Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prediction Cause-Specific Mortality for Soft Tissue Cardiac Sarcoma Patients in the United States: A Competing Risk Analysis

Objectives: Several studies have revealed contradictory findings on survival by exposing cancer treatments with disparities of sociodemographic and tumor histologic factors. However, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of cancer treatments on mortality among patients with soft tissue cardiac sarcomas (CS) in the United States. We also estimated the overall survival probability through a competing risk nomogram for this notorious disease. Methods: The data was taken from the US National Cancer Institute's Surveillance Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) -18 dataset, version 2020. Between the years 2000 and 2018. The study cohort included patients diagnosed with soft tissue cancer, including cardiac sarcoma. We computed the cumulative incidence function (CIF) and sub-distributional hazard by the Fine and Gray model for evaluating the risk of mortality. In addition, using a competing-risk nomogram we forecasted the overall survival probability for patients with soft tissue CS. Calibrations and Brier scores were used to validate and compare the prediction to ensure predictive accuracy. Results: A total of 416 completed cases were selected for evaluation in this study. There was 66.5% mortality from soft tissue CS in the patients during this study period, while there was only 16.3% death from other diseases. For patients with soft tissue CS, the five-year cumulative incidence of cause-specific mortality was 74%, while only 18% was caused by other diseases. Non-whites, older age groups, and more advanced cancer stages all contributed to a higher cause-specific cumulative incidence, but sex was not a significant predictor of soft tissue CS deaths. Patients who underwent surgical intervention [sdHR: 0.55, 95%CI:0.28-0.98] and chemotherapy [sdHR: 0.29, 95%CI:0.02-0.36] on prime site had a significant decrease in CS death compared with no intervention, whereas primary systemic therapy and radiation intervention were not significantly decreased patients mortality. The patients who received surgery on the prime site survived 2, and 5 years above 70%, and 60%, respectively, whereas those who did not receive surgery on the prime site survived only 10%. Nomograms for assessing the hazard of mortality for patients with soft tissue cancers were well calibrated and had a good discriminatory ability. Conclusion: Despite the small sample size, this study provided a reliable model-based prediction of the effect of cancer treatment on rare malignancies. The use of surgery and chemotherapy significantly reduced patient cause-specific mortality; however, the use of primary systemic treatment and radiation did not significantly reduce patient mortality among patients with soft tissue CS.
Beyond Hearing Loss: Ageing as a Tinnitus Risk Factor

Background: Tinnitus affects 10 to 15 percent of the population, but its underlying causes are not yet fully understood. Hearing loss has been established as the most important risk factor. Ageing is also known to accompany increased prevalence, however, the risk is normally seen as a consequence of (age-related) hearing loss. Whether ageing per se is a risk factor has not yet been established. We specifically focused on the effect of ageing and the relationship between age, hearing loss and tinnitus. Methods: We used two samples for our analyses. The first, exploratory analyses, comprised 2249 Austrian individuals. The second included data from 16008 people, drawn from a publicly available dataset (NHANES). We used logistic regressions to investigate the effect of age on tinnitus. Findings: In both samples, ageing per se was found to be a significant predictor of tinnitus. In the more decisive NHANES sample, an interaction effect was observed as well. Odds ratio analyses show that per unit increase of hearing loss the odds of reporting tinnitus is higher in older people (1.06 vs 1.03). Interpretation: Expanding previous findings of hearing loss as the main risk factor for tinnitus, we established ageing as a risk factor in its own right. Underlying mechanisms remain unclear, and this work calls for urgent research efforts to link biological ageing processes, hearing loss and tinnitus. We therefore suggest a novel working hypothesis that integrates these aspects from an ageing brain viewpoint. Funding: Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG; BRIDGE 1 project "SmartCIs", 871232) and Land Salzburg ("Hidden Hearing Loss", 20204-WISS/225/288/4-2021). Keywords: ageing, brain age, hearing loss, tinnitus
Systematic analysis of site-specific biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) of oral microbiome in periodontitis

Bacteria as the most important human pathogens, play important roles in human health and disease. Small chemicals synthesized by bacterial biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) have a crucial role in microbiome-host and microbe-microbe interactions. BGCs are widely investigated in the human gut niche as potential mediators of interactions between microbes and hosts, while only a few studies have explored oral BGCs. Here, we used shotgun sequencing to profile the microbiota from three different oral sites, namely, saliva, subgingival, and supragingival niches. We used a systematic approach to analyze these samples to identify oral BGCs could be associated with periodontitis. In this pilot study we found 10,742 BGCs, some of which were unique for a specific oral site. We found novel BGCs are widely distributed among different phyla of bacteria and can potentially play key roles in periodontitis. Our findings expand the knowledge of oral microbiota by uncovering previously unexplored biosynthetic pathways and potentially provides a road map for future experimental characterization of poorly understood host-microbe and microbe-microbe interactions in the oral cavity that contribute to periodontitis.
The ratio of carbon monoxide to molecular hydrogen in interstellar dark clouds

Carbon monoxide and molecular hydrogen column densities are compared at various locations within 38 interstellar dark clouds. CO column densities were obtained from radio observations of the J=1. -->. 0 transitions of the /sup 12/C/sup 16/O and /sup 13/C/sup 16/O isotopic species of the molecule. Corresponding H/sub 2/ column densities were inferred by means of visual extinctions derived from star counts, since it is argued that the standard gas-to-extinction ratio can be expected to remain valid in the clouds studied. For locations in the sources possessing line-of-sight visual extinctions in the approximate range 1.5< or approx. =A/sub . nu. /< or approx. =10mag, we find, on the average, the relationship N/sub H2/(cm/sup -2/) = (5.0 +- 2.5) x 10/sup 5/N/sub 13/ between molecular hydrogen and /sup 13/CO LTE column densities. The carbon monoxide molecule can therefore be used as a quantitative ''tracer'' for the (directly unobservable) H/sub 2/ content of dark clouds. The above relationship implies that at least approx.12% of the gas-phase carbon in the clouds studied is in the form of CO, provided that the clouds are assumed to be chemically homogeneous. Langer's ion-molecule chemistry for dark clouds appears to agree well with the present work if the fractionation channel of Watson,more » Anicich, and Huntress is included. « less
Association between Condylar Bone Changes and Eichner Index in Patients with Temporomandibular Dysfunction: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study

Statement of the Problem: Eichner index is a dental index, which is based on the occlusal contacts between naturally existing teeth in premolar and molar regions. One controversial topic is the association between occlusal status and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) and its associated degenerative bony changes. Purpose: Through the use of cone-beam computer tomography (CBCT), the current study sought to ascertain the relationship between the Eichner index and condylar bone alterations in TMD patients. Materials and Method: In this retrospective study, the CBCT images of bilateral temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of 107 patients with TMD were evaluated. The patients’ dentition was classified into three groups of A (71%), B (18.7%), and C (10.3%), according to the Eichner index. Radiographic indicators of condylar bone alterations, including as flattening, erosion, osteophytes, marginal sclerosis, subchondral sclerosis, and joint mice, were either present or absent and registered as 1 or 0, respectively. Chi-square test was used to evaluate the link between the condylar bony changes and the Eichner groups. Results: According to the Eichner index, the most prevalent group was group “A”. The most prevalent radiographic finding was “flattening of the condyles” (58%). Condylar bony changes were found to be statistically related to age (p= 0.00). However, no significant relationship was found between sex and condylar bony changes (p= 0.80). There was a significant relationship between the Eichner index and condylar bony changes (p= 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with greater loss of tooth supporting zones have more condylar bony changes.
Lung ultrasonography performed by nephrologist: COVID-19 as an opportunity to reveal ultrasound's full potential and usefulness in the dialysis room

ABSTRACT Background Interest in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) and lung ultrasound (LUS) is growing in the nephrology and dialysis field, and the number of nephrologists skilled in what is proving to be the “5th pillar of bedside physical examination” is increasing. Patients on hemodialysis (HD) are at high risk of contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) and developing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) serious complications. Despite this, to our knowledge there are no studies to date that show the role of LUS in this setting, while there are many in the emergency room, where LUS proved to be an important tool, providing risk stratification and guiding management strategies and resource allocation. Therefore, it is not clear whether the usefulness and cut-offs of LUS highlighted in studies in the general population are reliable in dialysis, or whether variations, precautions and adjustments to this specific situation are necessary. Methods This was a 1-year monocentric prospective observational cohort study of 56 HD patients with COVID-19. Patients underwent a monitoring protocol that included at first evaluation bedside LUS, using a 12-scan scoring system, by the same nephrologist. All data were prospectively and systematically collected. Outcomes. hospitalization rate, combined outcome [non-invasive ventilation (NIV + death)], mortality. Descriptive variables are presented as medians (interquartile range), or percentage. Univariate and multivariate analysis, as well as Kaplan–Meier (K-M) survival curves, were carried out. P was fixed at . 05. Results Median age was 78 years, 90% had at least one comorbidity (46% diabetics), 55% were hospitalized and 23% deaths. Median duration of disease was 23 days (14–34). A LUS score ≥11 represented a 13-fold risk of hospitalization, a 16.5-fold risk of combined outcome (NIV + death) vs risk factors such as age [odds ratio (OR) 1.6], diabetes (OR 1.2), male sex (OR 1.3) and obesity (OR 1.25), and a 7.7-fold risk of mortality. In the logistic regression, LUS score ≥11 is associated with the combined outcome with a hazard ratio (HR) of 6.1 vs inflammations indices such as CRP ≥9 mg/dL (HR 5.5) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) ≥62 pg/mL (HR 5.4). In K-M curves, survival drops significantly with LUS score above 11. Conclusions In our experience of COVID-19 HD patients, LUS appeared to be an effective and easy tool, predicting the need for NIV and mortality better than “classic” known COVID-19 risk factors such as age, diabetes, male sex and obesity, and even better than inflammations indices such as CRP and IL-6. These results are consistent with those of the studies in the emergency room setting, but with a lower LUS score cut-off (11 vs 16–18). This is probably due to the higher global frailty and peculiarity of HD population, and emphasizes how nephrologists should themselves use LUS and POCUS as a part of their everyday clinical practice, adapting it to the peculiarity of the HD ward.
Role of inflammation in neurological damage and regeneration following spinal cord injury and its therapeutic implications

Abstract Spinal cord injury (SCI) is an incurable trauma that frequently results in partial or complete loss of motor and sensory function. Massive neurons are damaged after the initial mechanical insult. Secondary injuries, which are triggered by immunological and inflammatory responses, also result in neuronal loss and axon retraction. This results in defects in the neural circuit and a deficiency in the processing of information. Although inflammatory responses are necessary for spinal cord recovery, conflicting evidence of their contributions to specific biological processes have made it difficult to define the specific role of inflammation in SCI. This review summarizes our understanding of the complex role of inflammation in neural circuit events following SCI, such as cell death, axon regeneration and neural remodeling. We also review the drugs that regulate immune responses and inflammation in the treatment of SCI and discuss the roles of these drugs in the modulation of neural circuits. Finally, we provide evidence about the critical role of inflammation in facilitating spinal cord neural circuit regeneration in zebrafish, an animal model with robust regenerative capacity, to provide insights into the regeneration of the mammalian central nervous system.
Impact on habitual crossfit participant's exercise behavior, health, and well‐being: A cross‐sectional survey of UK COVID‐19 lockdowns

The period between March 2020 and March 2021 saw an unprecedented change to everyday life due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. This included the closure of businesses in the health and fitness sector. Such closures impacted people in several ways; increasing stress, reducing mental well‐being, and decreasing motivation to exercise. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of UK lockdowns on the behavior, motives, and general health & well‐being of CrossFit™ gym members in the United Kingdom.
The effects of length and complexity on constituent ordering in written English

Abstract Based on the written part of the British Component of International Corpus of English (ICE-GB), this paper investigates the interrelationship between length and complexity of sentential constituents and their positions in the sentence. Results show that length and complexity affect sentential constituent ordering. Within the sentence, the longest and the most complex constituents tend to occur in the final position, and the relatively shorter and less complex constituents tend to be in the initial position. However, for sentential constituents in other positions, the length-complexity-position relationship appears to be random. Possible explanations for the findings are provided from different perspectives, especially from the distribution of given and new information.
Is the Dust Obscuring Supernovae in Distant Galaxies the Same as Dust in the Milky Way?

Previous attempts to correct type Ia supernovae (SN Ia's) for host galaxy extinction have given strange results: increased dispersion on the Hubble diagram or impossibly low values of the reddening ratio for dust in distant galaxies. The cause is the incorrect assumption that SN Ia's have a uniform intrinsic luminosity and color at maximum light. Our multicolor light-curve shape (MLCS) method establishes the relation between intrinsic luminosity and color for SN Ia's using information in light-curve shapes. Here we estimate the B - V, V - R, and V - I color excess for 20 SN Ia's using MLCS and estimate the reddening ratios of dust in distant galaxies. The ratios of selective to total absorption from dust in distant galaxies hosting SN Ia's are consistent with the galactic extinction law. The SN Ia's in late-type galaxies are often obscured by dust, while those in early-type galaxies are dust free. This suggests that SN Ia extinction is caused by interstellar (not circumstellar) dust, with similar optical properties as the dust in the Milky Way.
Comparative Analysis of Stress Distribution through Finite-Element Models of 3 NiTi Endodontic Instruments while Operating in Different Canal Types

Statement of the Problem: Distribution of stress along endodontic instruments determines their fracture resistance during instrumentation of root canals. The cross-sectional design of instruments and root canal anatomy are of the most important factors affecting the stress distribution. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stress distribution in different cross-sectional design of nickel-titanium (NiTi) endodontic instruments operating in different canal anatomies using finite element analysis (FEA). Materials and Method: In this original finite element analysis study, 3-dimensional models of convex triangle (CT), S-type (S), and triple-helix (TH) cross-sectional designs with the size of 25/04 simulated rotational movements through 45ᵒ and 60ᵒ angled root canals with 2- and 5-mm radii using ABAQUS software. The stress distribution was evaluated by the means of FEA. Results: CT showed the lowest stress values followed by the TH and S ones. The most stress concentration was detected in the CT apical third while, TH revealed better stress distribution all along its length. 45ᵒ curvature angle and 5-mm radius applied the lowest stress to the instruments. Conclusion: Higher value of radius and smaller curvature angle apply lower stress values to the instrument. CT design shows the lowest stress level with the most stress concentration in its apical third while the triple-helix design has a better stress distribution. Thus, it is safer to use convex triangular cross-section mostly for coronal and middle thirds in initial steps of shaping and triple-helix for the apical third in final steps.
Survival Rate and Cervical Bone Loss of Dental Implants Placed in Regenerated Areas with Free Iliac Graft

Statement of the Problem: For many years, practitioners have been encountered with dental rehabilitation of atrophic jaws. Among many of alternatives, free iliac graft can be a reasonable and also problematic choice to be accomplished. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the implant survival rate and bone loss in implants inserted in reconstructed jaws with free iliac graft. Materials and Method: In this clinical trial study, twelve patients that underwent bone reconstruction with free iliac graft were included in this retrospective study. The patients underwent surgery over a 6-year period from September 2011 to July 2017. Panoramic images were taken immediately after implant insertion and at the follow-up session. The parameters that were assessed included implant survival rate, bone level changes, and surrounding tissue conditions. Results: One hundred and nine implants were placed in eight female and four male patients, of which 65 (59.6%) were inserted in the reconstructed maxilla and 44 (40.3%) in the reconstructed mandible. The interval between the reconstruction surgery and follow-up session was 28.75 months and the mean interval between implant insertion and the follow-up session was 21.75 months, ranging from 6 to 72 months. The total average of crestal bone resorption was 2.44 mm (range: 0 to 5.43 mm). Conclusion: This study found that rehabilitation of atrophic jaws with dental implants placed in free iliac graft was associated with acceptable marginal bone loss, survival rate, satisfaction, and esthetic results among the patients.
Monolithic integrated micro-supercapacitors with ultra-high systemic volumetric performance and areal output voltage

ABSTRACT Monolithic integrated micro-supercapacitors (MIMSCs) with high systemic performance and cell-number density are important for miniaturized electronics to empower the Internet of Things. However, fabrication of customizable MIMSCs in an extremely small space remains a huge challenge considering key factors such as materials selection, electrolyte confinement, microfabrication and device-performance uniformity. Here, we develop a universal and large-throughput microfabrication strategy to address all these issues by combining multistep lithographic patterning, spray printing of MXene microelectrodes and controllable 3D printing of gel electrolytes. We achieve the monolithic integration of electrochemically isolated micro-supercapacitors in close proximity by leveraging high-resolution micropatterning techniques for microelectrode deposition and 3D printing for precise electrolyte deposition. Notably, the MIMSCs obtained demonstrate a high areal-number density of 28 cells cm−2 (340 cells on 3.5 × 3.5 cm2), a record areal output voltage of 75.6 V cm−2, an acceptable systemic volumetric energy density of 9.8 mWh cm−3 and an unprecedentedly high capacitance retention of 92% after 4000 cycles at an extremely high output voltage of 162 V. This work paves the way for monolithic integrated and microscopic energy-storage assemblies for powering future microelectronics.
Perception of Nurses’ Support among Family Members of Hospitalized Patients in A Tertiary Health Facility in South-West, Nigeria

Introduction Family members of hospitalized patients are often faced with challenges and may experience difficulty in coping without appropriate support. The aim of this study was to assess hospitalized patients' family members' perception of nurses' support. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive design was utilized. A total of 138 family members of hospitalized patients in a tertiary health facility were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected with an adopted structured questionnaire. Analyses of data were performed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression. The level of significance was set at 0.05 (p < .05. Also, age, gender, and type of family were the predictors of emotional support (R2 = 84, F(6, 131) = 5.92, p < . 05. Results Twenty-seven qualitative studies were included in the review. A thematic synthesis showed over 100 themes and subthemes across the studies. A cluster analysis revealed positive elements and others that were seen in the studies as a barrier (hindrance) to clinical learning. Positive elements included supportive instructors, close supervision, and belonging (in the team). Unsupportive instructors, a lack of supervision and not being included were seen as a hindrance. Three key overarching themes that could describe a successful placement were revealed as “Preparation,” “Welcomed and wanted” and “Supervision experiences”. A conceptual model of clinical placement elements conducive to nursing students’ learning was developed to enhance understanding of the complexities associated with supervision. The findings and model are presented and discussed. Conclusion A significant number of families of hospitalized patients reported poor perception of cognitive, emotional, and overall support from nurses. Adequate staffing is a prerequisite for effective family support. Nurses also need appropriate training in providing family support. The focus of family support training should emphasize practices that nurses can use in everyday interactions with patients and family members.
Magnetic Structure of Cubic FeGe

It is shown that in the cubic phase of FeGe a conical spin structure with a cone semi-angle of about 55° with respect to [111] (the direction of the cone axis) is in agreement with data obtained from Mossbauer spectroscopy and neutron diffraction. The temperature dependence of the magnetic hyperfine field close to the ordering temperature of 275 K is described by a critical exponent β = 0.39.