Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Right ventricular dysfunction and tricuspid regurgitation in functional mitral regurgitation

The objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic importance of right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in patients with moderate–severe functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) receiving MitraClip procedure. RVD and TR grade are associated with cardiovascular mortality in the general population and other cardiovascular diseases. However, there are limited data from observational studies on the prognostic significance of RVD and TR in FMR receiving MitraClip procedure.
Preparation and properties of shape-stabilized phase change material cellulose benzoate-g-polyoxyethylene (2) hexadecyl ether with potential for thermal energy storage

It is a worldwide challenge to efficiently use renewable resources to solve the current energy shortage. The existing cellulose-based material is incapable of proper power storage. In this study, a series of cellulose benzoate-g-polyoxyethylene (2) hexadecyl ether (CB-g-E2C16) solid–solid phase change materials were synthesized with cellulose as the skeleton and polyoxyethylene (2) hexadecyl ether (E2C16) as a functional side chain. The skeleton cellulose and benzoyl chloride restrict the free movement of the molecular chains of E2C16 above the phase transition temperature, leading to a solid–solid phase change. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were performed to investigate the chemical structures. The thermal energy-storage properties, thermal reliability and thermal stability of the CB-g-E2C16 were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry (TG) methods. The analysis results indicated that the E2C16 chains were successfully grafted onto the cellulose benzoate (CB) backbone and the copolymers exhibited typical solid–solid phase transition behavior. The enthalpy and degree of substitution of graft copolymers CB-g-E2C16 could be adjusted by changing the feeding ratio of the raw materials, reaction temperature and post-processing methods of CB. TG analysis results showed that the CB-g-E2C16 copolymers possessed good thermostability and they keep their stability up to 278℃. Compared with pure cellulose, CB-g-E2C16 copolymers could be dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide and most of them could be dissolved in N,N-dimethylformamide.
A meta-analysis of union rate after proximal scaphoid fractures: terminology matters

Abstract Heterogeneity in the anatomical definition of ‘proximal’ affects the comparison of outcomes of these scaphoid fractures. This study aims to review published outcomes of all variants to determine both, differences in terminology, and union rate based upon definition. A literature search was conducted to identify articles that reported descriptions and union rate of all acute (<8 weeks of injury) proximal scaphoid fractures in adult patients (>16 years old). Proximal fractures were grouped as reported (‘third’, ‘pole’, ‘fifth’ or ‘undefined’). The data were pooled using a fixed-effects method, and a meta-analysis was conducted to compare relative risk (RR) of non-union against non-proximal fractures. Qualitative analysis of 12 articles included three main definitions: ‘proximal’ (1 article), ‘proximal third’ (3 articles), and ‘proximal pole’ (8 articles). Only 6 articles adopted a specific anatomical or ratio description. In a pooled meta-analysis of union rates (15 articles), 'proximal third' and 'proximal pole' fractures demonstrated a relative risk (RR) of non-union of 2.3 and 3.4 in comparison to non-proximal fractures, respectively. Operative management yielded lower non-union rates than non-operative for all fracture types (6% vs. 18%). In conclusion, non-union risk varies depending on definition, with non-standardised classifications adding heterogeneity to reported outcomes. We recommend an approach utilizing fixed anatomical landmarks on plain radiographs (referencing scaphoid length and scapho-capitate joint) to standardise reporting of proximal fracture union in future studies. Abbreviations: CI: confidence intervals; CT: computer tomography; Df: degrees of freedom; DL: dersimonian and laird estimator; MRI: magnetic resonance imaging; NICE: national institute for health and care excellence; OTA: orthopaedic trauma association; PA: posterior-anterior; PRISMA: preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta analyses; RCT: randomised controlled trial; RR: relative risk; SNAC: scaphoid non-union advanced collapse; UK: United Kingdom
Sampling and detection of African swine fever virus within a feed manufacturing and swine production system

Abstract Transmission of biological hazards capable of causing disease in livestock can occur through a wide variety of direct and indirect routes. In swine production, there are a large number of possible routes of exposure of a pathogen into a susceptible population. African swine fever virus (ASFV) has been a significant challenge for Southeast Asia since first detected in China in 2018 and has spread through many countries within the region. In order to understand potential transmission pathways within an ASFV endemic region, a diagnostic investigation was performed to determine the level of contamination on a wide variety of surface types within a live animal production, feed manufacturing, and feed distribution system located in Vietnam. All diagnostic testing was performed locally by the production system's internal diagnostic laboratory using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (rt‐PCR) analysis. Early in the diagnostic investigation, it became clear that feed trucks were a common site of ASFV surface contamination detection. This information resulted in biosecurity‐focused actions for feed trucks arriving back at the feed mill, including decontamination of interior truck cab surfaces and washing of exterior truck surfaces with high‐pressure water prior to application of surface disinfectants. Additionally, a low number of rt‐PCR positive samples were detected within the feed production system, with the greatest number coming from transient surfaces such as high traffic areas and worker clothing. This illustrates the importance of managing employee traffic through procedures such as zoning and separation between clean–dirty areas to reduce the likelihood of pathogen transmission. In conclusion, this report illustrates the importance of routine data capture regarding efficacy of biosecurity procedures which allows for real‐time updates and improvement as biosecurity gaps are identified.
C3 Glomerulopathy and Related Disorders in Children

Visual Abstract Background and objectives Membranoproliferative GN and C3 glomerulopathy are rare and overlapping disorders associated with dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway. Specific etiologic data for pediatric membranoproliferative GN/C3 glomerulopathy are lacking, and outcome data are based on retrospective studies without etiologic data. Design, setting, participants, & measurements A total of 80 prevalent pediatric patients with membranoproliferative GN/C3 glomerulopathy underwent detailed phenotyping and long-term follow-up within the National Registry of Rare Kidney Diseases (RaDaR). Risk factors for kidney survival were determined using a Cox proportional hazards model. Kidney and transplant graft survival was determined using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results Central histology review determined 39 patients with C3 glomerulopathy, 31 with immune-complex membranoproliferative GN, and ten with immune-complex GN. Patients were aged 2–15 (median, 9; interquartile range, 7–11) years. Median complement C3 and C4 levels were 0.31 g/L and 0.14 g/L, respectively; acquired (anticomplement autoantibodies) or genetic alternative pathway abnormalities were detected in 46% and 9% of patients, respectively, across all groups, including those with immune-complex GN. Median follow-up was 5.18 (interquartile range, 2.13–8.08) years. Eleven patients (14%) progressed to kidney failure, with nine transplants performed in eight patients, two of which failed due to recurrent disease. Presence of >50% crescents on the initial biopsy specimen was the sole variable associated with kidney failure in multivariable analysis (hazard ratio, 6.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 36.6; P<0.05). Three distinct C3 glomerulopathy prognostic groups were identified according to presenting eGFR and >50% crescents on the initial biopsy specimen. Conclusions Crescentic disease was a key risk factor associated with kidney failure in a national cohort of pediatric patients with membranoproliferative GN/C3 glomerulopathy and immune-complex GN. Presenting eGFR and crescentic disease help define prognostic groups in pediatric C3 glomerulopathy. Acquired abnormalities of the alternative pathway were commonly identified but not a risk factor for kidney failure.
COVID19db: a comprehensive database platform to discover potential drugs and targets of COVID-19 at whole transcriptomic scale

Abstract Many open access transcriptomic data of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were generated, they have great heterogeneity and are difficult to analyze. To utilize these invaluable data for better understanding of COVID-19, additional software should be developed. Especially for researchers without bioinformatic skills, a user-friendly platform is mandatory. We developed the COVID19db platform (http://hpcc.siat.ac.cn/covid19db & http://www.biomedical-web.com/covid19db) that provides 39 930 drug–target–pathway interactions and 95 COVID-19 related datasets, which include transcriptomes of 4127 human samples across 13 body sites associated with the exposure of 33 microbes and 33 drugs/agents. To facilitate data application, each dataset was standardized and annotated with rich clinical information. The platform further provides 14 different analytical applications to analyze various mechanisms underlying COVID-19. Moreover, the 14 applications enable researchers to customize grouping and setting for different analyses and allow them to perform analyses using their own data. Furthermore, a Drug Discovery tool is designed to identify potential drugs and targets at whole transcriptomic scale. For proof of concept, we used COVID19db and identified multiple potential drugs and targets for COVID-19. In summary, COVID19db provides user-friendly web interfaces to freely analyze, download data, and submit new data for further integration, it can accelerate the identification of effective strategies against COVID-19.
Subjective Sleep Quality and Sleep Architecture in Patients With Migraine

Background and Objectives Sleep disturbance is often associated with migraine. However, there is a paucity of research investigating objective and subjective measures of sleep in patients with migraine. This meta-analysis aims to determine whether there are differences in subjective sleep quality measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and objective sleep architecture measured using polysomnography (PSG) between adult and pediatric patients and healthy controls. Methods This review was preregistered on PROSPERO (CRD42020209325). A systematic search of 5 databases (Embase, MEDLINE, Global Health, APA PsycINFO, and APA PsycArticles, last searched on December 17, 2020) was conducted to find case–control studies that measured PSG or PSQI in patients with migraine. Pregnant participants and those with other headache disorders were excluded. Effect sizes (Hedges g) were entered into a random effects model meta-analysis. Study quality was evaluated with the Newcastle Ottawa Scale and publication bias with the Egger regression test. Results Thirty-two studies were eligible, of which 21 measured PSQI or Migraine Disability Assessment Test in adults, 6 measured PSG in adults, and 5 measured PSG in children. The overall mean study quality score was 5/9; this did not moderate any of the results and there was no risk of publication bias. Overall, adults with migraine had higher PSQI scores than healthy controls (g = 0.75, p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54–0.96). This effect was larger in those with a chronic rather than episodic condition (g = 1.03, p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.37–1.01; g = 0.63, p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.38–0.88, respectively). For polysomnographic studies, adults and children with migraine displayed a lower percentage of rapid eye movement sleep (g = −0.22, p = 0.017, 95% CI −0.41 to −0.04; g = −0.71, p = 0.025, 95% CI −1.34 to −0.10, respectively) than controls. Pediatric patients displayed less total sleep time (g = −1.37, p = 0.039, 95% CI −2.66 to −0.10), more wake (g = 0.52, p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.08–0.79), and shorter sleep onset latency (g = −0.37, p < 0.001, 95% CI −0.54 to −0.21) than controls. Discussion People with migraine have significantly poorer subjective sleep quality and altered sleep architecture compared to healthy individuals. Further longitudinal empirical studies are required to enhance our understanding of this relationship.
Implementation fidelity in parent-implemented interventions for stuttering

ABSTRACT Knowledge of the fidelity with which interventions are delivered in research studies is crucial to meaningful examination of intervention impact. This paper presents a review of fidelity implementation (FOI) measurements in interventions jointly delivered by speech-language pathologists (SLP) and parents in research for preschool-aged children who stutter (CWS). Four key FOI components were examined: dosage, adherence, quality, responsiveness. Thirty-six studies met the inclusion criteria for this study. Articles were published between 1990 and 2020 described nine different interventions and examined CWS aged 2–6 years. No study reported all FOI components in both the clinical and the home setting and five did not report on any FOI component in either setting. The number of FOI components reported ranged from 0 to 4 in both clinical (M = 1.5) and home (M = 1.0) settings. Across studies, dosage was most often reported (n = 27, 75.0%) and responsiveness was least often reported (n = 16, 44.4%). The number of FOI components reported in articles did not increase over time, although a trend towards greater reporting in recent years was observed. Poor reporting of FOI in intervention research presents a serious methodological concern that impacts the ability of clinicians and researchers to interpret the findings of these studies. Rigorous measurement and reporting of FOI in future intervention studies is required in order to better inform evidence-based practices for interventions with CWS.
A pilot study of dialectical behaviour therapy skills training for autistic adults

Abstract Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common and lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder with the hallmark features of social impairment and restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour. Individuals with ASD often experience co-occurring mental health difficulties, some of which may obfuscate the ASD features themselves. Although there is a high need for mental health services for autistic adults, there are surprisingly few evidence-based treatments (EBTs) available; moreover, many mental health practitioners who are well-trained in EBTs shy away from treating autistic individuals due to lack of training in ASD. Aims: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of dialectical behaviour therapy skills training (DBT-ST) in a sample of autistic adults without intellectual disability. Method: Sixteen adults with ASD were recruited from a treatment waiting list to enrol in this study, which included 24 weeks of DBT-ST delivered in a group setting. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using retention and attendance data and a participant satisfaction questionnaire. Results: Retention (81.3%) and attendance data (mean 87.5%) provided support for the feasibility of this intervention. Overall satisfaction ratings were high (mean 4.5 out of 5), and participants reported that they felt that DBT-ST would probably be helpful for others with ASD (mean 4.5 out of 5). Conclusions: The study findings provide preliminary evidence of (1) the feasibility of providing DBT-ST for autistic adults in community-based clinics, and (2) the perceived benefit of DBT-ST for this under-served population. Recommended modifications to the standard DBT-ST materials are discussed.
Determination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) levels from various smoking cessation aids by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry methodology

ABSTRACT An analytical method was validated and developed to determine the levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including 1,3-butadiene, isoprene, acrylonitrile, benzene, toluene, and styrene from smoking cessation aids using by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Seventeen non-ignitable cigarette type of smoking cessation aids, liquid-phase of smoking cessation aids, gas-phase of smoking cessation aids, and ignitable cigarette type of smoking cessation aids were analyzed for levels of six VOCs. The proposed method for six VOCs was validated in satisfactory linearity (R2 > 0.99), recovery (80.38–119.14%). limit of detection (LOD) (0.05–0.19 μg/ml), limit of quantification (LOQ) (0.07–0.18 μg/ml), accuracy (80.47–117.28%), and precision (0.15–7.22%). The mean concentrations of six VOCs were generated in 1,3-butadiene (6.18 μg/cigarette), isoprene (0.34 μg/cigarette), acrylonitrile (0.003 μg/cigarette), benzene (ND = not detected, the lower limit of detection), toluene (0.27 μg/cigarette), styrene (0.13 μg/cigarette). Results showed low levels of VOCs from smoking cessation aid except from liquid-phase of smoking cessation aids. These results are necessary to investigate unintentional hazardous substances generated from smoking cessation aids, and develop accurate analytical method in order to obtain scientific basis for safety management.
Nanovaccine: an emerging strategy

ABSTRACT Introduction Vaccination is so far the most effective way of eradicating infections. Rapidly emerging drug resistance against infectious diseases and chemotherapy-related toxicities in cancer warrant immediate vaccine development to save mankind. Subunit vaccines alone, however, fail to elicit sufficiently strong and long-lasting protective immunity against deadly pathogens. Nanoparticle (NP)-based delivery vehicles like microemulsions, liposomes, virosomes, nanogels, micelles and dendrimers offer promising strategies to overcome limitations of traditional vaccine adjuvants. Nanovaccines can improve targeted delivery, antigen presentation, stimulation of body’s innate immunity, strong T cell response combined with safety to combat infectious diseases and cancers. Further, nanovaccines can be highly beneficial to generate effective immutherapeutic formulations against cancer. Areas covered This review summarizes the emerging nanoparticle strategies highlighting their success and challenges in preclinical and clinical trials in infectious diseases and cancer. It provides a concise overview of current nanoparticle-based vaccines, their adjuvant potential and their cellular delivery mechanisms. Expert opinion The nanovaccines (50–250 nm in size) are most efficient in terms of tissue targeting, prolonged circulation and preferential uptake by the professional APCs chiefly due to their small size. More rational designing, improved antigen loading, extensive functionalization and targeted delivery are some of the future goals of ideal nanovaccines.
Thermoresponsive Starch Nanoparticles for Use in the Extraction of Oil from Oil Sands

1. NOTE FROM PROFESSOR JEAN DUHAMEL, IPR DIRECTOR The past year was an important milestone in the existence of the Institute for Polymer Research (IPR) as it marked its 40th anniversary. Founded in 1978 by Profs. O’Driscoll from the Chemical Engineering Department and Rudin from the Department of Chemistry, its mandate was mainly to nurture interactions between researchers in Polymer Science and Engineering coming from the Industry and the academic community of the University of Waterloo. The vision instilled into the creation of the IPR by its two founders retained its significance to this day as illustrated by our uninterrupted series of 40 annual symposia given typically in May which have been attended by numerous colleagues from both industry and academia. Celebration was in order for such an achievement and the 40th IPR Symposium, which was held on May 9th, 2018, was a true Polymer Feast featuring Distinguished 2018 IPR Lecturer, Prof. Marc Hillmyer from the University of Minnesota, who gave an energizing lecture entitled “Nanoporous Materials Employing Disordered Block Polymers as Key Ingredients” on the following day (May 10th).
A New System of Cantonese Tones? Tone Perception and Production in Hong Kong South Asian Cantonese

Studies in language contact have identified many instances of linguistic variation and grammatical innovations introduced by speakers from multi-ethnic urban neighborhoods. This study focuses on the variety of Cantonese spoken by South Asian youths in Hong Kong, specifically their production and perception of Hong Kong Cantonese tones. Our findings show that the South Asian Cantonese speakers have a smaller tonal inventory than the canonical six-tone system of standard Hong Kong Cantonese and their tonal discrimination abilities are also more impoverished relative to their ethnic Chinese peers. Further analysis shows a positive correlation between tonal discrimination accuracy and tonal realization distinctness among the South Asian speakers, but not among the ethnic Chinese. These findings suggest that South Asian Cantonese speakers might have developed a distinct tone system from their ethnic Chinese peers.
Exercise effects on DNA methylation in EVL, CDKN2A (p14, ARF), and ESR1 in colon tissue from healthy men and women

ABSTRACT Physical activity reduces risk of colon cancer by 20–30%. Aberrant methylation patterns are common epigenetic alterations in colorectal adenomas, and cancers and play a role in cancer initiation and progression. Alterations identified in normal colon tissue represent apotential ‘field cancerization’ process, where normal colon is primed for carcinogenesis. Here, we investigate methylation patterns in three genes –Ena/VASP-like (EVL), (CDKN2A (p14, ARF)), and Oestrogen Receptor-1 (ESR1)– in normal colon tissue collected at baseline and 12 months from 202 sedentary men and women, 40–75 years, enrolled in a randomized controlled trial testing an exercise intervention vs. control (http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00668161). Participants were randomized to moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise, 60 minutes/day, 6 days/week for 12 months, or usual lifestyle. Sigmoid colon biopsies were obtained at baseline and 12-months, DNA extracted, and bisulphite converted. Droplet digital methylation-specific PCR was performed for EVL, p14ARF, and ESR1. Generalized estimating equations modification of linear regression was used to model relationships between intervention effects and gene methylation levels, adjusting for possible confounders. There were no statistically significant differences between methylation patterns at 12-months between exercisers and controls. ESR1 methylation patterns differed by sex: women −10.58% (exercisers) +11.10% (controls); men +5.54% (exercisers), −8.16% (controls) (P=0.05), adjusting for BMI and age. There were no statistically significant changes in methylation patterns in any gene stratified by change in VO2max or minutes/week of exercise. While no statistically significant differences were found in gene methylation patterns comparing exercises vs. controls, 12-month exercise effects on ESR1 methylation differed by sex, warranting further study.