Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis B burden and population immunity in a high endemicity city – a geographically random household epidemiology study for evaluating achievability of elimination

Abstract This study aimed to provide reference for evaluating the achievability of hepatitis B virus (HBV) elimination in a high endemicity city with universal neonatal vaccination in place for over 30 years. Between September 2018 and October 2020, 2085 citizens from 1143 geographically random households in Hong Kong completed a questionnaire and had blood-testing for HBV markers (anti-HBs, HBsAg, anti-HBc, HBeAg). We evaluated the epidemiology and examined factors associated with HBV exposure, vaccination and chronic diseases. The proportion of households with HBsAg positive index participants was 9.2% (95% CI 7.5%–10.9%). The age- and sex-adjusted HBsAg prevalence was 6.3% (95% CI 5.3%–7.4%), compared to >10% in those born in 1960-1970 and among non-local born citizens, and <1% in people born after introduction of neonatal vaccination. Among 155 HBsAg positive participants, 59% were aware of their infection status with 10% on treatment and 10/150 (6.7%) HBeAg positive. More than 40% (872/2064) tested negative for both HBsAg and anti-HBs, contributed by the lack of immunity in older adults and the waning immunity of vaccines. Hong Kong has remained at high-intermediate HBV endemicity state. The moderate level of anti-HBs positivity and very low treatment coverage (10%) among HBsAg positive participants pose challenges for achieving the HBV elimination target.
Prevalence of refractive errors in Nepalese children and adults: a systematic review with meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance Country-specific estimates of the prevalence of refractive errors are important to formulate national eye health policies for refractive care services. Background The purpose of this study was to systematically synthesise available literature and estimate the prevalence of refractive errors in the Nepalese population. Methods PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for articles on refractive errors and presbyopia published in English language until 27 September 2022. Population and school-based quantitative, cross-sectional prevalence studies and Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness survey repository data were included. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa scale adapted for cross-sectional studies. Data extraction was performed with consensus among the reviewers. Meta-analysis of the prevalence was performed using the Random effects model to estimate the pooled proportions. Results A total of 38 studies with 101 701 participants were included: 18 studies in children (n = 31 596) and 20 in adults (n = 70 105). In children, the estimated pooled prevalence of overall refractive errors was 8.4% (95% CI: 4.8 to 12.9) with myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism prevalent in 7.1% (95% CI: 3.7 to 11.4), 1.0% (95% CI: 0.7 to 1.3) and 2.2% (95% CI: 0.9 to 3.9), respectively. In adults, the prevalence of refractive errors, uncorrected refractive errors, and uncorrected presbyopia were 11.2% (95% CI: 8.0 to 14.9), 7.3% (95% CI: 5.4 to 9.5) and 78.9% (95% CI: 69.1 to 87.3), respectively. Conclusions The pooled prevalence of refractive errors is relatively low while uncorrected refractive errors and presbyopia are high in Nepalese population suggesting a need for better access to refractive care services in the country. The paucity of quality evidence on prevalence of refractive errors, particularly in children, indicates a need for a well-designed population-based study to accurately estimate the current prevalence of refractive errors.
Flow past a circular cylinder with momentum injection: optimal control cylinder design

The flow past a circular cylinder in the presence of two counter-rotating control cylinders is analytically investigated. It is shown that vortex formation behind a circular cylinder can be suppressed by introducing two small counter-rotating circular cylinders. However, choosing an appropriate position and optimal circulation strength for the control cylinders is central to achieving optimal control cylinder design. Solving the complete Navier–Stokes (NS) equations can be time consuming if we approach parameterizing the position and circulation strength of the control cylinders. Instead, reduced-order models can be employed to save the computational expenditure associated with solving the complete NS models. To this end, a Föppl model is employed to investigate the influence of position of the control cylinders on the flow separation from the main circular cylinder. Conformal mapping techniques are used to investigate the flow features, from which the optimum value of circulation was found based on pressure distribution and drag forces. Analytical solutions are complemented through finite volume-based viscous flow calculations.
The Kinematics of Molecular Outflows

If molecular outflows represent turbulent material entrained by a central jet, then the surfaces of constant velocity should spread outward from the jet axis. Using the results of CO observations, I propose an empirical velocity distribution of this character. Outflows with this distribution display the well-documented 'acceleration' phenomenon, i.e., the increase in terminal velocity away from the driving star.
Indecomposable Representations of Special Linear Lie Superalgebras

Abstract The main result of this paper is a classification of finite-dimensional representations of the Lie superalgebras sl(m, 1) of supertraceless endomorphisms of the vector superspace of dimension (m|1). The classification extends to the so-called singly atypical blocks of the Lie superalgebras sl(m, n), but there exist wild representation type blocks as soon as bothmandnare ≥ 2.
Left and right coronary artery blood flow distribution method based on dominant type

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of left/right coronary artery flow distribution on calculation of fractional flow reserve derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (FFRct) in different dominant types. First, 195 patients were collected to count the distribution ratios of the three categories: right dominance (RD), balanced dominance (BD), and left dominance (LD). Ratios of diameters of the left/right coronary arteries (DLCA:DRCA) of the three types were calculated and used to represent the ratio of flow distribution (QLCA:QRCA) in the dominant type method. The other method was known as the fixed ratio method (QLCA:QRCA = 6:4). Second, a total of 73 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) were enrolled for numerical calculation. A 0D/3D geometric multiscale model was used for the numerical simulation of FFR and the results of the fixed ratio method and the dominant type method were recorded as F‐FFRct and D‐FFRct. Lastly, invasive FFR(clinic‐FFR)was used as a standard to evaluate the consistency and diagnostic performance of F‐FFRct and D‐FFRct. Corresponding flow distributions for the dominant type method were QLCA:QRCA = 5:5 for RD, QLCA:QRCA = 5.5:4.5 for BD, and QLCA:QRCA = 6:4 for LD. D‐FFRct showed a better correlation than F‐FFRct (r = 0.85 vs. r = 0.81, both p < .001); the AUC (95%CI) were 0.974 (0.906–0.997, p < .0001) and 0.960 (0.886–0.992, p < .0001). Accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) for D‐FFRct and F‐FFRct were 94.52%, 93.75%, 94.74%, 83.33%, 98.18% and 90.41%, 87.50%, 91.23%, 73.68%, 96.30%, respectively. Overall, the left/right coronary artery flow distribution was affected by the dominant type and the dominant type method was superior to the fixed ratio method in detecting coronary ischemic lesions.
Contemporary issues in the surgical management of pleural mesothelioma

The surgical management of pleural mesothelioma (PM) can be divided into diagnostic, staging, palliation, and cytoreductive surgery. In the cytoreductive surgical setting, the combination of different treatment modalities has led to better outcomes than surgery alone. The scarcity of high‐quality studies has led to heterogeneity in management of PM across the mesothelioma treatment centers. Here, we review the literature regarding the most important open questions and ongoing clinical trials.
Development of convolutional neural network and its application in image classification: a survey

Abstract. In recent years, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been widely used in various computer visual recognition tasks and have achieved good results compared with traditional methods. Image classification is one of the basic and important tasks of visual recognition, and the CNN architecture applied to other visual recognition tasks (such as object detection, object localization, and semantic segmentation) is generally derived from the network architecture in image classification. We first summarize the development history of CNNs and then analyze the architecture of various deep CNNs in image classification. Furthermore, not only the innovation of the network architecture is beneficial to the results of image classification, but also the improvement of the network optimization method or training method has improved the result of image classification. We also analyze each of these methods’ effect. The experimental results of various methods are compared. Finally, the development of future CNNs is prospected.
Posoleucel, an Allogeneic, Off-the-Shelf Multivirus-Specific T-Cell Therapy, for the Treatment of Refractory Viral Infections in the Post-HCT Setting

Abstract Purpose: Viral infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). In the absence of safe and effective antiviral treatments, virus-specific T cells have emerged as a promising therapeutic option. Posoleucel is a multivirus-specific T-cell therapy for off-the-shelf use against six viral infections that commonly occur in allo-HCT recipients: adenovirus, BK virus (BKV), cytomegalovirus, Epstein–Barr virus, human herpes virus-6, and JC virus. Patients and Methods: We conducted an open-label, phase II trial to determine the feasibility and safety of posoleucel in allo-HCT recipients infected with one or more of these viruses. Infections were either unresponsive to or patients were unable to tolerate standard antiviral therapies. Fifty-eight adult and pediatric patients were enrolled and treated. Results: Posoleucel was well tolerated, with no cytokine release syndrome or other infusion-related toxicities; two patients (3.4%) developed Grade 2 and one patient (1.7%) Grade 3 GvHD during the trial. The overall response rate 6 weeks after the first posoleucel infusion was 95%, with a median plasma viral load reduction of 97%. Of the 12 patients who had two or more target viral infections identified at study entry, 10 (83%) had a clinical response for all evaluable viruses. Of the 23 patients treated for refractory BKV-associated hemorrhagic cystitis, 74% had resolution of symptoms and macroscopic hematuria by 6 weeks post-infusion. Conclusions: In this open-label trial, treatment of refractory viral infections/disease in allo-HCT recipients with posoleucel was feasible, safe, and effective.
How we compare: A new approach to assess aspects of the comparison process for appearance-based standards and their associations with individual differences in wellbeing and personality measures

We introduce a novel approach to assess habitual comparison processes, while distinguishing between different types of comparison standards. Several comparison theories (e.g., social) suggest that self-evaluations use different standards to inform self-perception and are associated with wellbeing and personality. We developed the Comparison Standards Scale for Appearance (CSS-A) to examine self-reported engagement with social, temporal, criteria-based, dimensional, and counterfactual comparisons for upward and downward standards in relation to appearance. The scale was completed by three hundred participants online alongside measures of appearance schemas, social comparison evaluations, depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, physical self-concept, narcissism, and perfectionism. The CSS-A was found to reliably assess individual differences in upward and downward comparison frequency and affective impact for multiple comparison standards. In line with theory, CSS-A upward comparisons were more frequent than downward comparisons and coincided with negative (versus positive) affective impact. Comparison intensity (i.e., comparison frequency × discrepancy) predicted negative and positive affective impact for upward and downward comparisons, respectively. This relationship was partially mediated by appearance concern for upward comparisons (a composite of appearance schemas and physical self-concept), yet moderated by negativity for downward comparisons (a composite of depression, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem). We offer a framework for measuring the comparison process that warrants further research on underlying comparison processes, for which the CSS(-A) and experience sampling methods should serve as useful tools.
Responses of key root traits in the genus Oryza to soil flooding mimicked by stagnant, deoxygenated nutrient solution

Abstract Excess water can induce flooding stress resulting in yield loss, even in wetland crops such as rice (Oryza). However, traits from species of wild Oryza have already been used to improve tolerance to abiotic stress in cultivated rice. This study aimed to establish root responses to sudden soil flooding among eight wild relatives of rice with different habitat preferences benchmarked against three genotypes of O. sativa. Plants were raised hydroponically, mimicking drained or flooded soils, to assess the plasticity of adventitious roots. Traits included were apparent permeance (PA) to O2 of the outer part of the roots, radial water loss, tissue porosity, apoplastic barriers in the exodermis, and root anatomical traits. These were analysed using a plasticity index and hierarchical clustering based on principal component analysis. For example, O. brachyantha, a wetland species, possessed very low tissue porosity compared with other wetland species, whereas dryland species O. latifolia and O. granulata exhibited significantly lower plasticity compared with wetland species and clustered in their own group. Most species clustered according to growing conditions based on PA, radial water loss, root porosity, and key anatomical traits, indicating strong anatomical and physiological responses to sudden soil flooding.
Risk of violent behaviour in young people at clinical high risk for psychosis from the North American Prodrome Longitudinal Studies consortium

Although violent behaviour has been studied in schizophrenia, violence risk has received little attention in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR). This manuscript aims to report and discuss the overall results of the Structured Assessment for Violence Risk in Youth (SAVRY) from the NAPLS‐3 project to explore the risk of violence in CHR youth and to determine the relationship between SAVRY violence risk scores, psychosis risk symptoms, and global functioning. We hypothesized that CHR young people are at higher risk of violence as compared to healthy comparison participants due to a similarity between risk factors for psychosis and risk factors for violence, and that this risk is associated with greater severity of symptoms, poor functioning, and risk for conversion to psychosis.
Garcinol protects SH‐SY5Y cells against MPP+‐induced cell death by activating DJ‐1/SIRT1 and PGC‐1α mediated antioxidant pathway in sequential stimulation of p‐AMPK mediated autophagy

Parkinson's disease (PD), a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease, can reduce the population of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The cause of this neuronal death remains unclear. 1‐Methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) is a potent neurotoxin that can destroy dopaminergic (DA) neurons and promote PD. Garcinol, a polyisoprenylated benzophenone derivative, was extracted from Garcinia indica and is an important active compound it has been used as an anticancer, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory, agent and it can suppress reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated cell death in a PD model. Human neuroblastoma (SH‐SY5Y) cells (1 × 105 cells) were treated with MPP+ (1 mM) for 24 h to induce cellular ROS production. The formation of ROS was suppressed by pretreatment with different concentrations of garcinol (0.5 and 1.0 μM) for 3 h in SH‐SY5Y cells. The present study found that MPP+ treatment increased the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the increased ROS began to promote cell death in SH‐SY5Y cells. However, our natural compound garcinol effectively blocked MPP+‐mediated ROS formation by activating the DJ‐1/SIRT1 and PGC‐1α mediated antioxidant pathway. Further findings indicate that the activated SIRT1 can also regulate p‐AMPK‐mediated autophagy to protect the neurons from the damage it concludes that garcinol sub‐sequential regulates intracellular autophagy in this model, and the productive efficacy of garcinol was confirmed by western blot analysis and MitoSOX DCFDA and MTT assays. The results showed garcinol increased protection due to the prevention of MPP+‐induced ROS and the promotion of cell survival.
Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation on the Laminar Flow and Heat Transfer in Four Basic Fins of Plate-Fin Heat Exchangers

In this paper, four basic fins of the plate-fin heat exchangers, rectangular plain fin, strip offset fin, perforated fin, and wavy fin, are modeled and simulated by taking account of fin thickness, thermal entry effect, and end effect. Three-dimensional numerical simulations on the flow and heat transfer in the four fins are investigated and carried out at laminar flow regime. Validity of the modeling technique is verified by comparing computational results with both corresponding experimental data and three empirical correlations from literatures. Global average Colburn factor (j factor) and friction factor (f factor) and their local 1D streamwise-average distributions along the fins are presented by introducing data reduction method. The heat transfer behaviors in both the developing and developed regions are analyzed by examining variations of the local Nusselt number along the flow direction. It is found that the thermal entry length of the four fins might be expressed in the format of L e =c l Re c2 Pr D h, which has the same form as the one in a circular tube.
Bimodal brush-functionalized nanoparticles selective to receptor surface density

Significance This work provides the detailed experimental evidence of recent simulations showing that the selectivity of nanoparticle–cell interactions can be improved by introducing an extra steric repulsion provided by a protective polymer brush shielding ligands. The repulsion contribution is experimentally tuned by adjusting the surface density and molecular weight of the protective polymer. This repulsion makes the nanoparticle adsorption more selective to the variation in receptor surface density. Our study suggests a way to facilitate the design of supramolecular constructs that exhibit desired super-selectivity to surface density of receptors.
A geometric approach to quantifying the neuromodulatory effects of persistent inward currents on individual motor unit discharge patterns

Objective. All motor commands flow through motoneurons, which entrain control of their innervated muscle fibers, forming a motor unit (MU). Owing to the high fidelity of action potentials within MUs, their discharge profiles detail the organization of ionotropic excitatory/inhibitory as well as metabotropic neuromodulatory commands to motoneurons. Neuromodulatory inputs (e.g. norepinephrine, serotonin) enhance motoneuron excitability and facilitate persistent inward currents (PICs). PICs introduce quantifiable properties in MU discharge profiles by augmenting depolarizing currents upon activation (i.e. PIC amplification) and facilitating discharge at lower levels of excitatory input than required for recruitment (i.e. PIC prolongation). Approach. Here, we introduce a novel geometric approach to estimate neuromodulatory and inhibitory contributions to MU discharge by exploiting discharge non-linearities introduced by PIC amplification during time-varying linear tasks. In specific, we quantify the deviation from linear discharge (‘brace height’) and the rate of change in discharge (i.e. acceleration slope, attenuation slope, angle). We further characterize these metrics on a simulated motoneuron pool with known excitatory, inhibitory, and neuromodulatory inputs and on human MUs (number of MUs; Tibialis Anterior: 1448, Medial Gastrocnemius: 2100, Soleus: 1062, First Dorsal Interosseus: 2296). Main results. In the simulated motor pool, we found brace height and attenuation slope to consistently indicate changes in neuromodulation and the pattern of inhibition (excitation–inhibition coupling), respectively, whereas the paired MU analysis (ΔF) was dependent on both neuromodulation and inhibition pattern. Furthermore, we provide estimates of these metrics in human MUs and show comparable variability in ΔF and brace height measures for MUs matched across multiple trials. Significance. Spanning both datasets, we found brace height quantification to provide an intuitive method for achieving graded estimates of neuromodulatory and inhibitory drive to individual MUs. This complements common techniques and provides an avenue for decoupling changes in the level of neuromodulatory and pattern of inhibitory motor commands.