Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mapping MAiD Discordance: A Qualitative Analysis of the Factors Complicating MAiD Bereavement in Canada

Medical assistance in dying (MAiD) is an evolving practice in Canada, with requests and outcomes increasing each year, and yet controversy is present—with a vast spectrum of ethical positions on its permissibility. International research indicates that family members who experience disagreement over their loved one’s decision to have MAiD are less likely to be actively involved in supporting patients through the practical aspects of the dying process. Family members with passive involvement in the assisted dying process may also experience more significant moral dilemmas and challenging grief experiences than those who supported the decision. Given these previous findings, we designed this study to explore the factors complicating family members’ experiences with MAiD in Canada and to understand how these complicating factors impact family members’ bereavement in the months and years following MAiD. We conducted narrative interviews with 12 MAiD-bereaved family members who experienced disagreements, family conflicts, or differences in understanding about MAiD. Documenting and analyzing participants’ experiences through storytelling allowed us to appreciate the complexity of family members’ experiences and understand their values. The analysis generated five factors that can complicate the MAiD process and bereavement for family members: family discordance, internal conflict, legislative and eligibility concerns, logistical challenges, and managing disclosure and negative reactions. To our knowledge, this is the first Canadian study that explores how family discordance can impact bereavement following MAiD. Future bereavement services and resources should consider how these complicating factors may impact bereavement and ensure that Canadians with diverse MAiD experiences can access appropriate support.
Analysis of the association between serum levels of 25(OH)D, retinol binding protein, and Cyclooxygenase‐2 and the disease severity in patients with diabetic foot ulcers

Abstract Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) pose significant clinical challenges, representing severe complications in diabetes mellitus patients and contributing to non‐traumatic amputations. Identifying reliable biomarkers can optimize early diagnosis and improve therapeutic outcomes. This study focused on evaluating the association between serum levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25‐(OH)D], Serum Retinol Binding Protein (RBP), and Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in elderly DFU patients. A retrospective study involving 240 participants, from March 2020 to March 2023. The participants were segmented into three cohorts: 80 with DFUs, 80 diabetic patients without DFUs, and 80 healthy controls. Serum concentrations of the three biomarkers were assayed using methods like enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), chemiluminescence immunoassay, and an automated biochemistry analyser. Comparisons were made both between groups and within the DFU group based on disease severity. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in biomarker levels across the groups (p < 0.05). COX‐2 and RBP concentrations were highest in the DFU group, followed by the non‐DFU diabetic group, and lowest in the control group. Conversely, 25(OH)D levels were highest in the control group, followed by the non‐DFU diabetic group, and lowest in the DFU group. Within the DFU group, RBP and COX‐2 levels increased with disease severity, while 25(OH)D levels decreased. These variations were especially pronounced in patients with the most severe Wagner grading. A significant positive correlation was observed between disease severity and levels of RBP (r = 0.651, p < 0.05) and COX‐2 (r = 0.356, p < 0.05). Conversely, a significant negative correlation was identified between disease severity and 25(OH)D levels (r = −0.658, p < 0.05). Assessing 25(OH)D, RBP, and COX‐2 serum levels offers a promising tool for evaluating the severity and progression of DFUs. Monitoring these biomarkers can enrich our understanding of the metabolic and inflammatory pathways of the disease and potentially refine therapeutic strategies.
The microbiome in the pathogenesis of lung cancer

As one of the malignant tumors with high incidence rate and high mortality, lung cancer seriously threatens the life safety of patients. Research shows that microorganisms are closely related to lung cancer. The microbiome is symbiotic with the host and plays a vital role in the functions of the human body. Microbiota dysbiosis is correlated with development of lung cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. This paper summarizes the composition characteristics of the gut–lung axis microbiome and intratumoral microbiome in patients with lung cancer. We then expound five potential carcinogenic mechanisms based on microorganisms, such as genotoxicity, metabolism, inflammation, immune response, and angiogenesis. Next, we list three high‐throughput sequencing methods, and finally looks forward to the prospect of microorganisms as novel targets for early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.
Evaporation of Brine: A Field Study on the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah

Evaporation rates were determined for seven brines whose average specific gravities varied from 1.207 to 1.333. Evaporation of the brines ranged from 70% to 9.5%, respectively, of the freshwater evaporation rate. The field data agree exceptionally well with differential vapor pressures over Great Salt Lake brine, measured in the laboratory by Dickson et al. [1965]. Water occasionally condenses on the heavier brines because of an inverted vapor pressure gradient.
Capillary efficiency study in leaf vein morphology inspired channels

Inspired by the capillary transport function of plant leaf veins, this study proposes three typical leaf vein features by observing a large number of leaves, including wedge shape, branch asymmetry, as well as hierarchical arrangement, and investigates their capillary transport mechanism. Not only a preliminary theoretical analysis of capillary flow in the bio-inspired channels was carried out, but the COMSOL Multiphysics simulation software was also used to simulate gas–liquid two-phase flow in biomimetic channels. The results reveal the efficient transport mechanism of the leaf vein inspired structure and provide insight into the design of capillary transmission channels.
Conservative Management of Partial Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears: A Systematic Review

Background: Conservative management has emerged as an attractive option for partial thickness rotator cuff tears (PT-RCTs). A single algorithmic treatment strategy for patients with symptomatic PT-RCT has not yet been developed. This systematic review aims to ascertain whether a conservative approach to PT-RCTs yields positive results in terms of clinical outcomes and functional recovery. Methods: This is a systematic review of the literature on patients with PT-RCTs receiving conservative treatment with physiotherapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, collagen injections, hyaluronic acid (HA) injections, or corticosteroids injections coupled with polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN). Outcomes such as the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Constant-Murley Score evaluations, as well as the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index and Euro Quality of Life-5D questionnaires were reported following a conservative approach. Results: Eleven studies were included. Six articles explored the outcomes of patients with PT-RCT treated with PRP injections. Significant improvements in VAS for pain were observed. Two studies examined collagen injections and reported variations in VAS for pain and Constant-Murley Score. Sodium hyaluronate and HA injections were studied in two other articles, showing notable improvements in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores. Corticosteroid and PDRN injections also displayed favorable outcomes. In addition, physical therapy protocols demonstrated improvements in VAS for pain and strength, particularly with eccentric rehabilitation. Conclusions: Conservative management of PT-RCTs, involving physical therapy, PRP injections, collagen injections, corticosteroid injections, HA injections, and PDRN in jections, demonstrates favorable clinical outcomes. In addition, favorable results are observed in terms of decreased tear width and improved strength recovery, at least during a short-term follow-up. Unfortunately, long-term insight into the structural integrity of conservatively treated rotator cuff tendons following a partial injury has not been thoroughly evaluated yet. Study Design; Levels of Evidence: Level IV—systematic review.
EFFECT OF OXYGEN THERAPY DURATION ON COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT 12 MONTHSAFTER HOSPITALIZATION FOR SARS-COV-2 INFECTION

Objective To identify predictors of persistent cognitive impairment at 12 months after hospitalization due to COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Design Retrospective, single-centre study. Subjects All consecutive patients assessed in physical and rehabilitation medicine consultations at 3 months with a neuropsychiatric testing (NPT) at 6 months. Methods A Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) was performed at 3 months and NPT at 6 and 12 months, exploring global cognitive efficiency, attention and processing speed, short-term memory and executive function. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to identify predictors of persistent cognitive impairment. Results Among 56 patients, 64.3% and 53.6% had 1 or more impaired cognitive functions at 6 and 12 months, respectively, attention and processing speed being the most represented (41.1% at 12 month). Duration of oxygen therapy (odds ratio 0.926 [0.871–0.985], p = 0.015) and MMSE score at 3 months (odds ratio 0.464 [0.276–0.783], p = 0.004) were associated with cognitive impairment at 12 months by multivariable analysis (R² 0.372–0.497). Conclusions Half of patients have cognitive impairment 12 months after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection requiring hospitalization. The duration of oxygen therapy in acute care could be a protective parameter. Systematic evaluation with the MMSE at 3 months after infection might be an effective tool to detect risk. LAY ABSTRACT Early identification of people at risk for post-COVID-19 cognitive impairment is a major issue. This study aimed to identify predictors of persistent cognitive impairment at 12 months after COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) infection requiring hospitalization. Fifty-six patients from a large regional hospital were assessed by neuropsychiatric testing at 6 and 12 months after infection. Global cognitive efficiency, attention and processing speed, short-term memory and executive function were assessed. Of these patients, 64.3% and 53.6% had 1 or more impaired cognitive functions at 6 and 12 months, respectively, attention and processing speed being the most represented (41.1% at 12 months). Initial duration of oxygen therapy was associated with cognitive impairment at 12 months, as a protective parameter. The score on the Mini Mental State Examination at 3 months was also associated with a persisting cognitive impairment at 12 months and could be an easy way to detect patients at risk.
Determinants of adherence to treatment in patients with ophthalmic conditions

ABSTRACT Background The objective of this study was to identify and determine factors associated with patients’ ophthalmic adherence in common ocular conditions from randomized clinical trials (RCT). Research design methods A univariate analysis with proportions, a bivariate analysis using polychoric correlations, and logistic regression (LR) models were used. The collected dataset was made up of records from RCT. Using three validated LR models, factors were identified and ranked based on their adjusted odds ratio and their statistical significance to adherence. Results A total of 1,087 valid patients were included in this analysis, of which 88.96% presented adherence. All models were calibrated, had a good performance, were well specified and cost-effective using the Hosmer–Lemeshow test, metrics for class imbalance, link test approach and Akaike’s criteriums, respectively. Conclusion We identified as determinants for encouraging good ophthalmic adherence the adverse events presented, duration of the study, female sex, and older age; other determinants such as medical condition, protocol treatment, type of treatment and disease are all risk factors for adherence. Improvements in ophthalmic adherence may be achieved by focused attention to young male patients with chronic degenerative diseases such as glaucoma or ocular hypertension (especially those who need combination therapy) and developing medications with reduced side effects.
Critical Examination of Area Reduction Factors

AbstractArea reduction factors (ARFs), which are used to convert estimates of extreme point rainfall to estimates of extreme area-averaged rainfall, are central to conventional flood risk assessment. Errors in the estimation of ARFs can result in large errors in subsequent estimates of design rainfall and discharge. This paper presents a critical examination of commonly used ARFs, particularly those from the U.S. Weather Bureau TP-29, demonstrating that they do not adequately represent the true properties of extreme rainfall. This lack of representativeness is due mainly to formulations that mix rainfall observations from different storms and different storm types. Storm catalogs developed from a 10-year high-resolution radar rainfall data are used set to estimate storm-centered ARFs for Charlotte, North Carolina. Storms are classified as either tropical or nontropical to demonstrate that storm type strongly influences spatial rainfall structure. While there appears to be some relationship between ARF str.
Variability of Sporadic-e (es) layer at two equatorial stations: Fortaleza (3os, 38ow) and Ilorin (8.5on, 4.5oe)

The day time variability of sporadic-E (Es) layer at Fortaleza (3oS, 38oW) and Ilorin (8.5oN, 4.5oE) during the solstice and equinox periods have been investigated using hourly daily Digisonde ionograms. The result show that during the equinox period, the critical frequency (foEs) of the Es-layer at Fortaleza dropped to minimum values before rising to its first peack values by 0900 hrs LT and 1000 hrs LT in March and September respectively. On the other hand, a continuous rise in the value of foEs from sunrise till the first peack values of 6.0MHz by 0800 hrs LT and 5.5MHz by 0700 hrs LT was observed during the June and December solstices respectively. At Ilorin, the foEs reached its first peack values of 5.5MHz by 1200 hrs LT and 6.0MHz by 1000 hrs LT during the March and September equinoxes respectively. A double peack of about 5.4MHz by 0800 hrs LT and 6.5MHz by 1300 hrs LT was observed during the June Solstice as compared to the single peack of about 7.00MHz during the December solstice. The height (hmEs) of Es was lower at Fortaleza than at Ilorin for all the seasons (with a difference of between 2 and 4 km, depending on the month). For all the seasons and months investigated, the E-layer was never observed earlier than 0900 hrs LT at Fortaleza. At Ilorin, the E-layer was formed right from sun rise with frequencies lower than at Fortaleza. These results comfirm the latitudinal variation of the sporadic-E layer at the equatorial region. It also showed that the E-layer is formed earlier in Ilorin than at Fortaleza with a time lag of about 3 hours. Keywords: Sporadic-E (Es) layer, Critical frequency (foEs), virtual height (hmE), Equinox, Solstice
Olfactory Cues of Naturally Occurring Systemic Inflammation: A Pilot Study of Seasonal Allergy

Introduction: In an attempt to avoid contact with infectious individuals, humans likely respond to generalized rather than specific markers of disease. Humans may thus perceive a noninfectious individual as socially less attractive if they look (e.g., have facial discolouration), move (e.g., have a slower walking pace), or sound (e.g., sneeze) sick. This pilot study tested whether humans are averse to the body odour of noninfectious individuals with a low-grade systemic inflammation. Methods: We collected the axillary body odour of individuals with severe seasonal allergy (N = 14) and healthy controls (N = 10) during and outside the allergy season and measured serum levels of two inflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-5). Independent participants (N = 67) then sampled and rated these odours on intensity and pleasantness. Results: While individuals with seasonal allergy had nominally more unpleasant and intense body odours during the allergy season, relative to outside the allergy season and to healthy controls, these effects were not significant. When examining immune markers, the change in perceived pleasantness of an individual’s body odour (from out-to-inside pollen season) was significantly related to the change in their interleukin-5 levels but not to tumour necrosis factor-α. Discussion: Our findings tentatively suggest that the human olfactory system could be sensitive to inflammation as present in a noncommunicable condition. Larger replications are required to determine the role of olfaction in the perception of infectious and noninfectious (e.g., chronic diseases) conditions.
Geochemical characteristics of volcanic rocks from Ningwu area, and its significance.

The early Cretaceous volcanic rocks in Ningwu area are composed of basic to intermediate volcanic rocks.Compared with alkaline basalts, Ningwu volcanic rocks are poor in Ti, Fe and enriched in K and LREE, with Na2O/K2O ratios near to 1. Plotting in the shoshonite field in SiO2-K2O diagram, all samples from Longwangshan Formation and most of samples from Dawangshan Formation are considered to be the products of partial melting of LILE- and fluid-rich mantle. Since the volcanic rocks in Ningwu area are formed in the interplate environment, the potassium-rich magma is probably generated by upwelling of asthenospheric mantle and the extension-thinning process of the Lithosphere or rifting. Ningwu volcanic rocks are enrichment of LILE and depletion of HFSE with negative Ti, Nb (Ta) anomaly. At the same time, the volcanic rocks of Longwangshan Formation and Dawangshan Formation in the bottom of Ningwu volcanic rocks show different geochemical characters from that of Ningwu volcanic rocks. The volcanic rocks of Longwangshan Formation have higher contents of Rb, Ba, K and poorer LREE (La, Ce, Nd), Eu, Sr and higher ISr ratios and lower eNd(t) values than that of the volcanic rocks of Dawangshan Formation. This cannot be interpreted as a crystallization process because the Dawangshan Formation lies higher than the Longwangshan Formation in stratigraphic sequence. The only explanation for this is that in the early stage of volcanic exploration (Longwangshan Formation) the magmas undergo contamination with continental crust during upwelling and absorb abundant LILE such as K, Rb, Ba from the country rocks, which result in relatively high ISr ratios and low eNd(t) values of the volcanic rocks of Longwangshan Formation. Poor correlation between SiO2 and K2O in the volcanic rocks of Longwangshan Formation also argues the contamination of the continental crust. But in the strongest exploration stage (Dawangshan Formation) the isotopic composition of the volcanic rocks are close to that of primative magmas due to the decrease of contamination between magmas and country rocks. Recent studies show that a large amount of adakite-like rocks of late-Mesozoic period crop out in the middle-lower reaches of Changjiang River. The adakite-like rocks are assumed to be derived from the lowest part of the thickened continental crust and to be generated by partial melting of the basic lower crust under very high temperature. Widespread eruption of the volcanic rocks in Ningwu area demonstrates that the mantle of the region was active during the early Cretaceous period, resulting in large amount of shoshonitic magma underplating beneath the lower crust, and the lower crust melting to form adakite-like magma finally.
Glacial pCO2 Reduction by the World Ocean: Experiments With the Hamburg Carbon Cycle Model

Possible mechanisms for the 80 ppm reduction of atmospheric CO2 partial pressure during the last glaciation were investigated using the Hamburg Ocean Carbon Cycle Model. The three-dimensional carbon cycle model is based on the velocity field of the Hamburg Large-Scale Geostrophic Ocean General Circulation Model and uses the same grid as that model. The horizontal resolution (3.5° × 3.5°) is lower than the length scale of narrow upwelling belts which could not be represented adequately in this study, but the large-scale features of the ocean carbon cycle are reproduced rather well. Sensitivity experiments were carried out to investigate the role of chemical and biological parameters (nutrient cycling, composition of biogenic particulate matter, CO2 solubility) and different circulation regimes for the atmospheric CO2 content. The model responses were compared to deep-sea sediment core records and ice core data from the last glaciation. Each experiment was compared with observed average tracer patterns during 18–65 kyr B.P. It was found that none of the sensitivity experiments alone could explain all observed tracer changes (atmospheric pCO2, Δδ13Cplanktonic-benthic, δ13Cbenthic differences, CaCO3 corrosivity indices) simultaneously, even in a qualitative sense. Thus according to the model none of the scenarios tested proves to be completely acceptable. The residual discrepancies between the observed and modeled tracer records can probably be attributed to the as yet inadequate reconstruction of the glacial ocean circulation. It is therefore suggested that more effort should be devoted to realistically reproducing the ice age ocean circulation field making use of the forthcoming glacial radiocarbon data base. The residuals between the realistically modeled and observed carbon cycle tracers (δ13C, CaCO3 saturation) should then reveal more clearly the real cause for the observed pCO2 decrease in the glacial atmosphere.
Perspectives of informal caregivers who support people following hip fracture surgery: a qualitative study embedded within the HIP HELPER feasibility trial

Objectives This study aims to illuminate the perspectives of informal caregivers who support people following hip fracture surgery. Design A qualitative study embedded within a now completed multicentre, feasibility randomised controlled trial (HIP HELPER). Setting Five English National Health Service hospitals. Participants We interviewed 20 participants (10 informal caregivers and 10 people with hip fracture), following hip fracture surgery. This included one male and nine females who experienced a hip fracture; and seven male and three female informal caregivers. The median age was 72.5 years (range: 65–96 years), 71.0 years (range: 43–81 years) for people with hip fracture and informal caregivers, respectively. Methods Semistructured, virtual interviews were undertaken between November 2021 and March 2022, with caregiver dyads (person with hip fracture and their informal caregiver). Data were analysed thematically. Findings We identified two main themes: expectations of the informal caregiver role and reality of being an informal caregiver; and subthemes: expectations of care and services; responsibility and advocacy; profile of people with hip fracture; decision to be a caregiver; transition from hospital to home. Conclusion Findings suggest informal caregivers do not feel empowered to advocate for a person’s recovery or navigate the care system, leading to increased and unnecessary stress, anxiety and frustration when supporting the person with hip fracture. We suggest that a tailored information giving on the recovery pathway, which is responsive to the caregiving population (ie, considering the needs of male, younger and more active informal caregivers and people with hip fracture) would smooth the transition from hospital to home. Trial registration number ISRCTN13270387.Cite Now