Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An analysis of shiftwork and self-reported depressive symptoms in a police cohort from Buffalo, New York

ABSTRACT Shiftwork has been associated with elevated depressive symptoms; police officers frequently work shifts and may experience depressive symptoms. This study assessed the association between depressive symptoms and shiftwork in a police cohort from Buffalo, New York, USA using a repeated cross-sectional design with data collected in 2004–2009 (n = 428) and 2010–2014 (n = 261). Electronic payroll records were used to quantitatively classify officers on the day, evening, or night shift based on the shift they spent most of their working hours. Two self-reported depressive symptomology measures were used as outcomes – the Center for Epidemiological Studies – Depression (CES-D) scale and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Repeated measures linear and logistic regression analyses were used to estimate least squares means or odds, respectively, of depressive symptom questionnaire scores by shiftwork category. Those working the evening/night shift had higher odds for depressive symptoms according to the BDI (based on a cut-point score of 14) than those working the day shift (OR = 4.60, 95% CI = 1.15–18.39). Similar results were observed for the evening shift group. No differences in mean CES-D or BDI scores were observed between groups for short-term shiftwork, long-term shiftwork, or shift changes. After stratifying by stress, as measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), total Impact of Events (IES), and the Spielberger Police Stress Survey (SPSS), mean values for depressive symptoms were higher in the high-stress categories regardless of shiftwork status. Further research should include biomarkers for depression, a longitudinal study design with a larger cohort, and joint effects of shiftwork and stress on depressive symptoms.
Assessment of the role of zinc in the prevention of COVID‐19 infections and mortality: A retrospective study in the Asian and European population

Several studies have demonstrated an association between individual zinc status and viral respiratory infections; however, evidence regarding COVID‐19 is still missing or insufficient. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between the prevalence of zinc deficiency and COVID‐19 cases and deaths per million population in the Asian and European countries. The COVID‐19 data from two different time points, that is, May 30 and June 30, 2020 for the Asian population and May 15 and June 15, 2020 for the European population, were analyzed to determine the correlation with the estimated zinc deficiency for these two continents. The prevalence of zinc deficiency was about two times higher in the Asian population (mean 17.5%) than in the European population (mean 8.9%). A significant positive correlation (p < .05) was observed between the prevalence of zinc deficiency and COVID‐19 cases at both time periods for the Asian population. However, the correlation between zinc deficiency prevalence and COVID‐19 deaths was not significant in the Asian population. In contrast, a significant but negative correlation (p < .05 for all cases) was observed for zinc deficiency with both COVID‐19 cases and deaths per million population at both time periods in the European countries. Considering the direct antiviral properties of zinc, it can be suggested that zinc supplementation may be beneficial for most of the population, especially older people and those who are at risk of COVID‐19 infections. In conclusion, there is not enough evidence on the association between individual zinc status and COVID‐19 infections and mortality. Therefore, cohort studies and randomized controlled trials are required to test this hypothesis.
AFM in cellular and molecular microbiology

The unique capabilities of the atomic force microscope (AFM), including super‐resolution imaging, piconewton force‐sensitivity, nanomanipulation and ability to work under physiological conditions, have offered exciting avenues for cellular and molecular biology research. AFM imaging has helped unravel the fine architectures of microbial cell envelopes at the nanoscale, and how these are altered by antimicrobial treatment. Nanomechanical measurements have shed new light on the elasticity, tensile strength and turgor pressure of single cells. Single‐molecule and single‐cell force spectroscopy experiments have revealed the forces and dynamics of receptor‐ligand interactions, the nanoscale distribution of receptors on the cell surface and the elasticity and adhesiveness of bacterial pili. Importantly, recent force spectroscopy studies have demonstrated that extremely stable bonds are formed between bacterial adhesins and their cognate ligands, originating from a catch bond behaviour allowing the pathogen to reinforce adhesion under shear or tensile stress. Here, we survey how the versatility of AFM has enabled addressing crucial questions in microbiology, with emphasis on bacterial pathogens.
NITROUS OXIDE EMISSIONS FROM SOILS DURING THAWING

We, as well as others, have observed that nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes increased markedly during soil thaw in early spring. This phenomenon was examined further by determining nitrous oxide concentrations in the soil profile and N2O fluxes from the soil surface during the winter-spring period and evaluating physical release and microbial production of N2O on thawing of frozen soil cores in the laboratory. In mid-winter, soil profile N2O concentrations were close to ambient and surface N2O fluxes were low. At thawing, high N2O concentrations (ranging from 1082 to 2066 mg∙m−3) were found at 10–30 cm in the soil profiles of a coniferous forest, and in manure- and straw-treated plots. Concurrently, N2O flux increased markedly and reached some of the highest values observed during the entire season. When thawing was complete, soil profile N2O concentrations and N2O flux declined. Soil cores were taken from frozen soil, warmed in the laboratory, and N2O release measured. Nitrous oxide was released on warming, and.
Analysis of Low Molecular Weight Lignin-Derived Sulphonates by Capillary Zone Electrophoresis

ABSTRACT A fast and simple analytical procedure, based on capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE), for separation of underivatized low molecular weight lignin-derived sulphonates has been developed. Optimal CZE-operatipn conditions for the separation and detection of several lignin-derived sulphonic acids was found when using a low pH (pH 1.7) phosphate buffer system, an applied voltage of 20 kV and UV-detection at the anode-side. At these conditions the electroosmotic flow is negligible and the analytes are transported through the capillary column by electromigration. The sulphonation and subsequent degradation of the lignin-model compound 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-O-(2-methoxyphenyl)-glycerol has been studied by CZE-analysis of aliquots taken from a sulphite reaction mixture No sample pretreatment was needed before analyzing the sulphite reaction mixture with CZE. The method has also been found to be useful for detection of sulphonic acids in samples from sulphite cooking. Crude extracts of a sulphit.
A joint model of household time use and task assignment for elderly couples with multiple constraints

Household time-use patterns are expected to reflect each household member’s daily activity participation and duration with intra-household interactions constrained by multiple budgets. Among various activities, the allocated activity derived from undertaking a household task is studied relatively less in the literature. Who will take an allocated activity is a discrete choice problem of household task assignment, and once a household member is assigned with one household task, other members will have more time to do other activities. To better understand household time-use patterns affected by household task assignment, this paper proposed a joint household-level multiple discrete-continuous extreme value-multinomial logit (MDCEV-MNL) model with multiple constraints. The Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) method combined with the simulation-based maximum likelihood estimation method is proposed to estimate the proposed model. Based on the household activity-travel data from Beijing of China, the proposed model is customized to explore elderly couples’ time-use patterns with intra-household interactions affected by household task assignment. Following the findings, policy implications are suggested to build an age-friendly society.
Identification of two novel hepatitis C virus subtype 2 from Tunisia (2v and 2w)

Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has a high genetic diversity. Eight genotypes and 90 subtypes are currently described. Genotypes are clinically significant for therapeutic management and their determination is necessary for epidemiological studies. Methods Tunisian patients plasma samples (n = 6) with unassigned HCV-2 subtype using partial sequencing in the NS5B and Core/E1 regions were analyzed by realizing whole-genome sequencing analysis. Phylogenetic analyses were performed to assign subtypes. Results Phylogenetic analysis of the full genome sequences of Tunisian strains shows two subtypes within HCV-2. These later were genetically distinct from all previously established HCV-2 subtypes with nucleotide divergence greater than 15% (20% -31%). These two subtypes are proposed as new subtypes 2v and 2w. Conclusions The discovery of two new HCV-2 subtypes circulating in the Tunisian population confirms the great diversity of HCV-2 viruses and increases the total number of HCV-2 subtypes from 21 to 23.
A mixed-method analysis of the #SugarTax debate on Twitter

Abstract Objective: To explore the #SugarTax debate on Twitter to assess actors involved, their connections and the topics being discussed during the implementation and first anniversary of the UK Soft Drink Industry Levy. Design: The structure of the #SugarTax debate on Twitter was assessed using social network analysis. The actors involved, their connections and the topics of discussion taking place were also explored using content, sentiment and thematic analyses. Setting: Twitter between 2017 and 2019. Participants: Twitter users engaging in discussions relating to the hashtag ‘SugarTax’. Results: Tweets (n 5366) posted between 5 August 2017 and 7 May 2019 containing #SugarTax were downloaded from Twitter using Network Overview for Discovery and Exploration in Excel. The network included 1883 users, with 686 unique edges and 4679 edges with duplicates. The majority of tweets were negative in sentiment, when assessed by both automatic (64 %, n 141) and manual sentiment analysis (52 %, n 115) methods. Nine key themes were identified and grouped into two groups according to ‘support for a sugar or SSB tax’ or ‘opposition for a sugar or SSB tax’. Conclusions: Twitter was used as a platform for debating the benefits and limitations of sugar-sweetened beverage taxes. The findings indicate that numerous actors are involved in the debates on Twitter, with advocates and lobbyists using the platform to raise support for their campaigns and reshape public perceptions. The findings and the methods used may be of interest to policymakers as well as to academics and members of the public looking to explore and engage in policy debates.
Field testing the applicability of motorcycle autonomous emergency braking (MAEB) during pre-crash avoidance maneuver

Abstract Objective Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) is a promising technology for crash avoidance or pre-crash impact speed reduction through the automatic application of braking force. Implementation of AEB technology on motorcycles (MAEB) is still problematic as its interaction with the rider may compromise the safety. In previous studies, MAEB interventions at low decelerations were shown to be easily manageable by common riders in straight line condition, but they were not previously tested in lateral maneuvers such as lane change and swerving, which are common in pre-crash situations. The objective of this paper is to assess the applicability of MAEB activation during lateral avoidance maneuver and to estimate its benefits in this scenario. Methods Field tests were carried out involving common riders as participants, using a test protocol developed on the experience of previous studies. The test vehicle was a sport-touring motorcycle equipped with an automatic braking system that could be activated remotely by researchers to simulate MAEB intervention. The motorcycle was equipped with outriggers to prevent capsizing. The Automatic Braking (AB) interventions using a nominal deceleration of 0.3 g were deployed at pseudo-random times in conditions of straight-line travel and a sharp lane-change maneuver emulating a pre-crash avoidance action. The straight-line trials were used as the reference condition for analysis. Results Thirty-one participants experienced AB interventions in straight-line and lane-change at an average speed of 44.5 km/h. The automatic braking was deployed in all the key phases of the avoidance maneuver. The system reached a deceleration of 0.3 g for a time of intervention of approximately 1 s. The participants were consistently able to control the vehicle during the automatic braking interventions and were always able to complete the lane-change maneuver. The speed reductions obtained with the AB interventions during lane change were very similar to those obtained in the straight-line conditions. Conclusions MAEB interventions with decelerations up to 0.3 g can be easily managed by motorcycle riders not only in straight-line conditions but also during an avoidance maneuver. Further investigations using higher deceleration values are now possible.
Solid-Solution Partitioning of Metals in Contaminated Soils: Dependence on pH, Total Metal Burden, and Organic Matter

Environmental risk assessment of metals depends to a great extent on modeling the fate and the mobility of metals based on soil−liquid partitioning coefficients. A large variability is observed among the reported values that could be used to predict metal mobility and bioavailability. To evaluate this, soil−liquid partitioning coefficients (Kd) for many elements but especially for the metals cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc were compiled from over 70 studies of various origins collected from the literature. The relationships between the reported values are explored relative to variations in soil solution pH, soil organic matter (SOM), and concentrations of total soil metal. The results of multiple linear regressions show that Kd values are best predicted using empirical linear regressions with pH (with R 2 values of 0.29−0.58) or with pH and either the log of SOM or the log of total metal and with resulting R 2 values of 0.42−0.76. A semi-mechanistic model based on the competitive adsorption of met.
Home-based exercise in patients with refractory fatigue associated with primary biliary cholangitis: a protocol for the EXerCise Intervention in cholesTatic LivEr Disease (EXCITED) feasibility trial

Introduction Fatigue is the most commonly reported symptom of the liver disease primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). It affects 40%–80% of patients, has no effective treatment and is associated with heightened mortality risk. The pathogenesis is unknown, but muscle bioenergetic abnormalities have been proposed to contribute. Directly observed exercise has been shown to attenuate symptoms in small groups; however, due to the rare nature of the disease, home-based interventions need to be evaluated for feasibility, safety and efficacy. Methods and analysis This is a phase 1/pilot, single-arm, open-label clinical trial evaluating a novel home-based exercise programme in patients with PBC with severe fatigue. Forty patients with moderate-severe fatigue (PBC40 fatigue domain score >33; other causes of fatigue excluded) will be selected using a convenience sampling method. A 12-week home-based exercise programme, consisting of individualised resistance, aerobic exercises and telephone health calls (first 6 weeks only), will be delivered. Measures of fatigue (PBC40 fatigue domain; fatigue impact scale), quality of life, sleep (Epworth Sleep Score), physical activity, anxiety and depression, aerobic exercise capacity (incremental shuttle walk test; Duke Activity Status Index) and functional capacity (short physical performance battery) will be assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks following the intervention. Ethics and dissemination The protocol is approved by the National Research Ethics Service Committee London (IRAS 253115). Recruitment commenced in April 2019 and ended in March 2020. Participant follow-up is due to finish by December 2020. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication, conference presentation and social media. Trial registration number NCT04265235.
Omphalocaval shunt post traumatic splenectomy in a cirrhotic patient

The authors present a case of omphalocaval shunting for haemorrhage control in a cirrhotic patient following traumatic splenectomy. A 42-year-old patient presented to the emergency department 3 days post blunt trauma to the abdomen. Her past medical history included Child-Pugh C alcoholic liver cirrhosis with coagulopathy, pancytopenia and hepatosplenomegaly, with no varices on most recent endoscopy. On presentation, she was haemodynamically stable, with left upper quadran (LUQ) tenderness and left flank haematoma, haemoglobin of 85 g/L, platelets of 23 × 10, international normalised ratio (INR) of 2.5, total bilirubin of 200 μmol/L and albumin of 24 g/L. A computed tomography scan showed intracapsular splenic haematoma with active arterial bleeding (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grade IV injury). Given she remained haemodynamically stable, she was admitted to the intensive care unit for trial of conservative management. On day 1 of admission, she became haemodynamically unstable and two attempts at angioembolization were unsuccessful, so she underwent emergency laparotomy and splenectomy. An extensive capsular tear and large-volume haemoperitoneum were found. During laparotomy, a large calibre umbilical vein was ligated (Fig. 1). Intraoperatively, copious venous ooze from the retroperitoneum and greater curvature of the stomach proved difficult to control.
Rosuvastatin for the prevention of venous thromboembolism: a pooled analysis of the HOPE-3 and JUPITER randomized controlled trials.

AIMS To examine the association between rosuvastatin and VTE risk, and whether effects vary in different subpopulations stratified by key demographic, cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and other risk factors associated with VTE. METHODS AND RESULTS An individual participant data meta-analysis was conducted across two randomized controlled trials in 30,507 participants over a mean follow up of 3.62 years, Individuals had no prior history of vascular disease but were at intermediate CV risk. In both trials, participants were randomized to receive rosuvastatin or matching placebo. The primary outcome was VTE during follow-up, defined as either deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Associations between rosuvastatin and VTE were examined in the overall pooled cohort, and subpopulations stratified by demographic risk factors (i.e. age, sex), CVD risk factors (i.e. obesity, smoking, lipid levels, blood pressure levels, C-reactive protein level), and a history of cancer.Mean age was 65.96 (SD 7.19) years of age, and 17,832 (58.45%) were male. 5,434 (17.82%) were smokers, median BMI was 27.6 (Interquartile range [IQR] 24.7 - 31.1) kg/m2, and median CRP level was 3.4 (IQR 2.1 - 6.0) mg/L. There were 139 VTE events. In the pooled cohort, rosuvastatin was associated with a large proportional reduction in the risk of VTE (hazard ratio 0.53, 95% CI 0.37 - 0.75). No significant interactions were observed between treatment with rosuvastatin and the risk of VTE across subpopulations stratified by demographic, CVD risk factors or a history of cancer (p-values for interactions >0.05 for all subgroups). CONCLUSIONS Rosuvastatin is associated with a 47% proportional reduction in the risk of VTE, and its effect is consistent both in the presence or absence of VTE related clinical risk factors. TRANSLATIONAL PERSPECTIVE In this individual participant data meta-analysis of two large randomized controlled trials comparing rosuvastatin to placebo, rosuvastatin was associated with a 47% proportional reduction in the risk of VTE. The effect of rosuvastatin was consistent across a broad range of demographic factors, cardiovascular risk factors, and a history of cancer. This study demonstrates that rosuvastatin is broadly affective at reducing the risk of VTE both in the presence or absence of VTE associated clinical risk factors. Results inform future research on the use of statins for this indication.
Thermal properties of mid-infrared colloidal quantum dot detectors

HgTe colloidal quantum dot films are studied for photodetection over the 3–5 μm atmospheric transparency window. The temperature dependence of the conductivity indicates that the material behaves approximately as an intrinsic semiconductor. In photoconduction, the responsivity can be as high as several hundred mA W−1 at room temperature. The dark current presents 1/f noise which is larger than that for homogeneous conductors, and this noise decreases with temperature. A specific detectivity of 2 × 109 Jones is obtained for a sample with a 6 μm cut-off wavelength at 130 K. These values are obtained for the thickest films studied (∼400 nm) and whose thicknesses are still much less than the optical absorption length. The time response can be faster than 100 ns.
Spinal cord involvement in COVID-19: A review

Context: Recent literature points towards myelitis, like encephalitis, as a common central nervous system complication of COVID-19. This review elaborates on disorders of the spinal cord caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Objectives: To review the published data about SARS-CoV-2-associated spinal cord disorders and assess their clinical, neuroimaging, treatment, and prognostic aspects. Methods: The PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched for published cases using the search items “COVID-19 OR SARS-CoV-2 AND myelitis”, “COVID-19 OR SARS-CoV-2 AND myelopathy”, and “COVID-19 OR SARS-CoV-2 AND spinal cord”. Results: Thirty-three isolated cases were included in the present review, of which 14 were aged 60 years and above (range: 3–70 years). Eighteen patients had lung abnormalities on chest imaging. Eight patients had developed either an areflexic paraparesis or quadriparesis. In 17 patients, neuroimaging demonstrated longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis, while 3 cases showed neuroimaging changes in the spinal cord as a part of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis syndrome. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examinations revealed inflammatory changes in 18 patients. However, the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the CSF was discovered in 2 patients. In 2 patients, anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were demonstrated in the CSF. Following treatment, 13 patients were able to walk. Conclusions: A variety of COVID-19-related spinal cord manifestations, such as acute transverse myelitis, acute necrotizing myelitis, SARS-CoV-2 myelitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, hypoxic myelopathy, MOG antibody-associated myelitis, spinal cord infarction, and spinal epidural abscess, have been reported. The possible mechanisms of this involvement being direct invasion, cytokine storm, coagulopathy, and an autoimmune response. However, response to treatment has been generally unsatisfactory, with many patients having residual weakness necessitating long-term rehabilitation.