Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of proprioceptive and neuromuscular training compared to bracing in reducing the recurrence rate of ankle sprains in athletes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND Ankle sprains are common musculoskeletal injuries in which the ligaments of the ankle partially or completely tear due to sudden stretching. OBJECTIVES To critically appraise, evaluate and establish the best available evidence to determine the effectiveness of proprioceptive and neuromuscular training (PNT) compared to bracing in reducing the recurrence rate of ankle sprains in athletes. METHODOLOGY The following seven databases were searched in June 2017: PubMed, Cochrane Library, PEDro, ScienceDirect, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, EBSCO Host: CINAHL. The main search terms used were "ankle sprains", "proprioceptive training", "neuromuscular training" and "bracing". The quality of the trials were critically appraised according to the PEDro scale. The RevMan 5© software was used to pool results. RESULTS Three studies met the inclusion criteria and the quality according to the PEDro scale ranged from 4/10-7/10. The pooled data showed no difference between PNT and bracing in reducing the recurrence rate of ankle sprains in athletes at 12 months after initiation of the study. CONCLUSION This systematic review of the overall effect suggested that current evidence (Level II) does not favour the use of PNT over bracing in reducing the recurrence rate of ankle sprains. Physiotherapists are advised to use either PNT or bracing according to the patients preference and their own expertise.
Healing Time Correlates With the Quality of Scaring: Results From a Prospective Randomized Control Donor Site Trial

BACKGROUND Scar formation remains a potential problem after surgery or trauma. Factors influencing scar tissue have been recognized, most notably healing time and wound depth. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between healing time and the quality of scar tissue formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Scarring was assessed at 3 and 12 months after treatment in an RCT of 219 patients and consecutive 438 split-thickness skin graft donor sites. The primary end point of the study was healing time and the quality of scar tissue, which was scored by a validated scar scale evaluating scar height, surface, and color. RESULTS The mean time of wound healing was 15.8 days, with a mean scar score of 6.89 at 3 months and 4.66 at 12 months. There was a significant (p < .000001) and linear correlation between healing time and scar quality. Of particular note, at 12 months, all subparameters of the score demonstrated worsening with prolonged time to heal. CONCLUSION The authors could objectively demonstrate that epithelialization time is an important factor influencing scar quality. In contrast to previous assumptions, this correlation follows linearly. It is reasonable then to assume that treatment strategies expediting healing will also improve scar outcome.
Fluoroscopically Guided Thoracic Interlaminar Epidural Injection: A Comparative Epidurography Study Using 2.5 mL and 5 mL of Contrast Dye.

BACKGROUND Thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) is frequently used to maintain intraoperative analgesia. After injecting the initial bolus dose of epidural local anesthetics (LA), intermittent injection of LA through an epidural catheter is required to maintain the intraoperative analgesia. For intermittent epidural administration, usually 2 - 5 mL of LA has been used. However, no studies have suggested an optimal volume of LA of TEA for intermittent epidural administration of TEA. OBJECTIVE We focused on identifying an optimal volume of LA of TEA using epidurography of the thoracic level with 2 different volumes of contrast dye. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, randomized study. SETTING An interventional pain management practice in South Korea. METHODS After Institutional Review Board approval, 70 patients undergoing thoracic epidural catheterization for upper abdominal and thoracic surgery were randomly assigned to one of the 2 contrast dye volume groups of 35 patients each (A, 2.5 mL and B, 5.0 mL). Epidurography was evaluated to confirm how many spinal segments were covered by contrast dye. The spreads in the cephalad and caudad directions were also evaluated. RESULTS The total number of vertebral segments evaluated by contrast dye were 7.5 ± 2.0, and 8.4 ± 2.6, respectively in groups A and B. The number of patients who showed contrast dye spread of more than 5 vertebral segments was 34/35 (97%) in both groups. Group B resulted in higher contrast dye distribution in the cephalad direction compared to group A (T2.6 vs. T3.6 ). LIMITATIONS We used a test dose of contrast dye to confirm the contrast was in epidural space, not intrathecal or vascular, before injection of the main dose of contrast dye. The present study did not include the volume of test dose. CONCLUSION The volume of 2.5 mL for intermittent epidural administration would be enough for the analgesic effect of upper abdominal and thoracic surgery while avoiding excessive upper thoracic and cervical spread. KEY WORDS Thoracic epidural anesthesia, intermittent epidural administration, optimal volume, epidurography, cephalad, caudad, analgesic effect.
Use of Colistin and Other Critical Antimicrobials on Pig and Chicken Farms in Southern Vietnam and Its Association with Resistance in Commensal Escherichia coli Bacteria

ABSTRACT Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health problem, and emerging semi-intensive farming systems in Southeast Asia are major contributors to the AMR burden. We accessed 12 pig and chicken farms at key stages of production in Tien Giang Province, Vietnam, to measure antimicrobial usage and to investigate the prevalence of AMR to five critical antimicrobials (β-lactams, third-generation cephalosporins, quinolones, aminoglycosides, and polymyxins) and their corresponding molecular mechanisms among 180 Escherichia coli isolates. Overall, 94.7 mg (interquartile range [IQR], 65.3 to 151.1) and 563.6 mg (IQR, 398.9 to 943.6) of antimicrobials was used to produce 1 kg (live weight) of chicken and pig, respectively. A median of 3 (out of 8) critical antimicrobials were used on pig farms. E. coli isolates exhibited a high prevalence of resistance to ampicillin (97.8% and 94.4% for chickens and pigs, respectively), ciprofloxacin (73.3% and 21.1%), gentamicin (42.2% and 35.6%), and colistin (22.2% and 24.4%). The prevalence of a recently discovered colistin resistance gene, mcr-1, was 19 to 22% and had strong agreement with phenotypic colistin resistance. We conducted plasmid conjugation experiments with 37 mcr-1 gene-positive E. coli isolates and successfully observed transfer of the gene in 54.0% of isolates through a plasmid of approximately 63 kb, consistent with one recently identified in China. We found no significant correlation between total use of antimicrobials at the farm level and AMR. These data provide additional insight into the role of mcr-1 in colistin resistance on farms and outline the dynamics of phenotypic and genotypic AMR in semi-intensive farming systems in Vietnam. IMPORTANCE Our study provides accurate baseline information on levels of antimicrobial use, as well as on the dynamics of phenotypic and genotypic resistance for antimicrobials of critical importance among E. coli over the different stages of production in emerging pig and poultry production systems in Vietnam. E. coli isolates showed a high prevalence of resistance (>20%) to critically important antimicrobials, such as colistin, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin. The underlying genetic mechanisms identified for colistin (the mcr-1 gene) and quinolone (gyrA gene mutations) are likely to play a major role in AMR to those compounds. Conjugation experiments led to the identification of a 63-kb plasmid, similar to one recently identified in China, as the potential carrier of the mcr-1 gene. These results should encourage greater restrictions of such antimicrobials in Southeast Asian farming systems.
Lynch syndrome in upper tract urothelial carcinoma: significance, screening, and surveillance

Purpose of review Lynch syndrome is a genetic syndrome that integrates a large spectrum of cancers caused by germline mutations in mismatch repair genes. Its incidence is underestimated due to a lack of systematic screening in the population. Because upper tract urothelial carcinoma is the third-most common cancer associated with the syndrome, urologists should be aware of the diagnostic pathway. Recent findings Lynch syndrome can be positively diagnosed after the three following distinct steps: meeting the clinical criteria, tissue and genetic testing, and familial genetic counseling. It must be suspected for patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma before the age of 60 years and in cases of evocative personal/familial medical histories. When a diagnosis is suspected, immunohistochemistry and Polymerase Chain Reaction are the next steps to confirm the diagnosis. After confirmation, the key to management is a good surveillance to prevent disease recurrence using urinary analysis and imaging as well as screening of first-degree relatives. Summary Despite the lack of high-level studies of upper tract urothelial carcinoma in Lynch syndrome, its prevalence is not negligible. Thus, expert recommendations are required for its management. Individuals and family should be informed of the importance of close screening and surveillance.
Persimmon Fruit Powder May Substitute Indolbi, a Synthetic Growth Regulator, in Soybean Sprout Cultivation

Soybean sprouts are a major food item in Korea. Various studies have been carried out to enhance their yield and nutritional values. The objective of the present study was to examine the influence of persimmon fruit powder and Indolbi, a synthetic plant growth regulator, on the yield and nutritional value of soybean sprouts. Seeds were soaked in tap water containing 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.5% and 5.0% (w/v) persimmon fruit powder and the samples were named as PT-1, PT-2, PT-3, and PT-4, respectively. The yield increment was almost doubled in PT-3 and PT-4 than in the Indolbi treated sprouts on basis of the control. Vitamin C, isoflavones, and total phenolic contents as well as antioxidant potentials (determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and superoxide anion radical scavenging assays) were also significantly (p < 0.05) higher in PT-3 compared to the Indolbi treatment and the control. However, total free amino acid and magnesium contents of Indolbi- applied sprouts were higher than in the fruit powder treatments. The overall results of the present study showed that persimmon fruit powder can be an option to enhance the yield and nutritional value of soybean sprouts since, due to potential health hazards, the use of synthetic chemicals like Indolbi is less preferred than the natural products.
DETERMINATION OF JOHNSON-COOK EQUATION PARAMETERS

The paper deals with the influence of strain rate on the mechanical behaviour of the Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy. After verification tests under static loading conditions, the specimens were deformed at high strain rates using the device for the Taylor anvil test. Results of an image analysis of deformed specimens from the Taylor anvil test were used as a reference for the comparison of experiment and computer simulation in the ANSYS LS-DYNA 3D program. Using a new developed algorithm the parameters of Johnson-Cook equation were determined to obtain the best possible agreement between deformed shapes obtained by numerical simulation and by real experiment.
Baseline Immune Activity Is Associated with Date Rather than with Moult Stage in the Arctic-Breeding Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis)

Variation in immune defence in birds is often explained either by external factors such as food availability and disease pressure or by internal factors such as moult and reproductive effort. We explored these factors together in one sampling design by measuring immune activity over the time frame of the moulting period of Arctic-breeding barnacle geese (Branta leucopsis). We assessed baseline innate immunity by measuring levels of complement-mediated lysis and natural antibody-mediated agglutination together with total and differential leukocyte counts. Variation in immune activity during moult was strongly associated with calendar date and to a smaller degree with the growth stage of wing feathers. We suggest that the association with calendar date reflected temporal changes in the external environment. This environmental factor was further explored by comparing the immune activity of geese in the Arctic population with conspecifics in the temperate climate zone at comparable moult stages. In the Arctic environment, which has a lower expected disease load, geese exhibited significantly lower values of complement-mediated lysis, their blood contained fewer leukocytes, and levels of phagocytic cells and reactive leukocytes were relatively low. This suggests that lower baseline immune activity could be associated with lower disease pressure. We conclude that in our study species, external factors such as food availability and disease pressure have a greater effect on temporal variation of baseline immune activity than internal factors such as moult stage.
HIV preexposure prophylaxis for adolescents and young adults

Purpose of review The review describes the evidence for HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with daily combined tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine for adolescents and young adults. Current recommendations are described, as are the unique medical, socioeconomic, and legal considerations regarding the use of PrEP for youth. Recent findings PrEP with daily oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate–emtricitabine has been shown to help prevent new HIV infection among adults at substantial risk. Evidence suggests a protective benefit of PrEP for youth at risk for HIV, although low adherence is emerging as a barrier to effective use. Summary Effective use of antiretrovirals for PrEP represents a seminal development in HIV prevention efforts. Improving access and adherence to PrEP for youth has the potential to substantially reduce the incidence of HIV in this population.
Increased Set Shifting Costs in Fasted Healthy Volunteers

We investigated the impact of temporary food restriction on a set shifting task requiring participants to judge clusters of pictures against a frequently changing rule. 60 healthy female participants underwent two testing sessions: once after fasting for 16 hours and once in a satiated state. Participants also completed a battery of questionnaires (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]; Persistence, Perseveration and Perfectionism Questionnaire [PPPQ-22]; and Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire [EDE-Q6]). Set shifting costs were significantly increased after fasting; this effect was independent of self-reported mood and perseveration. Furthermore, higher levels of weight concern predicted a general performance decrement under conditions of fasting. We conclude that relatively short periods of fasting can lead to set shifting impairments. This finding may have relevance to studies of development, individual differences, and the interpretation of psychometric tests. It also could have implications for understanding the etiology and maintenance of eating disorders, in which impaired set shifting has been implicated.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Some New Thiadiazoles, Thioamides, 5-Arylazothiazoles and Pyrimido[4,5-d][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyrimidines

A novel series of 1,3,4-thiadiazoles, 5-arylazothiazoles and hexahydropyrimido-[4,5-d][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyrimidines were synthesized via reaction of hydrazonoyl halides with each of alkyl carbothioates, carbothioamides and 7-thioxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropyrimido-[4,5-d]pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-diones in the presence of triethylamine. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were established based on their spectral data, elemental analyses and alternative synthetic routes whenever possible. Also, the newly synthesized compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms.
Predicting Students' Academic Performance using Artificial Neural Network: A Case Study of an Engineering Course.

The observed poor quality of graduates of some Nigerian Universities in recent times has been partly traced to inadequacies of the National University Admission Examination System. In this study an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model, for predicting the likely performance of a candidate being considered for admission into the university was developed and tested. Various factors that may likely influence the performance of a student were identified. Such factors as ordinary level subjects’ scores and subjects’ combination, matriculation examination scores, age on admission, parental background, types and location of secondary school attended and gender, among others, were then used as input variables for the ANN model. A model based on the Multilayer Perceptron Topology was developed and trained using data spanning five generations of graduates from an Engineering Department of University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s first University.
Antigen-Specific Antitumor Responses Induced by OX40 Agonist Are Enhanced by the IDO Inhibitor Indoximod

Tumors can suppress immune responses. Inhibition of immunosuppression with the IDO inhibitor indoximod improved response to an antitumor vaccine. Combined immunotherapy with anti-OX40 and indoximod led to both increased numbers and improved functionality of vaccine-induced effector T cells. Although an immune response to tumors may be generated using vaccines, so far, this approach has only shown minimal clinical success. This is attributed to the tendency of cancer to escape immune surveillance via multiple immune suppressive mechanisms. Successful cancer immunotherapy requires targeting these inhibitory mechanisms along with enhancement of antigen-specific immune responses to promote sustained tumor-specific immunity. Here, we evaluated the effect of indoximod, an inhibitor of the immunosuppressive indoleamine-(2,3)-dioxygenase (IDO) pathway, on antitumor efficacy of anti-OX40 agonist in the context of vaccine in the IDO− TC-1 tumor model. We demonstrate that although the addition of anti-OX40 to the vaccine moderately enhances therapeutic efficacy, incorporation of indoximod into this treatment leads to enhanced tumor regression and cure of established tumors in 60% of treated mice. We show that the mechanisms by which the IDO inhibitor leads to this therapeutic potency include (i) an increment of vaccine-induced tumor-infiltrating effector T cells that is facilitated by anti-OX40 and (ii) a decrease of IDO enzyme activity produced by nontumor cells within the tumor microenvironment that results in enhancement of the specificity and the functionality of vaccine-induced effector T cells. Our findings suggest a translatable strategy to enhance the overall efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(2); 201–8. ©2018 AACR.
Alcohol Consumption Among Drivers in Curitiba, Brazil

Introduction: The combination of drinking and driving is globally understood as a risk factor for road traffic crashes and disastrous outcomes such as injury and disability or death. However, the magnitude of the problem may not always be known in many countries, particularly where there are legislative loopholes. In Brazil, until December 2012, verification by breathalyzer of drinking and driving was dependent on drivers’ acceptance of the tests after being stopped by the police. Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of drinking and driving behaviors of a sample of drivers from Curitiba, Brazil, and explore the sociodemographic characteristics of those interviewed at police sobriety checkpoints. Methods: Drivers were selected and interviewed at police checkpoints on public roads in Curitiba. The local police, after informed consent, applied breathalyzer tests to check the drivers’ blood alcohol content and the results were compared with data previously collected through interviews containing self-reports of drinking and driving. Data were collected between March and November 2012. Results: Of the 511 drivers asked to participate in the study, 398 (77.9%) agreed to give a roadside interview. Most respondents were single men between the ages of 18 and 29 years, with 8.3% of interviewed drivers self-reporting alcohol consumption in the last 6 h before driving. On the other hand, only 46.2% of the whole sample accepted the breathalyzer testing. Among those breathalyzed by the police, 2.7% tested positive for alcohol. Discussion: This study, conducted on public roads in Curitiba, shows a noticeable proportion of drivers voluntarily self-reporting drinking and driving. However, a smaller percentage was confirmed to have positive blood alcohol content, likely due to the high breathalyzer refusal rate.
Mechanical properties, thermal behaviors and oil resistance of epoxidized natural rubber/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites prepared via in situ epoxidation

Epoxidized natural rubber (ENR)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites were prepared via in situ epoxidation of natural rubber (NR) using a molar ratio of formic acid/hydrogen peroxide to isoprene unit at 0.75/0.75 with five loadings of MWCNTs, ranging from 0.5–2.5 parts per hundred parts of rubber (phr), at 50°C for 4 h. Based on Fourier transform infrared spectra, the epoxide content of ENR in the nanocomposites was about 32.5–33.2 mole%. Accordingly, the products were referred to ENR30/MWCNT nanocomposites. The curing characteristics, mechanical properties (tensile properties, tear strength, and hardness), glass transition temperature (T g), thermal stability, and oil resistance of these in situ ENR30/MWCNT nanocomposites were investigated and compared with NR and neat ENR30. The results showed that the scorch and cure times of ENR30/MWCNT nanocomposites were the longest followed by NR and ENR30. The incorporation of an appropriate amount of MWCNTs into the in situ epoxidation apparently improved the properties of NR. Among them, the nanocomposites filled with 2 phr MWCNTs exhibited the highest mechanical properties, T g, thermal stability, and oil resistance. The mechanical properties of the in situ nanocomposites were also compared with those of the control nanocomposites prepared by adding MWCNTs directly in the prepared ENR30 latex. It was found that at similar MWCNT loadings, the in situ nanocomposites exhibited higher mechanical properties than the control nanocomposites.