Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The management of displaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures at a Sub-Saharan Academic Hospital

Background: Femoral neck fractures (FNFs) remain “the unsolved fracture” and optimal management is still controversial. The outcomes of hemiarthroplasty (HA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the treatment of FNFs are inconsistent. As demand for management of FNFs continues to grow globally, evaluation of the appropriateness of treatment remains essential, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients presenting with isolated low energy intracapsular FNFs to an orthopaedic academic unit in Sub-Saharan Africa from January 2016 to April 2019. The decision regarding HA or THA was largely based upon the Sernbo score and ASA classification. The majority of patients with a Sernbo score of ≥15 and ASA class III or better received THA. Results: There were 117 patients (33 male/84 female) 72 years (33–97 years) with FNFs who underwent 56 THA and 61 HA between January 2016 and April 2019. The mean Sernbo score was 15.99 overall (range 8–20) and was 18.95 (11–20) for THA patients compared to 14.46 (8–20) for HA patients (p = 0.042). Time taken from admission to the theatre was 8–19 days (1–22) and 7–61 days (2–31) for HA and THA respectively. The average length of stay (LOS) was 16.04 days and the main reason for same-day cancellations was the lack of post ICU/High Care beds. The 30-day mortality rates were 1.78% and 4.91% for THA and HA patients, respectively (p = 0.07). The mortality rate for patients with a Sernbo score < 15 was 15.38% overall, 8.93% for THA patients, and 21.31% for HA patients, respectively (p = 0.021). Conclusion: The 30-day mortality rate was comparable with published rates from developed countries. There were significant delays in time to theatre, high rates of same-day surgical cancellations, and increased LOS for both HA and THA. These factors play a cumulative role in inflating costs on a strained healthcare system in a developing country. A multidisciplinary approach including the care provision of a specialized geriatric unit is recommended. Retrospective Study, Level III evidence
Comparison of Functional and Radiological Outcomes of Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Posterolateral Fusion Techniques in the Treatment of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Abstract Background This study aimed to compare posterolateral fusion with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (PLF + TLIF) and PLF only in terms of revision surgery rates and complications, as well as functional and radiological outcomes in lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) patients. Methods Seventy-one patients (37 patients in the PLF + TLIF group and 34 patients in the PLF only group) who underwent surgery due to LSS between January 2013 and December 2016 were retrospectively investigated. Functional evaluation was performed by using the McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scales pre-and postoperatively. Radiological evaluation was made by examining adjacent vertebrae, posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) morphology, and sagittal balance on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results Postoperative MPQ, RMDQ, and ODI scores were significantly better in the PLF + TLIF group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively). The complication rate was significantly higher in the PLF only group (p = 0.026). In the PLF + TLIF group, postoperative functional scores showed significant improvement in terms of the instrumented segment and level of interbody fusion. Postoperative functional scores showed significant improvement in PLF + TLIF patients with no complications, no revision surgery, no postoperative MRI findings, and neutral sagittal balance compared to the preoperative functional scores (p < 0.001). Conclusion PLF + TLIF is significantly superior in terms of functional scores and complications, despite the statistical similarity in terms of postoperative MRI findings and sagittal balance between the groups. Surgeons should prefer PLF + TLIF for the surgical treatment of LSS for better results.
Physician skin cancer screening among U.S. military veterans: Results from the National Health Interview Survey

Introduction Although military veterans are at increased risk for skin cancer, little is known about the extent to which they have been screened for skin cancer. The study objective was to examine the prevalence and correlates of physician skin cancer screening among U.S. military veterans. Methods Data were drawn from the National Health Interview Survey. The study sample consisted of 2,826 individuals who reported being military veterans. Receipt of a physician skin examination was measured using a single question that asked participants whether they had ever had all of their skin from head to toe checked for cancer by a dermatologist or some other kind of doctor. Results Less than a third (30.88%) of participants reported ever having a physician skin examination. Factors positively associated with receipt of a physician skin examination in a multivariable logistic regression analysis included: older age, greater educational level, non-Hispanic white race/ethnicity, having TRICARE (military) health insurance, greater skin sensitivity to the sun, and engagement in more sun protection behaviors. Conclusions The majority of military veterans have never been screened for skin cancer by a physician. Screening rates were higher among individuals with one or more skin cancer risk factors. Future research is warranted to test targeted skin cancer screening interventions for this at risk and understudied population.
Risk factors for injuries along an infantry commanders course

ABSTRACT To determine the influence of prevention programme on somatosensory ability in combat soldiers during 14-weeks of an infantry commanders course, two cohorts were recruited (INT-group, n = 196; CONT-group, n = 169). Soldiers were tested pre-and post-course for anthropometric measurements, proprioceptive ability, dynamic postural balance, and filled CAIT questionnaire. The INT-group performed injury prevention exercises and the CONT-group continued with their routine physical fitness lessons. All musculoskeletal injuries were recorded along the course. In the CONT-group 24.2% and in the INT-group 19.9% suffered injury during the course. The rates of injuries were not significantly different between groups (χ2(1) = . 677 p = . 411). Previous injury (OR = 3.349, 95% CI = 1.283–8.740), pre-course BMI (OR = 1.216, 95% CI = 1.064–1.389), and pre-course proprioception ability (OR = .870, 95% CI = .810-.935) were factors associated with injury in the CONT-group. Pre-course proprioception ability (OR = .769, 95% CI = .699-.846) and pre-course CAIT score (OR = .087, 95% CI = .027-.276) were factors in the INT-group. Soldiers who received injury prevention exercises had a similar prevalence of total musculoskeletal injuries as those who did not receive these exercises. Risk factors for injuries were different in the two groups.
Impact of short‐term Dutasteride treatment on prostate‐specific membrane antigen expression in a mouse xenograft model

Dutasteride has been shown to increase expression of the prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in prostate cancer cells in previous in vitro studies. This 5‐alpha‐reductase inhibitor is commonly used for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic enlargement. The modulation of PSMA expression might affect PSMA‐based prostate cancer imaging and therapy.
Identification of a Latitude Gradient in the Prevalence of Primary Biliary Cholangitis

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) reported in different countries varies significantly and seems to have a latitudinal gradient with the highest prevalence reported in higher latitudes, as has been observed with other autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to determine whether there is a latitudinal gradient of PBC prevalence in Australia using 2 methods of case ascertainment. METHODS: We investigated the latitudinal variation of PBC prevalence across the states and territories of Australia (latitudinal range 18.0°–42.7°S) using pathology-based (private pathology antimitochondrial antibody results and PBC-specific prescription databases (prescriptions for ursodeoxycholic acid, the only publicly subsidized treatment for this disease). RESULTS: PBC prevalence was significantly positively associated with latitude, and the postcodes in the highest quintile of latitude (encompassing the south coastal areas of the Australian mainland and Tasmania; latitude range −37.75° to −42.72°) had a prevalence estimate that was 1.78 times higher using the pathology-based prevalence estimation than those in the lowest quintile (encompassing tropical and southern Queensland; latitude range −18.02° to −27.59°). Comparing prevalence estimates between states/territories, the result was 2.53 and 2.21 times higher in Tasmania compared with Queensland when using the pathology-based and prescription-based methods, respectively. DISCUSSION: Using 2 different case-ascertainment methods, we have demonstrated that prevalence estimates of PBC vary significantly with latitude in Australia. Further studies are needed to determine whether factors such as variations in ultraviolet radiation exposure and/or vitamin D levels are responsible for this observation and to investigate the latitudinal prevalence of PBC in other populations.
Cardiac symptom burden and arrhythmia recurrence drives digital health use: results from the iHEART randomized controlled trial

Abstract Aims Digital health can transform the management of atrial fibrillation (AF) and enable patients to take a central role in detecting symptoms and self-managing AF. There is a gap in understanding factors that support sustained use of digital health tools for patients with AF. This study identified predictors of Alivecor® KardiaMobile ECG monitor usage among patients with AF enrolled in the iPhone®Helping Evaluate Atrial fibrillation Rhythm through Technology (iHEART) randomized controlled trial. Methods and results We analysed data from 105 English and Spanish-speaking adults with AF enrolled in the intervention arm of the iHEART trial. The iHEART intervention included smartphone-based electrocardiogram self-monitoring with Alivecor® KardiaMobile and triweekly text messages for 6 months. The primary outcome was use of Alivecor® categorized as: infrequent (≤5 times/week), moderate (>5 times and ≤11 times/week), and frequent (>11 times/week). We applied multinomial logistic regression modelling to characterize frequency and predictors of use. Of the 105 participants, 25% were female, 75% were White, and 45% were ≥65 years of age. Premature atrial contractions (PACs) [adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.23, 1.08–1.40, P = 0.002] predicted frequent as compared to infrequent use. PACs (adjusted OR: 1.17, 95% confidence interval 1.06–1.30, P = 0.003), lower symptom burden (adjusted OR: 1.06, 1.01–1.11, P = 0.02), and less treatment concern (adjusted OR: 0.96, 0.93–0.99, P = 0.02) predicted moderate as compared to infrequent use. Conclusions Frequent use of AliveCor® is associated with AF symptoms and potentially symptomatic cardiac events. Symptom burden and frequency should be measured and incorporated into analyses of future digital health trials for AF management.
Bound Water Content of Activated Sludge and Its Relationship to Solids Retention Time, Floc Structure, and Surface Properties

The bound water (BW) content of sludge from four bench‐scale sequencing batch reactors (SBRs), fed a glucose‐based synthetic wastewater and operated at different solids retention times (SRTs), and from five full‐scale, activated‐sludge systems treating different wastewater was determined using the dilatometric technique. Storing sludge at 4 °C before analysis resulted in a lower measured BW value. The SRT and surface charge were not correlated to the BW content of sludge from the bench‐scale SBRs (SRT range of 4 to 20 days) or full‐scale systems (SRT range of 4 to 25 days). A greater BW content was strongly associated with a smaller median floc size in bench‐ and full‐scale studies, indicating the importance of floc size in relation to the BW content. In bench‐scale studies, greater levels of total extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) correlated with an observed increase in the BW content of sludge. Individual EPS components either weakly correlated to or were not associated with changes in BW. Sludge samples from the bench‐scale SBRs with greater BW content were found to have greater sludge volume index values. For the full‐scale systems studied, there was no relationship between EPS and BW content of the sludge.
Caregiver Strain Questionnaire–Short Form 11 (CGSQ-SF11): A Validation Study

Caregiver strain is associated with caregiver and child well-being and clinical outcomes. The present study examined the psychometric properties of a revised 11-item measure of caregiver strain, the Caregiver Strain Questionnaire–Short Form 11 (CGSQ-SF11). In a sample of 962 caregivers, we found support for a three-factor model of the CGSQ-SF11, consisting of objective (e.g., financial impact), subjective internalized (e.g., sadness about the child’s problems), and subjective externalized (e.g., anger directed toward the child) strain factors. Measurement invariance was supported across multiple demographic and clinical groups, and all three subscales displayed high internal consistency. Convergent validity was also supported through positive correlations with measures of child psychopathology symptoms and psychosocial impairment. Moreover, caregiver strain was associated with number of child disorders as well as breadth of child symptoms across both internalizing and externalizing domains. Findings provide initial validation of the CGSQ-SF11 as a comprehensive yet brief measure of caregiver strain.
Mental health and illness of medical students and newly graduated doctors during the pandemic of SARS-Cov-2/COVID-19

Introduction: SARS-Cov-2 virus pandemic causes serious emotional consequences. It has occurred widespread medical courses suspension, and graduations were anticipated. Field hospitals, set up to treat patients with mild to moderate COVID-19, were the main workplaces of newly graduated doctors. Objective: To assess the impact of SARS-Cov-2/COVID-19 pandemic on mental health of medical interns and newly graduated doctors. Method: This is a cross-sectional study performed using a digital platform. Links to forms were sent in two moments: moment 1 (M1), at the beginning of the pandemic, in the first half of April/2020 and moment 2 (M2), after six months of pandemic, in the second half of September/2020. All students from the medical internship and all doctors graduated since 2018 from the three medical schools in Sergipe-NE-Brazil were invited. Results: 335 forms were answered in April and 148 in September. In M1 88.9% considered themselves exposed to excess of information about COVID-19, which was associated with anxiety symptoms (p = 0.04). Long family physical distance was also associated with these symptoms, as increased appetite (p = 0.01), feeling shortness of breath (p = 0.003) and sweating (p = 0.007). Fear of acquire COVID-19 was reported as intense by almost half of participants, and of transmitting by 85.7% in M1. In M2 41.2% reported the death of friends or relatives. Psychiatric illness was described by 38.5% and psychotropic drugs use by 30.1% in M1, especially those who lived alone (p = 0.03) and the single ones (p = 0.01). Alcohol intake was reported by 54.3%, and among doctors graduated in 2020 it increased from 50% in M1 to 85% in M2 (p = 0.04). Conclusion: The pandemic had a negative impact on the mental health of medical students and newly graduated doctors. Exposure to excessive COVID-19 information and family physical distance were associated to anxiety symptoms. Among doctors graduated in 2020, alcohol intake increased during pandemic evolution.
Decline in Physical Restraint Use Following Implementation of Institutional Guidelines

OBJECTIVE To investigate the strategies implemented at our institution to reduce medical restraint use. BACKGROUND Restraints have been utilized to prevent agitation, self-extubations, and falls, although they are often associated with negative repercussions for nurses and patients. METHODS The restraint data at our institution were compared with the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI) benchmark. We also described the measures taken to improve restraint documentation. RESULTS The number of patients in medical restraints, medical restraint hours, medical restraints/patient-days, and deaths in restraints at our institution all significantly decreased (P < 0.00001). There were 27 self-extubations of restrained patients compared with 11 self-extubations of nonrestrained patients. The percentage of inpatients with restraints in critical care and step-down areas declined and remained below the NDNQI benchmark. CONCLUSIONS This study reports the processes implemented to reduce restraint use through enhanced communication and increased documentation. Further exploration into factors that may attain a restraint-free environment is warranted.
The epidemiology of mycosis fungoides in New Zealand

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Adherence to dietary guidelines and cognitive decline from middle age: the Doetinchem Cohort Study

ABSTRACT Background Diet, in particular the Mediterranean diet, has been associated with better cognitive function and less cognitive decline in older populations. Objectives To quantify associations of a healthy diet, defined by adherence to either the Mediterranean diet, the WHO guidelines, or Dutch Health Council dietary guidelines, with cognitive function and cognitive decline from middle age into old age. Methods From the Doetinchem Cohort Study, a large population-based longitudinal study, 3644 participants (51% females) aged 45–75 y at baseline, were included. Global cognitive function, memory, processing speed, and cognitive flexibility were assessed at 5-y time intervals up to 20-y follow-up. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was measured with the modified Mediterranean Diet Score (mMDS), adherence to the WHO dietary guidelines with the Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI), and adherence to the Dutch Health Council dietary guidelines 2015 with the modified Dutch Healthy Diet 2015 index (mDHD15-index). The scores on the dietary indices were classified in tertiles (low, medium, high adherence). Linear mixed models were used to model level and change in cognitive function by adherence to healthy diets. Results The highest tertiles of the mMDS, HDI, and mDHD15-index were associated with better cognitive function compared with the lowest tertiles (P values <0.01), for instance at age 65 y equal to being 2 y cognitively younger in global cognition. In addition, compared with the lowest tertiles, the highest tertiles of the mMDS, HDI, and mDHD15-index were statistically significantly associated with 6–7% slower global cognitive decline from age 55 to 75 y, but also slower decline in processing speed (for mMDS: 10%; 95% CI: 2, 18%; for mDHD15: 12%; 95% CI: 6, 21%) and cognitive flexibility (for mDHD15: 10%; 95% CI: 4, 18%). Conclusions Healthier dietary habits, determined by higher adherence to dietary guidelines, are associated with better cognitive function and slower cognitive decline with aging from middle age onwards.
Cognitive dysfunction and psychosis: expanding the phenotype of SPG7

ABSTRACT Spastic paraplegia type 7 (SPG7) is one of the most common forms of autosomal recessive hereditary spastic paraplegia, which can lead to a hybrid spastic-ataxic phenotype. Recently, novel complicated forms of SPG7, including cognitive and social impairment phenotypes, have been reported. We present a SPG7 case with two pathogenic variants in compound heterozygosity in the SPG7 gene, featuring a cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome with psychosis not yet described in the literature.
A Facile Solution Based Nickel Deposition Method for the Formation of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes

A novel chemical solution deposition approach is reported for the deposition of nickel catalyst, which is a required step for the growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). In this work, after catalyst coating, vertically aligned CNTs have been grown on the silicon oxide and silicon surfaces. The results were studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman and X-ray diffraction. This technique has a high selectivity over the size of the catalyst nanoparticles, which results in the simple controlling of the average diameter of grown CNTs in the range of 30 to 150 nm. In addition, this approach leads to a more conformal coating on the surface of the sample in comparison with traditional vacuum-based deposition techniques, enabling the growth of CNTs on highly rough surfaces. The proposed catalyst deposition technique is a fast, inexpensive and simple Nickel catalyst deposition method that can significantly facilitate the growth process of CNTs.