Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
α-Bisabolol-Loaded Cross-Linked Zein Nanofibrous 3D-Scaffolds For Accelerating Wound Healing And Tissue Regeneration In Rats

Objectives Novel α-bisabolol (BIS)-loaded citric acid cross-linked zein nanofibrous scaffolds (C-ZNFs) were proposed to serve as safe platforms for promoting wound repair in rats. Methods ZNFs were synthesized using electrospinning technique, then NFs, with adequate water resistance, were produced using citric acid as a safe cross-linker. Results Compared to the uncross-linked ZNFs, cross-linking with 7% w/w citric acid decreased swelling index by 3 folds, while the tensile strength and the contact angle were enhanced to 2.5 and 3.8 folds, respectively. SEM images showed beads-free homogeneous NFs with a fully inter-connected 3D-network, where the average diameter of optimized C-ZNFs was 181.7±50 nm. After 24 h, C-ZNFs exhibited a decreased BIS release rate (45.6%), compared to uncross-linked mats (84.9%). By increasing BIS concentration, the cell adhesion (WI38 fibroblasts) was improved which can be attributed mainly to BIS activation of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β1). The MTT-OD obtained values indicated that all tested zein scaffolds significantly enhanced the viability of WI38 fibroblasts, compared to the control after 48h of incubation which can be referred to the proliferative potential of zein by provoking cell spreading process. The scratch wound assay demonstrated that BIS-loaded ZNF scaffolds showed accelerated migration and proliferation of fibroblasts expressed by significantly higher wound closure rates compared to the control sample. BIS-loaded-C-ZNFs prominently accelerated tissue regeneration for wound closure demonstrated by entirely grown epithelium with normal keratinization and rapid wound contraction, compared to the control. Immunohistochemical results confirmed the superiority of BIS-loaded-C-ZNFs, where the observed reduced NF-κB and the elevated cytokeratin expressions confirmed the anti-inflammatory and proliferative effects of the scaffolds, respectively. Conclusion In-vitro, optimized C-ZNFs offered a satisfactory cytocompatibility, adhesion and healing which were consistent with the in-vivo results. BIS-loaded-C-ZNFs could be regarded as a promising and effective biomaterial for tissue regeneration and for accelerating the wound healing process.
Component airbag: a novel approach to develop dependable component-based applications

The increasing use of "commercial off-the-shelf"(COTS) components in safety critical scenarios, arises new issues related to the "dependable" use of third-party software in such contexts. The characteristics of these components, designed for a generic use, are such to make unpredictable the effects of their use whenever they are integrated in the entire system. The author's Ph.D project aim at proposing an approach to improve dependability of COTS based application, which consists of the following phases: i) each component is stimulated by proper workloads in order to learn the failure behavior; ii) from failure behaviors, the component failure model is defined; and iii) once the failure model is known for each component, the "component airbag" is thus created, i.e. a container able of exploiting the failure model in order to monitor and prevent the component from failing. An existent literature analysis, regarding the more used dependability assessment and improvement strategies, is also presented.
Three-Dimensional Shapes and Cell Deformability of Rat Red Blood Cells during and after Asphyxial Cardiac Arrest

Changes in microcirculation are believed to perform an important role after cardiac arrest. In particular, rheological changes in red blood cells (RBCs) have been observed during and after ischemic-reperfusion injury. Employing three-dimensional laser interferometric microscopy, we investigated three-dimensional shapes and deformability of RBCs during and after asphyxial cardiac arrest in rats at the individual cell level. Rat cardiac arrest was induced by asphyxia. Five rats were maintained for 7 min of no-flow time, and then, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was started. Blood samples were obtained before cardiac arrest, during CPR, and 60 min after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Quantitative phase imaging (QPI) techniques based on laser interferometry were used to measure the three-dimensional refractive index (RI) tomograms of the RBC, from which structural and biochemical properties were retrieved. Dynamic membrane fluctuations in the cell membrane were also quantitatively and sensitively measured in order to investigate cell deformability. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean cell volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and red blood cell distribution width remained unchanged during CPR and after ROSC compared with those before cardiac arrest. QPI results revealed that RBC membrane fluctuations, sphericity, and surface area did not change significantly during CPR or after ROSC compared with initial values. In conclusion, no three-dimensional shapes and cell deformability changes in RBCs were detected.
Regulation of Neural Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation by Graphene-Based Biomaterials

The transplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs) has become an emerging treatment for neural degeneration. A key factor in such treatments is to manipulate NSC behaviors such as proliferation and differentiation, resulting in the eventual regulation of NSC fate. Novel bionanomaterials have shown usefulness in guiding the proliferation and differentiation of NSCs due to the materials' unique morphological and topological properties. Among the nanomaterials, graphene has drawn increasing attention for neural regeneration applications based on the material's excellent physicochemical properties, surface modifications, and biocompatibility. In this review, we summarize recent works on the use of graphene-based biomaterials for regulating NSC behaviors and the potential use of these materials in clinical treatment. We also discuss the limitations of graphene-based nanomaterials for use in clinical practice. Finally, we provide some future prospects for graphene-based biomaterial applications in neural regeneration.
Effect of exercise on the cerebral circulation and metabolism

Cerebral hemodynamics and metabolism were studied in 13 normal patients and 14 hypertensive patients at rest and during vigorous physical exercise. Cerebral blood flow was determined by the nitrous oxide method. The cerebral vascular resistance in normal and hypertensive patients remained remarkably constant during exercise despite a marked reduction in total peripheral resistance. Cerebral blood flow was relatively unaffected by the marked increase in cardiac output and the cerebral metabolism did not share in the increased total body metabolism. During vigorous physical exercise the brain behaved as a steady-state organ. cerebral resistance; cerebral blood flow; cerebral oxygen consumption; exercise Submitted on February 4, 1965
HVDC Circuit Breakers–A Review

HVDC circuit breakers are of increasing importance, as multi-terminal high voltage DC (HVDC) transmission becomes a commercial reality. Multiple HVDC breaker technologies have been developed, and are starting to appear as proof-of-concept installations on real networks. Information about them is however distributed widely in the literature. This article describes the underlying challenges, the leading candidate solutions, and discusses the requirements and construction of the component sub-assemblies. Its goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the field.
Effects of Botulinum Toxin on Migraine Attack Features in Chronic Migraine: A Six-Month Open-Label Observation Study through Electronic Diary Smartphone Application

OnobotulintoxinA (OBT-A) is a treatment option for Chronic Migraine (CM). It works on central sensitization and pain but its mode of action is still unknown. To observe how OBT-A treatment works on single migraine attacks, this paper covers an over-6-month observation period through self-reported smartphone application data. This was an observational, open-label cohort study conducted on 34 CM patients under OBT-A treatment, selected between December 2016 and December 2017, who agreed to download a smartphone headache diary application (Aid Diary) according to the study instructions. The analysis was conducted using the smartphone application data reports on allodynia, intensity and extension of pain, and vegetative symptoms. We analysed a total of 707 records of single migraine attacks reported by compliant users (n = 34) in real-time. OBT-A significantly reduced allodynia, the number of vegetative symptoms, pain extension and intensity in single migraine attacks. Pain intensity was correlated with pain extension. In single migraine attacks, OBT-A improved symptoms of central sensitization. This action could be exerted by modulating nociceptive transmission and reducing the burden of single migraine episodes and improving the overall quality of life.
The 18 O-signal transfer from water vapour to leaf water and assimilates varies among plant species and growth forms.

The 18 O-signature of atmospheric water vapour (δ18 OV ) is known to be transferred via leaf water to assimilates. It remains, however, unclear how the 18 O-signal transfer differs among plant species and growth forms. We performed a 9 h greenhouse fog experiment (relative humidity ≥ 98%) with 18 O-depleted water vapour (-106.7‰) on 140 plant species of 8 different growth forms during daytime. We quantified the 18 O-signal transfer by calculating the mean residence time of O in leaf water (MRTLW ) and sugars (MRTSugars ) and related it to leaf traits and physiological drivers. MRTLW increased with leaf succulence and thickness, varying between 1.4 and 10.8 h. MRTSugars was shorter in C3 and C4 plants than in CAM plants and highly variable among species and growth forms; MRTSugars was shortest for grasses and aquatic plants, intermediate for broadleaf trees, shrubs and herbs, and longest for conifers, epiphytes and succulents. Sucrose was more sensitive to δ18 OV variations than other assimilates. Our comprehensive study shows that plant species and growth forms vary strongly in their sensitivity to δ18 OV variations, which is important for the interpretation of δ18 O values in plant organic material and compounds and thus for the reconstruction of climatic conditions and plant functional responses.
A Single Synonymous Variant (c.354G>A [p.P118P]) in ADAMTS13 Confers Enhanced Specific Activity

Synonymous variants within coding regions may influence protein expression and function. We have previously reported increased protein expression levels ex vivo (~120% in comparison to wild-type) from a synonymous polymorphism variant, c.354G>A [p.P118P], of the ADAMTS13 gene, encoding a plasma protease responsible for von Willebrand Factor (VWF) degradation. In the current study, we investigated the potential mechanism(s) behind the increased protein expression levels from this variant and its effect on ADAMTS13 physico-chemical properties. Cell-free assays showed enhanced translation of the c.354G>A variant and the analysis of codon usage characteristics suggested that introduction of the frequently used codon/codon pair(s) may have been potentially responsible for this effect. Limited proteolysis, however, showed no substantial influence of altered translation on protein conformation. Analysis of post-translational modifications also showed no notable differences but identified three previously unreported glycosylation markers. Despite these similarities, p.P118P variant unexpectedly showed higher specific activity. Structural analysis using modeled interactions indicated that subtle conformational changes arising from altered translation kinetics could affect interactions between an exosite of ADAMTS13 and VWF resulting in altered specific activity. This report highlights how a single synonymous nucleotide variation can impact cellular expression and specific activity in the absence of measurable impact on protein structure.
A Controlled Trial in Community Pediatrics to Empower Parents Who Are at Risk for Parenting Stress: The Supportive Parenting Intervention

The goal of the Supportive Parenting Intervention is to prevent and/or decrease parenting stress and provide a sense of empowerment to parents with a newborn child. We evaluated the effectiveness of the Supportive Parenting Intervention in terms of parenting skills, social support, self-sufficiency, resilience, and child psychosocial health. A controlled trial with pre- and post-intervention testing was conducted in the setting of community pediatrics among parents at risk for developing parenting stress. The 177 parents in the control group received care-as-usual, whereas the 124 parents in the intervention group received six home visits by a trained Youth Health Care nurse during the first 18 months of the child’s life. The result with respect to parenting skills, social support (both from family and friends, and the partner), self-sufficiency, and resilience at the 18-month follow-up was either unchanged or (p < 0.05) worse compared to the respective baseline score for both groups. We found no significant difference between intervention and control group with respect to the child’s Child Behavior Check List (CBCL). This study shows no positive effect with respect to the indicators of parental empowerment. We recommend research to strengthen the intervention and its application in daily practice, for example by increasing the intervention duration, and to evaluate it in a large randomized controlled trial.
The Joint Role of Thyroid Function and Iodine Status on Risk of Preterm Birth and Small for Gestational Age: A Population-Based Nested Case-Control Study of Finnish Women

Normal maternal thyroid function during pregnancy is essential for fetal development and depends upon an adequate supply of iodine. Little is known about how iodine status is associated with preterm birth and small for gestational age (SGA) in mildly iodine insufficient populations. Our objective was to evaluate associations of early pregnancy serum iodine, thyroglobulin (Tg), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) with odds of preterm birth and SGA in a prospective, population-based, nested case-control study from all births in Finland (2012–2013). Cases of preterm birth (n = 208) and SGA (n = 209) were randomly chosen from among all singleton births. Controls were randomly chosen from among singleton births that were not preterm (n = 242) or SGA (n = 241) infants during the same time period. Women provided blood samples at 10–14 weeks’ gestation for serum iodide, Tg and TSH measurement. We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for preterm birth and SGA. Each log-unit increase in serum iodide was associated with higher odds of preterm birth (adjusted OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.02–1.40), but was not associated with SGA (adjusted OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.86–1.18). Tg was not associated with preterm birth (OR per 1 log-unit increase = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.73–1.05), but was inversely associated with SGA (OR per log-unit increase = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.65–0.94). Neither high nor low TSH (versus normal) were associated with either outcome. These findings suggest that among Finnish women, iodine status is not related to SGA, but higher serum iodide may be positively associated with preterm birth.
Anomalous arteries at the base of the brain - a case report

Anomalies of the branches of internal carotid artery can lead to serious clinical conditions like stroke. We report here an anomalous pattern of the cerebral arteries. The left internal carotid artery was smaller than the right and it continued as middle cerebral artery instead of dividing into anterior and middle cerebral arteries. It also failed to give the posterior communicating artery. The right internal carotid artery was almost double the size compared to the left internal carotid artery. It gave rise to a common trunk which divided into right and left anterior cerebral arteries. The knowledge of these anomalous arteries may be useful for neurosurgeons, radiologists and clinicians in general.
Establishment of the experimental procedure for prediction of conjugation capacity in mutant UGT1A1

UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) is an enzyme that is found in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and can reportedly have a large number of amino acid substitutions that result in the reduction of glucuronidation capacity. For example, adverse drug reactions when patients receive CPT-11 (irinotecan) such as in cancer chemotherapy are caused by amino acid substitutions in UGT1A1. We previously found that the extent of the docking when the hydroxyl residue of bilirubin was oriented toward UDP-glucuronic acid correlated with in vitro conjugation capacity. In this study, we analyzed the conformation of mutant UGT1A1s by means of structural optimization with water and lipid bilayers instead of the optimization in vacuo that we used in our previous study. We then derived a mathematical model that can predict the conjugation capacities of mutant UGT1A1s by using results of substrate docking in silico and results of in vitro analysis of glucuronidation of acetaminophen and 17β-estradiol by UGT1A1s. This experimental procedure showed that the in silico conjugation capacities of other mutant UGT1A1s with bilirubin or SN-38 were similar to reported in vitro conjugation capacities. Our results suggest that this experimental procedure described herein can correctly predict the conjugation capacities of mutant UGT1A1s and any substrate.
Affective and Substance Abuse Disorders Following Abortion by Pregnancy Intention in the United States: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

Background and Objectives: Psychological outcomes following termination of wanted pregnancies have not previously been studied. Does excluding such abortions affect estimates of psychological distress following abortion? To address this question this study examines long-term psychological outcomes by pregnancy intention (wanted or unwanted) following induced abortion relative to childbirth in the United States. Materials and Methods: Panel data on a nationally-representative cohort of 3935 ever-pregnant women assessed at mean age of 15, 22, and 28 years were examined from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). Relative risk (RR) and incident rate ratios (IRR) for time-dynamic mental health outcomes, conditioned by pregnancy intention and abortion exposure, were estimated from population-averaged longitudinal logistic and Poisson regression models, with extensive adjustment for sociodemographic differences, pregnancy and mental health history, and other confounding factors. Outcomes were assessed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Version 4, American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV) diagnostic criteria or another validated index for suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety (affective problems); drug abuse, opioid abuse, alcohol abuse, and cannabis abuse (substance abuse problems); and summary total disorders. Results: Women who terminated one or more wanted pregnancies experienced a 43% higher risk of affective problems (RR 1.69, 95% CI 1.3–2.2) relative to childbirth, compared to women terminating only unwanted pregnancies (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.0–1.4). Risks of depression (RR 2.22, 95% CI 1.3–3.8) and suicidality (RR 3.44 95% CI 1.5–7.7) were especially elevated with wanted pregnancy abortion. Relative risk of substance abuse disorders with any abortion was high, at about 2.0, but unaffected by pregnancy intention. Excluding wanted pregnancies artifactually reduced estimates of affective disorders by 72% from unity, substance abuse disorders by 11% from unity, and total disorders by 21% from unity. Conclusions: Excluding wanted pregnancies moderately understates overall risk and strongly understates affective risk of mental health difficulties for women following abortion. Compared to corresponding births, abortions of wanted pregnancies are associated with a greater risk of negative psychological affect, particularly depression and suicide ideation, but not greater risk of substance abuse, than are abortions of unwanted pregnancies. Clinical, research, and policy implications are discussed briefly.
Conservation and Management of Salmon in the Age of Genomics.

Salmon were among the first nonmodel species for which systematic population genetic studies of natural populations were conducted, often to support management and conservation. The genomics revolution has improved our understanding of the evolutionary ecology of salmon in two major ways: (a) Large increases in the numbers of genetic markers (from dozens to 104-106) provide greater power for traditional analyses, such as the delineation of population structure, hybridization, and population assignment, and (b) qualitatively new insights that were not possible with traditional genetic methods can be achieved by leveraging detailed information about the structure and function of the genome. Studies of the first type have been more common to date, largely because it has taken time for the necessary tools to be developed to fully understand the complex salmon genome. We expect that the next decade will witness many new studies that take full advantage of salmonid genomic resources. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, Volume 8 is February 15, 2020. Please see http://www.annualreviews. org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Cumulative evidence for the relationship between body mass index and the risk of esophageal cancer: An updated meta‐analysis with evidence from 25 observational studies

A large number of papers reporting the relationships between body mass index (BMI) and esophageal cancer (EC) risk have been published in the past few decades; however, these results are inconsistent. Therefore, we carried out meta‐analyses to explore the relationships between BMI and the risk of EC (including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma [ESCC] and esophageal adenocarcinoma [EADC]).
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha regulates the expression of the immune response mediators in the porcine endometrium during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy

Cytokines are immune response mediators that play an important role in the regulation of reproductive functions. An association between cytokines and peroxisome proliferator receptors (PPARs) has been reported in various tissues, including the endometrium. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of PPARα ligands on the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) and cytokines (interleukin [IL]‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, and LIF) in the porcine endometrium in different reproductive stages.