Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of k‐wire insertion using oscillatory and unidirectional drilling modes under constant thrust force

Heat generation during the Kirschner wire (K‐wire) insertion process, under either unidirectional or oscillatory drilling mode, places bone at risk of thermal osteonecrosis which can lead to infection. There is a lack of quantitative understanding of the heat generation difference between the two drilling modes and knowledge of optimal thrust force level under each mode is missing. The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of drilling modes and thrust force levels on the bone drilling outcomes. Controlled machine‐based constant thrust force K‐wire insertion experiments were conducted with key process parameters monitored and compared quantitatively. Statistical analysis showed that the oscillatory mode consumed 2.6 times more electricity than the unidirectional mode but generated 53% less thermal energy and 23% lower peak temperature. However, the oscillation also led to 18% higher peak torque in the transient drilling stage and 23% shallower drilling depth. The optimal choice of the drilling mode depends on specific surgical needs to minimize bone damage (control of peak temperature vs. exposure time and torque control). Heat generation was dominated by the torque and corresponding rotational power under both modes. To minimize the bone temperature while keeping high drilling speed efficiency, a moderate thrust force is preferred under the unidirectional mode to balance between feed force and compressed debris resistance. For oscillatory mode, a small thrust force to keep the K‐wire engaged with the bone is optimal.
Cost-effectiveness and budget impact analyses of dengue vaccination in Indonesia

Despite the fact that the incidence and mortality rates due to dengue virus (DENV) infection in Indonesia are relatively high, dengue vaccination has not yet been introduced. This study aimed to analyse the cost-effectiveness and the budget impact of dengue vaccination in Indonesia by taking the potential of pre-vaccination screening into account. An age-structured decision tree model was developed to assess the cost-effectiveness value by applying a single cohort of 4,710,100 children that was followed-up in a 10-year time horizon within a 1-year analytical cycle. The budget impact was analysed in a 5-year period (2020–2024) by considering provinces’ readiness to introduce dengue vaccine and their incidence rate of DENV infection in the last 10 years. Vaccination that was coupled with pre-vaccination screening would reduce dengue fever (DF), dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) by 188,142, 148,089 and 426 cases, respectively. It would save treatment cost at $23,433,695 and $14,091,642 from the healthcare and payer perspective, respectively. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) would be $5,733 and $5,791 per quality-adjusted-life-year (QALY) gained from both perspectives. The most influential parameters affecting the ICERs were probability of DENV infection, vaccine efficacy, under-reporting factor, vaccine price, case fatality rate and screening cost. It can be concluded that dengue vaccination and pre-vaccination screening would be cost-effective to be implemented in Indonesia. Nevertheless, it seems unaffordable to be implemented since the total required cost for the nationwide vaccination would be 94.44% of routine immunization budget.
Ammoniacal leaching process for the selective recovery of value metals from waste lithium-ion batteries

ABSTRACT The recovery of valuable metals in spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is not only environmentally sustainable but also economically advantageous. In this research, ammoniacal leaching process was adopted to selectively extract valuable metals from the mixed types of cathode active materials. By employing the ammonium sulphite as the reductant, while the ammonia and ammonium carbonate are used to provide NH3 to complex metal elements. The Eh–pH diagrams were used to study the extraction behaviour of Co, Li, Ni and Mn during ammoniacal leaching, and the Co, Ni can be leached out as the complexes ([Ni(NH3) n ]2+, [Co(NH3) m ]2+), while the Li was leached out as metallic ion. Manganese is first leached out as [Mn(NH3)β]2+ and then precipitated as (NH4)2Mn(SO3)2·H2O and (NH4)2Mn(SO4)3 when an excess of ammonium sulphites added to the solution. A detailed understanding of the ammoniacal selective leaching process is carried out by investigating the effects of factors such as reaction temperature (50–90 ℃), leaching time (2–6 h), agitation intensity (400–900 rpm) and solid-to-liquid ratio (10–50 g/L). The experiment of response surface methodology shows that significant interactions exist between ammonium sulphite and ammonium carbonate, ammonium sulphite and ammonia according to the leaching efficiency of Co. Under the optimum conditions, Co, Li, Ni, Mn and Al can be leached out with the efficiencies of 84.56%, 90.31%, 64.13%, 4.53% and 1.72%, respectively. The results proved the possibility of selective leaching. Summarily, this research is potentially beneficial for the design of a selective recycling technique. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Disproportionate School Punishment and Significant Life Outcomes: A Prospective Analysis of Black Youths

This study tested relationships between racial inequalities in the school system—specifically, the disproportionate punishment of Black students—and life outcomes for Black youths, along with moderating psychological factors. In an 18-year longitudinal study of 261 Black youths (ages 11–29), we investigated whether adult life outcomes varied as a function of adolescent self-control and academic achievement. We tested whether relationships were moderated by the racial climates of the high schools that youths attended, using administrative data on relative punishment rates of Black and White students. Among Black youths who attended schools that disproportionately punished Black students, high self-control in early adolescence presaged higher academic orientation in late adolescence, which in turn predicted higher educational attainment, higher income, and better mental health in adulthood. However, among these same youths, higher academic orientation forecasted higher adult insulin resistance, a key process in cardiometabolic disease. These findings suggest that achieving successes in life in the face of racial inequalities may come at a physical health cost for Black youths.
Effect of surgical mask on exercise capacity in COPD: a randomised crossover trial

Patients with COPD infected with SARS-CoV-2 are more likely to require intensive care and have a higher risk of mortality [1, 2]. Vaccine strategies are critical in reducing the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, vaccination alone cannot ensure prevention and control due to the emergence of new variants of the coronavirus [3, 4]. The use of masks in community settings is another strategy to prevent COVID-19 [5]. Therefore, it is reasonable for patients with COPD to use face masks in public places during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although patients with COPD using a surgical mask while walking were more likely to develop dyspnoea than those without a mask, there was no decrease in 6MWD or SpO2. A surgical mask can be safely recommended for COVID-19 prevention in patients with COPD. https://bit.ly/3xldw4P
Multi- and Transgenerational Outcomes of an Exposure to a Mixture of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) on Puberty and Maternal Behavior in the Female Rat

Background: The effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on fertility and reproductive development represent a rising concern in modern societies. Although the neuroendocrine control of sexual maturation is a major target of EDCs, little is known about the potential role of the hypothalamus in puberty and ovulation disruption transmitted across generations. Objectives: We hypothesized that developmental exposure to an environmentally relevant dose of EDC mixture could induce multi- and/or transgenerational alterations of sexual maturation and maternal care in female rats through epigenetic reprograming of the hypothalamus. We investigated the transmission of a disrupted reproductive phenotype via the maternal germline or via nongenomic mechanisms involving maternal care. Methods: Adult female Wistar rats were exposed prior to and during gestation and until the end of lactation to a mixture of the following 13 EDCs: di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), bisphenol A (BPA), vinclozolin, prochloraz, procymidone, linuron, epoxynaxole, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, octyl methoxynimmate, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC), butylparaben, and acetaminophen. Perinatally exposed offspring (F1) were mated with unexposed males to generate germ cell (F2) and transgenerationally exposed (F3 and F4) females. Sexual maturation, maternal behavior, and hypothalamic targets of exposure were studied across generations. Results: Germ cell (F2) and transgenerationally (F3) EDC-exposed females, but not F1, displayed delayed pubertal onset and altered folliculogenesis. We reported a transgenerational alteration of key hypothalamic genes controlling puberty and ovulation (Kiss1, Esr1, and Oxt), and we identified the hypothalamic polycomb group of epigenetic repressors as actors of this mechanism. Furthermore, we found a multigenerational reduction of maternal behavior (F1–F3) induced by a loss in hypothalamic dopaminergic signaling. Using a cross-fostering paradigm, we identified that the reduction in maternal phenotype was normalized in EDC-exposed pups raised by unexposed dams, but no reversal of the pubertal phenotype was achieved. Discussion: Rats developmentally exposed to an EDC mixture exhibited multi- and transgenerational disruption of sexual maturation and maternal care via hypothalamic epigenetic reprogramming. These results raise concerns about the impact of EDC mixtures on future generations. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP8795
Phase Gradients and Anisotropy of the Suprachiasmatic Network: Discovery of Phaseoids

Visual Abstract Biological neural networks operate at several levels of granularity, from the individual neuron to local neural circuits to networks of thousands of cells. The daily oscillation of the brain’s master clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) rests on a yet to be identified network of connectivity among its ∼20,000 neurons. The SCN provides an accessible model to explore neural organization at several levels of organization. To relate cellular to local and global network behaviors, we explore network topology by examining SCN slices in three orientations using immunochemistry, light and confocal microscopy, real-time imaging, and mathematical modeling. Importantly, the results reveal small local groupings of neurons that form intermediate structures, here termed “phaseoids,” which can be identified through stable local phase differences of varying magnitude among neighboring cells. These local differences in phase are distinct from the global phase relationship, namely that between individual cells and the mean oscillation of the overall SCN. The magnitude of the phaseoids’ local phase differences is associated with a global phase gradient observed in the SCN’s rostral-caudal extent. Modeling results show that a gradient in connectivity strength can explain the observed gradient of phaseoid strength, an extremely parsimonious explanation for the heterogeneous oscillatory structure of the SCN.
Super-Nernstian Potentiometric pH Sensor based on the Electrodeposition of Iridium Oxide Nanoparticles

This work reports an investigation into the synthesis and electrodeposition of iridium oxide nanoparticles to fabricate an Au-based super-Nernstian potentiometric pH sensor. Monodisperse ultrafine iridium oxide nanoparticles with a mean particle diameter of 1–2 nm were successfully synthesized by the facile alkaline hydrolysis method and electrodeposited on the surface of Au substrate using Cyclic Voltammetry (CV). Based on the result, it was observed that the iridium oxide deposited Au substrate had a rough surface morphology. It was also found that the as-prepared sensor exhibited an excellent pH sensitivity and good stability over a long period, with a super-Nernstian response value of -73.7 mV/pH.
A genetic screen in Drosophila uncovers the multifaceted properties of the NUP98-HOXA9 oncogene

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) underlies the uncontrolled accumulation of immature myeloid blasts. Several cytogenetic abnormalities have been associated with AML. Among these is the NUP98-HOXA9 (NA9) translocation that fuses the Phe-Gly repeats of nucleoporin NUP98 to the homeodomain of the transcription factor HOXA9. The mechanisms enabling NA9-induced leukemia are poorly understood. Here, we conducted a genetic screen in Drosophila for modifiers of NA9. The screen uncovered 29 complementation groups, including genes with mammalian homologs known to impinge on NA9 activity. Markedly, the modifiers encompassed a diversity of functional categories, suggesting that NA9 perturbs multiple intracellular events. Unexpectedly, we discovered that NA9 promotes cell fate transdetermination and that this phenomenon is greatly influenced by NA9 modifiers involved in epigenetic regulation. Together, our work reveals a network of genes functionally connected to NA9 that not only provides insights into its mechanism of action, but also represents potential therapeutic targets.
Evidence of altered interhemispheric communication after pediatric concussion

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES: To investigate neurophysiological alterations within the typical symptomatic period after concussion (1-month) and throughout recovery (6-months) in adolescents; and (2) to examine relationships between neurophysiological and upper limb kinematic outcomes. METHODS: 18 adolescents with concussion were compared to 17 healthy controls. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to assess neurophysiological differences between groups including: short- and long-interval intracortical inhibition, intracortical facilitation, short- and long-latency afferent inhibition, afferent facilitation, and transcallosal inhibition (TCI). Behavioral measures of upper limb kinematics were assessed with a robotic device. RESULTS: Mixed model analysis of neurophysiological data identified two key findings. First, participants with concussion demonstrated delayed onset of interhemispheric inhibition, as indexed by TCI, compared to healthy controls. Second, our exploratory analysis indicated that the magnitude of TCI onset delay in adolescents with concussion was related to upper limb kinematics. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that concussion in adolescence alters interhemispheric communication. We note relationships between neurophysiological and kinematic data, suggesting an affinity for individuals with less concussion-related physiological change to improve their motor behavior over time. These data serve as an important step in future development of assessments (neurobiological and clinical) and interventions for concussion.
Whole-Body Parametric Imaging of 18F-FDG PET Using uEXPLORER with Reduced Scanning Time

Visual Abstract Parametric imaging of the net influx rate (Ki) in 18F-FDG PET has been shown to provide improved quantification and specificity for cancer detection compared with SUV imaging. Current methods of generating parametric images usually require a long dynamic scanning time. With the recently developed uEXPLORER scanner, a dramatic increase in sensitivity has reduced the noise in dynamic imaging, making it more robust to use a nonlinear estimation method and flexible protocols. In this work, we explored 2 new possible protocols besides the standard 60-min one for the possibility of reducing scanning time for Ki imaging. Methods: The gold standard protocol (protocol 1) was conventional dynamic scanning with a 60-min scanning time. The first proposed protocol (protocol 2) included 2 scanning periods: 0–4 min and 54–60 min after injection. The second proposed protocol (protocol 3) consisted of a single scanning period from 50 to 60 min after injection, with a second injection applied at 56 min. The 2 new protocols were simulated from the 60-min standard scans. A hybrid input function combining the population-based input function and the image-derived input function (IDIF) was used. The results were also compared with the IDIF acquired from protocol 1. A previously developed maximum-likelihood approach was used to estimate the Ki images. In total, 7 cancer patients imaged using the uEXPLORER scanner were enrolled in this study. Lesions were identified from the patient data, and the lesion Ki values were compared among the different protocols. Results: The acquired hybrid input function was comparable in shape to the IDIF for each patient. The average difference in area under the curve was about 3%, suggesting good quantitative accuracy. The visual difference between the Ki images generated using IDIF and those generated using the hybrid input function was also minimal. The acquired Ki images using different protocols were visually comparable. The average Ki difference in the lesions was 2.8% ± 2.1% for protocol 2 and 1% ± 2.2% for protocol 3. Conclusion: The results suggest that it is possible to acquire Ki images using the nonlinear estimation approach with a much-reduced scanning time. Between the 2 new protocols, the protocol with dual injection shows the greatest promise in terms of practicality.
Effects of escalating versus fixed ethanol exposure on ∆FosB expression in the mesocorticolimbic pathway in adolescent and adult rats

ABSTRACT Background: We have reported induction of ∆FosB in adolescent rats that drank less ethanol than adults yet exhibited a progressive increase in ethanol intake.Objective: To test the hypothesis that an escalating pattern of ethanol exposure is more effective to induce ∆FosB expression [at prelimbic cortex (PrL), nucleus accumbens core and shell, striatum, basolateral amygdala (BLA) and central amygdala (CeC)] than a pattern equated for number of exposures yet employing a fixed ethanol dose.Methods: Adolescent and adult (Exp. 1, n = 48) male and female (n = 24 of each sex) or only adult male (Exp. 2, n = 36) Wistar rats were intermittently intubated with vehicle, escalating (from 0.5 to 2.5 g/kg) or fixed (2.0 g/kg) doses of ethanol, across 18 sessions. ∆FosB induction was assessed using immunohistochemistry. Ethanol intake, anxiety and risk-taking were assessed (in adults only) via two-bottles tests and the multivariate concentric square field.Results: Both patterns heightened ∆FosB levels similarly in adolescents and adults and in males and females. Fixed dosing induced ∆FosB in all areas (p < .05) except the CeC, whereas the escalating pattern induced ∆FosB in the PrL and BLA only (p < .05). Ethanol intake was initially lower in ethanol pre-exposed subjects than in control subjects (p < .05). Rats exposed to the fixed pattern exhibited enhanced risk-taking behavior (p < .05). Conclusions: The results agree with studies showing ethanol-mediated induction of ∆FosB in reward areas and indicate that, following ethanol intubations, this induction is similar in adolescents and adults. The induction of ∆FosB seems not necessarily associated with susceptibility for ethanol intake.
A randomized trial comparing group mindfulness-based cognitive therapy with group supportive sex education and therapy for the treatment of female sexual interest/arousal disorder.

Objective: Sexual interest/arousal disorder (SIAD) is the most prevalent sexual dysfunction in women. Our goal was to compare (a) group mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) plus sex education with (b) group supportive sex education and therapy (STEP) for women with SIAD. Method: Eight-session treatments were delivered weekly and participants completed the measures of sexual desire and arousal, sexual distress, relationship satisfaction, rumination, and global impressions of change, at baseline, immediately posttreatment, and at 6- and 12-month posttreatment. Of 148 women who consented, 70 were randomized to MBCT (mean age 39.3 ± 13.2 years) and 78 were randomized to STEP (mean age 37.9 ± 12.2 years). Results: Sexual desire and arousal significantly improved at each time point relative to baseline, with large effect sizes (d = -1.29 to -1.60), and similarly for MBCT and STEP. Sexual distress also improved at each time point with large effect sizes (d = 0.83-1.17), and more so for MBCT relative to STEP. Relationship satisfaction significantly improved (d = -0.17 to -0.20), and rumination about sex improved significantly in both arms, with medium effect sizes (d = 0.42-0.69), with both outcomes responding more to MBCT. About half the participants across both treatments reported moderate or great improvements in global indicators of desire and overall sexuality. Conclusions: Results support the efficacy of both group MBCT and group supportive sex education for improving symptoms of SIAD with 12-month retention of improvements. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Simple models to include influenza vaccination history when evaluating the effect of influenza vaccination

Background Most reports of influenza vaccine effectiveness consider current-season vaccination only. Aim We evaluated a method to estimate the effect of influenza vaccinations (EIV) considering vaccination history. Methods We used a test-negative design with well-documented vaccination history to evaluate the average EIV over eight influenza seasons (2011/12–2018/19; n = 10,356). Modifying effect was considered as difference in effects of vaccination in current and previous seasons and current-season vaccination only. We also explored differences between current-season estimates excluding from the reference category people vaccinated in any of the five previous seasons and estimates without this exclusion or only for one or three previous seasons. Results The EIV was 50%, 45% and 38% in people vaccinated in the current season who had previously received none, one to two and three to five doses, respectively, and it was 30% and 43% for one to two and three to five prior doses only. Vaccination in at least three previous seasons reduced the effect of current-season vaccination by 12 percentage points overall, 31 among outpatients, 22 in 9–65 year-olds, and 23 against influenza B. Including people vaccinated in previous seasons only in the unvaccinated category underestimated EIV by 9 percentage points on average (31% vs 40%). Estimates considering vaccination of three or five previous seasons were similar. Conclusions Vaccine effectiveness studies should consider influenza vaccination in previous seasons, as it can retain effect and is often an effect modifier. Vaccination status in three categories (current season, previous seasons only, unvaccinated) reflects the whole EIV.
Reduced Risk of Reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 After COVID-19 Vaccination — Kentucky, May–June 2021

Although laboratory evidence suggests that antibody responses following COVID-19 vaccination provide better neutralization of some circulating variants than does natural infection (1,2), few real-world epidemiologic studies exist to support the benefit of vaccination for previously infected persons. This report details the findings of a case-control evaluation of the association between vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 reinfection in Kentucky during May-June 2021 among persons previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 in 2020. Kentucky residents who were not vaccinated had 2.34 times the odds of reinfection compared with those who were fully vaccinated (odds ratio [OR] = 2.34; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.58-3.47). These findings suggest that among persons with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, full vaccination provides additional protection against reinfection. To reduce their risk of infection, all eligible persons should be offered vaccination, even if they have been previously infected with SARS-CoV-2.