Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Suprascapular Nerve Block Is an Effective Pain Control Method in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Effective pain control in patients who have undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery improves functional recovery and early mobilization. Interscalene blocks (ISBs), a widely used approach, are safe and provide fast pain relief; however, they are associated with complications. Another pain management strategy is the use of a suprascapular nerve block (SSNB). Hypothesis: We hypothesized that indwelling SSNB catheters are a more effective pain control method than single-shot ISBs. We also hypothesized that indwelling SSNB catheters will reduce the level of rebound pain and the demand for opioid analgesics. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Included in this study were 93 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery between May 2012 and January 2019. These patients were assigned to either the indwelling SSNB catheter group, the single-shot ISB group, or the control (sham/placebo) group (31 patients per group). Level of pain was measured with a visual analog scale (VAS; 0 to 10 [worst pain]) on the day of the operation. The preoperative VAS score was recorded at 6 AM on the day of operation, and the postoperative scores were recorded at 1, 8, and 16 hours after surgery and then every 8 hours until postoperative day 3. Results: The VAS pain scores were lower in the SSNB and ISB groups than in the control group up to postoperative hour (POH) 8, with the most significant difference at POH 8. At POH 1 and POH 8, the mean VAS scores for each group were 2.29 and 1.74 (SSNB), 2.59 and 2.50 (ISB), and 3.42 and 4.48 (control), respectively. VAS scores in the SSNB and ISB groups were consistently <3, compared with a mean VAS score of 3.1 ± 1.58 in the control group (P < .001). Compared with the ISB group, the SSNB group had significantly fewer side effects such as rebound pain duration as well as lower VAS scores (P < .001). Conclusion: VAS scores were the lowest in the indwelling SSNB catheter group, with the most pronounced between-group difference in VAS scores at POH 8. Severity and recurring frequency of pain were lower in the indwelling SSNB catheter group than in the single-shot ISB group.
Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Postdischarge Patients With COVID-19 in Tehran, Iran: Protocol for a Prospective Cohort Study (Tele-COVID-19 Study)

Background COVID-19 was declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Given that the severe shortage of hospital beds has led to early discharge and insufficient patient education on home care routines and isolation protocols, the close follow-up of patients and their immediate relatives is an integral part of transitioning from hospital care to home care for patients with COVID-19. Objective We designed the Tele-COVID-19 prospective cohort to follow-up with COVID-19 patients in Tehran, Iran, and improve health care delivery and the recording of postdischarge patients’ clinical profiles. Methods All adult patients who were admitted to the COVID-19 wards of teaching hospitals in Tehran, Iran were eligible to participate in this cohort study. At baseline, patients were recruited from 4 major hospitals from March 9, 2020 to May 20, 2020. Telephone follow-ups, which were led by volunteer medical students, were conducted on postdischarge days 1-3, 5, 7, 10, and 14. We collected data on a range of sociodemographic, epidemiological, and clinical characteristics by using a standard questionnaire. Results Of the 950 patients with confirmed COVID-19 who were approached, 823 (response rate: 86.6%) consented and were enrolled into the cohort. Of the 823 participants, 449 (54.5%) were male. The mean age of participants was 50.1 years (SD 12.6 years). During the initial data collection phase, more than 5000 phone calls were made and over 577 reports of critical patients who were in need of urgent medical attention were recorded. Conclusions The Tele-COVID-19 cohort will provide patients with sufficient education on home care and isolation, and medical advice on care and the proper use of drugs. In addition, by preventing unnecessary hospital returns and providing information on household SARS-CoV-2 transmission as early as possible, this cohort will help with effective disease management in resource-limited settings. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/23316
Nanopatterning of diblock copolymer directed self-assembly lithography with wet development

Abstract. A method for using wet development in a directed self-assembly lithography (DSAL) application is reported. For the typical diblock copolymer poly(styrene-block-methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA), the PMMA area is removed by an oxygen plasma. However, the oxygen plasma has poor selectivity for the PS portion of the block polymer and etches it simultaneously. As a result, the thickness of the residual PS pattern is thinner than desired and creates a challenge for subsequent pattern transfer. A wet development technique is discussed which offers higher selectivity between the PMMA and PS blocks in the assembled pattern. Specifically, a method using a low pressure mercury lamp and conventional tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH, 2.38%) developer is proposed. Using this method, DSA pattern formation is completed in a single track having coating, baking, exposure, and development modules.
Positive Fecal Immunochemical Test Strongly Predicts Adenomas in Younger Adults With Fatty Liver and Metabolic Syndrome

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer is increasing. This study explored the feasibility of fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and risk factors for predicting colorectal neoplasm in younger adults. METHODS: This single-center study included 6,457 participants who underwent health examination from 2013 to 2016 including index colonoscopy (3,307 individuals aged 30–49 years as the younger adult group and 3,150 aged ≥50 years as the average-risk group). Primary outcomes were adenoma detection rate (ADR) and advanced ADR (AADR). Findings of younger participants were stratified by the results of FIT and clinical risk factors and were compared with those of the average-risk group. RESULTS: Among participants aged 30–49 years, a positive FIT was associated with significantly higher ADR (28.5% vs 15.5, P < 0.001) and AADR (14.5% vs 3.7%, P < 0.001) than a negative FIT. Moreover, a positive FIT was associated with higher AADR in younger participants than in average-risk counterparts (14.5% vs 9.8%, P = 0.028). Although no single risk factor predicted FIT positivity in younger participants, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was independently associated with higher ADR (odds ratio = 2.60, 95% confidence interval = 1.27–5.34, P = 0.001), and metabolic syndrome was independently predictive of higher AADR in younger participants than in average-risk participants (odds ratio = 3.46, 95% confidence interval = 1.66–7.21, P = 0.001). DISCUSSION: A positive FIT in people aged 30–49 years implies a higher risk of colorectal neoplasm, particularly among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome.
The Effect of 3-Month Growth Hormone Administration and 12-Month Follow-Up Duration among Heart Failure Patients Four Weeks after Myocardial Infarction: A Randomized Double-Blinded Clinical Trial

Background The probable impact of growth hormone (GH) as a heart failure (HF) treatment strategy is still less investigated. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the relation of 3-month GH prescription on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), interventricular septum (IVS), posterior left ventricle (LV) thickness, end systolic and end diastolic diameters (ESD and EDD), and pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) among Iranian individuals suffering from HF due to MI attack. Methods A total of 16 clinically stable participants with HF diagnosis and LVEF < 40% were selected for enrollment in this pilot randomized double-blinded study. They were randomly assigned equally to groups received 5 IU subcutaneous GH or placebo. Injections were done every other day for a total of 3-month duration. After termination of intervention and nine months afterwards, cardiac outcomes were assessed. Results Baseline and 12-month posttrial participants' characteristics were similar. LVEF was increased significantly by three months started from baseline in individuals receiving GH (32 ± 3.80% to 43.80 ± 4.60%, P = 0.002). During the next 9 months of follow-up concurrent with cessation of injections, LVEF was declined (43.80 ± 4.60% to 32.20 ± 6.97%, P = 0.008). LVEF and ESD were remarkably higher and lower in GH group compared with controls by the end date of injections (43.80 ± 4.60% vs. 33.14 ± 4.84%, P = 0.02 and 39.43 ± 3.45 mm vs. 33 ± 3.16 mm, P = 0.03, respectively). No other considerable association was found in terms of other predefined variables in neither GH nor placebo groups. Conclusions GH administration in HF patients was associated with increased LVEF function. Several randomized clinical trials are necessary proving this relation. This trial is registered with IRCT201704083035N1.
Underexpression of hsa-miR-449 family and their promoter hypermethylation in infertile men: A case-control study

Abstract Background Post-transcriptional microRNAs (miRNAs) have a impotrant pattern in the spermatogenesis process. Objective Study of the expression and methylation of hsa-miR-449 family in sperm samples of infertile men. Materials and Methods In this case-control study, we recruited 74 infertile men (with asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia, asthenoteratozoospermia, and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia) and 30 control samles. Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) method was used for methylation evaluation of hsa-miR-449 a, b, c promoter. By Real time PCR (qRT-PCR) method,we showed downregulation of hsa-miR-449 a, b, c in the sperm samples of infertile men and compared it to their fertile counterparts. Results There was significant underexperssion, in hsa-miR-449-b in oligoasthenoteratospermic samples (p = 0.0001, F = 2.9). About the methylation pattern, infertile men showed high frequency of methylation in the promoter of hsa-miR-449 a, b, c in comparison to controls (60.8% vs 23.3%), the highest amount of methylation was observed in oligoasthenoteratospermia samples (81.2%). Conclusion In this study, low expression and high methylation of hsa-miR-449-b were observed in infertile men in compared to control samples, which can be one of the causes of defective spermatogenesis.
Stability of Al-pillared saponites: evidence for disorganization during storage in air

Many studies on pillared clays are oriented towards producing catalysts for the high temperature conversion of heavy oil fractions into gasoline (Figueras, 1988; Occelli, 1988; Vaughan, 1988). Therefore, it is often considered desirable to obtain pillared clays that are stable in the rather harsh conditions of cracking units, especially during catalyst regeneration: typically 700°C under 100% H20 vapour. To obtain such thermal stability, a two-step preparation process is generally used consisting of intercalation of A1 polycations into the interlayer region by cation exchange followed by calcination to relatively high temperatures (500-700°C). The second part of the treatment is considered to stabilize the structure, leading to a chemical reaction between Al-containing pillars and the clay layers. Indeed, it has been proposed that the term “pillared clays” be reserved for materials obtained after this calcination step. During some recent work on the thermal stability of Al-pillared saponite, a tetrahedrally substituted clay (Chevalier et al. , 1991a,b), some apparent inconsistencies appeared which necessitated paying closer attention to the stability with time of both intercalated and pillared saponites stored in air. Some striking modifications of both surface area and X-ray diffractograms were evident over a period of a few months. The initial findings are reported here in spite of their incomplete nature, since to our knowledge such a phenomenon has not been clearly documented before.
Slow fracture model based on strained silicate structures

Slow crack growth data, molecular‐orbital calculations, and vibrational spectroscopy results are used to develop an atomistic model for environmentally controlled fracture of silica glass. The model is based on chemically active bond defects generated by the strain field of the crack tip. Molecular‐orbital results suggest that bond angle deformations are most effective in increasing the chemical activity of the Si–O–Si bond. Vibrational spectra identify silica polymorphs containing highly strained bonding configurations. A comparison of strained bond reactivity with crack growth results shows that strained silica polymorphs can be used to model the crack tip chemical reactions controlling slow fracture. Based on model complexes, a two‐dimensional fracture model involving kink site nucleation and motion is developed. The model shows that the stress intensity dependence of the crack growth rate is controlled by the energy required to form chemically active defects in the silica structure. The absolute rate .
Effects of Butanol Extract of Urtica dioica on MRSA: Structural Degeneration Study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity such as time-kill study of the butanol extract from Urtica dioica against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) using standard microbiological procedures. The effects of the butanol extract on MRSA cells was also studied by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the results showed that the butanol extract caused internal shrinkage of the cells and completely collapsed the cells after prolonged exposure to it. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) value was 16.67 mg/mL. The average log reduction in viable cell count in time-kill assay was > 4.5 log10 CFU/mL using 33.33 mg/mL (2MIC) for 48 h.The extract was bactericidal against MRSA at 2MIC from 44 h interaction period. However, the time-killed assay suggested that the butanol extract of U. dioica significantly inhibited the cell growth and possessed bactericidal activity at concentration.
Muscle hypertrophy response to resistance training in older women

We conducted a 12-wk resistance training program in elderly women [mean age 69 +/- 1.0 (SE) yr] to determine whether increases in muscle strength are associated with changes in cross-sectional fiber area of the vastus lateralis muscle. Twenty-seven healthy women were randomly assigned to either a control or exercise group. The program was satisfactorily completed and adequate biopsy material obtained from 6 controls and 13 exercisers. After initial testing of baseline maximal strength, exercisers began a training regimen consisting of seven exercises that stressed primary muscle groups of the lower extremities. No active intervention was prescribed for the controls. Increases in muscle strength of the exercising subjects were significant compared with baseline values (28-115%) in all muscle groups. No significant strength changes were observed in the controls. Cross-sectional area of type II muscle fibers significantly increased in the exercisers (20.1 +/- 6.8%, P = 0.02) compared with baseline. In contrast, no significant change in type II fiber area was observed in the controls. No significant changes in type I fiber area were found in either group. We conclude that a program of resistance exercise can be safely carried out by elderly women, such a program significantly increases muscle strength, and such gains are due, at least in part, to muscle hypertrophy.
Cryptocurrency Acceptance: A Case of Malaysia

Since the inception of the first cryptocurrency in 2008, cryptocurrency has been receiving global attention from the public, media, merchants and regulators. Although the general sentiment suggested cryptocurrencies which leverage on blockchain technology might eventually replace the paper currency as the mainstream currency, the Malaysian regulators are still unsure that a well-established cryptocurrency ecosystem can come into place anytime soon. Unfortunately, there is a lack of cryptocurrency acceptance study, particularly in Malaysia (developing country context). Hence, this paper aims to propose a research model that integrates cryptocurrency dimension antecedents with Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology2 (UTAUT2) constructs to examine the factors that influence cryptocurrency acceptance. This study employs a quantitative approach by collecting online survey questionnaire data through the means of cryptocurrency community group on social media. The survey instrument was reviewed by four experts from the field of blockchain and 36 responses have been gathered from individuals who have cryptocurrency knowledge for pilot study. To further evaluate the reliability and validity of the proposed measures, the measurement model was assessed using structural equation modeling (SEM) technique with partial least square approach (PLS). SmartPLS software was used for PLSSEM analyses. In this paper, the proposed research model contributes a high-level overview of and valuable insights into the potential cryptocurrency acceptance factors to regulatory bodies, practitioners as well as prospective cryptocurrency users. The findings of pilot study confirm that the measurement items and constructs in the proposed model are reliable and valid.
Radiative Impact of Ozone on Temperature Predictability in a Coupled Chemistry–Dynamics Data Assimilation System

Abstract The objective of this study is to investigate the impact on temperature forecast of using ozone analyses for the computation of heating rates in a three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3D-Var) system with a coupled model. The system is based on a tropospheric–stratospheric forecast model that includes a comprehensive stratospheric chemistry module for online resolution of the dynamical, radiative, and photochemical interactions. The system assimilates conventional observations as well as temperature and ozone measurements from the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) instrument. Several data assimilation cycles have been performed over the period August–October 2003 to produce a set of analyses that have been used for launching an ensemble of 10-day forecasts. Temperature and ozone forecasts have been compared with MIPAS and radiosonde observations in different regions. Results show that, in the absence of ozone assimilation, the impact of using a prognosti.
Novel Transcript Discovery Expands the Repertoire of Pathologically-Associated, Long Non-Coding RNAs in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) provide vital contractile force within blood vessel walls, yet can also propagate cardiovascular pathologies through proliferative and pro-inflammatory activities. Such phenotypes are driven, in part, by the diverse effects of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) on gene expression. However, lncRNA characterisation in VSMCs in pathological states is hampered by incomplete lncRNA representation in reference annotation. We aimed to improve lncRNA representation in such contexts by assembling non-reference transcripts in RNA sequencing datasets describing VSMCs stimulated in vitro with cytokines, growth factors, or mechanical stress, as well as those isolated from atherosclerotic plaques. All transcripts were then subjected to a rigorous lncRNA prediction pipeline. We substantially improved coverage of lncRNAs responding to pro-mitogenic stimuli, with non-reference lncRNAs contributing 21–32% for each dataset. We also demonstrate non-reference lncRNAs were biased towards enriched expression within VSMCs, and transcription from enhancer sites, suggesting particular relevance to VSMC processes, and the regulation of neighbouring protein-coding genes. Both VSMC-enriched and enhancer-transcribed lncRNAs were large components of lncRNAs responding to pathological stimuli, yet without novel transcript discovery 33–46% of these lncRNAs would remain hidden. Our comprehensive VSMC lncRNA repertoire allows proper prioritisation of candidates for characterisation and exemplifies a strategy to broaden our knowledge of lncRNA across a range of disease states.
Baseline urinalysis results in 32 healthy Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus).

OBJECTIVE To describe results of analysis of free-catch urine samples collected from Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) under human care in the Caribbean. ANIMALS 32 Antillean manatees in 5 Caribbean oceanaria and rescue centers. PROCEDURES Urine samples were obtained by opportunistic free catch during physical examination or through the use of operant conditioning procedures. Urinalyses consisted of macro- and microscopic evaluations, biochemical analyses with test strips, and refractometry. Results were compared for manatees grouped on the basis of age, sex, and habitat. RESULTS Urine samples were typically clear, straw colored, and alkaline (mean pH, 8.0); had a urinoid odor and low specific gravity (mean, 1.010); and had results on qualitative test strips that were consistently negative for the presence of glucose, bilirubin, ketones, proteins, nitrites, RBCs, and WBCs. Microscopically, the mean ± SD number of RBCs and WBCs/hpf was 0.5 ± 0.3 RBCs/hpf and 1.1 ± 1.5 WBCs/hpf. The presence of some epithelial cells and crystals was typical. Spermatozoa were found in urine from 1 of 15 sexually mature males, and parasite larvae and eggs were found in urine from 2 manatees. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results of the present study yielded the first compilation of baseline urinalysis values in healthy Antillean manatees under human care, which, when combined with physical examination and other diagnostic procedures, can help in monitoring the health of these animals. We encourage the use of free-catch urine collection methods, as used in the present study, for routine urinalyses of manatees under human care in zoos, aquaria, or rescue centers.