Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A one-pot strategy for biomimetic synthesis and self-assembly of gold nanoparticles

A simple, one-pot and controllable strategy is reported in this contribution for biomimetic synthesis and self-assembly of gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs). It involves our synthesized polyaldehyde dextran (PAD), which has been proved to be a biomacromolecule with excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, acting as both a reducing agent and a stabilizer. The morphology of the as-prepared Au-NP assemblies can be controlled by adjusting the reaction conditions, such as the concentration of aldehyde in PAD, the reaction time and the temperature. Investigations of the mechanism suggest that stabilizers may distribute on different crystal facets of NPs non-uniformly owing to the different binding forces, and dipole–dipole interaction of NPs could be the main driving force for the assembly of Au-NPs. In addition, intermolecular hydrogen bonding interaction of stabilizers could also act as a possible driving force. The excellent biocompatibility of the Au-NP assemblies makes them promising candidates for fabricating future optical nanodevices and application in biological systems.
Health Literacy, eHealth, and Communication: Putting the Consumer First

Health Literacy, eHealth, and Communication is a summary of a workshop proceedings conducted by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) on health literacy. The document describes key emerging issues and lessons learned on eHealth applications such as electronic health records (EHRs) and personal health records (PHRs), as well as challenges of dealing with health literacy issues among a diverse vulnerable group. It also introduces promising eHealth initiatives that demonstrate great potential to reduce health disparities. This practical and thought-provoking document is a valuable resource for policy makers, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups.
Thermal conductivity of multi-walled carbon nanotube sheets: radiation losses and quenching of phonon modes

The extremely high thermal conductivity of individual carbon nanotubes, predicted theoretically and observed experimentally, has not yet been achieved for large nanotube assemblies. Resistances at tube–tube interconnections and tube–electrode interfaces have been considered the main obstacles for effective electronic and heat transport. Here we show that, even for infinitely long and perfect nanotubes with well-designed tube–electrode interfaces, excessive radial heat radiation from nanotube surfaces and quenching of phonon modes in large bundles are additional processes that substantially reduce thermal transport along nanotubes. Equivalent circuit simulations and an experimental self-heating 3ω technique were used to determine the peculiarities of anisotropic heat flow and thermal conductivity of single MWNTs, bundled MWNTs and aligned, free-standing MWNT sheets. The thermal conductivity of individual MWNTs grown by chemical vapor deposition and normalized to the density of graphite is much lower (κMWNT = 600 ± 100 W m−1 K−1) than theoretically predicted. Coupling within MWNT bundles decreases this thermal conductivity to 150 W m−1 K−1. Further decrease of the effective thermal conductivity in MWNT sheets to 50 W m−1 K−1 comes from tube–tube interconnections and sheet imperfections like dangling fiber ends, loops and misalignment of nanotubes. Optimal structures for enhancing thermal conductivity are discussed.
Bound within the limits: Facing constraints to family caring in nursing homes.

Facing constraints to meaningful caring emerged as a significant aspect of the experience of caring explored in a larger hermeneutic phenomenological study of family practices, before, during and following the admission of an older relative to a nursing home. Hermeneutic analysis of in-depth interview transcripts and observation field notes of 14 family carers' experiences disclosed six shared meanings: (i) being out of control; (ii) not being heard; (iii) experiencing barriers to sharing care with staff; (iv) feeling adrift, excluded and disempowered; (v) wanting to engage in caring partnership; and (vi) living in a constant state of anxiety. Concern is illuminated in the narrative of family carers' experiences of being misunderstood, and attempting to manage constraints imposed by institutional rules and care routines which threaten the quality of existence for themselves and their relatives. This paper challenges nurses to increase their awareness and acknowledgement of the importance of creating a context of care in which family carers may feel empowered to engage in meaningful caring activities and relationships.
Detection of DNA hybridizations using solid-state nanopores

We report an experimental study of using DNA translocation through solid-state nanopores to detect the sequential arrangement of two double-stranded 12-mer hybridization segments on a single-stranded DNA molecule. The sample DNA is a trimer molecule formed by hybridizing three single-stranded oligonucleotides. A polystyrene bead is attached to the end of the trimer DNA, providing a mechanism in slowing down the translocation and suppressing the thermal diffusion, thereby allowing the detection of short features of DNA by standard patch-clamp electronics. The electrical signature of the translocation of a trimer molecule through a nanopore has been identified successfully in the temporal traces of ionic current. The results reported here represent the first successful attempt in using a solid-state nanopore as an ionic scanning device in resolving individual hybridization segments (or ‘probes’) on a DNA molecule.
Effects of microRNA‐370 on mesangial cell proliferation and extracellular matrix accumulation by binding to canopy 1 in a rat model of diabetic nephropathy

As one major diabetic complication, diabetic nephropathy (DN) has been reported to be associated with various kinds of microRNA (miRNA). Thus, we conducted this study to explore the potential of miR‐370 in a rat model of DN through investigation of mesangial cell proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM). A total of 40 healthy adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were enrolled and assigned into normal (n = 10) and DN ( n = 30, DN rat model) groups. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was performed for the targeting relationship between miR‐370 and canopy 1 (CNPY1). Mesangial cells were collected and transfected with prepared mimic, inhibitor or small interfering RNA (siRNA) for analyzing the effect of miR‐370 on DN mice with the help of expression and cell biological processes detection. CNPY1 was confirmed as a target gene of miR‐370. DN mice had increased expression of miR‐370, fibronectin, type I collagen (Col I), type IV collagen (Col IV), and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) but reduced CNPY1 expression. Cells transfected with miR‐370 mimic and siRNA–CNPY1 had increased expression of fibronectin, Col I, Col IV, and PAI‐1 but decreased CNPY1 expression. The miR‐370 mimic and siRNA–CNPY1 groups showed increased cell proliferation, as well as elevated ECM accumulation and declined cell apoptosis rate as compared with the blank and negative control groups, with reverse trends observed in the miR‐370 inhibitor group. Our study concludes that overexpression of miR‐370 promotes mesangial cell proliferation and ECM accumulation by suppressing CNPY1 in a rat model of DN.
Thermal-Assisted Capsular Modification for Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability

Thermal modification of tissues in orthopedics targets type I collagen. Under an appropriate amount of heat stress, intramolecular bonds are broken, leading to an uncoiling of the triple-helix collagen molecule. With careful control of mechanical forces during the postoperative period, a permanent “shrinking” of the tissues can be achieved. Thermal modification of tissues to treat joint instability has been used with promising results in the shoulder. More recently, this technology has been applied to treating patients with chronic lateral ankle instability. Between February 1999 and December 2001, 42 patients were treated with thermal-assisted capsular modification for chronic ankle instability using a bipolar radiofrequency, end-effect thermal control wand. At an average follow-up of 14 months, there was a significant pre- to postoperative difference in the modified AOFAS hindfoot score and the physical component of the SF-12. There has been no revisional surgery. Based on the authors' experience, they think that thermal modification of tissues can be applied to patients who have failed conservative treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability.
Impact of Acute Exacerbations on the Natural History of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The etiology of exacerbations is now better understood, with bacterial pathogens causing a significant proportion of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). An exacerbation is characterized by an increase in 1 or more of the following: dyspnea, sputum volume, or sputum purulence. AECOPD has a major impact on outcomes, as well as carries with it a heavy burden in terms of health care utilization and quality of life.
Absence of an effect of T89 on the steady‐state pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of warfarin in healthy volunteers

This open‐label, multi‐dose, single‐center, sequential, inpatient study evaluated the effects of a two herb combination drug (T89, Danshen plus Sanqi) on the steady‐state pharmacodynamics (PD) and pharmacokinetics (PK) of warfarin in 24 healthy volunteers. Twenty‐three subjects attained a stable international normalized ratio (INR) by taking warfarin alone prior to 1‐week of added‐on use of T89. INR was not increased after the addition of T89 for 7 days (P > .05). The 90% confidence interval (CI) of the geometric mean ratio for maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) and area under curve (AUClast) of both R‐ and S‐warfarin when warfarin was administered with or without T89 was within the 0.80 to 1.25 equivalence ratio. These results indicate that T89 has no effect on the steady‐state PD and PK of warfarin. Warfarin and T89 dose adjustments are not required when these two drugs are co‐administrated in clinical practice.
Effect of Excipients on Acetaminophen Metabolism and Its Implications for Prevention of Liver Injury

Acetaminophen poisoning is the most frequent cause of acute hepatic failure in the US. Toxicity requires reductive metabolism of acetaminophen, primarily via CYP2E1. Liquid acetaminophen preparations contain propylene glycol, a common excipient that has been shown to reduce hepatocellular injury in vitro and in rodents. Children are less susceptible to acetaminophen toxicity for unclear reasons. We conducted a pharmacokinetic single‐blinded crossover study of 15 healthy adult volunteers comparing the CYP2E1 and conjugative metabolism of a 15 mg/kg dose of liquid versus solid preparations of acetaminophen. Measured AUC's for the CYP2E1 metabolites were 16–17% lower and extrapolated AUC's were 25–28% lower in the liquid formulation arm while there was no difference in conjugative metabolite production. The formation rate constants for reductive metabolites were equivalent between solid and liquid formulations indicating that enzyme inhibition was competitive. Propylene glycol, an established CYP2E1 competitive antagonist, was detected in the liquid formulation but not solid formulation arm. Since children tend to ingest liquid preparations, the protective effect of this excipient could explain their decreased susceptibility to acetaminophen toxicity. A less hepatotoxic formulation of acetaminophen could potentially be developed if co‐formulated with a CYP2E1 inhibitor.
Prevention of gastric mucosal injury induced by anti‐platelet drugs by famotidine

Anti‐platelet drug‐induced gastric mucosal injury correlates with intragastric pH. Our aim was to investigate prophylaxis effects of famotidine, one of the representative histamine‐2 receptor antagonists (H2RA), on gastric mucosal injury induced by dual therapy with low‐dose aspirin and clopidogrel in relation to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and CYP2C19 genotypes. This study was conducted for 20 healthy Japanese volunteers (10 H. pylori‐positive and 10‐negative subjects) with 100 mg aspirin plus 75 mg clopidogrel (AC) once‐daily dosing and AC plus 20 mg famotidine twice‐daily dosing (ACH). Mucosal injury was endoscopically assessed on day 3 and 7 and 24‐hour intragastric pH and antiplatelet‐function test was performed on day 7. Median pH in ACH was similar between CYP2C19 extensive metabolizer (EM) and intermediate metabolizer (IM)/poor metabolizer (PM) and was significantly higher in H. pylori‐positive than negative subjects (P < .05). Mucosal injury with ACH significantly decreased in both day 3 and 7 compared with AC, irrespective with H. pylori and CYP2C19 genotypes (P < .05). Although antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel in EM was significantly higher than that in IM/PM, the additional famotidine did not affect the effect. Anti‐platelet drug‐induced gastric injury was alleviated by famotidine without attenuation of anti‐platelet functions irrespective of H. pylori and CYP2C19 genotypes.
Endoscopic Procedure With a Modified Reiki Intervention: A Pilot Study

This pilot study examined the use of Reiki prior to colonoscopy to reduce anxiety and minimize intraprocedure medications compared with usual care. A prospective, nonblinded, partially randomized patient preference design was employed using 21 subjects undergoing colonoscopy for the first time. Symptoms of anxiety and pain were assessed using a Likert-type scale. Between-group differences were assessed using chi-square analyses and analysis of variance. There were no differences between the control (n = 10) and experimental (n = 11) groups on age (mean = 58 years, SD = 8.5) and gender (53% women). The experimental group had higher anxiety (4.5 vs. 2.6, p = .03) and pain (0.8 vs. 0.2, p = .42) scores prior to colonoscopy. The Reiki intervention reduced mean heart rate (−9 beats/minute), systolic blood pressure (−10 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (−4 mmHg), and respirations (−3 breaths/minute). There were no between-group differences on intraprocedure medication use or postprocedure physiologic measures. Although the experimental group patients had more symptoms, they did not require additional pain medication during the procedure, suggesting that (1) anxious people may benefit from an adjunctive therapy; (2) anxiety and pain are decreased by Reiki therapy for patients undergoing colonoscopy, and (3) additional intraprocedure pain medication may not be needed for colonoscopy patients receiving Reiki therapy. This pilot study provided important insights in preparation for a rigorous, randomized, controlled clinical trial.
Concerns, confiding and psychiatric disorder in newly diagnosed cancer patients: A descriptive study

A total of 520 patients were assessed by trained interviewers within 8 weeks of a cancer diagnosis. A semi‐structured interview, the Psychiatric Assessment Schedule, a checklist of concerns and assessment of degree of confiding of concerns in others were used to determine the relationship between concerns, confiding and affective disorder. The most common concerns were the illness itself (65%), inability to do things (36%), the future (31%) and physical symptoms (28%). Concerns about the illness itself, the future, job, finances and personal relationships were distributed evenly across disease groups. Concerns about sexuality, feeling upset or feeling different from other people were related to cancer type. Patients with these concerns or who had four or more concerns had significantly more anxiety or depression. No relationship was found between degree of confiding and psychological morbidity. The nature and number of concerns could be useful markers for those with affective disorders and a focus for psychological and/or psychiatric intervention in the cancer population.
Ocular pharmacology

Ophthalmic diseases include both those analogous to systemic diseases (eg, inflammation, infection, neuronal degeneration) and not analogous (eg, cataract, myopia). Many anterior segment diseases are treated pharmacologically through eye drops, which have an implied therapeutic index of local therapy. Unlike oral dosage forms administered for systemic diseases, eyedrops require patients not only to adhere to treatment, but to be able to accurately perform—ie, instill drops correctly.
Synthesis of one-dimensional TiO2/V2O5 branched heterostructures and their visible light photocatalytic activity towards Rhodamine B

We present the synthesis and visible-light-induced catalytic activity of one-dimensional (1D) TiO2/V2O5 branched heterostructures. The 1D TiO2/V2O5 heterostructures were prepared by RF reactive magnetron sputtering of V2O5 onto electrospun TiO2 nanofibers. Then, the samples were annealed at 300 °C for 2 h in air ambient to form the 1D TiO2/V2O5 branched heterostructures. The photodecomposition rate of Rhodamine B (RhB) by the 1D TiO2/V2O5 branched heterostructures under visible light was much faster than that of pure TiO2 nanofibers, revealing that the visible-light-induced catalytic activity of the 1D TiO2/V2O5 branched heterostructures was greatly improved. The enhancement of the photocatalytic activity of the 1D TiO2/V2O5 branched heterostructures can be ascribed to the coupling with a small bandgap semiconductor material V2O5, where the absorption range is extended, the photogenerated electrons and holes are highly separated and the surface charge carrier transfer rate is promoted.
Hypertension and Vulnerability to Hemorrhagic Shock in a Rat Model

ABSTRACT Trauma mortality may be increased in the presence of preexisting diseases such as chronic hypertension. We hypothesized that systemic and microvascular alterations accompanying chronic hypertension would increase the vulnerability to hemorrhage relative to normotensive controls in a rat model of hemorrhagic shock. We present a novel comparative hemorrhage model of shock vulnerability, quantified by “vulnerability curves” expressing physiological response to hemorrhage as a function of three matched shock metrics: cumulative blood volume, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and oxygen delivery (Do2). Responses were central hemodynamics and respiratory and muscle oxygenation obtained for one hypertensive (spontaneously hypertensive [SHR]) and two normotensive (Sprague-Dawley, Wistar-Kyoto) rat strains. Hemorrhagic shock was induced by incremental (0.5 mL) hemorrhage to cardiovascular collapse in anesthetized and mechanically ventilated animals. Shock vulnerability of SHR rats was primarily pressure-driven; in general, SHR exhibited the expected patterns of more rapid deterioration in MAP and Vo2 over smaller ranges of blood loss and Do2. Sternotomy-related depression of CO and thus Do2 in SHR meant that we could not test hypotheses related to the role of Do2 and contribution to perfusion differences between normotensive and hypertensive subjects. Insensitivity of lactate to strain effects suggests that lactate may be a reliable biomarker of shock status. Unexpected similarities between Wistar-Kyoto and SHR suggest strain-related effects other than those related to hypertension per se contribute to hemorrhage response; body size effects and genetic relationships could not be ruled out. Future studies should incorporate phylogenetically based methods to examine the role of hypertension and physiological response to hemorrhage across multiple strains.
Large-area pattern transfer of metallic nanostructures on glass substrates via interference lithography

In this paper, we report a simple and effective nanofabrication method for the pattern transfer of metallic nanostructures over a large surface area on a glass substrate. Photoresist (PR) nano-patterns, defined by laser interference lithography, are used as template structures where a metal film of controlled thickness is directly deposited and then transferred onto a glass substrate by the sacrificial etching of the PR inter-layer. The laser interference lithography, capable of creating periodic nano-patterns with good control of their dimensions and shapes over a relatively large area, allows the wafer-scale pattern transfer of metallic nanostructures in a very convenient way. By using the approach, we have successfully fabricated on a glass substrate uniform arrays of hole, grating, and pillar patterns of Ti, Al, and Au in varying pattern periodicities (200 nm–1 µm) over a surface area of up to several cm2 with little mechanical crack and delamination. Such robust metallic nanostructures defined well on a transparent glass substrate with large pattern coverage will lead to advanced scientific and engineering applications such as microfluidics and nanophotonics.
Musculoskeletal Involvement in Sarcoidosis

Articular involvement is common in sarcoidosis. T h e incidence of joint disease ranges from 25 to 39% in various series. 1 1 Onset of articular symptoms has occurred as early as the first 4 months and as late as the sixth decade. In one study, joint involvement was the initial presentation of sarcoidosis in 90% of patients. 10 Although joint involvement occurs in association with other manifestations of sarcoidosis, the articular disease may precede other features of sarcoidosis by many years. Sarcoid arthritis is a symmetrical disease frequently affecting the knees, ankles, wrists, and small joints of the hands. T h e diseased joints are usually swollen, warm, tender, and painful. Effusions are common, particularly in patients with the chronic form of the disease. Sarcoid arthritis may be clinically indistinguishable from rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and drug-induced articular syndromes. The joint disease of sarcoidosis may be divided into five major types as follows.
Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy in the Management of Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy has become an important tool in the diagnostic armamentarium of the endocrinologist. It is the safest, most cost-effective means for detecting thyroid cancer. Surgical intervention rates can be lowered by almost 50% by using fine-needle aspiration to identify nodules most likely to be malignant. In addition, the incidence of cancer in excised nodules can approach 50% when surgery is planned with the help of fine needle aspiration biopsy. This short review will examine the utility of fine needle aspiration biopsy in the differential diagnosis of the thyroid nodule, examine its accuracy with the most common neoplasms, and assess its role in the contemporary evaluation of the thyroid gland.