Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Large‐scale study on virological and serological prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in cats and dogs in Spain

Abstract The disease produced by the severe acute respiratory syndrome‐related coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is currently one of the primary concerns worldwide. Knowing the zoonotic origin of the disease and that several animal species, including dogs and cats, are susceptible to viral infection, it is critical to assess the relevance of pets in this pandemic. Here, we performed a large‐scale study on SARS‐CoV‐2 serological and viral prevalence in cats and dogs in Spain in order to elucidate their role and susceptibility. Samples from animals in contact with COVID‐19 positive people and/or compatible symptoms (n = 492), as well as from random animals (n = 1024), were taken. Despite the large number of animals analyzed, only 12 animals (eight dogs and four cats), which represents 0.79% of the total analyzed animals (n = 1516), were positive for viral SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA detection by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) in which viral isolation was possible in four animals. We detected neutralizing antibodies in 34 animals, four of them were also positive for PCR. This study evidences that pets are susceptible to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in natural conditions but at a low level, as evidenced by the low percentage of positive animals detected, being infected humans the main source of infection. However, the inclusion of animals in the surveillance of COVID‐19 is still recommended.
Early postoperative outcomes of a novel nonexcisional technique using aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid sclerotherapy with mucopexy on patients with grade III hemorrhoids

Purpose Aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid (ALTA; Zion, Mitsubishi Pharma Corp.) is an effective sclerosing agent for internal hemorrhoids. ALTA therapy with a rectal mucopexy (AM) is a new approach for treating hemorrhoidal prolapse. This study compared the early postoperative outcomes of AM surgery with Doppler-guided transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization and mucopexy (DM) in patients with third-degree hemorrhoids. Methods AM surgery was performed on 32 patients with grade III hemorrhoids and was compared with a cohort of 22 patients who underwent DM surgery in a previous randomized controlled trial. Results The pain scores during defecation were significantly lower in the AM patients beginning 4 days after surgery. The total use of analgesics 2 weeks postoperatively was significantly lower in the AM patients than in the DM patients (3.5 tablets [range 1.6–5.5] vs. 7.6 tablets [range 3.3–11.9], P=0.04). The length of operation, blood loss, and incidence of postoperative complications were significantly lower in the AM patients than in the DM patients. During 12 months follow-up, recurrence of prolapse occurred in 1 patient who underwent AM surgery. Conclusion AM surgery is effective, with lower complication rates and postoperative analgesic requirements, and is a less invasive treatment for patients with grade III hemorrhoids compared to DM surgery.
A collaborative clinical placement model for physiotherapy students results in equivalent (or greater) direct patient care activity than that delivered by physiotherapists alone: an observational study

ABSTRACT Background The demand for physiotherapy clinical placements is rising which requires innovative approaches and an understanding of clinical placement models. Objective To determine physiotherapy student contribution to direct patient care activity during a collaborative clinical placement model. Secondary aims determined the impact of clinical area and clinical educator to student (CE:student) ratio and if a group of students could reach equivalent direct patient care activity of a junior or senior physiotherapist. Method Physiotherapy student, and junior and senior physiotherapist occasions of service (OOS) were collected from five Queensland Public Health Sector hospital information management systems from four physiotherapy clinical areas (i.e. cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, neurorehabilitation, and orthopedics). Number of days of clinical activity was recorded to provide average OOS/day. Results Across a 5-week clinical placement a group of physiotherapy students in a collaborative clinical placement model provided on average 10.6 OOS/day (95%CI 10.1–11.2). In three (75%) clinical areas, a group of students participating in higher CE:student ratios produced more OOS/day. Clinical area and CE:student ratio predicted 39% of the variance in student average OOS/day. On average a group of students reached the equivalent direct patient care activity of a junior and senior physiotherapist by week two of a 5-week clinical placement. Conclusion Physiotherapy students in a collaborative clinical placement model met or exceeded the direct patient care activity of a physiotherapist, irrespective of clinical area and CE:student ratio.
The taphonomic impact of scavenger guilds in southern Quebec during summer and fall in two distinct habitats

Decomposition of human remains is a complex process impacted by many intrinsic and extrinsic factors. A less‐studied extrinsic factor in forensic taphonomy are the scavengers that consume soft and hard tissue. Scavengers physically degrade and remove soft tissue, disperse, and destroy skeletal elements, which can make locating remains challenging. While invertebrate activity has been largely investigated, there is limited quantitative data available on vertebrate activity, particularly in Canada. This study aimed to determine which species (vertebrate and invertebrate) belong to the scavenger guilds in southern Quebec, and their potential taphonomic impact on the decomposition process. Two independent trials were conducted in 2020 using pig carcasses: one during summer in a forest habitat and one during fall in a grassland habitat. Each carcass was placed a minimum 100 m apart in semi‐rural land. Vertebrate scavenger activity was recorded by continuous surveillance using trail cameras. Carcasses were also regularly visited to monitor the decomposition process and the activity of invertebrate scavengers. Overall, the vertebrate scavenger guilds included a narrow range of corvids, turkey vultures, coyotes, and skunks. The intensity of vertebrate scavengers was greater in the grassland habitat (fall), while the intensity of invertebrate scavengers was greater in the forest habitat (summer). With the exception of invertebrate scavengers, very few species visited during the fresh stage of decomposition, and the probability of body displacement increased as decomposition progressed. These results identify which scavengers have the greatest taphonomic impact and highlight the importance of incorporating scavenger impact when searching for human remains.
Chronic aryl hydrocarbon receptor activity phenocopies smoking‐induced skeletal muscle impairment

Background COPD patients exhibit skeletal muscle atrophy, denervation, and reduced mitochondrial oxidative capacity. Whilst chronic tobacco smoke exposure is implicated in COPD muscle impairment, the mechanisms involved are ambiguous. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that activates detoxifying pathways with numerous exogenous ligands, including tobacco smoke. Whereas transient AHR activation is adaptive, chronic activation can be toxic. On this basis, we tested the hypothesis that chronic smoke-induced AHR activation causes adverse muscle impact. Methods We used clinical patient muscle samples, and in vitro (C2C12 myotubes) and in vivo models (mouse), to perform gene expression, mitochondrial function, muscle and neuromuscular junction morphology, and genetic manipulations (adeno-associated virus-mediated gene transfer). Results 16 weeks tobacco smoke exposure in mice caused: muscle atrophy, neuromuscular junction degeneration, and reduced oxidative capacity. Similarly, smoke exposure reprogrammed the muscle transcriptome, with down-regulation of mitochondrial and neuromuscular junction genes. In mouse and human patient specimens, smoke exposure increased muscle AHR signaling. Mechanistically, experiments in cultured myotubes demonstrated that smoke condensate activated the AHR, caused mitochondrial impairments, and induced an AHR-dependent myotube atrophy. Finally, to isolate the role of AHR activity, expression of a constitutively active AHR mutant without smoke exposure caused atrophy and mitochondrial impairments in cultured myotubes, and muscle atrophy and neuromuscular junction degeneration in mice. Conclusions These results establish that chronic AHR activity, as occurs in smokers, phenocopies the atrophy, mitochondrial impairment and neuromuscular junction degeneration caused by chronic tobacco smoke exposure.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine-Breakthrough Infections Requiring Hospitalization in Mayo Clinic Florida Through August 2021

Abstract We characterized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) breakthrough cases admitted to a single center in Florida. With the emergence of delta variant, an increased number of hospitalizations was seen due to breakthrough infections. These patients were older and more likely to have comorbidities. Preventive measures should be maintained even after vaccination.
Phosphorus and Carbon Co-Doped TiO2 Nanotube Arrays for Excellent ROS Production

Carbon (C) and phosphorus (P) co-doped TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNA) were prepared by the anodization method. To evaluate the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under visible light response, the synthesized samples that was annealed at 400°C were characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) techniques. Methylene blue (MB) was used as a target pollutant and a scavenger test was conducted to evaluate the release of ROS from TNA. TNA with different morphology attained by varying the concentration of H3PO4 and ethylene glycol (EG) during anodization. TNA with 3.1µm length and 103 nm average diameter were obtained using 90 EG:10 H3PO4 mixture at 30 V for 1 h which then increased to 6.8 µm and 196.8 nm, respectively by adding 1% of water. The PL result revealed that the number of crystal defects was reduced after the addition of water, which thus improved the separation rate of photo-generated charges. The band gap energy of TNA was reduced from 3.1 to 2.4 eV. It is indicated that the TNA with C and P doping showed improved visible light response. The scavenger test revealed that superoxide and hydroxyl radical are the dominant ROS that contributed to the excellent photo-degradation of MB.
THE SPASTICITY-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE 6-DIMENSIONS INSTRUMENT IN UPPER-LIMB SPASTICITY: PART I DEVELOPMENT AND RESPONSIVENESS

Objective To describe the development of the Spasticity-related Quality of Life 6-Dimensions instrument (SQoL-6D) and its sensitivity to clinical change (responsiveness). Design Multicentre, prospective, longitudinal cohort study at 8 UK sites (NCT03442660). Patients Adults (n = 104) undergoing focal treatment of upper limb spasticity. Methods No condition-specific health-related quality of life tool is available for upper-limb spasticity of any aetiology. The SQoL-6D was developed to fulfil this need, designed to complement the Upper Limb Spasticity Index (which incorporates the Goal Attainment Scaling evaluation of upper limb spasticity [GASeous] tool) with targeted standardised measures. The 6 dimensions of the SQoL-6D (score range 0–4) map onto common treatment goal areas identified in upper-limb spasticity studies. A Total score (0–100) provides overall spasticity-related health status. To assess responsiveness, the SQoL-6D, Global Assessment of Benefit scale and ”GASeous” were administered at enrolment and 8 weeks. Results Significant differences in mean SQoL-6D Total score change and effect sizes across patients rating ”some benefit” (0.51) and ”great benefit” (0.88) supported responsiveness. Conclusion The SQoL-6D is a promising new measure of health status in upper limb spasticity, that enables systematic assessment of the impact of this condition in relation to patients’ priority treatment goals. A psychometric evaluation of SQoL-6D is presented separately. LAY ABSTRACT Upper-limb spasticity is a condition in which muscles become ”tight”, restricting use of the arm and hand. Questionnaires have been developed to assess a person’s quality of life, but are not specifically designed to assess the impact of spasticity on a person. The Spasticity-related Quality of Life 6-Dimensions instrument (SQoL-6D) was created to address this deficiency. The development of the SQoL-6D is described here, along with analysis of its responsiveness to ensure that the SQoL-6D detects changes in spasticity symptoms following treatment (as reported by patients using other questionnaires). These analyses showed that the SQoL-6D captured changes in the burden of spasticity for people with this problem. Other technical psychometric properties of the SQoL-6D are reported in the companion paper available in this issue.
Depth‐dependent drivers of soil microbial necromass carbon across Tibetan alpine grasslands

Microbial necromass carbon (C) has been considered an important contributor to persistent soil C pool. However, there still lacks large‐scale systematic observations on microbial necromass C in different soil layers, particularly for alpine ecosystems. Besides, it is still unclear whether the relative importance of biotic and abiotic variables such as plant C input and mineral properties in regulating microbial necromass C would change with soil depth. Based on the combination of large‐scale sampling along a ~2200 km transect across Tibetan alpine grasslands and biomarker analysis, together with a global data synthesis across grassland ecosystems, we observed a relatively low proportion of microbial‐derived C in Tibetan alpine grasslands compared to global grasslands (topsoil: 45.4% vs. 58.1%; subsoil: 41.7% vs. 53.7%). We also found that major determinants of microbial necromass C depended on soil depth. In topsoil, both plant C input and mineral protection exerted dominant effects on microbial necromass C. However, in subsoil, the physico‐chemical protection provided by soil clay particles, iron‐aluminum oxides, and exchangeable calcium dominantly facilitated the preservation of microbial necromass C. The differential drivers over microbial necromass C between soil depths should be considered in Earth system models for accurately forecasting soil C dynamics and its potential feedback to global warming.
“It's like we're at war”: Nurses’ resilience and coping strategies during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract The sudden outbreak of the COVID‐19 epidemic forced healthcare workers to use all their professional and personal skills to battle it. The unexpected onset of the disease has led to extraordinary pressure on healthcare workers and has challenged their resilience. The study aimed to explore the subjective experiences of 18 Israeli nurses who are directly treating COVID‐19 patients, and to identify the sources of resilience used by nurses to address national health crises. The data were gathered via semi‐structured interviews and thematically analyzed. The analysis yielded three central analytic themes that described the nurses’ experiences during the pandemic: maneuvering between professional demands and personal‐family life; the nurses’ coping strategies and resilience; and nurses' use of metaphorical military language as a way of coping with the difficulties. The findings show that in a time of severe health crisis, and despite the fear of infection, nurses adhere to the values of the profession and are willing to fight the virus to save lives. The nurses' extensive use of military metaphorical language reflected their experiences, strengthened them, and provided them with a source of empowerment in the face of a common enemy that needed to be overcome.
User-Centered Design of Companion Robot Pets Involving Care Home Resident-Robot Interactions and Focus Groups With Residents, Staff, and Family: Qualitative Study

Background Globally, pressure is increasing on health and social care resources due to the aging population and growing prevalence of dementia. Companion robots, such as Paro, demonstrate strong potential for helping reduce this pressure through reported benefits including reduced agitation, depression, loneliness, care provider burden, and medication use. However, we previously identified that user-centered design of robot pets is both essential and understudied. We observed that commonly used robot pets are poorly matched to end-user requirements, and that end users and developers of robot pets differ significantly in their perception of appropriate design. This may explain some of the contradictory outcome research and variance in results for robot pets, such as Paro. Objective In response to the literature gap, we aimed to provide user-centered insights into the design of robot pets from key stakeholders to inform future robot development and the choice of robots for real-world implementation and research. We focused on understanding user requirements. Methods We conducted a qualitative study with 65 participants from 5 care homes (26 care home residents, 29 staff members. and 10 family members). Care home residents formed groups of between 3 and 4 individuals and experienced free interactions with a range of 8 companion robots and toys, including Paro and more affordable alternatives. The robots provided had a range of esthetics, shell types, interactivity levels, and designs for comparison. Care staff and family members observed the interactions. All participants then engaged in focus groups within their stakeholder category to discuss preferences and user requirements in companion robot design. Both free interactions and focus groups were video and audio recorded, transcribed, and subjected to thematic analysis. Results Care home residents, family members, and staff were open and accepting of the use of companion robot pets, with the majority suggesting that they would keep a device for themselves or the residents. The most preferred device was the Joy for All cat, followed by the Joy for All dog. In discussions, the preferred design features included familiar animal embodiment (domestic pet), soft fur, interactivity, big appealing eyes, simulated breathing, and movements. Unfamiliar devices were more often seen as toy-like and suitable for children, producing some negative responses. Conclusions This work provides important and user-centered insights into future robot designs for care home residents by means of a comprehensive comparison with key stakeholders. This work strongly supports the use of familiar embodiment in future robot pet designs, with domestic cat and dog morphologies appearing most acceptable. The results have implications for future robot designs and the selection of robot pets for both research and real-world implementations.
Total opioid‐free general anaesthesia can improve postoperative outcomes after surgery, without evidence of adverse effects on patient safety and pain management: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Opioid‐based treatment is used to manage stress responses during surgery and postoperative pain. However, opioids have both acute and long‐term side effects, calling for opioid‐free anaesthetic strategies. This meta‐analysis compares adverse events, postoperative recovery, discharge time from post‐anaesthesia care unit, and postoperative pain, nausea, vomiting, and opioid consumption between strict opioid‐free and opioid‐based general anaesthesia.
Prevalence and risk factors for MSDs in vegetable greenhouse farmers: a cross-sectional survey from Shandong rural area, China

Purpose: The aim of the research is a cross sectional survey on the prevalence of symptoms related to MSDs in vegetable greenhouse farmers from Shandong rural area and on the risk factors that may influence it. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was selected 249 farmers working in vegetable greenhouse from different districts of Shandong Province, China. The Questionnaire and the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) technique were used to identify ergonomic risks. χ2 analysis was used to find the relationship between MSDs and various factors. Also, logistic regression methodology was applied to get the most influencing factor for MSDs. Results: The prevalence of MSDs in farmers working in vegetable greenhouse is 87.5%, and the top 3 prevalent areas of MSDs in various parts of the body are: lower back (47.4%), neck (33.3%), and shoulder (31.7%). The results of Logistic regression analysis showed that age, years working in vegetable greenhouses, keeping their backs in the same position for a long time, and working hours greater than 10 hours per day were the risk factors for MSDs in the farmers. The outcome of the RULA grand score had been found to be higher than 5 in the overwhelming majority of the farmers. Conclusions: All findings infer that each task of greenhouse vegetable growing inflicts different levels of disorder in a farmers’ musculoskeletal structure. Interventions should be increased and reduce the bad ergonomic load level as soon as possible, provided to reduce the impact of such disorders.
Characteristics of pediatric emergency department visits for youth 10-15 years old with injuries due to interpersonal violence

Abstract This retrospective cohort study at an urban academic pediatric emergency department (ED) in the United States identified all visits for youth 10-15 years of age for injury due to intentional interpersonal violence between January 2019 and December 2020. Demographic and clinical data were abstracted, including circumstances of the event. Data analysis included a comparison of pre-pandemic visits to pandemic visits after a statewide stay-at-home order was issued (March 30, 2020). Of 2780 10-15 year old youth evaluated for any injury, 819 (29.5%) had intentional/violence-related injuries. Most patients were male (53.1%), Black/African-American (84.1%), and were enrolled in a public insurance plan (75.0%). Although peer-violence related injuries comprised a substantial proportion (19.2%), the majority resulted from family violence (54.7%), which may include child maltreatment or physical fighting. Most injuries occurred at home (53.9%). Alcohol, drugs and weapons were significantly more likely to be involved in violent events during the pandemic in comparison to pre-pandemic (12.5 vs 5.0%, 11.4% vs 3.0%, 30.4% vs 8.5%; p < 0.001). Our findings support the need for ED-based efforts to screen and intervene for family and peer violence and other contributory factors (including personal, family and peer alcohol, drug and weapons access) when youth present with intentional injuries, which can be critical to preventing future violence.
Melting and subsolidus phase relations in the system K2CO3–MgCO3 at 3 GPa

ABSTRACT As part of an investigation of carbonate systems under mantle pressures and temperatures, phase relations in the K2CO3–MgCO3 system have been studied at 3 GPa and 800–1300°C. Subsolidus assemblages comprise the stability fields of K2CO3 + K2Mg(CO3)2 and K2Mg(CO3)2 + MgCO3 with the transition boundary near 50 mol% K2CO3 in the system. The K2CO3–K2Mg(CO3)2 eutectic is located at 840°C and 52 mol% K2CO3. The K2CO3 content in the melt coexisting with potassium carbonate increases to 85 mol% as temperature increases to 1050°C. K2CO3 remains solid up to 1250 and melts at 1300°C. K2Mg(CO3)2 melts incongruently at 890°C to produce magnesite and a liquid containing 51 mol% K2CO3. As temperature increases to 1300°C, the K2CO3 content in the liquid coexisting with magnesite decreases to 27 mol%.