Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Communicating During COVID-19: The Effect of Transparent Masks for Speech Recognition in Noise

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the speech recognition in noise when using a transparent mask that allows greater visibility of the talker’s face compared to an opaque mask in persons with normal and impaired hearing via an online format. Design: A repeated-measures design was used to evaluate the auditory-visual recognition of sentences recorded in background noise with transparent and opaque face masks, and without a mask (N = 154). In a smaller follow-up study (N = 29), the same files were presented via auditory-only presentation to determine if differences observed in the transparent and opaque mask conditions were attributable to additional visual cues or to acoustic differences between the recordings of the two mask types. Listeners completed the 40-minute online session on a computer, laptop, or tablet in a quiet room via their personal listening devices (earbuds or hearing assistive device). The adult volunteers who used English as their first language were recruited through social media links and email and categorized into three groups: normal hearing and confirmed or suspected hearing loss either with or without the use of assistive listening devices. Results: Auditory-visual recognition of sentences recorded with the transparent mask was significantly better (M = 68.9%) than for sentences recorded with the opaque mask (M = 58.9%) for all participants. There was a trend for those who used hearing assistive technology to score lower than the other two groups who had similar performance across all conditions regardless of the mask type. Subjective ratings of confidence and concentration followed the expected pattern based on objective scores. Results of the auditory-only presentation of the sentences to listeners with normal hearing suggested that the transparent mask benefits were not attributable to an acoustic advantage but rather to the addition of the visual cues of the talker’s face available through the transparent mask. In fact, performance in the auditory-only presentation was significantly lower with the transparent mask (M = 40.7%) compared to the opaque mask (M = 58.2%). Conclusions: Use of transparent masks can significantly facilitate speech recognition in noise even for persons with normal hearing and thus may reduce stressful communication challenges experienced in medical, employment, and educational settings during the global pandemic. To mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and facilitate communication, safety-approved transparent masks are strongly encouraged over opaque masks.
Comparative clinicopathological aspects of chronic tonsillitis and adenoiditis in children

Chronic palatal and nasopharyngeal inflammations are common lesions in pediatric pathology, with major effects on children’s development. The study included 34 cases of chronic tonsillitis and adenoiditis for which we quantified immunohistochemically and analyzed the distribution of inflammatory elements in the follicular, extrafollicular and epithelial compartments, in relation to the composite histological scores and the clinico-epidemiological profile of the lesions. The cases were more frequent under the age of 10, in female patients, coming from urban areas, with the diagnosis of tonsillitis. B-lymphocytes have been associated with follicular areas in tonsillitis and epithelial areas in adenoiditis. In all compartments, T-lymphocytes were more frequently associated with tonsillitis and plasma cells associated with adenoiditis. Macrophages and dendritic cells had a relatively uniform distribution for the three compartments in all cases. The results obtained indicate different inflammatory phenotypes for chronic tonsillitis and adenoiditis, an aspect that may be useful for stratifying patients for optimal therapy.
Face‐touching behaviour as a possible correlate of mask‐wearing: A video observational study of public place incidents during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract Most countries in the world have recommended or mandated face masks in some or all public places during the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, mask use has been thought to increase people's face‐touching frequency and thus risk of self‐inoculation. Across two studies, we video‐observed the face‐touching behaviour of members of the public in Amsterdam and Rotterdam (the Netherlands) during the first wave of the pandemic. Study 1 (n = 383) yielded evidence in favour of the absence of an association between mask‐wearing and face‐touching (defined as touches of face or mask), and Study 2 (n = 421) replicated this result. Secondary outcome analysis of the two studies—analysed separately and with pooled data sets—evidenced a negative association between mask‐wearing and hand contact with the face and its t‐zone (i.e. eyes, nose and mouth). In sum, the current findings alleviate the concern that mask‐wearing has an adverse face‐touching effect.
The Design and Validation of a Low-cost Foot Measurement System.

It is estimated that approximately 40% of the population suffers from abnormal foot posture, specifically high arched or low arched feet. While the evaluation of foot posture can involve many aspects, it commonly requires the measurement of basic dimensions of the foot. Clinicians and researchers often rely on the use of specialized devices or 3D scanners to evaluate specific aspects of a patient's foot posture. However, current technologies are extremely expensive, therefore highlighting the need for a cost-effective device to be used in rural and clinical settings. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop an inexpensive system to measure total foot length, truncated length, dorsum height, navicular height, and foot width. Bland-Altman plots showed significant differences between this measurement system and a 3D scanner for total foot length, truncated length, and navicular height (p<0.001) and significant differences when assessing the repeatability of dorsum height (p=0.022). However, interclass correlation coefficients revealed that this system had excellent validity when compared to a 3D scanner (ICC = 0.908-0.994), and good to excellent repeatability when compared between days (ICC = 0.867-0.996). These results demonstrate that it is possible to design an inexpensive, valid, and repeatable system that can be used in clinical, research, and rural settings to successfully evaluate basic dimensions of the foot that can be used for the determination of foot type.
VAGINAL CUFF INFECTION AFTER HYSTERECTOMY IN UKRAINE.

OBJECTIVE The aim: To obtain the first estimates of the current prevalence of vaginal cuff infection after hysterectomy and antimicrobial resistance of causing pathogens in Ukraine. PATIENTS AND METHODS Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective multicenter cohort study was based on surveillance data. The study population consisted of women who had an abdominal, vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy from 2017 to 2019 in 7 women hospitals of Ukraine. Definitions of vaginal cuff infections were used from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Healthcare Safety Network, USA. RESULTS Results: Total 12.6% women's after hysterectomy had vaginal cuff infections. Of these cases, 20.3% after abdominal, 15.5% vaginal and 4.1% laparoscopic hysterectomy were identified. The predominant pathogens of VCUF infections were: Escherichia coli (18.6%), Enterobacter spp. (12.4%), Staphylococcus aureus (10.8%), Streptococcus spp. (9,7%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (8.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (7.6%), Enterococcus faecalis (7,0%) and Proteus spp. (7.0%). Methicillin-resistance was observed in 12.9% of S. aureus (MRSA) and 9.7% CoNS. Carbapenem resistance was identified in 7.3% of P.aeruginosa isolates. Resistance to thirdgeneration cephalosporins was observed in 8.9% K. pneumoniae and E.coli 11.9% isolates. The overall proportion of extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) production among Enterobacteriaceae was 22.7%. The prevalence of ESBL production among E. coli isolates was significantly higher than in K. pneumoniae (32.6%, vs 12.3%). CONCLUSION Conclusions: Vaginal cuff infections in women after hysterectomy are common in Ukraine and most of these infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The incidence of VCUF infections after hysterectomy differs depending on the type of surgical procedure.
Attitudes and Views Concerning Human Milk Banking Among Mothers Residing in a Rural Region of Bangladesh

Background Human milk banks play an essential role by providing human milk to infants who would otherwise not be able to receive mother’s milk. Study aim To determine the opinions and attitudes among possible donor mothers regarding human milk banks in one rural region in Bangladesh. Methods A prospective, cross-sectional study following a probability type of stratified cluster sampling technique was used. Included in the study (N = 121) were mothers aged 20–49 years, with at least one child, who was currently lactating or had breastfed her child, and who resided in the rural community of Bangladesh where the study was conducted. Data were collected through a 21-item, close-ended questionnaire and a face-to-face interview conducted by the researcher at each participant’s home. Results Among the participants, 98.3% (n = 119) said that they had not heard about human milk banks before speaking with the researchers. Most participants (71.9%, n = 87) said would obtain human milk from milk banks if necessary, but 28% (n =34) of mothers indicated that they would not receive milk from a milk bank, even if it was necessary for their children. Only 8.3% (n = 10) said human milk banks were not appropriate according to Islam and 99.2% (n = 120) did not know about the acceptance of human milk banking practices in Bangladesh. Conclusions For those with religious concerns, a framework for both the donors and recipients can be established. It can be recommended that health education through healthcare personnel (midwives, nurses, gynecologists, pediatricians, and other health professionals) and religious leaders may strengthen the belief and increase awareness among family members about milk banking practices.
Demographic & clinical profile of patients with COVID-19 at a tertiary care hospital in north India

Background & objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic emerged as a major public health emergency affecting the healthcare services all over the world. It is essential to analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 in different parts of our country. This study highlights clinical experience in managing patients with COVID-19 at a tertiary care centre in northern India. Methods: Clinical characteristics and outcomes of consecutive adults patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital at Chandigarh, India, from April 1 to May 25, 2020 were studied. The diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on throat and/or nasopharyngeal swabs. All patients were managed according to the institute's consensus protocol and in accordance with Indian Council of Medical Research guidelines. Results: During the study period, 114 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were admitted. The history of contact with COVID-19-affected individuals was available in 75 (65.8%) patients. The median age of the patients was 33.5 yr (13-79 yr), and there were 66 (58%) males. Of the total enrolled patients, 48 (42%) were symptomatic. The common presenting complaints were fever (37, 77%), cough (26, 54%) and shortness of breath (10, 20.8%). Nineteen (17%) patients had hypoxia (SpO2<94%) at presentation and 36 (31%) had tachypnoea (RR >24). Thirty four (29.8%) patients had an accompanying comorbid illness. Age more than 60 yr and presence of diabetes and hypertension were significantly associated with severe COVID-19 disease. Admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) was needed in 18 patients (52%), with three (2.6%) patients requiring assisted ventilation. Mortality of 2.6 per cent (3 patients) was observed. Interpretation & conclusions: Majority of the patients with COVID-19 infection presenting to our hospital were young and asymptomatic. Fever was noted only in three-fourth of the patients and respiratory symptoms in half of them. Patients with comorbidities were more vulnerable to complications. Triaged classification of patients and protocol-based treatment resulted in good outcomes and low case fatality.
Pilocarpine improves submandibular gland dysfunction in irradiated rats by down-regulating the tight junction protein claudin-4.

OBJECTIVES To investigate the effects of radiation on paracellular pathway of rat submandibular glands (SMGs) and the mechanism of increasing secretion following treatment with pilocarpine. MATERIALS AND METHODS In situ irradiation models of SMGs in Wistar rats were conducted, and the glands were exposed to X-radiation at a single dose of 20 Gy. Pilocarpine was intraperitoneally injected 60 min prior to radiation and continuous 6 d post-irradiation for a total of 7 d. Salivary secretion, histological changes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, alterations in tight junctions (TJs), and functional membrane proteins aquaporin-5 (AQP5) and claudin-4 mediated by the muscarinic acetylcholine M3 subtype receptor were determined at 1 and 12 wk after irradiation. RESULTS Salivary secretion of the irradiated glands was reduced at 1 and 12 wk. As well, acinar cell numbers, TJ width, and the levels of M3 receptor and AQP5 were decreased. In contrast, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin 6, interleukin 1α, and the expression of the TJ protein claudin-4 were significantly increased in irradiated SMGs. Notably, all the alterations were attenuated by pilocarpine treatment. CONCLUSIONS Pilocarpine could improve the secretory function of irradiated rat SMGs via reducing inflammation, ameliorating the structural injury of TJs, and attenuating the up-regulation of claudin-4 expression.
Postmortem submersion interval (PMSI) estimation from the microbiome of sus scrofa bone in a freshwater lake

While many studies have developed microbial succession‐based models for the prediction of postmortem interval (PMI) in terrestrial systems, similar well‐replicated long‐term decomposition studies are lacking for aquatic systems. Therefore, this study sought to identify temporal changes in bacterial community structure associated with porcine skeletal remains (n = 198) for an extended period in a fresh water lake. Every ca. 250 ADD, one cage, containing 5 ribs and 5 scapulae, was removed from the lake for a total of nineteen collections. Water was also sampled at each interval. Variable region 4 (V4) of 16S rDNA was amplified and sequenced for all collected samples using Illumina MiSeq FGx Sequencing platform; resulting data were analyzed with the mothur (v1.39.5) and R (v3.6.0). Bacterial communities associated with ribs differed significantly from those associated with scapulae. This difference was mainly attributed to Clostridia, Holophagae, and Spirochaete relative abundances. For each bone type, α‐diversity increased with ADD; similarly, β‐diversity bacterial community structure changed significantly with ADD and were explained using environmental parameters and inferred functional pathways. Models developed using 24 rib and 34 scapula family‐level taxa allowed the prediction of PMSI with root mean square error of 522.97 ADD (~57 days) and 333.8 ADD (~37 days), respectively.
Treading a HOSTile path: Mapping the dynamic landscape of host cell–rotavirus interactions to explore novel host-directed curative dimensions

ABSTRACT Viruses are intracellular pathogens and are dependent on host cellular resources to carry out their cycles of perpetuation. Obtaining an integrative view of host–virus interaction is of utmost importance to understand the complex and dynamic interplay between viral components and host machineries. Besides its obvious scholarly significance, a comprehensive host–virus interaction profile also provides a platform where from host determinants of pro-viral and antiviral importance can be identified and further be subjected to therapeutic intervention. Therefore, adjunct to conventional methods of prophylactic vaccination and virus-directed antivirals, this host-targeted antiviral approach holds promising therapeutic potential. In this review, we present a comprehensive landscape of host cellular reprogramming in response to infection with rotavirus (RV) which causes profuse watery diarrhea in neonates and infants. In addition, an emphasis is given on how host determinants are either usurped or subverted by RV in course of infection and how therapeutic manipulation of specific host factors can effectively modulate the RV life cycle. Graphical abstract
SPECIFIC FEATURES OF REACTIONS OF 2-AMINOBENZOTRIFLUORIDE AND ANTHRANILATES WITH ETHYL CYANOACETATE — EXPEDITIOUS ROUTES TO 3-SUBSTITUTED 4-AMINO- AND 4-HYDROXYQUINOLIN-2(1 H)-ONES

Simple one-pot four-step syntheses of 3-cyano-4-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenylamino](6) and 3-(4-oxo-3Hquinazolin-2-yl)-4-hydroxy(12) quinolin-2(1H)-ones, compounds of biological importance, from commercial ly available starting materials were reported. The 2-quinolinones 6 and 12 were obtained in moderate yields by threecomponent reactions of 2 equivalents of 2-aminobenzotrifluoride ( I , 2-(trifluoromethyl)aniline) or 2 equivalents of anthranilates Ζ with ethyl cyanoacetate (2).
Interpretation of Experimentally Determined Growth Rates of Ice Crystals in Supercooled Water

The results of recent measurements of the growth rate of dendritic ice single crystals along the basal plane in supercooled water are presented. These results are discussed in the light of the theory of Bolling and Tiller for a heat‐flow controlled‐growth mechanism and in the light of the molecular kinetic theory developed by Cahn. It was found that the growth rate of ice dendrites in supercooled water cannot completely be understood on the basis of a heat‐flow controlled‐growth mechanism but has to be explained on the basis of the combined mechanisms of heat dissipation and molecular‐growth kinetics. Our analysis of the growth kinetics showed that at bath supercoolings between 0° and 9°C the growth rate of ice dendrites varied with the square of the interface supercooling in accordance with a growth mechanism which involves the advance of a diffuse interface by a lateral motion of steps originating at screw dislocations. At bath supercoolings larger than 9°C the growth rate varied linearally with the int.
A narrative synthesis of learners’ experiences of barriers and facilitators related to effective interprofessional simulation

ABSTRACT Interprofessional simulation has been linked to improved self-efficacy, communication, knowledge and teamwork skills in healthcare teams. However, there are few studies that synthesize learners’ perceptions of interprofessional simulation-based approaches and barriers or facilitators they encounter in such learning approaches. The aim of this review was to explore these issues through synthesis of the published literature on healthcare staff engaging in interprofessional simulation to inform enhancement of instructional design processes. Searches of four major databases resulted in the retrieval of 2,727 studies. Following screening and full-text review, a total of 13 studies were included in the final review and deductive content analysis was used to collate the findings, which were then synthesized using a narrative approach. Three categories of barriers and facilitators were identified: characteristics of the simulation learning process, outcomes of interprofessional simulation, and interprofessional dynamics. Related to the latter, the findings indicate the instructional design of interprofessional simulation-based approaches may benefit from a greater focus on the context of healthcare teams that prioritizes teamwork. Furthermore, greater emphasis on designing realistic clinical situations promotes effectiveness of simulation. It is important to recognize the perspectives of healthcare team members engaging in these learning approaches and how they may affect clinical performance and influence patient outcomes.
Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Therapy on Quadriceps Function in Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

Context: Quadriceps dysfunction is common for patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Whole-body vibration (WBV) could effectively treat quadriceps dysfunction. Objective: To summarize WBV protocols for patients with ACLR and to evaluate the effects of WBV on quadriceps function. Data Sources: PubMed, CINAHL, SportDiscus, Web of Science, Medline, and Embase were searched from inception to January 2020. Study Selection: Randomized controlled trials recruiting patients with ACLR, using WBV as intervention, and reporting at least 1 of the following outcomes, strength, rate of torque development (RTD), and voluntary activation ratio of quadriceps, were included. Study Design: Systematic review. Evidence Level: Level 3. Methods: This systematic review was reported according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Quality of evidence was determined by PEDro criteria and GRADE system. Participant characteristics, interventions, and the relevant results of the included studies were extracted and synthesized in a narrative way. Results: In total, 8 studies were included. Of these, 2 studies had serious risk of bias. Five of 8 studies implemented a series of WBV program ranging from 2 to 10 weeks in duration, while the other 3 studies implemented a single session of WBV. Eight WBV protocols were reported. The reported outcomes consisted of quadriceps strength, RTD, and central activation ratio. WBV protocols were heterogeneous. Low quality of evidence supported that exclusive conventional rehabilitation was more effective than exclusive WBV therapy in increasing quadriceps strength. Low quality of evidence supported that WBV combined with conventional rehabilitation was more beneficial in increasing quadriceps strength when compared with conventional rehabilitation alone. Very low quality of evidence supported the efficacy of a single session of WBV on quadriceps function. Conclusions: There is no standardized WBV protocol for patients with ACLR, and the effectiveness of WBV in rehabilitation on quadriceps function remains inconclusive.
Removal of Ni(II) and Co(II) ions from aqueous solution using teak (Tectona grandis) leaves powder: adsorption kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamics study

AbstractIn the present study, batch experiments were carried out to elucidate the potential of teak leaves powder (TLP) to remove Ni(II) and Co(II) ions from aqueous solution. The TLP was characterized by Bruanauer, Emmett and Teller surface area, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Effects of various process parameters such as initial pH (2–8), adsorbent dose (1–10 g L–1), initial metal ion concentration (25–200 mg L–1), contact time (5–120 min) and temperature (303–323 K) were investigated in their respective range and their optimum conditions were ascertained. Maximum percentage removal of 75.64 and 76.04% was achieved for Ni(II) and Co(II) ions, respectively, at an initial concentration of 50 mg L–1, at their respective optimum pH of 6 and 5, adsorbent dose of 8 and 6 g L–1 in an equilibrium time of 30 and 60 min at 303 K. Adsorption kinetics was analyzed by pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich and intraparticle diffusion kinetic models. It was found t.