Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic disparities in Korea by health insurance type during the COVID-19 pandemic: a nationwide study

OBJECTIVES This study explored socioeconomic disparities in Korea using health insurance type as a proxy during the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study using Korea’s nationwide healthcare database, which contained all individuals who received a diagnostic test for COVID-19 (n=232,390) as of May 15, 2020. We classified our cohort by health insurance type into beneficiaries of the National Health Insurance (NHI) or Medicaid programs. Our study outcomes were infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and COVID-19-related outcomes, a composite of all-cause death, intensive care unit admission, and mechanical ventilation use. We estimated age-, sex-, and Charlson comorbidity index score–adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Of the 218,070 NHI and 14,320 Medicaid beneficiaries who received COVID-19 tests, 7,777 and 738 tested positive, respectively. The Medicaid beneficiaries were older (mean age, 57.5 vs. 47.8 years), more likely to be males (47.2 vs. 40.2%), and had a higher comorbidity burden (mean CCI, 2.0 vs. 1.7) than NHI beneficiaries. Compared to NHI beneficiaries, Medicaid beneficiaries had a 22% increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection (aOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.38), but had no significantly elevated risk of COVID-19-related outcomes (aOR 1.10, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.57); the individual events of the composite outcome yielded similar findings. CONCLUSIONS As socioeconomic factors, with health insurance as a proxy, could serve as determinants during the current pandemic, pre-emptive support is needed for high-risk groups to slow its spread.
Borrelia miyamotoi—An Emerging Human Tick-Borne Pathogen in Europe

Borrelia miyamotoi is classified as a relapsing fever spirochete. Although B. miyamotoi is genetically and ecologically distinct from Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, both microorganisms are transmitted by the same Ixodes tick species. B. miyamotoi was detected in I. persulcatus ticks in 1994 in Japan. A phylogenetic analysis based on selected sequences of B. miyamotoi genome revealed genetic differences between isolates from Asia, North America, and Europe, which are clearly separated into three genotypes. Symptomatic human cases of Borrelia miyamotoi disease (BMD) were first reported in 2011 in Russia and then in North America, Europe, and Asia. The most common clinical manifestation of BMD is fever with flu-like symptoms. Several differences in rare symptoms (thrombocytopenia, monocytosis, cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis, or symptoms related to the central nervous system) have been noted among cases caused by Asian, European, and American types of B. miyamotoi. BMD should be considered in the diagnosis of patients after tick bites, particularly with meningoencephalitis, without anti-Borrelia antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid. This review describes the biology, ecology, and potential of B. miyamotoi as a tick-borne pathogen of public health concern, with particular emphasis on Europe.
AB2 Functional Polyesters via Ring Opening Polymerization: Synthesis and Characterization

Aliphatic AB2 functional polyesters were conveniently prepared by the ring opening polymerization of e-caprolactone and L-lactide in the presence of the AB2 functional initiator 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid (bis-MPA) and Sn(Oct)2 as the catalyst. In L-lactide polymerization, both bis-MPA hydroxyl groups initiated the polymerization reaction, but for e-caprolactone polymerization this depended on the monomer to initiator to catalyst ratio. Initiation at two hydroxyl groups occurred at high monomer to initiator ([M]/[I]) ratio and at high Sn(Oct)2 to monomer ratio. The melting temperatures of the AB2-functional PLLA and PCL polymers were comparable to linear polymers with a DP equal to the DP per arm in the polymer.
The effects of a physical activity intervention based on a fatness and fitness smartphone app for University students

Since the 2012 Lancet Series on physical activity, progress regarding this topic has been negligible at global level. Thus, improving physical activity levels in specific populations through new methodologies is positioned as a priority. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a physical activity intervention on body fatness composition, and measured and self-reported physical fitness components based on the use of a smartphone app. The investigation included 100 Spanish university students, cluster-randomized into the smartphone app intervention group or a control group (n = 35 and n = 31 respectively, after applying exclusion criteria). The physical activity intervention comprised a 9-week programme designed to promote a healthy physical activity pattern using a smartphone app. Specifically, an mHealth approach was taken containing five BCTs. The results showed that the intervention group improved their physical fitness (F = 8.1, p = .006) and reported better general scores in self-reported physical fitness (F = 7.4, p = .008) over time, in comparison to the control group. However, the intervention group did not show any changes to their fatness. Further research is needed to disentangle which BCTs are more effective to achieve physical health improvements when using physical activity apps.
Controlled Size Silver Nanoparticles Synthesis with Water-in-Oil Microemulsion Method: A Topical Review

Synthesis of noble metallic nanoparticles, in general, and silver nanoparticles (SNPs), in particular, currently are of special interest. In the present paper, an overview of the enhanced properties of SNPs and consequential applications of SNPs are discussed. Common synthesis methods and their comparison with the microemulsion technology, particularly advantages of SNPs formation with microemulsion technology, are discussed. A brief overview of the basics of microemulsion technology for nanoparticles formation is also presented. The complete topical review of microemulsion synthesis technique used to date for the generation of SNPs is discussed comprehensively. Control parameters have been explicated for influencing size, size uniformity, and stability aspects of the SNPs reported in the literature, allowing a tailored synthesis for specific application. Recent modifications made on the synthesis of SNPs to obtain monodisperse, high yield and stability are also discussed. Lastly, some future trends and p.
Functional lower airways genomic profiling of the microbiome to capture active microbial metabolism

Background Microbiome studies of the lower airways based on bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing assess microbial community structure but can only infer functional characteristics. Microbial products, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), in the lower airways have significant impact on the host's immune tone. Thus, functional approaches to the analyses of the microbiome are necessary. Methods Here we used upper and lower airway samples from a research bronchoscopy smoker cohort. In addition, we validated our results in an experimental mouse model. We extended our microbiota characterisation beyond 16S rRNA gene sequencing with the use of whole-genome shotgun (WGS) and RNA metatranscriptome sequencing. SCFAs were also measured in lower airway samples and correlated with each of the sequencing datasets. In the mouse model, 16S rRNA gene and RNA metatranscriptome sequencing were performed. Results Functional evaluations of the lower airway microbiota using inferred metagenome, WGS and metatranscriptome data were dissimilar. Comparison with measured levels of SCFAs shows that the inferred metagenome from the 16S rRNA gene sequencing data was poorly correlated, while better correlations were noted when SCFA levels were compared with WGS and metatranscriptome data. Modelling lower airway aspiration with oral commensals in a mouse model showed that the metatranscriptome most efficiently captures transient active microbial metabolism, which was overestimated by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Conclusions Functional characterisation of the lower airway microbiota through metatranscriptome data identifies metabolically active organisms capable of producing metabolites with immunomodulatory capacity, such as SCFAs. This study shows that both whole-genome shotgun and RNA metatranscriptome sequencing can be done on lower airway samples and can provide valuable information on bacterial function https://bit.ly/3hNmZfi
A new method for field measurement of dissolved methane in water using infrared tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy

Dissolved gas concentration in environmental water samples is usually determined by headspace equilibration (HE) techniques followed by laboratory analyses. This method generally causes a time delay between field sampling and measurements that (i) impedes feedback of results that would otherwise inform field sampling strategies, (ii) may affect the precision of the results due to biological activity or leakage, and (iii) may require logistically complex procedures for transport and storage of samples. The development of an on‐site measurement technique combined with headspace equilibration methods would be beneficial, especially for multiple field measurements in remote areas. In this article, we present a method, based on headspace equilibration but using infrared tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (HE‐TDLAS) that allows immediate determination of dissolved gas concentrations in environmental water. HE‐TDLAS method was first tested in the laboratory and compared with a gas chromatography technique. No significant difference was observed between both methods. HETDLAS method was then used during field experiments for the measurement of dissolved methane concentration in 110 water samples from several Alaskan lakes. Dissolved methane concentrations ranging from 0.014 to 20 mg L−1 were successfully measured with standard errors of 28% to 2%, respectively. A quantification limit of 13.6 mg L−1 and an accuracy of 3.6% were established from the statistical analysis. Results suggest that the HETDLAS method is applicable to many aquatic ecosystems, including wastewater treatment facilities, landfills, rice paddies, and freshwater ecosystems, in which dissolved methane typically occurs in the µg to mg L−1 range.
Strain Transfer Characteristics of Multi-Layer Optical Fiber Sensors with Temperature-Dependent Properties at Low Temperature

Optical fiber sensors have been potentially expected to apply in the extreme environment for their advantages of measurement in a large temperature range. The packaging measure which makes the strain sensing fiber survive in these harsh conditions will commonly introduce inevitable strain transfer errors. In this paper, the strain transfer characteristics of a multi-layer optical fiber sensing structure working at cryogenic environment with temperature gradients have been investigated theoretically. A generalized three-layer shear lag model incorporating with temperature-dependent properties of layers was developed. The strain transfer relationship between the optical fiber core and the matrix has been derived in form of a second-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) with variable coefficients, where the Young’s modulus and the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) are considered as functions of temperature. The strain transfer characteristics of the optical sensing structure were captured by solving the ODE boundary problems for cryogenic temperature loads. Case studies of the cooling process from room temperature to some certain low temperatures and gradient temperature loads for different low-temperature zones were addressed. The results showed that different temperature load configurations cause different strain transfer error features which can be described by the proposed model. The protective layer always plays a main role, and the optimization geometrical parameters should be carefully designed. To verify the theoretical predictions, an experiment study on the thermal strain measurement of an aluminum bar with optical fiber sensors was conducted. LUNA ODiSI 6100 integrator was used to measure the Rayleigh backscattering spectra shift of the optical fiber at a uniform temperature and a gradient temperature under liquid nitrogen temperature zone, and a reasonable agreement with the theory was presented.
Environmental protection in selected one belt one road economies through institutional quality: Prospering transportation and industrialization

The effects of economic development on natural environment is explored by momentous literature, this study focuses on exploring the role of institutional quality for environmental protection in the selected One Belt One Road (OBOR) economies. The main goal of the paper is to find the threshold level of institutional quality that may minimize CO2 emissions in the atmosphere due to widespread industrialization and transportation. The data is selected for the panel of 33 OBOR economies over the time period of 1986–2018. The panel threshold regression technique is applied to determine the threshold level of institutional quality. The estimated results of the study reveal that 2.315 is the threshold level of institutional quality in selected partner OBOR countries. If quality of institutions is above the threshold level then CO2 emission do not contribute significantly for environmental deterioration in spite of growing industrialization and transportation and vice versa. The study emphasized to improve the institutional quality up to threshold level to get potential gains from industrialization and transportation.
Health and social concerns about living in three communities affected by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): A qualitative study in Australia

Background Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is a public health issue globally. In Australia high concentrations of PFAS have been found in environments close to sites where Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF) were historically used for firefighting activities. This has resulted in significant community concern about the potential long-term health effects of these chemicals. Objective We describe residents’ perceptions and experiences of PFAS in three regional Australian towns where exposure has occurred. Methods We conducted focus groups to generate free-flowing open discussion on PFAS in three affected communities, including some with significant numbers of First Nations Peoples. We recruited participants using a range of media outlets and postal services. Focus group transcripts were analysed thematically to identify major shared concerns using Atlas Ti. Results One hundred and eighty residents attended fifteen focus groups that were conducted in the three communities. They included 69 First Nations People living in three communities near the town of Katherine in the Northern Territory. Study participants were concerned about potential physical health effects of exposure to PFAS, such as cancer clusters, unexplained deaths, potential exacerbation of existing health conditions, and the future health of their children. They expressed feelings of stress and anxiety about living with uncertainty related to the possible health and the socio-economic impacts of PFAS contamination in their communities. Conclusion While research has concentrated on the physical health effects of PFAS, more attention needs to be given to the immediate psychosocial impacts of living in an affected community.
UV-exposure, endogenous DNA damage, and DNA replication errors shape the spectra of genome changes in human skin

Human skin is continuously exposed to environmental DNA damage leading to the accumulation of somatic mutations over the lifetime of an individual. Mutagenesis in human skin cells can be also caused by endogenous DNA damage and by DNA replication errors. The contributions of these processes to the somatic mutation load in the skin of healthy humans has so far not been accurately assessed because the low numbers of mutations from current sequencing methodologies preclude the distinction between sequencing errors and true somatic genome changes. In this work, we sequenced genomes of single cell-derived clonal lineages obtained from primary skin cells of a large cohort of healthy individuals across a wide range of ages. We report here the range of mutation load and a comprehensive view of the various somatic genome changes that accumulate in skin cells. We demonstrate that UV-induced base substitutions, insertions and deletions are prominent even in sun-shielded skin. In addition, we detect accumulation of mutations due to spontaneous deamination of methylated cytosines as well as insertions and deletions characteristic of DNA replication errors in these cells. The endogenously induced somatic mutations and indels also demonstrate a linear increase with age, while UV-induced mutation load is age-independent. Finally, we show that DNA replication stalling at common fragile sites are potent sources of gross chromosomal rearrangements in human cells. Thus, somatic mutations in skin of healthy individuals reflect the interplay of environmental and endogenous factors in facilitating genome instability and carcinogenesis.
Methane emissions to the atmosphere through aquatic plants

The movement of methane (CH4) from anaerobic sediments through the leaves, stems, and flowers of aquatic plants and into the atmosphere was found to provide a significant pathway for the emission of CH4 from the aquatic substrates of flooded wetlands. Methane concentrations well above the surrounding ambient air levels were found in the mesophyll of 16 varies of aquatic plants and are attributed to transpiration, diffusion, and pressure-induced flow of gaseous CH4 from the roots when they are embedded in CH4-saturated anaerobic sediments. Methane emissions from the emergent parts of aquatic plants were measured using floating chamber techniques and by enclosing the plants in polyethylene bags of known volume. Concentration changes were monitored in the trapped air using syringes and gas chromatographic techniques. Vertical profiles of dissolved CH4 in sediment pore water surrounding the aquatic plants' rhizomes were obtained using an interstitial sampling technique. Methane emissions from the aquatic plants studied varied from 14.8 mg CH4/d to levels too low to be detectable. Rooted and unrooted freshwater aquatic plants were studied as well as saltwater and brackish water plants. Included in the experiment is detailed set of measurements on CH4 emissions from the common cattail (Typha latifolia). This paper illustrates that aquatic plants play an important gas exchange role in the C cycle between wetlands and the atmosphere.
Sexual and Physical Assault Before Age 18 and Young Adults’ Perception of Unfair Treatment

Research indicates that sexual and physical assault generate negative emotions of shame and anger, undermine self-esteem, and increase interpersonal sensitivity. This in turn may bring about behavioral changes and cognitive bias, which may adversely affect victims’ social interactions. The purpose of this study was to examine whether sexual or physical assault before age 18 is associated with a heightened sense of being treated unfairly in early adulthood. A nationally representative sample of young adults age 18–21 (N = 2,770; 49% female) self-reported on whether they had ever been sexually or physically assaulted, whether it first occurred in childhood or adolescence, and how frequently they are treated unfairly in their everyday interactions with other people, as measured by the Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS). Multivariate regression results indicated that child (≤age 12) physical assault and adolescent-onset (age 13–17) physical assault were associated with higher scores on the EDS for both men and women. Child sexual assault was associated with the EDS for men; adolescent-onset sexual assault was associated with the EDS for women. Violence as a minor was associated with each item of the EDS (e.g., treated with less respect, less courtesy, other people act of afraid of you, etc.). Violence victims attributed their elevated levels of perceived unfair treatment to their gender, race, age, and aspects of their physical appearance. Overall, the results suggest a mechanism through which a history of sexual and physical assault can affect social interactions.
Endothelial Function in Patients With Von Willebrand Disease

In patients with von Willebrand disease (vWD) the interest in age-related comorbidities has grown, because the life expectancy of these patients has increased. The research question of this study was whether patients with vWD show a different endothelial function compared to the general population. A total of 37 patients with type 1 (n = 23), type 2 (n = 10) and type 3 (n = 4) vWD, 14 controls and 38 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) were included in this study. Five markers of endothelial dysfunction (MOED) were determined. Moreover, the endothelial function was examined using the Itamar Endo-PAT. The reactive hyperemia index (RHI) was calculated from the results. The markers soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (p = 0.171), P-Selectin (p = 0.512), interleukin-6 (p = 0.734) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (p = 0.761) showed higher levels in patients with vWD, but were not significantly different compared to the control group. RHI was impaired in CAD-patients (1.855), whereas vWD patients had mean results of 1.870 and controls 2.112 (p = 0.367). In this study, the endothelial function measurements of patients with von Willebrand disease were not significantly different compared to healthy controls.
Quality Control of PET Bottles Caps with Dedicated Image Calibration and Deep Neural Networks

Product quality control is currently the leading trend in industrial production. It is heading towards the exact analysis of each product before reaching the end customer. Every stage of production control is of particular importance in the food and pharmaceutical industries, where, apart from visual issues, additional safety regulations are demanded. Many production processes can be controlled completely contactless through the use of machine vision cameras and advanced image processing techniques. The most dynamically growing sector of image analysis methods are solutions based on deep neural networks. Their major advantages are fast performance, robustness, and the fact that they can be exploited even in complicated classification problems. However, the use of machine learning methods on high-performance production lines may be limited by inference time or, in the case of multiformated production lines, training time. The article presents a novel data preprocessing (or calibration) method. It uses prior knowledge about the optical system, which enables the use of the lightweight Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model for product quality control of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle caps. The combination of preprocessing with the lightweight CNN model resulted in at least a five-fold reduction in prediction and training time compared to the lighter standard models tested on ImageNet, without loss of accuracy.