Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EuroQol-5 dimensions health-related quality of life questionnaire in craniovertebral instability treated with posterior fixation with or without occipital plating: A comparative study with matched datasets

Objective: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in craniocervical instability (CCI) before and after posterior fixation is yet to be determined. This study aimed to deliver novel and clinically relevant data about HRQoL (baseline, at follow-up, predictors, and correlates) in subjects with CCI treated with posterior fixation with or without occipital plating, and to compare it with matched datasets. Methods: EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaires were collected to evaluate HRQoL before surgery and at follow-up. Study sample size was estimated at 58. Comparison with representative datasets was done by matching on a many-to-many basis. Classic CCI parameters were measured. Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology was followed. Results: Sixty subjects were included. The mean age was 37.2 years. The median follow-up for EQ-5D was 26.3 months with interquartile range (IQR) 10.8 to 47.3 months. The median preoperative score of the 3-level version of EQ-5D (EQ-5D-3L) was 0.254 (IQR = −0.025 to 0.504), whereas at follow-up, it increased to 0.779 (IQR = 0.387–0.864) which is still worse than the 25th percentile (0.894) of the age-matched population. Occipital plating (n = 35; 58.3%) did not influence HRQoL trajectory (P = 0.692). In multiple linear regression, HRQoL at follow-up was affected by the age (β = −0.004; P = 0.049) and length of hospitalization (β = −0.134; P = 0.010). Of radiologic measurements, preoperative Wackenheim line correlated with HRQoL at follow-up (rho = −0.432; P = 0 − 028). Conclusions: HRQoL is significantly reduced in CCI. Although this can be improved with posterior fixation, it is still worse than the age-matched population. Occipital plating may not influence HRQoL. HRQoL of the elderly might not increase as much as of the younger subjects. The longer hospitalization, the worse HRQoL could be expected. Preoperative Wackenheim parameter could correlate with HRQoL at follow-up.
Sulawesi endemic tubers and perimedular flour properties an initial
consideration for alternative sources for food starch ingredient

North Sulawesi is located in the North-Eastern regions of the Indonesian Archipelago. As it is with most parts of Indonesia, North Sulawesi is dependent on rice as their staple food. Not all islands within the North Sulawesi cluster of islands can grow paddy or corn for their carbohydrate needs or starch ingredients in their diet and must have them shipped from other places with the dire consequences of transportation costs. The endemic biodiversity of these islands also has many plants with the potential as an alternative food carbohydrate source. This study was to explore these endemic plants for potential food ingredients for starch replacements for rice and corn. The many diversities available for these starch ingredients amongst them are tuber sources (Taro – Colocasia esculenta, Dalugha – Cyrtosperma merkusii, Gembili – Discorea esculenta and Banggai – Discorea alata) and perimedular sources (Sago Tanah and Sago Baruk). Many studies have researched these plants individually in various originating from many other parts of the world, but not many have made a head-to-head comparison and explored the potentials of these underutilized plants as starch food ingredients. This study extracted starches of these plants in a standardized manner and compared the properties side-by-side. These plants were found to be potentially healthy alternatives to rice as functional food starch with lower digestibility which would lead to lower GI staples, especially for the livelihoods of North Sulawesi coastal dwellers.
Mycobiota recovered from the trachea and lungs of pigeons (Columba livia) captured in a grain mill

Respiratory diseases are commonly related to grain mills in association with fungi. Pigeons (Columba livia) are a potential source of pathogenic fungi and a public health concern, causing economic damages in urban areas. We aimed to determine the tracheal and pulmonary mycobiota of pigeons captured in a grain mill, identifying potentially pathogenic fungi. Captured pigeons were euthanized for the collection of tracheal secretion and lungs in saline suspensions for culture (100µL) in Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol (48h/28°C). Yeasts were evaluated after Gram staining in microscopy and cultured in Hicrome®Candida agar, while lactophenol cotton blue solution was used in filamentous fungi/molds. Mycological identification keys were used for the genus determination. 207 fungal (9 genus) were isolated from the trachea and lungs of 21 pigeons captured: 199 molds (96.14%) and 8 yeast (3.86%). Aspergillus spp. , Rhizopus spp. , Penicillium spp. and Candida spp. were the most prevalent, mainly in lungs. We confirmed yeasts and molds from pigeons, increasing the potential risks for chronic or acute diseases after contact with several fungi from pigeons. A greater control of the presence of pigeons in the work environment is necessary.
Carbon Footprint Calculation of Different Building Typologies under Construction and Operation Stages

Construction sector in Turkey has been accelerating over time, highly contributing to the release of emissions to the atmosphere that causes climate change and global warming. In line with the calculation of carbon footprint (CF), the direct and indirect sources of emissions arising from two different building typologies in Turkey, a hospital and a complex building covering shopping mall, offices and residences were determined representing the construction stage, and another hospital and a shopping mall were selected as examples of operation stage to cover the entire sector. The scope was determined according to classifications specified in ISO 14064 Greenhouse Gas Calculation and Verification Management System. The calculations were done by multiplying the emission factors obtained from international sources with the actual consumption values gathered from a Contractor Company established in Turkey. As studies on national emission factors have not yet been completed, internationally accepted and recognized values were used. In the light of determined emission sources and scopes, the CF of the hospitals and complex building projects for at least 2 years were calculated and the changes were evaluated. The findings obtained within the scope of the projects built and/or operated representing different building typologies in the construction sector indicated that electricity consumption had the largest share regarding the CF calculations. In addition, worldwide examples on mitigation applications were referred and underlined in the study.
Organizational and Cultural Transformation of Pesantren in Creating A Competitive Culture

Pesantren has existed long before Indonesia's independence as an educational institution. Such existence is not independent of the cultural transformations that boarding schools undergo, particularly in management-related areas. The research seeks to identify the model of Pesantren's development in creating competitive advantages through the concept of culture (culture) organization. This paper employs qualitative research methods as well as surveying techniques. Based on complex diagnosis models, the study provides a brief overview of the characteristics of several pesantren in Southeast Aceh. The study's findings revealed that (1) the transformative model implemented by boarding schools in Southeast Aceh represents an integration of the main concepts, namely culture and organizational efficiency; (2) competence of leadership behaviour becomes a fundamental factor of organizational development mechanisms; and (3) professional HR contributions in creating competitive advantages. The development model proposed is a complex and holistic integration of the three concepts, with implications for future criticism. The study results also served as a solid basis for developing learner organizations. The study also provides an overview of how boarding school characteristics create competing advantages.
Optional Vaccines in Children—Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Romanian Parents

Vaccination is one of the most useful medical interventions for controlling certain infectious diseases. The aim of current research is to identify some of the drivers of vaccine hesitancy or acceptance in a rather skeptical European population by addressing parental perception on optional vaccination (OV) perception. Novel tools, delivered by social media, were used in our research attempt. A validated questionnaire was distributed online among parents. Parental knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of OV were analyzed. The majority of parent respondents (55.1%) showed very good knowledge about vaccination and vaccine-preventable diseases, and 76.0% stated that they had given at least one optional vaccine to at least one of their children. The most common optional vaccine administered was the rotavirus vaccine. The level of knowledge appeared to be related to compliance with OV. Concurrently, the rate of vaccine acceptance in the NIP (National Immunization Program) was not correlated with the level of parental knowledge. In total, a high percentage of parents (77.6%) believed that OV can bring an additional health safety benefit to their children. This study shows the need to involve the medical community in a steady dialogue with parents about OV. Raising awareness by presenting clear and understandable information could be a game-changing intervention in mitigating the public health impact of OV-preventable diseases.
Medical Cannabis for Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome: An Open-Label Prospective Study

Objectives Assessing the effectiveness and tolerability of medical cannabis (MC) treatment on Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) patients. Methods We report on an open-label, prospective study on the effect of MC on adult GTS patients. MC mode of use was decided by the treating neurologist and the patient. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) content within MC product and monthly dose were titrated during the study. Following treatment initiation, patients were assessed after 4 and 12 weeks for efficacy, tolerability, and side effects. Results Eighteen patients entered the study. Baseline Yale Global Tic Severity Scale- (YGTSS) Total (range 0-100) was 60.3 ± 17.1. Three patients did not reach the end of follow-up period. The most common mode of administration was smoking (80%). Following twelve weeks of treatment, a significant 38% average reduction (p = 0.002) of YGTSS-Total and a 20% reduction (p = 0.043) of Premonitory Urge for Tic Scale (PUTS) were observed. Common side effects were dry mouth (66.7%), fatigue (53.3%), and dizziness (46.7%). Three patients suffered from psychiatric side effects including worsening of obsessive compulsive disorder (stopped treatment), panic attack, and anxiety (resolved with treatment modification). Six patients (40%) reported cognitive side effects regarding time perception, visuospatial disorientation, confusion, slow processing speed, and attention. Conclusions MC treatment demonstrates good efficacy and tolerability in adult GTS patients. Predilection for smoking rather than using oil drops requires further comparative studies to evaluate the efficacy of each. Cognitive and psychiatric side effects have to be monitored and addressed.
Cytotoxicity, cytoprotection and morphological analysis of MTA, MTA Repair HP and Biodentine

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity, cytoprotection and morphological changes by SEM technique of MTA, MTA-HP and Biodentine, on fibroblast 3T3 cell line. MTA, MTA-HP, and Biodentine were disposed into teflon sterile discs and incubated in culture media for 24 hours to obtain elutes. Fibroblast 3T3 cells were cultured with the respective elutes and control group with culture medium. Cytotoxicity and cytoprotection assays were determined by MTT method. The results were statistically processed by Mann-Whitney (α=0.05) and Kruskal-Wallis analysis. Cells cultured in coverslips and treated with the elutes were submitted to fixation and dehydration process to evaluate morphological alterations by SEM technique. In cytotoxicity assay, cells treated with MTA, MTA HP and Biodentine showed viability above 95%, like control cells. In cytoprotection to the 3T3 cells, materials promoted at the same magnitude (p>0.05), with improved cell growth and were considered statistically different from the obtained for cells only treated with peroxide solution (positive control) (p=0.046). Also, viability results of the tested root canal materials were close to that of the negative control (cells treated only with culture medium) (p=0.05). No morphologic cell changes of 3T3 cells in contact with the endodontic materials were revealed by SEM technique. The bioceramic materials has demonstrated high bioactivity and biocompatibility, as presented in cytoprotection and morphological trials.
Hypofractionated Whole Breast Irradiation and Boost-IOERT in Early Stage Breast Cancer (HIOB): First Clinical Results of a Prospective Multicenter Trial (NCT01343459)

Simple Summary Intraoperative electron radiation therapy (IOERT) has repeatedly demonstrated its power to yield high local control rates in all risk constellation of patients with invasive breast cancer when given as tumor bed boost prior to conventional whole breast irradiation (WBI) after breast conserving surgery (BCS). Since the standard for WBI continuously moved towards hypofractionation, we initiated a prospective trial in 2011 where we combined a high precision IOERT boost with a “moderate” hypofractionation schedule (15 × 2.7 Gy), the HIOB-trial [NCT01343459], as clinical evidence for this combination was scarce. Our results demonstrated a low five-year local recurrence rate (overall two events in a population of 1119 patients), which undershot such best evidences in two age groups (41–50 y and >50 y). As acute and late toxicity were mild with no impaired cosmetic outcome, the HIOB-concept seems to be a viable treatment option for patients who underwent BCS and intended WBI. Abstract Background and purpose: To investigate intraoperative electron radiation therapy (IOERT) as a tumor bed boost during breast conserving surgery (BCS) followed by hypofractionated whole breast irradiation (HWBI) on age-correlated in-breast recurrence (IBR) rates in patients with low- to high-risk invasive breast cancer. Material and methods: BCS and IOERT (11.1 Gy) preceded a HWBI (40.5 Gy) in 15 fractions. Five-year IBR-rates were compared by a sequential ratio test (SQRT) with best evidences in three age groups (35–40 y and 41–50 y: 3.6%, >50 y: 2%) in a prospective single arm design. Null hypothesis (H0) was defined to undershoot these benchmarks for proof of superiority. Results: Of 1445 enrolled patients, 326 met exclusion criteria, leaving 1119 as eligible for analysis. After a median follow-up of 50 months (range 0.7–104), we detected two local recurrences, both in the age group >50 y. With no observed IBR, superiority was demonstrated for the patient groups 41–50 and >50 y, respectively. For the youngest group (35–40 y), no appropriate statistical evaluation was yet possible due to insufficient recruitment. Conclusions: In terms of five-year IBR-rates, Boost-IOERT followed by HWBI has been demonstrated to be superior in patients older than 50 and in the age group 41–50 when compared to best published evidence until 2010.
High critical current solution derived YBa2Cu3O7 films grown on sapphire

Superconducting fault current limiters (SFCLs) are very attractive devices which require to increase its robustness against the destructive hot spots. The use of sapphire substrates to grow YBa2Cu3O7 (YBCO) films is a very attractive approach due to its high thermal conductivity. This article reports the growth of microcrack-free, epitaxial YBCO layers by chemical solution deposition (CSD) on Ce1−x Zr x O2 (CZO)/yttrium-stabilized zirconia/r-cut barely polished sapphire (BPS) substrates which can be produced in long lengths at low cost. The surface quality of the r-cut sapphire and its role on the epitaxy of CZO and YBCO layers is discussed. The issue of the microcrack generation in YBCO layers is investigated in relation to the film thickness, the growth process and the oxygenation annealing step. We demonstrate that microcracks formation is related to the in-plane tensile stress generated during the oxygenation step instead of the differential thermal expansion effects and thus it can be minimized through an adapted oxygenation process. We have shown that CSD growth of YBCO films with thicknesses up to 400 nm and attractive superconducting properties (J C ∼ 1.9 MA cm−2 at 77 K) can be achieved on BPS substrates which can be used at moderate cost for SFCL devices.
The Contrasting Effects of Local Environmental Conditions on Tree Growth between Populations at Different Latitudes

Current widely used climate envelope approaches, i.e., correlations between climatic variables and the presence of a species, simulate responses for the whole species and predict future ranges based mainly on climatic suitability. However, short-term tree responses to climate change will take place within current populations, and these populations, acclimated to their local environments, are not likely to respond similarly to climate change. Thus, to develop reliable forecasts of forest responses to climate change, this variability among populations needs to be considered. In this study, we tested the effect of environmental conditions on the growth of two common maple species (Acer rubrum L. and A. saccharum Marshall) at two different latitudes within their northern distributional ranges. We collected increment cores, and analyzed year to year variabilities in tree growth as a function of temperature and precipitation. The results suggest divergent responses between species and between populations of the same species. Predicted growth under different climate scenarios for the region suggested that the growth of southern populations might decrease, while northern populations might still be able to retain their current growth. These results document the population-level responses to environmental conditions of these two species, providing latitude-specific guidance for future forest distribution prediction.
Adherence and Persistence to Biological Drugs for Psoriasis: Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Despite the large number of biologics currently available for moderate-to-severe psoriasis, poor adherence and persistence to therapy represent the main issues for both the clinical and economic management of psoriasis. However, the data about adherence and persistence to biologics in psoriasis patients are conflicting. Our aim was to produce summary estimates of adherence and persistence to biologics in adult patients with psoriasis. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies, searching two databases (PubMed and Embase). Sixty-two records met the inclusion criteria, and a meta-analysis was conducted on fifty-five studies. Overall, the proportion of adherent and persistent patients to biological therapy was 0.61 (95% confidence interval: 0.48–0.73) and 0.63 (0.57–0.68), respectively. The highest proportions were found for ustekinumab, while the lowest ones were found for etanercept. The proportions of adherence and persistence to biological drugs in psoriasis patients are sub-optimal. Notably, both proportions largely differ between drugs, suggesting that a more rational use of biologics might ensure better management of psoriasis.
Relationships among Bicycle Rider Behaviours, Anger, Aggression, and Crashes in Finland

Riding a bicycle is increasingly encouraged as a sustainable transport solution, especially in urban areas. However, safety concerns, both perceived and actual, can significantly lower the willingness to ride among the population. To support cycling planning and policy in the double task of increasing the levels of cycling while mitigating crash risk, there is a need to better understand the behaviours and attitudes of bicycle riders. In this manuscript, we study a cohort of Finnish bicycle riders through four questionnaires, the Cycling Behaviour Questionnaire (CBQ), Cyclist Risk Perception and Regulation Scale (RPRS), Cyclist Anger Scale (CAS), and Cyclist Aggression Expression Inventory (CAX). Our findings show low self-reported errors and violations, and high levels of knowledge regarding traffic rules among Finnish bicycle riders. Most participants report low levels of aggression, which is generally dealt with in constructive ways, while anger was most commonly a result of interactions with motor vehicles and less with other road users such as pedestrians. To further reduce the crash risk in cycling, our results point to the need for further separation between bicycle riders and motorised vehicles, and for the development of risk perception and positive behaviours among riders, particularly those engaging in risky behaviours.
Effects of Impulsivity on Competitive Anxiety in Female Athletes: The Mediating Role of Mindfulness Trait

It has been demonstrated that athletes in competitive sports suffer from high levels of competitive anxiety, especially in the case of females. In this sense, it is necessary to identify possible risk and protective factors of those athletes in this collective who suffer from this type of anxiety. However, few studies analyze the relationship between Physical Activity (PA) and anxiety, identifying the possible mediation effect of trait variables such as impulsivity and mindfulness in female athletes. Hence, the aims of this study were: to determine differences between PA levels with anxiety, mindfulness, and impulsiveness; to identify the predictive value of sociodemographic factors and physical activity, impulsivity, and mindfulness on anxiety factors; and to analyze the possible mediating effects of mindfulness on the relationship between impulsivity and anxiety. A total of 242 female athletes underwent an assessment of physical activity, anxiety, mindfulness traits, and impulsivity using validated questionnaires. Data were analyzed according to (1) individual or collective sport, and (2) PA levels according to energy expended (METs min/day). Participants were grouped by light, moderate, and vigorous PA levels. There were 30.5% elite athletes and 73.2% collective sports athletes. Mean age was 22.1 years and mean light, moderate, and vigorous PA were 86.1 ± 136.2, 114.4 ± 159.8, and 370.1 ± 336.3 METs min/day, respectively. Those athletes performing vigorous PA exhibited lower levels of impulsiveness and higher mindfulness traits. As expected, the mindfulness trait was a mediating factor in the relationship between impulsiveness and each factor of competitive anxiety (cognitive, somatic, and self-efficacy). Female athletes could suffer competitive anxiety, especially those who present higher levels of impulsivity. However, higher levels of mindfulness traits seem to be a protective factor in the effects of impulsivity on anxiety in this population and have demonstrated to be significant mediators in this association. Further studies are needed with other female athletes to replicate these results and to determine the specific protective mechanisms of mindfulness traits in preventing competitive anxiety.