Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Engagement of Government Social Media on Facebook during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Macao

Government social media is widely used for providing updates to and engaging with the public in the COVID-19 pandemic. While Facebook is one of the popular social media used by governments, there is only a scant of research on this platform. This paper aims to understand how government social media should be used and how its engagement changes in prodromal, acute and chronic stages of the pandemic. We collected 1664 posts and 10,805 comments from the Facebook pages of the Macao government from 1 January to 31 October 2020. Using word frequency and content analysis, the results suggest that the engagement was relatively low at the beginning and then surged in the acute stage, with a decreasing trend in the chronic stage. Information about public health measures maintained their engagement in all stages, whereas the engagement of other information was dropping over time. Government social media can be used for increasing vigilance and awareness in the prodromal stage; disseminating information and increasing transparency in the acute stage; and focusing on mental health support and recovery policies in the chronic stage. Additionally, it can be a tool for controlling rumors, providing regular updates and fostering community cohesion in public health crises.
Effect of Training-Detraining Phases of Multicomponent Exercises and BCAA Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers and Albumin Levels in Frail Older Persons

Nowadays, it is accepted that the regular practice of exercise and branched-chain amino acids supplementation (BCAAs) can benefit the immune responses in older persons, prevent the occurrence of physical frailty (PF), cognitive decline, and aging-related comorbidities. However, the impact of their combination (as non-pharmacological interventions) in albumin and the inflammatory markers is not fully understood. Therefore, we investigated the effect of a 40-week multifactorial intervention [MIP, multicomponent exercise (ME) associated or not with BCAAs] on plasma levels of inflammatory markers and albumin in frail older persons (≥75 years old) living at residential care homes (RCH). This study consisted of a prospective, naturalistic, controlled clinical trial with four arms of multifactorial and experimental (interventions-wahshout-interventions) design. The intervention groups were ME + BCAAs (n = 8), ME (n = 7), BCAAs (n = 7), and control group (n = 13). Lower limb muscle-strength, cognitive profile, and PF tests were concomitantly evaluated with plasma levels of albumin, anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines [Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) respectively], TNF-α/IL-10 ratio, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity at four different time-points: Baseline (T1), after 16 weeks of multifactorial intervention (T2), then after a subsequent 8 weeks washout period (T3) and finally, after an additional 16 weeks of multifactorial intervention (T4). Improvement of cognitive profile and muscle strength-related albumin levels, as well as reduction in the TNF-α levels were found particularly in ME plus BCAAs group. No significant variations were observed over time for TNF-α/IL-10 ratio or MPO activity. Overall, the study showed that MIP triggered slight alterations in the inflammatory and physical function of the frail older participants, which could provide independence and higher quality of life for this population.
Prevalence and Phylogenetic Analysis of Parvovirus (B19V) among Blood Donors with Different Nationalities Residing in Qatar

Human parvovirus (B19V) is the causative agent of erythema infectiosum in children and is linked to a wide range of clinical manifestations. Studies related to B19V prevalence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and other parts of Asia are very scarce. The objectives of this study were to estimate the seroprevalence (anti-B19V IgM and IgG), the viremia rate (B19V DNA), and the circulating genotypes of B19V among blood donors in Qatar. Methods: Donors’ blood samples (n = 5026) from different nationalities, mainly from the MENA region and South East Asia, were collected from 2014–2016. Samples were tested for the B19V DNA using RT-PCR. Furthermore, 1000 selected samples were tested to determine the seroprevalence of B19V antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Genotyping was performed on 65 DNA positive samples by sequencing of nested PCR fragments (NS1-VP1u region, 927 nt). Results: Only 1.4% (70/5026) of the samples had detectible B19V DNA in their blood. B19V DNA prevalence statistically decreased with age (p = 0.03). Anti-B19V IgG was detected in 60.3% (561/930) of the tested samples, while only 2.1% (20/930) were IgM-positive and 1.2% (11/930) were both IgM- and IgG-positive. B19V genotyping showed a predominance of Genotype 1 (100%). Sequence analysis of the NS1-VP1u region revealed 139 mutation sites, some of which were amino acid substitutions. Conclusion: Our results indicated a relatively high seroprevalence of B19V in Qatar. Most importantly, B19 DNA was detected among Qatari and non-Qatari blood donors. Therefore, blood banks in Qatar might need to consider screening for B19V, especially when transfusion is intended for high-risk populations, including immunocompromised patients.
Interfacial Doping Effects in Fluoropolymer-Tungsten Diselenide Composites Providing High-Performance P-Type Transistors

In this study, we investigated the p-doping effects of a fluoropolymer, Cytop, on tungsten diselenides (WSe2). The hole current of the Cytop–WSe2 field-effect transistor (FET) was boosted by the C–F bonds of Cytop having a strong dipole moment, enabling increased hole accumulation. Analysis of the observed p-doping effects using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Raman spectroscopy shed light on the doping mechanism. Moreover, Cytop reduces the electrical instability by preventing the adsorption of ambient molecules on the WSe2 surface. Annealing Cytop deposited on WSe2 eliminated the possible impurities associated with adsorbates (i.e., moisture and oxygen) that act as traps on the surface of WSe2. After thermal annealing, the Cytop–WSe2 FET afforded higher p-type conductivity and reduced hysteresis. The combination of the Cytop–WSe2 FET with annealing provides a promising method for obtaining high-performance WSe2 p-type transistors.
miRNAs Involved in Esophageal Carcinogenesis and miRNA-Related Therapeutic Perspectives in Esophageal Carcinoma

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play a pivotal role in many aspects of cell biology, including cancer development. Within esophageal cancer, miRNAs have been proved to be involved in all phases of carcinogenesis, from initiation to metastatic spread. Several miRNAs have been found to be dysregulated in esophageal premalignant lesions, namely Barrett’s esophagus, Barrett’s dysplasia, and squamous dysplasia. Furthermore, numerous studies have investigated the alteration in the expression levels of many oncomiRNAs and tumor suppressor miRNAs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and esophageal adenocarcinoma, thus proving how miRNAs are able modulate crucial regulatory pathways of cancer development. Considering these findings, miRNAs may have a role not only as a diagnostic and prognostic tool, but also as predictive biomarker of response to anti-cancer therapies and as potential therapeutic targets. This review aims to summarize several studies on the matter, focusing on the possible diagnostic–therapeutic implications.
Clinical and Echocardiographic Findings in an Aged Population of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Simple Summary Myxomatous mitral valve disease is the most common cardiac disease in dogs. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are particularly susceptible to this disease, which generally appears earlier in life than other breeds, resulting, in some cases, in congestive heart failure and death. We hypothesised that within the elderly Cavalier King Charles Spaniels population, there is a sub-cohort of myxomatous mitral valve disease-affected dogs that do not have chamber enlargement. The objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalence and the degree of cardiac chamber enlargement associated with the disease in a population of aged Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and to assess the effect of age, gender, and body weight on echocardiographic status. A total of 126 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels aged over eight years old were prospectively included in the study. On echocardiographic examination, 100% of them were diagnosed with myxomatous mitral valve disease; 55.6% of them presented chamber enlargement, and 44.4% did not. Age was significantly associated with the presence and the severity of cardiac chamber enlargement and mitral valve prolapse. Our results showed that a proportion of elderly Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with confirmed myxomatous mitral valve disease did not undergo advanced stages of this pathology. Abstract Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common cardiac disease in dogs. It varies from dogs without clinical signs to those developing left-sided congestive heart failure, leading to death. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCSs) are particularly susceptible to MMVD. We hypothesised that within the elderly CKCS population, there is a sub-cohort of MMVD-affected dogs that do not have cardiac remodelling. The objectives of the present study were (i) to determine the prevalence and the degree of cardiac remodelling associated with MMVD; and (ii) assess the effect of age, gender, and body weight on echocardiographic status in a population of aged CKCSs. A total of 126 CKCSs ≥ 8 years old were prospectively included. They all had a physical and echocardiographic examination. A systolic murmur was detected in 89% of dogs; the presence of clinical signs was reported in 19% of them; and echocardiographic evidence of MMVD was described in 100%. Despite the high prevalence, 44.4% of the dogs were clear of echocardiographic signs of cardiac remodelling. Age was significantly associated with the presence and severity of cardiac remodelling and mitral valve prolapse. Our results showed that a proportion of elderly CKCS with confirmed MMVD did not undergo advanced stages of this pathology.
Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) Nanocomposites: Effect of Inorganic Nanoparticles Reinforcement on Its Performance and Food Packaging Applications

Poly lactic acid (PLA) is a compostable, as well as recyclable, sustainable, versatile and environmentally friendly alternative, because the monomer of PLA-lactide (LA) is extracted from natural sources. PLA’s techno-functional properties are fairly similar to fossil-based polymers; however, in pristine state, its brittleness and delicacy during processing pose challenges to its potential exploitation in diverse food packaging applications. PLA is, therefore, re-engineered to improve its thermal, rheological, barrier and mechanical properties through nanoparticle (NP) reinforcement. This review summarises the studies on PLA-based nanocomposites (PLA NCs) developed by reinforcing inorganic metal/metallic oxide, graphite and silica-based nanoparticles (NPs) that exhibit remarkable improvement in terms of storage modulus, tensile strength, crystallinity, glass transition temperature (Tg) value, antimicrobial property and a decrease in water vapour and oxygen permeability when compared with the pristine PLA films. This review has also discussed the regulations around the use of metal oxide-based NPs in food packaging, PLA NC biodegradability and their applications in food systems. The industrial acceptance of NCs shows highly promising perspectives for the replacement of traditional petrochemical-based polymers currently being used for food packaging.
Effect of floc structure and strength on membrane permeability in the hybrid coagulation-microfiltration process

The relative importance of floc property on microfiltration and fouling mechanism remains a field of arguments. The effects of floc structure and strength on fouling rate of coagulation-microfiltration were investigated in dead-end microfiltration. Flocs varying in size, fractal structure and strength were prepared by AICI 3 and PACI (Polyaluminum Chloride) coagulation at various dosages followed by different slow mixing rates and filtration without any sedimentation step. The rates of flux decline for flocs formed under same coagulant dosage but different shear conditions showed only limited size and compactness dependence. However, the floc strength effect on membrane filtration performance was observed clearly with the floc strength constant exhibiting a strong positive linear correlation with the resulted cake compressibility index.
The Role of Enterobacteriaceae in Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are a group of chronic gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases with unknown etiology. There is a combination of well documented factors in their pathogenesis, including intestinal microbiota dysbiosis. The symbiotic microbiota plays important functions in the host, and the loss of beneficial microbes could favor the expansion of microbial pathobionts. In particular, the bloom of potentially harmful Proteobacteria, especially Enterobacteriaceae, has been described as enhancing the inflammatory response, as observed in IBDs. Herein, we seek to investigate the contribution of Enterobacteriaceae to IBD pathogenesis whilst considering the continuous expansion of the literature and data. Despite the mechanism of their expansion still remaining unclear, their expansion could be correlated with the increase in nitrate and oxygen levels in the inflamed gut and with the bile acid dysmetabolism described in IBD patients. Furthermore, in several Enterobacteriaceae studies conducted at a species level, it has been suggested that some adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) play an important role in IBD pathogenesis. Overall, this review highlights the pivotal role played by Enterobacteriaceae in gut dysbiosis associated with IBD pathogenesis and progression.
Ultrasound-Guided Regional Anesthesia–Current Strategies for Enhanced Recovery after Cardiac Surgery

With the advent of fast-track pathways after cardiac surgery, there has been a renewed interest in regional anesthesia due to its opioid-sparing effect. This paradigm shift, looking to improve resource allocation efficiency and hasten postoperative extubation and mobilization, has been pursued by nearly every specialty area in surgery. Safety concerns regarding the use of classical neuraxial techniques in anticoagulated patients have tempered the application of regional anesthesia in cardiac surgery. Recently described ultrasound-guided thoracic wall blocks have emerged as valuable alternatives to epidurals and landmark-driven paravertebral and intercostal blocks. These novel procedures enable safe, effective, opioid-free pain control. Although experience within this field is still at an early stage, available evidence indicates that their use is poised to grow and may become integral to enhanced recovery pathways for cardiac surgery patients.
Natural autoantibodies to the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor in polycystic ovarian syndrome

Context Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disease with different subtypes and unclear etiology. Among the frequent comorbidities are autoimmune diseases, suggesting that autoantibodies (aAb) may be involved in PCOS pathogenesis. Objective As the gonadal axis often is dysregulated, we tested the hypothesis that aAb to the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRH-R) are of diagnostic value in PCOS. Design An in vitro assay for quantifying aAb to the GnRH-R (GnRH-R-aAb) was established by using a recombinant fusion protein of full-length human GnRH-R and firefly luciferase. A commercial rabbit antiserum to human GnRH-R was used for standardization. Serum samples of control subjects and different cohorts of European PCOS patients (n = 1051) were analyzed. Results The novel GnRH-R-aAb assay was sensitive, and signals were linear on dilution when tested with the commercial GnRH-R antiserum. Natural GnRH-R-aAb were detected in one control (0.25%) and two PCOS samples (0.31%), and 12 samples were slightly above the threshold of positivity. The identification of samples with positive GnRH-R-aAb was reproducible and the signals showed no matrix interferences. Conclusion Natural GnRH-R-aAb are present in a very small fraction of adult control and PCOS subjects of European decent. Our results do not support the hypothesis that the GnRH-R constitutes a relevant autoantigen in PCOS.
Neighborhood Environment, Internet Use and Mental Distress among Older Adults: The Case of Shanghai, China

As the Internet evolves in urban communities, its consequences on mental distress have drawn significant research attention. We examine the relationships of mental distress with neighborhood environment and Internet use among older adults, using data from a representative sample of 2036 adults aged older than 60 years in Shanghai, China. We assess mental health with a 10-item scale from the Symptom Checklist 90 and Internet use with a 4-item scale and obtain information of neighborhood environment from an online map platform. Results from multilevel models show that both neighborhood environment and Internet use are significantly related to mental distress. Moreover, a worse neighborhood environment may strengthen the correlation between Internet use and mental distress, indicating the strong moderating role of the neighborhood environment. Thus, promoting Internet use among elderly people might result in a reduction in the prevalence of mental distress in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
The Influence of Irrigation during the Finishing and Polishing of Composite Resin Restorations—A Systematic Review of In Vitro Studies

The surface smoothness of composite restorations affects not only their esthetic appearance but also other properties. Thus, rough surfaces can lead to staining, plaque accumulation, gingival irritation, recurrent caries, abrasiveness, wear kinetics, and tactile perception by the patient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of irrigation during the finishing and polishing of composite resin restorations. A systematic search of the PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials databases was conducted. Papers published up to 11 February 2021 were considered. The quality of each study was assessed using the modified Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials checklist for reporting in vitro studies on dental materials. No clinical studies were identified. Six in vitro studies were included, reporting changes in physical and esthetic properties. After performing a methodological quality assessment of the studies, some limitations were identified, the main limitation being the heterogeneous methodology across studies. The evidence resulting from this systematic review did not favor either wet or dry finishing/polishing procedures. There is a clear need for well-designed studies focusing on the comparison of dry/wet finishing/polishing with standard protocols to evaluate the differences among different materials and methods.
Opposing roles for Egalitarian and Staufen in transport, anchoring and localization of oskar mRNA in the Drosophila oocyte

Localization of oskar mRNA includes two distinct phases: transport from nurse cells to the oocyte, a process typically accompanied by cortical anchoring in the oocyte, followed by posterior localization within the oocyte. Signals within the oskar 3’ UTR directing transport are individually weak, a feature previously hypothesized to facilitate exchange between the different localization machineries. We show that alteration of the SL2a stem-loop structure containing the oskar transport and anchoring signal (TAS) removes an inhibitory effect such that in vitro binding by the RNA transport factor, Egalitarian, is elevated as is in vivo transport from the nurse cells into the oocyte. Cortical anchoring within the oocyte is also enhanced, interfering with posterior localization. We also show that mutation of Staufen recognized structures (SRSs), predicted binding sites for Staufen, disrupts posterior localization of oskar mRNA just as in staufen mutants. Two SRSs in SL2a, one overlapping the Egalitarian binding site, are inferred to mediate Staufen-dependent inhibition of TAS anchoring activity, thereby promoting posterior localization. The other three SRSs in the oskar 3’ UTR are also required for posterior localization, including two located distant from any known transport signal. Staufen, thus, plays multiple roles in localization of oskar mRNA.
Exploring Physicians’ Views, Perceptions and Experiences about Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Prescribing in a Tertiary Care Hospital Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Approach

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health threat associated with increased mortality, morbidity and costs. Inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing, particularly of broad-spectrums antimicrobials (BSAs), is considered a major factor behind growing AMR. The aim of this study was to explore physician perception and views about BSAs and factors that impact upon their BSAs prescribing decisions. Qualitative semistructured telephone interviews over an eleven-week period were conducted with physicians in a single tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Purposeful and snowball sampling techniques were adopted as sampling strategy. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, uploaded to NVivo® software and analysed following thematic analysis approach. Four major themes emerged: views on BSAs, factors influencing BSA prescribing and antimicrobial stewardship: practices and barriers and recommendations to improve appropriate BSA prescribing. Recommendations for the future include improving clinical knowledge, feedback on prescribing, multidisciplinary team decision-making and local guideline implementation. Identification of views and determinants of BSA prescribing can guide the design of a multifaceted intervention to support physicians and policymakers to improve antimicrobial prescribing practices.
Cardiac Catheterization Procedures in Patients with HIV: A Retrospective Analysis

With the advent of effective antiretroviral therapies, there has been a decrease in HIV-related mortality, but an increase in non-AIDS-related comorbidities including cardiovascular disease (CVD). We sought to investigate current status of cardiac catheterization (CC) procedures in people with HIV (PWH). This is a retrospective study done at a University Hospital in South Florida between 2017 and 2019. Medical records from 985 PWH indicated that CC was performed in 1.9% of the cases. Of the PWH who underwent CC, 68% were found to have obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Among obstructive CAD cases, PCI was performed in 77% and CABG in 21% of cases; 26% had a repeat procedure and 11% died from non-cardiac causes. When comparing PWH who had CC to those who did not, there was a significantly higher rate of statin use (63% vs. 25%, p < 0.015) and a higher prevalence of low ejection fraction (38% vs. 11%, p = 0.004) among those patients who underwent CC. However, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of hypertension (p = 0.13), HbA1c levels (p = 0.32), CD4 count (p = 0.45) nor in undetectable viral load status (p = 0.75) after controlling for age, sex and BMI. Despite the finding of traditional CVD risk factors among PWH, there were no differences in HIV-related factors among patients requiring CC, supporting the importance of optimization of traditional CVD risk factors in this population.