Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kinematically Aligned Total Knee Arthroplasty or Mechanically Aligned Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract Kinematically aligned total knee arthroplasty (KATKA) was developed to more anatomically align the knee prosthesis to restore the native alignment of the knee and promote physiological kinematics. Even though there are concerns with implant survival, and follow-up at 10 years or more after KATKA has not been reported, there is a negligible incidence of failure of a tibial component at 2 to 9 years. Early clinical results with this technique are encouraging and demonstrate better functional outcomes compared with mechanically aligned TKA (MATKA). The purpose of this study is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to determine whether there are any clinical differences between KATKA and MATKA. The authors conducted a systematic review of the English literature. Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which compared clinical outcomes of KATKA and MATKA were finally included. Four RCTs used patient-specific instrument, and one RCT used navigation. Data were extracted and meta-analysis was conducted. KATKA patients had better outcomes: Mean difference between KATKA and MATKA and p-value are presented in brackets after each variable: the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) (–12.5; p < 0.0001), Oxford Knee Score (OKS) (2.3; p = 0.030), combined Knee Society Score (C-KSS) (13.1; p < 0.0001), Knee Function Score (KFS) (6.4; p = 0.0070), and postoperative range of motion (ROM) (4.1°; p = 0.0010). There was no significant difference concerning the complication rates which needed reoperations or revision surgery (odds ratio, 1.01; p = 0.99). KATKA components had a more femoral valgus (–1.8°; p < 0.0001), more tibial varus (1.2°; p = 0.0001), and more tibial slope (1.2°; p = 0.0001), all being statistically significantly different. Better clinical outcomes were obtained in KATKA and component placement in KATKA is significantly different from that in MATKA. There was no increase of patients with poor clinical results due to implant position especially for varus placement of tibial component. This systematic review of five RCTs suggests that KATKA is of potential alternative method to MATKA since the risk of revision for tibial loosening is negligible compared with MATKA for the same follow-up period.
Missed diagnosis and overtreatment of COPD among smoking primary care population in Central Greece: old problems persist

Background The diagnosis of COPD is not always consistent with the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) strategy in daily clinical practice, especially in primary care. This study aimed to estimate the overall COPD prevalence and severity, to identify differences between newly and previously diagnosed patients, and to evaluate the potential COPD overtreatment in a smoking population attending a primary care spirometry surveillance program. Methods A study was conducted in 10 primary health care centers of Central Greece during a 7-month period. Eligible participants were aged ≥40 years and were either current smokers or exsmokers. Results A total of 186 subjects were included (68% males, mean age 62.3±12.6 years, mean life-time tobacco exposure 50 pack-years). COPD prevalence was 17.8%, identified to be higher in elderly males. Forty-two percent of the COPD group were newly diagnosed patients, who were of younger age, current smokers, presented with less dyspnea and better health status, and mainly appeared with mild-to-moderate disease. Interestingly, 61.4% of non-COPD and 85.7% of newly diagnosed COPD individuals had been using inhaled medication under primary care provider’s prescription without ever undergoing spirometry or further evaluation by a pulmonologist; thus, the phenomena of COPD overdiagnosis and missed diagnosis came into the spotlight. Moreover, only 26.3% of known COPD patients were properly medicated according to GOLD guidelines, while half of them were inappropriately treated with triple inhaled therapy. Conclusion We reported a significant prevalence of COPD in smoking population attending this spirometry program. A remarkable proportion of COPD patients were undiagnosed and made case finding worthwhile. Underutilization of spirometry in the diagnosis and management of COPD as well as general practitioners’ nonadherence to the GOLD treatment guidelines was confirmed by our data. These findings highlight the need for a major overhaul and culture change in primary care settings of Central Greece.
Heart failure is associated with depletion of core intestinal microbiota

In spite of current medical treatment approaches, mortality of chronic heart failure (HF) remains high and novel treatment modalities are thus urgently needed. A recent theory proposes a possible impact of the intestinal microbiome on the incidence and clinical course of heart failure. This study sought to systematically investigate, if there are specific changes of the intestinal microbiome in heart failure patients.
The 2009–2010 step in atmospheric CO 2 interhemispheric difference

Abstract. The annual average CO2 difference between baseline data from Mauna Loa and the Southern Hemisphere increased by ∼ 0.8 µmol mol−1 (0.8 ppm) between 2009 and 2010, a step unprecedented in over 50 years of reliable data. We find no evidence for coinciding, sufficiently large source and sink changes. A statistical anomaly is unlikely due to the highly systematic nature of the variation in observations. An explanation for the step, and the subsequent 5-year stability in this north–south difference, involves interhemispheric atmospheric exchange variation. The selected data describing this episode provide a critical test for studies that employ atmospheric transport models to interpret global carbon budgets and inform management of anthropogenic emissions.
The cost of fairness in binary classification

Binary classiﬁers are often required to possess fairness in the sense of not overly discriminating with respect to a feature deemed sensitive, e.g. race. We study the inherent tradeoﬀs in learning classiﬁers with a fairness constraint in the form of two questions: what is the best accuracy we can expect for a given level of fairness? , and what is the nature of these optimal fairness-aware classiﬁers? To answer these questions, we providethreemaincontributions. First, werelate two existing fairness measures to cost-sensitive risks. Second, we show that for such cost-sensitive fairness measures, the optimal clas-siﬁer is an instance-dependent thresholding of the class-probability function. Third, we relate the tradeoﬀ between accuracy and fairness to the alignment between the target and sensitive features’ class-probabilities. A practical implication of our analysis is a simple approach to the fairness-aware problem which involves suitably thresholding class-probability estimates.
Effect of blast loading on CFRP-Retrofitted RC columns - a numerical study

This study aims to investigate the effect of blast loads generated as a result of explosive charges on the existing exterior RC circular columns of a typical building in the city of Riyadh. A procedure has been developed for evaluating the dynamic characteristics of the circular column with and without retrofitting. A wide range of parametric studies have been performed as part of this investigation to examine the effects of stand-off distance, charge weight and the presence of CFRP retrofitting on the level of damage to the RC column. The nonlinear finite element analysis was carried out using LS-DYNA software with explicit time integration algorithms. Different charge weights of 100, 200, 500 and 1000 kg equivalent weight of TNT at stand-off distances of 1, 4 and 15 m were considered. Results described in this paper indicate that CFRP strengthening could be an effective solution to limit the damage caused by moderate explosions. The stand-off distance was found to play a very important role in mitigating the adverse effects of a blast. The results also indicate that the maximum lateral deflection experienced by the column decreased exponentially with the increase in the stand-off distance and also decreased for the columns strengthened with CFRP, compared with the unstrengthened columns.
Role of vitamin D in acquired immune and autoimmune diseases

Abstract Vitamin D has been attributed roles in the pathogenesis and prevention of several diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, autism and autoimmune diseases. The concomitant expression of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-1α-hydroxylase and of the vitamin D3 receptor in animal and human tissues and organs other than bone supports this paradigm. Translated into the clinical field, meta-analyses and systematic reviews have also revealed an association between vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency and non-osseous diseases. Although relying on the large databases, they are diverse in nature and involve participants of varying age and evolving in different environments. Furthermore, they do not allow any analysis of a possible causal relationship between vitamin D supplementation and clinical outcomes. Following a brief historical account, this review addresses these caveats, and gives examples of randomized controlled trials conducted in the fields of acquired immune and autoimmune diseases.
Make it stand

Imbalance suggests a feeling of dynamism and movement in static objects. It is therefore not surprising that many 3D models stand in impossibly balanced configurations. As long as the models remain in a computer this is of no consequence: the laws of physics do not apply. However, fabrication through 3D printing breaks the illusion: printed models topple instead of standing as initially intended. We propose to assist users in producing novel, properly balanced designs by interactively deforming an existing model. We formulate balance optimization as an energy minimization, improving stability by modifying the volume of the object, while preserving its surface details. This takes place during interactive editing: the user cooperates with our optimizer towards the end result. We demonstrate our method on a variety of models. With our technique, users can produce fabricated objects that stand in one or more surprising poses without requiring glue or heavy pedestals.
Not All Identifications Are Created Equal: Exploring Employee Accounts for Workgroup, Organizational, and Professional Identification

Scholars are increasingly interested in understanding the content and process of employee identification. In this paper, I contribute to this discussion by performing a qualitative case study investigating the accounts employees provide as they make sense of their identification with their workgroup, organization, and profession. Analyses of accounts from 31 members of an architecture firm reveal nine explanations individuals use to make sense of their identifications, which can be categorized using four sensemaking logics: similarity, familiarity, benefits, and investment. The explanations that informants provided differed markedly across targets. Whereas individuals relied heavily on personal relationships, and that their work actually happens in their workgroup in their accounts of workgroup identification, organizational identification was often explained based on the ideology of the organization, the support provided by the organization, the prestige of the organization, and the input the individual had into the organization. In further contrast, accounts of professional identification rested on explanations based in professional archetypes, the enjoyment informants found in their work, and professional norms about the work/life interface. These findings suggest that individuals may construct their identifications differently across targets. I theorize that these patterns are a function of target proximity and the characteristics that distinguish between targets. These findings open up the black box of identification by providing insight into how individuals interpret information about workplace targets. In doing so, the findings illustrate how sensemaking about identification is the result of firsthand experiences with a target in addition to sensegiving.
Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence and Phylogenetic Analysis of Paeonia ostii

Paeonia ostii, a common oil-tree peony, is important ornamentally and medicinally. However, there are few studies on the chloroplast genome of Paeonia ostii. We sequenced and analyzed the complete chloroplast genome of P. ostii. The size of the P. ostii chloroplast genome is 152,153 bp, including a large single-copy region (85,373 bp), a small single-copy region (17,054 bp), and a pair of inverted repeats regions (24,863 bp). The P. ostii chloroplast genome encodes 111 genes, including 77 protein-coding genes, four ribosomal RNA genes, and 30 transfer RNA genes. The genome contains forward repeats (22), palindromic repeats (28), and tandem repeats (24). The presence of rich simple-sequence repeat loci in the genome provides opportunities for future population genetics work for breeding new varieties. A phylogenetic analysis showed that P. ostii is more closely related to Paeonia delavayi and Paeonia ludlowii than to Paeonia obovata and Paeonia veitchii. The results of this study provide an assembly of the whole chloroplast genome of P. ostii, which may be useful for future breeding and further biological discoveries. It will provide a theoretical basis for the improvement of peony yield and the determination of phylogenetic status.
Evaluation of low-cost electro-chemical sensors for environmental monitoring of ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide

ABSTRACT Development of an air quality monitoring network with high spatio-temporal resolution requires installation of a large number of air pollutant monitors. However, state-of-the-art monitors are costly and may not be compatible with wireless data logging systems. In this study, low-cost electro-chemical sensors manufactured by Alphasense Ltd. for detection of CO and oxidative gases (predominantly O3 and NO2) were evaluated. The voltages from three oxidative gas sensors and three CO sensors were recorded every 2.5 sec when exposed to controlled gas concentrations in a 0.125-m3 acrylic glass chamber. Electro-chemical sensors for detection of oxidative gases demonstrated sensitivity to both NO2 and O3 with similar voltages recorded when exposed to equivalent environmental concentrations of NO2 or O3 gases, when evaluated separately. There was a strong linear relationship between the recorded voltages and target concentrations of oxidative gases (R2 > 0.98) over a wide range of concentrations. Although a strong linear relationship was also observed for CO concentrations below 12 ppm, a saturation effect was observed wherein the voltage only changes minimally for higher CO concentrations (12–50 ppm). The nonlinear behavior of the CO sensors implied their unsuitability for environments where high CO concentrations are expected. Using a manufacturer-supplied shroud, sensors were tested at 2 different flow rates (0.25 and 0.5 Lpm) to mimic field calibration of the sensors with zero air and a span gas concentration (2 ppm NO2 or 15 ppm CO). As with all electrochemical sensors, the tested devices were subject to drift with a bias up to 20% after 9 months of continuous operation. Alphasense CO sensors were found to be a proper choice for occupational and environmental CO monitoring with maximum concentration of 12 ppm, especially due to the field-ready calibration capability. Alphasense oxidative gas sensors are usable only if it is valuable to know the sum of the NO2 and O3 concentrations.
Prognostic value of plasma von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease (ADAMTS13) antigen levels in patients with coronary artery disease

Summary High plasma level of von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a marker of future cardiovascular events in patients at high risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). The purpose of this study was to examine the changes and the prognostic value of plasma VWF-cleaving protease (ADAMTS13) levels in patients with CAD. Plasma VWF and ADAMTS13 levels were measured in 225 patients with CAD (152 men and 73 women, age, 70.3 ± 8.9 years, mean ± SD) and 100 patients without CAD who were ageand gender-matched to the CAD patients (60 men and 40 women, age, 68.6 ± 8.9 years). The CAD patients had higher VWF and lower ADAMTS13 antigen levels compared to patients without CAD. During 22.3 ± 10.4 months follow-up period, 20 major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) occurred in 222 patients with CAD who could be followed up. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that CAD patients with high plasma VWF antigen levels were significantly more likely to develop MACCE. Furthermore, eight cardiac and cerebrovascular thrombotic events [acute coronary syndrome (n=4) and cerebral infarction (n=4)] occurred in CAD patients with both high plasma VWF and low ADAMTS13 antigen levels. Multivariate Cox hazards regression analysis identified high plasma VWF and low ADAMTS13 antigen levels as significant and independent predictors of future MACCE and thrombotic events during the follow-up period in CAD patients. Our findings suggest that low plasma ADAMTS13 as well as high VWF level is a useful predictor of cardiac and cerebrovascular events in CAD patients.
Effect of Fiber Arrangement on the Mechanical Properties of Thermally Bonded Nonwoven Fabrics

Anisotropy is important to the structure and application of nonwoven fabrics. The arrange ment of the fibers and their orientation distribution are related to the mechanical structure of the web. In this study, we used a doffer of the roller card accompanied by a random roller to produce nonwoven fabrics. Partial random fiber arrangement is obtained by transferring the fibers on the rollers. As a result, the ratios of tensile and tearing strengths of the random web are below 3.0 and above 0.5, respectively. We can use this novel random arrangement of fibers in webs to improve the anisotropy of nonwoven fabrics.
Relative tooth size at birth in primates: Life history correlates.

OBJECTIVES Dental eruption schedules have been closely linked to life history variables. Here we examine a sample of 50 perinatal primates (28 species) to determine whether life history traits correlate with relative tooth size at birth. MATERIALS AND METHODS Newborn primates were studied using serial histological sectioning. Volumes of deciduous premolars (dp2 -dp4 ), replacement teeth (if any), and permanent molars (M1-2/3 ) of the upper jaw were measured and residuals from cranial length were calculated with least squares regressions to obtain relative dental volumes (RDVs). RESULTS Relative dental volumes of deciduous or permanent teeth have an unclear relationship with relative neonatal mass in all primates. Relative palatal length (RPL), used as a proxy for midfacial size, is significantly, positively correlated with larger deciduous and permanent postcanine teeth. However, when strepsirrhines alone are examined, larger RPL is correlated with smaller RDV of permanent teeth. In the full sample, RDVs of deciduous premolars are significantly negatively correlated with relative gestation length (RGL), but have no clear relationship with relative weaning age. RDVs of molars lack a clear relationship with RGL; later weaning is associated with larger molar RDV, although correlations are not significant. When strepsirrhines alone are analyzed, clearer trends are present: longer gestations or later weaning are associated with smaller deciduous and larger permanent postcanine teeth (only gestational length correlations are significant). DISCUSSION Our results indicate a broad trend that primates with the shortest RGLs precociously develop deciduous teeth; in strepsirrhines, the opposite trend is seen for permanent molars. Anthropoids delay growth of permanent teeth, while strepsirrhines with short RGLs are growing replacement teeth concurrently. A comparison of neonatal volumes with existing information on extent of cusp mineralization indicates that growth of tooth germs and cusp mineralization may be selected for independently.
Outcomes among North American patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma are independent of tumor Epstein-Barr virus positivity or immunosuppression

The prevalence, presenting clinical and pathological characteristics, and outcomes for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma that is Epstein-Barr virus positive remain uncertain as does the impact of congenital or iatrogenic immunosuppression. Patients with newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with available tissue arrays were identified from the University of Iowa/Mayo Clinic Molecular Epidemiology Resource. Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus or who had undergone a prior organ transplant were excluded. Epstein-Barr virus-associated ribonucleic acid testing was performed on all tissue arrays. A history of significant congenital or iatrogenic immunosuppression was determined for all patients. At enrollment, 16 of the 362 (4.4%) biopsies were positive for Epstein-Barr virus. Thirty-nine (10.8%) patients had a significant history of immunosuppression. Patients with Epstein-Barr-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma had no unique clinical characteristics but on pathology exhibited a higher frequency of CD30 positivity (25.0% versus 8.1%, respectively; P<0.01), and non-germinal-center subtype (62.5% versus 34.1%, respectively; P<0.01). No baseline clinical characteristics were associated with a history of immunosuppression. With a median follow up of 59 months, and after adjustment for International Prognostic Index, there was no association of Epstein-Barr virus positivity or immunosuppression with event-free survival at 24 months (odds ratio=0.49; 95% confidence interval: 0.13–1.84 and odds ratio=0.81; 95% confidence interval: 0.37–1.77) or overall survival (hazard ratio=0.86; 95% confidence interval: 0.38–1.97 and hazard ratio=1.00; 95% confidence interval: 0.57–1.74). In contrast to non-Western populations, our North American population had a low prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma that did not convey an adverse prognosis. A history of immunosuppression, while known to be a risk factor for the development of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, did not affect subsequent prognosis.