Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using healthcare-seeking behaviour to estimate the number of Nipah outbreaks missed by hospital-based surveillance in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND Understanding the true burden of emergent diseases is critical for assessing public-health impact. However, surveillance often relies on hospital systems that only capture a minority of cases. We use the example of Nipah-virus infection in Bangladesh, which has a high case-fatality ratio and frequent person-to-person transmission, to demonstrate how healthcare-seeking data can estimate true burden. METHODS We fit logistic-regression models to data from a population-based, healthcare-seeking study of encephalitis cases to characterize the impact of distance and mortality on attending one of three surveillance hospital sites. The resulting estimates of detection probabilities, as a function of distance and outcome, are applied to all observed Nipah outbreaks between 2007 and 2014 to estimate the true burden. RESULTS The probability of attending a surveillance hospital fell from 82% for people with fatal encephalitis living 10 km away from a surveillance hospital to 54% at 50 km away. The odds of attending a surveillance hospital are 3.2 (95% confidence interval: 1.6, 6.6) times greater for patients who eventually died (i.e. who were more severely ill) compared with those who survived. Using these probabilities, we estimated that 119 Nipah outbreaks (95% confidence interval: 103, 140)-an average of 15 outbreaks per Nipah season-occurred during 2007-14; 62 (52%) were detected. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest hospital-based surveillance missed nearly half of all Nipah outbreaks. This analytical method allowed us to estimate the underlying burden of disease, which is important for emerging diseases where healthcare access may be limited.
Evaluation of the influence of compaction energy on the resilient behavior of lateritic soil in the field and laboratory

This article presents the study of the resilient behavior of three soil horizons from a deposit of lateritic soil employed in a pavement structure in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The use of lateritic soils in pavement layers is a common practice in Brazil and due to its peculiarities, its behavior must be investigated. The methodology consisted of physical and chemical characterization and resilient modulus determination. Samples from the three horizons, compacted at standard, intermediate and modified energy, were analyzed. In addition, undisturbed samples extracted from the interior and top layer of the embankment were submitted to repeated load triaxial tests for resilient modulus determination. The results indicated that the soil exhibit good behavior for pavement subgrade applications, perhaps as subbase or base course layers. The compound and universal models yielded the best correlation coefficients. Furthermore, the results showed that as the compaction energy increased, the resilient modulus also increased, as long as they are within the optimum water content and compaction degree limit. However, when subjected to immersion in water for four days, the resilient behavior decreased about 73% in relation to unsaturated samples.
Association between a single measurement of progesterone and cortisol blood concentrations at two to one week before parturition, and number of fetuses in the Teramana goat

The Teramana goat is an at-risk breed, needing population protection and programs to increase their numbers. The first step for a population increase is the best management of reproduction, leading to an as high as possible number of healthy and viable kids born. To this purpose, beside the optimization of mating, the best possible management of pregnancy and parturition is mandatory. The goat is a prolific farm animal in which single, double, or triple ovulations can occur, leading to singleton, twin or triple pregnancies, and the birth of multiple kids. Twins and triplets are associated to increased risk for perinatal mortality and need a special surveillance and possible assistance at birth. Knowledge of the number of fetuses that have to be delivered from each goat could be a practical tool for a better management of parturition. Among the methods to define the number of fetuses in the goat, the measurement of blood progesterone (P4) concentrations have provided inconsistent results. Therefore, the present study was aimed to assess the possible association between the maternal concentrations of plasma P4 and cortisol (C), two hormones possibly associated to the number of fetuses, measured only once at about two to one week before parturition in Teramana goats, and the number of fetuses. The results, obtained from 23 does, showed that both plasma P4 and C are higher in does bearing multiple fetuses than does with singleton pregnancies. However, the single measurement of plasma C, but not P4, two to one week before the expected parturition in the Teramana goat is useful to distinguish between does bearing singleton and triplet pregnancies for a better surveillance and assistance at delivery. Therefore, it could represent a tool for the best management of reproduction in a breed population at risk for extinction.
Multi‐Scale Loading and Damage Mechanisms of Plantaris and Rat Tail Tendons

Tendinopathy, degeneration of the tendon that leads to pain and dysfunction, is common in both sports and occupational settings, but multi‐scale mechanisms for tendinopathy are still unknown. We recently showed that micro‐scale sliding (shear) is responsible for both load transfer and damage mechanisms in the rat tail tendon; however, the rat tail tendon is a specialized non‐load‐bearing tendon, and thus the load transfer and damage mechanisms are still unknown for load‐bearing tendons. The objective of this study was to investigate the load transfer and damage mechanisms of load‐bearing tendons using the rat plantaris tendon. We demonstrated that micro‐scale sliding is a key component for both mechanisms in the plantaris tendon, similar to the tail tendon. Namely, the micro‐scale sliding was correlated with applied strain, demonstrating that load was transferred via micro‐scale sliding in the plantaris and tail tendons. In addition, while the micro‐scale strain fully recovered, the micro‐scale sliding was non‐recoverable and strain‐dependent, and correlated with tissue‐scale mechanical parameters. When the applied strain was normalized, the % magnitudes of non‐recoverable sliding was similar between the plantaris and tail tendons. Statement of clinical significance: Understanding the mechanisms responsible for the pathogenesis and progression of tendinopathy can improve prevention and rehabilitation strategies and guide therapies and the design of engineered constructs. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1827–1837, 2019
Employment in Knowledge-Intensive Activities in European Countries: Gender Perspective

In the modern economy of the 21st century, knowledge and information play the main role in achieving a competitive advantage in the global market. Knowledge-intensive activities (KIAs) present a set of activities that enhance innovation processes that influence on quality and efficiency of the different business functions. In this paper, the authors examine employment in knowledge-intensive services for the year 2017 for selected European countries. The goal of the paper is to investigate differences among employees in total knowledge-intensive activities in European countries regarding gender. Cluster analysis was conducted to identify homogenous groups of selected variables regarding the percentage of total employment in knowledge-intensive activities. Research results showed that the percentage of total employment in general in total knowledge-intensive activities is higher than in business activities, especially for female compared to male. Besides, cluster analysis results showed that developed countries are leaders in KIAs compared to developing countries.
Effect of 1.5% sodium hydroxide final concentration on recovery rate of Mycobacterial Species and decontamination of other Bacterial and Fungal contaminants on sputum.

Background Digestion and decontamination of non-sterile clinical specimens such as sputum are an essential step in the isolation of mycobacteria. Masking of mycobacteria in Mycobacterial growth indicator tube (MGIT) 960 liquid culture system by fungi and bacteria other than mycobacteria is a major problem. Objective To assess the effect of 1.5% sodium hydroxide final concentration on recovery rate of mycobacterial species and decontamination of other bacterial and fungal contaminants from sputum sample. Methodology Laboratory based cross sectional study with convenient sampling technique was carried out on subjects referred to the National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory of Ethiopian Public Health Institute from November 2015 to February 2016. Single morning sputum was collected from each patient and analyzed. Results A total of 264 subjects were enrolled in the study. The mean age of participant was 31 (SD 20.14 - 41.42) years old. The majority (61%) were male. Increasing the final concentration of NaOH from 1% to 1.5% reduced the contamination rate from 22.4% to 6.8% (P<0.001) without affecting mycobacterial recovery (P=1.00). A total of 26 different species of microbial contaminants were identified as being associated with BACTEC MGIT 960 culture system. Conclusion Results presented in this study demonstrated that the use of a final concentration of 1.5% NaOH with NALC method aids in reducing culture contamination rate for decontaminating sputum samples referred for tuberculosis culture diagnosis. Among the identified microbial contaminants, the most predominant was coagulase negative Staphylococcus species.
Surgical management of type II superior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) lesions: a review of outcomes and prognostic indicators

ABSTRACT A Type II SLAP (superior labrum anterior posterior) lesion is a tear of the superior glenoid labrum with involvement of the long head of the biceps tendon insertion. In patients that do not improve with conservative treatment, there is a great deal of variability in the surgical management of these injuries that includes arthroscopic SLAP repair, arthroscopic SLAP repair with biceps tenodesis, biceps tenodesis alone and biceps tenotomy. Each surgical technique has specific effects on a patient’s postoperative course and functional recovery. Rehabilitation strategies may be best formulated on an individual basis with an open line of communication between the operating surgeon and the physical therapist. Despite an increased incidence in treatment, there is currently no consensus on the optimal surgical procedure or treatment algorithm for Type II SLAP injuries. However, in middle-aged or older patients (>35) with Type II SLAP tears, either arthroscopic suprapectoral or mini-open subpectoral biceps tenodesis is recommended due to the higher failure rates observed with arthroscopic SLAP repair in this patient group. Although more patients present with a ‘Popeye’ sign after biceps tenotomy, long-term functional outcome is similar between biceps tenodesis compared to tenotomy. However, more patients will experience biceps fatigue or cramping after the tenotomy procedure. Biceps tenodesis is preferred in younger, more active patients, while tenotomy is preferred in the middle-aged or older and lower demand patients. The aim of this paper is to provide a brief description of the different surgical techniques employed to address Type II SLAP lesions (arthroscopic repair, biceps tenodesis, and biceps tenotomy) and provide a review of available literature regarding outcomes and prognostic factors associated with each technique.
Trauma and Adolescents Who Engage in Sexually Abusive Behavior: A Review of the Literature

ABSTRACT While recent research has established the abuse and victimization histories of youth who engage in sexually abusive behavior, there is still debate regarding the significance of trauma and abuse as developmental antecedents to sexual offending in adolescence. Moreover, research has not conclusively identified the types, context, and timing of adverse experiences that act as catalysts for subsequent sexual perpetration. The present comprehensive literature review has one primary aim: Explore the adverse childhood experiences of youth who engage in sexually abusive behavior, considering whether trauma may be a consistent developmental antecedent to offending. Search method, inclusion criteria, and screening protocol are described, and the articles included in the review (N = 13) are qualitatively analyzed using thematic coding. Findings indicate that traumatic experiences and symptoms may be of developmental and etiological significance for subsequent sexually abusive behavior in adolescence. Implications for research, treatment, and policy are discussed, with the hope the findings will act as impetus to develop and deliver targeted treatment and prevention programs to sexually abusive youth who have histories of victimization.
Bone Microarchitecture and Distal Radius Fracture Pattern Complexity

Distal radius fractures (DRFs) occur in various complexity patterns among patients differing in age, gender, and bone mineral density (BMD). Our aim was to investigate the association of patient characteristics, BMD, bone microarchitecture, and bone strength with the pattern complexity of DRFs. In this study, 251 patients aged 50–90 years with a radiologically confirmed DRF who attended the Fracture Liaison Service of VieCuri Medical Centre, the Netherlands, between November 2013 and June 2016 were included. In all patients fracture risk factors and underling metabolic disorders were evaluated and BMD measurement with vertebral fractures assessment by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry was performed. Radiographs of all DRFs were reviewed by two independent investigators to assess fracture pattern complexity according to the AO/OTA classification in extra‐articular (A), partially articular (B), and complete articular (C) fractures. For this study, patients with A and C fractures were compared. Seventy‐one patients were additionally assessed by high‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Compared to group A, mean age, the proportion of males, and current smokers were higher in group C, but BMD and prevalent vertebral fractures were not different. In univariate analyses, age, male gender, trabecular area, volumetric BMD (vBMD), and stiffness were associated with type C fractures. In multivariate analyses, only male gender (odds ratio (OR) 8.48 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.75–41.18, p = 0.008]) and age (OR 1.11 [95% CI 1.03–1.19, p = 0.007]) were significantly associated with DRF pattern complexity. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that age and gender, but not body mass index, BMD, bone microarchitecture, or strength were associated with pattern complexity of DRFs. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1690–1697, 2019
Rapid plant evolution driven by the interaction of pollination and herbivory

Adaptation by way of compromise Many plants rely on animal pollinators to spread pollen and increase the genetic diversity of their offspring. However, there are trade-offs, because attracting pollinators may also attract herbivores and deterring predation may diminish floral displays. Ramos and Schiestl studied the interplay between mating system, flowers, and chemical defenses over several generations in Brassica rapa plants (see the Perspective by Ågren). Evolution driven by pollination and herbivory can be observed after only eight generations, suggesting that trade-offs have large evolutionary consequences. Science, this issue p. 193; see also p. 122 Despite pollinator selection for attractive flowers, herbivores compromise attractiveness and increase self-pollination. Pollination and herbivory are both key drivers of plant diversity but are traditionally studied in isolation from each other. We investigated real-time evolutionary changes in plant traits over six generations by using fast-cycling Brassica rapa plants and manipulating the presence and absence of bumble bee pollinators and leaf herbivores. We found that plants under selection by bee pollinators evolved increased floral attractiveness, but this process was compromised by the presence of herbivores. Plants under selection from both bee pollinators and herbivores evolved higher degrees of self-compatibility and autonomous selfing, as well as reduced spatial separation of sexual organs (herkogamy). Overall, the evolution of most traits was affected by the interaction of bee pollination and herbivory, emphasizing the importance of the cross-talk between both types of interactions for plant evolution.
Exhaled Volatile Organic Compounds are Able to Discriminate between Neutrophilic and Eosinophilic Asthma.

RATIONALE Analysis of exhaled breath for asthma phenotyping using endogenously generated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) offers the possibility of noninvasive diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring. Induced sputum is indeed not widely available and markers of neutrophilic asthma are still lacking. METHODS We conducted a prospective study on 521 asthmatics recruited from the University Asthma Clinic of Liege. Patient underwent VOC measurement, fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) spirometry, sputum induction and gave a blood sample. Asthmatics were classified in three inflammatory phenotypes according to their sputum granulocytic cell count. RESULTS In the discovery study, seven potential biomarkers were highlighted by GC-MS in a training cohort of 276 asthmatics. In the replication study (n=245), we confirmed 4 VOCs of interest to discriminate between asthma inflammatory phenotypes using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-HRTOFMS). Hexane and 2-hexanone were identified as compounds with the highest classification performance in eosinophilic asthma with accuracy comparable to the one of blood eosinophils and FeNO. Moreover the combination of FeNO, blood eosinophils and VOCs gave a very good prediction of eosinophilic asthma (AUROC: 0.9). For neutrophilic asthma, the combination of nonanal, 1-propanol and hexane had a classification performance similar to FeNO or blood eosinophils in eosinophilic asthma. Those compounds were found in higher levels in neutrophilic asthma. CONCLUSION Our study is the first attempt to characterize VOCs according to sputum granulocytic profile in a large population of asthmatics and provide surrogate markers for neutrophilic asthma.
Neurofilament light chain levels in pregnant multiple sclerosis patients: a prospective cohort study

Neurofilament light chain is a cytoskeletal protein of neurons. Its levels are increasingly recognized as measures of neuroaxonal damage. The aim of this study was to explore serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and healthy controls during pregnancy and puerperium.
Moving beyond living arrangements: the role of family and friendship ties in promoting mental health for urban and rural older adults in China

Abstract Objective: This study examines the interplay among living arrangements, social networks, and depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults. Methods: Data are derived from the 2014 baseline survey of the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS), which provides a sample of older Chinese who had been married and had children (N = 7,662). This study examines the association between living arrangements and depressive symptoms (measured as CES-D scale, 0–18) of older adults, and addresses the moderating role of social networks (measured as family ties and friendship ties, 0–15) on this perceived association. Results: Our results show that older adults who live both with a spouse and adult children report superior mental health than those living alone (β = 1.240, p < 0.001), but no differences are seen from those living only with a spouse or children. Older adults living alone in rural areas are also more disadvantaged in comparison to those living alone in urban places (β = 0.535, p < 0.05). However, we find that the undesirable consequences associated with depression of older adults living alone can be reduced or even eliminated when older adults have strong friendship ties in rural China (β = −0.145, p < 0.01). We also find that for rural older adults living only with children, their mental health is highly contingent on their family ties, that is, they are extremely disadvantaged when having weak family ties, but benefit most significantly from strong family ties (β = −0.137, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Associations between living arrangements and mental health in later life are contingent on older adults’ social networks, and these moderating effects vary between rural and urban China.
Naltrexone alters responses to social and physical warmth: implications for social bonding

Abstract Socially warm experiences, when one feels connected to others, have been linked with physical warmth. Opioids, hypothesized to support social bonding with close others and, separately, physical warmth, may underlie both experiences. In order to test this hypothesis, 80 participants were randomly assigned to the opioid antagonist, naltrexone or placebo before neural and emotional responses to social and physical warmth were collected. Social and physical warmth led to similar increases in ventral striatum (VS) and middle-insula (MI) activity. Further, feelings of social connection were positively related to neural activity to social warmth. However, naltrexone (vs placebo) disrupted these effects by (i) reducing VS and MI activity to social and physical warmth, (ii) erasing the subjective experience–brain association to social warmth and (iii) disrupting the neural overlap between social and physical warmth. Results provide additional support for the theory that social and physical warmth share neurobiological, opioid receptor-dependent mechanisms and suggest multiple routes by which social connections may be maintained.
The Danish Scale for visual rating of massive weight loss body contours. Conceptualization and construct.

Abstract The ‘Danish Scale’ (DS) is a visual rating scale of massive weight loss body contour deformities and excessive skin in female MWL-patients with current BMI < 30 kg/m2 and massive weight loss defined as BMI loss (delta-BMI) > 15 kg/m2, regardless of weight loss method. The scope of the scale is to simplify the reporting of objective findings by a three-step grading of minor, moderate and severe body contour changes in six different body regions: breasts, abdomen, upper back, buttocks, arms and legs. The DS is presented with descriptions of the conceptualization and construct of the scale. It provides a new visual reference tool for indications and preoperative planning in MWL body contouring, that is specific for the post-MWL BMI-range between 21 and 30 kg/m2 and, at the same time, simpler than previous scales. The scale combines evaluations of different and adjacent body regions in a simple manner and presents modern cut-off points for health insurance reimbursement for MWL body contouring as offered in the Danish public health care system. The DS was developed by repeat expert discussions until final nationwide consensus was reached and can act as an adjunct to the written guidelines by the National Board of Health in Denmark.