Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of aqueous foam stability in the presence of emulsified non-aqueous-phase liquids: structure and stability of the pseudoemulsion film

Oil dispersed in a foaming system is encountered in foam mobility control processes in enhanced oil recovery applications. The influence of the emulsified oil drops on the stability of an aqueous foaming system is investigated at the thin film level. In the first part of the paper we evaluate the theories that use the classical entering and spreading coefficients to predict the effect of oil drops on foam stability. In the second part of the paper, we use reflected light interference microscopy to observe the drainage and stability of the pseudoemulsion film. We observed, for the first time, that the film thins in discrete steps, which is indicative of the presence of an ordered micellar structure within the film, and this structure was found to enhance the film stability. 29 refs., 14 figs., 2 tabs.
Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in olives exposed to three different industrial sources and in their respective oils

ABSTRACT Atmospheric contamination of plant raw material with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) helps explain their presence in edible vegetable oils. This study compared PAH contamination of Turkish olive fruits during their growing period on the tree and their respective oils from three different industrial sources (petroleum refinery, thermal power plant and heavy industry site). The method included liquid-liquid extraction solid-phase extraction for cleanup followed by HPLC with fluorescence detector. There were statistically significant differences between the three industrial sources in benzo[a]pyrene content, the sum of light, total PAHs and PAH4 (p˂0.05), but only slight differences in PAH profiles. The highest level of PAH compounds was measured in samples exposed to pollution from the petroleum refinery, nearly twice as high as samples exposed to the thermal power plant which showed the lowest contamination levels. None of the samples analysed exceeded the limits stipulated by current legislation. The transfer ratios of PAH compounds from olives to olive oil were 22.8–73.2%. This indicates that PAHs either diffuse directly from skin to oil within the fruit or transfer during oil extraction.
The role of neoadjuvant FLOT chemotherapy with and without omega 3 in locally advanced gastric carcinoma.

PURPOSE Gastric is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide with two third of the cases presented in advanced stage with resultant increased morbidity and mortality. The purpose of the study was to investigate the nutritional intervention with and without omega 3 fatty acids. METHODS Forty two cases were randomized into two groups: group; A: FLOT neoadjuvant chemotherapy with omega 3 and group B: FLOT chemotherapy alone in the period from July 2018 to July 2019. We evaluated the radicality of surgical interference, overall response, nutritional status, treatment delivery and toxicity. RESULTS The radicality, overall response the SGA score and the bioelectrical impedance parameters were higher in those who received omega 3 with chemotherapy and toxicity was less which was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Omega 3 administrations during chemotherapy in gastric cancer increased the chemotherapy tolerability and decreased the treatment gap between cycles and hence improved gastric cancer resection.
Retrospective cohort study evaluating the efficacy and safety of an orthopaedic consultant‐led virtual fracture clinic in an Australian level 1 trauma centre

In Australian health care, the consistent rise in demand for orthopaedic outpatient clinic services is creating marked challenges in the provision of quality care. This study investigates the efficacy and safety of a virtual fracture clinic (VFC) as an alternative model of care for the management of acute injuries and musculoskeletal conditions in the Australian public hospital setting.
Comparison of Education and Episodic Memory as Modifiers of Brain Atrophy Effects on Cognitive Decline: Implications for Measuring Cognitive Reserve

Abstract Objective: This study compared the level of education and tests from multiple cognitive domains as proxies for cognitive reserve. Method: The participants were educationally, ethnically, and cognitively diverse older adults enrolled in a longitudinal aging study. We examined independent and interactive effects of education, baseline cognitive scores, and MRI measures of cortical gray matter change on longitudinal cognitive change. Results: Baseline episodic memory was related to cognitive decline independent of brain and demographic variables and moderated (weakened) the impact of gray matter change. Education moderated (strengthened) the gray matter change effect. Non-memory cognitive measures did not incrementally explain cognitive decline or moderate gray matter change effects. Conclusions: Episodic memory showed strong construct validity as a measure of cognitive reserve. Education effects on cognitive decline were dependent upon the rate of atrophy, indicating education effectively measures cognitive reserve only when atrophy rate is low. Results indicate that episodic memory has clinical utility as a predictor of future cognitive decline and better represents the neural basis of cognitive reserve than other cognitive abilities or static proxies like education.
Beyond Sharing Unpleasant Affect—Evidence for Pain-Specific Opioidergic Modulation of Empathy for Pain

Abstract It is not known how specific the neural mechanisms underpinning empathy for different domains are. In the present study, we set out to test whether shared neural representations between first-hand pain and empathy for pain are pain-specific or extend to empathy for unpleasant affective touch as well. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging and psychopharmacological experiments, we investigated if placebo analgesia reduces first-hand and empathic experiences of affective touch, and compared them with the effects on pain. Placebo analgesia also affected the first-hand and empathic experience of unpleasant touch, implicating domain-general effects. However, and in contrast to pain and pain empathy, administering an opioid antagonist did not block these effects. Moreover, placebo analgesia reduced neural activity related to both modalities in the bilateral insular cortex, while it specifically modulated activity in the anterior midcingulate cortex for pain and pain empathy. These findings provide causal evidence that one of the major neurochemical systems for pain regulation is involved in pain empathy, and crucially substantiates the role of shared representations in empathy.
Evaluating Crisis Communication. A 30-item Checklist for Assessing Performance during COVID-19 and Other Pandemics

The primary objective of this paper is to propose a conceptual checklist to assess crisis communication efforts during pandemics and in their aftermath. No consolidated checklist exists for assessing the effectiveness of crisis communication at all levels during pandemics. A literature review was conducted, encompassing articles on crisis communication during SARS, swine flu, H1N1, ZIKA, Ebola, and/or COVID-19. Based on the review, a comprehensive checklist was developed to enable researchers and evaluators to assess and review all important aspects of crisis communication during pandemics. The final Assessment tool for Crisis Communication during Pandemics (ACCP) consists of 30 criteria. Further research is suggested to validate the checklist.
Effect of sugarcane bagasse as industrial by-products treated Lactobacillus casein TH14, cellulase, and molasses on feed utilization, ruminal ecology and milk production of mid-lactating Holstein Friesian cows.

BACKGROUND The study aimed to evaluate the effect of L. casei TH14 and additives combination fermented sugarcane bagasse (SB) as an exclusive roughage source in the total mixed ration (TMR) for mid-lactation 75% crossbred Holstein cows on feed intake, digestibility, ruminal ecology, milk yield, and milk composition. Four multiparous mid-lactation crossbred (75% Holstein Friesian and 25% Thai native breed) dairy cows with 439 ± 16 kg body weight, 215 ± 5 day-in-milk, and average milk yield 10 ± 2 kg day-1 were assigned to a 4 x 4 Latin square design. The unfermented SB (SB-TMR), SB fermented cellulase and molasses (CM-TMR), SB fermented L. casei TH14 and molasses (LM-TMR), and SB fermented L. casei TH14, cellulase, and molasses (LCM-TMR) was used as dietary treatments. RESULTS The CM-TMR, LM-TMR, and LCM-TMR significantly (p < 0.01) increased dry matter and fiber digestibility, gross energy and metabolizable energy intake (p < 0.05), blood glucose, total volatile fatty acids (p < 0.05), propionic acid, and milk yield while decreased ammonia, acetic acid, acetic to propionic ratio, and methane production (p < 0.05) when compared with the SB-TMR. Compared among fermented SB treatments, LCM-TMR had lower (p < 0.05) ruminal ammonia and greater blood glucose (p < 0.01); LCM-TMR showed (p < 0.05) greater volatile fatty acids, propionic acid, milk yield, and total solids and lower acetic to the propionic ratio (p < 0.01); methane, protozoa, and somatic cell count were found the lowest in LCM-TMR. CONCLUSION Combination of L. casei TH14 and additives (LCM-TMR) effectively enhanced feed use, rumen ecology, and milk production of Holstein Friesian cows. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Structure and Function of the Vocal Cords after Airway Reconstruction on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Dysphonia is a common problem at long‐term follow‐up after airway surgery for laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) with major impact on quality of life. Dysphonia after LTS can be caused by scar tissue from initial stenosis along with anatomical alterations after surgery. There is need for a modality to noninvasively image structure and function of the reconstructed upper airways including the vocal cords to assess voice outcome and possible treatment after LTS. Our objective was to correlate vocal cord structure and function of patients after airway reconstruction for LTS on static and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to voice outcome.
A clinical audit of the patterns of presentations and complications of abdominal myomectomy at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract Abdominal myomectomy is a common modality of treatment for large and symptomatic uterine fibroids in women who wish to retain their fertility. Black women have higher rates and larger sizes of uterine fibroids. We aimed to determine the presentation patterns, peri-operative complications, and determinants of complications in patients who underwent abdominal myomectomy. This was a retrospective review of women who had abdominal myomectomy between July 2016 and June 2019. There were intra-operative complications and post-operative complications in 25% and 29.3% of patients respectively. There were higher odds for developing intra-operative complications among those who had general anaesthesia [OR = 3.514, 95%CI (1.951–6.331)], more than 10 fibroid nodules enucleated [OR = 4.917, 95%CI (2.600–9.298)], pre-operative Packed cell volume (PCV) < 30% [OR = 4.831, 95%CI (2.370–9.880)], presence of adhesions [OR = 2.680, 95%CI (1.510–4.730)], fibroids larger than 10 centimetres [OR = 1.98, 95%CI (1.13–3.49)], previous pelvic surgery [OR = 2.68, 95%CI (1.52–4.63)]. Post-operative complications were higher in those who had general anaesthesia or pre-existing medical conditions. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Abdominal myomectomy is a major surgical procedure globally with a significant morbidity rate. Sufficient evidence relating to the determinants of peri-operative complications are lacking. What do the results of this study add? Our results highlight the factors associated with increased odds of developing complications following abdominal myomectomy. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our study complements existing data on the peri-operative complications following abdominal myomectomy. It also reflects the possibility of mortality albeit a rarerity. A retrospective multivariate analysis like this, while classifying morbidities into intra-operative and post-operative complications, is required to start an audit cycle. Knowing these determinants will help improve patient optimisation for surgery, identify high risk women and enhance more directed counselling. The results from this pilot study will also be used to design a prospective study to be undertaken by the authors.
Percutaneous Renal Biopsy Using an 18-Gauge Automated Needle Is Not Optimal

Background: As percutaneous renal biopsies (PRBs) are increasingly performed by radiologists, an increase in the use of 18-gauge automated needle stands to compromise adequacy. We compare the adequacy and safety of PRB with 14-, 16-, and 18-gauge automated needles. Methods: PRB of native (N-592) and transplant (T-1,023) kidneys was performed from January 2002 to December 2019 using real-time ultrasound. Baseline clinical and laboratory data, biopsy data (number of cores, total glomeruli, and total glomeruli per core), and outcome (hematoma on renal US at 1-h, complications, and transfusion) were collected prospectively. PRB with N14g (337) versus N16g (255) and T16g (892) versus T18g (131) needles were compared. A p value of <0.05 was significant. Results: PRB with an 18-g needle yielded the lowest number of total glomeruli per biopsy (N14g vs. N16g: 33 ± 13 vs. 29 ± 12, p < 0.01 and T16g vs. T18g: 34 ± 16 vs. 21 ± 11, p < 0.0001), significantly fewer total glomeruli per core (T16g vs. T18g: 12.7 ± 6.4 vs. 9.6 ± 5.0, p < 0.001 and N16g vs. T18g: 14.2 ± 6.3 vs. 9.6 ± 5.0, p < 0.001). A hematoma by renal US 1-h post-PRB was similar for native (14g–35% vs. 16g–29%, p = 0.2), and transplant biopsies (16g–10% vs. 18g–9%, p = 0.9) and the complication rate for native (14g–8.9% vs. 16g–7.1%, p = 0.5), transplant biopsies (16g–4.6% vs. 18g–1.5%, p = 0.2) and transfusion rate for native (14g–7.7% vs. 16g–5.8%, p = 0.4), and transplant biopsies (16g–3.8% vs. 18g–0.8%, p = 0.1) were similar irrespective of needle size. Conclusions: PRB of native and transplant kidneys with the use of a 16-gauge needle provides an optimal sample. However, our experience in transplant biopsies suggests the use of an 18-gauge needle stands to jeopardize the diagnostic accuracy of the PRB while not improving safety.
COVID-19-related social support service closures and mental well-being in older adults and those affected by dementia: a UK longitudinal survey

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on delivery of social support services. This might be expected to particularly affect older adults and people living with dementia (PLWD), and to reduce their well-being. Aims To explore how social support service use by older adults, carers and PLWD, and their mental well-being changed over the first 3 months since the pandemic outbreak. Methods Unpaid dementia carers, PLWD and older adults took part in a longitudinal online or telephone survey collected between April and May 2020, and at two subsequent timepoints 6 and 12 weeks after baseline. Participants were asked about their social support service usage in a typical week prior to the pandemic (at baseline), and in the past week at each of the three timepoints. They also completed measures of levels of depression, anxiety and mental well-being. Results 377 participants had complete data at all three timepoints. Social support service usage dropped shortly after lockdown measures were imposed at timepoint 1 (T1), to then increase again by T3. The access to paid care was least affected by COVID-19. Cases of anxiety dropped significantly across the study period, while cases of depression rose. Well-being increased significantly for older adults and PLWD from T1 to T3. Conclusions Access to social support services has been significantly affected by the pandemic, which is starting to recover slowly. With mental well-being differently affected across groups, support needs to be put in place to maintain better well-being across those vulnerable groups during the ongoing pandemic.
Ready for a Learner’s Permit? Clinical Neuropsychological Off-road Tests and Driving Behaviors in a Simulator among Adolescents with ADHD and ASD

ABSTRACT A simulator driving test (SDT) and two neuropsychological tests, the Useful Field of View (UFOV) test and the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) were evaluated with regard to validity for fitness to drive on 51 young clients diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), 33 of whom also had autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and 38 adolescents without a neurodevelopmental diagnosis. The results show generally much greater variability and significantly poorer performance in the SDT and the TOVA for clients with ADHD/ASD compared with the control group. The SDT results were strongly intratest correlated, but had no interest correlation with either the UFOV test or the TOVA. The greater variability among clients with ADHD/ASD suggests greater effort and susceptibility to motivational issues and decline in sustained attention over several tests. In conclusion, the SDT is sensitive and has good face validity, and the TOVA is sensitive to neuropsychological aspects of safe driving. The SDT and the TOVA thus complement each other, and discrepancy between test scores calls for special consideration.
Effect of Aging on the Viscoelastic Properties of Hippocampal Subfields Assessed with High-Resolution MR Elastography.

Age-related memory impairments have been linked to differences in structural brain parameters, including the integrity of the hippocampus (HC) and its distinct hippocampal subfields (HCsf). Imaging methods sensitive to the underlying tissue microstructure are valuable in characterizing age-related HCsf structural changes that may relate to cognitive function. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a noninvasive MRI technique that can quantify tissue viscoelasticity and may provide additional information about aging effects on HCsf health. Here, we report a high-resolution MRE protocol to quantify HCsf viscoelasticity through shear stiffness, μ, and damping ratio, ξ, which reflect the integrity of tissue composition and organization. HCsf exhibit distinct mechanical properties-the subiculum had the lowest μ and both subiculum and entorhinal cortex had the lowest ξ. Both measures correlated with age: HCsf μ was lower with age (P < 0.001) whereas ξ was higher (P = 0.002). The magnitude of age-related differences in ξ varied across HCsf (P = 0.011), suggesting differential patterns of brain aging. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using MRE to assess HCsf microstructural integrity and suggests incorporation of these metrics to evaluate HC health in neurocognitive disorders.
Immunoglobulin G4-related Disease Accompanied by Peripheral Neuropathy: A Report of Two Cases

Due to its rarity and the limited literature, the clinicopathological characteristics of peripheral nerve involvement in immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease are unknown. We present two cases of IgG4-related disease, accompanied by peripheral neuropathy, presenting as unilateral ptosis (case 1) and sclerosing cholangitis (case 2), respectively. In both cases, sural nerve biopsy indicated vasculitis as the underlying pathophysiology; the peripheral neuropathy was refractory to corticosteroid therapy. In contrast to the previously proposed pathomechanism of IgG4-related neuropathy (direct lymphoplasmacytic infiltration), the pathological findings in our cases suggest that vasculitis occurs secondary to systemic autoimmune conditions.
Survival and therapeutic response in patients with melanoma of unknown and known primary: a single-centre retrospective analysis

The survival of patients with melanoma of unknown primary (MUP) is proposed to be more favourable than that for melanoma of known primary (MKP). This may be due to an enhanced initial immune response in patients with MUP, which could also affect the efficacy of immunotherapy in advanced disease. The present study compared therapeutic outcome and survival in Stage III and IV MUP and MKP. Medical records of 67 MUP and 536 MKP patients were reviewed. Median overall survival (OS) in Stage III patients was 77 months versus 54 months in patients with MUP and MKP, respectively (p = 0.11). Median OS was prolonged in MUP patients receiving adjuvant first-line ipilimumab (p = 0.14). In contrast, OS tended to be more favourable in patients with MKP after palliative first-line ipilimumab treatment (p = 0.16). Yet, no statistically significant differences in OS were detected between the groups. Moreover, survival after anti-PD-1-antibody treatment was similar in patients with MUP and MKP. Overall, we observed similar survival outcomes after immunotherapy in patients with MUP and MKP. These findings provide no evidence of difference in responsiveness to immunotherapy between patients with MUP and MKP.
Effect of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) on the rate of tooth movement: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficiency of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) in accelerating canine tooth movement and to examine levels of the matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in the gingival crevicular fluid during orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty patients (mean age = 21.4 ± 2.9 years) with Class II Division 1 malocclusion were included in a split-mouth study. The treatment plan for all patients was extraction of maxillary first premolars followed by canine distalization with closed-coil springs using 150 g of force on each side. The study group received i-PRF two times, with a 2-week interval, on one side of the maxilla. The contralateral side served as the control and did not receive i-PRF. Maxillary canine tooth movement was measured at five time points (T1-T5) on each side. Also, the activity of inflammatory cytokines was evaluated at three time points in the gingival crevicular fluid samples. RESULTS There was a significant difference in canine tooth movement between the two groups (P < .001). i-PRF significantly increased the rate of tooth movement, and stimulation in the levels of inflammatory cytokines supported this result (P < .001). The levels of cytokines changed in both groups between T1 and T2. The IL-1β, MMP8, and RANKL values were significantly increased in the study group compared with the control group, while the OPG values were significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS i-PRF-facilitated orthodontics is an effective and safe treatment modality to accelerate tooth movement, and this method can help shorten orthodontic treatment duration.