Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment and Conceptualization of Perceived Competence in Ice Hockey: A Scale Development and Validation Study

Perceived competence plays a crucial role in establishing environments favorable to individual development in youth sport. As most assessment tools of perceived competence are not sport-specific, they have limited usefulness for sport practitioners and researchers. This study had two-fold aims: (i) to develop a perceived competence assessment tool specific to ice hockey; and (ii) to examine its factorial structure and internal consistency. We first developed an initial 29-item version of this ice hockey competence self-report scale, using a group of ice hockey stakeholders and sports science experts to develop the items and a pilot sample of 42 hockey players to confirm test-retest reliability. Finally, we validated the scale among a cohort of 770 adolescent ice hockey players (M age = 14.78, SD = 1.60 years). Results from exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed that perceived competence in ice hockey was defined by six dimensions, with rejection of seven items. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) suggested that the 6-factor first order model was the best fit with the conceptualization of perceived competence in ice hockey (CFI = 0.938, RMSEA = 0.044). The final, 22-item questionnaire now provides a reliable and valid measure of perceived competence in hockey for adolescent participants. It has promise for evaluating future interventions aiming to foster young athletes’ perceived confidence through sport.
Real-world Outcomes of Ipilimumab Plus Nivolumab Combination Therapy in a Nation-wide Cohort of Advanced Melanoma Patients in the Netherlands

In phase III trials, ipilimumab plus nivolumab combination therapy is highly efficacious for advanced melanoma, despite many treatment-related grades 3–4 adverse events. Here, we report real-world safety and survival outcomes of ipilimumab plus nivolumab for advanced melanoma. Patients with advanced melanoma who received first-line ipilimumab plus nivolumab between January 1, 2015 and June 30, 2021 were selected from the Dutch Melanoma Treatment Registry. We evaluated response status at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. OS and PFS were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Separate analyses were performed for patients with or without brain metastases and for patients who met the inclusion criteria of the Checkmate-067 trial. In total, 709 patients received first-line ipilimumab plus nivolumab. Three hundred sixty (50.7%) patients experienced grade 3–4 adverse events, with 211 of the (58.6%) patients requiring hospital admission. The median treatment duration was 42 days (IQR = 31–139). At 24 months, disease control was achieved in 37% of patients. Median PFS since the start of treatment was 6.6 months (95% CI: 5.3–8.7), and median OS was 28.7 months (95% CI: 20.7–42.2). CheckMate-067 trial-like patients had a 4-year OS of 50% (95% CI: 43–59). Among patients with no asymptomatic or symptomatic brain metastases, the 4-year OS probabilities were 48% (95% CI: 41–55), 45% (95% CI: 35–57), and 32% (95% CI: 23–46). Ipilimumab plus nivolumab can achieve long-term survival in advanced melanoma patients in a real-world setting, including patients not represented in the CheckMate-067 trial. However, the proportion of patients with disease control in the real world is lower compared with clinical trials.
Establishing a Mouse Model for Sexual Transmission and Male Reproductive Tract Persistence of Ebola virus.

Ebola virus disease (EVD) has resulted in the death of over 15,000 people since its discovery in 1976. At least one incident of reemergence of EVD has been associated with persistent male reproductive tract infection in a patient surviving EVD greater than 500 days prior. To date, animal models of Ebola virus (EBOV) infection have failed to fully characterize the pathogenesis of reproductive tract infection. Furthermore, no animal model of sexual transmission of EBOV exists. Herein we describe a roadmap to modeling sexual transmission of EBOV using a mouse-adapted EBOV isolate in immunocompetent male mice and female Ifnar-/- mice.
Free vibration analysis of two parallel beams connected together through variable stiffness elastic layer with elastically restrained ends

In this study, free transverse vibration of two parallel beams connected together through variable stiffness Winkler-type elastic layer is investigated. Euler–Bernoulli beam hypothesis has been applied and the support is considered to be translational and rotational elastic springs in each ends. Linear and parabolic variation has been considered for connecting layer. The equations of motion have been derived in the form of coupled differential equations with variable coefficients. The differential transform method has been applied to obtain natural frequencies and normalized mode shapes of system. Differential transform method is a semi-analytical approach based on Taylor expansion series which converts differential equations to recursive algebraic equations and does not need domain discretization. The results obtained from differential transform method have been validated with the results reported by well-known references in the case of two parallel beams connected through uniform elastic layer. The effects of variation type and total stiffness of connecting layer, flexural rigidity ratio of beams, and boundary conditions on behavior of system are investigated and discussed in detail.
Binding and Avidity Signatures of Polyclonal Sera From Individuals With Different Exposure Histories to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection, Vaccination, and Omicron Breakthrough Infections

Abstract Background The number of exposures to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and to vaccine antigens affect the magnitude and avidity of the polyclonal response. Methods We studied binding and avidity of different antibody isotypes to the spike, the receptor-binding domain (RBD), and the nucleoprotein (NP) of wild-type (WT) and BA.1 SARS-CoV-2 in convalescent, mRNA vaccinated and/or boosted, hybrid immune individuals and in individuals with breakthrough cases during the peak of the BA.1 wave. Results We found an increase in spike-binding antibodies and antibody avidity with increasing number of exposures to infection and/or vaccination. NP antibodies were detectible in convalescent individuals and a proportion of breakthrough cases, but they displayed low avidity. Omicron breakthrough infections elicited high levels of cross-reactive antibodies between WT and BA.1 antigens in vaccinated individuals without prior infection directed against the spike and RBD. The magnitude of the antibody response and avidity correlated with neutralizing activity against WT virus. Conclusions The magnitude and quality of the antibody response increased with the number of antigenic exposures, including breakthrough infections. However, cross-reactivity of the antibody response after BA.1 breakthroughs, was affected by the number of prior exposures.
Practice regarding tuberculosis care among physicians at private facilities: A cross-sectional study from Vietnam

Objectives To evaluate the practice of TB care among physicians at private facilities. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using questionnaires on knowledge, attitude, and practice related to TB care. The responses to these scales were used to explore latent constructs and calculate the standardized continuous scores for these domains. We described the percentages of participant’s responses and explored their associated factors using multiple linear regression. Results A total of 232 physicians were recruited. The most important gaps in practice included requesting chest imaging to confirm TB diagnosis (~80%), not testing HIV for confirmed active TB cases (~50%), only requesting sputum testing for MDR-TB cases (65%), only requesting follow-up examination at the end of the treatment course (64%), and not requesting sputum testing at follow-up (54%). Surgical mask was preferred to N95 respirator when examining TB patients. Prior TB training was associated with better knowledge and less stigmatizing attitude, which were associated with better practice in both TB management and precautions. Conclusion There were important gaps in knowledge, attitude, and practice of TB care among private providers. Better knowledge was associated with positive attitude towards TB and better practice. Tailored training may help to address these gaps and improve the quality of TB care in the private sector.
Establishment of a new arrhythmia model in SD rats induced by isoproterenol

Abstract Background The main purpose of this study was to establish an ideal arrhythmia model using isoproterenol and explore its mechanism. Methods Fifty healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into the following groups: control (CON), subcutaneous injection (SC; 5 mg/kg ISO for 2 consecutive days), intraperitoneal injection (IP; ISO 5 mg/kg for 2 consecutive days), 2 + 1 (5 mg/kg ISO by SC for 2 consecutive days and then 3 mg/kg ISO by IP for 1 day), and 6 + 1 (5 mg/kg ISO by SC for 6 consecutive days and then 3 mg/kg ISO by IP for 1 day). Electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded using a BL-420F system, and the pathological changes in myocardial tissue were observed by HE and Masson staining. The serum cTnI, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels were detected by ELISA, and serum CK, LDH and oxidative stress-related indicators were detected with an automatic biochemical analyser. Results The cardiomyocytes of the rats belonging to the CON group were normal, whereas those of the rats in the other groups, particularly the 6 + 1 group, showed signs of disorder, unclear borders, and lysis and necrosis. The incidence of arrhythmia, arrhythmia score, and levels of serum myocardial enzymes, troponin, and some inflammatory factors were higher in the 2 + 1 and 6 + 1 groups than in the single injection group (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). The indicator levels found for the 6 + 1 group were generally higher than those found for the 2 + 1 group (p < 0.01), and the 6 + 1 group exhibited a lower SOD level and higher MDA and NO levels compared with the CON group (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). Conclusion The combined mode of ISO injection (SC with IP) was more likely to induce arrhythmia than a single ISO injection. The “6 + 1” method of ISO injection can establish a more stable arrhythmia model and cardiomyocyte damage induced by oxidative stress and inflammation was an important mechanism.
Quadriceps Performance and Running Biomechanics Influence Femur BMD Changes after ACL Reconstruction in Collegiate Athletes

ABSTRACT Purpose Reduced bone mineral density of the distal femur (BMDDF) can persist long term after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), even in athletes who return to high levels of competition. These deficits may have implications for the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis. It is unknown if clinically modifiable factors are associated with losses in BMDDF. This study evaluated the potential influence of knee extensor peak torque (PT), rate of torque development (RTD), as well as peak knee flexion (PKF) angle and peak knee extensor moment (PKEM) during running, on longitudinal changes in BMDDF post-ACLR. Methods After ACLR, 57 Division I collegiate athletes underwent serial whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans between 3 and 24 months post-ACLR. Of these, 43 athletes also had isometric knee extensor testing (21 female, 105 observations), and 54 had running analyses (26 female, 141 observations). Linear mixed-effects models, controlling for sex, assessed the influence of surgical limb quadriceps performance (PT and RTD), running mechanics (PKF and PKEM), and time post-ACLR on BMDDF (5% and 15% of femur length). Simple slope analyses were used to explore interactions. Results Athletes with RTD less than 7.20 (N·m)·kg−1·s−1 (mean) at 9.3 months post-ACLR demonstrated significant decreases in 15% BMDDF over time (P = 0.03). Athletes with PKEM during running less than 0.92 (N·m)·kg−1 (−1 SD below mean) at 9.8 months post-ACLR demonstrated significant decreases in 15% BMDDF over time (P = 0.02). Significant slopes were not detected at −1 SD below the mean for PT (1.75 (N·m)·kg−1, P = 0.07) and PKF (31.3°, P = 0.08). Conclusions Worse quadriceps RTD and running PKEM were associated with a greater loss of BMDDF between 3 and 24 months post-ACLR.
Régionalisation of Skew for Flood Frequency Analysis: A Case Study for Eastern NSW

Abstract In flood frequency analyses, skew plays an important role in characterising the tails of the flood frequency distributions for which a three-parameter distribution like Log-Pearson Type 3 (LP3) is often preferred over two-parameter distributions. For fitting the LP3 distribution to a station’s data, an estimation of skew is needed. Since the length of streamflow data is limited for the majority of stations in Australia, the at-site estimation of skew is highly uncertain. To overcome this problem, the use of regional skew has been advocated, however, this has not been well investigated with Australian data. This paper presents a Bayesian generalised least squares (B-GLS) regression approach to regionalise the skew coefficient for eastern NSW. It has been found that the B-GLS regression approach is quite capable of providing stable estimation of skew, which is equivalent to an at-site skew estimator based on over 90 years of data. The results of this study suggest that the B-GLS model can provide an avenue to develop a regional skew map for Australia using the national database being prepared as a part of the on-going revision of Australian Rainfall and Runoff.
Optimization of a solidified micelle formulation for enhanced oral bioavailability of atorvastatin calcium using statistical experimental design

Abstract To enhance the oral bioavailability of atorvastatin calcium (ATV), a novel solidified micelle (S-micelle) was developed. Two surfactants, Gelucire 48/16 (G48) and Tween 20 (T20), were employed for micelle formation, and two solid carriers (SC), Florite PS-10 (FLO) and Vivapur 105 (VP105), were selected as solid carriers. The S-micelle was optimized using a Box-Behnken design with three independent variables, including G48:T20 (X1 , 1.8:1), SC:G48 + T20 (X2 , 0.65:1), and FLO:VP105 (X3 , 1.4:0.6), resulting in a droplet size (Y1 ) of 198.4 nm, dissolution efficiency at 15 min in the pH 1.2 medium (Y2 ) of 47.6%, Carr’s index (Y3 ) of 16.9, and total quantity (Y4 ) of 562.5 mg. The optimized S-micelle resulted in good correlation showing percentage prediction values less than 10%. The optimized S-micelle formed a nanosized dispersion in the aqueous phase, with a higher dissolution rate than raw ATV and crushed Lipitor®. The optimized S-micelle improved the relative bioavailability of oral ATV (25 mg equivalent/kg) in rats by approximately 509 and 271% compared to raw ATV and crushed Lipitor®, respectively. In conclusion, the optimized S-micelle possesses great potential for the development of solidified formulations for improved oral absorption of poorly water-soluble drugs.
Double joystick technique – a modified method facilitates operation of Gartlend type-Ⅲ supracondylar humeral fractures in children

Gartland type-Ⅲ supracondylar humerus fracture (SCHF) is a severe lesion with the feature of difficult reduction. Due to the high failure rate of traditional reduction, a more practical and safer method is needed. This retrospective study aimed to explore the effectiveness of the double joystick technique during the closed reduction of children with type-III fractures. Forty-one children with Gartland type-Ⅲ SCHF underwent closed reduction and percutaneous fixation using the double joystick technique at our hospital between June 2020 and June 2022, and 36 (87.80%) patients were successfully followed up. The affected elbow was evaluated by the joint motion, radiographs, and Flynn’s criteria then contrasted with the contralateral elbow at the last follow-up. A group of 29 boys and seven girls with an average age of 6.33 ± 2.68 years. The mean time of surgery and hospital stay was 26.61 ± 7.51 min and 4.64 ± 1.23 days, respectively. After a mean follow-up of 12.85 months, the average Baumann angle was 73.43 ± 3.78°, although the average carrying angle (11.33 ± 2.17°), flexion angle (143.03 ± 5.15°), and extension angle (0.89 ± 3.23°) of the affected elbow were less than those of the contralateral elbow (P < 0.05), the mean range of motion difference between two sides is only 3.39 ± 1.59°, with no complications. Furthermore, 100% of patients recovered satisfactorily, with excellent outcomes (91.67%) and good outcomes (8.33%). The double joystick technique is a safe and effective method that facilitates the closed reduction of Gartland type-Ⅲ SCHF in children without raising the risk of complications.
Generation of reporter mice for detecting the transcriptional activity of nuclear factor of activated T cells

Nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) is a transcription factor essential for immunological and other biological responses. To develop analyzing system for NFAT activity in vitro and in vivo, we generated reporter mouse lines introduced with NFAT-driven enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expressing gene construct. Six tandem repeats of −286 to −265 of the human IL2 gene to which NFAT binds in association with its co-transcription factor, activator protein (AP)-1, was conjunct with thymidine kinase minimum promoter and following EGFP coding sequence. Upon introduction of the resulting reporter cassette into C57BL/6 fertilized eggs, the transgenic mice were obtained. Among 7 transgene-positive mice in 110 mice bone, 2 mice showed the designated reporter mouse character. Thus, the EGFP fluorescence of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in these mice was enhanced by stimulation through CD3 and CD28. Each of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin (IOM) stimulation weakly but their combined stimulation strongly enhanced EGFP expression. The stimulation-induced EGFP upregulation was also observed following T cell subset differentiation in a different manner. The EGFP induction by PMA + IOM stimulation was more potent than that by CD3/CD28 stimulation in helper T (Th)1, Th2, Th9, and regulatory T cells, while both stimulation conditions displayed the equivalent EGFP induction in Th17 cells. Our NFAT reporter mouse lines are useful for analyzing stimulation-induced transcriptional activation mediated by NFAT in cooperation with AP-1 in T cells.
Methods and Software to Analyze Gene-Environment Interactions under a Case-Mother-Control-Mother Design with Partially Missing Child Genotype

Introduction: The case-mother-control-mother design allows to study fetal and maternal genetic factors together with environmental exposures on early life outcomes. Mendelian constraints and conditional independence between child genotype and environmental factors enabled semiparametric likelihood methods to estimate logistic models with greater efficiency than standard logistic regression. Difficulties in child genotype collection require methods handling missing child genotype. Methods: We review a stratified retrospective likelihood and two semiparametric likelihood approaches: a prospective one and a modified retrospective one, the latter either modeling the maternal genotype as a function of covariates or leaving their joint distribution unspecified (robust version). We also review software implementing these modeling alternatives, compare their statistical properties in a simulation study, and illustrate their application, focusing on gene-environment interactions and partially missing child genotype. Results: The robust retrospective likelihood provides generally unbiased estimates, with standard errors only slightly larger than when modeling maternal genotype based on exposure. The prospective likelihood encounters maximization problems. In the application to the association of small-for-gestational-age babies with CYP2E1 and drinking water disinfection by-products, the retrospective likelihood allowed a full array of covariates, while the prospective likelihood was limited to few covariates. Conclusion: We recommend the robust version of the modified retrospective likelihood.
Feasibility study for the measurement of the inclusive and differential Z(→ e + e − ) + jets cross section in pp-collisions with the ATLAS experiment at the LHC

This thesis describes a feasibility study for the measurement of the inclusive and differential Z(→ e+e−) + jets cross section for the first 100 pb of data with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva. This study is done on hadron level using predictions from fully simulated Monte Carlo samples and compare them to NLO pertubative QCD calculations including statistical and systematic limitations. In addition, the predictions from different Monte Carlo generators are compared. The inclusive Z(→ e+e−)+ ≥ 1− 3 jets cross section can be determined with a precision of smaller than 25.5%.
The role of PEEP for cannulation of the subclavian vein: A prospective observational study

Purpose The role of positive endexpiratory pressure (PEEP) for successful cannulation of the subclavian vein (SCV) remains inconclusive. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of different levels of PEEP on distance from SCV to parietal pleura (DVP) and on the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the SCV. Methods Invasive mechanically ventilated adult patients with a clinical indication for a stepwise PEEP-trial (0, 5, 10, and 15 cm H2O) were included in this prospective observational single-center study. Ultrasound examinations of SCV were performed with a linear ultrasound probe using the infraclavicular view. DVP and CSA were measured on the right and left bodyside. Examinations were repeated at each PEEP step. Results 27 patients were enrolled (12 female; 60±21 years; BMI 24.6±4.9 kg/m2; 20 patients on controlled, 7 on assisted ventilation). A statistically significant increase of DVP in the in-plane view was found on the left side which was not clinically relevant. No significant differences of DVP were observed in all other views. PEEP induced changes in CSAs were statistically significant but clinically not relevant on both sides. The largest change in CSA (2mm2) was observed when comparing PEEP 10 with PEEP 0 cm H2O. Conclusion A stepwise PEEP increase was not associated with clinically relevant changes of the DVP and CSA. Thus, a PEEP-optimization for the cannulation of the subclavian vein is not indicated.
Dietary exposure to food azo-colours in a sample of pre-school children from Southern Brazil

Abstract The dietary exposure of six food azo-colours was assessed in a sample of pre-schoolers from Guaratuba-Paraná, Brazil. Consumption data of 323 children aged 2 to 5 years was collected through 3-day food records. Dietary exposure, is expressed by milligrams of food colour by kilogram of body weight per day, as compared to the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI). Three exposure scenarios were developed to account for uncertainties around consumption estimates. Intakes of Amaranth (INS 123) described in means, 50th and 95th percentiles exceeded ADI levels in the two most conservative scenarios, with the highest percentiles exceeding about four times the ADI. High intakes of Sunset Yellow FCF (INS 110) were also observed, of up to 85% of the ADI in the worst-case scenario. Findings suggest high exposure levels to azo-dyes in the survey population, with children likely exceeding the ADI for Amaranth (INS 123) and concerns for Sunset Yellow FCF (INS 110). Major food contributors were beverages (juice powders and soft drinks), dairy and sweets. Further studies on dietary exposure assessment are needed at the national level. The authors highlight the need of controlling the use of such additives through national policies that are aligned with the consumption patterns observed in the country.