Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hydroxyapatite sonosensitization of ultrasound-triggered, thermally responsive hydrogels: An on-demand delivery system for bone repair applications.

While bones have the innate capability to physiologically regenerate, in certain cases regeneration is suboptimal, too slow, or does not occur. Biomaterials-based growth factor delivery systems have shown potential for the treatment of challenging bone defects, however, achieving controlled growth factor release remains a challenge. The objective of this study was to develop a thermally responsive hydrogel for bone regeneration capable of ultrasound-triggered on-demand delivery of therapeutic agents. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that incorporation of hydroxyapatite (HA) into the hydrogel could increase sonosensitization, augmenting ultrasound sensitivity to enable controlled therapeutic release to the target tissue. Alginate thermally responsive P(Alg-g-NIPAAm) hydrogels were fabricated and varying quantities of HA (1, 3, 5, and 7% wt./vol.) incorporated. All hydrogels were highly injectable (maximum injection force below 6.5 N) and rheological characterization demonstrated their ability to gel at body temperature. The study demonstrated the ultrasound-triggered release of sodium fluorescein (NaF), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) from the hydrogels. Release rates of BSA and BMP-2 were significantly enhanced in the HA containing hydrogels, confirming for the first time the role of HA as a son sensitizer. Together these results demonstrate the potential of these ultrasound-triggered thermally responsive hydrogels for on-demand delivery of therapeutic agents for bone regeneration.
‘Targeted dry skin treatment using a multifunctional moisturizer’

The article of Stettler et al. [1] points out dry skin is still a major problem globally and as a result, truly multifunctional moisturizers, with ingredients that have multiple mechanisms of action, need to be developed to address the underlying changes in the (patho)physiology of the condition. This was the focus of Stettler et al. 'Targeted dry skin treatment using a multifunctional moisturizer'. As a result, it is important to address the claimed product efficacy as a multifunctional moisturizer relative to those reported by others, especially to the claim of improving 'overall epidermal differentiation' from use of the formulation.
Effects of Linker Molecules to Adsorption of Rhamnolipid Biosurfactant onto Aluminum Oxide Surface

Rhamnolipid biosurfactant is not only environmentally friendly but also effective in adsorbing on metal oxide surface. However, the hydrophilic property of rhamnolipid tends to decrease its solid-liquid adsorption capacity. Rhamnolipid surfactant can be modified to enhance its hydrophobicity by adding some linker molecules to the solution. Therefore, effects of linker molecules to the adsorption capacity of rhamnolipid biosurfactant on aluminum oxide surface were evaluated. Results showed that the longer carbon chain in linker molecules (1-butanol, 1-octanol and 1-dodecanol) and the higher rhamnolipid adsorption capacity were observed. Surfactant mixed with 1-butanol (4-Carbon atom) showed the lowest rhamnolipid adsorption capacity of 0.10 mmol per gram while the 8-Carbon atom of octanol yielded the highest amount of 0.30 mmol per gram. This result can be attributed to the coiling effect of the linker molecules (1-dodecanol), which hinders the interaction between the head group and the metal oxide surface which created a gap between adjacent adsorbed surfactant molecules. This was the consequent to a less adsorption capacity for the longer chain linker.
Facile Glycerol-Assisted Synthesis of N-Vinyl Pyrrolidinone-Based Thermosensitive Hydrogels via Frontal Polymerization

We report a facile strategy for quickly fabricating thermosensitive poly(HPMA-co-NVP) hydrogels in the presence of glycerol by using frontal polymerization (FP). The appropriate amounts of hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) and 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolinone (NVP), N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBAA), and ammonium persulfate (APS)/N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) couple redox initiator were mixed together at ambient temperature in the presence of glycerol as the medium. A variety of features for preparing hydrogel samples, such as ratios of NVP/HPMA, the presence of the glycerol and its concentration, and MBAA cross-linker concentration, were thoroughly investigated. We have found that the presence of glycerol can suppress the “fingering” of FP and overcome the formation of bubbles. Also, the ratio of NVP/HPMA for synthesis of hydrogels by FP plays an important role in its microstructure and swelling property. The morphology, thermosensitive behavior, and swelling studies of polymer hydrogels prepared vi.
A novel biocomposite scaffold with antibacterial potential and the ability to promote bone repair

Clinical treatment of bone defects caused by trauma, tumor resection and other bone diseases, especially bone defects that can lead to infection, remains a major challenge. Currently, autologous bone implantation is the gold standard for treatment of bone defects, but it is limited by secondary trauma and insufficient autologous material. Moreover, postoperative infection is an important factor affecting bone healing.AcN-RADARADARADARADA-CONH2 (RADA) is a new type of self-assembling peptide(SAP) composed of Arg,Ala,Asp and other amino acids was designed and prepared. The “RADA” self-assembling peptide hydrogels has excellent biological activity and it’s completely biodegradable and non-toxic.It is also have been confirmed to promote cell proliferation, wound healing, tissue repair, and drug delivery. To promote bone regeneration and simultaneously prevent bacterial infection, we designed biocomposite scaffolds comprising RADA and calcium phosphate cement (CPC), termed RADA-CPC. The morphological features of the scaffold were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In vitro studies demonstrated that RADA-CPC enhances osteoblast proliferation, differentiation and mineralization. In addition, the scaffold was used as a drug delivery system to treat postoperative infections by sustained release of ciprofloxacin (CIP). The RADA-CPC scaffold may have potential application prospects in orthopedics field because of its role in promoting bone repair and as a sustained-release drug carrier to prevent infections.
Theoretical Perspectives on Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer

This Account presents a theoretical formulation for proton-coupled electron transfer reactions. The active electrons and transferring protons are treated quantum mechanically, and the free energy surfaces are obtained as functions of collective solvent coordinates corresponding to the proton and electron transfer reactions. Rate expressions have been derived in the relevant limits, and methodology for including the dynamical effects of the solvent and protein has been developed. This theoretical framework allows predictions of rates, mechanisms, and kinetic isotope effects for proton-coupled electron transfer reactions.
The acute and postprandial effects of sugar moiety on vascular and metabolic health outcomes in adolescents.

This study explored the cardiometabolic responses to sugar moieties acutely, and following a subsequent mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT). Twenty-one healthy adolescents (N=10 female, 14.3±0.4 years) completed three experimental and one control condition, in a counterbalanced order. These consisted of different drinks to compare the effect of 300 mL of water (control), or 300 mL of water mixed with 60 g of glucose, fructose or sucrose, on vascular function (flow-mediated dilation; FMD, microvascular reactivity (total hyperaemic response; TRH); and cerebrovascular reactivity; CVR), and blood samples for [uric acid], [glucose], [triglycerides] and [lactate]. FMD increased 1 hour after glucose and sucrose (P<0.001, ES≥0.92) but was unchanged following fructose and water (P>0.19, ES>0.09). CVR and TRH were unchanged 1 hour following all conditions (P>0.57, ES>0.02). Following the MMTT, FMD was impaired in all conditions (P<0.001, ES>0.40) with no differences between conditions (P>0.13, ES<0.39). Microvascular TRH was increased in all conditions (P=0.001, ES=0.88), and CVR was preserved in all conditions post MMTT (P=0.87, ES=0.02). Blood [uric acid] was elevated following fructose consumption and the MMTT (P<0.01, ES>0.40). Consumption of a sugar sweetened beverage did not result in vascular dysfunction in healthy adolescents, however the vascular and metabolic responses were dependent on sugar moiety. Highlights: • Glucose consumption acutely increases peripheral vascular function in healthy adolescents. • Acute sugar sweetened beverage consumption (sucrose) does not result in adverse vascular outcomes. • Elevations in uric acid are observed with fructose consumption, which may have implications over repeated exposure.
Genomic profiling of native R loops with a DNA-RNA hybrid recognition sensor

A DNA-RNA hybrid recognition sensor protein profiles native R loop structures in the genome. An R loop is a unique triple-stranded structure that participates in multiple key biological processes and is relevant to human diseases. Accurate and comprehensive R loop profiling is a prerequisite for R loops studies. However, current R loop mapping methods generate large discrepancies, therefore an independent method is in urgent need. Here, we establish an independent R loop CUT&Tag (Tn5-based cleavage under targets and tagmentation) method by combining CUT&Tag and GST-His6-2×HBD (glutathione S-transferase–hexahistidine–2× hybrid-binding domain), an artificial DNA-RNA hybrid sensor that specifically recognizes the DNA-RNA hybrids. We demonstrate that the R loop CUT&Tag is sensitive, reproducible, and convenient for native R loop mapping with high resolution, and find that the capture strategies, instead of the specificity of sensors, largely contribute to the disparities among different methods. Together, we provide an independent strategy for genomic profiling of native R loops and help resolve discrepancies among multiple R loop mapping methods.
IRON PIPE corrosion IN DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

This literature review summarizes the results of 100 years of corrosion studies, citing information from almost 300 peer‐reviewed articles to provide the water industry with an updated understanding of factors that influence the complex process of iron pipe corrosion. These factors include water quality and composition, disinfectant residuals, pipe age, scale formation, temperature, flow conditions, biological activity, and corrosion inhibitors. The authors review the reported role of these factors and highlight discrepancies in the literature. The article also discusses corrosion indexes that are intended to help control corrosion. In particular, it reiterates conclusions of prior studies regarding the Langelier index. Although this index continues to be widely used, it does not provide an effective means of controlling iron corrosion. Finally, a review of potential implications of existing and upcoming regulations, including the Lead and Copper Rule, the Disinfectants/Disinfection Byproducts Rule, and the Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, for iron corrosion is also presented.
A global analysis of the reconstitution of PTEN function by translational readthrough of PTEN pathogenic premature termination codons

The PTEN tumor suppressor gene is mutated with high incidence in tumors and in the germline of patients with cancer predisposition or with macrocephaly associated with autism. PTEN nonsense mutations generating premature termination codons (PTC) and producing nonfunctional truncated PTEN proteins are frequent in association with human disease. However, there are no studies addressing the restoration of full‐length PTEN proteins from the PTC‐mutated PTEN gene by translational readthrough. Here, we have performed a global translational and functional readthrough analysis of the complete collection of PTEN PTC somatic or hereditary mutations found in tumors or in the germline of patients (disease‐associated PTEN PTCome), and we set standards for the analysis of the potential of readthrough functional reconstitution in disease‐relevant genes. Our analysis indicates that prevalent pathogenic PTEN PTC mutations are susceptible to PTEN functional restoration in response to readthrough‐inducing compounds. Comprehensive readthrough analyses of disease‐associated PTComes will be valuable tools for the implementation of readthrough‐based precision interventions in specific groups of patients.
Controlling the Morphology of Chiral Lipid Tubules

Several techniques for controlling the morphology of self-assembled lipid tubules are investigated by using circular dichroism spectroscopy and electron microscopy. These studies show that variations in the molecular structure of the diacetylenic phospholipid, lipid concentration, and solution conditions allow for control of the number of bilayers in the tubule walls, but not their diameter. Tubules formed in water and mixtures of alcohols adopt interesting morphologies and allow for further control of tubule structure. In addition, studies of lipids with different acyl chains show that tubule morphology is sensitive to the degree of order within the chains. Because of the chiral molecular architecture in lipid tubules, intense peaks in their circular dichroism spectra are observed. These peaks can be monitored to obtain information on the tubule morphology. This information is correlated to direct observations made using electron microscopy. Results of these studies have led to the optimization of large .
Effective approaches to discover new microbial metabolites in a large strain library

Abstract Natural products have provided many molecules to treat and prevent illnesses in humans, animals and plants. While only a small fraction of the existing microbial diversity has been explored for bioactive metabolites, tens of thousands of molecules have been reported in the literature over the past 80 years. Thus, the main challenge in microbial metabolite screening is to avoid the re-discovery of known metabolites in a cost-effective manner. In this perspective, we report and discuss different approaches used in our laboratory over the past few years, ranging from bioactivity-based screening to looking for metabolic rarity in different datasets to deeply investigating a single Streptomyces strain. Our results show that it is possible to find novel chemistry through a limited screening effort, provided that appropriate selection criteria are in place.
mokapot: Fast and Flexible Semisupervised Learning for Peptide Detection

Proteomics studies rely on the accurate assignment of peptides to the acquired tandem mass spectra—a task where machine learning algorithms have proven invaluable. We describe mokapot, which provides a flexible semi-supervised learning algorithm that allows for highly customized analyses. We demonstrate some of the unique features of mokapot by improving the detection of RNA-cross-linked peptides from an analysis of RNA-binding proteins and increasing the consistency of peptide detection in a single-cell proteomics study.
Low expression of GSTP1 in the aqueous humour of patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma

Primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) is characterized by irreversible neurodegeneration accompanied by visual field defects and high intraocular pressure. Currently, an effective treatment is not available to prevent the progression of POAG, other than treatments to decrease the high intraocular pressure. We performed proteomic analysis of aqueous humour (AH) samples from patients with POAG combined with cataract and patients with cataract to obtain a better understanding of the pathogenesis of POAG and explore potential treatment targets for this condition. Samples were collected from 10 patients with POAG combined with cataract and 10 patients with cataract. Samples from each group were pooled. A high‐resolution, label‐free, liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry‐based quantitative proteomic analysis was performed. In total, 610 proteins were identified in human AH samples from the two groups. A total of 48 up‐regulated proteins and 49 down‐regulated proteins were identified in the POAG combined with cataract group compared with the control group. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed key roles for these proteins in inflammation, immune responses, growth and development, cellular movement and vesicle‐mediated transport in the biological process category. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis indicated the down‐regulated expression of glutathione S‐transferase P (GSTP1) in the glutathione metabolism signalling pathway in the POAG combined with cataract group. Additionally, certain significantly differentially expressed proteins in the proteomic profile were verified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). GSTP1 levels were reduced in the human AH samples from the POAG combined with cataract group, based on the results of ELISA and proteomic profiling. Therefore, GSTP1, a redox‐related marker, may be involved in the pathological process of POAG and may become a treatment target in the future.
Factors affecting the cropping potential of reinstated soils

Comparisons of crop production on recently reinstated soil in Northumberland have shown that the reduced yield potential of such soil may not be inevitable. Storage of soil in bunds did not greatly reduce subsequent crop yields, but failure to drain the land did. Provided an effective drainage scheme was installed, arable and grass crops could be grown successfully, responding very well to additions of nitrogen fertilizer and other normal good husbandry practices. To date it seems that neither deep cultivation nor the use of grass leys were as effective in the restoration process as had been expected.
Efficacy of Underwater Endoscopic Mucosal Resection for Superficial Non-Ampullary Duodenal Epithelial Tumor

Background/Aims Endoscopic resection (ER) for superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs) is challenging. Conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (CEMR) is also problematic due to the anatomical features of the duodenum. We compared the safety and efficacy of underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR) with those of CEMR through a retrospective analysis. Methods Altogether, 44 consecutive patients with 46 SNADETs underwent ER (18 CEMR cases and 28 UEMR cases) between January 2016 and October 2019. We investigated the proportions of en bloc resection, R0 resection, complications, resection time, and total procedure time and compared the outcomes of patients from the CEMR group with those of patients from the UEMR group. Results The median tumor size was 8.0 mm (range, 2.0–20.0 mm). The UEMR group showed a higher proportion of en bloc resection (96.4% vs. 72.2%, p<0.05) and significantly lower median resection time and total procedure time (4 min vs. 9.5 min, p<0.05 and 13 min vs. 19 min, p<0.05; respectively) than the CEMR group. No complications were observed. However, two patients treated with piecemeal resection in the CEMR group had residual tumors. Conclusions UEMR is a feasible therapeutic option for SNADETs. It can be recommended as a standard treatment.
Association with Corneal Remodeling Related Genes, ALDH3A1, LOX, and SPARC Genes Variations in Korean Keratoconus Patients

Purpose To determine whether the cornea remodeling-related genes aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1 (ALDH3A1), lysyl oxidase (LOX), and secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) were potential susceptibility candidate genes for keratoconus in Korean patients, we investigated the associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these three genes in Korean patients with keratoconus. Methods Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples of unrelated patients with keratoconus and healthy control individuals. For screening of genetic variations, all exons from the entire coding regions of the ALDH3A1, LOX, and SPARC genes were directly sequenced to determine the presence of mutations. Control individuals were selected from the general population without keratoconus. Results In this study, we detected nine SNPs in ALDH3A1, four SNPs in LOX, and 18 SNPs in SPARC. rs116992290, IVS3-62c>t, rs116962241, and rs2228100 in ALDH3A1 and rs2956540 and rs1800449 in LOX were significantly different between patient and control groups. In the SPARC gene, the distribution of the *G allele of EX10+225 T>G (p = 0.018; odds ratio, 1.869) was strongly associated with the risk of keratoconus in the Korean population. In haplotype analysis, C-G of rs2956540-rs2288393 in LOX (p = 0.046) and C-C-G and G-G-G of rs60610024-rs2228100-rs57555435 (p = 0.021 and p < 0.001), G-A of IVS3-62 a>g - rs116962241 in ALDH3A1 (p = 0.048) predisposed significantly to keratoconus. After cross-validation consistency and permutation tests, two locus model was the best SNP variations interaction pattern. Conclusions Our results suggested that genetic variations in ALDH3A1, LOX, and SPARC genes were associated with a predisposition for keratoconus in Korean individuals. Moreover, variations in ALDH3A1and LOX may serve as strong biomarkers for keratoconus.
Allelic and genotype frequencies of major CYP2B6 polymorphisms in the Pakistani population

Cytochrome P450 (CYP2B6) is an important enzyme that metabolizes about 3.0% of therapeutic drugs. Drugs metabolized mainly by CYP2B6 include artemisinin, bupropion, cyclophosphamide, efavirenz, ketamine, and methadone. The genetic polymorphisms in the CYP2B6 gene have earlier been studied in many populations, but the data are lacking for the Pakistani population. This research study aimed to determine the frequencies of the three of the most important variant alleles and genotypes of the CYP2B6 gene in the Pakistani population.
Protective effects of selenium on some selective immunological and biochemical parameters in cadmium intoxicated rat

In this study, we investigate the protective effect of selenium against cadmium intoxication in rat by monitoring some selective cytokines (IL-1β, TNF α, IL-6, IL10 and IFN-γ.) and antioxidant enzymes (GSH, catalase, SOD, nitric oxide) and lipid peroxidation ( malondialdehyde) as well as some selective biochemical markers of liver and kidney function tests. The cadmium was orally administrated at dose 20& 40 mg/L in drinking water for 30 days. The selenium orally administrated at a dose rate 0.1 mg/ kg bw/day also for 30 days with cadmium . Blood samples were collected from heart puncture at end of experiment (30days) and serum was separated for estimation the immunological parameters studies. We found that selenium improved elevation of serum IL-1β, IL-6, TNF α, IFN-γ and malondialdehyde as well as enhanced antioxidant enzymes activities GSH, catalase and SOD. Also selenium ameliorate the cadmium induce liver and kidney damage by improving hepatic and renal markers . We could be concluded that selenium interaction with cadmium extend our understanding of selenium biological functions as a potential countermeasure against immunosuppressive as well as hepatic and renal oxidative damage induced by cadmium in rats