Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Carbon nitride-based light-driven microswimmers with intrinsic photocharging ability

Significance Light-driven microswimmers offer prospects for autonomous microsystems. Understanding their surface catalytic processes responsible for propulsion is essential in tailoring them for specific applications. So far, photocatalytic microswimmers have been limited by the requirement of continuous illumination. Here, we report light-driven 2D carbon nitride-based Janus microswimmers, which show efficient propulsion in aqueous media not only during but also after illumination for about 30 min after 30 s prior illumination, due to so-called solar battery swimming. Contrary to the mainstream reports, we reveal oxygen reduction rather than hydrogen evolution being responsible for propulsion with alcohol fuels. Balancing reaction conditions, we report the realization of light-induced intrinsic charging of a microswimmer, enabling sustained ballistic propulsion in the dark through discharge of accumulated energy. Controlling autonomous propulsion of microswimmers is essential for targeted drug delivery and applications of micro/nanomachines in environmental remediation and beyond. Herein, we report two-dimensional (2D) carbon nitride-based Janus particles as highly efficient, light-driven microswimmers in aqueous media. Due to the superior photocatalytic properties of poly(heptazine imide) (PHI), the microswimmers are activated by both visible and ultraviolet (UV) light in conjunction with different capping materials (Au, Pt, and SiO2) and fuels (H2O2 and alcohols). Assisted by photoelectrochemical analysis of the PHI surface photoreactions, we elucidate the dominantly diffusiophoretic propulsion mechanism and establish the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) as the major surface reaction in ambient conditions on metal-capped PHI and even with TiO2-based systems, rather than the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which is generally invoked as the source of propulsion under ambient conditions with alcohols as fuels. Making use of the intrinsic solar energy storage ability of PHI, we establish the concept of photocapacitive Janus microswimmers that can be charged by solar energy, thus enabling persistent light-induced propulsion even in the absence of illumination—a process we call “solar battery swimming”—lasting half an hour and possibly beyond. We anticipate that this propulsion scheme significantly extends the capabilities in targeted cargo/drug delivery, environmental remediation, and other potential applications of micro/nanomachines, where the use of versatile earth-abundant materials is a key prerequisite.
Serum REG Iα as a potential novel biomarker in cancer

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Abstract The regulation of the gene-regenerating family member 1 alpha (REG Iα) played important roles in cancer cell biology. However, the correlation between its gene product serum REG Iα and cancer has not been evaluated. In this observational study, 130 hospitalized patients from the department of internal medicine in Zhongda Hospital Southeast University were included and assigned to cancer or noncancer groups. History, clinical, and laboratory data were obtained. Serum REG Iα levels and alanine aminotransferase were found significantly higher in patients with cancer (P < .001 and P < .05 respectively). Logistic regression analysis indicated that REG Iα was an independent risk factor for cancer (P < .001). The area under the curve of REG Iα was 0.764 and the optimal cut-off point of REG Iα was 46.97 ng/mL. Besides, the cancer patients with metastasis had significantly higher serum REG Iα levels than those in nonmetastasis cancer group (P < .05). In conclusion, serum REG Iα was significantly elevated in patients with cancer, and it might be a potential biomarker in predicting cancer occurrence and development.
Susceptibility to Size Visual Illusions in a Non-Primate Mammal (Equus caballus)

Simple Summary Visual illusions are commonly used by researchers as non-invasive tools to investigate the perceptual mechanisms underlying vision among animals. The assumption is that, if a species perceives the illusion like humans do, they probably share the same perceptual mechanisms. Here, we investigated whether horses are susceptible to the Muller-Lyer illusion, a size illusion in which two same-sized lines appear to be different in length because of the spatial arrangements of arrowheads presented at the two ends of the lines. Horses showed a human-like perception of this illusion, meaning that they may display similar perceptual mechanisms underlying the size estimation of objects. Abstract The perception of different size illusions is believed to be determined by size-scaling mechanisms that lead individuals to extrapolate inappropriate 3D information from 2D stimuli. The Muller-Lyer illusion represents one of the most investigated size illusions. Studies on non-human primates showed a human-like perception of this illusory pattern. To date, it is not clear whether non-primate mammals experience a similar illusory effect. Here, we investigated whether horses perceive the Muller-Lyer illusion by using their spontaneous preference for the larger portion of carrot. In control trials, we presented horses with two carrot sticks of different sizes, and in test trials, carrot sticks of identical size were shown to the subjects together with arrowheads made of plastic material and arranged in a way meant to elicit the Müller-Lyer illusion in human observers. In control trials, horses significantly discriminated between the smaller and larger carrot stick. When presented with the illusion, they showed a significant preference for the carrot that humans perceive as longer. Further control trials excluded the possibility that their choices were based on the total size of the carrot stick and the arrowheads together. The susceptibility of horses to this illusion indicates that the perceptual mechanisms underlying size estimation in perissodactyla might be similar to those of primates, notwithstanding the considerable evolutionary divergence in the visual systems of these two mammalian groups.
Constant-wavelength synchronous fluorescence spectrometry for simultaneous and rapid determination of five polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons residue in dairy products.

A new method for simultaneously determining of five polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), fluorene, benzofluorene, pyrene, benzo(a)pyrene and perylene in dairy products by constant-wavelength synchronous fluorescence spectrometry (CWSFS) has been established in this study. To extract the five PAHs from the dairy products, acetonitrile was chosen as the extraction solvent and the ultrasonic extract method was adopted, the supernatants were filtered by 0.45 μm microporous filter membrane and concentrated to dry by a nitrogen dryer. The extracts were then re-dissolved into cyclohexane for analyzing. In order to overcome the interference from the background matrix and between PAHs, the difference of wavelength (Δλ) at 40 nm was chosen for CWSFS scanning. With only one single scan, the five PAHs in dairy products can be distinguished and determined by the standard curve method without the need for previous chromatographic separation of the analyte solution. The detection limits of fluorene, benzofluorene, pyrene, benzo(a)pyrene and perylene were 0.0051 μg·L-1 , 0.016 μg·L-1 , 0.021 μg·L-1 , 0.0056 μg·L-1 and 0.0062 μg·L-1 , respectively. The recoveries were between 85.60% and 98.42%. These five PAHs in dairy products were determined with good results. Therefore, it is expected to be a routine detect method for the PAHs in dairy products.
Insight into memory and functional abilities in individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment

ABSTRACT Objective Accurate insight into one’s abilities facilitates engagement in rehabilitation and implementation of compensatory strategies. In this study, self-awareness, self-monitoring, and a new self-updating construct of insight were examined in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Method Individuals with aMCI and healthy older adults (HOAs) completed a list-learning task in a laboratory setting, and a naturalistic task of everyday functioning in a campus apartment along with other standardized neuropsychological tests. Participants made predictions about performance on the memory and functional tasks prior to task experience (self-awareness), immediately after task experience (self-monitoring), and after a delay (self-updating). Results Individuals with aMCI performed more poorly than HOAs on the memory task and other neuropsychological tests but not the functional task. For both the memory and functional task, performance predictions and prediction accuracy measures revealed that the aMCI group exhibited intact self-awareness, self-monitoring, and self-updating. Prediction accuracy measures showed some association with an executive composite but not a memory composite. Discussion Participants with aMCI demonstrated intact self-awareness, self-monitoring, and self-updating for a memory and functional task despite exhibiting poorer performance on neurocognitive tests compared to HOAs. These findings suggest that, even as memory in aMCI degrades, executive abilities may help sustain insight into difficulties, enabling adoption of cognitive strategies to support difficulties.
Initial tacrolimus weight-based dosing strategy in allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation

Tacrolimus is a mainstay medication for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis in combination with other immunosuppressive agents. Achieving therapeutic tacrolimus levels is vital in preventing acute GVHD (aGVHD), while supratherapeutic levels may increase risk of toxicity and relapse. We performed a single center retrospective chart review including all adult patients post-allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation who received initial tacrolimus continuous intravenous infusion for GVHD prophylaxis between June 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019. The primary outcome was the percent of patients with an initial therapeutic tacrolimus level, defined as 5–12 ng/mL, after empiric weight-based dosing at 0.02 mg/kg/day. Secondary outcomes included evidence of tacrolimus toxicity within seven days of initiation, incidence of aGVHD by day 100, and relapse after six months. An initial therapeutic level was achieved in 47% of patients with a median initial level of 12.4 ng/mL. Fifty-two percent of patients had supratherapeutic levels. No significant nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, or neurotoxicity occurred within a week of starting tacrolimus or at neutrophil engraftment. Grade II-IV aGVHD by day 100 was observed in 22% of patients, and relapse after six months was found in 16% of patients. These results have led to consideration of an empiric 20% dose reduction to 0.016 mg/kg/day or an expanded initial tacrolimus target of 5–15 ng/mL as there was low aGVHD incidence and no increased risk of toxicity.
Stbd1 promotes glycogen clustering during endoplasmic reticulum stress and supports survival of mouse myoblasts

ABSTRACT Imbalances in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis provoke a condition known as ER stress and activate the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway, an evolutionarily conserved cell survival mechanism. Here, we show that mouse myoblasts respond to UPR activation by stimulating glycogenesis and the formation of α-amylase-degradable, glycogen-containing ER structures. We demonstrate that the glycogen-binding protein Stbd1 is markedly upregulated through the PERK signalling branch of the UPR pathway and is required for the build-up of glycogen structures in response to ER stress activation. In the absence of ER stress, Stbd1 overexpression is sufficient to induce glycogen clustering but does not stimulate glycogenesis. Glycogen structures induced by ER stress are degraded under conditions of glucose restriction through a process that does not depend on autophagosome–lysosome fusion. Furthermore, we provide evidence that failure to induce glycogen clustering during ER stress is associated with enhanced activation of the apoptotic pathway. Our results reveal a so far unknown response of mouse myoblasts to ER stress and uncover a novel specific function of Stbd1 in this process, which may have physiological implications during myogenic differentiation. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Highlighted Article: ER stress in mouse myoblasts activates a cell survival mechanism that involves the upregulation of Stbd1 expression that is required for the formation of glycogen-containing structures.
Integrated CARE: Adaptation of Child-Adult Relationship Enhancement (CARE) Model for Use in Integrated Behavioral Pediatric Care

The authors adapted the established Child-Adult Relationship Enhancement (CARE) interaction model for use in integrated behavioral health clinics. CARE was modified for delivery in the examination room, during routine primary care visits. Adopting a real-world implementation approach, clinical social workers were trained in the new model—IntegratedCARE—and provided the brief, 3-session treatment to 30 different parent-child dyads. Measurements included the Parental Stress Index–4 Short Form (PSI 4-SF), the Eyberg Childhood Behavior Inventory (ECBI), and the Therapy Attitude Inventory (TAI). There was a statistically significant mean score decrease on the both subscales of the ECBI at pre- and posttreatment. Scores on the TAI indicated that participants were satisfied with the treatment. Attrition rates were somewhat lower than similar studies. Findings indicate the IntegratedCARE model is feasible for sustainable delivery by trained behavioral health professionals in primary care.
Process evaluation of an autism-specific workplace tool for employers

Abstract Background Limited studies exist exploring employers’ capacity in hiring and supporting employees on the autism spectrum, and even fewer have considered interventions targeting employers’ skills and knowledge in enhancing employment opportunities. In response to this need, the Integrated Employment Success Tool (IESTTM) was developed and its effectiveness established in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Furthermore, a process evaluation was conducted to determine the usability and implementation of the IESTTM. Aims/objectives The process evaluation was conducted to determine employers’ perceived usability, implementation, and perceived barriers and facilitators in using the IESTTM. Material and methods Employers (N = 29) provided their feedback via an online questionnaire. Of these, 11 participants were interviewed, further exploring their experiences. Data were analysed via descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results While employers’ frequency and usage of the IESTTM varied across workplaces, it was predominantly used to increase employers’ knowledge of autism and implement workplace strategies. A major barrier was the paper-based format of the intervention, with more than 60% of employers indicating the need for an online version. Conclusions and significance The process evaluation was a critical step in understanding why the IESTTM was effective, and how it could be further optimized for prospective employers.
Cross-serotypically conserved epitope recommendations for a universal T cell-based dengue vaccine

Dengue virus (DENV)-associated disease is a growing threat to public health across the globe. Co-circulating as four different serotypes, DENV poses a unique challenge for vaccine design as immunity to one serotype predisposes a person to severe and potentially lethal disease upon infection from other serotypes. Recent experimental studies suggest that an effective vaccine against DENV should elicit a strong T cell response against all serotypes, which could be achieved by directing T cell responses toward cross-serotypically conserved epitopes while avoiding serotype-specific ones. Here, we used experimentally-determined DENV T cell epitopes and patient-derived DENV sequences to assess the cross-serotypic variability of the epitopes. We reveal a distinct near-binary pattern of epitope conservation across serotypes for a large number of DENV epitopes. Based on the conservation profile, we identify a set of 55 epitopes that are highly conserved in at least 3 serotypes. Most of the highly conserved epitopes lie in functionally important regions of DENV non-structural proteins. By considering the global distribution of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles associated with these DENV epitopes, we identify a potentially robust subset of HLA class I and class II restricted epitopes that can serve as targets for a universal T cell-based vaccine against DENV while covering ~99% of the global population.
Deep Learning Analysis of Ultrasonic Guided Waves for Cortical Bone Characterization

Ultrasonic guided waves (UGWs) propagating in the long cortical bone can be measured via the axial transmission method. The characterization of long cortical bone using UGW is a multiparameter inverse problem. The optimal solution of the inverse problem often includes a complex solving process. Deep neural networks (DNNs) are essentially powerful multiparameter predictors based on universal approximation theorem, which are suitable for solving parameter predictions in the inverse problem by constructing the mapping relationship between UGW and cortical bone material parameters. In this study, we investigate the feasibility of applying the multichannel crossed convolutional neural network (MCC-CNN) to simultaneously estimate cortical thickness and bulk velocities (longitudinal and transverse). Unlike the multiparameter estimation in most previous studies, the technique mentioned in this work avoids solving a multiparameter optimization problem directly. The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is performed to obtain the simulated UGW array signals for training the MCC-CNN. The network that is exclusively trained on simulated data sets can predict cortical parameters from the experimental UGW data. The proposed method is confirmed by using FDTD simulation signals and experimental data obtained from four bone-mimicking plates and from ten <italic>ex vivo</italic> bovine cortical bones. The estimated root-mean-squared error (RMSE) in the simulated test data for the longitudinal bulk velocity (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{L}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>), transverse bulk velocity (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{T}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>), and cortical thickness (<italic>Th</italic>) is 97 m/s, 53 m/s, and 0.089 mm, respectively. The predicted RMSE in the bone-mimicking phantom experiments for <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{L\|}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{T\|}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>, and <italic>Th</italic> is 120 m/s, 80 m/s, and 0.14 mm, respectively. The experimental dispersion trajectories are matched with the theoretical dispersion curves calculated by the predicted parameters in <italic>ex vivo</italic> bovine cortical bone experiments. Our proposed method demonstrates a feasible approach for the accurate evaluation of long cortical bones based on UGW.
Facilitating social coping-'seeking emotional and practical support from others'-as a critical strategy in maintaining the family care of people with dementia.

The aim of this study was to identify how the family care of people living with dementia could be supported to make reliance on family care sustainable in the long term despite the impact of stress. A Realist Evaluation (Pawson & Tilley, 1997) was conducted to investigate this aim. An initial review established 'coping' as a primary means of mediating stressors associated with caregiving. However, there was a need to specify which coping approaches/strategies are most effective. In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of family carers (n = 18) in a suburb in North East England from 2016 to 2017. Analysis of the data revealed 'social coping' (SC) that included an emotional support component as a critical mediator of family carer stress. Several key hindrances to the utilisation of SC, including underpinning causal factors, are explicated. Ways in which these hindrances might be overcome are discussed and guidelines introduced for how family carers, formal providers and practitioners can facilitate SC as a critical coping strategy in sustaining the family care of people with dementia over the long term.
Methylglyoxal Decoration of Glutenin during Heat Processing Could Alleviate the Resulting Allergic Reaction in Mice

Background: It is widely believed that Maillard reactions could affect the sensitization of allergens. However, the mechanism of action of methylglyoxal (MGO) production in Maillard reactions in the sensitization variation of glutenin (a predominant allergen in wheat) during heat processing is still unclear. Methods: This research evaluated the effect of MGO on the immune response against glutenin in a mouse model. The resulting variations in conformation and corresponding digestibility of glutenin were determined. The immune response and gut microflora variation in mice were analyzed following administering of glutenin and MGO-glutenin. Results: The results of the study showed that MGO-glutenin induced a lower immune response than native glutenin. Cytokine analysis showed that MGO-glutenin regulated mouse immune response by inducing Treg differentiation. MGO decoration changed the structure and digestibility of glutenin. In addition, MGO-glutenin contributes to the maintenance of the beneficial gut microflora. Conclusion: MGO decoration of glutenin during heat processing could alleviate the resulting allergic reaction in mice. Decoration with MGO appears to contribute to the aggregation of glutenin, potentially masking surface epitopes and abating sensitization. Furthermore, Bacteroides induced regulatory T-cell (Treg) differentiation, which may contribute to inhibition of the Th2 immune response and stimulation of immune tolerance.