Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A novel method for flap delay vacuum assisted flap delay: an experimental study in rabbits

Abstract Flaps are the workhorse of plastic surgery practice. The delay procedures have been defined to prevent flap necrosis. The golden standard method of delay is a surgical delay. On the other hand, a major drawback of surgical delay is two sessions of surgery. Efforts have been made to omit one session and increase the patient safety and decrease the costs. The writer's aim was to evaluate the effects of topical negative pressure, applied prior to flap elevation, on flap survival, perfusion and compare the results with the surgical delay. In a rabbit random flap model, prior to elevation, the writers used a topical negative pressure system on the lateral thoracic region of, for induction of delay and compared the results with surgical delay and the control group. The total and necrotic flap areas, necrosis ratio, histomorphometric vascular density, immunohistochemical evaluation of neovascularization (CD31/CD34), Laser Doppler images and computerized tomography contrast uptake were used to compare the groups. In all of the parameters, the vacuum assisted flap delay was equivalent to surgical delay. Both were superior to non-delayed flaps. Control group had 65.56 ± 18.02% flap necrosis rate, while Surgical Delay group had 37.31 ± 30.74% and Vacuum Assisted Flap Delay group had 19.58 ± 27.35%. Vacuum Assisted Flap Delay did not require an extra operation for the delay procedure. The mechanism of action in the vacuum-assisted flap delay is unclear. The clinical significance should be studied further. However, vacuum assisted flap delay seems to be a promising method in the clinical setting.
Asymmetric dimethylarginine – a prognostic marker for transplant outcome?

Results of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) have improved progressively over the past two decades. [1][1] However, disease relapse, graft- versus -host disease (GvHD), and various other causes of non-relapse mortality continue to be hurdles to greater success. These challenges have
A rapid-test for screening biochar effects on seed germination

ABSTRACT We developed a rapid-test to screen for effects of biochar on seed germination and soils. Crop seeds were placed in containers and covered with 15 g of soil with 1% biochar by weight. Two agricultural soils from South Carolina USA were used. Eighteen biochars were produced from six primary feedstocks [pine chips (PC), poultry litter (PL), swine solids (SS), switchgrass (SG); and two blends of PC and PL, 50% PC/50% PL (55), and 80% PC/20% PL (82)]. Each feedstock was pyrolyzed at 350, 500 and 700°C. There were few biochar effects on seed germination. Shoot dry weight was increased for carrot, cucumber, lettuce, oat, and tomato; primarily with biochars containing PL. Soil pH, electrical conductivity and extractable phosphorus primarily increased with PL, SS, 55, and 82 treatments for both soil types and across species. This method can be an early indicator of biochar effects on seed germination and soil health.
Chronic Nodular Pulmonary Aspergillosis in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, which features nodular lesions known as Aspergillus nodules, is a relatively uncommon disorder. We herein report a case of slowly progressing chronic multiple nodular pulmonary aspergillosis in a 59-year-old man with rheumatoid arthritis, dyspnea, and fatigue. One nodule was surgically resected. The surgical specimen featured central necrosis and was located adjacent to a respiratory bronchiole and pulmonary artery, without parenchymal invasion. Branching septate hyphae, compatible with Aspergillus, were seen inside this necrotic nodule. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis should therefore be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients who present with slowly progressing pulmonary multiple nodules.
Management of aortic valve disease during pregnancy: A review

Cardiovascular disease represents a significant portion of pregnancy‐related complications and is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality in this cohort. Cardiac valvulopathy, and aortic valve pathologies, in particular, pose a significant challenge to women who are pregnant and to the health care professionals who look after them. Depending on the type and severity of aortic valve pathology, pregnancy may exacerbate or accelerate the progression of valvulopathy sequelae because of the hemodynamic changes that occur from conception, throughout gestation, up to Labor and postpartum. Management of such patients ranges from basic conservative measures such as bed‐rest, extending to high‐risk emergency open heart surgery. This nonstructured review aims to highlight the current evidence available relating to the management of aortic valve disease in pregnancy, with a key focus on cases which requires intervention beyond that of medical therapy. In conclusion, the management of aortic valvulopathy in pregnancy is a challenging field with only a small amount of clinical experience and retrospective study supporting evidence‐based decisions in this field. A greater understanding of the most recent advances is recommended to support decision making in this specialist field of clinical medicine.
Connectivity in coastal systems: Barrier island vegetation influences upland migration in a changing climate

Due to their position at the land–sea interface, barrier islands are vulnerable to both oceanic and atmospheric climate change‐related drivers. In response to relative sea‐level rise, barrier islands tend to migrate landward via overwash processes which deposit sediment onto the backbarrier marsh, thus maintaining elevation above sea level. In this paper, we assess the importance of interior upland vegetation and sediment transport (from upland to marsh) on the movement of the marsh–upland boundary in a transgressive barrier system along the mid‐Atlantic Coast. We hypothesize that recent woody expansion is altering the rate of marsh to upland conversion. Using Landsat imagery over a 32 year time period (1984–2016), we quantify transitions between land cover (bare, grassland, woody vegetation, and marsh) and the marsh–upland boundary. We find that the Virginia Barrier Islands have both gains and losses in backbarrier marsh and upland, with 19% net loss from the system during the timeframe of the study and increased variance in marsh to upland conversion. This is consistent with recent work indicating a shift toward increasing rates of landward barrier island migration. Despite a net loss of upland area, macroclimatic winter warming resulted in 41% increase in woody vegetation in protected, low‐elevation areas, introducing new ecological scenarios that increase resistance to sediment movement from upland to marsh. Our analysis demonstrates how the interplay between elevation and interior island vegetative cover influences landward migration of the boundary between upland and marsh (a previously underappreciated indicator that an island is migrating), and thus, the importance of including ecological processes in the island interior into coastal modeling of barrier island migration and sediment movement across the barrier landscape.
Woman’s perceived stress during pregnancy; stressors and pregnancy adverse outcomes

Abstract Background: Stress perceived by mothers during pregnancy is dependent on several factors and can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes threatening mother and child physical and mental health. Objective: The purpose of the present study is measuring perceived stress of pregnant women by 14 items Cohen’s perceived stress scale (PSS), detecting stressors surrounding pregnant women including male partner’s role, intimate violence, socioeconomic situation, etc., as well as investigate the effect of perceived stress on pregnancy adverse outcomes. Method: Two hundred first gravid pregnant women between 18 and 35 years old at post labor ward entered our cross-sectional study. They were asked to fill out the PSS questionnaire and an information gatherer filled out the checklist for exposures and baseline characteristics. Result: Mean ± SD of participants’ PSS was 25.5 ± 8.6. Mothers’ PSS was significantly higher in group reported father’s verbal aggression against mother (N = 71, 38%) (23.7 ± 9 versus 28.2 ± 7.2; p < .001) and father’s physical aggression against mother (N = 28, 15%) compared to nonexposed one (24.9 ± 7.7 versus 28.4 ± 8.7; p: .04). Mothers’ PSS score was significantly correlated with mothers’ satisfaction from both fathers’ emotional (r: −0.30, p: .001) and financial support (r: −0.34, p < .001) during pregnancy. Moreover, the mother’s satisfaction from father’s concomitance in prenatal care (PNC) visits was significantly correlated with the mother’s perceived stress (r: 0.24, p: .001). Conclusion: Male partner’s role during pregnancy directly affects the pregnant woman’s perceived stress.
Factors Affecting Uptake of PMTCT Services, Lodwar County Referral Hospital, Turkana County, Kenya, 2015 to 2016

Kenya is one of 22 countries globally that account for 90% of all HIV-positive pregnant women. This study aimed to determine factors affecting uptake of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services among HIV-positive pregnant women at Lodwar County Referral Hospital in Turkana County, an arid area in northern Kenya. We conducted a retrospective review of HIV-positive pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) and accessing PMTCT services between January 2015 and December 2016. We used infant prophylaxis as a proxy measure of PMTCT uptake, and records across programs were linked using the mother’s unique medical identification number. A total of 230 participants were included in the study. Bivariate analyses showed maternal prophylaxis (odds ratio [OR] = 45.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.35-202.00), residing in urban center (OR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.45-4.81), and having at least one ANC visit (OR = 2.78; 95% CI: 1.25-6.17) were significantly associated with uptake of PMTCT.
Prevalence of Escherichia coli O157 and Salmonella spp. in solid bovine manure in California using real‐time quantitative PCR

The occurrence of Escherichia coli O157 and Salmonella spp. in solid bovine manure was investigated through a multi‐county survey in California. Solid bovine manure samples (n = 91) were collected from 13 dairy farms located in multiple counties in California between June 2016 and August 2017. To quantify pathogens, DNA was extracted from bacteria in manure samples. Afterwards, the prevalence and levels of E. coli O157 and Salmonella spp. in solid bovine manure were determined by real‐time quantitative PCR (qPCR). The prevalence of E. coli O157 and Salmonella spp. in solid bovine manure was 15·4 and 6·6% respectively. Escherichia coli O157 and Salmonella spp. levels in positive samples ranged from 3·1 to 5·3 log CFU per g and from positive (the population was <3 log CFU per g) to 5·2 log CFU per g respectively. Surface samples of manure piles had higher prevalence and levels of E. coli O157 and Salmonella spp. than subsurface samples, while no seasonal effects on pathogen occurrence were observed. Our results indicated that solid bovine manure is a source of E. coli O157 and Salmonella spp. and the application of untreated manure as biological soil amendments may pose potential risks to public health.
Multisource Transfer Learning for Cross-Subject EEG Emotion Recognition

Electroencephalogram (EEG) has been widely used in emotion recognition due to its high temporal resolution and reliability. Since the individual differences of EEG are large, the emotion recognition models could not be shared across persons, and we need to collect new labeled data to train personal models for new users. In some applications, we hope to acquire models for new persons as fast as possible, and reduce the demand for the labeled data amount. To achieve this goal, we propose a multisource transfer learning method, where existing persons are sources, and the new person is the target. The target data are divided into calibration sessions for training and subsequent sessions for test. The first stage of the method is source selection aimed at locating appropriate sources. The second is style transfer mapping, which reduces the EEG differences between the target and each source. We use few labeled data in the calibration sessions to conduct source selection and style transfer. Finally, we integrate the source models to recognize emotions in the subsequent sessions. The experimental results show that the three-category classification accuracy on benchmark SEED improves by 12.72% comparing with the nontransfer method. Our method facilitates the fast deployment of emotion recognition models by reducing the reliance on the labeled data amount, which has practical significance especially in fast-deployment scenarios.
Respiratory polygraphy in children with sleep‐disordered breathing

At‐home respiratory polygraphy has been shown to be a reliable substitute for in‐laboratory polysomnography in adults for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea, but this is less well studied in children. One aim of this study was to examine the quality of at‐home respiratory polygraphy in children with sleep‐disordered breathing and to evaluate the interrater reliability of the results. Another aim was to study whether calibrated respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) flow can be used for the scoring of respiratory events when the airflow measurements are unreliable. Children aged 4–10 years, with sleep‐disordered breathing, underwent at‐home respiratory polygraphy. Of 113 polygraphies, only 46% were of acceptable quality, with missing nasal airflow being the most common problem (40%). The median recorded time with artifact‐free signal present in three traces simultaneously was 228 min (0–610 min). Seventeen polygraphy studies were selected for further study. Each study was scored by two independent scorers, with and without the nasal airflow signal present, the latter relying on RIP flow for the scoring of respiratory events. The apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) from the four different measurements was compared using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Comparison of the two scorers showed moderate agreement, with (ICC = 0.66) and without (ICC = 0.53) nasal airflow. One scorer had good agreement between AHI with and without nasal airflow (ICC = 0.81), whereas the other had poor agreement (ICC = 0.12). In conclusion, the scoring of respiratory events based on RIP flow is scorer dependent even for experienced scorers. The nasal airflow signal is frequently missing in paediatric respiratory polygraphies, which limits the usefulness of the method.
Effects of early umbilical cord clamping versus delayed clamping on maternal and neonatal outcomes: a Jordanian study

Abstract Objective: To compare the effects of early versus delayed cord clamping of term births on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Method: A quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Jordan University Hospital in Amman. One hundred twenty-eight mothers expecting a full-term singleton baby were assigned to delayed cord clamping (90 seconds) or early cord clamping (<30 seconds). Results: Delayed cord clamping was associated with higher hemoglobin levels among newborns after 12 hours. On the other hand, early cord clamping was associated with an increased need for oxygen therapy among newborns and occurrence of postpartum hemorrhage among mothers. There were no differences between the groups on any other variable (Apgar score at 1 and 5 minutes, admission to NICU, baby bilirubin levels after 12 hours and day 3 of birth, and mothers’ Hb levels after 12 hours of childbirth). Conclusion: Term babies receiving delayed cord clamping had improved hemoglobin levels with no adverse effect on other maternal and neonatal variables. Creating evidence-based practice guidelines for umbilical cord clamping in Jordanian hospitals is essential to improve neonatal and maternal health.
The role of radiotherapy in the management of non‐melanoma skin cancer

The global incidence of non‐melanoma skin cancer continues to increase as the global population ages with the highest incidence in the world occurring in Australian and New Zealand patients. There are numerous treatment options available for non‐melanoma skin cancer patients of which radiotherapy is an efficacious and versatile tissue preserving non‐surgical (or medical) option. In patients where excision may not be an option (medically/technically inoperable) or considered less ideal (e.g. cosmetic outcome), radiotherapy offers an excellent option. Following surgery, adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with unfavourable pathology can decrease the risk of recurrence and associated morbidity. Elderly and co‐morbid patients with poor performance status can benefit from short‐course hypofractionated radiotherapy in the setting where surgery is not an option. As with any modality, radiotherapy has advantages and disadvantages and it is therefore important for clinicians to appreciate these. We aim to present an update for clinicians that manage patients with non‐melanoma skin cancer on the role of radiotherapy.
Attachment and problematic Facebook use in adolescents: The mediating role of metacognitions

Background and aims Recent research used attachment theory and the metacognitive tenet as frameworks to explain problematic Facebook use (PFU). This study aims to test, in a single model, the role of different attachment styles and metacognitions in PFU among adolescents. Methods Two separate studies were conducted in order to establish the link between security (Study 1) and insecurity (Study 2), metacognitions, and PFU. A total of 369 and 442 Italian adolescents (age: 14–20 years old) participated in Study 1 and Study 2, respectively. Results Path analyses revealed the relative importance of different attachment dimensions with mother and father in predicting PFU and the mediating role of metacognitions between attachment styles and PFU. Discussion and conclusion In conclusion, since attachment styles and PFU may significantly affect adolescents’ development and well-being, the results of this study may provide some practical indications for researchers and practitioners.
Anaphylactic reaction to anakinra in a child with steroid-dependent idiopathic recurrent pericarditis and successful management with canakinumab

Abstract Conventional algorithm for treatment of pericarditis and prevention of recurrences consists of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and/or colchicine, followed by corticosteroids in resistant patients. Anakinra has emerged as a promising and safe treatment modality for steroid-dependent idiopathic recurrent pericarditis. However, the efficacy and safety of canakinumab, another anti-interleukin-1 agent, has not been assessed up to date. Herein, we present development of an anaphylactic reaction due to anakinra and a successful subsequent treatment with canakinumab for the first time in the literature.
Dido3-dependent SFPQ recruitment maintains efficiency in mammalian alternative splicing

Abstract Alternative splicing is facilitated by accessory proteins that guide spliceosome subunits to the primary transcript. Many of these splicing factors recognize the RNA polymerase II tail, but SFPQ is a notable exception even though essential for mammalian RNA processing. This study reveals a novel role for Dido3, one of three Dido gene products, in alternative splicing. Binding of the Dido3 amino terminus to histones and to the polymerase jaw domain was previously reported, and here we show interaction between its carboxy terminus and SFPQ. We generated a mutant that eliminates Dido3 but preserves other Dido gene products, mimicking reduced Dido3 levels in myeloid neoplasms. Dido mutation suppressed SFPQ binding to RNA and increased skipping for a large group of exons. Exons bearing recognition sequences for alternative splicing factors were nonetheless included more efficiently. Reduced SFPQ recruitment may thus account for increased skipping of SFPQ-dependent exons, but could also generate a splicing factor surplus that becomes available to competing splice sites. Taken together, our data indicate that Dido3 is an adaptor that controls SFPQ utilization in RNA splicing. Distributing splicing factor recruitment over parallel pathways provides mammals with a simple mechanism to regulate exon usage while maintaining RNA splicing efficiency.
Epithelial cell–derived cytokines: more than just signaling the alarm

The epithelial cell–derived cytokines thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), IL-33, and IL-25 are central regulators of type 2 immunity, which drives a broad array of allergic responses. Often characterized as “alarmins” that are released by the barrier epithelium in response to external insults, these epithelial cell–derived cytokines were initially thought to act only early in allergic inflammation. Indeed, TSLP can condition dendritic cells to initiate type 2 responses, and IL-33 may influence susceptibility to asthma through its role in establishing the immune environment in the perinatal lungs. However, TSLP, IL-33, and IL-25 all regulate a broad spectrum of innate immune cell populations and are particularly potent in eliciting and activating type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) that may act throughout allergic inflammation. Recent data suggest that a TSLP/ILC axis may mediate steroid resistance in asthma. Recent identification of memory Th2 cell subsets that are characterized by high receptor expression for TSLP, IL-33, and IL-25 further supports a role for these cytokines in allergic exacerbations. There is therefore growing interest in developing biologics that target TSLP, IL-33, and IL-25. This Review provides an overview of TSLP, IL-33, and IL-25 and the development of blocking antibodies that target these epithelial cell–derived cytokines.
Story Circles and abortion stigma in Mexico: a mixed-methods evaluation of a new intervention for reducing individual level abortion stigma

Abstract This study presents the results of an evaluation of a Story Circles intervention to reduce individual level abortion stigma among women who have experienced abortion in Mexico. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study explored whether participation in the intervention reduced 18 women’s experience of stigma one month after having participated. The study used the Individual Level Abortion Stigma Scale (ILAS Scale), qualitative interviews and focus groups to gain an understanding of women’s experiences of the intervention and any changes in stigmatising feelings. Findings suggest that the Story Circles offered women a place to talk about their abortion in an affirmative and supportive environment, unlike the context of their daily lives where stigma generated silence and affected their well-being. Participants were able to build trust, share their experiences, create connections and transform their perception of their abortion from a negative experience to one that was empowering and life-affirming. This also led to other significant positive changes in their lives. The paper offers recommendations about programme and intervention design and implementation for practitioners working to reduce individual level stigma among women who have experienced abortion.