Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative Clinical Evaluation of the Roche Elecsys and Abbott SARS-CoV-2 Serology assays for COVID-19.

CONTEXT The use of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) serological tests detect antibodies in the host, contributing to the identification of individuals who have been exposed to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). OBJECTIVE To critically evaluate two commercially available SARS-CoV-2 serology tests. DESIGN A total of 333 unique, non-duplicated serum samples obtained from COVID-19 patients (n=170) and negative controls (n=163) obtained pre-December 2019 were used in the study. Samples were tested on the Roche E411 and Abbott Architect i4000SR platforms and results were correlated to reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results and clinical symptoms. RESULTS There was a strong level of agreement in the qualitative results between both assays with a Cohen's kappa value of 0.840, P<. 001. The specificity for both Roche and Abbott were excellent at 100%. Roche exhibited marginally better performance in the ≥21 days group with a sensitivity of 90.6% (95% CI 75.8-96.8%) versus Abbott's sensitivity 84.4% (95% CI 68.3 - 93.1%) as well as the 14-20 days group with a sensitivity of 85.7% (95% CI 65.4 - 95.0%) versus Abbott sensitivity 81.0% (95% CI 60.0 - 92.3%). Less than 14 days of symptoms groups exhibited poor sensitivity at <50% for both assays. The area under curve (AUC ± standard error) for Roche (0.894 ± 0.025, P< .001) and Abbott (0.884 ± 0.026, P <.001) were very similar. Potential confounders for negative serological results include antiretroviral medication use and pauci-symptomatic patients. CONCLUSIONS Specificities for high throughput Roche and Abbott immunoassays are excellent but users need to be cautious to interpret serological test results after 14 days of symptoms to avoid false negatives.
Strict network analysis of evolutionary conserved and brain-expressed genes reveals new putative candidates implicated in Intellectual Disability and in Global Development Delay

Abstract Objectives Intellectual Disability (ID) and Global Development Delay (GDD) are frequent reasons for referral to genetic services and although they present overlapping phenotypes concerning cognitive, motor, language, or social skills, they are not exactly synonymous. Aiming to better understand independent or shared mechanisms related to these conditions and to identify new candidate genes, we performed a highly stringent protein-protein interaction network based on genes previously related to ID/GDD in the Human Phenotype Ontology portal. Methods ID/GDD genes were searched for reliable interactions through STRING and clustering analysis was applied to detect biological complexes through the MCL algorithm. Six coding hub genes (TP53, CDC42, RAC1, GNB1, APP, and EP300) were recognised by the Cytoscape NetworkAnalyzer plugin, interacting with 1625 proteins not yet associated with ID or GDD. Genes encoding these proteins were explored by gene ontology, associated diseases, evolutionary conservation, and brain expression. Results One hundred and seventy-two new putative genes playing a role in enriched processes/pathways previously related to ID and GDD were revealed, some of which were already postulated to be linked to ID/GDD in additional databases. Conclusions Our findings expanded the aetiological genetic landscape of ID/GDD and showed evidence that both conditions are closely related at the molecular and functional levels.
Hospital Readmission and Post-Acute Care Use After Intensive Care Unit Admissions: New ICU Quality Metrics?

Objective: Care coordination is a national priority. Post-acute care use and hospital readmission appear to be common after critical illness. It is unknown whether specialty critical care units have different readmission rates and what these trends have been over time. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, a cohort of 53,539 medical/surgical patients who were treated in a critical care unit during their index admission were compared with 209,686 patients who were not treated in a critical care unit. The primary outcome was 30-day all cause hospital readmission. Secondary outcomes included post-acute care resource use and immediate readmission, defined as within 7 days of discharge. Results: Compared to patients discharged after an index hospitalization without critical illness, surviving patients following ICU admission were not more likely to be rehospitalized within 30 days (15.8 vs. 16.1%, p = 0.08). However, they were more likely to receive post-acute care services (45.3% vs. 70.9%, p < 0.001) as well as be rehospitalized within 7 days (5.2 vs. 6.0%, p < 0.001). Post-acute care use and 30-day readmission rates varied by ICU type, the latter ranging from 11.7% after admission in a cardiothoracic critical care unit to 23.1% after admission in a medical critical care unit. 30-day readmission after ICU admission did not decline between 2010 and 2015 (p = 0.38). Readmission rates declined over time for 2 of 4 targeted conditions (heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), but only when the hospitalization did not include ICU admission. Conclusions: Rehospitalization for survivors following ICU admission is common across all specialty critical care units. Post-acute care use is also common for this population of patients. Overall trends for readmission rates after critical illness did not change over time, and readmission reductions for targeted conditions were limited to hospitalizations that did not include an ICU admission.
Characteristics of Dry Matter Production Process in High Yielding Rice Varieties : III. Comparisons of leaf photosynthesis

The difference of dry matter production process among the rice cultivars was previously reported with reference to light intercepting characteristics. This study was conducted to determine if the single leaf photosynthetic characteristics, which affect the dry matter production, were different among the rice cultivars. Leaf apparent photosynthetic rate (APR), diffusive conductance, nitrogen content and chlorophyll content were monitored every ten days from the maximum tillering stage to the harvesting time in the uppermost five leaves on the main stem of two early varieties ; Akihikari (Japanese cultivar) and Nanjing 11 (Chinese cultivar, Indica), and three medium varieties ; Nipponbare, Musasikogane Japanese cultivars) and Milyang 23 (Korean cultivar, Japonica/Indica hybrid). The results obtained were as follows. The maximum APR of the uppermost two leaves in the early varieties was higher than that in the medium varieties. Maximum APR in Akihikari and Milyang 23 was higher as compared with that in Nanjing 11 and that in Nipponbare and Musasikogane, respectively. APR decreased with getting lower in position of leaf on the stem and with increasing in leaf age. Decreasing degree of APR was greater in Nanjing 11 and Milyang 23 than in Akihikari, Nipponbare and Musasikogane, respectively. APR was significantly correlated with nitrogen content (correlation coefficient, r = 0.84), chlorophyll content (r = 0.68) and diffusive conductance (r = 0.90) in the leaves of various positions on the stem and of various ages. However, there was no significant correlation between APR and chlorophyll content above 4 mg dm-2. These relationships were different among the varieties. These results suggested that the lower canopy net assimilation rate in Nanjing 11 as compared with that in Akihikari was mainly owing to the lower leaf photosynthetic rate, but photosynthetic rate hardly affected the difference of canopy dry matter production among the medium varieties.
Topological analysis of chemical bonding in the layered FePSe3 upon pressure‐induced phase transitions

Two pressure‐induced phase transitions have been theoretically studied in the layered iron phosphorus triselenide (FePSe3). Topological analysis of chemical bonding in FePSe3 has been performed based on the results of first‐principles calculations within the periodic linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO) method with hybrid Hartree‐Fock‐DFT B3LYP functional. The first transition at about 6 GPa is accompanied by the symmetry change from R3¯ to C2/m, whereas the semiconductor‐to‐metal transition (SMT) occurs at about 13 GPa leading to the symmetry change from C2/m to P3¯1m . We found that the collapse of the band gap at about 13 GPa occurs due to changes in the electronic structure of FePSe3 induced by relative displacements of phosphorus or selenium atoms along the c‐axis direction under pressure. The results of the topological analysis of the electron density and its Laplacian demonstrate that the pressure changes not only the interatomic distances but also the bond nature between the intralayer and interlayer phosphorus atoms. The interlayer P–P interactions are absent in two non‐metallic FePSe3 phases while after SMT the intralayer P–P interactions weaken and the interlayer P–P interactions appear.
Cancer-associated venous thromboembolism and the non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants: a review of clinical outcomes and patient perspectives

ABSTRACT Introduction Cancer-associated venous thromboembolism remains an important but challenging aspect in the treatment of patients with cancer. Recently, alternatives to injection of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) have been introduced, the non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs), which could potentially alleviate patients from burdensome daily injections. Areas covered This review discusses the available evidence exploring the role of NOACs in the treatment and secondary prevention of cancer-associated venous thromboembolism, from randomized trials, observational data, contemporary guideline recommendations, and patient perspectives. Expert opinion Edoxaban, rivaroxaban, and apixaban have proven attractive alternatives to LMWH for the treatment of cancer-associated venous thromboembolism. Contemporary guidelines have promptly endorsed the use of NOACs in patients with most cancer types. Nonetheless, issues remain regarding bleeding risk, interactions with medical cancer treatment, and the effectiveness and safety for extended treatment periods. There are head-to-head comparisons of the NOACs, and therefore no data favoring the use of one NOAC over the others. Patient’s preferences are highly diverse and should be part of routine considerations when weighing risks and benefits associated with various available anticoagulant drugs.
Fluctuations in Growth-Rate of Euglena anabaena, E. gracilis, and E. viridis, and Their Apparent Relation to Initial Density of Population

I N STUDIES on autotrophic strains of Euglena anabaena, E. gracilis, and E. viridis in inorganic media the writers noted marked changes in the rate of population growth in successive transfers. In view of Dusi's (1937) observations that constant light was unfavorable for growth of certain Euglenidae, all our experimental lines were maintained at room temperature near an east window, and each transfer was incubated for 3 weeks. Although external conditions were fairly uniform for the different experimental series at any given time, both light and temperature varied from day to day. Since temperature and light were thus not constant during successive periods of incubation, variations in these conditions were at first suspected of inducing the fluctuations in growth-rate. This hypothesis was necessarily discarded when it was observed that the growth-rate was increasing in certain lines while decreasing in others. The pH of the medium was also eliminated as an important factor, since marked differences in growthrates were observed in successive transfers showing the same initial and final pH values. The initial density of population also varied in successive transfers and it was noted that this factor showed certain relations to the growth-rate. A similar relationship has been described previously by Jahn (1929), who demonstrated that, in a pure line of Euglena sp. , the rate of population growth was inversely proportional to the initial concentration of flagellates, particularly in cultures incubated for o0 days or longer. The observations described below are in general agreement with the findings of Jahn and show further that this relationship may be important in interpreting growth of a line through a series of successive transfers. The relationship between initial density of population and growthrate has been traced in five different autotrophic lines, two of E. gracilis, one of E. anabaena, and two of E. viridis.
Process Models to Understand Resident-to-Resident Aggression Among Residents With Dementia in Long-Term Care

Background/Objectives: Resident-to-resident aggression (RRA) is a prevalent form of interpersonal violence in long-term care (LTC) settings. Research to guide preventive interventions is limited. Using social-ecological and need-driven dementia-compromised behavior perspectives, we sought to generate process models representing common RRA pathways in dementia-specific LTC units. Research Methods: We used qualitative focus group methodology involving staff (n = 36) exposed to everyday resident interactions at two urban LTC facilities in Toronto, Canada. Semistructured interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Two independent raters coded the transcripts using iterative, constant comparison analytic processes. Results: Two distinct RRA process models in dementia-specific LTC units were developed. Models reflect sequential pathways driven by residents’ benign or responsive behaviors and cognitive processing limitations, with escalation points within resident dyads or groups. Implications: This study furthers RRA conceptualization as a process rather than an aggressive event. Models capture unique RRA manifestations in dementia-specific LTC units and entrypoints for prevention or management.
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection promotes enteric defensin expression via FOXO6-METTL3-m6A-GPR161 signalling axis

ABSTRACT The production of natural antimicrobial peptides has emerged as an important mechanism of innate immunity in animals. Defensins, members of a large family of antimicrobial peptides, have been suggested as effector molecules in host defence against bacteria, fungi, protozoa and enveloped viruses. However, the molecular mechanism underlying defensin upregulation in bacterial infection remains poorly understood. The modification of mRNA by N6-adenosine methylation (m6A) on internal bases influences gene expression in eukaryotes. Here, we show that β-defensin production triggered by Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88 (E. coli K88) infection is controlled by the cellular m6A methyltransferase METTL3. Adding back with METTL3 robustly stimulated the re-expression of defensin, which further supports the conclusion. Furthermore, using a MeRIP-seq approach, we identified a functional connection between m6A dependent GPR161 signalling and the expression of defensins. Mechanistically, we found that the transcription factor FOXO6 interacted with METTL3 to trigger the transcription of GPR161 and the subsequent regulation of β-defensin expression. The study has shed light on the mechanisms by which enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection promotes enteric defensin expression.
Increased Atmospheric CO 2 and Litter Quality: Decomposition of Sweet Chestnut Leaf Litter with Animal Food Webs of Different Complexities

In the experiment reported here, chesnut trees were grown in elevated atmospheric CO 2 concentrations; the structure and the chemistry of the plant material were highly modified. The experiment was set up to determine (1) the effects of the modifications of the litter quality, and (2) the influence of interacting groups of soil fauna on the mineralization and leaching of carbon and nitrogen.
Age Differences in Pet Sensitization by Pet Ownership

Objectives The association between pet sensitization and pet ownership remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the association between pet sensitization and pet ownership by age. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 2,883 patients who visited our allergy clinic for nasal symptoms from January 2003 to December 2014, of whom 1,957 patients with data on skin-prick tests and questionnaire responses were included and divided into adults (age >19 years) and children (age ≤19 years). The association between pet sensitization and pet ownership was evaluated in both groups. Results Among children, dog and cat sensitization showed no associations with dog and cat ownership, respectively. However, among adults, dog sensitization was significantly associated with dog ownership (odds ratio [OR], 3.283; P<0.001), and cat sensitization with cat ownership (OR, 13.732; P<0.001). After adjustment for age, sex, familial history of allergy, sinusitis, diabetes mellitus, other pet ownership, and non-pet sensitization, significant associations remained between dog sensitization and dog ownership (adjusted OR [aOR], 3.881; P<0.001), and between cat sensitization and cat ownership (aOR, 10.804; P<0.001) among adults. Dog ownership did not show any association with allergic rhinitis, asthma, or atopic dermatitis, whereas atopic dermatitis had a significant association with cat ownership in adults (aOR, 4.840; P<0.001). Conclusion Pet ownership in adulthood increased the risk of pet sensitization. However, pet ownership was not associated with the prevalence of atopic disorders, regardless of age, except for atopic dermatitis and cat ownership in adults.
High-Tc Cooper-pair injection in a semiconductor–superconductor structure

We observe Andreev reflection in a YBCO–GaN junction through differential conductance spectroscopy. A strong characteristic zero-bias peak was observed and persisted up to the critical temperature of the superconductor with a smaller superconducting order parameter Δ ∼ 1 meV. The presence of Andreev reflection with the small Δ in comparison to its value for high-Tc superconductors forms an important milestone toward demonstration of superconducting proximity in high-Tc/semiconductor junctions. Experimental results were then compared to the theoretical model with good agreement. Efficient injection of Cooper pairs into direct bandgap semiconducting structures, together with high transition temperature of YBCO, can pave the way to novel optoelectronics and quantum optical studies of high-Tc materials.
Social and institutional Reactions to the Influenza Pandemic of 1918-20

ABSTRACT This essay challenges generalizations since the late enlightenment about the effects of epidemics and pandemics on collective mentalities: that from antiquity to the present, epidemics, regardless of the disease, have sparked distrust, social violence, and the blaming of others. By contrast, the pandemic that killed the greatest numbers in world history–the Influenza of 1918-20 – was a pandemic of compassion. No one has yet to uncover this pandemic sparking collective violence or blaming any minorities for spreading the disease anywhere in the globe. The essay then explores the variety of charitable reactions and abnegation that cut across social divisions in communities from theatres of war in Europe to nations thousands of miles from the direct military encounters. Most remarkable, however, was the overflowing volunteerism of women, especially in the US, Canada, and Australia. To explain this widespread charitable reaction, the essay investigates the milieu of the First World War, showing how that context in domestic war settings was not conducive to risking life to aid total strangers, especially when those strangers came from different foreign countries classes, races, or religious faiths. I end with a reflection on the unfolding socio-psychological reactions to Covid-19 from the perspective of 1918–20.
Seedling growth in relation to seed size among species of arid Australia

It has been reported that species from environments where seedlings are prone to drought during establishment tend to have larger seeds. One proposed reason for this is that larger-seeded species might be able to allocate a larger proportion of mass to roots rather than shoots during early growth. Seedlings of 32 species from arid central Australia were grown in coarse sand under standard conditions in a glasshouse, and harvested 10 days after germination. Seedlings from heavier-seeded species did not allocate relatively more resources to roots than lighter-seeded species. Complementary experiments confirmed this result for plants grown on sandy loam, in drying as compared to well-watered soil, and under shaded conditions (.)
Scanning electron microscopic evaluation of the efficacy of 5% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid for smear layer removal

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the smear layer removal efficacy of novel Saver® irrigating solution including 5% EDTA and to compare the 17% EDTA as the most used counterpart. Forty‐four single‐rooted teeth were divided into four groups, were instrumented, and irrigated. The smear treatment groups were as follows: sterile distilled water; 5.25% sodium hypochlorite; Saver®; 17% EDTA. The root samples were blinded. The micrographic images of root samples were collected by scanning electron microscope. The percentages of open dentin tubules were quantified using an image analysis software on micrographs. Two‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey's multiple comparisons was used (p < .05). The 17% EDTA showed the highest percentages of open dentin tubules than the other treatments (p < .01). The mean percentages of open dentin tubules of 17% EDTA revealed statistically highly significant differences than Saver® treatment in all root regions (p < .01). Dentin tubules were covered by dense smear layer in distilled water irrigation whereas, the tubular pattern of dentin structure was not observed in hypochlorite irrigation. The commercial Saver® product presented to be less cleaning property on the smear layer than 17% EDTA and failed to show any improvement in the removal of smear layer compared with its tested counterpart.
A dignified last phase of life for patients with a migration background: A qualitative study

Background: Preserving personal dignity is an important part of palliative care. Generally, autonomy, independency and not being a burden to others are emphasised for preserving dignity. Dignity has not been studied yet from the perspective of the growing group of patients with a migration background living in Western countries. Aim: To gain insight into (1) what patients – and their relatives – with a Turkish, Moroccan or Surinamese background, living in the Netherlands, in their last phase of life find important aspects of dignity, and (2) how care professionals can preserve and strengthen the dignity of these patients. Design: Qualitative thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews. Participants: A total of 23 patients and 21 relatives with a Turkish, Moroccan or Surinamese background were interviewed. Results: For respondents dignity encompassed surrender to God’s or Allah’s will and meaningful relationships with others, rather than preserving autonomy. Surrender to God or Allah meant accepting the illness, the situation and performing religious practice. A meaningful relationship meant being assisted or cared for by family members and maintaining a social role. Professionals could preserve dignity by showing respect and attention; guaranteeing physical integrity, hygiene and self-direction; and indirect communication about diagnoses and prognoses. Conclusions: Religion and appropriate involvement of family members are important aspects of dignity in the last phase of life, in addition to autonomy and independency. Care professionals need to take these factors into account in order to provide person-centred care.