Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of a solar photo and bioactive CNT–TiO2 nanocatalyst

A novel route for the synthesis of CNT–TiO2 hybrid nanostructures is reported based on a combination of sol–gel and arc discharge methods in a liquid. The CNT–TiO2 nanocomposites were prepared using an arc discharge between graphitic electrodes in a TiO2 solution and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ultra violet–visible absorption spectroscopy (UV–Vis). The photocatalytic performance in visible light and antibacterial activity of the CNT–TiO2 nanocomposites demonstrated degradation of Rhodamine B (Rh. B) and inactivation of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. It was observed that the absorption spectrum of the CNT–TiO2 nanocomposites extended into the visible region, and considerably improved photocatalytic efficiency and antibacterial properties under visible light irradiation. The amount of CNTs formed in the TiO2 solution was controlled by the arc duration time and the optimum value for the best possible photocatalytic performance of each specific arc current was also probed. We found that the prepared samples have high photocatalytic activity and antibacterial efficiency. The significant enhancement in the photocatalytic properties and antibacterial activity of CNT–TiO2 nanocomposites under visible light irradiation can be attributed to the effect of doped CNTs acting as electron traps in the TiO2 band gap.
HoxB genes regulate neuronal delamination in the trunk neural tube by controlling the expression of Lzts1

ABSTRACT Differential Hox gene expression is central for specification of axial neuronal diversity in the spinal cord. Here, we uncover an additional function of Hox proteins in the developing spinal cord, restricted to B cluster Hox genes. We found that members of the HoxB cluster are expressed in the trunk neural tube of chicken embryo earlier than Hox from the other clusters, with poor antero-posterior axial specificity and with overlapping expression in the intermediate zone (IZ). Gain-of-function experiments of HoxB4, HoxB8 and HoxB9, respectively, representative of anterior, central and posterior HoxB genes, resulted in ectopic progenitor cells in the mantle zone. The search for HoxB8 downstream targets in the early neural tube identified the leucine zipper tumor suppressor 1 gene (Lzts1), the expression of which is also activated by HoxB4 and HoxB9. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments showed that Lzts1, which is expressed endogenously in the IZ, controls neuronal delamination. These data collectively indicate that HoxB genes have a generic function in the developing spinal cord, controlling the expression of Lzts1 and neuronal delamination. Summary: Instead of providing positional information, HoxB genes regulate the delamination of neuronally differentiating cells by controlling the expression of leucine zipper tumor suppressor 1.
Prescription pain medication use among midlife and older adults with chronic pain: The roles of generativity and perceived family support.

INTRODUCTION This study examined the roles of generativity (i.e., the need to care for and contribute to future generations) and perceived family support in prescription pain medication use among midlife and older adults with chronic pain. METHODS The sample consisted of 826 participants with chronic pain from the Midlife in the United States data set (Midlife in the United States III, 2013-2014). RESULTS The results of a moderated mediation analysis indicated that generativity significantly mitigated the negative association between pain interference and perceived family support, and those with high generativity reported consuming more prescription pain medications at all levels of pain interference. DISCUSSION The findings indicated the protective roles of generativity in attenuating the detrimental effects of chronic pain on family support and suggested the potential roles of perceived family support and generativity in medication adherence among midlife and older adults with chronic pain. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Deep learning for computer-assisted diagnosis of hereditary diffuse gastric cancer

Background Patients with hereditary diffuse gastric cancer often undergo prophylactic gastrectomy to minimize cancer risk. Because intramucosal poorly cohesive carcinomas in this setting are typically not grossly visible, many pathologists assess the entire gastrectomy specimen microscopically. With 150 or more slides per case, this is a major time burden for pathologists. This study utilizes deep learning methods to analyze digitized slides and detect regions of carcinoma. Methods Prophylactic gastrectomy specimens from seven patients with germline CDH1 mutations were analyzed (five for training/validation and two for testing, with a total of 133 tumor foci). All hematoxylin and eosin slides containing cancer foci were digitally scanned, and patches of size 256 × 256 pixels were randomly extracted from regions of cancer as well as from regions of normal background tissue, resulting in 15,851 images for training/validation and 970 images for testing. A model with DenseNet-169 architecture was trained for 150 epochs, then evaluated on images from the test set. External validation was conducted on 814 images scanned at an outside institution. Results On individual patches, the trained model achieved a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9986. This enabled it to maintain a sensitivity of 90% with a false-positive rate of less than 0.1%. On the external validation dataset, the model achieved a similar ROC AUC of 0.9984. On whole slide images, the network detected 100% of tumor foci and correctly eliminated an average of 99.9% of the non-cancer slide area from consideration. Conclusions Overall, our model shows encouraging progress towards computer-assisted diagnosis of hereditary diffuse gastric cancer.
Preserving transcriptional stress responses as an anti‐aging strategy

The progressively increasing frailty, morbidity and mortality of aging organisms coincides with, and may be causally related to, their waning ability to adapt to environmental perturbations. Transcriptional responses to challenges, such as oxidative stress or pathogens, diminish with age. This effect is manifest in the declining function of the stress responsive transcription factor Nrf2. Protective gene expression programs that are controlled by the Drosophila Nrf2 homolog, CncC, support homeostasis and longevity. Age‐associated chromatin changes make these genes inaccessible to CncC binding and render them inert to signal‐dependent transcriptional activation in old animals. In a previous paper, we have reported that overexpression of the CncC dimerization partner Maf‐S counteracts this degenerative effect and preserves organism fitness. Building on this work, we show here that Maf‐S overexpression prevents loss of chromatin accessibility and maintains gene responsiveness. Moreover, the same outcome, along with an extension of lifespan, can be achieved by inducing CncC target gene expression pharmacologically throughout adult life. Thus, pharmacological or dietary interventions that can preserve stress responsive gene expression may be feasible anti‐aging strategies.
Foreign body reaction toward hydrophilic polymer at the site of endovascular procedure: A report of two cases

Hydrophilic polymer‐coated devices have been increasingly utilized for various endovascular procedures, however not been without adverse effects. We report two cases of subacute cutaneous lesions on the neck encountered in our dermatology clinic. Histopathologic findings were significant for a nodular aggregate of epithelioid histiocytes and lymphocytes with numerous foreign body giant cells in the dermis. The granulomatous infiltrate was associated with an amorphous basophilic non‐polarizable material. Further chart review reveals both patients receiving a central venous procedure in the past, thus attributing the hydrophilic polymers as the likely source of the foreign material found at the insertion site. Our cases contrast to the more commonly reported distal embolization by these hydrophilic polymer layers. We suspect the incidence of retained hydrophilic polymer at the site of prior endovascular procedures may be underreported in the literature with the more inconspicuous presentations. Therefore, retained foreign material should be considered by both treating physicians and dermatopathologists in presenting cases of lesions that occur at common sites of endovascular procedures.
Synergistic interaction of nerve growth factor and glial cell‐line derived neurotrophic factor in muscular mechanical hyperalgesia in rats

Nerve growth factor (NGF) and glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) are essential for neuronal development and survival in embryo. However, after birth they play pivotal roles in the generation of hyperalgesia in many painful conditions. Both factors are believed to act on different groups of primary afferents, but interaction between them has not yet been studied. Here we show a synergism between the two factors. Intramuscular injection of a mixture of both factors at a low concentration, each of which alone had no effect, induced a significant muscular mechanical hyperalgesia in rats. We show that synergism occurs in the primary afferent neurons and find that about 25% primary afferents innervating the muscle express both TrkA (NGF receptor) and GFRα1 (GDNF receptor). We show by pharmacological means that afferent neurons with TrkA and GFRα1 express both TRPV1 and ASICs. Our data establish a basis for synergism between NGF and GDNF.
Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation in Physiology and Pathophysiology of the Nervous System

Molecules within cells are segregated into functional domains to form various organelles. While some of those organelles are delimited by lipid membranes demarcating their constituents, others lack a membrane enclosure. Recently, liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) revolutionized our view of how segregation of macromolecules can produce membraneless organelles. While the concept of LLPS has been well studied in the areas of soft matter physics and polymer chemistry, its significance has only recently been recognized in the field of biology. It occurs typically between macromolecules that have multivalent interactions. Interestingly, these features are present in many molecules that exert key functions within neurons. In this review, we cover recent topics of LLPS in different contexts of neuronal physiology and pathology.
Findings Predictive of Poor Outcome in Grade 5 Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Cohort Study

ABSTRACT: Background: Most patients with World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) grade 5 subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) have poor outcomes. Accurate assessment of prognosis is important for treatment decisions and conversations with families regarding goals of care. Unjustified pessimism may lead to “self-fulfilling prophecy,” where withdrawal of life-sustaining measures (WLSM) is invariably followed by death. Methods: We performed a cohort study involving consecutive patients with WFNS grade 5 SAH to identify variables with >= 90% and >= 95% positive predictive value (PPV) for poor outcome (1-year modified Rankin Score >= 4), as well as findings predictive of WLSM. Results: Of 140 patients, 38 (27%) had favorable outcomes. Predictors with >= 95% PPV for poor outcome included unconfounded 72-hour Glasgow Coma Scale motor score <= 4, absence of >= 1 pupillary light reflex (PLR) at 24 hours, and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) score of >= 20 (volume >= 54.6 ml). Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) volume >= 53 ml had PPV of 92%. Variables associated with WLSM decisions included a poor motor score (p < 0.0001) and radiographic evidence of infarction (p = 0.02). Conclusions: We identified several early predictors with high PPV for poor outcome. Of these, lack of improvement in motor score during the initial 72 hours had the greatest potential for confounding from “self-fulfilling prophecy. ” Absence of PLR at 24 hours, IVH score >= 20, and ICH volume >= 53 ml predicted poor outcome without a statistically significant effect on WLSM decisions. More research is needed to validate prognostic variables in grade 5 SAH, especially among patients who do not undergo WLSM.
Effect of Co-culture and Nutrients Supplementation on Bioremediation of Crude Petroleum Sludge

Ex-situ bioremediation of real-field crude petroleum sludge was evaluated to elucidate the role of co-culture (bioaugmentation) and external nutrients supplementation (biostimulation) under anaerobic microenvironment. Maximum removal of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) was observed by integrating biostimulation with bioaugmentation (R5, 44.01%) followed by bioaugmentation alone (R4, 34.47%), co-substrate supplemented operations [R6, 23.36%; R3, 16.5%; R2, 9.88%] and control (R1, 4.36%). Aromatics fraction showed higher degradation in all the conditions studied. Fate of six selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was evaluated during bioremediation. Among these, four ring PAHs compounds showed good degradation by integration of biostimulation with bioaugmentation (R5) while bioaugmentation alone (R4) documented good degradation of three ring PAHs. Lower ring PAHs compounds showed good degradation with the application of biostimulation (R6). Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) detected the presence of known PAHs degrading microorganisms viz., Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Acido bacteria, Sulphur reducing bacteria Firmicutes, etc. Application of biostimulation and bioaugmentation strategies alone or in combinations documented noticeable influence on the degradation of petroleum sludge.
Deficient Emotional Self-Regulation and Sleep Problems in ADHD with and without Pharmacological Treatment

Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyse DESR and its influence on sleep parameters in three different groups of children and adolescents: a group newly diagnosed with ADHD naïve, a group with ADHD under pharmacological treatment and a control group. Method: Subjects were a total of 327 children and adolescents. Two groups diagnosed with ADHD: 108 medication-naïve and 80 under pharmacological treatment; and one group with 136 healthy subjects. DESR was defined using anxious/depressed, attention problems and aggressive behaviors (AAA) scales from the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and sleep through the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children. Results: Significant differences were found comparing the three groups (p = .001), with a significantly higher profile on DESR in ADHD subjects, especially those who did not undergo treatment, and a positive correlation between DESR and sleep. Conclusion: Children and adolescents with ADHD without treatment present higher DESR than healthy controls and consequently higher sleep problems.
A genome-wide association study reveals cytokinin as a major component in the root defense responses against Ralstonia solanacearum

Abstract Bacterial wilt caused by the soil-borne pathogen Ralstonia solancearum is economically devastating, with no effective methods to fight the disease. This pathogen invades plants through their roots and colonizes their xylem, clogging the vasculature and causing rapid wilting. Key to preventing colonization are the early defense responses triggered in the host’s root upon infection, which remain mostly unknown. Here, we have taken advantage of a high-throughput in vitro infection system to screen natural variability associated with the root growth inhibition phenotype caused by R. solanacearum in Arabidopsis during the first hours of infection. To analyze the genetic determinants of this trait, we have performed a genome-wide association study, identifying allelic variation at several loci related to cytokinin metabolism, including genes responsible for biosynthesis and degradation of cytokinin. Further, our data clearly demonstrate that cytokinin signaling is induced early during the infection process and cytokinin contributes to immunity against R. solanacearum. This study highlights a new role for cytokinin in root immunity, paving the way for future research that will help in understanding the mechanisms underpinning root defenses.
Differential impact of osteoporosis, sarcopenia and obesity on physical performance in aging men

Purpose Aging and concurrent constitutional changes as sarcopenia, osteoporosis and obesity are associated with progressive functional decline. Coincidence and mutual interference of this risk factors require further evaluation. Methods Cross-sectional evaluation of musculoskeletal health in a community-dwelling cohort of men aged 65–90 years. Objectives included descriptive analysis of age-related decline in physical performance, prevalence of osteoporosis (FRAX-Score), sarcopenia (EWGSOP criteria) and obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2) and their coincidence/interference. Results Based on 507 participants assessed, aging was associated with progressive functional deterioration, regarding power (chair rise test −1.54% per year), performance (usual gait speed −1.38% per year) and muscle force (grip strength −1.52% per year) while muscle mass declined only marginally (skeletal muscle index −0.29% per year). Prevalence of osteoporosis was 41.8% (n = 212) while only 22.9% (n = 116) of the participants met the criteria for sarcopenia and 23.7% (n = 120) were obese. Osteosarcopenia was found in n = 79 (15.6%), sarcopenic obesity was present in 14 men (2.8%). A combination of all three conditions could be confirmed in n = 8 (1.6%). There was an inverse correlation of BMI with physical performance whereas osteoporosis and sarcopenia did not interfere with functional outcomes. Conclusion Based on current definitions, there is considerable overlap in the prevalence of osteoporosis and sarcopenia, while obesity appears to be a distinct problem. Functional decline appears to be associated with obesity rather than osteoporosis or sarcopenia. It remains to be determined to what extend obesity itself causes performance deficits or if obesity is merely an indicator of insufficient activity eventually predisposing to functional decline.
The efficacy of locoregional radiotherapy plus chemotherapy vs. chemotherapy alone in metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND The role of locoregional radiotherapy (LRT) of the nasopharynx and neck in patients with metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (M-NPC) remains unclear. The present meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy of chemotherapy (CT) plus LRT with CT alone in M-NPC patients. METHODS Eligible manuscripts were searched in the following electronic databases: Cochrane Library, Embase, and PubMed. The hazard ratio (HR) of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), and the risk ratio (RR) of the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were pooled and expressed with the 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The analysis was conducted using Review Manager and Stata software. RESULTS In total 15 retrospective studies and 1 randomized controlled trial were identified comparing 3,402 M-NPC patients of whom 1,387 received CT alone and 2,015 were treated with CT plus LRT. The adjusted HR of OS for CT plus LRT compared with CT alone was 0.45 (95% CI: 0.40-0.52), while the pooled HR of PFS was 0.37 (95% CI: 0.29-0.49). The pooled RR of ORR and DCR for CT plus LRT compared with CT alone was 0.60 (95% CI: 0.46-0.79) and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.71-0.85), respectively. Heterogeneity or publication bias in the studies was not found to have altered the conclusion. CONCLUSIONS For patients with M-NPC, CT + LRT is superior to CT alone providing the higher OS, PFS, ORR, and DCR compared with CT alone. CT combined with LRT should be recommended as a more suitable choice for M-NPC patients.
Largely reduced OAR doses, and planning and delivery times for challenging robotic SBRT cases, obtained with a novel optimizer

Abstract Recently, VOLO™ was introduced as a new optimizer for CyberKnife® planning. In this study, we investigated possibilities to improve treatment plans for MLC‐based prostate SBRT with enhanced peripheral zone dose while sparing the urethra, and central lung tumors, compared to existing Sequential Optimization (SO). The primary focus was on reducing OAR doses. For 25 prostate and 25 lung patients treated with SO plans, replanning with VOLO™ was performed with the same planning constraints. For equal PTV coverage, almost all OAR plan parameters were improved with VOLO™. For prostate patients, mean rectum and bladder doses were reduced by 34.2% (P < 0.001) and 23.5% (P < 0.001), with reductions in D0.03cc of 3.9%, 11.0% and 3.1% for rectum, mucosa and bladder (all P ≤ 0.01). Urethra D5% and D10% were 3.8% and 3.0% lower (P ≤ 0.002). For lung patients, esophagus, main bronchus, trachea, and spinal cord D0.03cc was reduced by 18.9%, 11.1%, 16.1%, and 13.2%, respectively (all P ≤ 0.01). Apart from the dosimetric advantages of VOLO™ planning, average reductions in MU, numbers of beams and nodes for prostate/lung were 48.7/32.8%, 26.5/7.9% and 13.4/7.9%, respectively (P ≤ 0.003). VOLO™ also resulted in reduced delivery times with mean/max reductions of: 27/43% (prostate) and 15/41% (lung), P < 0.001. Planning times reduced from 6 h to 1.1 h and from 3 h to 1.7 h for prostate and lung, respectively. The new VOLO™ planning was highly superior to SO planning in terms of dosimetric plan quality, and planning and delivery times.
Microflora communities which can convert digested sludge to biogas

ABSTRACT In the present study, we developed several microflora communities that utilize digested sludge (DS), the recalcitrant waste product of anaerobic digestion, as a substrate for biogas production with the aim of their future application to DS recycling. Strict enrichment with DS as the sole nutrient source was introduced to culture microbes from soil and herbivore dung samples; microflora communities promoting stable levels of biogas production were obtained. The average methane and hydrogen yield from soil-derived microflora were 4.86 and 0.94 ml per 1.0 g DS, respectively. Notably, two microflora communities enriched from a riverbank sediment produced 20.79 ml and 14.10 ml methane from 1.0 g DS. By contrast, the methane and hydrogen yield for herbivore dung-derived microfloras were on average 1.31 ml and 1.87 ml per 1.0 g DS, respectively. Potent hydrogen-biogas producers were obtained from rabbit (4.12 ml per 1.0 g DS), goat (3.16 ml per 1.0 g DS), and sheep dung (2.52 ml per 1.0 g DS). The cultured microflora communities included representatives from the eubacterial genera, Clostridiaceae and Eubacteriaceae together with several anaerobic genera. Pseudomonas spp. are found in the riverbank sediment-derived microfloras, suggesting that the floras employ syntrophic acetate oxidation and hydrogentrophic methanogenesis (SAO-HM) pathway for methane production. The methanogenic microflora communities were dominated by bacteria from the Methanobacteriaceae family and unclassified archaea. Moreover, ascomycetous fungi and protists were found, implying that they act as oxygen scavengers and bacterial grazers, respectively. Enzymatic analysis suggested that the microfloras hydrolyze DS via cellulase, chitinase, and protease activities. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT