Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Conceptually Novel Black Phosphorus/Cellulose Hydrogels as Promising Photothermal Agents for Effective Cancer Therapy

Black phosphorus (BP) has recently emerged as an intriguing photothermal agent in photothermal therapy (PTT) against cancer by virtue of its high photothermal efficiency, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. However, naked BP is intrinsically characterized by easy oxidation (or natural degradation) and sedimentation inside the tumor microenvironment, leading to a short‐term therapeutic and inhomogeneous photothermal effect. Development of BP‐based nanocomposites for PTT against cancer therefore remains challenging. The present work demonstrates that green and injectable composite hydrogels based on cellulose and BP nanosheets (BPNSs) are of great efficiency for PTT against cancer. The resultant cellulose/BPNS‐based hydrogel possesses 3D networks with irregular micrometer‐sized pores and thin, strong cellulose‐formed walls and exhibits an excellent photothermal response, enhanced stability, and good flexibility. Importantly, this hydrogel nanoplatform is totally harmless and biocompatible both in vivo and in vitro. This work may facilitate the development of BP–polymer‐based photothermal agents in the form of hydrogels for biomedical‐related clinic applications.
Mapping the Flowering of an Invasive Plant Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Is There Potential for Biocontrol Monitoring?

Invasion by alien species is a worldwide phenomenon with negative consequences at both natural and production areas. Acacia longifolia is an invasive shrub/small tree well known for its negative ecological impacts in several places around the world. The recent introduction of a biocontrol agent (Trichilogaster acaciaelongifoliae), an Australian bud-galling wasp which decreases flowering of A. longifolia, in Portugal, demands the development of a cost-efficient method to monitor its establishment. We tested how unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) can be used to map A. longifolia flowering. Our core assumption is as the population of the biocontrol agent increases, its impacts on the reduction of A. longifolia flowering will be increasingly visible. Additionally, we tested if there is a simple linear correlation between the number of flowers of A. longifolia counted in field and the area covered by flowers in the UAV imagery. UAV imagery was acquired over seven coastal areas including frontal dunes, interior sand dunes and pine forests considering two phenological stages: peak and off-peak flowering season. The number of flowers of A. longifolia was counted, in a minimum of 60 1 m2 quadrats per study area. For each study area, flower presence/absence maps were obtained using supervised Random Forest. The correlation between the number of flowers and the area covered by flowering plants could then be tested. The flowering of A. longifolia was mapped using UAV mounted with RGB and CIR Cannon IXUS/ELPH cameras (Overall Accuracy > 0.96; Cohen’s Kappa > 0.85) varying according to habitat type and flowering season. The correlation between the number of flowers counted and the area covered by flowering was weak (r2 between 0.0134 and 0.156). This is probably explained, at least partially, by the high variability of A. longifolia in what regards flowering morphology and distribution. The very high accuracy of our approach to map A. longifolia flowering proved to be cost efficient and replicable, showing great potential for detecting the future decrease in flowering promoted by the biocontrol agent. The attempt to provide a low-cost method to estimate A. longifolia flower productivity using UAV failed, but it provided valuable insights on the future steps.
Structure and Lattice Dynamics of Bismuth Telluride Nanostructures

A brief outline of experimental lattice dynamics related to thermal transport in solids introduces this thesis. The introduction is followed by three chapters dedicated to structure and lattice dynamics of bulk and nanostructured bismuth telluride, a chapter on lattice instabilities observed in bulk EuTiO3 around room temperature, and a chapter on the development of a resonant ultrasound spectrometer for small samples. First, the lattice dynamics in bulk Bi2Te3 and Sb2Te3 were investigated by nuclear inelastic scattering, diffraction of high energy synchrotron radiation and calorimetry. In combination with earlier inelastic neutron scattering data, the element specific density of phonon states was extracted not only for Te and Sb but also for Bi. The Bi-Te bonding in Bi2Te3 is fundamentally different than the Sb-Te bonding in Sb2Te3. It appears that the Te specific density of phonon states is mostly unaffected upon substitution of Sb with Bi. Phonon polarization analysis was conducted in a Bi2Te3 single crystal. The observed low lattice thermal conductivity in bulk Bi2Te3 and Sb2Te3 results essentially from the small acoustic cut off energy. Second, the lattice dynamics in elemental modulated Sb2Te3 films were studied by nuclear inelastic scattering and diffraction of high energy synchrotron radiation. These studies reveal that the main features in the Sb specific density of phonon states arise from the layered structure. The extracted average speed of sound is practically the same as in bulk Sb2Te3. The impact of the acoustic cut off energy is further highlighted. Third, the phonon confinement in a Bi2Te3 nanowire array was studied by nuclear inelastic scattering, diffraction of high energy synchrotron radiation, scanning as well as transmission electron microscopy. For the first time the element specific density of phonon states was measured on nanowires in two perpendicular orientations. The much lower than in bulk average speed of sound measured in 56 nm diameter nanowires is directly related to the confined dimensions. The related 50 % decrease in macroscopic thermal conductivity is in line with macroscopic measurements on similar nanowires. Fourth, a detailed structural and lattice dynamical investigations of the bulk cubic perovskite EuTiO3 revealed a lattice instability close to room
Hypnosis Intervention Effects on Sleep Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Sleep improvement is a promising target for preventing and modifying many health problems. Hypnosis is considered a cost-effective and safe intervention with reported benefits for multiple health conditions. There is a growing body of research assessing the efficacy of hypnosis for various health conditions in which sleep was targeted as a primary or secondary outcome. This review aimed to investigate the effects of hypnosis interventions on sleep, to describe the hypnotic procedures, and to evaluate potential adverse effects of hypnosis. METHODS We reviewed studies (prior to January 2017) using hypnosis in adults for sleep problems and other conditions comorbid with sleep problems, with at least one sleep outcome measure. Randomized controlled trials and other prospective studies were included. RESULTS One hundred thirty-nine nonduplicate abstracts were screened, and 24 of the reviewed papers were included for qualitative analysis. Overall, 58.3% of the included studies reported hypnosis benefit on sleep outcomes, with 12.5% reporting mixed results, and 29.2% reporting no hypnosis benefit; when only studies with lower risk of bias were reviewed the patterns were similar. Hypnosis intervention procedures were summarized and incidence of adverse experiences assessed. CONCLUSIONS Hypnosis for sleep problems is a promising treatment that merits further investigation. Available evidence suggests low incidence of adverse events. The current evidence is limited because of few studies assessing populations with sleep complaints, small samples, and low methodological quality of the included studies. Our review points out some beneficial hypnosis effects on sleep but more high-quality studies on this topic are warranted.
In Vitro Study of Antimicrobial Percutaneous Nephrostomy Catheters for Prevention of Renal Infections

ABSTRACT Percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) catheters are the primary method for draining ureters obstructed by malignancy and preventing a decline of renal function. However, PCN catheter-related infections, such as pyelonephritis and urosepsis, remain a significant concern. Currently, no antimicrobial PCN catheters are available for preventing infection complications. Vascular catheters impregnated with minocycline-rifampin (M/R) and M/R with chlorhexidine coating (M/R plus CHD) have previously demonstrated antimicrobial activity. Therefore, in this study, we examined whether these combinations could be applied to PCN catheters and effectively inhibit biofilm formation by common uropathogens. An in vitro biofilm colonization model was used to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of M/R and M/R-plus-CHD PCN catheters against nine common multidrug-resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative uropathogens as well as Candida glabrata and Candida albicans. Experimental catheters were also assessed for durability of antimicrobial activity for up 3 weeks. PCN catheters coated with M/R plus CHD completely inhibited biofilm formation for up to 3 weeks for all the organisms tested. The reduction in colonization compared to uncoated PCN catheters was significant for all Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and fungal organisms (P < 0.05). M/R-plus-CHD PCN catheters also produced significant reductions in biofilm colonization relative to M/R PCN catheters for Enterobacter spp. , Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, C. glabrata, and C. albicans (P < 0.05). M/R-plus-CHD PCN catheters proved to be highly efficacious in preventing biofilm colonization when exposed to multidrug-resistant pathogens common in PCN catheter-associated pyelonephritis. M/R-plus-CHD PCN catheters warrant evaluation in a clinical setting to assess their ability to prevent clinically relevant nephrostomy infections.
Estimating Aggregate Import-Demand Function for Nigeria Revisited

This study estimates the aggregate import demand function for Nigeria for the period of 1980 2010. Cointegration approach was implemented. While the error correction term in the estimated VEC model was evaluated for long run causal relationship, the short term coefficients were gauged for short term causal relationship between the explained and the explanatory variables. Results indicate: (i) the existence of an underlying long-run stationary steady state relationship between import demand and real exchange rates, world price index and disposable in Nigeria. (ii) Real exchange rates, world price index, disposable income and the structural adjustment policy, jointly significantly cause import demand on the long run in Nigeria with causality running from the explanatory variables to imports. (iii) In the short run, all the explanatory variables of interest, real exchange rate, world price index and disposable income, severally do not significantly cause import demand in Nigeria. These suggest that these variables may not be effective instruments for the management of developments in import demand index in the short run, rater, a long term comprehensive policy options may be more efficient and effective in the management of import demands in Nigeria.
Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS) of Cell-Free Fetal DNA (cffDNA) for Trisomies 21, 18, and 13 in Twin Pregnancies

Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) technology has become increasingly available and has been widely used to screen for trisomies 21, 18, and 13 in singleton pregnancies. This study assessed the performance of MPS testing of cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) from maternal plasma for trisomies 21, 18, and 13 in twin pregnancies. Ninety-two women with twin pregnancies were recruited. The results were identified through karyotypes of amniocentesis or clinical examination and follow-up of the neonates. Fluorescent in-situ hybridization was used to examine the placentas postnatally in cases of false-positive results. The fetuses with autosomal trisomy 21 (n = 2) and trisomy 15 (n = 1) were successfully detected via MPS testing of cffDNA. There was one false-positive for trisomy 13 (n = 1), and fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) identified confined placental mosaicism in this case. For twin pregnancies undergoing second-trimester screening for trisomy, MPS testing of cffDNA is feasible and can enhance the diagnostic spectrum of non-invasive prenatal testing, which could effectively reduce invasive prenatal diagnostic methods. In addition to screening for trisomy 21, 18, and 13 by cffDNA, MPS can detect fetal additional autosomal trisomy. False-positive results cannot completely exclude confined placental mosaicism.
Resistant and undertreated hypertension in patients with chronic kidney disease: data from the PATRIOTIC survey

ABSTRACT Background: Hypertension is prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD), but the control of hypertension is suboptimal. We reported the prevalence and characteristics of resistant and undertreated hypertension based on a nationwide survey aiming to improve blood pressure (BP) control. Methods: Resistant hypertension (RH) was defined as BP above the target (<140/90 mm Hg) despite the use of 3 antihypertensive drugs or achieving the target BP by using ≥4 antihypertensive drugs. Undertreated hypertension was defined as uncontrolled hypertension (unCH) using ≤2 drugs. We compared the characteristics and antihypertensive treatment among different groups (including RH and unCH using ≤2 drugs). Multivariable logistic regression was used to detect factors associated with unCH using ≤2 drugs and RH. Results: 4,435 nondialysis CKD patients with hypertension were analyzed, and 36.9% of participants achieved controlled hypertension (CH) using ≤3 drugs, 11.1% met the criteria for RH, and 52% had unCH despite the use of ≤ 2 antihypertensive drugs. Participants with unCH using ≤ 2 drugs had low usage of renin-angiotensin system blockers (36.8%) and diuretics (5.5%), which was much lower than participants with CH using ≤3 drugs and RH (P< 0.05). After multivariable adjustment, obesity, advanced CKD stages, urinary protein level of ≥1.5 g/24 h, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease were associated with RH in CKD patients (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Compared with RH, undertreated hypertension contributes more to the unCH in Chinese CKD patients. It is important to ensure adequate antihypertensive treatment, including choosing antihypertensive drugs, that guidelines recommended.
Association of early changes in 1H MRSI parameters with survival for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma receiving a multimodality treatment regimen

Background The heterogeneous biology of glioblastoma (GBM) emphasizes the need for imaging methods to assess tumor burden and assist in evaluating individual patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate early changes in metrics from 3D 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) data, compare them with anatomic lesion volumes, and determine whether they were associated with survival for patients with newly diagnosed GBM receiving a multimodality treatment regimen. Methods Serial MRI and MRSI scans provided estimates of anatomic lesion volumes and levels of choline, creatine, N-acetylaspartate, lactate, and lipid. The association of metrics derived from these data with survival was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models with adjustments for age, Karnofsky performance score, and extent of resection. Temporal changes in parameters were evaluated using a Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results Anatomic lesion volumes at the post-radiotherapy (RT) scan, metabolic lesion volume at mid-RT and post-RT scans, as well as metrics describing levels of choline, lactate, and lipid were associated with overall survival. There was a significant reduction in the enhancing lesion volume, increase in T2 lesion volume from mid-RT to post-RT, and decrease in parameters describing metabolite levels during these early time points. Conclusion The MRSI data provided metrics that described the effects of treatment on the metabolic lesion burden and were associated with overall survival. This suggests that adding these parameters to standard assessments of changes in anatomic lesion volumes could contribute to making early decisions about the efficacy of such combination therapies.
Naturally Occurring Single Amino Acid Substitution in the L1 Major Capsid Protein of Human Papillomavirus Type 16: Alteration of Susceptibility to Antibody-Mediated Neutralization

Background Each vaccine for human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) has been developed on the basis of a single variant, and whether these vaccines can prevent infection due to naturally occurring variants was not clear. Methods To examine this question, constructs of 39 naturally occurring single amino acid substitutions in L1 were generated for pseudovirion production, based on the analysis of 1204 HPV16 L1 protein sequences from the National Center for Biotechnology Information and Papilloma Virus Episteme. Results Thirty-one of 39 HPV16 L1 mutants produced infectious pseudovirions that exhibited similar particle-to-infectivity ratios, compared with reference pseudovirions. Twenty-one of 31 pseudovirion-producing mutants showed different susceptibilities to monoclonal antibodies, with 6 resulting in complete loss of reactivity to some of the tested monoclonal antibodies. The vaccinated sera neutralized all 31 variants. Mean neutralization titers of most variants changed by approximately 4-fold, compared with the reference pseudovirions, with the C428W and K430Q mutations displaying 9-fold and 11-fold lower susceptibilities, respectively, to neutralization by the sera than the reference pseudovirions. Conclusions These results suggest that the current HPV vaccines may not offer equal protection against all of the naturally occurring HPV16 variants discovered so far.
Host Factors Influences on Treatment Response in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients Treated with pegINF and Ribavirin in Albania

Introduction: The impact of viral factors like genotype, HCVRNA at baseline, or viral kinetics during treatment of chronic hepatitis C patients is better defined recently. In contrary different results comes from studies about the impact of age, gender or BMI on treatment response in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) with standard scheme. Aim: To evaluate the predictive value of host factors (age, gender, BMI, biochemical and hematological profile) on treatment response in CHC patients in Albania. Patients and Methods: A total of 151patients, diagnosed with CHC in UHC “Mother Tereza” service of Gastro-Hepatology were included in this study. All the patients were treated with PegINF alfa-2a (180 μg s.c/week) and ribavirin 800-1200 mg/day (according to body weight and genotype). The duration of treatment varied from 24-48 to72 weeks according to genotype and virological response. Patients were assessed for age, gender, BMI, TC (total cholesterol),TGC, Fast blood glucose (FBG), GGT, AST, ALT, WBC, PLT, HB and was evaluated their impact on treatment response in both SVR and Non-SVR group. Data were analyzed statistically by Chi square test and T test. P < 0.05 is considered significant. Results: In general patients aged < 45 years/old had a SVR rates of 59.2% and those ≥ 45years/old 64% without significant differences between groups (Chi-square=0.366, df=1, p=0.545). Female patients had a SVR rate of 63.7% and males 59.7% (Chi-square =0.255, df=1, p=0.614) without significant differences between groups. The SVR rates of females < 45 years /old, females ≥ 45 ys/old, males < 45 ys/old and males ≥ 45 ys/old were respectively 66.7%, 61.9%, 55%, 66.7% in all cases without significant differences between groups. Through binary logistic regression technique, is shown that there is a causal link, statistically significant between the non-SVR and BMI ≥ 27kg / m2; It can be said that patients with BMI> / = 27 kg / m2, are 2.6 times more likely than patients with BMI <27kg / m2, not to achieve SVR. (OD:2.58, CI 95%: 1.59-5.67). Significant statistical differences in baseline TC, GGT and PLT were found between SVR and non -SVR groups. Conclusions: BMI ≥ 27, low level of TC, low level of PLT and high level of GGT at baseline are significant negative baseline predictors of SVR. Age and gender are not predictors of treatment response in CHC patients in Albania.
Lung cancer diagnosis by trained dogs†

OBJECTIVES Early lung cancer (LC) diagnosis is key to improve prognosis. We explored here the diagnostic performance of a trained dog to discriminate exhaled gas samples obtained from patients with and patients without LC and healthy controls. METHODS After appropriate training, we exposed the dog (a 3-year-old cross-breed between a Labrador Retriever and a Pitbull) to 390 samples of exhaled gas collected from 113 individuals (85 patients with LC and 28 controls, which included 11 patients without LC and 17 healthy individuals) for a total of 785 times. RESULTS The trained dog recognized LC in exhaled gas with a sensitivity of 0.95, a specificity of 0.98, a positive predictive value of 0.95 and a negative predictive value of 0.98. The area under the curve of the receiver-operating characteristics curve was 0.971. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that a well-trained dog can detect the presence of LC in exhaled gas samples with an extremely high accuracy.
Holistic security requirements analysis: An attacker's perspective

The ever-growing complexity of systems makes their protection more challenging, as a single vulnerability or exposure of any component of the system can lead to serious security breaches. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that the system development community has not kept up with advances in attack knowledge. In this demo paper, we propose a holistic attack analysis approach to identify and tackle both atomic and multistage attacks, taking into account not only software attacks but also attacks that are targeted at people and hardware. To bridge the knowledge gap between attackers and defenders, we systematically analyze and refine the malicious desires of attackers (i.e., anti-goals), and leverage a comprehensive attack pattern repository (CAPEC) to operationalize attacker goals into concrete attack actions. Based on the results of our attack analysis, appropriate security controls can be selected to effectively tackle potential attacks.