Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anatomy of an LC column : From the beginning to modern day

As the heart of the liquid chromatograph, HPLC desing has seen major improvements over the decades. From the early glass columns of flash chromatography to smooth wall stainless steel desings to PEEK-based inert columns of today, column anatomy has kept up with the advances in particle dising and user requirements. Cartridge columns lowered column costs and ease of changeover, guard columns helped to protect expensive analytical columns, and capillary/nano-columns helped to deal with high sensitivity sample-mass limited situations. In this installment of "Column Watch," Ron Majors traces the developments in modern column design in analytical and preparative configurations and speculates on future directions.
Perceived Barriers to Primary Care Services Utilization and its Associations with Overall Satisfaction of Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study

Introduction: Primary care plays an integral role in modern healthcare systems. More so in a country that is currently undergoing a reform of its health system. Their remains barriers that hinder patients from seeking medical assistance from primary physicians. This study aims to examine the overall satisfaction of patients toward Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) in Saudi Arabia, as well as its association with potential barriers from a sample of patients who presented at the emergency department (ED) for non-urgent cases. Methods: This cross-sectional study sampled 403 patients from King Fahd Hospital of the University. A piloted questionnaire was utilized that included questions on sociodemographics, satisfaction of PHCs, as well as organizational, socioeconomic, access, and patient-doctor relationship barriers using a Likert-scale item response. Chi-squared and Fisher’s Exact tests were used to compare categorical variables, and multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between overall satisfaction and all factors and barriers. Results: The sample consisted of 48.1% males and 51.9% females. Only 5.2% of the patients were hospitalized. Of the total sample, 28.3% reported being always satisfied with PHC services. The most reported barriers were organizational barriers and socioeconomic barriers. The regression analysis found that being a female, highly educated, have high organizational, and patient-doctor relationship were independent predictors for low overall satisfaction with PHCs. Conclusion: Findings from this study should allow healthcare planners and policy makers to reduce the impact of these barriers by finding solutions that would target them. This may include strictly implementing policies such as proper implementing of triaging in EDs as well as promoting services that are being provided free of charge at these centers.
Convergent phenotypic evolution towards fosfomycin collateral sensitivity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa antibiotic‐resistant mutants

The rise of antibiotic resistance and the reduced amount of novel antibiotics support the need of developing novel strategies to fight infections, based on improving the use of the antibiotics we already have. Collateral sensitivity is an evolutionary trade‐off associated with the acquisition of antibiotic resistance that can be exploited to tackle this relevant health problem. However, different works have shown that patterns of collateral sensitivity are not always conserved, thus precluding the exploitation of this evolutionary trade‐off to fight infections. In this work, we identify a robust pattern of collateral sensitivity to fosfomycin in Pseudomonas aeruginosa antibiotic‐resistant mutants, selected by antibiotics belonging to different structural families. We characterize the underlying mechanism of the collateral sensitivity observed, which is a reduced expression of the genes encoding the peptidoglycan‐recycling pathway, which preserves the peptidoglycan synthesis in situations where its de novo synthesis is blocked, and a reduced expression of fosA, encoding a fosfomycin‐inactivating enzyme. We propose that the identification of robust collateral sensitivity patterns, as well as the understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind these phenotypes, would provide valuable information to design evolution‐based strategies to treat bacterial infections.
Patterns of MHC‐dependent sexual selection in a free‐living population of sheep

The MHC is one of the most polymorphic gene clusters in vertebrates and play an essential role in adaptive immunity. Apart from pathogen‐mediated selection, sexual selection can also contribute to the maintenance of MHC diversity. MHC‐dependent sexual selection could occur via several mechanisms but at present there is no consensus as to which of these mechanisms are involved and their importance. Previous studies have often suffered from limited genetic and behavioural data and small sample size, and were rarely able to examine all the mechanisms together, determine whether signatures of MHC‐based non‐random mating are independent of genomic effects or differentiate whether MHC‐dependent sexual selection takes place at the pre‐ or post‐copulatory stage. In this study, we use Monte Carlo simulation to investigate evidence for non‐random MHC‐dependent mating patterns by all three mechanisms in a free‐living population of Soay sheep. Using 1710 sheep diplotyped at the MHC class IIa region and genome‐wide SNPs, together with field observations of consorts, we found sexual selection against a particular haplotype in males at the pre‐copulatory stage and sexual selection against female MHC heterozygosity during the rut. We also found MHC‐dependent disassortative mating at the post‐copulatory stage, along with strong evidence of inbreeding avoidance at both stages. However, results from generalized linear mixed models suggest that the pattern of MHC‐dependent disassortative mating could be a by‐product of inbreeding avoidance. Our results therefore suggest that while multiple apparent mechanisms of non‐random mating with respect to the MHC may occur, some of them have alternative explanations.
Sb/Pd co-doped SnO2 nanoparticles for methane detection: resistance reduction and sensing performance studies

Methane (CH4) gas sensors play an important role in industrial safety and detection of indoor gas quality. In general, metal oxide semiconductor sensing materials with nano-structure have high responses to the target gas. However, the sensor resistance is usually very high. Considering the practical application, it is vital to reduce base resistance and improve sensitivity for gas sensors. Herein, Pd-doped SnO2 nanoparticles were prepared as the basis material by a simple sol-gel method. In order to adjust the resistance, the pentavalent metal element (Sb) was introduced via a simple doping route. As CH4 sensing layers, the prepared SnO2-sensors doped with Pd and Sb exhibited the most obvious resistance reduction effect. Meantime, excellent sensing performances including high response, fast response/recovery time, excellent reproducibility and great stability were also obtained. In-depth research has shown that the ability to reduce resistance depends on the effective internal doping of cation with high valence. The enhanced sensing capability can be attributed to the ‘synergistic effects’ including catalytic effects of novel metals, increased oxygen vacancies and decreased band gap energy. This work can provide a new opportunity to design metal oxide sensing materials with low resistance and high sensitivity.
Feasibility and preliminary data for a State-wide South Carolina Lupus Registry

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or lupus is an autoimmune disorder whose cause and reason for disproportionate impact on minorities remains enigmatic. Furthermore, statistics describing lupus incidence and prevalence are outdated and often based on small samples. To begin to address this disparity this report describes preliminary data to be utilized in the development of a state-wide lupus registry in South Carolina. Methods A prospective survey and retrospective data from the South Carolina Budget and Control Board Office of Research & Statistics were used to capture data pertaining to knowledge of lupus, prevalence, and access to lupus care. Results Retrospective ORS data indicated there were 11,690 individuals living with lupus in 2014 with the average direct cost of $69,999.40 in medical care. Prospective surveys (N = 325), in over 16 locations in South Carolina, showed 31% knew someone with lupus, 16% had been diagnosed with lupus, and 50% did not know of a medical facility that treated lupus. Conclusion A lupus registry and repository will provide ongoing access for researchers on the impact of lupus on communities in South Carolina. Lupus is highly prevalent, but disproportionately represented in terms of patient information and participation in clinical trials, so it is also expected that this preliminary work will provide an ongoing process in which the medical community can better engage lupus patients.
The utility of lung weight to heart weight ratio as a means to identify suspected drug intoxication deaths in a medico‐legal autopsy population

Fatal intoxications are common in a medico‐legal autopsy setting and are associated with sparse findings during autopsy. It has been suggested that an increased lung weight may be associated with such fatalities. Previous literature is generally limited to a descriptive approach, including only opioid deaths, and lacking a definition of “heavy” lungs. Our aim was to create a model to identify cases with heavy lungs and to assess the predictive power of “heavy” lungs in identifying cases of different types of fatal intoxications during autopsy in an unselected medico‐legal autopsy population. We identified all medico‐legal autopsy cases ≥18 years in Sweden from 2000 through 2013. The lung weight to heart weight (LWHW) ratio was calculated. The positive predictive values (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) of both lung weight and LWHW ratio were calculated. Mean lung weight was higher in the intoxication group but the predictive power in the individual case was limited. Lung weight to heart weight ratio had better predictive power than lung weight alone, with a PPV of at most 0.15(0.14, 0.16 95% CI), while the NPV was 0.96 (0.95, 0.96 95% CI). The association between fatal intoxication and increased lung weight was positive, regardless of method and cutoffs used. While the PPV was poor, the NPV could reduce suspicion of fatal intoxication in the absence of other information. LHWH ratio is only a probability factor for fatal intoxication; accurate cause of death determination—as always—requires consideration of circumstances, autopsy, and toxicologic findings.
Effects of hatching enzymes on egg envelope digestion in the male‐brooding seahorse

In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of hatching enzymes on the egg envelope digestion during the hatching period in the male brooding seahorse. The complementary DNAs encoding two hatching‐enzyme genes, high choriolytic enzyme (HCE) and low choriolytic enzyme (LCE), were cloned and functionally characterized from the lined seahorse (Hippocampus erectus). The genomic‐synteny analysis confirmed that teleosts shared LCE gene synteny. In contrast, the genomic location of HCE was found to be conserved with pipefish, but not other teleosts, suggesting that translocation into a novel genomic location occurred. Whole‐mount in situ hybridization showed that HCE and LCE mRNAs were expressed in hatching gland cells. To determine the digestion mechanisms of HCE and LCE in hatching, recombinant HCE and LCE were generated and their enzyme activities were examined using fertilized egg envelopes and synthetic peptides. Seahorse HCE and LCE independently digested and softened the egg envelopes of the lined seahorse. Although the egg envelope was digested more following HCE and LCE co‐treatment, envelope solubilization was not observed. Indeed, both HCE and LCE showed similar substrate specificities toward four different synthetic peptides designed from the cleavage sites of egg envelope proteins. HCE and LCE proteins from other euteleostean fishes showed different specificities, and the egg envelope was solubilized by the cooperative action of HCE and LCE. These results suggest that the function of LCE was degenerated in the lined seahorse. Our results imply a digestion mechanism for evolutionary adaptation in ovoviviparous fish with male pregnancy.
Effect of CHRFAM7A Δ2bp gene variant on secondary inflammation after spinal cord injury

The α7 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs) are essential for anti-inflammatory responses. The human-specific CHRFAM7A gene and its 2bp deletion polymorphism (Δ2bp variant) encodes a structurally-deficient α7nAChRs that may impact the anti-inflammatory function. We studied 45 spinal cord injury (SCI) patients for up to six weeks post SCI to investigate the role of the Δ2bp variant on multiple circulating inflammatory mediators and two outcome measures (neuropathic pain and risk of pressure ulcers). The patient’s SCI were classified as either severe or mild. Missing values were imputed. Overall genetic effect was conducted with independent sample t-test and corrected with false discovery rate (FDR). Univariate analysis and regression analysis were applied to evaluate the Δ2bp effects on temporal variation of inflammatory mediators post SCI and their interaction with outcome measures. In severe SCI, the Δ2bp carriers showed higher levels of circulating inflammatory mediators than the Δ2bp non-carriers in TNF-α (FDR = 9.6x10-4), IFN-γ (FDR = 1.3x10-3), IL-13 (FDR = 1.6x10-3), CCL11 (FDR = 2.1x10-3), IL-12p70 (FDR = 2.2x10-3), IL-8 (FDR = 2.2x10-3), CXCL10 (FDR = 3.1x10-3), CCL4 (FDR = 5.7x10-3), IL-12p40 (FDR = 7.1x10-3), IL-1b (FDR = 0.014), IL-15 (FDR = 0.024), and IL-2 (FDR = 0.037). IL-8 and CCL2 were negatively associated with days post injury (DPI) for the Δ2bp carriers (P = 2x10-7 and P = 2x10-8, respectively) and IL-5 was positively associated with DPI for the Δ2bp non-carriers (P = 0.015). Neuropathic pain was marginally positively associated with IL-13 for the Δ2bp carriers (P = 0.056). In mild SCI, the Δ2bp carriers had lower circulating levels of IL-15 (FDR = 0.04) than the Δ2bp non-carriers. Temporal variation of inflammatory mediators post SCI was not associated with the Δ2bp variant. For the mild SCI Δ2bp carriers, risk of pressure ulcers was positively associated with circulating levels of IFN-γ, CXCL10, and CCL4 and negatively associated with circulating levels of IL-12p70. These findings support an important role for the human-specific CHRFAM7A Δ2bp gene variant in modifying anti-inflammatory function of α7nAChRs following SCI.
HOTAIR lncRNA promotes epithelial–mesenchymal transition by redistributing LSD1 at regulatory chromatin regions

Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) describes the loss of epithelial traits and gain of mesenchymal traits by normal cells during development and by neoplastic cells during cancer metastasis. The long noncoding RNA HOTAIR triggers EMT, in part by serving as a scaffold for PRC2 and thus promoting repressive histone H3K27 methylation. In addition to PRC2, HOTAIR interacts with the LSD1 lysine demethylase, an epigenetic regulator of cell fate during development and differentiation, but little is known about the role of LSD1 in HOTAIR function during EMT. Here, we show that HOTAIR requires its LSD1‐interacting domain, but not its PRC2‐interacting domain, to promote the migration of epithelial cells. This activity is suppressed by LSD1 overexpression. LSD1‐HOTAIR interactions induce partial reprogramming of the epithelial transcriptome altering LSD1 distribution at promoter and enhancer regions. Thus, we uncover an unexpected role of HOTAIR in EMT as an LSD1 decommissioning factor, counteracting its activity in the control of epithelial identity.
Diagnostic Accuracy of SSEP Changes During Lumbar Spine Surgery for Predicting Postoperative Neurological Deficit

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text This study evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of intraoperative SSEP changes during lumbar spine surgeries for predicting postoperative neurological deficits. Using systematic review and meta-analysis methods, a cohort of 5607 patients was analyzed. Three SSEP change subtypes—reversible, irreversible, and total signal loss—appear to indicate different risks for neurological deficits. Study Design. This study is a meta-analysis of prospective and retrospective studies identified in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase with outcomes of patients who received intraoperative somatosensory-evoked potential (SSEP) monitoring during lumbar spine surgery. Objective. The objective of this study is to determine the diagnostic accuracy of intraoperative lower extremity SSEP changes for predicting postoperative neurological deficit. As a secondary analysis, we evaluated three subtypes of intraoperative SSEP changes: reversible, irreversible, and total signal loss. Summary of Background Data. Lumbar decompression and fusion surgery can treat lumbar spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis but carry a risk for nerve root injury. Published neurophysiological monitoring guidelines provide no conclusive evidence for the clinical utility of intraoperative SSEP monitoring during lumbar spine surgery. Methods. A systematic review was conducted to identify studies with outcomes of patients who underwent lumbar spine surgeries with intraoperative SSEP monitoring. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated and presented with forest plots and a summary receiver operating characteristic curve. Results. The study cohort consisted of 5607 patients. All significant intraoperative SSEP changes had a sensitivity of 44% and specificity of 97% with a DOR of 22.13 (95% CI, 11.30–43.34). Reversible and irreversible SSEP changes had sensitivities of 28% and 33% and specificities of 97% and 97%, respectively. The DORs for reversible and irreversible SSEP changes were 13.93 (95% CI, 4.60–40.44) and 57.84 (95% CI, 15.95–209.84), respectively. Total loss of SSEPs had a sensitivity of 9% and specificity of 99% with a DOR of 23.91 (95% CI, 7.18–79.65). Conclusion. SSEP changes during lumbar spine surgery are highly specific but moderately sensitive for new postoperative neurological deficits. Patients who had postoperative neurological deficit were 22 times more likely to have exhibited intraoperative SSEP changes. Level of Evidence: 2
MCT2 overexpression promotes recovery of cognitive function by increasing mitochondrial biogenesis in a rat model of stroke

ABSTRACT Monocarboxylate transporter 2 (MCT2) is the predominant monocarboxylate transporter expressed by neurons. MCT2 plays an important role in brain energy metabolism. Stroke survivors are at high risk of cognitive impairment. We reported previously that stroke-induced cognitive impairment was related to impaired energy metabolism. In the present study, we report that cognitive function was impaired after stroke in rats. We found that MCT2 expression, but not that of MCT1 or MCT4, was markedly decreased in the rat hippocampus at 7 and 28 days after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Moreover, MCT2 overexpression promoted recovery of cognitive function after stroke. The molecular mechanism underlying these effects may be related to an increase in adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis induced by overexpression of MCT2. Our findings suggest that MCT2 activation ameliorates cognitive impairment after stroke.
Soil nutrients concentration along altitudinal gradients in Indian Western Himalaya

ABSTRACT Altitude is a determining factor of vegetation composition, ecosystem properties and processes, and availability of soil nutrients. Present study examined soil nutrients at two depths i.e. 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm along altitudinal gradients (1800–4000 m asl) in the Indian western Himalaya. Results of the study reveals an increase in organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), and total potassium (TK) along an altitudinal gradient, indicating that low temperature limits the cycling of organic matter at high altitudes. A significant positive relationship of soil nutrient parameters with altitude was observed for moisture content, OC, TN, TK, C:N ratio; however, it was negatively significant for pH. All the soil nutrients were higher for 0–15 cm depth than 15–30 cm across the altitudinal gradients. The tree species richness decreased with the increasing altitude. TN, OC, and TK were found at maximum levels in a broad-leaved forest (i.e. Betula utilis) at 4000 m, followed by Pinus wallichiana (3600 m) and Abies pindrow (3000 m). This indicates that broad-leaved forests contributed strongly to carbon sink in the high-altitude region of the Himalaya. It is concluded that forest stand structures and abiotic factors govern soil nutrients concentrations along altitudinal gradient in the Himalayan region.
The Glass Ceiling and the Paper Floor: Changing Gender Composition of Top Earners since the 1980s

Since the late 1970s, the US earnings distribution has experienced profound changes. Among these changes, two of the most well-known are the increasing share of total earnings that accrues to top earners (i.e., individuals in the top 1% or top 0.1% of the earnings distribution) and the continued relative absence of women from this top-earning group. This latter phenomenon is commonly referred to as the glass ceiling, the emergence of which has spurred both debate over the appropriate policy response as well as active research into its primary causes. However, progress on both fronts has been hampered by the scarcity of empirical evidence from nationally representative data on the gender structure at the top of the earnings distribution. Our goal in this paper is to provide this necessary empirical evidence on the glass ceiling, using newer and better data than have been previously available. In doing so, we also revisit several important questions about top earners of both genders: the dynamics of their earnings, their industry composition, their age and cohort composition, and the evolution of earnings for lifetime top earners. Our interest in top earners is motivated by their disproportionately large influence on the aggregate economy. This influence operates through at least three channels. First, top earners are crucial economic actors. In the United States, individuals in the top 1% of the income distribution earn approximately 15% of aggregate before-tax income and pay about 40% of individual income taxes—more than one and a half times the amount paid by the bottom 90 percentiles—and 50% of all corporate income tax. Because this group includes virtually all high-level managers