Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhanced oral absorption of insulin: hydrophobic ion pairing and a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system using a D-optimal mixture design

Abstract The lipophilicity of a peptide drug can be considerably increased by hydrophobic ion pairing with amphiphilic counterions for successful incorporation into lipid-based formulations. Herein, to enhance the oral absorption of insulin (INS), a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) formulation was developed. Prior to optimization, INS was complexed with sodium n-octadecyl sulfate (SOS) to increase the loading into the SMEDDS. The INS–SOS complex was characterized via scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and its dissociation behavior. The SMEDDS was optimized using a D-optimal mixture design with three independent variables including Capmul MCM (X 1, 9.31%), Labrasol (X 2, 49.77%), and Tetraglycol (X 3, 40.92%) and three response variables including droplet size (Y 1, 115.2 nm), INS stability (Y 2, 46.75%), and INS leakage (Y 3, 17.67%). The desirability function was 0.766, indicating excellent agreement between the predicted and experimental values. The stability of INS-SOS against gastrointestinal enzymes was noticeably improved in the SMEDDS, and the majority of INS remained in oil droplets during release. Following oral administration in diabetic rats, the optimized SMEDDS resulted in pharmacological availabilities of 3.23% (50 IU/kg) and 2.13% (100 IU/kg). Thus, the optimized SMEDDS is a good candidate for the practical development of oral delivery of peptide drugs such as INS.
Work–Family Conflict, Organizational Identification, and Professional Identification Among Chinese Nurses From a Resource Perspective

ABSTRACT Background The miserable work conditions faced by many nurses around the world make them particularly prone to work–family conflict. Purpose This study was designed to explain from a resource perspective how and when nurses experiencing work–family conflict are more likely to exhibit decreased levels of organizational identification and professional identification. Methods A time-separation research design was used, and data were collected from 322 nurses in five hospitals in China. All of the hypotheses were tested using conduct structural equation modeling. Results The results showed that work–family conflict had negative effects on organizational identification and professional identification via emotional exhaustion. In addition, job meaningfulness may have a buffering effect on the negative impact of work–family conflict on emotional exhaustion, organizational identification, and professional identification. Conclusions/Implications for Practice The results advance knowledge on how and when work–family conflict damages organizational identification and professional identification. Providing family support, relieving emotional exhaustion, and enhancing job meaningfulness are necessary to support the organizational and professional identification of nurses.
Influence of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors on Plasma Adiponectin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract The influence of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors on plasma adiponectin remains not comprehensively evaluated. We performed a meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on plasma level of adiponectin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Randomized controlled trials comparing SGLT-2 inhibitors with non-active controls on plasma adiponectin in T2DM patients were retrieved by search of the Medline (PubMed), Embase, and CENTER (Cochrane Library) databases from inception to April 5, 2022. Study characteristics and outcome data were independently extracted by two authors. A random-effect model by incorporating the potential between-study heterogeneity was used to combine the results. Fourteen studies with 2142 patients contributed to the meta-analysis. Compared to placebo, SGLT-2 inhibitors significantly increased plasma adiponectin [standard mean difference (SMD): 0.35, 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.46, p<0.001] with mild heterogeneity (I2=19%). Predefined subgroup analyses suggested that tofogliflozin (SMD: 0.37, p<0.001), luseogliflozin (SMD: 0.51, p<0.001), and ipragliflozin (SMD: 0.34, p<0.001) were associated with increased adiponectin, but not for dapagliflozin (SMD: 0.14, p 0.26). In addition, SGLT-2 inhibitors were associated with increased adiponectin in studies from Asia (SMD: 0.42, p<0.001), but not in studies from the western countries (SMD: 0.16, p 0.17). Moreover, the increment of adiponectin was more significant in patients with body mass index (BMI)<30 kg/m2 (SMD: 0.46, p<0.001) than that in patients with BMI≤30 kg/m2 (SMD: 0.19, p 0.02, p for subgroup difference 0.01). In conclusion, SGLT-2 inhibitors could significantly increase plasma adiponectin as compared with placebo in T2DM patients.
Cross-cultural analysis of the role of ambivalent feelings for understanding caregivers’ depressive symptoms

Abstract Objectives Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are considered to cause ambivalent feelings in caregivers that may contribute to understanding their depressive symptoms. Transnational research is needed in order to increase our knowledge about the cross-cultural equivalence of theoretical models to understand caregivers’ mental health. The aim of this study was to cross-culturally analyze the association between BPSD, ambivalent feelings and depressive symptoms in two samples of family caregivers of people with dementia from Spain and the UK. Methods Participants in this study were 432 caregivers who completed measures of BPSD, ambivalent feelings and depressive symptoms. The association between the assessed variables was tested through path-analysis, with differences between countries tested through multigroup analysis. Results The results suggest that the influence of BPSD on caregivers’ depressive symptoms is indirect, through ambivalent feelings. The observed associations were equivalent between countries and explained a significant percentage of the variance of depressive symptoms. Conclusion The findings of this study provide, for the first time, evidence of equivalent cross-cultural paths analyzing the role of ambivalent feelings for understanding caregivers’ depressive symptoms. The practical implications of these results are discussed.
From genetics to biotechnology: Synthetic biology as a flexible course‐embedded research experience

The need for changing how science is taught and the expansion of undergraduate research experiences is essential to foster critical thinking in the Natural Sciences. Most faculty research programs only involve a small number of upper‐level undergraduate students each semester. The course‐based undergraduate research experience (CURE) model enables more students to take ownership over an independent project and experience authentic research. Further, by creating projects that fit into a curriculum's learning goals and student‐oriented outcomes, departments help strengthen critical thinking skills in the classroom. Here, we report on the incorporation of a synthetic biology CURE into a mid‐level cellular biology course and two advanced level genetics/molecular biology courses. Synthetic biology involves systematic engineering of novel organisms, such as bacteria and plants, to work as functional devices to solve problems in medicine, agriculture, and manufacturing. The value of synthetic biology and its ultimate utility as a teaching tool relies on reusable, standard genetic parts that can be interchanged using common genetic engineering principles. This Synthetic biology CURE effectively achieves five essential goals: (1) a sense of project ownership; (2) self‐efficacy: mastery of a manageable number of techniques; (3) increased tolerance for obstacles through challenging research; (4) increased communication skills; and (5) a sense of belonging in a larger scientific community. Based upon our student assessment data, we demonstrate that this course‐based synthetic biology laboratory engages students directly in an authentic research experience and models important elements of collaboration, discovery, iteration, and critical thinking.
Alterations in insulin‐like growth factor system in spinal muscular atrophy

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an inherited neuromuscular disease caused by survival motor neuron (SMN) protein deficiency. Insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) is a myotrophic and neurotrophic factor that has been reported to be dysregulated in in vivo SMA model systems. However, detailed analyses of the IGF‐I system in SMA patients are missing. In this study, we analyzed the components of the IGF‐I system in serum and archived skeletal muscle biopsies of SMA patients.
First detection and complete genome analysis of porcine circovirus‐like virus P1 and porcine circovirus‐2 in yak in China

Abstract Porcine circovirus‐like virus P1, like porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), is a potential pathogen of post‐weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome in swine. Yaks are a valuable species and an iconic symbol of the Tibet Plateau which is the highest and largest plateau in the world. In this study, a total of 105 yak diarrheal samples, collected from 13 farms in Linzhi in the Tibet Plateau from January 2019 to December 2021, that were screened for P1 and PCV2 by polymerase chain reaction, 10.48% (n = 11) were positive for P1, 4.76% (n = 5) for PCV2, and 5.71% (n = 6) were positive for coinfection of P1 and PCV2. In addition, the whole genomes of eight P1 strains and eight PCV2 strains were sequenced. Alignment of deduced amino acid sequences of P1 ORF1 and PCV2 ORF2 gene revealed that ON012566 had one unique amino acid mutation at residues 137 (T to P). This mutation has important implication for the study of virus virulence, tissue tropism, and immune response. Phylogenetic analysis shows that the yak‐origin P1 strains in this study with cattle‐origin P1 reference strains were grouped into one cluster. The yak‐origin PCV2 (ON012566) and a buffalo‐origin PCV2 (KM116514) reference strain clustered in the same branch in the PCV2b regions. Meanwhile, the remaining PCV2 strains and buffalo‐origin PCV2 reference strain (ON012565) clustered in the PCV2d regions. To summarize, to our knowledge, this is the first report on the molecular prevalence and genome characteristics of P1 and PCV2 in yaks in the world and will contribute to further study of the molecular epidemiology, source, and evolution of P1 and PCV2 strains.
The effects of green tea in the diet of broilers challenged with coccidiosis on their performance, carcass characteristics, intestinal mucosal morphology, blood constituents and ceca microflora

Abstract Background Coccidiosis is an endemic protozoal disease of chickens normally controlled by ionophores. However, coccidiostats are also antibiotics, and evidence of resistance in both coccidia and bacteria may develop and reduce antibacterial activity in humans. This has led to a search for natural coccidiostats, such as green tea. Objectives To study the effects of supplementing broilers with various levels and types of green tea, in comparison to use of a conventional coccidiostat or a control, unsupplemented diet. Methods A total of 360 male, day‐old Ross 308 broilers (days 1–42) were used to evaluate the gut morphology and performance when challenged with coccidiosis and fed varying dietary levels of green tea powder or extract. Treatments were Negative control (NC, unsupplemented control diet); positive control (PC, control diet + commercial coccidiostat); control diets with 0.2, 0.3 or 0.4 g/kg green tea extract (GTE 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4); and control diets with 1, 2 or 3 g/kg green tea powder (GTP 1, 2 and 3). Results Compared with NC, PC and all green tea treatments, but particularly GTE0.4, increased feed intake and growth rate, with the best feed conversion ratio at GTE0.4. As a proportion of carcase weight, higher inclusion rates increased intestine weight and decreased abdominal fat. The duodenum, jejunum and ileum of birds fed green tea, and particularly GTE0.4, had longer, wider villi, and shallower crypts. Epithelium thickness was reduced by green tea and PC, compared to NC. Clostridium perfringens and coliform populations decreased in proportion to green tea inclusion rate and decreased in PC. Lactobacilli increased with green tea and were more for NC than PC. Green tea at the highest concentrations reduced blood glucose and LDL and VLDL cholesterol. Conclusions Green tea offers a possible replacement for conventional ionophores to control coccidiosis in broiler chickens. The best inclusion rate was 0.4 g/kg.
The Impacts of Referent Display on Gesture and Speech Elicitation

Elicitation studies have become a popular method of participatory design. While traditionally used to examine unimodal gesture interactions, elicitation has started being used with other novel interaction modalities. Unfortunately, there has been no work that examines the impact of referent display on elicited interaction proposals. To address that concern this work provides a detailed comparison between two elicitation studies that were similar in design apart from the way that participants were prompted for interaction proposals (i.e., the referents). Based on this comparison the impact of referent display on speech and gesture interaction proposals are each discussed. The interaction proposals between these elicitation studies were not identical. Gesture proposals were the least impacted by referent display, showing high proposal similarity between the two works. Speech proposals were highly biased by text referents with proposals directly mirroring text-based referents an average of 69.36% of the time. In short, the way that referents are presented during elicitation studies can impact the resulting interaction proposals; however, the level of impact found is dependent on the modality of input elicited.
Comments on "On the application of the Gallavotti--Cohen fluctuation relation to thermostatted steady states near equilibrium"

The various versions of cond-mat/0312353 discuss results obtained by me&coworkers in the last decade. I have received requests to comment on the paper and the comments are collected here, including some that I tried to point in the course of discussions that can be found in the web page this http URL
Removal of Pb(II) by lignin-sodium alginate composite in a fixed-bed column

ABSTRACT A kind of adsorbent (Hydrogel-I) derived from sodium alginate and modified alkaline lignin (MAL) has been proved to possess a good adsorption performance for Pb(II)-loaded wastewater based on batch experiments. However, practical removal of Pb(II)-loaded-wastewater is a continuous and dynamic process. Herein, Hydrogel-I was further evaluated by packing it into a fixed-bed column. The breakthrough curves were established under different inflow rates (0.159–0.318 L/min), inflow directions (down-inflow mode and top-inflow mode), initial concentrations (5–20 mg/L) of Pb(II), and bed depths (20–60 cm). The results indicated that the slower inflow rate (0.159 L/min), down-inflow mode, lower initial concentration (5 mg/L), and higher bed depth (60 cm) prolonged breakthrough times (tb) and saturation times (ts). Compared to the top-inflow mode, the down-inflow mode guaranteed enough contact between Hydrogel-I and Pb(II). The values of adsorption capacity at tb, ts, and the removal efficiency under the down-inflow mode were higher than that under top-inflow mode by 2.33, 0.78, and 0.07 times, respectively. Hydrogel-I beads exhibited better adsorption performance than other adsorbents by comparing the rate constant (kAB) and the adsorption capacity (N0). The kAB and N0 of Hydrogel-I beads were calculated to be 0.0034 L/(mg·min−1) and 678 mg/L. Hydrogel-I beads showed good regeneration ability in a three-adsorption-desorption cycle. Meanwhile, FT-IR analysis showed that the groups of –NH/–NH2, C=S, and C–S were proved to be the adsorption sites. This study could prove valuable insight into the practical application of Hydrogel-I for dynamic removal of Pb(II) in an inflow-through column. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
AB/BA Crossover Trials - Binary Outcome

On occasion, the response to treatment in an AB/BA crossover trial is measured on a binary variable success or failure. It is assumed that response to treatment is measured on an outcome variable with (+) representing a treatment success and a (-) representing a treatment failure. Traditionally, three tests for comparing treatment effect have been used (McNemar’s, Mainland-Gart, and Prescott’s). An issue arises concerning treatment comparisons when there may be a residual effect (carryover effect) of a previous treatment affecting the current treatment. A general consensus as to which procedure is preferable is debatable. However, if both group and carry-over effects are absent, Prescott’s test is the best one to use. Under a model with residual effects, Prescott’s test is biased. Therefore, a conservative approach includes testing for residual effects. When there is no period effect, McNemar’s test is optimal, while McNemar’s test is biased.
On the use of the unstable manifold correction in a Picard iteration for the solution of the velocity field in higher-order ice-flow models

Nonlinear iteration schemes are essential for a fast and stable solution of higher-order ice-flow models (HOIFM’s). This topic is gaining momentum as now also ice-sheet models are planned to include higher-order mechanics. In 1996, Hindmarsh and Payne proposed the unstable manifold correction as a way to stabilise the numerical solution of implicit finite-difference discretisations of the time-dependent thickness-evolution equation for ice flow. Since 2002, Pattyn (e.g. Pattyn (2002), Pattyn (2003)) has been using the unstable manifold correction in a Picard iteration to facilitate the solution of the velocity field in HOIFM’s. In more recent work, a variant of the original algorithm was used (e.g. Pattyn and others, 2004). Although this variant usually enables a relatively fast solution, it is theoretically less sound. Using a new 2D HOIFM implementation, we show that, in most cases, there is no need for the unstable manifold correction or its variant in a Picard iteration. We also present a more appropriate, stable and simple algorithm that speeds up the iterative solution of the velocity field in HOIFM’s for problems with real data.
Exopolysaccharides amylovoran and levan contribute to sliding motility in the fire blight pathogen Erwinia amylovora

Summary Erwinia amylovora, the causative agent of fire blight, uses flagella‐based motilities to translocate to host plant natural openings; however, little is known about how this bacterium migrates systemically in the apoplast. Here, we reveal a novel surface motility mechanism, defined as sliding, in E. amylovora. Deletion of flagella assembly genes did not affect this movement, whereas deletion of biosynthesis genes for the exopolysaccharides (EPSs) amylovoran and levan resulted in non‐sliding phenotypes. Since EPS production generates osmotic pressure that potentially powers sliding, we validated this mechanism by demonstrating that water potential positively contributes to sliding. In addition, no sliding was observed when the water potential of the surface was lower than −0.5 MPa. Sliding is a passive motility mechanism. We further show that the force of gravity plays a critical role in directing E. amylovora sliding on unconfined surfaces but has a negligible effect when cells are sliding in confined microcapillaries, in which EPS‐dependent osmotic pressure acts as the main force. Although amylovoran and levan are both required for sliding, we demonstrate that they exhibit different roles in bacterial communities. In summary, our study provides fundamental knowledge for a better understanding of mechanisms that drive bacterial sliding motility.
Pleural decortication and hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy for pseudomyxoma

Abstract Aim: Pleural dissemination of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is an extremely rare diagnosis, for which no standard therapy is available. Methods: We describe the successful treatment of a 67-year-old male diagnosed with left-sided intrapleural dissemination of PMP (low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm), 2 years after treatment of abdominal PMP with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy. Treatment consisted of extended pleural decortication (ePD) and oxaliplatin-based hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC). The patient is doing well without complications or signs of recurrence, 26 months after thoracic surgery. Conclusion: ePD in combination with HITHOC is a valuable treatment for thoracic PMP.
Gut microbiota mediates the inhibition of lymphopoiesis in dietary-restricted mice by suppressing glycolysis

ABSTRACT Dietary restriction (DR) is one of the most robust interventions shown to extend health-span and remains on the forefront of anti-aging intervention studies, though conflicting results have been shown on its effect on lifespan both in rodents and primates. The severe inhibitory effects on the lymphoid lineage by DR remains one of its major negative downsides which reduces its overall beneficial effects on organismal health. Yet, the underlying mechanism of how DR suppresses the lymphoid system remains to be explored. Here, we show that antibiotic ablation of gut microbiota significantly rescued the inhibition of lymphopoiesis by DR. Interestingly, glycolysis in lymphocytes was significantly down-regulated in DR mice and pharmacological inhibition of glycolysis reverted this rescue effect of lymphopoiesis in DR mice with ablated gut microbiota. Furthermore, DR remarkably reconstructed gut microbiota with a significant increase in butyrate-producing bacterial taxa and in expression of But, a key gene involved in butyrate synthesis. Moreover, supplemental butyrate feeding in AL mice suppressed glycolysis in lymphoid cells and mimicked the inhibition of lymphopoiesis in AL mice. Together, our study reveals that gut microbiota mediates the inhibition on lymphopoiesis via down-regulation of glycolysis under DR conditions, which is associated with increased butyrate-synthesis. Our study uncovered a candidate that could potentially be targeted for ameliorating the negative effects of DR on lymphopoiesis, and therefore may have important implications for the wider application of DR and promoting healthy aging.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia Among Active Duty Military Personnel Diagnosed With Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

INTRODUCTION Insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea are common conditions among military service members, with high rates of comorbidity. Although cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) has been established as an effective treatment for insomnia, it is unclear whether or not CBT-I is effective among service members with comorbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective, observational study examined insomnia outcomes among a group of service member patients (N = 73) with comorbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea. All patients received individual CBT-I in a specialty sleep clinic at a military treatment facility. Seven outcomes associated with insomnia were evaluated before and after treatment. RESULTS On average, patients showed significant improvement in sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency, number of awakenings, and symptoms reported on the Insomnia Severity Index. Twenty-six percent of patients showed clinically significant improvement in reported insomnia symptoms. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that CBT-I may be effective in treating military service members with comorbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea. Despite the limitations of data collected in a clinical setting, consistent findings across five of the seven outcome measures provide good evidence that this treatment can be implemented in military settings.