Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The interrelationship between meteorological parameters and leptospirosis incidence in Hambantota district, Sri Lanka 2008–2017 and practical implications

Background Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonosis. Leptospirosis incidence (LI) in Sri Lanka is high. Infected animals pass leptospires to the environment with their urine. Leprospires' survival in the environment to infect a new host depends on meteorological factors. El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) modulate the weather in Sri Lanka. Objectives The determination of interrelationship between the LI in the Hambantota District, and local meteorological parameters, ENSO and IOD. Methods We acquired notified leptospirosis cases in the Hambantota District and population data. We calculated weekly leptospirosis incidences for 2008 to 2017.Weather data from two weather stations was obtained, averaged and converted into weekly data. We plotted time series graphs and observed the correlation between seven aggregated weather parameters and LI. We estimated cross-correlations between those weather parameters and LI. As our principal analysis we determined correlation between LI and seven local weather parameters, Nino 3.4, Nino4 and Dipole Mode Index (DMI) indices using wavelet analysis. Results Our wavelet analysis results showed troughs of minimum, maximum, mean temperatures, soil temperature, the evaporation rate, the duration of sunshine were followed by peaks in LI and peaks of rainfall followed by peaks of LI, all after lag periods. Our time series graphs and cross-correlation determination results are generally in agreement with these results. However there was no significant correlation between rainfall and LI in the cross-correlation analysis. There were peaks of LI following both peaks and troughs of DMI. There was no clear correlation between both Nino indices and LI. Discussion This may be the first long-term study demonstrating soil temperature, evaporation rate and IOD are correlating with LI. The correlation pattern of LI with temperature parameters differs from similar past studies and we explain the reasons. We propose ways to control high LI we observed after periods of weather favorable for transmission of leptospirosis.
Biodiesel Fuels from Vegetable Oils: Transesterification of Cynara cardunculus L. Oils with Ethanol

A study was made of the transesterification reaction of Cynara cardunculus L. oil by means of ethanol, using sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide as catalysts. The objective of the work was to characterize the ethyl esters for use as biodiesels in compression ignition motors. The operation variables employed were temperature (25−75 °C), catalyst type (sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide), catalyst concentration (0.25−1.5 wt %), and ethanol/oil molar ratio (3:1−15:1). Oil mass (200 g), reaction time (120 min), and alcohol type (ethanol) were fixed as common parameters in all the experiments. The evolution of the process was followed by gas chromatography, determining the concentration of the ethyl esters at different reaction times. The biodiesel was characterized by determining its density, viscosity, high heating value, cetane index, cloud and pour points, characteristics of distillation, and flash and combustion points according to ISO norms. The biodiesel with the best properties was obtained .
MRI-guided stereotactic laser corpus callosotomy for epilepsy: distinct methods and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE Several small series have described stereotactic MRI-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy for partial callosotomy of astatic and generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) seizures, especially in association with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Larger case series and comparison of distinct stereotactic methods for stereotactic laser corpus callosotomy (SLCC), however, are currently lacking. The objective of this study was to report seizure outcomes in a series of adult patients with epilepsy following anterior, posterior, and complete SLCC procedures and to compare the results achieved with a frameless stereotactic surgical robot versus direct MRI guidance frames. METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed sequential adult epilepsy surgery patients who underwent SLCC procedures at a single institution. They describe workflows, stereotactic errors, percentage disconnection, hospitalization durations, adverse events, and seizure outcomes after performing anterior, posterior, and complete SLCC procedures using a frameless stereotactic surgical robot versus direct MRI guidance platforms. RESULTS Thirteen patients underwent 15 SLCC procedures. The median age at surgery was 29 years (range 20-49 years), the median duration of epilepsy was 21 years (range 9-48 years), and median postablation follow-up was 20 months (range 4-44 months). Ten patients underwent anterior SLCC with a median 73% (range 33%-80%) midsagittal length of callosum acutely ablated. Following anterior SLCC, 6 of 10 patients achieved meaningful (> 50%) reduction of target seizures. Four patients underwent posterior (completion) SLCC following prior anterior callosotomy, and 1 patient underwent complete SLCC as a single procedure; 3 of these 5 patients experienced meaningful reduction of target seizures. Overall, 8 of 10 patients in whom astatic seizures were targeted and treated by anterior and/or posterior SLCC experienced meaningful improvement. SLCC procedures with direct MRI guidance (n = 7) versus a frameless surgical robot (n = 8) yielded median radial accuracies of 1.1 mm (range 0.2-2.0 mm) versus 2.4 mm (range 0.6-6.1 mm; p = 0.0011). The most serious adverse event was a clinically significant intraparenchymal hemorrhage in a patient who underwent the robotic technique. CONCLUSIONS This is the largest reported series of SLCC for epilepsy to date. SLCC provides seizure outcomes comparable to open surgery outcomes reported in the literature. Direct MRI guidance is more accurate, which has the potential to reduce the risks of SLCC. Methodological advancements and larger studies are needed.
Controlled Human Exposures to Concentrated Ambient Fine Particles in Metropolitan Los Angeles: Methodology and Preliminary Health-Effect Findings

We installed a Harvard particle concentrator with PM2.5 size-selective inlet and two virtual impactor stages, in a movable human exposure laboratory located in metropolitan Los Angeles, where ambient PM2.5 is unusually high. The exposure chamber, a modified body Plethysmograph of ~2000 L volume, operated at flow near 200 L/min and pressure near 25 cm H2O below atmospheric. The concentrator usually delivered seven to nine times the ambient concentration of PM2.5. When necessary, part of its output was diverted through a HEPA filter to control the exposure concentration. Occasionally the concentration factor decreased due to rapid fouling of impactor slits under humid and/or highly polluted ambient conditions. Initial tests with an investigator (healthy male, age 53 yr) at rest in the chamber showed no untoward effects except rare transient mild substernal irritation, brief mild middle ear discomfort from pressure changes upon starting or stopping the concentrator, and occasional ectopic heartbeats (which also occurred apart from the exposures). Maximum in-chamber concentrations exceeded 300 μg/m3, 30-min average. Subsequently, healthy adult volunteers (2 female, 2 male, age 19–41 yr) completed 2-h resting exposures to ambient PM2.5 at 2-h average concentrations of 148 to 246 μ3 , and similar studies with HEPA-filtered air (control condition). No medically significant changes in lung function, symptoms, arterial O2 saturation, or Holter electrocardiograms (recorded during and for 22 h after exposure in 3 subjects) were observed. We conclude that exposures to concentrated ambient particles are operationally and ethically feasible in metropolitan Los Angeles. Larger scale studies of healthy volunteers, and then of volunteers with respiratory or cardiovascular disease, are planned.
Factors associated with breast cancer screening intention in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Background Breast cancer burden is increasing in low-income countries (LICs). Increasing incidence and delayed presentation of breast cancer are mainly responsible for this burden. Many women do not participate in breast cancer screening despite its effectiveness. Moreover, studies are limited on the barriers associated with low utilization of breast cancer screening in LICs. This study identified breast cancer screening behavior and factors associated with breast cancer screening intention among women in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 women living in five municipalities of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Data were collected from July to September 2018, using a structured questionnaire. Interviews were conducted among women selected through proportionate random household sampling. This study was conceptualized using the theory of planned behavior, fatalism, perceived susceptibility, and perceived severity. The outcome variables included: the intention to have mammography (MMG) biennially, the intention to have clinical breast examination (CBE) annually, and the intention to perform breast self-examination (BSE) monthly. Analysis was conducted separately for each outcome variable using partial proportional odds model. Results Out of 500 women, 3.4% had undergone MMG biennially, 7.2% CBE annually, and 14.4% BSE monthly. Women with a positive attitude, high subjective norms, and high perceived behavioral control were more likely to have the intention to undergo all three screening methods. Similarly, women were more likely to have intention to undergo CBE and MMG when they perceived themselves susceptible to breast cancer. Conversely, women were less likely to have intention to undergo CBE when they had high fatalistic beliefs towards breast cancer. Conclusion Women in this study had poor screening behavior. The practice of breast self-examination was comparatively higher than clinical breast examination and mammography. Multidimensional culturally sensitive interventions are needed to enhance screening intentions. Efforts should be directed to improve attitude, family support, and fatalistic belief towards cancer. Furthermore, the proper availability of screening methods should be ensured while encouraging women to screen before the appearance of symptoms.
Cross-cultural perspectives on the meaning of family quality of life: Comparing Korean immigrant families and Canadian families of children with autism spectrum disorder

This study sought to examine and compare conceptualizations and descriptions of family quality of life, from the perspectives of Korean immigrant and Canadian families of children with autism spectrum disorder. Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews from 13 Korean immigrant parents and 12 Canadian parents of children with autism living in BC, Canada was conducted. For Korean immigrant families, three themes were identified: family cohesiveness, value orientation, and acceptance from society. For Canadian families, themes comprising family interactions, support, emotional well-being, individual characteristics, and comparisons to other families were essential elements in defining their family quality of life. Findings highlight how cultural values and differences may translate into different conceptualizations of family quality of life and underscore the need for cross-cultural and diverse perspectives in the study and development of future assessment tools. Lay abstract The purpose of this study was to compare Korean immigrant families and Canadian families of children with autism in their perceptions and definitions of family quality of life. Interviews were done with 13 Korean immigrant parents and 12 Canadian parents of children with autism living in BC, Canada. For Korean immigrant families, three themes were identified: family cohesiveness, value orientation, and acceptance from society. For Canadian families, themes comprising family interactions, support, emotional well-being, individual characteristics, and comparisons to other families were essential elements in defining their family quality of life. The findings emphasize how differences in culture may impact how we understand and assess family functioning and quality of life. If research informing the development of these tools lacks cross-cultural perspectives, service providers and professionals may fail to address these families’ unique needs.
The extraperitoneal French AmbUlatory cesarean section technique leads to improved pain scores and a faster maternal autonomy compared with the intraperitoneal Misgav Ladach technique: A prospective randomized controlled trial

Objective To determine whether the French AmbUlatory Cesarean Section (FAUCS) technique reduces postoperative pain and promotes maternal autonomy compared with the Misgav Ladach cesarean section (MLCS) technique in elective conditions. Study design One hundred pregnant women were randomly, but in a non-blinded manner, assigned to undergo FAUCS or MLCS. The primary outcome was a postoperative mean pain score (PMPS), and secondary outcomes were a combined pain/medication score, time to regain autonomy, surgical duration, calculated blood loss, surgical complications, and neonatal outcome. Results Women in the FAUCS group experienced less pain than those in the MLCS group (PMPS = 1.87 [1.04–2.41] vs. 2.93 [2.46–3.75], respectively; p < 0.001). Six hours after surgery, the combined pain/medication score for FAUCS patients was 33% lower than that for MLCS patients (p < 0.001). FAUCS patients more rapidly regained autonomy, with 94% reaching autonomy within 12 h vs. 4% of MLCS patients (p < 0.001). There were no differences in maternal surgical or neonatal complications between groups. Conclusions Our results indicate that FAUCS can reduce postoperative pain and accelerate recovery, suggesting that this technique might be superior to MLCS and should be more widely used. One potentially key difference between FAUCS and MLCS is that MLCS includes 100 mcg spinal morphine anesthesia in addition to the same anesthesia used by FAUCS. Any interpretation of apparent differences must take the presence/absence of morphine into account.
Factors that determine dependence in daily activities: A cross-sectional study of family practice non-attenders from Slovenia

Background Independence in daily activities is defined as the ability to perform functions related to daily living, i.e. the capacity of living independently in the community with little or no help from others. Objective We focused on non-attenders as a subgroup of patients whose health status is not well known to family practice teams. Our goal was to estimate the prevalence of dependence and its severity level in the daily activities of patients, and to determine the factors that are associated with the occurrence of dependence. Design Cross-sectional observational study. Settings and participants Data was obtained in family medicine settings. Participants in the study were adults living in the community (aged 18 or over) who had not visited their chosen family physician in the last 5 years (non-attenders) and who were able to participate in the study. Through the electronic system, we identified 2,025 non-attenders. Community nurses collected data in the participants’ homes. The outcome measure was dependence in daily activities, assessed through eight items: personal hygiene; eating and drinking; mobility; dressing and undressing; urination and defecation; continence; avoiding hazards in the environment; and communication. Results The final sample consisted of 1,999 patients (98.7% response rate). The mean age was 59.9 (range 20 to 99). Dependence in daily activities was determined in 466 or 23.3% (95% CI: [21.5, 25.2]) of the patients. Older patients (over 60 years), with at least one chronic disease, increased risk of falling, moderate feelings of loneliness and a lower self-assessment of health were statistically significantly more likely to be dependent in their daily activities, according to our multivariate model. Conclusions A considerable proportion of family practice non-attenders were found to be dependent in daily activities, though at a low level. We identified several factors associated with this dependence. This could help to identify people at risk of being dependent in daily activities in the general adult population, and enable specific interventions that would improve their health status.
Context Matters for Tone and Intonation Processing in Mandarin

In tonal languages such as Mandarin, both lexical tone and sentence intonation are primarily signaled by F0. Their F0 encodings are sometimes in conflict and sometimes in congruency. The present study investigated how tone and intonation, with F0 encodings in conflict or in congruency, are processed and how semantic context may affect their processing. To this end, tone and intonation identification experiments were conducted in both semantically neutral and constraining contexts. Results showed that the overall performance of tone identification was better than that of intonation. Specifically, tone identification was seldom affected by intonation information irrespective of semantic contexts. However, intonation identification, particularly question intonation, was susceptible to the final lexical tone identity and affected by the semantic context. In the semantically neutral context, questions ending with a rising tone and a falling tone were equally difficult to identify. In the semantically constraining context, questions ending with a falling tone were much better identified than those ending with a rising tone. This perceptual asymmetry suggests that top-down information provided by the semantically constraining context can play a facilitating role for listeners to disentangle intonational information from tonal information, but mainly in sentences with the lexical falling tone in the final position.
Electrochemical transport properties of a cone-shaped nanopore: revisited

There are reports in the literature that a single cone-shaped nanopore generated in a polymer foil separating two equally concentrated dilute aqueous potassium chloride solutions can reach high and low stationary electrical conductivity states respectively depending on the sign of the applied electrical potential. On the basis of published data it has been argued (D. Woermann, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2003, 5, 1853) that this phenomenon can be understood in terms of a well established model describing the electrochemical transport properties of polyelectrolyte membranes (“model of the membrane with narrow pores”). In the present contribution experimental evidence is presented which gives strong support to these arguments using a model system. Based on the “model of the membrane with narrow pores” a composite membrane is constructed mimicking the structure and electrochemical function of an ensemble of conical nanopores. It is found that the characteristic electrochemical transport property of the composite membrane is that of a cone-shaped nanopore.
Application of ischaemia‐free liver transplantation improves prognosis of patients with steatotic donor livers – a retrospective study

The use of steatotic livers in liver transplantation (LT) is controversial. Ischaemia‐free liver transplantation (IFLT) has obvious advantages for the recovery of allograft function. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of liver grafts with steatosis on outcome and the effect of IFLT with steatotic livers. 360 patients with LT were enrolled in this study. Perioperative characteristics and differences in outcome among different grades of steatotic groups, and between the IFLT and conventional LT (CLT) groups were analysed. Occurrence of early allograft dysfunction (EAD; 50%) and primary nonfunction (PNF; 20%) was significantly higher in the severe steatosis group (P < 0.001 and <0.001, respectively). Survival rate is significantly low in severe steatosis group (3‐year: 60%, P = 0.0039). The IFLT group had a significantly lower occurrence of EAD than the CLT group (0% vs. 60%, P = 0.01). The level of postoperative peak AST, GGT and creatine were significantly lower in IFLT group (P = 0.009, 0.032 and 0.024, respectively). In multivariable analysis, IFLT and EAD were independent factors affecting postoperative survival. Severe steatotic livers lead to severe complications and poor outcomes in LT. IFLT has obvious advantages for reducing the rate of EAD in LT with steatotic livers.
Age and extraversion differences in heart rate reactivity during working memory tasks

Research and theory have shown a link between heart rate reactivity during cognitive testing and extraversion in younger adults; however, similar work has not been conducted with older adults. This study was designed to explore age and extraversion-related differences in within-person heart rate (HR) reactivity during two working memory tasks of varying difficulty using a multi-level modeling approach. Across 570 total within-person assessments of continuous HR monitoring, 28 younger adults (M = 19.76, SD = 1.15) and 29 older adults (M = 71.19, SD = 6.63) were administered two working memory tasks (backward digit span and n-back). There were no age differences in reactivity during the backward digit span. However, similar to previous findings, on the more difficult n-back task, younger adults low in extraversion showed a trend toward higher HR reactivity than young adults high in extraversion. Interestingly, the older adults showed the opposite pattern in that lower extraversion older adults were less reactive than the higher extraversion older adults who showed the steepest increase in HR. The HR increase of the older adults high in extraversion may be an indication of higher engagement in this more difficult task. Individual differences in extraversion need to be taken into account when administering working memory tasks in older adults.