Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Conservative treatment of a scoliosis patient after two heart surgeries in early childhood – A case report

Introduction This is a case report of a juvenile female patient with scoliosis following two heart surgeries for congenital heart disease (CHD). Patient presentation, management and outcome Initially, the premenarchial female was 9 years old and had a Tanner stage 2–3 with a single thoracic curve of 65° Cobb. Because of the high risk for progression, immediate brace treatment was proposed as the father declined surgery. The patient received intensive treatment according to the Schroth Best Practice® programme and a Gensingen Brace® designed for large thoracic curves. Over the 18 months following the initial visit, she received two additional braces. As a result, the progression of the main curve was prevented. The patient continues to maintain an improved cosmetic result and is currently at a Risser 2. Conclusion Surgery performed for CHD in rare cases may lead to stiff spinal deformity as a consequence of that surgery. Progression of a severe and stiff curve was prevented during the most vulnerable phase of the pubertal growth spurt with an improved clinical result. Therefore, we assume that the patient may have a normal life in adulthood with minor restrictions only. Supported by pattern-specific high correction exercises and braces, these typical single thoracic curves can be re-compensated to a more balanced appearance, less prone to progression in adulthood. Clinical implications Because of the relative high risks of spinal fusion and the long-term unknowns of such an intervention, high-impact conservative treatment should be implemented first before surgical correction is considered.
The Impacts of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Severity on Brain White Matter Integrity and Cognitive Functions in Children: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study

Objective To investigate the impacts of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on white matter (WM) integrity and cognitive functions of pediatric patients with different levels of OSA severity. Methods Fifty-eight children with OSA and thirty-four healthy controls (HC) were recruited. All participants underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) examination, polysomnography (PSG), and neurocognitive assessments. Patients were divided into mild OSA (MG) and moderate-severe OSA (SG) groups. WM integrity, PSG data, and neurocognitive assessment scores were compared among those groups. Results For apnea hypopnea index (AHI), obstructive apnea hypopnea index (OAHI), arousal index, SpO2 nadir, and attention, SG was worse than both MG and HC with MG worse than HC. For baseline SpO2 and intelligence, SG was worse than both MG and HC with no significant difference between MG and HC. Impaired WM integrity was observed in bilateral anterior thalamic radiation, bilateral inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, bilateral inferior longitudinal fasciculus, right superior longitudinal fasciculus, right hippocampus, left cingulate gyrus, right uncinate fasciculus, callosum forceps major, and callosum forceps minor only for SG than for HC. WM integrity was significantly correlated with OSA severity and neurocognitive assessment scores only for SG, but not for MG. Conclusion Decreased baseline SpO2, WM impairment, and intelligence decline were all observed only for SG, but not for MG, implying an associated relationship among decreased SpO2, WM impairment and WM impairment. Thus, for SG, additional assessments of brain damage and cognitive function decline are needed for prognostic evaluation of OSA.
Fetal Immunomodulatory Environment Following Cartilage Injury—The Key to CARTILAGE Regeneration?

Fetal cartilage fully regenerates following injury, while in adult mammals cartilage injury leads to osteoarthritis (OA). Thus, in this study, we compared the in vivo injury response of fetal and adult ovine articular cartilage histologically and proteomically to identify key factors of fetal regeneration. In addition, we compared the secretome of fetal ovine mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vitro with injured fetal cartilage to identify potential MSC-derived therapeutic factors. Cartilage injury caused massive cellular changes in the synovial membrane, with macrophages dominating the fetal, and neutrophils the adult, synovial cellular infiltrate. Correspondingly, proteomics revealed differential regulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators and growth-factors between adult and fetal joints. Neutrophil-related proteins and acute phase proteins were the two major upregulated protein groups in adult compared to fetal cartilage following injury. In contrast, several immunomodulating proteins and growth factors were expressed significantly higher in the fetus than the adult. Comparison of the in vitro MSCs proteome with the in vivo fetal regenerative signature revealed shared upregulation of 17 proteins, suggesting their therapeutic potential. Biomimicry of the fetal paracrine signature to reprogram macrophages and modulate inflammation could be an important future research direction for developing novel therapeutics.
Experimental Analysis of Karanja Oil Methyl Ester for Compression Ignition Engines with THERMOL-D additive

The use of biodiesel fuels derived from vegetable oils as a substitute for conventional petroleum fuel in diesel engines is receiving an increasing amount of attention. This interest is based on a number of properties of biodiesel, including the fact that it is produced from a renewable resource, its biodegradability, and its potential to reduce exhaust emissions. Biodiesel is a non-toxic, and renewable alternative fuel that can be used with little or no engine modification . In the first phase an experimental investigation is conducted to evaluate the effect of using blends of karanja biodiesel with conventional diesel fuel, with 10%, 20% and 30% (by volume) karanja biodiesels, on the performance and exhaust emissions of a kirloskar single-cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine. The second phase of experiments are conducted with THERMOL-D additive. The tests are conducted using each of the above , with the engine working at constant speed and five loads. Fuel consumption and exhaust regulated gas emissions such as nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and total unburned hydrocarbons are measured. The differences in the measured performance and exhaust emissions of karanja biodiesel -diesel fuel blends from the baseline operation of the engine, i.e. when working with neat diesel fuel, are determined and also compared with THERMOL-D additive.
Evaluating the integration of body donor imaging into anatomical dissection using augmented reality

Augmented reality (AR) has recently been utilized as an integrative teaching tool in medical curricula given its ability to view virtual objects while interacting with the physical environment. The evidence for AR in medical training, however, is limited. For this reason, the purpose of this mixed method study was to evaluate the implementation of overlaying donor‐specific diagnostic imaging (DSDI) onto corresponding body donors in a fourth‐year, dissection‐based, medical elective course entitled anatomy for surgeons (AFS). Students registered in AFS course were separated into groups, receiving either DSDI displayed on Microsoft HoloLens AR head‐mounted display (n = 12) or DSDI displayed on iPad (n = 15). To test for the change in spatial ability, students completed an anatomical mental rotation test (AMRT) prior to and following the AFS course. Students also participated in a focus group discussion and completed a survey at the end of AFS, analyzed through thematic triangulation and an unpaired, Mann Whitney U test respectively, both addressing dissection experience, DSDI relevancy to dissection, and use of AR in anatomical education. Although statistically significant differences were not found when comparing student group AMRT scores, survey and discussion data suggest that the HoloLens had improved the students' understanding of, and their spatial orientation of, anatomical relationships. Trunk dissection quality grades were significantly higher with students using the HoloLens. Although students mentioned difficulties with HoloLens software, with faculty assistance, training, and enhanced software development, there is potential for this AR tool to contribute to improved dissection quality and an immersive learning experience.
“UV-curing of novel tri-functional melamine-phosphate oligomer: An effect of coating with polyurethane acrylate toward mechanical, thermal, and flame retardant properties”

A novel melamine-phosphate tri-functional acrylate (MPTO) was successfully synthesized via cyclization reaction of hexamethylolmelamine (HMM) with phosphorous oxychloride (POCl3) followed by addition reaction of hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA). The molecular structure of MPTO was identified by FTIR and 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and GC-MS spectra. The synthesized MPTO oligomer was impregnated with polyurethane acrylate to make various formulations and UV cured on wood and galvanized steel panels. The results of UV cured films from differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) exhibited increase in thermal stability and highest char yield of 18.4% at 800°C. The diffused diffraction peak appearing around 2ϴ = 16–22° corresponds to an amorphous structure which leads to irregular arrangement with formation of strong cross-linking polymer network. Furthermore, all coating films show prominent flame retardancy with UL-94 V-0 rating and maximum limiting index (LOI) values of 34.8%. The polyurethane acrylate (PU) coatings cured with MPTO that exhibited excellent mechanical properties were estimated using various tests such as adhesion, pencil hardness, solvent resistance, flexibility, and corrosion test. The coating performance revealed that MPTO can improve the mechanical, thermal, and flame retardant properties because of its unique structure identity of melamine-phosphate moiety and long aliphatic segment of an acrylate ester. Graphical Abstract
Impact of Service Quality and Price Fairness on Consumer Loyalty: The Moderating Role of Information Literacy

Purpose: Using data from 200 hotel guests in Multan, Pakistan, this research aims to evaluate the influence of service quality and pricing fairness on consumer loyalty while moderating the role of information literacy. Design/Methodology/Approach/Findings: The findings are estimated using partial least square (PLS). The variables service quality, pricing justice, and information literacy are all positively and substantially connected to customer loyalty, according to PLS estimations. Because the link between service quality and customer loyalty is statistically significant, the results of the moderated regression demonstrate that information literacy positively moderates it. On the other hand, while the link between price fairness and customer loyalty is statistically significant, the variable information literacy acts as a negative moderator. Implications/Originality/Value: Hotel management are advised to invest in and increase the quality of service. Managers must maintain control of all activities related to the concept of quality from the bottom to the top of their business.
Changes in Blood Potassium after Reperfusion during Living-Donor Liver Transplantation: An Exploratory Study

The incidence of hyperkalemia (>5.5 mEq/L) or high blood potassium (5–5.5 mEq/L) during living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is reported to be more than 10%. It occurs more frequently in the early post-reperfusion period and is a major cause of post-reperfusion arrhythmia and cardiac arrest. Unlike deceased-donor liver transplantation, the pattern of blood potassium changes immediately after reperfusion has not been described in LDLT. From January 2021 to March 2021, fifteen consecutive patients were enrolled. Baseline blood potassium was measured from blood samples obtained 10-min (T-10) and immediately before (T0) reperfusion. During the first 5 min after reperfusion, blood potassium measurements were conducted every one minute (T1–T5). The blood potassium levels at T-10 and T0 were 3.8 ± 0.4 and 3.9 ± 0.4 mEq/L, respectively. After reperfusion, mean increases (95% CI) in blood potassium from T-10 and T0 were 0.5 (0.4–0.6) and 0.4 (0.3–0.5) mEq/L, respectively. Blood potassium peaked at T1, returned to baseline at T3, and fell below the baseline at T5. Peak blood potassium after reperfusion showed strong correlations with blood potassium measured at T-10 (p < 0.001) and T0 (p < 0.0001). These findings can support the establishment of future research plans and perioperative management of blood potassium in LDLT.
Non-Native Herbivores Promote Plant Invasions Away From Mountain Roads in the Andes

While the role of environmental filters, usually described by elevation as proxy, and anthropogenic disturbance as drivers of non-native plant diversity and abundance in mountains have been extensively studied, the impact of herbivores are less explored. Livestock grazing can facilitate the introduction of non-native species by seed dispersal and reduce biotic resistance due to consumption and trampling of native plants, even in the highest protected areas in the Andes. We here explored the effects of elevation, livestock and distance to the road on non-native and native plant distributions. Our results confirm the largely negative relationship of non-native plant richness and cover with elevation, with a peak in richness and cover at low to intermediate elevations. Similarly, we show a strong decline in non-native richness with increasing distance to the road, especially at low elevations, accompanied by a strong negative effect of roads on native species richness. Most importantly, however, we show that the presence of non-native herbivores greatly increases the cover of non-native species away from the roadside, identifying herbivore disturbance as a potential catalyst of non-native plant invasion into natural vegetation of high-Andean protected areas. Our results confirm the often-shown role of disturbance as driver of plant invasions in mountains, yet highlight the interactive effects of disturbance by roads and herbivory: roads funnel non-native species towards higher elevations, while non-native herbivores can promote non-native plant success away from the roadside and into the natural vegetation. Hence, regulating soil and non-native herbivory disturbance is important for minimizing plant invasions at high elevation in the Arid Andes.
Cancer-Related Characteristics Associated With Invasive Mechanical Ventilation or In-Hospital Mortality in Patients With COVID-19 Admitted to ICU: A Cohort Multicenter Study

Background Coexistence of cancer and COVID-19 is associated with worse outcomes. However, the studies on cancer-related characteristics associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes have shown controversial results. The objective of the study was to evaluate cancer-related characteristics associated with invasive mechanical ventilation use or in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19 admitted to intensive care unit (ICU). Methods We designed a cohort multicenter study including adults with active cancer admitted to ICU due to COVID-19. Seven cancer-related characteristics (cancer status, type of cancer, metastasis occurrence, recent chemotherapy, recent immunotherapy, lung tumor, and performance status) were introduced in a multilevel logistic regression model as first-level variables and hospital was introduced as second-level variable (random effect). Confounders were identified using directed acyclic graphs. Results We included 274 patients. Required to undergo invasive mechanical ventilation were 176 patients (64.2%) and none of the cancer-related characteristics were associated with mechanical ventilation use. Approximately 155 patients died in hospital (56.6%) and poor performance status, measured with the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score was associated with increased in-hospital mortality, with odds ratio = 3.54 (1.60–7.88, 95% CI) for ECOG =2 and odds ratio = 3.40 (1.60–7.22, 95% CI) for ECOG = 3 to 4. Cancer status, cancer type, metastatic tumor, lung cancer, and recent chemotherapy or immunotherapy were not associated with in-hospital mortality. Conclusions In patients with active cancer and COVID-19 admitted to ICU, poor performance status was associated with in-hospital mortality but not with mechanical ventilation use. Cancer status, cancer type, metastatic tumor, lung cancer, and recent chemotherapy or immunotherapy were not associated with invasive mechanical ventilation use or in-hospital mortality.
Resonance suppression of a spherical electromagnetic shielding enclosure by using conductive dielectrics

The resonance suppression for the electromagnetic shielding enclosure is theoretically investigated. A simple model of a double-layered spherical shell with a plane-wave illumination is assumed. When a spherical shell made of conductive dielectrics is covered with a thin metal layer, the conductivity of the dielectrics has an optimum value which minimizes the Q-factor at the fundamental resonant frequency. The optimum conductivity is shown to be a function of the resonant frequency and the thickness of the dielectric layer. The improvement of the shielding effectiveness by introducing the optimum conductivity is shown.
Level set‐based topology optimization targeting dielectric resonator‐based composite right‐ and left‐handed transmission lines

In the last decade, metamaterials have been gaining attention and have been investigated because of their unique characteristics, which conventional materials do not have, such as negative refraction indexes. However, it is sometimes difficult to design metamaterials on the basis of experience and theoretical considerations because the relationship between their electromagnetic characteristics and structure is often vague. A mathematical structural design methodology targeting metamaterials may therefore be useful for expanding the engineering applications of metamaterials in industry. In this paper, a new level set‐based topology optimization method is proposed for designing composite right‐ and left‐handed transmission lines, each of which consists of a waveguide and periodically located dielectric resonators. Such transmission lines function as a fundamental metamaterial. In the proposed method, the shape and topology of the dielectric resonators are represented by the level set function, and topology optimization problems are formulated on the basis of the level set‐based representation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sorption–Desorption Behavior of Doxycycline in Soil–Manure Systems Amended with Mesquite Wood Waste Biochar

Elevated levels of doxycycline (DC) have been detected in the environment due to its extensive utilization as a veterinary antibiotic. Sorption–desorption behavior of DC in soil affects its transport, transformation, and availability in the environment. Thus, sorption–desorption behavior of DC was explored in three soils (S1, S2, and S3) after manure application with and without mesquite wood-waste-derived biochar (BC) pyrolyzed at 600 °C. Sorption batch trials demonstrated the highest DC sorption in soil S1 as compared to S2 and S3, either alone or in combination with manure or manure + BC. Chemical sorption and pore diffusion were involved in DC sorption, as indicated by the kinetic models. Soil S1 with manure + BC exhibited the highest Langmuir model predicted sorption capacity (18.930 mg g−1) compared with the other two soils. DC sorption capacity of soils was increased by 5.0–6.5-fold with the addition of manure, and 10–13-fold with BC application in a soil–manure system. In desorption trials, manure application resulted in 67%, 40%, and 41% increment in DC desorption in soil S1, S2, and S3, respectively, compared to the respective soils without manure application. In contrast, BC application reduced DC desorption by 73%, 66%, and 65%, in S1, S2, and S3, respectively, compared to the soils without any amendment. The highest DC sorption after BC application could be due to H bonding, π–π EDA interactions, and diffusion into the pores of BC. Hence, mesquite wood-waste-derived BC can effectively be used to enhance DC retention in contaminated soil to ensure a sustainable ecosystem.
Forecasting Strength of CFRP Confined Concrete Using Multi Expression Programming

This study provides the application of a machine learning-based algorithm approach names “Multi Expression Programming” (MEP) to forecast the compressive strength of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) confined concrete. The suggested computational Multiphysics model is based on previously reported experimental results. However, critical parameters comprise both the geometrical and mechanical properties, including the height and diameter of the specimen, the modulus of elasticity of CFRP, unconfined strength of concrete, and CFRP overall layer thickness. A detailed statistical analysis is done to evaluate the model performance. Then the validation of the soft computational model is made by drawing a comparison with experimental results and other external validation criteria. Moreover, the results and predictions of the presented soft computing model are verified by incorporating a parametric analysis, and the reliability of the model is compared with available models in the literature by an experimental versus theoretical comparison. Based on the findings, the valuation and performance of the proposed model is assessed with other strength models provided in the literature using the collated database. Thus the proposed model outperformed other existing models in term of accuracy and predictability. Both parametric and statistical analysis demonstrate that the proposed model is well trained to efficiently forecast strength of CFRP wrapped structural members. The presented study will promote its utilization in rehabilitation and retrofitting and contribute towards sustainable construction material.
A comparison of simultaneous and sequential brightness judgements

This paper presents the results of brightness matching and brightness discrimination tests carried out using sequential evaluation (temporal juxtaposition) to compare brightness under lamps of different spectral power distribution at mesopic levels of illumination. These data are compared with the results of previous tests, which used simultaneous evaluations (spatial juxtaposition) to enable comparison of these different modes of evaluation. It is concluded that sequential and simultaneous evaluations yield similar estimates of illuminances required for equal spatial brightness and similar levels of precision in this task.
Removal of Various Hazardous Materials Using a Multifunctional Biomass-Derived Hydroxyapatite (HAP) Catalyst and Its Antibacterial Effects

In the present study, oyster shells, a cause of environmental pollution, were employed effectively to synthesize hydroxyapatite (HAP) by facile oxidation and phosphorylation. The ability of HAP to adsorb various metal cations and inhibit bacterial growth was validated. The biomass-derived HAP catalyst exhibited high metal cation adsorption in water at room temperature and under various acidic conditions (M = Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Cd, Ba, and Pb). HAP was demonstrated to have a maximum removal efficiency of 92.8% for the heavy metal Pb. Even under different pH conditions, HAP was demonstrated to be effective for the removal of three harmful heavy metals, Cr, Cd, and Pb, with a particularly high removal efficiency demonstrated for Pb under all conditions (average removal efficiency of Cr: 63.0%, Cd: 59.9%, and Pb: 91.6%). In addition, HAP had a significant influence on phosphate ion adsorption in aqueous solution, eliminating 98.1% after 3 min. Furthermore, biomass-derived HAP was demonstrated to have significant antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus (5 mM: 74% and 78.1%, 10 mM: 89.6% and 96.0%, respectively).