Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Responsiveness of Commonly Used Patient-Reported Outcome Instruments in Lumbar Microdiscectomy

Study Design Prospective observational cohort study. Purpose To evaluate the comparative responsiveness of Oswestry Disability Index (ODI, version 2.0), 24-item Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) physical component score (PCS), and SF-12 mental component score (MCS) in patients that underwent micro-discectomy for lumbar disc herniation. Overview of Literature Responsiveness is a context specific term and no study has reported the responsiveness of ODI version 2.0, RMDQ, SF-12 PCS, or SF-12 MCS in discectomy patients. Methods Responsiveness was assessed using distribution-based methods (effect size [ES], standardized response means [SRM ], SRM difference between patients who improved and those who did not show improvement [SRM difference]), and the anchor-based method (area under the curve [AUC] of receiver operating characteristic curves). Values of ES and SRM higher than 0.8, and AUC value higher than 0.7 suggest adequate responsiveness. Outcome instrument demonstrating the highest value of SRM difference and AUC was considered the most responsive. Results Responsiveness was assessed in 98 participants at a mean follow-up time of 12 weeks postoperatively. The overall ES of RMDQ, ODI, SF-12 PCS, and SF-12 MCS was 2.15, 2.11, 2.08, and 0.86, respectively. The overall SRM of ODI, RMDQ, SF-12 PCS, and SF-12 MCS was 1.36, 1.43, 1.24, and 0.65, respectively. The SRM difference in RMDQ, ODI, SF-12 PCS, and SF-12 MCS was 2.64, 2.26, 1.32, and 1.29, respectively. The AUC of ODI, RMDQ, SF-12 PCS, and SF-12 MCS was 0.96, 0.96, 0.83, and 0.83, respectively. Conclusions ODI, RMDQ, SF-12 PCS, and SF-12 MCS demonstrated adequate responsiveness in a homogenous cohort of patients who underwent lumbar micro-discectomy. ODI and RMDQ are equally responsive and, thus, are interchangeable instruments for region specific outcomes. Both the SF-12 PCS and SF-12 MCS can assess the quality of life following lumbar micro-discectomy.
Oxalis seeds from the Cape Flora have a spectrum of germination strategies.

PREMISE Seed germination strategy has profound ecological and evolutionary consequences, with transitions between germination strategies receiving renewed recent attention. Oxalis from the Cape Flora, South Africa, has seeds with two contrasting germination strategies: orthodox and recalcitrant. The morphological gulf between these strategies (and potential intermediate morphologies) has been poorly quantified, with questions regarding their ecological function and evolution. We reconsidered this binary classification, emphasizing potential intermediate states. METHODS Seed physiological traits were used to assign strategies to 64 Oxalis species. We tested for morphological/phenological signal corresponding to defined strategies with cluster, principal component, K-means clustering and discriminant analyses. RESULTS We showed that an intermediate germination strategy does exist among Cape Oxalis, with two possible morphological groups within each strategy. These could reflect a continuum of germination states, where an ancestral orthodox strategy evolved toward a maximally recalcitrant peak, with a mosaic of intermediate states reflected in extant taxa. CONCLUSIONS Environmental factors may affect germination strategy and distribution throughout the Cape because recalcitrant and intermediate species are confined to the winter rainfall region. They occupy specialized niches and may face adverse impacts under predicted climate change (hotter and drier winters), meriting focused future conservation.
Correlation of skin phototype with facial wrinkle formation

Facial wrinkle formation is a representative sign of photoaging. Skin can be divided into different skin phototypes (SPTs) depending on its sensitivity to solar radiation. We have determined the relationship between SPTs and deep and fine wrinkle scores on the faces of 230 Japanese subjects. This group was chosen because it is relatively easy to quantify acute and chronic sun damage in Japanese individuals. SPT in the Japanese subjects was classified into one of four groups, SPT‐I to ‐IV according to Fitzpatrick's classification method. The subjects were further classified into indoor or outdoor workers. After photographing the outer canthus, deep and fine wrinkles were discriminated visually and scored from 1–11 and from 1–9, respectively. UV light was used as a photographic light source for clear depiction of the fine wrinkles. Higher scores were recorded for deep wrinkles in individuals with SPT‐I, who are more sensitive to sunlight than those with SPT‐III or IV, who are more tolerant to sunlight. However, the same tendency did not seem to be apparent for fine wrinkle scores. A high incidence of SPT‐IV was seen in outdoor workers. Early detection of SPT‐I in individuals who are sensitive to sunlight, may help to predict and prevent photoaging of deep wrinkles. Sensitivity to sunlight may play a part in determining an individual's choice of working environment.
Magnetic resonance imaging for assessing treatment response in bone marrow metastases

Cancer metastasis to bone is a frequent observation in malignancy that may result in complications such as pathological fractures and spinal cord compression. Monitoring treatment effects is the main concern in oncology; however, the evaluation of treatment response in bone is particularly challenging as it lacks well-established criteria. In addition, bone metastases have traditionally been considered non-measurable manifestations of cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most specific and sensitive methods for imaging skeletal metastases. The aim of this article is to highlight the diagnostic performance of MRI in the treatment monitoring of bone metastases, to review the current literature, and to provide an overview of recommendations for the evaluation of treatment response in bone.
National Patterns of Filled Prescriptions and Third-Line Treatment Utilization for Privately Insured Women With Overactive Bladder.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate national patterns of care for women with overactive bladder (OAB) in an administrative data set and identify potential areas for improvement. METHODS We performed an analysis using the OptumLabs Data Warehouse, which contains deidentified administrative claims data from a large national US health insurance plan. The study included women, older than 18 years, with a new OAB diagnosis from January 1, 2007, to June 30, 2017. We excluded those with an underlying neurologic etiology, with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome, were pregnant, or did not have continuous enrollment for 12 months before and after OAB diagnosis. Trends in management were assessed via the Cochran-Armitage test. Time to discontinuation among medications was compared using t test. RESULTS Of 1.4 million women in the database during the study time frame, 60,246 (4%) were included in the study. Median age was 61 years [interquartile range (IQR), 50-73], and median follow-up was 2.6 years (IQR, 1.6-4.2). Overall, 37% were treated with anticholinergics, 5% with beta-3 agonists, 7% with topical estrogen, and 2% with pelvic floor physical therapy; 26% saw a specialist; and 2% underwent third-line therapy. Median time to cessation of prescription filling was longer for beta-3 agonists versus anticholinergics [median, 4.1 months (IQR, 1-15) vs 3.6 months (IQR, 1-10); P < 0.0001]. Use of third-line therapies significantly increased over the study time frame, from 1.1% to 2.2% (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Most of the patients do not continue filling prescriptions for OAB medications, and a minority of patients were referred for specialty evaluation. Although third-line therapy use is increasing, it is used in a small proportion of women with OAB. Given these patterns, there may be underutilization of specialist referral and other OAB therapies.
Adolescent obesity in the past decade: A systematic review of genetics and determinants of food choice

ABSTRACT Background and purpose: As the incidence of global obesity increases, concerns about adverse health outcomes in adolescents continues to rise. The complexity and expense of this problem require early recognition and specific preventive treatments. Knowledge of genetics and determinants of food choices contributing to adolescent obesity warrants further examination. The primary goal was to appraise the literature from the past decade (2007–2017) on the current state of food choice and genetic determinants of adolescent overweight/obesity in the United States. The secondary goal was to determine trends in the literature and areas for future research. Methods: A systematic review of research studies in the United States from 2007 to 2017 was completed. Database searches were conducted using CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, PubMed, Scopus, Academic Search Complete, Web of Science, BIOSIS, and the Cochrane Library. A total of 535 studies were selected. Of these, 283 studies focused on determinants of food choices and 165 studies focused on genetic factors. Conclusions: A total of 41 full-text articles included in this literature review contained studies limited exclusively to adolescents. Stress factors related to food choices demonstrated a new trend being explored. The need for precision health, the application of genetic information, could uncover ways food choices affect adolescent obesity. Implications for practice: The etiology of adolescent obesity requires that nurses gain knowledge of genetics and food choice determinants to inform personalized treatments for adolescents, which may establish effective interventions that promote healthy weight achievement.
Analysis of SoftError Rates for future technologies

La fiabilitat s'ha convertit en un aspecte important del disseny de sistemes informatics a causa de la miniaturitzacio de la tecnologia. En aquest projecte s'analitza la fiabilitat de les tecnologies actuals i futures simulant els components basics d'un processador.
Fifty Years of Sporadic Coral Reef Calcification Estimates at One Tree Island, Great Barrier Reef: Is it Enough to Imply Long Term Trends?

Estimates of coral reef ecosystem calcification (Gnet) and productivity (Pnet) provide insight into coral community health and functionality in response to short- and long-term stressors such as ocean warming and acidification. Here, we investigate spatial variability in calcification and organic production at One Tree Island (OTI) and compare our new observations to sporadic metabolic rates reported over the previous 50 years on the same reef flat. Gnet and Pnet estimates at the nearshore site were 50% and 166% lower than an offshore site with a shift in organic production from net productive to net respiratory. Contrary to expectations, calcification rates in 2017 (145.7 ± 20.24 mmol m-2 d-1) were comparable to the 1970’s estimate (125.0 ± 12.5 mmol m-2 d-1) and 400% greater than similar observations in 2014. Our results indicate only weak associations between Gnet and aragonite (Ωar). A local increase in coral cover from 18% in 2014 to 31% in 2017 was the likely driver of increased calcification. A steeper TA – DIC slope in 2017 demonstrates a greater control of calcification on seawater carbonate chemistry than prior years. Overall, these results highlight the importance of site selection and replication when comparing metabolic datasets, and demonstrate major short-term variability in metabolic rates. The predictive capabilities of ecosystem metabolism studies may be constrained by using the available short-term datasets to represent long-term calcification trends.
Variants in genes of innate immunity, appetite control and energy metabolism are associated with host cardiometabolic health and gut microbiota composition

ABSTRACT Identifying the genetic and non-genetic determinants of obesity and related cardiometabolic dysfunctions is cornerstone for their prevention, treatment, and control. While genetic variants contribute to the cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS), non-genetic factors, such as the gut microbiota, also play key roles. Gut microbiota is intimately associated with CMS and its composition is heritable. However, associations between this microbial community and host genetics are understudied. We contribute filling this gap by genotyping 60 variants in 39 genes of three modules involved in CMS risk, measuring cardiometabolic risk factors, and characterizing gut microbiota in a cohort of 441 Colombians. We hypothesized that CMS risk variants were correlated with detrimental levels of clinical parameters and with the abundance of disease-associated microbes. We found several polymorphisms in genes of innate immunity, appetite control, and energy metabolism that were associated with metabolic dysregulation and microbiota composition; the associations between host genetics and cardiometabolic health were independent of the participants’ gut microbiota, and those between polymorphisms and gut microbes were independent of the CMS risk. Associations were also independent of the host genetic ancestry, diet and lifestyle. Most microbes explaining genetic-microbiota associations belonged to the families Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae. Multiple CMS risk alleles were correlated with increased abundance of beneficial microbiota, suggesting that the phenotypic outcome of the evaluated variants might depend upon the genetic background of the studied population and its environmental context. Our results provide additional evidence that the gut microbiota is under the host genetic control and present pathways of host–microbe interactions.
Stability guaranteed auto-tuning algorithm of a time-delay controller using a modified Nussbaum function

Time-delay control (TDC) has been widely used to control various systems thanks to its simplicity and robustness. The control distribution matrix of TDC is assumed to be constant and tuned heuristically. However, the constant TDC control gain could degrade the system control performance and even cause the closed-loop system to become unstable when the system parameters are substantially changing, resulting in the violation of the stability criterion of TDC. We propose an algorithm for automatic tuning of the TDC gain in order to guarantee stability by using a modified Nussbaum function. Thus, the closed-loop system controlled by TDC with the modified Nussbaum function is proven to be semi-globally uniformly ultimately bounded. The auto-tuned gain satisfies the stability criterion of TDC and the proposed method can widen the range of implementable dynamic systems. Simulations are conducted to verify the simplicity, robustness, and guaranteed stability by auto-tuning of the proposed method.
Radiation From a Line Source Shielded by a Confocal Elliptic Layer of DNG Metamaterial

The two-dimensional problem of electromagnetic radiation from a line source located inside an elliptic-cylinder confocal sheath of double-negative metamaterial is solved exactly by separation of variables. Numerical results are presented and discussed for the radiation pattern and the field inside the sheath, as functions of frequency, location of the line source, and sheath thickness and eccentricity.
Local Drug Delivery for the Treatment of Neurotology Disorders

Neurotology disorders such as vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss affect a significant proportion of the population (estimated 39 million in the United States with moderate to severe symptoms). Yet no pharmacological treatments have been developed, in part due to limitations in effective drug delivery to the anatomically protected inner ear compartment. Intratympanic delivery, a minimally invasive injection performed in the office setting, offers a potential direct route of administration. Currently, off-label use of therapeutics approved to treat disorders via systemic administration are being injected intratympanically, mostly in the form of aqueous solutions, but provide variable levels of drug exposure for a limited time requiring repeated injections. Hence, current drug delivery approaches for neurotology disorders are sub-optimal. This review, following a description of pharmacokinetic considerations of the inner ear, explores the merits of novel delivery approaches toward the treatment of neurotology disorders. Methodologies employing local delivery to the inner ear are described, including direct intracochlear delivery as well as intratympanic methods of infusion and injection. Intratympanic injection delivery formulation strategies including hydrogels, polymers and nanoparticulate systems are explored. These approaches represent progress toward more effective delivery options for the clinical treatment of a variety of neurotology disorders.
Nicotianamine Synthesis by OsNAS3 Is Important for Mitigating Iron Excess Stress in Rice

Iron (Fe) toxicity in plants causes tissue damage and cellular homeostasis disorders, thereby affecting plant growth and development. Nicotianamine (NA) is a ubiquitous chelator of metal cations and is responsible for metal homeostasis. Rice has three NA synthase (NAS) genes, of which the expression of OsNAS1 and OsNAS2 but not of OsNAS3 is strongly induced in response to Fe deficiency. Recently, we found that OsNAS3 expression is strongly induced with excess Fe in most rice tissues, particularly old leaves, suggesting that it may play a vital role under excess Fe conditions. However, the mechanism by which OsNAS3 responds to excess Fe in rice remains poorly understood. In this study, we clarified the physiological response of OsNAS3 expression to excess Fe and the role of NA synthesis in this condition. Promoter GUS analyses revealed that OsNAS3 was widely expressed in roots, especially in vascular bundle, epidermis, exodermis, stem, and old leaf tissues under Fe excess compared to control plants. Nicotianamine and deoxymugineic acid (DMA; a type of phytosiderophore synthesized by Strategy II species) were present in roots and shoots under Fe excess likewise under control conditions. In addition, OsNAS3 knockout plants were sensitive to excess Fe, exhibiting inferior growth, reduced dry weight, severer leaf bronzing, and greater Fe accumulation in their leaves than non-transformants with excess Fe. We also observed that NA-overproducing rice was tolerant of excess Fe. These results show that NA synthesized by OsNAS3 under Fe excess condition is to mitigate excess Fe whereas NA synthesized by OsNAS1 and OsNAS2 under normal Fe condition is to enhance Fe translocation, suggesting the different roles and functions of the NA existence between these two conditions. Overall, these findings suggest that rice synthesizes NA with OsNAS3 under Fe excess in roots and shoots, and that NA and DMA within the plant body are important for mitigating excess Fe stress and alleviating other metal deficiencies in rice. This report will be important for the development of tolerant rice adapted to Fe-contaminated soils.
Treatment of Odontoid Type II Fractures in Octogenarians: Balancing Two Different Treatment Strategies

Objective Demographic changes have led to a higher incidence of C-2 fractures, especially in elderly patients. For patients with type II fractures, treatment remains controversial, as discussed by Anderson and D’Alonzo, due to the rising morbidity and mortality rates for any treatment. The aim of this study was to compare conservative and surgical management in patients with type II C-2 fractures regarding outcomes, complications, and the mortality rate. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed of the medical records, X-rays, and/or computed tomography scans of patients ≥80 years of age with type II fractures who were admitted to our Department of Neurosurgery between January 1990 and December 2017. The success of treatment was evaluated 3 months after surgery. Results In total, 125 patients were included, of whom 98 were treated surgically and 27 were treated conservatively. Surgical treatment was successful in 90.8% of cases, while conservative treatment was successful in 70.0%. The in-hospital mortality was 14.29% and the 3-month mortality was 27.8% in the surgical group, compared to 3.7% and 20% in the conservatively treated group. The in-hospital complication rate was 22.4% in the surgically treated patients and 7.4% in the conservatively treated patients. Conclusion Surgical treatment of type II fractures seemed to be associated with higher success and complication rates than conservative treatment. Nevertheless, 3-month mortality was comparable in both groups. Therefore, we conclude that surgical treatment for type II fractures in elderly patients is superior to conservative management, although conservative treatment remains a valuable option in elderly patients with severe comorbidities.
Editor’s Presentation

Despite the clear association of obesity with mortality, it is still unclear whether body weight is an independent risk factor as it is often linked with other variables including hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus and physical inactivity, which all may be sources of morbidity and predict a poor outcome. Obesity and increased body weight are most feared for their deleterious impact on cardiovascular health. Obesity may promote the development of premature coronary artery disease even in young individuals, as well as cardiac remodelling with left ventricular hypertrophy and left atrial enlargement resulting in heart failure and atrial fibrillation. One of the main still unanswered questions is what is the best anthropometric biomarker that summarizes the complexity of nutritional status and body fat composition. Do we have reliable means to identify body fat percentage and can we do it in an easy and cost-effective way? In this issue of the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, bioelectrical impedance analysis was tested as a prognostic tool in a cohort of 6486 subjects enrolled in the Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-stage Disease (PREVEND) study. Bioelectrical impedance analysis gave the opportunity to measure the body fat percentage accurately with relevant clinical implications for diet counselling and lifestyle management, with stronger power to predict outcome than body mass index and waist circumference. The putative protective effect of obesity described as the ‘obesity paradox’ may be simply due to our inability to measure adiposity accurately.
STO Verification

Software Transactional Object (STO) is a novel, efficient software transactional memory system that leverages data types to avoid false conflicts and reduce bookkeeping effort, significantly improving the performance of existing software transactional memory systems. We formally verify the correctness of STO’s commit protocol in Coq, an interactive proof assistant. We use serializability as the correctness condition: we first model the execution of STO transactions as a trace, and then prove that for all STO traces, there exists a serial trace, one that groups all actions of a transaction together and executes one transaction at a time, that produces the same externally-visible effects on the system as its original STO trace, one that have actions of transactions interleave with each other. Although we have made several assumptions and simplifications in our proofs, this work demonstrates the viability to formally machine-prove STO and is the first to do so.