Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of experimental methodology to assess the sealing efficiency of bacteria-based self-healing mortar : Round robin test

Self-healing concrete has created a lot of public interest in recent years. Several research groups worldwide are currently working on creating durable and sustainable self-healing concrete structures. HEALCON (the concrete which repairs itself) is a European Union funded project, which focuses on developing cementitious materials with different selfhealing mechanisms. The self-healing mechanisms can either repair the cracks and regain liquid-tightness, bridge the cracks and recover structural performance, or do both. One of the promising materials that have been studied within the project is the bacteria-based selfhealing mortar, which is able to regain liquid tightness after cracking and healing. Within HEALCON an experimental methodology, which comprises of tests for evaluating the ability of the cementitious material to regain liquid-tightness and mechanical properties, has been developed. This study focuses on evaluating the suggested experimental methodology through a round robin test (RRT) among five laboratories within the framework of RILEM/TC 253 MCI (Micro-organisms-Cementitious Materials Interactions), WG4 (Engineered bacteria-based protective systems for cementitious materials) and it concerns only the part that examines the sealing efficiency. The testing sequence includes: - tests for material characterization, - crack introduction on mortar prisms, - healing treatment and - water tightness examination. Specimens with and without bacteria-based self-healing agent were tested. After the completion of the tests the results of the different laboratories were gathered for purposes of comparison. The comparison revealed high scatter in the results of the suggested methodology. Therefore, the current paper gives some recommendations, for improving the tests procedures, which will later be adapted to the second RRT that will follow.
Wave breaking on a current at an idealized inlet, Coastal Inlets Research Program, inlet laboratory investigations / by Jane M. Smith ... [et al.] ; prepared for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Abstract : Laboratory measurements of wave shoaling and breaking on an ebb current were made in an idealized inlet in a wave basin. The experiment arrangement, procedures, and data analysis are described. The wave and ebb current measurements showed increased shoaling and breaking (compared to no current, shifting of the spectral peak to lower frequencies, and energy dissipation concentrated at the spectral peak and higher frequencies). The measurements were used to evaluate and develop formulations of wave dissipation on a current for application to a spectral wave model. Whitecapping dissipation formulations underpredicted breaking on a current in shallow water, whereas the bore-based wave dissipation relationship of Banjes and Janssen and a relationship developed in this study provided good estimates of wave-height decay on an ebb current Tables of the wave and current parameters are provided as an appendix.
Retrobulbar Short Posterior Ciliary Artery Hemodynamics in Patients with Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Purpose: To investigate retrobulbar blood flow changes in the short posterior ciliary arteries (SPCAs) in patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEG) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods: In this prospective study, there were 22 eyes in the PEG group, 28 eyes in the POAG group, and 28 eyes with senile cataract in the control group. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), mean velocity (Vm), and resistivity index (RI) parameters of the temporal and nasal SPCAs were compared between the study groups. Results: Mean temporal PSV, EDV, and Vm value were significantly lower in both the POAG group and the PEG group (P = 0.049, P = 0.004, P = 0.020), respectively. Temporal SPCA RI values were not significantly different between the groups (P = 0.115). Conclusion: There are retrobulbar blood flow changes in glaucomatous compared to nonglaucomatous eyes. However, SPCAs blood flow characteristics are similar between PEG and POAG subtypes.
The use of Hypotension Prediction Index in cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a complex surgical procedure with significant complications. These complications stem from extremes of haemodynamics, biochemical abnormalities and thermal fluctuations that the patient is subjected to, with morbidity and mortality rates going up to 20%–40% and 3%, respectively. [1,2] Cardiac output monitoring is being used during CRS-HIPEC in many centres, for patients with high-volume disease. [2] Goal-directed therapy in CRS-HIPEC has been shown to lower morbidity. The HemoSphere advanced monitoring platform along with the Acumen sensor (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA), is equipped with additional parameters to allow clinicians to pre-emptively recognise and treat impending hypotension. [3] The Hypotension Prediction Index (HPI), is based on arterial waveform features and predicts the occurrence of hypotension (defined as mean arterial pressure (MAP) less than 65 mmHg for at least 1 minute). [4] HPI is displayed as a unit less number from 0-100, with higher values being inversely proportional to the time to impending hypotension. An HPI of 85 implies that there is an 85% probability of a hypotensive event in the next 15 minutes. [4] A high HPI value increases the certainty of hypotension (MAP <65 mmHg). Other derived parameters such as dP/dtmax, which is the maximal change in the left ventricular pressure over time, and dynamic arterial elastance (Eadyn), which is the ratio of pulse pressure variation (PPV) and stroke volume variation (SVV), which help determine fluid responsiveness, myocardial contractility and determine whether fluid bolus will increase the MAP. [3]
Prevalence and socioeconomic predictive factors of cesarean section delivery in Ghana

Introduction The rate of cesarean section (CS) in developed and developing countries is a major problem for public health policymakers, especially regarding knowledge on their socioeconomic associated factors. Aim To know the prevalence and socioeconomic factors predictive of CS delivery among women in Ghana. Patients and methods This study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey relying on data from Ghana multiple indicator cluster survey 2017/2018. The analysis was done using SPSS, version 20 (IBM Corp., 2011). Results The prevalence of CS delivery recorded in this current study was 15.7%. Predictor variables identified were age group 25–34 versus 15–24 years [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.13–2.13)]; women of the age group 35 years and above versus 15–24 years (AOR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.50–3.04); rural women versus urban a women (AOR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.52–0.95); richest index quintile versus poorest index quintile (AOR = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.42–3.92); and finally, normal birth weight versus low birth weight (AOR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.39–0.82). Conclusion The prevalence of CS delivery recorded in this current was high as compared with other previous studies. This implies that the practice is on increase.
The impact of social media accounts on periocular cosmetic surgeries

PURPOSE: The study aims to assess the impact of social media on patients who underwent periocular cosmetic surgeries during 2019 and to determine the appropriate platforms to enrich the knowledge and awareness of the general Saudi population regarding periocular cosmetic surgeries. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Ibn Rushd Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Three hundred and ninety-five participants with periocular cosmetic surgeries in 2019 were recruited for the study. The questionnaire included 43 questions distributed under four domains: demographics, personal and family history of periocular eye surgeries, influence of social media on cosmetic eye procedures, and psychological effects of social media. RESULTS: Periocular cosmetic surgeries were more common among women, with eyelid surgery being the most popular type. About 48.9% of the participants knew their oculoplastic surgeons from social media platforms, and over 57% who used accounts on social media were interested in cosmetology managed by nonphysicians. The majority of the participants (64.1%) chose Instagram as a social media platform to find an oculoplastic surgeon. Consequently, 91.6% stated that seeing before and after photos on social media platforms affected their decision in selecting their oculoplastic surgeon. Besides, 82.8% revealed that visiting surgeons' clinic came as a step next to their search for their accounts on social media. CONCLUSION: The majority of the participants were, somewhat or another, affected by social media and this is due to people's belief regarding social media as a beneficial source of medical information that can provide reviews and expert opinion. The accuracy of the information presented in social media accounts managed by both physicians and nonphysicians is essential in making the appropriate decision for undergoing this kind of surgeries or not.
ω-3 fatty acid-enriched parenteral nutrition shortens hospital stay in acute variceal bleeding cirrhotic patients

Abstract Acute variceal bleeding, a crucial complication of liver cirrhosis requires high energy expenditures but gastrointestinal bleeding limits enteral feeding in the acute stage. We investigated the safety and efficacy of ω-3 fatty acid-enriched parenteral nutrition in acute variceal bleeding patients. In this retrospective study, a total of 208 cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding who underwent parenteral nutrition in the absence of enteral nutrition were enrolled. Among the patients, 86 patients received ω-3 fatty-acid-enriched parenteral nutrition. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the duration of hospital stay and the presence of clinical complications of liver cirrhosis. The mean age of the patients enrolled was 54.9 years-old and 185 patients (88.9%) were male. The cause of liver cirrhosis, Child-Pugh score and comorbidities were statistically not different. Patients with ω-3 enriched parenteral nutrition had a significantly lower systolic blood pressure and total bilirubin levels. The difference in the in-hospital mortality (P = .813) or rate of complications (P = .880) was not statistically significant. The duration of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the patients who underwent ω-3 fatty acid-enriched parenteral nutrition (10.7 ± 7.3 vs 7.9 ± 4.2 days, P = .001). In liver cirrhosis patients with acute variceal bleeding, ω-3 fatty acid-enriched parenteral nutrition significantly decreased the length of hospital stay. Further prospective studies to consolidate these findings are warranted.
Ocular adnexal metastases from renal cell carcinoma: An update and comprehensive literature review

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to review the clinical presentation, systemic work-up, and outcomes of all previously reported ocular adnexal (OA) metastases from renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS: This was a literature review. PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched for all well-documented cases of OA metastases from RCC. RESULTS: Final analysis identified 44 patients with either biopsy-confirmed (41/44, 93%) or treatment response-documented (3/44, 6%) OA metastases from RCC. Thirty-four (77%) patients were male. The median age was 60 years (mean: 60, range: 22–87 years). The most common presenting signs were proptosis (19/44, 43%) and OA mass (14/44, 32%). Metastases most frequently involved the orbital bones (10/44, 23%) and adjacent extraconal fat, extending from the sinonasal tract in 7/10 (70%) of these cases. OA metastases were initial manifestation of RCC in 18/44 (41%) patients. At the time of primary tumor diagnosis, 22 of 30 (73%) patients had American Joint Committee on Cancer Stage IV disease with metastases to 2 or more sites in 13 (57%) patients. Seventeen of 42 (40%) patients underwent local therapy only, which most commonly included excision/exenteration with margin control (10/17, 59%). Twenty-five of 42 (60%) patients had systemic therapy, which included biologic agents and chemotherapy. The absolute 5-year survival rate was 66% with significantly improved survival in patients reported after 2006 (92% vs. 42%, P = 0.04) and in those with isolated OA metastases (100% vs. 27%, P = 0.02) at 30 months. CONCLUSION: Although RCC metastases to OA occur in a setting of advanced disease, the recent advances in diagnostic modalities and targeted therapies resulted in improved survival.
Comparison of elevated cardiac troponin I with SAPS-II and APACHE-II score in predicting outcome of severe intoxications

Background and Aims: To date, different methods have been invented to risk-stratify critically ill patients, however, there is a paucity of information regarding assessing the severity of poisonings. This study was designed to determine the comparative efficacy of Simplified Acute Physiology Score-II (SAPS-II) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-II (APACHE-II)score with cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in predicting severe intoxication outcomes. Methods: This was a prospective study conducted on patients who fulfilled defined severe intoxication criteria necessitating intensive care unit (ICU) admission over a period of 6 months. SAPS-II and APACHE-II scores were calculated and cTnI concentrations were measured. These indicators were compared to determine which has the better ability to prognosticate mortality and complications. Results: A total of 55 cases (median age, 35 [24-49] years) were enroled. Eight patients (14.5%) died. Mean SAPS-II, median APACHE-II score and median cTnI concentrations were 32.05 ± 11.24, 13 [10-17] and 0.008 [0.002-0.300] ng/ml, respectively, which were significantly different between the survivors and non-survivors. Receiver operating characteristics curve results of SAPS-II, APACHE-II score and cTnI concentrations in predicting mortality were 0.945, 0.932 and 0.763 and in predicting complications were 0.779, 0.739 and 0.727, respectively. High cTnI concentration (>0.37 ng/ml) correlated with soft clinical outcomes, including length of ventilatory support, length of ICU stay and length of hospital stay (LOS) (r: 0.928, 0.881 and 0.735 respectively; all P < 0.001). Conclusion: SAPS-II scores were superior in predicting death and complications, while cTnI correlated more closely with soft clinical outcomes, such as the length of ventilator support, length of ICU stay or LOS.
Supporting business educators and students against COVID-19 trauma using trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy

Abstract Background: The outbreak of COVID-19 manifests in peoples’ mental health and psychological dispositions and may also result to acute distress, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on victims. The objective of this study was to support business educators’ and students’ mental health against coronavirus trauma using trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). Methods: The participants (n = 74 – educators and students) who indicated PTSD symptoms based on the self-reporting questionnaire they filled, were randomly assigned to treatment and waitlist control groups. The TF-CBT manual was used for the intervention. The intervention was a 14-week treatment with 2 weeks follow-up meeting. Using repeated measures of Analysis of Variance, we determined the level of improvement of each participant in the treatment group against Coronavirus trauma at the end of the intervention. Results: The study established that gender has no significant difference in determining the effects of Coronavirus trauma on participants. Through intervention, the PTSDs and depression arising from Coronavirus event were significantly reduced in the treatment group. Again, there was a significant improvement in the participants’ general mental health at the end of the intervention. Hence, we established the implication for research and practice in line with the outcome of the study. The study advocates that TF-CBT should be employed by educational institutions in Nigeria to cushion the traumatic effects of coronavirus and future disasters on both workers and students. Conclusion: We conclude that mental health problems remain a serious challenge among business educators and students in this COVID-19 pandemic era. The study established that low educational qualifications, PTSD symptoms and negative coping strategies are the factors aggravating the general low mental health of the study participants. Finally, we advocate that the educational institutions in Nigeria should adopt TF-CBT interventions to support staff and students’ mental health against adverse effects of COVID-19.
Health Care Disparities in Surgical Management of Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Contemporary Nationwide Analysis

Objectives Our objective was to compare the rate of native tissue repair (NTR) versus sacrocolpopexy (SCP) and reconstructive (RECON) versus obliterative repair (OBR) for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), evaluating for health care disparities based on race, socioeconomic, and geographic factors. Methods The National Inpatient Sample database was queried for patients older than 18 years undergoing POP surgery from 2008 to 2018. Baseline demographics, comorbidity index, socioeconomic, and hospital variables were extracted. The weighted t test, Wilcoxon test, and χ2 test were used to compare the rate of (1) NTR versus SCP and (2) RECON vs OBR. Multivariate weighted logistic regression was used to compare while controlling for confounders. Reference groups were White race, Medicare patients, northeast region, small hospital size, and rural location. Results Of 71,262 patients, 67,382 (94.6%) underwent RECON. Patients undergoing OBR were older and had a higher comorbidity score. Multivariate analysis showed the following: (1) Black, Hispanic, and other races; (2) Medicaid patients; (3) patients at urban teaching hospitals are less likely to receive RECON. Patients in the midwest were more likely to receive RECON. Among 68,401 patients, 23,808 (34.8%), and 44,593 (65.19%) underwent SCP and NTR, respectively. Hysterectomy was more common in the NTR group. Multivariate analysis showed the following:(1) Black, Hispanic, and “other” races; (2) uninsured and Medicaid patients; (3) patients in the midwest, south, and west were at higher odds of receiving NTR. Patients in large and urban hospitals were less likely to undergo NTR. Conclusions Racial, socioeconomic, and geographic disparities exist in surgical management for POP warranting further study to seek to eliminate these disparities.
Predictors of peri-operative cardiac events and development of a scoring tool for patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing non-cardiac surgeries: A prospective observational multicentre study

Background and Aims: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Our aim was to derive predictors of cardiac morbidity, mortality, cardiac complications and to develop/validate a scoring tool in patients with CKD undergoing non-cardiac surgery. Methods: A prospective observational multicentre study was done on 770 patients with CKD. The primary outcome (“Event”) was one or more than one of sudden cardiac death, pulmonary oedema, acute coronary syndrome, arrhythmia and 30-day mortality. Secondary outcome was hypertension and hypotension. Predictors of cardiac risk were identified. A scoring tool was developed on the 2018 dataset and was validated on the 2019 dataset. Results: The overall incidence of cardiac events was 290 (37.66%) whereas the incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events was 15.04%. Mortality due to cardiac cause was 13 (1.68%). On multivariate regression analysis, seven perioperative variables had significant association with increased risk of events: age > 65 years (P = 0.004), metabolic equivalents (METS) ≤4 (P≤0.032), emergency surgery (P =0.032), mean arterial pressure >119 (P = 0.001), echocardiographic scoring (P = 0.054), type of anaesthesia (P ≤ 0.0001) and type of surgery (P = 0.056). Using these variables, a risk stratification tool was developed. C statistics showed favourable predictive accuracy (0.714) and the model showed good calibration. Conclusion: This risk scoring tool based on preoperative variables will help to predict the risk of events in high-risk CKD patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. This will help in better counselling and optimisation.
Merkel cell carcinoma of the eyelid and periocular region: A review

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare primary cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma with a high mortality rate. It typically affects elderly Caucasians, with a slight predilection for males. It is associated with chronic sun exposure and/or immunosuppression. Almost half of all cases occur on the head or neck and an estimated 2.5%–10% arise on the eyelids or periocular skin. It ranks as the 5th most common malignant tumor at these sites, preceded in frequency by basal cell, squamous cell and sebaceous carcinoma, as well as melanoma. Its clinical presentation as a violaceous nodule/plaque lacks specificity, and it can be mistaken for cysts, chalazia or basal cell carcinomas. Sub-specialized histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluations are required for diagnosis. Clinical staging defines the extent of disease and governs management. This includes surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy for localized tumors and of late, immunotherapy for metastatic disease. Significant advances in our understanding of the dual etiopathogenesis (Merkel cell polyomavirus- and Ultraviolet radiation-induced) and the biology of the neoplasm have been achieved in recent years. Issuing from the tumor's known susceptibility to host immunity, a recent therapeutic breakthrough has occurred whereby immune checkpoint inhibition has been shown to mitigate advanced disease. These factors and the increased global incidence of the tumor have brought it to the forefront of medical attention. This review provides a clinically relevant update on MCC, with special reference to cases arising on the eyelid/periocular region.
Pore Ordering in Anodic Aluminum Oxide: Interplay between the Pattern of Pore Nuclei and the Crystallographic Orientation of Aluminum

Anodization of aluminum with a pre-patterned surface is a promising approach for preparing anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) films with defect-free pore arrangement. Although pronounced effects of crystallographic orientation of Al on the AAO structure have been demonstrated, all current studies on the anodization of pre-patterned aluminum consider the substrate as an isotropic medium and, thus, do not consider the azimuthal orientation of the pattern relative to the basis vectors of the Al unit cell. Here, we investigate the interplay between the azimuthal alignment of the pore nuclei array and the crystallographic orientation of aluminum. Al(100) and Al(111) single-crystal substrates were pre-patterned by a Ga focused ion beam and then anodized under self-ordering conditions. The thickness-dependent degree of pore ordering in AAO was quantified using statistical analysis of scanning electron microscopy images. The observed trends demonstrate that the preferred azimuthal orientation of pore nuclei rows coincides with the <110> directions in the Al unit cell, which is favorable for creating AAO with a high degree of pore ordering. In the case of an unspecified azimuthal orientation of the pore nuclei array, crystallography-affected disorder within the AAO structure occurs with increasing film thickness. Our findings have important implications for preparing defect-free porous films over 100 µm in thickness that are crucial for a variety of AAO applications, e.g., creating metamaterials and 2D/3D photonic crystals.