Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interplay of phosphate and carbonate ions with flavin photosensitizers in photodynamic inactivation of bacteria

Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of pathogenic bacteria is a promising technology in different applications. Thereby, a photosensitizer (PS) absorbs visible light and transfers the energy to oxygen yielding reactive oxygen species (ROS). The produced ROS are then capable of killing microorganisms via oxidative damage of cellular constituents. Among other PS, some flavins are capable of producing ROS and cationic flavins are already successfully applied in PDI. When PDI is used for example on tap water, PS like flavins will encounter various ions and other small organic molecules which might hamper the efficacy of PDI. Thus, the impact of carbonate and phosphate ions on PDI using two different cationic flavins (FLASH-02a, FLASH-06a) was investigated using Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as model organisms. Both were inactivated in vitro at a low light exposure of 0.72 J cm-2. Upon irradiation, FLASH-02a reacts to single substances in the presence of carbonate or phosphate, whereas the photochemical reaction for FLASH-06a was more unspecific. DPBF-assays indicated that carbonate and phosphate ions decreased the generation of singlet oxygen of both flavins. Both microorganisms could be easily inactivated by at least one PS with up to 6 log10 steps of cell counts in low ion concentrations. Using the constant radiation exposure of 0.72 J cm-2, the inactivation efficacy decreased somewhat at medium ion concentrations but reached almost zero for high ion concentrations. Depending on the application of PDI, the presence of carbonate and phosphate ions is unavoidable. Only upon light irradiation such ions may attack the PS molecule and reduce the efficacy of PDI. Our results indicate concentrations for carbonate and phosphate, in which PDI can still lead to efficient reduction of bacterial cells when using flavin based PS.
Warwick-India-Canada (WIC) global mental health group: rationale, design and protocol

Introduction The primary aim of the National Institute of Health Research-funded global health research group, Warwick-India-Canada (WIC), is to reduce the burden of psychotic disorders in India. India has a large pool of undetected and untreated patients with psychosis and a treatment gap exceeding 75%. Evidence-based packages of care have been piloted, but delivery of treatments still remains a challenge. Even when patients access treatment, there is minimal to no continuity of care. The overarching ambition of WIC programme is to improve patient outcomes through (1) developing culturally tailored clinical interventions, (2) early identification and timely treatment of individuals with mental illness and (3) improving access to care by exploiting the potential of digital technologies. Methods and analysis This multicentre, multicomponent research programme, comprising five work packages and two cross-cutting themes, is being conducted at two sites in India: Schizophrenia Research Foundation, Chennai (South India) and All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi (North India). WIC will (1) develop and evaluate evidence-informed interventions for early and first-episode psychosis; (2) determine pathways of care for early psychosis; (3) investigate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of community care models, including digital and mobile technologies; (4) develop strategies to reduce the burden of mental illnesses among youth; (5) assess the economic burden of psychosis on patients and their carers; and (6) determine the feasibility of an early intervention in psychosis programme in India. Ethics and dissemination This study was approved by the University of Warwick’s Biomedical and Scientific Research Ethics Committee (reference: REGO-2018-2208), Coventry, UK and research ethics committees of all participating organisations. Research findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed scientific publications, presentations at learnt societies and visual media.
Effect of Strength Versus Strength and Endurance Upper Limb Exercise Training in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. This randomized trial investigated the effect of strength compared with the addition of an upper limb endurance training in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The results indicate that the addition of upper limb endurance training improved time of activities of daily living and reduced perception of fatigue. Purpose: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) including exercise training improves muscle strength, exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the evidence of the effect of upper limb exercise training (ULET) on activities of daily living (ADL) is sparse. This study investigated the effect of two different types of ULET on ADL in addition to standard PR. Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to a strength or a combined ULET group. Both groups exercised 2 d/wk for 12 wk. Outcome measures were handgrip strength and muscle strength of biceps and triceps muscles. Moreover, health-related quality of life was assessed through the COPD assessment test (CAT) and Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire. Ability to perform ADL was evaluated through an ADL simulation test. Dyspnea was evaluated by a modified Medical Research Council scale, whereas dyspnea and fatigue perception during strength and ADL tests were measured through a modified Borg scale. Results: Thirty-six patients with COPD (67.4 ± 5.3 yr) participated in the study. Significant improvements in upper limb strength and CAT were found within both groups. At the end of the study period, patients in the combined group improved time of the ADL test (P = .02) with reduced perception of fatigue (P = .03) compared with patients in the strength group. Conclusions: In addition to standard PR of patients with COPD, the combined endurance and resistance ULET program improved ADL and muscle strength, whereas resistance training only increased strength.
Two for the price of one: Concurrent learning of words and phonotactic regularities from continuous speech

To acquire the words of their language, learners face the challenge of tracking regularities at multiple levels of abstraction from continuous speech. In the current study, we examined adults’ ability to track two types of regularities from a continuous artificial speech stream: the individual words in the speech stream (token level information), and a phonotactic pattern shared by a subset of those words (type level information). We additionally manipulated exposure time to the language to examine the relationship between the acquisition of these two regularities. Using a ratings test procedure, we found that adults can extract both the words in the language and their phonotactic patterns from continuous speech in as little as 3.5 minutes of listening time. Results from a 2AFC testing method provide converging evidence that adults rapidly learn both words and their phonotactic patterns. Together, the findings suggest that adults are capable of concurrently tracking regularities at multiple levels of abstraction from brief exposures to a continuous stream of speech.
Recent advances of the ionic chiral selectors for chiral resolution by chromatography, spectroscopy and electrochemistry.

Ionic chiral selectors have been received much attention in the field of asymmetric catalysis, chiral recognition, and preparative separation. It has been shown that the addition of ionic chiral selectors can enhance the recognition efficiency dramatically due to the presence of multiple intermolecular interactions, including hydrogen bond, π-π interaction, van der Waals' force, electrostatic ion-pairing interaction, and ionic-hydrogen bond. In the initial research stage of the ionic chiral selectors, most of work center on the application in chromatographic separation (CE, HPLC, and GC). Differently, more and more attention has been paid on the spectroscopy (nuclear magnetic resonance, fluorescence, ultraviolet and visible absorption spectrum, and circular dichroism spectrum) and electrochemistry in recent years. In this tutorial review as regards the ionic chiral selectors, we discuss in detail the structural features, properties, and their application in chromatography, spectroscopy, and electrochemistry. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Numerical study of acoustophoretic manipulation of particles in microfluidic channels

The microfluidic technology based on surface acoustic waves (SAW) has been developing rapidly, as it can precisely manipulate fluid flow and particle motion at microscales. We hereby present a numerical study of the transient motion of suspended particles in a microchannel. In conventional studies, only the microchannel’s bottom surface generates SAW and only the final positions of the particles are analyzed. In our study, the microchannel is sandwiched by two identical SAW transducers at both the bottom and top surfaces while the channel’s sidewalls are made of poly-dimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Based on the perturbation theory, the suspended particles are subject to two types of forces, namely the Acoustic Radiation Force (ARF) and the Stokes Drag Force (SDF), which correspond to the first-order acoustic field and the second-order streaming field, respectively. We use the Finite Element Method (FEM) to compute the fluid responses and particle trajectories. Our numerical model is shown to be accurate by verifying against previous experimental and numerical results. We have determined the threshold particle size that divides the SDF-dominated regime and the ARF-dominated regime. By examining the time scale of the particle movement, we provide guidelines on the device design and operation.
National Early Warning Score for predicting intensive care unit admission among elderly patients with influenza infections in the emergency department: an effective disposition tool during the influenza season

Objective During the influenza epidemic season, the fragile elderlies are not only susceptible to influenza infections, but are also more likely to develop severe symptoms and syndromes. Such circumstances may pose a significant burden to the medical resources especially in the emergency department (ED). Disposition of the elderly patients with influenza infections to either the ward or intensive care unit (ICU) accurately is therefore a crucial issue. Study design Retrospective cohort study. Setting and participants Elderly patients (≥65 years) with influenza visiting the ED of a medical centre between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2015. Primary outcome measures Demographic data, vital signs, medical history, subtype of influenza, national early warning score (NEWS) and outcomes (mortality) were analysed. We investigated the ability of NEWS to predict ICU admission via logistic regression and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results We included 409 geriatric patients in the ED with a mean age of 79.5 years and approximately equal sex ratio. The mean NEWS ±SD was 3.4±2.9, and NEWS ≥8 was reported in 11.0% of the total patients. Logistic regression revealed that NEWS ≥8 predicted ICU admission with an OR of 5.37 (95% CI 2.61 to 11.04). The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test was calculated as 0.95, and the adjusted area under the ROC was 0.72. An NEWS ≥8 is associated with ICU-admission and may help to triage elderly patients with influenza infections during the influenza epidemic season. Conclusion The high specificity of NEWS ≥8 to predict ICU admission in elderly patients with influenza infection during the epidemic season may avoid unnecessary ICU admissions and ensure proper medical resource allocation.
Confinement driven anomalous freezing in nano porous spray dried microspheres

One-step evaporative jamming of colloidal silica particles in contact-free spray droplets resulted in well-defined powder micro-granules with interstitial nanopores. This paper reports the anomalous freezing behaviour of confined water in the microspheres synthesized using spray drying. It has been revealed that the freezing point of water in these microspheres gets significantly lowered (∼−45 °C) owing to the confinement effect. Thermoporometry results are corroborated with the structural details obtained using complementary techniques of gas adsorption measurements and small-angle x-ray scattering.
Ontogenetic shape trajectory of Trichomycterus areolatus varies in response to water velocity environment

Body and head shape among fishes both vary between environments influenced by water velocity and across ontogeny. Although the shape changes associated with variation in average water velocity and ontogeny are well documented, few studies have tested for the interaction between these two variables (i.e., does ontogenetic shape variation differ between velocity environments). We use geometric morphometrics to characterize shape differences in Trichomycterus areolatus, a freshwater catfish found in high and low-velocity environments in Chile. We identify a significant interaction between velocity environment and body size (i.e., ontogeny). Ontogenetic patterns of shape change are consistent with other studies, but velocity environment differentially affects the ontogenetic trajectory of shape development in T. areolatus. Shape change over ontogeny appears more constrained in high-velocity environments compared to low-velocity environments.
Severe multisystem pathology, metabolic acidosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and early death associated with an X-linked AIFM1 variant

Variants in the X-linked gene AIFM1 (apoptosis-inducing factor mitochondria-associated 1) are associated with a highly variable clinical presentation that encompasses motor neuropathy, ataxia, encephalopathies, deafness, and cognitive impairment. AIFM1 encodes a mitochondrial flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-dependent nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) oxidoreductase, with roles in the regulation of respiratory complex assembly and function, production of reactive oxygen species, and the coordination of a caspase-independent type of apoptosis known as parthanatos. In this report, we describe a missense AIFM1 variant (absent in reference population databases; c.506C > T, p.Pro169Leu) identified in the proband and sibling of a family with three affected males. The proband, his brother, and their maternal uncle all exhibited severe multisystem pathology, metabolic acidosis, and early demise. Metabolic testing on the proband revealed normal activity of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex in skin fibroblasts. Absent or partial deficiency of cytochrome c oxidase was found in muscle fibers, however, supporting a Complex IV mitochondrial deficiency. Functional studies carried out on fibroblasts from the proband demonstrated reduced steady state levels of the AIFM1 protein, decreased Complex I subunit abundance, elevated sensitivity to the apoptosis inducer staurosporine, and increased nuclear condensation when grown in galactose-containing media. The reduced abundance of AIFM1 in the patient cells could not be stabilized with riboflavin or protease inhibitor treatment. Together, these findings suggest that the normal function of the AIFM1 gene product within mitochondria, and its response to apoptotic stimuli, are impaired by this variant, likely accounting for the severity of the phenotype seen in these patients. These findings also imply tissue-specific effects of this variant on different mitochondrial complexes. This study expands the genetic and phenotypic spectrum associated with AIFM1 variants, with the combination of exome sequencing and functional studies allowing a diagnosis to finally be confirmed for this family.
Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC) for Isolated Retropatellar Cartilage Lesions: Outcome after a Follow-Up of Minimum 2 Years

Purpose To evaluate autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) for isolated focal retropatellar cartilage lesions and the influence of patellofemoral (PF) anatomy on clinical outcomes at a minimum of 2-year follow-up. Methods Twenty-nine consecutive patients (31 knees) who underwent retropatellar AMIC with a mean age of 27.9 ± 11.0 years were evaluated at a follow-up averaging 4.1 ± 1.9 years (range, 2-8 years). Patient factors, lesion morphology, and patient-reported outcome measures, including Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Tegner, Kujula score, and visual analogue scale (VAS) score were collected. PF anatomy was assessed on pre- and postoperative imaging, and subsequently correlated to outcome scores and failure to determine risk factors for poor outcome. Results At final follow-up, the AMIC graft failed in 4 cases (12.9%) at a mean follow-up of 21 ± 14.1 months. Patients with failed grafts had a significantly smaller patellar and Laurins’s PF angle than patients whose graft did not fail (P = 0.008 and P = 0.004, respectively). Concomitant corrective surgery for patellar instability was performed in 29 knees (93.5%). Grafts that did not fail presented with an average Kujala score of 71.3 ± 16.9, KOOS Pain of 76.2 ± 16.6 and Tegner scores of 4.2 ± 1.8. The patellar angle was significantly associated with the patient’s satisfaction level (r = 0.615; P < 0.001). Conclusion AMIC for retropatellar cartilage lesions in combination with concomitant corrective surgery for patellar instability results in low failure rate with satisfactory clinical outcome and patient satisfaction of almost 80% at mid-term follow-up. As most failures occurred in patients without concurrent tibial tubercle osteotomy and both a smaller patellar and Laurins’s PF angle were associated with less favorable outcome, this study supports the growing evidence for the need of unloading retropatellar cartilage repair, when indicated. Level of Evidence Case series; level of evidence, 4.
Trust levels within categories of information and communication technology companies

The arguable claims of levels of trust in politics and business situations motivated this study, which investigates the degree of trust within micro, small, and medium categories of Hungarian Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies. Different sizes of companies have varying interactions between internal members and their business partners. This study concentrated on exploring Hungarian ICT companies due to their significant role in supporting Industry 4.0. The study population are active Hungarian ICT companies. This research implemented random cluster selection related to the location of ICT firms. It exploited 100 samples, including micro, small, and medium-sized companies, and implemented discriminant analysis to examine the description and hypotheses. First, this study found that the level of trust in institutions within micro, small, and medium-sized companies varies significantly. The level of trust in institutions proliferates within corporations due to the capability of the formal institution to provide fair public services. This research additionally underlined that the performance of the Hungarian government would improve trust amongst the companies. Second, this study concluded that the level of interpersonal trust within three categories of companies was similar. A high level of interpersonal trust would expand internal engagement among the members of companies. Finally, the level of trust in business partners varied significantly within the distinct sizes of Hungarian ICT companies. A high level of trust in corporate associates improves business collaboration, reduces uncertainty, and supports long-term business connections. Levels of institutional trust and inter-organizational trust differed amongst different categories of companies. However, the level of interpersonal trust remained similar within companies of the various sizes.
Readiness for Hospital Discharge and Its Correlates Among People Living With HIV in Hunan, China: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract We aimed to (a) describe the readiness for hospital discharge in people living with HIV and (b) explore factors associated with readiness for hospital discharge. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at two infectious disease hospitals in Hunan, China, from May to November 2017. The readiness for hospital discharge scale (RHDS) was used to assess discharge readiness. The average item mean for the RHDS ranges from 0 to 10, and higher scores represent a higher level of readiness for hospital discharge. The mean score of the RHDS was 7.78 (95% confidence interval 7.586–7.968), and 27.6% of participants (n = 56/203) felt unready for discharge (RHDS <7). We found that older age, lack of medical insurance, lower self-rated health status, poorer quality of discharge teaching, and more severe depressive symptoms were significantly associated with a lower level of readiness for hospital discharge. Interventions are needed to improve readiness of people living with HIV for hospital discharge in Hunan, China, especially for those of advanced age, without medical insurance, with worse self-rated health status, and those with higher levels of depressive symptoms.
Rotavirus Infection, Illness, and Vaccine Performance in Malnourished Children: A Review of the Literature

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Live, oral rotavirus vaccines are more effective at preventing rotavirus disease in countries with low child mortality compared with high child mortality. Among several hypotheses, poorer protection in malnourished children, who are more prevalent in countries with high child mortality, may partially explain this difference. We conducted a literature search to identify articles with a laboratory-confirmed rotavirus endpoint that evaluated differences by malnutrition status in rotavirus vaccine effectiveness and vaccine efficacy (VE) or the prevalence of rotavirus infection or illness among children <5 years old. We identified 7 analyses from 11 countries published from 2007 to 2019 that stratified rotavirus VE by malnutrition status. Among well-nourished children, VE point estimates ranged from 71% to 84% in observational studies and 26% to 61% in clinical trials. Among malnourished children, they ranged from −28% to 45% in observational studies and −3% to 61% in clinical trials. The relative difference between VE in well-nourished and malnourished children by length-for-age ranged from 37% to 64%, by weight-for-age ranged from 0% to 107%, and by weight-for-height ranged from −65% to 137%. We identified 3 cohort and 6 cross-sectional studies of natural rotavirus infection and illness and none reported that malnourished children were more susceptible to rotavirus infection or illness than well-nourished children. Overall, rotavirus vaccines may offer less protection to children with malnutrition than well-nourished children. As malnourished children often have worse outcomes from diarrhea, high rotavirus vaccine coverage and a better understanding of the performance of oral rotavirus vaccines in this population is important, though our finding that malnourished children may be less susceptible to rotavirus provides important context and information for vaccine evaluation design.