Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Temperature Conditioning and Surface Treatments of Grapefruit Affect Expression of Chilling Injury and Gas Diffusion

Additional index words. Citrus paradisi. weight loss, postharvest, squalene, squalane, safflower oil, Flavorseal Abstract. 'Marsh' Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.) were temperature conditioned (7 days at 15C), wiped with hexane, treated with squalene, squalane, or safflower oil (all 10% in hexane), or waxed with a commercial fruit wax (Flavorseal) to determine their effects on weight loss, chilling injury (Cl) symptoms on the peel, and gas exchange. Following 3 weeks of storage at SC, wiping fruit with hexane resulted in a significant decrease in weight loss, but not CI. Temperature conditioning and Flavorseal independently inhibited weight loss and Cl development. Squalene inhibited CI development, but not weight loss. Chilling injury on fruit treated with squalene or Flavorseal was similar in appearance, but significantly less common than that on nontreated fruit. Grapefruit peel accounted for 92% of the gas diffusion of fruit, and resistance coefficients for peel and whole fruit were similar. Less ethane diffused into fruit that were: temperature-conditioned compared with nonconditioned, hexane wiped compared with nonhexane-wiped, and squalene-treated compared with nonsqualene treated fruit. Ethane influx was significantly restricted into squalane- and squalane-treated fruit compared with Flavorseal- or safflower oil-treated fruit. Oxygen and CO 2 influx was significantly reduced by Flavorseal, safflower oil, squalene, and squalane. Squalane was the most restrictive of ethylene efflux followed by safflower oil, squalene, and Flavorseal. All of these surface treatments are known to reduce CI on grapefruit. These data indicate that water loss is less important to the development of Cl than has been previously suggested, and that the beneficial effects of squalene are not the result of an inhibition of water loss. Permeability of grapefruit peel to gases other than H 2O vapor may also influence the expression of Cl.
Occupation and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis risk: a case-control study in the isolated island population of Malta

Abstract Objective: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a mostly sporadic neurodegenerative disease. The role of environmental factors has been extensively investigated but associations remain controversial. Considering that a substantial proportion of adult life is spent at work, identifying occupations and work-related exposures is considered an effective way to detect factors that increase ALS risk. This process may be further facilitated in population isolates due to environmental and genetic homogeneity. Our study investigated occupations and occupational exposures potentially associated with ALS risk in the isolated island population of Malta, using a case-control study design. Methods: Patients with ALS and randomly identified matched controls (1:1) were recruited throughout a four-year window, from 2017 through 2020. Data on educational level, residence, main occupation, smoking, and alcohol history were collected. Results: We found that compared to controls (44.4%), a higher percentage (73.7%) of ALS patients reported a blue-collar job as their main occupation (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.2–3.72; p = 0.0072). Through regression analysis, craft and related trades occupations such as carpentry and construction (ISCO-08 major group 7), were found to be positively associated with ALS, with patients in this occupational category found to be more prone to develop bulbar-onset ALS (p = 0.0297). Overall, patients with ALS reported a significantly higher exposure to work-related strenuous physical activity (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.53–3.59; p = 0.0002). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that manual workers particularly those working in the carpentry and construction industries have an increased ALS risk, possibly due to a history of intense or sustained physical activity.
A graphite-assisted laser desorption/ionization study of light-induced aging in triterpene dammar and mastic varnishes

The light-induced aging of natural triterpenes used in varnishes was studied using graphite-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. This method was found to be superior to conventional matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization for these materials because of higher signal levels and less chemical noise from the matrix. The dammar and mastic raw materials were found to be partially oxidized compared to their nominal composition, with up to six oxygens incorporated. The light-induced aging process leads initially to polymerization, up to trimers. Further aging leads to a decrease in average molecular weight. These observations are supplemented by FTIR and 13C NMR spectra which show complete reaction of keto groups to acids and peroxy species. A general mechanism for the process is proposed, and the consequences for properties of varnish films are investigated.
Serology testing demonstrates that antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 S1-RBD correlate with neutralization of virus infection of Vero E6 cells

Authors: James Freeman,1 Justin Conklin,1 Diana Oramus,2 Kelly Cycon2 1 Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc, Tarrytown, New York, United States 2 ZeptoMetrix, Buffalo, New York, United States Correspondence: James Freeman, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc, 511 Benedict Ave, Tarrytown, New York 10591, United States Phone: 1(914)524-2902 Email: james.freeman@siemens-healthineers.com
Prevalence and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in long‐term childhood cancer survivors

Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) have increased risk of developing chronic health conditions, including musculoskeletal disorders. Little is known regarding vitamin D deficiency (VDD, <20 ng/ml) and its association with bone mineral density (BMD) in long‐term CCS. We evaluated the prevalence and risk factors for VDD in a large, diverse population of long‐term CCS, and examined the association between VDD and BMD in patients who underwent guideline‐recommended dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) screening.
Chemically Reactive Boundary Layer Flow Past an Accelerated Plate with Radiation and Newtonian heating

An analysis is performed to study the effect of heat and mass transfer chemically reactive flow past an accelerated vertical plate with Newtonian heating in the presence of radiation. Closed form analytic solutions are obtained for temperature, concentration, velocity by Laplace Transform technique and presented graphically for different values of physical parameters. Expressions of skin friction, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number are obtained and presented in graphical forms. The effects of various parameters on flow variables are illustrated graphically and the physical aspects of the problem are discussed.
Revefenacin, a once-daily, long-acting muscarinic antagonist, for nebulized maintenance therapy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract Purpose This article reviews the efficacy and safety of revefenacin, the first once-daily, long-acting muscarinic antagonist, when delivered via a standard jet nebulizer in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Summary Revefenacin 175 µg is indicated for the maintenance treatment of patients with moderate to very severe COPD. Preclinical studies showed that revefenacin is a potent and selective antagonist with similar affinity for the different subtypes of muscarinic receptors (M1-M5). Furthermore, prevention of methacholine- and acetylcholine-induced bronchoconstrictive effects was dose dependent and lasted longer than 24 hours, demonstrating a long duration of action. In phase 2 and 3 trials, treatment with revefenacin was demonstrated to result in statistical improvements in pulmonary function (≥100 mL, P < 0.05) vs placebo, including among patients with markers of more severe disease and those who received concomitant long-acting β-agonists or long-acting β-agonists together with inhaled corticosteroids. Revefenacin was also demonstrated to have efficacy similar to that of tiotropium. The clinical trial findings indicated no significant difference between revefenacin and tiotropium with regard to rates of adverse events. Overall, revefenacin was well tolerated, with COPD worsening/exacerbation, dyspnea, headache, and cough among the most common adverse events noted in the clinical trials. Conclusions Revefenacin treatment delivered via nebulization led to improvements in lung function in patients with COPD. It was also generally well tolerated, with no major safety concerns. Revefenacin provides a viable treatment option for patients with COPD and may be a suitable alternative for those with conditions that may impair proper use of traditional handheld inhalers.
Renal protection in chronic heart failure: focus on sacubitril/valsartan

Abstract Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is highly prevalent in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and increases the risk of overall and cardiovascular (CV) mortality. Despite evidence supporting the effectiveness of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is), angiotensin receptor blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in decreasing mortality in patients with CHF, CKD hampers the optimization of standard pharmacologic therapy for heart failure. Therefore, other treatment options are needed to optimize treatment outcomes in CHF patients with CKD. The first-in-class angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor, sacubitril/valsartan, has a complementary activity that counteracts the potential unwanted long-term effects of over-activation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. Sacubitril/valsartan reduced the risk of CV mortality compared to standard therapy with an ACE-I in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in the PARADIGM-HF trial and has been shown to be safe and effective in a broad range of HFrEF patients. However, data on the efficacy and tolerability of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with more advanced CKD are limited. This review discusses the evidence for the role of sacubitril/valsartan in providing additional renal benefit in patients with HFrEF. Data from clinical trials and real-world experience in patients with HFrEF and advanced CKD support the benefits of dual angiotensin/neprilysin inhibition across the breadth of kidney disease stages, including patients with significant renal impairment that was not reported in the pivotal PARADIGM-HF trial, and suggests a central role for the cardiac benefits of sacubitril/valsartan in nephroprotection.
Spatial and temporal distribution of Culicoides species in the New England region of New South Wales, Australia between 1990 and 2018

Culicoides are one of the smallest hematophagous flies measuring 1–5 mm in size with only females seeking blood for egg development. The present study investigated spatio-temporal distribution of Culicoides species trapped between 1990 and 2018 at 13 sites in the New England region of NSW, Australia using automated light traps. Trapping locations were divided into three subregions (tablelands, slopes and plains). Nineteen Culicoides species were identified. Culicoides marksi and C. austropalpalis were the most abundant and widespread species. Culicoides brevitarsis, the principal vector of livestock diseases in New South Wales comprised 2.9% of the total catch and was detected in 12 of the 13 locations in the study. Abundance as determined by Log10 Culicoides count per trapping event for the eight most abundant species did not vary significantly with season but trended towards higher counts in summer for C. marksi (P = 0.09) and C. austropalpalis (P = 0.05). Significant geographic variation in abundance was observed for C. marksi, C. austropalpalis and C. dycei with counts decreasing with increasing altitude from the plains to the slopes and tablelands. Culicoides victoriae exhibited the reverse trend in abundance (P = 0.08). Greater abundance during the warmer seasons and at lower altitudes for C. marksi and C. austropalpalis was indicative of temperature and rainfall dependence in this region with moderate summer dominance in rainfall. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index of species was higher on the tablelands (H = 1.59) than the slopes (H = 1.33) and plains (H = 1.08) with evenness indices of 0.62, 0.46 and 0.39 respectively. Culicoides species on the tablelands were more diverse than on the slopes and plains where C. marksi and C. austropalpalis dominated. The temporal and spatial variation in abundance, diversity and evenness of species reported in this diverse region of Australia provides additional insight into Culicoides as pests and disease vectors and may contribute to future modelling studies.
Comparative analysis of various clinical specimens in detection of SARS-CoV-2 using rRT-PCR in new and follow up cases of COVID-19 infection: Quest for the best choice

Background An appropriate specimen is of paramount importance in Real Time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) based diagnosis of novel coronavirus (nCoV) disease (COVID-19). Thus, it’s pertinent to evaluate various diversified clinical specimens’ diagnostic utility in both diagnosis and follow-up of COVID-19. Methods A total of 924 initial specimens from 130 COVID-19 symptomatic cases before initiation of treatment and 665 follow up specimens from 15 randomly selected cases comprising of equal number of nasopharyngeal swab (NPS), oropharyngeal swab (OPS), combined NPS and OPS (Combined swab), sputum, plasma, serum and urine were evaluated by rRT-PCR. Results Demographic analysis showed males (86) twice more affected by COVID-19 than females (44) (p = 0.00001). Combined swabs showed a positivity rate of 100% followed by NPS (91.5%), OPS (72.3%), sputum (63%), while nCoV was found undetected in urine, plasma and serum specimens. The lowest cycle threshold (Ct) values of targeted genes E, ORF1b and RdRP are 10.56, 10.14 and 12.26 respectively and their lowest average Ct values were found in combined swab which indicates high viral load in combined swab among all other specimen types. Analysis of 665 follow-up multi-varied specimens also showed combined swab as the last specimen among all specimen types to become negative, after an average 6.6 (range 4–10) days post-treatment, having lowest (15.48) and average (29.96) Ct values of ORF1b respectively indicating posterior nasopharyngeal tract as primary nCoV afflicted site with high viral load. Conclusion The combined swab may be recommended as a more appropriate specimen for both diagnosis and monitoring of COVID-19 treatment by rRT-PCR for assessing virus clearance to help physicians in taking evidence-based decision before discharging patients. Implementing combined swabs globally will definitely help in management and control of the pandemic, as it is the need of the hour.
Hb Bart’s Hydrops Fetalis Syndrome and Hb H Disease Caused by Deletional Chiang Rai (– –CR) α0-Thalassemia in Two Unrelated Thai Families

Abstract α0-Thalassemia (α0-thal) Chiang Rai (– –CR; NC_000016.10: g.144215_188843del) was identified as a novel 44.6 kb deletional type of α-thalassemia (α-thal), removing all α-like globin genes. However, little is known about the deleterious effects of this genetic disorder, particularly when it is combined with other types of thalassemia. We performed molecular analysis of the – –CR deletion using gap-polymerase chain reaction (gap-PCR) in two independent families residing in Phayao and Chiang Mai, Thailand, with an unknown causative mutation for Hb Bart’s hydrops fetalis syndrome and Hb H disease. Five out of seven individuals were diagnosed to be heterozygous for the – –CR deletion. Of these, two also carried Hb H disease with compound heterozygosities for – –CR and –α3. 7 (rightward) deletions. However, hematological parameters of the – –CR carriers displayed microcytic hypochromic anemia that is comparable to other α0-thal traits. Although the prevalence of – –CR has never been elucidated in a specific population, our study demonstrated that genotyping for – –CR might be considered as an additional investigation for unexplained Hb Bart’s hydrops fetal syndrome and Hb H disease.
Non‐life‐threatening adverse effects with COVID‐19 mRNA‐1273 vaccine: A randomized, cross‐sectional study on healthcare workers with detailed self‐reported symptoms

There are concerns regarding the side effects of the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) mRNA‐1273 vaccine among healthcare workers (HCWs) in the United States. The objective of the study was to investigate the side effects of the mRNA‐1273 vaccine with detailed review of organ systems. A randomized, cross‐sectional study using an independent online survey questionnaire was conducted to collect responses from HCWs. Of all participants, 87.8% (1116/1271) provided complete responses. Of them, 38.7% (432/1116) received the mRNA‐1273 vaccine, among which, 89.35% were females; 425 of these 432 mRNA‐1273 vaccine recipients (98.34%) reported at least one or more symptoms. The results were classified based on the frequency of symptoms reported postvaccination. Of these, 254/432 (58.8%) were able to continue their daily routine activities. 108/432 (25%) temporarily had trouble to perform daily activities, 120/432 (27.78%) required transient time off from work, 17/432 (3.94%) required help from an outpatient provider, 1/432 (0.23%) required help from emergency department, and none of them were hospitalized. Despite the wide array of self‐reported symptoms, 97.02% of the HCWs did not intend to skip the second dose of vaccine. Among all the symptoms reported, localized pain, generalized weakness, headache, myalgia, chills, fever, nausea, joint pains, sweating, localized swelling at the injection site, dizziness, itching, rash, decreased appetite, muscle spasm, decreased sleep quality, and brain fogging were the most commonly reported symptoms (in descending order of occurrence). Most of the symptoms reported were nonlife threatening. Despite the wide array of self‐reported symptoms, there appears to be a higher acceptance for this vaccine.
Associations between attainment of incentivised primary care indicators and emergency hospital admissions among type 2 diabetes patients: a population-based historical cohort study

Objectives England has invested considerably in diabetes care over recent years through programmes such as the Quality and Outcomes Framework and National Diabetes Audit. However, associations between specific programme indicators and key clinical endpoints, such as emergency hospital admissions, remain unclear. We aimed to examine whether attainment of Quality and Outcomes Framework and National Diabetes Audit primary care diabetes indicators is associated with diabetes-related, cardiovascular, and all-cause emergency hospital admissions. Design Historical cohort study. Setting A total of 330 English primary care practices, 2010–2017, using UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Participants A total of 84,441 adults with type 2 diabetes. Main Outcome Measures The primary outcome was emergency hospital admission for any cause. Secondary outcomes were (1) diabetes-related and (2) cardiovascular-related emergency admission. Results There were 130,709 all-cause emergency admissions, 115,425 diabetes-related admissions and 105,191 cardiovascular admissions, corresponding to unplanned admission rates of 402, 355 and 323 per 1000 patient-years, respectively. All-cause hospital admission rates were lower among those who met HbA1c and cholesterol indicators (incidence rate ratio = 0.91; 95% CI 0.89–0.92; p < 0.001 and 0.87; 95% CI 0.86–0.89; p < 0.001), respectively), with similar findings for diabetes and cardiovascular admissions. Patients who achieved the Quality and Outcomes Framework blood pressure target had lower cardiovascular admission rates (incidence rate ratio = 0.98; 95% CI 0.96–0.99; p = 0.001). Strong associations were found between completing 7–9 (vs. either 4–6 or 0–3) National Diabetes Audit processes and lower rates of all admission outcomes (p-values < 0.001), and meeting all nine National Diabetes Audit processes had significant associations with reductions in all types of emergency admissions by 22% to 26%. Meeting the HbA1c or cholesterol Quality and Outcomes Framework indicators, or completing 7–9 National Diabetes Audit processes, was also associated with longer time-to-unplanned all-cause, diabetes and cardiovascular admissions. Conclusions Attaining Quality and Outcomes Framework-defined diabetes intermediate outcome thresholds, and comprehensive completion of care processes, may translate into considerable reductions in emergency hospital admissions. Out-of-hospital diabetes care optimisation is needed to improve implementation of core interventions and reduce unplanned admissions.
Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Psychological Effects of Primary Nocturnal Enuresis in Chinese Young Adults

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and effects of primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) on physical and mental health in young adults in mainland China. Methods An anonymous questionnaire was used to collect information including the sociodemographic characteristics, history of PNE, family history, daytime voiding symptoms, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores, Self-Esteem Scale (SES), and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). A total of 22,500 university students from 23 provinces and 368 cities in mainland China were included. Results In total, 21,082 questionnaires were collected, and 20,345 of them qualified for statistical analysis. The PNE prevalence was 1.17%, and the distribution of monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) and nonmonosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (NMNE) was 66.1% and 33.9%, respectively. In total, 28% of respondents with PNE reported bedwetting daily, 31.6% between 1 and 7 times weekly, and 40.4% between 1 and 4 times monthly; 80% of PNE cases had no history of treatment. The prevalence of PNE in patients with a family history, frequency, urgency, urinary incontinence, and recurrent urinary tract infections was significantly higher than in those without these conditions (P<0.001). PNE was significantly correlated with the PSQI total score (sleep quality) (P=0.011). The SES score was lower and the SDS was higher (P<0.001) in the PNE group than in those without PNE. Conclusions In mainland China, the PNE prevalence among young adults was found to be high, and PNE had significant effects on physical and mental health. Risk factors included a family history, daytime voiding symptoms, and lack of treatment.