Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Morphology and properties of PET/PA-6/E-44 blends

Polymer blends incorporating poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polyamide-6 (PA-6), and a reactive compatibilizer (low molecular weight bisphenol-A epoxy resin—E-44) were prepared with the following E-44 weight percent concentrations: 0, 0.3, 0.6, 1, 3, 5, and 10. The samples was studied by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a polarizing microscope (PLM), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and mechanical testing. SEM and PLM showed noticeable changes in both the amorphous region and the crystalline region of the blends. The changes indicated better compatibility between the dispersed phase (PA-6) and the matrix (PET), which was further confirmed by the DMTA test. The WAXD showed that PET and PA-6 crystallized separately and no cocrystallite was found. The melting and crystallization data, obtained by DSC, suggested that the crystallization of the blend was blocked, although the hindered mechanism for the effect of E-44 on PET was different from that on PA-6. The notched impact strength and flexural strength of the PET/PA-6 blends were significantly improved when the content of E-44 was 5 wt % (improved about 500 and 400%, respectively). IR was used to study the reaction among E-44, PET, and PA-6. The result indicated that the grafting reaction and the crosslinking reaction occurred during melt blending. The obvious increase of mechanical properties and the reinforcing and toughening effect were attributed to the formation of the crosslinking net in the blend. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 69: 1505–1515, 1998
ADAM10 hyperactivation acts on piccolo to deplete synaptic vesicle stores in Huntington's disease.

Synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline in Huntington's disease (HD) involve hyperactive A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 10 (ADAM10). To identify the molecular mechanisms through which ADAM10 is associated with synaptic dysfunction in HD, we performed an immunoaffinity purification-mass spectrometry (IP-MS) study of endogenous ADAM10 in the brains of wild-type and HD mice. In the normal brain, proteins implicated in synapse organization, synaptic plasticity, and vesicle and organelles trafficking interact with ADAM10, suggesting that it may act as a hub protein at the excitatory synapse. Importantly, the ADAM10 interactome is enriched in presynaptic proteins and ADAM10 coimmunoprecipitates with piccolo (PCLO), a key player in the recycling and maintenance of synaptic vesicles (SVs). In contrast, reduced ADAM10/PCLO immunoprecipitation occurs in the HD brain, with decreased density of SVs in the reserve and docked pool at the HD presynaptic terminal. Conditional heterozygous deletion of ADAM10 in the forebrain of HD mice reduces active ADAM10 to wild-type level, and normalizes ADAM10/PCLO complex formation and SVs density and distribution. The results indicate that presynaptic ADAM10 and PCLO are a relevant component of HD pathogenesis.
CHARACTERIZATION OF THE TRIACYLGLYCEROL MOLECULAR SPECIES OF FISH OIL BY REVERSED-PHASE HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY

The nutritional benefits attributed to fish oils have been the basis for the study of the structural composition of Sardine oil triacylglycerols (TAGs). TAGs were separated reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) with the result of 65 chromatographic peaks resolved. The problem of identification was avoided by the use of two more chromatographic techniques. Separation of the sardine oil TAGs into fractions by silver-ion thin layer chromatography (TLC) and its subsequent fatty acid analysis by gas chromatography allowed identification of 59 of the 65 chromatographic peaks. From those peaks, the major was trimyristin (MMM), with 8.22 % of the total. Dioleoyl-acyl-glycerol (OPO, OOE), dipalmitoyl-acyl-glycerol (PPO, PPPo), dipalmitoleoyl-acyl.glycerol (PoPoO) and dieicosapentaenoyl-acyl-glycerol (EEP) species were found in important amounts.
Radiomics analysis enables fatal outcome prediction for hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Background In December 2019, a rare respiratory disease named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) broke out, leading to great concern around the world. Purpose To develop and validate a radiomics nomogram for predicting the fatal outcome of COVID-19 pneumonia. Material and Methods The present study consisted of a training dataset (n = 66) and a validation dataset (n = 30) with COVID-19 from January 2020 to March 2020. A radiomics signature was generated using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression model. A radiomics score (Rad-score) was developed from the training cohort. The radiomics model, clinical model, and integrated model were built to assess the association between radiomics signature/clinical characteristics and the mortality of COVID-19 cases. The radiomics signature combined with the Rad-score and the independent clinical factors and radiomics nomogram were constructed. Results Seven stable radiomics features associated with the mortality of COVID-19 were finally selected. A radiomics nomogram was based on a combined model consisting of the radiomics signature and the clinical risk factors indicating optimal predictive performance for the fatal outcome of patients with COVID-19 with a C-index of 0.912 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.867–0.957) in the training dataset and 0.907 (95% CI 0.849–0.966) in the validation dataset. The calibration curves indicated optimal consistency between the prediction and the observation in both training and validation cohorts. Conclusion The CT-based radiomics nomogram indicated favorable predictive efficacy for the overall survival risk of patients with COVID-19, which could help clinicians intensively follow up high-risk patients and make timely diagnoses.
Secondary bile acid ursodeoxycholic acid alters weight, the gut microbiota, and the bile acid pool in conventional mice

Ursodeoxycholic acid (commercially available as ursodiol) is a naturally occurring bile acid that is used to treat a variety of hepatic and gastrointestinal diseases. Ursodiol can modulate bile acid pools, which have the potential to alter the gut microbiota community structure. In turn, the gut microbial community can modulate bile acid pools, thus highlighting the interconnectedness of the gut microbiota-bile acid-host axis. Despite these interactions, it remains unclear if and how exogenously administered ursodiol shapes the gut microbial community structure and bile acid pool in conventional mice. This study aims to characterize how ursodiol alters the gastrointestinal ecosystem in conventional mice. C57BL/6J wildtype mice were given one of three doses of ursodiol (50, 150, or 450 mg/kg/day) by oral gavage for 21 days. Alterations in the gut microbiota and bile acids were examined including stool, ileal, and cecal content. Bile acids were also measured in serum. Significant weight loss was seen in mice treated with the low and high dose of ursodiol. Alterations in the microbial community structure and bile acid pool were seen in ileal and cecal content compared to pretreatment, and longitudinally in feces following the 21-day ursodiol treatment. In both ileal and cecal content, members of the Lachnospiraceae Family significantly contributed to the changes observed. This study is the first to provide a comprehensive view of how exogenously administered ursodiol shapes the healthy gastrointestinal ecosystem in conventional mice. Further studies to investigate how these changes in turn modify the host physiologic response are important.
Adipocytokine Profile Reveals Resistin Forming a Prognostic-Related Cytokine Network in the Acute Phase of Sepsis

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text ABSTRACT Introduction: Cytokines compose a network and play crucial roles in the pathogenesis and prognosis of sepsis. Adipose tissue is an important immune endocrine organ that releases adipocytokines. This study aimed to evaluate adipocytokines in sepsis from a network perspective. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study of 37 patients with sepsis and 12 healthy controls was conducted from February 2014 to July 2015. Blood samples were collected from patients on days 1 (within 24 h of diagnosis), 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, and 15 and from healthy controls. Adipocytokines (adiponectin, leptin, resistin, chemerin, visfatin, vaspin, CXCL-12/SDF-1, angiotensinogen), inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12/IL-23p40, TNF-α, monocyte chemotactic protein [MCP-1]), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 were measured. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was evaluated on day 1, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and Japanese Association for Acute Medicine (JAAM) and International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis overt disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) scores were assessed at the times of blood sampling. Results: Hierarchical clustering analysis showed the cluster formed by resistin, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and IL-10 on days 1, 2, and 4 represented the cytokine network throughout the acute phase of sepsis. Each cytokine in this network was significantly associated with SOFA and JAAM DIC scores over the acute phase. A Cox proportional hazards model focusing on the acute phase showed a significant relation of these five cytokines with patient prognosis. Conclusions: Adipocytokines and an inflammatory cytokine profile assessed over time in sepsis patients showed that resistin was involved in an inflammatory cytokine network including IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and MCP-1 in the acute phase of sepsis, and this network was associated with severity and prognosis of sepsis.
Natural variations in a pectin acetylesterase gene, MdPAE10, contribute to prolonged apple fruit shelf life

Room‐temperature shelf life is a key factor in fresh market apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) quality and commercial value. To investigate the genetic and molecular mechanism underlying apple shelf life, quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified using bulked segregant analysis via sequencing (BSA‐seq). Ethylene emission, flesh firmness, or crispness of apple fruit from 1,273 F1 plants of M. asiatica Nakai ‘Zisai Pearl’ × M. domestica ‘Golden Delicious’ were phenotyped prior to and during 6 wk of room‐temperature storage. Segregation of ethylene emission and the flesh firmness or crispness traits was detected in the population. Thirteen QTL, including three major ones, were identified on chromosome 03, 08, and 16. A candidate gene encoding pectin acetylesterase, MdPAE10, from the QTL Z16.1 negatively affected fruit shelf life. A 379‐bp deletion in the coding sequence of MdPAE10 disrupted its function. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the MdPAE10 promoter region reduced its transcription activity. These findings provided insight into the genetic control of fruit shelf life and can be potentially used in apple marker‐assisted selection.
Does Chloride Intake at the Early Phase of Septic Shock Resuscitation Impact on Renal Outcome?

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text ABSTRACT Introduction: Fluid administration is one of the first lines of treatment for hemodynamic management of sepsis and septic shock. Studies investigating the effects of chloride-rich fluids including normal saline on renal function report controversial findings. Methods: This is a prospective, observational, multicenter study. Patients with septic shock, defined according to Sepsis-2 definition, were eligible. A “high-dose” of chloride was defined as a chloride intake greater than 18 g administrated within the first 48 h of septic shock management. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of cumulative chloride infusion within the first 48 h of septic shock resuscitation on acute kidney injury (AKI). Results: Two hundred thirty-nine patients with septic shock were included. Patients who received a “high-dose” of chloride had significantly higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score at the time of enrolment (P < 0.001). Cumulative chloride load was higher in patients requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) (31.1 vs. 25.2 g/48 h; P < 0.005). Propensity score-weighted regression did not find any association between “high-dose” of chloride and AKI requiring RRT (OR: 0.97 [0.88–1.1]; P = 0.69). There was no association between “high-dose” of chloride and worsening kidney function at H48 (OR: 0.94 [0.83–1.1]; P = 0.42). There was also no association between “high-dose” of chloride and ICU length of stay (P = 0.61), 28-day mortality (P = 0.83), or hospital mortality (P = 0.89). Conclusion: At the early stage of resuscitation of critically ill patients with septic shock, administration of “high-dose” of chloride (> 18 g/48 h) was not associated with renal prognosis.
Computerized inhibitory control training reduces anxiety in preadolescent students

Abstract The study examined the relationship between anxiety, inhibitory control (IC), and resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) in a critical age-range for social and emotional development (8–12-year-olds). The participants were assigned to 4 weeks of either an emotional IC training program, a neutral IC training program, or a waitlisted control, and were tested using cognitive, emotional, and EEG measures. The training was computerized and completed remotely. At baseline, IC accuracy scores were negatively related to both anxiety and depression levels (N = 42). Additionally, increased right lateral frontal alpha asymmetry was predictive of increased anxiety/depression scores. A series of multivariate analyses of covariance and post-hoc tests were conducted to compare effects in the participants that completed the full 16 sessions of training (N = 32). Overall the emotional and neutral training conditions showed similar improvements in IC accuracy, as well as reductions in anxiety compared to the waitlist condition. Minimal neurophysiological changes occurred from pre-to-post; however, lateral frontal asymmetry shifted leftward in the emotional training group. These findings highlight the potential of computerized IC training for mitigating negative emotional functioning in preadolescents. Future research is necessary to determine the long-term effects of IC training and whether longer training intervals facilitate persisting impacts.
Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction and the Protective Effects of Enriched Environment: A Systematic Review

Background: Currently, the number of individuals who undergo surgery is greatly increased. As a consequence, postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) has gradually gained more attention. Summary: POCD is a perioperative complication requiring sensitive preoperative and postoperative neuropsychiatric tests, and its incidence in both cardiac and noncardiac surgery is high, especially in elderly individuals. Surgical, patient, and anesthetic factors may all lead to the occurrence and development of POCD. The key mechanism of POCD may be the inflammatory response of the central nervous system during surgery, which is similar to that of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Enriched environment (EE), a factor that can significantly improve and prevent neurodegenerative diseases, may have a beneficial effect on POCD. Key Messages: This review aims to elucidate the mechanism of the occurrence and development of POCD, analyze the possible influence of EE on POCD at the molecular level, and provide a direction for its treatment.
Examining nurses' role in Adult Protective Services related to safeguarding older people

Abstract Aim To examine the role of Adult Protective Services' (APS's) nurses in helping abused, neglected and exploited older people, this study investigated how nurses' contribution differs from social workers. Though the majority of APS' workforce is staffed by social workers, some programmes also employ nurses. Design Secondary data analysis using convergent parallel mixed‐method design was conducted. Methods Using survey data from the National Adult Protective Services Association, 99 nurses' responses between October 2014 and August 2015 were analysed to examine their agency characteristics, training and qualities, job responsibilities and interprofessional collaboration. Results The majority of nurses work with social workers or other professionals using a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach. Among those carrying a caseload, 69% (49 out of 71) of nurses work in conjunction with social workers. Out of all nurses, 64% (63 out of 99) indicated participation in at least one MDT. While the responsibilities nurses provided were similar to social workers, nurses were also able to provide healthcare related services, in their professional competencies, without referral. Conclusion Nurses in APS are in a privileged position to investigate mistreatment and provide/coordinate direct care for victims. Impact Not much was known about nurses who directly investigate elder mistreatment and provide services to victims. This study was the first to highlight the nursing workforce in APS, and described the nurses' unique contribution to the field. Nurses functioned as both social workers and healthcare professionals in APS. Since victims of elder mistreatment often suffer from negative physical, psychological and social consequences, having nurses in APS benefits victims to receive and the programmes in providing better care and services.
HIV risk management among sexual minority men in China: context, lived experience, and implications for pre-exposure prophylaxis implementation

Abstract This study examined the social context and lived experience of HIV risk management among sexual minority men in China. An interpretative phenomenological analysis of 25 in-depth interviews with participants in five Chinese cities was undertaken. Findings show how men managed HIV risk in the context of high risk perception and anxiety, and strong perceived social discrimination and marginalisation. Men’s choice of risk management strategies was influenced by their often-negative perceptions of gay community, social norms around condom use, and prior lived experience. Results underscore the importance of considering these contexts when planning pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) implementation in China and highlight the need for strategies to address potential PrEP-related stigma among sexual minority men.
Demographic and clinical variables associated with response to clozapine in schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Clozapine is the only licensed pharmacotherapy for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. However, response to clozapine is variable. Understanding the demographic and clinical features associated with response to clozapine may be useful for patient stratification for clinical trials or for identifying patients for earlier initiation of clozapine. We systematically reviewed the literature to investigate clinical and demographic factors associated with variation in clozapine response in treatment-resistant patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Subsequently, we performed a random-effects meta-analysis to evaluate differences in duration of illness, age at clozapine initiation, age of illness onset, body weight and years of education between clozapine responders and non-responders. Thirty-one articles were eligible for qualitative review and 17 of these were quantitatively reviewed. Shorter duration of illness, later illness onset, younger age at clozapine initiation, fewer hospitalisations and fewer antipsychotic trials prior to clozapine initiation showed a trend to be significantly associated with a better response to clozapine. Meta-analysis of seven studies, totalling 313 subjects, found that clozapine responders had a significantly shorter duration of illness compared to clozapine non-responders [g = 0.31; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06–0.56; p = 0.01]. The results imply that a delay in clozapine treatment may result in a poorer response and that a focus on prompt treatment with clozapine is warranted.
The effectiveness of a new dried human amnion derived membrane in addition to standard care in treating diabetic foot ulcers: A patient and assessor blind, randomised controlled pilot study

Recent reviews suggest that amniotic membrane products may accelerate healing of diabetic foot ulcers. A new dried human amniotic membrane (dHAM) has been used for ocular ulcers but not for diabetic foot ulcers. This was a multi‐centre, prospective, patient and observer blind, randomised controlled pilot trial, to investigate whether 2 weekly addition of the dHAM to standard care versus standard care alone increased the proportion of healed participants' index foot ulcers within 12 weeks. Thirty‐one people (mean age 59.8 years, 81% male, 87% type 2 diabetes) were randomised (15 dHAM, 16 usual care). Within 12 weeks, healing occurred in 4 (27%) ulcers in the dHAM group versus 1 (6.3%) usual care group (P = .1). Percentage wound area reduction was higher in the dHAM versus control group. (P = .0057). There was no difference in AEs between the two groups. Six participants allocated to dHAM correctly identified their treatment group, although 5 in usual care incorrectly thought they were in the intervention arm. This pilot trial result is encouraging showing that this dHAM preparation is safe and promising treatment. These results will be used to design a statistically powered, definitive double blind randomised controlled trial.
APPLICATION OF SHELLAC IN POLYMERS

Abstract Lac is the only known natural resin of animal origin. It is the secretion of a tiny insect known as Kerriar lacca (formally called Laceifer lacca). The lac-forming tiny insect grows on some types of trees, mostly abundant in tropical countries, including India. The secretion of the lac insect hardens in air and forms a covering on the body of the insect. This covering or the nest forms a continuous incrustation on the branches of the host trees. Lac is collected by scraping the incrustation from the branches of the trees.
Viral genetic sequencing identifies staff transmission of COVID-19 is important in a community hospital outbreak

Background Whole-genome sequencing has been used successfully to provide additional information for transmission pathways in infectious spread. We report and interpret genomic sequencing results in clinical context from a large outbreak of COVID-19 with 46 cases across staff and patients in a community hospital in the UK. Methods Following multiple symptomatic cases within a two-week period, all staff and patients were screened by RT-PCR and staff subsequently had serology tests. Findings Thirty staff (25%) and 16 patients (62%) tested positive for COVID-19. Genomic sequencing data showed significant overlap of viral haplotypes in staff who had overlapping shift patterns. Patient haplotypes were more distinct from each other but had overlap with staff haplotypes. Interpretation This study includes clinical and genomic epidemiological detail that demonstrates the value of a combined approach. Viral genetic sequencing has identified that staff transmission of COVID-19 was important in this community hospital outbreak.
A convenient method for the quantitative determination of elemental sulfur in coal by HPLC analysis of perchloroethylene extracts

A convenient method for the quantitative determination of elemental sulfur in coal is described. Elemental sulfur is extracted from the coal with hot perchloroethylene (PCE) (tetrachloroethene, C 2 Cl 4 ) and quantitatively determined by HPLC analysis on a C 18 reverse-phase column using UV detection. Calibration solutions were prepared from sublimed sulfur. Results of quantitative HPLC analyses agreed with those of a chemical/spectroscopic analysis. The HPLC method was found to be linear over the concentration range of 6 × 10 −4 to 2 × 10 −2 g/L. The lower detection limit was 4 × 10 −4 g/L, which for a coal sample of 20 g is equivalent to 0.0006% by weight of coal