Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving flexor tendon gliding by using the combination of carboxymethylcellulose-polyethylene oxide on murine model

The current approach to flexor tendon injuries is complex and is no longer limited to suturing techniques. Strategies for improving hand function currently include rehabilitation protocols, appropriate suturing materials and techniques, changing the gliding surface by using lubricants and providing growth factors. One product, originally used in spinal surgery, has been shown to be effective in preventing postoperative adhesions. It is a combination of carboxymethylcellulose and polyethylene oxide-Dynavisc® (FzioMed, Inc.). The aim of the present study was to test the effect of Dynavisc® on acute injuries of the intrasynovial flexor tendons in the prevention of postoperative adhesions and the improvement of functional results. The study was performed on 20 Wistar rats distributed in two groups. The control group, represented by 10 rats, in which after the reconstruction of the flexor tendon, the peritendinous area was injected with saline solution and the study group, in which the peritendinous area was injected with a single administration of the lubricating gel, Dynavisc® (carboxymethylcellulose and polyethylene oxide). At 4 and 12 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and tissue biopsy consisted of tendon fragments and adjacent tissue. The evaluation of the results was performed by measuring the adhesion score and observing histological parameters. The presence of important adhesions was found in the control group compared with the group treated with Dynavisc®, where a supple and smooth tendon, with significantly fewer adhesions were found. The differences between the two groups were significant, thus indicating the efficiency of the lubricant in preventing adhesions. This study supported the important role of Dynavisc® in the regeneration of the tendon and the peritendinous structures, by limiting aberrant fibrous proliferation in the regeneration process and helping to build a peritendinous space.
C-reactive protein as a prognostic marker in coronavirus disease-2019

Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a recently emerged viral disease, for which there’s currently no definitive treatment. It is, therefore, necessary to determine biomarkers to know the extent of disease severity so that timely action can be taken to reduce mortality. We aimed to determine the usefulness of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in assessing COVID-19 disease severity and correlate them with mortality due to the same. Methods: Data for COVID-19 were retrospectively collected and analyzed from May 2020 to October 2020. The CRP value was correlated with disease severity using Karl Pearson’s correlation coefficient. A logistic regression model was adopted to analyze the association between mortality and related factors. Results: Out of 642 patients enrolled, 22 died while 620 recovered. Most of the non-survivors were male. Multivariate analysis showed that age, diabetes, hypertension, and CRP values were significantly associated with mortality. CRP showed a strong positive correlation with disease severity and, hence, mortality. Conclusion: In patients with COVID-19, CRP correlated with disease severity and tended to be a good predictor of adverse outcome.
Using genetic algorithms to select inputs for neural networks

The application of neural networks to nuclear power plants for fault diagnostics is a very challenging task. How to select proper input variables for neural networks from hundreds of plant processing variables is crucially important to the success. Genetic algorithms are used in this study to guide the search for optimal combination of inputs for the neural networks to reach the criteria of fewer inputs, faster training, and more accurate recall. Data from Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Watts Bar Nuclear Power Plant simulator are used to demonstrate the potential applications of genetic algorithms and neural networks to nuclear power plants. <<ETX>>
Direct Versus Indirect Approach in Seasonal Adjustment

With seasonal adjustment one has to decide whether to seasonal adjust an aggregate like GDP directly or to sum up its seasonally adjusted components. This choice is usually driven by subjective motives or practical convenience. In the case of seasonal adjustment with chain-linked data one might feel forced to use the direct approach as components do not even add up to aggregates before the adjustment. This paper presents a guide for practitioners, which recommends a more objective way of decision-making, based on several indicators. It proposes some of these criteria which can facilitate the decision between the direct and the indirect approach. For the case of chain-linked series, where the indirect approach seems not to be feasible because components are not adding up to an aggregate, the paper presents a method how the indirect approach of seasonal adjustment nevertheless can be applied. Finally it deals with a possible balancing process between the results of the direct and the indirect approach and a practical application example is given.
Emergent multilevel selection in a simple spatial model of the evolution of altruism

Theories on the evolutionary origins of altruistic behavior have a long history and have become a canonical part of the theory of evolution. Nevertheless, the mechanisms that allow altruism to appear and persist are still incompletely understood. It is well known, however, that the spatial structure of populations is an important determinant. In both theoretical and experimental studies, much attention has been devoted to populations that are subdivided into discrete groups. Such studies typically imposed the structure and dynamics of the groups by hand. Here, we instead present a simple individual-based model in which altruistic organisms spontaneously self-organize into spatially separated colonies that themselves reproduce by binary fission and hence behave as Darwinian entities in their own right. Using software to automatically track the rise and fall of colonies, we are able to apply formal theory on multilevel selection and thus quantify the within- and among-group dynamics. This reveals that individual colonies inevitably succumb to defectors in a within-colony “tragedy of the commons”. Even so, altruism persists in the population because more altruistic colonies reproduce more frequently and drive less altruistic ones to extinction. Evidently, the colonies promote the selection of altruism but in turn depend on altruism for their existence; the selection of altruism hence involves a kind of evolutionary bootstrapping. The emergence of the colonies also depends crucially on the length scales of motility, altruism, and competition. This reconfirms the general relevance of these scales for social evolution, but also stresses that their impact can only be understood fully in the light of the emergent eco-evolutionary spatial patterns. The results also suggest that emergent spatial population patterns can function as a starting point for transitions of individuality.
Self-efficacy for self-management and its influencing factors among adults living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in northwest Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Previous research has identified that self-efficacy is an essential factor in the process of self-management; however, the evidence is lacking concerning factors influencing self-efficacy in low-income countries. Therefore, this study examined factors influencing self-efficacy. A validated survey tool was orally administered to 415 adults living with HIV. Many of the respondents, 82.4%, do not have a regular job while one-fourth (25.5%) of the respondents were from a rural area. A mean self-efficacy score, 19.76 ± 0.12 out of a maximum of 24 was identified. This self-efficacy score was positively correlated with age, educational level, income and job status, but negatively correlated with gender, residency and drug side effects. Income, residency in rural, and experiencing drug side effects were significant predictors of self-efficacy and explained 5.4% of the variance. Better income (β = 0.514, p = 0.029) was associated with a higher self-efficacy score but living in rural areas (β = −0.520, p = 0.043) and experiencing drug side effects (β = −1.246, p = 0.001) were associated with a lower self-efficacy score. The use of Individual and Family Self-Management Theory helps clinician and patients to work together to identify factors influencing self-efficacy and to intervene.
Do We Need Extensor Retinacular Enhancement on Broström Lateral Ankle Repair? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Aims This meta-analysis compared inferior extensor retinaculum (IER) enhancement in Broström-Gould procedure and anatomical Broström repair. We aim to evaluate functional ankle score (American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Karlsson score), talar tilt, talar anterior translation, and complications between both groups. Methods A comprehensive systematic literature search was carried out using Wiley Library, Scopus, Pubmed, ScienceDirect, and EuropePMC databases from inception up until 19 December 2020. While the intervention was IER enhancement, the control was those without IER enhancement. The primary outcome was the functional ankle score (AOFAS and Karlsson score). The secondary outcomes were talar tilt, talar anterior translation, and other complications. Results There was a total of 298 patients from 7 studies included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. IER enhancement was associated with lower AOFAS (mean difference -1.115 [-2.197, -0.033], p=0.043; I2: 0%) during follow-up. Lower Karlsson score was observed in the IER enhancement group (mean difference -2.004 [-3.442, -0.567], p=0.006; I2: 3.71%) during follow-up. Talar tilt (mean difference -0.145 degree [-0.436, 0.146], p=0.329; I2: 0%) and anterior displacement (mean difference -0.109 mm [-0.096, 0.314], p=0.299; I2: 0%) in the two groups were similar on follow-up. The complications were similar in both groups (OR 0.87 [0.40, 1.89], p=0.719; I2: 0%). Meta-regression analysis indicates that the association between IER and AOFAS was not affected by age (p=0.927) and male gender (p=0.930). Conclusion This meta-analysis showed that ATFL repair with non-IER enhancement was non-inferior compared to those with IER enhancement.
The Effect of Atrasentan on Kidney and Heart Failure Outcomes by Baseline Albuminuria and Kidney Function

Visual Abstract Background and objectives Atrasentan reduces the risk of kidney failure but increases the risk of edema and, possibly, heart failure. Patients with severe CKD may obtain greater absolute kidney benefits from atrasentan but may also be at higher risk of heart failure. We assessed relative and absolute effects of atrasentan on kidney and heart failure events according to baseline eGFR and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) in a post hoc analysis of the Study of Diabetic Nephropathy with Atrasentan (SONAR) trial. Design, setting, participants, & measurements The effect of atrasentan versus placebo in 3668 patients with type 2 diabetes and CKD with elevated albuminuria was examined in the SONAR trial. We used Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to study effects on the primary kidney outcome (composite of doubling of serum creatinine, kidney failure, or kidney death) and heart failure hospitalization across subgroups of eGFR (<30, ≥30–45, and ≥45 ml/min per 1.73 m2) and UACR (<1000, ≥1000–3000, and ≥3000 mg/g). Results Atrasentan reduced the relative risk of the primary kidney outcome (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.58 to 0.88) consistently across all subgroups of baseline eGFR and UACR (all P interaction >0.21). Patients in the highest UACR and lowest eGFR subgroups, in whom rates of the primary kidney outcome were highest, showed the largest absolute benefit (all P interaction <0.01). The risk of heart failure hospitalization was higher in the atrasentan group (hazard ratio, 1.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.97 to 1.99) and was consistent across subgroups, with no evidence that relative or absolute risks differed across eGFR or UACR subgroups (all P interaction >0.09). Conclusions Atrasentan reduced the relative risk of the primary kidney outcome consistently across baseline UACR and eGFR subgroups. The absolute risk reduction was greater among patients in the lowest eGFR and highest albuminuria category who were at highest baseline risk. Conversely, the relative and absolute risks of heart failure hospitalization were similar across baseline UACR and eGFR subgroups. Clinical Trial registry name and registration number: Study of Diabetic Nephropathy with Atrasentan (SONAR), NCT01858532
A cross-sectional study of pre- and posttraining evaluation of inhaler use technique among outpatients with bronchial asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at a tertiary care hospital in India

Context: Management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes use of inhalers as an integral component of drug delivery. Awareness about inhaler devices along with demonstration of the usage of inhaler technique aids in the optimization of therapeutic outcome. Aim: This study aimed to assess the correct use of inhaler technique following pre- and posttraining sessions for the management of COPD and asthma among pulmonary outpatients at a tertiary care hospital. Settings: This prospective cross-sectional study was carried out among patients diagnosed with asthma or COPD and prescribed with inhaler medication in the form of pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI), MDI with spacer, or dry powder inhaler (DPI). Subjects and Methods: The inhaler device use by the patients was assessed initially, followed by a demonstration on inhaler device technique, and reassessed post training using a checklist. Statistical Analysis: Comparison of the median total score of pretraining and posttraining inhaler technique was analyzed by Wilcoxon signed rank test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 144 patients, 55.6%, 27.7%, and 16.7% of them were prescribed pMDI, MDI with spacer, and DPI, respectively. Post inhaler technique training, about 79.2% of the patients were able to demonstrate the inhaler technique correctly compared to 52.1% prior to training. A statistically significant difference in the median score of inhaler technique has been observed before and after training. Conclusions: This study reports a significant improvement in the correct use of inhaler technique post training. In addition, the most frequent error among inhaler users was revealed to be in the breath actuation.
Psychosocial and Biological Outcomes of Immersive, Mindfulness-Based Treks in Nature for Groups of Young Adults and Caregivers Affected by Cancer: Results from a Single Arm Program Evaluation from 2016–2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has left many individuals suffering from “connection deficit disorder” given changes to the way we work, go to school, socialize, and engage in daily activities. Young adults affected by cancer between the ages of 18–39 have known this connection deficit long before the pandemic. Being diagnosed and treated for cancer during this time can significantly disrupt engagement in important educational, career, social, and reproductive pursuits, and contribute to increased stress, anxiety, depression, and other negative outcomes. Experiencing meaningful connection—with nature, with peers who understand, and with oneself, may help assuage this adverse effect of disconnect. A single arm within-subjects program evaluation was conducted to examine outcomes following participation in immersive, multi-night, mindfulness-based treks in nature in a sample of young adults (n = 157) and caregivers (n = 50) affected by cancer from 2016–2021. Pre to post-trek changes included significant (p < 0.001) self-reported improvements in feeling connected to nature (d = 0.93–0.95), peers (d = 1.1–1.3), and oneself (d = 0.57–1.5); significant (p < 0.001) improvements on PROMIS Anxiety (d = 0.62–0.78), Depression (d = 0.87–0.89), and Sleep Disturbance (d = 0.37–0.48) short forms; and significant (p < 0.05) changes in pro-inflammatory biomarkers (d = 0.55–0.82). Connection-promoting experiences like this have the potential to improve health and wellbeing in this population and serve as a model for others.
Does Organizational Trust Mediate the CSR–OCB Relationship? A PLS-SEM Analysis

223 Creative Commons Non Commercial CC BY-NC: This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 License (http://www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits non-Commercial use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access pages (https://us.sagepub. com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage). Does Organizational Trust Mediate the CSR– OCB Relationship? A PLS-SEM Analysis
MODELING AND SIMULATION OF SHOCK AND DROP LOADING FOR COMPLEX PORTABLE ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

In this study, the transient response of electronic assemblies to mechanical loading encountered in drop and shock conditions are investigated. Many manufactures face design challenges when evolving new designs for high-strain rate life-cycle loading. Examples of high-strain rate loading include drop events, blast events, vibration, ultrasonic process steps, etc. New design iterations invariably bring new unexpected failure modes under such loading and costly trial-and-error design fixes are often necessary after the product is built. Electronics designers have long sought to address these effects during the design phase, with the aid of computational models. However, such efforts have been difficult because of the nonlinearities inherent in complex assemblies and complex dynamic material properties. Our goal in this study is to investigate the ability of finite element models to accurately capture the transient response of a complex portable electronic product under shock and drop loading. While many researchers have shown qualitative ability for such modeling, further work is still needed to demonstrate good quantitative agreement. The product consists of a circuit card assembly in a plastic housing. Dynamic loading, consisting of various shock profiles, is applied using an electrodynamic shaker. Limited number of drop tests are also conducted on a drop tower. The modeling is conducted in ABAQUS/Explicit. In-plane strains and accelerations are the parameters that are compared to assess the agreement between the model and the experimental results. The long-term goal of this study is to demonstrate a systematic methodology to predict failure modes during the design phase of future products.
RESULTS OF BIOMECHANICAL STUDIES OF TWO WAYS TO EXECUTE THE GOLF SWING

The purpose of this study was to identify the biomechanical distinctions of two different ways to learn the Golf Swing. We compared the classical method with a new method we call “carving-golf”. The study compared the dynamic analyses of 12 carving-golf swings and 32 classic swings. The horizontal and vertical forces of the persons standing on a Kistler platform were analysed. We found significant differences in impact and time parameters. While “carving-golf” teaches not to start with a countermovement the evaluation of the horizontal forces showed that a countermovement took place. The mean value of this impact was only 25% of the mean value the classic swing shows. There was no significant change in the forward impact but the velocity the whole system generated towards the target course was diminished by 33%.
Zoonotic Significance and Antimicrobial Resistance in Salmonella in Poultry in Bangladesh for the Period of 2011–2021

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Salmonella in poultry poses a serious human health threat as it has zoonotic importance. Poultry is often linked with outbreaks of Salmonella-associated foodborne illness. Since antimicrobials are heavily used in poultry in Bangladesh, multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella is quite frequently found there. MDR Salmonella is challenging to treat with antimicrobials and often causes a severe economic loss in the poultry sector. By horizontal gene transfer and/or evolutionary mutations, antimicrobials primarily exert selection pressure that contributes to antimicrobials resistance. In addition, resistance patterns can vary with variations in time and space. Without having prior knowledge of resistance patterns, no effective drugs could be prescribed. Therefore, it is crucial to have updated knowledge on the status of AMR in Salmonella in Bangladesh for effective treatment and management of the flocks against salmonellosis. There are several review articles on AMR in Salmonella in poultry in Bangladesh; they lack the whole scenario of the country and particularly do not have enough data on the poultry environment. Considering this scenario, in this review, we have focused on AMR in Salmonella in poultry in Bangladesh (2011–2021), with particular emphasis on data from the poultry and farm environments on a divisional zone basis.
Evaluation of Ten Trace Elements in Riedel’s Struma Using Neutron Activation Analysis

Aims: Role of trace elements (TE) in etiology and pathogenesis of Riedel’s disease (RD) is unclear. The aim of this exploratory study was to assess whether there were significant changes in thyroid tissue levels of ten TE (Ag, Co, Cr, Fe, Hg, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, and Zn) are present in the fibrotic transformed thyroid. Methods: Ten TE of thyroid tissue were determined in 6 patients with RD and 105 healthy populations. The measurements were performed using non-destructive instrumental neutron activation analysis with high resolution spectrometry of long-lived radionuclides. Results: Elevated mean values of Rb content were found in thyroid with RD in comparison with normal level. Conclusions: There are considerable changes in Rb content in tissue of thyroid with RD. Thus, it is reasonable to assume that the level of Rb in thyroid tissue can be used as RD markers. However, this topic needs additional studies.
Outcome of Elderly Patients with Venous Thromboembolism Treated with Direct Oral Anticoagulants—A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction: Randomized controlled trials that compared direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) to vitamin K antagonists (VKA) for the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE), demonstrated both efficacy and safety of DOACs. The aim of the current study was to compare DOACs to VKA for the treatment of VTE in the elderly, in a real-life setting. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed in Rabin Medical Center encompassing a 7-year period. Hospitalized patients >65 years, with a diagnosis of VTE discharged with DOACs or VKA were included. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality, major bleeding, recurrent VTEs and hospitalizations throughout the follow-up period of one year. Results: A total of 603 patients were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 79.6 ± 8.5 years. The primary composite outcome occurred in 74.6% and 56.7% of the patients in the VKA group and DOACs group, respectively, hazard ratio 0.59, 95% confidence interval 0.46 to 0.76, in favor of the DOACs group. In a matched cohort analysis, the results were the same as the original analysis. Conclusion: In the elderly population, treatment of VTE with DOACs was associated with a lower rate of the composite outcome. DOACs are safe and effective for elderly patients with VTE.