Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors and Prognosis of Early Posttraumatic Seizures in Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

Importance Early posttraumatic seizures (EPS) that may occur following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are associated with poorer outcomes and development of posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE). Objective To evaluate risk factors for EPS, associated morbidity and mortality, and contribution to PTE. Design, Setting, and Participants Data were collected from an Australian registry-based cohort study of adults (age ≥18 years) with moderate to severe TBI from January 2005 to December 2019, with 2-year follow-up. The statewide trauma registry, conducted on an opt-out basis in Victoria (population 6.5 million), had 15 152 patients with moderate to severe TBI identified via Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) head severity score, with an opt-out rate less than 0.5% (opt-out n = 136). Main Outcomes and Measures EPS were identified via International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Australian Modification (ICD-10-AM) codes recorded after the acute admission. Outcome measures also included in-hospital metrics, 2-year outcomes including PTE, and post-discharge mortality. Adaptive least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to build a prediction model for risk factors of EPS. Results Among the 15 152 participants (10 457 [69%] male; median [IQR] age, 60 [35-79] y), 416 (2.7%) were identified with EPS, including 27 (0.2%) with status epilepticus. Significant risk factors on multivariable analysis for developing EPS were younger age, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, TBI sustained from a low fall, subdural hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, higher Injury Severity Score, and greater head injury severity, measured using the AIS and Glasgow Coma Score. After adjustment for confounders, EPS were associated with increased ICU admission and ICU length of stay, ventilation and duration, hospital length of stay, and discharge to inpatient rehabilitation rather than home, but not in-hospital mortality. Outcomes in TBI admission survivors at 24 months, including mortality (relative risk [RR] = 2.14; 95% CI, 1.32-3.46; P = .002), development of PTE (RR = 2.91; 95% CI, 2.22-3.81; P < .001), and use of antiseizure medications (RR = 2.44; 95% CI, 1.98-3.02; P < .001), were poorer for cases with EPS after adjustment for confounders. The prediction model for EPS had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.72 (95% CI, 0.66-0.79), sensitivity of 66%, and specificity of 73% in the validation set. Discussion We identified important risk factors for EPS following moderate to severe TBI. Early posttraumatic seizures were associated with longer ICU and hospital admissions, ICU ventilation, and poorer 24-month outcomes including mortality and development of PTE.
Development of design tool for statically equivalent deepwater mooring systems

Development of Design Tool for Statically Equivalent Deepwater Mooring Systems. (December 2008) Ikpoto Enefiok Udoh, B. Eng., University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Richard Mercier Verifying the design of floating structures adequately requires both numerical simulations and model testing, a combination of which is referred to as the hybrid method of design verification. The challenge in direct scaling of moorings for model tests is the depth and spatial limitations in wave basins. It is therefore important to design and build equivalent mooring systems to ensure that the static properties (global restoring forces and global stiffness) of the prototype floater are matched by those of the model in the wave basin prior to testing. A fit-for-purpose numerical tool called STAMOORSYS is developed in this research for the design of statically equivalent deepwater mooring systems. The elastic catenary equations are derived and applied with efficient algorithm to obtain local and global static equilibrium solutions. A unique design page in STAMOORSYS is used to manually optimize the system properties in search of a match in global restoring forces and global stiffness. Up to eight mooring lines can be used in analyses and all lines have the same properties. STAMOORSYS is validated for single-line mooring analysis using LINANL and Orcaflex, and for global mooring analysis using MOORANL and Orcaflex. A statically equivalent deepwater mooring system for a representative structure that could be tested in the Offshore Technology Research Center at Texas A&M University is then designed using STAMOORSYS and the results are discussed.
A nationwide survey of Italian Centers for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia on the provision of care for international migrants

More than 500,000 dementia cases can be estimated among migrants living in Europe. There is the need to collect “real world” data on the preparedness of healthcare services to support the inclusion of migrants in the public health response to dementia. The present study aimed (i) to estimate the number of migrants referred to Italian memory clinics (Centers for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia [CCDDs]) and (ii) to identify possible barriers and resources for the provision of diversity‐sensitive care.
Evaluation of the Effects of Transforming Growth Factor–Beta 3 (TGF-β3) Loaded Nanoparticles on Healing in a Rat Achilles Tendon Injury Model

Background: Achilles tendon (AT) midsubstance injuries may heal suboptimally, especially in athletes. Transforming growth factor–beta 3 (TGF-β3) shows promise because of its recently discovered tendinogenic effects. Using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA-b-PEG) nanoparticles (NPs) may enhance the results by a sustained-release effect. Hypothesis: The application of TGF-β3 will enhance AT midsubstance healing, and the NP form will achieve better outcomes. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 80 rats underwent unilateral AT transection and were divided into 4 groups: (1) control (C); (2) empty chitosan film (Ch); (3) chitosan film containing free TGF-β3 (ChT); and (4) chitosan film containing TGF-β3–loaded NPs (ChN). The animals were sacrificed at 3 and 6 weeks. Tendons were evaluated for morphology (length and cross-sectional area [CSA]), biomechanics (maximum load, stress, stiffness, and elastic modulus), histology, immunohistochemical quantification (types I and III collagen [COL1 and COL3]), and gene expression (COL1A1, COL3A1, scleraxis, and tenomodulin). Results: Morphologically, at 3 weeks, ChT (15 ± 2.7 mm) and ChN (15.6 ± 1.6 mm) were shorter than C (17.6 ± 1.8 mm) (P = .019 and = .004, respectively). At 6 weeks, the mean CSA of ChN (10.4 ± 1.9 mm2) was similar to that of intact tendons (6.4 ± 1.1 mm2) (P = .230), while the other groups were larger. Biomechanically, at 3 weeks, ChT (42.8 ± 4.9 N) had a higher maximum load than C (27 ± 9.1 N; P = .004) and Ch (29.2 ± 5.7 N; P = .005). At 6 weeks, ChN (26.9 ± 3.9 MPa) had similar maximum stress when compared with intact tendons (34.1 ± 7.8 MPa) (P = .121); the other groups were significantly lower. Histologically, at 6 weeks, the mean Movin score of ChN (4.5 ± 1.5) was lower than that of ChT (6.3 ± 1.8). Immunohistochemically, ChN had higher COL3 (1.469 ± 0.514) at 3 weeks and lower COL1 (1.129 ± 0.368) at 6 weeks. COL1A1 gene expression was higher in ChT and ChN at 3 weeks, but COL3A1 gene expression was higher in ChN. Conclusion: The application of TGF-β3 had a positive effect on AT midsubstance healing, and the sustained-release NP form improved the outcomes, more specifically accelerating the remodeling process. Clinical Relevance: This study demonstrated the effectiveness of TGF-β3 on tendon healing on a rat model, which is an important step toward clinical use. The novel method of using PLGA-b-PEG NPs as a drug-delivery system with sustained-release properties had promising results.
Social Networks May Shape Visually Impaired Older Adults’ Occupational Engagement: A Narrative Inquiry

Age-related vision loss (ARVL) has been shown to interfere with older adults’ occupational engagement. The primary purpose was to examine the role social networks play in facilitating/constraining engagement in desired occupations for older adults with ARVL. This study adopted a constructivist narrative methodology. Five older adults, ≥ 60 years of age with ARVL, participated in three virtual interviews, which were coded using thematic analysis. Three overarching themes were identified: (a) Diverse Social Networks Fulfill Different Occupational and Psychosocial Needs, (b) Retaining a Sense of Independence through Seeking Reciprocity in Social Relationships, and (c) Community Mobility and Technology Support as Essential for Preserving Social Relationships. Findings broaden understandings of how informal/formal social networks are involved in shaping visually-impaired older adults’ adaptation to ARVL and related occupational changes. Findings may help improve the quality and delivery of low-vision rehabilitation services to optimize their contribution to occupational engagement.
Melatonin prevents oocyte deterioration due to cotinine exposure in mice

Abstract Levels of cotinine, a major metabolite of nicotine, have been positively correlated with risks of cigarette smoking-related diseases. Melatonin is synthesized by the pineal gland and has been demonstrated to be beneficial to oocyte maturation due to its antioxidative activity. In this study, we investigated the effects of cotinine on mouse oocyte meiosis and the protective roles of melatonin in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that cotinine exposure caused defects in the first polar body extrusion and reduced parthenogenetic activation in in vitro-matured oocytes. Additionally, cotinine exposure increased the level of oxidative stress, which resulted in aberrant actin distribution, abnormal spindle morphology, chromosome misalignment, and even oocyte aneuploidy. Simultaneously, cotinine exposure decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential and antioxidant gene expression and increased apoptosis-related gene expression. However, all these toxic effects of cotinine could be reversed after the addition of melatonin, and the mechanism may be a decrease in reactive oxygen species production. In conclusion, cotinine causes poor oocyte quality, which could be rescued by melatonin supplementation during meiotic maturation in mouse oocytes. Summary Sentence Cotinine, the major metabolite of nicotine and a key component in cigarette smoke, causes poor oocyte quality, which could be rescued by melatonin supplementation during meiotic maturation in mouse oocytes. Graphical Abstract
The rapidair system for air void analysis of hardened concrete - A round robin study

The RapidAir is an automatic system for analyzing the air void content of hardened concrete. The analysis requires polishing of the concrete surface as described in ASTM C 457 as well as a contrast enhancement of the surface. The system can automatically analyse the air void system according to ASTM C 457, procedure A, linear traverse method and EN 480-11 standards. The sample preparation includes contrast enhancement steps ensuring white air voids in black concrete (aggregate and paste). For a well-lapped sample of good quality concrete the contrast enhancement procedure requires approximately 5-10 minutes to perform. The air content can be analyzed in less than 15 minutes traversing 2413mm (95 inch) – a significant improvement compared to several hours normally required to perform a manual linear traverse analysis. This paper describes the method and technique required for automatic analysis using the RapidAir system as well as data from a Round Robin study. Three samples were circulated to 7 different laboratories for automatic air void analysis. Prior to the automatic analysis the samples were analyzed manually using linear traverse and point counting methods. The results of the Round Robin study showed very good repeatability and reproducibility of the RapidAir system but large variations when using manually performed analysis.
Association of Radiographic Markers of Hip Instability and Worse Outcomes 2 to 4 Years After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement in Female Patients

Background: Reported outcomes of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) with underlying borderline acetabular dysplasia are mixed. This may in part be the result of mixed-sex reporting. Purpose: To determine the effect of radiographic measures of acetabular dysplasia and hip instability on outcomes of female patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This was a retrospective study of female patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery for FAI. All patients had preoperative radiographs including a standing anteroposterior pelvic view on which lateral center-edge angle (LCEA), anterior wall index (AWI), posterior wall index (PWI), and femoroepiphyseal acetabular roof (FEAR) index were measured. Patient outcomes were quantified by preoperative and postoperative 12-Item International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12) scores. All patients had follow-up at 2 to 4 years postoperatively. Published values for minimal clinically important difference (MCID), substantial clinical benefit (SCB), Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS), and a normal (iHOT-12 > 86 points) or abnormal (iHOT-12 < 56 points) hip were used to determine outcome, as well as the final iHOT-12 score and iHOT-12 preoperative to postoperative difference. Results: The cohort consisted of 249 female patients (83% follow-up) with iHOT-12 scores at 2 to 4 years after surgery (mean, 34.6 months). Female patients with combined LCEA ≤25° and AWI <0.35 had lower final iHOT-12 score and iHOT-12 difference and were less likely to meet MCID, SCB, and PASS and have a normal hip and were more likely to have an abnormal hip as determined by iHOT-12 cutoffs when compared with those patients who had an LCEA >25° and an AWI ≥0.35 (all P < .05). There was no effect of PWI on outcomes. Similarly, female patients with combined LCEA ≤25° and a laterally oriented (positive) FEAR index were less likely to meet MCID, SCB, and PASS and have a normal hip and were more likely to have an abnormal hip compared with those patients who had an LCEA >25° and a negative (medial) FEAR index (all P < .05). In multivariate regression, an LCEA between 18° and 25° was an independent predictor of worse outcomes. Conclusion: An LCEA of 18° to 25°, in combination with an AWI of <0.35 or a laterally opening FEAR index, was predictive of worse outcomes in female patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI.
Monocyte to high‐density lipoprotein ratio at hospital admission predicts intrahospital mortality in patients with Stanford type‐A dissection

Immune inflammatory mechanisms have crucial roles not only in the presence but also in the progression of aortic dissection (AD). Monocyte count to high‐density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) has recently emerged as an indicator of inflammation and oxidative stress. Thus, we aimed to examine the prognostic value of MHR in patients with AD.
Characterization of alpha-1-acid glycoprotein as a potential biomarker for breast cancer

ABSTRACT Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that poses a serious threat to the health of women worldwide. The early diagnosis of patients with cancer or those at high risk remains difficult, which makes treatment challenging. Therefore, the study of diagnostic biomarkers for early detection of cancer is very important. AGP biomarkers are expected to be potential biomarkers for early detection of breast cancer. This study aimed to explore the potential of alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) as a biomarker for the diagnosis of breast cancer. The results revealed that the expression of AGP was high in breast cancer cells and tissues and was higher at stage IV than at stages III and II. Knockdown of ORM1, which encodes AGP, in MCF-7 cells suppressed the production of the inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α. These results suggest that AGP can serve as a therapeutic target and/or diagnostic marker for breast cancer. Overall, we found that AGP can serve as a biomarker for breast cancer and inhibit secretion of related pro-inflammatory facto by blocking ORM1 expression. Graphical Abstract
Combined blue light and daily thermocycles enhance zebrafish growth and development

Abstract In the wild, the light/temperature environment cyclically oscillates insofar as the temperature rises after dawn and drops after dusk. In the underwater photo‐environment, light is filtered through the water column so that blue photons reach greater depths. This paper investigates the combined effects of both factors with two temperature regimes (constant temperature = 26°C, CTE vs. daily thermocycle = 28°C day:24°C night, TC) and three light wavelengths (white‐W, blue‐B, red‐R) on Danio rerio embryos and larvae from fertilization to 30 days post‐fertilization (dpf). It studied hatching rate, larval survival, growth, and food intake (gut content). It analyzed the expression of the genes involved in stress (crh), somatic growth (gh, ifg1a, igf2a), and food intake control (npy, agrp, ghrelin, orexin, mch1, mch2, grp, cck8) at 10 and 30 dpf. The results revealed that the lowest hatching rate was in R regardless of the temperature regime. The highest growth rate was for the larvae reared with B + TC, which was consistent with the highest expression values of the growth factors. The highest feeding and expression levels of the genes involved in food intake were for the larvae in B (regardless of the temperature regime) and W + TC. Conversely, the R + CTE combination obtained the worst growth and feeding results. These findings indicate that the best larval performance can be achieved with combinations of blue wavelengths and cyclic temperature regimes that come closer to those in the natural environment. These results should be considered when optimizing rearing protocols to improve the growth and welfare of the fish larvae.
Population differentiation and structural variation in the Manduca sexta genome across the United States

Abstract Many species that are extensively studied in the laboratory are less well characterized in their natural habitat, and laboratory strains represent only a small fraction of the variation in a species’ genome. Here we investigate genomic variation in 3 natural North American populations of an agricultural pest and a model insect for many scientific disciplines, the tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta). We show that hornworms from Arizona, Kansas, and North Carolina are genetically distinct, with Arizona being particularly differentiated from the other 2 populations using Illumina whole-genome resequencing. Peaks of differentiation exist across the genome, but here, we focus in on the most striking regions. In particular, we identify 2 likely segregating inversions found in the Arizona population. One inversion on the Z chromosome may enhance adaptive evolution of the sex chromosome. The larger, 8 Mb inversion on chromosome 12 contains a pseudogene which may be involved in the exploitation of a novel hostplant in Arizona, but functional genetic assays will be required to support this hypothesis. Nevertheless, our results reveal undiscovered natural variation and provide useful genomic data for both pest management and evolutionary genetics of this insect species.
Prevalence and factors associated with burnout among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Togo, June 2021

Abstract COVID-19 pandemic is responsible for increased demand for care and patient mortality, resulting in emotional and physical stress for healthcare workers (HCWs). We aimed to estimate the prevalence of burnout and its associated factors among HCWs in Togo during the pandemic. We conducted an online cross-sectional study from June 14 to 29, 2021 targeting HCWs in Togo. The variable of interest was burnout measured by the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Of the 523 participants, the overall burnout prevalence was 53.5% (95% CI= 49.2 − 57.9). The prevalence by burnout dimension was respectively 39.4%, 38.4% and 22.1% for personal, work-related and patient-related burnout. Our results suggest that occupational health teams should engage in the prevention, screening, and management of burnout among HCWs.
The Effectiveness of Case-management Rehabilitation Intervention in Facilitating Return to Work and Maintenance of Employment After Myocardial Infarction: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective To study the long-term effectiveness of case-management rehabilitation intervention on vocational reintegration of patients after myocardial infarction (MI). Design Blinded simple randomization was used to construct an intervention and control groups that were followed up for two years. Subjects and setting 151 patients, aged 50.3 ± 5.9 years, who experienced uncomplicated MI and were enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program were recruited. Interventions included an early referral to an occupational physician, tailoring an occupational rehabilitation program, based on individual patient needs, coordination with relevant parties, psychosocial intervention, intensive follow-up sessions during a two-year follow-up. Main measures Return to work within six months of hospitalization and maintenance of employment at one and two years of follow-up. Results Return-to-work (RTW) rate in the intervention group was 89% and nearly all maintained employment at one year of follow-up (92%) and two years of follow-up (87%). Moreover, almost all of them returned to and maintained their previous jobs. The corresponding figures were: 98%, 94% and 98%, respectively. The figures for the RTW and employment maintenance for the control group were: 74%, 75%, and 72%, respectively. Only about 75%, in this group kept their previous job. The case-management intervention was associated with increased odds of maintaining employment at follow-up of one year (OR = 5.89, 95% CI 1.42–24.30) and two years (OR = 3.12, 95% CI 1.01–10.03). Conclusions The extended case-management rehabilitation intervention had a substantial positive impact on both the RTW of MI patients and their maintenance of employment at one and two years of follow-up. Trial Registration This trial is registered at US National Institutes of Health #NCT04934735.
Artificial intelligence trained with integration of multiparametric MR‐US imaging data and fusion biopsy trajectory‐proven pathology data for 3D prediction of prostate cancer: A proof‐of‐concept study

We aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm that predicts the volume and location of clinically significant cancer (CSCa) using convolutional neural network (CNN) trained with integration of multiparametric MR‐US image data and MRI‐US fusion prostate biopsy (MRI‐US PBx) trajectory‐proven pathology data.