Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Tick-Borne Human Diseases and Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine among Farmers from North-Eastern Italy (2017)

ABSTRACT Objectives: Tick-borne diseases (T-BD) represent a potential health threat for outdoor workers in endemic areas, such as the Autonomous Province of Trento (APT). We conducted a questionnaire-based survey to assess T-BD knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices among APT farmers, specifically focusing on the use of protective habits and the uptake of the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine. Methods: A convenience sample of 106 farmers (all males, mean age 47.3 ± 13.6 years) attending pesticide training courses (12/2016–03/2017) completed the anonymous survey. Binary regression analysis, calculations of multivariate odds ratios (mOR) and 95% confidence intervals were used to assess knowledge, attitudes, and risk perceptions as predictors of preventive measures. Results: Though general understanding of T-BD was fairly low, the majority of the participants perceived TBE infection as a frequent (73.6%) and severe disease (61.3%). Overall, 43.3% of participants knew a TBE vaccine was available, and 24.5% had been vaccinated. Protective habits were reported by 53.8% of respondents, with self-checks for tick bites particularly low at 2.8% of participants. Better knowledge of T-BD and favorable attitudes toward vaccinations were associated with TBE immunization (mOR 4.708; 95%CI 1.273–17.409 and mOR 3.555; 95%CI 1.175–10.760, respectively), while previous history of tick bite and any interaction with T-BD significantly predicted adherence to protective measures (mOR 4.458; 95%CI 1.808–10.991, and mOR 9.433; 95%CI 1.127–78.973, respectively). Conclusions: Adherence to preventive measures (TBE vaccine) and protective habits was unsatisfactory in our sampled group, being a possible consequence of significant knowledge gaps. Public health communication on T-BD in farmers should, therefore, target understanding of health issues and appropriate preventive measures.
DOES THE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AFFECT THE ENTERIC NERVOUS SYSTEM?

BACKGROUND Few studies regarding arthritic diseases have been performed to verify the presence of the neurodegeneration. Given the increased oxidative stress and extra-articular effects of the rheumatoid arthritis, the gastrointestinal studies should be further investigated aiming a better understanding of the systemic effects the disease on enteric nervous system. OBJECTIVE To determine whether the rheumatoid arthritis affects the nitrergic density and somatic area of the nNOS- immunoreactive (IR) myenteric neurons, as well as the morphometric areas of CGRP and VIP-IR varicosities of the ileum of arthritic rats. METHODS Twenty 58-day-old male Holtzmann rats were distributed in two groups: control and arthritic. The arthritic group received a single injection of the Freund's Complete Adjuvant in order to induce arthritis model. The whole-mount preparations of ileum were processed for immunohistochemistry to VIP, CGRP and nNOS. Quantification was used for the nitrergic neurons and morphometric analyses were performed for the three markers. RESULTS The arthritic disease induced a reduction 6% in ileal area compared to control group. No significant differences were observed in nitrergic density comparing both groups. However, arthritic group yielded a reduction of the nitrergic neuronal somatic area and VIP-IR varicosity areas. However, an increase of varicosity CGRP-IR areas was also observed. CONCLUSION Despite arthritis resulted in no alterations in the number of nitrergic neurons, the retraction of ileal area and reduction of nitrergic somatic and VIP-IR varicosity areas may suggest a negative impact the disease on the ENS.
The relationship between resilience, emotional distress, and community participation outcomes following traumatic brain injury

ABSTRACT Purpose/Objective: To determine how resilience is associated with social participation outcomes in persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI), in the context of emotional distress, demographics, and injury-related factors. Setting: Individuals with a history of TBI recruited the following stay at three rehabilitation facilities in the USA. Participants: 201 community-dwelling persons with medically documented TBI ranging in severity from mild to severe. Design: Prospective cohort observational study. Data were collected at two time points, approximately 6 months apart. Main Measures: TBI-QOL; PART-O Results: Resilience at baseline was moderately to strongly correlated with baseline psychological distress variables (rs= −.66) and social participation variables (rs =.33 to.57). In regression analyses, resilience was directly associated with social participation outcomes and formed a significant interaction with emotional distress in some models. Resilience failed to show a relationship with social participation at 6-month follow-up, when controlling for baseline social participation. Conclusions: Though related to emotional distress, self-reported resilience makes a unique contribution to predicting outcomes over time following brain injury, and may impact the relationship between stress and negative participation outcomes. As such, it is possible interventions that promote resilience may mitigate distress and promote community integration.
Simultaneous confidence interval methods for analytical similarity assessment

ABSTRACT In analytical similarity assessment of a biosimilar product, key quality attributes of the test and reference products need to be shown statistically similar. When there were multiple references, similarity among the reference products is also required. We proposed a simultaneous confidence approach based on the fiducial inference theory as an alternative to the pairwise comparison method. Three versions with two types of simultaneous confidence intervals for each version were proposed based on different assumptions of the population variance. We conducted extensive simulation studies to compare the performance of our proposed method and the pairwise method, and provided examples to illustrate the concern of using pairwise method.
Audiologic, surgical and subjective outcomes of active transcutaneous bone conduction implant system (Bonebridge)

Abstract Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the surgical restrictions, audiologic benefits and satisfaction from using an active transcutaneous bone conduction device (BCD), Bonebridge® (BB) in patients with mixed/conductive hearing loss (MCHL) or single-sided deafness (SSD). Design: A retrospective review from all patients who underwent BB surgery at the Pusan National University Hospital from 2015 to 2017 for SSD or MCHL was performed. Study sample: Twenty-two patients with SSD and five with MCHL had a BB implanted and analysed. Results: Complete transmastoid implantation of the device was possible for all patients with an intact canal wall (ICW), using lifts if necessary. The overall functional hearing gain (FHG) in SSD and MCHL was 31.4 and 37.6 dB, respectively. The mean percentage of speech recognition in a quiet was 81% (vs. 11% unaided) for MCHL group and 82% (vs. 29% unaided) for SSD group. Mean speech recognition scores in noise improved significantly under various signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for both groups. Questionnaires showed overall improvement, and there was no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusions: The BB provides improved functional gain, and there were no limitations during surgery despite the large device. Both MCHL and SSD group had benefit and improved quality of life with BB.
Haptoglobin administration into the subarachnoid space prevents hemoglobin-induced cerebral vasospasm.

Delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND) is a major driver of adverse outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) defining an unmet need for therapeutic development. Cell-free hemoglobin that is released from erythrocytes into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is suggested to cause vasoconstriction and neuronal toxicity and correlates with the occurrence of DIND. Cell-free hemoglobin in the CSF of patients with aSAH disrupted dilatory NO signaling ex vivo in cerebral arteries, which shifted vascular tone balance from dilation to constriction. We found that selective removal of hemoglobin from patient CSF with a haptoglobin-affinity column or its sequestration in a soluble hemoglobin-haptoglobin complex was sufficient to restore physiological vascular responses. In a sheep model, administration of haptoglobin into the CSF inhibited hemoglobin-induced cerebral vasospasm and preserved vascular NO-signaling. We identified two pathways of hemoglobin delocalization from CSF into the brain parenchyma and into the NO-sensitive compartment of small cerebral arteries. Both pathways were critical for hemoglobin-toxicity and were interrupted by the large hemoglobin-haptoglobin complex that inhibited spatial requirements for hemoglobin reactions with NO in tissues. Collectively, our data show that compartmentalization of hemoglobin by haptoglobin provides a novel framework for innovation aimed at reducing hemoglobin-driven neurological damage after subarachnoid bleeding.
Three-Dimensional Multiple Object Tracking Speed Thresholds are Associated with Measures of Simulated Driving Performance in Older Drivers

We assessed the relationship between three-dimensional multiple-object-tracking (3D-MOT) ability and older driver simulated driving performance. Participants included 30 older drivers from the local community who completed two experimental driving scenarios, as well as a three-dimensional multiple object tracking task, called the 3D-MOT task. The speed thresholds on the 3D-MOT task were strongly negatively associated with lane deviation and crash rates during a simulated highway drive. Our findings help to expand the existing knowledge regarding multiple object tracking and driving, as it is commonly assumed that some aspects of driving include the ability to track the movement of many objects. Our findings further elucidate the relationship that motion processing has with driving performance in the older driver population.
MOTOR SKILL ACQUISITION INFLUENCES LEARNERS ‘ VISUAL PERCEPTION IN GYMNASTICS

Research has shown that perceiving and predicting the actions of others differs as a function of motor expertise. The aim of this study was to address the question if participants who successfully acquired a handspring over a vaulting box exhibit changes in predicting handspring performances of other people. It was hypothesized that participants who successfully acquired the handspring over a vaulting box should outperform participants of a control group in predicting the landing positions of handspring performances in a computerbased perception test. Participants of an experimental group learned the handspring over a vaulting box following a methodical progression. No treatment was given to the participants of a control group. Landing position predictions were evaluated in a computer-based visual perception test prior to, and at the end of the methodical progression. Results revealed that the participants of the experimental group predicted landing positions more precisely in the posttest compared to the pretest. Furthermore, participants predicted landing positions more precisely when video sequences were occluded earlier, arguing in favor of an optimal information density when predicting landing positions in handsprings. It is stated, that as a learner acquires a motor skill in gymnastics, this changes the way the learner perceives that skill.
Adolescents’ experiences of being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a phenomenological study conducted in Sweden

Objectives To explore adolescents’ experiences of being diagnosed with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Design Qualitative interview study, using a phenomenological framework and analysis. Setting The children’s clinic of a specialised out-care hospital located in a multicultural area of a Swedish city. Participants 13 adolescents, 7 boys and 6 girls between 14 and 19 years old, who had been diagnosed with ADHD. Results The participants’ experience of being diagnosed with ADHD was interpreted as a process of understanding oneself as being different, for better or worse, like many others. The participants sought acceptance and a sense of normality, while developing an understanding of both the positive and the negative sides of their ADHD traits. These two sides of a coin were inter-related parts of themselves and were shared by many others, which increased their acceptance. Three themes described phases of the process: struggling with vulnerability, responding to a label and manoeuvring social life. Conclusion The results add to previous research, illuminating that the adolescents tried to make sense of both the uniqueness and the vulnerability of the ADHD diagnosis. The findings can be useful for healthcare professionals, in reflecting on the complexity of ADHD and on the adolescents’ expectations.
Relationship between BMI and aortic stiffness: influence of anthropometric indices in hypertensive men and women.

BACKGROUND Increased aortic stiffness could be one of the mechanisms by which obesity increases cardiovascular risk independently of traditional risk factors. Studies have suggested that anthropometric indices may be predictors of cardiovascular risk but few studies have investigated their relations with aortic stiffness in high cardiovascular risk population. We investigated the strength of correlation between different anthropometric indices with aortic stiffness in hypertensive and diabetic patients. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed in 474 hypertensive patients. Anthropometric indices were calculated: BMI, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, and waist-height ratio (WHtR). Aortic stiffness was assessed by measurement of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV). Correlations between indices and PWV were investigated by linear regression analyses and hierarchical analyses after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS Regional anthropometric indices were more strongly correlated with PWV than BMI in both sexes. In linear regression analyses, WHtR presented the highest correlation with PWV than other indices in our study population. In adjusted hierarchical regression used, WHtR had the highest additive value on top of BMI while there no additive value of BMI on top of WHtR. These differences remained after adjustment on cardiovascular events. In men WHtR was more closely correlated with PWV than others. In women, waist-hip ratio and WHtR were equally correlated with PWV compared with BMI. CONCLUSION Regional anthropometric indices are more closely correlated with PWV than BMI in hypertensive patients. WHtR presents the highest correlation with PWV beyond BMI. REGISTRATION The study was registered in the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (No. 2013-A00227-38) and was approved by the Advisory Committee for Protection of Persons in Biomedical Research.
Could Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers Offer Better Predictive Value for Spinal Cord Ischaemia Than Current Neuromonitoring Techniques During Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair - A Systematic Review

Objective Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage is a technique that has significantly reduced the incidence of spinal cord ischaemia (SCI). We present results of a systematic review to assess the literature on this topic in relation to thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair (TAAR). Methods Major medical databases were searched to identify papers related to CSF biomarkers measured during TAAAR. Results Fifteen papers reported measurements of CSF biomarkers with 265 patients in total. CSF biomarkers measured included S-100ß, neuron-specific endolase (NSE), lactate, glial fibrillary acidic protein A (GFPa), Tau, heat shock protein 70 and 27 (HSP70, HSP27), and proinflammatory cytokines. Lactate and S-100ß were reported the most, but did not correlate with SCI, which was also the case with NSE and TAU. GFPa showed significant CSF level rises, both intra and postoperative in patients who suffered SCI and warrants further investigation, similar results were seen with HSP70, HSP27 and IL-8. Conclusions Although there is significant interest in this topic, there still remains a significant lack of high-quality studies investigating CSF biomarkers during TAAR to detect SCI. A large and multicentre study is required to identify the significant role of each biomarker.
Parenchymal Sparing Anatomical Liver Resections With Full Laparoscopic Approach: Description of Technique and Short-term Results.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe laparoscopic anatomical parenchymal sparing liver resections for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) and report the short-term outcomes. BACKGROUND Anatomical resections (ARs) have better oncological outcomes compared to partial resections in patients with HCC, and some suggest should be performed also for CRLM as micrometastasis occurs through the intrahepatic structures. Furthermore, remnant liver ischemia after partial resections has been associated with worse oncological outcomes. Few experiences on laparoscopic anatomical resections have been reported and no data on limited AR exist. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of 86 patients undergoing full laparoscopic anatomical parenchymal sparing resections with preoperative surgical simulation and standardized procedures. RESULTS A total of 55 patients had HCC, whereas 31 had CRLM with a median of 1 lesion and a size of 30 mm. During preoperative three-dimensional (3D) simulation, a median resection volume of 120 mL was planned. Sixteen anatomical subsegmentectomies, 56 segmentectomies, and 14 sectionectomies were performed. Concordance between preoperative 3D simulation and intraoperative resection was 98.7%. Two patients were converted, and 7 patients experienced complications. Subsegmentectomies had comparable blood loss (166 mL, P = 0.59), but longer operative time (426 min, P = 0.01) than segmentectomies (blood loss 222 mL; operative time 355 min) and sectionectomies (blood loss 120 mL; operative time 295 min). R0 resection and margin width remained comparable among groups. CONCLUSIONS A precise preoperative planning and a standardized surgical technique allow to pursue the oncological quality of AR enhancing the safety of the parenchyma sparing principle, reducing surgical stress through a laparoscopic approach.
Government Expenditure and Economic Growth in a Small Open Economy : A Disaggregated Approach

This paper provides empirical evidence on the relationship between the components of government expenditure and economic growth in Barbados. Both the Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares and the Unrestricted Error Correction Model were employed to analyse time series data spanning from 1976-2011. Generally the findings suggest that total government spending produces a drag on economic growth, particularly in the short-run, with a much smaller impact over time. More specifically the results indicate that while outlays on health and social security have little influences on per capita economic growth; government expenditure on education typically has a significant and negative impact on growth, both in the long and short runs. In addition, reallocations of government spending from one component to another may have growth-enhancing effects without having to change the level of government spending.
nement and crystal chemistry of Mn-doped spinel : A case for tetrahedrally coordinated Mn 3 + in an oxygen-based structure

Spinel single crystals of four compositions along the MgAl2O4MgMn2O4 join, with Mn up to 0.25 apfu, were synthesized by use of a ß ux-growth method. The crystals were analyzed by electron microprobe, X-ray single-crystal diffraction, and optical absorption spectroscopy. Results revealed that Mg contents vary from 0.90 to 0.99 apfu, Mn ≤ 0.11 apfu, Mn varies from zero to 0.25 apfu, and Al-contents from 1.75 to 1.99 apfu. The unit-cell parameter increases linearly from 8.0883(3) to 8.1413(4) Å with increasing Mn content. The crystals show moderately disordered cation distributions, with i = 0.23(1), and different distribution trends have been observed: the Mg content is constant at the T site and is replaced by Mn at the M-site; Al decreases while Mn increases in Tand M-sites. Mn shows a preference for the T site, and a speciÞ c bond distance was reÞ ned, Mn-O = 1.88(1) Å. Unpolarized room-temperature single-crystal spectra reveal two relatively broad absorption features at ca. 23 000 and 10 800 cm, which are assigned to spin-allowed d-d transitions in Mn located at octahedral and tetrahedral sites, respectively. The bond valence approach shows that the bonds are strained in the tetrahedron indicating underbonding in T, whereas the bonds are unstrained in the octahedron. To reduce the M-M repulsion, the steric effect is driven by the movement of the oxygen atoms, which improves the shielding effect around the M-site, thus increasing the distortion of the structure relative to the CCP. As a result the tetrahedron undergoes an isotropic expansion, which constrains the structure to incorporate larger cations such as Mn rather than smaller cations like Al at the T-site. This behavior, which is in disagreement with predictions based on crystal Þ eld energy considerations, illustrates the greater importance of steric factors on the cation distribution in spinels.
On the syllable-timing of Cantonese and Beijing Mandarin

This study investigates the speech rhythm of Cantonese and Beijing Mandarin using some recently developed acoustic rhythmic measures. The two languages were compared with four languages in the BonnTempo corpus: German and English (stress-timed) and French and Italian (syllable-timed). Six Cantonese and six Beijing Mandarin native speakers were recorded reading the North Wind and the Sun story with a normal speech rate and telling the story semi-spontaneously. Both raw and normalised rhythmic measures were calculated using vocalic, consonantal and syllabic durations (∆C, ∆V, ∆S, %V, VarcoC, VarcoV, VarcoS, rPVI_C, rPVI_S, nPVI_V, nPVI_S). Results confirm the syllable-timing impression of Cantonese and Beijing Mandarin, and suggest that Cantonese may have the most typical syllable-timed rhythm among the languages in this study, probably due to its lack of lexical stress. This study also shows that, in addition to consonantal and vocalic durations, syllable durations can potentially be useful in distinguishing speech rhythm.