Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) Fibres: Different Solvent Systems and Their Effect on Fibre Morphology and Diameter

Mainly poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is a biocompatible thermoplastic aliphatic polymer. Among all of the biodegradable polymer polylactic acid (PLA) is very significant on biomedical and biocompatible field. For the selection of an appropriate non-hazardous solvent or solvent system it’s important to determine the rheological properties and electrospinnability of the solution and the morphology of nanofibres. In this paper we have tried to investigate the solution of poly lactic acid (PLA) in various pure solvents and binary-solvent systems and their effect on different solution properties of nanofibre morphology and diameter. We observed the Nanofibre morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Compared to other solvent we found acetone/dimethylformamide solvent system gave the highest fibre productivity and finest defect-free nanofibres. Therefore, we also used various solvent ratio for more details. Also the polymer concentration in the solvent has great effect on nanofibre morphology and solution properties. Further investigation of the effect of the PLA concentration on the elastic (G’) and the plastic (G’’) moduli showed a sudden increase of the elastic moduli (G’) at the critical chain entanglement concentration. The results showed that the solvent properties, boiling point, viscosity, conductivity and surface tension, have a significant effect on process productivity, morphology and diameter distribution of the PLA nanofibres.
Gender, age at onset, and duration of being ill as predictors for the long-term course and outcome of schizophrenia: an international multicenter study

Abstract Background The aim of the current study was to explore the effect of gender, age at onset, and duration on the long-term course of schizophrenia. Methods Twenty-nine centers from 25 countries representing all continents participated in the study that included 2358 patients aged 37.21 ± 11.87 years with a DSM-IV or DSM-5 diagnosis of schizophrenia; the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale as well as relevant clinicodemographic data were gathered. Analysis of variance and analysis of covariance were used, and the methodology corrected for the presence of potentially confounding effects. Results There was a 3-year later age at onset for females (P < .001) and lower rates of negative symptoms (P < .01) and higher depression/anxiety measures (P < .05) at some stages. The age at onset manifested a distribution with a single peak for both genders with a tendency of patients with younger onset having slower advancement through illness stages (P = .001). No significant effects were found concerning duration of illness. Discussion Our results confirmed a later onset and a possibly more benign course and outcome in females. Age at onset manifested a single peak in both genders, and surprisingly, earlier onset was related to a slower progression of the illness. No effect of duration has been detected. These results are partially in accord with the literature, but they also differ as a consequence of the different starting point of our methodology (a novel staging model), which in our opinion precluded the impact of confounding effects. Future research should focus on the therapeutic policy and implications of these results in more representative samples.
OCT- versus Scheimpflug-based Total Corneal Power Measurements Changes in Myopic Astigmatic SMILE Procedures

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the value of total keratometry (TK) to estimate corneal power in eyes that underwent SMILE for treatment of myopia or myopic astigmatism in subgroups of low and high astigmatism. Methods The difference between preoperative and postoperative measurements of corneal power (ΔTCRP, ΔTK) was compared with the surgically induced refractive change at the corneal plane (ΔSEco) by Pearson correlation. Vector analysis of TCRP- and TK-derived astigmatism was performed to evaluate the corneal astigmatism. Single-angle plots were generated with the AstigMATIC tool for standard astigmatism vector analysis. Results Paired t-test revealed statistically significant differences in preoperative (p = .02) and postoperative (p = .0455) measurements between TK and TCRP in the group of high-level astigmatism and the postoperative low astigmatism group (p < .01). No significant differences were found in preoperative data in the group of low-level astigmatism (p = .60). The correlation of ΔSEco and TK (low astigmatism, R2 = 0.978; high astigmatism R2 = 0.980) was stronger than the correlation of TCRP 4.0 mm and ΔSEco (low astigmatism, R2 = 0.743; high astigmatism R2 = 0.959) in both astigmatic groups. The vector analysis demonstrated nearly identical results concerning the correction index (CI) for TK and TCRP. Comparing the difference vector (DV) between both parameters, TK-derived results were closer to the optimum. Conclusions The findings endorse TK as a reliable measure of corneal power after SMILE in patients with low and high astigmatism.
Cell Biology of the Caenorhabditis elegans Nucleus

Studies on the Caenorhabditis elegans nucleus have provided fascinating insight to the organization and activities of eukaryotic cells. Being the organelle that holds the genetic blueprint of the cell, the nucleus is critical for basically every aspect of cell biology. The stereotypical development of C. elegans from a one cell-stage embryo to a fertile hermaphrodite with 959 somatic nuclei has allowed the identification of mutants with specific alterations in gene expression programs, nuclear morphology, or nuclear positioning. Moreover, the early C. elegans embryo is an excellent model to dissect the mitotic processes of nuclear disassembly and reformation with high spatiotemporal resolution. We review here several features of the C. elegans nucleus, including its composition, structure, and dynamics. We also discuss the spatial organization of chromatin and regulation of gene expression and how this depends on tight control of nucleocytoplasmic transport. Finally, the extensive connections of the nucleus with the cytoskeleton and their implications during development are described. Most processes of the C. elegans nucleus are evolutionarily conserved, highlighting the relevance of this powerful and versatile model organism to human biology.
An analysis of the diagnostic accuracy and peer-to-peer health information provided on online health forums for heart failure.

AIMS To examine the accuracy of diagnostic responses and types of information provided on online health forums. DESIGN Qualitative descriptive study. METHODS This paper reports the findings of a thematic analysis of peer responses to posts included on heart failure online health forums, to understand the quality and types of information provided. Responses posted between March 2016 and March 2019 were screened, collected and analysed thematically using Braun & Clarke. Themes were conceptually underpinned by Normalization Process Theory. Responses were assessed for quality against the NICE and SIGN guidelines to determine whether they were evidence based or not. RESULTS The total number of responses collected for analysis was 639. Five main themes were identified: diagnostic, experiential, informational, peer relations and relationships with healthcare professionals. Out of 298 diagnostic responses, 5% were guideline evidence-based and 6% had information that were partly evidence-based. Non-evidence based and potentially dangerous responses were 10%. Experiential responses were 10%; 23% included advice that was not supported with any clinical evidence; and 46% signposted users to other online references/healthcare professionals. CONCLUSION Online health communication largely focuses on provision of experiential responses to assist those in need of pre- or post-diagnosis advice and support. However, there is evidence of inaccurate information provision which suggests the use of a moderator would be beneficial. IMPACT This study suggests heart failure online health forums are a source of support, however, there are potential risks. Increasing nurses and other health care professional's awareness of online health forums will be important. Additional training is needed to help them learn more about patient's use of online health forums, to gain a better understanding about the types of information sought, and how best to address such knowledge deficits. Healthcare systems must ensure sufficient time and resources are available to meet information needs for people with heart failure.
The RNAi Inheritance Machinery of Caenorhabditis elegans

dsRNA-mediated gene silencing is heritable in Caenorhabditis elegans, termed RNAi inheritance. Spracklin et al. describe the results of a forward genetic. Gene silencing mediated by dsRNA (RNAi) can persist for multiple generations in Caenorhabditis elegans (termed RNAi inheritance). Here we describe the results of a forward genetic screen in C. elegans that has identified six factors required for RNAi inheritance: GLH-1/VASA, PUP-1/CDE-1, MORC-1, SET-32, and two novel nematode-specific factors that we term here (heritable RNAi defective) HRDE-2 and HRDE-4. The new RNAi inheritance factors exhibit mortal germline (Mrt) phenotypes, which we show is likely caused by epigenetic deregulation in germ cells. We also show that HRDE-2 contributes to RNAi inheritance by facilitating the binding of small RNAs to the inheritance Argonaute (Ago) HRDE-1. Together, our results identify additional components of the RNAi inheritance machinery whose conservation provides insights into the molecular mechanism of RNAi inheritance, further our understanding of how the RNAi inheritance machinery promotes germline immortality, and show that HRDE-2 couples the inheritance Ago HRDE-1 with the small RNAs it needs to direct RNAi inheritance and germline immortality.
Polyethyleneimine-coated magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for improvement of flow assurance

This thesis aims to gain further insight into how the naphthenic acids (NA), which cause different problems with respect to flow assurance, can be removed from the water phase. The main objective has been to test how effective the polyethyleneimine functionalized magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are to remove phenylacetic acid, which functioned as model naphthenic acid from water. The first part of the experimental work was concerned with the adsorption of polyethyleneimine onto the nanoparticle surface. The zeta potentials as function of pH were determined for both the iron oxide nanoparticles and the polymer. From superimposing the isoelectric points for both synthesised and purchased iron oxide nanoparticles and comparing them to the zeta potentials for polyethyleneimine, pH 8 was chosen. Since the confidence for the true mean of the zeta potential was low for the functionalized iron (II, III) oxide core, using shaking overnight, the functionalization was done again with iron (III) oxide as core. In a new approach the polyethyleneimine was added to the supernatant of iron (III) oxide after centrifugation followed by sonication. The new functionalized nanoparticles gave a high confidence for the zeta potentials and were attracted to an external magnetic field. The specific surface area for the functionalized iron (III) oxide nanoparticles was iii determined to be 62.5 ± 0.2 with 95% confidence, using gas adsorption. The composition with respect to mass was determined to be 6 wt% from running a thermogravimetric analysis. Hence, the surface excess of polyethyleneimine was calculated to be 0.9 mg/m. In the second part of the experiments, test adsorptions of the model acid were conducted using the polyethyleneimine coated iron (III) oxide nanoparticles. At pH 8 the adsorption of the phenylacetic acid was negligible. A new calibration curve was made at pH 4.5. Two different values for the surface excess were obtained. When concentration of the bulk acid prior to the adsorption was estimated from the calibration curve, the surface excess was calculated to be 0.16 mg/m, whereas 0.28 mg/m was procured using the value from the balance. Since previous research has indicated that the chain length of the polymer determines the adsorption and the surface excess is independent of the chain length, it was concluded to continue using polyethyleneimine in the functionalization of iron (III) oxide, but with a lower average molecular weight.
Tunable SERS signals of Rhodamine B molecules on Fe3O4@Au nanocomposite substrates controlled by magnetic field

In this work, we experimentally synthesized the Fe3O4@Au nanocomposites and used them as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates. The Fe3O4@Au nanocomposites retained the metallic plasmon resonant effect and possessed the magnetic field controllable characteristics. The Raman spectra of Rhodamine B (RhB) probe molecules were studied under different external magnetic field. The magnitude of external magnetic field varied from 0 Gs to 700 Gs (1 Gs = 10−4 T) with intervals of 100 Gs. When the magnetic field magnitude increased, the Raman intensity of RhB probe molecules at 1356 cm-1 increased linearly. The slope of the linear fitting curves for the Raman intensity and area were 0.118/Gs and 3.700/Gs. The Raman enhancement could raise up to 7 times for RhB probe molecules when the magnetic field magnitude increased to 700 Gs. After removing the external magnetic field, the Raman peaks returned to its original intensity in several minutes. Under the external magnetic field, the Fe3O4@Au nanocomposites were concentrated, leading to the increase number of SERS “hot spots” and the surface Au density. The results show that the magnetic field controlled Fe3O4@Au nanocomposites can realize the enhanced and controllable SERS effect, which can be used in the reversible optical sensing and bio-medical applications.
Two distinct pathways of RNA polymerase backtracking determine the requirement for the Trigger Loop during RNA hydrolysis

Abstract Transcribing RNA polymerase (RNAP) can fall into backtracking, phenomenon when the 3′ end of the transcript disengages from the template DNA. Backtracking is caused by sequences of the nucleic acids or by misincorporation of erroneous nucleotides. To resume productive elongation backtracked complexes have to be resolved through hydrolysis of RNA. There is currently no consensus on the mechanism of catalysis of this reaction by Escherichia coli RNAP. Here we used Salinamide A, that we found inhibits RNAP catalytic domain Trigger Loop (TL), to show that the TL is required for RNA cleavage during proofreading of misincorporation events but plays little role during cleavage in sequence-dependent backtracked complexes. Results reveal that backtracking caused by misincorporation is distinct from sequence-dependent backtracking, resulting in different conformations of the 3′ end of RNA within the active center. We show that the TL is required to transfer the 3′ end of misincorporated transcript from cleavage-inefficient ‘misincorporation site’ into the cleavage-efficient ‘backtracked site’, where hydrolysis takes place via transcript-assisted catalysis and is largely independent of the TL. These findings resolve the controversy surrounding mechanism of RNA hydrolysis by E. coli RNA polymerase and indicate that the TL role in RNA cleavage has diverged among bacteria.
Intranasal Ketorolac for Acute Pain in Adult Emergency Department Patients

Pain is a common complaint in the emergency department. An alternative to opioids is desirable. Oral medications are not feasible with gastrointestinal disorders or NPO. Intravenous medications require skill and time. Intravenous/intramuscular medications are painful with potential needlestick injury. Intranasal medications have rapid onset, easy administration, do not need skilled providers, and no risk of needlestick injury. A total of 28 adults with acute pain (numeric rating scale ≥ 4) received intranasal ketorolac. Numeric rating scale decreased in all: 32% complete pain relief, median (interquartile range) decrease −5 (−6.8 to −4) (p < .001). Pain relief onset was median [interquartile range] 5 (2.3, 15.0) min. Vital signs remained normal. There were no nasal mucosal changes, no complications. Minor side effects, mostly nasal burning, in 43%, resolved within 5 min. Patients and nurses were satisfied with intranasal ketorolac, and would use it again. Intranasal ketorolac had a rapid onset, was effective, safe, well tolerated with minor side effects that resolved quickly.
Processes and structures in intergenerational programs: a comparison across different types of programs

OBJECTIVES Given the widely acknowledged benefits of intergenerational programs (IGPs), we compared processes and structures across different IGP types and explored potential areas for improvement. DESIGN Thirteen IGPs were classified into three types: arts, learning, and assistance programs. Data were collected through direct structured interviews and analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. SETTING Participants were recruited from community-based IGPs in the greater Tel Aviv area of Israel. PARTICIPANTS Eighty-four older participants (OPs), 97 younger participants (YPs), and 21 organizers were interviewed. MEASUREMENTS Questions included participant demographics as well as closed- and open-ended questions regarding processes based on the Impact of Intergenerational Programs Questionnaire (IIPQ). ANALYSIS Responses to closed-ended questions were compared among IGP types and age groups using two-way ANOVAs for ordinal data, and chi-squares for nominal data. Responses to open-ended questions by OP, YP, and program organizers about potential areas for improvement were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Processes in need of improvement were preparation and guidance, length of program participation, and monitoring of activities, which differed across IGP types and age groups. These processes were related to broader structural problems such as lack of resources, organizers' poor employment conditions, and inadequate public services for older persons in Israel. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights the complex relationships between IGP types, processes, and structures. IGP processes and goals can be hindered by structural variables such as insufficient funding, infrastructure, and public services for older adults.
Circadian disruption in lung cancer

ABSTRACT Despite major developments in lung cancer investigations and the progress of innovative oncology treatments in recent decades, lung cancer continues to be the predominant cause of cancer-related mortality globally, with over a million deaths each year. This highlights the urgent need to develop a deeper understanding of the current state of cancer care. At the environmental and cellular levels, circadian rhythms are closely associated with living organisms. In humans, the suprachiasmatic nucleus is the principal circadian pacemaker. Circadian gene feedback loops regulate the clock, connecting peripheral tissue metabolism, cell proliferation, DNA repair, and cell death to energy homeostasis, physical activity, and neurohormonal regulation at the organismal level. Endogenous circadian homeostasis has been frequently disturbed in modern civilizations, resulting in a higher risk of many disorders, including lung cancer. Despite major developments in lung cancer investigations and the progress of innovative oncology treatments in recent decades, lung cancer continues to be the predominant cause of cancer-related mortality globally, with over a million deaths each year. This highlights the urgent need to develop a deeper understanding of the current state of cancer care. At the environmental and cellular levels, circadian rhythms are closely associated with living organisms. In humans, the suprachiasmatic nucleus is the principal circadian pacemaker. Circadian gene feedback loops regulate the clock, connecting peripheral tissue metabolism, cell proliferation, DNA repair, and cell death to energy homeostasis, physical activity, and neurohormonal regulation at the organismal level. Endogenous circadian homeostasis has been frequently disturbed in modern civilizations, resulting in a higher risk of many disorders, including lung cancer. The mammalian circadian clock controls metabolism and cell division, and disruption of these processes may lead to cancer pathogenesis. Furthermore, circadian disturbance has recently been identified as a self-regulating cancer risk factor and is listed as a carcinogen. The theory that both somatic and systemic disturbances of circadian rhythms are related to a higher risk of lung cancer development and poor prognosis is addressed in this study. The chronotherapy principles hold much more promise for enhancing the lung cancer care options currently available. Developing a better understanding of the molecular interactions that control the physiological equilibrium between both the circadian rhythm and the cycle of cell division could significantly influence the development of novel treatments for lung cancer and other diseases.
Decrease in acetyl-CoA pathway utilizing butyrate-producing bacteria is a key pathogenic feature of alcohol-induced functional gut microbial dysbiosis and development of liver disease in mice

ABSTRACT Emerging research evidence has established the critical role of the gut-liver axis in the development of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). The present study employed 16S rRNA gene and whole genome shotgun (WGS) metagenomic analysis in combination with a revised microbial dataset to comprehensively detail the butyrate-producing microbial communities and the associated butyrate metabolic pathways affected by chronic ethanol feeding. Specifically, the data demonstrated that a decrease in several butyrate-producing bacterial genera belonging to distinct families within the Firmicutes phyla was a significant component of ethanol-induced dysbiosis. WGS analysis of total bacterial genomes encompassing butyrate synthesizing pathways provided the functional characteristics of the microbiome associated with butyrate synthesis. The data revealed that in control mice microbiome, the acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) butyrate synthesizing pathway was the most prevalent and was significantly and maximally decreased by chronic ethanol feeding. Further WGS analysis i) validated the ethanol-induced decrease in the acetyl-CoA pathway by identifying the decrease in two critical genes but – (butyryl-CoA: acetate CoA transferase) and buk – (butyrate kinase) that encode the terminal condensing enzymes required for converting butyryl-CoA to butyrate and ii) detection of specific taxa of butyrate-producing bacteria containing but and buk genes. Notably, the administration of tributyrin (Tb) – a butyrate prodrug - significantly prevented ethanol-induced decrease in butyrate-producing bacteria, hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and injury. Taken together, our findings strongly suggest that the loss of butyrate-producing bacteria using the acetyl-CoA pathway is a significant pathogenic feature of ethanol-induced microbial dysbiosis and ALD and can be targeted for therapy.