Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Device use errors among patients with asthma and COPD and the role of training: a real-life study

ABSTRACT Background and objectives: Administration of inhaled medication for asthma and COPD is often difficult and incorrect device use is associated with unfavorable outcomes. We aimed to evaluate device use errors in asthma and COPD patients and to associate incorrect use with the patient’s characteristics and medical history. Methods: Demographics and medical history were recorded. The use of each prescribed device was evaluated according to predefined steps. Results: 607 patients (49.9% male, median age (IQR) 63 (51, 70) years performed 663 demonstrations (56 patients were using 2 different types of devices). 51.4% were treated for asthma and 48.6% for COPD. 79.6% of demonstrations were performed using DPIs. Errors were documented on 41.2% of demonstrations and were associated with the type of device, p < 0.001. Elderly patients were less frequently using their devices correctly compared to younger patients, 50.8% vs 62.2%, respectively, p = 0.007. Correct demonstrations were more among asthmatics compared to COPD patients 63.1% vs 54.5%, p = 0.024. Incorrect use was associated with more acute exacerbations in the preceding year [median(IQR), 1(0, 2) vs 1(0, 1)], for incorrect and correct use, respectively, p < 0.001. Upon demonstration, 15.5% of patients have never been trained (i.e., undergone actual demonstrations and observation while using their device) by anyone. Errors occurred more frequently among patients who reported not to be trained compared to those who were trained, 67.0% vs 14.6%, respectively, p < 0.001. The commonest error was associated with the inspiration maneuver and accounted for the 48.3% of errors in the DPIs and 53.0% of errors in the MDIs. Conclusion: Device use errors are common and associated with unfavorable outcomes. Trained patients were more likely to use the device correctly.
Measurement of Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide in Adults: Comparison of Two Different Analyzers (NIOX VERO and NObreath)

Background Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a non-invasive marker for eosinophilic airway inflammation and a good predictor of response to corticosteroids. There is a need for a reliable and accurate measurement method, as FeNO measurements have been widely used in clinical practice. Our study aimed to compare two FeNO analyzers and derive a conversion equation for FeNO measurements in adults. Methods We included 99 participants who had chief complaints of chronic cough and difficulty in breathing. The participants underwent concurrent FeNO measurement using NIOX VERO (Circassia AB) and NObreath (Bedfont). We compared the values of the two devices and analyzed their correlation and agreement. We then formulated an equation to convert FeNO values measured by NObreath into those obtained by NIOX VERO. Results The mean age of the participants was 51.2±17.1 years, with a female predominance (58.6%). Approximately 60% of the participants had asthma. The FeNO level measured by NIOX VERO (median, 27; interquartile range [IQR], 15–45) was significantly lower than that measured by NObreath (median, 38; IQR, 22–58; p<0.001). There was a strong positive correlation between the two devices (r=0.779, p<0.001). Additionally, Bland-Altman plots and intraclass correlation coefficient demonstrated a good agreement. Using linear regression, we derived the following conversion equation: natural log (Ln) (NObreath)=0.728×Ln (NIOX VERO)+1.244. Conclusion The FeNO values of NIOX VERO and NObreath were in good agreement and had positive correlations. Our proposed conversion equation could help assess the accuracy of the two analyzers.
Assignment of Configuration in a Series of Dioxolanone‐Type Secondary Metabolites from Guignardia bidwellii – A Comparison of VCD and ECD Spectroscopy

The absolute configurations of a series of phytotoxic dioxolanone-type secondary metabolites isolated from culture filtrates of the grape black rot fungus Guignardia bidwellii were determined by vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy in the mid-IR frequency range. Comparison of the recorded data with DFT calculations showed good agreement between experiment and theory for VCD, whereas electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data for the compounds matched poorly with the predicted spectra obtained by time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) calculations at the same level of theory.
Theoretical study on the chemical fixation of carbon dioxide with propylene oxide catalyzed by ammonium and guanidinium salts

The cycloaddition of carbon dioxide onto propylene oxide catalysed by ammonium and guanidinium salts has been investigated using density functional theory (DFT) in order to understand the catalytic mechanism and the role of the cation and the anion. Two different possible pathways were considered, but it has been found that the one whereby the activation of the epoxide by the onium salt occurs before the addition of CO2 was consistent with the experimental findings. The rate-determining step was found to be the ring opening of the epoxide that results from the nucleophilic attack of the anion of the catalyst on the non-substituted carbon of the epoxide ring. Moreover, we found that in order to have an efficient catalyst, it is necessary to have an anion with an ambivalent nature (a high nucleophilicity and good leaving group ability). Finally, it turns out that for a given anion, the guanidinium salt is more efficient than the ammonium salt in opening the epoxide ring, thanks to the ability of the guanidinium cation to form hydrogen bonds with the oxygen of the epoxide.
Representation of visual numerosity information during working memory in humans: An fMRI decoding study

Both animal and human studies on numerosity have shown the importance of the parietal cortex for numerosity processing. However, most studies have focused on the perceptual processing of numerosity. Still, it is unclear how and where numerosity information is coded when this information is retained during a working memory delay phase. Such temporal storage could be realized by the same structures as perceptual processes, or be transformed to a more abstract representation, potentially involving prefrontal regions. FMRI decoding studies allow the identification of brain areas that exhibit multi‐voxel activation patterns specific to the content of working memory. Here, we used an assumption‐free searchlight‐decoding approach to test where numerosity‐specific codes can be found during a 12 s retention period. Participants (n = 24) performed a retro‐cue delayed match‐to‐sample task, in which numerosity information was presented as visual dot arrays. We found mnemonic numerosity‐specific activation in the right lateral portion of the intraparietal sulcus; an area well‐known for perceptual processing of numerosity. The applied retro‐cue design dissociated working memory delay activity from perceptual processes and showed that the intraparietal sulcus also maintained working memory representation independent of perception.
Association between SARS-CoV-2 and exposure risks in health care workers and university employees – a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background In health care workers SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to be an occupational health risk, often associated with transmission between health care workers. Yet, insufficient information on transmission dynamics has been presented to elucidate the precise risk factors for contracting SARS-CoV-2 in this group. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we investigated association between questionnaire answers on potential exposure situations and SARS-CoV-2-positivity. Health care workers with and without COVID-19-patient contact at nine units at Skåne University Hospitals in Malmö and Lund, Sweden and university employees from Lund University, Sweden were enrolled. To limit impact of health care worker to health care worker transmission, units with known outbreaks were excluded. A SARS-CoV-2-positive case was defined by a previous positive PCR or anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in the ZetaGene COVID-19 Antibody Test. Results SARS-CoV-2-positivity was detected in 11/51 (22%) health care workers in COVID-19-units, 10/220 (5%) in non-COVID-19-units and 11/192 (6%) University employees (p = .001, Fischer’s exact). In health care workers, SARS-CoV-2-positivity was associated with work in a designated COVID-19-unit (OR 5.7 (95CI 2.1–16)) and caring for COVID-19-patients during the majority of shifts (OR 5.4 (95CI 2.0–15)). In all participants, SARS-CoV-2-positivity was associated with a confirmed COVID-19 case (OR 10 (95CI 2.0–45)) in the household. Conclusion Our study confirmed previous findings of elevated risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 in health care workers in COVID-19-units, despite exclusion of units with known outbreaks. Interestingly, health care workers in non-COVID-19-units had similar risk as University employees. Further measures to improve the safety of health care workers might be needed. KEY POINTS Previous findings of elevated risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 in health care workers with COVID-19 patient contact was confirmed, despite exclusion of wards with known SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks. Further measures to improve the safety of health care workers might be needed.
Synthesis and Characterization of Carboxylate−FeOOH Nanoparticles (Ferroxanes) and Ferroxane-Derived Ceramics

A new environmentally benign process for producing Fe-based ceramics of variable properties is presented. We have demonstrated that the reaction between lepidocrocite and acetic acid ()AA) in water results in the formation of carboxylate-FeOOH nanoparticles called ferroxane-AA analogous to aluminum-based alumoxanes. The structure of the ferroxane particles consists of an FeOOH core part with the structure of the lepidocrocite (A-FeOOH), coated with AA. FTIR and EXAFS at the Fe K edge indicates that AA is chemically adsorbed onto the FeOOH core part. The size of these ferroxanes is 0.3 Im composed of nanodomains of 20-30 A with a A-FeOOH structure. Thermolysis of the ferroxane-AA yields Fe oxide ceramics. The specific surface area of 134 m 2 /g does not increase from the initial mineral to the ferroxane while the pore size distribution becomes monodisperse and the diameter of the pore size decreases from 55 to 12 and 13 nm after the firing of the ferroxanes. Moreover, the ferroxane-AA has been successfully doped with metal to form a precursor for Fe mixed-metal oxides. Upon thermolysis the products evolve to homogeneous Fe-metal oxides. A low firing temperature for conversion to ceramic as well as the use of environmentally benign feedstock suggest that the process for creating ferroxane-derived ceramics should have minimal environmental impacts.
Etching Silicon Nitride and Silicon Oxide Using Ethylene Glycol / Hydrofluoric Acid Mixtures

Concentrated (49%) aqueous HF and ethylene glycol solutions were investigated for a wet strip process requiring a LPCVD Si 3 N4 to thermal SiO2 etch rate selectivity of between 1 and 2. Si 3 N4 etch rates of higher than 20 nm per minute were also desired in order to obtain high throughputs on the single-wafer spray tool. Water, temperature, and HF concentration were found to play a significant role in defining both the etch rates and etch-rate selectivity of LPCVD Si 3 N4 and thermal SiO2 films. The desired Si 3 N4:SiO2 selectivity was achieved at low HF concentrations; at higher HF concentrations, the selectivity decreased rapidly below 1. Water additions to the system produced similar results. Particulate contamination levels were also significantly reduced when a deionized water rinse was used.
A Study of Interaction of Clouds of Inert Particles with Detonation in Gases

Interaction of a cloud of inert particles with a detonation in gaseous mixture is simulated and studied. The structure of both two- and three-dimensional detonations are modeled using a simplified chemical model with Arrhenius kinetics. Particle clouds are characterized based on the initial solid phase volume fraction ( ) of the particle cloud and the initial cloud length (L 0). The results show that the minimum average detonation speed decreases with increase in at fixed L 0, and with an increase in L 0 at fixed . The detonation propagation through inert particle clouds is observed to fall into three regimes based on and L 0. In the first regime, the detonation speed is suppressed, but the reaction zone and leading shock remain coupled, and the triple points are nearly unaffected. In the second regime, the detonation is temporarily quenched but restored as the particle cloud moves away from the detonation front. In the third regime, the detonation is quenched permanently or at least does not get restored within the time available for the detonation propagation. It is also shown that the effects of inert particle clouds on the detonation front in three-dimensional studies are qualitatively similar to the results from two dimensional simulations. However, in post-detonation flow where transverse velocity components are important, simulations in three dimensions are necessary, especially to estimate particle dispersion.
Immunogenicity of the Ad26.COV2.S Vaccine for COVID-19.

Importance Control of the global COVID-19 pandemic will require the development and deployment of safe and effective vaccines. Objective To evaluate the immunogenicity of the Ad26.COV2. S vaccine (Janssen/Johnson & Johnson) in humans, including the kinetics, magnitude, and phenotype of SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific humoral and cellular immune responses. Design, Setting, and Participants Twenty-five participants were enrolled from July 29, 2020, to August 7, 2020, and the follow-up for this day 71 interim analysis was completed on October 3, 2020; follow-up to assess durability will continue for 2 years. This study was conducted at a single clinical site in Boston, Massachusetts, as part of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 1 clinical trial of Ad26.COV2. S. Interventions Participants were randomized to receive 1 or 2 intramuscular injections with 5 × 1010 viral particles or 1 × 1011 viral particles of Ad26.COV2. S vaccine or placebo administered on day 1 and day 57 (5 participants in each group). Main Outcomes and Measures Humoral immune responses included binding and neutralizing antibody responses at multiple time points following immunization. Cellular immune responses included immunospot-based and intracellular cytokine staining assays to measure T-cell responses. Results Twenty-five participants were randomized (median age, 42; age range, 22-52; 52% women, 44% male, 4% undifferentiated), and all completed the trial through the day 71 interim end point. Binding and neutralizing antibodies emerged rapidly by day 8 after initial immunization in 90% and 25% of vaccine recipients, respectively. By day 57, binding and neutralizing antibodies were detected in 100% of vaccine recipients after a single immunization. On day 71, the geometric mean titers of spike-specific binding antibodies were 2432 to 5729 and the geometric mean titers of neutralizing antibodies were 242 to 449 in the vaccinated groups. A variety of antibody subclasses, Fc receptor binding properties, and antiviral functions were induced. CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses were induced. Conclusion and Relevance In this phase 1 study, a single immunization with Ad26.COV2. S induced rapid binding and neutralization antibody responses as well as cellular immune responses. Two phase 3 clinical trials are currently underway to determine the efficacy of the Ad26.COV2. S vaccine. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04436276.
Aberrant cytoplasmic intron retention is a blueprint for RNA binding protein mislocalization in VCP-related amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Abstract We recently described aberrantly increased cytoplasmic SFPQ intron-retaining transcripts (IRTs) and concurrent SFPQ protein mislocalization as new hallmarks of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the generalizability and potential roles of cytoplasmic IRTs in health and disease remain unclear. Here, using time-resolved deep sequencing of nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions of human induced pluripotent stem cells undergoing motor neurogenesis, we reveal that ALS-causing VCP gene mutations lead to compartment-specific aberrant accumulation of IRTs. Specifically, we identify >100 IRTs with increased cytoplasmic abundance in ALS samples. Furthermore, these aberrant cytoplasmic IRTs possess sequence-specific attributes and differential predicted binding affinity to RNA binding proteins. Remarkably, TDP-43, SFPQ and FUS—RNA binding proteins known for nuclear-to-cytoplasmic mislocalization in ALS—abundantly and specifically bind to this aberrant cytoplasmic pool of IRTs. Our data are therefore consistent with a novel role for cytoplasmic IRTs in regulating compartment-specific protein abundance. This study provides new molecular insight into potential pathomechanisms underlying ALS and highlights aberrant cytoplasmic IRTs as potential therapeutic targets.
Preliminary chemical characterization of Tunisian monovarietal virgin olive oils and comparison with Sicilian ones

Work was carried out on the characterization of monovarietal virgin olive oils (VOO) from Tunisia and Sicily (Italy). The two main Tunisian VOO (cvv. Chetoui of the North and cv. Chemlali grown in the Center and some regions of the South) and three principal Sicilian VOO (cvv. Nocellara del Belice, Biancolilla and Cerasuola) were studied. Moreover, the Chetoui oils were tested in a rain-fed control and an irrigation regime. All olive samples were picked at three different stages of ripeness. Analyses of major components (fatty acids and triacylglycerols) and minor ones (squalene, tocopherols and phenolic compounds) were carried out. Chetoui oils had a higher level of phenolic compounds followed by Chemlali. Generally, in the Sicilian oils these natural antioxidant contents were lower. These preliminary results indicate that it was possible to classify the Tunisian and Sicilian oils tested in their original growing area based on their chemical composition.
What support is beneficial for caregivers of individuals with vision impairment?

ABSTRACT Previous studies and reviews have documented the stress and challenges that may be associated with providing informal care for individuals with vision impairment (IVI). This scoping review was therefore conducted in order to synthesise published literature about forms of support which may benefit the informal caregivers of both adults and children with vision impairment (VI), and to identify research gaps in the support available for this population. A systematic literature search was carried out using CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO and PsycARTICLES, followed by citation tracking. A total of 23 published studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. The included studies focused on: exploring caregiver support needs (8/23); novel interventions supporting caregivers of IVI (10/23); evaluating usual care (2/23); and exploring how treatment for IVI directly impacts the caregiver (3/23). Overall, support for caregivers of IVI is a relatively new research topic, with no eligible studies identified before 1999. Twelve of the 23 studies (52%) focused on support for caregivers of adults with VI, while 11 (48%) focused on support for caregivers of children with VI. The studies illustrate that support groups may generally help to improve caregivers’ knowledge and awareness of VI, although benefits for emotional wellbeing are more modest. Support interventions for parents of children with VI appear to reduce stress effectively; however, evidence regarding the value of interventions for caregivers of adults with vision impairment is less clear, partly due to small samples and a lack of standardised, comparable outcome measures. Caregivers often express a need for better information about the condition of the IVI, even when information is apparently available. Further research is required comparing the benefits of different support modalities for caregivers of people with VI over longer follow-up periods.
DSM-5 pathological personality domains as vulnerability factors in predicting COVID-19-related anxiety symptoms

Abstract Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, individuals worldwide have shown different anxiety-related reactions. Several vulnerability factors may play a role in individuals’ psychological reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic. Such factors include pathological personality traits which have been shown to contribute to the development of anxiety-related conditions. Consequently, the present study investigated the relationships between DSM-5 pathological personality domains and COVID-19-related anxiety symptoms. Using an online data portal, the relationships between DSM-5 pathological personality domains and COVID-19-related anxiety symptoms among a mixed university student and community sample (N = 612) were studied. The results showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between all DSM-5 pathological personality domains and COVID-19-related anxiety. The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that DSM-5 pathological personality domains explained 21% of COVID-19-related anxiety variance. Based on standardized coefficients, the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) negative affect domain had the main role in COVID-19-related anxiety. The findings suggest that pathological personality domains can be predictors in the symptoms of anxiety in a viral outbreak. The novel findings add to the literature on individual differences in domains of personality in response to pandemic situations. Implications for future clinical applications and research investigations are discussed.
Depression and anxiety symptoms associated with internet gaming disorder before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has profoundly impacted aspects of human life globally. Playing videogames has been encouraged by several organizations to help individuals cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictive measures. This longitudinal study was the first to examine gaming in the context of the pandemic and its association with depressive and anxiety symptoms. Methods The sample comprised 1,778 children and adolescents (50.7% male) who were part of the Project of School Mental Health in Southwest China. Data were collected at two-time intervals: before the COVID-19 pandemic (October to November 2019 – [T1]) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (April to May 2020 – [T2]). Data were collected on perceived COVID-19 impacts, videogame use, Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Cross-lagged panel models were computed to examine longitudinal relationships. Results The results indicated that both videogame use and IGD increased significantly for adolescents at T2. The cross-lagged panel model results suggested that depressive and anxiety symptoms at T1 positively predicted IGD and videogame use at T2 (especially for boys), but not inversely. Perceived COVID-19 impacts mediated the relationship between depressive and anxiety symptoms at T1 and IGD at T2. Conclusion Children and adolescents both increased videogame use at T2, but only adolescents significantly increased IGD severity at T2. The findings supported the compensatory hypothesis, and are consistent with the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution model as individual responses to COVID-19 may function as a mediator between personal predisposing variables and IGD.