Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extremes of body mass index have significant impact on complications, readmissions, and utilization of post-acute services after primary total hip arthroplasty.

AIMS High body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased rates of complications in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), but less is known about its impact on cost. The effects of low BMI on outcomes and cost are less understood. This study evaluated the relationship between BMI, inpatient costs, complications, readmissions, and utilization of post-acute services. METHODS A retrospective database analysis of 40,913 primary THAs performed between January 2013 and December 2017 in 29 hospitals was conducted. Operating time, length of stay (LOS), complication rate, 30-day readmission rate, inpatient cost, and utilization of post-acute services were measured and compared in relation to patient BMI. RESULTS Mean operating time increased with BMI and for BMI > 50 kg/m2 was approximately twice that of BMI 10 kg/m2 to 15 kg/m2. Mean inpatient cost did not vary significantly with BMI. Mean total reimbursement was lowest for the lowest BMI cohort and increased with BMI. Mean LOS was greatest at the extremes of BMI (4.0 days for BMI 10 kg/m2 to 15 kg/m2; 3.75 days for BMI > 50 kg/m2) and twice that of normal BMI. Mean complication rates were greatest in the lowest BMI cohort (16% for BMI 10 kg/m2 to 15 kg/m2) and five times the mean rate of complications in the normal BMI cohorts. Furthermore, 30-day readmissions were greatest in the highest BMI cohort (10% for BMI > 50 kg/m2) and five times the rate for normal BMI patients. CONCLUSION LOS, complications, and 30-day readmissions all increase at the extremes of BMI and appear to be greater than those of patients with normal BMI. The lowest BMI patients had the lowest payment for inpatient stay yet were at considerable risk for complications and readmission. Patients with extreme BMI should be counselled about their increased risk of complications for THA and nutritional status/obesity optimized preoperatively if possible. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7 Supple B):62-70.
A Longitudinal Study on Multidimensional Resilience to Physical and Psychosocial Stress in Elderly Mexicans

Objectives: To identify trajectories of depression and daily disability in the context of serious falls and widowhood and to predict those trajectories before the events occurred. Methods: Longitudinal data were used from the Mexican Health and Aging Study. Trajectories were estimated using latent class growth analysis. Internal and socio-ecological resources were analyzed as predictors of the trajectories. Results: Unfavorable (worsening of symptoms and chronic high symptoms) and favorable (improvement of symptoms and stable low symptoms (resistance)) trajectories were identified. Favorable trajectories were more likely for daily disability. Persons who showed resistance in depression also tended to show resistance in daily disability. Net worth, cognition, and subjective well-being were early predictors for most trajectories. Discussion: Besides resistance, individuals rather show different co-occurring trajectories in the studied outcomes. While some factors could be identified that lead to favorable trajectories in both stressful contexts, the study also shows the necessity for context-specific research and praxis.
Primary Production of the Central Grassland Region of the United States

Aboveground net primary production of grasslands is strongly influenced by the amount and distribution of annual precipitation. Analysis of data collected at 9500 sites throughout the central United States confirmed the overwhelming importance of water availability as a control on production. The regional spatial pattern of production reflected the east-west gradient in annual precipitation. Lowest values of aboveground net primary production were observed in the west and highest values in the east. This spatial pattern was shifted eastward during unfavorable years and westward during favorable years. Vari- ability in production among years was maximum in northern New Mexico and southwestern Kansas and decreased towards the north and south. The regional pattern of production was largely accounted for by annual precipitation. Production at the site level was explained by annual precipitation, soil water-holding capacity, and an interaction term. Our results support the inverse texture hypothesis. When precipitation is 370 mm/yr.
An Updated Review of Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Plasma Lysophosphatidylcholines in the Vascular System

Lysophosphatidylcholines are a group of bioactive lipids heavily investigated in the context of inflammation and atherosclerosis development. While present in plasma during physiological conditions, their concentration can drastically increase in certain inflammatory states. Lysophosphatidylcholines are widely regarded as potent pro-inflammatory and deleterious mediators, but an increasing number of more recent studies show multiple beneficial properties under various pathological conditions. Many of the discrepancies in the published studies are due to the investigation of different species or mixtures of lysophatidylcholines and the use of supra-physiological concentrations in the absence of serum or other carrier proteins. Furthermore, interpretation of the results is complicated by the rapid metabolism of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) in cells and tissues to pro-inflammatory lysophosphatidic acid. Interestingly, most of the recent studies, in contrast to older studies, found lower LPC plasma levels associated with unfavorable disease outcomes. Being the most abundant lysophospholipid in plasma, it is of utmost importance to understand its physiological functions and shed light on the discordant literature connected to its research. LPCs should be recognized as important homeostatic mediators involved in all stages of vascular inflammation. In this review, we want to point out potential pro- and anti-inflammatory activities of lysophospholipids in the vascular system and highlight recent discoveries about the effect of lysophosphatidylcholines on immune cells at the endothelial vascular interface. We will also look at their potential clinical application as biomarkers.
Cadmium Is Associated with Type 2 Diabetes in a Superfund Site Lead Smelter Community in Dallas, Texas

Objective: To test the hypothesis that cadmium (Cd) exposure is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Materials and Methods: A two-phase health screening (physical examination and laboratory tests) was conducted in a lead smelter community following a Superfund Cleanup. Participants were African Americans aged >19 years to <89 years. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze T2DM regressed on blood Cd level and covariates: body mass index (BMI), heavy metals (Ar, Cd, Hg, Pb), duration of residence, age, smoking status, and sex. Results: Of 875 subjects environmentally exposed to Cd, 55 were occupationally exposed to by-products of lead smelting and 820 were community residents. In addition, 109 T2DM individuals lived in the community for an average of 21.0 years, and 766 non-T2DM individuals for 19.0 years. T2DM individuals (70.3%) were >50 years old. Blood Cd levels were higher among T2DM subjects (p < 0.006) compared to non-T2DM individuals. Logistic regression of T2DM status identified significant predictors: Cd level (OR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.14–2.99, p < 0.01), age >50 years (OR = 3.10; 95% CI: 1.91–5.02, p < 0.0001), and BMI (OR = 1.07; CI: 1.04–1.09, 0.0001). In meta-analysis of 12 prior studies and this one, T2DM risk was OR = 1.09 (95% CI: 1.03–1.15, p < 0.004) fixed effects and 1.22 (95% CI: 1.04–1.44, p < 0.02) random effects. Discussion: Chronic environmental Cd exposure was associated with T2DM in a smelter community, controlling for covariates. T2DM onset <50 years was significantly associated with Cd exposure, but >50 years was not. Meta-analysis suggests that Cd exposure is associated with a small, but significant increased risk for T2DM. Available data suggest Cd exposure is associated with an increased propensity to increased insulin resistance.
CRANIODENTAL FUNCTIONAL MORPHOLOGY AND TAXONOMY OF DERMOPTERANS

Abstract Craniodental form and function were evaluated in the 2 extant, parapatric species of dermopterans (Dermoptera: Cynocephalidae). The level of morphological distinction between the 2 taxa was such that were they known as fossils; most taxonomists would not contest their genus-level distinction as indicative of adaptive differentiation. In fact, these taxa exemplify the widely employed but implicit morphological distance-based standards used for delineating mammalian genera in the paleontological literature. Appropriate names for these 2 taxa are Cynocephalus volans for the Philippine flying lemur and Galeopterus variegatus for the heterogeneous populations of the Sundaic flying lemurs. Cynocephalus probably has a hypertrophied version of the ancestral cynocephalid molar complex and modified incisor and canine morphology. The hypertrophied metaconules of cynocephalids occlude with an expanded paracristid and a cusplike shelf, the distocuspid. Cynocephalus also has a broader rostrum, a greater degree of postorbital constriction, and enhanced ectocranial ridges associated with a more robust masticatory musculature than Galeopterus. Cynocephalus appears adapted to a diet that requires a greater degree of shearing by the anterior dentition and crushing by the molariform dentition. These anterior shearing teeth (I3, C1, P3, c1, p3) are larger and more bladelike than those of Galeopterus, and the bite force is more anteriorly directed. Angle of the mandible is ventrally expanded in Cynocephalus, facilitating enhanced chewing force for the postcanine dentition while maintaining orientation of the temporalis muscle. Dwarfed forms of Galeopterus are found on many of the smaller islands of the Sunda Shelf and in central Laos. They are not morphologically distinguishable from larger members of this species, other than in size, and do not warrant specific distinction. However, it may be desirable to designate 4 subspecies of G. variegatus: G. v. variegatus from Java, G. v. temminckii from Sumatra, G. v. borneanus from Borneo, and G. v. peninsulae from the Malay Peninsula and mainland Southeast Asia. Separate species rank for each of the dwarfed populations should not be recognized. Phylogenetic relationships of Dermoptera are discussed in light of the morphological differences of the 2 genera.
Enhancing global health communication during a crisis: lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE The understanding and practice of public health crisis communication are improved through the study of responses to past crises, but require retooling for present challenges. The 'Addressing Ebola and other outbreaks' checklist contains guiding principles built upon maxims developed from a World Health Organization consultation in response to the mad cow (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) crisis that were later adopted for Ebola. The purpose of this article is to adapt the checklist for the health communication challenges and public health practices that have emerged during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The communication challenges of promoting vaccine acceptance are used to illustrate a key area that requires strengthened communication. Type of program or service: Effective communication principles for application during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced unique challenges for public health practitioners and health communicators that warrant an expansion of existing health communication principles to take into consideration: the new infodemic (or mis/disinfodemic) challenge - particularly as treatments and vaccines are being developed; communication of risk and uncertainty; health-information behaviours and the instantaneous nature of social media, and the relationship between media literacy and health literacy; the effects of the pandemic on other health issues; and the need for a flexible communication strategy that adapts to the different stages of the pandemic. LESSONS LEARNT Principles discussed in this article will help build preparedness capacity and offer communication strategies for moving from the acute phase to the 'next normal' with likely prevention (e.g. herd immunity achieved through vaccination) and societal COVID-19 resilience.
Influence of access cavity design and use of operating microscope and ultrasonic troughing to detect middle mesial canals in mandibular first molars.

AIM To evaluate the influence of various endodontic access cavity designs and the use of an operating microscope (OM) with or without ultrasonic troughing to detect middle mesial canals (MMCs) in mandibular first molars METHODOLOGY: Sixty extracted mandibular first molars were first evaluated by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in order to detect the presence of MMCs and then divided into two groups (n=30) with an equal proportion of 1 molar with MMC for each 3 molars. A specific access cavity design was performed for each group, either a conservative access cavity (CAC) or a traditional access cavity (TAC). Root canals were detected in three assessment stages: (1) no magnification, (2) using an OM, and (3) using an OM together with ultrasonic troughing. Evaluations were performed on a mannequin head in an ergonomic working position. The confidence obtained in the assessment stages was portrayed by sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, calculated by the area under the ROC curve. The difference in the proportion of correct diagnoses in identifying the MMC using either CAC or TAC preparation, at each of the three stages, was checked using Cochran's Q tests. Binomial tests were performed at each stage to investigate whether there was a difference between the types of endodontic access designs to detect MMCs. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS Accuracy increased at each assessment stage. At the third stage, both groups provided perfect accuracy (1.00). Cochran's Q tests indicated that the confidence of MMC detection for both TAC and CAC groups (p < 0.05) increased significantly at each stage. Binomial tests demonstrated that there was no significant difference between the TAC and CAC groups, when evaluation was performed without magnification (p > 0.05), with OM (p > 0.05), or with OM associated with ultrasonic troughing (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION The access cavity design did not significantly affect detection of middle mesial canals in extracted mandibular first molars placed in a mannequin. However, the use of OM increased the accuracy of the MMC identification, especially when associated with ultrasonic troughing.
Nonlethal management of baboons on the urban edge of a large metropole

The transformation of natural land for agricultural and urban use has displaced baboons from large parts of their historical distribution. Abundant resources within transformed areas, however, continue to attract baboons back into these human‐dominated areas resulting in chronic levels of conflict throughout much of Africa. In the city of Cape Town, chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) have been raiding human‐derived foods for over 200 years. In the last 20 years, the management of this conflict has shifted from predominantly lethal to nonlethal methods. In this study, we assess the success of field rangers to deter baboons from urban areas and investigate whether such management affects the diet and activity patterns of baboons. We opportunistically sampled baboon behavior and movement when field rangers were temporarily absent from managed troops in 2008. We also compared the intensity of baboon management by comparing one troop on days when the field rangers aggressively herded the troop away from the urban edge versus passively monitored them in 2004/2005. Our results reveal that when field rangers were absent, the two troops spent 70% and 80% of their time within the urban edge compared to 3% and 19% when they were present. Both troops also consumed more human‐derived foods when field rangers were absent. There was no significant change in the activity budget or daily distance traveled for either troop with and without field rangers. The intensity of herding did have an impact on baboon activity and high levels of herding significantly reduced time spent feeding and increased time spent traveling, socializing, and resting. Habitat use and dietary composition did not differ between high‐ and low‐herding days. Our results suggest that field rangers are a successful nonlethal method for reducing spatial overlap between baboons and urban areas but that intensive, unsystematic herding of the troop does have measurable impacts on behavior and should be prevented.
Ultra‐widefield autofluorescence imaging findings in retinoschisis, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and combined retinoschisis retinal detachment

Retinoschisis (RS), rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and combined RS retinal detachment (RSRD) may resemble clinically and pose a diagnostic challenge. This study investigates the role of the fundus autofluorescence (AF) in differentiating RS, RRD and RSRD.
Tbe pholcid spiders of Costa Rica (Araneae: Pholcidae)

Recent studies on the pholcid fauna of Central America have elevated the number of known Costa Rican species from 11 to 28 in only two years. The present paper summarizes the scattered literature and adds two new species as well as three undescribed species, bringing the total number. to 33 species representing seven genera. An illustrated key is presented. An annotated list surnmarizes the information available about taxonomy, morphology and natural history of all known Costa Rican pholcids. The two new species·are Anopsicus tico n.sp. from the Central Valley, and Physocyclus guanacaste n.sp. from the Santa Rosa National Park, Guanacaste. The male of Metagonia hondura Huber, 1997 is described and illustrated for fue first time. Old pholcid records. from Costa Rica are discussed, and types of unsufficiently well described species are redescribed, including all previously known Costa Rican Anopsicus species (A. chiriqui Gertsch, 1982; A. concinnus Gertsch, 1982 ; A facetus Gertsch, 1 982; A. turrialba Gertsch, 1982) as well as Metagonia osa Gertsch, 1986 and M. selva Gertsch, 1986. New localities are given for twelv.e species; of these, four are new for Costa Rica: Anopsicus chiriqui Gertsch, 1982; ' Coryssocneinis' viridescens Kraus, 1955; Physocyclus globosus (TacZanowski, 1873); and Smeringopus pallidus (Blackwall, 1858). The genera Coryssocnemis Simon, 1893 and Smeringopus Simon, 1890 are new for Costa Rica. It is argued that carefully directed· collecting in certain areas and habitatS will probably lead to a further considerable increase in known species.
Effects of Feeding Prosopis juliflora Pods with and Without Exogenous Enzyme on Performance, Meat Quality and Health of Broiler Chickens

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the use of Prosopis juliflora pods as a partial replacement of corn as a source of energy for growing broiler chicken. The main objective of Experiment 1, an ileal digestibility assay, was to assess the nutritional value of Prosopis juliflora pods compared with corn for feeding broiler chicken. The two test ingredients, Prosopis juliflora pods and corn were given alone to determine apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and apparent ileal digestibility of crude fibre. Prosopis juliflora pods had significantly lower AME content (10.64 vs 15.26 MJ/kg) and lower apparent ileal digestibility coefficient for crude fibre (0.24 vs 0.63) than corn (p<0.001). The objective of Experiment 2, a growth study, was to test the effect of exogenous enzymes on the nutritive value of Prosopis juliflora pods. Three Prosopis juliflora pods contents (5, 10 and 15%) with and without enzyme supplementation were evaluated. Daily feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were measured. At the end of Experiment 2, 64 birds were randomly selected and slaughtered to evaluate carcase and meat quality characteristics. Substitution of corn by 10 and 15% Prosopis juliflora pods significantly depressed AME (p<0.001). Enzyme supplementation did not improve crude fibre digestibility. The inclusion of Prosopis juliflora pods in the diets, except at 5 % decreased average daily gains, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (p<0.001). Addition of Prosopis juliflora pods caused a significant increase in the weights of total digestive tract, pancreas and caecum (p<0.01). Addition of Prosopis juliflora pods or the exogenous enzyme had no significant effect on carcase or meat quality characteristics, haematology, serum biochemistry and sensory evaluation. This study indicated that Prosopis juliflora pods can be included at levels of 5% in broiler diets without affecting performance.
Characterization by Nano-Infrared Spectroscopy of Individual Aggregated Species of Amyloid Proteins

Amyloid fibrils are composed of aggregated peptides or proteins in a fibrillar structure with a higher β-sheet content than in their native structure. To characterize them, we used an innovative tool that coupled infrared spectroscopy with atomic force microscopy (AFM-IR). With this method, we show that we can detect different individual aggregated species from oligomers to fibrils and study their morphologies by AFM and their secondary structures based on their IR spectra. AFM-IR overcomes the weak spatial resolution of usual infrared spectroscopy and achieves a resolution of ten nanometers, the size of isolated fibrils. We characterized oligomers, amyloid fibrils of Aβ42 and fibrils of α-synuclein. To our surprise, we figured out that the nature of some surfaces (ZnSe) used to study the samples induces destructuring of amyloid samples, leading to amorphous aggregates. We strongly suggest taking this into consideration in future experiments with amyloid fibrils. More importantly, we demonstrate the advantages of AFM-IR, with a high spatial resolution (≤ 10 nm) allowing spectrum recording on individual aggregated supramolecular entities selected thanks to the AFM images or on thin layers of proteins.
Estrogen versus FSH Effects on Bone Metabolism: Evidence From Interventional Human Studies.

Provocative mouse studies and observational human data have generated considerable enthusiasm for modulating follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) action in humans to prevent bone loss and, in addition, to treat obesity. This perspective summarizes the strengths and potential weaknesses of the mouse studies examining the skeletal phenotype of FSHβ or FSH receptor null mice, as well as more recent studies using FSH neutralizing antibodies. Although human observational studies do demonstrate correlation of serum FSH levels with postmenopausal bone loss, these studies cannot distinguish whether serum FSH is simply a better biomarker than estradiol or causally related to the bone loss. Establishing causality requires direct interventional studies either suppressing or infusing FSH in humans and to date, such studies have uniformly failed to demonstrate an effect of FSH on bone turnover independent of changes in sex steroid levels. In addition, suppression of FSH is unable to prevent increases in body fat following the induction of sex steroid deficiency, at least in men. Thus, although the pre-clinical mouse and human observational data are intriguing, there is currently no direct evidence from interventional studies that FSH regulates bone or fat metabolism in vivo in humans.