Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Discriminative Ability for Adverse Outcomes After Hip Fracture Surgery: A Comparison of Three Commonly Used Comorbidity-Based Indices

Introduction: Preoperative risk assessment can predict adverse outcomes following hip fracture surgery, helping with decision-making and management strategies. Several risk adjustment models based on coded comorbidities such as Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), modified Elixhauser’s Comorbidity Measure (mECM), and modified frailty index (mFI-5) are currently prevalent for orthopedic patients, but there is no consensus regarding which is optimal. The primary purpose was to identify the risk factors of CCI, mECM, and mFI-5, as well as patient characteristics for predicting (1) 1-month, 3-month, 1-year, and 2-year mortality, (2) perioperative complications, and (3) extended length of stay (LOS) following hip fractured surgery. The secondary aim was to compare the best-performing comorbidity index combined with characteristics identified in terms of their discriminative ability for adverse outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 3,379 consecutive patients presenting with intertrochanteric fractures at our Level I trauma center from 2013 to 2018. After eliminated by exclusion criteria, 2,241 patients undergoing hip fracture surgery by PFNA, with age ≥65 years, were included. Three main multivariate logistic regression models were constructed. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios for mortality. A base model included age, BMI, surgical delay, anesthesia type, hemoglobin record at admission, and American Society of Anesthesiologists grade (ASA) also was constructed and assessed. Results: Base model + mECM outperformed other models for the occurrence of major complications including severe complications, cardiac complications, and pulmonary complications [the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), 0.647; 95% CI, 0.616–0.677; AUC, 0.637; 95% CI, 0.610–0.664; AUC, 0.679; 95% CI, 0.642–0.715, respectively], while base model + CCI provided better prediction of minor complications of neurological complications and hematological complications (AUC, 0.659; 95% CI, 0.609, 0.709; AUC, 0.658; 95% CI, 0.635, 0.680). In addition, BMI, surgical delay, anesthesia type, and ASA were found highly relevant to extended LOS. Age-group (with a 10-year interval) was indicated to be mostly associated with all-cause mortality with fully adjusted hazard ratio of 1.35 and 95% CI range 1.20–1.51. Conclusions: In comparison with mFI-5 and CCI, mECM so far may be the best comorbidity index combined with the base model for predicting major complications following hip fracture. The base model already achieved good discrimination for all-cause mortality and extended LOS, further addition of risk adjustment indices led to only 1% increase in the amount of variation explained.
Role of Discoidin Domain Receptor 2 in Craniofacial Bone Regeneration

Bone loss caused by trauma, neoplasia, congenital defects, or periodontal disease is a major cause of disability and human suffering. Skeletal progenitor cell–extracellular matrix interactions are critical for bone regeneration. Discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2), an understudied collagen receptor, plays an important role in skeletal development. Ddr2 loss-of-function mutations in humans and mice cause severe craniofacial and skeletal defects, including altered cranial shape, dwarfing, reduced trabecular and cortical bone, alveolar bone/periodontal defects, and altered dentition. However, the role of this collagen receptor in craniofacial regeneration has not been examined. To address this, calvarial subcritical-size defects were generated in wild-type (WT) and Ddr2-deficient mice. The complete bridging seen in WT controls at 4 wk postsurgery was not observed in Ddr2-deficient mice even after 12 wk. Quantitation of defect bone area by micro–computed tomography also revealed a 50% reduction in new bone volume in Ddr2-deficient mice. Ddr2 expression during calvarial bone regeneration was measured using Ddr2-LacZ knock-in mice. Expression was restricted to periosteal surfaces of uninjured calvarial bone and, after injury, was detected in select regions of the defect site by 3 d postsurgery and expanded during the healing process. The impaired bone healing associated with Ddr2 deficiency may be related to reduced osteoprogenitor or osteoblast cell proliferation and differentiation since knockdown/knockout of Ddr2 in a mesenchymal cell line and primary calvarial osteoblast cultures reduced osteoblast differentiation while Ddr2 overexpression was stimulatory. In conclusion, Ddr2 is required for cranial bone regeneration and may be a novel target for therapy.
Effect of atmospheric pressure ion lens on an electrospray ion source

The effect o f an atmospheric pressure ion lens on electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) was investigated. In Chapter 2, the voltage combinations applied to the spray and the ion lens were systematically studied, as well as the current-voltage relationship. The ion lens showed its ability to widen the range of operational spray voltages and improve signal intensity. Through the calculations in Chapter 3, the effect ofthe ion lens is demonstrated to include improving the electrospray process by changing the field strength and widening the operational spray voltage range, and increasing the transmission efficiency by focusing ions through the flattened equipotential lines. The experimental results in Chapter 2 were rationalized, and the hypotheses were verified. In Chapter 4, more experiments were carried out to show solvent dependence, nebulizer optimization, and fragmentation control for the characterization of E S I M S . Future work was proposed to combine the ion lens with a multiple-spray ion source, where the ion lens has the potential to improve the sensitivity of the ion source, and to simultaneously introduce a mass calibrant to improve the mass accuracy of mass spectrometry.
Mid-adolescent ethnic variations in overweight prevalence in the UK Millennium Cohort Study

Abstract Background There are stark ethnic inequalities in the prevalence of UK childhood obesity. However, data on adolescent overweight in different ethnic groups are limited. This study assessed ethnic inequalities in overweight prevalence during mid-adolescence using body mass index (BMI) and explored the contribution of socioeconomic and behavioural factors. Methods We analyzed data from 10 500 adolescents aged between 13 and 15 years who participated in sweep six of the Millennium Cohort Study. Ethnic inequalities in overweight and mean BMI were assessed using multiple regression models. Results were stratified by sex and adjusted for socioeconomic and behavioural factors. Results Black Caribbean males had significantly higher BMI than White males after full adjustment [excess BMI 2.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70–5.19] and were over three times more likely to be overweight [odds ratio (OR): 3.32, 95% CI 1.95–5.66]. Black Africans females had significantly higher BMI compared with White females (excess BMI 1.86, 95% CI 0.89–2.83; OR for overweight 2.74, 95% CI 1.64–4.56), while Indian females had significantly lower BMI compared with White females (reduced BMI −0.73, 95% CI −1.37 to −0.09). Socioeconomic and behavioural factors often considered to be associated with overweight were more prevalent in some ethnic minority groups (lower socioeconomic position, lack of breakfast consumption, low fruit and vegetable intake, high sugar-sweetened beverage and fast-food consumption, and infrequent physical activity), but adjustment for these factors did not fully explain ethnic differences in overweight/BMI. Conclusion Ethnic inequalities in overweight prevalence are evident in mid-adolescence and vary according to sex. Differences in overweight/BMI between ethnic groups were not fully accounted for by socioeconomic or behavioural factors.
STARTRAC analyses of scRNAseq data from tumor models reveal T cell dynamics and therapeutic targets

Single cell RNAseq analyses were performed on T cells from MC38 and CT26 tumor models. PCA-based sub-clustering and STARTRAC analyses revealed fine-tuned T cell subsets and dynamic in tumor. CCR8 was identified as a novel target on Tregs to synergize with anti–PD-1 for cancer immunotherapy.
CHARACTERIZATION OF CASN (OH)6 AND CASNO3 NANOSTRUCTURES SYNTHESIZED BY A NEW PRECURSOR

In this paper, calcium stannate nanoparticles were synthesized by a fast and simple co-precipitation procedure. For CaSnO3 preparation ammonia was used as precipitation agent. The effect of various surfactants such as cationic, anionic and neutral on the morphology of the products was investigated. By changing in Ca(Sal)2 as a new precursor different morphologies were obtained. Ligand as a capping agent with steric hindrance leads to preparation of product with lower particle size. These semiconductor nanostructures have photo-catalyst activities and can degrade organic dyes as water pollution. The synthesized materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and UV-visible spectroscopy.
Combination therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: do we see the light at the end of the tunnel?

Importance Combination therapies of anti-PD-1 and anti-angiogenesis regimens are emerging rapidly and exhibit more promising anti-tumor efficacy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and consistently it is the hotspot in clinical studies. Objective To elaborate several issues which are warranted further consideration as more regimens are being investigated in combination therapies. Evidence Review We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar by 2021 February for publications on combination therapies for HCC. Findings Several clinical issues are worth reconsidering, such as the evaluation on appropriate primary endpoints in phase III clinical trials as for different practical problems, the translation of surrogate endpoint objective response rate (ORR) benefits into overall survival (OS) benefits, and whether conversion surgery contributes to initial expectations of long-term survival or not. New concepts in novel immunotherapy and targeted therapy in combination with loco-regional therapies may improve overall survival for HCC. Conclusions and Relevance for Reviews Comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of immunotherapy and targeted therapy contributes to better prognosis of advanced HCC and more explorative combination therapies are needed.
Consumer trust in the dairy value chain in China: The role of trustworthiness, melamine scandal, and media.

This study provides a deep insight into Chinese consumer trust in the Chinese dairy value chain, as a lack of trust due to the 2008 melamine scandal has been widely recognized as a barrier to the development of the domestic dairy industry in China. Based on face-to-face interviews with 954 Chinese consumers in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shijiazhuang, this study measured consumer trust in farmers, manufacturers, retailers, the government, and third parties. Consumer trust was studied by measuring the effect of beliefs on the trustworthiness of actors (i.e., competence, benevolence, integrity, credibility, and openness), and current experiences regarding the melamine scandal and the media. The results showed that the level of trust in dairy chain actors varied. The government and third parties were relatively highly trusted, whereas retailers were considered less trustworthy. The importance of consumer beliefs about trustworthiness are different among actors. Consumer belief of competence determines trust in farmers and manufacturers. For retailers, the government, and third parties, respectively, benevolence, credibility, and openness are the most important factors. Trust in dairy chain actors is still strongly negatively affected by current experiences regarding the melamine scandal, even though it occurred more than 10 years ago. Using social media to directly provide more information and establish continuous daily communication with consumers could help manufacturers and third parties to strengthen consumer trust.
Blood Prestin Levels in Normal Hearing and in Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Scoping Review

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Objectives: Recently, it has been hypothesized that blood prestin concentration levels may reflect cochlear damage and thus serve as an easily measurable, early sensorineural hearing loss (HL) biomarker. This is a scoping review aiming to identify and critically appraise current evidence on prestin blood levels and their temporal variation in rodents and humans with normal hearing and with sensorineural HL. Design: This study was designed and held according to PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. With no limitation with regards to study type, animal and human studies focusing on prestin blood levels in normal hearing and in sensorineural HL were sought in major databases such as Medline, Central Scopus, PROSPERO, and Clinicaltrials.gov. Results were then hand-searched. A data charting form was developed including the parameters of interest. Results: Seven studies focusing on measuring prestin blood levels by means of ELISA in rodents and human subjects with normal hearing and noise-induced, drug-induced, or idiopathic sudden HL were found eligible and were included in the analysis. According to these proof-of-concept studies, prestin can be detected in the circulation of subjects with no HL; however, normal ranges remain unclear. After cochlear damage, blood prestin levels seem to initially rise and then return to near or below baseline. The degree of their change relates with subjects’ degree of HL, damaged cochlear region and recovery. Prestin blood levels and their temporal variation seem to correlate with cochlear damage; however, methodological weaknesses, such as small sample size, lack of detailed phenotyping, insufficient exclusion of confounding factors, and short follow-up, do not allow for robust conclusions. Conclusions: Current findings support the value of studying blood prestin levels in normal hearing and HL and highlight a need for larger-scale longitudinal research.
Towards sex-specific osteoarthritis risk models: evaluation of risk factors for knee osteoarthritis in males and females

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to identify sex-specific prevalence and strength of risk factors for the incidence of radiographic knee OA (incRKOA). Methods Our study population consisted of 10 958 Rotterdam Study participants free of knee OA in one or both knees at baseline. One thousand and sixty-four participants developed RKOA after a median follow-up time of 9.6 years. We estimated the association between each available risk factor and incRKOA using sex stratified multivariate regression models with generalized estimating equations. Subsequently, we statistically tested sex differences between risk estimates and calculated the population attributable fractions (PAFs) for modifiable risk factors. Results The prevalence of the investigated risk factors was, in general, higher in women compared with men, except that alcohol intake and smoking were higher in men and high BMI showed equal prevalence. We found significantly different risk estimates between men and women: high level of physical activity [relative risk (RR) 1.76 (95% CI: 1.29–2.40)] or a Kellgren and Lawrence score 1 at baseline [RR 5.48 (95% CI: 4.51–6.65)] was higher in men. Among borderline significantly different risk estimates was BMI ≥27, associated with higher risk for incRKOA in women [RR 2.00 (95% CI: 1.74–2.31)]. The PAF for higher BMI was 25.6% in women and 19.3% in men. Conclusion We found sex-specific differences in both presence and relative risk of several risk factors for incRKOA. Especially BMI, a modifiable risk factor, impacts women more strongly than men. These risk factors can be used in the development of personalized prevention strategies and in building sex-specific prediction tools to identify high risk profile patients.
An update on companion and complementary diagnostic assays for PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors in NSCLC

ABSTRACT Introduction: Development within molecular medicine has given us an increased understanding of the pathophysiology of malignant diseases. This understanding has been the key to a development of a number of new effective target-specific drugs, including the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors. Areas covered: This review will focus on the clinical validation and utility of the commercially available IHC PD-L1 expression assays linked to the different PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors indicated for treatment of NSCLC. For the discussion of this subject, mainly data from studies where the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors have been given as monotherapy will be reported. Expert opinion: Although PD-L1 expression is not the perfect biomarker; the different IHC PD-L1 expression assays have had major impact on the clinical development of PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors for treatment of NSCLC. A number of clinical studies in NSCLC have shown that the efficacy of the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors are positively correlated to the level of PD-L1 expression. Based on studies presented in this review, the recommendation is that monotherapy should mainly be used for treatment of NSCLC patients with a high PD-L1 expression, as defined by the cutoff values for the individual assays linked to the specific PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor.
Suitability of various lignocellulosic substrates for cultivation of Pleurotus sajor-caju (Oyster Mushroom)

The objective of this study was to look into the possibility of using the different lignocellulosic biomasses for Pleurotus sajor-caju (oyster mushroom) cultivation. The mushroom species was cultivated on nine types of substrates; namely three acacia species, three types of straws, coffee husk and saw dust obtained from two types of timber species. Thirty types of treatments (pure and mixed) were used to grow the mushroom and significantly differing results were obtained. Yield data (biological efficiency, spawn running period (SRP) and days to first harvest (DFH) of the mushroom were measured. The shortest SPR and DFH were from the pure chopped barley straw (BS) followed by pure wheat straw (WS) and Acacia drepanolobium (DC), respectively. The maximum period was from the mixed sawdust of Aningeria adolfi-friedericii (AS) and Cupressus lusitanica (CS) in the ratio of 4:6. The least mushroom biological efficiency was also from the ASCS4 (4:6) mixture. No any fruit body appeared on the pure C. lustanica sawdust (CS) and the mixture of ASCS in a ratio of 3:7. On the other hand, the maximum biological efficiency of the mushroom was obtained from DC followed by BS, WS and SC, respectively. In conclusion, mushroom biological efficiencies of the pure A. drepanolobium and A. seyal substrates were found to be better than those of the mixed ones. These biological efficiencies were also found to be better than those of the agri-residues. Key: Pleuroteus sajor caju, Acacia species, coffee husk, sawdust, straws, bush control
From Coping to Building Nurse Manager Resilience in Rural Workplaces in Western Canada.

AIM To investigate the role stressors, and how coping strategies cultivated nurse managers' resilience in rural workplaces. BACKGROUND A stressful workplace can impair the mental and physical health of nurse managers leading to poor performance. Building and sustaining manager resilience in complex and stressful practice environments is necessary to attract and maintain competent and skilled managers. METHOD In this qualitative exploratory inquiry, a purposive sampling method was used to recruit 16 nurse managers in rural western Canada. RESULTS Coping strategies fostered manager's resilience that made their work meaningful, and included: putting out fires, psychologically reframing a situation, serving others, and receiving support. CONCLUSIONS Managers' brought expertise, knowledge and skill to make their work meaningful and central to ongoing health service delivery in these rural communities. Nurse manager resilience can be strengthened by using evidence-based strategies in an increasingly complex health care environment. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Managers need to be supported and encouraged to develop awareness of their own protective factors as they cope with challenging situations. Building resilience through formal education, social support, and meaningful recognition is an important focus for nurse leaders in establishing a healthy work environment and maintaining a stable nursing workforce.
Temperament as a moderator of the association of cumulative risk with preadolescent appraisal and coping style

ABSTRACT Background Children exposed to cumulative risk (CR) are more likely to have poor physical and psychological health across the lifespan. CR may contribute to children’s adjustment, in part through its effects on appraisal and coping. Further, child temperament may alter the effects of CR on appraisal and coping. Objective This study investigated the interactive and prospective effects of CR and temperament on children’s appraisal and coping strategies. Design and Method In this secondary data analysis using a community sample (N=306) of preadolescents (M age = 9.5 at T1), structural equations models were conducted to examine temperament negative emotionality (NE) and effortful control (EC) as moderators of the effect of CR on both levels and proportional use of positive and threat appraisals, and active and avoidant coping. Results Children higher in NE used more threat appraisal and avoidant coping, whereas children higher in EC used less threat appraisal concurrently and decreased in their use of threat appraisal across 1 year. Both NE and EC altered the prospective effect of CR on appraisal and coping. Conclusions Findings suggest temperament alters the effect of CR on appraisal and coping, implicating EC as a resource and NE as a vulnerability in changes in appraisal and coping during preadolescence.
Expression and prognostic value of CDK1, CCNA2, and CCNB1 gene clusters in human breast cancer

Objective Cell cycle-associated proteins play important roles in breast cancer (BRCA), based on evidence from cell lines, preclinical murine models, and human tissue samples. Methods Herein, we used the Onomine, GEPIA, Kaplan–Meier Plotter, and cBioPortal databases to examine transcriptional and survival data pertaining to cyclin-associated gene clusters (CDK1, CCNA2, and CCNB1) in BRCA patients. Results CDK1, CCNA2, and CCNB1 gene expression levels were higher in BRCA compared with control tissue samples and were correlated with more-advanced tumor stage. Kaplan–Meier survival analyses confirmed that elevated CDK1, CCNA2, and CCNB1 expression levels were associated with overall and post-progression survival and recurrence-free probability rates in patients with BRCA. Conclusion The results of this study implied that CDK1, CCNA2, and CCNB1 gene clusters may provide potential therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers in patients with BRCA.