with greater decline in gait speed. Higher body mass index and physical workload among less educated contributed most to the educational disparities in age-related decline in maximum gait speed.
Using community-based participatory research in improving the management of hypertension in communities: A scoping review

Background Hypertension (HT) is a key contributor to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The improved management of HT in the community and primary care settings should be a priority for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Improving the prevention and management of HT in primary care settings should also be a priority for developing countries. There is a need for more studies using community-based approaches that show the impact of these programmes on HT outcomes, which may motivate policymakers to invest in such approaches. The ward-based outreach team or village healthcare worker models were meant to provide such approaches, but many of these have become lower levels of curative care. We conducted a scoping review to examine how community-based participatory research (CBPR) was being used to improve HT management. Methods Several electronic databases were searched, namely PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar and Web of Science, generating 798 references. The publications were screened through several rounds. Data were extracted and imported into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, numerically summarised and qualitatively analysed. Results Nine articles were included. These publications originated from the United States, Colombia, Canada, China, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Mixed methods, qualitative, randomised control trials and quasi-experimental studies were used to implement CBPR in the studies included. All the studies addressed complex health problems and inequities among the minorities utilising multiple stakeholder participation. Academic–community coalitions were formed, which enabled engagement and sharing of power equitably. As a result, there was acceptability and sustainability of interventions. Conclusion A CBPR framework can be used to define the context, group dynamics, implementation and outcomes of HT. It is possible to apply CBPR in HT management to appropriately address health disparities while emphasising a community-driven approach. To achieve this, tailored health education platforms should be developed and implemented.
Comparison of Optical Low-Coherence Reflectometry and Swept-Source OCT-Based Biometry Devices in Dense Cataracts.

PURPOSE To investigate agreement between biometric measurements obtained from the Lenstar LS 900 (Haag-Streit AG) based on optical low-coherence reflectometry (OLCR) and the Tomey OA-2000 (Tomey Corporation) based on swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) in dense cataracts. METHODS In this prospective observational study, axial length, keratometry, anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness, and central corneal thickness (CCT) were measured in 124 eyes of 76 patients. Intraocular lens prediction errors and absolute prediction errors were assessed based on postoperative manifest refraction. Analyses used were paired t test, Pearson correlation coefficient (r), and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS Failure in axial length measurements was noted in 28 eyes (22.58%) with OCLR compared to 2 eyes (1.6%) with SS-OCT. Although not statistically significant, axial length measurements were clinically higher with SS-OCT (23.78 ± 1.76 mm) compared to OCLR (23.72 ± 1.58 mm) (P = .81) (r = 0.23; P = .01). There was a significant trend toward myopic intraocular lens prediction with SS-OCT (-0.09 ± 0.48) compared to OLCR (0.09 ± 0.41, P < .01) (r = 0.25, P = .01). There was good agreement for keratometric and ACD values between the two devices. SS-OCT gave significantly higher values of lens thickness compared to OCLR (4.44 ± 0.44 vs 4.18 ± 0.48 mm, P < .01) (r = 0.39, P < .01). CCT measured with OCLR was significantly higher than SS-OCT (525.64 ± 27.0 vs 513.21 ± 29.24 µm; P < .01) (r = 0.98, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS One-fifth of the patients with dense cataracts failed axial length measurement on OCLR. SS-OCT gives clinically higher axial length measurements leading to more myopic intraocular lens prediction errors postoperatively. OCLR provides higher pachymetry and lower lens thickness values compared to the SS-OCT device. [J Refract Surg. 2020;36(8):557-564. ].
Mental transportation mediates nostalgia’s psychological benefits

ABSTRACT Nostalgizing confers social, existential, and self-oriented psychological benefits or functions. But how does the experience of nostalgia conduce to these functions? We propose that it does so, in part, through mental transportation, which involves mentally leaving one’s current space and transporting oneself into a past event. We addressed the role of mental transportation in one daily diary study and two experiments (N = 514). By assessing daily experiences of nostalgia in Study 1, we found that, on days in which participants felt more nostalgic, they were more likely to experience mental transportation. Following a narrative induction of nostalgia, we assessed mental transportation (Studies 2 and 3) and the three putative nostalgia functions: social, existential, self-oriented (Study 3). Nostalgic (vs. control) participants reported greater mental transportation (Studies 2 and 3), which in turn was associated with stronger functions (Study 3). The findings portray mental transportation as a key mechanism underlying the psychological benefits of nostalgia.
Women’s vitamin D levels and IVF results: a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis, considering three categories of vitamin status (replete, insufficient and deficient)

Abstract To investigate the influence of vitamin D status on in vitro fertilisation (IVF) results, a meta-analysis of 15 cohort studies of 3711 women undergoing IVF was performed. Women were classified into three groups according their vitamin D levels (≥30 ng/mL considered replete/sufficient; 21–29 ng/mL insufficient and <20 ng/mL deficient). Three different meta-analyses were performed: (i) sufficient vs deficient; (ii) sufficient vs ‘insufficient + deficient’; (iii) ‘sufficient + insufficient’ vs deficient. Comparing IVF outcomes in sufficient versus deficient groups (considering autologous and donor oocyte cycles together), we found women with sufficient vitamin D had significantly higher biochemical pregnancy (OR = 1.43 [1.06–1.95]), ongoing pregnancy (OR = 1.29 [1.02–1.64]), and live birth (OR = 1.74 [1.31–2.31]) rates, with a non-significant trend to a higher clinical pregnancy rate (OR = 1.31 [0.94–1.82]), whereas implantation and miscarriage rates were similar. When the meta-analysis was restricted to autologous oocytes, the parameters which had been significant in the joint analysis remained significant, and differences in implantation (OR = 1.64, [1.17–2.29]) and clinical pregnancy (OR = 1.47 [1.2–1.69]) rates became significant. No significant differences were found when considering only cycles with donor oocytes. The sufficient + insufficient vs deficient and sufficient vs ‘insufficient + deficient’ comparisons identified significant differences in live birth rate. The meta-analysis shows that sufficient vitamin D status is associated with better outcomes in IVF. Nonetheless, there are many demographic, geographic and clinical parameters that may be related to vitamin D status that need to be ascertained before concluding that the better results are due to the higher levels of vitamin D.
Microhomologies Are Associated with Tandem Duplications and Structural Variation in Plant Mitochondrial Genomes

Abstract Short tandem repeats (STRs) contribute to structural variation in plant mitochondrial genomes, but the mechanisms underlying their formation and expansion are unclear. In this study, we detected high polymorphism in the nad7-1 region of the Pinus tabuliformis mitogenome caused by the rapid accumulation of STRs and rearrangements over a few million years ago. The STRs in nad7-1 have a 7-bp microhomology (TAG7) flanking the repeat array. We then scanned the mitogenomes of 136 seed plants to understand the role of microhomology in the formation of STR and mitogenome evolution. A total of 13,170 STRs were identified, and almost half of them were associated with microhomologies. A substantial amount (1,197) of microhomologies was long enough to mediate structural variation, and the length of microhomology is positively correlated with the length of tandem repeat unit. These results suggest that microhomology may be involved in the formation of tandem repeat via microhomology-mediated pathway, and the formation of longer duplicates required greater length of microhomology. We examined the abundance of these 1,197 microhomologies, and found 75% of them were enriched in the plant mitogenomes. Further analyses of the 400 prevalent microhomologies revealed that 175 of them showed differential enrichment between angiosperms and gymnosperms and 186 differed between angiosperms and conifers, indicating lineage-specific usage and expansion of microhomologies. Our study sheds light on the sources of structural variation in plant mitochondrial genomes and highlights the importance of microhomology in mitochondrial genome evolution.
Personality Traits and Aggression as Explanatory Variables of Cyberbullying in Spanish Preadolescents

There is a growing interest in preventing cyberbullying in youth. However, multiple questions remain as to the relationship between cyberbullying and psychosocial variables. This study examines the relationship between personality traits, aggression and cyberbullying (victims, bullies, victimized bullies and not involved) in 548 Spanish students aged 10 to 13 (50.2% boys). To do so, the Screening of Peer Harassment, the Big Five Questionnaire for Children and the Aggression Questionnaire were used. Logistic regression analyses indicated that the extraversion trait is an explanatory factor for being a victim and openness is a protective factor against being a cyberbully. Agreeableness was found to be a positive predictor of being a cyberbullying victim. Only verbal aggression and anger were included as explanatory factors of being a victim and a victimized bully, respectively. The results are discussed, suggesting their potential implications in the development of preventive programs.
Comparative performance of different methods for circulating tumor cell enrichment in metastatic breast cancer patients

The isolation and analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTC) has the potential to provide minimally invasive diagnostic, prognostic and predictive information. Widespread clinical implementation of CTC analysis has been hampered by a lack of comparative investigation between different analytic methodologies in clinically relevant settings. The objective of this study was to evaluate four different CTC isolation techniques–those that rely on surface antigen expression (EpCAM or CD45 using DynaBeads® or EasySep™ systems) or the biophysical properties (RosetteSep™ or ScreenCell®) of CTCs. These were evaluated using cultured cells in order to calculate isolation efficiency at various levels including; inter-assay and inter-operator variability, protocol complexity and turn-around time. All four techniques were adequate at levels above 100 cells/mL which is commonly used for the evaluation of new isolation techniques. Only the RosetteSep™ and ScreenCell® techniques were found to provide adequate sensitivity at a level of 10 cells/mL. These techniques were then applied to the isolation and analysis of circulating tumor cells blood drawn from metastatic breast cancer patients where CTCs were detected in 54% (15/28) of MBC patients using the RosetteSep™ and 75% (6/8) with ScreenCell®. Overall, the ScreenCell® method had better sensitivity.
Structural Competency in Conflict Zones: Challenging Depoliticization in Israel

Structural competency is the trained ability to discern and acknowledge how health care outcomes are shaped by larger political, social, economic, policy, and legal forces and structures. Although structural competency has become an increasingly known framework for training and teaching, especially in the United States, it has usually not been used in nursing and nursing education. Moreover, very little is known about how to implement structural competency programs in conflict zones. Due to depoliticization that often prevails in both the higher education system and the health care system, the political conflict and the structural violence that significantly impact people’s health are rarely discussed in these systems. This article examines the potential contribution of structural competency training programs for nurses and nursing students in conflict areas by analyzing a program that has emphasized the impact of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict on the health of Jerusalem’s Palestinian residents. The article explains how this program has challenged the denial and silencing of conflict-related sociopolitical issues. At the same time, this program has created heated disagreements and friction. We suggest that structural competency training programs that are adapted to the political context in question may help nurses become organic intellectual leaders and agents of social change for those whose voices are not heard.
Time-series cardiovascular risk factors and receipt of screening for breast, cervical, and colon cancer: The Guideline Advantage

Background Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Cancer screenings can detect precancerous cells and allow for earlier diagnosis and treatment. Our purpose was to better understand risk factors for cancer screenings and assess the effect of cancer screenings on changes of Cardiovascular health (CVH) measures before and after cancer screenings among patients. Methods We used The Guideline Advantage (TGA)—American Heart Association ambulatory quality clinical data registry of electronic health record data (n = 362,533 patients) to investigate associations between time-series CVH measures and receipt of breast, cervical, and colon cancer screenings. Long short-term memory (LSTM) neural networks was employed to predict receipt of cancer screenings. We also compared the distributions of CVH factors between patients who received cancer screenings and those who did not. Finally, we examined and quantified changes in CVH measures among the screened and non-screened groups. Results Model performance was evaluated by the area under the receiver operator curve (AUROC): the average AUROC of 10 curves was 0.63 for breast, 0.70 for cervical, and 0.61 for colon cancer screening. Distribution comparison found that screened patients had a higher prevalence of poor CVH categories. CVH submetrics were improved for patients after cancer screenings. Conclusion Deep learning algorithm could be used to investigate the associations between time-series CVH measures and cancer screenings in an ambulatory population. Patients with more adverse CVH profiles tend to be screened for cancers, and cancer screening may also prompt favorable changes in CVH. Cancer screenings may increase patient CVH health, thus potentially decreasing burden of disease and costs for the health system (e.g., cardiovascular diseases and cancers).