Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigational neuroprotective compounds in clinical trials for retinal disease

ABSTRACT Introduction Retinal neurodegeneration causes irreversible vision loss, impairing quality of life. By targeting neurotoxic conditions, such as oxidative stress and ischemia, neuroprotectants can slow or stop sight loss resulting from eye disease. Despite limimted clinical use of neuroprotectants, there are several promising compounds in early clinical trials (pre-phase III) which may fulfil new therapeutic roles. Search terms relating to neuroprotection and eye disease were used on ClinicalTrials.gov to identify neuroprotective candidates. Areas covered Research supporting neuroprotection in eye diseases is focused on, ranging from preclinical to phase II, according to the ClinicalTrials.gov database. The compounds discussed are explored in terms of future clinical applications. Expert opinion The major challenge in neuroprotection research is translation from basic research to the clinic. A number of potential neuroprotectants have progressed to ophthalmology clinical trials in recent years, with defined mechanisms of action – saffron and CoQ10 – targeting mitochondria, and both CNTF and NGF showing anti-apoptotic effects. Enhancements in trial design and patient cohorts in proof-of-concept trials with enriched patient populations and surrogate endpoints should accelerate drug development. A further important consideration is optimising drug delivery to improve individualised management and patient compliance. Progress in these areas means that neuroprotective strategies have a much improved chance of translational success.
Dendrimers as bactericides

Hyperbranched and monodisperse macromolecules of nanodimensions, commonly referred to as dendrimers, have offered significant potential in addressing key issues in biology. In addition, their monodisperse nature and a generally described globular architecture with high surface group density, make them very coveted candidates as antimicrobial agents. Here, we provide an overview of what has been accomplished in exploring the potential of dendrimers as bactericides, as well as an analysis of the factors influencing their biocidal activity.
A Multipurpose Platform for Ambient Assisted Living (ActiveAdvice): Usability Study

Background Aging of the global population is slowly paving the way for new markets for care products and services. The desire of older people to maintain their independence while remaining at home is boosting the development of ambient assisted living (AAL) solutions. Lack of user awareness of AAL solutions paired with an insufficient use of user-centered and participatory design approaches in the development of these products has hindered the uptake of these solutions by end users. Objective This study aims to describe the usability and users’ experiences within a novel platform, ActiveAdvice, aimed at offering advice and a holistic market overview of AAL products and services. Methods Usability tests were performed on the developed platform among identified prospective end users, with 32 older adults and informal carers from 4 European countries being part of the user tests. The usability and appeal of the web interface design, information flow, and information architecture were analyzed by collecting both objective and subjective measures. These would include pretest and posttest surveys, along with a series of think-aloud tasks to be performed within the platform. Results The outcomes suggest that the ActiveAdvice platform’s objectives and functionalities are mostly aligned with the needs and expectations of end users, who demonstrated interest in using it, stressing its purpose along with its simple and intuitive interaction. Task completion rates were high, and participants had good satisfaction rates when navigating the platform. However, the tests still advocate for an improved design at some points and better disclosure of information. Conclusions Our findings shed light on a few peculiarities of interface design, information architecture, user needs, and preferred functionalities, which should be applied to future developments of similar platforms with related services. The AAL field could benefit from tools supporting the dissemination of available AAL solutions and how they can improve one's quality of life. These tools may benefit not only older adults but also caregivers, business owners, and governmental employees.
The Reliability of Remote Patient-Reported Outcome Measures via Mobile Apps to Replace Outpatient Visits After Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery: Repetitive Test-Retest Comparison Study for 1-Year Follow-up

Background With the development of health care–related mobile apps, attempts have been made to implement remote patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). In order for remote PROMs to be widely used by mobile apps, the results should not be different depending on the location; that is, remote PROM results performed in locations other than hospitals should be able to obtain reliable results equivalent to those performed in hospitals, and this is very important. However, to our knowledge, there are no studies that have assessed the reliability of PROMs using mobile apps according to the location by comparing the results performed remotely from the hospital and performed at the outpatient visits. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of remote PROMs using mobile apps compared to PROMs performed during outpatient follow-up visits after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Methods A total of 174 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair completed questionnaires 2 days before visiting the clinic for the 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups (test A). The patients completed the questionnaires at the clinic (test B) using the same mobile app and device for the 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. Test-retest comparisons were performed to analyze the differences and reliability of the PROMs according to the period. Results Comparisons of tests A and B showed statistically significant differences at 1, 2, and 3 months (all Ps<.05 except for the ASES function scale at 3-months) but not 6 or 12 months after surgery (all Ps>.05). The intraclass correlation values between the two groups were relatively low at the 1-, 2-, and 3-month follow-ups but were within the reliable range at 6 and 12 months after surgery. The rate of completion of tests A and B using the mobile app was significantly lower in the group older than 70 years than in the other groups for all postoperative periods (P<.001). Conclusions PROMs using mobile apps with different locations differed soon after surgery but were reliably similar after 6 months. The remote PROMs using mobile apps could be used reliably for the patient more than 6 months after surgery. However, it is to be expected that the use of mobile app–based questionnaires is not as useful in the group older than 70 years as in other age groups.
[Treatment strategy and thought on classical herbal formulae for coronavirus disease 2019].

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) refers to the pneumonia caused by novel coronavirus(2019-nCoV) infection in 2019. It is highly infectious, with quick spreading and a wide range of impact. It has been broken out in many countries around the world and has become a public health emergency of international concern. Chinese medicine has a long history in treating plague, and viral disease is the clinical advantage in Chinese medicine. Under the premise that there is currently no specific drug treatment, Chinese medicine has achieved certain effects in the treatment of COVID-19, which has attracted much attention and has been upgraded to a national strategy. Regarding the treatment of COVID-19 with Chinese medicine, it is believed that in terms of the name of Chinese medicine, the modern connotation of "uniform of typhoid and febrile disease" should be re-recognized, and it is advisable to use drugs based on specific clinical prescriptions and indications. In terms of pathogenesis, the COVID-19 has the pathogenesis rules including from the mild to severe conditions, from the surface to the inside, from the excess syndrome to the deficiency syndrome. We should pay attention to the Taiyang syndrome damaged by wet disease in initial stage, Shaoyang syndrome complicated with Yangming syndrome in the middle stage, phlegm-heat obstructing lung in critical period, lung and spleen deficiency in the recovery stage. In terms of clinical treatment strategies, Dayuan Yin is recommended to induce sweat and disperse the stasis in early stage. Xiaochaihu Decoction and Maxing Shigan Decoction is used to relieve both exterior and interior symptoms in middle stage. In critical stage, Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction, Weijing Decoction, Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction, Xiaoxianxiong Decoction, and Sanzi Yangqin Decoction are considered to reduce phlegm and clear heat. We should pay attention to nourishing Qi and strengthening the spleen by Zhuye Shigao Decoction, Sha-shen Maidong Decoction, and Liujunzi Decoction in the later recovery period. It shall be noted that, no matter in the initial mild stage, the middle and critical stages, or in the later recovery stage, Chinese medicine plays an important role, including preventing mild to severe disease, shortening the fever time, improving cough symptoms, increasing blood oxygen saturation and reducing mortality. Many studies have shown that the classical herbal formulae can alleviate the cytokine storm, regulate the immune imbalance, and produce the potential effect of synergistic treatment for COVID-19 through multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple pathways.
Fabrication and Characterization of Microencapsulated Phase Change Material with Large Diameter Range

Microencapsulated n-octadecane with melamine-formaldehyde resin (MF) as shell was successfully fabricated by in-situ polymerization. Three kinds of emulsifiers, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer (TA) and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (DBS) were used in the emulsification. The effects of pH values of the emulsion on morphology of microcapsules were investigated. In addition, the effects of diameters ranging from 5 to 200 µm of n-octadecane emulsion droplets and the microcapsules on crystallizing behavior were studied using Optical Microscope (OM) and Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), respectively. The results indicated that the optimum microcapsules were synthesized with SDS under pH 3.0. The crystallization rates of liquid n-octadecane emulsion droplets and the microcapsules lowered with reducing its size regularly.
Variational discrete variable representation

In developing a pseudospectral transform between a nondirect product basis of spherical harmonics and a direct product grid, Corey and Lemoine [J. Chem. Phys. 97, 4115 (1992)] generalized the Fourier method of Kosloff and the discrete variable representation (DVR) of Light by introducing more grid points than spectral basis functions. Assuming that the potential energy matrix is diagonal on the grid destroys the variational principle in the Fourier and DVR methods. In the present article we (1) demonstrate that the extra grid points in the generalized discrete variable representation (GDVR) act as dealiasing functions that restore the variational principle and make a pseudospectral calculation equivalent to a purely spectral one, (2) describe the general principles for extending the GDVR to other nondirect product spectral bases of orthogonal polynomials, and (3) establish the relation between the GDVR and the least squares method exploited in the pseudospectral electronic structure and adiabatic pseudosp.
An Ultrasound Mediated Green Synthesis of Benzimidazolylthiounsaturatednitriles Using Water as a Green Solvent

Reaction of 2-cyanothiomethylbenzimidazole 1 with an aromatic aldehydes in water under ultrasonic irradiation for 10–13 min gave the corresponding unsaturated nitriles 2a–h which is an efficient and simple method under green conditions. The unsaturated nitrile derivatives were obtained in 86–98% yield with a short reaction time without any tedious workup procedures.
Manual interferometric device for routine non-invasive tear film break-up time assessment

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine the feasibility of non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) assessment using the Handheld tear lipid layer thickness assessment instrument and compare it with the standard tear break-up time (TBUT) test and other dry eye tests. Subjects and methods: 108 subjects were enrolled, 56 with and 52 without dry eye symptoms. Schein questionnaire was used to determine the severity of dry eye symptoms. Ocular signs were assessed by NIBUT, TBUT, lipid layer thickness (LLT), lid-parallel conjunctival folds (LIPCOF), conjunctival hyperemia, and corneal staining. Results: Median NIBUT and TBUT, and other clinical test values significantly differed among the dry eye symptoms group and control group. NIBUT yielded the most significant difference between the groups (NIBUT: 7 sec vs. 17.5 sec, p < .001, Z = 5.94; TBUT: 5 sec vs. 10 sec, p < .001, Z = 4.38; LLT: p = .007; LIPCOF: p < .001, conjunctival hyperemia: p < .047, corneal staining: p < .010). Spearman’s test showed a significant correlation between NIBUT and TBUT (p < .001), NIBUT and LLT (p = .001), NIBUT and LIPCOF (p = .019), NIBUT and conjunctival hyperemia (p = .002), and NIBUT and corneal staining (p = .012) in the dry eye symptoms group. NIBUT did not significantly differ among the three measurements in both groups of patients (p = .061, p = .096), while TBUT values did in the control group (p < .001). Short NIBUT values were the main predictors and indicators of dry eye complaints (AOR = 0.87, p < .001), superior to TBUT (AOR = 0.88, p = .008) and other tests even after adjustment for age and gender. Conclusion: NIBUT measured by Handheld instrument is a simple, accessible, practical, and, most of all, reproducible and objective method that might allow NIBUT assessment on a regular basis.
The reward positivity reflects the integrated value of temporally threefoldâ•’layered decision outcomes

Fast and efficient outcome evaluation plays an eminent role in the monitoring and adjustment of human behavior. In many situations, making optimal choices relies on the brains ability to accurately predict the incentive costs and benefits of particular options and, based on that capacity, learn to adjust future decision strategies accordingly. The neurocognitive system underlying the monitoring and evaluation of outcomes has been investigated using various methods, including eventrelated potentials (ERP) in the human electroencephalogram (EEG). Numerous prior studies have focused on an ERP amplitude variation, which emerges at frontomedial scalp positions about 200 to 350 ms following the onset of an external decision feedback (Miltner et al., 1997; for an overview see Sambrook & Received: 11 May 2020 | Revised: 22 January 2021 | Accepted: 29 January 2021 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13789
Microfluidic devices for studying bacterial taxis, drug testing and biofilm formation

Some bacteria have coevolved to establish symbiotic or pathogenic relationships with plants, animals or humans. With human association, the bacteria can cause a variety of diseases. Thus, understanding bacterial phenotypes at the single‐cell level is essential to develop beneficial applications. Traditional microbiological techniques have provided great knowledge about these organisms; however, they have also shown limitations, such as difficulties in culturing some bacteria, the heterogeneity of bacterial populations or difficulties in recreating some physical or biological conditions. Microfluidics is an emerging technique that complements current biological assays. Since microfluidics works with micrometric volumes, it allows fine‐tuning control of the test conditions. Moreover, it allows the recruitment of three‐dimensional (3D) conditions, in which several processes can be integrated and gradients can be generated, thus imitating physiological 3D environments. Here, we review some key microfluidic‐based studies describing the effects of different microenvironmental conditions on bacterial response, biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance. For this aim, we present different studies classified into six groups according to the design of the microfluidic device: (i) linear channels, (ii) mixing channels, (iii) multiple floors, (iv) porous devices, (v) topographic devices and (vi) droplet microfluidics. Hence, we highlight the potential and possibilities of using microfluidic‐based technology to study bacterial phenotypes in comparison with traditional methodologies.
Efficacy of a 28-compartment pillbox for improving iron supplement compliance in healthy pregnant women: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract A randomised controlled trial was conducted. The primary objective was to evaluate the efficacy of a pillbox for increasing iron supplement compliance by comparing the proportion of pregnant women who had no remaining iron tablets between pregnant women attending ANC who were given a pillbox to use and women with no pillbox in four-week period between ANC visits. The secondary objective was to evaluate the reasons for poor compliance and possible factors associated with the non-compliance. One hundred and ninety pregnant women were enrolled, 95 participants were randomised into each of the groups. The proportion of pregnant women who had no remaining iron tablets at the end was statistically significantly lower in the pillbox group than in the control group [53.3% and 23.1%, respectively, p < . 001, RR2.308 (95% CI 1.515 − 3.517)]. The most common reason given for having of iron tablets remaining was forgetfulness. The visual analog scale (VAS) scores indicated that patient’s responsibility feeling, duration of sleep each day and presence of a handicapped or small child in care significantly influenced the proportion of pregnant women who had remaining iron tablets at the end in both groups. We concluded that a pillbox was found to be an effective tool for improving pregnant women’s compliance with taking their iron supplements. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known about this subject? Antenatal care (ANC) influences maternal and neonatal outcomes. The incidence of anaemia in pregnant women is reported to be around 42% and approximately 50% result from iron deficiency. Maternal anaemia increases the risk of foetal low birth weight, preterm birth, perinatal mortality, stillbirth and maternal mortality. What do the results of this study add? The 28–compartment pillbox is effective for improving iron supplement compliance in healthy pregnant women. Forgetfulness is the most common reason given for having remaining iron tablets. The lower score on the visual analog scale of patient’s feeling of responsibility, long duration of sleep a day and the presence of a handicapped or small child in their care were significantly associated with having remaining iron tablets. What are the implications are of these finding for clinical practice and/or further research? The 28–compartment pillbox can be implied to routine antenatal care for improving iron supplement compliance in healthy pregnant women. Health care providers should be reminded to encourage compliance with iron supplement prescription in pregnant women who are at risk of poor compliance as indicated by low VAS of the patient’s feeling of responsibility, long duration of sleep in a day and pregnant women who have responsibility to take care of handicapped or small children.
SOME EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE AND OXYGEN PRESSURE ON THE METABOLISM AND ACTIVITY OF THE SPECKLED TROUT, SALVELINUS FONTINALIS

Two levels of oxygen uptake were measured at temperatures from 5 °C. to 24 °C. on yearling speckled trout having a mean weight of 27 gm. These levels were the minimum resting rate in the diurnal cycle (standard rate) and the rate when induced to activity in a rotating chamber (active rate). The trout were thermally acclimated to the temperatures at which the experiments were performed. The standard rate of oxygen uptake increased with increasing temperatures up to the ultimate upper lethal temperature (25.3 °C.). The active rate of oxygen uptake increased with increasing temperatures up to approximately 19 °C. Above this temperature it fell again. The consequence of this difference in the response of the standard and active rates of oxygen rate to temperature is that the difference between these two levels increases rapidly up to a temperature of 16 °C. and falls again thereafter. This is interpreted as indicating that the optimum temperature for the activity of the speckled trout is in the neighborhood o.
Role of Calcium/Creatinine Ratio in Urine Compared with Proteinuria and Uric Acid in Predicting Preeclampsia: A Study from Kosovo

Background Preeclampsia is a common complication of pregnancy and a major cause of morbidity and mortality of mothers and babies worldwide. This study aimed to explore what the role of calcium/creatinine ratio is in urine compared with proteinuria and uric acid in predicting preeclampsia. Material/Methods In this prospective case-control study, 200 pregnant women who participated in the study were consecutively divided into 3 groups: a group of 59 women with preeclampsia, 61 women with pregnancy-induced hypertension, and a control group of 80 normotensive pregnant women. A 24-h urine sample was collected for estimation of calcium/creatinine ratio and proteinuria and a blood sample for estimation of uric acid at a gestational age of 24–34 weeks of pregnancy. Results The study found that the sensitivity of proteinuria as a predictor of preeclampsia was 96.6% (P=0.000) and specificity was 21.3%. The sensitivity of uric acid as a predictor was 96.6% (P=0.000) and the specificity was 48.8%; whereas for the 24-h urine calcium/creatinine ratio, the sensitivity was 87.9% (P=0.000) and the specificity 40.7%, which corresponds to a value of 0.105 (cutoff). Women with a calcium/creatinine ratio <0.105 have a higher risk of developing preeclampsia (87.9% confidence interval, P=0.000). Conclusions The role of the calcium/creatinine ratio in urine is inferior to proteinuria and uric acid in predicting preeclampsia.