Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A kinetic analysis of catalytic production of oxygen in catalase-containing liposome dispersions for controlled transfer of oxygen in a bioreactor

BACKGROUND Biochemical oxidation reactions require oxygen to be supplied by dispersed bubbles. Drawbacks of the gas–liquid system are enzyme denaturation and low oxygen utilization efficiency. Therefore, oxygen production through the decomposition of H2O2 is useful for controlled oxygen transfer in bioreactors. RESULTS Catalase-containing liposomes (CALs) were prepared in 50 mmol L-1 Tris/0.1 mol L-1 NaCl buffer (pH 7.4) and the kinetic model was developed for the oxygen production by CAL-catalyzed decomposition of 1.0 mmol L-1 H2O2. Applying the model to the observed time course of oxygen produced gave overall resistance in the reaction based on the pseudo-steady-state assumption inside liposomes for H2O2 and oxygen. The reaction resistance was estimated with the liposomal catalase concentration et,in and the kinetic parameters of free enzyme reaction. At et,in = 0.59 µmol L-1, the CAL reaction proceeded under reaction control, while at et,in = 5.05 µmol L-1, the H2O2 transfer resistance was involved. For the latter case, the permeability coefficient PP of H2O2 through the liposome membrane was determined as 1.06 × 10-6 m s-1 at 25°C. The model predicted the H2O2 concentration inside liposomes with different et,in values. Furthermore, the oxygen concentration in the CAL dispersions was reasonably simulated. The oxygen production rate could be altered based on temperature (10–55°C) and the fractional volume of CALs. CONCLUSION The CAL-catalyzed oxygen production was controlled based on the et,in and PP values, which determine the relative importance of the reaction and H2O2 transfer resistances. The CAL would be applied to oxidation reactions instead of gas–liquid systems. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Variable Connectivity Methods for the Atomistic Monte Carlo Simulation of Inhomogeneous and/or Anisotropic Polymer Systems of Precisely Defined Chain Length Distribution: Tuning the Spectrum of Chain Relative Chemical Potentials

Application of variable connectivity Monte Carlo (MC) methods to the simulation of atomistically detailed polymer melts leads to deviations from monodispersity. To control the chain length distribution, a spectrum μ* of chain relative chemical potentials needs to be applied. The spectrum μ* that produces the most common limiting molecular weight (MW) distributions has been obtained in the past only for polymers in the bulk, for which μ* is solely determined by combinatorial considerations. In this work, the methodology is extended to more complex systems, such as inhomogeneous and/or anisotropic polymer melts, by presenting a novel numerical scheme for deriving the relationship between μ* and desired chain length distribution, where the energetics of the system is also taken into account. We illustrate the new approach in the case of polymer melts grafted on a solid substrate (both for single and bulk chains), for which the relationship between μ* and actual chain length distribution proposed so far in th.
Pre-optimized phage therapy on secondary Acinetobacter baumannii infection in four critical COVID-19 patients

ABSTRACT Phage therapy is recognized as a promising alternative to antibiotics in treating pulmonary bacterial infections, however, its use has not been reported for treating secondary bacterial infections during virus pandemics such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We enrolled 4 patients hospitalized with critical COVID-19 and pulmonary carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) infections to compassionate phage therapy (at 2 successive doses of 109 plaque-forming unit phages). All patients in our COVID-19-specific intensive care unit (ICU) with CRAB positive in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid or sputum samples were eligible for study inclusion if antibiotic treatment failed to eradicate their CRAB infections. While phage susceptibility testing revealed an identical profile of CRAB strains from these patients, treatment with a pre-optimized 2-phage cocktail was associated with reduced CRAB burdens. Our results suggest the potential of phages on rapid responses to secondary CRAB outbreak in COVID-19 patients.
The Effect of Pyrimidine Bases on the Hole-Transfer Coupling in DNA†

Electron hole migration along the π-stack of DNA is mediated by the electronic coupling between the purines (guanine, adenine) of adjacent Watson-Crick pairs (WCPs). We have investigated the effect of the complementary pyrimidines (cytosine, thymine) on this coupling using the two-state model of electron transfer where, at the Hartree-Fock level, the hole-transfer coupling can be described by the energy splitting of the HOMO and HOMO-1 molecular orbitals of WCP dimers. Using the constrained space orbital variation method, we considered the effects of exchange, polarization, and electrostatic interactions (including hydrogen bonds of a WCP) of pyrimidines on the purine-purine electronic couplings. We also performed a detailed analysis of HOMO and HOMO-1 of the duplexes. We conclude that the effect of pyrimidines on the electronic coupling of neighboring purines cannot be described via perturbation theory nor simply reduced to an electrostatic polarization of the purines. However, the combination of exchange (frozen core) and electrostatic effects reproduces the coupling matrix elements between adjacent WCPs rather well. Analysis of the spatial overlap between orbital fragments of HOMO and HOMO-1 suggests that hydrogen bonds between complementary bases play a crucial role in the electronic coupling of neighboring WCPs.
Exploratory comparison of Healthcare costs and benefits of the UK’s Covid-19 response with four European countries

Abstract Background In responding to Covid-19, governments have tried to balance protecting health while minimizing gross domestic product (GDP) losses. We compare health-related net benefit (HRNB) and GDP losses associated with government responses of the UK, Ireland, Germany, Spain and Sweden from UK healthcare payer perspective. Methods We compared observed cases, hospitalizations and deaths under ‘mitigation’ to modelled events under ‘no mitigation’ to 20 July 2020. We thus calculated healthcare costs, quality adjusted life years (QALYs), and HRNB at £20,000/QALY saved by each country. On per population (i.e. per capita) basis, we compared HRNB with forecast reductions in 2020 GDP growth (overall or compared with Sweden as minimal mitigation country) and qualitatively and quantitatively described government responses. Results The UK saved 3.17 (0.32–3.65) million QALYs, £33 (8–38) billion healthcare costs and £1416 (220–1637) HRNB per capita at £20,000/QALY. Per capita, this is comparable to £1455 GDP loss using Sweden as comparator and offsets 46.1 (7.1–53.2)% of total £3075 GDP loss. Germany, Spain, and Sweden had greater HRNB per capita. These also offset a greater percentage of total GDP losses per capita. Ireland fared worst on both measures. Countries with more mask wearing, testing, and population susceptibility had better outcomes. Highest stringency responses did not appear to have best outcomes. Conclusions Our exploratory analysis indicates the benefit of government Covid-19 responses may outweigh their economic costs. The extent that HRNB offset economic losses appears to relate to population characteristics, testing levels, and mask wearing, rather than response stringency.
Growth and bioaccumulation characteristics of watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. BR.) exposed to cadmium, cobalt and chromium

Abstract The aim of this study is to determine the effects of Cd, Co and Cr on the growth of watercress (Nasturtium officinale) and to determine the bioaccumulation properties of these heavy metals by the plant. N. officinale individuals were exposed to different concentrations of Cd, Co and Cr for 72 h. Relative growth rates (RGR) and bioconcentration factor (BCF) ratios were calculated for each metal concentration. RGR values of plants exposed to Co slightly increased in lower concentrations, but then decreased again. In contrast, RGR values of plants exposed to Cd and Cr decreased linearly. Significant positive relationships were observed among the concentrations of Cd, Co and Cr in N. officinale and in the culture solution. BCF ratios were highest for plants exposed to Co, and lowest for plants exposed to Cr. The most efficient uptake of Cd, Co and Cr occurred at the external solution concentrations at 0.5, 0.5 and 10 mM, respectively.
Growth of a delta‐doped silicon layer by molecular beam epitaxy on a charge‐coupled device for reflection‐limited ultraviolet quantum efficiency

We have used low‐temperature silicon molecular beam epitaxy to grow a δ‐doped silicon layer on a fully processed charge‐coupled device (CCD). The measured quantum efficiency of the δ‐doped backside‐thinned EG&G Reticon CCD is in agreement with the reflection limit for light incident on the back surface in the spectral range of 260–600 nm. The 2.5 nm silicon layer, grown at 450 °C, contained a boron δ‐layer with surface density ∼2×1014 cm−2. Passivation of the surface was done by steam oxidation of a nominally undoped 1.5 nm Si cap layer. The UV quantum efficiency was found to be uniform and stable with respect to thermal cycling and illumination conditions.
Inter-brain amplitude correlation differentiates cooperation from competition in a motion-sensing sports game

Abstract Cooperation and competition are two basic modes of human interaction. Their underlying neural mechanisms, especially from an interpersonal perspective, have not been fully explored. Using the electroencephalograph-based hyperscanning technique, the present study investigated the neural correlates of both cooperation and competition within the same ecological paradigm using a classic motion-sensing tennis game. Both the inter-brain coupling (the inter-brain amplitude correlation and inter-brain phase-locking) and the intra-brain spectral power were analyzed. Only the inter-brain amplitude correlation showed a significant difference between cooperation and competition, with different spatial patterns at theta, alpha and beta frequency bands. Further inspection revealed distinct inter-brain coupling patterns for cooperation and competition; cooperation elicited positive inter-brain amplitude correlation at the delta and theta bands in extensive brain regions, while competition was associated with negative occipital inter-brain amplitude correlation at the alpha and beta bands. These findings add to our knowledge of the neural mechanisms of cooperation and competition and suggest the significance of adopting an inter-brain perspective in exploring the neural underpinnings of social interaction in ecological contexts.
Nisin resistance in Gram-positive bacteria and approaches to circumvent resistance for successful therapeutic use

Abstract Antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens is one of the most worrying problems in health systems today. To solve this problem, bacteriocins from lactic acid bacteria, especially nisin, have been proposed as an alternative for controlling multidrug-resistant bacteria. Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides that have activity mainly against Gram-positive strains. Nisin is one of the most studied bacteriocins and is already approved for use in food preservation. Nisin is still not approved for human clinical use, but many in vitro studies have shown its therapeutic effectiveness, especially for the control of antibiotic-resistant strains. Results from in vitro studies show the emergence of nisin-resistant bacteria after exposure to nisin. Considering that nisin has shown promising results for clinical use, studies to elucidate nisin-resistant mechanisms and the development of approaches to circumvent nisin-resistance are important. Thus, the objectives of this review are to identify the Gram-positive bacterial strains that have shown resistance to nisin, describe their resistance mechanisms and propose ways to overcome the development of nisin-resistance for its successful clinical application.
VEGFA165 gene therapy ameliorates blood-labyrinth barrier breakdown and hearing loss

Millions of people are affected by hearing loss. Hearing loss is frequently caused by noise or aging and often associated with loss of pericytes. Pericytes populate the small vessels in the adult cochlea. However, their role in different types of hearing loss is largely unknown. Using an inducible and conditional pericyte depletion mouse model and noise-exposed mouse model, we show that loss of pericytes leads to marked changes in vascular structure, in turn leading to vascular degeneration and hearing loss. In vitro, using advanced tissue explants from pericyte fluorescence reporter models combined with exogenous donor pericytes, we show that pericytes, signaled by VEGF isoform A165 (VEGFA165), vigorously drive new vessel growth in both adult and neonatal mouse inner ear tissue. In vivo, the delivery of an adeno-associated virus serotype 1–mediated (AAV1–mediated) VEGFA165 viral vector to pericyte-depleted or noise-exposed animals prevented and regenerated lost pericytes, improved blood supply, and attenuated hearing loss. These studies provide the first clear-cut evidence that pericytes are critical for vascular regeneration, vascular stability, and hearing in adults. The restoration of vascular function in the damaged cochlea, including in noise-exposed animals, suggests that VEGFA165 gene therapy could be a new strategy for ameliorating vascular associated hearing disorders.
Assessment methods in sexual rehabilitation after stroke: a scoping review for rehabilitation professionals

Abstract Purpose The aim was to identify and describe the assessment methods used by rehabilitation professionals to evaluate sexuality for individuals post-stroke, as well as the domains of sexuality addressed. Methods Seven databases were selected for this scoping review. Articles needed to meet these inclusion criteria: published studies with a sample of ≥ 50% stroke clients and describing a quantitative or qualitative assessment method that could be used by rehabilitation professionals. This study was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines and domains of sexuality were categorized using the ICF core set for stroke. Results Of the 2447 articles reviewed, the 96 that met the selection criteria identified a total of 116 assessment methods classified as standardized assessment tools (n = 62), original questionnaires (n = 28), semi-structured interviews (n = 16) or structured interviews (n = 10). Sexual functions were predominantly assessed using standardized tools, while intimate relationships and partner’s perspective were generally addressed more by original questionnaires and qualitative methods. A stepwise approach combining relevant assessment methods is presented. Conclusions Individually, these diverse assessment methods addressed a limited scope of relevant domains. Future research should combine quantitative and qualitative methods to encompass most domains of sexuality of concern to post-stroke individuals. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Most of the studies reviewed here used quantitative methods to assess sexuality, rather than qualitative methods, and mostly used standardized assessment tools. Few assessment methods covered all domains related to sexuality. Qualitative methods and standardized assessment tools were shown to be complementary, therefore emphasizing the added value of mixed methods in assessing sexuality after a stroke. Among the methods that were reviewed, certain would be more suitable for the identification of the need to address sexuality (e.g., Life Satisfaction Checklist-11) and others to assess more thoroughly sexuality (e.g., Change in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ-14)).
Pneumocystis jirovecii among patients with cystic fibrosis and their household members

Abstract We conducted a pilot study of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) to assess intra-family transmission of P. jirovecii and compare it with data on other prevalent pathogens such as P. aeruginosa and S. pneumoniae, in which respiratory transmission has already been documented. Oral swab samples from 10 patients with CF and 15 household members were collected at baseline and 2 weeks later. P. aeruginosa and S. pneumoniae were assessed using standardized culture methods and PCR, and P. jirovecii was assessed using real and nested PCR, genotyping the positive samples by direct sequencing. P. aeruginosa cultures were positive for 7/10 (70%) of patients with CF at baseline and was identified by PCR in 8/10 (80%) of cases at baseline and 2 weeks later. S. pneumoniae cultures were negative for all patients, but the microorganism was identified by PCR in two cases. P. jirovecii was detected by real time and nested PCR in 5/10 (50%) of the patients at the two time points. In the household members, P. aeruginosa and P. jirovecii were identified in 7/15 (46.7%), and S. pneumoniae was identified in 8/15 (53,3%). The concordance of positive or negative pairs of patients with CF and their household members was 33.3% (5/15) for P. aeruginosa, 46.7% (7/15) for S. pneumonia and 93.3% (14/15) for P. jirovecii. The concordance for P. jirovecii genotypes among five pairs with available genotype was 100%. This study suggests for the first time the possible transmission of Pneumocystis in the home of patients with CF, indicating that patients and their household members are reservoirs and possible sources of infection. Lay Summary This study suggests for the first time the possible transmission of Pneumocystis in the family environment of patients with cystic fibrosis, indicating that patients and their household members are reservoirs and possible sources of this infection.
Photochemical Dissolution of Goethite in Acid/Oxalate Solution

During photochemical dissolution of goethite in acid/oxalate solution, Fe3+, Fe2+, and CO2 were released and towards the end of the reaction ferrous oxalate precipitated. The dissolution process involved an initial slow stage followed by a much faster reaction. The slow stage was eliminated by addition of 20 ppm Fe2+ to the system at the start of the reaction. The presence of this Fe2+ did not accelerate the secondary dissolution process. Both protons and oxalate ions appear to have been involved in the dissolution process. Dissolution was accelerated by an increase in oxalate concentration (from 0.0025 to 0.025 M) in the system and also depended on pH, reaching a maximum rate at pH 2.6. Highly substituted (15.9 mole % Al) goethite dissolved more slowly per unit area than unsubstituted goethite. Lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH) dissolved faster than goethite. The first stage of the dissolution process probably proceeded by slow release of Fe3+ through complexation with oxalate adsorbed on the goethite surface. The faster, secondary step appears to have been a reductive dissolution reaction involving adsorbed ferrous oxalate.
Lamina‐specific properties of spinal astrocytes

Astrocytes are indispensable for proper neuronal functioning. Given the diverse needs of neuronal circuits and the variety of tasks astrocytes perform, the perceived homogeneous nature of astrocytes has been questioned. In the spinal dorsal horn, complex neuronal circuitries regulate the integration of sensory information of different modalities. The dorsal horn is organized in a distinct laminar manner based on termination patterns of high‐ and low‐threshold afferent fibers and neuronal properties. Neurons in laminae I (L1) and II (L2) integrate potentially painful, nociceptive information, whereas neurons in lamina III (L3) and deeper laminae integrate innocuous, tactile information from the periphery. Sensory information is also integrated by an uncharacterized network of astrocytes. How these lamina‐specific characteristics of neuronal circuits of the dorsal horn are of functional importance for properties of astrocytes is currently unknown. We addressed if astrocytes in L1, L2, and L3 of the upper dorsal horn of mice are differentially equipped for the needs of neuronal circuits that process sensory information of different modalities. We found that astrocytes in L1 and L2 were characterized by a higher density, higher expression of GFAP, Cx43, and GLAST and a faster coupling speed than astrocytes located in L3. L1 astrocytes were more responsive to Kir4.1 blockade and had higher levels of AQP4 compared to L3 astrocytes. In contrast, basic membrane properties, network formation, and somatic intracellular calcium signaling were similar in L1–L3 astrocytes. Our data indicate that the properties of spinal astrocytes are fine‐tuned for the integration of nociceptive versus tactile information.
Current understanding and therapeutic management of contact lens associated sterile corneal infiltrates and microbial keratitis

ABSTRACT Contact lenses are widely prescribed in clinical practice with multiple applications and advantages. However, contact lenses can be associated with various complications which range from innocuous to severe. Clinicians thus not only need to possess the ability to prescribe the most appropriate contact lenses for each individual patient but also be able to recognise and manage any associated complications. This review examines the existing literature on the management of corneal infiltrative events associated with soft contact lenses, including microbial keratitis, particularly in the context of practising in Australia. The definitions and diagnosis of corneal infiltrative events, as well as the current understanding of their aetiologies, will be explored. The various aspects of a successful management will be discussed, including the applications of therapeutic agents such as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents, the role of microbiological investigations, and strategies to improve long-term prognosis. The currently available evidence supporting management options will be presented, highlighting the relative abundance of high-level evidence on management protocols, antimicrobial selection and treatment duration for microbial keratitis; and the relative paucity of studies and trials for sterile corneal infiltrative events, despite this condition being much more commonly encountered in clinical practice.
Long-term results of MyoRing implantation in patients with keratoconus

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance: This study was conducted to evaluate five-year outcomes of MyoRing implantation in patients with keratoconus. The results showed that MyoRing implantation is a minimally invasive procedure and is safe and effective for improving visual acuity and refraction in most patients with keratoconus. Background: The long-term effects of MyoRing implantation on corneal features were studied. Methods: A total of 48 keratoconic eyes of 43 consecutive patients who had undergone MyoRing implantation using the Pocket Maker microkeratome (Dioptex, gmbh, Linz, Austria) and who had completed five years of follow‑ups were included in this retrospective study. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), refraction and keratometry (K) readings were measured and assessed pre-operation, and five years post-operatively. As well, post-operation satisfaction was assessed using a validated questionnaire. Results: Five years post-operatively, there was a significant improvement in UDVA, CDVA, K readings, spherical equivalent (SE), and manifest sphere and cylinder (p < 0.001). Mean UDVA was 1.20 logMAR before the surgery and 0.42 after the surgery (p < 0.001). Mean CDVA was 0.63 logMAR before the surgery and 0.20 logMAR after the surgery (p < 0.001). SE was improved from −6.53 dioptres (D) before the surgery to −2.23 D after the surgery (p < 0.001). Moreover, the results show that the mean K was reduced by 2.82 D after the surgery (p = 0.001). Overall, 81% of patients were moderately to highly satisfied five years after surgery. Conclusion: MyoRing implantation was found to be a minimally invasive procedure, and is safe and effective for improving visual acuity and refraction in most patients with keratoconus.