Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thermosensitive gel formation of novel polypeptides containing a collagen-derived Pro-Hyp-Gly sequence and an elastin-derived Val-Pro-Gly-Val-Gly sequence

A triple-helix-forming collagen model peptide, (prolyl-trans-4-hydroxyprolyl-glycyl)10 [(Pro-Hyp-Gly)10], and a thermosensitive elastin-derived pentapeptide, valyl-prolyl-glycyl-valyl-glycyl (Val-Pro-Gly-Val-Gly), were copolymerized in various mole ratios using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide hydrochloride and 1-hydroxybenzotriazole in dimethyl sulfoxide at 20 °C. All of the obtained polypeptides have molecular weight higher than 103 and contain a triple-helical structure, and showed an inverse phase transition from transparent solution to turbid suspension in response to a rise in temperature. The lower critical solution temperature of the polypeptide solution decreased upon increasing the content of Val-Pro-Gly-Val-Gly. Furthermore, polypeptides containing 82–86 mol % of Val-Pro-Gly-Val-Gly in composition showed reversible gel formation, suggesting that (Pro-Hyp-Gly)10 acts as a hydrated unit and Val-Pro-Gly-Val-Gly acts as a thermosensitive crosslinking point. These biodegradable thermosensitive polypeptides may be useful for biomedical applications, including, as a scaffold for tissue regeneration. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 6048–6056, 2005
A quantitative diffuse reflectance spectroscopy study of supported chromium catalysts

The diffuse reflectance spectra of chromium supported on alumina, on silica, and on silica-alumina have been investigated after calcination, CO reduction, and recalcination. A method for quantifying the Cr 6+ , Cr 3+ , and Cr 2+ concentrations was developed. After calcination at 550 o C, the chromate:dichromate ratio is ∞, 0.56, and 2. 18 on respectively alumina, silica, and silica-alumina. Reduction results in the formation of three new species: octahedral Cr 3+ , octahedral Cr 2+ , and pseudotetrahedral Cr 2+
Corrigendum to: Resolving the Burden of Low Back Pain in Military Service Members and Veterans (RESOLVE): Protocol for a Multisite Pragmatic Clinical Trial.

We thank Lippi and Mattiuzzi for their interest in our recently published letter [1]. They provide valuable Italian data from Google Trends on searches for overthe-counter (OTC) analgesics during the COVID-19 pandemic [2]. Interestingly, they found a significant correlation between Google search volumes for ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin and the number of new COVID-19 cases. These additional findings support our study with U.S. data, and they reinforce the importance of health authority monitoring to prevent shortages of OTC analgesics. In addition, we would like to highlight some other points of interest. First, particular patients with existing pain conditions may experience different patterns and magnitudes of symptoms associated with COVID-19. Notably, a recent cross-sectional study found that individuals with a history of migraine who contracted COVID-19 were more likely to have earlier onset of COVID-19–related headache and longer and more intense headaches than individuals without a history of migraine [3]. The significance of this aspect for various patient groups awaits further studies. Second, advances in the treatment of patients with COVID-19 may increase the use of OTC analgesics for indications other than pain. Interestingly, a recent cohort study found that aspirin was associated with improved outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, including decreased risk of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit admission, and in-hospital death [4]. Last, data on long-term outcomes in patients with COVID-19 are limited. Ongoing studies on types, severity, and duration of symptoms, including late sequelae, will provide important information for health authorities and clinicians caring for patients with COVID-19 [5].
Sex-seeking on the internet and mobile-based applications among young people in China: An online survey

The aim of this study was to investigate young people’s risk behaviors in use of social network applications for sexual purposes. Snowball sampling technique was used to recruit participants online. Logistic regressions were performed to examine interrelationships among risk behaviors and sex-seeking platforms (A, B, C, D, and others). The prevalence of online sex-seeking was 22.2% (1156/5199) among people with sexual experience, and the most debut online sex-seeking happened in 15–24 years old in both men and women (79.8%, 590/739 vs 86.1%, 359/417). The risk behaviors varied in different platforms among 730 young people age 15–24 years. Among men, participants seeking sex via B were more likely to engage in concurrent sexual partnership (aOR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.01–2.66). Participants seeking sex via C were more likely to engage in drug use (aOR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.01–3.02) and condomless sex (aOR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.04–2.95). Participants seeking sex via A, C, or D were all less likely to have homosexual behaviors. Among women, participants seeking sex via B were more likely to have condomless sex (aOR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.10–3.86). The study indicated that emerging of the HIV epidemic in young people might be driven by risk behaviors during online sex-seeking. Effective intervention programs need to target on different social network platforms.
Thermosensitive in situ gel of Timolol Maleate for the treatment of open angle glaucoma

The objective of this study was to develop a novel chitosan- chondroitin 6 sulphate insitu gel system for sustained drug delivery of timolol maleate. To increase the low bioavailability and short ocular residence time of timolol maleate eye drops, aqueous solutions of drug in combinations with the polymers were prepared to identify suitable compositions with regard to gel forming properties and drug release behavior. Mixtures of solutions of Pluronic (15-25% w/w), chitosan (0.05-0.3% w/w) of low molecular weight (Mw), chondroitin 6 sulphate (0.05-0.3% w/w) were prepared. Timolol maleate release was determined using a membraneless dissolution model in artificial tear solution up to 8 hours and the samples were analyzed spectrophotometrically at 294 nm. The rheological behavior of solutions in response to dilution or temperature changes and also the phase change temperature (PCT) were determined using a brookfield viscometer. The formulation consisting of 15% Pluronic, 0.05% chondroiitn 6 sulphate and 0.05% low Mw chitosan, depicted highest release efficiency coupled with an acceptable mean release time and is suggested as a suitable ophthalmic preparation for sustained release of timolol maleate. This in situ gel was liquid in non-physiologic conditions (pH 4 and 25oC) and transferred to the gel form upon exposure to physiologic conditions (pH 7.4 and 37oC). The PCT of this in situ gel did not change upon dilution.
Static and Dynamic Quadriceps Stretching Exercises in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Limited data are available on the effect of stretching exercise in patients with patellofemoral pain (PFP) who have inflexible quadriceps, which is one of the various causes of PFP syndrome. This study compares quadriceps flexibility, strength, muscle activation time, and patient-reported outcomes after static and dynamic quadriceps stretching exercises in patients with PFP who had inflexible quadriceps. Hypothesis: Quadriceps flexibility and strength, muscle activation time, and patient-reported outcomes would improve with dynamic quadriceps stretching as compared with static quadriceps stretching exercises. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Level of Evidence: Level 2. Methods: Of the 44 patients included in the study, 20 performed static stretching and 24 performed dynamic stretching. Quadriceps flexibility was assessed by measuring the knee flexion angle during knee flexion in the prone position (the Ely test). Muscle strength and muscle activation time were measured using an isokinetic device. The patient-reported outcomes were evaluated using the visual analogue scale for pain and anterior knee pain scale. Results: No significant differences in quadriceps flexibility and strength, muscle activation time, and patient-reported outcomes in the involved knees were found between the 2 groups (P values > 0.05). Conclusion: Quadriceps flexibility and strength, muscle activation time, and patient-reported outcomes in patients with PFP who had inflexible quadriceps showed no significant differences between the static and dynamic quadriceps stretching exercise groups. Clinical Relevance: Both static and dynamic stretching exercises may be effective for improving pain and function in patients with PFP who have inflexible quadriceps.
Hydrothermal synthesis of potassium niobate photocatalysts under subcritical and supercritical water conditions

Hydrothermal synthesis of potassium niobate powders was carried out under various subcritical and supercritical water conditions using crystalline Nb2O5 powder as a starting material. A single phase of K4Nb6O17 was formed under subcritical water conditions, while mixed phases of K4Nb6O17 and KNbO3 were obtained under supercritical water conditions where KNbO3 was predominant over K4Nb6O17 as the heating duration was increased. Characterization of these hydrothermally synthesized potassium niobates by XRD, SEM, and TG-DTA analyses revealed that fine hydrated powders can be obtained under subcritical and supercritical water conditions. The hydrothermally synthesized potassium niobate powders were used for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water decomposition. The crystallinity is responsible for the high photocatalytic performance of the hydrothermally synthesized potassium niobate powders. The maximal hydrogen evolution rate was achieved for the potassium niobate hydrothermally synthesized at 400 °C for 4 hours. Besides, the hydrogen evolution rate was enhanced more than 10-fold by Ni loading for the hydrothermally synthesized potassium niobate powder which was much higher in comparison with the Ni loaded solid-state synthesized photocatalyst.
LONGITUDINAL GOAL ATTAINMENT WITH INTEGRATED UPPER LIMB SPASTICITY MANAGEMENT INCLUDING REPEAT INJECTIONS OF BOTULINUM TOXIN A: FINDINGS FROM THE PROSPECTIVE, OBSERVATIONAL UPPER LIMB INTERNATIONAL SPASTICITY (ULIS-III) COHORT STUDY

Objective To assess the longitudinal effects of integrated spasticity management incorporating repeated cycles of botulinum toxin A type A (BoNT-A) over 2 years. Methods The Upper Limb International Spasticity study was a prospective, observational, cohort study following adult patients over 2 years of integrated upper-limb spasticity management including repeat botulinum toxin (BoNT-A) treatment (any commercially-available product). Results A total of 1,004 participants from 14 countries were enrolled, of which 953 underwent ≥ 1 BoNT-A injection cycle (median 4 cycles) and had ≥ 1 goal attainment scaling assessment. Most participants (55.9–64.6% across cycles 1–6) saw a therapist after BoNT-A treatment; the most frequent therapy intervention was passive stretch (70.1–79.8% across cycles 1–6). Patients achieved their goals as expected over repeated cycles; mean cumulated goal attainment scaling T-score at 2 years was 49.5 (49.1, 49.9). Mean goal attainment scaling change scores of ≥ 10 were maintained across up to 7 cycles. Higher rates of goal achievement were seen for primary goals related to passive vs active function (86.6% vs 71.4% achievement). Standardized measures of spasticity, pain, involuntary movements, active and passive function improved significantly over the study. CONCLUSION This large, international study provides evidence for benefit of repeated cycles of BoNT-A, over 2 years captured through person-centred goal attainment and standardized measures. LAY ABSTRACT This paper presents the primary efficacy results from the Upper Limb International Spasticity (ULIS-III) study, a large international longitudinal study that explored real-life clinical practice in the integrated management of upper-limb spasticity, using botulinum toxin-A (BoNT-A) in conjunction with physical therapies. The study provides evidence for the sustained functional benefit of repeated cycles of BoNT-A. In particular, those patients who continued to receive repeated injections for up to 7 cycles in 2 years showed relevant goal attainment. Standard outcome measures generally supported the rates of goal achievement; ratings of pain, involuntary movements, active and passive function all improved significantly over each treatment cycle. The successful results from ULIS-III highlight the importance of accurate and clear goal-setting during BoNT-A treatment to help target clinical intervention and the use of focused outcome measurement.
Chain End Effects and Dewetting in Thin Polymer Films

The dewetting of thin films of end-functionalized polymers, ω- and α,ω-barium sulfonato polystyrenes, on a silicon substrate has been investigated as a function of initial film thickness, molecular weight, and functionality of the chains. The lower molecular weight monofunctional chains are found to dewet the substrate analogously to normal polystyrene but display an anomalous flow behavior at the surface. Moreover, after dewetting, the entire silicon surface still remains covered by a monolayer of monofunctional chains. The monolayer consists of a polymer brush of densely packed tethered chains, adsorbed via their ionic end groups. The dense packing and special conformations of the chains in the brush prevent interpenetration with other polymer chains, and the unadsorbed macromolecules dewet the brush. When the molecular weight of the monofunctional chains is increased, entanglements between the adsorbed polymer brush and the unadsorbed chains can occur and the dewetting process is retarded. Thin films of the difunctional chains do not dewet regardless of the molecular weight of the chains. The difference between mono- and difunctional materials is attributed to ionic aggregation, which is responsible for thermoreversible cross-linking and stabilization of thicker films by interaction of aggregates with dangling ends. It is suggested to use high molecular weight end-functionalized chains as polymeric additives to retard thin polymer film dewetting.
Characterization of an endoplasmic reticulum stress‐related signature to evaluate immune features and predict prognosis in glioma

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has considerable impact on cell growth, proliferation, metastasis, invasion, angiogenesis and chemoradiotherapy resistance in various cancers. However, the effect of ER stress on the outcomes of glioma patients remains unclear. In this study, we established an ER stress risk model based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) glioma data set to reflect immune characteristics and predict the prognosis of glioma patients. Survival analysis indicated that there were significant differences in the overall survival (OS) of glioma patients with different ER stress‐related risk scores. Moreover, the ER stress‐related risk signature, which was markedly associated with the clinicopathological properties of glioma patients, could serve as an independent prognostic indicator. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the risk model correlated with immune and inflammation responses, as well as biosynthesis and degradation. In addition, the ER stress‐related risk model indicated an immunosuppressive microenvironment. In conclusion, we present an ER stress risk model that is an independent prognostic factor and indicates the general immune characteristics in the glioma microenvironment.
The effect of ante mortem electrolyte therapy on animal physiology and meat quality in pigs segregating at the halothane gene

The present study was initiated to investigate the effect of oral potassium (600 mg, slow release, 24 h preslaughter), intramuscular (IM) magnesium (500 mg MgSO4, 2 h preslaughter) or slow release magnesium (Magnesium-aspartate-hydrochloride (Mg Asp) 20 or 40 (g d−1 for 5 d) on animal physiology and pork quality. Experiments were undertaken on 318 barrows and gilts (100 kg ± 5 kg) represented by three genotypes segregating at the halothane locus (nn, Nn and NN genotypes). Experiment 1 indicated that the oral potassium effectively (P ≤ 0.05) reduced pCO2 values in the nn genotype. Intramuscular injectable magnesium treatments were also found to raise plasma magnesium (P < 0.05) but did not alter muscle, liver or heart tissue levels. Both oral potassium and i.m. magnesium exacerbated subjective pork structure and texture scores but were found to increase muscle brightness and hue (higher b* value). In exp. 2, oral magnesium-aspartate (Mg Asp) was found to raise plasma, but not tissue, levels of magnesium. W.
From genes to networks: The genetic control of leaf development.

Substantial diversity exists for both the size and shape of the leaf, the main photosynthetic organ of flowering plants. The two major forms of leaf are simple leaves, in which the leaf blade is undivided, and compound leaves, which comprise several leaflets. Leaves form at the shoot apical meristem from a group of undifferentiated cells, which first establish polarity, then grow and differentiate. Each of these processes is controlled by a combination of transcriptional regulators, microRNAs and phytohormones. The present review documents recent advances in our understanding of how these various factors modulate the development of both simple leaves (focusing mainly on the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana) and compound leaves (focusing mainly on the model legume species Medicago truncatula). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Antioxidant activity of extracts obtained by different isolation procedures from some aromatic herbs grown in Lithuania

An increasing demand for natural additives has shifted the attention from synthetic to natural antioxidants. The present work examines the potential of some aromatic herbs grown in Lithuania as a source of natural antioxidants: marjoram (Majorana hortensis Moench), catnip (Nepeta cataria L), oregano (Origanum vulgare L), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill), thyme (Thymus vulgaris L), hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L), anise hyssop (Lophantus anisatus Benth), and sage (Salvia officinalis L). Dried herb samples were submitted to extraction with supercritical CO2, acetone or methanol/water and hydrodistillation. Deodorised herb samples (after removal of essential oil) were also extracted with acetone. The antioxidant activity of these extracts, essential oils and dried deodorised aqueous extracts was assessed by the β-carotene bleaching test (diffusion and spectrophotometric methods). The highest yields of extracts were obtained using polar solvents. Thyme and sage acetone oleoresins showed high antioxidant activity in the tests performed and were regarded as the most promising sources. © 1998 SCI.
Uniform criteria for total hip replacement surgery in patients with hip osteoarthritis: a decision tool to guide treatment decisions

Abstract Background Uniform criteria for performing hip replacement surgery in hip osteoarthritis patients are currently lacking. As a result, variation in surgery and inappropriateness of care may occur. The aim of this study was to develop a consensus-based decision tool to support the decision-making process for hip replacement surgery. Methods Patients with a diagnosis of unilateral or bilateral osteoarthritis were included. Consensus rounds with orthopedic surgeons were organized to blindly reassess medical files and to decide whether surgery is indicated or not, based on all available pre-treatment information. We compared the outcomes obtained from the blind reassessment by the consensus group with the actual treatment. Furthermore, prediction models were fitted on the reassessment outcome to identify which set of clinical parameters would be most predictive and uniformly shared in the decision to operate. Two prediction models were fitted, one model without radiologic outcomes and one model where radiologic outcomes were included. Results In total, 364 medical files of osteoarthritis patients were included and reassessed in the analyses. Key predictors in the prediction model without radiology were age, flexion, internal rotation and the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score–quality of life. The discriminative power was high (Area Under Receiver Operating Curve (AUC) = 0.86). Key predictors in the prediction model with radiology were age, internal rotation and Kellgren and Lawrence severity score (AUC = 0.94). Conclusion The study yielded a decision tool with uniform criteria for hip replacement surgery in osteoarthritis patients. The tool will guide the clinical decision-making process of physicians on whether to perform hip surgery and should be used together with information about patient preferences and social context.
Antimicrobial dressing of silver sulfadiazine-loaded halloysite/cassava starch-based (bio)nanocomposites

(Bio)nanocomposites have been studied for biomedical applications, including the treatment of wounds. However, wound infection is one of the main problems of wound care management, and the use of wound dressings with antibacterial agents is essential. This work focused on developing and characterizing silver sulfadiazine-loaded halloysite/cassava starch-based (bio)nanocomposites potentially suitable as antimicrobial dressing. Silver sulfadiazine was complexed inside the halloysite nanotubes lumen, and the drug-loaded nanotubes were incorporated in thermoplastic starch dispersion, forming the (bio)nanocomposites. The silver sulfadiazine-loaded halloysite and the (bio)nanocomposite were characterized by zeta potential, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and infrared spectroscopy. The dressing properties of (bio)nanocomposites (water vapor permeability and mechanical stability) and their antimicrobial efficacy by Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus were also evaluated. Physicochemical studies suggested the silver sulfadiazine-loaded halloysite complexation (zeta potential of −38.9 mV) and its interactions with the starch forming the nanocomposites. The silver sulfadiazine-loaded halloysite/starch-based (bio)nanocomposites possessed a homogeneous and organized structure. Also, they had mechanical properties to be used as a dressing (13.73 ± 3.09 MPa and 3.17 ± 1.28% of elongation at break), and its permeability (6.18 ± 0.43 (10−13) g.Pa−1.s−1.m−1) could be able to maintain the environmental moisture at the wound surface. Besides that, the (bio)nanocomposites acted against the studied bacteria, being a potential contact antimicrobial and biodegradable wound dressing. Finally, the developed (bio)nanocomposites are semi-occlusive and good candidates for dry wounds to be widely in vitro and in vivo tested as controlled silver sulfadiazine delivery dressing.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Liquid Metal Boiling in a System of Parallel Bundles under Natural Circulation Conditions

Numerical simulation of boiling of Na-K eutectic alloy (22% Na; 78% K) in a parallel channel system under natural circulation conditions is presented in this work. The calculations pertain to an experimental analysis conducted at the AR-1 facility of IPPE (Russia), analyzing the reactor core coolabilty under severe thermal conditions. The geometrical and operational characteristics reproduce those typical of Russian FBRs. A thermohydraulic code system based on a subchannel analysis code has been developed and adopted for the simulation. Comparisons show that the adopted numerical procedure is capable of reproducing the boiling phenomena inside the parallel bundle test section, correctly predicting the heat transfer conditions prior to and during the boiling. Experimental as well as computational results show the marked influence of the parallel channel interaction, evidenced by the appearance of severe flow oscillations. The results confirm that stable heat removal is provided throughout the entire transient.