Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Experience, experts, statistics, or just science? Predictors and consequences of reliance on different evidence types during the COVID-19 infodemic

As an unprecedented global disease outbreak, the COVID-19 pandemic is also accompanied by an infodemic. To better cope with the pandemic, laypeople need to process information in ways that help guide informed judgments and decisions. Such information processing likely involves the reliance on various evidence types. Extending the Risk Information Seeking and Processing model via a two-wave survey (N = 1284), we examined the predictors and consequences of US-dwelling Chinese’s reliance on four evidence types (i.e. scientific, statistical, experiential, and expert) regarding COVID-19 information. Overall, Risk Information Seeking and Processing variables such as information insufficiency and perceived information gathering capacity predicted the use of all four evidence types. However, other Risk Information Seeking and Processing variables (e.g. informational subjective norms) did not emerge as important predictors. In addition, different evidence types had different associations with subsequent disease prevention behaviors and satisfaction with the US government’s action to address the pandemic. Finally, discrete emotions varied in their influences on the use of evidence types, behaviors, and satisfaction. The findings provide potentially valuable contributions to science and health communication theory and practice.
Capture of carbon dioxide by an ion-exchange resin: Influence of gas humidity on capture mechanisms

ABSTRACT This paper evaluates moisture content effects on CO2 capture of an ion-exchange resin (IER) functionalised with a primary amine group. IER capacities were determined by breakthrough with an inlet gas containing 10 vol% CO2, nitrogen and various moisture contents. Three types of behaviour were identified according to humidity level. In saturated air conditions, the stoichiometry could be justified by carbonates and bicarbonates fixation. In dry conditions, we suspect a joint physical adsorption and reaction mechanism. For intermediate humidity, the stoichiometry of 1 CO2 for 1 amine group is consistent with a bicarbonate fixation or carbamic acid formation.
Machine Learning with 18F-Sodium Fluoride PET and Quantitative Plaque Analysis on CT Angiography for the Future Risk of Myocardial Infarction

Coronary 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) PET and CT angiography–based quantitative plaque analysis have shown promise in refining risk stratification in patients with coronary artery disease. We combined both of these novel imaging approaches to develop an optimal machine-learning model for the future risk of myocardial infarction in patients with stable coronary disease. Methods: Patients with known coronary artery disease underwent coronary 18F-NaF PET and CT angiography on a hybrid PET/CT scanner. Machine-learning by extreme gradient boosting was trained using clinical data, CT quantitative plaque analysis, measures and 18F-NaF PET, and it was tested using repeated 10-fold hold-out testing. Results: Among 293 study participants (65 ± 9 y; 84% male), 22 subjects experienced a myocardial infarction over the 53 (40–59) months of follow-up. On univariable receiver-operator-curve analysis, only 18F-NaF coronary uptake emerged as a predictor of myocardial infarction (c-statistic 0.76, 95% CI 0.68–0.83). When incorporated into machine-learning models, clinical characteristics showed limited predictive performance (c-statistic 0.64, 95% CI 0.53–0.76) and were outperformed by a quantitative plaque analysis-based machine-learning model (c-statistic 0.72, 95% CI 0.60–0.84). After inclusion of all available data (clinical, quantitative plaque and 18F-NaF PET), we achieved a substantial improvement (P = 0.008 versus 18F-NaF PET alone) in the model performance (c-statistic 0.85, 95% CI 0.79–0.91). Conclusion: Both 18F-NaF uptake and quantitative plaque analysis measures are additive and strong predictors of outcome in patients with established coronary artery disease. Optimal risk stratification can be achieved by combining clinical data with these approaches in a machine-learning model.
Improved short‐term outcomes of kidney transplants in controlled donation after the circulatory determination of death with the use of normothermic regional perfusion

Normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) allows the in situ perfusion of organs with oxygenated blood in donation after the circulatory determination of death (DCDD). We aimed at evaluating the impact of NRP on the short‐term outcomes of kidney transplants in controlled DCDD (cDCDD). This is a multicenter, nationwide, retrospective study comparing cDCDD kidneys obtained with NRP versus the standard rapid recovery (RR) technique. During 2012–2018, 2302 cDCDD adult kidney transplants were performed in Spain using NRP (n = 865) or RR (n = 1437). The study groups differed in donor and recipient age, warm, and cold ischemic time and use of ex situ machine perfusion. Transplants in the NRP group were more frequently performed in high‐volume centers (≥90 transplants/year). Through matching by propensity score, two cohorts with a total of 770 patients were obtained. After the matching, no statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of primary nonfunction (p = .261) and mortality at 1 year (p = .111). However, the RR of kidneys was associated with a significantly increased odds of delayed graft function (OR 1.97 [95% CI 1.43–2.72]; p < .001) and 1‐year graft loss (OR 1.77 [95% CI 1.01–3.17]; p = .034). In conclusion, compared with RR, NRP appears to improve the short‐term outcomes of cDCDD kidney transplants.
Real‐world experience of off‐label use of imiquimod 5% as an adjuvant therapy after surgery or as a monotherapy for lentigo maligna

Because of the tendency of lentigo maligna (LM) for subclinical extension, staged excisions with margin control achieve lower recurrence rates than conventional wide local excision (0-9.5% vs 8-20%). However, these surgical techniques are limited by their requirement in time, costs and training.
Seroprevalence of COVID-19 infection in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: a population-based cross-sectional study

Abstract Background The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the first country in the Middle East to report severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Serosurveys are essential to understanding the extent of virus transmission. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Methods Between 19 July and 14 August 2020, 4487 households were selected using a random sample stratified by region and citizenship of the head of household (UAE citizen or non-citizen). A cluster sample of 40 labour camps was selected. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, risk factors and symptoms compatible with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were collected. Each participant was first tested by Roche Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 assay, followed, when reactive, by the LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG assay. Results Among 8831 individuals from households, seroprevalence was 10·4% [95% confidence intervals (CIs) 9·5–11·4], with higher seroprevalence in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain regions compared with those in Al Dhafra. In households, we found no sex difference and UAE citizens had lower seroprevalence compared with those of other nationalities. Among 4855 workers residing in labour camps, seroprevalence was 68·6% (95% CI 61·7–74·7), with higher seroprevalence among workers from Southeast Asia. In households, individuals with higher body mass indexes demonstrated higher seroprevalences than individuals with normal weight. Anosmia and ageusia were strongly associated with seropositivity. Conclusions The majority of household populations in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi remained unexposed to SARS-CoV-2. In labour camps, SARS-CoV-2 transmission was high. Effective public health measures should be maintained.
A homozygous variant in TBPL2 was identified in women with oocyte maturation defects and infertility.

STUDY QUESTION What are the genetic causes of oocyte maturation defects? SUMMARY ANSWER A homozygous splicing variant (c.788 + 3A>G) in TATA-box binding protein like 2 (TBPL2) was identified as a contributory genetic factor in oocyte maturation defects. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY TBPL2, a vertebrate oocyte-specific general transcription factor, is essential for oocyte development. TBPL2 variants have not been studied in human oocyte maturation defects. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Two infertile families characterized by oocyte maturation defects were recruited for whole-exome sequencing (WES). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood for WES analysis. Sanger sequencing was performed for data validation. Pathogenicity of variants was predicted by in silico analysis. Minigene assay and single-oocyte RNA sequencing were performed to investigate the effects of the variant on mRNA integrity and oocyte transcriptome, respectively. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A homozygous splicing variant (c.788 + 3A>G) in TBPL2 was identified in two unrelated families characterized by oocyte maturation defects. Haplotype analysis indicated that the disease allele of Families 1 and 2 was independent. The variant disrupted the integrity of TBPL2 mRNA. Transcriptome sequencing of affected oocytes showed that vital genes for oocyte maturation and fertilization were widely and markedly downregulated, suggesting that a mutation in the transcriptional factor, TBPL2, led to global gene alterations in oocytes. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Limitations include the lack of direct functional evidence. Owing to the scarcity of human oocyte samples, only two immature MI oocytes were obtained from the patients, and we could only investigate the effect of the mutation at the transcriptional level by high-throughput sequencing technology. No extra oocytes were obtained to assess the transcriptional activity of the mutant oocytes by immunofluorescence, or investigate the effects on the binding of TBPL2 caused by the mutation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings highlight a critical role of TBPL2 in female reproduction and identify a homozygous splicing mutation in TBPL2 that might be related to defects in human oocyte maturation. This information will facilitate the genetic diagnosis of infertile individuals with repeated failures of IVF, providing a basis for genetic counseling. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2018YFC1004000, 2017YFC1001504 and 2017YFC1001600), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81871168, 31900409 and 31871509), the Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars of Shandong Province (JQ201816), the Innovative Research Team of High-Level Local Universities in Shanghai (SSMU-ZLCX20180401) and the Fundamental Research Funds of Shandong University. The authors have no competing interests to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
Throwing power & cathode efficiencies of gold electroplating solutions under pulse regimes

Throwing power, the property that expresses the capability to produce uniform thickness on non-planar substrates is measured for pulse-plated gold deposits using the Haring Cell. Throwing power was found to vary in parallel with cathode efficiency except in the eight- and nine-msec on times range, where throwing power increased while cathode efficiency decreased. Cathode efficiency decreased with increased on time. With long on times (8-9 msec), the metal ions adjacent to the cathode were depleted and hydrogen evolution occurred.
Progress in aorta and peripheral cardiovascular disease research

Abstract Although coronavirus disease 2019 seems to be the leading topic in research number of outstanding studies have been published in the field of aorta and peripheral vascular diseases likely affecting our clinical practice in the near future. This review article highlights key research on vascular diseases published in 2020. Some studies have shed light in the pathophysiology of aortic aneurysm and dissection suggesting a potential role for kinase inhibitors as new therapeutic options. A first proteogenomic study on fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) revealed a promising novel disease gene and provided proof-of-concept for a protein/lipid-based FMD blood test. The role of NADPH oxidases in vascular physiology, and particularly endothelial cell differentiation, is highlighted with potential for cell therapy development. Imaging of vulnerable plaque has been an intense field of research. Features of plaque vulnerability on magnetic resonance imaging as an under-recognized cause of stroke are discussed. Major clinical trials on lower extremity peripheral artery disease have shown added benefit of dual antithrombotic (aspirin plus rivaroxaban) treatment.
Knowledge, attitudes, practices and fear of COVID‐19 among Iranians: A quick online survey

Abstract To control COVID‐19, several strategies were proposed in Iran since the start of the outbreak. The number of reported infected people and its consequent death toll herald relative inadequacies in the quality and extent of the measures in curbing the COVID‐19 transmission cycle. This study was conducted to investigate knowledge, attitude, precautionary practices and degree of fear related to COVID‐19 in a sample of Iranian population. This study was conducted among 457 residents of Kurdistan Province, Iran, through social networks and social media (WhatsApp and Telegram). Knowledge, attitude and practice and fear of COVID‐19 were collected using valid tools. Multiple logistic regression and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with binary outcome attitudes, practices and continuous variables knowledge and fear of COVID‐19, respectively. The mean (SD) age of participants was 37.86 (10.42); of them, 252 (55.1%) were men, and more than two‐thirds were married (74.8%). About 10% of the respondents were in believed that COVID‐19 could create a type of social stigma. Level of knowledge about COVID‐19 in 77.8% of the study attendees was acceptable, and 352 of them (70%) were confident that the virus would eventually be successfully controlled in the world, but only 252 of the attendants (50%) had confidence about successful control of COVID‐19 in Iran. Applying multiple logistic regression, knowledge (OR: 1.18, p = 0.028) and fear (OR: 1.04, p = 0.028) of COVID‐19 were associated with positive attitude towards controllability of COVID‐19. Gender (OR: 1.96, p = 0.012), sources of information (OR: 5.00, p = 0.005) and knowledge (OR: 1.27, p = 0.006) were also indicated association with taking precautionary practices to control COVID‐19. Further studies are recommended to boost level of knowledge, strengthen positive attitude and ameliorate behavioural pattern for successful control of COVID‐19 in Iran.
Underperformance of clinical risk scores in identifying vascular ultrasound-based high cardiovascular risk in systemic lupus erythematosus.

AIMS The aim of this study was to assess the performance of eight clinical risk prediction scores to identify individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at high cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, as defined by the presence of atherosclerotic plaques. METHODS CVD risk was estimated in 210 eligible SLE patients without prior CVD or diabetes mellitus (female: 93.3%, mean age: 44.8 ± 12 years) using five generic (Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE), Framingham Risk Score (FRS), Pooled Cohort Risk Equations (ASCVD), Globorisk, Prospective Cardiovascular Münster Study risk calculator (PROCAM)) and three 'SLE-adapted' (modified-SCORE, modified-FRS, QRESEARCH risk estimator, version 3 (QRISK3)) CVD risk scores, as well as ultrasound examination of the carotid and femoral arteries. Calibration, discrimination and classification measures to identify high CVD risk based on the presence of atherosclerotic plaques were assessed for all risk models. CVD risk reclassification was applied for all scores by incorporating ultrasound results. RESULTS Moderate calibration (p-value range from 0.38 to 0.63) and discrimination (area under the curve 0.73-0.84), and low-to-moderate sensitivity (8.3-71.4%) and classification ability (Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) 0.25-0.47) were observed for all risk models to identify patients with plaques at any arterial site as high-risk. MCC was improved for modified-FRS versus FRS (0.43 vs 0.36), but not for modified-SCORE versus SCORE (0.25 vs 0.25). Based on plaque presence, CVD risk was upgraded to high-risk in 10%, 16.1%, 20.5%, 21.5%, 24%, 28.2% and 28.6% of cases classified as non-high-risk by QRISK3, modified-FRS, Globorisk, FRS/PROCAM, ASCVD, modified-SCORE and SCORE, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Most of the five generic and three 'SLE-adapted' clinical risk scores underestimated high CVD risk defined by atherosclerotic plaque presence in patients with SLE.
Right-Ear Advantage for Unaided and Aided Speech Perception in Noise in Older Adults

Objective: To investigate whether the magnitude of the right-ear advantage (REA) for speech perception in noise decreased in aided conditions as compared with unaided conditions in older adults bilaterally fitted with hearing aids. A secondary aim was to determine the effect of audibility on the right- and left-ear processing for speech stimuli in both aided and unaided conditions. Methods: Forty-two older adult, bilateral hearing-aid users were selected. Pure-tone audiometry and the hearing-in-noise test (HINT) were carried out and real-ear insertion gain (REIG) was measured in all participants. All HINT stimuli were delivered via loudspeakers in the free field in both aided and unaided conditions. Results: Right-ear scores for HINT were significantly better than the left ear in both unaided and aided conditions. No significant differences in the magnitude of the REA between the unaided HINT and aided HINT scores were found. Regression models showed that audibility explained 47% and 53% of the variance in unaided HINT scores in the right and left ears, respectively. For the aided HINT scores, age and audibility explained 46% of the variability for the left-ear scores, while for the right ear, the only remaining significant variable in the model was REIG, which explained 12% of the right-ear HINT scores. Conclusion : Right-ear processing is significantly more efficient for speech stimuli in both unaided and aided conditions in older adults. Audibility affected unaided speech perception in right and left ears similarly however this was not the case in the aided condition. Audibility was associated with aided speech perception in noise in the left ear only.
How far from the gold standard? Comparing the accuracy of a Local Position Measurement (LPM) system and a 15 Hz GPS to a laser for measuring acceleration and running speed during team sports

Purpose This study compared the validity and inter- and intra-unit reliability of local (LPM) and global (GPS) position measurement systems for measuring acceleration during team sports. Methods Devices were attached to a remote-controlled car and validated against a laser. Mean percentage biases (MPBs) of maximal acceleration (amax) and maximal running speed (vmax) were used to measure validity. Mean between-device and mean within-device standard deviations of the percentage biases (bd-SDs and wd-SDs) of amax and vmax were used to measure inter- and intra-unit reliability, respectively. Results Both systems tended to underestimate amax similarly (GPS: –61.8 to 3.5%; LPM: –53.9 to 9.6%). The MPBs of amax were lower in trials with unidirectional linear movements (GPS: –18.8 to 3.5%; LPM: −11.2 to 9.6%) than in trials with changes of direction (CODs; GPS: –61.8 to −21.1%; LPM: −53.9 to –35.3%). The MPBs of vmax (GPS: –3.3 to –1.0%; LPM: –12.4 to 1.5%) were lower than those of amax. The bd-SDs and the wd-SDs of amax were similar for both systems (bd-SDs: GPS: 2.8 to 12.0%; LPM 3.7 to 15.3%; wd-SDs: GPS: 3.7 to 28.4%; LPM: 5.3 to 27.2%), whereas GPS showed better bd-SDs of vmax than LPM. Conclusion The accuracy depended strongly on the type of action measured, with CODs displaying particularly poor validity, indicating a challenge for quantifying training loads in team sports.
Mitochondrial Short-Term Plastic Responses and Long-Term Evolutionary Dynamics in Animal Species

Abstract How do species respond or adapt to environmental changes? The answer to this depends partly on mitochondrial epigenetics and genetics, new players in promoting adaptation to both short- and long-term environmental changes. In this review, we explore how mitochondrial epigenetics and genetics mechanisms, such as mtDNA methylation, mtDNA-derived noncoding RNAs, micropeptides, mtDNA mutations, and adaptations, can contribute to animal plasticity and adaptation. We also briefly discuss the challenges in assessing mtDNA adaptive evolution. In sum, this review covers new advances in the field of mitochondrial genomics, many of which are still controversial, and discusses processes still somewhat obscure, and some of which are still quite speculative and require further robust experimentation.
Occurrence of spontaneous fistulas detected by contrast filling during computed tomography-guided percutaneous drainage placement of splenic and perisplenic fluid collections

Background Fistulas are serious complications of splenic and perisplenic fluid accumulations, which are often difficult to detect by routine imaging methods. Purpose To evaluate the occurrence of spontaneous fistulas detectable during computed tomography-guided percutaneous drainage placement (CTGDP) with contrast filling of splenic or perisplenic fluid collections and to assess characteristics in comparison with perihepatic or peripancreatic fluid accumulations, also being treated with CTGDP. Material and Methods In 127 CTGDP-procedures, pre-interventional CTs conducted with intravenous contrast agent were compared to post-interventional CTs including contrast filling of the drain to identify spontaneous fistulas. Patient and case characteristics were evaluated, and therapeutic consequences of fistula identification were analyzed. Results A total of 43 perisplenic, 40 peripancreatic, and 44 perihepatic drains were evaluated; 13 (30.2%) perisplenic, 7 (17.5%) peripancreatic, and 10 (22.7%) perihepatic fistulas were observed. Concerning the frequency of fistulas, no significant difference was found between the patient groups (P = 0.39). All fistulas were solely proven in CT scans including contrast filling of the drain. Seven fistulas (23.3%) required additional interventions. Perihepatic drains were significantly more often associated with recent surgery (P < 0.001). The mean size of peripancreatic drains was significantly greater (11.8 ± 3.9 F; P < 0.001) than in perihepatic or perisplenic fluid collections. Conclusion Spontaneous fistulas detected during CTGDP of splenic or perisplenic fluid collections are common. Post-interventional contrast filling of the drain drastically improves the detection rate of perisplenic, peripancreatic and perihepatic fistulas simultaneously initiating appropriate follow-up interventions.