Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cross-Institutional Evaluation of the Abbott ARCHITECT SARS-CoV-2 IgG Immunoassay

Abstract Objective To describe a cross-institutional approach to verify the Abbott ARCHITECT SARS-CoV-2 antibody assay and to document the kinetics of the serological response. Methods We conducted analytical performance evaluation studies using the Abbott ARCHITECT SARS-CoV-2 antibody assay on 5 Abbott ARCHITECT i2000 automated analyzers at 2 academic medical centers. Results Within-run and between-run coefficients of variance (CVs) for the antibody assay did not exceed 5.6% and 8.6%, respectively, for each institution. Quantitative and qualitative results agreed for lithium heparin plasma, EDTA-plasma and serum specimen types. Results for all SARS-CoV-2 IgG-positive and -negative specimens were concordant among analyzers except for 1 specimen at 1 institution. Qualitative and quantitative agreement was observed for specimens exchanged between institutions. All patients had detectable antibodies by day 10 from symptom onset and maintained seropositivity throughout specimen procurement. Conclusions The analytical performance characteristics of the Abbott ARCHITECT SARS-CoV-2 antibody assay within and between 2 academic medical center clinical laboratories were acceptable for widespread clinical-laboratory use.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Isavuconazole: Serum Concentration Variability and Success Rates for Reaching Target in Comparison with Voriconazole

Abstract: Introduction Isavuconazole (ISZ) is used in the treatment of aspergillosis and mucormycosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of ISZ samples from a clinical setting performed at Statens Serum Institut. Materials/methods: Isavuconazole serum concentrations were determined by fluorescent detection on a UHPLC. Serum-ISZ (s-ISZ) results were included and compared to those of serum-voriconazole (s-VRZ) in a 33 month period from March 2017. Clinical data were obtained for patients receiving ISZ. The therapeutic range was initially 2–10 mg/L, but was adjusted to 2–5 mg/L during the study period except for selected patients with Mucorales infections who received off-label doses of ISZ. Results: A total of 273 s-ISZ and 1242 s-VRZ measurements from 35 and 283 patients, respectively, were included. Seventeen patients had received both ISZ and VRZ with TDM within the study period. The median s-ISZ was 4.3 mg/L (0.5–15.4 mg/L) with 83% of measurements within the therapeutic index. The median s-VRZ was 2.6 mg/L (0.2–21.9 mg/L) with 67% of measurements within the therapeutic index. The median intra-/interindividual coefficient of variation (CV) was 43.4%/54.8% for ISZ compared to 53.2%/83.3% for VRZ. For patients receiving ISZ, the adverse events were mostly gastroenteric and few drug–drug interactions were observed. Furthermore, immediate change from ISZ to VRZ treatment seemed to lead to prolonged metabolism of ISZ with detection up to 35 days after discontinuation. Conclusions: The majority of patients achieved s-ISZ levels well within the therapeutic range with less intra/interindividual CV than patients receiving VRZ.
The Influence of Ligand Density and Degradability on Hydrogel Induced Breast Cancer Dormancy and Reactivation

The role of hydrogel properties in regulating the phenotype of triple negative metastatic breast cancer is investigated using four cell lines: the MDA‐MB‐231 parental line and three organotropic sublines BoM‐1833 (bone‐tropic), LM2‐4175 (lung‐tropic), and BrM2a‐831 (brain‐tropic). Each line is encapsulated and cultured for 15 days in three poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐based hydrogel formulations composed of proteolytically degradable PEG, integrin‐ligating RGDS, and the non‐degradable crosslinker N‐vinyl pyrrolidone. Dormancy‐associated metrics including viable cell density, proliferation, metabolism, apoptosis, chemoresistance, phosphorylated‐ERK and ‐p38, and morphological characteristics are quantified. A multimetric classification approach is implemented to categorize each hydrogel‐induced phenotype as: 1) growth, 2) balanced tumor dormancy, 3) balanced cellular dormancy, or 4) restricted survival, cellular dormancy. Hydrogels with high adhesivity and degradability promote growth. Hydrogels with no adhesivity, but high degradability, induce restricted survival, cellular dormancy in the parental line and balanced cellular dormancy in the organotropic lines. Hydrogels with reduced adhesivity and degradability induce balanced cellular dormancy in the parental and lung‐tropic lines and balanced tumor mass dormancy in bone‐ and brain‐tropic lines. The ability to induce escape from dormancy via dynamic incorporation of RGDS is also presented. These results demonstrate that ECM properties and organ‐tropism synergistically regulate cancer cell phenotype and dormancy.
Effects of Internet-Based Support Program on Parenting Outcomes for Primiparous Women: A Pilot Study

(1) Background: Some primiparous women are usually confronted with many parenting problems after childbirth, which can negatively influence the wellbeing of some mothers and infants. Evidence identified that internet interventions can include more tailored information, reach a larger research group, and supply more anonymity than face-to-face traditional interventions. Therefore, the internet-based support program (ISP) was designed to improve the parenting outcomes for Chinese first-time mothers. (2) Methods: A multicenter, single-blinded, pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted. From May to October 2020, a total of 44 participants were recruited in the obstetrical wards of two tertiary hospitals in China. Eighteen women in the control group received routine postnatal care; while eighteen women in the intervention group accessed to the ISP and routine postnatal care. The duration of intervention was not less than three months. Intervention outcomes were assessed through questionnaires before randomization (T0), immediately after intervention (T1), and three months after intervention (T2). The Self-efficacy in Infant Care Scale (SICS), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and Postpartum Social Support Scale (PSSS) were included to measure MSE, postpartum depression (PPD), and social support, respectively. (3) Results: No significant difference between the two groups were found in terms of the baseline social-demographic characteristics; and the scores of SICS, EPDS and PSSS at T0 (p > 0.05). Repeated measures multivariate analysis of covariance found that women in the intervention group had a higher MSE score at T1 (6.63, p = 0.007), and T2 (5.75, p = 0.020); a lower EPDS score at T1 (3.11, p = 0.003), and T2 (2.50, p = 0.005); and a higher PSSS score at T1 (4.30, p = 0.001); and no significant difference at T2 (0.35, p = 0.743), compared with women in the control group. (4) Conclusion: The effect of ISP was evaluated to significantly increase primiparous women’s MSE, social support, and to alleviate their PPD symptoms. However, the small sample in pilot study restricted the research results. Therefore, the ISP should be further investigated with a larger, diverse sample to confirm whether it should be adopted as routine postnatal care to support primiparous women on parenting outcomes and mental wellbeing in the early stage of motherhood.
Cataract Progression Associated with Modifications in Calcium Signaling in Human Lens Epithelia as Studied by Mechanical Stimulation

Ca2+ homeostasis and signaling disturbances are associated with lens pathophysiology and are involved in cataract formation. Here, we explored the spatiotemporal changes in Ca2+ signaling in lens epithelial cells (LECs) upon local mechanical stimulation, to better understand the LECs’ intercellular communication and its association with cataractogenesis. We were interested in if the progression of the cataract affects the Ca2+ signaling and if modifications of the Ca2+ homeostasis in LECs are associated with different cataract types. Experiments were done on the human postoperative anterior lens capsule (LC) preparations consisting of the monolayer of LECs on the basement membrane. Our findings revealed that the Ca2+ signal spreads radially from the stimulation point and that the amplitude of Ca2+ transients decreases with increasing distance. It is noteworthy that a comparison of signaling characteristics with respect to the degree of cataract progression revealed that, in LCs from more developed cataracts, the Ca2+ wave propagates faster and the amplitudes of Ca2+ signals are lower, while their durations are longer. No differences were identified when comparing LCs with regard to the cataract type. Moreover, experiments with Apyrase have revealed that the Ca2+ signals are not affected by ATP-dependent paracrine communication. Our results indicated that cataract progression is associated with modifications in Ca2+ signaling in LECs, suggesting the functional importance of altered Ca2+ signaling of LECs in cataractogenesis.
Biotechnological and Ecological Potential of Micromonospora provocatoris sp. nov., a Gifted Strain Isolated from the Challenger Deep of the Mariana Trench

A Micromonospora strain, isolate MT25T, was recovered from a sediment collected from the Challenger Deep of the Mariana Trench using a selective isolation procedure. The isolate produced two major metabolites, n-acetylglutaminyl glutamine amide and desferrioxamine B, the chemical structures of which were determined using 1D and 2D-NMR, including 1H-15N HSQC and 1H-15N HMBC 2D-NMR, as well as high resolution MS. A whole genome sequence of the strain showed the presence of ten natural product-biosynthetic gene clusters, including one responsible for the biosynthesis of desferrioxamine B. Whilst 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses showed that the isolate was most closely related to the type strain of Micromonospora chalcea, a whole genome sequence analysis revealed it to be most closely related to Micromonospora tulbaghiae 45142T. The two strains were distinguished using a combination of genomic and phenotypic features. Based on these data, it is proposed that strain MT25T (NCIMB 15245T, TISTR 2834T) be classified as Micromonospora provocatoris sp. nov. Analysis of the genome sequence of strain MT25T (genome size 6.1 Mbp) revealed genes predicted to responsible for its adaptation to extreme environmental conditions that prevail in deep-sea sediments.
Quantitative and visual analysis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis with different methods: the relationship between clinical correlation and mortality risk model.

OBJECTIVE To test the correlation between the visual semi-quantitative score (VSQS) and different quantitative computed tomography (QCT) analyses and pulmonary physiology variables, and to determine the performance of these types of analyses on the Gender, Age, and Physiology (GAP) model for the prediction of mortality risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). PATIENTS AND METHODS High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images of IPF patients were reviewed and the VSQS was calculated. Evaluations were made of the QCT score of interstitial lung disease (ILD) using four different previously defined methods. Respiratory function tests (RFT) and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were applied to all the patients. The GAP model was used to evaluate the mortality risk. The performance of the VSQS score and QCT methods on the GAP model to predict the mortality risk of the disease was calculated with ROC analysis. RESULTS The study included 40 patients who met the criteria. A statistically significant correlation was determined between all the quantitative and semi-quantitative measurement results (p<0.001). A significant correlation was determined between the VSQS and QCT parameters and the RFT and 6MWT. In the ROC analysis, method 4 of the QCT parameters (a value of the voxels between -700 and -950 HU) and the VSQS showed the best performance in the differentiation of stage I, stage II, and stage III, according to the GAP model. CONCLUSIONS The selection of a quantitative method was useful in the evaluation of spread in patients with IPF. According to the GAP model, VSQS performed best in predicting mortality risk. Furthermore, method 4 of the QCT parameters, which shows well-aerated lungs, were deemed to have good potential for the estimation of mortality risk.
Monitoring of the Pre-Equilibrium Step in the Alkyne Hydration Reaction Catalyzed by Au(III) Complexes: A Computational Study Based on Experimental Evidences

The coordination ability of the [(ppy)Au(IPr)]2+ fragment [ppy = 2-phenylpyridine, IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-di-isopropylphenyl)-imidazol-2-ylidene] towards different anionic and neutral X ligands (X = Cl−, BF4−, OTf−, H2O, 2-butyne, 3-hexyne) commonly involved in the crucial pre-equilibrium step of the alkyne hydration reaction is computationally investigated to shed light on unexpected experimental observations on its catalytic activity. Experiment reveals that BF4− and OTf− have very similar coordination ability towards [(ppy)Au(IPr)]2+ and slightly less than water, whereas the alkyne complex could not be observed in solution at least at the NMR sensitivity. Due to the steric hindrance/dispersion interaction balance between X and IPr, the [(ppy)Au(IPr)]2+ fragment is computationally found to be much less selective than a model [(ppy)Au(NHC)]2+ (NHC = 1,3-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene) fragment towards the different ligands, in particular OTf− and BF4−, in agreement with experiment. Effect of the ancillary ligand substitution demonstrates that the coordination ability of Au(III) is quantitatively strongly affected by the nature of the ligands (even more than the net charge of the complex) and that all the investigated gold fragments coordinate to alkynes more strongly than H2O. Remarkably, a stabilization of the water-coordinating species with respect to the alkyne-coordinating one can only be achieved within a microsolvation model, which reconciles theory with experiment. All the results reported here suggest that both the Au(III) fragment coordination ability and its proper computational modelling in the experimental conditions are fundamental issues for the design of efficient catalysts.
Supplementary Light Differently Influences Physico-Chemical Parameters and Antioxidant Compounds of Tomato Fruits Hybrids

One of the challenges for agriculture in the coming years will be producing more food avoiding reducing the nutritional values of fruits and vegetables, sources of nutraceutical compounds. It has been demonstrated that light-emitting diodes (LEDs) used as a supplementary light (SL) technology improve tomato yield in Mediterranean greenhouses, but few data have been reported about SL effects on fruit physio-chemical parameters. In this study, three tomato hybrid (F1) cultivars were grown for year-round production in a commercial semi-closed glasshouse in Southern Italy: red cherry type (“Sorentyno”), red plum type (“Solarino”), and yellow plum type (“Maggino”). From 120 to 243 days after transplant (DAT), Red/White/Blue LEDs were used as SL. The fruits harvested 180 DAT were analyzed and those obtained under LEDs had 3% more dry weight, 15% more total soluble solids, and 16% higher titratable acidity than fruits grown only under natural light. Generally, the antioxidant activity and the mineral profile of the fruits were not negatively influenced by SL. Lycopene content was unchanged and vitamin C content of “Sorentyno” even increased by 15% under LEDs. Overall, LEDs used as SL technology could be one of the tools used by agriculture in Mediterranean basin to produce more food maintaining high quality production.
Evaluation of Intraocular Pressure and Other Biomechanical Parameters to Distinguish between Subclinical Keratoconus and Healthy Corneas

(1) Purpose: To assess the main corneal response differences between normal and subclinical keratoconus (SCKC) with a Corvis® ST device. (2) Material and Methods: We selected 183 eyes of normal patients, of a mean age of 33 ± 9 years and 16 eyes of patients with SCKC of a similar mean age. We measured best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and corneal topography with a Pentacam HD device to select the SCKC group. Biomechanical measurements were performed using the Corvis® ST device. We carried out a non-parametric analysis of the data with SPSS software (Wilcoxon signed rank-test). (3) Results: We found statistically significant differences between the control and SCKC groups in some corneal biomechanical parameters: first and second applanation time (p = 0.05 and p = 0.02), maximum deformation amplitude (p = 0.016), highest concavity radius (p = 0.007), and second applanation length and corneal velocity ((p = 0.039 and p = 0.016). (4) Conclusions: Our results show that the use of normalised biomechanical parameters provided by noncontact tonometry, combined with a discriminant function theory, is a useful tool for detecting subclinical keratoconus.
Differential Contribution of ASPECTS Regions to Clinical Outcome after Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Ischemic stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in adults, but our ability to prognosticate from baseline imaging data is limited. The ASPECTS measures ischemic change in the middle cerebral artery territory on noncontrast CT based on 10 anatomic regions. Here, we investigated whether infarction in particular regions was associated with worse long-term outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified consecutive patients receiving mechanical thrombectomy for ICA/MCA occlusion at 2 comprehensive stroke centers. Pretreatment ASPECTS was assessed by 2 blinded reviewers. Clinical data including demographics, baseline NIHSS score, and 90-day mRS were collected. The relationship between individual ASPECTS regions and the mRS score (0–2 versus 3–6) was assessed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Three hundred fifty-three patients were included (mean age, 70 years; 46% men), of whom 214 had poor outcome (mRS = 3–6). Caudate (OR = 3.26; 95% CI, 1.33–8.82), M4 region (OR = 2.94; 95% CI, 1.09–9.46), and insula (OR = 1.75; 95% CI, 1.08–2.85) infarcts were associated with significantly greater odds of poor outcome, whereas M1 region infarction reduced the odds of poor outcome (OR = 0.38; 95% CI, 0.14–0.99). This finding remained unchanged when restricted to only patients with good recanalization. No significant associations were found by laterality. Similarly, no region was predictive of neurologic improvement during the first 24 hours or of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that ASPECTS regions are not equal in their contribution to functional outcome. This finding suggests that patient selection based on total ASPECTS alone might be insufficient, and infarct topography should be considered when deciding eligibility for thrombectomy.
Submolecular-resolution non-invasive imaging of interfacial water with atomic force microscopy

Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) has been extensively applied to probe interfacial water in many interdisciplinary fields but the disturbance of the probes on the hydrogen-bonding structure of water has remained an intractable problem. Here we report submolecular-resolution imaging of the water clusters on a NaCl(001) surface within the nearly non-invasive region by a qPlus-based noncontact atomic force microscopy. Comparison with theoretical simulations reveals that the key lies in probing the weak high-order electrostatic force between the quadrupole-like CO-terminated tip and the polar water molecules at large tip-water distances. This interaction allows the imaging and structural determination of the weakly bonded water clusters and even of their metastable states without inducing any disturbance. This work may open up new possibility of studying the intrinsic structure and electrostatics of ice or water on bulk insulating surfaces, ion hydration and biological water with atomic precision.
Treatment of Unicompartmental Cartilage Defects of the Knee with Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty, Patellofemoral Partial Knee Arthroplasty or Focal Resurfacing

Focal chondral defects are common lesions of the articular cartilage. They are predominantly found on the medial femoral condyle and often progress to osteoarthritis of the knee. Various conservative treatment options are available. The conservative treatment might reduce pain and delay the progress of degenerative processes. However, restoration of the articular cartilage cannot be accomplished. If the conservative treatment fails unicompartmental arthroplasty, patellofemoral joint replacement or focal resurfacing are reasonable options to postpone total knee arthroplasty. A careful patient selection before surgery is crucial for all three treatment options. The following overview reports indications and outcomes of medial partial knee replacement, patellofemoral partial knee replacement, and focal resurfacing treatment options for focal chondral defects.
Magnetically Recyclable Wool Keratin Modified Magnetite Powders for Efficient Removal of Cu2+ Ions from Aqueous Solutions

The treatment of wastewater containing heavy metals and the utilization of wool waste are very important for the sustainable development of textile mills. In this study, the wool keratin modified magnetite (Fe3O4) powders were fabricated by using wool waste via a co-precipitation technique for removal of Cu2+ ions from aqueous solutions. The morphology, chemical compositions, crystal structure, microstructure, magnetism properties, organic content, and specific surface area of as-fabricated powders were systematically characterized by various techniques including field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analyzer. The effects of experimental parameters such as the volume of wool keratin hydrolysate, the dosage of powder, the initial Cu2+ ion concentration, and the pH value of solution on the adsorption capacity of Cu2+ ions by the powders were examined. The experimental results indicated that the Cu2+ ion adsorption performance of the wool keratin modified Fe3O4 powders exhibited much better than that of the chitosan modified ones with a maximum Cu2+ adsorption capacity of 27.4 mg/g under favorable conditions (0.05 g powders; 50 mL of 40 mg/L CuSO4; pH 5; temperature 293 K). The high adsorption capacity towards Cu2+ ions on the wool keratin modified Fe3O4 powders was primarily because of the strong surface complexation of –COOH and –NH2 functional groups of wool keratins with Cu2+ ions. The Cu2+ ion adsorption process on the wool keratin modified Fe3O4 powders followed the Temkin adsorption isotherm model and the intraparticle diffusion and pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetic models. After Cu2+ ion removal, the wool keratin modified Fe3O4 powders were easily separated using a magnet from aqueous solution and efficiently regenerated using 0.5 M ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)-H2SO4 eluting. The wool keratin modified Fe3O4 powders possessed good regenerative performance after five cycles. This study provided a feasible way to utilize waste wool textiles for preparing magnetic biomass-based adsorbents for the removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions.