Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Supercritical Fluid Applications in the Design of Novel Antimicrobial Materials

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is one of the biggest problems in the modern world. The prevention of bacterial spreading from hospitals to the community and vice versa is an issue we have to deal with. This review presents a vast potential of contemporary high-pressure techniques in the design of materials with antimicrobial activity. Scientists from all over the world came up with ideas on how to exploit extraordinary properties of supercritical fluids in the production of advantageous materials in an environmentally friendly way. The review summarizes reported methods and results.
Mechanisms of Copper Tolerance, Accumulation, and Detoxification in the Marine Macroalga Ulva compressa (Chlorophyta): 20 Years of Research

Copper induces an oxidative stress condition in the marine alga Ulva compressa that is due to the production of superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide, mainly in organelles. The increase in hydrogen peroxide is accompanied by increases in intracellular calcium and nitric oxide, and there is a crosstalk among these signals. The increase in intracellular calcium activates signaling pathways involving Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinases (CaMKs) and Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinases (CDPKs), leading to activation of gene expression of antioxidant enzymes and enzymes involved in ascorbate (ASC) and glutathione (GSH) synthesis. It was recently shown that copper also activates Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs) that participate in the increase in the expression of antioxidant enzymes. The increase in gene expression leads to enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes and to enhanced levels of ASC and GSH. In addition, copper induces an increase in photosynthesis leading to an increase in the leve of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NADPH). Copper also induces an increase in activities of enzymes involved in C, N, and S assimilation, allowing the replacement of proteins damaged by oxidative stress. The accumulation of copper in acute exposure involved increases in GSH, phytochelatins (PCs), and metallothioneins (MTs) whereas the accumulation of copper in chronic exposure involved only MTs. Acute and chronic copper exposure induced the accumulation of copper-containing particles in chloroplasts. On the other hand, copper is extruded from the alga with an equimolar amount of GSH. Thus, the increases in activities of antioxidant enzymes, in ASC, GSH, and NADPH levels, and in C, N, and S assimilation, the accumulation of copper-containing particles in chloroplasts, and the extrusion of copper ions from the alga constitute essential mechanisms that participate in the buffering of copper-induced oxidative stress in U. compressa.
Dreissena distribution in commercial waterways of the U.S.: using failed invasions to identify limiting factors

Preventing the introduction of an invasive species and managing the ecological and economic effects of successful invasions often rely on accurate predictions of the potential distribution of the species in its new habitat. Instances of failed invasion can highlight factors other than dispersal that limit range expansion in an invasive species. The commercially available waterways (CAWs) of the U.S. are a network of interconnected rivers that support a regular traffic of commercial and maintenance vessels. As such, they are at extremely high risk of infestation from Dreissena, yet not all the rivers are infested. We used traffic, water chemistry, and impoundment characteristics of the rivers in this system to develop a set of logistic-regression models to predict the occurrence of Dreissena. Four single variable models correctly classified 20 out of 24 (83%) river systems. The best two-variable models had only one misclassified river, for an overall accuracy of 96%. Among rivers to which Dreissena has suc.
The Role of Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms in Colorectal Cancer Risk

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with increased colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence risk and mortality. Vitamin D mediates its action through the binding of the vitamin D receptor (VDR), and polymorphisms of the VDR might explain these inverse associations. The aim of the study was the investigation of the relevance of rs731236; Thermus aquaticus I (TaqI), rs7975232; Acetobacter pasteurianus sub. pasteurianus I (ApaI), rs2228570; Flavobacterium okeanokoites I (FokI) and rs1544410, Bacillus stearothermophilus I (BsmI) polymorphisms of the VDR gene to colorectal carcinogenesis (CRC) and progression. Peripheral blood was obtained from 397 patients with early operable stage II/III (n = 202) and stage IV (n = 195) CRC. Moreover, samples from 100 healthy donors and 40 patients with adenomatous polyps were also included as control groups. Genotyping in the samples from patients and controls was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP). A significant association was revealed between all four polymorphisms and cancer. Individuals with homozygous mutant (tt, aa, ff or bb) genotypes were more susceptible to the disease (p < 0.001). All of the mutant genotypes detected were also significantly associated with stage IV (p < 0.001), leading to significantly decreased survival (p < 0.001). Moreover, all four polymorphisms were significantly associated with KRAS (Kirsten ras oncogene) mutations and Toll-like receptor (TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9) genetic variants. In multivariate analysis, tt, aa and ff genotypes emerged as independent factors associated with decreased overall survival (OS) (p = 0.001, p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). The detection of higher frequencies of the VDR polymorphisms in CRC patients highlights the role of these polymorphisms in cancer development and progression.
Population-level viral suppression among pregnant and postpartum women in a universal test and treat trial.

OBJECTIVE(S) We sought to determine whether universal 'test and treat' (UTT) can achieve gains in viral suppression beyond universal antiretroviral treatment (ART) eligibility during pregnancy and postpartum, among women living with HIV. DESIGN A community cluster randomized trial. METHODS The SEARCH UTT trial compared an intervention of annual population testing and universal ART with a control of baseline population testing with ART by country standard, including ART eligibility for all pregnant/postpartum women, in 32 communities in Kenya and Uganda. When testing, women were asked about current pregnancy and live births over the prior year and, if HIV-infected, had their viral load measured. Between arms, we compared population-level viral suppression (HIV RNA <500 copies/ml) among all pregnant/postpartum HIV-infected women at study close (year 3). We also compared year-3 population-level viral suppression and predictors of viral suppression among all 15 to 45-year-old women by arm. RESULTS At baseline, 92 and 93% of 15 to 45-year-old women tested for HIV: HIV prevalence was 12.6 and 12.3%, in intervention and control communities, respectively. Among HIV-infected women self-reporting pregnancy/live birth, prevalence of viral suppression was 42 and 44% at baseline, and 81 and 76% (P = 0.02) at year 3, respectively. Among all 15 to 45-year-old HIV-infected women, year-3 population-level viral suppression was higher in intervention (77%) versus control (68%; P < 0.001). Pregnancy/live birth was a predictor of year-3 viral suppression in control (P = 0.016) but not intervention (P = 0.43). Younger age was a risk factor for nonsuppression in both arms. CONCLUSION The SEARCH intervention resulted in higher population viral suppression among pregnant/postpartum women than a control of baseline universal testing with ART eligibility for pregnant/postpartum women.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Modeling of the Glymphatic System

The glymphatic system is a newly discovered waste drainage pathway in the brain; it plays an important role in many neurological diseases. Ongoing research utilizing various cerebrospinal fluid tracer infusions, either directly or indirectly into the brain parenchyma, is investigating clearance pathways by using distinct imaging techniques. In the present review, we discuss the role of the glymphatic system in various neurological diseases and efflux pathways of brain waste clearance based on current evidence and controversies. We mainly focus on new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) modeling techniques, along with traditional computational modeling, for a better understanding of the glymphatic system function. Future sophisticated modeling techniques hold the potential to generate quantitative maps for glymphatic system parameters that could contribute to the diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis of neurological diseases. The non-invasive nature of MRI may provide a safe and effective way to translate glymphatic system measurements from bench-to-bedside.
Crystal structure of azoreductase AzoR from Escherichia coli

Azoreductase AzoR is an oxidoreductase isolated from Escherichia coli as an enzyme responsible for the reduction of azo compounds. As the first step toward the elucidation of the molecular mechanism of function, we determined the three-dimensional structure of the enzyme by X-ray crystallography at 1.8 A resolution. The crystal structure has revealed that AzoR is an FMN-containing and homodimeric enzyme. Each monomer consists of a twisted central parallel β-sheet surrounded on both sides by helices. The overall folding of the protein resembles NQO1, originally called DT-diaphorase [NAD(P)H: quinone reductase, EC 1.6. 99.2], a mammalian FAD containing protein without significant sequence identity. (Communicated by Masanori OTSUKA, M.J.A.)
Spectrophotometric Investigations on Lignin in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): Influence of Cell Wall Preparation, Solvent, and Standard

Absorbance at 280 nm was used to determine lignin concentrations in solutions of cell walls from winter wheat whole-crop silage, stems, and straw. Three different cell wall preparations (hot water−organic solvent fiber, ethanol−benzene residue, neutral detergent fiber) were prepared and dissolved in either HCl−triethylene glycol or acetyl bromide. Three phenolic standard solutions were used to calculate lignin concentrations in the wheat materials from absorbance readings: mixtures of phenolic monomers based on aldehydes (HIGUCHI), aldehydes and acids (REEVES), and washed Indulin (WIND). Gravimetric Klason lignin determination on the cell wall preparations consistently gave higher values than spectrophotometric lignin analysis. Material recovered as cell wall was slightly greater for hot water−organic solvent fiber than for neutral detergent fiber and was lowest for ethanol−benzene residue, probably due to partial dissolution of cell wall components with the latter procedure. Acetyl bromide shifted UV sp.
On the Chemical Form of Mercury in Edible Fish and Marine Invertebrate Tissue

Total mercury, monomethylmercury (CH3Hg), and dimethylmercury ((CH3)2Hg) in edible muscle were examined in 229 samples, representing seven freshwater and eight saltwater fish species and several species of marine invertebrates using ultraclean techniques. Total mercury was determined by hot HNO3/H2SO4/BrClldigestion, SnCl2 reduction, purging onto gold, and analysis by cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry (CVAFS). Methylmercury was determined by KOH/methanol digestion using aqueous phase ethylation, cryogenic gas chromatography, and CVAFS detection. Total mercury and CH3Hg concentrations varied from 0.011 to 2.78 μg∙g−1 (wet weight basis, as Hg) for all samples, while no sample contained detectable (CH3)2Hg (<0.001 μg∙g−1 as Hg). The observed proportion of total mercury (as CH3Hg) ranged from 69 to 132%, with a relative standard deviation for quintuplicate analysis of about 10%; nearly all of this variability can be explained by the analytical variability of total mercury and CH3Hg. Poorly homogeniz.
Using Demand Curves to Quantify the Reinforcing Value of Social and Solitary Drinking.

BACKGROUND Young adults typically drink in social settings and report high levels of episodic heavy drinking despite a range of adverse consequences. Behavioral economics posits that this may reflect a reinforcer pathology in which alcohol is overvalued relative to other reinforcers. Theoretically, the value of alcohol is related to both the direct pharmacological effects of alcohol (euphoria, sedation) and to the associated social reinforcement, but to date no studies have differentiated the value of social vs. solitary drinking. The current study examines two modified hypothetical alcohol purchase tasks (APTs), one explicitly social and one explicitly solitary, in order to quantify the reward value of social vs. solitary drinking, and to determine if there are unique clinical correlates of solitary alcohol demand. METHODS Participants were young adults (N = 274, Mage = 25.15, SD = 4.10) recruited from Mturk and from a university subject pool. Participants completed a solitary and social APT, in addition to measures of alcohol consumption and problems. RESULTS Participants reported significantly greater demand in the social APT compared to the solitary APT across all demand indices. Elevated solitary and social demand were associated with elevated levels of alcohol use and problems. Using a residualized change approach, solitary demand amplitude (maximum consumption and expenditure) and persistence (price sensitivity) contributed additional variance above and beyond their social APT composite counterparts in predicting typical drinks per week and the self-care, academic/occupational, and physical dependence subscales of the YAACQ. CONCLUSIONS The presence of peers increases alcohol demand compared to a solitary scenario, and greater relative solitary drinking demand may be a risk factor for greater alcohol consumption and problems.
Extraforaminal Cervical Selective Nerve Root Block‐Description of a Posterolateral Approach With Cone Beam–Based CT Guidance

Cervical selective nerve root blocks (C‐SNRBs) maintain utility for presurgical planning in patients with cervical radiculopathy. Traditional fluoroscopic or stationary computed tomography (CT)‐guided methods have been associated with complications, including catastrophic neurologic insults, while ultrasound guidance has been investigated based on its theoretical advantages. Maximizing patient safety by obtaining superior anatomic and procedural details promotes the exploration for better alternative guidance.
Effect of ethanol on the hydrolysis of protein and lipid during the ageing of a chinese fermented soya bean curd—Sufu

Some biochemical changes in the traditional Chinese fermented soya bean curd, Sufu, were investigated. The Sufu was prepared by using either Actinomucor taiwanensis or Actinomucor elegans as the starter and the ageing was in brine solution, with and without the addition of ethanol. A higher dissolution ratio of protein and a higher content of peptide-form amino acid were observed in the Sufu aged in the brine solution without ethanol. High contents of glutamic acid and leucine were notably present among the free amino acids. Regardless of starter organism used, the addition of ethanol to the brine solution for ageing resulted in the free fatty acid in the Sufu product. However, addition of alcohol to the ageing solution did not influence the fatty acid composition of any Sufu prepared. Among the fatty acids, the content of linoleic acid was the highest in all the Sufu prepared.
Solanales Stem Biomechanical Properties Are Primarily Determined by Morphology Rather Than Internal Structural Anatomy and Cell Wall Composition

Self-supporting plants and climbers exhibit differences in their structural and biomechanical properties. We hypothesized that such fundamental differences originate at the level of the material properties. In this study, we compared three non-woody members of the Solanales exhibiting different growth habits: (1) a self-supporting plant (potato, Solanum tuberosum), (2) a trailing plant (sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas), and (3) a twining climber (morning glory, Ipomoea tricolor). The mechanical properties investigated by materials analyses were combined with structural, biochemical, and immunohistochemical analyses. Generally, the plants exhibited large morphological differences, but possessed relatively similar anatomy and cell wall composition. The cell walls were primarily composed of hemicelluloses (~60%), with α-cellulose and pectins constituting ~25% and 5–8%, respectively. Immunohistochemistry of specific cell wall components suggested only minor variation in the occurrence and localization between the species, although some differences in hemicellulose distribution were observed. According to tensile and flexural tests, potato stems were the stiffest by a significant amount and the morning glory stems were the most compliant and showed differences in two- and three-orders of magnitude; the differences between their effective Young’s (Elastic) modulus values (geometry-independent parameter), on the other hand, were substantially lower (at the same order of magnitude) and sometimes not even significantly different. Therefore, although variability exists in the internal anatomy and cell wall composition between the different species, the largest differences were seen in the morphology, which appears to be the primary determinant of biomechanical function. Although this does not exclude the possibility of different mechanisms in other plant groups, there is apparently less constraint to modifying stem morphology than anatomy and cell wall composition within the Solanales.
Chromosomal evolution and phylogenetic considerations in cuckoos (Aves, Cuculiformes, Cuculidae)

The Cuckoos have a long history of difficult classification. The species of this order have been the subject of several studies based on osteology, behavior, ecology, morphology and molecular data. Despite this, the relationship between Cuculiformes and species of other orders remains controversial. In this work, two species of Cuculidae, Guira guira (Gmelin, 1788) and Piaya cayana (Linnaeus, 1766), were analyzed by means of comparative chromosome painting in order to study the chromosome evolution of this group and to undertake the first chromosome mapping of these species. Our results demonstrate high chromosomal diversity, with 2n = 76 in G. guira, with fission and fusion events involving ancestral syntenies, while P. cayana presented only fissions, which were responsible for the high diploid number of 2n = 90. Interestingly, there were no chromosomal rearrangements in common between these species. Our results, based on Giemsa staining, were compared with previous data for other cuckoos and also with taxa proposed as sister-groups of Cuculiformes (Otidiformes, Musophagiformes and Opisthocomiformes). Cytogenetic comparisons demonstrated that cuckoo species can be divided into at least three major groups. In addition, we found no evidence to place Cuculiformes close to the groups proposed previously as sister-groups.
Association between Ambient Air Pollution and Hospital Length of Stay among Children with Asthma in South Texas

Although hospital length of stay (LOS) has been identified as a proxy measure of healthcare expenditures in the United States, there are limited studies investigating the potentially important association between outdoor air pollution and LOS for pediatric asthma. This study aims to examine the effect of ambient air pollution on LOS among children with asthma in South Texas. It included retrospective data on 711 children aged 5–18 years old admitted for asthma to a pediatric tertiary care hospital in South Texas between 2010 and 2014. Air pollution data including particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone were collected from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The multivariate binomial logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between each air pollutant and LOS, controlling for confounders. The regression models showed the increased ozone level was significantly associated with prolonged LOS in the single- and two-pollutant models (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in the age-stratified models, PM2.5 was positively associated with LOS among children aged 5–11 years old (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study revealed a concerning association between ambient air pollution and LOS for pediatric asthma in South Texas.
Viral delivery of tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase diminishes craniosynostosis in one of two FGFR2C342Y/+ mouse models of Crouzon syndrome

Craniosynostosis is the premature fusion of cranial bones. The goal of this study was to determine if delivery of recombinant tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) could prevent or diminish the severity of craniosynostosis in a C57BL/6 FGFR2C342Y/+ model of neonatal onset craniosynostosis or a BALB/c FGFR2C342Y/+ model of postnatal onset craniosynostosis. Mice were injected with a lentivirus encoding a mineral targeted form of TNAP immediately after birth. Cranial bone fusion as well as cranial bone volume, mineral content and density were assessed by micro computed tomography. Craniofacial shape was measured with calipers. Alkaline phosphatase, alanine amino transferase (ALT) and aspartate amino transferase (AST) activity levels were measured in serum. Neonatal delivery of TNAP diminished craniosynostosis severity from 94% suture obliteration in vehicle treated mice to 67% suture obliteration in treated mice, p<0.02) and the incidence of malocclusion from 82.4% to 34.7% (p<0.03), with no effect on cranial bone in C57BL/6 FGFR2C342Y/+ mice. In contrast, treatment with TNAP improved cranial bone volume (p< 0.01), density (p< 0.01) and mineral content (p< 0.01) but had no effect on craniosynostosis or malocclusion in BALB/c FGFR2C342Y/+ mice. These results indicate that perinatal recombinant TNAP enzyme therapy diminishes craniosynostosis severity in the C57BL/6 FGFR2C342Y/+ neonatal onset mouse model of Crouzon syndrome, and that effects of exogenous TNAP are genetic background dependent.