Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nanoencapsulation of unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids as protection against oxidation: A systematic review and data-mining

Abstract The chemical structure of unsaturated fatty acids makes them highly prone to oxidation, which decreases their nutritional properties. Nanocarriers have the ability to protect unstable nutraceuticals and take them to their specific targets. Thus, the aim is to determine the effectiveness of nanoencapsulation of omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids as protection against oxidation, as well as to apply data-mining approach to identify nanoencapsulation profiles. Three databases were used to search for studies focused on comparing omega-3 encapsulation to the active compound in its raw form. Studies without oxidation test or no use omega 3-rich oil as active ingredient in nanoformulations were excluded. Twenty-three studies were included in the systematic review. The qualitative analysis indicated that the main evaluated parameters were encapsulation efficiency (%), physical-chemical parameters and oxidation (analyzed at different storage temperatures), oil type, and whether the formulation was added to food. With regard to quantitative analysis, studies that did not perform oxidation tests focused on comparing free oil to the encapsulated one were excluded. Data-mining indicated that encapsulation efficiency and particle size were the main characteristic defining nanocarrier’s effectiveness in protecting the oil against oxidation. Nevertheless, it is important to note the main characteristics associated with oil protection in nanocarriers.
Phototropin 1 and 2 Influence Photosynthesis, UV-C Induced Photooxidative Stress Responses, and Cell Death

Phototropins are plasma membrane-associated photoreceptors of blue light and UV-A/B radiation. The Arabidopsis thaliana genome encodes two phototropins, PHOT1 and PHOT2, that mediate phototropism, chloroplast positioning, and stomatal opening. They are well characterized in terms of photomorphogenetic processes, but so far, little was known about their involvement in photosynthesis, oxidative stress responses, and cell death. By analyzing phot1, phot2 single, and phot1phot2 double mutants, we demonstrated that both phototropins influence the photochemical and non-photochemical reactions, photosynthetic pigments composition, stomata conductance, and water-use efficiency. After oxidative stress caused by UV-C treatment, phot1 and phot2 single and double mutants showed a significantly reduced accumulation of H2O2 and more efficient photosynthetic electron transport compared to the wild type. However, all phot mutants exhibited higher levels of cell death four days after UV-C treatment, as well as deregulated gene expression. Taken together, our results reveal that on the one hand, both phot1 and phot2 contribute to the inhibition of UV-C-induced foliar cell death, but on the other hand, they also contribute to the maintenance of foliar H2O2 levels and optimal intensity of photochemical reactions and non-photochemical quenching after an exposure to UV-C stress. Our data indicate a novel role for phototropins in the condition-dependent optimization of photosynthesis, growth, and water-use efficiency as well as oxidative stress and cell death response after UV-C exposure.
CAGE-Seq Reveals that HIV-1 Latent Infection Does Not Trigger Unique Cellular Responses in a Jurkat T Cell Model

Latent HIV-1 infection is established as early as the first viral exposure and remains the most important barrier in obtaining the cure for HIV-1 infection. Here, we used cap analysis of gene expression (CAGE) to compare the transcriptional landscape of latently infected cells with that of noninfected or productively infected cells. ABSTRACT The cure for HIV-1 is currently stalled by our inability to specifically identify and target latently infected cells. HIV-1 viral RNA/DNA or viral proteins are recognized by cellular mechanisms and induce interferon responses in virus-producing cells, but changes in latently infected cells remain unknown. HIVGKO contains a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter under the HIV-1 promoter and a monomeric Kusabira orange 2 (mKO2) reporter under the internal elongation factor alpha (EF1α) promoter. This viral construct enables direct identification of both productively and latently HIV-1-infected cells. In this study, we aim to identify specific cellular transcriptional responses triggered by HIV-1 entry and integration using cap analysis of gene expression (CAGE). We deep sequenced CAGE tags in non-infected and latently and productively infected cells and compared their differentially expressed transcription start site (TSS) profiles. Virus-producing cells had differentially expressed TSSs related to T-cell activation and apoptosis compared to those of non-infected cells or latently infected cells. Surprisingly, latently infected cells had only 33 differentially expressed TSSs compared to those of non-infected cells. Among these, SPP1 and APOE were downregulated in latently infected cells. SPP1 or APOE knockdown in Jurkat T cells increased susceptibility to HIVGKO infection, suggesting that they have antiviral properties. Components of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, MLST8, 4EBP, and RPS6, were significant TSSs in productively infected cells, and S6 kinase (S6K) phosphorylation was increased compared to that in latently infected cells, suggesting that mTOR pathway activity plays a role in establishing the latent reservoir. These findings indicate that HIV-1 entry and integration do not trigger unique transcriptional responses when infection becomes latent. IMPORTANCE Latent HIV-1 infection is established as early as the first viral exposure and remains the most important barrier in obtaining the cure for HIV-1 infection. Here, we used cap analysis of gene expression (CAGE) to compare the transcriptional landscape of latently infected cells with that of non-infected or productively infected cells. We found that latently infected cells and non-infected cells show quite similar transcriptional profiles. Our data suggest that T cells cannot recognize incoming viral components or the integrated HIV-1 genome when infection remains latent. These findings should guide future research into widening our approaches to identify and target latent HIV-1-infected cells.
A dry deposition parameterization for sulfur oxides in a chemistry and general circulation model

A dry deposition scheme, originally developed to calculate the deposition velocities for the trace gases O3, NO2, NO, and HNO3 in the chemistry and general circulation European Centre Hamburg Model (ECHAM), is extended to sulfur dioxide (SO2) and sulfate (SO42−). In order to reduce some of the shortcomings of the previous model version a local surface roughness and a more realistic leaf area index (LAI), derived from a high-resolution ecosystem database are introduced. The current model calculates the deposition velocities from the aerodynamic resistance, a quasi-laminary boundary layer resistance and a surface resistance of the surface cover, e.g., snow/ice, bare soil, vegetation, wetted surfaces, and ocean. The SO2 deposition velocity over vegetated surfaces is calculated as a function of the vegetation activity, the canopy wetness, turbulent transport through the canopy to the soil, and uptake by the soil. The soil resistance is explicitly calculated from the relative humidity and the soil pH, derived from a high-resolution global soil pH database. The snow/ice resistance of SO2 is a function of temperature. The SO2 deposition velocity over the oceans is controlled by turbulence. The sulfate deposition velocity is calculated considering diffusion, impaction, and sedimentation. Over sea surfaces the effect of bubble bursting, causing the breakdown of the quasi-laminary boundary layer, scavenging of the sulfate aerosol by sea spray, and aerosol growth due to high local relative humidities are considered. An integrated sulfate deposition velocity is calculated, applying a unimodal mass size distribution over land and a bimodal mass size distribution over sea. The calculated sulfate deposition velocity is about an order of magnitude larger than that based on a monodisperse aerosol, which is often applied in chemistry-transport models. Incorporation of the new dry deposition scheme in the ECHAM model yields significant relative differences (up to ∼50%) in mass flux densities and surface layer concentrations compared to those calculated with a simple, constant dry deposition scheme.
Smartphone Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Social Versus Physical Distancing

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc across the globe. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, limiting face-to-face interaction is the best strategy for reducing the spread of COVID-19. We investigate the impact of social distancing on social connection and well-being, while also considering the moderating influence of smartphone use. In a survey of 400 students, the study presented herein finds that smartphone use attenuates the negative impact of social distancing on social connection and well-being. Contrary to popular sentiments regarding the influence of smartphone use on well-being, increased smartphone use during the pandemic may foster social connection and well-being. Overall, the research presented provides evidence that the perceived loss of social connection with others is not a de facto outcome of social distancing. The study’s findings have important implications for public policymakers, government officials, and others, including consumer researchers. These implications include stressing the important role technology can play in staying socially connected during the current pandemic and the importance of reframing “social distancing” as “physical distancing with social connectedness”.
Genetic skin disorders: The value of a multidisciplinary clinic

Genodermatoses are inherited disorders with skin manifestations and can present with multisystem involvement, resulting in challenges in diagnosis and treatment. To address this, the expertise of dermatology and clinical genetics through a multidisciplinary clinic (Genodermatoses Clinic) were combined. A retrospective cohort study of 45 children seen between March 2018 and February 2019 in the Genodermatoses Clinic at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was performed. Patient demographics, referral information, genetic testing modality, diagnoses, and patient satisfaction scores were evaluated to assess the clinic's impact. The majority of patients (42.2%) were referred from Dermatology and 86.7% were referred for diagnosis. Two‐thirds of the patients were recommended genetic testing, and subsequently 73.3% completed testing. Nearly three‐quarters, 26 out of 36 patients (72.2%), of our undiagnosed patients received a clinical and/or molecular diagnosis, which is imperative in managing their care. Twenty‐two individuals pursued genetic testing. In eight individuals (36%), molecular testing was diagnostic. However, in two individuals the molecular diagnosis did not completely explain the phenotype. However, there are still obstacles to genetic testing, such as cost of testing and insurance barriers. Almost all (91.4%) rated the Genodermatoses Clinic as “Very Good,” the top Press Ganey score. High patient satisfaction scores suggest a positive impact of the Genodermatoses clinic, emphasizing the importance to increase support for the clinical and administrative time needed for patients with genodermatoses.
Characterization of high-grade pineal region lesions: the usefulness of apparent diffusion coefficient volumetric values

Background High-grade pineal region tumors are rare and heterogeneous types of primary central nervous system neoplasms; radiological differential diagnosis is challenging but it is important because it has a therapeutic relevance. Purpose To discriminate among high-grade pineal region tumors by combining apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) volumetric values and qualitative features in order to predict their histology. Material and Methods Twenty-two patients with high-grade pineal region tumors were assessed by qualitative and quantitative analysis. Margins, T2-weighted signal intensity, contrast enhancement, hemorrhage, calcifications, different volumetric ADC fractions (ADCmean, ADCmax, ADCmin) were evaluated and were compared to the histopathologic findings (cell count and proliferation index). Results Our qualitative imaging data showed that only margins were different among different tumors and each tumor type showed peculiar age onset. ADCmean was found the best quantitative value to discriminate high-grade tumors of the pineal region. ADCmean correlated with proliferation index but not with cell count. ADCmean values were lower in tumors with higher proliferation rate and a significant difference in ADCmean values were found between germinomas and pineoblastomas, between germinomas and papillary tumors and between papillary tumors and pineoblastomas. Moreover, the cut-off value of 0.865 × 10–3 mm2/s for ADCmean (ADC mean threshold value) could differentiate germinoma from pineoblastomas with the best combination of sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion The ADCmean value measured on the whole tumor, reflecting tumor proliferative activity, may be a practical and non-invasive marker for predicting tumor histology in high-grade pineal region lesions and might be useful in preoperative assessment.
The effects of cesium lead bromide quantum dots on the performance of copper phthalocyanine-based organic field-effect transistors

Highly luminescent all-inorganic cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) perovskite quantum dots (QDs) have been extensively used as a photosensitizer in optoelectronic devices, while p-type small-organic-molecule copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) is also widely used as a photoactive material in solar cells, organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), etc. In this paper, we report the preparation of a CsPbBr3-QDs/CuPc heterostructure to study the effect of CsPbBr3-QDs on CuPc. The optical properties of both CuPc and the QDs/CuPc heterostructure were compared and contrasted using UV–vis absorbance and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. Furthermore, to study their electronic and charge transfer features, we fabricated field-effect transistors (FETs) on both pristine CuPc and QDs/CuPc heterostructure thin films and studied their photoresponsive electrical characteristics. Both pristine and QDs/CuPc-based FETs showed an enhancement in current and carrier mobility under illumination. The enhancement in the current and carrier mobility of the QDs/CuPc-based FETs is due to a large number of photoexcited charge carriers. We also observed that the current and carrier mobility in the QDs/CuPc heterostructure-based FET were lower than those of the pristine CuPc-based FET. This can be explained by the n-type doping effect of CsPbBr3 QDs on CuPc, which reduces the accumulation of holes in the active p-channel near the insulating layer and causes charge to be transferred from the QDs to the CuPc. Thus, we have observed a charge transfer effect in the CsPbBr3 QDs/CuPc heterostructure, which can be used in optoelectronic devices.
Antioxidative activities of various solvent extracts from haw (Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge)

부산대학교 식품공학과The objective of this study was to investigate the antioxidative acitivities of various solvent extracts from haw (Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge) pulpy. The Freeze-dried pulpy of haw was extracted with five solvents (70% methanol, 70% ethanol, chloroform:methanol (CM, 2:1, v/v), n-butanol, and ethyl acetate or EA), and the DPPH, reducing power, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), ABTS, NO, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity were then measured. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of the 70% methanol and 70% ethanol extracts were 92.89% and 91.17% in the 0.8 mg/mL concentrations, respectively, which were higher than those of the other extracts. The reducing power and FRAP decreased in the following order: 70% methanol, 70% ethanol, n-butanol, EA, and CM extracts. The ABTS radical scavenging activity was high in the 70% methanol and 70% ethanol extracts and low in the n-butanol extract. The NO radical scavenging activity was high in the 70% methanol and 70% ethanol extracts but low in the CM extracts. On the other hand, the hydroxyl radical scavenging activity was high in the n-butanol and 70% methanol extracts but low in the EA extract. These results suggest that the 70% methanol and 70% ethanol extracts from haw will be useful as natural antioxidant and biohealth foods.Key wordsCrataegus pinnatifida Bunge, pulpy, antioxidant, DPPH, reducing power
Prediction of RNA-binding protein and alternative splicing event associations during epithelial-mesenchymal transition based on inductive matrix completion

MOTIVATION The developmental process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is abnormally activated during breast cancer metastasis. Transcriptional regulatory networks that control EMT have been well studied; however, alternative RNA splicing plays a vital regulatory role during this process and the regulating mechanism needs further exploration. Because of the huge cost and complexity of biological experiments, the underlying mechanisms of alternative splicing (AS) and associated RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that regulate the EMT process remain largely unknown. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop computational methods for predicting potential RBP-AS event associations during EMT. RESULTS We developed a novel model for RBP-AS target prediction during EMT that is based on inductive matrix completion (RAIMC). Integrated RBP similarities were calculated based on RBP regulating similarity, and RBP Gaussian interaction profile (GIP) kernel similarity, while integrated AS event similarities were computed based on AS event module similarity and AS event GIP kernel similarity. Our primary objective was to complete missing or unknown RBP-AS event associations based on known associations and on integrated RBP and AS event similarities. In this paper, we identify significant RBPs for AS events during EMT and discuss potential regulating mechanisms. Our computational results confirm the effectiveness and superiority of our model over other state-of-the-art methods. Our RAIMC model achieved AUC values of 0.9587 and 0.9765 based on leave-one-out cross-validation (CV) and 5-fold CV, respectively, which are larger than the AUC values from the previous models. RAIMC is a general matrix completion framework that can be adopted to predict associations between other biological entities. We further validated the prediction performance of RAIMC on the genes CD44 and MAP3K7. RAIMC can identify the related regulating RBPs for isoforms of these two genes. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The source code for RAIMC is available at https://github.com/yushanqiu/RAIMC. CONTACT zouquan@nclab.net online.
Mobile App Use in Adults with Comorbid Type 2 Diabetes and Depression

The purpose of this preliminary study was to determine smartphone usage, expressed level of interest, and intent to use mHealth apps among adults with comorbid type 2 diabetes (T2D) and depression. A convenience sample of adults (N=35) completed a Demographic and Mobile App Survey and the CESD-R-10. A majority reported using mobile apps (n=23, 65.7%) and felt comfortable or very comfortable using mobile apps (n=14, 46.7%). However, few respondents used a health app (n=6, 17.1%) or a diabetes-specific app for diabetes management (n=3, 8.6%). Adjusted, age and education were the two variables that independently impacted app use; those aged less than 55 years as well as those with a graduate degree were more likely to use apps. Being younger and having an advanced degree increased the odds of using a diabetes-specific app. The findings suggest that adults with T2D are amenable to using mHealth apps to manage diabetes.
Ultra-low-dose computed tomography and its utility in wrist trauma in the emergency department

Background The use and frequency of computed tomography (CT) are increasing day by day in emergency departments (ED). This increases the amount of radiation exposed. Purpose To evaluate the image quality obtained by ultra-low-dose CT (ULDCT) in patients with suspected wrist fractures in the ED and to investigate whether it is an alternative to standard-dose CT (SDCT). Material and Methods This is a study prospectively examining 336 patients who consulted the ED for wrist trauma. After exclusion criteria were applied, the patients were divided into the study and control groups. Then, SDCT (120 kVp and 100 mAs) and ULDCT (80 kVp and 5 mAs) wrist protocols were applied simultaneously. The images obtained were evaluated for image quality and fracture independently by a radiologist and an emergency medical specialist using a 5-point scale. Results The effective radiation dose calculated for the control group scans was 41.1 ± 2.1 µSv, whereas the effective radiation dose calculated for the study group scans was 0.5 ± 0.0 µSv. The effective radiation dose of the study group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.01). The CT images in the study group showed no significant differences in the mean image quality score between observer 1 and observer 2 (3.4 and 4.3, respectively; P = 0.58). Both observers could detect all fractures using the ULDCT images. Conclusion ULDCT provides high-quality images in wrist traumas while reducing the radiation dose by approximately 98% compared to SDCT without any changes in diagnostic accuracy.
CdS Dots, Rods and Platelets—How to Obtain Predefined Shapes in a One-Pot Synthesis of Nanoparticles

In recent years, numerous protocols for nanoplatelet synthesis have been developed. Here, we present a facile, one-pot method for controlling cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles’ shape that allows for obtaining zero-dimensional, one-dimensional, or two-dimensional structures. The proposed synthesis protocol is a simple heating-up approach and does not involve any inconvenient steps such as injection and/or pouring the precursors at elevated temperatures. Because of this, the synthesis protocol is highly repeatable. A gradual increase in the zinc acetate concentration causes the particles’ shape to undergo a transition from isotropic quantum dots through rods to highly anisotropic nanoplatelets. We identified conditions at which synthesized platelets were purely five monolayers thick. All samples acquired during different stages of the reaction were characterized via optical spectroscopy, which allowed for the identification of the presence of high-temperature, magic-size clusters prior to the platelets’ formation.