Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Asymmetrical Flow FFF as an Analytical Tool for the Investigation of the Physical Stability of Virus-Like Particles

A class of vaccines of growing interest is virus-like particles (VLPs). For quality control purposes the application of sensitive analytical methods is very important. In this study the rational development of asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation methods (FFF) for the investigation of VLPs is illustrated. The effect of different membrane materials, cross-flow profiles and focusing times was investigated and the repeatability of a selected asymmetrical flow FFF method was analyzed. It is shown that VLP compositions can be classified by asymmetrical flow FFF into different fractions, that is, VLP fragments, monomers, dimers, oligomers and aggregates. Furthermore, by coupling asymmetrical flow FFF to UV and multiangle laser light scattering (MALLS) detectors accurate quantification of the specific fraction and the determination of the molecular weight distributions are possible. Furthermore, asymmetrical flow FFF was compared to dynamic light scattering and size-exclusion chromatography. It was found that asymmetrical flow FFF exceeds the capabilities of these commonly applied methods with regard to the analysis of the physical properties of VLPs. In summary, the results demonstrate the high potential of asymmetrical flow FFF for the investigation of VLP formulations.
Hydrophilicity effect on CO2/CH4 separation using carbon nanotube membranes: insights from molecular simulation

Abstract Molecular simulation methods were applied to study the effect of hydrophilicity on CO2/CH4 separation using carbon nanotube (CNT) membranes. CNTs with a diameter of ~1 nm were functionalised by varying amounts of carbonyl groups, in order to achieve various hydrophilicity. The presence of –CO groups inside the CNT allow a significant gain in the diffusion selectivity of CO2, while in contrast the adsorption selectivity is hardly changed. The corresponding permeation selectivity increases as the hydrophilicity of the CNT-based membrane increases. However, the permeability of CO2 decreases due to a combination of the intermolecular interactions between the gas and functional groups and the steric effects of the added functional groups. Considering both the permeation selectivity and permeability, it was found that the maximum separation performance is achieved in a certain hydrophilic CNT membrane. Moreover, the separation performance of hydrophilic CNTs for CO2/CH4 mixtures breaks the Robeson upper bound.
SPRI biosensors for quantitative determination of matrix metalloproteinase-2

The aim of this study was to develop a new, label-free, highly selective Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging biosensor for the quantitative determination of matrix metalloproteinase-2. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 specific inhibitor, ARP 101, was used as the receptor, the main part of the biosensor, which bound the enzyme from the sample. The analytical response signal (linear part of the calibration curve) of the developed biosensor was in the range of 1.0–100.0 ng ml−1. Its detection limit was 3.9 ng ml−1, and the limit of quantification was 7.7 ng ml−1. The selectivity, precision and accuracy of the new biosensor were acceptable. The biosensor was used for the quantitative determination of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in the blood plasma of healthy persons and in the plasma of burned children, with good results (good tolerance for potential interferents). Also, to validate the new biosensor, the measurements of plasma matrix metalloproteinase-2 concentration in the biological samples by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay were conducted. It was found that the correlation between these two methods was good.
Hemorrhagic spinal melanotic schwannoma presenting as acute chest pain: A case report and literature review

Background: Melanotic schwannoma (MS) is a rare variant of peripheral nerve sheath tumor. MS commonly arises along the spinal nerve sheath. Patients most often experience pain along the dermatome of the affected nerve root. Symptoms development is usually insidious. About half of MS cases are associated with Carney complex, a multi-neoplastic disorder. The remaining cases arise spontaneously. About 10–44% of these tumors undergo malignant transformation. Case Description: We describe a case of hemorrhagic MS presenting as acute chest pain mimicking myocardial infarction, a presentation which has not yet been described in the literature. Neurologic examination did not reveal any abnormalities. Myocardial infarction was ruled out in the ER, and a chest CT angiogram was ordered for evaluation of PE or aortic dissection which revealed an intradural extramedullary dumbbell-shaped mass extending through the left vertebral foramen at the level of T8. MRI revealed a heterogenous mass that was hyperintense with T2 and hypointense with T1-weighted imaging. The patient underwent an open laminectomy of the left T8 and T9 vertebrae and gross total resection (GTR) of a hemorrhagic black tumor. Microscopic examination showed fascicles and nests of plump spindle cells with variable intracellular melanin. Immunohistochemistry showed the cells to be positive for S100, SOX10, HMB-45, and MART-1, confirming diagnosis of MS. Two months after the operation, the patient was doing well and is free of recurrence. Conclusion: GTR is considered the optimal treatment for MS; radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be considered but have not been shown to improve patient outcomes.
Infliximab is more effective than cyclosporine as a rescue therapy for acute severe ulcerative colitis: a retrospective single-center study

Background Acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) is a potentially life-threatening disease, and the best option in cases of steroid-refractory disease is still debated. We compared the early- and long-term efficacy and safety of the 2 available “rescue therapies”, infliximab (IFX) and cyclosporine (CYS), in this setting. Methods We retrospectively evaluated patients admitted for ASUC and treated with “rescue therapy”. The primary endpoint was early colectomy-free survival (30 days) and colectomy-free survival until the end of follow up. The secondary endpoints were predictors of colectomy and long-term maintenance of the treatment strategy over time. Results Of 129 patients admitted, 68 received rescue therapy (47 with IFX), whereas 7 underwent early colectomy (10.3%). At 30 days, fewer patients treated with IFX showed a need for colectomy (8.5% vs. 14.3%) compared to those in the CYS group, though the difference was non-significant (odds ratio [OR] 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10-4.69; P=0.47). No severe side effects due to IFX and CYS were observed. During a mean follow up of 40 months, 23 additional patients (37.7%) underwent colectomy, and the rate was significantly lower in the IFX group (25.6%) than in the CYS group (66.7%) (hazard ratio 0.25, 95%CI 0.10-0.61; P=0.003). Colectomy-free survival was significantly higher in the IFX group than in the CYS group (P=0.018) at 12 months. Conclusions In our setting, the early outcomes of IFX and CYS for ASUC were comparable. IFX was associated with significantly lower colectomy rates during the observation period and had a similar safety profile to CYS.
Current Oscillations in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells under Weakly Humidified Conditions

In this paper we investigate the oscillatory response of a methane fuelled solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) under weakly humidified conditions. Experiments have been conducted using operating conditions which allow for direct comparison with the mathematical model presented in [Sands et al. 2014]. There is good agreement between the experimental results and the predictions of the model, including transitions from a stable, steady current producing state, to nonlinear autonomous oscillations, to a zero current output state. The model from [Sands et al. 2014] is briefly summarised, followed by a description of the cell assembly and experimental procedures. The results are then presented followed by a discussion and comparison with the model.
Point-of-care testing technologies for the home in chronic kidney disease: a narrative review

Abstract Point-of-care testing (POCT) performed by the patient at home, paired with eHealth technologies, offers a wealth of opportunities to develop individualized, empowering clinical pathways. The non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (CKD) patient who is at risk of or may already be suffering from a number of the associated complications of CKD represents an ideal patient group for the development of such initiatives. The current coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and drive towards shielding vulnerable individuals have further highlighted the need for home testing pathways. In this narrative review we outline the evidence supporting remote patient management and the various technologies in use in the POCT setting. We then review the devices currently available for use in the home by patients in five key areas of renal medicine: anaemia, biochemical, blood pressure (BP), anticoagulation and diabetes monitoring. Currently there are few devices and little evidence to support the use of home POCT in CKD. While home testing in BP, anticoagulation and diabetes monitoring is relatively well developed, the fields of anaemia and biochemical POCT are still in their infancy. However, patients’ attitudes towards eHealth and home POCT are consistently positive and physicians also find this care highly acceptable. The regulatory and translational challenges involved in the development of new home-based care pathways are significant. Pragmatic and adaptable trials of a hybrid effectiveness–implementation design, as well as continued technological POCT device advancement, are required to deliver these innovative new pathways that our patients desire and deserve.
Decision Making for Treatment After ACL Injury From an Orthopaedic Surgeon and Patient Perspective: Results From the NACOX Study

Background: In the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, there is little evidence of when and why a decision for ACL reconstruction (ACLR) or nonoperative treatment (non-ACLR) is made. Purpose: To (1) describe the key characteristics of ACL injury treatment decisions and (2) compare patient-reported knee instability, function, and preinjury activity level between patients with non-ACLR and ACLR treatment decisions. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 216 patients with acute ACL injury were evaluated during the first year after injury. The treatment decision was non-ACLR in 73 patients and ACLR in 143. Reasons guiding treatment decision were obtained from medical charts and questionnaires to patients and orthopaedic surgeons. Patient-reported instability and function were obtained via questionnaires and compared between patients with non-ACLR and ACLR treatment decisions. The ACLR treatment group was classified retrospectively by decision phase: acute phase (decision made between injury day and 31 days after injury), subacute phase (decision made between 32 days and up to 5 months after injury), and late phase (decision made 5-12 months after injury). Data were evaluated using descriptive statistics, and group comparisons were made using parametric or nonparametric tests as appropriate. Results: The main reasons for a non-ACLR treatment decision were no knee instability and no problems with knee function. The main reasons for an ACLR treatment decision were high activity demands and knee instability. Patients in the non-ACLR group were significantly older (P = .031) and had a lower preinjury activity level than did those in the acute-phase (P < .01) and subacute-phase (P = .006) ACLR decision groups. There were no differences in patient-reported instability and function between treatment decision groups at baseline, 4 weeks after injury, or 3 months after injury. Conclusion: Activity demands, not patient-reported knee instability, may be the most important factor in the decision-making process for treatment after ACL injury. We suggest a decision-making algorithm for patients with ACL injuries and no high activity demands; waiting for >3 months can help distinguish those who need surgical intervention from those who can undergo nonoperative management. Registration: NCT02931084 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
Effectiveness of dietary interventions on cardio-metabolic risk factors in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background Dietary modification is considered as one of the main strategies in the management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The objective of this study was to systematically investigate the effect of dietary interventions on the cardio-metabolic risk factors, including lipid profile and insulin resistance in this population. Methods We searched electronic databases of PubMed and Scopus until January 2020 and included randomized controlled trials that compared the effect of dietary modifications vs. control on lipid profile and insulin resistance in patients with NAFLD. The random-effect analysis was performed to calculate pooled weighted mean differences (WMD). Results Our finding showed that serum triglycerides (TG) (n=5, WMD -38.50 mg/dL, 95% confidence interval [CI] -61.68 to -15.31; P=0.001) and total cholesterol (TC) (n=4, WMD -18.70 mg/dL, 95%CI -34.85 to -2.53; P=0.023) decrease following diet intervention along with marginally significant weight reduction (n=5, WMD -3.61 mg/dL, 95%CI -7.25 to 0.04; P=0.053). There was no change in the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, high- and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels (P>0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed that Mediterranean diet reduced TG (n=2, WMD -57.52 mg/dL, 95%CI -75.73 to -39.31; P<0.001) and weight (n=2, WMD -7.59 Kg, 95%CI -13.53 to -1.66; P=0.012), and also increased LDL level (n=2, WMD 29.73 mg/dL, 95%CI 13.82-45.65; P<0.001). However, standard hypocaloric diet improved TC (n=2, WMD -23.20 mg/dL, 95%CI -36.96 to -9.44; P=0.001) and LDL (n=2, WMD -16.82 mg/dL, 95%CI -29.44 to -4.19; P=0.009). Conclusion Dietary modifications may improve serum TG, TC, and obesity in NAFLD.
Sequencing and analysis of the mitochondrial genome of Pennahia anea (Bloch, 1793) (Perciformes: Sciaenidae)

Abstract Donkey croaker, Pennahia anea (Bloch, 1793) is a commercially important croaker in the Indo-Pacific region. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the mitogenome of P. anea. The nearly complete mitochondrial genome of P. anea is 15,694 bp in size. It contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 rRNA genes, and 22 tRNA genes. The sequence had the A-T content of 55.4% and GC content of 44.6%. All 13 PCGs used ATG codon for initiation, while TAA codon was the most common for termination. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that P. anea is located within the genus Pennahia. This study provides additional data for the understanding of the phylogeny of the family Sciaenidae.
The clinical effects of combining postural exercises with chest physiotherapy in cystic fibrosis: A single-blind, randomized-controlled trial

Objectives This study aims to investigate the effects of postural exercises as an adjunct to chest physiotherapy program on respiratory function, exercise tolerance, quality of life (QoL), and postural stability in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Patients and methods In this single-blind, randomized-controlled trial, 19 pediatric CF patients (11 males, 8 females; mean age: 9.36 years; range, 6 to 14 years) were randomly allocated to chest physiotherapy and postural exercise program (Group 1, n=10) or chest physiotherapy program alone (Group 2, n=9) between March 2017 and October 2017. Respiratory functions were assessed with pulmonary function tests, whereas exercise tolerance with the Modified Shuttle Test (MST), quality of life with the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised Child Version (CFQR), and postural stability with the Limits of Stability Test (LOS). All tests were performed before treatment and six weeks, three months, and six months after treatment. Results Respiratory functions were improved in both groups; however, these changes were not statistically significant. The MST increased after treatment in both groups (p<0.001 and p=0.003 respectively), without a significant difference between the groups. Emotional function and treatment difficulties subdomains in CFQR were significantly increased only in the group with postural exercises (p<0.05). Conclusion The postural exercise program in addition to chest physiotherapy in pediatric CF patients whose postural changes were not taken place did not cause significant changes in respiratory function, exercise tolerance, and postural stability; however, it affected the emotional state well and improved the compliance with the treatment.
Evaluating flow-field and expelled droplets in the mockup dental clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic

In the setting of widespread severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) community transmission, reducing the exposure risk on dental professionals and the next patients is the key to reopening dental services in this pandemic environment. The study is motivated by the lack of understanding of the flow-field characteristics and droplet distribution during aerosol-generating procedures. The particle image velocimetry measurements with high temporal and spatial resolutions were performed under ultrasonic scaling in the mockup experimental dental clinic. Compared with other methods focusing on the settled droplet particles, the study focused on the visualization of suspended droplets. From the results of the velocity vector and trajectory map, the high-level contaminated area will be within 1 m from the oral cavity. The vortex structures were identified by the vorticity index. In the surface near the patient's head, a counterclockwise vortex would carry some droplets and contaminate this region. The small droplets circulated in the turbulence cloud and the droplet nuclei generated by dehydration are the two primary sources of suspended particles, which may cause airborne transmission in the dental clinic. About 65%–74% of the droplets in ultrasonic scaling were in the range of 50–180 μm. The research will provide references to the development of the precaution measures to reduce the SARS-CoV-2 exposure risk of dental professionals.
Transjugular Liver Biopsy with Hemodynamic Evaluation: Correlation between Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient and Histologic Diagnosis of Cirrhosis

Objectives: Measurement of hepatic vein pressures is the accepted gold standard for the evaluation of portal hypertension. This study was conducted to evaluate the correlation between hepatic vein pressure measurements and histologic findings from transjugular liver biopsies. The hypothesis was that higher hepatic venous pressure gradients would correlate with a histologic diagnosis of cirrhosis. Material and Methods: We identified all patients who underwent transjugular liver biopsies at our institution between January 2015 and December 2019. Of these, 178 patients who had undergone hemodynamic evaluations during the biopsy procedure were included in the study. Demographic information and laboratory data were extracted from the patients’ electronic medical records. The hepatic vein pressure gradient (HVPG) was determined by subtracting the free hepatic venous pressure from the wedged hepatic venous pressure (WHVP), and the portosystemic gradient (PSG) was determined by subtracting the right atrial pressure from the WHVP. HVPG and PSG were compared by linear regression analysis and by calculating their receiver operating characteristics (ROC). Results: HVPG and PSG measurements were significantly associated with cirrhosis, with area under the ROC curve of 0.79 and 0.78, respectively. At the optimal cutoff of 9 mmHg, sensitivity and specificity for HVPG were 71% and 83% for HVPG and 67 % and 81% for PSG, respectively. No statistical difference was observed between the two measurements. Conclusion: A transhepatic venous pressure gradient above a cutoff of 9 mmHg is predictive of histologic cirrhosis, regardless of whether it is expressed as HVPG or PSG, with acceptable to excellent performance characteristics.
Obesity, Even in the Metabolically Healthy, Increases the Risk of Poor Physical Performance: A Cross-Sectional Study of Older People in a Chinese Community

Objective We examined the association between obesity and physical performance under different metabolic status. Methods The sample included 1395 Chinese community-dwelling participants (mean age, 71.88 ± 5.87 years; 40.9% men). Being metabolically healthy was defined as having the presence of < 3 of 5 components of metabolic syndrome (MetS); obesity was defined as having a BMI > 28 kg/m2. Participants were divided into four groups based on BMI (non-obese/obese) and metabolic health (healthy/unhealthy). Physical performance was measured by grip strength, 4-m walking speed, and the timed up and go test (TUGT). Results After multiple adjustments, compared with metabolically healthy non-obese group, the metabolically unhealthy obese group showed lower relative grip strength, lower 4-m walking speed, and higher TUGT (P all < 0.05), and only relative grip strength of the metabolically healthy obese group was significantly lower than that of metabolically healthy non-obese (P < 0.01). Relative grip strength was negatively associated with impaired fasting glucose (β = −0.071), elevated triglycerides (β = −0.062), abdominal obesity (β = −0.230) and general obesity (β = −0.225) (P all < 0.01). Walking speed and TUGT were only associated with general obesity, rather than other metabolic components. The associations of MetS with physical performance were mainly driven by abdominal obesity. Conclusion Even in those who are metabolically healthy, obesity (especially general obesity) increases the risk of poor physical performance. Elderly people with general obesity and MetS, whether in combination or alone, have an increased risk of muscle dysfunction, and that combination produces a higher risk of impaired mobility.
Strain‐Induced Structural Phase Transition and its Effect on Piezoelectric Properties of (BZT‐BCT)‐(CeO2) Ceramics

A strain-induced structural phase transition and its subsequent effect on the piezoelectric properties of BZT-BCT–x CeO2 (x = 0–0.1 wt%) ceramics have been reported in this manuscript. BZT-BCT–x wt% CeO2 lead-free piezoceramics were successfully been prepared using sol–gel method. X-ray diffraction spectra of BZT-BCT–x wt% CeO2 (x = 0–0.10 wt%) ceramics showed a purely single-phase perovskite structure and a change in crystal structure between tetragonal and rhombohedral phases with increasing CeO2 content. The strain-induced structural phase transition has resulted in excellent piezoelectric properties, d33 = 673 pC/N, kp ~ 56%, and Tc = 110°C for BZT-BCT–0.08 wt% CeO2 ceramics. Greatly improved temperature stability of the piezoelectric properties has been observed over a temperature range between 20°C and 90°C. The ferroelectric–paraelectric transition temperature, Tc obtained in this study is 17°C higher than those reported earlier.