Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Calcinated Ni–Cu Ferrite Nanoparticles Synthesized by Citrate-gel Auto combustion Technique

Citrate-gel auto combustion technique was used to synthesize nickel-copper mixed ferrite nanoparticles NixCu1-xFe2O4 (x= 0.0, 0.4, 1.0) with different calcinating temperatures (200, 450, 650 and 850 °C). Structural, morphological, magnetic, and electrical properties were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and LCR meter in order to determine significant influences of Cu 2+ cations content in nickel ferrite. The XRD patterns showed that all compositions had cubic spinels, except CuFe2O4 samples. The system structure in Cu-ferrite was deformed at 650 °C from a cubic to a tetragonal system with a secondary phase CuO. Lattice constant was decreased with increasing Cu 2+ cations substitution in Ni-ferrites, while crystalline volume was increased. With the help of Debye-Scherrer`s equation using XRD data, we found that the crystallite size at 850 °C is lying in the range from 38.70 to 48.00 nm. The FTIR spectrum of samples under investigation showed two significant absorption bands, which refer to the formation of a single-phase cubic spinel. The magnetization test revealed a soft ferromagnetic behavior for all the compositions sintered at 850 °C. The saturation magnetization (Ms) was decreased with the substitution by Cu 2+ cations, while remnant magnetization (Mr) and coercivity (Hc) were increased in Cu-ferrite. The highest Ms value was 42.25 emu.g -1 for Ni-ferrite, while the highest Hc value was 517.16 Oe for Cu-ferrite. The electrical measurement of samples showed an increase in the real dielectric constant and AC conductivity at a frequency range of 20Hz3MHz with the addition of copper cations.
Evolutionary dynamics of sex‐biased genes expressed in cricket brains and gonads

Sex‐biased gene expression, particularly sex‐biased expression in the gonad, has been linked to rates of protein sequence evolution (nonsynonymous to synonymous substitutions, dN/dS) in animals. However, in insects, sex‐biased expression studies remain centred on a few holometabolous species. Moreover, other major tissue types such as the brain remain underexplored. Here, we studied sex‐biased gene expression and protein evolution in a hemimetabolous insect, the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus. We generated novel male and female RNA‐seq data for two sexual tissue types, the gonad and somatic reproductive system, and for two core components of the nervous system, the brain and ventral nerve cord. From a genome‐wide analysis, we report several core findings. Firstly, testis‐biased genes had accelerated evolution, as compared to ovary‐biased and unbiased genes, which was associated with positive selection events. Secondly, although sex‐biased brain genes were much less common than for the gonad, they exhibited a striking tendency for rapid protein sequence evolution, an effect that was stronger for the female than male brain. Further, some sex‐biased brain genes were linked to sexual functions and mating behaviours, which we suggest may have accelerated their evolution via sexual selection. Thirdly, a tendency for narrow cross‐tissue expression breadth, suggesting low pleiotropy, was observed for sex‐biased brain genes, suggesting relaxed purifying selection, which we speculate may allow enhanced freedom to evolve adaptive protein functional changes. The findings of rapid evolution of testis‐biased genes and male and female‐biased brain genes are discussed with respect to pleiotropy, positive selection and the mating biology of this cricket.
Effects of pore diameters on phase, oxidation resistance, and thermal shock resistance of the porous Si2N2O ceramics

Porous silicon oxynitride (Si2N2O) ceramics were prepared by gas pressure sintering at 1650°C for 2 hour under 1.5 MPa N2 in two different powder beds, that is, h-BN/Si3N4 or h-BN/(Si3N4 + SiO2). Effects of the gaseous atmosphere in the powder bed and the pore diameter in the ceramics on formation of the Si2N2O phase and the oxidation resistance of the sintered porous ceramics were investigated. Results showed that presence of the gaseous SiO in the powder bed played a crucial role in suppressing decomposition of the Si2N2O phase at the outer surface of the material. Permeability of the gaseous substances was decreased when the pore diameter was small, to affect the phase composition and the oxidation behavior of the porous Si2N2O ceramics. The oxidation weight gain curves of the porous Si2N2O ceramics fitted the asymptotic law. No significant changes in the dielectric constant of the Si2N2O ceramics were observed after oxidation at 1000°C-1200°C for up to 30 minutes, whereas the dielectric loss tangent was reduced by oxidation due to formation of SiO2. The as-obtained porous Si2N2O ceramics could withstand a highest thermal shock of 1200°C when the outer surface could be sealed by the oxidation-derived SiO2 layer.
Magnetic Resonance Study of Gadolinium-Grafted Nanodiamonds

We report on EPR and 13C and 1H NMR studies of detonation nanodiamond particles with surface grafted by paramagnetic gadolinium ions obtained by ion exchange with hydrogen atoms of carboxyl groups through the reaction of aqueous nanodiamond suspension with an aqueous solution of gadolinium nitrate. Our findings give clear evidence that Gd3+ ions are chemically bound to the nanodiamond surface and interact with electron and nuclear spins of the diamond nanoparticle, which results in acceleration of electron and nuclear spin–lattice relaxations. A model of positioning of Gd3+ ions on the DND surface terminated by oxygen-containing groups is suggested. The distance between the Gd ion and nanodiamond surface is estimated by relaxation measurements as 0.32 nm. Biomedical applications of the studied nanomaterials are discussed.
Apparatus for Anionic Polymerization under Inert Gas and Polymerization of Polystyrene

An apparatus for anionic polymerization under inert atmosphere was constructed and tested by polymerization of styrene. Polymerization of styrene was initiated with sec-butyllithium in cyclohexane solvent at 45℃. During the polymerization, seven aliquots of the reaction mixture were taken out by use of double tipped needle and terminated with 2-propanol at various reaction times. Analyzing the time varying molecular weights of the polystyrenes, it was found that the polymerization rate is first order to the monomer concentration. The rate constant of the polymerization is assuming one half order dependence on the concentration of the anionic active center.
Değerlendirilmesi Subtype Distribution of Blastocystis in Pregnant Women and Analysis of Possible Risk Factors

Objective: Since the identification of Blastocystis subtypes (ST) in the last decade, much has been learned about the genetic diversity of Blastocystis isolates in different populations, except pregnant women. The objective of this study is to investigate the genetic diversity of Blastocystis in pregnant women and analyse some demographic factors. Methods: The faecal samples from 100 pregnant women were collected at an Obstetrics and Gynecology Department in Muğla, Turkey. Thereafter, Blastocystis positivity was detected by direct microscopy and culture. The positive cultures were subjected to DNA isolation, and the Blastocystis barcode region was amplified with polymerase chain reaction. Next, the sequences were queried against GenBank nucleotide and Blastocystis STs (18S) databases. Results: Blastocystis was detected in 14% (14 out of 100) of the faecal samples by culture and 10% (10 out of 100) of the samples by direct microscopy. Nine of Blastocystis isolates (64.4%) were ST3, three (21.4%) were ST1 and two (14.2%) were ST2. Neither the demographic features nor the gastrointestinal symptoms were statistically related to Blastocystis infection. Conclusion: The findings in this study agreed with the most of the previous human studies that found ST3 as the most abundant genotype. This study reported the frequency of Blastocystis in pregnant women and highlighted the importance of comprehensive studies with more cases of Blastocystis during pregnancy.
Comparison of All-Cause Mortality Between Individuals With COVID-19 and Propensity Score–Matched Individuals Without COVID-19 in South Korea

Abstract Background We compared all-cause mortality between individuals in South Korea with and without coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) using propensity score (PS) matching. Methods This population-based cohort study used data from the National Health Insurance Service COVID-19 cohort database. In the database, we included individuals (COVID-19 patients, control population, and test-negative individuals) aged 20 years or older, regardless of hospitalization. The primary end point was all-cause mortality between January 1, 2020, and August 27, 2020. Results A total of 328 374 adults were included in the study: 7713 and 320 660 in the COVID-19 group and the control group. After PS matching, a total of 15 426 individuals (7713 per group) were included in the analysis. All-cause mortality was 3.2% (248/7713) and 1.6% (126/7713) in the COVID-19 group and the control group, respectively. In Cox regression analysis after PS matching, the risk of death in the COVID-19 group was twice as high (hazard ratio, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.61–2.48; P < .001) as that in the control group. Among patients aged ≥60 years, the COVID-19 group had a 2.32-fold higher all-cause mortality compared with the control group, while statistically significant differences were not observed in the age groups 20–39 years (P = .339) and 40–59 years (P = .562). Conclusions In South Korea, all-cause mortality was twice as high among individuals with COVID-19 as among those with similar underlying risks, primarily because of the elevated COVID-19-associated mortality in those aged ≥60 years. Our results highlight the need for prevention of COVID-19 with respect to mortality as a public health outcome.
Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Suggest the Mechanism for Biological Activity of Rosmarinic Acid

Rosmarinic acid (RosA) is a natural phenolic acid compound, which is mainly extracted from Labiatae and Arnebia. At present, there is no systematic analysis of its mechanism. Therefore, we used the method of network pharmacology to analyze the mechanism of RosA. In our study, PubChem database was used to search for the chemical formula and the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number of RosA. Then, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) was used to evaluate the pharmacodynamics of RosA, and the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) was used to identify the potential target genes of RosA. In addition, the Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of target genes were carried out by using the web-based gene set analysis toolkit (WebGestalt). At the same time, we uploaded the targets to the STRING database to obtain the protein interaction network. Then, we carried out a molecular docking about targets and RosA. Finally, we used Cytoscape to establish a visual protein-protein interaction network and drug-target-pathway network and analyze these networks. Our data showed that RosA has good biological activity and drug utilization. There are 55 target genes that have been identified. Then, the bioinformatics analysis and network analysis found that these target genes are closely related to inflammatory response, tumor occurrence and development, and other biological processes. These results demonstrated that RosA can act on a variety of proteins and pathways to form a systematic pharmacological network, which has good value in drug development and utilization.
Home parasternal electromyography tracks patient-reported and physiological measures of recovery from severe COPD exacerbation

Exacerbations of COPD remain a leading cause of emergency hospitalisations worldwide, and up to 28% of patients are readmitted within 30 days of discharge [1]. Recent analyses of more than 2.3 million COPD hospitalisations highlight the dynamic and time-dependent nature of readmission risk, which peaks within the first 72 h of discharge [2, 3]. Effective readmission prevention strategies remain elusive and recognition of re-exacerbations beyond daily symptom variability is challenging for both patients and clinicians. Promotion of transitional care services and 30-day readmission penalties implemented by policymakers worldwide have had limited impact [4]. Telemonitoring strategies incorporating symptom and vital observation monitoring (peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate, respiratory frequency) have consistently failed to demonstrate beneficial effects on hospitalisation risk [5]. Objective physiological monitoring has been explored using the forced oscillation technique. However, this also failed to prolong time to first hospitalisation [6]. Physiological phenotyping using daily home-based assessments reveals early improvement in load–capacity–drive imbalance following #AECOPD and feasibility of home parasternal electromyography measurement, which tracks symptoms, health status and spirometry https://bit.ly/3o6I0Ty
Application of Visual Gene Clip-Based Tailored Therapy for the Eradication of Helicobacter pylori

Background Helicobacter pylori eradication with therapies employing a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and antimicrobial agents is mainly achieved via bacterial susceptibility to antimicrobial agents and the magnitude of acid secretion inhibition. However, annual eradication rates have greatly declined in Mainland China, and therefore, tailored H. pylori eradication regimens that inhibit acid secretion and employ optimal antimicrobial agents determined based on gene clip testing may improve eradication rates. This study was aimed at evaluating the efficacy of tailored H. pylori eradication therapy guided by visual gene clip testing for antibiotic resistance and PPI metabolism genotypes. Methods This prospective study included 244 patients (141 men and 103 women aged 20–79 years) receiving initial treatment for H. pylori infection. Visual gene clip testing using gastric mucosal specimens was performed to detect antibiotic resistance to clarithromycin conferred by the A2142G and A2143G point mutations of the H. pylori 23S rRNA gene and to levofloxacin conferred by the Asn87 and Asp91 point mutations of the H. pylori gyrA gene. Patients received a 14-day bismuth quadruple therapy regimen guided by testing for antibiotic resistance and CYP2C19 polymorphisms, and primary H. pylori eradication was assessed at least 4 weeks after therapy. Results H. pylori strains were successfully isolated from the gastric mucosa tissues of 244 patients. Antibiotic resistant isolates were identified in 63 patients, with clarithromycin resistance observed in 50 patients, levofloxacin resistance in 7 patients, and dual resistance in 6 patients. The PPI metabolic genotype of CYP2C19 was detected in 242 of 244 cases, and 97 cases were categorized as extensive metabolizers, 141 as intermediate metabolizers, and 4 as poor metabolizers. Among the 242 patients who received tailored therapy, the H. pylori eradication rate was 90.9% (95% confidence interval 87.3%~94.6%) in the intention-to-treat analysis and 96.9% (95% confidence interval 94.7%~99.2%) in the per protocol analysis. Conclusions Tailored therapy for H. pylori infection guided by determination of antibiotic resistance and CYP2C19 polymorphism using visual gene chip technology may provide high clinical effectiveness as initial H. pylori eradication therapy.
Evaluating reliability and validity of the modified radiographic union scale for tibia (mRUST) among North American and Tanzanian surgeons

Abstract Objectives: To determine the international reliability and validity of the modified Radiographic Union Scale for Tibial fracture (mRUST) scoring method for open tibial shaft fractures based on ratings of radiographs by separate groups of North American and Tanzanian surgeons. Methods: Seven North American and 9 Tanzanian surgeons viewed 100 pairs of AP and lateral radiographs of open tibial shaft fractures obtained in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. The radiographs showed 25 patients’ fractures at 4 time points postfracture after treatment with either external fixation or intramedullary nailing. Surgeons evaluated each fracture using the mRUST scoring method and indicated their confidence that the fracture was healed on a scale from 1 to 10. Reliability of mRUST was determined using inter-rater agreement among North American and Tanzanian surgeons. Validity was determined via analysis of correlation between mRUST scores and EQ-5D-3L index scores at each time point postfracture. Results: mRUST scores demonstrated strong reliability overall (ICC = 0.64) as well as within each group of North American (ICC = 0.72) and Tanzanian (ICC = 0.69) surgeons. Reliability was stronger for external fixation than for intramedullary nailing cases. mRUST scores were significantly correlated with overall healing confidence at all time points and with quality of life at 6 months and 1 year postfracture. mRUST scores also correlated significantly with patients’ quality of life scores (EQ-5D index) at 6 months and 1 year postfracture. Conclusion: North American and Tanzanian surgeons exhibited strong agreement in rating open tibial shaft fractures. Using mRUST scores is a valid means of assessing radiographic healing of tibial fractures in austere environments like Tanzania.
A molecular study of the wastewater contaminants atenolol and atrazine in 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium based ionic liquids for potential treatment applications

ABSTRACT The use of room temperature ionic liquids (ILs) as novel solvents in a range of industrial separation processes has received tremendous attention and research. Here, we investigate the potential application of ILs to remove the wastewater contaminants atenolol and atrazine. Specifically, using molecular simulation we predict IL/water partition coefficients of atenolol and atrazine in seven common 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium based ILs and investigate the underlying structural details. We find that atenolol and atrazine have a large affinity for the ILs over water. With a solute mole fraction of 0.1, the IL characteristic structure is virtually unchanged, suggesting ILs are able to accommodate the solutes well. Additionally, we demonstrate that within an IL, the solute affinity for the IL can be greatly improved by selecting an anion and/or cation that interacts strongly with the solute.
Incidence and Factors Associated with Postoperative Delayed Hyponatremia after Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Introduction Postoperative delayed hyponatremia is a complication associated with transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. Due to a wide spectrum of symptoms, the reported incidence and predictors of postoperative delayed hyponatremia vary among studies, and this deserves to be reviewed systematically. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases were searched until September 1, 2020. Studies were included when (1) the event number of delayed hyponatremia after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery was reported, or (2) the associated factors of such complication were evaluated. Results A total of 27 studies were included for meta-analysis. The pooled incidence of overall and symptomatic delayed hyponatremia was 10.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 7.4–14.7%) and 5.0% (95% CI = 3.6–6.9%), respectively. No overt variations of the pooled estimates were observed upon subgroups stratified by endoscopic and microscopic procedure, publication year, and patients' age. In addition, 44.3% (95% CI = 29.6–60.2%) of unplanned hospital readmissions within 30 days were caused by delayed hyponatremia. Among the predictors evaluated, older age was the only significant factor associated with increased delayed hyponatremia (odds ratio = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.04–1.29, P = 0.006). Conclusion This meta-analysis and systematic review evaluated the incidence of postoperative delayed hyponatremia and found it as a major cause of unplanned readmissions after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. Older patients are more prone to such complications and should be carefully followed. The retrospective nature and heterogeneity among the included studies and the small number of studies used for risk factor evaluation might weaken the corresponding results. Future prospective clinical studies are required to compensate for these limitations.
Planning for health equity in the Americas: an analysis of national health plans

ABSTRACT There is growing recognition that health and well-being improvements have not been shared across populations in the Americas. This article analyzes 32 national health sector policies, strategies, and plans across 10 different areas of health equity to understand, from one perspective, how equity is being addressed in the region. It finds significant variation in the substance and structure of how the health plans handle the issue. Nearly all countries explicitly include health equity as a clear goal, and most address the social determinants of health. Participatory processes documented in the development of these plans range from none to extensive and robust. Substantive equity-focused policies, such as those to improve physical accessibility of health care and increase affordable access to medicines, are included in many plans, though no country includes all aspects examined. Countries identify marginalized populations in their plans, though only a quarter specifically identify Afro-descendants and more than half do not address Indigenous people, including countries with large Indigenous populations. Four include attention to migrants. Despite health equity goals and data on baseline inequities, fewer than half of countries include time-bound targets on reducing absolute or relative health inequalities. Clear accountability mechanisms such as education, reporting, or rights-enforcement mechanisms in plans are rare. The nearly unanimous commitment across countries of the Americas to equity in health provides an important opportunity. Learning from the most robust equity-focused plans could provide a road map for efforts to translate broad goals into time-bound targets and eventually to increasing equity.
Green, Cost-Effective Simultaneous Assay of Chloramphenicol, Methylparaben, and Propylparaben in Eye-Drops by Capillary Zone Electrophoresis

A green, cost-effective, and simple capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of chloramphenicol, methylparaben, and propylparaben in eye-drops. With sodium tetraborate as background electrolyte (BGE), the apparent mobilities of chloramphenicol, methylparaben, and propylparaben increased and analysis time reduced when pH of BGE increased from 8.5 to 10.0 and concentration of BGE decreased from 40 mM to 15 mM, but complete separation of chloramphenicol from other matrix components was achieved only with sodium tetraborate concentration at 30 mM or higher and at pH = 9.3 or lower. The most suitable electrophoretic conditions for the intended application were a 30 mM sodium tetraborate solution, pH 9.3 as BGE, working voltage set at 25 kV, and UV detection at 280 nm at the cathodic extremity of the capillary. The final method was validated and proved to be reliable for assay of chloramphenicol, methylparaben, and propylparaben in eye-drops.