Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antisense oligonucleotides target a nearly invariant structural element from the SARS-CoV-2 genome and drive RNA degradation

The SARS-CoV-2 virus contains an unusually large, single-stranded RNA genome that is punctuated with structured elements of unknown function, such as the s2m element located in the 3’ untranslated region. The evolutionary conservation of the s2m element and its occurrence in all viral subgenomic transcripts implicates a key role in the viral infection cycle. In order to exploit this element as a potential therapeutic target, we have designed antisense “gapmer” oligonucleotides that efficiently base-pair to the s2m region. These oligonucleotides, composed of locked nucleic acids (LNA) flanking a central DNA core, successfully remodel the s2m structure and induce sequence-specific RNA cleavage by RNase H in vitro. Gapmers are also effective in human cells as they reduce the fluorescence signal in GFP reporter assays and cause a dose-dependent reduction in replication in a model replicon system based on a human astrovirus. Overall, these oligonucleotides show promise as anti-viral agents and may serve as a helpful starting point to develop treatments for COVID-19.
Environmental stressors induced strong small-scale phenotypic differentiation in a wide-dispersing marine snail

Heterogeneous environments pose a particular challenge for organisms because the same phenotype is unlikely to perform best regardless of the variety of encountered stressors. To understand how species meet this challenge, we investigated the extent to which contrasting environmental pressures induced ecological and phenotypic responses in a natural population of a wide-dispersing marine snail at a small spatial scale. We analyzed several traits of Heleobia australis (Rissooidea: Cochliopidae) collected from heterogeneous, but highly connected, habitats from the intertidal area of the Bahía Blanca estuary, Argentina. We also conducted molecular analyses by amplifying the COI gene in individuals sampled from each habitat. We found that sympatric subpopulations of H. australis exhibited a strong phenotypic divergence in shell characters and body weight in response to thermal, saline, and dehydration stress, crab predation risk, and parasitic castrators. We proved that this differentiation occurred even early in life as most of the characters observed in juveniles mirrored those found in adults. We also found a divergence in penis size in snails collected from each habitat and raised in common garden laboratory conditions. The molecular analyses confirmed that the individuals studied constituted a single species despite the strong phenotypic differences among subpopulations. The small-scale phenotypic differentiation suggests that H. australis experienced a fine-grained environment where conditions imposed by different sources of stress favored the expression of beneficial traits. We discuss the role of plasticity in shaping adaptive phenotypic responses that increase the likelihood of persistence of subpopulations facing environmental stress conditions.
The Molecular Landscape of the Aging Mouse Liver

Systems biology approaches often use networks of gene expression and metabolite data to identify regulatory factors and pathways connected with phenotypic variance. Separating upstream causal mechanisms, downstream biomarkers, and incidental correlations remains a significant challenge, yet it is essential for designing mechanistic experiments. To address this, we first designed a population following 2157 individual mice from 89 isogenic strains of BXD mice across their lifespans to identify molecular interactions between genotype, environment, age (GxExA) and metabolic fitness. Each strain was separated into two cohorts, fed low fat (6% cal/fat) or high fat (60% cal/fat) diets. One-third of individuals (662) were sacrificed at ~6, 12, 18, or 24 months-of-age, with the remainder monitored until natural death. Transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome profiles were generated from liver samples. These multi-omic measurements were deconvolved into metabolic networks, where we observed varying network connectivity as a function of GxExA. The multiple independent study variables permitted causal inference analysis for the network variants using stability selection. This calculates the strength and directionality of the interactions between molecular measurements and metabolic networks as a function of age, diet, and genotype, and assigns each gene a score for its relative position to the target pathway. At 1% FDR, 94% of novel connections were stable across age and diet, such as the connection between Rdh11 with cholesterol biosynthesis and Mut with mitochondrial translation. 6% of discovered candidate genes were unstable, indicating a clear causal relationship between the segregating independent variable, the gene, and the pathway. For instance, age drives variation in proteasomal genes (e.g. Psmb3, Psmb4), which in turn drive changes in the mitochondrial ribosome. Conversely, COX7A2L malformation drives variation in OXPHOS genes, but both are downstream of changes in mitochondrial translation. Finally, we examined all data for connections with the longevity and known longevity-related pathways, identifying several dozen novel candidate genes. Thus, top two candidates, Ctsd and St7, had their orthologs knocked down in C. elegans and were novelly found to reduce longevity both in wildtype and in mutant long-lived strains.
Dynamic disorder in methylammoniumtrihalogenoplumbates (II) observed by millimeter‐wave spectroscopy

The temperature‐dependent structure of crystalline methylammoniumtrihalogenoplumbates (II)—CH3NH+3PbX−3 (X=Cl, Br, I)—as determined by x‐ray diffraction, is compared with measurements of the temperature‐dependent complex permittivity at frequencies of 50–150 GHz. The dielectric measurements reveal a picosecond relaxation process which corresponds to a dynamic disorder of the methylammonium group in the high‐temperature phases of the trihalogenoplumbates.
The influence of prebiotics on bacteriocin synthesis using the strain Lactobacillus paracasei CMGB16

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of certain prebiotics on the synthesis of bacteriocins. The Lactobacillus paracasei CMGB16 strain producing bacteriocins was used.Escherichia coli was used as the sensitive strain. In the nutritive environment (MRS); the carbon source (glucose) was supplemented with inulin from chicory and Dahlia, raffinose and lactulose. The cells were eliminated using centrifuge at 5,000 rpm for 10 min. The pH of the resulted supernatant was adjusted to the value of 5.5 with NaOH 0.2N and the inhibitory activity was determined by agar well diffusion method. The resistance to various inhibitory substances (pepsin, trypsin, pronase E, subtilisin, catalase) was also determined in concentration of 0.5 mg/ml. These tests were also performed with the fluid concentrated up to 1:3, at 48°C, 200 rpm and 100 mbar. The strains were cropped in these environments for 96 h. Thus, the witnessed strain is sensitive to the bacteriocin produced by the L. paracasei. A significant increase of the activity of the bacteriocin was noticed when supplementing the cropping environment with inulin, lactulose and raffinose, within the time range of 25 - 96 h. The diameter of the inhibition area was at least 2 cm visible in the use of all prebiotics. The largest inhibitory area was visible after 48 and 72 h of fermentation. Key words: Bacteriocin, prebiotic, Escherichia coli, lactulose.
Molecular and crystal structure of a terminally-blocked Aib homotetrapeptide

The molecular and crystal structure of an acetonitrile solvate of the synthetic, terminally-blocked homo-tetrapeptide from a-aminoisobutyric acid [Ac—(Aib)4—0/ Bu] (1) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound possesses the following parameters: triclinic, space group PI (No. 2), a = 17.751(2) A, b = 9.999(2) A, c = 9.327(2) Α, α = 113.0(1)°, β = 85.6(1)°, γ = 105.0(1)°, and Ζ = 2. The crystal structure was solved by direct methods. The least-squares refinement led to R and Rw values of 0.059 and 0.061, respectively, for 3472 reflections with />3σ( / ) . The tetrapeptide is folded into two consecutive type-Ill (III') ß-bend conformations (incipient 310-helix), stabilized by two intramolecular N—H.O = C Η-bonds. A short contact is observed between the nitrogen atom of the acetonitrile molecule and the Aib NH group.
The Effect of Firework Explosion at the Fireworks Factory on Air Pollutant Levels

©Copyright 2021 by Anatolian Journal of Family Medicine Available online at www.anatoljfm. org INTRODUCTION Fireworks are low-explosive celebration tools used widely and popularly in festivals (e.g., Festival of Lights (Diwali) in India and Lantern Festival in Taiwan), in carnivals, on special days (e.g., Bastille Day in France, Bonfire Night in England, Independence Day in the USA, and Canada Day), and in organizations (e.g., weddings and sports competitions). In addition to being a mesmerizing entertainment show for people for centuries, fireworks also constitute a cultural heritage for many countries. [1] Furthermore, fireworks were first created in China by mixing potassium nitrite, charcoal, and sulfur. However, fireworks, in addition to carbon and sulfur necessary for ignition, contain stabilizers, oxidizers (e.g., arsenic, manganese, sodium oxalate, aluminum, iron powder, potassium perchlorate, strontium nitrate, and barium nitrate), and additional coloring. Accordingly, with the explosion of fireworks, sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM), which are all very air pollutant gases, are released into the air along with metal salts (aluminum, cadmium, and etc.). The contaminants caused by fireworks usually get overlooked because the emissions caused Objectives: Fireworks are used for show and entertainment purposes during celebrations of special days in many countries. However, fireworks negatively affect human health in many ways, especially air pollution. After the explosion of the fireworks factory in Sakarya, this study investigated the changes in the air pollutants in the region.
Model calculations for capillary condensation

Capillary phenomena arising from vapor phase condensation in porous media are discussed in the light of an exact interface curvature theory and a self-consistent thermodynamic theory. The system studied consists of liquid condensed in the form of pendular rings at the contact points between identical spherical particles. The geometrical parameters—the curvature, the confined volume, and the surface area of the liquid-vapor interface—must be expressed in terms of incomplete elliptic integrals. In addition several corrections are introduced for the classical Kelvin relation for lowering of vapor pressure. One of these is based on the density dependence of the isothermal thermodynamic susceptibility. Since the susceptibility vanishes at large negative pressures, an upper limit to the curvature is established. The balance equation for the extensive free energy is considered from the point of view of hydrostatic principles.
Excise taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages in Latin America and the Caribbean

ABSTRACT Objective. To characterize the design of excise taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in Latin America and the Caribbean and assess opportunities to increase their impact on SSB consumption and health. Methods. A comprehensive search and review of the legislation in effect as of March 2019, collected through existing Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization monitoring tools, secondary sources, and surveying ministries of finance. The analysis focused on the type of products taxed, and the structure and base of these excise taxes. Results. Out of the 33 countries analyzed, 21 apply excise taxes on SSBs. Seven countries also apply excise taxes on bottled water and at least four include sugar-sweetened milk drinks. Ten of these excise taxes are ad valorem with some tax bases set early in the value chain, seven are amount-specific, and four have either a combined or mixed structure. Three countries apply excise taxes based on sugar concentration. Conclusions. While the number of countries applying excise taxes on SSBs is promising, there is great heterogeneity in design in terms of structure, tax base, and products taxed. Existing excise taxes could be further leveraged to improve their impact on SSB consumption and health by including all categories of SSBs, excluding bottled water, and relying more on amount-specific taxes regularly adjusted for inflation and possibly based on sugar concentration. All countries would benefit from additional guidance. Future research should aim to address this gap.
Acute cor pulmonale in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: A comprehensive review

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)-related acute cor pulmonale (ACP) is found in 8%-50% of all patients with ARDS, and is associated with adverse hemodynamic and survival outcomes. ARDS-related ACP is an echocardiographic diagnosis marked by combined right ventricular dilatation and septal dyskinesia, which connote simultaneous diastolic (volume) and systolic (pressure) overload respectively. Risk factors include pneumonia, hypercapnia, hypoxemia, high airway pressures and concomitant pulmonary disease. Current evidence suggests that ARDS-related ACP is amenable to multimodal treatments including ventilator adjustment (aiming for arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide < 60 mmHg, plateau pressure < 27 cmH2O, driving pressure < 17 cmH2O), prone positioning, fluid balance optimization and pharmacotherapy. Further research is required to elucidate the optimal frequency and duration of routine bedside echocardiography screening for ARDS-related ACP, to more clearly delineate the diagnostic role of transthoracic echocardiography relative to transesophageal echocardiography, and to validate current and novel therapies.
Tuning the Oxygen Content of Reduced Graphene Oxide and Effects on Its Properties

The need to recover the graphene properties in terms of electrical and thermal conductivity calls for the application of reduction processes leading to the removal of oxygen atoms from the graphene oxide sheet surface. The recombination of carbon–carbon double bonds causes a partial recovery of the original graphene properties mainly limited by the presence of residual oxygen atoms and lattice defects. However, the loss of polar oxygen-based functional groups renders the material dispersibility rather complicated. In addition, oxygen-containing functional groups are reaction sites useful to further bind active molecules to engineer the reduced graphene sheets. For these reasons, a variety of chemical processes are described in the literature to reduce the graphene oxide. However, it is greatly important to select a chemical process enabling a thin modulation of the residual oxygen content thus tuning the properties of the final product. In this work, we will present a chemical-processing technique based on the hydroiodic acid to carefully control the degree of residual oxidation. Graphene oxides were reduced using hydroiodic acid with concentrations from 0.06 to 0.95 mol L–1. Their properties were characterized in detail and tested, and the results showed that their oxygen content was finely tuned from 33.6 to 10.7 atom %. This allows carefully tailoring the material properties with respect to the desired application, which is exemplified by the variation of the bulk resistance from 92 Ω to 14.8 MΩ of the film from the obtained rGO.
Race Differences in Resilience Among Older Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain

Introduction Racial minorities are disproportionally affected by pain. Compared to non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs), non-Hispanic Blacks (NHBs) report higher pain intensity, greater pain-related disability, and higher levels of mood disturbance. While risk factors contribute to these disparities, little is known regarding how sources of resilience influence these differences, despite the growing body of research supporting the protective role of resilience in pain and disability among older adults with chronic pain. The current study examined the association between psychological resilience and pain, and the moderating role of race across these relationships in older adults with chronic low back pain (cLBP). Methods This is a secondary analysis of the Adaptability and Resilience in Aging Adults (ARIAA). Participants completed measures of resilience (ie, gratitude, trait resilience, emotional support), as well as a performance-based measure assessing lower-extremity function and movement-evoked pain. Results There were 45 participants that identified as non-Hispanic White (NHW) and 15 participants that identified as non-Hispanic Black (NHB). Race was a significant correlate of pain outcomes with NHBs reporting greater movement-evoked pain (r = 0.27) than NHWs. After controlling for relevant sociodemographic characteristics, measures of movement-evoked pain were similar across both racial groups, F (1, 48) = 0.31, p = 0.57. Moderation analyses revealed that higher levels of gratitude (b = −1.23, p = 0.02) and trait resilience (b = −10.99, p = 0.02) were protective against movement-evoked pain in NHWs. In contrast, higher levels of gratitude were associated with lower functional performance in NHBs (b = −0.13, p =0.02). Discussion These findings highlight racial differences in the relationship between resilience and pain-related outcomes among older adults with cLBP. Future studies should examine the potential benefits of targeted interventions that improve resilience and ameliorate pain disparities among racial minorities.
Spectroscopic and thermal investigations of poly(vinylidene fluoride) films composites with LaNi3Co2

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and LaNi3Co2 were composites in various combinations by using melting technique. Morphological and physical properties of both the surface and interface of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/ LaNi3Co2 composite films have been investigated. FTIR and XRD diffraction analysis evidenced the increase of α, β and γ‐ PVDF crystalline phases. The bands at 888 and 1414 cm‐1 were assigned to γ‐phase of PVDF. Maximum value of the relative amount of β‐phase was observed at 35 and 60% FL. This result was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. Maximum value of degree of crystallinity was observed at 15% Filling level (FL). Morphology of SEM consists of two different size rings and spherulites. DSC was used to identify the melting temperature, the order of reaction and the activation energy of melting. A sharp endothermic peak at Tm ≈ 444 K due to melting and T2 ≈ 360 K due to α‐relaxation/transition. Maximum values of magnetoresistance (MR) observed from range (243 to 238K) are due to reorientation of dipoles in a process associated with the glass transition temperature of PVDF. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Predictors of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Performance in Patients with Stroke

Objective Instrumental activities of daily livings are important for independent living and active participation in the community. The present study is aimed at determining factors predicting instrumental activities of daily living performance in patients with stroke. Methods In this cross-sectional study, a convenient sample of 90 patients with stroke entered from five occupational therapy centers, which were selected based on the cluster randomization method. Lawton IADL scale, Barthel Index, Trail Making Test (A and B), Digit span subtest of Wechsler memory scale, Motorcity index, and Beck Depression Inventory-II were used to investigate the study's aim. Statistical analyses were performed using independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis. Results Age (r = −0.384, p < 0.001), memory (r = 0.565, p < 0.001), basic activities of daily living (r = 0.818, p < 0.001), depression (r = −0.758, p < 0.001), Trial Making Test (B-A) (r = −0.614, p < 0.001), and motoricity index (r = 0.670, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with instrumental activities of daily living performance. Conclusions Basic activities of daily living were the strongest predictor of IADL's performance. Age, TMT (B-A), and depression were orderly the next strongest predictors. Stroke patients with more dependency in basic activities of daily living, older age, cognitive impairment, and depression are more opted to be dependent in instrumental activities of daily living and as a result, less participation in home and community affairs.
Electrical and defect thermodynamic properties of nanocrystalline titanium dioxide

The electrical properties of dense nanocrystalline TiO2 ceramics with an average grain size of 35 nm were investigated by impedance spectroscopy and compared with a coarsened material with micron size grains. The nanocrystalline ceramics show an uncommon domain of ionic conductivity at high oxygen pressures and a steep increase of electronic conductivity at low oxygen pressures. These results are discussed in terms of defect chemical models. The enthalpy of reduction of the nanocrystalline TiO2 was deduced to be significantly lower than that of the coarsened material. This may be related to lower defect formation energies at interface sites.
Fraçôes de fôsforo em estrumes e sua eficiência como adubo fosfatado

Manures used as phosphorus sources may have different efficiencies from those of commercial soluble fertilizers. These efficiencies may vary according to the manure origin and to the proportions of its total P in different chemical fractions. A greenhouse experiment was conducted in order to estimate the efficiencies of dairy cattle and chicken manures as phosphorus source, in comparison to triple superphosphate (TSP), as well as to relate these efficiencies to their P fractions. The treatments were: control, without fertilizer or manure; three rates of P, applied as TSP (6.6, 13.2 and 19.7 mg kg-1 soil); and a single phosphorus application rate of 15.3 mg kg-1 soil, from 11 samples of both cattle and chicken manures. Treatment responses were evaluated cultivating millet during 27 days after P application, in pots filled with a Kandiudult soil. Manure P fractions were determined by sequential extractions. The Efficiency Index (EI), estimated by the TSP equivalence, was 0.84 ± 0.071 for chicken manure, significantly lower than that for cattle manure, 0.94 ± 0.095. There were no statistical differences in EI among manures samples of the same animal species. Considering all samples, EI was positively correlated with proportions of labile P (extracted with resin and NaHCO3) and total inorganic P and negatively correlated with proportions extracted with NaOH and HCl and with total organic P. There was no association between EI and the total P content in the manures.