Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SPC25 overexpression promotes tumor proliferation and is prognostic of poor survival in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: The nuclear division cycle 80 (NDC80) complex assures proper chromosome segregation during the cell cycle progression. SPC25 is a crucial component of NDC80, and its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been explored recently. This study characterized the differential expression of SPC25 in HCC patients of different races and HBV infection status. Methods: Expression patterns of SPC25 were evaluated in TCGA and Chinese HCC patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis was applied to examine the predictive value of SPC25. In vitro and in vivo functional assays were conducted to explore the role of SPC25 in HCC. Bioinformatics methods were applied to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of SPC25. Findings: The mRNA levels of SPC25 were up-regulated in HCC. SPC25 has a significantly higher transcriptional level in Asian patients than Caucasian patients. SPC25 promoted HCC cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo by accelerating the cell cycle. We identified transcription factors, miRNAs, and immune cells that may interact with SPC25. Interpretation: The findings suggest that increased expression of SPC25 is associated with poor prognosis of HCC and enhances the proliferative capacity of HCC cells. SPC25 could serve as a valuable prognostic marker and a novel treatment target for HCC.
Cancer immunotherapy with T-cell targeting cytokines: IL-2 and IL-7

Clinical trials have demonstrated that an increased number of effector cells, especially tumor-specific T cells, is positively linked with patients’ prognosis. Although the discovery of checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) has led to encouraging progress in cancer immunotherapy, the lack of either T cells or targets for CPIs is a limitation for patients with poor prognosis. Since interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-7 are cytokines that target many aspects of T-cell responses, they have been used to treat cancers. In this review, we focus on the basic biology of how these cytokines regulate T-cell response and on the clinical trials using the cytokines against cancer. Further, we introduce several recent studies that aim to improve cytokines’ biological activities and find the strategy for combination with other therapeutics.
Multiple Hydrogen-Bond Accepting Capacities of Polybasic Molecules: The Case of Cotinine

The hydrogen-bond (HB) basicities of the carbonyl oxygen and pyridine nitrogen of the cotinine molecule, a long-lived metabolite of nicotine, have been measured in carbon tetrachloride and estimated in water. For the first time, the equilibrium constants of two coexisting 1:1 associations of a phenol on the basic centers of a bifunctional compound have been measured individually. The sum of these individual equilibrium constants closely corresponds to the global experimental constant obtained by the classical IR method based on the measurement of the free phenol OH absorption intensity. The solvation of the cotinine amide group has been examined in various mixed acetonitrile-water solutions revealing the presence of di- and tri-hydrogen-bonded carbonyl groups in pure water. Independently, the accepting strengths of the two sites of cotinine have been calculated from linear correlations between the pK H B scale and the electronic energy of the reaction of hydrogen fluoride complexation on substituted pyridines and carbonyl model compounds using density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP/6-31+G** level. The agreement between the calculated and the experimental individual equilibrium constants of cotinine is well inside the experimental error. The knowledge of the individual acceptor strengths of cotinine in carbon tetrachloride enables the calculation of the octanol-water partition coefficient, this estimation exactly fits the experimental data. Contrary to the order of basicity measured by the pK a scale, the HB basicity of the carbonyl group appears to be 1.6 pK units greater than the HB basicity of the pyridine moiety in water.
Antibacterial and Miscibility Properties of Chitosan/Collagen Blends

The miscibility, bioactivity, and antibacterial properties of chitosan/collagen specimens were systematically studied. The specimens were prepared by blending collagen and chitosan with varying deacetylation degrees in solutions; the collagen molecules had been extracted from pigskins using the acid swelling-pepsin digestion method. To understand the miscibility properties of collagen and chitosan molecules, the intrinsic viscosity and differential scanning calorimetry analysis of collagen, chitosan, and collagen/chitosan specimens were performed. The instrinsic viscosity measurements suggested that chitosan and collagen molecules with varying deacetylation degrees were miscible at molecular level for all compositions and degrees of deacetylation of chitosan/collagen mixture solutions prepared in this study. Fourier transform infrared analyses suggested that the percentage of preserved triple helix structures present in collagen molecules in collagen/chitosan specimens decreased with increasing chitosan contents, since the ratios of peak absorbance at 1239 cm−1 of amide III and 1455 cm−1 of C‒H bending of collagen/chitosan specimens decreased significantly with increase in their chitosan contents. Abnormally high denaturation temperatures (Td) were observed as the chitosan contents of collagen/chitosan specimens reached 40 wt%, at which Td of collagen molecules was even higher than that of the corresponding pure chitosan molecules with varying deacetylation degrees. The antibacterial activity of collagen/chitosan blends increased consistently with increasing deacetylation degrees and concentrations of chitosan molecules in collagen/chitosan solutions. Possible explanations for these interesting thermal denaturation, antibacterial, and miscibility properties of chitosan/collagen specimens are reported.
THE FERROELECTRIC, DIELECTRIC AND PIEZOELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF W-DOPED SrBi4Ti4O15

ABSTRACT Using the standard solid state reaction method, SrBi4 − 2x/3Ti4 − x W x O15(SBWT-x, x = 00.06) ceramic samples were synthesized. It is found that W doping does not change the crystal structures of SrBi4Ti4O15 and their ferroelectric, dielectric and piezoelectric properties were investigated. The remnant polarization (2P r ) of the samples, which varies with x, has a maximum value of 25.4 μC/cm2 when x = 0.03, that is nearly 60% greater than that at zero doping. Meanwhile, the E c only varies a little upon W substitution. The largest shift of T c is below 6%, which suggests that the good thermal stability is almost not deteriorated by W-doping. The piezoelectric constant d 33of SBWT-x increases at first, then decreases with W doping. The d 33 reaches a maximum value of 15pC/N, when x is 0.03. The d 33 increases by about 50% compare with that of SrBi4Ti4O15. It coincides with the variation of 2P r of the SrBi4 − 2x/3Ti4 − x W x O15.
Poloxamer-188 and d-α-Tocopheryl Polyethylene Glycol Succinate (TPGS-1000) Mixed Micelles Integrated Orodispersible Sublingual Films to Improve Oral Bioavailability of Ebastine; In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization

Orodispersible sublingual films (OSFs) composed of hydrophilic polymers were loaded with poloxamer-188 and d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS-1000) mixed micelles to improve the oral bioavailability of a poorly soluble drug, ebastine (EBT). Mixed micelles formed by thin-film hydration method were incorporated into orodispersible sublingual film, consisting of HPMC and glycerol, using solvent casting technique. The mixed micelles and films were thoroughly evaluated for physicochemical characterization (size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, thickness, weight, surface pH studies, disintegration time, swelling indices, mechanical properties, FTIR, PXRD, DSC, SEM, AFM, in vitro drug release, in vivo bioavailability, and toxicological studies). The results showed that the average particle size of mixed micelles was 73 nm. The mean zeta potential and PDI of the optimal mixed micelles formulation were −26 mV and 0.16, respectively. Furthermore, the maximum entrapment efficiency 82% was attained. The film’s disintegration time was in the range of 28 to 102 s in aqueous media. The integrity of micelles was not affected upon incorporation in films. Importantly, the micelles-loaded films revealed rapid absorption, high permeability, and increased bioavailability of EBT as compared to the pure drug. The existence of ebastine loaded mixed micelles in the films enhanced the bioavailability about 2.18 folds as compared to pure drug. Further, the results evidently established in-vitro and in-vivo performance of bioavailability enhancement, biocompatibility, and good safety profile of micelles-loaded orodispersible EBT films. Finally, it was concluded that film loaded with poloxamer-188/TPGS-1000 mixed micelles could be an effective carrier system for enhancing the bioavailability of ebastine.
Water-in-carbon dioxide microemulsions with methylated branched hydrocarbon surfactants

Nonionic methylated branched hydrocarbon surfactants, poly(ethylene glycol) 2,6,8-trimethyl-4-nonyl ethers, form water-in-carbon dioxide (W/C) microemulsions. A concentration of 1.0 wt % of the octa(ethylene glycol) 2,6,8-trimethyl-4-nonyl ether (5b-C12E8) stabilized up to 1.1 wt % of water (corrected molar water/surfactant ratio, ≈ 28) from 35 to 65 °C and above 240 bar. Methylation and branching of surfactant tails enhance the formation of stable W/C microemulsions as they (1) raise surfactant solubility in CO2 by weakening interactions between tails and lower surfactant solubility in water by inhibiting micellization, (2) shift the curvature toward bending about water, and (3) reduce overlap between surfactant tails and weaken interdroplet interactions. The hydrodynamic radii of microemulsion droplets measured by dynamic light scattering (1.6−3.0 nm) increases with a decrease in temperature, at constant CO2 density, due to stronger interactions between the headgroups and water. The W/C microemulsions s.
Synthesis and Characterization of Thickness-Aligned Carbon Nanotube−Polymer Composite Films

To optimize the properties of carbon nanotube−polymer composites, it is important to control nanotube dispersion and alignment. One way to achieve such control is by growing homogeneous, well-aligned arrays of carbon nanotubes using chemical vapor deposition and infiltrating polymer or monomer into the arrays, followed by in situ polymerization. In this paper, pre-aligned multiwalled carbon nanotube arrays were infiltrated with methyl methacrylate (MMA) and the MMA was polymerized. The resulting composite films have well-dispersed, aligned nanotubes. Using the Washburn technique, it was found that the infiltration of monomers into aligned nanotube arrays is largely driven by the wetting of liquids against the nanotube walls and the low viscosity of liquids. Once polymerized, the PMMA had higher thermal stability. This synthesis process is adaptable to various polymers. It is possible to combine conventional micro-patterning techniques with infiltration process for achieving selective infiltration of polym.
Influences of vitamin A, L-carnitine, and folic acid in ovo feeding on embryo and hatchling characteristics and general health status in ducks

Abstract The current investigation was conducted to test the potential effects of in ovo feeding of vitamin A, L-carnitine, and folic acid on embryonic growth and post-hatch performance. A total of 450 fertile duck eggs were randomly distributed into two experiments of five groups/experiment (255 eggs/experiment and 45 egg/group). The experimental groups were: negative control (non-injected eggs), positive control (eggs were injected with 0.1 ml sterile deionized; DI water/egg), and three other treatments in which vitamin A, L-carnitine, and folic acid were injected (1 mg of each nutrient dissolved in 0.1 ml sterile DI water/egg). All-in ovo injected groups with vitamin A, L-carnitine, and folic acid increased the embryo weight, residual yolk weight, heart weight, hatchability percentage, and embryo length at the 25th day of incubation. At hatching, all micronutrients-in ovo injected treatments increased the duckling’s weight, levels of blood hemoglobulin, plasma triiodothyronine, and thyroxin, insulin-like growth factor1, total protein, albumin, and globulin, compared with the controls in both experiments. Conclusively, the in ovo feeding of the present micronutrients showed positive impacts on embryonic development, hatchling health status of ducklings.
Surfactant-enhanced solubilization of residual dodecane in soil columns. 2. Mathematical modeling

A mathematical model is developed to describe surfactant-enhanced solubilization of nonaqueous-phase liquids (NAPLs) in porous media. The model incorporates aqueous-phase transport equations for organic and surfactant components as well as a mass balance for the organic phase. Rate-limited solubilization and surfactant sorption are represented by a linear driving force expression and a Langmuir isotherm, respectively. The model is implemented in a one-dimensional Galerkin finite element simulator which idealizes the entrapped residual organic as a collection of spherical globules. Soil column data for the solubilization of residual dodecane by an aqueous solution of polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate are used to evaluate the conceptual model. Input parameters were obtained, where possible, from independent batch experiments. Calibrated model simulations exhibit good agreement with measured effluent concentrations, supporting the utility of the conceptual modeling approach. Sensitivity analyses explore the influence of surfactant concentration and flushing strategy on NAPL recovery. 45 refs., 6 figs., 3 tabs.
The comparative method is not macroevolution: across-species evidence for within-species process.

It is common for studies that employ the comparative method for the study of adaptation, i.e. documentation of potentially adaptive across-species patterns of trait-environment or trait-trait correlation, to be designated as "macroevolutionary. " Authors are justified in using "macroevolution" in this way by appeal to definitions such as "evolution above the species level. " I argue that regarding the comparative method as "macroevolutionary" is harmful because it hides in serious ways the true causal content of hypotheses tested with the comparative method. The comparative method is a means of testing hypotheses of adaptation and their alternatives. Adaptation is a population level phenomenon, involving heritable interindividual variation that is associated with fitness differences. For example, given heritable intrapopulational variation, more streamlined individuals in populations of fast-moving aquatic animals have higher locomotory efficiency and thus better survivorship and more resources directed to reproduction than less streamlined ones. Direct evidence consistent with this population-level scenario includes the observation that many unrelated species of fast-moving aquatic animals have similar streamlined shapes, an example of the comparative method. Crucial to note in this example is that although the data are observed across species, the comparative method for studying adaptation tests hypotheses regarding standard population-level natural selection with no content that can be construed as "macro. " Even less "macro," individual-level developmental dynamics can limit or bias the range of variants available for selection. Calling any of these studies "macroevolutionary" implies that some additional process is at work, shrouding the need to test adaptation hypotheses and study the range of variants that can be produced in development.
Accounting for variation in and overuse of antibiotics among humans

Worldwide, antibiotic use is increasing, but many infections against which antibiotics are applied are not even caused by bacteria. Over‐the‐counter and internet sales preclude physician oversight. Regional differences, between and within countries highlight many potential factors influencing antibiotic use. Taking a systems perspective that considers pharmaceutical commodity chains, we examine antibiotic overuse from the vantage point of both sides of the therapeutic relationship. We examine patterns and expectations of practitioners and patients, institutional policies and pressures, the business strategies of pharmaceutical companies and distributors, and cultural drivers of variation. Solutions to improve antibiotic stewardship include practitioners taking greater responsibility for their antibiotic prescribing, increasing the role of caregivers as diagnosticians rather than medicine providers, improving their communication to patients about antibiotic treatment consequences, lessening the economic influences on prescribing, and identifying antibiotic alternatives.
Germline variants are associated with increased primary melanoma tumor thickness at diagnosis

Abstract Germline genetic variants have been identified, which predispose individuals and families to develop melanoma. Tumor thickness is the strongest predictor of outcome for clinically localized primary melanoma patients. We sought to determine whether there is a heritable genetic contribution to variation in tumor thickness. If confirmed, this will justify the search for specific genetic variants influencing tumor thickness. To address this, we estimated the proportion of variation in tumor thickness attributable to genome-wide genetic variation (variant-based heritability) using unrelated patients with measured primary cutaneous melanoma thickness. As a secondary analysis, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of tumor thickness. The analyses utilized 10 604 individuals with primary cutaneous melanoma drawn from nine GWAS datasets from eight cohorts recruited from the general population, primary care and melanoma treatment centers. Following quality control and filtering to unrelated individuals with study phenotypes, 8125 patients were used in the primary analysis to test whether tumor thickness is heritable. An expanded set of 8505 individuals (47.6% female) were analyzed for the secondary GWAS meta-analysis. Analyses were adjusted for participant age, sex, cohort and ancestry. We found that 26.6% (SE 11.9%, P = 0.0128) of variation in tumor thickness is attributable to genome-wide genetic variation. While requiring replication, a chromosome 11 locus was associated (P < 5 × 10−8) with tumor thickness. Our work indicates that sufficiently large datasets will enable the discovery of genetic variants associated with greater tumor thickness, and this will lead to the identification of host biological processes influencing melanoma growth and invasion.
Seven‐year efficacy and safety outcomes of Bulkamid for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence

Bulking agents are a minimally invasive treatment option for women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or stress‐predominant mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). The aim of this study was to evaluate long‐term efficacy and safety following treatment with Bulkamid as a primary procedure for SUI or stress‐predominant MUI.
Neuronal localization of m1 muscarinic receptor immunoreactivity in the monkey basolateral amygdala

The basolateral nuclear complex (BNC) of the amygdala plays an important role in the generation of emotional/motivational behavior and the consolidation of emotional memories. Activation of M1 cholinergic receptors (M1Rs) in the BNC is critical for memory consolidation. Previous receptor binding studies in the monkey amygdala demonstrated that the BNC has a high density of M1Rs, but did not have sufficient resolution to identify which neurons in the BNC expressed them. This was accomplished in the present immunohistochemical investigation using an antibody for the m1 receptor (m1R). Analysis of m1Rs in the monkey BNC using immunoperoxidase techniques revealed that their expression was very dense in the BNC, and suggested that virtually all of the pyramidal projection neurons (PNs) in all of the BNC nuclei were m1R‐immunoreactive (m1R+). This was confirmed with dual‐labeling immunofluorescence using staining for calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMK) as a marker for BNC PNs. However, additional dual‐labeling studies indicated that one‐third of inhibitory interneurons (INs) expressing glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) were also m1R+. Moreover, the finding that 60% of parvalbumin (PV) immunoreactive neurons were m1R+ indicated that this IN subpopulation was the main GAD+ subpopulation exhibiting m1R expression. The cholinergic innervation of the amygdala is greatly reduced in Alzheimer's disease and there is currently considerable interest in developing selective M1R positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) to treat the symptoms. The results of the present study indicate that M1Rs in both PNs and INs in the primate BNC would be targeted by M1R PAMs.
Field RNG data analysis, based on viewing the Japanese movie Departures (Okuribito)

—This study examined the possibility that a random number generator (RNG) could detect ﬁ eld consciousness while people watched a ﬁ lm in a movie theater. We conducted 10 measurements at movie theaters showing Departures (Okuribito) . One hardware and two software random number generators simultaneously generated random numbers at 512 bits per second. The results showed signi ﬁ cant Z -scores derived from chi -squares during the ﬁ lm viewing. But MANOVA using two variables of Z -scores (Stouffer’s Z and the Z from chi -squares) showed no signi ﬁ cant differences between these conditions because the differences of averages were small in the Stouffer’s Z -scores. MANOVA using RNG and pseudo random sequences revealed time-related period effects during ﬁ lm viewing. The biases demonstrated by the three random variables were similar to each other. The similarities between hardware- and software-generated random number sequences were signi ﬁ cant when Stouffer’s Z -scores were calculated on the basis of 600-second time in-tervals by averaging all 10 measurements. Audience size has positive effects on the outputs of all the RNGs. Finally, several hypotheses related to RNG biases and future tasks are discussed. deviations in the RNG output as a function of the identi ﬁ ed emotions. Repeated measures, as performed in the current study, offer many opportunities to elucidate the subtle effects of ﬁ eld consciousness.
Coronavirus diseases 2019 and kidney injury: a brief review based on current evidence

To the Editor: The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is not under control, and COVID-19 has affected tens of millions of people worldwide. Although the main features of COVID-19 are diffuse alveolar damage and acute respiratory failure, damage to other organs is also of concern because these patients tend to havemore severe symptoms andworse prognosis. In this article, we briefly review the characteristics of kidney involvement in COVID-19 and the impact of kidney injury on prognosis of the disease, in order to better understand the COVID-19 epidemic from the perspective of a nephrologist.