Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of Simulation in Arthroscopy Training

Summary Statement Arthroscopy uses a completely different skill set compared with open orthopedic surgery. Hitherto, arthroscopy had not been given enough emphasis in the core orthopedic curricula. Simulation has been seen as an excellent way to teach the skills required in arthroscopy. The simulators used for arthroscopy training can be broadly classified into physical simulators such as cadavers, animals, models and box trainers, virtual-reality simulators, and hybrid simulators that combine virtual-reality simulation with physical components that allow real tactile feedback. The advantages and disadvantages of each of these types have been described in this article. The factors that determine skill acquisition using these simulators have been highlighted. In conclusion, simulation seems to be a valuable tool for arthroscopy training, although further studies are needed to state whether this translates into better operative skill on real patients.
Occult hepatitis B virus infection: a case of reactivation in a patient receiving immunosuppressive treatment for allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

The presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome in HBsAg-negative subjects is known as occult HBV infection1. This particular form of hepatitis, already recognised in the 1980s, has been confirmed and studied using molecular biology techniques. In fact, occult infection is usually associated with the presence of anti-HBc and anti-HBs, but given the relatively high percentage (approximately 20%) of subjects who are negative for all markers1, the introduction of a test to detect HBV DNA was fundamental. Occult infection is related in some cases to mutant viruses that are not detectable by the commonly used tests; it has also been observed that the reactivation of HBV related to variants of the viral genome often has an unfavourable clinical prognosis2,3. Much more frequently, however, an occult infection is associated with strong suppression of viral replication, which is responsible both for the negativity for HBsAg and the undetectable or very low levels of HBV DNA in the serum, although this latter can be found in liver tissue4,5. An occult infection can have a important impact in various different clinical settings, including transmission through blood transfusion or organ transplants6,7 and reactivation following immunosuppressive therapy. Indeed, it has been shown that the host's immune response, co-infections (e.g. with hepatitis C virus) and epigenetic factors all play significant roles in occult infection8. We present the case of a Georgian child negative for HbsAg who, after receiving an allogeneic bone marrow transplant and immunosuppressive therapy, was found to be positive for HBV. We then describe the investigations conducted in order to determine whether this was due to a new infection or reactivation of an occult infection.
Social Networks and the Targeting of Vote Buying

The social networks of voters have been shown to facilitate political cooperation and information transmission in established democracies. These same social networks, however, can also make it easier for politicians in new democracies to engage in clientelistic electoral strategies. Using survey data from the Philippines, this article demonstrates that individuals with more friend and family ties are disproportionately targeted for vote buying. This is consistent with the importance of other social factors identified in the literature such as reciprocity, direct ties to politicians, and individual social influence. In addition, this article presents evidence supporting an additional mechanism linking voter social networks to the targeting of vote buying: social network–based monitoring. Voters with larger networks are both more sensitive to the ramifications of reneging on vote buying agreements and are primarily targeted for vote buying in contexts where monitoring is necessary.
Dendritic cell vaccination against ovarian cancer – tipping the Treg/TH17 balance to therapeutic advantage?

The pathology of ovarian cancer is characterized by profound immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Mechanisms that contribute to the immunosuppressed state include tumor infiltration by regulatory T cells (Treg), expression of B7-H1 (PDL-1), which can promote T cell anergy and apoptosis through engagement of PD-1 expressed by effector T cells, and expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), which can also contribute to effector T cell anergy. Expression of both B7-H1 and IDO has been associated with differentiation and recruitment of Treg, and clinical studies have shown that each of these mechanisms correlates independently with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with ovarian cancer. In a remarkable counterpoint to these observations, ovarian tumor infiltration with TH17 cells correlates with markedly improved clinical outcomes. In this Future Perspectives review, we argue that dendritic cell (DC) vaccination designed to drive tumor-antigen-specific TH17 T cell responses, combined with adjuvant treatments that abrogate immunosuppressive mechanisms operative in the tumor microenvironment, offers the potential for clinical benefit in the treatment of ovarian cancer. We also discuss pharmacological approaches to modulation of MAP kinase signaling for manipulation of the functional plasticity of DC, such that they may be directed to promote TH17 responses following DC vaccination.
Induction of MAP1B phosphorylation in target‐deprived afferent fibers after kainic acid lesion in the adult rat

We have previously shown that the phosphorylated form of microtubule‐associated protein 1B (MAP1B‐P), which is located in growing axons during development and regeneration, remains detectable in the adult central nervous system only in areas that undergo morphologic plasticity (Nothias et al. [1996] J. Comp. Neurol. 368:317–334). Our objective in the present study was to determine whether lesion‐induced axonal remodeling, in the adult rat, is associated with reinduction of MAP1B phosphorylation. MAP1B‐P was not detectable in intact adult thalamic ventrobasal complex (VB), although low levels of MAP1B and its mRNA were present. A neuron‐depletion of VB by in situ injection of kainic acid was followed by an induction of MAP1B phosphorylation by 24 hours postlesion. MAP1B‐P was detected in fibers originating from undamaged neurons that were not located in the lesion, as demonstrated by the absence of hybridized MAP1B‐mRNA. Ultrastructural analysis confirmed the exclusive location of MAP1B‐P in axons in a proximodistal gradient. MAP1B phosphorylation appeared to be regulated by posttranslational modification of existing protein because the levels of MAP1B‐mRNA did not change. The number of MAP1B‐P‐labeled fibers increased during the first month postlesion and remained high for a long period. Double staining by using axonal tracing with dextran‐biotin and tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry, showed the presence of MAP1B‐P in VB afferents from somatosensory relays and the locus coeruleus. This study supports the hypothesis that MAP1B, at a particular state of phosphorylation, is correlated with axonal remodeling in the adult central nervous system (CNS). We suggest that the interaction of MAP1B‐P with microtubules allows the modulation of their dynamic properties during periods of increased axonal plasticity. J. Comp. Neurol. 396:193–210, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Race disparities in childhood asthma: does where you live matter?

OBJECTIVE This study investigates whether racial/ethnic disparities in childhood asthma prevalence can be explained by differences in family and neighborhood socioeconomic position (SEP). METHODS Data were from the 2001 Rhode Island Health Interview Survey (RI HIS), a statewide representative sample of 2,600 Rhode Island households, and the 2000 U.S. Census. A series of weighted multivariate models were fitted using generalized estimating equations (GEE) for the logistic case to analyze the independent and joint effects of race/ethnicity and SEP on doctor-diagnosed asthma among 1,769 white, black and Hispanic children <18 years old. RESULTS Compared with white children, black children were at increased odds for asthma and this effect persisted when measures of family and neighborhood SEP were included in multivariate models (AOR: 2.49; 95% Cl: 1.30-4.77). Black children living in poverty neighborhoods had substantially higher odds of asthma than Hispanic and white children in poverty areas and children in moderate- and high-income neighborhoods (AOR: 3.20: 95% Cl: 1.62-6.29). CONCLUSION The high prevalence of asthma among black children in poor neighborhoods is consistent with previous research on higher-than-average prevalence of childhood asthma in poor urban minority communities. Changing neighborhood social structures that contribute to racial disparities in asthma prevalence remains a challenge.
Divided island: Haitian immigration and electoral outcomes in the Dominican Republic

This paper provides new evidence on the effect of immigration on electoral outcomes in developing countries and emerging democracies. The Dominican Republic (DR) is used as case study as it provides a highly interesting context to analyse this issue. The majority of its immigrants come from neighbouring Haiti, and together the two countries share the island of Hispaniola. The analysis relies on a novel municipality panel dataset and an instrumental variable strategy to address the endogeneity of the location decisions of immigrants. I find robust evidence that higher immigrant concentration causes greater support for the right-wing political coalition that has traditionally been more opposed to immigration. At the same time, the popularity of the centre coalition is found to decline in localities characterised by a larger exposure to foreigners. Empirical evidence from election outcomes and opinion survey data suggests that citizenship, political competition and cultural identity considerations might be shaping individual attitudes towards immigrants in the DR.
Effect of decreased milking frequency of cows in late lactation on milk somatic cell count, polymorphonuclear leucocyte numbers, composition and proteolytic activity

The effects of reducing the frequency of milking of cows in late lactation on milk somatic cell count (SCC), polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN) content, chemical composition and proteolytic activity were investigated. Intermittent milking is frequently practised by Irish farmers in late lactation, and the objective of this study was to determine whether this procedure could be linked to altered quality of milk. Seventeen Holstein Friesian cows in late lactation (>215 d in milk) were assigned to two treatment groups, and were either milked twice a day until drying-off (control group) or milked intermittently as the yield fell (test group). Milk composition and enzymic characteristics were measured on two occasions. At the first sampling, day 7, test cows were on once daily milking and at the second, day 15, the test cows were being milked every second day. Milk yields were significantly lower in test than control animals and decreased between days 7 and 15 in both groups. Milk SCC and PMN levels were increased on reducing milking frequency and, at day 15, the increase was not linked to decreased milk yield. Milk lactose levels were significantly decreased and pH, α-lactalbumin levels, plasmin activity and plasminogen activity significantly increased by reducing milking frequency. In conclusion, reduced frequency of milking in late lactation leads to the production of milk that is abnormal in character and this may be linked to reduced quality of dairy products manufactured from such milk.
Analysis of the training load during a hypertrophy-type resistance training programme in men and women

Abstract The purpose of this study was to analyze the specific training load during a resistance training (RT) programme designed to increase muscular hypertrophy in men and women. Thirty-four women (22.7 ± 4.1 years, 58.8 ± 11.9 kg, 162.6 ± 6.2 cm and 22.1 ± 3.6 kg.m−2) and 30 men (22.7 ± 4.4 years, 68.4 ± 9.0 kg, 174.5 ± 6.6 cm and 22.5 ± 2.4 kg.m−2) underwent a supervised RT programme that was divided into two phases of 8 weeks each. Training consisted of 10–12 exercises performed with three sets of 8–12 repetitions at repetition maximum resistances performed 3 times per week on nonconsecutive days. There was a significant (P < 0.05) main effect for gender by time interaction for average training load of all the exercises performed in the first 8 weeks of RT with women showing a higher relative increase than men (+43.6% vs. +32.5%, respectively). This result was not observed during the second 8-week phase of the RT programme during which no significant gender by time interaction (P > 0.05) was shown with both genders having a similar relative increase (+28.7% vs. +24.3%, respectively). Women had a higher increase than men in specific average training load of the upper limb exercises during both the first 8 weeks of training (+30.2% vs. +26.6%, respectively) and the second 8 weeks of training (+31.1% vs. +25.3%, respectively). We conclude that the adaptation in specific training load is influenced by gender.
INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE AND UNINTENDED PREGNANCY AMONG ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG ADULT MARRIED WOMEN IN SOUTH ASIA

Summary This study examined the relationship between Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and unintended pregnancy among young women in South Asia using Demographic and Health Survey data from India (2005–2006), Bangladesh (2007) and Nepal (2011). The respondents were adolescent and young adult married women aged 15–24 years who had at least one childbirth in the five years preceding the survey. Bivariate and stepwise multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between IPV and unintended pregnancy. Thirty-eight per cent of the respondents in India, 52% in Bangladesh and 28% in Nepal reported having experienced physical or sexual IPV. Those who reported physical or sexual IPV had higher odds of unintended pregnancy (1.36 in India and 1.99 in Bangladesh). The findings indicate that IPV is a risk factor for unintended pregnancy among adolescent and young adult married women. Along with violence prevention programmes, a more responsive and youth-friendly health system needs to be in place to provide health care services to young women in these countries.
Utility of D‐dimer in the diagnosis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis

(20 of 46 patients, 43.5%) compared with a D-dimer plasma level >6125 ng mL (11 of 46 patients, 23.9%). Up to 50% of the patients could be correctly classified as having DVT or not by the determination of theD-dimer and fibrinogen plasma levels. It is evident that the conclusions of the present report should be restricted to patient populations which are comparable to that investigated in this study and to the laboratory tests used here. The sample size of n 1⁄4 103 is small, and, although not uncommon in this type of study [4], a limitation and underscores the pilot character of the present study. The prevalence of DVT in our patient group was 44.7%, which is rather high, although in the range of what has been reported [4]. However, since accuracy indices depend on the prevalence of the disease, the conclusions of the present study should be generalized with caution.
An Analysis of Chinas Poverty Research Based on CiteSpace

This paper uses CiteSpace to comprehensively grasp the situation of poverty research through the keyword co-occurrence and cluster by extracting the literature information in China during 1998-2017. The results show that the literature on poverty in China has different kinds of hotspots, which changed from rural areas, poverty alleviation and economic growth to multidimensional poverty, industrial poverty alleviation, and precise poverty alleviation. The researches mostly focus on subjects of poverty, poverty alleviation, sustainable development, and so on. This paper also finds that the number of research is huge, but the targeted research and field research is not enough. In the future, deep research on precise poverty alleviation will become a new trend.
Teachers Preparing For Changes to Learning Environment and Practices in a UK Secondary School

This paper considers teaching staff preparing for new premises intended to facilitate enquiry learning. The existing school consists of self-contained classrooms and teachers mainly teach alone. In the new building there will be large, shared spaces, facilitating movement and different groupings of students and encouraging autonomy for students and teamwork for teachers. We worked with teachers and students to explore current experiences, and anticipations for the new building, centred on an ‘experimental week’ of enquiry learning that took place in an existing large space (a school hall). We have reported the perspective of the students elsewhere (Woolner et al, 2012a) and in this paper we will explore the experiences of the teachers involved, particularly their ideas about the potential for changing practices. We met the teachers before and after the experimental week, observed the week and conducted interviews. The first day, using images and student statements to mediate discussions about teaching and learning, was intended to support staff in planning the experimental week. After the week, the team met groups of teachers to facilitate reflection on the experience and conducted individual interviews with some teachers mediated by photographs of the week. The tensions and stresses of attempting to make extensive changes to teaching practices were evident.
Low dose CT: practices and strategies of radiologists in university hospitals.

PURPOSE We surveyed the practices and policies of the radiology departments of academic institutions in Turkey regarding the use of low dose CT in daily practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Surveys were mailed electronically to radiology departments of 40 university hospitals. Information gathered included modifications of standard protocols for dose reduction according to body parts being examined or depending on specific patient groups such as children, pregnant, or slim patients. RESULTS Thirty-three radiology departments (82%) responded. Twenty-eight (85%) reported that they modify CT scanning parameters in order to reduce the patient dose. Of these, 5 (18%) reported that they always modulate the scan parameters, 10 (36%) often, 11 (39%) sometimes, and 2 (7%) seldom. Reduced dose CT is applied mostly in pediatric and pregnant patients, reported by 93% and 57% of respondents, respectively. The most common body part for the application of low dose CT was chest examination followed by imaging of paranasal sinuses, abdomen, and CT-guided interventions. The most common modification for dose reduction is using low mA, followed by increasing the pitch value. CONCLUSION Most respondents are aware of low dose CT, but the frequency of application varies considerably in routine practice. Reduced mA and increased pitch are the most commonly used modifications.
Systemic Banking Crises Revisited

This paper updates the database on systemic banking crises presented in Laeven and Valencia (2008, 2013). Drawing on 151 systemic banking crises episodes around the globe during 1970-2017, the database includes information on crisis dates, policy responses to resolve banking crises, and the fiscal and output costs of crises. We provide new evidence that crises in high-income countries tend to last longer and be associated with higher output losses, lower fiscal costs, and more extensive use of bank guarantees and expansionary macro policies than crises in low- and middle-income countries. We complement the banking crises dates with sovereign debt and currency crises dates to find that sovereign debt and currency crises tend to coincide or follow banking crises.
Fractalkine and macrophage‐derived chemokine: T cell‐attracting chemokines expressed in T cell area dendritic cells

Dendritic cells (DC) are a system of antigen‐presenting cells specialized in interaction with T cells. Recently it has been reported that DC can produce CC (β) chemokines that attract T cells. In this study we isolated mouse fractalkine and macrophage‐derived chemokine (MDC) belonging to CX3C (δ) and CC chemokine families, respectively, from bone marrow‐derived mature DC. While expression of fractalkine, which has so far been only examined in the brain and in vitro endothelial cells so far, was rather ubiquitous, MDC, which has been reported to be synthesized by macrophages and DC, was expressed specifically in the thymus and lymphnode. This is the first report that indicates fractalkine expression by DC. Expression of fractalkine and MDC mRNA increased with maturation of DC during in vitro culture of bone marrow cells. Spleen‐ and epidermis‐derived mature DC in culture also expressed these chemokines. Furthermore, their expression was detected selectively by Northern hybridization in CD11c+ B220– DC freshly purified from lymph nodes, and in large stellate cells in the lymph node T cell areas by in situ hybridization. Conditioned media of 293T cells transfected with these chemokine cDNA were chemotactic to Con A‐activated splenic T cells as well as the mouse T cell line EL4. In conclusion, while fractalkine and MDC belong to different families of chemokines, both may be involved in recruitment of T cells for interaction with mature DC in the immune response.
Comparison between sevoflurane and desflurane on emergence and recovery characteristics of children undergoing surgery for spinal dysraphism

Background and Aims: Rapid recovery is desirable after neurosurgery as it enables early post-operative neurological evaluation and prompt management of complications. Studies have been rare comparing the recovery characteristics in paediatric neurosurgical patients. Hence, this study was carried out to compare the effect of sevoflurane and desflurane anaesthesia on emergence and extubation in children undergoing spinal surgery. Methods: Sixty children, aged 1-12 years, undergoing elective surgery for lumbo-sacral spinal dysraphism were enrolled. Anaesthesia was induced with sevoflurane using a face mask. The children were then randomised to receive either sevoflurane or desflurane with oxygen and nitrous oxide, fentanyl (1 μg/kg/h) and rocuronium. The anaesthetic depth was guided by bispectral index (BIS ®) monitoring with a target BIS ® between 45 and 55. Perioperative data with regard to demographic profile, haemodynamics, emergence and extubation times, modified Aldrete score (MAS), pain (objective pain score), agitation (Cole′s agitation score), time to first analgesic and complications, thereof, were recorded. Statistical analysis was done using STATA 11.2 (StataCorp., College Station, TX, USA) and data are presented as median (range) or mean ± standard deviation. Results: The demographic profile, haemodynamics, MAS, pain and agitation scores and time to first analgesic were comparable in between the two groups (P > 0.05). The emergence time was shorter in desflurane group (2.75 [0.85-12] min) as compared to sevoflurane (8 [2.5-14] min) (P < 0.0001). The extubation time was also shorter in desflurane group (3 [0.8-10] min) as compared to the sevoflurane group (5.5 [1.2-14] min) (P = 0.0003). Conclusion: Desflurane provided earlier tracheal extubation and emergence as compared to sevoflurane in children undergoing surgery for lumbo-sacral spinal dysraphism.