Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Fibrous Coalescer Geometry and Operating Conditions on Emulsion Separation

Emulsions separation through porous fibrous media is a popular and complex process. This research investigates the influence of superficial velocity (0.6–1.8m/min), inflow direction (horizontal, radial), and sandwich filter structure on the phase separation performance of nanocoated coalescing filters. Experiments were performed using three different filters and their different sandwich combinations for 1% isooctane in water emulsions with mean droplet size 5 μm. These filters were coated with hydrophobic–oleophilic nanoparticle to impart suitable wetting and surface roughness functionality. With the increasing superficial velocity, the separation efficiency and quality factor decreases while the pressure drop across the filter increases. A rapid drop in the separation efficiency takes place above the superficial velocity of 1.0 m/min. The separation efficiency does not depend on the inflow direction, but the pressure drop across the filter is about half in the horizontal inflow direction than in radial i.
Biodistribution of essential oil-conjugated silver nanoparticles

The beneficial synergy between antimicrobial silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and essential oils (EOs), with therapeutic effects that have been acknowledged and explored for a long time, opens the way towards developing new and promising alternatives for anti-infective therapies. With the aim to improve the cytocompatibility and stability of AgNPs and to overcome the volatilization of EOs, AgNPs conjugated with sage (Salvia officinalis) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum) EOs were obtained in our study. The synthesis process was realized either by classical or ultrasound-assisted chemical reduction. Compositional and microstructural characterization of the as-obtained Ag@EO NPs was performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The biodistribution of Ag@EO NPs was evaluated on a mouse animal model.
Evaluation of the design and implementation of municipal ice cleat distribution programs for the prevention of ice-related fall injuries among older adults in Sweden

Introduction The risk for outdoor falls tends to increase during winter due to icy road conditions. Several Swedish municipalities have introduced programs that provide their senior citizens with a pair of ice cleats in an attempt to tackle this problem. In this paper, we perform a process evaluation to identify potential barriers to the success of these programs and analyze the logic of their design. Methods We sent a survey to all 290 Swedish municipalities to collect data on the characteristics of ice cleat distribution programs. We also performed focus-group interviews with older adults to gain insight into their thoughts about ice cleat programs. We synthesized our data with existing literature on ice cleats and behavior change theory to populate a logic model to identify and analyze hidden assumptions and potential flaws using program theory analysis. Results On average, about 40% of the eligible population living in the intervention municipalities collected a pair of ice cleats. While we identified some other, but mostly minor, barriers to implementation, the main barrier appears to be a lack of scale (i.e., insufficient procurement and distribution of ice cleats), as 90% of all purchased ice cleats were eventually distributed. While previous research suggests that ice cleats can decrease injury risks if worn, we find that there is limited evidence on the effects of distribution on ice cleat use. Our interviewees emphasized the potential utility of ice cleats for staying safe and active during winter but stressed that ice cleats need to be user-friendly and of high-quality to increase the likelihood that a distribution program encourages behavior change. Conclusion Existing ice cleat distribution programs appear to have reached a meaningful share of the targeted population. Additional research is required to assess their effects on ice cleat use and injury rates.
Devices to enhance organ perfusion during cardiopulmonary resuscitation

ABSTRACT Introduction The recommended method of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has been closed-chest cardiac compressions, but the development of CPR adjunctive devices has called into question the efficacy and role of these adjunctive devices. In this review, we provide a comprehensive evaluation and discussion on the commercially available noninvasive CPR adjuncts used during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Areas Covered We review the three most common CPR adjunctive devices: the piston mechanism, the load distributing band, and the impedance threshold device. All three CPR adjunctive devices have preclinical data to support their use during cardiac arrest. In clinical trials, limited data show improvement in survival and neurologic recovery for these devices, and there is insufficient high-level evidence to support their use over manual chest compressions. However, there is a role for them when adequate manual chest compressions are not feasible. Expert Opinion The commercially available CPR adjuncts do not consistently show improved outcomes in the literature. There is still a need for research and development into innovative solutions to improve OHCA survival and neurologic recovery. Efforts focused on increasing the speed of CPR initiation and increasing perfusion to the cerebral and coronary vasculature have the potential to advance resuscitative practices.
Effect of Perioperative Intravenous Iron Supplementation for Complex Cardiac Surgery on Transfusion Requirements

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Objectives: We investigated whether routine perioperative intravenous iron replenishment reduces the requirement for packed erythrocytes (pRBC) transfusion. Summary of Background Data: Patients undergoing complex cardiac surgery are at high risk of developing postoperative iron deficiency anemia, thus requiring transfusion, which is associated with adverse outcomes. Methods: Patients were randomized to receive either ferric derisomaltose 20 mg/kg (n = 103) or placebo (n = 101) twice during the perioperative period: 3 days before and after the surgery. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who received pRBC transfusion until postoperative day (POD) 10. Hemoglobin, reticulocyte count, serum iron profile, hepcidin, and erythropoietin were serially measured. Results: pRBC was transfused in 60.4% and 57.2% of patients in the control and iron group, respectively (P = 0.651). Hemoglobin concentration at 3 weeks postoperatively was higher in the iron group than in the control group (11.6 ± 1.5 g/dL vs 10.9 ± 1.4 g/dL, P < 0.001). The iron group showed higher reticulocyte count [205 (150–267)×103/μL vs 164 (122–207)×103/μL, P = 0.003] at POD 10. Transferrin saturation and serum ferritin were significantly increased in the iron group than in the control group (P < 0.001). Serum hepcidin was higher in the iron group than in the control group at POD 3 [106.3 (42.9–115.9) ng/mL vs 39.3 (33.3–43.6) ng/mL, P < 0.001]. Erythropoietin concentration increased postoperatively in both groups (P = 0.003), with no between-group difference. Conclusions: Intravenous iron supplementation during index hospitalization for complex cardiac surgery did not minimize pRBC transfusion despite replenished iron store and augmented erythropoiesis, which may be attributed to enhanced hepcidin expression.
Multi-national perceptions on challenges, opportunities, and support structures for Dual Career migrations in European student-athletes

Despite Dual Careers (sports and education) and mobility of students being priorities in the funding policies of the European Commission, migrating student-athletes report severe challenges and decreased performance or dropouts at sport and academic levels. The objective of this study was to depict and assess the perceptions on challenges, support services, and their effectiveness in consideration of specific characteristics of participants and migrations. Based on a meta-synthesis and previous findings, a 50-items questionnaire was developed and completed by 245 student-athletes in 5 European countries. Participants with Dual Careers migration experience (n = 140) were considered for analyses of qualitative and quantitative (ordinal 5pt-Likert-scaled and metric) data on the Dual Career status, migration characteristics, received services, and outcomes. Chi-square-tests were conducted for differences between countries and genders at a significance level of p < . 05. Country-related differences were found for experiences and intentions to migrate (X2(12) = 50.52, p<0.001), duration of the migration (X2(16) = 38.20, p = 0.001), financial support (X2(8) = 29.87, p<0.001), and decreased performances in academics (X2(16) = 56.12, p<0.001) and sports (X2(16) = 31.79, p = 0.01). Gender-related difference emerged in financial support (X2(4) = 10.68, p = 0.03), duration of the migration (X2(4) = 14.56, p = 0.01), and decreased academic performance (X2(4) = 10.57, p = 0.03). Tutoring and counselling support was ranked as the most effective support, especially when received from the academic field (4.0±1.0 pt) and others (4.1±0.8 pt), followed by online services from sport and academic sectors (both: 3.9±0.9 pt). Considering the pervasive globalization of sport and education, Dual Career migration can contribute to the development of a European sport culture. The high ratio of migrating student-athletes underlines the relevance of migrations in the field of Dual Careers. This study contributes to the literature by adding insights on practices, challenges, supports, and outcomes perceived by student-athletes migrating in Europe. Moreover, country- and gender-related differences support the consideration of specific characteristics and reveal critical factors in specific target groups. The findings contribute to identifying requirements and effective support measures in Dual Career migrations and can be used to improve support services.
Local Health Department Revenue Diversification and Revenue Volatility: Can One Be Used to Manage the Other?

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Objective: Revenue volatility—particularly in the form of sudden and significant reductions in funding—has been shown to negatively affect local health departments (LHDs) by impacting the amount and type of services delivered. This study examined the potential effectiveness of revenue diversification as a means of managing LHD financial risk. More specifically, we examine the relationship between revenue diversification and revenue volatility among LHDs in Washington State. Design and Setting: We applied fixed-effects linear regression models with robust standard errors to revenue data reported during 1998-2014 by all LHDs operating in Washington State. We also assessed the robusticity of our results to alternative specifications for revenue diversification and volatility. Main Outcome Measures: LHD revenue and revenue volatility. Results: Between 1998 and 2014, LHDs in Washington State were exposed to considerable upside and downside fiscal risks. While average revenue volatility was close to 0 (0.2%), observed values ranged from −35% to 63%. LHD revenues were already highly diversified: as measured using a reversed Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, diversification values ranged between 0.56 and 1.00. There is little evidence to suggest the existence of a statistically significant relationship between revenue diversification and volatility. Conclusions: Revenue volatility presents LHDs with important short- and long-term operational challenges. Our models suggest that revenue diversification did not reduce revenue volatility among Washington State LHDs in 1998-2014. Further research will need to examine whether revenue diversification reduces LHD financial risk in other settings.
Comparative analysis identifies micro‐RNA associated with nutrient homeostasis, development and stress response in Arabidopsis thaliana upon high Zn and metal hyperaccumulator Arabidopsis halleri

Abstract miRNAs have been found to be key players in mineral homeostasis, both in the control of nutrient balance and in the response to toxic trace elements. However, the effect of Zn excess on miRNAs has not been elucidated; moreover, no data are present regarding miRNAs in hyperaccumulator species, where metal homeostasis is tightly regulated. Therefore, expression levels of mature miRNAs were measured by RNA‐Seq in Zn‐sensitive Arabidopsis thaliana grown in control conditions and upon high Zn, in soil and in Zn‐hyperaccumulator Arabidopsis halleri grown in control conditions. Differential expression of notable miRNAs and their targets was confirmed by real‐time RT‐PCR. The comparison in A. thaliana revealed a small subset modulated upon Zn treatment that is associated with stress response and nutrient homeostasis. On the other hand, a more consistent group of miRNAs was differentially expressed in A. halleri compared with A. thaliana, reflecting inherent differences in nutritional requirements and response to stresses and plant growth and development. Overall, these results confirm the involvement of miRNAs in Zn homeostasis and support the hypothesis of distinct regulatory pathways in hyperaccumulator species.
Hypertension is the major predictor of poor outcomes among inpatients with COVID-19 infection in the UK: a retrospective cohort study

Objective To assess the impact of diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases on inpatient mortality from COVID-19, and its relationship to ethnicity and social deprivation. Design Retrospective, single-centre observational study Setting Birmingham, UK. Participants 907 hospitalised patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 from a multi-ethnic community, admitted between 1 March 2020 and 31 May 2020. Main outcome measures The primary analysis was an evaluation of cardiovascular conditions and diabetes in relation to ethnicity and social deprivation, with the end-point of inpatient death or death within 30 days of discharge. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to calculate HRs while adjusting for confounders. Results 361/907 (39.8%) died in hospital or within 30 days of discharge. The presence of diabetes and hypertension together appears to confer the greatest mortality risk (OR 2.75; 95% CI 1.80 to 4.21; p<0.001) compared with either condition alone. Age >65 years (OR 3.32; 95% CI 2.15 to 5.11), male sex (OR 2.04; 95% CI 1.47 to 2.82), hypertension (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.10 to 2.61) and cerebrovascular disease (OR 1.87; 95% CI 1.31 to 2.68) were independently associated with increased risk of death. The mortality risk did not differ between the quintiles of deprivation. High-sensitivity troponin I was the best predictor of mortality among biomarkers (OR 4.43; 95% CI 3.10 to 7.10). Angiotensin-receptor blockers (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.33 to 0.96) and ACE inhibitors (OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.97) were not associated with adverse outcome. The Charlson Index of Comorbidity scores were significantly higher in non-survivors. Conclusions The combined prevalence of hypertension and diabetes appears to confer the greatest risk, where diabetes may have a modulating effect. Hypertension and cerebrovascular disease had a significant impact on inpatient mortality. Social deprivation and ethnicity did not have any effect once the patient was in hospital.
Curative effect and possible mechanism of taurine on early corneal alkali burns

To the Editor: Corneal alkali burns (CABs) have been a difficult problem in clinical treatment for a long time. In severe cases, blindness occurs; hence, research on the repair mechanism underlying corneal injury is particularly important to identify potential therapeutic targets. Alkaliinduced corneal injuries often trigger aggressive aseptic inflammatory responses, which are key to autoimmune responses. However, Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes play an important role in aseptic inflammation. Under stimuli, such as infection or stress, theactivatedNLRP3inflammasomenotonlyprocessesprocaspase-1 into mature caspase-1 but also further promotes the maturation and release of interleukin (IL)-1b and IL18. Taurine (Tau) is widely distributed in ocular structures and is an immune regulator. Tau can maintain the stability of the corneal epithelium and improve the survival rate of corneal epithelial cells through antioxidant effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectofTaueyedropsonCABandelucidate themechanism underlying corneal inflammatory responses.
Investigating the Role of Raindrop Impact on Hydrodynamic Mechanism of Soil Erosion Under Simulated Rainfall Conditions

Abstract Few studies have addressed the role of raindrop impact on hydrodynamic mechanism of soil erosion. In this study, rainfall simulation experiments were conducted to evaluate the role of raindrop impact on processes of runoff and sediment yield, flow-hydraulic characteristics, and dynamic mechanism of raindrop impact under three rainfall intensities (50, 75, and 100 mm h−1) at three slope gradients (5°, 7.5°, and 10°). These rainfall intensities and slope gradients were tested under two soil surface conditions: one with raindrop impact and the other without raindrop impact by placing nylon net over a soil pan. Result showed raindrop erosion accounted for 72.3% to 96.2% of the total sediment yield. Furthermore, runoff rate and sediment concentration were greatly reduced during rainfall with the elimination of raindrop impact. The corresponding reduction rates were 1.13% to 84.08% and 48.13% to 96.50%, respectively. After eliminating raindrop impact, hydraulic parameters of flow depth, flow velocity, Reynolds number, and Froude number were markedly reduced, whereas Darcy-Weisbach coefficient was increased 1.40 to 5.31 times; flow velocity was the key hydraulic parameter affecting raindrop erosion. Raindrop impact caused the critical hydrodynamic forces of shear stress, unit stream power, and stream power increase more than two-fold relative to the treatment without raindrop impact. Raindrop erosion rate had a significant linear relationship with the relative increment in unit stream power or stream power induced by raindrop impact. These findings present a new approach for predicting raindrop detachment rate from the point of flow hydraulics and dynamic mechanism of raindrop impact.
A systematic review of the association between perinatal depression and cognitive development in infancy in low and middle-income countries

The association between perinatal depression and infant cognitive development has been well documented in research based in high-income contexts, but the literature regarding the same relationship in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) is less developed. The aim of this study is to systematically review what is known in this area in order to inform priorities for early intervention and future research in LMICs. The review protocol was pre-registered on Prospero (CRD42018108589) and relevant electronic databases were searched using a consistent set of keywords and 1473 articles were screened against the eligibility criteria. Sixteen articles were included in the review, seven focusing on the antenatal period, eight on the postnatal period, and one which included both. Five out of eight studies found a significant association between antenatal depression (d = .21-.93) and infant cognitive development, while four out of nine studies found a significant association with postnatal depression (d = .17-.47). Although the evidence suggests that LMICs should prioritise antenatal mental health care, many of the studies did not adequately isolate the effects of depression in each period. Furthermore, very few studies explored more complex interactions that may exist between perinatal depression and other relevant factors. More high-quality studies are needed in LMIC settings, driven by current theory, that test main effects and examine moderating or mediating pathways to cognitive development.
Systemic complement activation levels in Stargardt disease

Purpose Preclinical research provides evidence for the complement system as a potential common pathway in Stargardt disease (STGD1) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) leading to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) loss. However, systemic complement activation has not yet been assessed in STGD1 patients. We conducted a cross-sectional case-control study to assess systemic complement activation in STGD1 patients and its association with disease severity. Methods Systemic concentrations of complement component C3 and its degradation product C3d were compared between 80 STGD1 patients and 80 controls that were frequency matched for age and sex. The C3d/C3 ratio was used as parameter of systemic complement activation. Within the STGD1 cohort, we additionally examined the association between the C3d/C3 ratio, demographic and behavioural factors (age, sex, smoking and BMI), and measures of disease severity (age at onset, visual acuity, and area of atrophy). Results The C3d/C3 ratio did not significantly differ between patients (mean C3d/C3 ratio 3.5±1.4) and controls (mean C3d/C3 ratio 3.6±1.0), mean difference -0.156 (p = 0.804, independent samples t-test). The overall effect size was 8% (95% confidence interval, 3–15%). Elevated C3d/C3 ratios (>8.1) were found in three patients who all had a concomitant inflammatory condition at the time of blood draw. Within the patient cohort, C3 levels were associated with sex (mean difference -134, p = 0.001, independent samples t-test) and BMI (correlation coefficient 0.463, p<0.001, Spearman’s Correlation). Conclusions Systemic complement levels were not elevated in STGD1 patients compared to age and sex matched controls and was not associated with STGD1 severity. Considering the continued absent proof of a systemic contribution of the complement system to RPE loss in STGD1 patients, we hypothesize that complement activation in STGD1 is more likely a local process. In light of upcoming complement-targeted therapies, further studies are needed that measure complement levels in the eye of STGD1 patients.