Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improved Predictions of Human Rib Structural Properties Using Bone
 Mineral Content

<div>Rib fractures are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Improved methods to assess rib bone quality are needed to identify at-risk populations. Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) can be used to calculate volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and bone mineral content (BMC), which may be related to rib fracture risk. The objective of this study was to determine if vBMD and BMC from QCT predict human rib structural properties. 127 mid-level (5th–7th) ribs were obtained from adult female (<i>n</i> = 67) and male (<i>n</i> = 60) postmortem human subjects (PMHS). Isolated rib QCT scans were performed to calculate vBMD and BMC. Each rib was subsequently tested to failure in a dynamic simulated frontal impact and structural properties, peak force (<i>F</i><sub>Peak</sub>), percent displacement (<i>δ</i><sub>Peak</sub>), linear structural stiffness (<i>K</i>), and total energy (<i>U</i><sub>Tot</sub>) were calculated. vBMD demonstrated no significant differences between sexes (<i>p</i> > 0.05); however, males had a higher BMC than females (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Further, sex-specific differences were observed in all rib structural properties except for <i>δ</i><sub>Peak</sub> (<i>p</i> > 0.05). Age had a significant relationship with both vBMD and BMC (<i>p</i> < 0.001) but only in females when separated by sex (<i>p</i> < 0.001). vBMD predicted <i>F</i><sub>Peak</sub>, <i>δ</i><sub>Peak</sub>, <i>K</i>, and <i>U</i><sub>Tot</sub> (<i>R</i><sup>2</sup> = 9.2%–30.9%, <i>p</i> < 0.05) but was not able to predict <i>δ</i><sub>Peak</sub> in males. Similarly, BMC also predicted all rib structural properties, except for <i>δ</i><sub>Peak</sub> in males, but explained more meaningful amounts of variation (<i>R</i><sup>2</sup> = 22.2%–67.7%, <i>p</i> < 0.001). When predicting rib structural properties, BMC captures sex-specific variations in bone size that are obfuscated by vBMD and contribute to the biomechanical response of the rib during mechanical loading. Incorporating BMC into assessments of injury risk may therefore provide additional insight into the multifaceted nature of rib bone quality and differential fracture resistance. </div>
The Combination of Glucocorticoids and Hyaluronic Acid Enhances Efficacy in IL-1β/IL-17-Treated Bovine Osteochondral Grafts Compared with Individual Application

Patients with knee osteoarthritis often receive glucocorticoid (GC) or hyaluronic acid (HA) injections to alleviate symptoms. This study evaluated the impact of Triamcinolone Hexacetonide (a GC), HA, and a combination of both on bovine osteochondral grafts exposed to IL-1β and IL-17 in an ex vivo culture. Metabolic activity increased with GC treatment. GCs and GCs/HA counteracted cytokine effects, with gene expressions similar to untreated controls, while HA alone did not. However, HA improved the coefficient of friction after two weeks. The highest friction values were observed in GC-containing and cytokine-treated groups. Cytokine treatment reduced tissue proteoglycan content, which HA could mitigate, especially in the GC/HA combination. This combo also effectively controlled proteoglycan release, supported by reduced sGAG release. Cytokine treatment led to surface cell death, while GCs, HA, or their combination showed protective effects against inflammation. The GC/HA combination had the best overall results, suggesting its potential as a superior treatment option for osteoarthritis.
Paleoclimatic record of cave sediments from Postojna Karst

Enregistrement paleoclimatique des sediments de grotte du Karst de Postojna. Dans la partie NW du Karst dinarique de la Yougoslavie, des sediments chimiques et detritiques se sont accumules dans les grottes (Krizna jama, systeme des grottes de Postojna, Skocjanske jame, Divaska jama) depuis le Mindel jusqu'a l'Holocene. Les sediments etudies refletent les conditions paleohydrologiques locales et paleoclimatiques regionales dans la region de ligne de partage entre la Mer Noire et l'Adriatique, entre les Alpes et la Mediterranee. Les conclusions sur la karstification du karst classique etudie ici peuvent etre liees aux oscillations glacio-eustatiques de l'Adriatique et au paleoclimat global durant le Pleistocene.
Eicosapentaenoic Acid Influences the Lipid Profile of an In Vitro Psoriatic Skin Model Produced with T Cells

Psoriasis is a skin disease characterized by epidermal hyperplasia and an inappropriate activation of the adaptive immunity. A dysregulation of the skin’s lipid mediators is reported in the disease with a predominance of the inflammatory cascade derived from n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 PUFAs). Bioactive lipid mediators derived from arachidonic acid (AA) are involved in the inflammatory functions of T cells in psoriasis, whereas n-3 PUFAs’ derivatives are anti-inflammatory metabolites. Here, we sought to evaluate the influence of a supplementation of the culture media with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on the lipid profile of a psoriatic skin model produced with polarized T cells. Healthy and psoriatic skin substitutes were produced following the auto-assembly technique. Psoriatic skin substitutes produced with or without T cells presented increased epidermal and dermal linolenic acid (LA) and AA levels. N-6 PUFA lipid mediators were strongly measured in psoriatic substitutes, namely, 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE). The added EPA elevated the amounts of EPA, n-3 docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the epidermal and dermal phospholipids. The EPA supplementation balanced the production of epidermal lipid mediators, with an increase in prostaglandin E3 (PGE3), 12-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (12-HEPE) and N-eicosapentaenoyl-ethanolamine (EPEA) levels. These findings show that EPA modulates the lipid composition of psoriatic skin substitutes by encouraging the return to a cutaneous homeostatic state.
Geometric and spatial heterogeneity in natural fracture systems formed during 3D strain

The geometric and spatial heterogeneity in fracture systems of natural fault zones reflect complex strain patterns and exert substantial influences on host rock properties. It has been recognized that general 3D strains will produce diffuse fracture orientation patterns and characteristic kinematics, which are proposed to vary towards the fault core. The bootstrapping methods and spatial correlation analysis [(semi-) variograms] were adopted to investigate the geometric and spatial hetero-geneity in fracture orientations collected systematically with reference to their spatial locations from three distinct fault zones. This relatively rigorous approach revealed that fracture orientation patterns display systematic spatial variations and high spatial correlations traversing fault zones. Factors related to the presence of pre-existing structures and lithologies can modify strains, creating complex fracture patterns and kinematics at different scales and spatial locations. The results suggest that spatially heterogenous fracture networks in subsurface can be highly connected as channels or barriers and will, in anyways, affect the fluid flow path in aquifers.
Sosyal Bilgiler Dersindeki Coğrafya Konularının Öğretiminde Akıllı Tahta Uygulamalarına İlişkin Öğrenci Görüşleri

Bu calismanin amaci, ilkogretim ogrencilerinin sosyal bilgiler dersindeki cografya konularinin ogretiminde akilli tahta uygulamalarina iliskin goruslerini ortaya koymaktir. Arastirmanin evrenini 2010-2011 egitim ve ogretim yilinda Karabuk ili merkezindeki ilkogretim ogrencileri, arastirmanin orneklemini ise Karabuk ilinin merkez ilcesindeki bir ozel ilkogretim okulunda ogrenim goren 151 ogrenci olusturmustur. Arastirmada tarama modeli kullanilmistir. Veri toplama araci olarak uygulanan anket Ates (2010) tarafindan gelistirilmis ve uzman gorusleri dogrultusunda arastirmada kullanilmasina karar verilmistir. Ilkogretim ogrencilerinin sosyal bilgiler dersinde kullanilan akilli tahta uygulamalarina iliskin goruslerinin dagiliminda aritmetik ortalama ve standart sapma degerleri kullanilmistir. Sosyal bilgiler dersinde kullanilan akilli tahta uygulamalarina iliskin goruslerinde cinsiyete gore anlamli farklilik olup olmadigini belirlemek icin “t- testi” kullanilmistir. Arastirmanin bulgularina gore, sosyal bilgiler dersinde akilli tahta kullanimi sayesinde ogrenciler dersi daha iyi anladiklarini, derste sikilmadiklarini, derse olan ilgilerinin arttigini ifade etmislerdir. Arastirmada elde edilen bir diger sonuca gore, Sosyal bilgiler derslerindeki cografya konularinin anlatiminda akilli tahta uygulamalarina iliskin gorusleri cinsiyete gore anlamli farklilik gostermistir. This study was carried out to put forth primary education students’ attitudes towards interactive white board applications in the teaching of geography themes in social knowledge courses. The area of tudy is the primary education students in Karabuk city in 20010-2011 academic year, the sampling of the study is 151 students at a private primary school in Karabuk. Survey model was used in the study.Reliability and validity of the the scale that was developed by Ates (2010) and the specialists’ views were taken through the process. In the distribution of primary students’ views towards interactive white board applications in social knowledge lesson arithmetic average and Standard deviation values were used. In order to determine whether there is significant difference of primary students’ views towards interactive white board applications in social knowledge lessons according to gender or class levels “independent sampling t test” was used. According to the findings of the research students stated that with the use of interactive white board,they did not get bored and the lessons were profitable regarding time. According to another result of the study there has been a significant difference between the gender of the students and their perceptions towards interactive white board applications.
A pilot randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of different spaced learning models used during school examination revision: the SMART Spaces 24/10 model

The main aim of this pilot study was to compare the efficacy of using different spaced learning models during school examination revision on pupil attainment. Spaced learning is using intervals between periods of learning rather than learning content all at one time.Three spaced learning models with different inter-study intervals (ISI’s) were co-designed by teachers and researchers using research evidence and practice knowledge. A pilot randomized controlled trial compared the three ISI models against control groups in 12 UK secondary schools’ science classes (pupil n = 408). The effects on attainment of each model were assessed using pre and post-tests of science attainment.The results showed that all three models were feasible for use in a classroom. The spacing model using ISI of 24-h spaces between and 10-min spaces within revision sessions was the only significant one for improving attainment against a control group (effect size d = 0.19, p = <0.05). The study also found that student engagement with the spaced learning program was a statistically significant predictor of increased pupil attainment.The study demonstrates the potential benefits of applying spaced learning to exam revision, with the most optimal ISI model found to be the SMART Spaces 24/10 model.
Applying geostatistical hotspot analyses to a ‘double-invaded’ plant–pest co-occurrence scenario

Summary Invasive alien species represent a multifaceted management problem in terms of threats to biodiversity and ecosystems and their impacts on agriculture and human well-being. Ambrosia artemisiifolia is an invasive alien plant in Europe that affects the human population as its already highly allergenic pollen can interact with air pollutants, resulting in detrimental effects on health. In this context, the invasive beetle Ophraella communa was proposed as a biocontrol agent of A. artemisiifolia, as it feeds on its leaves, leading to a decrease in pollen production. This paper takes advantage of the different co-occurrence classes obtained by the ecological niche models inferred for both of these species based on current and future climatic conditions. We integrate them with spatial data regarding major air pollutants (nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter). We couple this information with European human population density data at a narrow territorial scale to infer current and future statistically significant hotspots of health risk. The Netherlands and the UK host the widest hotspots within their national territory for both current (7.09% and 3.54%, respectively) and future (15.04% and 6.70%, respectively) scenarios. Considering the alarming results obtained for some areas, the monitoring and biocontrol of A. artemisiifolia should be applied as a European strategy.
An Overview of Scaffolds and Biomaterials for Skin Expansion and Soft Tissue Regeneration: Insights on Zinc and Magnesium as New Potential Key Elements

The utilization of materials in medical implants, serving as substitutes for non-functional biological structures, supporting damaged tissues, or reinforcing active organs, holds significant importance in modern healthcare, positively impacting the quality of life for millions of individuals worldwide. However, certain implants may only be required temporarily to aid in the healing process of diseased or injured tissues and tissue expansion. Biodegradable metals, including zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), iron, and others, present a new paradigm in the realm of implant materials. Ongoing research focuses on developing optimized materials that meet medical standards, encompassing controllable corrosion rates, sustained mechanical stability, and favorable biocompatibility. Achieving these objectives involves refining alloy compositions and tailoring processing techniques to carefully control microstructures and mechanical properties. Among the materials under investigation, Mg- and Zn-based biodegradable materials and their alloys demonstrate the ability to provide necessary support during tissue regeneration while gradually degrading over time. Furthermore, as essential elements in the human body, Mg and Zn offer additional benefits, including promoting wound healing, facilitating cell growth, and participating in gene generation while interacting with various vital biological functions. This review provides an overview of the physiological function and significance for human health of Mg and Zn and their usage as implants in tissue regeneration using tissue scaffolds. The scaffold qualities, such as biodegradation, mechanical characteristics, and biocompatibility, are also discussed.
Global cluster analysis and network visualization in organoids in cancer research: a scientometric mapping from 1991 to 2021

Objective In the last three decades, there has been a surge in research on cancer organoids using 3D culture technologies, which has resulted in the development of physiological human cancer models. This study aims to provide an overview of the global trends and frontiers in research on cancer organoids. Methods A total of 3189 publications on organoids in cancer research from 1991 to 2021 were collected from the Science Citation Index-Expanded (SCIE) of Web of Science (WoS). Bibliometric methods such as the R package “Bibliometrix,” Citespace, and VOS viewer software were employed to investigate and visualize bibliographic coupling, co-citation, co-authorship, and co-occurrence trends, as well as publication trends in the field of organoids in cancer research. Results From 1991 to 2021, there has been a significant increase in publications on cancer organoids, with most articles being from North America, Eastern Asia, and Western Europe. The USA had the highest number of publications, citations, prolific authors, and research funding globally. Cancers was the journal with the most publications, while Nature had the best total link strength. Harvard University were the most contributive institutions. The global research in this field could be classified into five clusters: chemotherapy study, organoids for drug screening, different models, molecular mechanism study, and organoid construction. These areas are expected to remain hotspots for future research. Conclusions The number of publications on organoids in cancer research is expected to increase based on current global trends.
Successful School Leadership in the USA: The Role of Context in Core Leadership Practices

This article draws on findings from a secondary analysis of selected U.S. case studies of successful school principals in the United States. All original ISSPP cases were selected with a common sampling strategy whereby we purposely selected schools with improved student outcomes and nominations by school district leaders and organizations. Data sources include semi-structured qualitative interviews with the district leaders, principal, teachers, parents, and students to provide a more elaborated understanding of the phenomena, i.e., school success and the principal’s leadership contribution. The study selected twenty published articles describing complete ISSPP case studies from different U.S. geographic areas for secondary analysis of the principal’s core leadership practices. These practices include setting directions, developing people, redesigning the organization, and managing the instructional program. The U.S. cases since 2002 reflect the dynamics of multiple layers of influence and increasing complexities from student diversity, policy pressures, and the impact of the principals’ background and professional identity. These cases provide qualitative, contextualized understandings of school success and principal contributions to that success at particular points in time over the past 20 years and point toward knowledge gaps that we seek to fill in future steps of ISSPP.
Smile Aesthetics Assessment in Patients Undergoing the Finishing Phase of Orthodontic Treatment: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study

Objective To describe the smile characteristics of patients entering the finishing phase of orthodontic treatment. Methods This observational study involved a non-probabilistic sample of 48 patients. Clinical records served as the basis for determining the type of treatment (with or without extractions). Photographs were analyzed to obtain smile variables. Dental casts and panoramic radiographs were evaluated to ascertain the cast-radiograph evaluation (CRE) index. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted at a significance level of 0.05. Results The study evaluated 24 men and 24 women, with an average age of 20.10 ± 6.78 years. Fifty percent of the patients did not undergo extractions, and the average CRE index for the sample was 34.83 ± 9.01. Regarding the smile, a medium smile line was prevalent in 66.7% of cases, and a non-consonant smile arc was observed in 58.3%. Significant differences in the smile arc were found between patients with and without extractions (p=0.019). Right and left buccal corridors measured 2.52 mm ± 1.52 and 2.43 mm ± 1.37, respectively. The upper dental midline deviated by 0.80 ± 0.91 mm and had an angulation of 1.65 ± 2. 05º. Both variables showed significant differences between Class I and Class II patients (p=0.020; p=0.027). Symmetrical smiles were also observed (1.05 ± 0.17). Conclusions Based on our findings, clinicians should focus on the smile arc in patients who have not undergone extractions and on the midline inclination in Class II patients. These appear to be the most common areas for improvement in patients who are in the finishing phase of treatment. Additionally, considerable variability exists in the smile characteristics of patients still undergoing orthodontic treatment, leaving room for further enhancement of results.
COVID-19 and the Nervous System from a Cuban Experience

Neuropsychiatric manifestations of viral infections (both per se and secondary to the neuroinflammatory reaction of the host) are mainly attributed to immunological reactions, so many aspects of their pathogenesis are still nuclear. Some novel therapeutic strategies are progressively emerging in which a vaccination may be having a particular impact on recovery and reduction of death. In this context, it is accepted that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is profoundly neurotropic and neuroinvasive, with various effects on the nervous system, although there is no complete understanding of the mechanism of neuroinvasion, brain injury, or short- or long-term neuropsychiatric sequelae. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the post-infectious manifestations of COVID-19 to guide the management of neuropsychiatric diseases. Thus, based on different research groups focused on this field, in this manuscript we summarize papers on COVID-19 and the nervous system (NS) published in a series of articles by Cuban authors. This review focuses on cognitive and affective emotional states, pathogenesis, biomarkers, clinical manifestations, and intervention strategies.
Yield performance of cassava genotypes in the forest and coastal ecologies of Southern Ghana

Root yield performances of 10 cassava genotypes were assessed across six environments to determine stable cassava ( Manihot esculenta ) cultivar(s) for root yield in southern Ghana. The assessments were carried out in the forest zone (Fumesua), coastal savanna zone (Ohawu) and coastal savanna zone (Pokuase) in the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 growing seasons. The experimental layout was a randomized complete block design with three replications. Additive main effects and multiplicative interactions analysis (AMMI) indicated that genotype by environment interactions were significant. Genotype 6 (CR52A-25) was the highest yielding genotype with a root yield of 60.33 kg ha -1 , while Genotype 9 (CR59-4) had the lowest root yield of 26.86 kg ha -1 . Root yield was significantly lower (P = 0.001) at the forest zone compared to the coastal savanna zones.
Diet, activity and spatial occupancy of leopards in the Soutpansberg Mountains.

Leopards, though broadly distributed, are highly variable in terms of their ecology. Recently, the Soutpansberg Mountains were identified as supporting one of the highest leopard populations in a non-protected area in Africa. This study aims to understand how these mountains can support such a high density of leopards, thus aiding in identifying the conservation potential of this environment and the species in it. Using a combination of camera trap and scat data collected over two years, research into leopard occupancy, diet and activity was conducted. This research represents the first of its kind to use this combination to investigate these factors in the Soutpansberg. The occupancy analysis proved inconclusive in determining which variables influence the occupancy of leopards. It was found that camera trap data can be split into almost any number of sessions (groupings of trap days), which is a valuable finding as no previous study has provided evidence to support their choice of session number. Leopards consumed 22 species of various sizes, with Artiodactyla species like bushbuck and bushpig contributing most to their diet. No livestock were found in the scats, indicating that leopards are preying on livestock at lower levels than landowners perceive. Some species, such as red duiker and common warthog, were consumed less than expected by leopards based on their availability. Activity patterns indicate that leopards are active throughout the day and night, but their diet suggests they may hunt nocturnally as their most commonly consumed prey are active during this time. Evidence of temporal partitioning between leopards and their prey provides viable explanations for prey selection. This study provides knowledge of elements, such as availability of prey and temporal overlap with prey, which make this environment suitable for a high density of leopards. The knowledge gained through this study of the ecology and behaviour of the Soutpansberg’s top predator in relation to its prey should be valuable in future conservation planning there and in similar montane environments.