Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Activation of neuronal adenosine A1 receptors causes hypothermia through central and peripheral mechanisms

Extracellular adenosine, a danger signal, can cause hypothermia. We generated mice lacking neuronal adenosine A1 receptors (A1AR, encoded by the Adora1 gene) to examine the contribution of these receptors to hypothermia. Intracerebroventricular injection of the selective A1AR agonist (Cl-ENBA, 5'-chloro-5'-deoxy-N6-endo-norbornyladenosine) produced hypothermia, which was reduced in mice with deletion of A1AR in neurons. A non-brain penetrant A1AR agonist [SPA, N6-(p-sulfophenyl) adenosine] also caused hypothermia, in wild type but not mice lacking neuronal A1AR, suggesting that peripheral neuronal A1AR can also cause hypothermia. Mice expressing Cre recombinase from the Adora1 locus were generated to investigate the role of specific cell populations in body temperature regulation. Chemogenetic activation of Adora1-Cre-expressing cells in the preoptic area did not change body temperature. In contrast, activation of Adora1-Cre-expressing dorsomedial hypothalamus cells increased core body temperature, concordant with agonism at the endogenous inhibitory A1AR causing hypothermia. These results suggest that A1AR agonism causes hypothermia via two distinct mechanisms: brain neuronal A1AR and A1AR on neurons outside the blood-brain barrier. The variety of mechanisms that adenosine can use to induce hypothermia underscores the importance of hypothermia in the mouse response to major metabolic stress or injury.
Fluorescence Enhancement by Calixarene Supramolecular Aggregate

We herein constructed supramolecular assemblies from guanidinocalixarenes and sulfonatocalixarenes by exploiting multiple salt bridge interactions. They encapsulate six different kinds of fluorescent dyes (both cationic and anionic), leading to a fluorescence enhancement that could not be achieved by either single calixarene. As such, this study advances the research on high-performance fluorophores.
Chemical Vapour Deposition of Graphene for Durable Anticorrosive Coating on Copper

Due to the excellent chemical inertness, graphene can be used as an anti-corrosive coating to protect metal surfaces. Here, we report the growth of graphene by using a chemical vapour deposition (CVD) process with ethanol as a carbon source. Surface and structural characterisations of CVD grown films suggest the formation of double-layer graphene. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy has been used to study the anticorrosion behaviour of the CVD grown graphene layer. The observed corrosion rate of 8.08 × 10−14 m/s for graphene-coated copper is 24 times lower than the value for pure copper which shows the potential of graphene as the anticorrosive layer. Furthermore, we observed no significant changes in anticorrosive behaviour of the graphene coated copper samples stored in ambient environment for more than one year.
Invertible Organic Photovoltaic Cells with Heavily Doped Organic/Metal Ohmic Contacts

Heavily doped 10-nm-thick p+- and n+-type regions of metal-free phthalocyanine and fullerene were formed to facilitate the formation of ohmic contacts at the organic/metal interfaces of two-layered organic photovoltaic cells. Formation of the ohmic contacts allowed the cells to be invertible and independent of the type of electrode material used.
Electrospinning of Cellulose Acetate Phthalate from Different Solvent Systems

Electrospinning of cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) has been performed from an acetone−water mixture 85/15 (v/v), 2-methoxyethanol, and a 2-methoxyethanol−acetone−water mixture 50/42.5/7.5 (v/v/v).
Developmental Profile of Sleep and Its Potential Impact on Daytime Functioning from Childhood to Adulthood in Sickle Cell Anaemia

Young individuals with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) experience sleep disturbances and often experience daytime tiredness, which in turn may impact on their daytime functioning and academic attainment, but there are few longitudinal data. Methods: Data on sleep habits and behaviour were taken on the same day as an in-hospital polysomnography. This study assesses the developmental sleep profiles of children and young adults aged 4–23 years old with SCA. We examined retrospective polysomnography (PSG) and questionnaire data. Results: A total of 256 children with a median age of 10.67 years (130 male) were recruited and 179 returned for PSG 1.80–6.72 years later. Later bedtimes and a decrease in total sleep time (TST) were observed. Sleep disturbances, e.g., parasomnias and night waking, were highest in preschool children and young adults at their first visit. Participants with lower sleep quality, more movement during the night and increased night waking experienced daytime sleepiness, potentially an indicator of lower daytime functioning. Factors influencing sleep quantity included age, hydroxyurea prescription, mean overnight oxygen saturation, sleep onset latency, periodic limb movement, socioeconomic status and night waking. Conclusion: Sleep serves an important role for daytime functioning in SCA; hence, quantitative (i.e., PSG for clinical symptoms, e.g., sleep-disordered breathing, nocturnal limb movement) and qualitative (i.e., questionnaires for habitual sleep behaviour) assessments of sleep should be mutually considered to guide interventions.
Novel Inactivated Subtype B Avian Metapneumovirus Vaccine Induced Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses

Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), a highly contagious agent, is widespread and causes acute upper respiratory tract disease in chickens and turkeys. However, currently, there is no vaccine licensed in China. Herein, we describe the development of an inactivated aMPV/B vaccine using the aMPV/B strain LN16. Combined with a novel adjuvant containing immune-stimulating complexes (ISCOMs), the novel vaccine could induce high virus-specific and VN antibodies. In addition, it activated B and T lymphocytes and promoted the expression of IL-4 and IFN-γ. Importantly, boosting vaccination with the inactivated aMPV/B vaccine could provide 100% protection against aMPV/B infection with reduced virus shedding and turbinate inflammation. The protection efficacy could last for at least 6 months. This study yielded a novel inactivated aMPV/B vaccine that could serve as the first vaccine candidate in China, thus contributing to the control of aMPV/B and promoting the development of the poultry industry.
Airborne organochlorines in the Canadian High Arctic

In 1984, the Canadian Polar Continental Shelf Project established a research camp on a floating ice island in the Beaufort Sea. The 7 × 4 km island is presently located about 50 km off Ellesmere Island at about 81°N, 100°W. Air samples of 1400–3000 m 3 were collected on the island in August-September 1986 and June 1987, using a filter-solid adsorbent train. Organochlorines in melted snow and Arctic Ocean surface water were preconcentrated using solid adsorbent cartridges. Samples were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography with electron capture detection, and by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the negative ion and electron impact modes. Compounds quantified included hexachlorocyclohexanes, hexachlorobenzene, polychlorinated camphenes, chlordane, polychlorinated biphenyls, and DDT compounds (given in order of relative abundance, highest to lowest). Air-sea partitioning of HCH isomers relative to their equilibrium distribution calculated from Henry's Law constants is discussed. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0889.1989. tb00304.x
Effect of artificial liver blood purification treatment on the survival of critical ill COVID‐19 patients

Abstract Our aim was to investigate the effect of artificial liver blood purification treatment on the survival of severe/critical patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). A total of 101 severe and critical patients with coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were enrolled in this open, case‐control, multicenter, prospective study. According to the patients’ and their families’ willingness, they were divided into two groups. One was named the treatment group, in which the patients received artificial liver therapy plus comprehensive treatment (n = 50), while the other was named the control group, in which the patients received only comprehensive treatment (n = 51). Clinical data and laboratory examinations, as well as the 28‐day mortality rate, were collected and analyzed. Baseline data comparisons on average age, sex, pre‐treatment morbidity, initial symptoms, vital signs, pneumonia severity index score, blood routine examination and biochemistry indices etc. showed no difference between the two groups. Cytokine storm was detected, with a significant increase of serum interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) level. The serum IL‐6 level decreased from 119.94 to 20.49 pg/mL in the treatment group and increased from 40.42 to 50.81 pg/mL in the control group (P < .05), indicating that artificial liver therapy significantly decreased serum IL‐6. The median duration of viral nucleic acid persistence was 19 days in the treatment group (ranging from 6 to 67 days) and 17 days in the control group (ranging from 3 to 68 days), no significant difference was observed (P = .36). As of 28‐day follow‐up,17 patients in the treatment group experienced a median weaning time of 24 days, while 11 patients in the control group experienced a median weaning time of 35 days, with no significant difference between the two groups (P = .33). The 28‐day mortality rates were 16% (8/50) in the treatment group and 50.98% (26/51) in the control group, with a significant difference (z = 3.70, P < .001). Cytokine storm is a key factor in the intensification of COVID‐19 pneumonia. The artificial liver therapy blocks the cytokine storm by clearing inflammatory mediators, thus preventing severe cases from progressing to critically ill stages and markedly reducing short‐term mortality.
The Microtubule Cytoskeleton during the Early Drosophila Spermiogenesis

Sperm elongation and nuclear shaping in Drosophila largely depends on the microtubule cytoskeleton that in early spermatids has centrosomal and non-centrosomal origins. We report here an additional γ-tubulin focus localized on the anterior pole of the nucleus in correspondence of the apical end of the perinuclear microtubules that run within the dense complex. The perinuclear microtubules are nucleated by the pericentriolar material, or centriole adjunct, that surrounds the basal body and are retained to play a major role in nuclear shaping. However, we found that both the perinuclear microtubules and the dense complex are present in spermatids lacking centrioles. Therefore, the basal body or the centriole adjunct seem to be dispensable for the organization and assembly of these structures. These observations shed light on a novel localization of γ-tubulin and open a new scenario on the distribution of the microtubules and the organization of the dense complex during early Drosophila spermiogenesis.
KCNN4 Expression Is Elevated in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: This Might Be a Novel Marker and Therapeutic Option Targeting Potassium Channels.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The K + channel KCNN4 is involved in many inflammatory diseases. Previous work has shown that this channel is involved in epithelial ion transport and intestinal restitution. In inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) a defective epithelial barrier can lead to typical symptoms like secretory diarrhea and the formation of intestinal ulcers. We compared surgical samples from patients with IBD, diverticulitis and controls without inflammation to determine the potential role of KCNN4 as a diagnostic marker and/or therapeutic target. METHODS mRNA-levels of KCNN4 and a control K + channel were determined in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) from patients with IBD, diverticulitis and controls. In addition, we performed a Western blot analysis of KCNN4 and a respective control K + channel in IEC from patients with IBD. Furthermore, we determined epithelial barrier integrity by measuring the flux of fluorescent-labeled dextran beads across a cell monolayer upon incubation with interferon-γ. RESULTS KCNN4 mRNA and protein levels were elevated in IEC from patients with Crohn`s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Of note, KCNN4 was not elevated in non-IBD intestinal inflammatory conditions e.g. diverticulitis. Of clinical relevance, pharmacological KCNN4 channel openers stabilized epithelial barrier function in vitro. Thus, KCNN4 may have a protective role in IBD and constitute a therapeutic target. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate elevated KCNN4 both at mRNA and protein level in IEC specifically from patients with IBD. Therefore, we conclude that KCNN4 could be used as a novel marker for IBD, especially for the establishment of initial diagnosis. Of therapeutic consequence, we show that pharmacological KCNN4 openers stabilize the epithelial barrier. Thus, KCNN4 might be a novel target to diagnose and treat IBD.
The Study of Perceptual Eye Position Examination and Visual Perceptual Training in Postoperative Intermittent Exotropes

The aim of this study was to investigate perceptual eye position (PEP) and to evaluate the effect of dichoptic visual perceptual training in postoperative intermittent exotropia [X(T)]. We enrolled 30 non-strabismus children (control group) and 54 postoperative X(T) children [divided into training group (33 patients) and non-training group (21 patients)]. All subjects received measurements of PEP, and the postoperative X(T) children were measured both in the third postoperative day and the third postoperative month. All patients in training group received 3-month dichoptic visual perceptual training based on a unique virtual reality platform. The results showed that the postoperative X(T) children with normal eye position still had an abnormal PEP. After a period of visual perceptual training, the PEP pixels in postoperative children dramatically decreased. The results revealed that PEP could evaluate fixation disparity and binocular visual function perceptively and precisely, and the dichoptic visual perceptive training may rebuild binocular visual function.
Molecular spin echoes; multiple magnetic coherences in molecule surface scattering experiments.

In this paper we demonstrate that a molecular beam of hydrogen molecules can be magnetically manipulated to produce multiple coherences in the molecular interference pattern. Unlike spin 1/2 magnetic beam experiments, i.e., neutron and helium spin echo, the nuclear and rotational magnetic moments in a molecule are strongly coupled. We show experimentally and theoretically that this coupling leads to multiple magnetic field conditions under which the magnetic moment of molecules travelling with different speeds can be coherently refocussed. We also demonstrate that these multiple coherence signals are extremely sensitive to the scattering event, opening up new possibilities for measuring molecule-surface interactions.
Expanding Fear of Loss of Vigilance: Intolerance of Uncertainty, Responsibility for Harm, and Fear of Sleep for Predicting Nocturnal Panic

ABSTRACT Objective/Background: Nocturnal panic involves experiencing panic attacks out of a sleeping state without obvious causes. Roughly half of patients with panic disorder will experience nocturnal panic in addition to panic attacks while awake, or daytime panic. Like daytime panic, nocturnal panic also occurs in other disorders such as PTSD. The Fear of Loss of Vigilance theory is currently the only model available to explain nocturnal panic. It suggests nocturnal panickers fear states in which they cannot easily react to or protect themselves from danger. The current study sought to expand upon the existing theory by including constructs from the broader anxiety literature. Nocturnal panickers were expected to report higher scores on these measures when compared to daytime panickers and non-panickers. Participants: A sample of 166 participants were screened for panic history. Methods: Participants completed self-report measures regarding panic attacks, fear of sleep, intolerance of uncertainty, responsibility for harm, and fear of loss of vigilance. Results: Measures of fear of sleep and responsibility for harm successfully differentiated nocturnal from daytime panickers, whereas measures of intolerance of uncertainty and fear of loss of vigilance did not. Conclusions: These results provide partial support for the Fear of Loss of Vigilance theory. Modifications to the theory to incorporate additional constructs are suggested.
TXNIP Regulates Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Innate Immunity by Inhibiting IFN-γ Production during Bacterial Infection

The function of natural killer (NK) cell-derived interferon-γ (IFN-γ) expands to remove pathogens by increasing the ability of innate immune cells. Here, we identified the critical role of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) in the production of IFN-γ in NK cells during bacterial infection. TXNIP inhibited the production of IFN-γ and the activation of transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) activity in primary mouse and human NK cells. TXNIP directly interacted with TAK1 and inhibited TAK1 activity by interfering with the complex formation between TAK1 and TAK1 binding protein 1 (TAB1). Txnip−/− (KO) NK cells enhanced the activation of macrophages by inducing IFN-γ production during Pam3CSK4 stimulation or Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection and contributed to expedite the bacterial clearance. Our findings suggest that NK cell-derived IFN-γ is critical for host defense and that TXNIP plays an important role as an inhibitor of NK cell-mediated macrophage activation by inhibiting the production of IFN-γ during bacterial infection.
Distribution of Novel Og Types in Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Isolated from Healthy Cattle

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is an important foodborne pathogen. Although most cases of STEC infection in humans are due to O157 and non-O157 serogroups, there are also reports of infection with STEC strains that cannot be serologically classified into any O serogroup (O-serogroup untypeable [OUT]). ABSTRACT Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is an important foodborne pathogen. Although most cases of STEC infection in humans are due to O157 and non-O157 serogroups, there are also reports of infection with STEC strains that cannot be serologically classified into any O serogroup (O-serogroup untypeable [OUT]). Recently, it has become clear that even OUT strains can be subclassified based on the diversity of O-antigen biosynthesis gene cluster (O-AGC) sequences. Cattle are thought to be a major reservoir of STEC strains belonging to various serotypes; however, the internal composition of OUT STEC strains in cattle remains unknown. In this study, we screened 366 STEC strains isolated from healthy cattle by using multiplex PCR kits including primers that targeted novel O-AGC types (Og types) found in OUT E. coli and Shigella strains in previous studies. Interestingly, 94 (25.7%) of these strains could be classified into 13 novel Og types. Genomic analysis revealed that the results of the in silico serotyping of novel Og-type strains were perfectly consistent with those of the PCR experiment. In addition, it was revealed that a dual Og8+OgSB17-type strain carried two types of O-AGCs from E. coli O8 and Shigella boydii type 17 tandemly inserted at the locus, with both antigens expressed on the cell surface. The results of this comprehensive analysis of cattle-derived STEC strains may help improve our understanding of the strains circulating in the environment. Additionally, the DNA-based serotyping systems used in this study could be used in future epidemiological studies and risk assessments of other STEC strains.
Evaluation in the Real World: Decision Points and Rationales in Creating A Rigorous Study Designed to Convey Ecologically Valid Findings

Abstract Rigorously evaluating community‐based interventions for multiply marginalized populations is fraught with challenges under the best of circumstances. This manuscript describes the methodology chosen to evaluate an innovative model designed to help survivors of intimate partner violence obtain safe and stable housing. We justify the choice of evaluation design from a community psychology perspective and detail why we believe the multi‐method, multi‐source design, that also focuses on social context, will maximize ecological validity and, therefore, propel the scale‐up of the intervention if it is found to be effective. Longitudinal data are being collected from program recipients over time, the advocates who worked with them, agency service records, and monthly documentation of agency resources on hand that can impact services provided. Special attention is focused on capturing contextual information that can impact program success. While randomized control trials are still too often heralded as “the gold standard” for measuring intervention effectiveness, we maintain that the current design, which was developed in partnership with key community stakeholders, holds more promise when evaluating many community‐based programs.
Protective activities of distinct omega-3 enriched oils are linked to their ability to upregulate specialized pro-resolving mediators

Clinical studies using a range of omega-3 supplements have yielded conflicting results on their efficacy to control inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids are substrate for the formation of potent immune-protective mediators, termed as specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPM). Herein, we investigated whether observed differences in the potencies of distinct omega-3 supplements were linked with their ability to upregulate SPM formation. Using lipid mediator profiling we found that four commercially available supplements conferred a unique SPM signature profile to human macrophages, with the overall increases in SPM concentrations being different between the four supplements. These increases in SPM concentrations were linked with an upregulation of macrophage phagocytosis and a decreased uptake of oxidized low-density lipoproteins. Pharmacological inhibition of two key SPM biosynthetic enzymes 5-Lipoxygenase or 15-Lipoxygenase reversed the macrophage-directed actions of each of the omega-3 supplements. Furthermore, administration of the two supplements that most potently upregulated macrophage SPM formation and reprogrammed their responses in vitro, to APOE-/- mice fed a western diet, increased plasma SPM concentrations and reduced vascular inflammation. Together these findings support the utility of SPM as potential prognostic markers in determining the utility of a given supplement to regulate macrophage responses and inflammation.
Dysregulation of the mevalonate pathway during SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: An in silico study

SARS‐CoV‐2 triggers a dysregulated innate immune system activation. As the mevalonate pathway (MVP) prevents the activation of inflammasomes and cytokine release and regulates endosomal transport, compromised signaling could be associated with the pathobiology of COVID‐19. Prior transcriptomic studies of host cells in response to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection have not reported to date the effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 on the MVP. In this study, we accessed public data sets to report in silico investigations into gene expression. In addition, we proposed candidate genes that are thought to have a direct association with the pathogenesis of COVID‐19, and which may be dependent on signals derived from the MVP. Our results revealed dysregulation of genes involved in the MVP. These results were not found when investigating the gene expression data from host cells infected with H3N2 influenza virus, H1N1 influenza virus, or respiratory syncytial virus. Our manually curated gene set showed significant gene expression variability in A549 cells infected with SARS‐CoV‐2, as per Blanco‐Melo et al. data set (GSE147507). In light of the present findings, SARS‐CoV‐2 could hijack the MVP, leading to hyperinflammatory responses. Prompt reconstitution of this pathway with available agents should be considered in future studies.