Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mental health during COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom.

OBJECTIVE The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic and related lockdown measures have raised important questions about the impact on mental health. This study evaluated several mental health and well-being indicators in a large sample from the United Kingdom (UK) during the COVID-19 lockdown where the death rate is currently the highest in Europe. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey with a study sample that mirrors general population norms according to sex, age, education, and region was launched four weeks after lockdown measures were implemented in the UK. Measures included mental health-related quality of life (WHO-QOL BREF psychological domain), well-being (WHO-5), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), perceived stress (PSS-10), and insomnia (ISI). ANOVAs, Bonferroni-corrected post-hoc tests, and t-tests were applied to examine mental health indicators across different sociodemographic groups (age, sex, employment, income, physical activity, relationship status). RESULTS The sample comprised N=1,006 respondents (54% women) from all regions of the UK. Approximately 52% of respondents screened positive for a common mental disorder, and 28% screened positive for clinical insomnia. Mean scores and standard deviations were as follows: PHQ-9: M=9.0±7.7; GAD-7: M=8.0±6.5; ISI: M=10.4±7.0; PSS-10: M=17.7±7.9; WHO-QOL BREF: M=58.6±21.4; WHO-5 score M=13.0±6.0. Statistical analyses consistently indicated more severe mental health problems in adults under 35 years, women, people with no work, and low income (all p-values <.05). Mental health indices also varied across UK regions. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of depressive-, anxiety-, and insomnia symptoms is significantly higher in the UK, relative to pre-pandemic epidemiological data. Further studies are needed to clarify the causes for these high rates of mental health symptoms.
Surface, Subsurface and Tribological Properties of Ti6Al4V Alloy Shot Peened under Different Parameters

Ti6Al4V alloy was shot peened by using stainless-steel shots with different sizes (0.09–0.14 mm (S10) and 0.7–1.0 mm (S60)) for two durations (5 and 15 min) using a custom-designed peening system. The shot size was the main parameter modifying the roughness (0.74 µm for S10 vs. 2.27 µm for S60), whereas a higher peening time slightly increased roughness. Hardness improved up to approximately 35% by peening with large shots, while peening time was insignificant in hardness improvement. However, longer peening duration with large shots led to an unwanted formation of micro-cracks and delamination on the peened surfaces. After dry sliding wear tests, the mass loss of peened samples (S60 for 15 min) was 25% higher than that of un-peened samples, while the coefficient of friction decreased by 12%. Plastically deformed regions and micro-scratches were observed on the worn surfaces, which corresponds to mostly adhesive and abrasive wear mechanisms. The present study sheds light on how surface, subsurface and tribological properties of Ti6Al4V vary with shot peening and peening parameters, which paves the way for the understanding of the mechanical, surface, and tribological behavior of shot peened Ti6Al4V used in both aerospace and biomedical applications.
The association between computed tomography angiography timing and workflow times in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Background In most hospitals, computed tomography angiography (CTA) is nowadays routinely performed in patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, it is unclear whether CTA is best performed before or after start of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), since acquisition of CTA before IVT may prolong door-to-needle times, while acquisition after IVT may prolong door-to-groin times in patients undergoing endovascular treatment. Methods We performed a before-versus-after study (CTA following IVT, period I and CTA prior to IVT, period II), consisting of two periods of one year each. This study is based on a prospective registry of consecutive patients treated with IVT in two collaborating high-volume stroke centers; one primary stroke center and one comprehensive stroke center. The primary outcome was door-to-needle times. Secondary outcomes included door-to-groin times. Quantile regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between timing of CTA and workflow times, adjusted for prognostic factors. Results A total of 519 patients received IVT during the study period (246 in period I, 273 in period II). In the adjusted analysis, we found a nonsignificant 1.13 min median difference in door-to-needle times (95% confidence interval: 1.03–3.29). Door-to-groin times was significantly shorter in period II in both unadjusted and adjusted analysis with the latter showing a 19.16 min median difference (95% confidence interval: 3.08–35.24). Conclusions CTA acquisition prior to start of IVT did not adversely affect door-to-needle times. However, a significantly shorter door-to-groin times was observed in endovascular treatment eligible patients. Performing CTA prior to start of IVT seems the preferred strategy.
G Protein-Coupled Receptor Genes, PTGDR1, PTGDR2, and PTGIR, Are Candidate Epigenetic Biomarkers and Predictors for Treated Patients with HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer

Differences in the biology of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal cancers (OPCs) and HPV-negative OPCs may have implications in patient management. Early detection is imperative to reduce HPV-associated OPC mortality. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can potentially serve as a biomarker for monitoring clinically relevant cancer-related genetic and epigenetic modifications. We analyzed the methylation status of 24 G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) genes in verification (85 OPC primary samples) and validation (8 OPC ctDNA samples) studies using quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (Q-MSP). The Q-MSP-based verification study with 85 OPC primary samples revealed the GPCR genes that were significantly associated with recurrence in high methylation groups (≥14 methylated genes) with OPC and HPV-associated OPC (p < 0.001). In the Kaplan–Meier estimate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses, 13 GPCR genes were significantly related to increased recurrence in the methylation group. Furthermore, the validation study on ctDNA showed that three of these genes (Prostaglandin D2 receptor 1: PTGDR1, Prostaglandin D2 receptor 2: PTGDR2, and Prostaglandin I2 Receptor: PTGIR) had a prediction performance as emerging biomarkers. We characterized the relationship between the methylation status of GPCR genes and outcomes in HPV-associated OPC. Our results highlight the potential utility of ctDNA methylation-based detection for the clinical management of HPV-associated OPC.
Application of DNA fingerprinting to confirmation of clone in Ayu

In order to determine the effectiveness of DNA fingerprinting as a tool for confirmation of clonal nature and identity, we applied a DNA fingerprinting method to three genetically different groups of ayu Plecoglossus altivelis: clonal diploid, mitotic gynogenetic diploid (mitotic-G2N) and normal diploid. Genomic DNA extracted from blood was digested by Pst I restriction endonuclease and was hybridized with repetitive sequence in bacteriophage M13 DNA labelled with [α-32P] isotope. DNA fingerprints of P. altivelis were detected over the whole effective fraction range from 0.5-25 Kilobase pairs, and more than 42 fragment patterns were detected. The DNA fingerprints of clonal fish consisted of at least 21 distinguishable bands which showed identical patterns within a clone. Mitotic-G2N consisted of 12-18 bands, and an individual fingerprint of this group hardly shared the bands of the other individuals. A trend of markedly low levels of band sharing in the DNA fingerprint among individuals of mitotic-G2N fish would be useful as a powerful genetic marker for their respective clonal lines. In N-CONT, 9 of the 18-24 distinguishable bands were shared. These results suggest the usefulness of DNA fingerprinting in fisheries genetics as a marker for the assessment of inbreeding rates, and also for the identification of individuals and families.
Microcirculatory model predicts blood flow and autoregulation range in the human retina: in vivo investigation with Laser Speckle Flowgraphy.

In this study, 1) we mathematically predict Retinal Vascular Resistance (RVR) and Retinal Blood Flow (RBF), 2) we test predictions using Laser Speckle Flowgraphy (LSFG), 3) we estimate the range of vascular autoregulation, and 4) we examine the relationship of RBF with the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell complex (GCC). Fundus, OCT, and OCT-angiography images, systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP), and intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements were obtained from 36 human subjects. We modeled two circulation markers (RVR and RBF) and estimated individualized lower/higher autoregulation limits (LARL/HARL), using retinal vessel calibers, fractal dimension, perfusion pressure, and population-based hematocrit values. Quantitative LSFG waveforms were extracted from vessels of the same eyes, before and during IOP elevation. LSFG metrics explained most variance in RVR (R2=0.77/P=6.9·10-9) and RBF (R2=0.65/P=1.0·10-6), suggesting that the markers strongly reflect blood flow physiology. Higher RBF was associated with thicker RNFL (P=4.0·10-4) and GCC (P=0.003), thus also verifying agreement with structural measurements. LARL was at SBP/DBP of 105/65 mmHg for the average subject without arterial hypertension, and at 115/75 mmHg for the average hypertensive subject. Moreover, during IOP elevation, changes in RBF were more pronounced than changes in RVR. These observations physiologically imply that healthy subjects are already close to LARL, thus prone to hypoperfusion. In conclusion, we modeled two clinical markers and described a novel method to predict individualized autoregulation limits. These findings could improve understanding of retinal perfusion and pave the way for personalized intervention decisions, when treating patients with coexisting ophthalmic and cardiovascular pathologies.
Adaptations of a green tide forming Ulva linza (Ulvophyceae, Chlorophyta) to selected salinity and nutrients conditions mimicking representative environments in the Yellow Sea

Abstract: The massive green tide species Ulva linza undergoes an apparent rafting in a counterclockwise direction in the Yellow Sea from Jiangsu Province, China, to the west coast of Korea. During this dispersal, it undergoes development from early life history stages to senescence and experiences extensive salinity and nutrient gradients. We investigated the physiological responses of different developmental stages of U. linza to three representative environmental conditions that mimicked (1) a brackish environment at salinity 10 (S = 10) and 200 μM NO3−, (2) an inshore environment at S = 30 and 200 μM NO3−, and (3) an offshore environment at S = 30 and 4 μM NO3−. Chlorophyll a fluorescence of the early development stages (spores and germlings) of U. linza was measured using pulse amplitude modulation fluorometry to determine their photosynthetic efficiency. In addition, the photosynthesis and respiration rates of adult thalli were measured using chamber incubation. Within two hours of release, spores showed no difference in photosynthetic performance in the three conditions. Subsequently, the photosynthesis of germlings was enhanced at high-nutrient conditions regardless of salinity, suggesting that brackish and inshore waters are suitable nursery areas for early development. The adult thalli in the brackish environment showed two and three times higher growth rates than in the inshore and offshore environments, respectively. The adult thalli experienced synergistic effects of high nutrients and low salinity on photosynthesis that facilitated rapid growth in brackish environments. Overall, we suggest that brackish areas facilitate the initiation of blooms of U. linza, and the subsequent movement of floating fronds from estuaries to the inshore and then the offshore provides a continuous nutrient inoculum that maintains the population in the offshore environment.
Cardiovascular Health After Preeclampsia: Patient and Provider Perspective.

Background: Preeclampsia predicts future cardiovascular disease (CVD) yet few programs exist for post-preeclampsia care. Methods: The Health after Preeclampsia Patient and Provider Engagement Network workshop was convened at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study in June 2018. The workshop sought to identify: 1) patient perspectives on barriers and facilitators to CVD risk reduction; 2) clinical programs specialized in post-preeclampsia care; 3) recommendations by national organizations for risk reduction; and 4) next steps. Stakeholders included the Preeclampsia Foundation, patients, clinicians who had initiated CVD risk reduction programs for women with prior preeclampsia, researchers, and national task force members. Results: Participants agreed there is insufficient awareness and action to prevent CVD after preeclampsia. Patients suggested a clinician checklist to ensure communication of CVD risks, enhanced training for clinicians on the link between preeclampsia and CVD, and a post-delivery appointment with a clinician knowledgeable about this link. Clinical programs primarily served patients in the first postpartum year, bridging obstetrical and primary care. They recommended CVD risk modification with periodic blood pressure, weight, lipid and diabetes screening. Barriers included the paucity of programs designed for this population and gaps in insurance coverage after delivery. The American Heart Association, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Preeclampsia Foundation have developed guidelines and materials for patients and providers to guide management of women with prior preeclampsia. Conclusions: Integrated efforts of patients, caregivers, researchers, and national organizations are needed to improve CVD prevention after preeclampsia. This meeting's recommendations can serve as a resource and catalyst for this effort.
ON MORPHOGENESIS OF THE ACID PHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY; ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN ADRENAL PIGMENTS FORMATION OF LANOLIN-TREATED RABBITS OR AGED RATS AND IN DEXTRAN STORAGE OF RAT LYMPH NODE MACROPHAGES

The morphogenesis of ACPase activity was observed in the following experimental materials:1) The parenchymal cells and macrophages of the adrenal cortex of cholesterol-treated rabbits.2) The same cells of the adrenal cortex of aged rats.3) The macrophages of the mesenteric lymph nodes of rats having received a large amount of macromolecular dextran.In these experiments, (1) the increase or occurrence of activity as a function of biological significance was difficult to detect in cells displaying a degenerative process, notwithstanding their apparent histochemical stainability as “ceroid pigment”, and (2) in the macrophages, under the present experimental conditions, the increase or occurrence of activity could be observed in more or less extensive areas of the cytoplasm, especially on the membrane system sharply demarcating these areas; the so-called residual bodies were seen to be produced there in groups concomitant with the appearance of their histochemical stainability as ceroid pigment.This membrane system, judging by the evidence given by the plane ultrastructural pictures, seems to be intimately related to the smooth or rough ER system.
Survival and long-term toxicities of pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma after combined modality treatment: a single institute experience

Purpose To analyze the clinical outcomes and long-term toxicity of pediatric patients with Hodgkin lymphoma after combined-modality treatment (CMT) with involved-field or involved-nodal radiotherapy (RT). Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of 27 pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma patients who received CMT at a single institution between January 1990 and July 2017. Patients with stage I–III received a heterogeneous chemotherapy regimen depending on their risk group followed by 19.8–36 Gy RT, with the dose based on their response to the chemotherapy before RT. An optional 9–20 Gy boost was delivered to residual sites. The risk group was determined based on the initial stage, the presence of bulky disease, and any B symptoms. We evaluated overall survival, event-free survival, and long-term toxicities. Results A total of 27 patients completed the CMT. At a median follow-up of 125 months (range, 9 to 337 months), the estimated 5-year event-free survival and overall survival were 88.9% and 96.3%, respectively. Late symptomatic cardiopulmonary toxicity was not observed, and only one patient was positive on a subclinical obstructive pulmonary function test. The incidence of hypothyroidism was 58.3% among 12 patients with an available thyroid function test. There was one papillary thyroid cancer diagnosed 7.2 years after treatment. Conclusion CMT for pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma with involved-field and involved-nodal RT achieved an excellent survival with only modest long-term toxicity. Smaller-field RT seemed to decrease long-term toxicities and had good local control.
Automatic Identification of High-Risk Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Feasibility Study Using Video and Audio Data Under the Still-Face Paradigm

It is reported that the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) could be improved by effective early interventions, which arouses an urgent need for large-scale early identification of ASD. Until now, the screening of ASD has relied on the child psychiatrist to collect medical history and conduct behavioral observations with the help of psychological assessment tools. Such screening measures inevitably have some disadvantages, including strong subjectivity, relying on experts and low-efficiency. With the development of computer science, it is possible to realize a computer-aided screening for ASD and alleviate the disadvantages of manual evaluation. In this study, we propose a behavior-based automated screening method to identify high-risk ASD (HR-ASD) for babies aged 8–24 months. The still-face paradigm (SFP) was used to elicit baby’s spontaneous social behavior through a face-to-face interaction, in which a mother was required to maintain a normal interaction to amuse her baby for 2 minutes (a baseline episode) and then suddenly change to the no-reaction and no-expression status with 1 minute (a still-face episode). Here, multiple cues derived from baby’s social stress response behavior during the latter episode, including head-movements, facial expressions and vocal characteristics, were statistically analyzed between HR-ASD and typical developmental (TD) groups. An automated identification model of HR-ASD was constructed based on these multi-cue features and the support vector machine (SVM) classifier; moreover, its screening performance was satisfied, for all the accuracy, specificity and sensitivity exceeded 90% on the cases included in this study. The experimental results suggest its feasibility in the early screening of HR-ASD.
Association of kidney function with effectiveness of procalcitonin-guided antibiotic treatment: a patient-level meta-analysis from randomized controlled trials

Abstract Objectives Patients with impaired kidney function have a significantly slower decrease of procalcitonin (PCT) levels during infection. Our aim was to study PCT-guided antibiotic stewardship and clinical outcomes in patients with impairments of kidney function as assessed by creatinine levels measured upon hospital admission. Methods We pooled and analyzed individual data from 15 randomized controlled trials who were randomly assigned to receive antibiotic therapy based on a PCT-algorithms or based on standard of care. We stratified patients on the initial glomerular filtration rate (GFR, ml/min/1.73 m2) in three groups (GFR >90 [chronic kidney disease; CKD 1], GFR 15–89 [CKD 2–4] and GFR<15 [CKD 5]). The main efficacy and safety endpoints were duration of antibiotic treatment and 30-day mortality. Results Mean duration of antibiotic treatment was significantly shorter in PCT-guided (n=2,492) compared to control patients (n=2,510) (9.5–7.6 days; adjusted difference in days −2.01 [95% CI, −2.45 to −1.58]). CKD 5 patients had overall longer treatment durations, but a 2.5-day reduction in treatment duration was still found in patients receiving in PCT-guided care (11.3 vs. 8.6 days [95% CI −3.59 to −1.40]). There were 397 deaths in 2,492 PCT-group patients (15.9%) compared to 460 deaths in 2,510 control patients (18.3%) (adjusted odds ratio, 0.88 [95% CI 0.78 to 0.98)]. Effects of PCT-guidance on antibiotic treatment duration and mortality were similar in subgroups stratified by infection type and clinical setting (p interaction >0.05). Conclusions This individual patient data meta-analysis confirms that the use of PCT in patients with impaired kidney function, as assessed by admission creatinine levels, is associated with shorter antibiotic courses and lower mortality rates.
Deep Quality Assessment of a Solar Reflector Based on Synthetic Data: Detecting Surficial Defects from Manufacturing and Use Phase

Vision technologies are used in both industrial and smart city applications in order to provide advanced value products due to embedded self-monitoring and assessment services. In addition, for the full utilization of the obtained data, deep learning is now suggested for use. To this end, the current work presents the implementation of image recognition techniques alongside the original the quality assessment of a Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC) reflector surface to locate and identify surface irregularities by classifying images as either acceptable or non-acceptable. The method consists of a three-step solution that promotes an affordable implementation in a relatively small time period. More specifically, a 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) of the PTC was used for the pre-training of neural networks, while an aluminum reflector surface was used to verify algorithm performance. The results are promising, as this method proved applicable in cases where the actual part was manufactured in small batches or under the concept of customized manufacturing. Consequently, the algorithm is capable of being trained with a limited number of data.