Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing health-related stereotype threats and mental healthcare experiences among a LGBT sample

Abstract Stereotype threats have been documented in an academic and work setting and have been found to have a significant impact on an individual’s behavior as it could be a barrier in receiving healthcare services. This paper explores the impact of health-related stereotype threats and its influence within a LGBT sample with the use of an online survey to explore underlying and unconscious barriers within mental health services. A series of regressions were used to analyze and explore the potential predictability the health-related stereotype threats may have on the fear of communicating with a physician, delay in mental health services, and poor mental health outcomes. High reports of health-related stereotype threats significantly predicted high reports of fear of the physician which could indicate that many LGBT patients are afraid to communicate with their providers about their mental health due to stereotype threats (F (1,91) = 9.844, p < . 005). In addition, high reports of health-related stereotype threats slightly but significantly predicted reported delays in seeking mental health services (χ 2(1) = 4.220, p < . 05). In addition, although there was no significance related to positive affect scores, health related stereotype threats significantly predicted self-reported poor mental health outcomes (F (1,90) = 4.545, p < . 05) and high rates of negative affect scores (i.e., anxiety, depression; F (1,89) = 4.933, p < . 05). Recommendations and future study will also be discussed.
Implications of habitual endurance and resistance exercise for dynamic cerebral autoregulation

What is the central question of this study? Does habitual resistance and endurance exercise modify dynamic cerebral autoregulation? What is the main finding and its importance? To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to directly assess dynamic cerebral autoregulation in resistance‐trained individuals, and potential differences between exercise training modalities. Forced oscillations in blood pressure were induced by repeated squat–stands, from which dynamic cerebral autoregulation was assessed using transfer function analysis. These data indicate that dynamic cerebral autoregulatory function is largely unaffected by habitual exercise type, and further document the systemic circulatory effects of regular exercise.
NanoSIMS imaging of D/H ratios on FIB sections.

The D/H ratio imaging of weakly hydrated minerals prepared as Focused Ion Beam (FIB) sections is developed in order to com-bine isotopic imaging by Nanoscale Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (NanoSIMS) of micrometer-sized grains with other nanoscale imaging techniques, such as Transmission Electron Microscopy. In order to maximize the accuracy, sensitivity, precision and reproducibility of D/H ratios at the micrometer-size, while minimizing the surface contamination at the same time, we explored all instrumental parameters known to influence the measurement of D/H ratios in situ. Optimal conditions were found to be obtained with the use of (i) a Cs+ ion source and detection of H- and D- at low mass resolving power, (ii) a primary beam intensity of 100 pA, and (iii) raster sizes in the range 8-15 µm. Nominally anhydrous minerals were used to evaluate the detection limits and indicate a surface contamination level of about 200 ppm equivalent H2O in these conditions. With the high primary intensity used here, the dwell time is not a parameter as critical as found in previous studies and a dwell time of 1 ms/px is used to minimize dynamic contamination during analysis. Analysis of FIB sections was found to reduce significantly static contamination due to sample preparation and improved accuracy compared to using polished sections embedded not only in epoxy but in indium as well. On amphiboles, the typical overall uncertainty including reproducibility is about 20 ‰ on bulk FIB sections and about 50 ‰ at the 1.5 µm scale using image processing (1σ).
Catechin and Procyanidin B2 Modulate the Expression of Tight Junction Proteins but Do Not Protect from Inflammation-Induced Changes in Permeability in Human Intestinal Cell Monolayers

The possibility of counteracting inflammation-related barrier defects with dietary compounds such as (poly)phenols has raised much interest, but information is still scarce. We have investigated here if (+)-catechin (CAT) and procyanidin B2 (PB2), two main dietary polyphenols, protect the barrier function of intestinal cells undergoing inflammatory stress. The cell model adopted consisted of co-cultured Caco-2 and HT29-MTX cells, while inflammatory conditions were mimicked through the incubation of epithelial cells with the conditioned medium of activated macrophages (MCM). The epithelial barrier function was monitored through trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER), and ROS production was assessed with dichlorofluorescein, while the expression of tight-junctional proteins and signal transduction pathways were evaluated with Western blot. The results indicated that MCM produced significant oxidative stress, the activation of NF-κB and MAPK pathways, a decrease in occludin and ZO-1 expression, and an increase in claudin-7 (CL-7) expression, while TEER was markedly lowered. Neither CAT nor PB2 prevented oxidative stress, transduction pathways activation, ZO-1 suppression, or TEER decrease. However, PB2 prevented the decrease in occludin expression and both polyphenols produced a huge increase in CL-7 abundance. It is concluded that, under the conditions adopted, CAT and PB2 do not prevent inflammation-dependent impairment of the epithelial barrier function of intestinal cell monolayers. However, the two compounds modify the expression of tight-junctional proteins and, in particular, markedly increase the expression of CL-7. These insights add to a better understanding of the potential biological activity of these major dietary flavan-3-ols at intestinal level.
Hydroxyapatite Block Produced by Sponge Replica Method: Mechanical, Clinical and Histologic Observations

Purpose: The grafting procedure for the anthropic ridges of jaws represents a surgical technique for increasing the bone volume to permit the placement of dental implants for oral rehabilitations. The aim of this study was to evaluate a hydroxyapatite (HA) porous scaffold produced via a sponge replica method for the treatment of maxillary bone defects in a human model. Methods: A total of thirteen patients were treated for sinus lifting in the posterior maxilla for a total of 16 defects treated with cylindrical HA Block. The experimental sites were evaluated by a 3D Cone Beam Computer Tomography scan (CBCT), and the histological analysis was performed after 3 months of healing. Results: After the 3 months healing period, the histological outcome of the investigation showed a high level of biological osteoconduction of the HA. Microscopical evidence of new bone formation was also observed in the central portion of the graft block. The samples were composed of different tissues: 39 ± 1% new bone, 42 ± 3% marrow space, 17 ± 3% residual HA Block and 4.02 ± 2% osteoid tissue were present. The new bone formation in the block was 8 ± 3%. Conclusions: The study findings support that HA porous scaffolds produced by sponge replica were effective for the treatment of maxillary bone defects in humans.
Surfactant-Like Behavior for the Adsorption of Mixtures of a Polycation and Two Different Zwitterionic Surfactants at the Water/Vapor Interface

The bulk and interfacial properties of solutions formed by a polycation (i.e., poly(diallyl-dimethylammonium chloride), PDADMAC) and two different zwitterionic surfactants (i.e., coco-betaine (CB) and cocoamidopropyl-betaine (CAPB)) have been studied. The bulk aggregation of the polyelectrolyte and the two surfactants was analyzed by turbidity and electrophoretic mobility measurements, and the adsorption of the solutions at the fluid interface was studied by surface tension and interfacial dilational rheology measurements. Evidence of polymer–surfactant complex formation in bulk was only found when the number of surfactant molecules was closer to the number of charged monomers in solutions, which suggests that the electrostatic repulsion associated with the presence of a positively charged group in the surfactant hinders the association between PDADMAC and the zwitterionic surfactant for concentrations in which there are no micelles in solution. This lack of interaction in bulk is reflected in the absence of an influence of the polyelectrolyte in the interfacial properties of the mixtures, with the behavior being controlled by the presence of surfactant. This work has evidenced the significant importance of the different interactions involved in the system for controlling the interaction and complexation mechanisms of in polyelectrolyte–surfactant mixtures.
Stable Colloidal Quantum Dot Inks Enable Inkjet-Printed High-Sensitivity Infrared Photodetectors.

Colloidal Quantum Dots (CQDs) have recently gained attention as materials for manufacturing optoelectronic devices in view of their tunable light absorption and emission properties and compatibility with low-temperature thin-film manufacture. The realization of CQD inkjet-printed infrared photodetectors has thus far been hindered by incompatibility between the chemical processes that produce state-of-art CQD solution-exchanged inks; and the requirements of ink formulations for inkjet materials processing. To achieve inkjet-printed CQD solids with a high degree of reproducibility, as well as with the needed morphological and optoelectronic characteristics, we sought to overcome the mismatch among these processing conditions. In this study, we design CQD inks by simultaneous evaluation of requirements regarding ink colloidal stability, jetting conditions and film morphology for different dots and solvents. The new inks remain colloidally stable, achieved through a design that suppresses the reductant properties of amines on the dots' surface. After drop ejection from the nozzle, the quantum dot material is immobilized on the substrate surface due to the rapid evaporation of the low boiling point amine-based compound. Concurrently, the high boiling point solvent allows for the formation of a thin film of high uniformity, as is required for the fabrication of high-performance IR photodetectors. We fabricate inkjet-printed photodetectors exhibiting the highest specific detectivities reported to date (above 1012 Jones across the IR) in an inkjet-printed quantum dot film. As a patternable CMOS-compatible process, the work offers routes to integrated sensing devices and systems.
Serum-Derived Extracellular Vesicles from African Swine Fever Virus-Infected Pigs Selectively Recruit Viral and Porcine Proteins

African swine fever is a devastating hemorrhagic infectious disease, which affects domestic and wild swines (Sus scrofa) of all breeds and ages, with a high lethality of up to 90–100% in naïve animals. The causative agent, African swine fever virus (ASFV), is a large and complex double-stranded DNA arbovirus which is currently spreading worldwide, with serious socioeconomic consequences. There is no treatment or effective vaccine commercially available, and most of the current research is focused on attenuated viral models, with limited success so far. Thus, new strategies are under investigation. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have proven to be a promising new vaccination platform for veterinary diseases in situations in which conventional approaches have not been completely successful. Here, serum extracellular vesicles from infected pigs using two different ASFV viruses (OURT 88/3 and Benin ΔMGF), corresponding to a naturally attenuated virus and a deletion mutant, respectively, were characterized in order to determine possible differences in the content of swine and viral proteins in EV-enriched fractions. Firstly, EVs were characterized by their CD5, CD63, CD81 and CD163 surface expression. Secondly, ASFV proteins were detected on the surface of EVs from ASFV-infected pig serum. Finally, proteomic analysis revealed few specific proteins from ASFV in the EVs, but 942 swine proteins were detected in all EV preparations (negative controls, and OURT 88/3 and Benin ΔMGF-infected preparations). However, in samples from OURT 88/3-infected animals, only a small number of proteins were differentially identified compared to control uninfected animals. Fifty-six swine proteins (Group Benin) and seven proteins (Group OURT 88/3) were differentially detected on EVs when compared to the EV control group. Most of these were related to coagulation cascades. The results presented here could contribute to a better understanding of ASFV pathogenesis and immune/protective responses in the host.
Liver retinol estimated by 13C-retinol isotope dilution at 7 versus 14 days in Burkinabe schoolchildren

Vitamin A status assessment is not straightforward. Retinol isotope dilution (RID) testing requires time for the tracer dose to mix with the total body stores of vitamin A (TBS). Researchers are interested in shortening the time interval between tracer administration and follow-up blood draws, and in re-examining current assumptions about liver mass for calculation of total liver vitamin A reserves (TLR, in µmol/g liver). Schoolchildren (aged 7–12 years; n = 72) were recruited from one school in Burkina Faso. After a baseline blood draw, 1.0 µmol [14,15]-13C2-retinyl acetate was administered to estimate TBS and TLR by retinol isotope dilution with follow-up blood samples at days 7 and 14. Correlations were determined to evaluate if sampling at day 7 could be used to predict TLR compared with day 14. Liver mass was estimated using body surface area and compared with the currently used assumption of liver weight equivalent to 3% of body weight. (This trial was registered at Pan African Clinical Trial Registry: PACTR201702001947398). Liver mass calculated using body surface area did not differ from the standard assumption of 3% of body weight and yielded similar TLR values. The children in this study had mean TLR (0.67 ± 0.35 µmol/g) in the adequate range, while serum retinol concentrations (0.92 ± 0.33 µmol/L) predicted 25% vitamin A deficiency. TLR values at seven days were highly correlated with, but significantly different from day 14 (P < 0.0001, r = 0.85) and needed a correction factor added to the equation to yield equivalency. Blood drawing at day 7, using correction factors in the prediction equation and the current assumption of liver mass as 3% of body weight, can be used to estimate TLR in schoolchildren with adequate vitamin A status in 13 C2-RID applications, but further investigations are needed to verify the seven-day predictive equation. Impact statement Biomarkers of vitamin A status that reflect the gold standard, i.e. liver biopsy, are available but undergoing refinement to increase accessibility in community-based applications. Retinol isotope dilution testing is one such biomarker. Researchers are interested in decreasing the length of time between isotope administration and follow-up blood draws. This study compared a 7-day blood draw with a 14-day sample. With the simple addition of a correction factor to the prediction equation, the values for total body vitamin A stores were similar, but variation increased with increasing liver reserves. The assumption of 3% of body weight as liver weight in school-aged children was also investigated and confirmed as appropriate in the calculation for total liver vitamin A reserves. Simplifying isotope dilution for population evaluation and building capacity for mass spectrometry analyses are important areas of nutrition development to inform public health programs.
Expression of Renin-Angiotensin System Components in the Taste Organ of Mice

The systemic renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is an important regulator of body fluid and sodium homeostasis. Angiotensin II (AngII) is a key active product of the RAS. We previously revealed that circulating AngII suppresses amiloride-sensitive salt taste responses and enhances the responses to sweet compounds via the AngII type 1 receptor (AT1) expressed in taste cells. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the modulation of taste function by AngII remain uncharacterized. Here we examined the expression of three RAS components, namely renin, angiotensinogen, and angiotensin-converting enzyme-1 (ACE1), in mouse taste tissues. We found that all three RAS components were present in the taste buds of fungiform and circumvallate papillae and co-expressed with αENaC (epithelial sodium channel α-subunit, a salt taste receptor) or T1R3 (taste receptor type 1 member 3, a sweet taste receptor component). Water-deprived mice exhibited significantly increased levels of renin expression in taste cells (p < 0.05). These results indicate the existence of a local RAS in the taste organ and suggest that taste function may be regulated by both locally-produced and circulating AngII. Such integrated modulation of peripheral taste sensitivity by AngII may play an important role in sodium/calorie homeostasis.
Use Microfluidic Chips to Study the Phototaxis of Lung Cancer Cells

Cell migration is an important process involved in wound healing, tissue development, and so on. Many studies have been conducted to explore how certain chemicals and electric fields induce cell movements in specific directions, which are phenomena termed chemotaxis and electrotaxis, respectively. However, phototaxis, the directional migration of cells or organisms toward or away from light, is rarely investigated due to the difficulty of generating a precise and controllable light gradient. In this study, we designed and fabricated a microfluidic chip for simultaneously culturing cells and generating a blue light gradient for guiding cell migration. A concentration gradient was first established inside this chip, and by illuminating it with a blue light-emitting diode (LED), a blue light gradient was generated underneath. Cell migration in response to this light stimulus was observed. It was found that lung cancer cells migrated to the dark side of the gradient, and the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was proportional to the intensity of the blue light.
Michaelis-Arbuzov-Type Reaction of 1-Imidoalkyltriarylphosphonium Salts with Selected Phosphorus Nucleophiles

In this study, Michaelis-Arbuzov-type reaction of 1-imidoalkyltriarylphosphonium salts with phosphites, phosphonites, and phosphinites was used in the synthesis of a wide range of phosphorus analogs of α-amino acids such as 1-imidoalkylphosphonates, 1-imidoalkylphosphinates, and 1-imidoalkylphosphine oxides. Large differences were observed in the reactivity of substrates depending on their structure, especially on the type of phosphonium moiety and N-protecting group. The conditions under which the expected products can be obtained in good to excellent yields have been developed. Mechanistic aspects of the transformation have been provided.
Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptor Blockade Affects Pro-Inflammatory Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages and Relieves Mouse Fatty Liver Injury

Fatty liver injury is characterized by liver fat accumulation and results in serious health problems worldwide. There is no effective treatment that reverses fatty liver injury besides etiological therapy. Inflammation is an important macrophage-involving pathological process of liver injury. Here, we investigated the role of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors (S1PRs) in fatty liver injury and explored whether S1PR2/3 blockade could cure fatty liver injury. A methionine-choline-deficient and a high-fat (MCDHF) diet was used to induce fatty liver injury, and the number of macrophages was evaluated by flow cytometry. Gene expressions were detected using RT-qPCR and cytometric bead array. In MCDHF-diet-fed mice, pro-inflammatory factor expressions were upregulated by fatty liver injury. The S1P level and S1PR2/3 expressions were significantly elevated. Moreover, increased S1P level and S1PR2/3 mRNA expressions were positively correlated with pro-inflammatory factor expressions in the liver. Furthermore, the number of pro-inflammatory macrophages (iMφ) increased in injured liver, and they were mainly bone-marrow-derived macrophages. In vivo, S1PR2/3 blockade decreased the amount of iMφ and inflammation and attenuated liver injury and fibrosis, although liver fat accumulation was unchanged. These data strongly suggest that anti-inflammatory treatment by blocking the S1P/S1PR2/3 axis attenuates fatty liver injury, which might serve as a potential target for fatty liver injury.
GNSS/LiDAR-Based Navigation of an Aerial Robot in Sparse Forests

Autonomous navigation of unmanned vehicles in forests is a challenging task. In such environments, due to the canopies of the trees, information from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) can be degraded or even unavailable. Also, because of the large number of obstacles, a previous detailed map of the environment is not practical. In this paper, we solve the complete navigation problem of an aerial robot in a sparse forest, where there is enough space for the flight and the GNSS signals can be sporadically detected. For localization, we propose a state estimator that merges information from GNSS, Attitude and Heading Reference Systems (AHRS), and odometry based on Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors. In our LiDAR-based odometry solution, the trunks of the trees are used in a feature-based scan matching algorithm to estimate the relative movement of the vehicle. Our method employs a robust adaptive fusion algorithm based on the unscented Kalman filter. For motion control, we adopt a strategy that integrates a vector field, used to impose the main direction of the movement for the robot, with an optimal probabilistic planner, which is responsible for obstacle avoidance. Experiments with a quadrotor equipped with a planar LiDAR in an actual forest environment is used to illustrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Ureteric stents: Overview of current clinical applications and economic implications

Ureteric stents are one of the most crucial tools used for various clinical conditions in the urological field. Placement of a ureteric stent, for short‐ or long‐term use, remains one of the commonest urological interventional procedures. In the past few decades, ureteral stents have undergone notable technological advancements. However, an ideal stent without significant side‐effects is yet to be engineered. Indwelling ureteric stents are often accompanied by physical distress to the patient and clinical complications, such as bacterial adhesion, encrustation, malpositioning, stent fracture and forgotten stent syndrome, that influence patients’ health‐related quality of life. In the market, different stent types are available, designed to reduce infections, and improve patient symptoms and tolerance. In this review, we have emphasized the recent developments that have taken place in stent design, size, materials and coating. This overview looks at current practices and problems related to stents, along with clinical and economic considerations. Few trial studies have been enumerated in the context of utilization of a ureteral stent symptom questionnaire and various stent models to compare their effects in patients.
Near-Field Communication Sensors

Near-field communication is a new kind of low-cost wireless communication technology developed in recent years, which brings great convenience to daily life activities such as medical care, food quality detection, and commerce. The integration of near-field communication devices and sensors exhibits great potential for these real-world applications by endowing sensors with new features of powerless and wireless signal transferring and conferring near field communication device with sensing function. In this review, we summarize recent progress in near field communication sensors, including the development of materials and device design and their applications in wearable personal healthcare devices. The opportunities and challenges in near-field communication sensors are discussed in the end.