Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advanced Noise-Induced Deafness Among Workers in Singapore – What Has Changed?

Context: Noise-induced deafness (NID) contributes a significant disease burden internationally, and is a leading occupational disease in Singapore. Aims: This study profiles the epidemiological characteristics of advanced noise-induced deafness (NID(A)) cases and explores whether these have evolved with time. Settings and Design: A quantitative retrospective analysis of prior NID(A) cases was performed. National records of NID(A) cases from 2001 to 2010 were obtained, with permission from the Ministry of Manpower, consisting of worker audiograms, case records, and noise monitoring reports. Methods and Material: Comparison was made with data from a prior study (127 cases, 1985–1994) to identify shifts in NID(A) epidemiology; 71 out of 73 NID(A) case records (2001–2010) from the national data were reviewed. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM) was used for statistical analysis. Results: Mean noise exposure (24–29.6 years) and age at diagnosis (48–54.6 years) have risen. Total case numbers (127 to 73 cases), average hearing loss levels (61.5 to 56.0 A-weighted decibels), and delayed reporting of NID(A) cases (82.7% to 47.9%) have decreased. Metal manufacturing and marine industries remain top contributors (69.1%, from 68.5%); 31% were noncompliant with hearing protector (personal protective equipment, PPE) use and 38% did not use PPE properly. Conclusions: NID(A) case profiles have shifted over time, with reduced case numbers, lower hearing loss levels at diagnosis, and earlier case notification, possibly linked to improvements in legislative coverage and NID prevention programs. Changes in age and average duration of noise exposure may be related to these improvements. Early case notification, PPE compliance, and proper usage should be focus areas for NID prevention and hearing conservation programs.
The long-term benefits of a multicomponent physical activity program to body composition, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory capacity and bone mineral density in a group of nonagenarians.

The promotion of physical activity among older adults is considered to be one of the main actions that can result in more successful aging. Currently, there are few studies focusing on the effects of long-duration physical activity interventions in older adults. This study examined the effects of an 8-month multicomponent intervention on cardiorespiratory capacity (6 minutes walking test), body composition (body mass index), muscle strength (handgrip and knee extension) and bone mineral density (femoral neck) in a group of nonagenarians. A secondary aim was to determine the impact of the program according to the participants' way of life (institutionalized vs. community dwelling). A total of 14 institutionalized nonagenarians (years: 93,1±1.6; female: 100%) and 16 community-dwelling nonagenarians (years: 93,1±1.6; female: 75%), participated in this study. Our analysis suggested that the multicomponent program significantly improved the levels of strength in handgrip and leg extension in all participants. Intergroup analysis showed that the changes experienced were greater in community-dwelling people. Improvements in the cardiorespiratory capacity of older adults, more distance walked in 6 minutes, who were living in nursing home (mean distance traveled: 238.5 ± 96.0 vs. 250.7 ± 99.0 m) were observed. Our findings found that an eight-month multicomponent intervention program results in significant improvements in the level of strength (handgrip and knee extension) in nonagenarians. This effect is greater in community-dwelling people.
Workplace Bullying in the Portuguese Banking Sector: Incidence Levels and Risk Groups

This study aims to analyze the incidence rate of workplace bullying in the Portuguese banking sector and to shed light on the most frequent bullying behaviors encountered in this understudied setting. In line with the idea of “powerlessness,” these aspects are contrasted in terms of gender and organizational position. A questionnaire-based survey using two different but complementary strategies was conducted, to measure both the subjective perception of workplace bullying and the objective dimension of the concept. Results (N = 561) showed an incidence rate of 5.9% targets of bullying, according to the self-labeling method. Following the two-act criterion, 23.4% of the targets were found through the behavioral experience method. The respondents who indicated to be a target of bullying based on the self-labeling method reported mainly work-related negative acts (e.g., being exposed to an unmanageable workload, their opinions and views are ignored and their work is excessively monitored) in the behavioral experience method. In contrast to our expectations, not the bottom staff but the middle and top managers were mostly exposed to bullying acts. Regarding gender, men were more at risk of being a target of bullying behaviors at work than women, contrary to our hypothesis and to the general idea in the literature. In addition, there was an interaction effect of position and gender in the prevalence of bullying. Although this study has limitations due to its focus exclusively in the banking sector, the findings seem to have important implications in terms of designing intervention policies. In addition, it provides new insights about workplace bullying in a sector and a country that has been largely absent from research carried out so far in Europe. Finally, the results challenge and contextualize the dominant idea in the literature that the weaker and defenseless worker is the most likely target of bullying.
NeurQuRI: Neural Question Requirement Inspector for Answerability Prediction in Machine Reading Comprehension

Real-world question answering systems often retrieve potentially relevant documents to a given question through a keyword search, followed by a machine reading comprehension (MRC) step to find the exact answer from them. In this process, it is essential to properly determine whether an answer to the question exists in a given document. This task often becomes complicated when the question involves multiple different conditions or requirements which are to be met in the answer. For example, in a question "What was the projection of sea level increases in the fourth assessment report? ", the answer should properly satisfy several conditions, such as "increases" (but not decreases) and "fourth" (but not third). To address this, we propose a neural question requirement inspection model called NeurQuRI that extracts a list of conditions from the question, each of which should be satisfied by the candidate answer generated by an MRC model. To check whether each condition is met, we propose a novel, attention-based loss function. We evaluate our approach on SQuAD 2.0 dataset by integrating the proposed module with various MRC models, demonstrating the consistent performance improvements across a wide range of state-of-the-art methods.
Nickel induces inflammatory activation via NF-κB, MAPKs, IRF3 and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways in macrophages

Nickel (Ni), an environmental hazard, widely causes allergic contact hypersensitivity worldwide. Despite that Ni-stimulated pro-inflammatory response is vital in allergy, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unclear. Here, we demonstrated that NiCl2 activated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) signaling pathways in primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), leading to the altered transcription levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), -6, -8, -18, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon β (INF-β). We also found that nickel chloride (NiCl2) activated Nod-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway, resulting in the proteolytic cleavage and release of IL-1β. NiCl2 induced the accumulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) and the release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), thus activating NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Additionally, NiCl2-induced apoptosis was dependent on the generation of mtROS, and caspase-1 activation might also partly contribute to the apoptotic process. Altogether, abovementioned results indicate that NiCl2 induces inflammatory activation in BMDMs via NF-κB, MAPKs, IRF3 signaling pathways as well as NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, which provides a mechanism to improve the efficiency of treatment against Ni-induced allergic reactions.
Measles Outbreak in Unvaccinated and Partially Vaccinated Children and Adults in the United States and Canada (2018-2019): A Narrative Review of Cases

Since 2018 and currently in 2019, the United States and Canada experienced a rapidly spreading measles virus outbreak. The developing outbreak may be due to a lack of vaccination, an inadequate dosage of measles (MMR) vaccine, clusters of intentionally under-vaccinated children, imported measles from global travel, and from those who are immunocompromised or have other life-threatening diseases. The infection originated mainly from travelers who acquired measles abroad and has thus led to a major outbreak and health concern not only in the United States and Canada but also in other parts of the world. According to World Health Organization, from January 2019 through September 2019, 1234 cases of measles have been reported in the United States and 91 reported cases in Canada, while in 2018, 372 and 28 cases were reported in the United States and Canada, respectively. A potential driving factor to the increased cases maybe because fewer children have been vaccinated over the last number of years in both countries. This article is a narrative review of cases discussing the measles outbreak among partially vaccinated and unvaccinated children and adults in the United States and Canada in 2018 and 2019.
Comparison of mineral oil and non-mineral oil placebo on coronary plaque progression by coronary computed tomography angiography

Author(s): Lakshmanan, Suvasini; Shekar, Chandana; Kinninger, April; Dahal, Suraj; Onuegbu, Afiachukwu; Cai, Andrew N; Hamal, Sajad; Birudaraju, Divya; Roy, Sion K; Nelson, John R; Budoff, Matthew J; Bhatt, Deepak L
A systematic integrative review of parents' experience and perception of sleep when they stay overnight in the hospital together with their sick children.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To elucidate knowledge available on parents' experience and perception of sleep when they stay overnight in hospital together with their sick children. BACKGROUND In Nordic countries, children are entitled to have at least one parent with them during hospitalization. Parents' sleep, when accommodated at the hospital during the child's admission, may be a challenge. DESIGN A systematic literature search was conducted in EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, period is restricted from January 1, 2007 to April 1, 2019. Studies included were those in which parents were accommodated in hospital with their child, 0-18 years of age, for at least one night. Original peer-reviewed scientific research papers conducting qualitative, quantitative or mixed designs were included. Systematic reviews were not included. This systematic integrative review was registered in PROSPERO and performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. All authors participated in study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment of the literature. RESULTS Fifteen studies were included and they varied in terms of origin, aims, design, methods used, and sample size. Three overall main themes appeared: sleep quality, factors affecting sleep, and consequences of sleep loss. Combined psychological factors were found to affect parents' sleep, as well as isolated psychological factors, e.g., stress, anxiety, worries and difficult thoughts. Environmental and social factors were also identified, e.g., privacy, and caring for family. CONCLUSION Study of this subject is still in its exploratory phase. There is a need for the development of theory of substance in the clarification of the meaning of sleep among parents during difficult times such as children's hospitalization. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Understanding risk factors associated with sleep and sleep deprivation in parents staying overnight in the hospital with their sick child is important, since lack of sleep may lead to serious stress-related outcomes for the parents.
Predictive Validity of Each Item of the 8-Item Short-Form Health Survey for All-Cause Mortality in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: A prospective Cohort Study (Diabetes Distress and Care Registry at Tenri [DDCRT 19])

Abstract Aims While health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is reported to be associated with mortality, this assessment was made using surveys with a large number of questions, not specifically focused on populations with diabetes, or in western countries alone. We thus evaluated the predictive validity of summary scores, and each item score of the 8-Item Short-Form Health Survey in Japanese individuals with type-2 diabetes. Materials and Methods Longitudinal data from 3269 individuals with diabetes were obtained from a large Japanese diabetes registry. To assess the independent correlation between the 10-point scores of the SF-8 physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS), each item score, and all-cause mortality, the Cox proportional hazards model was used with adjustment for potential confounders. Results Mean cohort parameters included age (64.9 years [SD 11.2]), body mass index (24.6 kg/m2 [SD, 3.9]), and HbA1c level (7.5% [SD, 1.2]; or 58.6 mmol/mol [SD, 12.7]). We recorded 248 deaths during the median follow-up of 7.2 years (incidence ratio, 12.2 per 1000 person-years). Multivariable-adjusted HRs for all-cause mortality were 0.780 (95%CI, 0.674–0.902; p=0.001) and 0.776 (95%CI, 0.656–0.917; p=0.003), respectively, for 10-point increment of PCS and MCS scores. Higher score of any single item of SF-8 was associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality even after adjusting for possible confounders. Conclusions As assessed by the SF-8, higher PCS, MCS, and any single 1-item scores were associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality in Japanese individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Clonal hierarchy of main molecular lesions in acute myeloid leukaemia

Genetic mutations in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) are assumed to occur in a sequential order; however, the predominant hierarchical roles of specific mutated genes have not been fully described. In this study, we aimed to determine the clonal involvement of the most frequent AML‐associated mutations. Using a targeted sequencing panel for 18 genes, we traced changes and relative clonal contribution of mutations in 52 patients. We analysed 35 pairs of diagnosis and relapse samples, 27 pairs of primary samples and corresponding patient‐derived xenografts, and 34 pairs of total leukocytes and corresponding isolated primitive cells or blast populations. In both relapse and xenografts, we observed conservation of main leukaemic clones and variability was limited to subclones with late‐acquired mutations. AML evolution thus mainly involved modification of subclones while the clonal background remained unchanged. NPM1 mutations were identified as the most probable leukaemia‐transformation lesion, remaining conserved in contrast to high variation of accompanying subclonal FLT3 and NRAS mutations. DNMT3A mutations represented the most stable mutations forming a preleukaemic background in most samples. Mutations in genes IDH1/2, TET2, RUNX1, ASXL1 and U2AF1 were detected both as preleukaemic and as subclonal lesions, suggesting a non‐specific order of acquisition.
HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Implementation Cascade Among Health Care Professionals in the United States: Implications from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been approved for primary HIV prevention for individuals aged 18 years or older since 2012, PrEP utilization has been suboptimal. To understand trends in PrEP provision from the health care providers' perspective, we systematically assessed each specific stage along the PrEP implementation cascade (i.e., awareness, willingness, consultation, and prescription) among health care professionals (HCPs) in the United States. Between June and December 2018, we conducted a systematic review of published studies on this topic. A total of 36 eligible studies were identified and included in the analyses. Random-effect models were employed to examine the pooled prevalence of each key stage along the cascade. Time trend and subgroup analyses were conducted. A thematic analysis was used to identify barriers and facilitators along the PrEP cascade. In this study, a total of 18,265 HCPs representing diverse demographics were included. The pooled prevalence of PrEP awareness was 68% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 55-80%], willingness to prescribe PrEP was 66% (95% CI = 54-77%), PrEP consultation was 37% (95% CI = 25-51%), and prescription provision was 24% (95% CI = 17-32%). Subgroup analyses revealed that PrEP provision among HCPs was lowest in the south, but has been improving annually nationwide. Infectious disease specialists [odds ratio (OR) = 4.06, 95% CI = 3.12-5.28; compared with primary care providers] and advanced practice registered nurses/physician assistants (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.09-2.09; compared with physicians) had higher odds of prescribing PrEP. Barriers and facilitators regarding optimal PrEP implementation were embedded within individual, dyadic, social, and structural levels. This meta-analysis has comprehensively examined the trend and pattern of PrEP implementation among HCPs. To achieve optimal implementation of the PrEP cascade in the United States, tailored training and programs need to be provided to HCPs.
Cardioprotective effects of high‐intensity interval training are mediated through microRNA regulation of mitochondrial and oxidative stress pathways

Human studies have shown high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) has beneficial cardiovascular effects and is typically more time‐efficient compared with traditional endurance exercise. The main goal of this study is to show the potential molecular and functional cardiovascular benefits of HIIT compared with endurance training (ET). Three groups of mice were used including sedentary‐control, ET mice, and HIIT mice groups. Results indicated ejection fraction was increased in HIIT compared with ET while fractional shortening was increased in the HIIT group compared with both groups. Blood flow of the abdominal aorta was increased in both exercise groups compared with control. Increases in cross‐sectional area and mitochondrial and antioxidative markers in HIIT compared with control were observed, along with several microRNAs. These findings indicate HIIT has specific cardiac‐protective effects and may be a viable alternative to traditional ET as a cardiovascular preventative medicine intervention.
Predictors of Pain, Function, and Change in Patellofemoral Pain

Background: Identification of factors predictive of outcome and change is important to improve treatment for patellofemoral pain (PFP). Few studies have examined the predictive value of psychological factors in PFP, although they have been reported to be important predictors in other musculoskeletal pain conditions. Purpose: To evaluate predictors of pain, function, and change 1 year after an exercise-based intervention in PFP. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: In sum, 112 patients were recruited to a randomized controlled trial; 98 attended 1-year follow-up. There were no between-group differences in the trial; thus, the material was analyzed as 1 cohort. Nine baseline factors—sex, bilateral pain, worst pain, pain duration, Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS), kinesiophobia, anxiety and depression, self-efficacy, and number of pain sites throughout the body—were investigated for their predictive ability on outcome at 1 year (AKPS, worst pain) and for change at 1 year (global change score, change in AKPS, and change in worst pain). Multivariable linear regression models with stepwise backward removal method were used to find predictors of poor outcome. Results: Number of pain sites at baseline was a significant predictor of worse outcome for AKPS (B = −2.7; 95% CI, –4.0 to −1.3; P < .01), worst pain (B = 0.5; 95% CI, 0.2-0.8; P < .01), global change (B = −0.8; 95% CI, –1.2 to −0.5; P < .01), change in AKPS (B = −2.7; 95% CI, –4.0 to −1.3; P < .01), and change in worst pain (B = 0.5, 95% CI, 0.2-0.8; P < .01) at 1 year. Baseline scores for AKPS and worst pain predicted respective 1-year levels and change scores (P < .01). Lower self-efficacy and male sex predicted less global change (P < .01). Longer pain duration predicted final score and change score for worst pain (P < .01). The predictive models had reasonable fit with adjusted R2 from 0.22 to 0.35. Conclusion: Higher number of pain sites throughout the body was a consistent predictor of poor outcome and less change at 1 year. Baseline levels for AKPS and worst pain predicted respective final scores and change scores. Registration: NCT02114294 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
The Developmental Origin of the Auricula Revisited

Congenital auricular anomalies are common. Additionally, the auricle plays an important role in the staging of human embryos. However, little is known about the embryological development of the auricle. The most commonly reproduced developmental theory by His (1885) describes six hillocks; three on the first and three on the second pharyngeal arch. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of this theory by modern techniques and to expand the knowledge of the embryological development and morphology of the auricle.
Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis in Critically Ill Children: A Multicenter Observational Study

Objective: To describe current stress ulcer prophylaxis practice in Canadian PICUs. Design: Multicenter cohort study. We defined stress ulcer prophylaxis as the use of a proton-pump inhibitor, histamine-2 receptor antagonist, or sucralfate within the first 2 PICU days among children who had not been on these medications at home and had no evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding. Setting: Seven PICUs in Canada. Patients: Three hundred seventy-eight children requiring mechanical ventilation. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: Children were ventilated for a median (interquartile range) of 2 days (1–6 d) and stayed in the PICU for a median (interquartile range) of 4 days (2–10 d). The median (interquartile range) age was 1.3 years (0.3–6.7 yr). Seventy percent of all children received acid suppression during their PICU stay. One hundred sixty-seven (54%) of the 309 children eligible for stress ulcer prophylaxis received it. Histamine-2 receptor antagonists were the most frequently used class (66%), followed by proton-pump inhibitors (47%) and sucralfate (4%), and 20% received more than one class. Stress ulcer prophylaxis was continued on the PICU transfer orders for 34% of these children. Children who received prophylaxis were older and had a higher Pediatric Risk of Mortality III score, more often received nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and systemic corticosteroids and received less enteral nutrition. In multivariate analysis, age and invasive mechanical ventilation were independently associated with an increased likelihood of receiving stress ulcer prophylaxis and receiving feeds was independently associated with a decreased likelihood of receiving stress ulcer prophylaxis. Gastrointestinal bleeding was reported in 21 (6%) of 378 children; three (0.8%) were clinically important. Eighteen percent were treated for a new respiratory tract infection, and 1% developed Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea. Conclusions: Stress ulcer prophylaxis is common in Canadian PICUs. Clinically important gastrointestinal bleeding and C. difficile–associated diarrhea are rare, and the utility of routine prophylaxis should be examined.