Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Graphene/TiO2 Composite Nanomaterials and Its Photocatalytic Performance for the Degradation of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid

The graphene (GR) was prepared by an improved electrochemical stripping method using a high-purity graphite rod as raw material and high temperature heat reduction in hydrogen atmosphere, and the graphene/TiO2 (GR/TiO2) composite nanomaterials were manufactured by the method of sol-gel and high temperature crystallization in hydrogen atmosphere using butyl titanate and electrolysis graphene as precursors. The physical and chemical properties of the composites had been characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis spectrophotometer (UV-Vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), and specific surface area (SSA) by BET method. The photocatalytic properties of GR/TiO2 composites nanomaterials in anoxic water were studied by using 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) as probe. The results showed that graphite was well intercalated and peeled by a facile electrolysis method in different electric field environment; a well dispersed and rings structure of graphene was prepared by coupling ultrasound-assisted changing voltage electrochemical stripping technology. The as-prepared GR/TiO2 composites had good performance for the photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-D in anoxic water; the chlorines were removed from benzene ring; the middle products of dichlorophenol, chlorophenol, phloroglucinol, and so forth were produced from the photocatalytic redox reaction of 2,4-D in anoxic water; parts of 2,4-D were decomposed completely, and CO2 and H2O were produced.
Functional annotation of lung cancer‒associated genetic variants by cell type‒specific epigenome and long-range chromatin interactome

Functional interpretation of noncoding genetic variants associated with complex human diseases and traits remains a challenge. In an effort to enhance our understanding of common germline variants associated with lung cancer, we categorize regulatory elements based on eight major cell types of human lung tissue. Our results show that 21.68% of lung cancer‒associated risk variants are linked to noncoding regulatory elements, nearly half of which are cell type‒specific. Integrative analysis of high-resolution long-range chromatin interactome maps and single-cell RNA-sequencing data of lung tumors uncovers number of putative target genes of these variants and functionally relevant cell types, which display a potential biological link to cancer susceptibility. The present study greatly expands the scope of functional annotation of lung cancer‒associated genetic risk factors and dictates probable cell types involved in lung carcinogenesis.
Raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) are the new natural definitive hosts of Metagonimus hakubaensis

The definitive hosts of Metagonimus hakubaensis are reported to be hamsters, rats, mice, dogs, cats, chickens, and quails in experimental infection and Japanese water shrews in natural infection. Here we report that raccoon dogs are new natural definitive hosts of M. hakubaensis, based on morphological and molecular analyses of Metagonimus flukes collected from the host species from Aomori Prefecture, Japan. Moreover, M. hakubaensis recovered from raccoon dogs showed higher fecundity than those recovered from Japanese water shrews. Therefore, raccoon dogs were considered as a more suitable natural definitive host of M. hakubaensis than Japanese water shrews.
Improved oxygen delignification for magnesium-based sulfite pulps

Addition of a catalytic quantity of sodium borohydride to the magnesium-based oxygen delignification of sulfite pulps improves pulp yield, viscosity, and strength properties. A proposed mechanism to explain this behavior assumes that carbonyl groups on the cellulose molecules of sulfite pulps promote cellulose degradation during oxygen delignification. Treatment of pulp with sodium borohydride reduces the carbonyl groups, thus stabilizing the cellulose against degradation during the oxygen delignification stage. It was found experimentally that sodium borohydride is reasonably stable under the conditions of a magnesium oxide-based oxygen delignification stage. Therefore, pulp reduction by sodium borohydride and oxygen delignification can be performed simultaneously in a single stage. Application : a very small amount of sodium borohydride can improve the performance of magnesium oxide-based oxygen delignification of sulfite pulps.
Linking Microbial Community Dynamics Associated with Rhizosphere Carbon Flow in a Biofuel Crop (Jatropha curcas L.)

ABSTRACT Photosynthetically derived rhizodeposits are an important source of carbon (C) for microbes in root vicinity and can influence the microbial community dynamics. Pulse labeling of carbon dioxide (13CO2) coupled with stable isotope probing techniques have potential to track recently fixed photosynthate into rhizosphere microbial taxa. Therefore, the present investigation assessed the microbial community change associated with the rhizosphere and bulk soil in Jatropha curcas L. (a biofuel crop) by combining phospholipid fatty acid (13C-PLFA) profiling using a stable isotope 13CO2 labeling approach. The labeling (13C) took place after 45 days of germination, PLFAs were extracted from both soils (rhizosphere and bulk) after 1 and 20 days pulse labeling and analyzed by gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry. There was no significant temporal effect on the PLFA profiles in the bulk soil, but significantly increased abundance of Gram positive (i15:0) and Gram negative (16:1ω7c and 16:1ω5c) biomarkers was observed in the rhizosphere soil from day 1 to day 20 after labeling. The Gram negative (16:1ω7c) decreased and fungal (18:2ω6,9c) increased significantly in rhizospheric soil compared to bulk soil after day 1 of labeling. Whereas, after 20 days of labeling, the Gram negative biomarker (16:1ω7c and 18:1ω7c) decreased and Gram positive (a15:0) increased significantly in rhizospheric soil compared to bulk soil. One day following labeling, i15:0, a15:0, i16:0, 16:1ω5c, 16:0, i17:0, a17:0, 18:2ω6,9c, 18:1ω9c, and 18:0 PLFAs were significantly more enriched in δ13C in the rhizosphere than in the bulk soil. Twenty days after labeling, 16:1ω5c (Gram negative) and 18:2ω6,9c (fungal) were significantly more enriched in δ13C in the rhizosphere than in the bulk soil. These results shows the effectives of PLFA coupled using the pulse chase labeling technique to examine the microbial community changes in response to recently fixed photosynthetic C flow in rhizodeposits.
Hepatitis B virus: promising drug targets and therapeutic implications

ABSTRACT Introduction : Current therapy for infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) rarely clears the virus, and viremia commonly resurges following treatment withdrawal. To prevent serious complications of the infection, research has been aimed at identifying new viral and host targets that can be exploited to inactivate HBV replication. Areas covered : This paper reviews the use of these new molecular targets to advance anti-HBV therapy. Emphasis is on appraising data from pre-clinical and early clinical studies described in journal articles published during the past 10 years and available from PubMed. Expert opinion : The wide range of viral and host factors that can be targeted to disable HBV is impressive and improved insight into HBV molecular biology continues to provide the basis for new drug design. In addition to candidate therapies that have direct or indirect actions on HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), compounds that inhibit HBsAg secretion, viral entry, destabilize viral RNA and effect enhanced immune responses to HBV show promise. Preclinical and clinical evaluation of drug candidates, as well as investigating use of treatment combinations, are encouraging. The field is poised at an interesting stage and indications are that reliably achieving functional cure from HBV infection is a tangible goal.
Identification of novel hub genes and lncRNAs related to the prognosis and progression of pancreatic cancer by microarray and integrated bioinformatics analysis.

Background Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most invasive and metastatic neoplasms among the fatal malignancies of the digestive system. Abnormal expression of genes and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are reportedly linked to multiple cancers. However, the lncRNA-mRNA expression profiles and their molecular mechanisms in PC progression are poorly known. This study aimed to map the hub genes and lncRNAs which might play core roles in the development of PC. Methods This study used microarray expression analysis to screen for both differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) between PC and matched adjacent non-tumor (AN) tissues. In order to clarify the functional classification of DEGs, we conducted GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses via the Enrichr database. LncRNA-mRNA co-expressed networks were also constructed to explore the probable core regulating DEGs and DElncRNAs. Subsequently, the hub genes and lncRNAs were validated via the ONCOMINE and GEPIA databases and the co-expressed networks. Results By analyzing an mRNA-lncRNA microarray, we identified 943 mRNAs and 1,138 lncRNAs differentially expressed in PC tumors compared with the matched AN tissues. GO analysis confirmed that both up-regulated and down-regulated DEGs were enriched in multiple terms. The KEGG pathways enrichment analyses revealed that DEGs were mostly enriched in the focal adhesion and glutathione metabolism pathways, amongst others. Co-expressed networks were established to reveal the differential interactions between DEGs and DElncRNAs, and to indicate the core regulatory factors located at the core nodes of the co-expressed networks. The expression levels of potential core-regulating DEGs were validated by the GEPIA and ONCOMINE databases, and the relationship between overall survival and tumor stage and the potential core-regulating DEGs was analyzed using the GEPIA database. As a result, five genes and sixteen lncRNAs were finally considered as the hub transcripts in PC. Conclusions This study identified DEGs and DElncRNAs between PC tumors and matched AN tissues, and these transcripts were connected with malignant phenotypes in PC through different BPs and signaling pathways. Furthermore, five hub genes and sixteen lncRNAs were identified, which are expected to represent candidate diagnostic biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets for PC.
Stillbirth And Faith: When Belief And Death Collide

Mothers who had experienced stillbirth (n = 436) were asked about their “faith base” and whether it was “helpful to their healing. ” Only 178 (24.5%) indicated their faith base was “helpful;” there was also a wide range of other responses including those who indicated their faith was “lost” following their baby’s death. Findings are discussed in terms of what participants found helpful from their pastor and/or church community.
Targets for migraine treatment: beyond calcitonin gene-related peptide

Purpose of review Despite the development of several medications for the acute and preventive treatment of migraine, there are still many patients in whom lack of efficacy, tolerability, interactions or contraindications make other options necessary. CGRP-based drugs have opened the door to a new era of migraine-targeted treatments. Beyond CGRP, there are other promising targets covered here. Recent findings For the acute treatment of migraine, 5-HT1F receptor agonists, ditans, are now available. Unlike triptans, 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonists, cardiovascular disease is not a contraindication for the use of ditans. The first study on a monoclonal antibody targeting PAC1 receptor was negative, although this may not be the end for the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) pathway as a target. Summary Following positive phase-III clinical trials, lasmiditan is the first ditan to be FDA-approved. PACAP has experimental evidence suggesting a role in migraine pathophysiology. As for CGRP, the presence of PACAP in key migraine structures along with positive provocative tests for both PACAP-38 and PACAP-27 indicate this pathway may still be a pharmacological target. Glutamate-based targets have long been considered in migraine. Two clinical trials with memantine, an NMDA-R antagonist, for the preventive treatment of migraine have now been published. The hypothalamus has also been implicated in migraine pathophysiology: the potential role of orexins in migraine is discussed. Acid-sensing ion channels, as well as amylin-blocking drugs, may also become migraine treatments in the future: more research is warranted.
Cultural and linguistic adaptation of psychosocial measurements for latinx participants-Leveraging community-engaged research methods.

Predominantly Spanish-speaking Latinx individuals are underrepresented in research, and one primary barrier is the lack of infrastructure to effectively engage, among them, adequate cultural and linguistic adaptation of research measures. Capitalizing on existing recommendations for appropriate and ethical engagement of Latinx individuals in research, we present a comprehensive approach to cultural and linguistic adaptation, and describe the application of this approach in the context of an ongoing longitudinal, observational, community-engaged study that follows a cohort of young adult Latinx immigrants (ages 18-44) in the Southeastern region of the United States who were predominantly Spanish-speakers (N = 391). We describe barriers that researchers may face in their pursuit of cultural and linguistic adaptation and offset these challenges with tangible solutions. We discuss lessons learned through our application to a research study. This approach holds promise for reducing barriers to participation in research and health disparities in predominantly Spanish-speaking Latinx individuals, who represent a population that is growing in size in the United States yet is still underrepresented as research participants and in the research workforce.
An exploration of the link between residents’ demands and caregivers’ well-being: Evidence from the long-term healthcare industry

This study examines the extent to which important personal characteristics of nursing home residents affect the well-being of caregivers, as reflected in their levels of work-related positive and negative affect. To do this, we applied the Job Demands-Resources model to the analysis of caregivers’ work-related well-being by focusing on residents’ residual cognitive capacity and their perceived adequacy of resources. A multiple regression analysis was carried out based on combined data from a sample of 1080 caregivers and 290 residents from 13 nursing homes in Italy. Predictors of caregivers’ positive and negative well-being included job characteristics such as workload and social support. As expected, residents’ perceived adequacy of resources was positively related to caregivers’ well-being positive affect. Unexpectedly, residents’ residual cognitive capacity was associated with higher rather than lower levels of caregivers’ well-being negative affect. The quality of the interaction between residents and caregivers in nursing homes is contingent on their respective expectations and capabilities, and reciprocal perceptions of the outputs exchanged.
Meta Salud Diabetes for cardiovascular disease prevention in Mexico: a cluster-randomized behavioural clinical trial.

BACKGROUND Healthy lifestyle interventions offered at points of care, including support groups, may improve chronic disease management, especially in low-resource populations. We assessed the effectiveness of an educational intervention in type 2 diabetes (T2D) support groups to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. METHODS We recruited 518 participants to a parallel, two-arm, cluster-randomized, behavioural clinical trial across 22 clinics in Sonora, Mexico, between August 2016 and October 2018. We delivered a 13-week secondary prevention intervention, Meta Salud Diabetes (MSD), within the structure of a support group (GAM: Grupo de Ayuda Mutua) in government-run (community) Health Centres (Centros de Salud). The primary study outcomes were difference in Framingham CVD risk scores and hypertension between intervention (GAM+MSD) and control (GAM usual care) arms at 3 and 12 months. RESULTS CVD risk was 3.17% age-points lower in the MSD arm versus control at 3 months [95% confidence interval (CI): -5.60, -0.75, P = 0.013); at 12 months the difference was 2.13% age-points (95% CI: -4.60, 0.34, P = 0.088). There was no evidence of a difference in hypertension rates between arms. Diabetes distress was also lower at 3 and 12 months in the MSD arm. Post-hoc analyses showed greater CVD risk reduction among men than women and among participants with HbA1c < 8. CONCLUSIONS MSD contributed to a positive trend in reducing CVD risk in a low-resource setting. This study introduced an evidence-based curriculum that provides T2D self-management strategies for those with controlled T2D (i.e. HbA1c < 8.0) and may improve quality of life.
Consumer-Based Activity Trackers as a Tool for Physical Activity Monitoring in Epidemiological Studies During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Development and Usability Study

Background Consumer-based physical activity trackers have increased in popularity. The widespread use of these devices and the long-term nature of the recorded data provides a valuable source of physical activity data for epidemiological research. The challenges include the large heterogeneity between activity tracker models in terms of available data types, the accuracy of recorded data, and how this data can be shared between different providers and third-party systems. Objective The aim of this study is to develop a system to record data on physical activity from different providers of consumer-based activity trackers and to examine its usability as a tool for physical activity monitoring in epidemiological research. The longitudinal nature of the data and the concurrent pandemic outbreak allowed us to show how the system can be used for surveillance of physical activity levels before, during, and after a COVID-19 lockdown. Methods We developed a system (mSpider) for automatic recording of data on physical activity from participants wearing activity trackers from Apple, Fitbit, Garmin, Oura, Polar, Samsung, and Withings, as well as trackers storing data in Google Fit and Apple Health. To test the system throughout development, we recruited 35 volunteers to wear a provided activity tracker from early 2019 and onward. In addition, we recruited 113 participants with privately owned activity trackers worn before, during, and after the COVID-19 lockdown in Norway. We examined monthly changes in the number of steps, minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and activity energy expenditure between 2019 and 2020 using bar plots and two-sided paired sample t tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results Compared to March 2019, there was a significant reduction in mean step count and mean activity energy expenditure during the March 2020 lockdown period. The reduction in steps and activity energy expenditure was temporary, and the following monthly comparisons showed no significant change between 2019 and 2020. A small significant increase in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was observed for several monthly comparisons after the lockdown period and when comparing March-December 2019 with March-December 2020. Conclusions mSpider is a working prototype currently able to record physical activity data from providers of consumer-based activity trackers. The system was successfully used to examine changes in physical activity levels during the COVID-19 period.
Systematic review of transdermal treatment options in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: implications for use in adult patients

Abstract Background Adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often face delays in diagnosis and remain untreated, despite significant negative impacts. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transdermal treatment options in children, adolescents, and adults, a systematic literature review was conducted, with a focus on the implications of transdermal therapies for ADHD in adults. Methods A MEDLINE/Embase/BIOSIS/SCOPUS database search was conducted December 4, 2019, for English-language articles of interventional clinical trials using transdermal formulations for the treatment of ADHD without publication date limit. Assessed outcomes included efficacy, safety, adherence, abuse potential, cost efficacy, and health-related quality of life. Results Of 23 eligible publications, 18 were in children or adolescents (n = 1699; range 23-305), and 5 in adults (n = 274; range 14-90); all included methylphenidate transdermal system (MTS). All seven pediatric publications reporting change in ADHD symptomology from baseline reported a significant improvement with MTS treatment. Similarly, in three adult publications, ADHD symptoms improved significantly with MTS treatment. Safety findings in pediatric and adult studies were comparable; the most frequently reported treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), namely, headache, decreased appetite, and insomnia, were reported in 13/16 (81%) of publications reporting specific TEAEs. MTS-related dermal reactions were mostly mild and transient. Discontinuation due to dermal reactions was reported in 10 studies (range 0%-7.1% [1 of 14 patients]). MTS compliance was high when assessed (97%-99%). Conclusions Transdermal therapies provide a useful treatment formulation for ADHD. Studies of MTS and other transdermal formulations, such as amphetamine, in adult patients are needed in this underserved population.
Dynamic Thiol/Disulphide Homeostasis as Oxidative Stress Marker in Ankylosing Spondylitis and Undifferentiated Spondyloarthropathy.

AIM Seronegative spondyloarthropathies (SpA) are a group of chronic diseases, characterized by axial inflammation, oligoarthritis, and enthesitis. Oxidative stress may contribute to a wide range of diseases such as rheumatologic diseases including SpA. This prospective case-control study was designed to compare the thiol-disulfide levels as a marker of oxidative stress in SpA patients with healthy controls. METHODS A total of 144 patients who were diagnosed as undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy (UspA, n=97), ankylosing spondylitis (AS, n=47), and 80 healthy controls were included. Serum native thiol (NT), total thiol (TT), disulfide (D) levels were measured with the fully automated Erel? s method. NT/TT, D/TT, and D/NT ratios were calculated. Thiol-disulfide levels were compared between SpA groups and healthy controls. RESULTS NT and NT/TT ratios were found to be significantly lower in the SpA group. (p<0.001). Disulfide, D/NT, and D/TT ratios were found to be significantly higher in the SpA group (p <0.001 for each comparison). In pairwise comparisons between SpA subgroups, NT and TT levels were lower in USpA group compared to AS group (P=0.021). Serum disulfide levels were higher in USpA group compared to AS group (P=0,004). Anti-tumor necrosis factor (Anti-TNF) group had lower TT measurements compared to the classical disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (cDMARD) group in patients with SpA (P=0.039). CONCLUSION Thiol-disulfide balance is disturbed in favor of disulfide in SpAs patients compared to healthy volunteers. Native and total thiol measurements correlate with acute phase reactants and might be used to monitor disease activity. Anti-TNF therapy might control the oxidative degenerative process better than the classical DMARD in SpA patients.