Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
27‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery compared with 25‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery on wound closure and need for wound suture and other postoperative parameters in the treatment of vitreoretinal disease: A meta‐analysis

We performed a meta‐analysis to evaluate the effect of 27‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery compared with 25‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery on wound closure and the need for wound suture and other postoperative parameters in the treatment of vitreoretinal disease. A systematic literature search up to June 2022 was performed and 1264 subjects with the vitreoretinal disease at the baseline of the studies; 562 of them were using the 27‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery, and 722 were using 25‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery. Odds ratio (OR), and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the effect of 27‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery compared with 25‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery on wound closure and the need for wound suture and other postoperative parameters in the treatment of vitreoretinal disease using the dichotomous, and contentious methods with a random or fixed‐effect model. The 27‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery subjects had a significantly lower intraoperative and postoperative wound complication (OR, 6.66; 95% CI, 0.46‐0.95, P = .02), and wound suture number (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.20‐0.71, P = .002), and best corrected visual acuity (MD, −0.03; 95% CI, −0.05 to −0.001, P = .02) compared with 25‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery in subjects with vitreoretinal disease. However, 27‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery subjects had no significant difference in the wound closure time (MD, −8.45; 95% CI, −23.44 to 6.55, P = .27), operation time (MD, 0.85; 95% CI, −1.17 to 2.86, P = .41), intraocular pressure at postoperative day 1 (MD, 0.42; 95% CI, −1.45‐2.28, P = .66), primary anatomical success rate (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.42‐1.63, P = .58), and central macular thickness (MD, 1.81; 95% CI, −21.76 to 25.37, P = .88) compared to 25‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery in subjects with vitreoretinal disease. The 27‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery subjects had a significantly lower intraoperative and postoperative wound complication, wound suture number, and best corrected visual acuity, and no significant difference in the wound closure time, operation time, intraocular pressure at postoperative day 1, primary anatomical success rate, and central macular thickness compared to 25‐gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery in subjects with vitreoretinal disease. The analysis of outcomes should be with caution because of the low sample size of 12 out of 15 studies in the meta‐analysis and a low number of studies in certain comparisons.
Standardized Gaussian Dictionary for ECG Analysis a Metrological Approach

An approach based on dictionary-based Gaussian decomposition of electrocardiogram (ECG) traces is presented and characterized, and its performance potential is demonstrated using traces from the MIT-BIH Arrythmia Database. A Gaussian model is employed to describe ECG morphology. Parameters are estimated using a dictionary-based approach, that is purposely designed to obtain accurate representations with limited complexity and ensure comparability among different traces and subjects. The standardized Gaussian dictionary allows compact representations, enhances comparability and provides the support for machine learning-based diagnostics of ECG traces. Data-oriented large-scale medical analyses of ECG data are made possible, allowing the investigation of elusive cardiac phenomena and personalized diagnostics.
Spontaneous left atrial echo contrast, mitral annular systolic velocity, and left atrial appendage late emptying velocity in predicting improvement of left atrial function after percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty

LA/LAA dysfunction is a serious concern in patients with severe mitral stenosis, which may lead to blood stasis and thromboembolic consequences, as well as heart failure. In this research, we aimed to examine the impact of PBMV on LA/LAA function, specifically focusing on mitral annulus Sa velocity, SEC grade and LAA TDI parameters, in order to identify the determinants of improved LA/LAA function. Methods: Preliminary research was undertaken between June 2020 and April 2022 at a Tertiary Care Hospital in the United States. At the National Heart Institute's Cardiology Department, a total of 50 patients with symptomatic, isolated, severe mitral stenosis underwent PBMV surgery. Dyspnea was a common symptom in more than half of our patients, most of whom were in their 30s and 40s (NYHA class II). An improved LA/LAA SEC grade, decreased mitral valve diastolic pressure gradient and decreased diastolic left atrial diameter were all seen following PBMV. After PBMV, mitral annular Sa velocity, LAAEV, and LAAFV were all significantly improved. " We also found that improvement in LA/LAA function after PBMV was significantly predicted by mitral annular Sa velocity. The SEC grade of the LA/LAA was shown to be a major predictor of improvement in LA/LAA function following PBMV. Our findings showed that the mital annular Sa velocity cutoff value was 5.5 cm/s was the ideal speed for predicting an inactive LAA. The cutoff value for LAAEV in our investigation was 25 cm/sec for the prediction of inactive LA/LAA. Conclusion: Pre-PBMV inactivity was predicted by lower Sa-wave velocity; after PBMV inactivity was predicted by higher Sa-wave velocity, higher LAAEV, lower SEC grade, lower left atrial diameter, larger MVA and lower PASP. Specifically, lower left atrial diameter, larger MVA and lower PASP were associated with improved LA function after PBMV.
Evaluation of Plasma Levels of Interleukin 6 and Iron of Volleyball Players Based on Heights and Weight of a Nigerian University Students

Sports is known to increase inflammation which may in turn affect the levels of interleukin 6 and iron in the players such as in volleyball. The study was done to determine the levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and iron levels of volleyball players based on heights and weights of a Nigerian University students. A total number of 80 subjects were recruited for the study, comprising of 40 subjects before playing volleyball (20 males and 20 females) and 40 subjects after playing volleyball (20 males, 20 females) from Madonna University Nigeria, Elele Campus, Rivers State, Nigeria. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. The results showed that there was significant increase (p=0.032) in interleukin 6 (IL-6) of volleyball players of 5.1-6.5M compared to volleyball players of 4.0-5.5M and no significant change (p=0.663) in iron of volleyball players 4.0-5.5M compared to volleyball players 5.1-6.5M respectively. The study showed that there was no significant increase (p=0.978) in interleukin 6 (IL-6) of volleyball players of 50-65Kg compared to volleyball players of 66-85Kg and no significant change (p=0.294) in iron of volleyball players 50-65Kg compared to volleyball players 66-85Kg respectively. During exercise, interleukin 6 (IL-6) but not the iron level increase significantly based upon the height of volleyball players. Both of these parameters do not change significantly based upon their weight.
Investigating the Mediating Effect of Business-IT Alignment between Management of IT Investment and Firm Performance

ABSTRACT Studies on the effect of business-IT alignment between the management of IT investment and firm performance are scarce. This study focuses on process theory, resource-based view, and Val-IT 2.0, to investigate how business-IT alignment mediates the management of IT investment and firm performance using 194 Chinese IT and business managers’ responses. Findings reveal a significant impact on the hypotheses, whereas alignment mediates the proposed link. This study theoretically contributes and suggests insightful implications for practitioners.
Clinical Characteristics and Predictive Outcomes of Recurrent Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma—A Lingering Pitfall of the Long Latency

Simple Summary Unlike other head and neck cancers, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) with long-latent recurrence (>five years) is not rare. This study aims to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of long-latent recurrent NPC. We found that 8.1% recurrence occurred after five years. About two thirds of these patients’ primary cancer belonged to the early stages, and almost half of the recurrence was a local recurrence. The five-year overall survival and disease-specific survival rate of long-latent recurrence was 19.7% and 24.5%, respectively. Most long-latent local recurrence was found in unresectable rT3 or rT4 cases, while one-third could not be detected by endoscopy due to recurrence in the skull base. A higher percentage of patients who died after long-latent recurrence were symptomatic with a follow-up interval more than six months, reflecting that delayed detection of recurrence may have a great impact on survival outcome. A long-term follow-up is necessary for early detection of NPC recurrence even after five years of disease-free interval. Abstract Purpose: To investigate the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of long-latent recurrence (>five years) of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: This retrospective study enrolled newly diagnosed NPC patients from the Chang Gung Research Database between January 2007 and December 2019. We analyzed the patients’ characteristics and survival outcomes after recurrence. Results: A total of 2599 NPC patients were enrolled. The overall recurrence rate was 20.5%, while 8.1% of patients had long-latent recurrence (>five years). These patients had a higher percentage of initial AJCC (The American Joint Committee on Cancer) stage I/II (60.5%, p = 0.001) and local recurrence (46.5%, p < 0.001). Unresectable rT3 and rT4 were found in 60% of patients when recurrence and 30% of local recurrence occurred in the skull base, which could not be detected by the regular endoscopy. The five-year overall survival rate of long-latent recurrence was 19.7%. Alive patients tended to be asymptomatic but have regular follow-ups with the interval less than six months. Multivariate analysis showed age and initial advanced AJCC stages were independent risk factors of death after recurrence. In contrast, patients with recurrence between two and five years, salvage surgeries, and regional recurrence had favorable survival outcomes. Conclusion: Long-latent NPC recurrence is not rare, and the survival outcome is poor. Regular follow-up for early detection of NPC recurrence is necessary even after five years of disease-free period.
Accurate determination of film thickness by low-angle X-ray reflection

A modified Bragg law for straightforward determining the film thickness by low-angle X-ray reflection was derived based on the geometrical optical theory. We showed that this modified Bragg law and its inference formulae could be used to accurately determine the thickness of the monolayer or multilayer film. Furthermore, the modified Bragg law for determining the superlattice period presented earlier by others can be derived from the above modified Bragg law. The similar inference formulae were also given. The precision in determining the film thickness and/or superlattice period by the above formulae was discussed.
Acceptance of YouTube for Islamic Information Acquisition: A Multi-group Analysis of Students’Academic Discipline

—YouTube has been recognized as an important information source for the millennial generation. This paper aims to identify the factors affecting Malaysian higher education students’ acceptance of YouTube for Islamic information acquisition and to investigate if any notable distinction that exists between the students’ path coefficients in Islamic academic discipline and the other disciplines. Employing the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model (UTAUT) as its theoretical foundation, data were collected by distributing a self-administered survey to 795 students actively using YouTube for information seeking. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and multi-group analysis (MGA) in SmartPLS 3.2. 7 software were used to analyze the data. Three constructs of the UTAUT model, performance expectancy, effort expectancy and social influences, were found to significantly and positively influence behavioural intention to use YouTube for Islamic information acquisition in both groups of students. Facilitating conditions demonstrates significantly negative relationship with YouTube acceptance for students in other academic disciplines than for Islamic academic discipline. Additionally, the MGA analysis’ findings suggest that determinants’ factor coefficients of YouTube acceptance for Islamic information acquisition are not significantly different between students in Islamic academic disciplines and the other disciplines. This study validates the UTAUT model to understand the determinant of social media application usage in a new study context.
Modified Minimally Invasive Reduction and Osteosynthesis System Technique for Fixation of Proximal Humeral Fractures versus Multiple K-Wires Fixation

Background : Fractures of the upper extremity, most commonly the proximal humerus, are commonly treated with the Minimally Invasive Reduction and Osteosynthesis System (MIROS) as well as a modified version of it. Objective : To compare the radiological and functional outcome of modified MIROS technique and traditional multiple K-wires fixation for the treatment of proximal humeral fractures. Patients and Methods: At Orthopedic Department of Zagazig University Hospital, we operated upon 18 patients, with a mean age of 53.1 ±9.79, 6 patients had two-part, 7 patients had three-part and 5 patients had four-part fractures, half of them were treated by K-wires and the other by Modified MIROS technique. Results: The mean Constant score (CS) for the entire series, at the end of the follow-up period, was 74.5±17.40 in the K-wires group, 2 patients had excellent results, 3 patients had good results, 2 patients had fair results and 2 patients had poor results. In the Modified MIROS group, the mean CS was 81.5± 17.62, 3 patients had excellent results, 3 patients had good results, 2 patients had fair results and 1 patient had poor results. 7 patients had complication, 4 patients in the K-wires group as pin tract infection, delayed union, stiffness and nonunion, 3 patients in the modified MIROS group as pin tract infection, shoulder stiffness and inferior subluxation of glenohumeral joint. Conclusion : Modified MIROS technique can be a very demanding procedure that may fail to provide a satisfactory reduction, particularly in dislocation with four-part injuries.
Prevalence and risk factors of halitosis (oral malodor) among patients attending a dental school clinic in Egypt. A cross-sectional study.

Objective: we aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors associated with halitosis in a sample of dental patients attending a dental school outpatient clinic. Material and methods: 318 patients were examined for halitosis in Ahram Canadian University (ACU) dental school outpatient clinic during the period of March-June 2019. Two methods were used to reach a diagnosis: a questionnaire and an organoleptic score. Results: 76.1% of the dental patients were diagnosed as having halitosis based on the clinical examination. The mean score of halitosis among the study group was 2.31. The self-awareness of halitosis was 38% of the study group, and 13.2% reported having halitosis in the non-halitosis group. 16.98 % of patients had halitosis and periodontal disease, and 14.15% of the patients have halitosis and smoke. Conclusion : Halitosis in dental patients is a common condition. Therefore, implementation and reinforcement of a halitosis prevention and management protocol in dental clinics are a health and social need.
ASSESSMENT OF NEO-ADJUVANT THERAPY IN CORRELATION WITH THE PREDICTIVE ROLE OF KI67 INDEX IN CASES OF LOCALLY ADVANCED BREAST CANCER

: Background: Neoadjuvant therapy refers to the administration of systemic therapy, either chemotherapy or endocrine therapy, prior to definitive breast surgery. Patients who derive clinical benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) include patients with high-risk breast tumors, large breast tumors, and locally advanced tumors, including those initially ineligible for surgery. The goals of NACT include rendering inoperable tumors resectable, surgical down staging for patients who prefer breast conservation, and de-escalating axillary surgery in those with clinically positive nodes. Aim of the Study: To evaluate the response rate to neoadjuvant chemotherapy or hormonal therapy in cases of early breast cancer (T1, T2-N0, N1-M0) according to the TNM staging and to find the predictive value of the reduction of the prognostic value Ki-67 for the response to the neo-adjuvant treatment. Patients and Methods: This prospective study was conducted at tertiary care hospital at the breast surgery unit and clinical oncology departments, Ain Shams University Hospitals from 2015 till 2017 and performed on a total of 60 female patients with newly diagnosed early breast cancer patients according to TNM staging system. Results: During the follow-up of the patients, the current study results revealed that with significantly decreased tumor size at follow up among the studied cases . Baseline and follow up Ki-67 were lowest in complete response, followed by partial response, then stable disease and highest in progressive response, the differences statistically were significant. As a result, Ki-67 statistically had significant moderate diagnostic performance in predicting clinical responses, was highest in predicting progressive response. Conclusion: marker, as it has prognostic and predictive abilities after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Ki-67 expression may be considered a valuable potential biomarker and add a prognostic information to that obtained from classical prognostic factors such as tumor size.
Feasibility of Measuring Frailty and Patient-Reported Outcomes During and After Post-Acute Skilled Nursing Facility Rehabilitation

Functional status and quality of life are not routinely assessed after skilled nursing facility (SNF) discharge. We determined feasibility of measuring frailty among adults ≥65 years admitted to SNF after hospitalization, and post-discharge outcomes. We calculated a frailty index (non-frail [≤0.25], mild frailty [0.26–0.35], moderate [0.36–0.45], and severe [>0.45]). After SNF discharge, we conducted serial telephone interviews measuring ability to perform functional activities and Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores. Overall of 68 screened patients, 42 were eligible, and 24 (57.1%) eligible patients were enrolled. Of these, 5 (20.8%) were admitted after elective hospitalizations, 17 (70.8%) were female, and 11 (45.8%) had moderate-to-severe frailty. Frailty was measured in all participants in a mean 32.1 minutes. At 90 days, a total of three participants died, and two were lost to follow-up. Post-discharge functional status varied by frailty, with moderate-to-severe frailty having persistent impairment and lower PROMIS scores (worse quality of life) compared to those with no or mild frailty (38.2 [13.7] vs. 47.3 [8.1] p = .04). Measuring frailty and quality of life in older patients admitted to SNF is feasible. Furthermore, measuring frailty may help identify those at particularly high risk of poor recovery and lower quality of life after discharge.
Shifting the Center: Relocating Refugee Men in Strategies Aiming to Address Violence Against Women

This article aims to problematize individualistic strategies developed in western institutions to address violence against women and suggests more collective responses that engage refugee men. The data comes from a qualitative research project in Southeast Queensland, Australia. Thirty-one interviews with frontline workers from domestic violence and refugee settlement organizations reveal dissenting voices that challenge the hegemony of dominant groups who either advocate gender equality or overemphasize cultural differences. These dissenting voices suggest new knowledge being mobilized by refugees and associated communities, presenting opportunities for nongovernmental organizations and community groups to find ways to align across their differences toward a common goal.
A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF EPIDEMIOLOGICAL FEATURES AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS WITH MALIGNANT PLEURAL MESOTHELIOMA TREATED IN AIN SHAMS CLINICAL ONCOLOGY DEPARTMENT IN THE PERIOD FROM 2017 TO 2020

: Background: Mesothelioma is a rare tumor strongly associated with exposure to carcinogens, particularly asbestos. The study aimed to detect the epidemiological features of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma treated in Ain Shams university hospital and different treatment outcomes Aim of work: To analyze retrospectively epidemiological and clinical outcomes of malignant pleural mesothelioma patients treated in Ain Shams University Hospitals (ASU) in Cairo, Egypt, from 2017 to 2020. Patients and methods: convenient sampling of 120 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. The primary objective was to analyze the epidemiological and demographic data while secondary objectives included calculating overall survival as well as correlation between different clinic-pathological factors and outcome. Results: 120 participants were included, with a median age of 56.5, male to female ratio of 1:1.14. Incidence was highest in industrial areas Shobra Al Khaimah and Helwan as compared to other areas, 35.8%, 15% and 49.2% respectively. Epithelioid subtype represents 86.6% of the patients, while 6.6% of the patients are biphasic subtype and only 2.5% sarcomatoid subtype. The most common presenting symptom was dyspnea, followed by chest pain. Only 6.7% of the patients were candidates for surgery whether after chemotherapy or upfront, while 77.5% of the patients were candidates for first line chemotherapy and only 15.8% received radiotherapy, all with palliative intent. Conclusion: Mesothelioma in Egypt is mainly concentrated in areas of high environmental pollution. We aimed to provide retrospective data of adult control programme would benefit Egypt.
Effect of different set configurations on barbell trajectories during the power snatch

This study aimed to investigate the effect of different set configurations on barbell trajectories during a series of power snatch sets. Ten strength-power athletes (height: 1.78 ± 0.09 m, body mass: 88.7 ± 14.3 kg, age: 28.9 ± 4.8 years) with at least 6 months of training experience performing the power snatch participated in this study. Each participant completed three experimental protocols as part of a randomized repeated measures design. The three protocols tested were a traditional, cluster, and ascending cluster set protocol where training loads were increased across the repetitions contained within each set. All protocols required each participant to perform the power snatch with three sets of five repetitions at an average load of 75% of one-repetition maximum. Three-dimensional barbell trajectories were recorded using a motion capture system during each set protocol. Participants maintained barbell trajectories within each set of both traditional and cluster protocols. This result indicates that higher intensities (>75% of one-repetition maximum) than those used in this study should be used when using cluster sets that are designed to maximize the benefits of cluster sets for maintaining barbell trajectories during a series of power snatch sets performed for five repetitions. Additionally, participants displayed an increased barbell loop at the first repetition during the ascending cluster protocol. Therefore, coaches should only use this programming strategy for highly trained athletes who have already developed proper weightlifting technique to avoid a suboptimal barbell trajectory during the power snatch training session.