Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen-Sensitive Amorphous Ferroelectric Thin Film Capacitive Devices

Amorphous ferroelectric thin film capacitive gas sensors with a largely improved sensitivity to hydrogen have been developed recently, showing a great promising potential for the next generation hydrogen detection technology. This review presents an overall picture of amorphous ferroelectric thin film hydrogen gas sensors, starting from the hydrogen-damage phenomena of ferroelectric thin films during the forming gas annealing (FGA) process. It stresses on the correlation among processing, microstructural evolution and electric properties of amorphous ferroelectric thin films for fabrication concerns. An attempt is made to detail the hydrogen sensitivity and transient response of various prototype capacitive devices with respect to the instinct of the films and the hydrogen kinetic processes in the Pd/ferroelectric heterostructure. Recent advances on the hydrogen-damage mechanism of ferroelectric thin films and the hydrogen interface-blocking model for amorphous ferroelectric gas sensors are also described.
Influence of intraoral application of antiseptics and fluorides during orthodontic treatment on corrosion and mechanical characteristics of nickel-titanium alloy in orthodontic appliances.

OBJECTIVES To explore whether the commercial agents recommended for controlling dental biofilm formation had a significant effect in vivo on mechanical and corrosion properties of nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloy. MATERIALS AND METHODS NiTi archwires (dimensions 0.508 × 0.508 mm) were collected from 36 orthodontic patients aged 13-42 years after a 3-month intraoral exposure. Three experimental groups were formed: (1) subjects conducting regular oral hygiene, (2) subjects who used fluorides for intensive prophylaxis for the first month, and (3) subjects who used chlorhexidine in the same manner. Corrosion behavior, surface characteristics, stiffness, hardness, and friction were analyzed. RESULTS Exposure to intraoral conditions significantly reduced the stiffness and hardness of the NiTi alloy (P ≤ .015). Fluoride tended to reduce stiffness and hardness more than did saliva or antiseptic, but not significantly. Roughness and friction were not significantly influenced by oral exposure. Intraoral aging predominantly produced general corrosion independent of the adjuvant prophylactic agent, although localized corrosion may also have occurred. CONCLUSIONS Fluorides and the antiseptic chlorhexidine do not increase corrosion more than saliva itself, nor do they further modify the mechanical properties of the NiTi alloy.
Characterization of the Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus Sialotranscriptome Profile in Response to Theileria equi Infection

This study intends to characterize the sialotranscriptome profile of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in response to Theileria equi and identify genes of interest with differential genomic expression, indicating relevant targets in the tick–protozoan interactions. The experimental design consisted of RNA sequencing from uninfected and T. equi-infected R. microplus salivary glands (SGs) to obtain transcriptomic profiles for characterization and comparison. A total of 288,952 transcripts were obtained from both tick profiles, 3456 transcripts (p < 0.05) differentially expressed in response to T. equi infection. The uninfected SGs’ registered 231,179 transcripts, of which 155,359 were annotated. The most transcribed sequences were female-specific histamine binding protein and lipocalins. Regarding the T. equi-infected SGs, from the 238,964 assembled transcripts, 163,564 were annotated. The most transcribed sequences were histone demethylase JARID1 and Y-box-binding protein. Five transcripts (cystatin, arginase, nuclear factor κB kinase inhibitor subunit β (IκB), IκB delta, lysosomal-trafficking regulator, and reeler protein) presented the gene ontology (GO) category “response to protozoan” and were exclusively displayed in the T. equi-infected profile. The transcriptome of T. equi was also analyzed, registering 4728 hits. The study’s genetic and molecular information would be of great value for future studies and biotechnological applications envisaging disease control.
High-k erbium oxide film prepared by sol-gel method for low-voltage thin-film transistor

In this work, high-dielectric-constant (high-k) erbium oxide（Er2O3）film is fabricated using the spin coating method, and annealed at a series of temperatures (from 400 °C to 700 °C). The effect of annealing temperature on the microstructural and electrical properties of Er2O3 nanofilm is investigated. To demonstrate the applicability of the Er2O3 film, the indium oxide (In2O3) thin film transistor (TFT)-based amorphous Er2O3 dielectric film is fabricated at different temperatures. The TFT-based EO-600 shows a low-operating voltage and good electrical properties. The inverter demonstrates that the Er2O3 nanofilm synthesized by the sol-gel method could be a promising candidate as the dielectric layer in a low-voltage electronic device.
Targeting Cancer Stem Cells with Repurposed Drugs to Improve Current Therapies.

BACKGROUND Cancer is a multistep process involving genetic and epigenetic changes in the somatic genome. Genetic mutations as well as environmental factors lead to the initiation, promotion, and progression of cancer. Metastasis allows cancer cells to spread via circulatory and lymphatic systems; secondary tumorigenesis typically leads to a fatal outcome. Recent experimental evidence suggests Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) play a pivotal role in tumor progression. A tumor is heterogeneous and composed of different cell types. CSCs are a subpopulation of tumor cells possessing abilities to self-renew and differentiate. OBJECTIVE To present repurposed drugs, and potential candidates, that can serve as anticancer medications intended to target resistant cancer cells, i.e. CSCs. METHODS Research publications, FDA filings, and patents have been reviewed for repurposed drugs or drug combinations that can act to improve cancer care. RESULTS Drugs that act against CSCs include ones approved for treatment of diabetes (metformin & thiazolidinediones), parasitic diseases (chloroquine, niclosamide, mebendazole & pyrvinium), psychotic disorders (thioridazine, clomipramine & phenothiazines), alcoholism (disulfiram), lipid disorder (statins), inflammatory diseases (tranilast, auranofin, acetaminophen & celecoxib), antibiotics (azithromycin), and other disorders. Current research findings advocate the existence of beneficial effects by combining these repurposed drugs, and also through their complementary use with conventional cancer therapies. CONCLUSION Repurposing FDA-approved medications towards cancer care, by targeting the resistant CSCs, will allow for a quicker, cheaper development and approval process. A larger drug library available to physicians will allow for increased efficacy during both first-line and recurrent cancer treatments.
Structural changes in the extracellular matrix after cross-linking of nasal polyp tissue

SUMMARY Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis is a disease characterised by a mechanical dysfunction that facilitates anomalous growth of the nasal mucosa, due to its unique remodelling process. The development of procedures capable of interfering with this process is thus of the utmost importance. This study deals with the evaluation of the effects of cross-linking upon the nasal polyp tissue extracellular matrix. Six patients undergoing surgery for polypectomy were selected. The riboflavin/UVA collagen cross-linking technique was applied to the surface of epithelialised and de-epithelialised resected polyps of the intervention group. The control group polyps were not submitted to cross-linking procedures. Ultrathin polyp tissue sections (8 μm) were processed for immunofluorescence with mouse anti-type I collagen antibody and AlexaFluor 488 conjugated secondary antibody plus DAPI counterstaining, and analysed by confocal microscopy. The effect of riboflavin/UVA collagen cross-linking was visible on confocal fluorescence microscopy. Quantitative morphology was associated with fluorescence imaging analysis, and pixel density and brightness were evaluated. The surface of treated polyps exhibited a higher density of collagen fibres compared to control polyps, as could be observed both visually and through objective measurements of the fluorescent regions. The effect was enhanced on the surface of the de-epithelialised polyps. The higher density of collagen fibres exhibited by the de-epithelialised treated polyps demonstrates the feasibility of this technique in interfering with the remodelling process and the mechanical dysfunction found in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis.
The role of computed tomography scan in the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia

Purpose of review To summarize current literature evidence on the role of computed tomography (CT) scan in the diagnosis and assessment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. Recent findings Recent guidelines on the use of CT scans in COVID-19 vary between countries. However, the consensus is that it should not be used as the first line; a notion supported by the WHO. Currently, several investigations are being used including reverse transcription PCR testing, chest radiographs, and ultrasound scans, and CT scans. They are ideally performed later during the disease process as the sensitivity and specificity are highest by that time. Typical COVID-19 features on CT scans vary but include vascular enlargement, ground-glass opacities, and ground glass opacification together with consolidation. Summary Since COVID-19 was declared as a global pandemic, there was a push towards identifying appropriate diagnostic tests that are both reliable and effective. There is a general agreement that CT scans have a high sensitivity but low specificity in diagnosing COVID-19. However, the quality of available studies is not optimal, so this must always be interpreted with the clinical context in mind. Clinicians must aim to weigh up the practicalities and drawbacks of CT scans when considering their use for a patient. The ease and speed of use of CT scans must be balanced with their high radiation doses, and infection control considerations.
Phenotypic Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Escherichia coli from Raw Meats, Ready-to-Eat Meats, and Their Related Samples in One Health Context

Meat is an important food source that can provide a significant amount of protein for human development. The occurrence of bacteria that are resistant to antimicrobials in meat poses a public health risk. This study evaluated the occurrence and antimicrobial resistance of E. coli (Escherichia coli) isolated from raw meats, ready-to-eat (RTE) meats and their related samples in Ghana. E. coli was isolated using the USA-FDA Bacteriological Analytical Manual and phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed by the disk diffusion method. Of the 200 examined meats and their related samples, 38% were positive for E. coli. Notably, E. coli was highest in raw beef (80%) and lowest in RTE pork (0%). The 45 E. coli isolates were resistant ≥ 50% to amoxicillin, trimethoprim and tetracycline. They were susceptible to azithromycin (87.1%), chloramphenicol (81.3%), imipenem (74.8%), gentamicin (72.0%) and ciprofloxacin (69.5%). A relatively high intermediate resistance of 33.0% was observed for ceftriaxone. E. coli from raw meats, RTE meats, hands of meat sellers and working tools showed some differences and similarities in their phenotypic antimicrobial resistance patterns. Half (51.1%) of the E. coli isolates exhibited multidrug resistance. The E. coli isolates showed twenty-two different resistant patterns, with a multiple antibiotic resistance index of 0.0 to 0.7. The resistant pattern amoxicillin (A, n = 6 isolates) and amoxicillin-trimethoprim (A-TM, n = 6 isolates) were the most common. This study documents that raw meats, RTE meats and their related samples in Ghana are potential sources of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli and pose a risk for the transfer of resistant bacteria to the food chain, environment and humans.
Effects of Mind–Body Exercise on Brain Structure and Function: A Systematic Review on MRI Studies

Mind–body exercise has been proposed to confer both physical and mental health benefits. However, there is no clear consensus on the neural mechanisms underlying the improvements in health. Herein, we conducted a systematic review to reveal which brain region or network is regulated by mind–body exercise. PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were systematically searched to identify cross-sectional and intervention studies using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to explore the effect of mind–body exercise on brain structure and function, from their inception to June 2020. The risk of bias for cross-sectional studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist, whereas that of interventional studies was analyzed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Our analysis revealed that mind–body exercise modulated brain structure, brain neural activity, and functional connectivity, mainly in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus/medial temporal lobe, lateral temporal lobe, insula, and the cingulate cortex, as well as the cognitive control and default mode networks, which might underlie the beneficial effects of such exercises on health. However, due to the heterogeneity of included studies, more randomized controlled trials with rigorous designs, similar measured outcomes, and whole-brain analyses are warranted.
Optimum grape pomace proportion in feedlot cattle diets: Ruminal fermentation, total-tract nutrient digestibility, nitrogen utilization, and blood metabolites.

Because of its high content of polyphenolic compounds, dietary inclusion of grape pomace (GP) in ruminant diets can reduce reactive nitrogen (N) and methane emissions and enhance the shelf life and beneficial fatty acids content of meat. However, dietary inclusion of GP beyond a threshold that is still to be determined for feedlot cattle, can also compromise nutrient supply and, thus, growth performance. This study investigated the optimum proportion of GP in finishing cattle diets. Nutrient intake and apparent total tract digestion, ruminal pH and fermentation, estimated microbial protein synthesis, route of N excretion, and blood metabolites were measured. Six ruminally-fistulated crossbred beef heifers (mean initial BW ± SD, 714 ± 50.7 kg) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square with 21-d periods. Dietary treatments were 0, 15, and 30% of dietary dry matter (DM) as GP, with diets containing 84, 69, and 54% dry-rolled barley grain, respectively. There was a linear increase (P = 0.07) in DM intake and quadratic change (P ≤ 0.01) in neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake. There was a quadratic change (P ≤ 0.04) in apparent total-tract DM, NDF, and crude protein digestibility as dietary GP content increased. However, there were no treatment effects (P ≥ 0.18) on total ruminal short-chain fatty acid concentration and duration and area pH < 6.2, 5.8, and 5.5. Although N intake did not differ (269, 262, 253 g/d; P = 0.33) across dietary treatments, feeding GP led to a tendency for a quadratic change (P ≤ 0.07) in ruminal ammonia-N and plasma urea-N concentrations. Total N excretion also changed (quadratic, P = 0.03) because of changes (quadratic, P = 0.02) in fecal N excretion as urinary excretion of N and urea-N did not differ (P ≥ 0.15) across treatments. Feeding GP led to quadratic changes (P ≤ 0.01) in fecal excretion of fiber-bound N. Microbial N flow and apparent N retention also changed (quadratic, P ≤ 0.04) as dietary GP proportion increased. In conclusion, responses to dietary GP proportion were mostly quadratic with indications that nutrient supply as reflected by changes in apparent total tract nutrient digestibility, microbial N supply, and apparent N retention could be compromised beyond a 15% dietary inclusion level.
A XAFS study on the mechanism of isotopic fractionation of molybdenum during its adsorption on ferromanganese oxides

Due to its potential as a paleoredox proxy, there have been many studies on Mo isotopic fractionation during adsorption onto ferromanganese oxides in seawater. However, the mechanisms of both adsorption and isotopic fractionation are still under debate due to the lack of structural information on the adsorbed species. In this study, XAFS analyses were performed to reveal the mechanism, based on structural information at the molecular level, of Mo isotopic fractionation during adsorption onto ferromanganese oxides. Molybdenum L3-edge XANES and K-edge EXAFS revealed that Mo species adsorbed on the surface of ferrihydrite was a tetrahedrally coordinated outer-sphere complex, while that on δ-MnO2 was an octahedrally coordinated inner-sphere complex. Additionally, it was also revealed that δ-MnO2 was the dominant host phase of Mo in the hydrogenetic ferromanganese nodules from the comparison of their XAFS spectra. Previous studies reported that lighter isotopes of Mo were preferentially incorporated into ferromanganese oxides from seawater. This fractionation can be explained based on the structural difference between tetrahedral MoO42- (=a major species in seawater) and the octahedral species adsorbed on the Mn oxide phase in ferromanganese nodules. In contrast, little change in Mo local structures during its adsorption onto ferrihydrite also suggested the little or no fractionation of Mo isotopes in the presence of Fe hydroxides without Mn oxides. These facts imply that the Mo isotopic composition in ancient marine sediments can distinguish redox boundaries of Fe2+/Fe(OH)3 and of the more oxic Mn2+/MnO2.
T-box transcription factor TBX1, targeted by microRNA-6727-5p, inhibits cell growth and enhances cisplatin chemosensitivity of cervical cancer cells through AKT and MAPK pathways

ABSTRACT Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common cancers among women worldwide. T-box transcription factor 1 (TBX1), a member of the T-box family, has anti-tumor effects in some types of cancer, but its role in CC is yet unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the functions and underlying mechanisms of TBX1 in CC. Online database UALCAN showed that TBX1 was down-regulated in CC tissues compared with normal tissues and patients with lower TBX1 expression level had a poor prognosis. TBX1 overexpression significantly decreased the proliferation, migration, and invasion of Hela and SiHa cells. Conversely, cell apoptosis and chemosensitivity to cisplatin were promoted in TBX1-overexpressing CC cells. Moreover, up-regulation of TBX1 inhibited both AKT and MAPK signaling pathways. Furthermore, dual luciferase report assay indicated that TBX1 could directly bind to miR-6727-5p. In addition, TBX1 expression was inhibited by miR-6727-5p mimic and up-regulated by miR-6727-5p inhibitor. Knockdown of TBX1 reversed the inhibitory effect of the miR-6727-5p inhibitor on CC cells. This study demonstrates that TBX1, a target gene of miR-6727-5p, acts as a tumor suppressor in CC, indicating that TBX1 may be a new target for CC therapy. ABSTRACT
Reference intervals for transthoracic echocardiography in the American Staffordshire Terrier

This study reports the echocardiographic reference intervals in the American Staffordshire Terrier (AST). The echocardiographic variables obtained in 57 healthy adult AST were compared with published data from the general canine population and other breeds. In the AST, the left ventricular volumes were lower than values reported in Boxers and Dobermans (P<0.0001), but higher than in small breeds (P<0.0001). The left ventricular ejection fraction was higher than Boxers and Dobermans (P<0.0001), but lower than small breed dogs (P=0.027). The aortic peak velocity values were similar to Boxers (P=0.55) but higher than the general canine population (P<0.0001). The reference intervals presented in this study are clinically useful for an accurate echocardiographic interpretation and screening in the AST.
Response of field-grown barley cultivars grown on zinc-deficient soil to zinc application

Field experiments were carried out to study the response of barley varieties (Hordeum vulgare L. cvs. Tokak-157/137, Erginel-90, Obruk-86, Bülbül-89, Cumhuriyet-50, and Kiral-97) to increasing applications of zinc (Zn) (Control, 9, 18, and 27 kg Zn ha− 1) in Zn-deficient calcareous soils (DTPA-Zn = 0.26 mg kg− 1 soil). Relative increases in grain yield as a result of Zn applications over control ranged from 16% to 29% in the 1994–95 and 1995–96 growing seasons, respectively. However, all Zn doses were placed in the same yield group. In the control plants, Zn concentrations of the leaves and grains were 10.55 mg kg− 1 and 9.95 mg kg− 1, respectively, as the mean of all varieties. These Zn concentrations were below the critical Zn concentration which was reported as 10–15 mg kg− 1. Zinc concentrations of the leaves and grains were increased by Zn fertilization and relative increases were 185% (30.05 mg kg− 1) and 122% (20.00 mg kg− 1), respectively. In spite of variety x zinc, interaction was not significant, “Erginel-90” “Kiral-97” and “Cumhuriyet-50” varieties showed the highest grain yield increases by Zn application over the control. Thus, these varieties were determined as more susceptible varieties to Zn deficiency. Also, the yield components showed marked increases as a result of Zn application. Relative increases in plant height, grain number per spike, spike number per square meter with Zn application over the control were 28%, 31%, and 35% in 1994–95 and 20%, 22%, and 18% in 1995–96, respectively. The results showed that Zn deficiency is a critical nutritional problem limiting barley production in the Konya Province of Central Anatolia. The results also showed that Zn concentrations in leaves and grains were below the critical Zn concentration, and significant increases in grain yield, Zn concentration of leaves and grains and some yield components as a result of Zn application were found.
Cultivated and wild grapevines in Tennessee possess overlapping but distinct virus populations.

Viruses and viroids prevalent in a population of 42 wild grapevines (i.e., free-living, uncultivated grapevines; Vitis spp.) were compared to those in a population of 85 cultivated grapevines collected in Tennessee, USA by RNA-seq analysis of pools of ribosomal RNA-depleted total RNA. The sequences of 10 viruses (grapevine fleck virus, grapevine leafroll-associated virus 2, grapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated virus, grapevine Syrah virus 1, grapevine vein-clearing virus, grapevine virus B, grapevine virus E, tobacco ringspot virus, tomato ringspot virus and a novel nano-like virus) and two viroids (hop stunt viroid and grapevine yellow speckle viroid 1) were detected in both grapevine populations. Sequences of four viruses (grapevine associated tymo-like virus, grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3, grapevine red blotch virus and grapevine virus H) were identified only from cultivated grapevines. High, moderate and low numbers of sequence reads were identified only from wild grapevines for a novel caulimovirus, an enamovirus, and alfalfa mosaic virus, respectively. The presence of most virus sequences and both viroids was verified independently in the original samples by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction followed by Sanger sequencing. Comparison of viral sequences shared by both populations showed that cultivated and wild grapevines harbored distinct sequence variants, which suggests that there was limited virus movement between the two populations. Collectively, this study represents the first unbiased survey of viruses and viroids in both cultivated and wild grapevines within a defined geographic region.