Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SRD5A3‐CDG: 3D structure modeling, clinical spectrum, and computer‐based dysmorphic facial recognition

Pathogenic variants in Steroid 5 alpha reductase type 3 (SRD5A3) cause rare inherited congenital disorder of glycosylation known as SRD5A3‐CDG (MIM# 612379 ). To date, 43 affected individuals have been reported. Despite the development of various dysmorphic features in significant number of patients, facial recognition entity has not yet been established for SRD5A3‐CDG. Herein, we reported a novel SRD5A3 missense pathogenic variant c.460 T > C p.(Ser154Pro). The 3D structural modeling of the SRD5A3 protein revealed additional transmembrane α‐helices and predicted that the p.(Ser154Pro) variant is located in a potential active site and is capable of reducing its catalytic efficiency. Based on phenotypes of our patients and all published SRD5A3‐CDG cases, we identified the most common clinical features as well as some recurrent dysmorphic features such as arched eyebrows, wide eyes, shallow nasal bridge, short nose, and large mouth. Based on facial digital 2D images, we successfully designed and validated a SRD5A3‐CDG computer based dysmorphic facial analysis, which achieved 92.5% accuracy. The current work integrates genotypic, 3D structural modeling and phenotypic characteristics of CDG‐SRD5A3 cases with the successful development of computer tool for accurate facial recognition of CDG‐SRD5A3 complex cases to assist in the diagnosis of this particular disorder globally.
Kinins and chymase: the forgotten components of the renin-angiotensin system and their implications in COVID-19 disease

The unique clinical features of COVID-19 disease present a formidable challenge in the understanding of its pathogenesis. Within a very short time, our knowledge regarding basic physiological pathways that participate in SARS-CoV-2 invasion and subsequent organ damage have been dramatically expanded. In particular, we now better understand the complexity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and the important role of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)-2 in viral binding. Furthermore, the critical role of its major product, angiotensin (Ang)-(1–7), in maintaining microcirculatory balance and in the control of activated proinflammatory and procoagulant pathways, generated in this disease, have been largely clarified. The kallikrein-bradykinin (BK) system and chymase are intensively interwoven with RAAS through many pathways with complex reciprocal interactions. Yet, so far, very little attention has been paid to a possible role of these physiological pathways in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 disease, even though BK and chymase exert many physiological changes characteristic to this disorder. Herein, we outline the current knowledge regarding the reciprocal interactions of RAAS, BK, and chymase that are probably turned-on in COVID-19 disease and participate in its clinical features. Interventions affecting these systems, such as the inhibition of chymase or blocking BKB1R/BKB2R, might be explored as potential novel therapeutic strategies in this devastating disorder.
Kinetics of Formation and Dissolution of Weak Polyelectrolyte Multilayers: Role of Salt and Free Polyions

The layer-by-layer deposition method to prepare multilayers of polyelectrolytes of alternating charge has been followed in situ by means of optical reflectometry experiments. It turns out that in solutions containing both polyelectrolyte and appropriate salts up to a certain concentration, the regular build up of multilayers is modified and becomes an adsorption/redissolution process. We explain this by taking into account (i) that during the regular multilayer formation process the macromolecules cannot equilibrate, (ii) that the added salt plasticizes the multilayer to a state where the molecules are sufficiently mobile to enable them to equilibrate between the layer and the surrounding solution, and (iii) that the presence of excess polyelectrolyte brings the system to a one-phase region of the polyelectrolyte complex phase diagram, implying that polyelectrolyte complexes must dissolve under these conditions.
Multifunctional Role of Polyvinylpyrrolidone in Pharmaceutical Formulations

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), a non-ionic polymer, has been employed in multifarious fields such as paper, fibers and textiles, ceramics, and pharmaceutics due to its superior properties. Especially in pharmacy, the properties of inertness, non-toxicity, and biocompatibility make it a versatile excipient for both conventional formulations and novel controlled or targeted delivery systems, serving as a binder, coating agent, suspending agent, pore-former, solubilizer, stabilizer, etc. PVP with different molecular weights (MWs) and concentrations is used in a variety of formulations for different purposes. In this review, PVP-related researches mainly in recent 10 years were collected, and its main pharmaceutical applications were summarized as follows: (i) improving the bioavailability and stability of drugs, (ii) improving the physicomechanical properties of preparations, (iii) adjusting the release rate of drugs, and (iv) prolonging the in vivo circulation time of liposomes. Most of these applications could be explained by the viscosity, solubility, hydrophilicity, and hydrogen bond–forming ability of PVP, and the specific action mechanisms for each application were also tried to figure out. The effect of PVP on bioavailability improvement establishes it as a promising polymer in the emerging controlled or targeted formulations, attracting growing interest on it. Therefore, given its irreplaceability and tremendous opportunities for future developments, this review aims to provide an informative reference about current roles of PVP in pharmacy for interested readers.
Acute Metabolic Effects of Human Growth Hormone

These studies were done to clarify the actions of human growth hormone (HGH) during the two hours after concentrations were increased. These effects cannot be attributed to generation of somatomedin. Mean systemic levels of HGH were increased to 92.6 ng. per milliliter by the intravenous infusion of 4 mg. of HGH over thirty minutes. During the first hour, mean plasma glucose and free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations decreased by 9.5 ± 1.9 per cent and 21.2 ± 3.6 per cent, respectively. After two hours, FFA concentrations rose to 145 per cent of basal. An identical preparation of HGH was then perfused across forearm tissues at mean forearm venous concentrations of 28.4 ± 1.5 ng. per milliliter or 200.3 ± 7.9 ng. per milliliter. Glucose uptake was acutely decreased (by 30 per cent) by both doses of HGH; neither dose had significant effects upon lipolysis. Therefore, neither physiologic nor supraphysiologic concentrations of HGH had an insulin-like effect upon peripheral muscle or adipose tissue. Small increases in peripheral HGH concentrations had virtually identical effects upon enhancement of potassium uptake and reduction of glucose uptake across muscle as mean concentrations ten times higher.
Mononuclear five-coordinate cobalt(II) complexes with N4-coordinate pyrazole based ligand and pseudohalogens: synthesis, structures, DNA and protein binding study

A series of mononuclear five-coordinate cobalt(II) complexes, [Co(dbdmp)(X)]Y, where dbdmp = N,N-diethyl-N′,N′-bis((3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl)ethane-1,2-diamine, X = /NCO−/NCS− and Y = //, have been synthesized and characterized by microanalyses and spectroscopic techniques. Crystal structures of [Co(N3)(dbdmp)]PF6 (1), [Co(N3)(dbdmp)]ClO4 (3), [Co(NCO)(dbdmp)]PF6 (4), [Co(NCO)(dbdmp)]ClO4 (6), and [Co(NCS)(dbdmp)]ClO4 (9) have been solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies and showed that all the complexes have distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry; counter anion containing complexes [Co(N3)(dbdmp)]PF6 and [Co(NCO)(dbdmp)]PF6 have chiral space groups. The binding ability of synthesized complexes with CT-DNA and bovine serum albumin (BSA) has been studied by spectroscopic methods and viscosity measurements. The experimental results of absorption titration of cobalt(II) complexes with CT-DNA indicate that the complexes have ability to form adducts and they can stabilize the DNA helix. The cobalt(II) complexes exhibit good binding propensity to BSA protein. A series of five-coordinate cobalt(II) complexes, [Co(dbdmp)(X)]Y, where dbdmp = N,N-diethyl-N′,N′-bis((3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl)ethane-1,2-diamine, X = /NCO−/NCS− and Y = //, have been synthesized and characterized. All the complexes have distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry. DNA and protein binding of the complexes were investigated by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy studies.
Molecular weight and solution viscosity characterization of PVC

As a means of developing the most accurate possible Mark-Houwink relationship possible for PVC, the literature Mark-Houwink coefficients for the weight average molecular weight (MW) of PVC in THF are plotted and the derived “grand average” Mark-Houwink relationship (K = 15.56 × 10−3 ml/g, a = 0.7690) is shown. High pressure-size exclusion chromatography (HP-SEC) data from two independent laboratories was used along with the “grand average” Mark-Houwink coefficients to calculate absolute number of average molecular weight (MN) and weight average molecular weight values for PVC. An easy-to-use table has been developed to detail the relationships between MN, MW, K value, and inherent viscosity (I. V.).
An Optimal Three-Dimensional Drone Layout Method for Maximum Signal Coverage and Minimum Interference in Complex Pipeline Networks

In daily pipeline inspection, it is significant to ensure good network communication and security. With the development of drone technology, it is possible to apply drones as air routers to collect information from pipeline networks and transmit it to pipeline inspectors. It is also crucial to achieve optimal drone deployment in pipeline networks. This article proposes a two-phase evolution optimal 3-D drone layout algorithm to deploy drones in pipeline networks. First, a 3-D pipeline graph model is designed to represent the possible projection position of drones, and the objective function is proposed for optimal drone deployment. Then, in the first phase, based on the features of the 3-D pipeline graph, the drone flight rules and constraint conditions are presented to calculate the number of drones and the initial layout sequence. In the second phase, according to the objective function and the above results, every drone is continuously moved in a small area to achieve a tradeoff between signal coverage and interference. Moreover, the key parameters of the objective function can be discussed to further optimize drone deployment. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed algorithm.
Why R-CHOP + X is not enough: lessons learned and next steps in the mission to improve frontline therapy for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Abstract Two-thirds of newly diagnosed cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are cured with R-CHOP, an immunochemotherapy regimen that has been the standard of care for almost two decades. Ongoing molecular characterization of DLBCL has revealed a heterogeneous disease comprised of multiple subtypes based on putative cell of origin or somatic mutations with unique oncogenic signaling pathways. The door has been opened to the use of novel agents that target the specific molecular vulnerabilities of DLBCL, but despite this, multiple randomized studies have not identified a suitable drug ‘X’ to combine with R-CHOP. This report will review recent attempts to add individual novel agents to R-CHOP in the mission to improve frontline treatment for DLBCL and discuss promising ongoing studies. It will offer potential strategies to explore when designing future clinical trials, including exploiting synergy between multiple novel agents.
Comparison of methods for the determination of diffusion coefficients of polymers in dilute solutions: The influence of polydispersity

A comparison between various methods to determine diffusion coefficients of polymers in dilute solutions has been made. It is shown that Taylor dispersion analysis (TDA), dynamic light scattering (DLS), hydrodynamic chromatography (HDC), and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) can all be used to accurately determine diffusion coefficients when the polymer samples have low polydispersities. By the analysis of a series of practically representative styrene acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN) samples, it is shown that polydispersity of the samples and the presence of low-molecular-mass material cause considerable differences between the methods. It was found that TDA is mostly disturbed by the presence of low-molecular-mass material, whereas DLS is more sensitive to the polydispersity of the polymer. With broad samples, DLS gives the Z-average diffusion coefficient. SEC can be used to obtain a diffusion coefficient distribution as well as an average diffusion coefficient of a polydisperse sample. Although, the same was expected for HDC, it was found that this method could only be successfully used for polymer samples having low polydispersities. Deviations between SEC, HDC, and TDA found for narrow samples were not related to the chemical composition of the samples.
Controlling Antibiotic Release from Polymethylmethacrylate Bone Cement

Bone cement is used as a mortar for securing bone implants, as bone void fillers or as spacers in orthopaedic surgery. Antibiotic-loaded bone cements (ALBCs) have been used to prevent and treat prosthetic joint infections by providing a high antibiotic concentration around the implanted prosthesis. High antibiotic concentrations are, on the other hand, often associated with tissue toxicity. Controlling antibiotic release from ALBCS is key to achieving effective infection control and promoting prosthesis integration with the surrounding bone tissue. However, current ALBCs still need significant improvement in regulating antibiotic release. In this review, we first provide a brief introduction to prosthetic joint infections, and the background concepts of therapeutic efficacy and toxicity in antibiotics. We then review the current state of ALBCs and their release characteristics before focusing on the research and development in controlling the antibiotic release and osteo-conductivity/inductivity. We then conclude by a discussion on the need for better in vitro experiment designs such that the release results can be extrapolated to predict better the local antibiotic concentrations in vivo.
Thermophoresis as a probe of particle?solvent interactions: The case of protein solutionsPresented at the 17th Conference of the European Colloid & Interface Science Society, Firenze, Italy, September 21?26, 2003.

Thermophoresis, or thermal diffusion, consists in particle drift induced by thermal gradients. We discuss the physical mechanisms underlying thermophoresis in colloidal suspensions and macromolecular solutions, and present a general model suggesting thermophoretic measurements as a sensitive probe of particle–solvent interfacial properties. After reviewing recent results obtained by our group on thermal diffusion in charged colloidal systems, we discuss thermophoresis in protein solutions as a specific ‘case study’.
Three-Dimensional Stereophotogrammetry in the Evaluation of Craniosynostosis: Current and Potential Use Cases.

ABSTRACT Three-dimensional (3D) stereophotogrammetry is a novel imaging technique that has gained popularity in the medical field as a reliable, non-invasive, and radiation-free imaging modality. It uses optical sensors to acquire multiple 2D images from different angles which are reconstructed into a 3D digital model of the subject's surface. The technique proved to be especially useful in craniofacial applications, where it serves as a tool to overcome the limitations imposed by conventional imaging modalities and subjective evaluation methods. The capability to acquire high-dimensional data in a quick and safe manner and archive them for retrospective longitudinal analyses, provides the field with a methodology to increase the understanding of the morphological development of the cranium, its growth patterns and the effect of different treatments over time.This review describes the role of 3D stereophotogrammetry in the evaluation of craniosynostosis, including reliability studies, current and potential clinical use cases, and practical challenges. Finally, developments within the research field are analyzed by means of bibliometric networks, depicting prominent research topics, authors, and institutions, to stimulate new ideas and collaborations in the field of craniofacial 3D stereophotogrammetry.We anticipate that utilization of this modality's full potential requires a global effort in terms of collaborations, data sharing, standardization, and harmonization. Such developments can facilitate larger studies and novel deep learning methods that can aid in reaching an objective consensus regarding the most effective treatments for patients with craniosynostosis and other craniofacial anomalies, and to increase our understanding of these complex dysmorphologies and associated phenotypes.
Hospital readmission among people experiencing homelessness in England: a cohort study of 2772 matched homeless and housed inpatients

Background Inpatients experiencing homelessness are often discharged to unstable accommodation or the street, which may increase the risk of readmission. Methods We conducted a cohort study of 2772 homeless patients discharged after an emergency admission at 78 hospitals across England between November 2013 and November 2016. For each individual, we selected a housed patient who lived in a socioeconomically deprived area, matched on age, sex, hospital, and year of discharge. Counts of emergency readmissions, planned readmissions, and Accident and Emergency (A&E) visits post-discharge were derived from national hospital databases, with a median of 2.8 years of follow-up. We estimated the cumulative incidence of readmission over 12 months, and used negative binomial regression to estimate rate ratios. Results After adjusting for health measured at the index admission, homeless patients had 2.49 (95% CI 2.29 to 2.70) times the rate of emergency readmission, 0.60 (95% CI 0.53 to 0.68) times the rate of planned readmission and 2.57 (95% CI 2.41 to 2.73) times the rate of A&E visits compared with housed patients. The 12-month risk of emergency readmission was higher for homeless patients (61%, 95% CI 59% to 64%) than housed patients (33%, 95% CI 30% to 36%); and the risk of planned readmission was lower for homeless patients (17%, 95% CI 14% to 19%) than for housed patients (30%, 95% CI 28% to 32%). While the risk of emergency readmission varied with the reason for admission for housed patients, for example being higher for admissions due to cancers than for those due to accidents, the risk was high across all causes for homeless patients. Conclusions Hospital patients experiencing homelessness have high rates of emergency readmission that are not explained by health. This highlights the need for discharge arrangements that address their health, housing and social care needs.
Developing new scales for assessing parents’ aural and oral rehabilitation skills to interact with children with hearing loss

Abstract Objective Scales for evaluating the teaching and behavioural skills of parents enrolled in aural and oral rehabilitation programs for children with hearing loss are lacking. This study developed and validated scales for assessing parental teaching and behavioural skills of those parents for use in guiding their child to develop language and communication skills. Design Scales were constructed and evaluated using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The performance of parents in teaching and behavioural skills was also explored. Study sample The teaching and behavioural skills of 344 parents (179 for scale development and 165 for validation) were rated by their intervention therapists using parental teaching skill (PTS) and parental behavioural skill (PBS) scales. Results Good reliability and model fit (validity) were observed for both scales, which ultimately included 13 and 10 items, respectively. Maternal educational level was a significant indicator of their performance ratings. Conclusions The PTS and PBS scales were validated and can be used by early intervention professionals to evaluate the relative interaction and behavioural skills of parents of children with hearing loss, and enrolled in listening and spoken language intervention programs.
Family caregivers' perceived level of collaboration with hospital nurses: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract Aim To describe the extent of perceived collaboration between family caregivers of older persons and hospital nurses. Background Collaboration between hospital nurses and family caregivers is of increasing importance in older patient's care. Research lacks a specific focus on family caregiver's collaboration with nurses. Method Using a cross‐sectional design, 302 caregivers of older patients (≥70 years) completed the 20‐item Family Collaboration Scale with the subscales: trust in nursing care, accessible nurse and influence on decisions. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and bivariate correlations. Results Family caregivers rated their level of trust in nurses and nurses' accessibility higher than the level of their influence on decisions. Family caregivers who had more contact with nurses perceived higher levels of influence on decisions (p ≤ .001) and overall collaboration (p ≤ .001). Conclusion Family caregivers' collaboration with nurses can be improved, especially in recognizing and exploiting family caregivers as partner in the care for older hospitalized persons and regarding their level of influence on decisions. Implications for Nursing Management Insight into family caregivers' collaboration with nurses will help nurse managers to jointly develop policy with nurses on how to organise more family caregivers' involvement in the standard care for older persons.
A Density Functional Study of Adsorption Structures of Unsaturated Aldehydes on Pt(111): A Key Factor for Hydrogenation Selectivity

Various adsorption structures of acrolein (propenal), crotonaldehyde (2-butenal), and prenal (3-methyl-2-butenal) on Pt(111) are compared by means of first-principle density functional theory calculations (DFT). Methyl substituents are added one by one at the C1 carbon of the CC–CO frame and the substitution induces a general decrease in the adsorption energy. Over a large range of coverages, acrolein shows its main interaction with the surface with the CC bond, with an eventual additional weak interaction with the oxygen atom. This could clearly result in a predominant hydrogenation of the CC bond, as was seen experimentally. The influence of the substituents is subtle in the case of crotonaldehyde but clear for prenal. In that case, at low coverage a flat adsorption mode by both the CC and the CO bonds is favored. This larger implication of the CO bond in the adsorption is a first explanation for the higher selectivity in unsaturated alcohol during the hydrogenation of prenal compared with acrolein. Additionally, if high coverage is considered, the prenal molecule is too large to keep a flat adsorption mode and it can switch to a vertical geometry, interacting with the surface by the oxygen atom, while acrolein remains bonded by the CC bond. Such a vertical structure prevents CC hydrogenation and could also explain the increased selectivity to unsaturated alcohol.