Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical Epidemiology, Illness Profiles, and the Implication of COVID-19 Before and After the Nationwide Omicron Outbreak During the Winter of 2022

Abstract Background The outbreak and prevalence of the Omicron variant have threatened human health since March 2022 in mainland China. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Beijing region. Methods In this retrospective study, we enrolled inpatients admitted for COVID-19 in the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital in Beijing between November 10, 2022, and January 30, 2023. Demographic and clinical features and treatment outcomes were comprehensively analyzed. We used logistic regression and linear regression analyses to explore the risk factors associated with disease severity and time of nucleic acid conversion, respectively. Results A total of 1010 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were enrolled. The median age was 43.0 years (interquartile range, 28.0–63.0), and patients aged <60 years and ≥60 years comprised 71.2% and 28.8% of total included patients, respectively. The clinical classification of mild (74.6%, 753/1010), moderate (21.0%, 212/1010), severe (2.7%, 27/1010), and unidentified (1.8%, 18/1010) was separately recorded; 1005 patients were discharged, and 5 patients died in the hospital. The outbreak of the emerging epidemic witnessed an evident increase in the proportion of moderate (42.9% vs. 16.4%) and severe (10.3% vs. 1.1%) cases after December 7, 2022. Patients with a moderate/severe classification had higher levels of procalcitonin, IL-6, serum ferritin, C-reactive protein, lactic dehydrogenase, serum urea nitrogen, and d-dimer and lower counts of CD4+ T, CD8+ T, and B cells (all P < 0.001). Multivariable regression analysis revealed that increased odds of disease severity were associated with the following factors: age ≥60 years, IL-6 > 7 pg/mL, lactic dehydrogenase level >245 U/L, cough, and fever at admission. Age ≥80 years and chronic lung disease were independent risk factors in the nonmild group in elderly patients. In addition, the duration for nucleic acid to turn negative was approximately 5.0 d (interquartile range, 3.0–7.0). Prolonged time of nucleic acid conversion was associated with age ≥60 years, serum urea nitrogen level >8.2 mmol/L, neutrophil count >7 ×109/L, and the presence of a chronic lung disease or carcinoma. Finally, unvaccinated patients accounted for 37.3% of enrolled patients; children and the elder people accounted for approximately half of that. The univariable analysis found that booster doses reduced disease severity and shortened the time of nucleic acid conversion in elderly patients. Conclusions The outbreak of Omicron rapidly increased the number of patients with COVID-19 in Beijing. In elderly patients, booster doses may reduce disease severity and shorten the time of nucleic acid conversion. Healthcare systems should be optimized before an emerging epidemic outbreak.
The Effect of Superstar Players on Game Attendance: Evidence The Effect of Superstar Players on Game Attendance: Evidence from the NBA from the NBA

Economic models predict that “superstar” players generate externalities that increase attendance and other revenue sources beyond their individual contributions to team success. We investigate the eﬀect of superstar players on individual game attendance at National Basketball Association games from 1981/82 through 2013/14. Regression models control for censoring due to sellouts, quality of teams, unobservable team/season heterogeneity, and expected game outcomes. The results show higher home and away attendance associated with superstar players. Michael Jordan generated the largest superstar attendance externality, generating an additional 5,021/5,631 fans at home/away games.
Size of subsoil clods affects soil-water availability in sand–clay mixtures

Clay delving in strongly texture-contrast soils brings up subsoil clay in clumps ranging from large clods to tiny aggregates depending on the equipment used and the extent of secondary cultivation. Clay delving usually increases crop yields but not universally; this has generated questions about best management practices. It was postulated that the size distribution of the subsoil clumps created by delving might influence soil-water availability (and hence crop yield) because, although the clay increases water retention in the root-zone, it can also cause poor soil aeration, high soil strength and greatly reduced hydraulic conductivity. We prepared laboratory mixtures of sand and clay-rich subsoil in amounts considered practical (10% and 20% by weight) and excessive (40% and 60% by weight) with different subsoil clod sizes (<2, 6, 20 and 45 mm), for which we measured water retention, soil resistance, and saturated hydraulic conductivity. We calculated soil water availability by traditional means (plant-available water, PAW) and by the integral water capacity (IWC). We found that PAW increased with subsoil clay, particularly when smaller aggregates were used (≤6 mm). However, when the potential restrictions on PAW were taken into account, the benefits of adding clay reached a peak at ~40%, beyond which IWC declined towards that of pure subsoil clay. Furthermore, the smaller the aggregates the less effective they were at increasing IWC, particularly in the practical range of application rates (<20% by weight). We conclude that excessive post-delving cultivation may not be warranted and may explain some of the variability found in crop yields after delving.
Quality and sustainability of Ethiopia’s national surgical indicators

In 2015, the Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) developed the Saving Lives through Safe Surgery (SaLTS) initiative to improve national surgical care. Previous work led to development and implementation of 15 surgical key performance indicators (KPIs) to standardize surgical data practices. The objective of this project is to investigate current practices of KPI data collection and assess quality to improve data management and strengthen surgical systems. The first portion of the study documented the surgical data collection process including methods, instruments, and effectiveness at 10 hospitals across 2 regions in Ethiopia. Secondly, data for KPIs of focus [1. Surgical Volume, 2. Perioperative Mortality Rate (POMR), 3. Adverse Anesthetic Outcome (AAO), 4. Surgical Site Infection (SSI), and 5. Safe Surgery Checklist (SSC) Utilization] were compared between registries, KPI reporting forms, and the DHIS2 (district health information system) electronic database for a 6-month period (January - June 2022). Quality was assessed based on data completeness and consistency. The data collection process involved hospital staff recording data elements in registries, quality officers calculating KPIs, completing monthly KPI reporting forms, and submitting data into DHIS2 for the national and regional health bureaus. Data quality verifications revealed discrepancies in consistency at all hospitals, ranging from 1-3 indicators. For all hospitals, average monthly surgical volume was 57 cases, POMR was 0.38% (13/3399), inpatient SSI rate was 0.79% (27/3399), AAO rate was 0.15% (5/3399), and mean SSC utilization monthly was 93% (100% median). Half of the hospitals had incomplete data within the registries, ranging from 2-5 indicators. AAO, SSC, and SSI were commonly missing data in registries. Non-standardized KPI reporting forms contributed significantly to the findings. Facilitators to quality data collection included continued use of registries from previous interventions and use of a separate logbook to document specific KPIs. Delayed rollout of these indicators in each region contributed to issues in data quality. Barriers involved variable indicator recording from different personnel, data collection tools that generate false positives (i.e. completeness of SSC defined as paper form filled out prior to patient discharge) or missing data because of reporting time period (i.e. monthly SSI may miss infections outside of one month), inadequate data elements in registries, and lack of standardized monthly KPI reporting forms. As the FMOH introduces new indicators and changes, we recommend continuous and consistent quality checks and data capacity building, including the use of routinely generated health information for quality improvement projects at the department level.
Early Laser for Burn Scars (ELABS): protocol for a multi-centre randomised, controlled trial of both the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the treatment of hypertrophic burn scars with Pulsed Dye Laser and standard care compared to standard care alone

This paper outlines the protocol for a study that is being carried out at multiple centres across the UK in the next three years. It is a Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) study funded by the National Institute for Healthcare Research (NIHR). The aim is to assess the effectiveness of treating hypertrophic burns scars with pulsed dye laser (PDL) at an early stage of scar formation. The objective is to improve Quality of Life for the patient by improving both the appearance and quality of burn scarring, as well as reducing its psychological impact. This is a parallel-arm randomised, controlled trial to compare PDL and standard care against standard care alone. The difference is measured between baseline and six-month follow-up. Recruits are within three months of healing from a burn injury; with wounds showing a defined potential for hypertrophic scarring. A total of 120 patients are recruited in a multi-centre study; with randomisation in a 1:1 allocation to each arm. The treatment arm receives 3 PDL treatments at six-week intervals in addition to standard care, whereas the control arm receives standard care alone. The primary outcome is the patient-rated part of the Patient and Observer Scar Scale (POSAS). Psychological and psycho-social impact is evaluated using the CARe burn scale (UWE, Bristol) and Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALY) is determined using the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). The study evaluates both the cost-effectiveness through an economic analysis and the patient-reported experience of the treatment by phone interviews. Trial registration: ISRCTN14392301 (registered on 14 th June 2021) Contact for Public & Scientific Queries: Mark Brewin, sft.elabs@nhs.net Public Title: Early Laser for Burn Scars (ELABS): a trial of the effectiveness and cost of the treatment of hypertrophic burn scars with laser Countries of Recruitment: England & Scotland Protocol Version: v11, October 2021
“They Went as High as They Choose:” What an Isolated Skull Can Tell Us about the Biogeography of High-altitude Bison

ABSTRACT In 2003 a partial bison skull was recovered by Ashley National Forest archaeologists from an elevation of 3840 m (12,600 ft) above mean sea level on Gilbert Peak in the Uinta Mountains of Utah. The skull consists of a portion of the frontal, occipital region, and horn cores including horn sheaths. Through the analysis of the individual cones of the horn sheath, a record of the animal's dietary and migration patterns were obtained. While high-altitude bison remains have been discussed in the scientific literature periodically, they have not gone beyond the descriptive. In addition to descriptive and metric analysis of the skull, radiometric assay and stable isotope analyses were applied. The radiocarbon age of the specimen is 150 ± 40 yr BP (cal. a.d. 1725–1778). Metric analysis of the skull indicates it was an older adult male, which compares well with Bison bison athabascae (wood bison) in size and is larger than either Bison bison bison (plains bison) specimens or other high-altitude bison. However, it is probable this individual represents a member of the species Bison bison bison, but phenotypic characteristics (e.g., large horn size) may be the result of gene flow. More definitive taxonomic placement of the Gilbert Peak bison may not be resolved without genetic analysis.
Prognostic Factors and Surgical Impact of Non‐metastatic Conventional Chondrosarcoma of the Extremities

Chondrosarcoma is a common bone malignancy, and the main treatment method is surgery. Different surgeries lead to different survival outcomes. The aim of this study was to construct a new clinical predictive tool to accurately predict the overall survival (OS) and cause specific survival (CSS) of patients with chondrosarcoma receiving different treatments.
Mini-review Glyphosate: a once-in-a-century herbicide

Since its commercial introduction in 1974, glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine) has become the dominant herbicide worldwide. There are several reasons for its success. Glyphosate is a highly effective broad- spectrum herbicide, yet it is very toxicologically and environmentally safe. Glyphosate translocates well, and its action is slow enough to take advantage of this. Glyphosate is the only herbicide that targets 5-enolpyruvyl- shikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS), so there are no competing herbicide analogs or classes. Since glyphosate became a generic compound, its cost has dropped dramatically. Perhaps the most important aspect of the success of glyphosate has been the introduction of transgenic, glyphosate-resistant crops in 1996. Almost 90% of all transgenic crops grown worldwide are glyphosate resistant, and the adoption of these crops is increasing at a steady pace. Glyphosate/glyphosate-resistant crop weed management offers significant environmental and other benefits over the technologies that it replaces. The use of this virtually ideal herbicide is now being threatened by the evolution of glyphosate-resistant weeds. Adoption of resistance management practices will be required to maintain the benefits of glyphosate technologies for future generations.  2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Measuring auditory event‐related potentials at the external ear canal: A demonstrative study using a new electrode and error‐feedback paradigm

Although ear canal electroencephalogram (EEG) recording has received interest from basic and applied research communities, evidence on how it can be implemented in practice is limited. The present study involving eight male participants including the authors presents the utility of our ear canal electrode and method by demonstrating both comparability of ear canal EEG to those at nearby sites and distinctiveness that ear canal event‐related potentials (ERPs) could have. For this purpose, we used the balanced noncephalic electrode reference and an experimental paradigm with an error‐feedback sound. Clear auditory ERPs were detected at the ear canal sites with a sufficiently low noise level comparable with those at conventional sites. The N1c, a temporal maximum subcomponent, spread over the bilateral temporal sites, including the ear canals and earlobes. While consecutive signals are generally highly similar between the ear canal and the earlobe, the N1c was larger at the ear canal than the earlobe, as demonstrated by the conventional frequentist and the hierarchical Bayesian modelling approaches. Although an evident caveat is that our sample was limited in terms of size and sex, the general capability indicates that the structure of our ear canal electrode provides EEG measurement that can be used in basic and applied settings. Our experimental method can also be an ERP‐based test that conveniently assesses the capability of existing and future ear canal electrodes. The distinctive nature of the ERPs to the error‐feedback sound may be utilized to examine the basic aspects of auditory ERPs and to test the processes involved in feedback‐guided behaviour of participants.
Physiography and geology of region adjacent to the Nicaragua Canal route

Introduction The region discussed in the following paper embraces northern Costa Rica and southern Nicaragua. Its special interest lies in the fact that it contains the lowest gap in the Continental divide between the straits of Magellan and the Arctic ocean, and probably also contains the most feasible route for an interoceanic ship canal. In connection with the investigations of the canal route by the United States Nicaragua Canal Commission, the writer spent ten months of 1898 in field-work in the canal region, the greater part of which was in the direction of drilling operations. In this way much detailed information was obtained concerning the geology immediately upon the canal route, but little opportunity was afforded for a general examination of the adjacent region. The conditions which prevail over much of the country, however, especially the presence of a luxuriant tropical vegetation and the depth of rock decay, entirely prevent, .
From preschool wheezing to asthma: Immunological determinants

Asthma represents a chronic respiratory disease affecting millions of children worldwide. The transition from preschool wheezing to school‐age asthma involves a multifaceted interplay of various factors, including immunological aspects in early childhood. These factors include complex cellular interactions among different immune cell subsets, induction of pro‐inflammatory mediators and the molecular impact of environmental factors like allergens or viral infections on the developing immune system. Furthermore, the activation of specific genes and signalling pathways during this early phase plays a pivotal role in the manifestation of symptoms and subsequent development of asthma. Early identification of the propensity or risk for asthma development, for example by allergen sensitisation and viral infections during this critical period, is crucial for understanding the transition from wheeze to asthma. Favourable immune regulation during a critical ‘window of opportunity’ in early childhood can induce persistent changes in immune cell behaviour. In this context, trained immunity, including memory function of innate immune cells, has significant implications for understanding immune responses, potentially shaping long‐term immunological outcomes based on early‐life environmental exposures. Exploration of these underlying immune mechanisms that drive disease progression will provide valuable insights to understand childhood asthma development. This will be instrumental to develop preventive strategies at different stages of disease development for (i) inhibiting progression from wheeze to asthma or (ii) reducing disease severity and (iii) uncovering novel therapeutic strategies and contributing to more tailored and effective treatments for childhood asthma. In the long term, this shall empower healthcare professionals to develop evidence‐based interventions that reduce the burden of asthma for children, families and society overall.
Magnetic properties and critical behaviors of the nodal-line semimetal candidate ErIn3

The AuCu3-type intermetallic compounds ReIn3 (Re = a rare earth ion) with type-IV magnetic space groups are predicted to show topologically nontrivial electronic states. Here, we grow ErIn3 single crystals, and study their magnetic properties and critical behaviors by means of the magnetic susceptibility, and magnetization isotherm measurements. Combining a detailed analysis of the magnetic susceptibility and isothermal magnetization, we find that this compound harbors a complicated magnetic phase diagram, and its magnetic moment arrangement appears not to simply follow the fashion as observed in the isostructural counterpart GdIn3 (it adopts a conventional type-C magnetic structure that belongs to type-IV magnetic space groups). A careful study of the magnetic properties around the antiferromagnetic (AFM)-paramagnetic transition yields the critical exponents β = 0.309 (0.297), γ = 1.117 (1.038), and δ = 4.617 (4.454), indicating that the tricritical mean field model or the three-dimensional Ising model works for ErIn3’s magnetic behaviors and the presence of a long-range AFM interaction therein. Besides, the exchange interaction distance J(r) ∼ r −4.665 as well confirms a long-range magnetic coupling in ErIn3. Our results offer the clues that the magnetic structure varies from one member of ReIn3 family to another, and to confirm their electronic features in the AFM phases further experimental and theoretical studies are still desired.
A window into the human immune system: comprehensive characterization of the complexity of antibody complementary-determining regions in functional antibodies

ABSTRACT The human immune system uses antibodies to neutralize foreign antigens. They are composed of heavy and light chains, both with constant and variable regions. The variable region has six hypervariable loops, also known as complementary-determining regions (CDRs) that determine antibody diversity and antigen specificity. Knowledge of their significance, and certain residues present in these areas, is vital for antibody therapeutics development. This study includes an analysis of more than 11,000 human antibody sequences from the International Immunogenetics information system (IMGT). The analysis included parameters such as length distribution, overall amino acid diversity, amino acid frequency per CDR and residue position within antibody chains. Overall, our findings confirm existing knowledge, such as CDRH3‘s high length diversity and amino acid variability, increased aromatic residue usage, particularly tyrosine, charged and polar residues like aspartic acid, serine, and the flexible residue glycine. Specific residue positions within each CDR influence these occurrences, implying a unique amino acid type distribution pattern. We compared amino acid type usage in CDRs and non-CDR regions, both in globular and transmembrane proteins, which revealed distinguishing features, such as increased frequency of tyrosine, serine, aspartic acid, and arginine. These findings should prove useful for future optimization, improvement of affinity, synthetic antibody library design, or the creation of antibodies de-novo in silico.
The first established microsatellite markers to distinguish Candida orthopsilosis isolates and detection of a nosocomial outbreak in China

ABSTRACT The infection proportion of Candida orthopsilosis, a member of the C. parapsilosis complex, has increased globally in recent years, and nosocomial outbreaks have been reported in several countries. This study aimed to establish microsatellite loci-based typing method that was able to effectively distinguish among C. orthopsilosis isolates. Three reference C. orthopsilosis genome sequences were analyzed to identify repeat loci. DNA sequences containing over eight bi- or more nucleotide repeats were selected. A total of 51 loci were initially identified, and locus-specific primers were designed and tested with 20 epidemiologically unrelated isolates. Four loci with excellent reproducibility, specificity, and resolution for molecular typing purposes were identified, and the combined discriminatory power (DP, based on 20 epidemiologically unrelated isolates) of these four loci was 1.0. Reproducibility was demonstrated by consistently testing three strains each in triplicate, and stability, demonstrated by testing 10 successive passages. Then, we collected 48 C. orthopsilosis non-duplicate clinical isolates from the China Hospital Invasive Fungal Surveillance Net study to compare the DP of the microsatellite-based typing with internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) typing analyses, using ATCC 96139 as a reference strain. These 49 isolates were subdivided into 12 microsatellite types (COMT1–12), six AFLP types, and three ITS types, while all the isolates with the same COMT belonged to consistent AFLP and ITS type, demonstrating the high DP of our microsatellite-type method. According to our results, COMT12 was found to be the predominant type in China, and COMT5 was the second largest and responsible for causing a nosocomial outbreak. This microsatellite-type method is a valuable tool for the differentiation of C. orthopsilosis and could be vital for epidemiological studies to determine strain relatedness and monitor transmission.