Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fusion of Tumor-Derived Exosomes with Long-Circulating and pH-Sensitive Liposomes Loaded with Doxorubicin for the Treatment of Breast Cancer

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapeutic agent that has been used in the treatment of breast cancer. However, serious toxic effects have limited its use, mainly cardiotoxicity. To minimize the adverse effects, liposomal preparations containing DOX have been developed. These preparations can reach the target in the tumor region as well as bypass the resistance-related problems. An alternative to increased therapeutic efficacy may be the fusion of liposomes with exosomes released from tumor cells to facilitate membrane and fusion interactions, achieving greater cell uptake. Thus, the purpose of this study was the fusion of exosomes derived from breast tumor cells with long-circulating and pH-sensitive liposomes loading DOX (ExoSpHL-DOX) for the treatment of breast cancer. The mean diameter of ExoSpHL-DOX was 100.8 ± 7.8 nm, the polydispersity index was 0.122 ± 0.004, and the encapsulated DOX content was equal to 83.5 ± 2.5%. The fusion of exosomes with long-circulating and pH-sensitive liposomes was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and nano-flow cytometry. The physicochemical characteristics of ExoSpHL-DOX were maintained for 60 days, at 4 °C. The study of the release of DOX from ExoSpHL-DOX in dilution media with different pH values showed the pH sensitivity characteristic of the nanosystem, since 96.6 ± 0.2% of DOX was released from ExoSpHL-DOX at pH 5.0, while at pH 7.4, the release was 70.1 ± 1.7% in the medium. The cytotoxic study against the breast cancer cell line demonstrated that ExoSpHL-DOX treatment significantly reduced the cancer cell viability.
Humin‐promoted microbial electrosynthesis of acetate from CO2 by Moorella thermoacetica

Humin, an insoluble fraction of humic substances at any pH, has been reported to be an extracellular electron mediator (EEM) that functions in carbon dioxide (CO2)‐fixing acetogenesis. Here, we show that humin promotes the microbial electrosynthesis (MES) of acetate from CO2 using Moorella thermoacetica. Yeast extract, essential for the reaction of M. thermoacetica, resulted in the heterotrophic production of organic acids including acetate, hydrogen, and methane. Excluding the effect of yeast extract, MES with 13 g/L of suspended humin poised at −510 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl) achieved a CO2‐fixing acetate production of 24.2 mg‐acetate/L/day (1.9 mg‐acetate/day/g‐humin); this is 10‐folds higher than the humin‐free MES, with 90.3% of the coulombic efficiency. Although M. thermoacetica is an electroactive bacterium, it obtains electrons for acetogenesis mostly via humin. The suspended humin‐assisted MES poised at −810 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl) increased the acetate production rate to 39.3 mg‐acetate/L/day using electrons mainly from electrolyzed hydrogen and humin. Immobilization increased the humin's EEM efficiency, as indicated by the acetate production rate of 20.8 mg‐acetate/L/day (6.9 mg‐acetate/day/g‐humin) with a 98.7% coulombic efficiency in MES with 3 g/L of immobilized humin poised at −510 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl). These results suggest that humin‐assisted MES has high potential for microbial CO2 fixation.
Cognitive behavioural group therapy for insomnia (CBGT-I) in patients undergoing haemodialysis: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Background: Given the many complications of drug therapy, it seems reasonable to use non-pharmacological therapies that can improve mental and physical disorders in haemodialysis patients. Aims: This study aims to determine the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural group therapy for insomnia (CBGT-I) in sleep quality, depression, anxiety and general psychological health of haemodialysis patients. Method: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 116 haemodialysis patients who were randomly assigned to experimental (n=58) and control (n=58) groups. In the experimental group, CBGT-I was provided during nine weekly sessions. Data collection tools included Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDIII), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), Clinical Global Improvement Scale (CGI), Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ) and Working Alliance Inventory-Short Form (WAI-S). Data were analysed by SPSS-25 and p<. 05 was considered significant. Results: The findings demonstrated that CBGT-I compared with control group was effective in improving sleep quality (p<.001, η2=.790), depression (p<.001, η2=.616), anxiety (p<.001, η2=.682) and general psychological health (p<.001, η2=.871). Participants of CBGT-I showed notable improvements as a result of the treatment, were satisfied with treatment, and had a good therapeutic relationship. Conclusions: CBGT-I is effective in reducing depression and anxiety in addition to improving sleep quality and general psychological health in haemodialysis patients. Therefore, it is recommended to be used as a complementary treatment for these patients.
The association between physical activity and sleep during pregnancy: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Objectives Pregnant women frequently report experiencing poor sleep. Poor sleep during pregnancy is associated with negative health outcomes for both mother and baby. Physical activity (PA), including exercise may be an effective non-pharmacological strategy for improving sleep during pregnancy. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize the current literature on the association between physical activity (including exercise) and sleep during pregnancy. Method A systematic online search was undertaken between 15–16 February 2022 in PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase and PubMed. To meet the inclusion criteria articles had to; [1] be published in a peer reviewed journal; [2] consist of pregnant participants; and [3] be published in English. Studies were excluded if they were not published in English and did not investigate the association between a type of physical activity (including exercise) and a sleep variable during a trimester of pregnancy. Results Ten studies were included in this review. Five of the ten studies used observational data collection measures and the remaining five used intervention based methods. Eight of the ten included studies found PA (including exercise) was positively associated with sleep during pregnancy. Conclusion In order to properly establish PA as a strategy to improve sleep during pregnancy, future research should aim to determine the PA characteristics most beneficial to sleep during pregnancy across each trimester.
COVID-19 Courtesy Stigma among Healthcare Providers in India: A Study of Stigma Management Communication and its Impact

ABSTRACT In early 2020, the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic hit India, generating one of the highest rates of infection and death in the world. Meanwhile, healthcare workers experienced stigma and discrimination due to their association with COVID-19 patients. This study analyzed healthcare workers’ experience of courtesy stigma in India, the communication strategies they used to manage stigma, and the impact on their mental health. A cross-sectional survey of 150 healthcare workers in India showed that almost 50% experienced discrimination due to their association with COVID-19 patients. Using Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling, this study found that experience of discrimination was associated with perceived courtesy stigma. Two stigma management strategies (reducing offensiveness and passive acceptance) mediated the relationship between perceived courtesy stigma and perceived stress and depression. Participants also reported engaging in stigma management strategies of bonding with other healthcare professionals and passive acceptance of the stigma more than reducing stigma and displaying/disclosing stigma. We conclude that perhaps due to depletion of cognitive and emotional resources, healthcare workers engaged more in social support (bonding) and passive stigma acceptance strategies to alleviate the stress associated with providing COVID-19 patient care. Practical and theoretical implications are further discussed.
Epigenetic and pharmacological control of pigmentation via Bromodomain Protein 9 (BRD9)

Lineage‐specific differentiation programs are activated by epigenetic changes in chromatin structure. Melanin‐producing melanocytes maintain a gene expression program ensuring appropriate enzymatic conversion of metabolites into the pigment, melanin, and transfer to surrounding cells. During neuroectodermal development, SMARCA4 (BRG1), the catalytic subunit of SWItch/Sucrose Non‐Fermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complexes, is essential for lineage specification. SMARCA4 is also required for development of multipotent neural crest precursors into melanoblasts, which differentiate into pigment‐producing melanocytes. In addition to the catalytic domain, SMARCA4 and several SWI/SNF subunits contain bromodomains which are amenable to pharmacological inhibition. We investigated the effects of pharmacological inhibitors of SWI/SNF bromodomains on melanocyte differentiation. Strikingly, treatment of murine melanoblasts and human neonatal epidermal melanocytes with selected bromodomain inhibitors abrogated melanin synthesis and visible pigmentation. Using functional genomics, iBRD9, a small molecule selective for the bromodomain of BRD9 was found to repress pigmentation‐specific gene expression. Depletion of BRD9 confirmed a requirement for expression of pigmentation genes in the differentiation program from melanoblasts into pigmented melanocytes and in melanoma cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that iBRD9 disrupts the occupancy of BRD9 and the catalytic subunit SMARCA4 at melanocyte‐specific loci. These data indicate that BRD9 promotes melanocyte pigmentation whereas pharmacological inhibition of BRD9 is repressive.
Approximating Integrals Via Monte Carlo and Deterministic Methods

This book is designed to introduce graduate students and researchers to the primary methods useful for approximating integrals. The emphasis is on those methods that have been found to be of practical use, and although the focus is on approximating higher- dimensional integrals the lower-dimensional case is also covered. Included in the book are asymptotic techniques, multiple quadrature and quasi-random techniques as well as a complete development of Monte Carlo algorithms. For the Monte Carlo section importance sampling methods, variance reduction techniques and the primary Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithms are covered. This book brings these various techniques together for the first time, and hence provides an accessible textbook and reference for researchers in a wide variety of disciplines.
An Evaluation of Digital Partner Notification Tool Engagement and Impact for Patients Diagnosed With Gonorrhea and Syphilis

Real-world use of a digital partner notification tool in patients diagnosed with gonorrhea or syphilis in England demonstrated increased partner testing with the majority being verified automatically by the software. Background Partner Notification (PN) is a key public health service to alert the partners of patients diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection and then support these individuals to test. Partner Notification is a challenge to deliver because of the personal nature of this communication and the time it requires to deliver effectively. Digital tools have been developed to support patients to inform their partners; unfortunately, it has not been possible to measure engagement with—and the impact of—these solutions. A digital PN tool (dPNt) was developed for use by the health care provider to (1) deliver anonymous PN, (2) support the partner to locate and test at an appropriate local service, and (3) track real-time outcome metrics. To assess the usefulness of this tool we analyzed dPNt adoption and performance in the delivery of PN services. Method A dPNt engagement for 5715 patients diagnosed by 23 health care providers with either gonorrhea or syphilis in 2019 was analyzed to determine what factors were associated with the use of this tool. The PN performance and a sub analysis of the patients who used dPNt was compared with the adjusted aggregate PN performance reported by Public Health England. Results Overall, dPNt engagement was 21% and 27% for patients with gonorrhea and syphilis, respectively. Male gender patients with gonorrhea and younger patients with either diagnosis were more likely to engage with dPNt. Nonengagement with dPNt was associated with a significantly higher number of partners reported as already seen and tested at the time that PN was initiated. The overall number of partners seen and tested per index patient increased in the clinics using dPNt from 0.43 to 0.84 for gonorrhea and 0.71 to 0.94 for syphilis, relative to Public Health England baseline results. Half of all prospective partner testing verification was done automatically by dPNt and no interaction was demonstrated between dPNt and standard methods. Conclusion Digital PN tool engagement increased when more partners needed to be informed of their risk of infection. Future work is planned to improve the use of and engagement with dPNt to alert and test more partners or their risk and improve public health.
Evaluation of Brain Tumors Using Amide Proton Transfer Imaging: A Comparison of Normal Amide Proton Transfer Signal With Abnormal Amide Proton Transfer Signal Value

Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship of amide proton transfer (APT) signal characteristics in brain tumors and uninvolved brain tissue for patients with glioblastoma and those with brain metastases. Methods Using the mDIXON 3D-APT sequence of the fast spin echo method, an APT image was obtained. The mean APT signal values of tumor core, peritumor edema, ipsilateral normal-appearing white matter (INAWM), and contralateral normal white matter (CNAWM) were obtained and compared between glioblastoma and brain metastases. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate parameters for distinguishing between glioblastoma and brain metastases. In addition, the difference and change rate in APT signal values between tumor core and peritumoral edema (PE) and CNAWM were evaluated, respectively. Results The APT signal values of glioblastoma were the highest in tumor core (3.41% ± 0.49%), followed by PE (2.24% ± 0.29%), INAWM (1.35% ± 0.15%), and CNAWM (1.26% ± 0.12%, P < 0.001). The APT signal value of brain metastases was the highest in tumor core (2.74% ± 0.34%), followed by PE (1.86% ± 0.35%), INAWM (1.17% ± 0.13%), and CNAWM (1.2% ± 0.09%, P < 0.01). The APT change rate (between PE and CNAWM) was not significantly different at 78% and 56% for glioblastoma and brain metastases, respectively (P > 0.05). Conclusions Performing APT imaging under the same parameters used in this study may aid in the identification of brain tumors.
Maneuvering Target Tracking Algorithm Based on Interacting Multiple Models

Aiming at improving the accuracy and quick response of the filter in nonlinear maneuvering target tracking problems, the Interacting Multiple Models Cubature Information Filter (IMMCIF) is proposed. In IMMCIF, the Cubature Information Filter (CIF) is brought into Interacting Multiple Model (IMM), which can not only improve the accuracy but also enhance the quick response of the filter. CIF is a multisensor nonlinear filtering algorithm; it evaluates the information vector and information matrix rather than state vector and covariance, which can reduce the error of nonlinear filtering algorithm. IMM disposes all the models simultaneously through Markov Chain, which can enhance the quick response of the filter. Finally, the simulation results show that the proposed filter exhibits fast and smooth switching when disposing different maneuver models; it performs better than the IMMCKF and IMMUKF on tracking accuracy.
Effect of twelve-week concurrent aerobic and resisted exercise training in non-dialysis day on functional capacity and quality of life in chronic kidney disease patients.

OBJECTIVE Several researchers have evaluated the impact of exercise training on patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, few studies have evaluated the impact of concurrent training (aerobic and resisted exercise) on non-dialysis days on the functional capacity and quality of life (QOL) of such patients. Our current study evaluated the effects of concurrent training on functional capacity and QOL of patients with CKD. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty-three patients, aged ≥ 25 years, were recruited in this randomized study. They were divided into intervention and control groups (22 per group). The intervention group received concurrent aerobic and resistance exercises (three sessions per week for twelve weeks on alternative days). The control group continued their regular lifestyle practices and medical treatment without any exercise intervention. Before and after twelve weeks of training, the participant's functional capacity and quality of life (QOL) were measured. RESULTS Compared to the control group, the intervention group displayed a significant improvement in the distance walked in the 6-minute walk test and sit-to-stand test (STS1/s and STS-60) with p<0.001; furthermore, a significant improvement was observed in physical function, body pain, general health, role functioning/physical, vitality, and social functioning (p<0.05) of QOL assessed with the SF-36 questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS The twelve-week concurrent aerobic and resistance exercise training had a positive impact on functional capacity and QOL in CKD patients. Concurrent exercise training should be recommended as an interventional modality in physical therapy and rehabilitation protocols in CKD patients.
Evaluating feed value of native Jeju bamboo (Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai) for beef cattle

Objective Recently, indigenous Korean grass Sasa quelpaertensis Nakai (SQ) has garnered much interest as a roughage source for livestock to mitigate its adverse effects on habitat diversity. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the ruminal fermentation, palatability, and nutrient digestibility of SQ for Korean native beef cattle (Hanwoo) using in vitro rumen fermentation, in situ rumen degradability, and in vivo feeding trials. Methods Using in vitro tests with rumen fluid as the inoculum for 48 h, ruminal fermentation of SQ was evaluated and compared with that of other roughage sources commonly used in Korea (i.e., rice straw, Timothy hay, and Italian ryegrass [IRG]). Additionally, an in situ trial 96 h was performed using three cannulated Hanwoo steers. Further, an in vivo trial was performed using eight Hanwoo steers to compare the palatability of SQ with rice straw in total mixed ration (TMR) and forage-concentrate separate feeding conditions. Finally, an in vivo digestibility trial of SQ fed as TMR of two particle sizes was performed with four Hanwoo steers. Results In vitro and in situ trials revealed that SQ was comparable or superior to rice straw in terms of the ruminal fermentation characteristics of pH, gas production, total volatile fatty acid content, and effective ruminal dry matter digestibility (DMD), although its fermentability was lower than that of Timothy hay and IRG. In the palatability test, steers showed a greater preference for SQ when given as TMR. The total tract DMD of SQ fed as TMR was 75.9%±1.37%, and it did not differ by particle size. Conclusion The feed value of SQ as a roughage source for Hanwoo steers is comparable or superior to that of rice straw, particularly when provided as TMR.
Fusion of an Extended H∞ Filter and Cubature Kalman filter

Abstract In this paper, we present a new nonlinear state estimation algorithm based on fusion of an extended H ∞ ( EH ∞ ) filter and cubature Kalman filter (CKF), and is called as cubature H ∞ filter. The proposed algorithm is developed from a recently developed cubature Kalman filter and an extended H ∞ filter. The CKF is a Gaussian approximation of Bayesian filter and its performance over non-Gaussian approximation may degrade. An EH ∞ filter does not make any such assumption about the statistics of process or measurement noises. But it require Jacobians during the state estimation, which makes it to performs well only in presence of ‘mild’ nonlinearities. The proposed approach neither require Jacobians like EH ∞ filter nor statistical properties of noises like CKF. The efficacy of the proposed is verified on state estimation of univariate nonlinear model and an induction motor example.
A way forward for design and analysis of neuroimaging studies of memory consolidation

ABSTRACT Several novel ideas and suggestions were made in response to our discussion paper (Tallman et al., this issue). Careful consideration of the content and context of memory while accounting for the neuroanatomy and functional specialization of the hippocampus may reveal more consistent patterns in fMRI studies of memory consolidation. Below we address these ideas as well as issues that arise when interpreting the fMRI signal in memory consolidation studies. In addition, we describe new analyses suggested by the commentators that clarify our findings with respect to current theories.
ALS mutations in the TIA-1 prion-like domain trigger highly condensed pathogenic structures

Significance T cell intracellular antigen-1 (TIA-1) has been studied for two decades since the beginning of stress granule research, not only because it is a major constituent of stress granules but also because of its diverse physiological functions. In this study, we elucidated how disease-associated mutations alter the self-assembly mode at an atomic level and proposed a five-amino acid model that quantifies the sticker and spacer properties that potentially act within TIA-1 prion-like domain droplets. This model enabled us to evaluate how disease-associated mutations can exert a significant impact on the condensate properties. Our research has the potential to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases caused by amino acid mutations in intrinsically disordered proteins.
Continuous integrated manufacturing for biopharmaceuticals: A new paradigm or an empty promise?

Continuous integrated bioprocessing has elicited considerable interest from the biopharma industry for the many purported benefits it promises. Today many major biopharma manufacturers around the world are engaged in the development of continuous process platforms for their products. In spite of great potential, the path toward continuous integrated bioprocessing remains unclear for the biologics industry due to legacy infrastructure, process integration challenges, vague regulatory guidelines, and a diverging focus toward novel therapies. In this article, we present a review and perspective on this topic. We explore the status of the implementation of continuous integrated bioprocessing among biopharmaceutical manufacturers. We also present some of the key hurdles that manufacturers are likely to face during this implementation. Finally, we hypothesize that the real impact of continuous manufacturing is likely to come when the cost of manufacturing is a substantial portion of the cost of product development, such as in the case of biosimilar manufacturing and emerging economies.
Anomalous spin of the Chern-Simons-Georgi-Glashow model

With the Coulomb gauge, the Chern-Simons-Georgi-Glashow (CSGG) model is quantized in the Dirac formalism for the constrained system. Combining the Gauss law and Coulomb gauge consistency condition, the difference between the Schwinger angular momentum and canonical angular momentum of the system is found to be an anomalous spin. The reason for this result lies in that the Schwinger energy momentum tensor and the canonical one have different symmetry properties in presence of the Chern-Simons term.