Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Temporal Trends in Airborne Dust Concentrations at a Large Chrysotile Mine and its Asbestos-enrichment Factories in the Russian Federation During 1951–2001

Abstract Objectives Mining and processing of chrysotile, an established carcinogen, has been undertaken in Asbest, Russian Federation since the late 1800s. Dust concentrations were routinely recorded at the open-pit mine and its asbestos-enrichment factories. We examined the temporal trends in these dust concentrations from 1951 to 2001. Methods Analyses included 89290 monthly averaged gravimetric dust concentrations in six factories (1951–2001) and 1457 monthly averaged concentrations in the mine (1964–2001). Annual percent changes (APC) in geometric mean dust concentrations were estimated for each factory and the mine separately from linear mixed models of the logarithmic-transformed monthly averaged concentrations. Results Dust concentrations declined significantly in the mine [APC: −1.6%; 95% confidence interval (CI): −3.0 to −0.2] and Factories 1–5 but not 6. Overall factory APCs ranged from −30.4% (95% CI: −51.9 to −8.9; Factory 1: 1951–1955) to −0.6% (95% CI: −1.5 to 0.2; Factory 6: 1969–2001). Factory trends varied across decades, with the steepest declines observed before 1960 [APCs: −21.5% (Factory 2) and −17.4% (Factory 3)], more moderate declines in the 1960s and 1970s [APCs from −10% in Factory 2 (1960s) to −0.3% (not statistically significant) in Factory 4 (1970s)], and little change thereafter. Mine dust concentrations increased in the 1960s (APC: +9.7%; 95% CI: 3.6 to 15.9), decreased in the 1990s (APC: −5.8%; 95% CI: −8.1 to −3.5) and were stable in between. Conclusions In this analysis of >90000 dust concentrations, factory dust concentrations declined between 1951 and 1979 and then stabilized. In the mine, dust levels increased in the 1960s, declined in the 1990s and were unchanged in the interim.
Validation of a Modified Life-Space Assessment in Multimorbid Older Persons With Cognitive Impairment

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES To investigate the validity, reliability, sensitivity to change, and feasibility of a modified University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging Life-Space Assessment (UAB-LSA) in older persons with cognitive impairment (CI). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The UAB-LSA was modified for use in persons with CI Life-Space Assessment for Persons with Cognitive Impairment (LSA-CI). Measurement properties of the LSA-CI were investigated using data of 118 multimorbid older participants with CI [mean age (SD): 82.3 (6.0) years, mean Mini-Mental State Examination score: 23.3 (2.4) points] from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to improve motor performance and physical activity. Construct validity was asessed by Spearman's rank (rs) and point-biseral correlations (rpb) with age, gender, motor, and cognitive status, psychosocial factors, and sensor-derived (outdoor) physical activity variables. Test-retest reliability was analyzed using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs). Sensitivity to change was determined by standardized response means (SRMs) calculated for the RCT intervention group. RESULTS The LSA-CI demonstrated moderate to high construct validity, with significant correlations of the LSA-CI scores with (outdoor) physical activity (rs = .23-.63), motor status (rs = .27-.56), fear of falling-related psychosocial variables (rs = |.24-.44|), and demographic characteristics (rpb = |.27-.32|). Test-retest reliability was good to excellent (ICC = .65-.91). Sensitivity to change was excellent for the LSA-CI composite score (SRM = .80) and small to moderate for the LSA-CI subscores (SRM = .35-.60). A completion rate of 100% and a mean completion time of 4.1 min) documented good feasibility. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS The LSA-CI represents a valid, reliable, sensitive, and feasible interview-based life-space assessment tool in multimorbid older persons with CI.
High endemism and stem density distinguish New Caledonian from other high-diversity rainforests in the Southwest Pacific

Background and Aims The biodiversity hotspot of New Caledonia is globally renowned for the diversity and endemism of its flora. New Caledonia's tropical rainforests have been reported to have higher stem densities, higher concentrations of relictual lineages and higher endemism than other rainforests. This study investigates whether these aspects differ in New Caledonian rainforests compared to other high-diversity rainforests in the Southwest Pacific. Methods Plants (with a diameter at breast height ≥10 cm) were surveyed in nine 1-ha rainforest plots across the main island of New Caledonia and compared with 14 1-ha plots in high-diversity rainforests of the Southwest Pacific (in Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands). This facilitated a comparison of stem densities, taxonomic composition and diversity, and species turnover among plots and countries. Key Results The study inventoried 11 280 stems belonging to 335 species (93 species ha-1 on average) in New Caledonia. In comparison with other rainforests in the Southwest Pacific, New Caledonian rainforests exhibited higher stem density (1253 stems ha-1 on average) including abundant palms and tree ferns, with the high abundance of the latter being unparalleled outside New Caledonia. In all plots, the density of relictual species was ≥10 % for both stems and species, with no discernible differences among countries. Species endemism, reaching 89 % on average, was significantly higher in New Caledonia. Overall, species turnover increased with geographical distance, but not among New Caledonian plots. Conclusions High stem density, high endemism and a high abundance of tree ferns with stem diameters ≥10 cm are therefore unique characteristics of New Caledonian rainforests. High endemism and high spatial species turnover imply that the current system consisting of a few protected areas is inadequate, and that the spatial distribution of plant species needs to be considered to adequately protect the exceptional flora of New Caledonian rainforests.
Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: The Past, Current Controversies, and Future Perspectives

Abstract Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a bone conserving and ligament-sparing procedure that reliably restores normal knee kinematics and function for arthritis limited either to the medial or the lateral compartment of the knee. Although there is enough evidence to demonstrate that the UKA offers good medium to long-term success given the correct patient selection, prosthesis design, and implantation technique, there are several reports to suggest inferior survival rates in comparison with the total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Furthermore, it is a specialized procedure which works well in the hands of the experienced operator and therefore different authors' tend to draw different conclusions based on the same evidence, and as a result, there is great variability in the usage of the UKA. The aim of this current concept's review is to present to the readers the history of the UKA especially with reference to implant design, discuss current controversies, and outline the future perspectives of this novel procedure.
Epidemiology of invasive aspergillosis and triazole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in patients with haematological malignancies: a single-centre retrospective cohort study

Objectives To investigate the epidemiology and clinical relevance of triazole resistance among patients undergoing treatment for haematological malignancies who are at risk of invasive aspergillosis (IA). Methods This was a retrospective cohort study for which the records of consecutive patients given chemotherapy for AML or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or who had received an allogeneic HSCT from 2006 to 2012 were reviewed for IA. Triazole resistance was detected by the VIPcheck™ screening method and confirmed by determining the MIC by EUCAST methodology. Results A total of 432 patients were included, comprising 182 (42.1%) patients who had undergone chemotherapy for AML or MDS, and 250 (57.9%) patients who had undergone an allogeneic HSCT. Probable or proven IA was diagnosed in 36 cases (8.3%, 95% CI 6.0%-11.4%). Of these, 12 (33.3%) were based on recovery of Aspergillus fumigatus from sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage or biopsy, and triazole resistance was found in 2 instances. A. fumigatus was also recovered from one or more specimens from 13 patients without probable or proven IA. Triazole resistance was documented for three patients. The survival rate of patients with IA caused by voriconazole-resistant isolates could not be assessed. Conclusions The overall frequency of voriconazole-resistant IA among patients at high risk was low. However, the rate of triazole resistance may have been underestimated by the low detection rate based on recovery of A. fumigatus. Alternative diagnostic tests, such as PCR-based assays, may prove better at detecting IA due to triazole-resistant A. fumigatus.
Impact of baseline plasma HIV-1 RNA and time to virological suppression on virological rebound according to first-line antiretroviral regimen

Objectives We investigated the risk of virological rebound in HIV-1-infected patients achieving virological suppression on first-line combined ART (cART) according to baseline HIV-1 RNA, time to virological suppression and type of regimen. Patients and methods Subjects were 10 836 adults who initiated first-line cART (two nucleoside or nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors + efavirenz, a ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor or an integrase inhibitor) from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2014. Cox proportional hazards models with multiple adjustment and propensity score matching were used to investigate the effect of baseline HIV-1 RNA and time to virological suppression on the occurrence of virological rebound. Results During 411 436 patient-months of follow-up, risk of virological rebound was higher in patients with baseline HIV-1 RNA ≥100 000 copies/mL versus <100 000 copies/mL, in those achieving virological suppression in > 6 months versus <6 months, and lower with efavirenz or integrase inhibitors than with ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors. Baseline HIV-1 RNA >100 000 copies/mL was associated with virological rebound for ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors but not for efavirenz or integrase inhibitors. Time to virological suppression >6 months was strongly associated with virological rebound for all regimens. Conclusions In HIV-1-infected patients starting cART, risk of virological rebound was lower with efavirenz or integrase inhibitors than with ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors. These data, from a very large observational cohort, in addition to the more rapid initial virological suppression obtained with integrase inhibitors, reinforce the positioning of this class as the preferred one for first-line therapy.
Development of Neural-Network Interatomic Potentials for Structural Materials

The validity of the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is highly dependent on the accuracy or reproducibility of interatomic potentials used in the MD simulation. The neural-network (NN) interatomic potential is one of promising interatomic potentials based on machine-learning method. However, there are some parameters that should be determined heuristically before making the NN potential, such as the shape and number of basis functions. We have developed a new approach to select only relevant basis functions from a lot of candidates systematically and less heuristically without loosing the accuracy of the potential. The present NN potential for Si system shows very good agreements with the results obtained using ab-initio calculations.
Virtual Visits for Acute, Nonurgent Care: A Claims Analysis of Episode-Level Utilization

Background Expansion of virtual health care—real-time video consultation with a physician via the Internet—will continue as use of mobile devices and patient demand for immediate, convenient access to care grow. Objective The objective of the study is to analyze the care provided and the cost of virtual visits over a 3-week episode compared with in-person visits to retail health clinics (RHC), urgent care centers (UCC), emergency departments (ED), or primary care physicians (PCP) for acute, nonurgent conditions. Methods A cross-sectional, retrospective analysis of claims from a large commercial health insurer was performed to compare care and cost of patients receiving care via virtual visits for a condition of interest (sinusitis, upper respiratory infection, urinary tract infection, conjunctivitis, bronchitis, pharyngitis, influenza, cough, dermatitis, digestive symptom, or ear pain) matched to those receiving care for similar conditions in other settings. An episode was defined as the index visit plus 3 weeks following. Patients were children and adults younger than 65 years of age without serious chronic conditions. Visits were classified according to the setting where the visit occurred. Care provided was assessed by follow-up outpatient visits, ED visits, or hospitalizations; laboratory tests or imaging performed; and antibiotic use after the initial visit. Episode costs included the cost of the initial visit, subsequent medical care, and pharmacy. Results A total of 59,945 visits were included in the analysis (4635 virtual visits and 55,310 nonvirtual visits). Virtual visit episodes had similar follow-up outpatient visit rates (28.09%) as PCP (28.10%, P=.99) and RHC visits (28.59%, P=.51). During the episode, lab rates for virtual visits (12.56%) were lower than in-person locations (RHC: 36.79%, P<.001; UCC: 39.01%, P<.001; ED: 53.15%, P<.001; PCP: 37.40%, P<.001), and imaging rates for virtual visits (6.62%) were typically lower than in-person locations (RHC: 5.97%, P=.11; UCC: 8.77%, P<.001; ED: 43.06%, P<.001; PCP: 11.26%, P<.001). RHC, UCC, ED, and PCP were estimated to be $36, $153, $1735, and $162 more expensive than virtual visit episodes, respectively, including medical and pharmacy costs. Conclusions Virtual care appears to be a low-cost alternative to care administered in other settings with lower testing rates. The similar follow-up rate suggests adequate clinical resolution and that patients are not using virtual visits as a first step before seeking in-person care.
Expression of neural crest markers by human embryonic stem cells: an introductory project

Abstract Introduction Neural crest cells make up a transient migratory population of cells found in all vertebrate embryos. Great advances have been made over the past 20 years in clarifying the molecular basis of neural crest induction and, although much still remains unclear, it appears that it is a process involving several factors acting at different stages of embryogenesis. In the future, an understanding of the precise mechanisms involved in orofacial development, even at the earliest stages, may well be of use to all clinicians interested in the management of these tissues. Aim The present study was designed to determine if the early addition of noggin (a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist) and/or the late addition of BMP4 would increase the expression of the transcription factors: Msx-1, Snail, Slug and Pax-7. Method This involved an assessment of the effects of early addition ( Days 0 to 3) of noggin and/or the late addition (Days 4 to 7) of BMP4 on the expression of the neural crest markers by human embryonic stem cells, co-cultured for eight days on a feeder layer of mouse PA6 cells. Results and conclusions The expression of the neural crest markers Pax-7, Msx-1, Slug, and Snail by human embryonic stem cells is likely to be affected by the addition of noggin and BMP4. Not all of these effects will necessarily be significant. The late addition of BMP4 is likely to significantly increase the expression of Pax-7 by human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), when compared with the effects of co-culturing with stromal cell-derived inducing activity, alone. The early addition of noggin and the late addition of BMP4 are likely to significantly increase the expression of Msx-1 by hESCs, when compared with the late addition of BMP4, alone. The hESC results support those from animal ESC studies that the late addition of BMP4, especially, may result in the differentiation of neural crest precursors.
Beta band oscillations in motor cortex reflect neural population signals that delay movement onset

Motor cortical beta oscillations have been reported for decades, yet their behavioral correlates remain unresolved. Some studies link beta oscillations to changes in underlying neural activity, but the specific behavioral manifestations of these reported changes remain elusive. To investigate how changes in population neural activity, beta oscillations, and behavior are linked, we recorded multi-scale neural activity from motor cortex while three macaques performed a novel neurofeedback task. Subjects volitionally brought their beta oscillatory power to an instructed state and subsequently executed an arm reach. Reaches preceded by a reduction in beta power exhibited significantly faster movement onset times than reaches preceded by an increase in beta power. Further, population neural activity was found to shift farther from a movement onset state during beta oscillations that were neurofeedback-induced or naturally occurring during reaching tasks. This finding establishes a population neural basis for slowed movement onset following periods of beta oscillatory activity. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.24573. 001
Discriminative Thresholds in Facial Asymmetry: A Review of the Literature

Background Facial symmetry is intimately correlated with attractiveness. Perfect facial symmetry is disconcerting and a degree of facial asymmetry is considered normal. There is a lack of data on the limits of normality across facial subunits. Objectives This systematic review aims to establish categories of facial asymmetry perception for facial aesthetic units by establishing a discriminative threshold of "deformity perception" across facial subunits and a threshold for intervention (unacceptable asymmetry). Methods A review of the literature was performed across Medline and Embase databases using OvidSP. All prospective studies evaluating the perception of progressive facial asymmetry in laymen or clinicians using a two- or three-dimensional model were included. Studies that did not evaluate rates of perception at varying degrees of asymmetry were excluded as these did not allow for the identification of a perceptive threshold. Results Each facial feature possesses a unique threshold of perception defined by an abrupt, statistically significant increase in detection. Asymmetry of the eyelid position at rest is the most sensitive facial feature (perceptive threshold, 2 mm) (P < 0.02). This is followed by deviations of the oral commissure (3 mm) (P < 0.001), brow position (3.5 mm) (P < 0.001), nasal tip deviation (4 mm) (P < 0.001), and chin deviation (6 mm) (P < 0.001). Desire for surgery for worsening deformities beyond the intervention threshold is characterized by an exponential, rather than linear, correlation. Conclusions Categories of facial asymmetry perception establish a framework to counsel patients with facial asymmetries, and are a valuable adjunct to clinical judgment in the management of static and dynamic facial deformities.
Colon Immune-Related Adverse Events: Anti-CTLA-4 and Anti-PD-1 Blockade Induce Distinct Immunopathological Entities

Background and Aim Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1 improve survival in cancer patients but may induce immune-related adverse events, including colitis. The immunological characteristics of anti-CTLA-4 [αCTLA-4]- and anti-PD-1 [αPD-1]-related colitis have been poorly described. The aim of the present study was to compare the immunological and histological characteristics of αCTLA-4-induced colitis and αPD-1-induced colitis. Methods Colonic biopsies from patients with αCTLA-4-induced colitis, αPD-1-induced colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] were analysed by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Tumour necrosis factor alpha [TNFα] concentration was assessed in biopsy supernatants. Results CD8+ T cells were found in the lamina propria and epithelium in αPD-1-induced colitis, whereas CD4+ T cells were found in the lamina propria in αCTLA-4-induced colitis. No or low intraepithelial lymphocytes were observed in αCTLA-4-induced colitis. No difference in numbers of mucosal regulatory T cells was observed between αCTLA-4- or αPD-1-induced colitis and IBD patients. Higher numbers of activated ICOS+ conventional CD4+ T cells were observed in αCTLA-4-induced colitis compared with patients with IBD. Among ICOS+CD4+ T cells, conventional CD4+ T cells were the main T cell population in patents with αCTLA-4-induced colitis, whereas Treg cells were predominant in IBD or αPD-1-induced colitis. High mucosal TNFα concentrations were observed in αCTLA-4-induced colitis. Low mucosal TNFα concentrations were associated with steroid sensitivity. Conclusions These observations show that αCTLA-4- and αPD-1-induced colitis have distinct immunological characteristics. Mucosal TNFα concentration might detect patients at risk of developing corticosteroid resistance after CTLA-4 blockade.
Cold Inducible RNA Binding Protein Is Involved in Chronic Hypoxia Induced Neuron Apoptosis by Down-Regulating HIF-1α Expression and Regulated By microRNA-23a

Background: Neuron apoptosis mediated by hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in hippocampus is one of the most important factors accounting for the chronic hypobaric hypoxia induced cognitive impairment. As a neuroprotective molecule that is up-regulated in response to various environmental stress, CIRBP was reported to crosstalk with HIF-1α under cellular stress. However, its function under chronic hypobaric hypoxia remains unknown. Objective: In this study, we tried to identify the role of CIRBP in HIF-1α mediated neuron apoptosis under chronic hypobaric hypoxia and find a possible method to maintain its potential neuroprotective in long-term high altitude environmental exposure. Methods: We established a chronic hypobaric hypoxia rat model as well as a tissue culture model where SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to 1% hypoxia. Based on these models, we measured the expressions of HIF-1α and CIRBP under hypoxia exposure and examined the apoptosis of neurons by TUNEL immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis of apoptosis related proteins. In addition, by establishing HIF-1α shRNA and pEGFP-CIRBP plasmid transfected cells, we confirmed the role of HIF-1α in chronic hypoxia induced neuron apoptosis and identified the influence of CIRBP over-expression upon HIF-1α and neuron apoptosis in the process of exposure. Furthermore, we measured the expression of the reported hypoxia related miRNAs in both models and the influence of miRNAs' over-expression/knock-down upon CIRBP in the process of HIF-1α mediated neuron apoptosis. Results: HIF-1α expression as well as neuron apoptosis was significantly elevated by chronic hypobaric hypoxia both in vivo and in vitro. CIRBP was induced in the early stage of exposure (3d/7d); however as the exposure was prolonged (21d), CIRBP level of the hypoxia group became significantly lower than that of control. In addition, HIF-1α knockdown significantly decreased neuron apoptosis under hypoxia, suggesting HIF-1α may be pro-apoptotic in the process of exposure. CIRBP over-expression significantly suppressed HIF-1α up-regulation in hypoxia and inhibited HIF-1α mediated neuron apoptosis. Interestingly, miR-23a was also induced by hypoxia exposure and showed the same changing tendency with CIRBP (increasing in 3d/7d, decreasing in 21d). In addition, over-expressing miR-23a up-regulated CIRBP, down-regulated HIF-1α and attenuated neuron apoptosis. Conclusion: Cold inducible RNA binding protein is involved in chronic hypoxia induced neuron apoptosis by down-regulating HIF-1α expression, and MiR-23a may be an important tool to maintain CIRBP level and function.