Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nanocellulose-Based Passivated-Carbon Quantum Dots (P-CQDs) for Antimicrobial Applications: A Practical Review

Passivated-carbon quantum dots (P-CQDs) have been attracting great interest as an antimicrobial therapy tool due to their bright fluorescence, lack of toxicity, eco-friendly nature, simple synthetic schemes, and possession of photocatalytic functions comparable to those present in traditional nanometric semiconductors. Besides synthetic precursors, CQDs can be synthesized from a plethora of natural resources including microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC). Converting MCC into NCC is performed chemically via the top-down route, while synthesizing CODs from NCC can be performed via the bottom-up route. Due to the good surface charge status with the NCC precursor, we focused in this review on synthesizing CQDs from nanocelluloses (MCC and NCC) since they could become a potential source for fabricating carbon quantum dots that are affected by pyrolysis temperature. There are several P-CQDs synthesized with a wide spectrum of featured properties, namely functionalized carbon quantum dots (F-CQDs) and passivated carbon quantum dots (P-CQDs). There are two different important P-CQDs, namely 2,2′-ethylenedioxy-bis-ethylamine (EDA-CQDs) and 3-ethoxypropylamine (EPA-CQDs), that have achieved desirable results in the antiviral therapy field. Since NoV is the most common dangerous cause of nonbacterial, acute gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide, this review deals with NoV in detail. The surficial charge status (SCS) of the P-CQDs plays an important role in their interactions with NoVs. The EDA-CQDs were found to be more effective than EPA-CQDs in inhibiting the NoV binding. This difference may be attributed to their SCS as well as the virus surface. EDA-CQDs with surficial terminal amino (-NH2) groups are positively charged at physiological pH (-NH3+), whereas EPA-CQDs with surficial terminal methyl groups (-CH3) are not charged. Since the NoV particles are negatively charged, they are attracted to the positively charged EDA-CQDs, resulting in enhancing the P-CQDs concentration around the virus particles. The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were found to be comparable to the P-CQDs in the non-specific binding with NoV capsid proteins, through complementary charges, π-π stacking, and/or hydrophobic interactions.
Steady gravity waves due to a submerged source

Abstract In the low-Froude-number limit, free-surface gravity waves caused by flow past a submerged obstacle have amplitude that is exponentially small. Consequently, these cannot be represented using an asymptotic series expansion. Steady linearized flow past a submerged source is considered, and exponential asymptotic methods are applied to determine the behaviour of the free-surface gravity waves. The free surface is found to contain longitudinal and transverse waves that switch on rapidly across curves known as Stokes lines on the free surface. The longitudinal waves are present everywhere downstream of the singularity, while the transverse waves are restricted to two downstream wedges. As the depth of the source approaches the surface, the familiar Kelvin-wedge wave behaviour is recovered.
The Association of pre-miR27a Gene Polymorphism and Clinicopathological Data in Thai Breast Cancer Patients

Background: MiR27a plays an important role in carcinogenesis, cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration and angiogenesis. Several studies have identified an important role of pre-miR27a (rs895819) A>G polymorphism in several types of cancer. This research aims to investigate the association of pre-miR27a (rs895819) A>G and breast cancer susceptibility, clinicopathological data and survival. Blood DNA samples of 143 Thai breast cancer patients and 100 healthy Thai women were studied for pre-miR27a (rs895819) A>G polymorphism using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment-length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: The results revealed that the frequency of pre-miR27a (rs895819) A>G genotypes was not statistically significant different between breast cancer patient and normal control subjects. The rs895819 A>G genotype was significantly associated with clinicopathological parameter of grade III differentiation (P = 0.006), progesterone receptor (P = 0.011) and triple negative (P = 0.031) in breast cancer patients, but not with breast cancer susceptibility. Conclusion: The pre-miR27a (rs895819) A>G genotype was significantly associated with poorly differentiated, progesterone receptor and triple-negative in breast cancer patients. Therefore, pre-miR27a (rs895819) A>G may be used as a biomarker for poor prognosis.
Same but Different? Comparing the Epidemiology, Treatments and Outcomes of COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 ARDS Cases in Germany Using a Sample of Claims Data from 2021 and 2019

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe lung condition that can be caused by a variety of underlying illnesses. Due to SARS-CoV-2, the number of cases with ARDS has increased worldwide, making it essential to compare this form of acute respiratory failure with classical causes of ARDS. While there have been several studies investigating the differences between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 ARDS in early stages of the pandemic, little is known about the differences in later phases, especially in Germany. Aim: The aim of this study is to characterize and compare the comorbidities, treatments, adverse events, and outcomes of COVID-19-associated ARDS and non-COVID-19 ARDS using a representative sample of German health claims data from the years 2019 and 2021. Methods: We compare percentages and median values of the quantities of interest from the COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 ARDS group, with p-values calculated after conducting Pearson’s chi-squared test or the Wilcoxon rank sum test. We also run logistic regressions to access the effect of comorbidities on mortality for COVID-19 ARDS and non-COVID-19 ARDS. Results: Despite many similarities, we find that that there are some remarkable differences between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 ARDS cases in Germany. Most importantly, COVID-19 ARDS cases display fewer comorbidities and adverse events, and are more often treated with non-invasive ventilation and nasal high-flow therapy. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of comprehending the contrasting epidemiological features and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 ARDS. This understanding can aid in clinical decision making and guide future research initiatives aimed at enhancing the management of patients afflicted with this severe condition.
Recent Advances in Flexible Piezoresistive Arrays: Materials, Design, and Applications

Spatial distribution perception has become an important trend for flexible pressure sensors, which endows wearable health devices, bionic robots, and human–machine interactive interfaces (HMI) with more precise tactile perception capabilities. Flexible pressure sensor arrays can monitor and extract abundant health information to assist in medical detection and diagnosis. Bionic robots and HMI with higher tactile perception abilities will maximize the freedom of human hands. Flexible arrays based on piezoresistive mechanisms have been extensively researched due to the high performance of pressure-sensing properties and simple readout principles. This review summarizes multiple considerations in the design of flexible piezoresistive arrays and recent advances in their development. First, frequently used piezoresistive materials and microstructures are introduced in which various strategies to improve sensor performance are presented. Second, pressure sensor arrays with spatial distribution perception capability are discussed emphatically. Crosstalk is a particular concern for sensor arrays, where mechanical and electrical sources of crosstalk issues and the corresponding solutions are highlighted. Third, several processing methods are also introduced, classified as printing, field-assisted and laser-assisted fabrication. Next, the representative application works of flexible piezoresistive arrays are provided, including human-interactive systems, healthcare devices, and some other scenarios. Finally, outlooks on the development of piezoresistive arrays are given.
Young Artistic Gymnasts Drink Ad Libitum Only Half of Their Fluid Lost during Training, but More Fluid Intake Does Not Influence Performance

To examine the effect of the fluid balance on and performance in young artistic gymnasts during training under ad libitum and prescribed fluid intake conditions, eleven males (12.3 ± 2.6 years, mean ± SD) performed two 3 h identical training sessions. Participants ingested, in a random order, water equivalent to either 50% (LV) or 150% (HV) of their fluid loss. After the 3 h training, the gymnasts performed program routines on three apparatuses. The pre-exercise urine specific gravity (USG) was similar between conditions (LV: 1.018 ± 0.007 vs. HV: 1.015 ± 0.007; p = 0.09), while the post-exercise USG was lower in the HV condition (LV: 1.017 ± 0.006 vs. HV: 1.002 ± 0.003; p < 0.001). Fluid loss corresponding to percentage of body mass was higher in the LV condition (1.2 ± 0.5%) compared to the HV condition (0.4 ± 0.8%) (p = 0.02); however, the sums of the score performances were not different (LV: 26.17 ± 2.04 vs. HV: 26.05 ± 2.00; p = 0.57). Ingesting fluid equivalent to about 50% of the fluid lost, which was the amount that was drunk ad libitum during training, maintained short-term hydration levels and avoided excessive dehydration in artistic preadolescent and adolescent gymnasts. A higher amount of fluid, equivalent to about 1.5 times the fluid loss, did not provide an additional performance benefit.
Maternal Nutritional Status and the Microbiome across the Pregnancy and the Post-Partum Period

Appropriate nutrition during pregnancy and the post-partum period is vital for both the mothers and their offspring. Both under- and over-nourished status may have important microbial implications on the maternal and infant gut microbiomes. Alterations in the microbiome can have implications for a person’s risk of obesity and metabolic diseases. In this review, we examine alterations in the maternal gut, vaginal, placental, and milk microbiomes in the context of pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain, body composition, gestational diabetes, and maternal diet. We also investigate how the infant gut microbiome may be altered by these different parameters. Many of the microbial changes seen in under- and over-nourished states in birthing parents may result in long-term implications for the health of offspring. Differences in diet appear to be a major driver of the maternal and subsequently milk and offspring microbiomes. Further prospective longitudinal cohort studies are needed to examine nutrition and the microbiome to better understand its implications. Additionally, trials involving dietary interventions in child-bearing age adults should be explored to improve the mother and child’s risks for metabolic diseases.
Canonical Expansion of the Bivariate Binomial Distribution with Unequal Marginal Indices

Aitken and Gonin [1] derived the bivariate binomial distribution by considering a sample of size n classified in the form of a 2 x 2 table. The resulting bivariate binomial was expressed in the form of a finite series bilinear in Krawtchouk's polynomials in the marginal variables. The marginal distributions were binomial with the same index n (the sample size for the 2 x 2 table) but with different probabilities of success p, and P2. The present paper gives a derivation of the bivariate binomial distribution with different marginal indices n1 and n2 and the same probability of success p for both marginals. The derivation is based on the additive property of independent binomial random variables with the same p. The bivariate factorial moment generating function is derived, and hence the bivariate probability density function is expressed in canonical form. The application of the canonical expansion is illustrated by examples.
Changes in the Phase Composition of Calcium Aluminoferrites Based on the Synthesis Condition and Al2O3/Fe2O3 Molar Ratio

The presented work concerns the study of the changes in the phase composition of calcium aluminoferrites which depend on the synthesis conditions and the selection of the Al2O3/Fe2O3 molar ratio (A/F). The A/F molar ratio extends beyond the limiting composition of C6A2F (6CaO·2Al2O3·Fe2O) towards phases richer in Al2O3. An increase in the A/F ratio above unity favours the formation of other crystalline phases such as C12A7 and C3A, in addition to calcium aluminoferrite. Slow cooling of melts characterised by an A/F ratio below 0.58, results in the formation of a single calcium aluminoferrite phase. Above this ratio, the presence of varying contents of C12A7 and C3A phases was found. The process of rapid cooling of the melts with an A/F molar ratio approaching the value of four favours the formation of a single phase with variable chemical composition. Generally, an increase in the A/F ratio above the value of four generates the formation of a calcium aluminoferrite amorphous phase. The rapidly cooled samples with compositions of C22.19A10. 94F and C14.61A6. 29F were fully amorphous. Additionally, this study shows that as the A/F molar ratio of the melts decreases, the elemental cell volume of the calcium aluminoferrites decreases.
Metabolic Engineering for Efficient Production of Z,Z-Farnesol in E. coli

Z,Z-farnesol (Z,Z-FOH), the all-cis isomer of farnesol, holds enormous potential for application in cosmetics, daily chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. In this study, we aimed to metabolically engineer Escherichia coli to produce Z,Z-FOH. First, we tested five Z,Z-farnesyl diphosphate (Z,Z-FPP) synthases that catalyze neryl diphosphate to form Z,Z-FPP in E. coli. Furthermore, we screened thirteen phosphatases that could facilitate the dephosphorylation of Z,Z-FPP to produce Z,Z-FOH. Finally, through site-directed mutagenesis of cis-prenyltransferase, the optimal mutant strain was able to produce 572.13 mg/L Z,Z-FOH by batch fermentation in a shake flask. This achievement represents the highest reported titer of Z,Z-FOH in microbes to date. Notably, this is the first report on the de novo biosynthesis of Z,Z-FOH in E. coli. This work represents a promising step toward developing synthetic E. coli cell factories for the de novo biosynthesis of Z,Z-FOH and other cis-configuration terpenoids.
Nutritional and Physicochemical Properties of Wild Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.)—Effects of Geographic Origin

In recent years, much attention has been devoted to Vaccinium L. berries because of their substantial potential to be adapted for the development of innovative food and pharmaceutical applications. The accumulation of plant secondary metabolites is extremely dependent on climate and other environmental conditions. In order to increase the reliability of the findings, this study was conducted with samples collected in four regions in Northern Europe (Norway, Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania) and analyzed in a single laboratory using a standardized methodology. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the nutritional (biologically active compounds (phenolic (477–775 mg/100 g fw), anthocyanins (20–57 mg/100 g fw), pro-anthocyanidins (condensed tannins (141–269 mg/100 g fw)) and antioxidant activity in different systems (ABTS•+, FRAP). Physicochemical properties (acidity, soluble solids, color) of wild Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. were also evaluated. The results may contribute to the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals with potential health benefits in the future. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report on the evaluation of the biologically active compounds of wild lingonberries from different Northern European countries based on one laboratory’s validated methods. The results indicated a geomorphological influence on the biochemical and physicochemical composition of wild Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. depending on their place of geographical origin.
Upregulation of ica Operon Governs Biofilm Formation by a Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus caprae

Staphylococcus caprae is a Gram-positive, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), which appears as commensal in the skin, as well as a prevalent mastitis pathogen of goats. Occasionally, it is also associated with infections in humans. Biofilm formation has been identified as a putative virulence factor in S. caprae. Biofilms are multicellular communities protected by a self-produced extracellular matrix (ECM), which facilitates the resistance of bacterial cells to antimicrobial treatments. The ECM is constructed by exopolysaccharides, including the major exopolysaccharide—polysaccharide intercellular adhesion (PIA), regulated by the ica operon in Staphylococcus species. The aim of this study was to characterize the expression of the ica operon in relation to biofilm formation in S. caprae. Results showed that within a few hours of growth, S. caprae could adhere to polystyrene surfaces, start to accumulate, and form biofilm. Peak biofilm biomass and maturation were reached after 48 h, followed by a reduction in biomass after 72 h. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed the expression of matrix-associated proteins and polysaccharides at various time points. The expression dynamics of the ica operon were investigated using real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT)-qPCR, which showed elevated expression during the early stages of biofilm formation and subsequent downregulation throughout the biofilm aging process. In conclusion, our results show that the ica operon is essential in regulating biofilm formation in S. caprae, similar to other Staphylococcus species. Furthermore, the robustness of the observed biofilm phenotype could account for the successful intramammary colonization and may explain disease persistence caused by this pathogenic bacterium.
Domperidone Protects Cells from Intoxication with Clostridioides difficile Toxins by Inhibiting Hsp70-Assisted Membrane Translocation

Clostridioides difficile infections cause severe symptoms ranging from diarrhea to pseudomembranous colitis due to the secretion of AB-toxins, TcdA and TcdB. Both toxins are taken up into cells through receptor-mediated endocytosis, autoproteolytic processing and translocation of their enzyme domains from acidified endosomes into the cytosol. The enzyme domains glucosylate small GTPases such as Rac1, thereby inhibiting processes such as actin cytoskeleton regulation. Here, we demonstrate that specific pharmacological inhibition of Hsp70 activity protected cells from TcdB intoxication. In particular, the established inhibitor VER-155008 and the antiemetic drug domperidone, which was found to be an Hsp70 inhibitor, reduced the number of cells with TcdB-induced intoxication morphology in HeLa, Vero and intestinal CaCo-2 cells. These drugs also decreased the intracellular glucosylation of Rac1 by TcdB. Domperidone did not inhibit TcdB binding to cells or enzymatic activity but did prevent membrane translocation of TcdB’s glucosyltransferase domain into the cytosol. Domperidone also protected cells from intoxication with TcdA as well as CDT toxin produced by hypervirulent strains of Clostridioides difficile. Our results reveal Hsp70 requirement as a new aspect of the cellular uptake mechanism of TcdB and identified Hsp70 as a novel drug target for potential therapeutic strategies required to combat severe Clostridioides difficile infections.
Influence of Varying Concentrations of Epoxy, Rice Husk, Al2O3, and Fe2O3 on the Properties of Brake Friction Materials Prepared Using Hand Layup Method

Brake friction materials (BFMs) have a critical role in ensuring the safety as well as the reliability of automotive braking systems. However, traditional BFMs, typically made from asbestos, are associated with environmental and health concerns. Therefore, this results in a growing interest in developing alternative BFMs that are eco-friendly, sustainable, and cost-effective. This study investigates the effect of varying concentrations of epoxy, rice husk, alumina (Al2O3), and iron oxide (Fe2O3) on the mechanical and thermal properties of BFMs prepared using the hand layup method. In this study, the rice husk, Al2O3, and Fe2O3 were filtered through a 200-mesh sieve. Note that the BFMs were fabricated using different combinations and concentrations of the materials. Their mechanical properties, such as density, hardness, flexural strength, wear resistance, and thermal properties, were investigated. The results suggest that the concentrations of the ingredients significantly influence the mechanical and thermal properties of the BFMs. A specimen made from epoxy, rice husk, Al2O3, and Fe2O3 with concentrations of 50 wt. %, 20 wt. %, 15 wt. %, and 15 wt. %, respectively, produced the best properties for BFMs. On the other hand, the density, hardness, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and wear rate values of this specimen were 1.23 g/cm3, 81.2 Vickers (HV), 57.24 MPa, 4.08 GPa, and 8.665 × 10−7 mm2/kg. In addition, this specimen had better thermal properties than the other specimens. These findings provide valuable insights into developing eco-friendly and sustainable BFMs with suitable performance for automotive applications.
Aqueous Supramolecular Binder for High-Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Developing an advanced electrode structure is highly important for obtaining lithium sulfur (Li–S) batteries with long life, low cost, and environmental friendliness. Some bottlenecks, such as large volume deformation and environmental pollution caused by the electrode preparation process, are still hindering the practical application of Li–S batteries. In this work, a new water-soluble, green, and environmentally friendly supramolecular binder (HUG) is successfully synthesized by modifying natural biopolymer (guar gum, GG) with HDI-UPy (cyanate containing pyrimidine groups). HUG can effectively resist electrode bulk deformation through a the unique three-dimensional nanonet-structure formed via covalent bonds and multiple hydrogen bonds. In addition, abundant polar groups of HUG have good adsorption properties for polysulfide and can inhibit the shuttle movement of polysulfide ions. Therefore, Li–S cell with HUG exhibits a high reversible capacity of 640 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 1C with a Coulombic efficiency of 99%.
Moisture Behavior of Pharmaceutical Powder during the Tableting Process

The moisture content of pharmaceutical powder is a key parameter contributing to tablet sticking during the tableting process. This study investigates powder moisture behavior during the compaction phase of the tableting process. Finite element analysis software COMSOL Multiphysics® 5.6 was used to simulate the compaction microcrystalline cellulose (VIVAPUR PH101) powder and predict temperature and moisture content distributions, as well as their evolution over time, during a single compaction. To validate the simulation, a near-infrared sensor and a thermal infrared camera were used to measure tablet surface temperature and surface moisture, respectively, just after ejection. The partial least squares regression (PLS) method was used to predict the surface moisture content of the ejected tablet. Thermal infrared camera images of the ejected tablet showed powder bed temperature increasing during compaction and a gradual rise in tablet temperature along with tableting runs. Simulation results showed that moisture evaporate from the compacted powder bed to the surrounding environment. The predicted surface moisture content of ejected tablets after compaction was higher compared to that of loose powder and decreased gradually as tableting runs increased. These observations suggest that the moisture evaporating from the powder bed accumulates at the interface between the punch and tablet surface. Evaporated water molecules can be physiosorbed on the punch surface and cause a capillary condensation locally at the punch and tablet interface during dwell time. Locally formed capillary bridge may induce a capillary force between tablet surface particles and the punch surface and cause the sticking.