Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of low-level infrared laser therapy on large surgical osteochondral defect in rabbit: a histological study.

OBJECTIVE The present study investigates whether low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can accelerate healing of large osteochondral defects in rabbits. BACKGROUND DATA LLLT has been used in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy rabbits were divided into control and experimental groups. Under sterile conditions and after general anesthesia, the rabbits received one full-thickness defect 5 mm wide by 10 mm deep in the distal portion of the patellar groove of the right femur. The rabbits in the experimental group were exposed to a pulsed 890-nm infrared laser (1500 Hz, 4.8 J/cm(2) energy density, spot size 1 cm) twice weekly. The rabbits were killed at 2 wk, 1 mo, 2 mo, and 4 mo post-surgery. The defects were evaluated macroscopically and histologically for the filling of the defect, integration of repair tissue, matrix staining, and cellular morphology. The Student's t-test was performed to determine the differences between the control and experimental groups. Statistical significance was set at p +/- 0.05. RESULTS Results in the experimental group were better than those in the control group; however, there were no significant differences between the two study groups. CONCLUSION LLLT did not accelerate healing of large osteochondral defects in rabbits.
The impacts of age and frailty on heart rate and sinoatrial node function

Sinoatrial node (SAN) function declines with age; however, not all individuals age at the same rate and health status can vary from fit to frail. Frailty was quantified in young and aged mice using a non‐invasive frailty index so that the impacts of age and frailty on heart rate and SAN function could be assessed. SAN function was impaired in aged mice due to alterations in electrical conduction, changes in SAN action potential morphology and fibrosis in the SAN. Changes in SAN function, electrical conduction, action potential morphology and fibrosis were correlated with, and graded by, frailty. This study shows that mice of the same chronological age have quantifiable differences in health status that impact heart rate and SAN function and that these differences in health status can be identified using our frailty index.
Stable angina: treatment selection

In the management of stable angina, there is time to optimize medical treatment while using stress testing to stratify long-term risk. Percutaneous coronary intervention does not decrease mortality or risk of myocardial infarction when compared with rigorously applied optimal medical treatment and should not be considered as part of a secondary prevention strategy. Whereas all patients should receive long-term medical therapy combined with advice on lifestyle, carefully selected patients will benefit from percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary surgery in addition. As in many areas of medicine, a balanced multidisciplinary approach based on evidence will offer the right treatment to the right patient at the right time.
Patient outcomes using the European label for dabigatran

Summary In the RE-LY trial dabigatran 150 mg twice daily (D150) showed significantly fewer strokes, and 110 mg (D110) significantly fewer major bleeding events (MBE) compared to well-controlled warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The European (EU) label currently recommends the use of D150 in AF patients who are aged < 80 years without an increased risk for bleeding (e.g. HAS-BLED score <3) and not on concomitant verapamil. In other patients, D110 is recommended. In this post-hoc analysis of the RE-LY dataset, we simulated how dabigatran (n=6,004) would compare to well-controlled warfarin (n=6,022) used according to the EU label. “EU label simulated dabigatran treatment” was associated with significant reductions in stroke and systemic embolism (hazard ratio [HR] 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60–0.91), haemorrhagic stroke (HR 0.22; 95%CI 0.11–0.44), death (HR 0.86; 95%CI 0.75–0.98), and vascular death (HR 0.80; 95%CI 0.68–0.95) compared to warfarin. Dabigatran was also associated with less major bleeding (HR 0.85; 95%CI 0.73–0.98), life-threatening bleeding (HR 0.72; 95%CI 0.58–0.91), intracranial haemorrhage (HR 0.28; 95%CI 0.17–0.45), and “any bleeds” (HR 0.86; 95%CI 0.81–0.92), but not gastrointestinal major bleeding (HR 1.23; 95%CI 0.96–1.59). The net clinical benefit was significantly better for dabigatran compared to warfarin. In conclusion, this post-hoc simulation of dabigatran usage based on RE-LY trial dataset indicates that “EU label simulated dabigatran treatment” may be associated with superior efficacy and safety compared to warfarin, and are in support of the EU label and the 2012 European Society of Cardiology AF guideline recommendations. Thus, adherence to European label/guideline use results in a clinically relevant benefit for dabigatran over warfarin, for both efficacy and safety. Note: The editorial process for this paper was fully handled by Prof Christian Weber, Editor in Chief.
Economic Basis for the Creation of Fodder Base of the Enterprise

Improving the efficiency of production, increase in gross and commodity production is inextricably linked with the comprehensive intensification, that is, with the growth of additional investments in agricultural production. The increase in capital investments is the basis of strengthening and improving the material-technical base, introduction of achievements of scientific-technical progress. Increasing of intensity of agronomy and animal husbandry promotes more efficient use of land and livestock, growth of crop yields and livestock productivity. Economic and energy analysis in scientific research in agricultural direction is important because it allows you to justify the options of growing crops from the point of view of profitability and conservation, which is of particular importance in a market economy. Achievements in almost all branches of modern science were noted in the last century. However, the important issues of increasing economic and energy efficiency of agricultural production still remain relevant and a priority for many scientists. However, a number of problems in this area have not found their solution, since an unreasonable increase in production costs, including due to overuse of agricultural resources leads to a decrease in the efficiency of management. Therefore, scientific research and cameral processing of experimental data should be directed to identification of resources, taking into account the economic and energy feasibility of measures of optimizing the production processes of cultivation of perennial legume grasses in conditions of forest-steppe of Ukraine. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the cultivation of the studied crops – alfalfa, clover and sainfoin. For this purpose there was selected the method on the basis of calculations of marginal income (for fodder production it is https://doi.org/10.15414/isd2018.s3.10 ECONOMIC BASIS FOR THE CREATION OF FODDER BASE OF THE ENTERPRISE . 841 negative), the total costs, thresholds of production and profitability, on the basis of which the indicators of production costs were obtained. From the conducted calculations it becomes clear that technologies without the use of fertilizers can be recommended to the farm as the most economical and efficient. The found economic conclusions do not contradict the basic tenets of cultivation of legumes, which indicate that perennial leguminous grasses play a major role in solving the problems of biological fertility of the soil.
Portion size of energy-dense foods in French and UK adults by BMI status: is there an association between portion size and BMI?

There is no established causal relationship between food portion size (FPS) and obesity, but evidence indicates a link via increased energy intake, particularly from energy-dense foods, suggesting that limiting FPS contributes to reduced energy intake and therefore reduced weight gain (1) . FPS is increasing in some energy-dense foods, which may increase intake via the ‘ portion size effect ’ . In the current study FPS of commonly consumed energy, fat and sugar-dense foods in French and UK adults are determined by BMI status, and associations between FPS and BMI investigated. Data for adults aged 19 – 64y was analysed in two national surveys – the French Étude Individuelle Nationale des Consommations Alimentaires2 (INCA2) collected 2005 – 2007 via 7-day diary (n = 2240), and the UK National Diet & Nutrition Survey (NDNS) collected 2008 – 2014 using 4-day diary (n = 3662) (2 – 4) . Commonly consumed energy-dense food groups were split into characteristic-based food subgroups. Means of consumed FPS per eating occasion for normal weight were compared to overweight or obese (OWOB) individuals and regression analysis was adjusted for sex and age to determine associations between BMI as a continuous variable and FPS. Effects of under-reporting were explored. In the adjusted analyses only 10 % (n = 8/78) food subgroups had signi ﬁ cant associations between FPS and BMI (table 1). Few similarities existed between the countries, though most associations were positive, where OWOB individuals had higher FPS. Under-reporting
The cytologic features of NUT midline carcinoma

Nuclear protein in testis (NUT) midline carcinoma (NMC) represents an aggressive, high‐grade carcinoma typically involving the upper aerodigestive tract or mediastinum. Although the tumor was originally noted in young persons, we have subsequently identified 5 adult cases. To our knowledge, the cytology of NMC has not been systematically described.
Antimicrobial Residues in Tissues and Eggs of Laying Hens at Chittagong, Bangladesh

Aim : Antimicrobial residue in animal food products is an important index of food safety. Antimicrobial residues could result from chemotherapeutic or chemoprophylactic use of drugs in food animals. This occurrence of residue in animal food products has received enormous worldwide attention from some local, international, and public health agencies. A crosssectional study was conducted from July to December 2009 to detect the antibiotic residues in tissues and eggs of laying hens at Chittagong of Bangladesh. Materials and Methods : Microbial inhibition test (MIT) and thin layer chromatography (TLC) methods were used to detect antibacterial residues in poultry tissues (liver, kidney, breast, and thigh muscles) and eggs. The bacteria and pH of the MIT method were as follows: Bacillus subtilis on test agar medium with a pH of 7.2, Bacillus cereus with a pH of 6.0, and Escherichia coli at pH with an 8.0. Results : The overall prevalence of antibiotic residues detected by MIT was 64% in liver, 63% in kidney, 56% in breast muscle, 50% in thigh muscle, and 60% in eggs. There was significant variation in results between MIT and TLC (p<0.05). Tetracycline residues were found in 48% in liver, 24% in kidneys, 20% in thigh muscles, 26% in breast muscles, and 36% in eggs. Ciprofloxacin residues were found 46% in liver, 42% in kidneys, 34% in thigh muscles, 30% in breast muscles, and 30% in eggs. Enrofloxacin residues were found 40% in livers, 36% in kidneys, 24% in thigh muscles, 20% in breast muscles, and 26% in eggs. Amoxicillin residues were found 48% in livers, 30% in kidneys, 26% in thigh muscles, 22% in breast muscles, and 24% in eggs. The most frequently detected antibiotic residues by both MIT and TLC were found in liver tissue, tetracycline (48%), ciprofloxacin (46%), enrofloxacin (40%), and amoxicillin (42%) were found in liver. Breast muscle tissue was least likely to contain antibiotic residues (24%). Tetracycline (p=0.01) and amoxicillin (p=0.03) residues had significant variation among the various poultry tissues and eggs. Conclusions : A high percentage of tissues and eggs that could be available for human consumption had antibiotic residues. This study suggests that poultry meat and eggs should not be circulated to markets until the end of the drug's withdrawal period. It is also recommended to observe the withdrawal period of drugs before poultry slaughter or table egg distribution to avoid antimicrobial resistance and to inform both owners and consumers about the risks of antibiotic residues.
The equation of state of CsCl‐structured FeSi to 40 GPa: Implications for silicon in the Earth's core

We have measured the compressibility of CsCl‐structured FeSi to 40 GPa by X‐ray powder diffraction using synchrotron radiation. A third order Birch‐Murnaghan equation of state fit to the experimental data yields V0 = 21.74 ± 0.02 Å, with a K0 of 184 ± 5 GPa and K′0 = 4.2 ± 0.3. The measured density and elastic properties of CsCl‐FeSi are consistent with silicon being a major element in the Earth's core.
Maintaining teaching and learning quality in higher education through support of EMI lecturers

Nella discussione sulla qualità delle lezioni impartite in lingua inglese nel settore della Higher Education (HE), permangono diverse questioni da approfondire che vanno ben oltre la partenza di quell' "inarrestabile treno" (Macaro 2017) che è il fenomeno dell'English Medium Instruction come strumento di internazionalizzazione. La questione del raggiungimento e del mantenimento della qualità è stata al centro di un progetto sviluppato in una grande università del Nord-est dell'Italia per supportare i docenti che insegnano i loro corsi in lingua inglese e per indagare le percezioni degli studenti in un ambiente in cui insegnanti e studenti condividono per lo più la stessa L1, cioè l'italiano. Dopo aver delineato il progetto, che mirava a perfezionare le capacità didattiche e la consapevolezza interculturale dei docenti attraverso una varietà di percorsi di supporto linguistico e metodologico, il presente contributo riporta le difficoltà e preoccupazioni degli insegnanti riguardo all'insegnamento in inglese, così come da essi riportate nelle risposte ad un questionario. La discussione continua poi prendendo in considerazione le percezioni degli studenti circa la qualità delle lezioni EMI. Le implicazioni legate alle percezioni di docenti e studenti sono infine discusse in termini di gestione della qualità dell'istruzione in lingua veicolare inglese e degli aspetti dell'insegnamento e dell'apprendimento che ne sono interessati.
Socio-economic analysis of conditions for adoption of tractor hiring services among smallholder farmers, Northwestern Ethiopia

Abstract The objective of the study was to understand the socio-economic and cultural conditions of crop cultivation practices of farmers; the willingness of farmers towards tractor use and the factors that affect the start of tractor hiring services (THS). A total of 148 households were considered for the survey. Both purposive and stratified sampling techniques were employed disaggregated by sex, wealth status and soil types owned. Data collection techniques included structured interview and focused group discussion. Both descriptive and econometrics techniques were employed to analyze the data. The findings showed that labor shortage (69.7%), high rate of weed infestation (26.5%) and shortages of herbicides (27%) were the main challenges of weeding in the study area. Likewise, shortage of oxen (52%) and labor (43.3%) were found to be challenges related to ploughing practice. About 80% of the sampled farmers were willing to use THS if available in the study area. The econometric model result showed that being a model farmer, sex of a household, land holding, adult female labor endowment, oxen endowment and experience in use of herbicides were positively and significantly affecting farmers’ willingness to use THS. However, age of the head of a household negatively affected the willingness to use THS. From the results of the study it is possible to conclude that since oxen ownership and oxen ploughing practice are deeply rooted in Ethiopian tradition, awareness creation and close follow up are required at all levels for adoption of mechanization.
Use of Variable Remineralization Periods to Improve the Abrasion Resistance of Previously Eroded Enamel

The objective of the study was to evaluate the period of remineralization needed to re–establish the resistance of eroded enamel against brushing abrasion. Enamel specimens were prepared from 84 polished bovine incisors. The samples were evenly distributed among 7 groups (A–G) and submitted to ten alternating de– and remineralization cycles which included abrasion by toothbrushing. Demineralization was accomplished by immersing the specimens in the erosive soft drink Sprite Light® for 1 min. Remineralization was performed by storing the samples in artificial saliva for either 0 min (A), 10 min (B), 60 min (C) or 240 min (D). After each remineralization, the specimens were brushed in an automatic brushing machine. Group E (erosion and 240 min remineralization, but no brushing) group F (erosion, but no remineralization and no brushing), and group G (brushing, but no erosion and no remineralization) served as controls. After performing the cycles, loss of enamel was determined by profilometry. The following values (mean ± SD) were obtained and statistically analyzed (p<0.05): group A (5.16±1.26 μm), B (2.47±0.68 μm), C (1.72±0.75 μm), D (1.11±0.42 μm), E (0.81±0.23 μm), F (1.04±0.31 μm), G (0.22±0.15 μm). Only the differences between groups D, E, and F were statistically not significant. Under the chosen in vitro conditions, it is concluded that abrasion resistance of eroded enamel continuously increases with remineralization time. However, even after a period of 1 h of remineralization, abrasion of previously eroded enamel is increased
Factors affecting functional outcome after lower extremity amputation.

BACKGROUND More than 100,000 major lower extremity amputations -- amputations at the metatarsal, below-knee or above-knee level -- are performed yearly in the United States. Despite improvements in long-term outcome, operative mortality following such amputations has remained stable at 9% to 10% over the last 20 years. Several predictors for functional outcome of amputee patients are mentioned in the literature. OBJECTIVES The current study was planned to assess the impact of comorbidities on functional status after lower extremity amputations. MATERIALS AND METHODS It was a prospective comparative study held at the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad, and affiliated hospitals. The study included 104 patients regardless of age and gender. Patients were allocated into trans-metatarsal (TM) group, below-knee (BK) amputation group and above-knee (AK) amputation group. Comorbidities before amputation included diabetes mellitus (70.7%), coronary heart disease (57.1%), chronic kidney disease (53.6%), and/or congestive heart failure (52.1%). RESULTS Mortality within 30 days of hospital discharge was 9%, and hospital readmission was 27.7%. Stroke, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and poor baseline cognitive function were associated with the poorest functional outcome after amputation. Patients undergoing BK or AK amputation failed to return to their functional baseline within 6 months. CONCLUSIONS Higher amputation level, history of stroke, ESRD, poor baseline cognitive scores, and female gender are factors associated with inferior functional status after amputation.
Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting in India: A Study of SENSEX Companies

This study examines the corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure of Indian firms in the wake of the Companies Act, 2013. The annual reports of SENSEX companies for 2016–2017 were scanned to observe the dominant field of CSR reporting related to ‘community development’, ‘environmental activities’, ‘human resources’, ‘products & customer relations’ and ‘fair business practices’. Analysis of annual reports reveals that ‘fair business practices’ received most attention followed by ‘community development’ and ‘environmental activities’. Likewise, the most reported items have been ‘education’, ‘health’ and ‘energy conservation’. The results show that the CSR disclosure is pronouncedly communicated by ‘mining and mineral’ companies followed by ‘power sector’ companies.
Identifying chironomids (Diptera: Chironomidae) for biological monitoring with PCR–RFLP

Abstract Chironomids are excellent biological indicators for the health of aquatic ecosystems, but their use at finer taxonomic levels is hindered by morphological similarity of species at each life stage. Molecular markers have the potential to overcome these problems by facilitating species identification particularly in large-scale surveys. In this study, the potential of the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) approach was tested to rapidly distinguish among chironomids within a geographic area, by considering chironomid species from Melbourne, Australia. By comparing molecular markers with diagnostic morphological traits, RFLP profiles of the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) region were identified that were specific to genera and some common species. These profiles were used to develop an RFLP–based key, which was validated by testing the markers on samples from several wetlands and streams. As well as allowing for rapid identification of species that are difficult to separate on morphological grounds, this approach also has the potential to resolve current taxonomic ambiguities.
Implementing, Adapting, and Validating an Evidence-Based Algorithm for Hip Fracture Surgery

Objectives: Reoperations are common after surgical treatment of hip fractures but may be reduced by optimal choice of implant based on fracture classification. We hypothesized that implementing a surgical treatment algorithm was possible in our hospital and would result in a reduced reoperation rate. Design: Retrospective comparative study. Setting: Provincial level III trauma center. Patients: The evidence-based “Hvidovre Algorithm” for treatment of hip fractures was adopted and implemented at our provincial institution in September 2008. Three hundred eighty-six consecutive patients older than 50 years admitted with a hip fracture in the first year after implementation were prospectively included and compared with 417 retrospectively included similar patients admitted within the last year before implementation. Intervention: Implementation of an evidence-based treatment algorithm for hip fracture surgery. Results: Eighty-five percent (330 of 386) patients were operated according to the algorithm after implementation, compared with 67% (280 of 417) of procedures before implementation (P < 0.001). After implementation, the overall reoperation rate showed a tendency toward a reduction to 8% (32 of 386) from 12% (48 of 417) (P = 0.1). Among all the 803 included patients, the reoperation rate was lower if procedures had been performed according to the algorithm recommendations: 9% (53 of 610) versus 14% (27 of 193) (P = 0.009). Conclusions: The algorithm for hip fracture surgery was easily implemented, and our results support that using it facilitates a low reoperation rate. The reoperation rate may be further reduced with higher adherence to algorithm recommendation. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.