Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of braking performances of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip: Are there alternatives to a brake simulator?

OBJECTIVE This study aims to develop and evaluate a simple tool for daily practice that might allow a rough estimate of individual braking performance (brake response time, BRT) of patients with osteoarthritis or those with arthroplasty of the knee or hip. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we examined 162 patients (72 men, 90 women; mean age = 64±12.8 years) who suffered from osteoarthritis of the knee (n=45) or hip (n=64) or who underwent a total hip (n=37) or knee (n=16) arthroplasty. BRT of each patient was measured in a brake simulator. The results were compared to demographic data, various clinical tests, and pain surveys. From these data, a multiple linear regression model was developed. RESULTS From the observed correlations, the regression model consisted of age (correlation with BRT τ=0.176, p=0.001), sex (τ=0.361, p<0.001), Hau's step test (τ=-0.345, p<0.001), and the pain dimension of the Hip disability/Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (τ=-0.265, p<0.001). We, therefore, suggested the following formula: BRTest = 634.8 - (8.8 x Hau) + 119.2 (for women) + (3.0 x age) - (1.3 x H/KOOS Pain). The above-mentioned variables contributed significantly to the prediction of BRT and could achieve a multiple R² adj of 0.31. The model leaves a residual standard error (i.e., SD of the residuals) of 158.4 ms, which is superior to a model without predictors; F (4.140)=16.8, p<0.001. CONCLUSION Our evaluated regression model offers an uncertainty which is comparable to the one based on a fixed time period after surgery or a defined pathologic condition. The high variability even within a single patient over several brake simulator measurements makes it unlikely for a model to be generated solely based on clinical testing. Taking the available data in literature into account, we advise caution when formulating a real-time- or condition-based recommendation. We rather suggest being aware of risk factors that might lead to impaired BRT to sensitize patients to their impaired ability to drive. We identify such risk factors, namely old age, female sex, impaired musculoskeletal function, as tested in Hau's step test, and high levels of pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III, Therapeutic Study.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy of Simple Hydrocarbons and Carbon Oxides Diluted in Solid N2and as Pure Ices: Implications for Triton and Pluto

In this paper are presented near-infrared laboratory spectra of pure ices of CH4, C2H4, C2H6, CO, and CO2, as well as a systematic study of changes in their spectral behavior when isolated in a matrix of nitrogen ice. These studies were prompted by recent low-noise and high-spectral-resolution infrared observations of the surfaces of Triton and Pluto (e.g., D. P. Cruikshanket al.,1993,Science261,742–745; T. C. Owenet al., Science261,745–748). The data in this paper permit a sophisticated analysis of the published Pluto and Triton spectra, and will be useful in interpreting future observations as well. Two different techniques were employed for preparing our ice samples: (1) condensation of thin films on a cold window, and (2) growth of crystals from the liquid phase in a closed cryogenic cell. An important result we obtained is that spectra strongly depend on the technique used. With a closed cell, samples are formed under conditions of thermodynamical equilibrium and experiments are perfectly reproducible. Additionally, the samples formed from mixtures of N2and CH4, in the closed cell, show characteristics consistent with the N2:CH4phase diagram obtained by A. I. Prokhvatilov and L. D. Yantsevich (1982,Sov. J. Low Temp. Phys.9,94–98). On the other hand, it appeared that this is not at all the case with thin films. Assuming that the surfaces of Triton and Pluto are in thermodynamical equilibrium, the closed cell technique is more appropriate. Finally, the measurements conducted with different closed cryogenic cells show that the peak frequencies of the bands of the CH4molecule isolated in solid N2are shifted with respect to pure CH4ice and are also dependent on the temperature and crystal phase of solid N2(α vs β). These dependencies have been precisely measured, and it is shown how they could be used to determine the CH4dilution state and the temperature at the surfaces of Triton and Pluto to higher precision than has been previously achieved.
REDUCTION IN THE POPULATION PREVALENCE OF HCV VIRAEMIA AMONG PEOPLE WHO INJECT DRUGS ASSOCIATED WITH SCALE-UP OF DIRECT-ACTING ANTIVIRAL THERAPY IN COMMUNITY DRUG SERVICES: REAL WORLD DATA.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS There has been little empirical evidence to show the 'real world' impact of scaling-up direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment among people who inject drugs (PWID) on hepatitis C virus (HCV) viraemia at a population level. We aimed to assess the population impact of rapid DAA scale-up to PWID delivered through community services - including drug treatment, pharmacies, needle exchanges, and prisons - in the Tayside region of Scotland, compared with Greater Glasgow & Clyde (GGC) and the Rest of Scotland (RoS). DESIGN Natural experiment, evaluated using data from national biennial surveys of PWID and national clinical data. SETTING Services providing injecting equipment (2010-2018) and HCV treatment clinics (2017-2018) across Scotland. PARTICIPANTS 12,492 PWID who completed a questionnaire and provided a blood spot (tested for HCV-antibodies and RNA); 4,105 individuals who initiated HCV treatment. INTERVENTION AND COMPARATOR The intervention was rapid DAA scale-up among PWID, which occurred in Tayside. The comparator was GGC/RoS. MEASUREMENTS Trends in HCV viraemia and uptake of HCV therapy over time; sustained viral response (SVR) rates to therapy by region and treatment setting FINDINGS: Uptake of HCV therapy (last year) among PWID between 2013-14 and 2017-18 increased from 15% to 43% in Tayside, 6% to 16% in GGC and 11% to 23% in RoS. Between 2010 and 2017-18, the prevalence of HCV viraemia (among antibody-positives) declined from 73% to 44% in Tayside, 67% to 58% in GGC and 64% to 55% in RoS. The decline in viraemia was greater in Tayside (2017-18 AOR 0·47, 95% CI 0·30-0·75, p=0.001) than elsewhere in Scotland (2017-18 AOR 0·89, 95% CI 0·74-1·07, p=0.220) relative to the baseline of 2013-14 in RoS (including GGC). Per-protocol SVR rates among PWID treated in community sites did not differ from those treated in hospital sites in Tayside (97·4% vs 100·0%, p=0·099). CONCLUSIONS Scale-up of direct-acting antiviral treatment among people who inject drugs can be achieved through hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and treatment in community drug services whilst maintaining high sustained viral response rates and, in the Tayside region of Scotland, has led to a substantial reduction in chronic HCV in the population.
Serum golimumab concentration and anti-drug antibodies are associated with treatment response and drug survival in patients with inflammatory joint diseases: data from the NOR-DMARD study

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the therapeutic target concentration and frequency of anti-drug antibodies (ADAbs) in golimumab-treated patients with inflammatory joint disease (IJD). Method: Associations between golimumab concentration, ADAbs, and treatment response were examined in 91 patients with IJD [41 axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), 20 rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 30 psoriatic arthritis (PsA)] included in the NOR-DMARD study. Treatment response was defined by Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) clinically important improvement in axSpA, European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) good/moderate response in RA, and improvement of ≥ 50% in modified Disease Activity index for PSoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) (28 swollen/tender joint counts) in PsA. Serum drug concentrations and ADAbs were analysed using automated in-house assays. Results: At inclusion, 42% were biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug naïve and 42% used concomitant synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug. The median golimumab concentration was 2.2 (interquartile range 1.0–3.5) mg/L. The proportions of responders after 3 months among patients with golimumab concentration < 1.0, 1.0–3.9, and ≥ 4.0 mg/L were 19%, 49%, and 74%, respectively. A higher rate of treatment discontinuation was seen in patients with serum golimumab concentration < 1.0 compared to ≥ 1.0 mg/L (hazard ratio 3.3, 95% confidence interval 1.8–6.0, p < 0.05). ADAbs were detected in 6%, and were associated with lower drug concentrations and both reduced treatment response and drug survival. Conclusions: Golimumab concentrations ≥ 1.0 mg/L were associated with improved treatment response and better drug survival, although some patients may benefit from higher concentrations. This study suggests a rationale for dosing guided by therapeutic drug monitoring in golimumab-treated patients with IJD. The results should be confirmed in larger studies including trough samples, and the efficacy of such a strategy must be examined in randomized controlled trials.
Mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of perilunate injuries treated with open reduction and internal fixation.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to present the mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients with perilunate injuries treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). METHODS Patients who underwent ORIF due to perilunate injuries from 2004 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Surgery was mostly performed using a standard dorsal approach. Each injury was graded as per Mayfield staging. At the final follow-up, pain intensity was evaluated using a 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS). Wrist and elbow range of motion, handgrip and pinch strength, Modified Mayo Wrist Scores, and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scores were measured. On plain radiographic examination, the scapholunate (SL) angle, SL interval, carpal height, and continuity of Gilula arcs were evaluated. The presence of arthritis was also assessed using the Herzberg classification. RESULTS In total, 26 male patients (27 wrists) who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The mean age was 40 years (range: 20-58); the mean follow-up was 45 months (range: 16-96). Most of the injuries were fracture-dislocations (n=20; 71.4%). According to Mayfield staging, 7 wrists were grade 3, and 20 wrists were grade 4. According to Herzberg staging, 11 (40.7%) patients were stage 2a. The mean VAS was 2.3 (range: 0-5) at rest and 3.3 (range: 0-7) during activity. The mean wrist flexion and extension were 50° (range: 21-80°; 73.5% of the unaffected side) and 45.1° (range: 20-74°; 70.9% of the unaffected side), respectively. The mean radial and ulnar deviation were 14.6° (range: 6-25°; 63.6% of the unaffected side) and 22.3° (range: 5-40°; 64.7% of the unaffected side), respectively. Grip and pinch strength were 57.6 kg (range: 15-106; 65.5% of the unaffected side) and 18.6 kg (range: 8-28; 78.2% of the unaffected side), respectively. The mean Mayo score was 63.3 (range: 20-90), and the DASH score was 24.1±25.2. The mean SL angle was 61.6° (range: 40-83). There was 1 wrist with a pathological SL interval, 11 wrists with dorsal intercalated segmental instability, and 3 wrists with fractures of the Gilula arcs. The mean carpal height was within the normal range. CONCLUSION In the treatment of perilunate injuries, satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes can be expected from ORIF at mid-term follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, Therapeutic Study.
Mass Incarceration and Children's Health

Children's health indicators such as mortality and adverse birth outcomes are poorer in the United States than in comparable nations. These measures also show racial inequities within the United States, with Black children experiencing the highest levels. Mass incarceration may partially explain these findings. High incarceration rates can disrupt community functioning, influencing behavior and health. The purpose of the current study was to conduct a macro (state)-level analysis examining whether yearly state incarceration rates predict health outcomes including infant, child, and teen mortality as well as preterm birth and low birth weight. It was hypothesized that prior year incarceration rates would show positive relationships with all outcomes and that relationships would be stronger for Black than for white children. Yearly state-level panel data were gathered from 1990 to 2017. Weighted least squares regression used states' prior year incarceration rates to predict child health outcomes, using controls for overall state effects and year-to-year effects. Time-varying covariates such as state unemployment rate were also included to address the possibility of spurious relationships. Results indicated that as hypothesized, incarceration rates positively predicted infant mortality, child mortality (for Black children only), preterm births, and low-weight births. Relationships tended to be stronger for Black than for white children.
Three-step nucleation of metal–organic framework nanocrystals

Significance Nucleation is ubiquitous in many natural and industrial processes, yet our understanding of how a nucleus first emerges is limited. According to classical nucleation theory, a nucleus from which crystals grow forms in a single, spontaneous step. In this work, we combine ultralow-dose in situ liquid-phase and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy to show that metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) nucleate through a different, nonclassical pathway with three distinct steps. These steps are phase separation, condensation, and crystallization. Our observations of intermediate steps during the crystallization of MOFs provide important insight for controlling the nucleation and growth of both crystalline and amorphous materials. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline nanoporous materials with great potential for a wide range of industrial applications. Understanding the nucleation and early growth stages of these materials from a solution is critical for their design and synthesis. Despite their importance, the pathways through which MOFs nucleate are largely unknown. Using a combination of in situ liquid-phase and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, we show that zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 MOF nanocrystals nucleate from precursor solution via three distinct steps: 1) liquid–liquid phase separation into solute-rich and solute-poor regions, followed by 2) direct condensation of the solute-rich region into an amorphous aggregate and 3) crystallization of the aggregate into a MOF. The three-step pathway for MOF nucleation shown here cannot be accounted for by conventional nucleation models and provides direct evidence for the nonclassical nucleation pathways in open-framework materials, suggesting that a solute-rich phase is a common precursor for crystallization from a solution.
External locus-of-control partially mediates the association between cumulative trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress symptoms among adolescents from diverse background

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives Locus of control (LOC) is a modifiable mediator of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among traumatized individuals and a potential target of intervention. Compared with studies involving adults, the potential mediation effect of LOC on PTSD symptoms among trauma-exposed children and adolescents is relatively under-explored. This study, therefore, assessed the mediation effects of LOC on the association between lifetime cumulative trauma and PTSD symptoms among a large cohort of adolescents from different cultural background. Design Cross-sectional study. Methods LOC was determined using the Multi-Dimension Locus of Control Scale; Posttraumatic stress symptoms using the UCLA PTSD Reaction Index; and other significant negative life events using the Life Events Checklist. Results Among 3826 adolescents who completed the study, external LOC explained 24% of variance (R 2 = .24; F2,3823 = 619.01; p < .01) in PTSD symptoms and had significant indirect effect on the relationship between self-reported cumulative traumatic event exposure and PTSD symptoms (ß = .14; 95% BC CI [.10, .20]). Moderated mediation results showed significant potentiation of the moderation effects among older adolescents; boys; and those from more affluent families. Conclusions The study further strengthened the hitherto limited evidence that external LOC partially mediate the relationship between cumulative trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms among adolescents.
Fabrication of Graphene Nanodisk Arrays Using Nanosphere Lithography

Ordered graphene nanodisk arrays have been successfully fabricated by combining nanosphere lithography and reactive ion etching (RIE) processes. The dimension of graphene nanodisks can be effectively tuned by varying the size of polystyrene spheres, which function as masks during RIE. Low-voltage scanning electron microscopy shows that the graphene sheet could be readily patterned into periodic disklike nanostructures by oxygen RIE. Raman mapping and spectroscopy further visualize such nanodisk arrays and reveal that the nature of disks are crystalline single layer graphene. This work demonstrates an efficient and manageable way to pattern graphene. By consideration of the periodicity, nanometer dimension, and high edge density compared to large-area graphene sheets, graphene nanodisk arrays, such two-dimensional assembly of carbon atoms, offer intrisic advantages in various electronic and spintronic fabrications.
Relationship Between the Dynamics of Telomere Loss in Peripheral Blood Leukocytes From Knee Osteoarthritis Patients and Mitochondrial DNA Haplogroups

Objective To evaluate the evolution of telomere length from peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) in subjects from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) cohort in relation to the incidence of osteoarthritis (OA), and to explore its possible interactive influence with the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroup. Methods Dynamics of telomere sequence loss were quantified in PBLs from initially healthy individuals (without symptoms or radiological signs), 78 carrying the mtDNA cluster HV, and 47 with cluster JT, from the OAI, during a 72-month follow-up period. The incidence of knee OA during this period (n = 39) was radiographically established when Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) score increased from < 2 at recruitment, to ≥ 2 at the end of 72 months of follow-up. Multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression was performed to assess PBL telomere loss and mtDNA haplogroups as associated risk factors of incidence of knee OA. Results Carriers of cluster HV showed knee OA incidence twice that of the JT carriers (n = 30 vs 9). The rate of PBL telomere loss was higher in cluster HV carriers and in individuals with incident knee OA. Multivariate analysis showed that the dynamics of PBL telomere shortening can be a consistent risk marker of knee OA incidence. Subjects with nonincident knee OA showed a slower telomere loss than those with incident knee OA; the difference was more significant in carriers of cluster JT than in HV. Conclusion An increased rate of telomere loss in PBLs may reflect a systemic accelerated senescence phenotype that could be potentiated by the mitochondrial function, increasing the susceptibility of developing knee OA.
Vibrational Raman spectroscopic studies of calcium oxalate monohydrate and dihydrate in lichen encrustations on renaissance frescoes

Vibrational Raman spectroscopic studies of the monohydrate and dihydrate of calcium oxalate were undertaken in order to characterize these compounds in lichen encrustations which cause biodeterioration of Renaissance frescoes. Spectroscopic data from the CaC 2 O 4 . D 2 O species provided an aid to the vibrational assignments and indicated that amendment to some literature assignments was necessary. Application of the results to samples of the lichen Dirina massiliensis forma sorediata encrusting certain Italian Renaissance frescoes demonstrated that it is possible to identify the monohydrate and dihydrate of calcium oxalate at a microscopic level
A fish tale: a century of museum specimens reveal increasing microplastic concentrations in freshwater fish.

Plastic is pervasive in modern economies and ecosystems. Freshwater fish ingest microplastics (i.e., particles < 5 mm), but no studies have examined historical patterns of their microplastic consumption. Measuring the patterns of microplastic pollution in the past is critical for predicting future trends and for understanding relationship between plastics in fish and the environment. We measured microplastics in digestive tissues of specimens collected from the years 1900-2017 and preserved in museum collections. We collected new fish specimens in 2018, along with water and sediment samples. We selected 4 species: Micropterus salmoides (Largemouth bass), Notropis stramineus (Sand shiner), Ictalurus punctatus (Channel catfish), and Neogobius melanostomus (Round goby) because each was well represented in museum collections, are locally abundant, and collected from urban habitats. For each individual, we dissected the digestive tissue from esophagus to anus, subjected tissue to peroxide oxidation, examined particles under a dissecting microscope, and used Raman spectroscopy to characterize the particles' chemical composition. No microplastics were detected in any fish prior to 1950. From mid-century to 2018, microplastic concentrations showed a significant increase when data from all fish were considered together. All detected particles were fibers, and represented plastic polymers (e.g., polyester) along with mixtures of natural and synthetic textiles. For the specimens collected in 2018, microplastics in fish and sediment showed similar patterns across study sites, while water column microplastics showed no differences among locations. Overall, plastic pollution in common freshwater fish species is increasing and pervasive across individuals and species, and is likely related to changes in environmental concentrations. Museum specimens are an overlooked source for assessing historical patterns of microplastic pollution, and for predicting future trends in freshwater fish, thereby helping to sustain the health of commercial and recreational fisheries worldwide.
The Influence of Physical Condition on Mental Health and Quality of Life in Patients With Drug Dependence

Abstract Background Exercise has been proposed as a good strategy to prevent use and relapse and to improve mental health and quality of life in drug-dependent people. However, it is not known if physical condition per se influences quality of life and mental health. Objective The aims of this study were to analyze the relationships between physical condition, mental health, and quality of life in patients with drug dependence and to determine whether physical condition could predict levels of mental health and quality of life. Method Levels of physical condition (Timed Get Up and Go test, Chair Stand Test, six-minute walk test), mental health (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales [DASS-21]), and quality of life (Short Form Health Survey) were measured in a sample of 125 patients with drug dependence. A correlation analysis and a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were performed. Results The physical condition tests predicted all DASS-21 variables: stress (F = 26.30, p < .001), anxiety (F = 18.33, p < .001), depression (F = 27.63, p < .001), total DASS-21 (F = 23.91, p < .001), and all the variables of the Short Form Health Survey for quality of life. Conclusions Physical condition can predict the levels of mental health and quality of life of patients with drug dependence.