Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bone morphogenetic protein‐7 inhibits endothelial‐mesenchymal transition in pulmonary artery endothelial cell under hypoxia

Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is characterized by structural changes in pulmonary arteries. Increased numbers of cells expressing α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) is a nearly universal finding in the remodeled artery. It has been confirmed endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) may be a source of those α‐SMA–expressing cells. In addition, the EndoMT is reversible. Here, we show that under hypoxia, the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP‐7) was decreased both in vivo and in vitro. We also found that under normoxia, BMP‐7 deficiency induced spontaneous EndoMT and cell migration. The hypoxia‐induced EndoMT and cell migration were markedly attenuated after pretreatment with rh‐BMP‐7. Moreover, m‐TOR phosphorylation was involved in EndoMT and BMP‐7 suppressed hypoxia‐induced m‐TORC1 phosphorylation in pulmonary artery endothelial cells. Our results demonstrate that BMP‐7 attenuates the hypoxia‐induced EndoMT and cell migration by suppressing the m‐TORC1 signaling pathway. Our study revealed a novel mechanism underlying the hypoxia‐induced EndoMT in pulmonary artery endothelial cells and suggested a new therapeutic strategy targeting EndoMT for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Numerical simulations for a quantitative analysis of AFM electrostatic nanopatterning on PMMA by Kelvin force microscopy

Electrostatic nanopatterning of electret thin films by atomic force microscopy (AFM) has emerged as an alternative efficient tool for the directed assembly of nano-objects on surfaces. High-resolution charge imaging of such charge patterns can be performed by AFM-based Kelvin force microscopy (KFM). Nevertheless, quantitative analysis of KFM surface potential mappings is not trivial because of side-capacitance effects induced by the tip cone and the cantilever of the scanning probe. In this paper, we developed numerical simulations of KFM measurements taking into account these artifacts, so as to estimate the actual surface charge density of square charge patterns (nominal sizes ranging from 100 nm to 10 µm) written by AFM into polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) thin films. This work revealed that, under our conditions, such charge patterns exhibit a surface charge density between 1.5 × 10 − 3 and 3.8 × 10 − 3 C m − 2, depending on the assumed depth of injected charges. These results are crucial to quantify the actual electric field generated by such charge patterns and thus the electrostatic forces responsible for the directed assembly of nano-objects onto these electrostatic traps.
Correlation between perceived symptoms, self-rated health and coping strategies in patients with asthma-like symptoms but negative asthma tests

The aim of the study was to describe how patients with asthma-like symptoms rate the frequency of perceived symptoms, their quality of life related to health and the strategies they use to cope with their disorder. The aim was also to find any correlation between the ratings of quality of life, coping strategies used and the frequency of perceived symptoms. Thirty-two patients, six men and 26 women, aged 20 - 63 years, with asthma-like symptoms were drawn consecutively from a special clinic for asthma and allergy. They answered the Nijmegen Symptom Questionnaire (NQ), the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WOC). The total mean score on the NQ was 29.95/64. On the SF-36, the patients scored highest for physical functioning and lowest for general health and vitality. The three most commonly used strategies on the WOC were planful problem solving, seeking social support and self-controlling. A negative significant correlation was found between the total NQ score and five of the eight domains on the SF-36, while a positive significant correlation was seen for seeking social support on the WOC. When it came to the four components of the NQ, more significant correlations, negative and positive, were found between the scales on the SF-36 and WOC and central tetany, peripheral tetany and anxious feelings than for shortness of breath. These results could be useful in the rehabilitation of asthma-like patients.
Diel shifts in the structure and function of nearshore estuarine fish communities.

Day-night shifts in the nearshore fish fauna of a temperate microtidal estuary were assessed using a holistic suite of structural and functional community attributes. Mean fish species richness and diversity (taxonomic distinctness) were higher at night across all regions of the estuary and seasons, concurring with the findings of numerous comparable studies reviewed worldwide, while the diel period in which mean abundance was higher varied among seasons. Likewise, species and functional guild compositions (the latter based on feeding modes and habitat use) both differed significantly between day and night, with the extent of the diel shift again varying seasonally. Daytime fish communities were characterized by higher abundances of Atherinidae, Sillaginidae and Mugilidae, while Gobiidae were far more abundant at night. Marked shifts in size composition were also evident, with smaller fishes (<100 mm total length, LT ) being more prevalent during the day and larger fishes (≥200 mm LT ) proportionally more abundant at night. The above diel shifts were feasibly related to a range of predator-prey interactions and feeding-related movements, namely a nocturnal decrease in top-order avian piscivory coupled with an increase in invertebrate prey availability, resulting in changes in the presence and catchability of certain fish species in shallow estuarine waters.
Matrix stiffness modulates the differentiation of neural crest stem cells in vivo

Stem cells are often transplanted with scaffolds for tissue regeneration; however, how the mechanical property of a scaffold modulates stem cell fate in vivo is not well understood. Here we investigated how matrix stiffness modulates stem cell differentiation in a model of vascular graft transplantation. Multipotent neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) were differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells, embedded in the hydrogel on the outer surface of nanofibrous polymer grafts, and implanted into rat carotid arteries by anastomosis. After 3 months, NCSCs differentiated into smooth muscle cells (SMCs) near the outer surface of the polymer grafts; in contrast, NCSCs differentiated into glial cells in the most part of the hydrogel. Atomic force microscopy demonstrated a stiffer matrix near the polymer surface but much lower stiffness away from the polymer graft. Consistently, in vitro studies confirmed that stiff surface induced SMC genes whereas soft surface induced glial genes. These results suggest that the scaffold’s mechanical properties play an important role in directing stem cell differentiation in vivo, which has important implications in biomaterials design for stem cell delivery and tissue engineering.
Ewing‐like sarcoma: An emerging family of round cell sarcomas

Ewing‐like sarcomas are an emerging subgroup of small round blue cell sarcomas that share various degrees of morphological, immunohistochemical, molecular, and clinical similarity with Ewing sarcoma. Despite these similarities, Ewing‐like sarcomas lack the pathognomonic molecular hallmark of Ewing sarcoma: A translocation between a gene of the RNA‐binding TET family (EWSR1 or FUS) with a gene of the ETS‐transcription family ( FLI1, ERG, ETV1, ETV4, or FEV). Recently, increased use of modern molecular methods based on next‐generation sequencing have enabled the identification of distinct subgroups within this previously uncharacterized group of Ewing‐like sarcomas based on the discovery of novel molecular driving events. The focus of this review is to provide an update on the main subcategories of Ewing‐like sarcomas discovered to date: CIC‐rearranged sarcomas, BCOR‐rearranged sarcomas, sarcomas with a rearrangement between EWSR1 and a non‐ETS family gene, and the substantial fraction of tumors which remain uncharacterized by molecular methods. There is increasing evidence that these tumors represent stand‐alone entities with unique characteristics rather than simply a subgroup of Ewing sarcoma; thus, the question of the best therapeutic approach for these often aggressive sarcomas remains of primary importance. Ultimately, large collaborative efforts will be necessary to better determine the characteristics of this rare, heterogeneous family of tumors.
Impact of Food and Different Meal Types on the Pharmacokinetics of Rilpivirine

The objective of the study was to determine the impact of food and different meal types on the pharmacokinetics of rilpivirine, a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. In this open‐label, randomized, crossover study, healthy volunteers received a single, oral 75 mg dose of rilpivirine either with a normal‐fat breakfast (reference), under fasting conditions, with a high‐fat breakfast, or with a protein‐rich nutritional drink. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by non‐compartmental methods and analyzed using a linear mixed‐effects model. Safety was assessed throughout. The least‐squares mean ratio for area under the plasma concentration–time curve to last timepoint was 0.57 (90% confidence interval [CI]: 0.46–0.72) under fasting conditions compared to dosing with a normal‐fat breakfast. With a high‐fat breakfast or only a protein‐rich nutritional drink, the corresponding values were 0.92 (90% CI: 0.80–1.07) and 0.50 (90% CI: 0.41–0.61), respectively, compared to dosing with a normal‐fat breakfast. Under all conditions, rilpivirine was generally safe and well tolerated. Administration of rilpivirine under fasting conditions or with only a protein‐rich nutritional drink substantially lowered the oral bioavailability when compared to administration with a normal‐fat breakfast. Rilpivirine bioavailability was similar when administered with a high‐fat or normal‐fat breakfast. Rilpivirine should always be taken with a meal to ensure adequate bioavailability.
Detention under the Mental Health Act: balancing rights, risks and needs for services

Mental health law has to balance considerations of both justice, and health and welfare. In the political climate of the 1990s mental health services have become targeted on those with serious mental illness, to address the objectives of containing risks and limiting service expenditure. This paper identifies that increasing rates of detention under the Mental Health Act through the 1990s in a particular region, disproportionately involve longer-term detentions (under section 3), men, and people with serious mental illnesses. Those detained are likely to experience social difficulties. Changes in legislation are imminent, and the paper concludes that thought should be given to the amount of statutory intervention in the lives of seriously mentally ill people, and to the principle of reciprocity in relation to those coerced for lesser periods. Services should seek to address the issues of social exclusion which are reflected in the circumstances of those detained.
Health Service Utilization by Women in Prison: Health Needs Indicators and Response Effects

Why women, compared to men, utilize health services at a consistently higher rate within or outside prison confinement is not well known or studied. Health needs and stress factors of 67 imprisoned women and their interrelatedness and impact on health service use were examined. Subgroups with histories of attempted suicide (HAS) and absence of drug use/abuse evolved, scoring significantly higher health service use, misconduct infractions, and injuries compared to the non-HAS and history of drug abuse (HDA) groups. Histories of abuse in childand adulthood were significantly more prevalent among the subgroups. Trauma history and development of vulnerability profiles may better explain gender-specific health service utilization.
Laboratory evaluation of sample collection methods (organs vs swabs) for Tasmanian salmon reovirus detection in farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.

The use of swabs relative to organs as a sample collection method for the detection of Tasmanian salmon reovirus (TSRV) in farmed Tasmanian Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. , was evaluated by RT-qPCR. Evaluation of individual and pooled sample collection (organs vs swabs) was carried out to determine the sensitivity of the collection methods and the effect of pooling of samples for the detection of TSRV. Detection of TSRV in individual samples was as sensitive when organs were sampled compared to swabs, and in pooled samples, organs demonstrated a sensitivity of one 10-fold dilution higher than sampling of pooled swabs. Storage of swabs at 4 °C for t = 24 h demonstrated results similar to those at t = 0. Advantages of using swabs as a preferred sample collection method for the detection of TSRV compared to organ samples are evident from these experimental trials.
Randomized, double blinded, placebo‐controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tolvaptan in Chinese patients with hyponatremia caused by SIADH

To study the effect of tolvaptan on non‐acute, non‐hypovolemic hyponatremia in inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) syndrome in Chinese patients. Hyponatremic SIADH patients received placebo (N = 18) or tolvaptan (N = 19) at an initial dose of 15 mg/day with further titration to 30 mg/day and 60 mg/day based on serum sodium concentrations. Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Primary endpoint was the change of the serum sodium from baseline to days 4 and 7. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used for statistical analysis. At day 4, average daily changes in serum sodium levels from baseline was 1.9 ± 2.9 mmol/L (1.9 ± 2.9 mEq/L) in the placebo group and 8.1 ± 3.6 mmol/L (8.1 ± 3.6 mEq/L) in the tolvaptan group; at day 7, the values were 2.5 ± 3.9 mmol/L (2.5 ± 3.9 mEq/L) and 8.6 ± 3.9 mmol/L (8.6 ± 3.9 mmEq/L) for the placebo and tolvaptan groups (ANCOVA, P < 0.001). At days 4 and 7, daily urine output and proportions of patients with normalized serum sodium were significantly superior in the tolvaptan group. The most common adverse events occurring in the tolvaptan group were dry mouth and thirst. Tolvaptan demonstrated superiority to placebo in the treatment of Chinese SIADH patients with hyponatremia by elevating serum sodium concentration with acceptable safety profile.
Hepatitis C Treatment Completion in Individuals With Psychiatric Comorbidity and Depression

Hepatitis C virus is a common bloodborne pathogen. Patient, provider, and health care system factors combine to constrain access to treatment and have led to low rates of treatment initiation and continuation among medically eligible individuals. Behavioral health comorbidity, which is common in the patient population, has historically been an exclusion criterion and is one such barrier to care. We implemented an interdisciplinary nurse-managed primary care–based hepatitis C evaluation and treatment program to address behavioral health needs concurrently in an effort to increase treatment initiation and continuation rates among comorbid individuals. We found no association between having a psychiatric or substance use history and treatment discontinuation in our patient cohort. Likewise, there was no association in our cohort between becoming depressed or anxious while undergoing treatment and treatment discontinuation. The results of our study concur with others that have shown that addressing behavioral health comorbidities concurrently with hepatitis C evaluation and treatment may improve treatment continuation rates among comorbid patients, thereby helping to remove barriers to treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
Low energy focused ion beam milling of silicon and germanium nanostructures

In this paper focused ion beam milling of very shallow nanostructures in silicon and germanium by low energy Ga + ions is studied with respect to ion beam and scanning parameters. It has been found that, using low energy ions, many scanning artefacts can be avoided and, additionally, some physical effects (e.g. redeposition and ion channelling) are significantly suppressed. The structures milled with low energy ions suffer less subsurface ion beam damage (amorphization, formation of voids) and are thus more suitable for selected applications in nanotechnology.
Sensitivity of seven PCRs for early detection of koi herpesvirus in experimentally infected carp, Cyprinus carpio L., by lethal and non-lethal sampling methods.

Koi herpesvirus (KHV) causes an economically important, highly infectious disease in common carp and koi, Cyprinus carpio L. Since the occurrence of mass mortalities worldwide, highly specific and sensitive molecular diagnostic methods have been developed for KHV detection. The sensitivity and reliability of these assays have essentially focused at the detection of low viral DNA copy numbers during latent or persistent infections. However, the efficacy of these assays has not been investigated with regard to low-level viraemia during acute infection stages. This study was conducted to compare the sensitivity of seven different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to detect KHV during the first hours and days post-infection (hpi; dpi), using lethal and non-lethal sampling methods. The results highlight the limitations of the assays for detecting virus during the first 4 dpi despite rapid mortality in experimentally infected carp. False-negative results were associated with time post-infection and the tissue sampled. Non-lethal sampling appears effective for KHV screening, with efficient detection in mucus samples obtained from external swabs during this early infection period (<5 dpi), while biopsies from gills and kidney were negative using the same PCR assays. Non-lethal sampling may improve the reliability of KHV detection in subclinical, acutely infected carp.
Action-Research in Gerontology

Abstract Action-Research has been a required course in the core curriculum for the undergraduate major and certificate Gerontology programs at the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMB) since 1980. This paper will provide an overview of how the goals of student learning and the deadlines of a research timeline are balanced within the academic year. In addition, the quality of the experience will be discussed from the perspectives of the faculty member, 11 graduate student assistants, 182 undergraduate certificate students, and 5 community partners who participated in the design and implementation of the projects over a period of 7 years.
Bulk synthesis, growth mechanism and properties of highly pure ultrafine boron nitride nanotubes with diameters of sub-10 nm

As a structural analogue of the carbon nanotube (CNT), the boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) has become one of the most intriguing non-carbon nanostructures. However, up to now the pre-existing restrictions/limitations of BNNT syntheses have made the progress in their research rather modest. This work presents a new route toward the synthesis of highly pure ultrafine BNNTs based on a modified boron oxide (BO) CVD method. A new effective precursor—a mixture of Li2O and B—has been proposed for the growth of thin, few-layer BNNTs in bulk amounts. The Li2O utilized as the precursor plays the crucial role for the present nanotube growth. The prepared BNNTs have average external diameters of sub-10 nm and lengths of up to tens of µm. Electron energy loss spectrometry and Raman spectroscopy demonstrate the ultimate phase purity of the ultrafine BNNTs. Property studies indicate that the ultrafine nanotubes are perfect electrical insulators exhibiting superb resistance to oxidation and strong UV emission. Moreover, their reduced diameters lead to a dramatically decreased population of defects within the tube walls and result in the observation of near-band-edge (NBE) emission at room temperature.
Pharmacometrics‐guided drug development of antihyperhidrosis agents

The objective of the present work was to use modeling and simulation to inform trial design of a proof‐of‐concept study for agents used in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Data were available from 36 subjects who received the vehicle, 2% or 4% topical glycopyrrolate wipes daily for 4 weeks, with response (hyperhidrosis disease severity scale [HDSS] and sweat production [SP]) measured weekly. The HDSS and SP time courses were best described using a longitudinal model with maximum response achieved by 1 week. Glycopyrrolate 4% had a higher HDSS responder rate than 2% (50% vs 33%) and placebo (0%) at week 1. Mean change from baseline (mg/5 min [SD]) in SP at week 1 was ‐90 (220), ‐185 (214), and ‐271 (265) for placebo, 2%, and 4% glycopyrrolate, respectively. Subjects with higher baseline SP had higher sweat reduction from baseline. Virtual clinical trials were simulated and analyzed using conventional (at the end of the study) versus model‐based methods to determine sample size for achieving 80% power to identify a dose–response relationship. Twenty‐seven subjects compared with at least 120 subjects would be needed using model‐based and conventional methods, respectively. Thus, the model‐based method using longitudinal data required fewer subjects than the conventional single‐point method.
Comparison of Risk Assessments of Boron: Alternate Approaches to Chemical-Specific Adjustment Factors

ABSTRACT Health risk assessments of boron (B) have been performed in recent years by seven well-respected regulatory and scientific organizations, including the Institute for Evaluating Health Risks, European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals, International Programme on Chemical Safety, World Health Organization, National Academy of Sciences Food and Nutrition Board, U.K. Expert Group of Vitamins and Minerals (draft) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (draft). Of interest, all of these risk assessments employed chemical-specific adjustment factors, resulting in total uncertainty factors in the range of 25–62 and estimates of tolerable intake levels ranging from 10 to 24 mg B/day. These risk assessments are particularly instructive because they all used the same critical developmental toxicity study and the same NOAEL (10 mg B/kg/day). Therefore, the primary differences among these risk assessments reside in the choice of chemical-specific adjustment factors. It is generally agreed that renal clearance is the primary determinant of B pharmacokinetic variability, both within and among species. However, the methods used to select chemical-specific adjustment factors for pharmacokinetics vary among B risk assessments. Several have estimated intraspecies pharmacokinetic variability based on glomerular filtration rates (GFR) in pregnant women. Based on the results of renal clearance studies of B, the use of GFR is scientifically appropriate to estimate the intraspecies pharmacokinetic variability in B renal clearance. B homeostasis in humans appears to be primarily regulated by the kidney, and at typical low doses in humans, there is evidence of tubular reabsorption of B in the kidneys. Human studies indicate that urinary B excretion is a sensitive indicator of recent dietary intake. The major source of B exposure in humans is consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes, which are naturally rich in B. Human dietary consumption of B is below the estimated tolerable intake levels established in these recent risk assessments. Considering the growing evidence of the nutritional role of B, it is important to consider both the benefits and risks of B consumption. By legitimately reducing the uncertainty factor for toxicity, the margin of safety is effectively increased to protect against the possibility of insufficient dietary intake. Risk assessments of B provide valuable lessons regarding how chemical-specific adjustment factors may be selected.