Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genomics-informed nursing strategies and health equity: A scoping review protocol

Objective The objective of this scoping review is to map the available evidence on strategies that nurses can use to facilitate genomics-informed healthcare to address health disparities. Introduction Advancements in genomics over the last two decades have led to an increase in the delivery of genomics-informed health care. Although the integration of genomics into health care services continues to enhance patient outcomes, access to genomic technologies is not equitable, exacerbating existing health disparities amongst certain populations. As the largest portion of the health workforce, nurses play a critical role in the delivery of equitable genomics-informed care. However, little is known about how nurses can help address health disparities within the context of genomics-informed health care. A review of the literature will provide the necessary foundation to identify promising practices, policy, and knowledge gaps for further areas of inquiry. Inclusion criteria We will include papers that explore strategies that nurses can undertake to facilitate genomics-informed care to address health disparities. Methods This review will be conducted using JBI methodology for scoping reviews. We will search electronic databases including MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PsychInfo, and CINAHL for quantitative and qualitative studies, systematic reviews and grey literature. Theses, books, and unavailable full-text papers will be excluded. The search will be limited to papers from 2013 and beyond. Two reviewers will screen titles and abstracts followed by full-text and disagreements will be resolved by a third reviewer. We will use a data extraction tool using Microsoft Excel and analyse data using descriptive statistics and conventional content analysis. Findings will be presented in the form of evidence tables and a narrative summary. We will report findings using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Discussion Genomics will continue to transform all aspects of health care across the wellness continuum from prevention, assessment, diagnosis, management, treatment, and palliative care. The identification of nursing strategies to address health disparities will build the foundation for policy and practice to ensure that the integration of genomic technologies benefits everyone.
Simultaneous pseudospin and valley topological edge states of elastic waves in phononic crystals made of distorted Kekulé lattices

Topological metamaterials protected by the spatial inversion symmetry mainly support single type edge state, interpreted by either the quantum valley Hall effect or the quantum spin Hall effect. However, owing to the existence of the complicated couplings and waveform conversions during elastic wave propagation, realizing topologically protected edge states that support both pseudospin and valley degrees of freedom in elastic system remains a great challenge. Here, we propose a two-dimensional Kekulé phononic crystal (PC) that can simultaneously possess pseudospin- and valley-Hall edge states in different frequency bands. By inhomogeneously changing the elliptical direction in a Kekulé lattice of elliptical cylinders, three complete phononic bandgaps exhibiting distinct topological phase transitions can be obtained, one of which supports a pair of pseudospin-Hall edge states and the other hosts valley-Hall edge states in the low and high frequency regime. Furthermore, a sandwiched PC heterostructure and a four-channel cross-waveguide splitter are constructed to achieve selective excitation and topological robust propagation of pseudospin- and valley-momentum locking edge states in a single configuration. These results provide new possibilities for manipulating in-plane bulk elastic waves with both pseudospin and valley degrees of freedom in a single configuration, which has potential applications for multiband and multifunctional waveguiding.
Recent advancements on in vitro blood-brain barrier model: A reliable and efficient screening approach for preclinical and clinical investigation

ABSTRACT Introduction The efficiency of brain therapeutics is greatly hindered by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). BBB’s protective function, selective permeability, and dynamic functionality maintain the harmony between the brain and peripheral region. Thus, the design of any novel drug carrier system requires the complete study and investigation of BBB permeability, efflux transport, and the effect of associated cellular and non-vascular unit trafficking on BBB penetrability. The in vitro BBB models offer a most promising, and reliable mode of initial investigation of BBB permeability and associated factors as strong evidence for further preclinical and clinical investigation. Area covered This review work covers the structure and functions of BBB components and different types of in vitro BBB models along with factors affecting BBB model development and model selection criteria. Expert opinion In vivo models assume to reciprocate the physiological environment to the maximum extent. However, the interspecies variability, NVUs trafficking, dynamic behavior of BBB, etc., lead to non-reproducible results. The in vitro models are comparatively less complex, and flexible, as per the study design, could generate substantial evidence and help identify suitable in vivo animal model selection.
Aqueous breakdown of aspartate and glutamate to n-ω-amino acids on the parent bodies of carbonaceous chondrites and asteroid Ryugu

Amino acids in carbonaceous chondrites may have seeded the origin of life on Earth and possibly elsewhere. Recently, the return samples from a C-type asteroid Ryugu were found to contain amino acids with a similar distribution to Ivuna-type CI chondrites, suggesting the potential of amino acid abundances as molecular descriptors of parent body geochemistry. However, the chemical mechanisms responsible for the amino acid distributions remain to be elucidated particularly at low temperatures (<50°C). Here, we report that two representative proteinogenic amino acids, aspartic acid and glutamic acid, decompose to β-alanine and γ-aminobutyric acid, respectively, under simulated geoelectrochemical conditions at 25°C. This low-temperature conversion provides a plausible explanation for the enrichment of these two n-ω-amino acids compared to their precursors in heavily aqueously altered CI chondrites and Ryugu’s return samples. The results suggest that these heavily aqueously altered samples originated from the water-rich mantle of their water/rock differentiated parent planetesimals where protein α-amino acids were decomposed.
Human Hepatocyte Transplantation: Three Decades of Clinical Experience and Future Perspective

Abstract Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the current standard of care for both chronic and acute terminal liver disease. However, a major limitation of this treatment is the shortage of healthy donor organs and the need for life-long immunosuppression to prevent graft rejection. Hepatocyte transplantation (HTx) has emerged as a promising, alternative therapeutic approach to either replace OLT or to act as a bridge until a donor liver becomes available thus reducing waiting list mortality. HTx involves the infusion and engraftment of human hepatocytes, typically isolated from organs unsuitable for OLT, into recipient liver parenchyma to carry out the missing hepatic function of the native cells. HTx is less invasive than OLT and can be performed repeatedly if required. The safety of clinical HTx has been shown and treatment results are promising, especially in patients with liver-based metabolic disorders. Nevertheless, HTx has failed to become the standard of care treatment for such disorders. This review aims to evaluate the progress that has been made within the field of HTx over the last 30 years and identify potential shortcomings within the approach which may be hindering its routine clinical application.
Correlation Between Symptoms of Depression and Obesity in Caregivers of Patients With Chronic Illness: A Gender Difference Analysis

This study involved gender-stratified analysis and total-sample analysis to assess the extent to which symptoms of depression correlate with the body mass index (BMI) of a population of 112 people responsible for caring for others diagnosed with a chronic illness. The majority of the participants (caregivers) of this study were female (57.1%). All participants were recruited from an urban medical city hospital. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was employed to assess the extent to which caregivers exhibited symptoms of depression, and BMI was calculated by the researcher using the subject’s height and weight. Regressions were executed on the entire dataset spanning male and female participants to generate insights into demographic factors, after which the PHQ-9 was administered. After taking into account the possible confounding factors, the findings of the regression showed that there was a significant correlation between the BMI and PHQ-9 scores (β = .25, P = .042). The correlation between BMI and PHQ-9 persisted among females (β = .37, P = .023). Furthermore, there is a noteworthy correlation among the participants who were morbidly obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2). The correlation between BMI and PHQ-9 caregivers of patients with chronic illness remained after taking demographic factors into account. These findings could be utilized to enhance the outcomes for caregivers of patients with chronic illness. They may be particularly pertinent for caregivers who are experiencing depression or are overweight.
Structural and computational studies of HIV-1 RNA

ABSTRACT Viruses remain a global threat to animals, plants, and humans. The type 1 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) is a member of the retrovirus family and carries an RNA genome, which is reverse transcribed into viral DNA and further integrated into the host-cell DNA for viral replication and proliferation. The RNA structures from the HIV-1 genome provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the viral replication cycle. Moreover, these structures serve as models for designing novel therapeutic approaches. Here, we review structural data on RNA from the HIV-1 genome as well as computational studies based on these structural data. The review is organized according to the type of structured RNA element which contributes to different steps in the viral replication cycle. This is followed by an overview of the HIV-1 transactivation response element (TAR) RNA as a model system for understanding dynamics and interactions in the viral RNA systems. The review concludes with a description of computational studies, highlighting the impact of biomolecular simulations in elucidating the mechanistic details of various steps in the HIV-1’s replication cycle.
Phylogenomic analysis of 343 Xanthomonas citri pv. citri strains unravels introduction history and dispersal paths

Xanthomonas citri pv. citri (Xcc) causes the devastating citrus canker disease. Xcc is known to have been introduced into Florida, USA in at least three different events in 1915, 1986 and 1995 with the first two claimed to be eradicated. It was questioned whether the Xcc introduction in 1986 has been successfully eradicated. Furthermore, it is unknown how Xcc has spread throughout the citrus groves in Florida. In this study, we investigated the population structure of Xcc to address these questions. We sequenced the whole genome of 343 Xcc strains collected from Florida groves between 1997 and 2016. Our analysis revealed two distinct clusters of Xcc. Our data strongly indicate that the claimed eradication of the 1986 Xcc introduction was not successful and Xcc strains from 1986 introduction were present in samples from at least 8 counties collected after 1994. Importantly, our data revealed that the Cluster 2 strains, which are present in all 20 citrus-producing counties sampled in Florida, originated from the Xcc introduction event in the Miami area in 1995. Our data suggest that Polk County is the epicenter of the dispersal of Cluster 2 Xcc strains, which is consistent with the fact that three major hurricanes passed through Polk County in 2004. As copper-based products have been extensively used to control citrus canker, we also investigated whether Xcc strains have developed resistance to copper. Notably, none of the 343 strains contained known copper resistance genes. Twenty randomly selected Xcc strains displayed sensitivity to copper. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the introduction, eradication, spread, and copper resistance of Xcc in Florida.
Molecular Insight into the Effect of Polymer Topology on Wettability of Block Copolymers: The Case of Amphiphilic Polyurethanes

The microstructure design of multiblock copolymers is essential for achieving desired interfacial properties in submerged applications. Two major design factors are the chemical composition and polymer topology. Despite a clear relationship between chemical composition and wetting, the effect of polymer topology (i.e., linear vs cross-linked polymers) is not very clear. Thus, in this study, we shed light on the molecular origins of polymer topology on the wetting behavior. To this end, we synthesized linear and three-dimensional (3D) cross-linked network topologies of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-modified polycarbonate polyurethanes with the same amount of hydrophilic PEG groups on the surface (confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)) and studied the wetting mechanisms through water contact angle (WCA), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The linear topology exhibited superhydrophilic behavior, while the WCA of the cross-linked polymer was around 50°. AFM analysis (performed on dry and wet samples) suggests that PEG migration toward the interface is the dominant factor. MD simulations confirm the AFM results and unravel the mechanisms: the higher flexibility of PEG in linear topology results in a greater PEG migration to the interface and formation of a thicker interfacial layer (i.e., twice as thick as the cross-linked polymers). Accordingly, water diffusion into the interfacial layer was greater in the case of the linear polymer, leading to better screening of the underneath hydrophobic (polycarbonate) segments.
Maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and offspring imprinted gene DMR methylation at birth

ABSTRACT Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) contribute to numerous negative health outcomes across the life course and across generations. Here, we extend prior work by examining the association of maternal ACEs, and their interaction with financial stress and discrimination, with methylation status within eight differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in imprinted domains in newborns. ACEs, financial stress during pregnancy, and experience of discrimination were self-reported among 232 pregnant women. DNA methylation was assessed at PEG10/SGCE, NNAT, IGF2, H19, PLAGL1, PEG3, MEG3-IG, and DLK1/MEG3 regulatory sequences using pyrosequencing. Using multivariable linear regression models, we found evidence to suggest that financial stress was associated with hypermethylation of MEG3-IG in non-Hispanic White newborns; discrimination was associated with hypermethylation of IGF2 and NNAT in Hispanic newborns, and with hypomethylation of PEG3 in non-Hispanic Black newborns. We also found evidence that maternal ACEs interacted with discrimination to predict offspring PLAGL1 altered DMR methylation, in addition to interactions between maternal ACEs score and discrimination predicting H19 and SGCE/PEG10 altered methylation in non-Hispanic White newborns. However, these interactions were not statistically significant after multiple testing corrections. Findings from this study suggest that maternal ACEs, discrimination, and financial stress are associated with newborn aberrant methylation in imprinted gene regions.
Structure of the Black Sea Currents Based on the Results of the LADCP Observations in 2004–2014

The article presents the core results of lowered acoustic Doppler current profiler (LADCP) applied in the Black Sea within 2004–2014. Average features of the vertical structure of currents in the upper 600 m layer are outlined. The linear relation between vertical distribution of kinetic energy isopycnically averaged over the station ensemble and density is established. This relation is traced till the isopycn occurrence depth with density of 17 kg/m (~500 m). The mean current velocity has near constant value about ~ 4 cm/s in lower depth layers (>500 m), which is in a good agreement with autonomic buoys data. The averaged profile of current velocity vertical shears shows two wellseparated maxima in the seasonal and main pycnocline layers. LADCP derived velocity shears are more than ten times exceed the geostrophic current shears. Turbulent vertical mixing coefficient, calculated by the G89 model (Gregg 1989) demonstrates the denominated minimum in the permanent pycnocline (410 m/s) and increases with depth to achieve value 210 m/s at 450 m depth. The profile of current velocity averaged by the ensemble casts in the near bottom boundary layer demonstrates near logarithmic relation.
Light-induced ultrafast spin transport in multilayer metallic films originates from sp-d spin exchange coupling

Ultrafast interaction between the femtosecond laser pulse and the magnetic metal provides an efficient way to manipulate the magnetic states of matter. Numerous experimental advancements have been made on multilayer metallic films in the last two decades. However, the underlying physics remains unclear. Here, relying on an efficient ab initio spin dynamics simulation algorithm, we revealed the physics that can unify the progress in different experiments. We found that light-induced ultrafast spin transport in multilayer metallic films originates from the sp-d spin-exchange interaction, which can induce an ultrafast, large, and pure spin current from ferromagnetic metal to nonmagnetic metal without charge carrier transport. The resulting trends of spin demagnetization and spin flow are consistent with most experiments. It can explain a variety of ultrafast light-spin manipulation experiments with different systems and different pump-probe technologies, covering a wide range of work in this field.
High prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among school-aged children in Southwest Ethiopia

Background Active trachoma is a highly contagious ongoing stage of trachoma that predominantly occurs during childhood in an endemic area. This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with active trachoma among school-aged children. Methodology/Principal findings A community-based analytical cross-sectional study was done from March 1st to June 30th, 2021, in Southwest Ethiopia’s people’s regional state. A total of 1292 school-aged children were surveyed. The quantitative data were collected using a pre-tested, structured interview-based questionnaire and observation check list. The World health organization (WHO) simplified trachoma grading system was used to assess stages of trachoma. In this study, the prevalence of active trachoma was 570(44.1%), 95% CI (41.4, 46.9). Also, age group 6–10; being female; flies at household (HH), flies on child’s face, improved water source, improved sanitation, presence of ocular discharge, presence of nasal discharge, and unclean faces of the child were significantly associated with active trachoma. Conclusions/Significance The very high prevalence of active trachoma in the study area is significantly associated with; age group 6–10, female gender, presence of flies in household and on child’s face, presence of ocular and nasal discharge, unclean faces, improved water source, improved sanitation in the household. Thus, environmental sanitation and facial cleans trachoma elimination strategy should be intensified in the study area.
The vocal side of empathy: neural correlates of pain perception in spoken complaints

Abstract In the extensive neuroimaging literature on empathy for pain, few studies have investigated how this phenomenon may relate to everyday social situations such as spoken interactions. The present study used functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to assess how complaints, as vocal expressions of pain, are empathically processed by listeners and how these empathic responses may vary based on speakers’ vocal expression and cultural identity. Twenty-four French participants listened to short utterances describing a painful event, which were either produced in a neutral-sounding or complaining voice by both in-group (French) and out-group (French Canadian) speakers. Results suggest that the perception of suffering from a complaining voice increased activity in the emotional voice areas, composed of voice-sensitive temporal regions interacting with prefrontal cortices and the amygdala. The Salience and Theory of Mind networks, associated with affective and cognitive aspects of empathy, also showed prosody-related activity and specifically correlated with behavioral evaluations of suffering by listeners. Complaints produced by in- vs out-group speakers elicited sensorimotor and default mode activity, respectively, suggesting accent-based changes in empathic perspective. These results, while reaffirming the role of key networks in tasks involving empathy, highlight the importance of vocal expression information and social categorization processes when perceiving another’s suffering during social interactions.
Glaciers of the St. Elias mountains

The St. Elias Mountains region of Canada is made up of a series of mountain ranges that contain a particularly wide variety of glacier types, defined both morphologically and thermally. This variety is a result of the extreme topography, which has a maximum relief of 4,200 meters within a few kilometers, coupled with the large gradients recorded in precipitation and temperature throughout the ranges. Glacier types seen here are valley glaciers, high-elevation plateau glaciers, ice fields and associated outlet glaciers, 5 and piedmont glaciers of different shapes and sizes. Glacier lengths range from about a kilometer to more than 70 kilometers (Hubbard Glacier, which ends in Alaska, has a length of 72 kilometers in Canada and a total length of 112 kilometers); their areas range from a few square kilometers to more than 1,200 square kilometers for Seward Glacier. Temperate glaciers are common at low elevations, particularly on the Pacific Ocean side of the axis (drainage divide). Subpolar glaciers are present on the north (continental) side of the axis even at low elevations. Cold glaciers, at "polar" temperatures, exist on high-elevation plateaus such as on Mount Logan (5,956 meters). The presence of a large concentration of generally subpolar surging glaciers in the region is particularly noteworthy. This topic receives the most attention here because features diagnostic of surges are easily detected on satellite images, from which time-series measurements, related to the dynamics of the glacier, may be made, as shown for Tweedsmuir Glacier and Lowell Glacier.