Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does harmonization of payment mechanisms enhance equitable health outcomes in delivery of emergency medical services in Thailand?

There are different reimbursement rates by the various insurance schemes in Thailand, which include the Universal Coverage scheme (UCS), civil servant medical benefit scheme (CSMBS) and social security scheme (SSS). Hence, there are concerns about inequitable care standards. Harmonization of the rates of emergency medical services has been started since April 2012. This study analyzed the impact of harmonization on clinical outcomes in private hospitals. Analysis of 22 900 records of the dataset accrued from April 2012 to June 2013 using multiple logistic modelling revealed that beneficiaries under UCS were the worst off [Odds ratio 2.56 95% of confidence interval: 2.35 to 2.80 for non-trauma and 2.19 (1.59-3.0) for trauma, corresponding to 21.26 and 25.09% of bad outcomes, respectively] in terms of not improved or dead outcomes at discharge compared with those under the CSMBS (8.45 and 12.78%, respectively) controlling for age, sex, hospital location, triage priority code, length of stays and adjusted Relative weight (RW) score. Using propensity score, matching analysis found the outcome rates of not improved including dead were highest in UCS 26.27% for trauma and 21.26% for non-trauma patients. Payment mechanism alone is inadequate to ensure equitable distribution of health outcomes in provision of emergency medical care by private providers in urban settings across the country. A secondary finding was that patients accessing hospital services directly showed better improvement or lower in-hospital mortality compared with access through formal pre-hospital means (P < 0.001). Plausible explanations have been discussed with policy implications and recommendations for further studies.
Immunologic predictors of coronary artery calcium progression in a contemporary HIV cohort

Background:Identifying immunologic mechanisms that contribute to premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) among HIV-positive patients will inform prevention strategies. Methods:Coronary artery calcium (CAC) progression was studied in an HIV cohort. Immunophenotypes were measured on baseline cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells using multicolor flow cytometry. Logistic regression identified predictors of CAC progression after adjusting for traditional and HIV-related risk factors. Results:Baseline characteristics for the analysis cohort (n = 436) were median age 42 years, median CD4+ cell count 481 cells/&mgr;l, and 78% receiving antiretroviral therapy. Higher frequencies of CD16+ monocytes were associated with greater likelihood of CAC progression, after adjusting for traditional and HIV risk factors [odds ratio per doubling was 1.66 for CD14+/CD16+ (P = 0.02), 1.36 for CD14dim/CD16+ (P = 0.06), and 1.69 for CD14var/CD16+ (P = 0.01)]. Associations for CD16+ monocytes persisted when restricted to participants with viral suppression. We found no significant associations for CAC progression with other cellular phenotypes, including T-cell activation and senescence markers. Conclusion:Circulating CD16+ monocytes, potentially reflecting a more pro-atherogenic subpopulation, independently predicted greater CAC progression among HIV-infected persons at low risk for AIDS. In contrast to T-cell abnormalities classically associated with AIDS-related disease progression, these data highlight the potential role of monocyte activation in HIV-related CVD risk.
Ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of retroperitoneal masses: A study of 85 cases

Background: The diagnosis of retroperitoneal lesions is one of the most difficult areas in surgical pathology. The retroperitoneal space allows both primary and metastatic tumors to grow silently before the appearance of clinical signs and symptoms. Fine needle aspiration cytology has shown promising role in establishing the diagnosis in this region. Objectives: This study was undertaken to evaluate the reliability of ultrasonography (USG)-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions in the retroperitoneum, and to correlate the diagnosis by cytology of retroperitoneal masses with the results obtained by histology. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on 85 patients presenting over the last five years with retroperitoneal masses on ultrasound. Results: Out of 85 cases, 32 were of kidney, 27 of lymph nodes, 24 of retroperitoneal soft tissues, and two were of the adrenals. Malignant lesions (47) were more common than nonmalignant lesions (38). In the kidney, the maximum number of cases were of renal cell carcinoma (12-38%), followed by Wilm's tumor (6-19%), pyonephrosis (5-16%), renal cyst (4), angiomyolipoma (2), cortical pseudotumor (2), and tuberculosis (1). Out of 27 cases of retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy, 12 cases (44%) were of metastatic carcinoma followed by non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (8-30%), tuberculosis (6-22%), and Hodgkin's lymphoma (1). The two cases of the adrenals were of angiomyolipoma and metastatic carcinoma. Among the 24 soft tissue tumors in the study, seven (29%) were malignant and 17 (71%) were benign (lipoma being the most common benign neoplasm). Results from histopathological investigations were available in 47 cases, out of which 45 were consistent with the FNAC-based diagnoses. Two cases for which the histopathological results were inconsistent with the FNAC diagnoses, were of renal cell carcinoma, which had been diagnosed as renal cysts on cytology. Conclusions: USG-guided FNAC is an inexpensive, rapid, safe, and accurate procedure for the diagnosis of retroperitoneal masses.
Ultrastructural examination of tissue in a patient with alkaptonuric arthropathy reveals a distinct pattern of binding of ochronotic pigment.

SIR, we report a female with known alkaptonuria (AKU) undergoing routine hip replacement surgery due to alkaptonuric arthropathy. AKU is caused by a deficiency in the enzyme that breaks down homogentisic acid (HGA), resulting in elevated circulation of HGA levels in the body. HGA is deposited as a polymerized pigment in collagenous connective tissues, predominantly in the weight-bearing joints [1]. It has also been shown to affect other non-joint tissues [2, 3]. Ligamentous capsule was processed routinely for histology and electron microscopy. Macroscopically, ochronotic pigment was clearly visible alongside non-pigmented regions. Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining showed the presence of extracellular pigmentation associated with the collagen fibres and also intracellular pigmentation within fibroblasts. This novel intracellular pigmentation appeared as numerous individual granules located within the cytoplasm of single fibroblasts (Fig. 1A). Extracellular pigmentation appeared as two distinct types: a granular deposition, similar to that within the cells, but also more homogeneous pigmentation that completely encrusted the collagen fibres. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that collagen fibres in transverse section had numerous electron-dense granules of ochronotic pigment associated with them. These granules varied in position and distribution among the fibres. Some had single granules of pigment located within the cross-section of …
Ethnicity, Body Mass, and Genome-Wide Data

This article combines social and genetic epidemiology to examine the influence of self-reported ethnicity on body mass index (BMI) among a sample of adolescents and young adults. We use genetic information from more than 5,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms in combination with principal components analysis to characterize population ancestry of individuals in this study. We show that non-Hispanic white and Mexican-American respondents differ significantly with respect to BMI and differ on the first principal component from the genetic data. This first component is positively associated with BMI and accounts for roughly 3% of the genetic variance in our sample. However, after controlling for this genetic measure, the observed ethnic differences in BMI remain large and statistically significant. This study demonstrates a parsimonious method to adjust for genetic differences among individual respondents that may contribute to observed differences in outcomes. In this case, adjusting for genetic background has no bearing on the influence of self-identified ethnicity.
Occupational Exposure to Airborne Nanomaterials: An Assessment of Worker Exposure to Aerosolized Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in Semiconductor Wastewater Treatment

This study characterized potential inhalation exposures of workers to nanometal oxides associated with industrial wastewater treatment processes in a semiconductor research and development facility. Exposure assessment methodology was designed to capture aerosolized engineered nanomaterials associated with the chemical mechanical planarization wafer polishing process that were accessible for worker contact via inhalation in the on-site wastewater treatment facility. The research team conducted air sampling using a combination of filter-based capture methods for particle identification and characterization and real-time direct-reading instruments for semi-quantitation of particle number concentration. Filter-based samples were analyzed using electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy while real-time particle counting data underwent statistical analysis. Sampling conducted over 14 months included 5 discrete sampling series events for 7 job tasks in coordination with on-site employees. The number of filter-based samples captured for analysis by electron microscopy was: 5 from personal breathing zone, 4 from task areas, and 3 from the background. Direct-reading instruments collected data for 5 sample collection periods in the task area and the background, and 2 extended background collection periods. Engineered nanomaterials of interest (Si, Al, Ce) were identified by electron microscopy in filter-based samples from all areas of collection, existing as agglomerates (>500 nm) and nanoparticles (100 nm–500 nm). Particle counts showed an increase in number concentration during and after selected tasks above background. While additional data is needed to support further statistical analysis and determine trends, this initial investigation suggests that nanoparticles used or generated by chemical mechanical planarization become aerosolized and may be accessible for inhalation exposures by workers in wastewater treatment facilities. Additional research is needed to further quantify the level of exposure and determine the potential human health impacts.
The influence of perceived privacy on customer loyalty in mobile phone services : An Empirical Research in Jordan

Concern about the privacy of personal information and communications is the top reason many consumers have stayed out off the online services including mobile phone services. The keen competitive in the communication and mobile phone service market place and the increasing numbers of mobile phone users all over the world has influence the researcher to investigate privacy as antecedents of customer loyalty in mobile phone services industry. Out of 800 questionnaires distributed, four hundreds and eighty eight set of questionnaires have returned and analyzed. The analysis shows that privacy was positively significant towards customer loyalty. Base on the results, it can be concluded that the mobile service provider has to ensure their services fully satisfied their customer privacy. Somehow, future research must investigate other factors as the antecedent for loyalty. Other initiative is to consider a model testing in difference context of electronic service to see any generalization on the research result.
A comparison of single‐dose dexmedetomidine or propofol on the incidence of emergence delirium in children undergoing general anaesthesia for magnetic resonance imaging

Emergence delirium is a significant problem in children regaining consciousness following general anaesthesia. We compared the emergence characteristics of 120 patients randomly assigned to receive a single intravenous dose of dexmedetomidine 0.3 μg. kg−1, propofol 1 mg.kg−1, or 10 ml saline 0.9% before emerging from general anaesthesia following a magnetic resonance imaging scan. Emergence delirium was diagnosed as a score of 10 or more on the Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium scale. The incidence of emergence delirium was 42.5% in the dexmedetomidine group, 33.3% in the propofol group and 41.5% in the saline group (p = 0.671). Three patients in the dexmedetomidine group, none in the propofol group and two in the saline group required pharmacological intervention for emergence delirium (p = 0.202). Administration of neither dexmedetomidine nor propofol significantly reduced the incidence, or severity, of emergence delirium. The only significant predictor for emergence delirium was the time taken to awaken from general anaesthesia, with every minute increase in wake‐up time reducing the odds of emergence delirium by 7%.
Precessing Jet in the High-Redshift Blazar J0017+8135

The prominent flat-spectrum radio quasar J0017+8135 (S5 0014+81) at z = 3.366 is one of the most luminous active galactic nuclei (AGN) known. Its milliarcsecond-scale radio jet structure has been studied with very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) since the 1980s. The quasar was selected as one of the original defining objects of the International Celestial Reference Frame, but left out from its current second realization (ICRF2) because of systematic long-term positional variations. Here we analyse archival 8.6- and 2.3-GHz VLBI imaging data collected at nearly 100 different epochs during more than 20 years, to obtain information about the kinematics of jet components. Because of the cosmological time dilation, extensive VLBI monitoring data are essential to reveal changes in the jet structure of high-redshift AGN. In the case of J0017+8135, the data can be described with a simple kinematic model of jet precession with a 12-year periodicity in the observer’s frame.
High Throughput Nanoliposome Formation Using 3D Printed Microfluidic Flow Focusing Chips

The use of additive manufacturing to fabricate microfluidic devices capable of high throughout synthesis of nanoscale liposomes with tunable dimensions is demonstrated. Employing a high‐resolution 3D printing process based on stereolithography and digital light projection, microchannel geometries and printing parameters are optimized to enable reliable patterning of channel features with critical dimensions of 200 µm, supporting the production of lipid vesicles below 100 nm in diameter by microfluidic flow focusing. The additive manufacturing approach enables the fabrication of flow focusing microchannels with high aspect ratios, together with seamless fabrication of high‐pressure fluidic ports for world‐to‐chip interfacing, supporting large volumetric flow rates and high‐throughput nanoparticle synthesis, with demonstrated production rates for optimized liposomes as high as 4 mg min−1 from a single device.
Getting the Most From Your Dual-Energy Scanner: Recognizing, Reducing, and Eliminating Artifacts.

OBJECTIVE Dual-energy CT (DECT) is an innovative imaging modality that allows superior detection of pulmonary embolism, enhanced detection of urate in gout, and improved assessment of metal prostheses when compared with conventional CT. CONCLUSION The primary aim of this review is to describe these DECT protocols and compare each to its respective diagnostic reference standards. Moreover, this review will describe how to recognize, reduce, and eliminate DECT artifacts, thereby maximizing its diagnostic capabilities.
Five Psychometric Scales for Online Measurement of the Quality of Human-Computer Interaction in Web Sites

The use of a comprehensive set of psychometric instruments for measuring the quality of interaction in Web sites is proposed. Five existing scales for Web site evaluation, each measuring a key construct in human-computer interaction, were used together. The set of 5 scales demonstrated good distinguishability of factor structure, and all scales possessed adequate reliability. Evidence for validity of the scales was obtained, but additional work is necessary to establish the conditions under which these properties are best demonstrated. Aesthetic quality emerged as a separate scale that moderately correlated with other scales and level of task performance, highlighting the importance of aesthetics in interaction with Web pages. The results suggest the 5 scales can be used to measure the quality of interaction in Web sites for both monitoring and continual improvement of these sites.
Heat Transfer Performance Enhancement of Gravity Heat Pipes by Growing AAO Nanotubes on Inner Wall Surface

In this paper, the heat transfer performance of gravity heat pipes with anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) wall surface is studied. The main purpose is to study the effects of the length and diameter of AAO nanotubes on the temperature distribution, overall thermal resistance, and dry-out occurrence of gravity heat pipes charged with acetone under different input heat powers. AAO nanotubes were first grown by anodizing the inner wall surface of the evaporator section of aluminum alloy gravity heat pipes. The influences of AAO nanotube length and diameter on the temperature distribution, overall thermal resistance, and dry-out occurrence were then investigated by a thermal performance test system. Experimental results show that increasing the AAO nanotube length could result in reduced temperature variation between the evaporator section and the condenser section, leading to reduced thermal resistance, and delayed dry-out occurrence at higher heat inputs. In addition, increasing the AAO nanotube diameter could also cause decreases in temperature variation and overall thermal resistance, but it could not have a significant effect on the occurrence of dry-out phenomenon. Based on these results, it can be concluded that, if the anodic oxidation treatment is applied to the inner wall surface of the evaporator section of a gravity heat pipe, its heat transfer performance could be significantly improved. The maximum temperature difference and overall thermal resistance of the processed heat pipe are 46.12% and 58.68% lower than those of the unprocessed heat pipe, respectively; moreover, compared to the unprocessed heat pipe, the maximum applicable input heat power to avoid dry-out occurrence can be increased up to about 40%. Such a study could be used for cooling purposes in a wide range of applications such as passive cooling of electronic devices, highly efficient heat recovery, and cleanroom air conditioning.
Hemodynamic and permeability changes in posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome measured by dynamic susceptibility perfusion-weighted MR imaging.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The physiological mechanism that gives rise to posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is currently unknown. We sought to better understand the mechanism of the edema formation in PRES and specifically hypothesized that this edema is caused by increased vascular permeability. METHODS Eight consecutive patients with PRES who had been studied by using perfusion MR imaging were retrospectively identified. Perfusion images were obtained using a gradient-echo echo planar sequence with contrast enhancement. Measures of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), cerebral blood volume (CBV), cerebral blood flow (CBF), mean transit time (MTT) and vascular permeability (K2) were calculated in the affected posterior brain areas and normalized to values obtained in unaffected anterior brain. These values were compared with those found in healthy subjects. RESULTS Regions of interest within the posterior affected brain indicated a significant increase in ADC values in all but one patient, a significant decrease in CBV and CBF values in all patients with PRES (average 30% of control), variable changes in MTT, and no measurable change in K2. CONCLUSION The decrease in both CBV and CBF in PRES supports the theory of autoregulatory vasoconstriction; changes in K2 were not detected.
Investigation on mechanical properties of polyurethane hybrid nanocomposite foams reinforced with roselle fibers and silica nanoparticles

Abstract The aim of this research work is to determine the mechanical, morphological and thermal properties of spherical silica (silica-A), amorphous silica (silica-B) and Roselle fiber (RF) reinforced polyurethane (PU) hybrid nanocomposites. The PU nanocomposites were fabricated with different weight percentages, 0.50 to 1 wt% for silica-A and silica-B, while 1–2 wt% for RF. These experiments were systematically designed and analyzed by response surface methodology in a central composite design approach. As per the design of the experiments, the hybrid PU nanocomposites were prepared by using a one shot process. The mathematical models developed to predict the results obtained were in good coherence with the experimental results, and were within 95% confidence levels for tensile and flexural strength. The optimum weight percentage of Roselle, silica-A and silica-B were 2, 0.78 and 1%, respectively. The optimized environmentally friendly hybrid nanocomposite demonstrated exceptional mechanical and thermal properties. Graphical Abstract
Characterization of lead induced metal–phytochelatin complexes in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Accumulation of Pb and induction of phytochelatin synthesis were observed in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii upon Pb(II) exposure. Our aim was to examine whether Pb(II) is bound by phytochelatins (PCs) in C. reinhardtii and to examine formed complexes for their stoichiometry and composition. Metal–phytochelatin (Me‐PC) complexes induced by Pb were isolated by size‐exclusion chromatography in 13 collected fractions, which were analyzed for their PC and metal content by high‐performance liquid chromatography and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. A recovery of more than 90% of Pb from standard Pb‐PC2 complexes within the total volume of the size‐exclusion column indicated the adequacy of the method for Pb‐PCn complex separation and characterization. Phytochelatins were detected mainly in a molecular weight ranging from 1,000 to 5,300 daltons (Da), indicating the formation of complexes with various stoichiometries. Approximately 72% of total PC2 eluted in the range from 1,000 to 1,600 Da, and 80% of total PC3 eluted in the molecular weight range from 1,600 to 2,300 Da. The distribution of Cu, Zn, and Pb showed that more than 70% of these metals were associated with the high‐molecular‐weight fractions. Copper, zinc, and lead were also observed in PC‐containing fractions, suggesting the formation of various Me‐PC complexes. The results of the present study indicate that the role of PCs in Pb detoxification is minor, because only 13% of total Pb was associated with PCs. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2546–2552. © 2011 SETAC