Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Syntheses of Colorless and Transparent Polyimide Membranes for Microfiltration

Herein, poly(amic acid) (PAA) was synthesized using 4,4’-(hexafluoroisopropylidene) diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) as a dianhydride and 2,2-bis(3-aminophenyl)hexafluoropropane (6FAm) and 2,2-bis(3-amino-4-hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane (6FAm-OH) as diamines. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) at various contents (0–5.0 wt%) was blended with PAA to prepare a composite material. Then, colorless and transparent polyimide (CPI) composite films were prepared by applying various stages of heat treatment using the PAA/PVA blend film as a precursor. These film-type composites were immersed in water to completely dissolve PVA, a water-soluble polymer, and their pore sizes were investigated to determine their potential as a porous membrane. According to the results of scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), as the concentration of PVA increased from 0 to 5.0 wt% in the CPI/PVA composite films, the size of the pores resulting from the dissolution of water-soluble PVA increased. Further, the micrometer-sized pores were uniformly dispersed in the CPI films. The thermal properties, morphology, and optical transparency of the two types of CPI membranes synthesized using 6FAm and 6FAm-OH monomers were examined and compared.
Sociodemographic and psychosocial predictors of longitudinal antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among first-time ART initiators in Cape Town, South Africa

ABSTRACT First-time antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiators may be more vulnerable to poor ART adherence because they may be coping with a new HIV diagnosis, facing logistical challenges to accessing and adhering to ART for the first time, and have not yet developed support networks or the skills to support long-term adherence. We recruited 324 participants in two HIV clinics near Cape Town, South Africa. Sociodemographic/psychosocial factors were measured at baseline and self-reported adherence at the 6 month follow-up. We conducted multivariable regression to determine which baseline factors were associated with 6-month adherence. A better patient-clinic relationship score (OR: 1.08 [95% CI: 1.05–1.11]) was associated with higher adherence. A drug use problem (0.51 [0.29–0.87]), higher social isolation (0.93 [0.87–0.99]), and greater number of years living with HIV before initiating ART (0.92 [0.86–1.00]) were associated with adherence levels below 90%. Patient-clinic relationships and social support are key psycho-social factors in early adherence behavior. Reducing drug use problems through targeted screening and early intervention may improve ART adherence.
Salt‐stimulated Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase in Cakile maritima

The effects of NaCl and other salts, in vivo and in vitro, on the activity of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase from the coastal C3 halophyte Cakile maritima Scop, were investigated. Plants grown with 100 mM NaCl in their growth medium yielded some 30% higher rates of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase activity than did salt-depleted plants. Activity of the enzyme was stimulated when NaCl was added to the reaction mixture in concentrations of up to 200 mM. The magnitude of this in vitro stimulation was similar for plants grown in the presence or absence of NaCl. The effect seems to be caused by chloride rather than by sodium ions.
Differential adaptability between reference strains and clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa into the lung epithelium intracellular lifestyle

ABSTRACT Intracellular invasion is an advantageous mechanism used by pathogens to evade host defense and antimicrobial therapy. In patients, the intracellular microbial lifestyle can lead to infection persistence and recurrence, thus worsening outcomes. Lung infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, especially in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, are often aggravated by intracellular invasion and persistence of the pathogen. Proliferation of the infectious species relies on a continuous deoxyribonucleotide (dNTP) supply, for which the ribonucleotide reductase enzyme (RNR) is the unique provider. The large genome plasticity of P. aeruginosa and its ability to rapidly adapt to different environments are challenges for studying the pathophysiology associated with this type of infection. Using different reference strains and clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa independently combined with alveolar (A549) and bronchial (16HBE14o- and CF-CFBE41o-) epithelial cells, we analyzed host–pathogen interactions and intracellular bacterial persistence with the aim of determining a cell type-directed infection promoted by the P. aeruginosa strains. The oscillations in cellular toxicity and oxygen consumption promoted by the intracellular persistence of the strains were also analyzed among the different infectious lung models. Significantly, we identified class II RNR as the enzyme that supplies dNTPs to intracellular P. aeruginosa. This discovery could contribute to the development of RNR-targeted strategies against the chronicity occurring in this type of lung infection. Overall our study demonstrates that the choice of bacterial strain is critical to properly study the type of infectious process with relevant translational outcomes.
Early Complete Response after Chemotherapy as A Prognostic Indicator for Final Outcome in High Grade Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Patients

Background: In spite of progress in management of high-grade Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL), more than 30% will ultimately relapse after standard treatment. Aim of study: was to estimate early complete response (CR) as a prognostic factor for final outcome and benefit of early switching to second line chemotherapy for slow responders. Patients and Method: Newly diagnosed patients with high-grade NHL were randomized to either Group A or Group B. All patients received 3 cycles of CHOP/RCHOP while, only patients in the group B who didn't achieve early CR were shifted to second line chemotherapy. Results: The clinicopathological characteristics of patients included in the two groups were comparable. Assessment of treatment results after the 6th cycle showed that 10 patients achieved late CR, 4 patients in group A (40%-4/10) and 6 patients in group B (6/7–85.7%). This difference was statistically significant (p-value 0.04). Out of the early CR group (24 patients), one patient died and another developed CNS relapse thus, both mortality (1/24) and relapse rate (1/23) of early CR group is 4%. Two patients of late CR group relapse (2/10-20%). The difference between the relapse rates of early CR (4%) and late CR (20%) wasn't statistically significant. The remaining 22 patients (22/23-95.7%) achieved early CR and 8 achieved late CR (8/10-80%) were in maintained remission. Regarding toxicity profile, there was no significant difference between both groups. Conclusion: Early shifting to second-line chemotherapy is tolerable and promising. However, studies with larger number of patients are mandatory to identify who may need this approach.
Do non‐native species invasions lead to biotic homogenization at small scales? The similarity and functional diversity of habitats compared for alien and native components of Mediterranean floras

Although a number of recent studies have demonstrated biotic homogenization, these have mainly focused on larger spatial scales. Homogenizing effects are equally important at finer resolutions, e.g. through increasing similarity between habitats, which may result in a simplification of ecosystem structure and function. One major cause of homogenization is the expanding ranges of alien species, although it is not clear whether they are inherently homogenizing at smaller scales. We therefore assessed whether the alien flora is less complex across habitats than the resident native flora of Mediterranean Islands. From a regional data base, we examined floristic lists for between‐habitat taxonomic and functional similarity, and within‐habitat functional diversity, using resampled data sets to control for sample size biases. Aliens and natives showed equivalent complexity in most respects. At the taxonomic level, between‐island and between‐habitat similarities were almost identical, and when ecosystem function was measured by a functional group classification system, this was also true of between‐habitat similarities and within‐habitat diversities. When ecosystem function was measured using Grime's CSR classification, aliens were found to be more functionally homogenous between‐habitats and less functionally diverse within habitats. However, since the CSR profiles of aliens and natives differed, simplification is not inevitable due to ecological segregation of the two floras (aliens tend to be recruited to disturbed habitats rather than displacing natives). One deficiency is a lack of large scale species abundance data. A simple simulation exercise indicated that this is likely to lead to substantial overestimation of true levels of similarity, although would only influence the comparison between aliens and natives if they have different abundance distribution curves. The results indicate that alien floras are not intrinsically more simple than natives, but a higher proportion of competitive strategists among aliens may still cause small‐scale homogenization as these include many strong competitors that are likely to dominate communities.
Body Fat Distribution, Serum Leptin, And Insulin Resistance In Obese Subjects With Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is strongly associated with obesity and is characterized by endocrine and metabolic changes. The aim of the present study is to clarify whether there is interrelationship between body fat, serum leptin, glucose-insulin metabolism and OSA. Subjects and measurements: we studied 23 obese subjects with OSA (13 males,& 10 females; age mean 36 ± 4.4 years; BMI: 31.7 ± 3.6 kg/m2; WHR: 1.2 ± .25 in males and 0.81+.5 in females ;Apnoea Index “AI”( 9.2 ±6.1) event/hour of sleep by means of overnight polysomnography; fasting glucose(109.8 ± 21.4 mg/dL) ; fasting insulin(18.6 ± 7.1 uU/L ); IR(6.7 ± 2.8); fasting leptin(577.69 ± 201.6 ng/ml). Results were compared with those of 10 healthy normal weight subjects(6 males,4 females ;age mean 36.8±4.4 years; BMI: 25 ± 0.24 kg/m2; WHR: 0.86 ± 0.01; AI: 2.1 ± 1.1 event/hour; fasting glucose(71.7 ± 2.8 mg /dL ); fasting insulin(15.3 ± .48 uU/L ); IR(4.6 ± .17); fasting leptin (42.4 ± 11.5 ng/ml). Results: Anthropometric measurements of OSA subjects were highly significantly greater than controls; body weight (P<0.003); BMI (P<0.00); waist (P<0.000); and WHR (P<0.000). Fasting glucose levels; fasting plasma insulin; IR and leptin levels were significantly higher in OSA subjects than controls (P<0.000, 0.03, 0.002; & 0.000 ) respectively. Overnight polysomnography revealed significant difference between OSA subjects and controls as regards AI (P<0.001). The major dependent outcome variable was the apnoea index (AI), “the average number of apnoeas per hour of sleep determined by overnight polysomnography”. OSA was defined as AI ≥ 5. Highly significant correlation between AI and WHR (P<0.00); Fasting insulin (P<0.04); IR (P<001) and Leptin (P<0.000) were detected. Also leptin concentrations correlated with fasting insulin (P<0.02); IR (P<0.00) and WHR (P<0.000) besides the AI. IN CONCLUSION: There is strong bidirectional, feed-forward pernicious correlation detected between OSA in one side and each of visceral obesity, leptin, and IR; also between leptin, obesity, and IR. This association may contribute to the pathological manifestations and somatic sequale of this condition. Leptin could have major role linking OSA with various metabolic abnormalities detected in obese subjects. High circulating leptin found in this study, suggests that both obesity and OSA may be caused by a leptin resistant state. Among obese subjects, it is visceral fat (WHR), rather than generalized obesity (BMI) that predisposes to OSA.
The Effect of ANKK1 Taq1A Polymorphism on Cognition in Recent-Onset Psychosis: A Controlled Study

Background The T allele of rs1800497 SNP of ANKK1 gene has been linked to a poorer performance on prefrontal cognitive processes. There is the lack of studies investigating the effect of this variant on cognition in schizophrenia. Our main aim therefore was to investigate its impact on cognition in a sample of subjects with a recent diagnosis of psychosis Methods We included 128 patients with recent –onset psychosis (ROP) and 70 healthy controls (HC) with both complete neuropsychological assessment by MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) and blood specimen drawn for DNA analysis. Genotypes were grouped following an additive model. We explored main effects of disease (ROP and HC) and genetics (T+ and T-) and their interaction term on cognition. Results Two-way ANOVAs showed a significant genetic and disease interaction effect in WMS –SS (non-verbal working memory) (F=10.32, p=0.002, partial eta squared =0.05) and on MCCB total score (F=5.02, p=0.02, partial eta squared =0.03). When sample was stratified by allele status, ROP- T+ performed poorly than HC-T+ in WMS-SS, while that difference was not found among T-. Within ROP, T carriers presented a worse cognitive profile than non-carriers but within HC, cognitive profile did not differ as a function of allele status. When adjusting for clinical confounders both WMS-SS (F=9.53, p=0.003, partial eta squared =0.09) and total MCBB scores (F=7.09, p=0.009, partial eta squared=0.08) continued to be lower in ROP-T+ compared with ROP-T–. Conclusion This is the first study to report an association of the vulnerability allele of Taq1A with cognitive impairment in psychosis assessed by a standardized instrument as the MCCB battery. Our study therefore, provides preliminary evidence for the potential role of the ANNK1 gene in modulating cognitive performance in psychosis.
Stimulation and inhibition of pine root growth by osmotic stress

summary The effect of osmotic stress on the regulation of extension of roots of pine seedlings (Pinus pinaster Ait.) was studied. Extension rate (r) was measured as increase in root length, and as local growth rate (LGR) along the growing region. Turgor pressure (P) was measured over the same profile using the cell pressure probe. Correlation of LGR and P allowed changes in cell wall mechanical properties to be followed. In unstressed plants, differences in LGR along the root apex were owing to variations in the mechanical properties of the cell walls since P remained constant at 0.5 MPa along the first 10 mm of the root tip. Contrary to expectation, a moderate water stress of 0.15 MPa stimulated root growth despite a small reduction in P to 0.4 MPa. The walls of the expanding cells became looser, allowing enhanced growth in spite of reduced turgor. Examination of LGR showed that these changes occurred uniformly over the whole elongation zone. The advantage to the plant of this is discussed. Higher stresses (0.45 and 0.66 MPa) decreased cell turgor to a greater degree (≤0.3 MPa) and decreased growth rate. At the highest stress (0.66 MPa), P was maximal in cells that were still elongating, resulting in a longitudinal gradient in turgor. In both treatments LGR remained unchanged at the apex of the growing zone. Wall loosening appeared to have occurred in this region. Pine root extension is therefore modulated by changes in cell wall properties, with cell wall loosening resulting in increased growth at moderate stress. It appears that growth under higher stresses is limited by inability to maintain turgor.
Study of Correlation of Lipid Profile and HbA1C in Diabetic Complications

1 Professor, Department of Biochemistry, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Kattankulathur, Chennai, India 2 Professor and Head, Department of Biochemistry, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Kattankulathur, Chennai, India *Corresponding Author Dr B. Jyothirmayi Email: drjyothi71@gmail.com Abstract Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the association of lipid profile with HBA1C in diabetic complications. Materials and Methods: For our study 50 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with complications were included as study group and 50 type 2DM patients without complications as controls. The study was conducted at SRM Medical college Hospital and Research centre, Kattankulathur, Chennai. Fasting sample was collected and processed for plasma sugar, lipid profile and HbA1C. Results: Significant correlation was found between total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL. Correlation was not significant was between HDL and HbA1C even though there was decrease in HDL levels compared to control group. Conclusion: Dyslipidemia with poorly controlled blood sugar levels are contributors for diabetic complications, which can be prevented by regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and lipid profile.
Trypanosoma spp. (Protozoa: Kinetoplastida) in Hylidae (Anura) from eastern North America, with notes on their distributions and prevalences

Using the haematocrit centrifuge technique, four species of trypanosomes were detected in the blood of 46 of 275 hylids (Pseudacris triserita, Hyla crucifer, Hyla versicolor, Hyla chrysocelis, and Hyla avivoca) from eastern North America. Morphological identification of three (Trypanosoma andersoni, Trypanosoma grylli, and Trypanosoma pipientis) of the four species was confirmed by inoculations into laboratory-raised frogs. Trypanosoma andersoni and T. grylli were detected in H. versicolor, H. avivoca from Ohio, and H. chrysocelis from South Carolina. The latter two anurans represent new host records and localities for the two trypanosomes. Additional new host locations for T. andersoni and T. grylli in the United States are Michigan, West Virginia, and South Carolina. Trypanosoma pipientis was recorded from P. triserita, H. crucifer, and H. versicolor in Ontario; this extends the host range for the trypanosome from the Ranidae to the Hylidae. Trypanosoma ranarum, a common parasite of Rana spp. , was found.
Species Status of Hanseniaspora guilliermondii Pijper

Selected yeasts presently classified as Hanseniaspora valbyensis Kloecker 1912 were examined for their physiological and morphological properties and their deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) relatedness. The strain designated H. guilliermondii Pijper 1928 is herein recognized as a species separate from H. valbyensis. H. guilliermondii is distinguished from H. valbyensis by insignificant DNA reassociations, assimilation of 2-keto-gluconate, growth at 37°C, and formation of four ascospores per ascus.
Physiological characteristics of picophytoplankton, isolated from Lake Kinneret: responses to light and temperature

Two different phylogenetic groups of picophytoplankton, namely picocyanobacteria and picoeukaryotes, are represented in Lake Kinneret. Three species were isolated from the lake and identified as the picoeukaryote Mychonastes homosphaera and two picocyanobacteria, Synechococcus sp. A and B. Picocyanobacterial and M. homosphaera cultures grew well at light intensities up to 330 and 700 μmol photons m -2 s -1 , respectively, but poorly below 10 μmol photons m -2 s -1 . Picoganobacterial and M. homosphaera cultures photoacclimated to low light by increasing their chlorophyll per cell through increase in photosynthetic unit (PSU) size and PSU numbers, respectively. Growth rates of Synechococcus A and B were higher at temperatures characteristic of summer-autumn in the epilimnion, when maximum abundances of picocyanobacteria occur Growth rates of M. homosphaera were higher at 14°C, corresponding to lake water temperatures during their occurrence in winter-spring. Temperature is a dominant factor influencing the seasonal dynamics of both picocyanobacteria and picoeukaryotes in Lake Kinneret, while the vertical distribution is controlled by acclimation to different light conditions. Differences in temperature tolerance and photoacclimation suggest that Synechococcus A belongs to picocyanobacteria found in summer below surface waters, while Synechococcus B represents picocyanobacteria found throughout the year at all depths. Photoacclimation to high light as shown in M. homosphaera cultures, may account for the relatively high abundance of picoeukaryotes in surface waters in Lake Kinneret.
Liver Cancer and Cirrhosis: Expanding the Limits of Resectability with Novel Surgical Techniques - The Associating Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation for Staged Hepatectomy Approach

A significant percentage of patients with liver cirrhosis will presumably need surgical treatment at some point, due to the development of primary or secondary liver cancer. Due to their impaired liver capacity and the consecutive increased morbidity and mortality, these patients are stratified in prognostic subgroups, according to the grade of cirrhosis. This is reflected in the Child–Pugh–Turcotte system score or the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. Currently, the Barcelona clinic liver cancer classification (BCLC) recommends non-operative management in all cirrhotic patients except for the ones with child a cirrhosis and no signs of portal hypertension. However, over the past two decades, the advances of chemotherapy regimens and the development of new surgical approaches have expanded the limits of resectability. When a curative R0 liver resection is undertaken, one of the main purposes is the preservation of an adequate future liver remnant (FLR) to avoid post-operative liver failure. For patients with a normal liver function, an FLR of over 25% is adequate. For patients with cirrhosis though, and in the absence of portal hypertension, an FLR of at least 40% is required. The associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) approach is a relatively novel surgical technique that induces a considerable hypertrophic response that peaks in a period of only 10 days and renders a major liver resection feasible in the most challenging cases. [1-3]
Gall‐forming insect species richness along a non‐scleromorphic vegetation rainfall gradient in South Africa: The importance of plant community composition

Currently there is no single accepted hypothesis to explain gall-forming insect species richness at a particular locality. Hygrothermal stress, soil nutrient availability, plant species richness, plant structural complexity, plant family or genus size, and host plant geographical range size have all been implicated in the determination of gall-forming insect species richness. Previous studies of such richness at xeric sites have included predominantly scleromorphic vegetation, usually on nutrient-poor soils. This study is the first to investigate gall-forming insect species richness of xeric, non-scleromorphic vegetation. Two habitat types were sampled at each of five localities across a rainfall gradient in the savanna biome of South Africa. The habitat types differed with respect to plant species composition and topography. Gall-forming insect species richness did not increase with increasing hygrothermal stress or decreasing soil fertility. Rather, gall-forming insect species richness was largely dependent on the presence of Terminalia sericea as well as other members of the Combretaceae and Mimosaceae. Plots where all these taxa were present had the highest gall-forming insect species richness, up to 15 species, whereas plots with none of these taxa had a maximum of four galling-insect species. Despite herb, shrub and tree strata not differing in gall-forming insect species richness, insect galls were more common on woody than non-woody plants. Also, stem galls were more frequent than apical or leaf galls. An alternative hypothesis to explain local gall-forming insect species richness is suggested: galling insects may preferentially select those plant species with characteristics such as chemical toxicity, mechanical strength, degree of lignification or longevity that can be manipulated to benefit the galler. Thus plant community composition should be considered when attempting to explain gall-forming insect species richness patterns.