Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Vitamin D Status on Vascular Function of the Aorta in a Rat Model of PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with elevated cardiovascular risk. Early vascular dysfunction may lead to the development of cardiovascular disease in PCOS. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a common comorbidity of PCOS that contributes to the pathogenesis of the disease and its complications. Both PCOS and VDD are accompanied by increased oxidative stress that may be involved in the arising vascular dysfunction. We aimed to investigate the role of vitamin D status on aortic function. PCOS was induced by an 8-week-long transdermal testosterone treatment of female rats, and low and adequate vitamin D status was achieved by dietary means. Contraction and relaxation abilities of isolated aortic segments were measured by myograph. Resorcin-fuchsin staining and immunohistochemical labeling of 3-nitrotyrosine were performed. No difference was shown in the norepinephrine-induced contraction of the aortas of different groups, whereas we detected reduced acetylcholine- and insulin-evoked relaxation in VDD groups. A lower level of resorcin-fuchsin staining and elevated 3-nitrotyrosine immunostaining was observed in VDD. In our study, we demonstrated early endothelial dysfunction in VDD PCOS rat model. Vitamin D supplementation could prevent vascular disturbances, while VDD itself damaged endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation and induced nitrative stress.
Knockdown of lncRNA TTTY15 alleviates ischemia/reperfusion-induced inflammation and apoptosis of PC12 cells by targeting miR-766-5p

The pathogenesis of ischemic stroke is extremely complex and has a significant impact on the quality of life of the patients. Accumulating studies have reported that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may be associated with the progression of ischemic stroke. However, the role and underlying mechanism of action of the lncRNA testis-specific transcript Y-linked 15 (TTTY15) in ischemic stroke remains unknown. The present study analyzed the expression levels of TTTY15 in PC12 cells injured by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R). The effects of the knockdown of TTTY15 expression on the levels of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-18 and IL-10, cell apoptosis and the expression levels of the apoptosis-associated proteins Bcl-2, Bax, cleaved caspase-3, caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9 and caspase-9, were subsequently analyzed in OGD/R-treated PC12 cells using ELISA, flow cytometry and western blotting, respectively. In addition, the downstream target gene of TTTY15 was verified using a dual luciferase reporter assay. The effects of TTTY15 on the inflammation and apoptosis of PC12 cells treated with OGD/R were determined by targeting miR-766-5p. The results of the present study revealed that TTTY15 expression was upregulated in OGD/R-treated PC12 cells. The knockdown of TTTY15 significantly decreased the concentrations of the proinflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-18, while it increased the concentration of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in OGD/R-treated PC12 cells. Apoptosis was also suppressed following gene silencing of TTTY15. Subsequently, miR-766-5p was identified as a target gene of TTTY15 using a dual luciferase reporter assay and the expression levels of TTTY15 and miR-766-5p were found to be negatively correlated. The overexpression of miR-766-5p alleviated the stimulatory effect of TTTY15 overexpression on the inflammation and apoptosis of PC12 cells treated with OGD/R. Therefore, the present study revealed that TTTY15 knockdown improved the OGD/R-induced injury of PC12 cells by upregulating miR-766-5p expression.
Highly Efficient Removal of Organic Dyes from Waste Water Using Hierarchical NiO Spheres with High Surface Area

A facile solvothermal method has been developed for large-scale preparation of uniform spheres of a nickel–ethylene glycol complex (Ni-EG complex) with a hierarchical nanostructure. The dispersibility and hierarchical structure of the Ni-EG particles can be tuned by varying the concentration of additives added. On the basis of experimental observations, a plausible mechanism has been proposed to understand the formation process of the Ni-EG complex spheres. Calcining these as-prepared Ni-EG complex spheres at 300 °C in air results in uniform porous NiO spheres with a high specific surface area of 222 m2 g–1. When served as the adsorbent for Congo red in water, the colloidal suspension of the as-prepared NiO hierarchical spheres exhibits a high adsorption capacity for the dye removal, suggesting their potential use in water treatment.
Virtual Reality for Vestibular Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Vertigo is a debilitating symptom, leading to increased healthcare utilization and lost patient productivity. Vestibular rehabilitation is used to manage the symptomatic manifestations of vestibular disease. However, vestibular rehabilitation is limited by accessibility and time commitment. Recently, virtual reality has been described as a vestibular rehabilitation tool that may circumvent these barriers to treatment. Despite this, the efficacy of virtual reality for vestibular rehabilitation remains unclear. This study aims to review and summarize the current literature on the effectiveness of virtual reality-based vestibular rehabilitation. Methods: A systematic review of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Alternative and Complementary Medicine databases was conducted for prospective studies describing virtual reality-based vestibular rehabilitation. Results: Our search identified 382 unique articles. Six randomized controlled trials and four other studies were ultimately included. Study sample sizes ranged from 13 to 70 participants and varied in diagnoses from any unilateral peripheral vertigo to specific pathologies. Different virtual reality interventions were used. Comparator groups ranged from supervised vestibular rehabilitation to independent Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises. Outcomes consisted of validated questionnaires, objective clinical tests, and measurements of balance or reflexes. Conclusion: The studies reviewed in this study are preliminary evidence to suggest the benefit of virtual reality-based vestibular rehabilitation. However, these studies are limited by their inclusion criteria, heterogeneity, comparator design, and evidence-based clinical outcomes. Further research should address these limitations.
Optimization of Medium Composition for Biomass Production of Lactobacillus plantarum 200655 Using Response Surface Methodology

This study aimed to optimize medium composition and culture conditions for enhancing the biomass of Lactobacillus plantarum 200655 using statistical methods. The one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) method was used to screen the six carbon sources (glucose, sucrose, maltose, fructose, lactose, and galactose) and six nitrogen sources (peptone, tryptone, soytone, yeast extract, beef extract, and malt extract). Based on the OFAT results, six factors were selected for the Plackett- Burman design (PBD) to evaluate whether the variables had significant effects on the biomass. Maltose, yeast extract, and soytone were assessed as critical factors and therefore applied to response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal medium composition by RSM was composed of 31.29 g/l maltose, 30.27 g/l yeast extract, 39.43 g/l soytone, 5 g/l sodium acetate, 2 g/l K2HPO4, 1 g/l Tween 80, 0.1 g/l MgSO4·7H2O, and 0.05 g/l MnSO4·H2O, and the maximum biomass was predicted to be 3.951 g/l. Under the optimized medium, the biomass of L. plantarum 200655 was 3.845 g/l, which was similar to the predicted value and 1.58-fold higher than that of the unoptimized medium (2.429 g/l). Furthermore, the biomass increased to 4.505 g/l under optimized cultivation conditions. For lab-scale bioreactor validation, batch fermentation was conducted with a 5-L bioreactor containing 3.5 L of optimized medium. As a result, the highest yield of biomass (5.866 g/l) was obtained after 18 h of incubation at 30°C, pH 6.5, and 200 rpm. In conclusion, mass production by L. plantarum 200655 could be enhanced to obtain higher yields than that in MRS medium
Use of Predictive Modeling to Tailor Molecular Testing Utilization for Thyroid Nodules

Objective Various risk stratification systems for cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules are available. However, malignancy risk assessment data, such as ultrasound features, are not always used when the decision is to order molecular testing or not. Our aim was to investigate the utility of molecular testing after incorporating an algorithm with ultrasound-based risk of malignancy (ROM) estimation. Study Design Diagnostic/prognostic study. Setting Single-institution urban tertiary care center. Methods We performed a single-institution retrospective chart review of all thyroid nodules that had undergone molecular testing. A web-based Malignancy Risk Estimation System for Thyroid Nodules was utilized with ultrasound findings to stratify malignancy risk according to the Korean Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS), French TI-RADS, American Association of Clinical Endocrinology guideline, and American Thyroid Association guideline. A novel algorithm for utilizing molecular testing at our institution was developed with the Korean TI-RADS and with recommendations from the American Thyroid Association and National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Results The Korean TI-RADS performed best in our population (area under the curve = 0.83). A positive molecular test result had a positive association with a higher ROM according to all 4 models (P < .05). Use of our algorithm prior to molecular testing would have prevented 38% of benign/low-ROM negative nodules (n = 28) from being tested. Conclusion In patients with indeterminate thyroid nodules, an algorithm built on pre- and posttest probability to guide molecular testing might reduce unnecessary testing of benign and low-risk nodules.
Estrogenic Activities of 517 Chemicals by Yeast Two-Hybrid Assay

One of the urgent tasks in understanding endocrine disruptors (EDs) is to compile a list of suspected substances among the huge number of chemicals by using the screening test method. We developed a simple and rapid screening method using the yeast two-hybrid system based on the ligand-dependent interaction of nuclear hormone receptors with coactivators. To date, we have tested the estrogenic activity of more than 500 chemicals including natural substances, medicines, pesticides, and industrial chemicals. 64 compounds were evaluated as positive, and most of these demonstrated a common structure; phenol with a hydrophobic moiety at the para-position without bulky groups at the ortho-position. These results are expected to facilitate further risk assessment of chemicals.
Antimicrobial Resistance Hidden within Multiserovar Salmonella Populations

Salmonella enterica can exist in food animals as multiserovar populations, and different serovars can harbor diverse antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles. Conventional Salmonella isolation assesses AMR only in the most abundant members of a multiserovar population, which typically reflects their relative abundance in the initial sample. ABSTRACT Salmonella enterica can exist in food animals as multiserovar populations, and different serovars can harbor diverse antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles. Conventional Salmonella isolation assesses AMR only in the most abundant members of a multiserovar population, which typically reflects their relative abundance in the initial sample. Therefore, AMR in underlying serovars is an undetected reservoir that can readily be expanded upon antimicrobial use. CRISPR-SeroSeq profiling demonstrated that 60% of cattle fecal samples harbored multiple serovars, including low levels of Salmonella serovar Reading in 11% of samples, which were not found by culture-based Salmonella isolation. An in vitro challenge revealed that Salmonella serovar Reading was tetracycline resistant, while more abundant serovars were susceptible. This study highlights the importance of AMR surveillance in multiserovar populations.
Critical review on PFOA, kidney cancer, and testicular cancer

ABSTRACT The carcinogenicity of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has been reviewed previously by several different regulatory agencies and researchers, with contradictory conclusions–especially regarding epidemiological findings on kidney cancer and testicular cancer. In addition, previous dose-response assessments have focused primarily on evidence from animal studies. This critical review summarizes peer reviewed epidemiological studies on PFOA and cancers of the kidneys and testes, using modified Hill’s criteria to assess the evidence for causation. We converted exposures to a common scale based on serum PFOA concentrations and applied meta-analysis to estimate the average increase in cancer risk reported by the studies with sufficient information to estimate serum PFOA. Using random effects meta-analysis, we found that the average relative increase in cancer risk per 10 ng/mL increase in serum PFOA for these studies is 16% (95% CI: 3%, 30%) for kidney cancer and 3% (95% CI: 2%, 4%) for testicular cancer. These associations are most likely causal, but results are limited by the small number of studies for testicular cancer, the overlapping study populations for several studies, and the lack of measured or modeled serum PFOA concentrations for several studies. Implications: Our review meta-analysis indicates an average increase in cancer risk per 10 ng/mL increase in serum PFOA for kidney and testicular cancers. These associations are most likely causal, but results are limited by the small number of studies for testicular cancer, the overlapping study populations for several studies, and the lack of measured or modeled serum PFOA concentrations for several studies. The weight of evidence could be even stronger with the addition of future studies conducted in large cohorts.
Ophthalmic Presentation and Outcomes for Malignant Sinonasal Tumors

Purpose: To evaluate the ophthalmic clinical features and functional outcomes for patients with malignant sinonasal tumors who initially presented with orbital symptoms. Patients and Methods: Retrospective chart review for patients seen at Moorfields Eye Hospital between 1997 and 2020. Patient demographics and clinical features, radiology, histology, and treatment outcomes were reviewed. Results: Forty patients (22 females; 55%) with sinonasal cancers first presented to an ophthalmologist at an average age of 53.9 years (median 56; range 8–92 years), with their having had first symptoms at 53.6 years (median 55.8; range 7.8–91.9 years). The commonest symptoms were persistent periorbital ache (19/40; 48%), periocular swelling (18; 45%), proptosis (16; 40%), and diplopia (15; 38%). All midface tumors affected only 1 orbit, and 13 of 40 (33%) eyes presented with an acuity of 20/60 or worse—5 having no perception of light—and 10 eyes (25%) had a relative afferent pupillary defect. An average of 4.5 mm relative exophthalmos was present (median 4 mm; range 0–9 mm), and a palpable mass in 19 of 40 (48%) orbits. Reduced eye movements and nonaxial displacement were recorded in 29 (73%) and 34 (85%) patients, respectively, and 9 (23%) had an abnormal optic disc or fundus. Bone erosion affected 95% of orbits, and almost a half had involvement of the neighboring extraocular muscles, orbital apex, or intracranially. The commonest tumor groups were sinonasal carcinomas (45%), sarcomas (28%), or lymphomas (11%). Of 37 globe-sparing treatments, 25 (68%) had persistence of previously impaired ophthalmic functions and 6 of 37 (16%) developed new impairment; only 6 of 37 (16%) of affected orbits retained normal function, and 6 patients lost all vision on the affected side. Conclusions: Sinonasal malignancies that present with orbital invasion are probably at the more aggressive end of the cancer spectrum, might be expected to carry a worse prognosis, and usually arise from the ethmoid or maxillary sinuses. In our series, carcinomas and sarcomas were the commonest malignancies, with similar 5-year overall survivals (of just over 50%), and over three-quarters of patients developed permanent impairment of orbital function and/or visual loss. Ethmoid and/or maxillary carcinomas and sarcomas are the commonest sinonasal malignancies to present with ophthalmic symptoms and impairment of orbital function. Most patients had permanent ophthalmic impairment after treatment of the underlying malignancy.
Near IR Sensitization of Organic Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells: Towards Optimization of the Spectral Response of Organic Solar Cells

The spectroscopic response of a poly(3‐hexylthiophene)/[6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT/PCBM)‐based bulk heterojunction solar cell is extended into the near infrared region (NIR) of the spectrum by adding the low bandgap polymer poly[2,6‐(4,4‐bis‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐4H‐cyclopenta[2,1‐b;3,4‐b´]‐dithiophene)‐alt‐4,7‐(2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole)] [PCPDTBT] to the blend. The dominant mechanism behind the enhanced photosensitivity of the ternary blend is found to be a two‐step process: first, an ultrafast and efficient photoinduced charge transfer generates positive charges on P3HT and PCPDTBT and a negative charge on PCBM. In a second step, the positive charge on PCPDTBT is transferred to P3HT. Thus, P3HT serves two purposes. On the one hand it is involved in the generation of charge carriers by the photoinduced electron transfer to PCBM, and, on the other hand, it forms the charge transport matrix for the positive carriers transferred from PCPDTBT. Other mechanisms, such as energy transfer or photoinduced charge transfer directly between the two polymers, are found to be absent or negligible.
Ibuprofen-loaded biocompatible latex membrane for drug release: Characterization and molecular modeling

The incorporation of drugs and bioactive compounds in the natural rubber latex (NRL) matrix has been an alternative for the development of transdermal release membranes. Ibuprofen (IBF) is known to be used to treat inflammatory diseases, but when administered orally, high concentrations can cause some adverse problems. In this work, the incorporation of IBF in the NRL membranes was evaluated by physical-chemical, in vitro permeation, hemocompatibility and molecular modeling assays. In addition, the in vitro release profile of IBF in acid and basic media was analyzed during 96 h. The IBF-NRL membrane exhibited the absence of intermolecular bonding that could hinder drug release and presented compatible mechanical properties for applications as a cutaneous adhesive (0.58 and 1.12 MPa to Young’s modulus and rupture tension, respectively). The IBF-NRL system did not present a significant hemolysis degree (1.67%) within 24 h. The release test indicated that in the first hours of the study, 48.5% IBF was released at basic pH and 22.5% at acidic pH, which is characteristic of a burst effect. Then, a stable release profile was observed until the end of the assay, with total IBF release of 60% in alkaline medium and 50% in acidic medium. The drug permeation results indicated that the IBF-NRL membranes can be used for the local skin treatment with permeation of 3.11% of IBF. Dynamic Molecular simulations indicated a pronounced electric dipole in the ionized form of IBF, which suggests a more effective interaction with water, explaining the efficient drug release in alkaline solutions. In general, the results demonstrate that the IBF-NRL membrane has great potential for a new adhesive that can be used for the treatment of inflammatory processes and injuries.
Deep genetic affinity between coastal Pacific and Amazonian natives evidenced by Australasian ancestry

Different models have been proposed to elucidate the origins of the founding populations of America, along with the number of migratory waves and routes used by these first explorers. Settlements, both along the Pacific coast and on land, have been evidenced in genetic and archeological studies. However, the number of migratory waves and the origin of immigrants are still controversial topics. Here, we show the Australasian genetic signal is present in the Pacific coast region, indicating a more widespread signal distribution within South America and implicating an ancient contact between Pacific and Amazonian dwellers. We demonstrate that the Australasian population contribution was introduced in South America through the Pacific coastal route before the formation of the Amazonian branch, likely in the ancient coastal Pacific/Amazonian population. In addition, we detected a significant amount of interpopulation and intrapopulation variation in this genetic signal in South America. This study elucidates the genetic relationships of different ancestral components in the initial settlement of South America and proposes that the migratory route used by migrants who carried the Australasian ancestry led to the absence of this signal in the populations of Central and North America.
Simulating Fluid–Solid Equilibrium with the Gibbs Ensemble

The Gibbs ensemble is employed to simulate fluid–solid equilibrium for a shifted-force Lennard-Jones system. This is achieved by generating an accurate canonical Helmholtz free-energy model of the (defect-free) solid phase. This free-energy model is easily generated, with accuracy limited only by finite-size effects, by a single isothermal–isobaric simulation at a pressure not too far from coexistence for which the chemical potential is known. We choose to illustrate this method at the known triple-point because the chemical potential is easily calculated from the coexisting gas. Alternatively, our methods can be used to locate fluid–solid coexistence and the triple-point of pure systems if the chemical potential of the solid phase can be efficiently calculated at a pressure not too far from the actual coexistence pressure. Efficient calculation of the chemical potential of solids would also enable the Gibbs ensemble simulation of bulk solid–solid equilibrium and the grand-canonical ensemble simulation of bulk solids.
Relationship between depression, community integration and life satisfaction following mild traumatic brain injury

ABSTRACT Purpose: Compared to studies on moderate and severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), less literature exists concerning the consequences of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) on community integration and life satisfaction, especially in the early phase of recovery. Moreover, a better understanding of the variables that contribute to community integration and life satisfaction is still needed. The aim of the study was to assess the association of mood, fatigue and post-concussive symptoms with community integration and life satisfaction early following mTBI. Research method: A total of 85 participants aged between 18 and 61 years who sustained mTBI were included. Participants answered web-based questionnaires measuring anxiety and depression symptoms, fatigue, post-concussive symptoms, community integration and life satisfaction in the first three months post mTBI. Results: Post-concussive symptoms, fatigue and anxiety were not associated with community integration or life satisfaction. However, depressive symptoms were negatively associated with community integration and life satisfaction. Conclusions: Among all acute post-concussive symptoms following mTBI, depressive symptoms seem to have strongest relationship with community integration and life satisfaction. Acute psychological intervention targeting these symptoms is strongly recommended.