Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Surface Chemistry on Sorption of Water and Methanol on Activated Carbons

Two activated carbons from different sources were oxidized with nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide and the effects of this on their porous structure and sorption of water and methanol were studied. The microstructural properties were derived from analysis of N2 isotherms. The surface acidity was assessed using Boehm titration and potentiometric titration. Changes in the surface chemistry were also monitored using difference reflectance IR Fourier transform. From the potentiometric titration the pKa distributions were calculated and the surface density of acidic groups was evaluated. The structural and surface chemical results demonstrate that carbons derived from different sources can have wide variation in their oxidation susceptibility. To further evaluate the impact of the recorded changes due to oxidation in the carbons studied, sorption uptake of water and methanol was measured and correlated with the acidity of the carbon surfaces.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Persistent Somatic Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Sense of Threat

ABSTRACT Objective Persistent somatic symptoms, such as pain and fatigue, have been referred to as somatization. Somatization is commonly associated with histories of trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although previous research has demonstrated that PTSD can predict somatic problems, there has been no examination of this at the level of PTSD symptom clusters and multidimensional assessment of somatic symptoms. We examined the association between the three International Classification of Disease (11th Edition) PTSD symptom clusters (reexperiencing in the here and now, avoidance, and sense of threat), measured in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic as the stressor, and somatic symptoms while statistically adjusting for confounding variables. Methods Participants were a nationally representative sample of 1041 adults from the general population of the Republic of Ireland. Physical health problems across the domains of pain, gastrointestinal, cardiopulmonary, and fatigue were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire, and PTSD symptoms were assessed using the International Trauma Questionnaire. Results Sense of threat was associated with the presence of pain (β = 0.254), fatigue (β = 0.332), gastrointestinal (β = 0.234), and cardiovascular symptoms (β = 0.239). Avoidance was associated with pain (β = 0.347). Reexperiencing was not associated with any physical health variable. Conclusions In the context of COVID-19, the sense of threat symptoms in PTSD is most strongly related to somatic problems. Findings suggest that interventions addressing sense of threat symptoms might provide relief from somatization.
Moderated Online Social Therapy for Young People With Active Suicidal Ideation: Qualitative Study

Background Web-based interventions are a promising approach to support youth at risk of suicide, and those incorporating peer-to-peer social networking may have the added potential to target interpersonal states of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. Owing to feasibility and safety concerns, including fear of contagion, this had not been tested until recently. In 2018, we conducted a pilot evaluation to test the feasibility, safety, and acceptability of a Moderated Online Social Therapy intervention, called Affinity, with a sample of young people with active suicidal ideation. Objective The aim of this study is to report qualitative data collected from study participants regarding their experience of the web-based social network and the consequent safety features. Methods Affinity is a closed website incorporating 3 key components: therapeutic content delivered via comics, peer-to-peer social networking, and moderation by peers and clinicians. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 17 young people who participated in the pilot study after 8 weeks of exposure to the intervention. Interview data from 2 young people who did not use Affinity were excluded from the analysis. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis, with the frequency of responses characterized using the consensual qualitative research method. The results are reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist. Results A total of 4 overarching themes were identified: a safe and supportive environment, the importance of mutual experiences, difficulty engaging and connecting, and the pros and cons of banning discussions about suicide. Interestingly, although Affinity was perceived to be safe and free of judgment, concerns about negative evaluation and triggering others were significant barriers to posting on the social network. Participants generally supported the banning of conversations about suicide, although for some this was perceived to reinforce stigma or was associated with frustration and distress. Conclusions The results not only support the safety and potential therapeutic benefit of the social networking aspect of Affinity but also highlight several implementation challenges. There is a need to carefully balance the need for stringent safety and design features while ensuring that the potential for therapeutic benefit is maximized.
Leveraging “big data” in respiratory medicine – data science, causal inference, and precision medicine

Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
Diagnostic utility of bronchoalveolar lavage in children with complicated intrathoracic tuberculosis

Bronchoscopy can be a useful tool in children with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) with severe disease potentially requiring intervention or in the face of diagnostic dilemmas. The aim of this study was to determine the value of Xpert MTB/RIF assay (Xpert) on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples in children with complicated PTB.
Bariatric Surgery and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease:

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: Bariatric surgery has been shown to significantly reduce cardiovascular risk factors. However, whether surgery can reduce major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), especially in patients with established cardiovascular disease, remains poorly understood. The present study aims to determine the association between bariatric surgery and MACE among patients with cardiovascular disease and severe obesity. Methods: This was a propensity score–matched cohort study using province-wide multiple-linked administrative databases in Ontario, Canada. Patients with previous ischemic heart disease or heart failure who received bariatric surgery were matched on age, sex, heart failure history, and a propensity score to similar controls from a primary care medical record database in a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome was the incidence of extended MACE (first occurrence of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, cerebrovascular events, and heart failure hospitalization). Secondary outcome included 3-component MACE (myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and all-cause mortality). Outcomes were evaluated through a combination of matching via propensity score and subsequent multivariable adjustment. Results: A total of 2638 patients (n=1319 in each group) were included, with a median follow-up time of 4.6 years. The primary outcome occurred in 11.5% (151/1319) of the surgery group and 19.6% (259/1319) of the controls (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.58 [95% CI, 0.48–0.71]; P<0.001). The association was notable for those with heart failure (HR, 0.44 [95% CI, 0.31–0.62]; P<0.001; absolute risk difference, 19.3% [95% CI, 12.0%–26.7%]) and in those with ischemic heart disease (HR, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.48–0.74]; P<0.001; absolute risk difference, 7.5% [95% CI, 4.7%–10.5%]). Surgery was also associated with a lower incidence of the secondary outcome (HR, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.52–0.84]; P=0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 0.35 [95% CI, 0.15–0.80]; P=0.001). Conclusions: Bariatric surgery was associated with a lower incidence of MACE in patients with cardiovascular disease and obesity. These findings require confirmation by a large-scale randomized trial.
Virtual fencing technology to intensively graze lactating dairy cattle II: Effects on cow welfare and behavior.

Virtual fencing technology uses a neckband-mounted device to deliver an audio cue when an animal nears a virtual boundary that is set via a global positioning system, followed by an electrical stimulus if it crosses the boundary. The flexibility offered by this technology could revolutionize grazing management on dairy farms, but its application and effects on lactating dairy cattle have not been assessed. This experiment reports on the effects of an electric or a virtual front-fence on dairy cow behavior and welfare. Two temporally separated treatments were applied to a herd of 30 multiparous cows. Cows were provided an estimated 14 to 15 kg of dry matter/cow of fresh pasture in a new paddock every 24 h. From d 1 to 10 cows were grazed using a conventional electric front-fence (control treatment) and from d 14 to 23 they were grazed using a virtual front-fence (eShepherd, Agersens Pty Ltd.). Cows were trained to the technology from d 11 to 13. The milk production and live weight of individual cows were recorded daily. Cortisol concentrations were obtained from milk samples collected from individual cows on 3 d during each of the control and the virtual fence grazing periods, plus the first day of training. From d 6 of the experiment, 6 focal cows were fitted with a RumiWatch (Itin + Hoch GmbH) noseband sensor to monitor grazing and ruminating time, and 8 focal cows were fitted with an IceTag (IceRobotics Ltd.) sensors to monitor activity. Milk production, live weight, and the time cows spent standing and lying did not differ between the electric and virtual fence periods. Milk cortisol concentrations, activity, and the times spent ruminating and grazing were comparable between the electric and early virtual fence periods (i.e., d 1-3 with a virtual fence). However, at d 4 to 6 with a virtual fence, activity (steps taken and motion index) and time spent grazing were lower, and time spent ruminating was greater, compared with an electric fence. Further, least significant difference tests suggest milk cortisol concentrations were higher at d 5 with a virtual fence than at d 8 with an electric fence and d 1 with a virtual fence. We conclude there is no evidence of behavioral and welfare effects of virtual fencing on dairy cows in the days immediately following implementation of the technology in a simple intensive grazing regimen, but a longer study is required to fully elucidate effects beyond this period.
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT OF PEYRONIE'S DISEASE: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW.

This review article focuses on conservative treatment options, topical, intralesional therapy, traction and vacuum therapy. A PubMed database search was performed for studies that were published between 1948 and 2019. Search keywords included "Peyronie's disease," "conservative therapy," "traction treatment," "extracorporeal shock wave therapy," "topical and oral therapies," and "vaccum therapy. " Clinical trials in men with Peyronie's disease and scientific articles relating to pharmacologic data were included in the review. When possible, large, randomized, and well-designed trials were selected. Non-English-language articles were excluded.
Osteopontin and osteoprotegerin in atherosclerotic plaque – are they significant markers of plaque vulnerability?

Atherosclerosis (ATS) is still considered as a major, global health problem. For a deeper understanding of its pathogenesis, in the last years the research was translated from tissue visible events to molecular mechanisms. Osteopontin (OPN) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) are two molecules that have been associated with the initiation and progression of ATS lesions. The aim of our study was to assess the OPN and OPG expression in advanced stages of carotid ATS, to analyze the correlation between these markers and the ultrasonographic plaque properties, pointing out the identification of possible patterns that can predict plaque vulnerability and risks of restenosis. The study group comprised 49 consecutive patients (38 males and 11 females) diagnosed with carotid stenotic lesions by using ultrasonography. The carotid endarterectomy specimens were standardly processed for histopathological and immunohistochemical exams. The OPN and OPG expression was semi-quantitatively assessed. Our results sustained the relationship between histological American Heart Association (AHA) type and ultrasonographic classification (echogenic versus echolucent) (p<0.001). The semi-quantitative analysis showed that in most cases (31 plaques) OPG and OPN had opposite expressions, whereas in the remaining cases (18 plaques) the expression was similar. There were no correlations between low versus high expression of intra-plaque OPN and OPG (p=0.335). We found significant correlation for OPN and plaque echogenicity (p=0.011), but not for OPG (p=0.079). OPN expression (low versus high) was correlated with plaque type (stable versus unstable) (p=0.036), plaque ulceration (p=0.009) and inflammation (p<0.001). OPG expression (low versus high) did not reveal statistically significant differences with plaque type (stable versus unstable) and vulnerability plaque parameters, respectively. OPG and OPN co-exist in carotid atherosclerotic plaque demonstrating a modulatory role in inflammatory and calcification processes. OPG is strongly expressed in stable, calcified plaques, while OPN is poorly expressed in calcified plaques and in plaques without hemorrhage, ulceration, inflammation, or necrosis. Starting from the molecular mechanisms, further studies of biomarkers are important to identify new therapeutic resources meant to prevent and treat vascular calcification.
n-3 long-chain PUFA promote antibacterial and inflammation-resolving effects in Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected C3HeB/FeJ mice, dependent on fatty acid status

Abstract Non-resolving inflammation is characteristic of tuberculosis (TB). Given their inflammation-resolving properties, n-3 long-chain PUFA (n-3 LCPUFA) may support TB treatment. This research aimed to investigate the effects of n-3 LCPUFA on clinical and inflammatory outcomes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected C3HeB/FeJ mice with either normal or low n-3 PUFA status before infection. Using a two-by-two design, uninfected mice were conditioned on either an n-3 PUFA-sufficient (n-3FAS) or -deficient (n-3FAD) diet for 6 weeks. One week post-infection, mice were randomised to either n-3 LCPUFA supplemented (n-3FAS/n-3+ and n-3FAD/n-3+) or continued on n-3FAS or n-3FAD diets for 3 weeks. Mice were euthanised and fatty acid status, lung bacterial load and pathology, cytokine, lipid mediator and immune cell phenotype analysed. n-3 LCPUFA supplementation in n-3FAS mice lowered lung bacterial loads (P = 0·003), T cells (P = 0·019), CD4+ T cells (P = 0·014) and interferon (IFN)-γ (P < 0·001) and promoted a pro-resolving lung lipid mediator profile. Compared with n-3FAS mice, the n-3FAD group had lower bacterial loads (P = 0·037), significantly higher immune cell recruitment and a more pro-inflammatory lipid mediator profile, however, significantly lower lung IFN-γ, IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-17, and supplementation in the n-3FAD group provided no beneficial effect on lung bacterial load or inflammation. Our study provides the first evidence that n-3 LCPUFA supplementation has antibacterial and inflammation-resolving benefits in TB when provided 1 week after infection in the context of a sufficient n-3 PUFA status, whilst a low n-3 PUFA status may promote better bacterial control and lower lung inflammation not benefiting from n-3 LCPUFA supplementation.
Polymeric degradation of water soluble chitosan/HPMC films using WAXS data

Abstract Films of cationic chitosan and non-ionic hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) have been prepared by solvent casting method, using glycerol as a plasticiser, from aqueous lactic acid medium. Here, an attempt is made to compare the degradation effect of neutral HPMC and chitosan on water uptake and flexibility in terms of microstructural parameters obtained from X-ray line profile analysis. The intension of this study is to investigate properties for the potential use of chitosan/HPMC films to improve flexibility for packaging, solubility of drug, drug release and biodegradability. Fractured surfaces of the films were examined through wide angle X-ray diffraction and the intensity profiles were used to determine the microstructural parameters. Chitosan and HPMC films have more water retentiveness property compared to other blends studied here.
Body Composition and Metabolic Assessment After Motor Complete Spinal Cord Injury: Development of a Clinically Relevant Equation to Estimate Body Fat.

Background: Obesity is at epidemic proportions in the population with spinal cord injury (SCI), and adipose tissue (AT) is the mediator of the metabolic syndrome. Obesity, however, has been poorly appreciated in SCI because of the lack of sensitivity that body mass index (BMI) conveys for obesity risk in SCI without measuring AT. Objectives: The specific objectives were to compare measures of body composition assessment for body fat with the criterion standard 4-compartment (4C) model in persons with SCI, to develop a regression equation that can be utilized in the clinical setting to estimate fat mass (FM), and to determine cardiometabolic risk using surrogates of obesity in a current model of metabolic syndrome. Methods: Seventy-two individuals with chronic (>1 year) motor complete (AIS A and B) C5-L2 SCI were recruited over 3 years. Subjects underwent assessment with 4C using hydrostatic (underwater) weighing (UWW), dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and total body water (TBW) assessment to determine percent body fat (%BF); fasting glucose and lipid profiles, and resting blood pressure were also obtained. BMI, DXA, bioelectrical impedance analyses (BIA), BodPod, circumferences, diameters, lengths, and nine-site skinfold (SF) were assessed and validated against 4C. A multiple linear regression model was used to fit %BF (dependent variable) using anthropometric and demographic data that had the greatest correlations with variables, followed by a combined forward/backward stepwise regression with Akaike information criterion (AIC) to identify the variables most predictive of the 4C %BF. To allow for a more practical model for use in the clinical setting, we further reduced the AIC model with minimal loss of predictability. Surrogate markers of obesity were employed with metabolic biomarkers of metabolic syndrome to determine prevalence in persons with SCI. Results: Subject characteristics included age 44.4 ± 11.3 years, time since injury (TSI) 14.4 ± 11.0 years, BMI 27.3 ± 5.9 kg/m2; 59 were men and 13 were women. Sitting waist circumference (WCSit ) was 95.5 ± 13.1 cm, supine waist circumference (WCSup) was 93.4 ± 12.7 cm, and abdominal skinfold (ABDSF) was 53.1 ± 19.6 mm. Findings showed 4C %BF 42.4 ± 8.6%, UWW %BF 37.3 ± 9.7%, DXA %BF 39.1 ± 9.4%, BodPod %BF 33.7 ± 11.4%, nine-site SF %BF 37.8 ± 9.3%, and BIA %BF 27.6 ± 8.6%. A regression equation using age, sex, weight, and ABDSF provided R2 correlation of 0.57 with 4C %BF (p < .0001). Metabolic syndrome was identified in 59.4% of the sample. Conclusion: Body composition techniques to determine body fat are labor intensive and expensive for persons with SCI, and the regression equation developed against the criterion standard 4C model may allow clinicians to quickly estimate %BF and more accurately demonstrate obesity-induced cardiometabolic syndrome in this population.
Robotic transcranial magnetic stimulation motor maps and hand function in adolescents

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) motor mapping can characterize the neurophysiology of the motor system. Limitations including human error and the challenges of pediatric populations may be overcome by emerging robotic systems. We aimed to show that neuronavigated robotic motor mapping in adolescents could efficiently produce discrete maps of individual upper extremity muscles, the characteristics of which would correlate with motor behavior.
The Effects of Crosslinking Chemistry on CO2 Plasticization of Polyimide Gas Separation Membranes

To suppress undesirable plasticization effects in CO2/CH4 separations, crosslinkable 6FDA-based copolyimides were synthesized by using 3,5-diaminobenzoic acid (DABA) as one of two diamine monomers. DABA contains a carboxylic acid group that can be used to crosslink the polymer chains with ethylene glycol and aluminum acetylacetonate. These chemistries were compared for effectiveness in suppressing CO2 plasticization on the basis of pure CO2 permeation and sorption data up to 800 psia. The time and pressure dependencies of permeation and sorption were analyzed to characterize the plasticization phenomenon and how it can be controlled by covalent crosslinking. Mixed-gas permeation data are reported up to a total feed pressure of 850 psia for the separation of 50:50 CO2/CH4 mixtures at 35 °C. Selectivity losses with increasing feed pressure are modeled to further understand the effects of plasticization, dual-mode sorption, gas-phase nonidealities, and bulk flow on membrane performance. Additionally, a short.
Normal reference values of left ventricular volumetric parameters in healthy adults-real-life single-center experience from the three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic MAGYAR-Healthy Study.

Background The left ventricle (LV) is the pump of the peripheral circulation, therefore its non-invasive accurate volumetric and functional assessment is essential. Three-dimensional (3D) speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) is a new tool with capability of quantification of LV volumes and ejection fraction (EF). In the present study, age- and gender-dependency of 3DSTE-derived LV volumetric parameters were aimed to be quantified in healthy adults. Methods The present study involved 298 healthy adults. Data acquisition took place over a 6 year period (2011-2017), during which 123 adults had to be excluded due to inferior image quality. The study population was further divided into 4 groups based on age decades. In every case, a complete two-dimensional echocardiography was performed followed by 3DSTE examination. Results No significant differences were detected between the different age groups regarding 3D end-diastolic volume (EDV) and 3D end-systolic volume (ESV) and their body surface area (BSA)-indexed counterpart. 3DEF differed significantly between the 30-39-year-old males and 40-49-year-old males (P=0.04). Between the youngest and oldest patient group, only 3D left ventricular mass (LVM) was significantly different (P=0.02). The 18-29-year-old females had a significantly different 3DLVM (P<0.001) compared to that of the 50+ year-old females. Between the 40-49-year-old and 50+ year-old females 3DLVM (P=0.02) and BSA-indexed 3DLVM (P=0.05) proved to be significantly different. Conclusions 3DSTE seems to be a reasonably viable tool for the quantification of LV volumetric parameters.